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Would I need a hunting license for this?

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  • Higgins909

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    I'm not sure if this would be considered hunting or pest control. Ever since I've moved to Texas I've noticed there are rabbits ripping up lawns. (mainly digging holes) I do have a bb/pellet gun combo, but need to make sure it's up to par. I've thought about buying a break barrel pellet gun just for this, or get a compound bow or crossbow. But those are quite a bit more expensive.

    So, I'm wanting to take the rabbits out. Maybe even eat them? I live on 1/2 acre with a wood fence in the back. I don't plan on doing it in the front yard. Is this inadvisable? Do I need a hunting license? I've been wanting to get into hunting for a while. I'm getting closer to being able, but still got a ways to go.


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    karlac

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    Last time I looked ... rabbits and hares are considered open season year around, but I'm pretty sure you will need a hunting license to hunt both legally.
     
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    hizer4648

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    I live in a rural community in west Texas and I know what you mean. I've got 4 acres and there's cottons and jacks everywhere, along with some tree and ground squirrels ( they love my pecan and walnut trees). I bought a .177 break open pellet rifle last year. I think I'm putting a dent in their activities around my patch.


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    Renegade

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    So, I'm wanting to take the rabbits out. Maybe even eat them? I live on 1/2 acre with a wood fence in the back. I don't plan on doing it in the front yard. Is this inadvisable? Do I need a hunting license? I've been wanting to get into hunting for a while. I'm getting closer to being able, but still got a ways to go.


    Yes, that is hunting.
     

    BRD@66

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    Don't eat Jack Rabbit. Cotton molly is ok, but not in summer time. IIRC, seems like you may have to show that this non-licensed hunt is happening in your county of residence (ie, show a drivers license). Be careful with ticks
     

    Sam Colt

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    Depredation is normally associated with the protection of crops, livestock, or people. I guess digging holes in the lawn coul be argued, but I'd suggest it's better to be safe than sorry.
     

    Bozz10mm

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    Well, I learned something today. I didn't know that I needed a hunting license to shoot rabbits on my own land. But according to the TPW website, I do.
     

    Higgins909

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    Could rabbits and hares be considered "nuisance fur-bearing animals"? The 2nd link in texasnurse's post, post #7. It says no license is needed for nuisance fur-bearing animals. But when I click that link, it doesn't really say for certain if rabbits and hares are on that list?

    How would I find out, if it's ok to hunt on my land? Just worried about it being in a neighborhood. Hutto, Tx.
    BRD@66, what do you mean by "Be careful with ticks"? Don't let them bite you, or if the rabbit has em, don't eat it? I should probably find out what kind of rabbit/hare that digs in my yard.

    Mowed the grass a few hours ago, must have been at least 3 new holes I don't remember from mowing last time. (Mow 1-2 weeks)
     

    Bozz10mm

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    Could rabbits and hares be considered "nuisance fur-bearing animals"? The 2nd link in texasnurse's post, post #7. It says no license is needed for nuisance fur-bearing animals. But when I click that link, it doesn't really say for certain if rabbits and hares are on that list?

    Rabbits are classified as Non-Game Animals. This is what I found.

    [h=2]Nongame Animals[/h] Includes, but is not limited to, the following:

    • Armadillos
    • Bobcats
    • Coyotes
    • Flying squirrels
    • Frogs
    • Ground squirrels
    • Mountain lions
    • Porcupines
    • Prairie dogs
    • Rabbits
    • Turtles

    • Does not include feral hog (see Exotic Animals and Fowl).
    • 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.
    http://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/hunting/nongame-and-other-species
     

    satx78247

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    Higgins99,

    Here in South TX, I don't eat wild rabbit as most years we don't have ONE hard frost much less 2 of them. - Otoh, after the 2nd hard frost up in Northern TX, I've hunted, dressed & enjoyed cottontails. = I once fed an entire Optimist Club on rabbit, cooked 4 ways.
    (ImVho, Jacks are tasty only when quite young & then only when braised or BBQed.)

    just my OPINION, satx
     
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    BRD@66

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    How would I find out, if it's ok to hunt on my land? Just worried about it being in a neighborhood. Hutto, Tx.
    BRD@66, what do you mean by "Be careful with ticks"? Don't let them bite you, or if the rabbit has em, don't eat it? I should probably find out what kind of rabbit/hare that digs in my yard.

    Both. Don't get tick bit & don't eat tick-infested rabbit. Probably cottontail, not jack in the yard - but it could also be armadillo if you haven't actually seen the culprit. In that case be aware that armadillos can carry leprosy.
     

    Younggun

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    I've eaten rabbits from all times of the year in the past, never had any ill effects.

    I lean towards the thought that the dangers are more rural legend and old wives tail than fact.


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    STXdevilsquid

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    Pretty sure if you cook it long enough. Do you live in town? Do pellet guns fall into discharging a fire arm?


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