As a Real Estate Agent in Wichita Falls serving Wichita County, Clay County and Archer County, I'm asked frequently to help people find a home with some land, enough that they can hunt, or shoot game on their property.
Q. How much land do I need to be able to hunt on my property.
I first need to qualify any answer that I give, in that the answer below is the result of my personal research, and I'm not a lawyer nor am I offering legal advice. I recommend if you have a specific question about a potential property, that you consult a licensed attorney before making an offer.
Since I've been asked this question so many times, I started doing some research. I went online and down to the library.
I have heard that in Texas you must have 10 acres or more in order to hunt on your own land, however, now I found exactly where that is from. It is in the Texas Land Use Regulation Section 229.002 Regulation of Discharge of Weapon. Follow the link to research yourself. This applies to a county with a population of 750,000 or more, and Wichita, Clay and Archer Counties are all significanlty smaller.
I was not able to locate an ordnance or regulation that restricted the discharge of weapons outside a city limits based on any particular acreage which was applicable to Wichita, Clay or Archer County. So, I asked County Judge Woody Gossom, Jr. and he confirmed there is no specific size of land restriction. However, there are some regulations that apply, and he stated common sense should prevail.
Under the Texas Penal Code, it is unlawful to discharge a firearm:
- In a public place
- On or across a public road
- Recklessly engaging in conduct that places another in imminent danger of serious bodily injury, including pointing a firearm at or in the direction of another whether or not the actor believed the firearm to be loaded.
- If the projectile travels across a property line. Check out Parks & Wildlife Code, Ch 62, to research yourself.
So, if I have a house on a small tract of land outside the city limits, and a deer walks into my backyard, can I shoot it? (Assuming, I have a Texas hunting license, of course, and am complying with all hunting laws and regulations). I guess, the broadest interpretation would be as long as the bullet stops before crossing the property line and the deer doesn't cross the property line after being hit. However, a 30 caliber bullet shot from a riffle could travel up to 5,000 yards, which is approximately 3 miles. So, if I missed, I would be in violation of having the projectile cross a property line.
Click Here to find Land for Sale near Wichita Falls Texas
While the strict interpretation of these codes and regulations may permit discharge of a firearm on a small tract of land outside the city limits, bow hunting might be a better choice depending on how developed the area is and where the next neighbor's house is.
Again, if you are considering purchasing a house or tract of land with the specific intent of hunting wild game on that land, I strongly encourage you to consult a licensed attorney prior to making any offer or signing a contract to purchase.
Click Here to find Homes with Acreage near Wichita Falls Texas
Comments(0)