Even though there are limitations to this tool, it can be an important component of a good management plan. Selective shooting can be a great way to finish off a sounder (or group of pigs) that was only partially removed through trapping. Shooting can also be an effective tool when feral hogs are first seen on a property in very small numbers. Additionally, when paired with accessories such as suppressors, thermal imagery, or night vision, shooting can allow managers to remove final hogs that have successfully avoided other management efforts.
Even though there are limitations to this tool, it can be an important component of a good management plan. Selective shooting can be a great way to finish off a sounder (or group of pigs) that was only partially removed through trapping. Shooting can also be an effective tool when feral hogs are first seen on a property in very small numbers. Additionally, when paired with accessories such as suppressors, thermal imagery, or night vision, shooting can allow managers to remove final hogs that have successfully avoided other management efforts.
Legally, feral hogs in Texas are designated as exotic livestock which means that ownership falls to the landowner. This means that the state does not impose any bag limits, possession limits, or closed seasons. If the landowner grants permission, feral hogs can be shot on private property and a valid hunting license is not required. However, Texas game laws do require that hunter’s education requirements are met before shooting a feral hog (for both instate and out of state hunters). To meet current hunter education requirements, one of the following mush be true:
- You were born on or before September 1st, 1971 and are there for exempt
- You were born after September 1st 1971, have completed a hunters education course and have proof of completion.
For more information on these requirements, check out Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Hunter Education page or their Exotic Species Regulation page. Feral hogs can sometimes be confused with the native game animal Javelina. For more info on the differences between feral hogs and javelina, check out our identification page.
Correct shot placement is important to ensure the process is quick and humane. For feral hogs, it is very similar to other large game species. One important exception is that boar hogs possess a shield or dense tough layer of tissue under their hide that covers their shoulder area. The purpose of the shield is to protect males from the tusks of other males, but it can also allow a pig to survive poorly placed shots with low caliber rifles. To increase chances of success when shooting feral hogs, use a high caliber rifle just like you would when hunting other large game. For information on how to safely handle or dispose of hog carcasses, see our page on carcass disposal.