Table of Contents
Texas Hunting
Discover everything you need to know about hunting in Texas. This guide includes state regulations, public and private hunting lands, outfitter information, licensing details, and tips for a successful hunt in the Lone Star State.
Texas Hunting Regulations
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) provides annual updates to hunting regulations, including bag limits, season dates, and permitted equipment. Hunters must comply with all state and local laws.
TX Hunting Seasons in Texas
Plan your hunting trips with Texas’ diverse hunting seasons:
- Deer: Archery, general, and youth-only seasons for white-tailed and mule deer.
- Turkey: Spring and fall seasons for Rio Grande and eastern wild turkeys.
- Waterfowl: Migratory game bird seasons, including ducks, geese, and sandhill cranes.
- Feral Hogs: No closed season or bag limit for feral hog hunting in Texas.
Visit the TPWD Hunting Seasons Guide for complete details.
Texas Hunting Seasons 2025-2026
Turkey
- Spring – North Zone: March 29 – May 11, 2025
- Spring – South Zone: March 15 – April 27, 2025
- Spring – Special Statewide: April 1 – 30, 2025
- Spring – East Zone: April 22 – May 14, 2025
- Spring – Youth North Zone: March 22 – 23, 2025 and May 17 – 18, 2025
- Spring – Youth South Zone: March 8 – 9, 2025 and May 3 – 4, 2025
- Fall – Archery Statewide: September 28 – November 1, 2025
- Fall – North Zone: November 2, 2025 – January 5, 2026
- Fall – South Zone: November 2, 2025 – January 19, 2026
- Fall – Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg, Willacy: November 2, 2025 – February 23, 2026
- Fall – Youth North Zone: October 25 – 27, 2025 and January 6 – 19, 2026
- Fall – Youth South Zone: October 25 – 27, 2025 and January 20 – February 2, 2026
Javelina
- North Zone: October 1, 2025 – February 23, 2026
- South Zone: September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026
Migratory Game Birds (Rails, Gallinules, Moorhens)
- Statewide: September 14 – 29, 2025 and November 2 – December 25, 2025
Sandhill Cranes
- Zone A: October 26 – January 26, 2026
- Zone B: November 22 – January 26, 2026
- Zone C: December 14 – January 19, 2026
Snipe
- Statewide: November 2, 2025 – February 16, 2026
September Teal
- Statewide: September 14 – 29, 2025
Woodcock
- Statewide: December 18, 2025 – January 31, 2026
Duck
- Regular, High Plains Mallard Management Unit: October 26 – 27, 2025 and November 1 – January 26, 2026
- Regular, North Zone: November 9 – December 1, 2025 and December 7 – January 26, 2026
- Regular, South Zone: November 2 – December 1, 2025 and December 14 – January 26, 2026
- Youth/Veterans, High Plains Mallard Management Unit: October 19 – 20, 2025
- Youth/Veterans, North Zone: November 2 – 3, 2025
- Youth/Veterans, South Zone: October 26 – 27, 2025
Goose
- Early Canada, East Zone: September 14 – 29, 2025
- Dark, West Zone: November 2, 2025 – February 2, 2026
- Dark, East Zone: November 2, 2025 – February 26, 2026
- Light, West Zone: November 2, 2025 – February 2, 2026
- Light, East Zone: November 2, 2025 – February 14, 2026
Deer
The 2025-2026 deer hunting season dates are not yet officially published. Please check the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website for the latest information.
Note: The above hunting season dates are based on information from third-party sources and may be subject to change. Always verify with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for official and up-to-date information.
Public and Private Hunting Lands in Texas
Public Hunting Lands
Texas offers over 1 million acres of public hunting lands through the Annual Public Hunting (APH) Permit. Popular areas include:
- Sam Houston National Forest
- Caddo National Grasslands
- Matagorda Island Wildlife Management Area
Private Land Hunting
Since 95% of Texas land is privately owned, hunters often seek opportunities on ranches and private properties. Landowners may offer lease agreements or guided hunts. Learn more through TPWD’s Private Lands Resources.
- https://www.basecampleasing.com/searchstates/texas_map.htm
- https://huntinglocator.com/leases/state/texas
- https://www.huntingleasenetwork.com/Land_for_Lease/viewlistings.asp?State=TX
Hunting Licenses and Permits
Texas hunters can purchase licenses online through the TPWD Licensing System or from authorized retailers. Common licenses include:
- Resident and non-resident hunting licenses
- Alligator, turkey, and upland game bird permits
- Super Combo License for hunting and fishing
Licenses are required for all hunters, including youth, except for feral hogs on private land.
