Texas [TX] Hunting Seasons
Last Updated on August 22, 2022 by Albert Smith
Texas [TX] Hunting Seasons 2022-2023
The State of Texas offers a variety of hunting opportunities throughout the year. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) sets the hunting season dates and bag limits for each species, and regulates the taking of game animals. The following is a summary of the hunting seasons in Texas. The most popular hunting season in Texas is the deer season, which runs from November to January. Other popular hunting seasons include the turkey season, quail season, and hog season.
Texas is a big state with a lot of land, which makes it a great place for hunting. The Texas hunting season runs from October 1- February 2 The most popular game to hunt in Texas is white-tailed deer, but other game includes quail, dove, turkey, waterfowl, and hogs. There are many different types of hunts available in Texas, so there is something for everyone. If you are interested in hunting in Texas, be sure to check out the Texas hunting season.
Texas is a mecca for hunters and wildlife watchers, with a diverse landscape that supports diverse wildlife populations. From barren desert in the west, to lush forest in the east, Texas hunters have a wide range of habitats to hunt in, and plenty of game to hunt. The state has more species of game animals than any other state (elk, monotreme, and camel aside), and plenty of variety in species for hunters of all interests. Whether you\’re a deer hunter looking to fill your tag for multiple bucks, or a bear hunter looking to take a bruin of any size, there’s likely to be a chance in Texas for you. This guide to hunting seasons and rules in Texas will help you plan a hunt and get information about regulations and hunting opportunities for deer, elk, bear, turkey, pronghorn, peccary, and feral hog.
Hunting Licenses and Permits in Texas [tx]:
Hunting is a great pastime that many enjoy throughout the state of Texas. Whether you hunt for sport, food, or specimens for taxidermy, it is necessary to have the proper hunting licenses and permits. The state has several different types available that may be required depending on the type of hunting or fishing you intend to do. Hunters should check with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to determine which licenses and permits they need before starting out. You can check hunting licenses and Permits form here: https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/licenses/hunting-licenses-and-permits
Bag up small (and large!) game during Texas hunting seasons. Game such as alligator, pronghorn, deer, and javelina make for a thrilling hunting experiences. And, several seasons are available with varying bag limit numbers, so lobbying for your favorite species is easy to do!
All residents of Texas—both adults and children—are required to get hunting licenses. You can apply for your license on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website or by visiting a local office. Obtaining a license enables you to hunt, fish, or trap legally. There are six types of licenses available, and you’ll need to meet certain criteria to qualify for each type of license.
Texas contains a diverse landscape of more than 90,000 square miles, providing ample opportunities for hunting. Your state’s department has several helpful programs to help get you started. By purchasing a public land permit, you have access to 1 million acres of land for constant hunting, including 49 Wildlife Management Areas (WMA). The Land Owner Preference system allows you to apply for a weeklong special permit to hunt deer, or pronghorn, for example. Private land hunting permits are also available. For more advanced hunters, private landowner guided and predator hunt opportunities are available. Youth-only hunt lottery drawings provide additional hunting opportunity, and both resident and non-resident hunters can partake in this lottery.
Texas Deer Hunting Seasons:
Deer hunting season in Texas varies depending on the county, but typically runs from October through January. There are four types of deer hunting season in Texas: general, managed lands, muzzleloader and archery. General deer hunting season is the most popular and is when the majority of deer are harvested in the state. Managed lands deer hunting season is when deer are actively managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to help control the population. Muzzleloader deer hunting season is when only muzzleloading firearms are allowed to be used. Archery deer hunting season is when only bows and arrows are allowed to be used.
