Are Night-Vision Goggles Legal in Texas?

Night-vision goggles usage is legal In Texas. Owning night-vision technology, including night-vision goggles, is not prohibited by any state law. Many hunters use these goggles or night-vision scopes when hunting animals in the dark. This technology offers advantages for hunters over artificial light sources, which are also often used in night hunts. Texas state law only restricts the type of game that can be hunted in the dark with night-vision goggles.

  1. Night Vision Magnifies Existing Light

    • Night-vision equipment was first developed by the U.S. military and allows users to see in the dark. It accomplishes this by magnifying existing light rather than creating additional light sources. Over the past few decades civilian use of night-vision technology has increased due to increased affordability. One of the most popular applications of night- vision goggles is hunting animals in the dark.

    Night Vision Helps Hunters Stay Hidden

    • Hunters prefer to use night vision as it makes targets visible without giving away the hunters' positions. Night vision also illuminates animals without scaring them away. Traditional types of artificial light either reveal hunters' positions or frighten away game. Some states forbid hunting with night-vision technology as opponents believe the use of this type of aide in hunting is unethical. In Texas the use of this technology is permitted with certain restrictions.

    Texas Hog Hunters Use Night-Vision Goggles

    • In Texas, hunting is regulated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). Many Texans prefer to hunt at night because some, like wild feral hogs, are nocturnal. According to the TPWD artificial light sources such as night vision are legal when used for hunting "non-protected, non-game animals and fur-bearing animals" on private property.

    Not All Night Hunting is Legal in Texas

    • Feral hogs are often hunted in Texas at night for recreational purposes and enjoy no special protection under state law. Texas state laws protect game species such as whitetail deer, turkey, javelina, pronghorn and desert big horn sheep, which cannot be hunted at night. Laws also protect fur-bearing animals like beaver, fox and skunks. Laws do not protect non-game animals like feral hogs, coyotes and badgers, which may be hunted at night.