Feral Hog Trapping Regulations

Big Thicket Observes All Texas Hunting/Trapping Regulations

While trapping feral hogs in the national preserve, you are required to follow all state of Texas and Big Thicket hog trapping regulations. All trappers are required to have a valid Texas hunting license.

► State of Texas Hunting Regulations

Listed below are regulations specific to Big Thicket National Preserve.

 

Before setting a hog trap at Big Thicket National Preserve, read these regulations and study the map of the preserve provided with your permit. Know the areas where you may trap hogs, and the areas where you may not trap hogs. State of Texas feral hog trapping regulations apply except where the following Big Thicket National Preserve Regulations are more restrictive (Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations).

While trapping hogs in the preserve, please inform a relative or friend of your intended point of entry, route of travel, and time of return. While trapping, dress appropriately for changing weather conditions and carry a flashlight, compass, first aid kit, maps, water, and cell phone. Do not cross or park on private property without the consent of the landowner.

Update for 2024

Trappers may now set up to 2 traps anywhere within their permitted unit and are not restricted to trapping within numbered blocks.

 

Regulations

Refer to Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR), Chapter I, for each hunting regulation's corresponding CFR reference(s).

1. Hog Trapping Season – The Big Thicket hog trapping season begins on the first Monday in February and ends on September 30. [36 CFR 1.6(g)(2); 36 CFR 1.6(h)]
2. Hog Trapping Locations – Trapping is restricted to the trapping unit assigned to you at the time of receiving your permit. A trap may be set anywhere within your designated unit. Traps must be set at least 500 feet from hiking trails, day-use areas, residences, and cemeteries. Traps may be set adjacent to roads and utility rights-of-way but must not block vehicle traffic. [36 CFR 1.6(g)(2); 36 CFR 1.6(h); 36 CFR 2.2(b)(3)]
   Big Thicket maintains the right to require relocation of traps. Permittees must be prepared to relocate traps upon notification of prescribed burns or other preserve operations. Big Thicket National Preserve is not responsible for damage to traps or equipment. [36 CFR 1.6(g)(2); 36 CFR 1.6(h); 36 CFR 2.32(a)(1)]
3. Hog Trapping Means – A Big Thicket hog trapping permit allows you to set 2 traps and 2 feeders in the trapping units assigned to you. Traps must be box- or corral-style and must be free-standing without requiring setting posts or stakes. Traps and other equipment may be attached to trees without damaging or drilling into trees. [36 CFR 1.6; 36 CFR 2.2(b)(3); 36 CFR 2.4(a)(2)(i)(A); 36 CFR 2.4(d)]
4. Documentation and Signage – All traps and equipment must be visually labelled with provided metal tag or other label containing your permit number. Trappers must be in possession of a current Big Thicket hog trapping permit and State of Texas hunting license. [36 CFR 1.6(g)(2); 36 CFR 1.6(h)]
5. Bait – Bait must not contain diesel or other toxic additives. [36 CFR 1.6(g)(2); 36 CFR 1.6(h)]
6. Checking Traps – Set traps must be checked at least every 24 hours. Remote game cameras may be used to check traps. [36 CFR 1.6(g)(2); 36 CFR 1.6(h)]
7. Harvesting – Trapped hogs must not stay in traps more than 24 hours before being killed. Hogs must be killed inside traps and cannot be taken live. Field dressing is allowed, but carcasses must be discarded at least 500 feet from hiking trails, day-use areas, residences, and cemeteries. [36 CFR 1.6(g)(2); 36 CFR 1.6(h)]
8. Assistance – Permit holders may allow others to assist in checking or servicing traps, but they must carry the Big Thicket trapping permit associated with the trap.
9. ATV/UTV Usage – Hog trappers may use up to 2 ATV/UTVs per permit to move equipment and hogs only. ATV/UTVs may be used only on pipeline and powerline rights-of-way, fire breaks, and vehicle roads in accordance with state law. ATV/UTVs may not be used on hiking trails or off-road. Hog trappers must yield to NPS vehicles and right-of-way maintenance crews. [36 CFR 1.6(g)(2); 36 CFR 1.6(h); 36 CFR 2.32(a)(1); 36 CFR 4.10(a)]
10. Bycatch – If any animal other than a hog is caught in a trap, immediately release the animal and contact a Big Thicket ranger or Texas Parks & Wildlife game warden. [36 CFR 1.6(g)(2); 36 CFR 1.6(h); 36 CFR 2.2(a)(2,3)]
11. Reporting – Harvest report cards must be returned by November 1 to be eligible for a hog trapping permit the following year, even if you did not actively trap.

 

Reminders

Hog trapping permits must be renewed annually, beginning on the first Monday in February. Your “Hog Trapper's Report” card must be returned by November 1 following the end of trapping season.

If you have hog trapping questions, please contact us.

For questions about state of Texas regulations, contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Have a safe and pleasant hog trapping experience. Remember that the preserve is not a hunting lease but is a national preserve and, as such, is used by the public during the hog trapping season. Practice courtesy and safety at all times. This will provide a pleasant experience for you, other hunters and trappers, and the non-hunting public.

 

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