Hog Hunting in TX

[Rjeezie]

I am new to this but a friend asked me about going hog hunting sometime since you do not need a license in Texas. What are the basics that I need to know? As in, what would be a good rifle (first time, non-expensive), where are the best places in TX to go, what other equipment would be needed, etc. Things like that. As you can see, I'm really a newbie when it comes to this. Thanks

[hogdogs]

Since I have "capacity" to back it up... I would quickly grab the Marlin 336 .30-30 for it's handy quick use. Short for the brush and no need for a scope. Most shots will be on a moving target or closer than you thought it would be...

A good short-ish 12 gauge you are familiar with works fine with slugs too.

Brent

[dzavoina]

You must have the landowners permission and he must declare that they are depredating feral hogs.
You may not hunt without a licence on public land.
The Texas parks and wildlife regs are on their website.

[samsmix]

Well, if you want to go as cheap as possible, but still have a passable weapon, try the following:

Mosin-Nagant M-44 or M-91/30, about $100.00
The M-44 is the better brush gun. Both are powerful, but the poor trigger pull takes some getting used to.

H&R "topper", about $70.00 used; 110.00 new.
Get one in 12ga or 20ga with an open choke (improved cylinder) or a rifled barrel. Use slugs. On Javelina or Deer at 25yards and less, "00" buck is good, if it is leagal.

A Mossberg pump can be had at Wally-World for $200.00-$250.00. Use the same ammo reccomended for the H&R shotgun.

Mossberg ATR, Stevevs M-200, Savage 110, H&R Handi Rifle, Marlin 336, Rem 710. All can be had complete with scope (except 336) for $225.00-$350.00. Get it in .308,.270, .30-06, 30-30(336), any Magnum you can shoot well....Whatever! These are the Cadillacs of low budget rifles.

[hoghunting]

If you were born after 1971, you will need the Hunter's Safety course certification, even if a license is not required.

[Buzzard Bait]

While not considered a game animal a hunting licence is required
bb

[TX Hunter]

You best get a hunting license, unless your on private property killing deprading hogs.
If your Trapping Hogs , or Baying them with dogs, a .22 Rimfire will work. (With Head Shots)
If your hunting out of a blind, and want a good cheap rifle, a Mosin Nagant, 91 30 would work perfectly.
Also check on hunter education, its required in this state.

[the357plan]

Feral hogs are classified as an Exotic animal and require a hunting license even on private land unless you are the landowner (resident or non-resident) or landowner's agent or lessee and taking feral hogs causing depredation on the landowner's land.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/annual/hunt/nongame/

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/annual/general/hunt_licenses/