Texas hunting

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

Data sourced from Texas Parks & Wildlife. Last updated February 24, 2026. Always verify with your state wildlife agency before hunting.

Deer Hunting Season

Closed
Mule Deer
Archery
Sep 27, 2025β†’Nov 21, 2025
πŸ“ Panhandle
Closed
Mule Deer
Archery
Sep 27, 2025β†’Nov 27, 2025
πŸ“ Trans-Pecos
Closed
Mule Deer
General
Nov 22, 2025β†’Dec 7, 2025
πŸ“ Panhandle
Closed
Mule Deer
General
Nov 28, 2025β†’Dec 14, 2025
πŸ“ Trans-Pecos
Closed
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Sep 27, 2025β†’Oct 31, 2025
πŸ“ 252 of 254 counties
Closed
White-tailed Deer
Youth
Oct 24, 2025β†’Oct 26, 2025
πŸ“ Statewide
Closed
White-tailed Deer
General
Nov 1, 2025β†’Jan 4, 2026
πŸ“ North
Closed
White-tailed Deer
General
Nov 1, 2025β†’Jan 18, 2026
πŸ“ South
Closed
White-tailed Deer
Special Late
Jan 5, 2026β†’Jan 18, 2026
πŸ“ North
Closed
White-tailed Deer
Youth
Jan 5, 2026β†’Jan 18, 2026
πŸ“ Statewide
Closed
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader
Jan 5, 2026β†’Jan 18, 2026
πŸ“ 90 of 254 counties
Closed
White-tailed Deer
Special Late
Jan 19, 2026β†’Feb 1, 2026
πŸ“ South

Dove Hunting Season

Closed
Dove
Regular
Sep 1, 2025β†’Jan 7, 2026
πŸ“ North
Closed
Dove
Regular
Sep 1, 2025β†’Jan 14, 2026
πŸ“ Central
Closed
Dove
Regular
Sep 14, 2025β†’Jan 22, 2026
πŸ“ South
Closed
White-winged Dove
Special
Sep 5, 2025β†’Sep 13, 2025
πŸ“ South

Javelina Hunting Season

🟒 Open Now
Javelina
General
Sep 1, 2025β†’Aug 31, 2026
πŸ“ South
Closed
Javelina
General
Oct 1, 2025β†’Feb 22, 2026
πŸ“ North

Migratory Birds Hunting Season

Closed
Rails, Gallinules & Moorhens
Regular
Sep 20, 2025β†’Dec 31, 2025
πŸ“ Statewide
Closed
Sandhill Crane
Regular
Oct 25, 2025β†’Jan 25, 2026
πŸ“ A
Closed
Sandhill Crane
Regular
Nov 21, 2025β†’Jan 25, 2026
πŸ“ B
Closed
Sandhill Crane
Regular
Dec 13, 2025β†’Jan 18, 2026
πŸ“ C
Closed
Snipe
Regular
Nov 1, 2025β†’Feb 15, 2026
πŸ“ Statewide
Closed
Teal
September Teal Only
Sep 20, 2025β†’Sep 28, 2025
πŸ“ Statewide
Closed
Woodcock
Regular
Dec 18, 2025β†’Jan 31, 2026
πŸ“ Statewide

Other Hunting Season

Closed
Alligator
General
Sep 10, 2025β†’Sep 30, 2025
πŸ“ 22 Counties & Special Properties
πŸ“… Upcoming
Alligator
General
Apr 1, 2026β†’Jun 30, 2026
πŸ“ All Other Counties
Closed
Chachalaca
Regular
Oct 25, 2025β†’Feb 22, 2026
πŸ“ Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr & Willacy Counties

Pheasant Hunting Season

Closed
Pheasant
Regular
Dec 6, 2025β†’Jan 4, 2026
πŸ“ Panhandle/South Plains

Pronghorn Hunting Season

Closed
Pronghorn
General
Oct 4, 2025β†’Oct 19, 2025
πŸ“ 41 of 254 counties

Quail Hunting Season

Closed
Quail
Regular
Nov 1, 2025β†’Feb 28, 2026
πŸ“ Statewide

Rabbit Hunting Season

Upcoming
Rabbits and Hares
Regular
No closed season→No closed season
πŸ“ Statewide

Squirrel Hunting Season

🟒 Open Now
Squirrel
General
Sep 1, 2025β†’Aug 31, 2026
πŸ“ Other open counties
Closed
Squirrel
Youth
Sep 26, 2025β†’Sep 28, 2025
πŸ“ East Texas
Closed
Squirrel
General
Oct 1, 2025β†’Feb 22, 2026
πŸ“ East Texas

