Pistols are lightweight and accurate, which makes this type of handheld gun a popular choice for self-defense and home defense. Because of these appealing characteristics, it’s understandable to wonder if you can use a pistol to hunt in Texas. The answer isn’t a straightforward yes or no. Here’s what you need to know, brought to you by the
firearms education professionals from LTC Austin, the experts who provide the highest-quality Austin license to carry online course available. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s listed guidelines and regulations regarding hunting, any firearm that’s legal in Texas can be
used for hunting. This specifically applies to game animals and nonmigratory game birds. The major game animals in the Lone Star State include: There are some exceptions to keep in mind if you have plans to use a pistol or other more convenient gun to hunt in Texas. For
instance, fully automatic firearms cannot be used for hunting. Shotguns are also considered a legal firearm for hunting, but only for spring Eastern turkey season. There’s no limit on how many shells or cartridges a legal firearm used for hunting purposes, including a pistol, may hold. This applies to game animals and birds but not to migratory game birds (e.g., mallards, woodcocks, grey geese, coots, etc.). Commonly
called “silencers,” suppressors can be legally used in Texas when hunting. Just be aware that any local, state, and federal laws specific to the use of silencers also apply. The only pistols you can use for muzzleloader deer seasons in Texas are ones that are classified this way. This applies to any firearm loaded through the muzzle only. Currently, 90 counties in Texas have muzzleloader deer seasons. Generally, it’s better to use a proper hunting rifle with the right accessories for hunting. As for why you may wish to use a pistol when you go hunting, one possible reason is for times when your target game animal or nonmigratory bird isn’t killed. This can be beneficial for safety reasons. After all, it can be dangerous to handle an animal or bird that’s still actively fighting and moving as you approach it. Regardless
of what type of gun you prefer to use when hunting in Texas, it’s important to be aware of what’s legal with hunting in general in this state. For instance, you can legally hunt from a motor vehicle, including one that floats on water. It’s also legal to use decoys, hunting dogs, and calling devices while hunting in Texas.Game Animals & Nonmigratory Game Birds
• White-tailed deer and mule deer
• Gray/cat squirrels and red/fox squirrels
• Desert bighorn sheep
• Pronghorn antelope
• Alligators
What this
means is that you can legally use a pistol to hunt animals that are classified as game. Also, you’ll have to be mindful of the birds you hunt. However, if you’re an experienced hunter or you hunt with someone who is, you should be able to identify nonmigratory game birds or reach a point where you’re able to do so with accuracy.Exceptions
Magazine Capacity
Suppressors
Muzzleloaders
Why Pistols May Be Used for Hunting
Keep Legal Means & Methods in Mind
It’s important for gun owners to be thoroughly familiar with the laws that apply to the use of guns for hunting in their jurisdictions. If you’d like to know more about the local laws about gun use in your area, reach out to experienced professionals for guidance. When they need information on firearms safety, training, or CHL online classes, gun owners trust the expertise of the pros from LTC Austin. If you have questions about any aspect of gun ownership in Texas, give us a call today at 512-766-3039.
Texas law enforcement officers frequently field questions around minimum acreage requirements for hunting or discharging a firearm. Landowners and potential land buyers want to know if it’s legal to hunt on a particular piece of property, especially if it’s one they are considering purchasing. Many have heard that according to a statewide minimum you must own at least 10 acres of land to be able to legally
hunt. So is it true and what’s the policy? The truth is that it is not quite as simple as a standard statewide policy for hunting or discharging firearms on private land. But let’s dig in!
In 1993 the Texas Legislature passed a law seen in Texas Local Government Code, Section 235.042. The law allows for individual counties to prohibit hunting with firearms (or bows) on lots or tracts of land that are 10 acres or smaller and located in the unincorporated area of the county in a subdivision. What Does Texas State Law Say About Minimum Acreage Requirements for
Hunting?
Don’t think of a subdivision like it’s a suburban neighborhood. By this definition a subdivision can be any tract of land that was previously a portion of a larger tract that was platted, approved, and filed with the county. The term “hunting” is defined HERE in the Parks and Wildlife Code.
Here’s what the law actually says:
State of Texas’ Regulations Regarding Minimum Acreage and Hunting
1. It is unlawful to hunt anywhere by means or methods that have been prohibited by county or city ordinance.
2. It is unlawful to hunt in a subdivision on lots 10 acres or less in an unincorporated area of a county if prohibited by local ordinance.
Ok, so what does all this mean?
Is There a Minimum Acreage Requirement to Hunt on Your Land in Texas?
There is no minimum acreage requirement to hunt by State law. However, Texas state law gives counties and municipalities the right to prohibit hunting in their jurisdiction given certain criteria. Specifically, the criteria noted above.
So minimum acreage requirements are determined at the local level by counties and municipalities. The state gives them the right to create and enforce these standards in the interest of public safety.
Many counties in Texas have created resolutions/ordinances establishing a 10 acre minimum size for hunting or discharging firearms on land in their respective county. So this is a common policy across the state and it’s likely, even probable that this is enforced in your county. You’ll need to check with your local county office to confirm if they have established a policy for your county.
SIDE NOTE: If you’re into hunting, check out this comprehensive article Where are the Biggest Deer in Texas?
Outside of the acreage requirements you should be aware that it is illegal to shoot towards a residence, from or across a public roadway, or across property lines unless you have permission from the landowner. These are just common sense practices, but defying them will get you in big trouble. Just ask anyone who has watched an episode of LoneStar Law.
Most of Texas counties require a minimum of 10 acres to legally hunt or discharge a firearm. There is no statewide mandate but the state has given counties and local jurisdictions the right to establish and enforce 10 acre minimums in the interest of public safety.
How do I find out if it’s legal to hunt on my property?
To find out if your county has chosen to adopt and enforce the 10 acre minimum contact your local county clerk and ask about §235.022, Local Government Code. (Source: page 56 of the 2021-2022 Outdoor Annual, and §235.022.)
Otherwise you can contact your Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Law Enforcement Office.
Michael Morrow is the founder of the Texas Landowner’s Association and a land agent in the state of Texas. He is dedicated to ensuring landowners have the resources, information, and platform they need to effectively accomplish their personal goals for their property. His undergraduate and graduate level studies at Texas A&M were focused around Rangeland Ecology and Wildlife Management. He’d love to help you with your next purchase or help take your property to market. You can reach him here by emailing