Texas Hunting Seasons Information and Regulations
*All information listed below is disclosed based on research we have conducted. We do our best to ensure that all information is up to date and accurate. However, rules and regulations are changing every day. Please make sure to verify your state-specific regulations prior to your hunt.
Hunting season in Texas is a popular outdoor activity for many people. Between October and February, hunters can hunt for a variety of game animals such as whitetail deer, wild turkeys, and hogs. Hunting season regulations are regulated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to ensure safety and sustainability of wildlife populations. Hunters must purchase a hunting license and follow all TPWD rules and regulations to participate in the sport of hunting. Additionally, they must possess appropriate firearms and ammunition, as well as wear blaze orange clothing while out in the field. Hunters should familiarize themselves with local laws, public land access points, and areas where game animals are most likely to be located. After a successful hunt, hunters should properly dress and prepare their game to ensure the meat is safe for consumption. With careful preparation, hunting season in Texas can be an enjoyable experience that provides a sustainable source of wild game for the table.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department offers several resources to help make hunting season more successful. They provide maps of public lands, detailed regulations and restrictions on hunting specific game animals, and educational courses for those looking to learn more about the sport. They also have a variety of programs designed to help promote wildlife conservation and management in Texas.
Texas Deer Seasons
| Archery | Oct. 1 – Nov. 4 |
| Muzzleloader Only | Jan. 2 – 15 |
| Youth Only | Oct. 29 – 30 Jan. 2 – 15 |
| General Season | North: Nov. 5-Jan. 1 South: Nov. 5-Jan.15 |
| Special Late Season | North: Jan. 2-15 South: Jan. 16-29 |
*White-tailed deer are the primary species of deer found in Texas. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department manages the state’s deer populations through hunting regulations, bag limits, and herd management programs. Texas is renowned for having some of the largest deer in the country and is a popular destination for hunters and wildlife enthusiasts. In addition to hunting, white-tailed deer can also be observed in natural areas and parks throughout the state.
Texas Alligator Seasons
| General Season | Special Properties: Sept. 10 – 30 Elsewhere: April 1 – June 30 |
Alligators are found in various regions of Texas, including marshes, swamps, bayous, and rivers. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department manages alligator populations in the state through regulated hunting seasons and harvest limits. Alligator hunting is a popular activity in Texas, and hunters are required to have a valid hunting license and alligator tag to participate.
In addition to hunting, alligators can also be observed in some of the state’s parks and wildlife management areas. It is important to note that alligators can be dangerous and it is always recommended to follow the guidelines set forth by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for observing and interacting with these animals.
Texas Mule Deer Seasons
| Archery | Oct. 1 – Nov. 4 |
| General Season | Panhandle: Nov. 19 – Dec. 4 Trans-Pecos: Nov. 25 – Dec. 11 |
Mule deer are a species of deer found in western and southwestern Texas. They are known for their large ears and distinctive appearance. In Texas, mule deer populations are managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department through hunting regulations, bag limits, and herd management programs. Mule deer hunting is a popular activity in the state, and hunters are required to have a valid hunting license and deer tag to participate. In addition to hunting, mule deer can also be observed in natural areas and parks throughout western Texas.
Texas Pronghorn Seasons
| General Season | Oct. 1 – 16 |
*The dates for hunting seasons vary depending on the specific zone. For more information, it is recommended to visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.
Texas Javelina Seasons
| General Season | North: Oct. 1 – Feb. 26 South: Sept. 1 – Aug. 31 |
*The dates for hunting seasons vary depending on the specific zone. For more information, it is recommended to visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.
Texas Wild Turkey Seasons
| Fall General Season | Nov. 5 – Feb. 26 |
| Fall Youth Only | North: Oct. 29 – 30 and Jan. 2 – 15 South: Oct. 29 – 30 and Jan. 16 – 29 |
| Spring General Season | April 1 – 30 |
| Spring Youth Only | North: March 25 – 26 and May 20 – 21 South: March 11 – 12 and May 6 – 7 |
| Eastern Turkey Spring Season | April 22-May 14 |
*The dates for hunting seasons vary depending on the specific zone. For more information, it is recommended to visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.
Texas Small Game Seasons
| Woodcock | Dec. 18 – Jan. 3115 |
| Teal | Sept. 10 – 25 |
| Snipe | Nov. 5 – Feb. 19 |
| Squirrel | Sept. 1 – Feb. 26 |
| Rabbit and Hare | Open season |
| Quail | Oct. 29 – Feb. 26 |
| Pheasant | Dec. 3 – Jan. 1 |
| Chachalaca | Oct. 29 – Feb. 26 |
In Texas, rules for hunting various animals, including restrictions on the number of animals that can be taken and special hunting periods, can change depending on the species and the season. To learn more about obtaining hunting licenses, permits, and understanding regulations, visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.
Texas Crossbow Regulations
Crossbow Specific Regulations: In Texas, crossbows are considered a legal method of taking game during archery seasons. However, there may be specific regulations regarding the use of crossbows, such as restrictions on the use of mechanical aids.
It is important to note that crossbow regulations can change from year to year, so it’s best to check with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, hunters using crossbows may still be required to have the appropriate licenses and permits, and to follow all other hunting regulations, such as wearing fluorescent orange during firearms seasons.
Texas Hunting License
In Texas, most hunters are required to have a hunting license in order to legally hunt certain species. The type of license required and the cost can vary depending on the hunter’s age, residency status, and the type of hunting being done. For example, there may be different licenses for residents and non-residents, as well as separate licenses for hunting big game, small game, and migratory birds.
In addition to a hunting license, hunters may also be required to have additional permits, such as a big game hunting permit or a turkey hunting permit, in order to hunt specific species. The exact requirements can change from year to year, so it’s best to check with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for the most up-to-date information.
Licenses and permits can usually be purchased through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s website, at authorized license agents, or by calling a toll-free number.
If you want to check out the next state on our list, click here to see Utah.
Or, you can check out the last state on our list, Tennessee.
