The Guide to Texas Hunting Seasons

Texas isn’t just big in size—it’s big in hunting opportunities too. From the piney woods of East Texas to the rugged mountains of the West, the Lone Star State offers some of the most diverse and exciting hunting in the country. Whether you're after white-tailed deer, wild turkey, feral hogs, or migratory birds, there's a season—and a place—for you.

But before you head out into the field, it’s crucial to understand Texas’s hunting seasons, regulations, and licensing requirements. This guide breaks it all down for you. We’ll cover everything from big game and small game calendars to public hunting opportunities, special draws, and legal requirements for each species.

Whether you’re a lifelong Texas hunter or planning your first trip to the state, this guide will help you stay informed, prepared, and legal throughout the hunting season. Let’s dive in and get you ready for a successful time in the Texas wild.

What You Should Know Before Hunting in Texas

Before you hit the field, here are the essentials:

License Required: Every hunter needs a valid Texas hunting license. Youth, senior, and non-resident options are available.

Hunter Education: If you were born after Sept. 2, 1971, you need to complete a Hunter Ed course (or get a one-time deferral).

Know Your Weapons: Not all methods are legal for all species. Check if it’s firearm, archery, or muzzleloader season—and what’s allowed for each animal.

Tags & Permits: Big game like deer and turkey require tagging right after harvest. Some animals also need special permits.

Land Rules Matter: You must have permission to hunt on private land. Public land requires a permit and comes with its set of rules.

Big Game Hunting Seasons

White-tailed Deer

Archery Season: September 28 – November 1, 2025.

General Season:

North Zone: November 1, 2025 – January 5, 2026.

South Zone: November 1, 2025 – January 19, 2026.

Muzzleloader Season: January 6 – January 19, 2026.

Mule Deer

General Season:

Panhandle: November 23 – December 8, 2025.

Trans-Pecos: November 30 – December 15, 2025.

Archery-Only Season: September 28 – November 1, 2025.

Pronghorn Antelope

General Season: September 28 – October 13, 2025.

Note: Hunting is by permit only.

Javelina

North Zone: October 1, 2025 – February 23, 2026.

South Zone: September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026.

Small Game and Upland Birds

Squirrel

East Texas: Fall and spring apply.

Other Regions: Open season year-round in most of the state.

Rabbit and Hare

Season: No closed season; hunting is permitted year-round.

Bobwhite and Scaled Quail

Season: November 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026.

Bag Limits: Daily bag limit of 15 birds.

Pheasant

Season: December 6, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (Panhandle counties only).

Chachalaca

Season: October 25, 2025 – February 28, 2026 in designated South Texas counties.

Migratory Game Birds

Dove

North Zone:

September 1 – November 12, 2025.

December 20, 2025 – January 5, 2026.

Central Zone:

September 1 – October 30, 2025.

December 20, 2025 – January 14, 2026.

South Zone:

September 14 – October 30, 2025.

December 20, 2025 – January 21, 2026.

Special White-winged Dove Days:

September 5–7 and 12–13, 2025, in the South Zone only.

Teal (Early Season)

Season: September 13 – September 21, 2025.

Duck

North Zone:

November 9 – December 8, 2025.

December 14, 2025 – January 26, 2026.

South Zone:

November 2 – December 8, 2025.

December 14, 2025 – January 26, 2026.

Goose

West Zone: November 2, 2025 – February 2, 2026.

Sandhill Crane

Season: Late October through January; specific dates vary by zone.

Woodcock, Rails, Gallinules, Snipe

Season: Typically mid-fall to winter; dates vary annually.

Tips for a Successful Hunting Season in Texas

1. Understand the Rules and Seasons

Texas is divided into multiple hunting zones, and each has specific dates and bag limits for different species. Always double-check the current season dates, legal shooting hours, and any special regulations for the county or zone you plan to hunt in. This step helps avoid costly mistakes or violations.

2. Secure Proper Licensing and Tags

Before heading into the field, make sure you’ve purchased the correct hunting license and any species-specific tags or endorsements (like turkey stamps, migratory game bird endorsements, or a federal duck stamp). Youth, senior, and veteran hunters may qualify for discounted licenses.

3. Use the Right Gear for the Terrain

From brushy South Texas to the open plains of the Panhandle, Texas terrain varies widely. Use rugged boots, snake gaiters where needed, and gear that can withstand thick mesquite, cactus, or muddy bottoms. Lightweight packs, hydration systems, and reliable optics go a long way.

4. Scout Your Hunting Grounds

Pre-season scouting can make or break your hunt. Use trail cameras, binoculars, or just old-fashioned observation to learn about animal movement patterns, feeding areas, bedding zones, and travel corridors. Look for signs like tracks, rubs, droppings, or feeding damage.

5. Choose the Right Hunting Method

Texas allows various legal methods for different game—rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, archery gear, and even air guns for some species. Understand which weapons are allowed for your target game and season, and make sure you’re proficient and sighted in before the hunt begins.

Conclusion

Texas provides some of the most unique and satisfying hunting experiences in the country, from stalking white-tailed deer through dense brush to calling in ducks over coastal marshes. Whether you're an experienced outdoorsman or just starting started, knowing the rules, respecting the land, and properly preparing will help you have a safe, legal, and successful season.

By remaining informed and hunting properly, you are not only seeking game, but also helping to preserve Texas' rich hunting legacy and natural resources for future generations. So get out there, enjoy the untamed beauty of Texas, and make the most of the hunting season.

Bonus Tip: Consider using a UTV to navigate hunting lands and carry your essentials. Equip your UTV with the right accessories to make the most of your Texas hunting adventure.

FAQs

Q1: How many deer can you shoot a year in Texas?

A1: A normal Texas hunting license allows hunters to harvest up to five white-tailed deer each year statewide. Within this limit, no more than three bucks (male deer with antlers) are permitted, with the remaining does (female deer) subject to local laws.

Q2: Is there anything you can hunt year-round?

A2: In Texas, you can hunt feral hogs, coyotes, and exotic species like axis deer and aoudad year-round with no bag limits. A valid hunting license and landowner permission are required, even without a set season.

Q3: How many acres can you hunt on in Texas?

A3: In Texas, there’s no statewide minimum acreage for hunting, but many counties require at least 10 acres to legally hunt or discharge a firearm. Always check local regulations before hunting.