Exotic Big Game Hunting in Texas
- Exotic animal refers to any nonnative herbivore or omnivore ungulate (single or cloven hoofed animals) inhabiting the state of Texas. Usually these are animals from the antelope and deer families. A short list includes nilgai antelope, elk, axis deer, sika deer, blackbuck antelope, fallow deer and aoudad sheep. Texas also considers Russian boar or wild boar to be exotic animals.
- You must purchase a valid Texas hunting license. As of 2010, these cost $25 for Texas residents and $315 for nonresidents and are valid through August 31. Though public land is open to all hunters, you may not conduct the sport on a public road and you will need the expressed permission of the landowner to hunt an exotic on private land.
Contravening any of these Texas game laws constitutes a Class A Parks and Wildlife Code misdemeanor. Violations carry a $500 to $4,000 fine and the possibility of up to a year in jail. - Do not confuse "exotic animals" with what Texas terms "dangerous wild animals." These are animals imported into the state like exotic animals which are not ungulates. Examples include elephants, rhinoceroses, tigers, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, bears, wolves or any hybrid or subspecies. In state, it is illegal to hunt these animals in captivity or in the Texas wilds.
