Hunting while carrying

[fickman]

I hunt hogs and though using a 7mm rifle I carry a handgun with my CHL. These things can turn mean and easily charge you.

Aren't hogs always in season? Couldn't you also be "looking for hogs" during bow season?

[strider67]

I'm new to CHL-ing but have bowhunted in Texas since the mid 90's. Since starting bow, I have always carried a sidearm. It has always been on private leases, which may make a difference, but have never had any run-ins with the Game Warden. I figure I'd rather shoot a charging hog than 'rassle' him...

[der Teufel]

Without a CHL, one may not carry a firearm while hunting deer during the archery season. It does not matter whether one is on private or public land, the deer are considered to be state property (same reason you can't violate the bag limits on private land). With a CHL, one may carry a sidearm while hunting deer during archery season, but you cannot use a firearm on deer, even if only to "finish it off."

If you're hunting hogs, then the rules are obviously different. However, it is my understanding that the game warden has the right to inspect your camp, your ice chest, and your car if he suspects you've violated game laws. Game wardens can essentially 'trespass' on private property if they have reason to believe it's necessary to enforce the law.

[fickman]

Without a CHL, one may not carry a firearm while hunting deer during the archery season. It does not matter whether one is on private or public land, the deer are considered to be state property (same reason you can't violate the bag limits on private land). With a CHL, one may carry a sidearm while hunting deer during archery season, but you cannot use a firearm on deer, even if only to "finish it off."

If you're hunting hogs, then the rules are obviously different. However, it is my understanding that the game warden has the right to inspect your camp, your ice chest, and your car if he suspects you've violated game laws. Game wardens can essentially 'trespass' on private property if they have reason to believe it's necessary to enforce the law.

Technical question (I have a CHL, so it doesn't apply to me, I'm just curious):
Couldn't you be hunting deer during archery season simultaneously to hunting hogs (which, as long as you have a license, are always in season with no bag limits), the latter of which would give you the right to have a sidearm?

As long as you have the hunting license, the game warden couldn't prove you're not hunting for hogs - you might be on the lookout even if you haven't found any yet.

Similar to the advice online about using spotlights to hunt hogs at night near deer, it would be wise to inform the local game warden in advance.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wi ... eral_hogs/

[Hoosier Daddy]

Couldn't you be hunting deer during archery season simultaneously to hunting hogs (which, as long as you have a license, are always in season with no bag limits), the latter of which would give you the right to have a sidearm?

As long as you have the hunting license, the game warden couldn't prove you're not hunting for hogs - you might be on the lookout even if you haven't found any yet.

Like someone said earlier, the same logic applies to a scoped deerhog rifle. Good luck!

[strider67]

Without a CHL, one may not carry a firearm while hunting deer during the archery season. It does not matter whether one is on private or public land, the deer are considered to be state property (same reason you can't violate the bag limits on private land). With a CHL, one may carry a sidearm while hunting deer during archery season, but you cannot use a firearm on deer, even if only to "finish it off."

If you're hunting hogs, then the rules are obviously different. However, it is my understanding that the game warden has the right to inspect your camp, your ice chest, and your car if he suspects you've violated game laws. Game wardens can essentially 'trespass' on private property if they have reason to believe it's necessary to enforce the law.

I appreciate the info and don't have to worry about it now that I have my CHL. If you ask me, though, that is an absolutely ridiculous rule. You can protect yourself from wild, attacking beasts if you hold plastic, but if not, GOOD LUCK! (disclaimer: I realize attacks are extremely rare; just makes my reply sound better )

Very true on the 'finishing off' rule and game wardens facts!

[kjolly]

As stated if its bow season it would be hard to explain a bullet wound in your deer. The problem here in texas is hogs are exploding in vast quanties and they are aggressive, mean and dangerous if spooked. With your CHL carrying in the woods to protect yourself is important but also remember it takes a big caliber pistol to stop a hog. I hunt with the 7mm rifle. The pistol is for a situation where I might be charged and need to get off some desparate SD shots. Hogs are virtualy armored plated in the front and on a big animmal a light pistol would be almost useless unless a well placed shot at something running 30mph at you.
A climbable tree is your best defense.

