Raccoons appear to be like small bears. Their prevalence has increased much over the past few years. They have a furry appearance with ringed tails and can be spotted easily, but is it legal to trap and kill Raccoons in Texas?
No, it is not legal to trap and kill Raccoons in Texas, but you can trap raccoons if they are causing damage. Animal protection laws prohibit their inhumane treatment, including killing, forced translocation, or unnecessary trapping.
In this article, we will discuss raccoons’ killing, trapping, and translocation reasons for these horrid actions and what better humane alternatives are available.
Is It Legal To Trap And Relocate Raccoons In Texas?
Raccoons are frequently seen in the United States and can damage property. According to the Texas department of health technology, it is not allowed to relocate small animals like raccoons, foxes, and other animals without a solid reason.
Under special conditions, authorized individuals are still allowed to come in contact with these little creatures. They can also trap and help in their relocation only if it is within 10 miles of a radius.
Entrapment is prevented because it causes Raccoons to panic and fight against cages. Their outburst can cause “capture myopathy.” This condition causes weak muscles and a lack of coordination. People usually trap raccoons and leave them in another place. This is like vacating a position for the next Raccoon.
We should take measures to ward them off instead of relocating them. Relocating them is very dangerous for animals like raccoons.
Is It Legal To Hunt Raccoons In Texas?
Animals like Raccoons are treated as property by law enforcement agencies. They can be bought and sold, but humane treatment of them is mandatory. Civil and criminal laws are practiced in Texas. They differ in their scope and enforcement as per the circumstances.
Punishments for common crimes like hunting are also decided. The scope of ‘Texas animal cruelty law’ is narrow. They are made for “domesticated animals” or all vertebrates except humans.
It is a crime to hunt Raccoons in Texas. Per the wildlife Dallas, TX regulations, it is illegal to trap, hunt, and kill Raccoons until you have attained the trapping and hunting license from the agencies. The laws are stringent and do not show any leniency whatsoever.
It is better to get rid of them by using remedies rather than going out hunting and landing yourself in legal trouble.
Laws Governing About Raccoons Trapping In Texas
The state laws dictate the fortune of Raccoons. It allows the people to trap Raccoons in Texas, especially when they wreak havoc on the property and crops. Relocating is preferred in Texas rather than resorting to trapping.
Furthermore, it is advised to consult the Dallas Wildlife center in Texas just to ensure that you act according to the stated laws. In urban areas, usually, cage traps are permitted. This allows the caught-up animals to be released whenever you or the authorities want.
Also, you can relocate the Raccoons to another place. The standard size for cages is 10 x 12 x 36 inches in Texas. This size is sufficient. You can bait the traps with chicken pieces, meat, sardines, and fruits. In rural areas, as per the law, leg hold traps are desirable.
The dirt hole is one of them. They are dug about half an inch below the surface of the ground. Then they are covered with soil. Raccoons fall in them and get trapped.
Laws Governing About Raccoons Shooting In Texas
In Texas, it is strictly prohibited to kill Raccoons by shooting them. These fur-bearing animals are protected from any mistreatment by civil laws. Only a person who has a hunting license can shoot these animals in a particular season.
The person with a hunting license also has a permit to trap them. Separate charges are not required in this particular case. However, the law has a slight amendment regarding disease transmission and property damage.
If a particular landowner sees his property being damaged by a Raccoon or if the Raccoon is diseased, then that person is allowed to shoot Raccoons there and with any firearm or weapon he possesses.
The laws are only amended if there is a serious concern. Otherwise, the shooting and hunting of Raccoons are not permissible on Texas state premises.
How Can You Trap Raccoons In Texas State?
The Raccoons can be trapped as per the rules and regulations approved ways. These include the following:
- Digging Small Holes that are six inches deep & three inches cross
- Adding a slant behind these traps so that the Raccoons are guided into them
- The cubby sets have been approved for winter usage
- A triangle house can also be made from logs and sticks. They are one two-foot-deep and one foot high. They are usually covered by leaves, dirt, and sticks by the locals.
- Drags are permissible instead of Stakes. This way the cubby sets are not destroyed by the animals.
- The water sets are to be utilized in areas that have streams or marshy areas. Water sets are encouraged as the animal does not become suspicious of them.
How Can You Shoot And Hunt Raccoons In Texas?
For normal hunting, there is a set of guidelines that you need to follow. These are as per the State Laws. They include:
- Any person who does not have a license or a firearm cannot hunt and shoot Raccoons.
- The landowners are allowed to shoot nuisance animals even without a license.
- The Texas Raccoons Laws protect these furry animals from cruel treatment and unnecessary hunting
- You can only hunt Raccoons for the purpose of relocating them, if they are causing property damage or if they are infected with Rabies
- If you shoot without having a license and on government property, you may be sent to jail as per the cruelty law of the State of Texas.
Wrapping It Up
The State of Texas has by far the most stringent hunting and shooting policy regarding coons. You need to have a license and a good reason to pick up your firearm. Moreover, you cannot keep even think of keeping raccoons as pets by trapping them.
The authorities are quite vigilant in Texas and it is hard to get a permit from them. However, if you have private property there, you are not answerable for your actions and do as you please for keeping your property safe from coons.
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