What Exotic Animals Can Be Hunted Throughout Texas?
Hunting is a popular pastime for both residents and visitors of the Lone Star State. With the abundance of native wildlife and a diverse variety of exotic species that roam the wilderness, hunters from near and far travel to Texas in hopes of leaving with a trophy — and a unique story to go along with it.
If you have an interest in hunting in Texas, Ranger Ridge has a number of exotic animals that you likely won’t see anywhere else in the country. You will be hard pressed to find another preserve where you can legally hunt animals like the nyala, wildebeest and even zebra in the state of Texas.
As a member or resident of the Ranger Ridge Preserve, you have access to over 50 species of exotic animals and many native species that have roamed the area for centuries. From whitetail deer and turkeys to blackbuck and zebra, our expansive nature reserve and master-planned community is home to a variety of legal game.
Exotic Animals You Can Legally Hunt in Texas
In Texas, exotic animals can be legally hunted year-round, but certain species are best hunted at certain times of the year. Before you embark on a hunt, be sure to familiarize yourself with Texas’ public hunting laws and regulations and always obtain the necessary exotic hunting licenses, certifications and permits.
If you plan to hunt exotic animals, the following are legal game in Texas:
(Note: bolded animals can be found in Ranger Ridge)
- Addax
- Zebra
- Kudu
- Nyala
- Springbok
- Wildebeest
- Sable
- Nilgai
- Scimitar Horned Oryx
- Gemsbok
- Eland
- Impala
- Beisa Oryx
- Axis
- Blackbuck
Things to Keep in Mind Before Hunting in Texas
- Complete all required hunting education courses. Similar to most states, Texas has a hunter education program where all hunters between ages nine and older (including those who are from out-of-state) must finish a hunter education course before they can go hunting. Once you complete the course, you will receive a certificate. Although it is not required to be certified before purchasing a hunting license, you must always carry proof of certification while hunting in the state of Texas.
- Obtain your hunting license. All hunters of any age are required to purchase a
hunting license. Of course, there are exceptions under this rule where a hunter doesn’t need a license (i.e., feral hogs on private property, coyote attacks on livestock or domestic animals, hunter has a commercial trapper’s license, etc.). You may need additional endorsements (i.e., Migratory Game Bird, Reptile and Amphibian, Archery, etc.) depending on your hunting activity.
- Waste of game may result in criminal charges or penalties. If you have injured a game bird or animal while hunting anywhere in Texas, you must make a reasonable effort to retrieve it. If you fail to do so, you could be charged with a Class C misdemeanor. This also includes keeping the edible portions of the animal, bird or fish in edible condition.
- Never participate in unlawful hunting activities. At the end of the day, hunting is a dangerous activity that could result in a serious injury (even death) if you fail to adhere to Texas’ hunting laws and regulations. Unlawful activities include things like; hunting on public roads, fishing on privately-owned waters or hunting on private land without the owner’s consent, possessing a deer or any portion of it that has been hit by a car, storing or abandoning an unsecured firearm within reach of children and more.
Planning Your Next Big Game Hunting Trip? Explore the Texas Frontier at Ranger Ridge
Whether you are a Texas native or coming to the Lone Star State because it is one of the country’s premiere hunting destinations, Ranger Ridge membership offers engaging outings for casual and experienced hunters. From bird hunting and fishing to big game hunting, we have 2,100 acres of wilderness for you to explore.
We take pride in our land and work hard to conserve and protect its wildlife — this includes the care and breeding of the native and exotic animals who roam throughout the property.
We invite you to come visit us at Ranger Ridge by booking a private tour online or by calling us at (817) 618-6773.