[RAM4171]

Without a CHL, one may not carry a firearm while hunting deer during the archery season. It does not matter whether one is on private or public land, the deer are considered to be state property (same reason you can't violate the bag limits on private land). With a CHL, one may carry a sidearm while hunting deer during archery season, but you cannot use a firearm on deer, even if only to "finish it off."

If you're hunting hogs, then the rules are obviously different. However, it is my understanding that the game warden has the right to inspect your camp, your ice chest, and your car if he suspects you've violated game laws. Game wardens can essentially 'trespass' on private property if they have reason to believe it's necessary to enforce the law.

SOOOO, what you're saying is the fact that I can legaly carry any weapon that I am legal to own on property under my control instantly changes due to the fact that bow season on deer is under way?
Please set me straight if I misunderstand your statement. I am always eager to understand the laws regarding firearms.

[fulano]

I hunt hogs and though using a 7mm rifle I carry a handgun with my CHL. These things can turn mean and easily charge you.

So what pistol are your carrying to protect you from a charging hog?

[boba]

I appreciate the info and don't have to worry about it now that I have my CHL. If you ask me, though, that is an absolutely ridiculous rule. You can protect yourself from wild, attacking beasts if you hold plastic, but if not, GOOD LUCK! (disclaimer: I realize attacks are extremely rare; just makes my reply sound better )

The rule is the same in the asphalt jungle.

[Beiruty]

I hunt hogs and though using a 7mm rifle I carry a handgun with my CHL. These things can turn mean and easily charge you.

So what pistol are your carrying to protect you from a charging hog?

Classic discussion with pistol round includes hunting pigs : http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/9mm%20vs%2045.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[fulano]

I hunt hogs and though using a 7mm rifle I carry a handgun with my CHL. These things can turn mean and easily charge you.

So what pistol are your carrying to protect you from a charging hog?

Classic discussion with pistol round includes hunting pigs : http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/9mm%20vs%2045.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks. Great read.

Having lots of rounds is great if you have the chance to shoot them all. I think any animal moving toward a human will violate the 21 foot rule-of-thumb (great in court though). My hiking/hunting handgun of choice is the G27. I do carry a spare mag. I'm biased by lowering the amount of weight I carry; I know that's of no concern in hog country.

[jocat54]

Without a CHL, one may not carry a firearm while hunting deer during the archery season. It does not matter whether one is on private or public land, the deer are considered to be state property (same reason you can't violate the bag limits on private land). With a CHL, one may carry a sidearm while hunting deer during archery season, but you cannot use a firearm on deer, even if only to "finish it off."

If you're hunting hogs, then the rules are obviously different. However, it is my understanding that the game warden has the right to inspect your camp, your ice chest, and your car if he suspects you've violated game laws. Game wardens can essentially 'trespass' on private property if they have reason to believe it's necessary to enforce the law.

I believe a Game Warden has more "power" than almost any other LEO. If not they have sure convinced me they do. Game Wardens can do almost as they please. I have a lot of respect for them --a lot of there encounters are with people with guns.

[strider67]

We worked for years to get this changed.. Bow season is the first chance to get a deer before all the rifle shots fill the air..

of course, you do have dove season right before Archery Opening.

we argued that during bow season, it's still hot in Texas, snakes are still out.. why couldn't we carry something for protection?

The State finally relented, I think in 2008? 2009? ..

anywho.. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publication ... unt/means/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

has the big bold letters..

It is unlawful to be in possession of a firearm while hunting with a broadhead HUNTING point during the Archery-Only season, except a person licensed to carry a concealed handgun in Texas may carry a concealed handgun.


think that was the same year they removed the 45# weight limit on the bow...

Well I'll be!!! I was never aware that you had to hold a CHL in order to carry during bow! Kinda makes sense now, sorta. Ok, still no, but that's the law. I understand about finding a 'bullet wound' on a deer during archery is a big no-no, as well, which is why I always carry (now legally) my Colt .45 1911, for only personal protection against hogs, snakes, etc... I had to finish off a deer for my son 2 years ago during archery season, of which I did with my Bowtech bow; in retrospect, I can see how it would be just as easy for someone to unholster and finish him off that way too.

Thanks for all the good info!