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OK, strange question time.

I live outside of the city limits, in Smith county. I live in a small residential neighborhood that is a u-shaped configuration. Maybe a total of 40 houses in this little neighborhood. You can often hear someone firing off guns, especially on the week-ends.

Here is the question. My next door neighbor is being terrorized by an armadillo. It is tearing the heck out of their very nice lawn, and digging some rather impressive holes...very deep ones. The next door neighbor wife was commismerating with my wife who happened to mention that I carry. She immediately asked if I would shoot the rascal the next time it made an appearance. Her husband is all for this execution since the live trap seems to be worthless, and the dang critter sat in the front yard just looking at them when they confronted it the other night. I guess they do not have what it takes to clobber it with a shovel. Anyway...can I shoot this thing? I am outside of city limits, and I have their permission. Is it legal? Do I have to have a hunting license for something like this? Hate to take a ride for helping out a neighbor.

Thanks for any advice.

(Kind of hate to shoot one since the only armadillos I see around here are attracting flies on the side of the road...but, I don't want it checking out my yard either.)
RJ

If it's legal to shoot there, and you have permission and a hunting license, then it's legal to kill the dillo.

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

If it is pest problem, and you want to stop damage to property, I guess you do not need a hunting license.

Get a 0.22 rifle and snipe that bugger.

Here is a quote from that site...it reads a little funny: " •No closed season. These animals may be hunted at any time by any lawful means or methods on private property. Public hunting lands may have restrictions. A hunting license is required " So, does that mean I can hunt them at any time on private property, without a license? The mention of a hunting license only comes after mention of hunting on public lands.

johnson0317 wrote:Here is a quote from that site...it reads a little funny: " •No closed season. These animals may be hunted at any time by any lawful means or methods on private property. Public hunting lands may have restrictions. A hunting license is required " So, does that mean I can hunt them at any time on private property, without a license? The mention of a hunting license only comes after mention of hunting on public lands.

I guess I could be wrong, you may still have to pay $25 for hunting licenses.

There are exceptions for not needing hunting license:

Exceptions: a hunting license is not required to hunt the following:
Coyotes, if the coyotes are attacking, about to attack, or have recently attacked livestock, domestic animals, or fowl.
Depredating feral hogs, if a landowner (resident or non-resident) or landowner's agent or lessee is taking feral hogs causing depredation on the landowner's land.
Fur-bearing animals, if the hunter possesses a trapper's license or if the fur-bearing animals are causing depredation.

Armadillos are non-game animal, but not classified as fur-bearing animals. Better call TPWD and clear it up for Armadillos causing depredation on the landowner's land.

Armadillos are fast, have sharp claws and carry a list of diseases. Approach with care. Handle the dead carcass with care.

johnson0317 wrote:Here is a quote from that site...it reads a little funny: " •No closed season. These animals may be hunted at any time by any lawful means or methods on private property. Public hunting lands may have restrictions. A hunting license is required " So, does that mean I can hunt them at any time on private property, without a license? The mention of a hunting license only comes after mention of hunting on public lands.

Since "a hunting license is required" is a separate sentence, I'm going to say yes you need a hunting license.

They also jump when you shoot them. Good luck! They are tough. Between them, the draught and the moles lately, the yard is not happy.

Your neighbor's lawn may look nice, but if Armadillos are feasting there, it's an indication of an underlying problem - usually grubs, and Armadillo's favorite snack and the reason they dig the holes. They do not dig random holes, no profit in that, they can hear the little critters moving under the sod and go in after them. If your neighbor gets rid of the grubs, the Armadillos will wander through the yard in search of lunch, but they won't dig up the grass.

Surely you know someone with a hunting license and a powerful air riffle

They can also go to SAMs and get 2 or 3 big things of chili powder, spread it over the whole yard. But that will just move him to the next yard

Their amor is pretty tough. Might need something more stout than a 22.
The shovel sounds like a good idea and safer for the neighborhood.

I heard on Howard Garrett the other day, that the armadillos come into residential yards more often in dry weather, because watering the yards keeps their food (earthworms and grubs) healthier.

I also agree that a valid hunting license is required.

Years ago my father shot one with a 30-30. It certainly killed the critter, but the bullet spatter from that soft-nose round hitting armadillo armor left tiny holes in a metal building and a travel trailer.

Around here:

Shot, shovel, shut-up.........................

Shoot it with a bow.