Texas Hunting Seasons 2025: Dates, License&Regulations

*The newest Texas hunting seasons have been updated. Prepare for your trip now!

The southwest region in the US is famous for its abundant wildlife, providing hunters with a wide variety of game animals, birds, and vast landscapes to explore. Texas is recognized as a highly valued state in this region, with hunting enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the upcoming seasons.

In this comprehensive guide, we have collected the dates, limits, and rules for the Texas deer season, covering various game animals. We will also touch upon hunting license requirements and important regulations that every hunter must adhere to.

Texas Deer Hunting Seasons

In Texas, you can hunt mule deer and white-tailed deer from last September to late January next year. The Texas deer season runs about 4 months, giving hunters much time to enjoy this outdoor sport.

Mule Deer Season Dates in Texas

There are 2 mule deer seasons in different counties. Make sure you check the dates and the limited zones when planning your trip. Each hunter can harvest up to 2 mule deer, and one of them may be a buck.

White-tailed Deer Season Dates in Texas

The state offers more opportunities for white-tailed deer hunting with 5 seasons.

🔔Notes: Each hunter can hunt an annual bag limit of two mule deer, no more than one may be a buck. For white-tailed deer, hunters can hunt an annual bag limit of five white-tailed deer; no more than three may be bucks. The limits vary in different counties; you may check the details from the Official Regulation Guide Book.

Timing the Texas Deer Rut

While the early season opens in late September, the “real” action in Texas depends on where you are.

In North Texas, look for the rut to peak in mid-to-late November. However, if you’re heading to South Texas (the Brush Country), don’t burn your vacation days too early. The legendary “South Texas Rut” typically doesn’t heat up until mid-December or even January.

In North Texas, the deer rut is expected to reach its peak around mid to late November. However, if you’re traveling to South Texas (the Brush Country), don’t walk into the woods too soon because the South Texas Rut usually starts around mid-December or even January.

Thanks to decent weather and rain in 2025, biologists are seeing high-quality antlers in Mason and Llano counties. If you’re looking for a mature 4.5+ year-old buck, South Texas would be your best choice, as nearly 60% of bucks harvested there meet that age criteria.

Texas Turkey Hunting Season

Texas Spring turkey hunt is around the corner. Check the season dates and follow the rules to track your trophy.

2025 Turkey Seasons

Spring Seasons:

• Mar. 29 – May 11, 2025 (North)
• Mar. 15 – Apr. 27, 2025 (South)
• Apr. 22 – May 14, 2025 (East)
• Apr. 1-30, 2025 (One-turkey counties)

Youth Only:

• Apr. 22 – May 14, 2025 (East)
• Mar. 22 – 23 & May 17 – 18, 2025 (North)
• Mar. 8 – 9 & May 3 – 4, 2025 (South)

Archery Only:

• Sept. 27 – Oct. 31, 2025

Fall Seasons:

• Nov. 1, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026 (North)
• Nov. 1, 2025 – Jan. 18, 2026 (South)
• Nov. 1, 2025 – Feb. 22, 2026 (Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg, and Willacy Counties)
• Youth Only: Oct. 24 – 26, 2025 & Jan. 5 – 18, 2026(North ); Oct. 24 – 26, 2025 & Jan. 19 – Feb. 1, 2026 (South)

2026 Turkey Seasons

Spring Seasons:

• Mar. 28 – May 10, 2026 (North)
• Mar. 14 – Apr. 26, 2026 (South)
• Apr. 22 – May 14, 2026 (East)
• Apr. 1 – 30, 2026 (One-turkey counties)

Youth Only:

• Mar. 21 – 22 & May 16 – 17, 2026 (North)
• Mar. 7 – 8 & May 2 – 3, 2026 (South)

Turkey Draw Hunts

Some specific turkey hunts need to be applied; here are the details:

To apply for a turkey drawn hunt in Texas, you’ll need to use the official Public Hunt Drawing System. This system offers various hunting opportunities, including special permit hunts for turkey and other species.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying:

