Texas is ground zero for the nation’s feral hog crisis. With 2.6 to 3 million hogs roaming farms, forests, and fields, the Lone Star State holds more wild pigs than any other state combined. These animals cause over $50 million in crop and wildlife damage annually, uprooting food plots, destroying pastureland, and outcompeting native species. For hunters, Texas deer and hog hunting in 2025 will bring both new opportunities and new challenges as hog populations continue to rise.
For deer hunters, this will be a season to remember — not just for whitetail opportunities, but for the growing challenges posed by hogs. With confirmed 2025–2026 deer season dates already on the calendar, hunters will face a new balancing act: chasing deer while also battling relentless hog pressure at feeders and in food plots.
Learn how the Boar Blanket Hog Trap in Texas can help protect your land and deer season from feral hog invasions.
2025 Texas Deer Season Dates
| Season Type | Dates (2025–2026) | Notes |
| Archery | Sept 27 – Oct 31, 2025 | Archery-only counties vary |
| General Firearms | Nov 1 – Jan 5, 2026 | Region-specific regulations |
| Youth-Only Deer | Oct 25 – Oct 26, 2025; Jan 10 – Jan 11, 2026 | Special youth hunts only |
| Muzzleloader | Jan 5 – Jan 11, 2026 | Limited season |
Hog populations peak in fall, overlapping with deer season and complicating hunter success. Many hunters report reduced deer activity around feeders once hog sounders take over.
Do You Need a License for Texas Deer and Hog Hunting?
- Deer: Requires a valid hunting license, big game tags, and harvest record. Strict regulations apply for reporting and tagging deer harvests.
- Hogs: Classified as a non-game invasive species. No bag limits, no closed season, but a hunting license is still required for both residents and non-residents on public and private land.
Cost difference: Deer licenses and tags are more expensive and regulated, while hog hunting is more accessible year-round — but far harder to control.
The Impact of Feral Hogs on Texas Deer and Hog Hunting
- Food Competition: Hogs consume mast crops (like acorns) and raid corn feeders meant for deer.
- Predation: Hogs prey on fawns, reducing deer recruitment rates.
- Habitat Destruction: Rooting destroys bedding areas, food plots, and native forage.
- Deer Avoidance: Studies show deer often abandon areas with high hog density.
The result: Texas hunters often see fewer deer where hog activity is strongest.
What Species of Hogs Are in Texas?
Texas has a mix of:
- Domestic feral hogs: Descendants of escaped farm pigs.
- Eurasian wild boars: Introduced for sport hunting, larger tusks, darker coats.
- Hybrids: The most common type, adaptable and aggressive.
Large boars weighing 150–300+ pounds dominate feeders, pushing deer out and complicating hunting strategies.
Control Methods Allowed in Texas (2025)
- Year-Round Hunting: Legal with landowner permission.
- Night Hunting: Allowed with permission; thermal and night vision permitted.
- Aerial Gunning: Authorized landowners may use helicopters for hog control.
- Trapping: Silent and highly effective. The Boar Blanket allows solo operators to capture entire sounders in one setup.
- Transport Restrictions: Live hog transport only allowed by registered individuals with the Texas Animal Health Commission.
How to Hunt Hogs During Deer Season (Tips)
- Combine Hunts: Carry hog tags during deer season for opportunistic harvests.
- Separate Traps from Stands: Position hog traps well away from deer hunting zones to minimize disturbance.
- Bait Smarter: Use different bait types for deer vs. hogs to reduce overlap.
- Go for Sounders: Whole sounder trapping prevents quick repopulation. Learn more in our Sounder Trapping article.
FAQs About Texas Deer and Hog Hunting
Can I hunt deer and hogs at the same time in Texas?
Yes. Carrying both sets of gear allows you to opportunistically harvest hogs while deer hunting.
Do feral hogs mess up deer movement patterns?
Yes. Hogs take over feeders and food plots, pushing deer into new areas.
Are hogs active during the day or only at night?
Primarily nocturnal, but daytime sightings are common in high-density areas.
Do I need special tags for hogs like I do for deer?
No. Only a hunting license is required.
Can non-residents hunt hogs in Texas during deer season?
Yes. They need a non-resident hunting license.
Related Resources
Final Thoughts
Texas hunters in 2025 face a new kind of challenge: protecting deer herds while managing explosive hog populations. Deer are only available a few months a year, while hogs never leave. Ignoring hogs can ruin an entire deer season.
That’s why the Boar Blanket is a game-changer. It’s portable, silent, and effective — letting hunters and landowners keep hogs under control so deer season can be enjoyed the way it’s meant to be.