Hunting feral hogs is legal in all Texas counties.

There are no seasons or bag limits and hog hunting is even legal at night with landowner consent. (It is a good idea to call the local game warden and let them know what you are doing.)

However, it is not legal to hunt hogs on every single piece of land.

A growing number of local landowners are finding that some hunters are pursuing hogs on their property without consent and it is raising a number of problems.

“We have received a number of complaints over the last year from landowners finding people are trespassing on their property to hunt hogs. That is illegal and these landowners will prosecute,” said Orange County Sheriff Mike White.

A common occurrence is hunters chasing hogs with dogs that might start on property they have permission to hunt and end up on adjoining tracts. No matter the intentions, it is still illegal.

Another problem according to White is homeland security issues surrounding properties near local refineries.

“Trespassing into those areas can get people into a whole lot of trouble. Most hunters want to do the right thing and be legal and we want to save everyone trouble by getting the word out,” White said.

There are a number of public lands within a short drive legal for hog hunting for those without leases. You can get access by purchasing an annual public hunting permit for $48. That purchase includes a booklet with maps of hunting areas and dates hogs and other species can be taken legally.