Turkey Hunting Season

Closed
Wild Turkey
Archery
Sep 27, 2025β†’Oct 31, 2025
πŸ“ Statewide
Closed
Wild Turkey
Youth
Oct 24, 2025β†’Jan 18, 2026
πŸ“ North
Closed
Wild Turkey
Youth
Oct 24, 2025β†’Feb 1, 2026
πŸ“ South
Closed
Wild Turkey
Fall
Nov 1, 2025β†’Jan 4, 2026
πŸ“ North
Closed
Wild Turkey
Fall
Nov 1, 2025β†’Jan 18, 2026
πŸ“ South
Closed
Wild Turkey
Fall
Nov 1, 2025β†’Feb 22, 2026
πŸ“ Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg & Willacy counties
🟒 Open Now
Wild Turkey
Spring Youth
Mar 7, 2026β†’May 3, 2026
πŸ“ South
🟒 Open Now
Wild Turkey
Spring
Mar 14, 2026β†’Apr 26, 2026
πŸ“ South
🟒 Open Now
Wild Turkey
Spring Youth
Mar 21, 2026β†’May 17, 2026
πŸ“ North
πŸ“… Upcoming
Wild Turkey
Spring
Mar 28, 2026β†’May 10, 2026
πŸ“ North
πŸ“… Upcoming
Wild Turkey
Spring
Apr 1, 2026β†’Apr 30, 2026
πŸ“ One-turkey counties
πŸ“… Upcoming
Wild Turkey
Spring
Apr 22, 2026β†’May 14, 2026
πŸ“ East

Waterfowl Hunting Season

Closed
Canada Goose
Early
Sep 13, 2025β†’Sep 28, 2025
πŸ“ East
Closed
Dark Geese
Regular
Nov 1, 2025β†’Feb 1, 2026
πŸ“ West
Closed
Dark Geese
Regular
Nov 1, 2025β†’Jan 25, 2026
πŸ“ East
Closed
Duck
Youth/Veterans
Oct 11, 2025β†’Oct 12, 2025
πŸ“ High Plains Mallard Management Unit
Closed
Duck
Regular
Oct 18, 2025β†’Jan 25, 2026
πŸ“ High Plains Mallard Management Unit
Closed
Duck
Youth/Veterans
Oct 25, 2025β†’Oct 26, 2025
πŸ“ South
Closed
Duck
Regular
Nov 1, 2025β†’Jan 25, 2026
πŸ“ South
Closed
Duck
Youth/Veterans
Nov 1, 2025β†’Nov 2, 2025
πŸ“ North
Closed
Duck
Regular
Nov 8, 2025β†’Jan 25, 2026
πŸ“ North
Closed
Light Geese
Regular
Nov 1, 2025β†’Feb 1, 2026
πŸ“ West
Closed
Light Geese
Regular
Nov 1, 2025β†’Feb 15, 2026
πŸ“ East

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.

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.

CountyGuide Name or Company NameAddressCityStateZipPhoneWebsite
OchiltreePanhandle Outfitters Of TexasP.O. Box 123PerrytonTX79070806-228-3114https://www.texaspanhandlehunts.com/
VictoriaAll Seasons Guide Service5639 FM 1686VictoriaTX77905361-920-2825https://allseasonsguideservice.com/
TravisDouble Diamond OutfittersP.O. Box 342345AustinTX78734512-653-8236https://www.huntdoublediamond.com/
ColemanFirst Shot OutfittersPO Box 837ColemanTX76834325-280-3676https://firstshothunts.com/
MitchellDirty Texas Outfitters123 Hunt LaneColorado CityTX79512325-370-5699https://dirtytexasoutfitters.com/
GrimesMoody Ranch Outfitters12071 FM 244NavasotaTX77868936-825-2119https://www.moodyranch.com/
FanninSwamp Nasty Outfitters456 Duck Blind RdBonhamTX75418903-449-3229https://www.swampnastyoutfitters.com/
HudspethBig Rim Outfitters789 Desert TrailSierra BlancaTX79851575-743-0448https://www.bigrimoutfitters.com/
EdwardsPope Brothers Guide Service101 Ranch Road 674RockspringsTX78880956-763-3232https://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

CountyProcessor NameAddressCityStatePhoneEmailWebsite
DeWittBuesing Processing2226 FM 2816WesthoffTX(361) 275-4176
JeffersonCourville’s Meat Co.1744 Rose LaneBeaumontTX(409) 860-9811
TravisHudson Meat Market1800 S. Congress AveAustinTX(512) 445-6611orders@hudsonmeat.comhttps://www.hudsonsmeatmarket.com/deer-game-processing
BurlesonSlovacek’s Sausage2142 FM 141SnookTX(979) 272-8349https://www.slovacek.com/wild-game-processing/
WallerArnold Deer Processing25504 Old Houston HwyHempsteadTX(979) 826-3232https://www.arnolddeerprocessing.com/
Tom GreenJ’s Deer & Wild Game Processing7005 US Hwy 277SSan AngeloTX(325) 651-6175https://westtxdeer.com/
MontgomeryAinsworth MeatsState Hwy 249MagnoliaTX(281) 356-7133https://www.ainsworthmeats.com/wild-game-processing
MontgomeryFleming’s ProcessingFM 1097WillisTX(936) 856-5522https://flemingsprocessing.com/

Texas Hunting Youtube Channels

Texas TikTok Hunting Videos