Hutto, TX Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Hutto Code of Ordinances § 18.02.002(c)(1) makes it a class C misdemeanor offense for any person to hunt, catch, trap or feed wildlife within any city park. The same subsection regulates fishing as a narrower carve-out: activities must comply with applicable federal, state and local guidelines and are only allowed in designated areas; city property defaults to catch-and-release, with any fish caught required to be promptly and safely released, unless a location is specifically designated and posted for catch-and-keep. Anglers must hold a valid state fishing license per Texas Parks and Wildlife Department rules (subject to age or disability waivers), and use of nets, traps or other non-rod methods is barred except during authorized designated events; dumping bait, trash or debris into the water is strictly prohibited, and fishing is confined to posted park hours or designated event times.

Subsection (c)(2) separately bars camping in any publicly owned park or playground without written permission from the parks and recreation department director, defining 'camp' by reference to Texas Penal Code § 48.05. Under § 18.02.002(j), violations of the section carry the general penalty of § 1.01.009, and exceptions require city council approval under subsection (k). The provision sits within the broader § 18.02.002 list of prohibited park items and activities adopted by Ordinance O-2025-003 on January 9, 2025.