Yes, you need a hunting license to hunt hogs in Texas, with one major exception

Texas requires a valid hunting license for almost all hog hunting on public land and private land where you don't own the property. The exception is landowners and their when ready family members hunting on their own land — they can hunt hogs without a license. If you're hunting on someone else's property, leasing land, or hunting on public wildlife areas, you must have a current Texas hunting license, even though hogs are classified as a non-game animal with no closed season.

The license requirement exists because Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) uses hunting license fees to fund wildlife management and habitat conservation across the state. A hunting license is proof that you've paid into that system and understand basic hunting regulations, even though hog hunting itself has fewer restrictions than hunting deer or turkey.

Key Takeaways

  • Landowners and their when ready family can hunt hogs on their own property without a license, but everyone else needs a valid Texas hunting license.
  • Texas hunting licenses cost between $25 and $48 depending on your age and residency status, and are valid for one year from the purchase date.
  • You can buy a hunting license online through the TPWD website, by phone, or at authorized retailers like sporting goods stores and bait shops.
  • Hogs have no closed season and no bag limit in Texas, but you still must follow general hunting safety rules and trespassing laws.

Who needs a hunting license and who doesn't

Landowners hunting on their own property are the only group exempt from the license requirement. This applies to you and your spouse, and to your children if they live with you. Once you step onto someone else's land — whether you have verbal permission, a written lease, or are hunting on public land — you need a license.

The exemption does not extend to friends or family members who don't own the property with you. If your brother owns the land and you're hunting there, you need a license unless you're listed as a co-owner on the deed. This is a common source of confusion, so verify your status before you hunt.

Types of hunting licenses and their costs

Texas offers several hunting license options. A resident all-game hunting license costs $25 and covers all game animals including hogs. A non-resident all-game hunting license costs $48. Both are valid for one year from the date you purchase them, not from a calendar year.

If you only want to hunt hogs and nothing else, Texas does not offer a hog-only license — you must buy the all-game license. There are also discounted options: Texas residents aged 65 and older pay $5.50, and youth aged 17 and under can hunt for free with a youth hunting license (though some youth still need to complete hunter education first, depending on their age).

You can also buy a one-day hunting license for $20 if you're a resident or $30 if you're a non-resident. This is useful if you're visiting for a weekend or trying hog hunting before committing to a full year.

How to get a hunting license in Texas

The fastest way is online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website at tpwd.texas.gov. You'll need a valid Texas driver's license or ID, create an account, answer questions about your hunting history, and pay by credit or debit card. The license is issued when ready as a PDF you can print or show on your phone.

You can also buy a license by phone by calling the TPWD at 1-800-895-4248, or in person at any authorized retailer. Retailers include Walmart, Academy Sports, Bass Pro Shops, local bait and tackle shops, and many sporting goods stores. Call ahead to confirm the retailer near you carries hunting licenses, since not all locations do.

When you buy in person, you'll fill out a form with your name, address, date of birth, and driver's license number. The retailer prints your license on the spot. Bring your ID with you.

Hunter education requirements

Texas requires anyone born on or after September 2, 1971 to complete a hunter education course before buying a hunting license. The course covers firearm safety, wildlife conservation, hunting laws, and ethical hunting practices. It takes about four to six hours and is offered both in-person and online.

You can take the course through TPWD's website or through certified instructors in your area. Once you complete it, you receive a hunter education certificate that you'll need when you purchase your license. If you were born before September 2, 1971, you do not need the course.

What you can and cannot do while hog hunting

Hogs in Texas have no closed season and no bag limit, meaning you can hunt them year-round and take as many as you want. This is different from deer or turkey, which have specific seasons and limits. However, you still must follow general hunting rules: you cannot hunt at night with artificial light, you cannot use explosives or poison, and you cannot hunt from a moving vehicle.

You must also respect property lines and trespassing laws. Even though hogs are considered a nuisance animal, you cannot cross onto someone else's land to hunt them without permission. If you're on public land, follow all posted regulations for that specific area — some wildlife management areas have their own rules about hog hunting.

Hog hunting methods vary by location and season. On private land with the owner's permission, you can use rifles, shotguns, crossbows, or bows. Some areas allow night hunting with thermal or infrared scopes. Check with the landowner about what methods are allowed on their property.

Renewing your license and staying current

Your hunting license is valid for one year from the date you purchase it, not from January 1. If you bought a license on March 15, it expires on March 14 of the following year. You can renew it anytime before it expires, and you can buy the next year's license up to 30 days before the current one runs out.

Renew online through the TPWD website, by phone, or at any authorized retailer using the same process as buying a new license. Keep your license with you while hunting — you must show it to a game warden if asked. A photo of your license on your phone is acceptable, but having the printed version is safer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hunt hogs on public land in Texas without a license?

No. Public wildlife management areas require a hunting license even though hogs have no closed season. The only exception is hunting on your own private property.

Do I need a separate license to hunt hogs with a crossbow instead of a rifle?

No. A single hunting license covers all legal hunting methods in Texas, including rifles, shotguns, bows, and crossbows. The method you use does not change the license type you need.

What happens if I hunt hogs without a license?

Hunting without a license is a violation of Texas Parks and Wildlife Code and can result in fines ranging from $100 to $500, depending on the circumstances. A game warden can stop you and check your license at any time.

Can I buy a hunting license if I don't have a Texas driver's license?

You need a valid photo ID to purchase a hunting license. A Texas driver's license is the most common form, but a passport or state ID card also works. Call TPWD at 1-800-895-4248 if you're unsure whether your ID will be accepted.

Is there a difference between a hunting license and a hunting permit in Texas?

Yes. A hunting license is required to hunt any game animal. A permit is an additional document required for specific animals like deer or turkey, which have seasons and bag limits. Hogs do not require a separate permit — the hunting license is all you need.