Night Hunting in Texas: Laws & Regulations

The new hunting season is about to begin in Texas. And there are plenty of exciting hunting opportunities that you can check out.

Before you start, here’s a quick look at some of the important hunting laws in the state.

General Night Hunting Laws

Is a Hunter Training Course necessary for a hunting license in Texas?

Yes. It’s necessary for all hunters born on or after  Sept. 2, 1971. Hunters below 9 years of age should be accompanied.

Is hunter orange required in Texas?

Wearing a minimum of  400 square inches of hunter orange is a must while hunting with firearms in daylight. This is applicable for hunting on public hunting lands. However, there are a few exceptions. Also, it isn’t required while hunting in private lands.

Are there any restrictions on the use of firearms while hunting in Texas?

There’s a restriction on the use of rimfire ammunition. The use of fully automatic weapons is unlawful. However, there’s no restriction on the magazine capacity of a legal firearm. Remotely operating a firearm through any electronic mechanism isn’t allowed.

Is hunting from a motor vehicle legal in Texas?

Hunting from a motor vehicle, powerboat, or any other form of boat is allowed only within private land or water.

Can artificial light be used for night hunting in Texas?

No

Coyote Hunting at Night

Is a license required for hunting coyotes at night in Texas?

Coyotes are classified as nongame species in Texas. For hunting any nongame species, a license is needed. However, no license is required for hunting coyotes on private property other than the landowner’s authorization.

Can night vision be used for hunting coyotes in Texas?

Yes. The use of thermal vision is also allowed.

Is there a season for hunting coyotes in Texas?

No. They can be hunted all-round the year.

Is there a bag limit for hunting coyotes in Texas?

No.

Deer Hunting at Night

Is deer hunting allowed at night in Texas?

The legal shooting hours are between 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.

Are there any antler restrictions for deer hunting in Texas?

Yes. There are antler restrictions for mule deer as well as white-tailed deer in some counties.

Is there a bag limit on deer hunting in Texas?

For mule deer, the annual bag limit is two. For white-tailed deer, the annual bag limit is five.

Feral Hog Hunting at Night

Is a valid license required for hunting feral hogs in Texas?

A license is required for hunting in public lands. No license is needed while hunting feral hogs in private land.

Can feral hogs be hunted at night in Texas?

Yes.

Is there a season for hunting feral hogs in Texas?

No. They can be hunted all-round the year.

Can thermal vision be used for hunting feral hogs in Texas?

Yes. Night vision optics can also be used

Rabbit Hunting at Night

Is a hunting license need for rabbit hunting in Texas?

A license is needed for hunting in public lands. No license is required for hunting on private property.

Can we hunt rabbits at night in Texas?

Yes. It’s suggested that the local game warden be informed through a courtesy call.

Is there any closed season for hunting rabbits in Texas?

No.

Are there any limits on rabbit hunting in Texas?

Rabbits are classified as nongame species. So there are no bag limits.

Conclusion

There you have it. All the major queries regarding night hunting in Texas answered.

So go ahead and plan your hunting trip.

In case you need to pick night vision gear to beat the darkness, check out some of the best options here.