How Legal is it to Shoot Wild Hogs on Your Property in East Texas – Here’s What to Know

(Lindale, Texas) - Wild hogs are a menace in East Texas and all across the state. They invade your property, tear up your yard and could even attack you, your pets or your livestock. It doesn't matter if you live in the city, either, as wild hogs could still roam the concrete jungle.

But what can we do if we see three or four of them just show up in our yards? The state of Texas does have laws in place for just such a scenario. In short, it's legal to shoot a wild hog, or hogs, in Texas. Just be careful when doing it.

Wild Hogs are a Menace in East Texas

We East Texans have at least one wild hog story. I sure do. This was many years ago that I lived on a rural road in Lindale and was coming to work at the station about 3:30 in the morning. I saw a hog running up an embankment to my left. As I turn my head back to the road, BAM!, I hit his buddy.

I pull into the next driveway to get out and inspect the damage. The hog had gotten caught under my driver side front wheel and I had drug him for a few yards. He was still alive, too, so I quickly hopped back in my truck and drove away.

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Protecting Your Property From Wild Hogs in East Texas

Yes, wild hogs can be very aggressive, but they also don't want anything to do with us. If they spot us getting close, they'll probably run away. If they get cornered, or have piglets with them, they could become aggressive enough to attack. In most cases, however, the piglets and the mom will probably just turn and run, too (chron.com).

Shooting a wild hog is perfectly legal to do (mysanantonio.com). Outside the city limits, it's legal to shoot as many as you want by Texas law. Inside the city limits may be a little trickier because of city ordinances about firearms. Check with your city to find out what those ordinances are.

Getting Help for a Bigger Problem

If you have a mass problem with hogs in your neighborhood, calling a professional trapper may be the best option. Even if you've got the aim and ammo, it could still be difficult to take out several in a herd.

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