what's the largest knife i can carry legally when hunting?

[boomerang]

There does seem to be an implied exception for carrying knives while hunting or fishing.

It's not implied. It's explicit in 46.15.

is engaging in lawful hunting, fishing, or other sporting activity on the immediate premises where the activity is conducted, or is en route between the premises and the actor's residence, if the weapon is a type commonly used in the activity

[Mike1951]

Thank you! I had been unable to find that.

[KD5NRH]

is engaging in lawful hunting, fishing, or other sporting activity on the immediate premises where the activity is conducted, or is en route between the premises and the actor's residence, if the weapon is a type commonly used in the activity

It's interesting that there's a "sporting activity" exemption, but not an agricultural or any other exemption. Thus a professional chef would be in violation while carrying an over-length butcher knife to and from a cooking demonstration, for example. It could even be stretched to include people with machetes clearing brush on property not under their control.

[The Annoyed Man]

It seems to me that, if you're carrying a rifle/hunting handgun and other hunting accoutrements, and have a valid hunting license on your person, a game warden isn't going to give two figs whether or not that sheathed knife at your side has a 6" or 10" blade. The only limitation in my mind is, what makes up a practical hunting knife. Obviously, a 24" machete is not going to make as practical a hunting knife as a good traditional skinning knife will.

[KD5NRH]

Obviously, a 24" machete is not going to make as practical a hunting knife as a good traditional skinning knife will.

What if you're hunting hogs without a gun?

[Keith B]

Obviously, a 24" machete is not going to make as practical a hunting knife as a good traditional skinning knife will.

What if you're hunting hogs without a gun?

I use a switch for those and bear.

[AEA]

It seems to me that the restriction on the Bowie Knife is absurd. After all, it is a part of Texas history and something that any Texan should be proud to own.

[battalion74]

Ok, so its illegal in town/city, but If your on private property in your control, you can carry a machete if you wanted too.
Down here in South Texas we have thick brush, if you wanted to exert yourself, you'd have to use a machete to get thru. You'd need a chainsaw to get thru some if it.
Once while hunting, my cousin and brother had to crawl under brush while tracking a bobcat. The funny thing to me about it was that it was night and they say they crawled like 50 yards in, I told them they were stupid. The cat was in his element while the guys took my 92 Beretta with them.
Mike, my apologies if I was being overbearing, I get a little mad when someone tells me that the government can tell me what to do on my own property.

[Mike1951]

Again, there are no restrictions on your own property.

The sporting exception isn't necessary then.

[The Annoyed Man]

Obviously, a 24" machete is not going to make as practical a hunting knife as a good traditional skinning knife will.

What if you're hunting hogs without a gun?

Then you're not that smart.

[Stupid]

What if you're hunting hogs without a gun?

Then you're not that smart.

In some parts of America, people hunt feral hogs with just ropes. They chase the pigs and just tie them up with ropes. I think it's in Kansas. I'll see if i can find the youtube.

[Stupid]

So, non-lawyer's conclusion is so long the weapon is commonly used in the activity i am engaged in, it would have no problem, right?

[Stupid]

Teach me some English here. Read this part of penal code. Does this mean if I am licensed to carry a handgun and I am carrying, i can, at the same time, carry any illegal knife that i see fit, concealed or not?

"Section 46.02 does not apply to a person who is carrying a concealed handgun and a valid license issued under Subchapter H....."

No?


******
(b) Section 46.02 does not apply to a person who:

(1) is in the actual discharge of official duties as a member of the armed forces or state military forces as defined by Section 431.001, Government Code, or as a guard employed by a penal institution;

(2) is on the person's own premises or premises under the person's control unless the person is an employee or agent of the owner of the premises and the person's primary responsibility is to act in the capacity of a security guard to protect persons or property, in which event the person must comply with Subdivision (5);

(3) is traveling;

(4) is engaging in lawful hunting, fishing, or other sporting activity on the immediate premises where the activity is conducted, or is en route between the premises and the actor's residence, if the weapon is a type commonly used in the activity;

(5) holds a security officer commission issued by the Texas Private Security Board, if:

(A) the person is engaged in the performance of the person's duties as a security officer or traveling to and from the person's place of assignment;

(B) the person is wearing a distinctive uniform; and

(C) the weapon is in plain view;

(6) is carrying a concealed handgun and a valid license issued under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, to carry a concealed handgun of the same category as the handgun the person is carrying;
******

[Liberty]

Teach me some English here. Read this part of penal code. Does this mean if I am licensed to carry a handgun and I am carrying, i can, at the same time, carry any illegal knife that i see fit, concealed or not?

"Section 46.02 does not apply to a person who is carrying a concealed handgun and a valid license issued under Subchapter H....."

No?


******
(b) Section 46.02 does not apply to a person who:

(1) is in the actual discharge of official duties as a member of the armed forces or state military forces as defined by Section 431.001, Government Code, or as a guard employed by a penal institution;

(2) is on the person's own premises or premises under the person's control unless the person is an employee or agent of the owner of the premises and the person's primary responsibility is to act in the capacity of a security guard to protect persons or property, in which event the person must comply with Subdivision (5);

(3) is traveling;

(4) is engaging in lawful hunting, fishing, or other sporting activity on the immediate premises where the activity is conducted, or is en route between the premises and the actor's residence, if the weapon is a type commonly used in the activity;

(5) holds a security officer commission issued by the Texas Private Security Board, if:

(A) the person is engaged in the performance of the person's duties as a security officer or traveling to and from the person's place of assignment;

(B) the person is wearing a distinctive uniform; and

(C) the weapon is in plain view;

(6) is carrying a concealed handgun and a valid license issued under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, to carry a concealed handgun of the same category as the handgun the person is carrying;
******

I believe you are correct, but it isn't certain that a court would see it that way. Just because the phrasing is crystal clear, doesn't mean that is the legislative intent. You know what they say about beating the rap but not the ride.

[anygma85]

try this one.