Deer hunting season in Texas runs from November through January, with different dates for North and South Texas. During this time, hunters can take either one buck or one doe per day. The Texas deer hunting season is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Archery | Jan. 17-30 |
Muzzleloader Only | Jan. 3-16 |
Youth Only | Oct. 30-31 and Jan. 3-16 |
General Season | North: Nov. 6-Jan. 2 South: Nov. 6-Jan.16 |
Special Late Season | North: Jan. 3-16 South: Jan. 17-30 |
Texas Alligator Hunting Seasons:
The alligator hunting season in Texas runs from September 10 to October 30. During this time, alligators can be hunted on public land and private land with a landowner permit. Alligators can be hunted with weapons such as firearms, crossbows, or bows. The Texas Alligator Hunting Program regulates alligator hunting in Texas and requires all hunters to possess a valid alligator hunting license.
Texas alligator hunting seasons are regulated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The open season for alligator hunting is typically from September 10-30. A combination of public and private lands are available for hunting, and alligators may be taken by licensed hunters using firearms, hand-held weapons, or gigs. The daily bag limit is two alligators per person, and the possession limit is four alligators.
General Season | Sept. 10-30** |
**Season dates vary by zone. Check out the details on the Texas Parks and Wildlife before heading out on your hunt.
Texas Mule Deer Hunting Seasons
The mule deer is a deer indigenous to western North America. It gets its name from its large ears, which are similar to those of a mule. The mule deer is sexually dimorphic; bucks (males) are larger than does (females). Mule deer are herbivores, feeding on a diet of grasses, forbs, twigs, and leaves. They are generally diurnal animals, with greater activity in the morning and evening hours. The Texas mule deer hunting season typically runs from October through January. The best time to hunt mule deer in Texas is in the early morning or late evening, when they are most active.
Texas mule deer hunting seasons vary by region. The North and Central regions have a October 28 – November 12 general season, while the South region has a November 11 – 25 general season. Mule deer bucks may only be taken during the prescribed season in the region in which the hunt takes place. A hunting license is required for all hunters.
Archery | Oct. 2-Nov. 5 |
General Season | Nov. 20-Dec. 12** |
**Season dates vary by zone. Visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website for more details.
Texas Pronghorn Hunting Seasons
The pronghorn is the fastest land mammal in North America, capable of running up to 55 miles per hour. native to the western United States and Mexico, the pronghorn is a popular game animal, with hunting seasons occurring in both countries. In Texas, the hunting season for pronghorn runs from October through January. During this time, hunters can take advantage of the pronghorn’s speed and stamina to pursue them on foot or by vehicle.
General Season | Oct. 2-17 |
Texas Wild Turkey Hunting Seasons
The wild turkey hunting season in Texas usually starts in late October and runs through early February. The best time to hunt is usually in the morning, when the turkeys are most active. The best place to find wild turkeys in Texas is in the woods, near a water source.
There are four different hunting seasons for wild turkeys in Texas: Spring, Fall, Youth-Only and Disabled Hunter. The Spring season is the most popular, but all seasons offer a unique challenge. Some of the best places to hunt wild turkeys in Texas are in the Hill Country, South Texas brush country and along the Gulf Coast.
Fall General Season | Nov. 6-Feb. 27** |
Fall Youth Only | North: Oct. 30-31 and Jan. 3-16 South: Oct. 30-31 and Jan. 17-30 |
Spring General Season | Apr. 2-May 15** |
Spring Youth Only | North: Mar. 26-27 and May 21-22 South: Mar. 12-13 and May 7-8 |
**Season dates vary by zone. Visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website for more details.
Texas Javelina Hunting Seasons
Texas javelina hunting seasons are typically December through February, with a extended season in some areas of South Texas. Javelina may be hunted with any caliber of rifle, shotgun, or pistol, but all hunting must be done by sight. Bait may not be used, but dogs may be used to help track and retrieve javelina.
Texas javelina hunting seasons vary depending on the county, but fall generally between October and February. Javelina may be hunted with any caliber of rifle, provided it is capable of killing the animal with a single shot. Javelina may also be hunted with pistols, air rifles, and bows.
General Season | North: Oct. 1-Feb. 27 South: Sept. 1-Aug. 31 |
Texas Small Game Hunting Seasons
The Texas small game hunting season typically runs from early fall to late winter. The most common game animals include squirrels, rabbits, quail, and doves. Hunters must have a valid hunting license and should be familiar with the state’s hunting regulations.
