What Are the Laws for Hunting Deer With Dogs in Texas?
- It is illegal to use dogs to hunt deer in Texas.deer image by Henryk Olszewski from Fotolia.com
It is against the law to hunt deer with dogs in every county in Texas, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code. The code sets out fines and penalties for those caught using dogs to hunt deer. However the code also allows conditional use of dogs to trail (follow by scent) a deer that is wounded and leaving a blood trail in all but some specific counties, where all use of dogs by deer hunters is prohibited. - Anyone caught hunting deer with dogs in Texas will be subjected to a fine of between $500 and $4,000.
- People caught hunting deer with dogs in Texas may be sentenced to up to a year in jail in addition to any fine.
- If caught hunting deer with dogs in Texas, you may have your hunting and fishing license revoked or suspended for a period of time.
- In the following Texas counties, it is illegal to be in possession of a firearm and ammunition while in the field with dogs on privately owned land during deer-hunting season: Angelina, Hardin, Harris, Harrison, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Panola, Polk Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity, Tyler, and Walker.
- Texas code says it is legal to trail a wounded deer (classified as a deer that leaves a blood trail) with dogs in all but the following counties: Angelina, Hardin, Harris, Harrison, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Panola, Polk Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity, Tyler, and Walker.
Where trailing a wounded deer with dogs is legal, it is illegal to use more than two dogs to trail the deer.
