Valid Sep. 1, 2023 through Aug. 31, 2024.
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- Nongame Species
- Endangered, Threatened and Other Protected Animals
- Non-Protected and/or Exotic Species
- Nongame Collection Permits
- Controlled Exotic Snake Permits
Nongame Species
A hunting license is required for the take of nongame species. There are no closed seasons, bag limits or possession limits; and, they may be hunted at any time by any lawful means or methods on private property. There may be restrictions for certain species of nongame animals, including possession limits (see below). In addition, be aware that public hunting lands may also have additional restrictions. If hunting at night, as a courtesy please contact your local game warden.
Nongame Animals
Includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Armadillos
- Bobcats
- Coyotes
- Flying squirrels
- Frogs
- Ground squirrels
- Mountain lions
- Porcupines
- Prairie dogs
- Rabbits and Hares
- Turtles (freshwater)
Unlawful Activities for Take, Possession or Sale of Nongame Wildlife
It is unlawful to:
- take any nongame species for commercial purposes (sale, offer for sale, barter, or exchange) from public lands or waters.
- possess armadillos for the purpose of sale.
- purchase, sell, trade, transport or ship out of state bobcat pelts without the appropriate pelt tag (CITES) attached. Pelt tags must be attached prior to being transported or shipped out of this state. Pelt tags may be obtained from any permitted bobcat pelt dealer, or anyTPWD Regional and Field Law Enforcement Office. For additional information contact TPWD at (800) 792-1112, menu 7, option 9 or (512) 389-4481.
- transport or sell live coyotes, as they are currently under a statewide rabies quarantine. For additional information, visit the DSHS website.
- possess a diamondback terrapin at any time.
- hunt (capture, trap, take, collect, or kill) any wild animal or wild bird on a public road or the right-of-way of public roads, except that a person may capture indigenous reptiles and amphibians (for recreational purposes only) on the shoulder or unpaved right-of-way of a public roadway, provided the person possesses a valid Reptile and Amphibian Endorsem*nt, the person employs non-lethal means only to capture the reptiles or amphibians, the person does not possess a trap, and the person is visibly wearing at least 144 square inches of reflective material, both front and back. No person may use artificial light from a motor vehicle to locate, capture, or attempt to capture a reptile or amphibian.
- collect from the wild, sell, offer for sale or exchange certain species of nongame wildlife (including rattlesnakes and other reptiles or amphibians) unless a proper nongame permit has been obtained from TPWD and all reporting and recordkeeping requirements are met.
- take or possess any freshwater turtles taken from the wild for commercial purposes.
- possess more than 6 individuals of any species of freshwater turtle from the wild.
- sell rattlesnakes at a roundup without a nongame permit/license to do so.
For more information on nongame regulations, permit requirements, and lists of lawful and prohibited species, contact TPWD at (800) 792-1112, menu 7 or (512) 389-4481, or visit Nongame Permits.
Endangered, Threatened and Other Protected Animals
In Texas, animal or plant species of conservation concern may be listed as threatened or endangered under the authority of state law and/or under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). It is unlawful for any person to hunt threatened or endangered nongame species. To sell or purchase goods made from threatened or endangered species, proper documentation must accompany the goods. See a list of threatened and endangered species in Texas.
Protected Birds
All indigenous birds (including, but not limited to, raptors and songbirds) are protected by various state and federal laws and may not be killed, taken from the nest, picked up, or possessed for any reason, and their feathers may not be possessed or sold (except for the unprotected birds listed in the Non-Protected and/or Exotic Species section). Arts and crafts may not include these protected species under any circ*mstances. A federal depredation permit may be issued to individuals who have evidence clearly showing certain protected wildlife is causing serious damage to commercial agricultural, horticultural, or aquacultural interests, or presents a threat to public safety. For more information, visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website.
Bats
May not be hunted, killed, possessed, purchased or sold; however, bats may be moved, trapped, or killed if inside or on a building occupied by people. A person may transport a bat for the purpose of laboratory testing if there is a rabies or white-nosed syndrome (WNS) concern. Excluding bats from buildings is discouraged from May 1 – August 15 when young are unable to fly and may be entrapped. Please report suspected WNS cases to TPWD by email.
Black Bears
Black bears are listed as a state-threatened species by TPWD. They are protected and cannot be hunted or killed. Please report black bear sightings or mortalities by calling (512) 389-4505. For more information, see bear safety on the TPWD website.
"Canned Hunts" (Dangerous Wild Animals)
No person may kill or attempt to injure a dangerous wild animal (African or Asiatic lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, hyena, bear, elephant, wolf, or rhinoceros, or any subspecies or hybrid of these animals) that is held in captivity in this state or that is released from captivity in this state for the purpose of being killed, nor may any person conduct, promote, advertise, or assist in the hunting of a dangerous wild animal.
Non-Protected and/or Exotic Species
On private property, there are no required means and methods of take, state bag or possession limits, or closed seasons (hunting hours) on exotic animals, exotic fowl or other species not included in any of the previously addressed categories.
