Texas Considers Hot-Air Hogging

by
posted on June 13, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
hog_hunting_texas_balloons.jpg

It’s still up in the air, but in an effort to control destructive populations of feral hogs and coyotes, Texas may allow shooting these species from hot-air balloons.

Sponsored by Republican Rep. Mark Keough, H.B. 3535, if passed, would take effect on Sept. 1. The bill directs the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission “as soon as practicable after the effective date” to “adopt rules as necessary to implement ... using a hot-air balloon to take depredating feral hogs or coyotes ... .”

The bill’s passage would add another airborne method of taking pigs in Texas aside from shooting them from a helicopter. Hot-air ballooning, which according to the bill would require a special permit, could be a cheaper method, although balloons lack the speed and maneuverability of helicopters. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department estimates more than 1.5 million feral hogs live in the state.

Latest

LEDENRA 7
LEDENRA 7

Year-Round Gear Care

Every fall season I hear one or two horror stories involving equipment failures in the field. All too often these stories include personal injuries. Let's take a few minutes to help you avoid such costly circumstances.

New for 2026: Mossberg Maverick Semi-Automatic Shotgun

Mossberg has introduced its Maverick SA Semi-Auto line of shotguns, engineered to be multi-season workhorses, chambered for both 2.75-inch and 3-inch shotshells and featuring a 6-shot capacity.

First Look: Blocker Outdoors Finisher Chest Pack Pro

The Blocker Outdoors Finisher Chest Pack Pro is the kind of gear that takes the basic tenets of turkey hunting into consideration, while attempting to minimize the burden of a cumbersome full-size vest. This makes it a a straightforward alternative to a full-size turkey vest for run-and-gun hunters who want to balance loadout with freedom of movement.

The Value of Post Season Scouting in the Snow

Although for most of the country deer season is over, there are some important aspects of deer hunting to be understood, particularly when it snows during the winter months. In my part of the country, we don’t often get a good blanket of snow until the deer season closes. However, when it does snow, I make a point to get outdoors and visit each of my hunting areas to learn when the learning is best.

Tuo Introduces New Camouflage Pattern: Ryse

Tuo launched its proprietary Verse camo pattern in 2024. While the supplemental light tans and sharp lines render effectiveness in wooded environments as well, Tuo wanted to offer a second exclusive pattern for whitetail hunters. It has done so with Ryse.

New for 2026: SIG Sauer Zulu10 HDX Binoculars

SIG Sauer’s new Zulu10 HDX binoculars are engineered for hunters and shooters who prioritize optical performance and mechanical precision as much as durability.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.