What Animals Constitute Fair Game on Your Property In Texas?

You may have seen a lone squirrel, rabbit or even coyote wander onto your yard and think, "boy, I wonder if I can shoot that". Well, I won't ask any questions... but let's talk about that.

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Nuisance animals

Lee and Wood, LP. offer examples of those annoying critters that run along your fence and irritate your dogs or dig up your vegetable garden. These are called "nuisance animals" and include the following:

• Skunks
• Coyotes
• Foxes
• Bobcats
• Raccoons
• And others

Now, before you go all 'Pepe le pew-pew' on that annoying skunk in your trash every night, make sure you are aware of any regulations involved. I hate to say it, but some cities don't like open fire in the middle of your neighborhood.

What about squirrels or rabbits?

In Texas, if you see a cute little squirrel chewing on your cables or any other part of your house, there are multiple criteria that must be considered before grabbing your pellet gun or rifle.

First off, make sure you are on your own property (adhering to city regulations on firearm use) and whatever projectile you fire does not cross a public road or is within 300 feet of an occupied building.

Catching these critters is another story. Any ol' homeowner from Timbuktu can trap an animal that is disrupting their property.

When it comes to fur-bearing nuisance animals, relocating is another matter that WILL require state authorization.

It ultimately boils down to whether you live inside or outside city lines. As long as you do so responsibly, many cases allow for the shooting of nuisance animals like coyotes. Again, though, please make sure you understand your local laws before making this decision.

If, however, your itchy trigger finger is getting the best of you, check out the 2024 - 2025 Hunting Season Dates from the Texas Dept. of Parks & Wildlife.