I have the TPWD Hunting and Fishing Regulations.
Here is what it says:
A hunting license is required of any person, regardless of age, who hunts any animal or bird in this state, except an alligator hunting license is required to hunt alligators. I have read through the book. I did not see anything, anywhere that said a hunting license was no longer necessary to hunt hogs.
*Update*
Well...I just hit the website and checked there:
Texas Parks and Wildlife"NEW LAW: A landowner (resident or non-resident) or the landowner's agent or lessee may take feral hogs causing depredation on the landowner's land without having acquired a hunting license, but all laws and regulations governing hunter education still apply."
So. It does not say that you do not need a license to hunt hogs. Strictly interpretted you would only be allowed to hunt the hogs if they were causing depredation (damage or loss).
If you were hunting them for 'grins and giggles' then you would not be in compliance with the law.
Game Warden: Let me see your hunting license.
Hunter: I was only hunting hogs.
Game Warden: Why?
Hunter: Just for fun. I had a little spare time on my hands, decided it sounded like something fun to hunt.
Game Warden: Have they been rooting around here alot?
Hunter: No, not really, I haven't seen any sign of them out here.
Game Warden: Here's your ticket for hunting without a license.
TRG