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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 Texasβ 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 2025β2026
Deer Hunting Season
Dove Hunting Season
Javelina Hunting Season
Migratory Birds Hunting Season
Other Hunting Season
Pheasant Hunting Season
Pronghorn Hunting Season
Quail Hunting Season
Rabbit Hunting Season
Squirrel Hunting Season
Turkey Hunting Season
Waterfowl Hunting Season
π Official source: Texas Parks & Wildlife Hunting Regulations
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 Texasβ 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 Texasβ 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/ |