Hog Hunting in Texas: The Complete Guide

Hog hunting in Texas isn’t just a tradition. It’s a responsibility. Feral hogs have overrun the landscape, destroying crops, damaging native habitat, and threatening livestock. In fact, they cause more than $500 million in damage every year in Texas alone.

They breed quickly. They’re adaptable. And they’re here to stay unless hunters step up. That’s where we come in.

Feral hogs aren’t native to North America. Introduced centuries ago, they quickly adapted to the Texas landscape. Now, they’re found in nearly every county. Their rooting behavior devastates fields and wetlands while displacing native wildlife. Moreover, they carry diseases like brucellosis and pseudorabies that put ranchers’ herds at risk.

Because of this, controlling hog populations isn’t optional—it’s essential land management.

Texas has straightforward rules to encourage hunters to help. There’s no closed season and no bag limit. On private land, you don’t need a hunting license if you have the landowner’s permission. However, if you pay for access, the landowner needs a hunting lease license.

For public land, you’ll need a valid Texas hunting license and must follow all posted regulations. Ultimately, these clear guidelines make it easy for hunters to get involved year-round.

Hogs are widespread, but certain regions stand out. East Texas has dense pine forests with reliable year-round cover. South Texas offers rugged brush country with thick mesquite and cactus that test even experienced hunters. The Hill Country features a mix of farmland and oak motts that support high hog densities.

Additionally, river bottoms and water sources are excellent targets. Since hogs need water daily, these areas remain productive even during the driest months

Texas hog hunters rely on several effective strategies. Spot-and-stalk hunting demands patience and careful glassing, especially along field edges or in open country. Stand hunting over bait sites is straightforward and productive, offering predictable shooting opportunities.

Baiting is legal here and widely used. Maintaining fresh bait sites with corn, grain, or commercial attractants helps keep hogs coming back. Trapping, while less glamorous, remains one of the most effective population control tools, especially on large ranches.

As hunting pressure increases, hogs often go nocturnal. Night hunting has become essential. Thermal and night vision optics allow hunters to stay effective even after the sun sets. For large properties that need serious control, helicopter hunts on private land deliver unmatched coverage, though they require permits and a significant investment.

While Texas offers no closed season, choosing the right time matters. Early mornings and late evenings are productive, especially during hot summer months when hogs avoid daytime heat. Cooler weather not only improves hunter comfort but also reduces heavy vegetation, making stalking easier.

In dry periods, water sources become critical hunting locations. Hogs can’t stay away from ponds, rivers, and wallows when water is scarce.

Hogs are tough. Ethical hunters need the right rifle and enough caliber to do the job cleanly. Christensen Arms rifles are purpose-built for hunters who want confidence in every shot.

Models like the Ridgeline FFT and Mesa FFT deliver lightweight, reliable precision—perfect for long stalks or ambush setups. The Modern Precision Rifle line offers modern modularity and precision for those who want a customizable platform.

Popular calibers include .223/5.56 for lighter setups, 6.5 Creedmoor for flat-shooting accuracy, and .308 Winchester for proven, hard-hitting performance. For those expecting longer shots or thicker cover, options like .300 Win Mag or 6.5 PRC deliver added range and power.

A rifle is only as effective as the optics you put on it. For daytime hunts, you need scopes that perform well in low light. As hogs often move at dawn and dusk, clear, reliable glass is critical.

When it comes to night hunting, thermal and night vision gear have transformed the landscape. Thermal optics detect heat signatures through brush and complete darkness, giving hunters a clear advantage. While they require investment, they pay off with increased success rates and better target identification. Entry-level models work well at moderate ranges, while high-end options offer better detail and detection distance

To learn how to properly sight-in your rifle, click here to read Christensen Arms’ guide.

Texas hunting means being prepared for a range of conditions. Breathable, durable clothing is essential in the heat, while layered systems help in cooler months. Quality boots, ideally snake-proof, are a smart investment for brush country.

A reliable pack stocked with water, first aid, knives for field dressing, and extra ammo is essential, especially on large properties. While scent control isn’t as critical as with whitetail hunting, paying attention to wind direction still makes a big difference.

Despite their destructive habits, feral hogs can offer excellent meat. Younger hogs feeding on grain or corn often produce surprisingly mild, high-quality pork. Field dressing promptly and keeping the meat cool are critical steps for safety and taste.

Additionally, many processors in Texas specialize in wild hog, making it easy to turn your harvest into ready-to-cook cuts.

Hog hunting isn’t just about filling tags. It’s about responsible land management. Feral hogs reproduce quickly, with sows delivering two litters a year averaging four to six piglets. Without consistent pressure, their populations explode, causing even more damage.

Hunters play a vital role in controlling numbers. Along with trapping, coordinated culling, and landowner partnerships, effective hunting is part of the long-term solution

Texas hog hunting offers opportunity like nowhere else: no season limits, no bag limits, and real work to be done. It’s challenging, rewarding, and necessary. At Christensen Arms, we build rifles without compromise—tools designed for hunters who want reliability, precision, and the confidence to get the job done right.

If you’re planning to take on Texas hog country, make sure your rifle is up to the task. Choose the model and caliber that match your hunting style and terrain. Then head out knowing you’re prepared to hunt hard—and help keep Texas wild for generations to come.