Texas small game hunting seasons are some of the best in the country. From quail and dove to rabbits and squirrels, there is something for everyone. The best part about small game hunting is that it is a great way to get started in hunting. It is a great way to learn the basics of hunting without having to invest a lot of money.
Woodcock | Dec. 18-Jan. 31 |
Teal | Sept. 11-26 |
Snipe | Nov. 6-Feb. 20 |
Squirrel | Sept. 1-May 31** |
Rabbit and Hare | Open Season |
Quail | Oct. 30-Feb. 27 |
Pheasant | Dec. 4-Jan. 2 |
Chachalaca | Oct. 30-Feb. 27 |
**Season dates vary by zone. Visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website for more details.
Bag limits, special seasons and hunting regulations for Texas hunting seasons do vary based on animal and seasons. For more information on obtaining licenses, permits and regulations, visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.
Tips for Hunting in Texas
If you or a friend or family member are travelling from out of state to hunt in Texas, here are a few tips that will help you have a safe and successful hunt.
Book your hunting lodge or camp reservation well in advance. Many sites are completely full by mid-year, and those that still have space often limit the number of vacancies to trusted customers or to those who pay up front for multiple days.
If you’re relying on public land for hunting, make sure you have an up-to-date map at hand, and get or send someone in advance to mark the route you plan to take on the day of your hunt. Texas has a large population and plenty of agriculture, so there are a lot of trails and roads through the state. However, there also a lot of areas with no trails or roads, and it’s easy to lose track of where you are without a map to guide you.
Make sure you know what you can and can’t shoot. In addition to abiding by any applicable hunting regulations, remember that shooting another hunter or other bystander by accident is a crime just as much as shooting a species out of season. Learn what is and isn’t acceptable for shooting according to hunting seasons and rules in Texas, and practice good muzzle control at all times.
Use an app or website to track the weather. It’s not uncommon for the weather in Texas to change several times a day, and you won’t have time on the day of your hunt to check a forecast. Download an app or check a website ahead of time to get a sense of what weather you can expect on your hunt, so you can plan what clothing to bring.
Take along extra food and water. Hunting can be a strenuous activity, especially if you\’re walking long distances through hot, desert terrain. Stave off hunger and dehydration by bringing extra snacks along with you, and consider carrying a GPS device in case you need to signal for help.
Use mosquito repellent; don’t rely on wood fires. The mosquitoes in Texas can be a major impediment to enjoying the outdoors, especially for longer trips in the woods. Make sure to use a repellent that works against malaria as well as ordinary mosquitoes, or you could find your trip suffering from debilitating disease. In addition to preventing disease, mosquito repellent will keep you from being bitten so severely that you suffer from itching and rashes that could lead to skin infections. However, keep in mind that wood fires are restricted in many areas of Texas due to the risk of forest fire.
Remember that pets should not be brought on a hunt. Dogs can make an excellent companion out in the woods, but a hunt is not the appropriate activity for them. Even pets such as mice and cats that are well-adapted to the outdoors have a significant potential to causing harm to wildlife and other outdoor enthusiasts. Pets also have a tendency to panic in confrontations with wild animals, which could lead to the injury or death of the pet as well as the endangered species that provoked the reaction.
Wrap up your gear. Don’t just leave your equipment lying around on a hunt. Remember that wildlife tends to be unpredictable, so you never know when a deer will leap out from behind a tree right where your gun is lying. Ensure that all of your hunting gear is carefully wrapped up or placed in a bin or backpack before you commence a hike or hunt.
Remember that hunting is a regulated activity. Though the principles of hunting have remained largely unchanged over the years, the rules and regulations surrounding hunting have become extremely complicated in today’s world. Ensure that you are duly licensed and permitted to hunt in an area before you proceed under the assumption that it is universally legal to do so.