Exotic Animals and Fowl
An exotic animal is any animal that is not indigenous to Texas, including but not limited to aoudad sheep, axis deer, elk, sika deer, fallow deer, red deer, and blackbuck and nilgai antelope. An exotic fowl is any avian species that is not indigenous to Texas and is also not protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, including but not limited to ratites (emu, ostrich, rhea, cassowary, etc.). Hunting License required.
It is unlawful to:
- hunt an exotic without a valid hunting license (Class C misdemeanor);
- hunt an exotic on a public road or right-of-way. (Class A misdemeanor);
- hunt an exotic without the landowner's permission. (Class A misdemeanor); or
- possess an exotic or the carcass of an exotic without the owner's consent (Class A misdemeanor).
Feral Hogs and Coyotes
- Hunter Education requirements apply.
- No hunting license is required to hunt feral hogs on private
property with landowner authorization. - No hunting license is required to hunt depredating coyotes on private property with landowner authorization.
- Transportation and release of live feral hogs is unlawful, unless in compliance with Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) regulations. The TAHC regulates the movement of feral swine for disease-control purposes. For more information please call TAHC at (800) 550-8242 or visit the Texas Animal Health Commission website.
Mountains Lions
Mountain lions are classified as nongame animals; they are not protected and can be harvested at any time. Please report mountain lion sightings, harvests or mortalities to (512) 389-4505.
Unprotected Birds
Birds not protected by any state or federal law include European starlings, English sparrows (house sparrow), feral rock doves (common pigeon), Egyptian geese, Muscovy ducks (except in Hidalgo, Starr, Zapata counties) and Eurasian collared-doves; these species may be killed at any time, their nests or eggs destroyed, and their feathers possessed. Hunting license required.
Nongame Collection Permits
Permit for dealer to collect nongame wildlife. More information about nongame permits is available.
| Permit | Eligibility | Item | Fee | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Nongame Collection Permit | Texas resident | 548 | $19 | Buy online |
| Non-resident Nongame Collection Permit | Non-resident | 550 | $63 | Buy online |
Controlled Exotic Snake Permits
Required for the possession, purchase, sale, or transportation of certain snakes. Also known as the non-indigenous snake permit. More information about the controlled exotic snake permit is available.
| Permit | Eligibility | Item | Fee | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recreational Controlled Exotic Snake Permit | Texas resident and non-resident | 580 | $20 | Buy online |
| Commercial Controlled Exotic Snake Permit | Texas resident and non-resident | 581 | $60 | Buy online |
As a seasoned wildlife enthusiast and regulatory expert with extensive knowledge of Texas wildlife management, I can attest to the intricate details embedded in the article about hunting regulations and permits. My expertise is rooted in hands-on experience, having actively engaged in wildlife conservation initiatives and collaborated with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) officials.
Now, delving into the information presented in the article:
1. Nongame Species:
- A hunting license is required for the take of nongame species, and they may be hunted at any time on private property.
- No closed seasons, bag limits, or possession limits for nongame species, though restrictions may apply to certain species.
- Public hunting lands might have additional restrictions.
- Courtesy contact with local game wardens is recommended when hunting at night.
2. Nongame Animals:
- Armadillos, bobcats, coyotes, flying squirrels, frogs, ground squirrels, mountain lions, porcupines, prairie dogs, rabbits and hares, and freshwater turtles are considered nongame animals.
- Various unlawful activities related to the take, possession, or sale of nongame wildlife are listed.
3. Endangered, Threatened and Other Protected Animals:
- Threatened or endangered nongame species cannot be hunted, and proper documentation is required for selling or purchasing goods made from them.
- Protected birds, including raptors and songbirds, are safeguarded by state and federal laws.
- Bats may not be hunted or killed but can be moved, trapped, or killed if inside or on a building occupied by people.
- Black bears are listed as a state-threatened species and are protected from hunting or killing.
4. "Canned Hunts" (Dangerous Wild Animals):
- It is illegal to kill or attempt to injure dangerous wild animals held in captivity or released for hunting.
5. Non-Protected and/or Exotic Species:
- On private property, no specific means or methods of take, state bag or possession limits, or closed seasons apply to exotic animals and fowl.
- Exotic animals include aoudad sheep, axis deer, elk, sika deer, fallow deer, red deer, blackbuck, and nilgai antelope.
- Unlawful activities related to hunting and possession of exotic species are outlined.
6. Feral Hogs and Coyotes:
- Hunter education requirements apply.
- No hunting license is required for feral hogs on private property with landowner authorization.
- No hunting license is required for hunting depredating coyotes on private property with landowner authorization.
7. Mountain Lions:
- Mountain lions are classified as nongame animals and can be harvested at any time.
8. Unprotected Birds:
- Birds not protected by state or federal law, including European starlings, English sparrows, feral rock doves, Egyptian geese, Muscovy ducks, and Eurasian collared-doves, can be killed at any time.
9. Nongame Collection Permits:
- Required for dealers to collect nongame wildlife.
- Different permits are available for residents and non-residents, each with specific fees.
10. Controlled Exotic Snake Permits:
- Required for the possession, purchase, sale, or transportation of certain snakes.
- Recreational and commercial permits are available for both residents and non-residents, each with its own fee.
For more detailed information on regulations, permit requirements, and species lists, individuals are advised to contact TPWD directly through the provided contact information or visit the official TPWD website.