Outfitters and Hunting Guides
Texas is home to numerous licensed outfitters and guides specializing in deer, exotic game, waterfowl, and upland birds. When selecting a guide, verify their credentials and ensure they comply with state regulations.
| County | Guide Name or Company Name | Address | City | State | Zip | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ochiltree | Panhandle Outfitters Of Texas | P.O. Box 123 | Perryton | TX | 79070 | 806-228-3114 | https://www.texaspanhandlehunts.com/ |
| Victoria | All Seasons Guide Service | 5639 FM 1686 | Victoria | TX | 77905 | 361-920-2825 | https://allseasonsguideservice.com/ |
| Travis | Double Diamond Outfitters | P.O. Box 342345 | Austin | TX | 78734 | 512-653-8236 | https://www.huntdoublediamond.com/ |
| Coleman | First Shot Outfitters | PO Box 837 | Coleman | TX | 76834 | 325-280-3676 | https://firstshothunts.com/ |
| Mitchell | Dirty Texas Outfitters | 123 Hunt Lane | Colorado City | TX | 79512 | 325-370-5699 | https://dirtytexasoutfitters.com/ |
| Grimes | Moody Ranch Outfitters | 12071 FM 244 | Navasota | TX | 77868 | 936-825-2119 | https://www.moodyranch.com/ |
| Fannin | Swamp Nasty Outfitters | 456 Duck Blind Rd | Bonham | TX | 75418 | 903-449-3229 | https://www.swampnastyoutfitters.com/ |
| Hudspeth | Big Rim Outfitters | 789 Desert Trail | Sierra Blanca | TX | 79851 | 575-743-0448 | https://www.bigrimoutfitters.com/ |
| Edwards | Pope Brothers Guide Service | 101 Ranch Road 674 | Rocksprings | TX | 78880 | 956-763-3232 | https://www.huntsintexas.com/ |
Gear Recommendations for Texas Hunts
Prepare for Texas’ varied climates and terrains with the right gear:
- Clothing: Lightweight and breathable gear for warm-weather hunts; insulated layers for winter.
- Footwear: Durable boots for rugged terrains and snake-proof options for safety.
- Hunting Equipment: Scopes and binoculars for spotting game; appropriate firearms or bows for the chosen species.
Conservation and Ethical Hunting
Support Texas’ wildlife conservation efforts by following ethical hunting practices and participating in programs like the TPWD Wildlife Management Program. Hunting license fees contribute to habitat preservation and wildlife management.
Hunting Tips for Texas
- Scout hunting areas early to identify game trails and water sources.
- Understand local game behavior, such as deer feeding and bedding patterns.
- Carry plenty of water and sun protection for hunts in arid regions.
Start Your Texas Hunting Adventure
From deer and turkey to feral hogs and exotic game, Texas offers unmatched hunting opportunities. Use these resources to plan your next trip and enjoy a safe, successful season!
Texas Deer Processors
| County | Processor Name | Address | City | State | Phone | Website | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWitt | Buesing Processing | 2226 FM 2816 | Westhoff | TX | (361) 275-4176 | ||
| Jefferson | Courville’s Meat Co. | 1744 Rose Lane | Beaumont | TX | (409) 860-9811 | ||
| Travis | Hudson Meat Market | 1800 S. Congress Ave | Austin | TX | (512) 445-6611 | orders@hudsonmeat.com | https://www.hudsonsmeatmarket.com/deer-game-processing |
| Burleson | Slovacek’s Sausage | 2142 FM 141 | Snook | TX | (979) 272-8349 | https://www.slovacek.com/wild-game-processing/ | |
| Waller | Arnold Deer Processing | 25504 Old Houston Hwy | Hempstead | TX | (979) 826-3232 | https://www.arnolddeerprocessing.com/ | |
| Tom Green | J’s Deer & Wild Game Processing | 7005 US Hwy 277S | San Angelo | TX | (325) 651-6175 | https://westtxdeer.com/ | |
| Montgomery | Ainsworth Meats | State Hwy 249 | Magnolia | TX | (281) 356-7133 | https://www.ainsworthmeats.com/wild-game-processing | |
| Montgomery | Fleming’s Processing | FM 1097 | Willis | TX | (936) 856-5522 | https://flemingsprocessing.com/ |