Would allow landowners to sell seats on helicopters to hunt the creatures

Austin — Texans could hunt hogs and coyotes from helicopters under legislation that has passed the Texas House.

The bill sailed out of the House on a 137-9 vote Monday. Under current rules, Texans can pay a contractor to hunt hogs from a helicopter over their land. The bill that passed Monday would allow landowners to sell seats on helicopters to hunt the creatures, potentially making a profit. The legislation also lists coyotes as fair game.

A permit would still be required. The bill faces another perfunctory vote in the House before heading to the Senate, where its fate is less certain.