Nine Bar Ranch Blog
Is Hog Hunting in Texas Permitted Year Round?
Here in North Texas, we’re in the midst of the fall hunting season. In early November, the general white-tailed deer, turkey, and duck hunting seasons open while the dove hunting season temporarily comes to a close. What you may not realize is that hog hunting in Texas is permitted year round. Why is that the case and what should you know about it? Read on to find out.
Why Are There No Time Limits on Hog Hunting?
There are an estimated four to six million hogs across North America, and roughly half of them are right here in Texas. Hogs have become one of the most destructive invasive species to walk our lands, destroying crops and making beautiful parks dangerous for visitors.
Hogs have no natural predators in Texas and reproduce at a high rate. They’re tough creatures, surviving in just about any climate and evading the traps set by frustrated farmers and public groundskeepers. Hog hunting is a year-round activity in Texas because state officials determined an unending open season the best way to control this stubborn population.
Do You Need a License for Year-Round Hog Hunting in Texas?
Any seasoned hunter would naturally assume that you need a valid hunting license to hunt wild hogs. As of 2019, the state lifted this requirement under specific circumstances. If you have permission to hunt wild hogs on private land, you do not need a hunting license to do so.
That said, you always need a hunting license to hunt public lands in Texas, even when you’re specifically tracking hogs.
When Is the Best Time of Year for Hog Hunting?
Though you can hunt hogs at any time in Texas, you may find it easier to find and bag them at certain times of year than others. Many people reserve their hog hunting for the spring, specifically between the months of March and May.
By far, you’re going to have the best luck between December and February. In the winter months, hogs have to work harder to find food, which means they’re moving more frequently and exposing themselves to keen hunters.
Why Choose NineBar Ranch for Hog Hunting in North Texas?
The hog population may be booming, but that doesn’t mean that hogs are easy to find. At NineBar Ranch, we foster conditions that keep hogs nearby without sacrificing the challenge of the hunt.
Tips for Fall Hunting in North Texas
The summer is behind us and it’s time to prep your gear for hunting in North Texas. At Nine Bar Ranch, we’re always looking to share our expertise with new and experienced hunters alike. Read on for five fall hunting tips you won’t want to miss.
Extend Deer Season with Archery
White-tail deer are active this time of year and you may not want to wait until November to start hunting them. Fortunately, you can get started as early as the end of September if you’re willing to give archery a try. Bowhunting requires a whole new set of skills and mastering the art can bring you back to that thrill of your first bagged deer.
Prep for Thanksgiving with Turkey Hunting
The fall and winter holidays will be here before you know it, and what better way to celebrate than with a turkey you caught yourself? Most Texas hunters associate the turkey hunt with spring, but you’ve got another opportunity between November and December. That said, turkeys tend to gather in large numbers in the fall, and you’ll need high-quality camo to escape their keen sight.
Get Ready for the Rut
Seasoned hunters know that the rut is the best time to go searching for a buck. When bucks are tracking the scent of does, they throw caution to the wind, moving out in the open and paying less attention to the sounds and smells of nearby hunters. Unlike the southern part of the state, the rut in North Texas can begin as early as October, and you won’t want to miss this window to bag an impressive buck.
Track Cold Fronts
Though we get most of our below-freezing temperatures in the winter, there are occasional cold fronts that pass through North Texas in the late fall. If you get the chance, schedule a hunting trip the day before the temperature is predicted to drop drastically. Many animals, including deer, tend to increase activity when they sense a major shift in weather, seeking out plenty of food to sustain them through the coming chill.
Go for Exotic Game
White-tail deer and wild turkeys are great native species to include on your North Texas hunting bucket list. However, at Nine Bar Ranch, you aren’t limited to the animals that call Texas home. We’ve got populations of aoudads, sika, red stags, and more, so book your trip today.