1. Visit the Drawn Hunts Page: Start your application by going to the Drawn Hunts page. This page provides all the necessary information and links to begin your application.
2. Understand the Hunt Types: The Drawing System includes Special Permit Hunts in categories like General, Youth Only, and Adult Only. There are also E-Postcard Selection Hunts available for those with an Annual Public Hunting Permit.
3. Application Deadlines: Be mindful of the application deadlines, which occur on the 1st and 15th of each month. Ensure you submit your application before these dates to be considered for the draw.
4. Checking Your Application Status: After applying, you can check the status of your application at any time. Simply visit the Drawing System Page to verify your application status.
5. Receiving Notifications: If you are selected for a hunt, you will receive an email notification at the address linked to your Customer Account. Please note that non-selected applicants will not receive any notifications.

Draw Hunt Schedules and Limits

What’s New in 2026 Spring Season?

This year should be a turkey-boom year because of excellent nesting conditions in previous years. 2026 is seeing an abundance of 2-year-old birds. These are the most aggressive and fun birds to hunt because they respond eagerly to calling.

In 2026, hunters should be aware of the boundary change in Hill County. The dividing line for turkey zones is now IH-35E. Also, Lubbock County is now officially open for spring turkey hunting, which will be a huge win for West Texas hunters.

If the spring is early, gobblers might get “henned up” quickly. If you don’t see birds in the morning, try hunting between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM when hens leave to nest, and gobblers get lonely. Check out this Complete Turkey Hunting Guide.

Texas Upland Birds Season Dates

The bag limits for each of them are:

• Pheasant: 3 cocks daily and up to 9 cocks in total
• Quail: 15 daily and up to 45 in total
• Chachalaca: 5 daily and up to 15 in total

Texas Dove Season Dates

Texas Waterfowl Seasons

Duck Season Dates

Goose Season Dates

What Hunters Need to Know:

For the 2025-2026 season, the big news is the increased daily bag limit for waterfowl. Hunters can now take Northern Pintails each day. After years of restrictions, this is great for those who hunt these marsh birds.

This year, pond counts in the northern prairies were below average. This means birds may gather in larger, permanent water sources in Texas instead of being spread out in small ponds.

If you’re hunting along the coast, keep an eye on the “Blue Northers” (cold fronts) closely because that’s when new birds arrive in the Laguna Madre.

Texas Alligator Season Dates

Small Game Seasons In Texas

Rabbits Season Dates

There is no closed season for rabbits, meaning that you can hunt them anytime, and as many as you want, on both public and private lands.

Texas Squirrel Season Dates

For seasons in East Texas, the bag limit is 10 squirrels in total. For the rest counties, there is no bag limit.

Texas Javelina Season Dates

• North: Oct. 1 – Feb. 22, 2026
• South: Sep. 1 – Aug. 31, 2026
• Bag Limit: 2 per hunter

Texas Pronghorn Season Dates

• General Season: Oct. 4 – 19, 2025 (Available in 41 counties  only)

Other Game Birds Seasons

Season Limits References:

• Rails, Gallinules & Moorhens: 15 (Daily ) and 45 (Total)
• Sandhill Cranes: 3 (Daily ) and 9 (Total)
• Snipe: 8 (Daily ) and 24 (Total)
• Teal: 6 (Daily ) and 18 (Total)
• Woodcock: 3 (Daily ) and 9 (Total)

How Much Does It Cost For Texas Hunting Licenses?

The licenses are going on sale on August 15 each year. You can buy the licenses on the official site here: Texas Online Hunting Licenses.

The following is the breakdown of the costs of Texas hunting licenses for residents and non-residents:

Residents Licenses:

• Resident Hunting License: $25
• Senior Resident Hunting License(65 years and older): $7
• Resident/Nonresident Youth Hunting License(under 17 years): $7
• Resident Trapper’s License: $19
• Lifetime Resident Hunting Package: $1,000

Nonresidents Licenses:

• Non-resident Trapper’s License: $315
• Non-resident General Hunting License: $315
• Non-resident Spring Turkey License: $126
• Nonresident Special Small Game/Exotic Hunting: $132
• Nonresident 5-Day Special Small Game/Exotic Hunting: $48
• Non-resident Banded Bird Hunting License: $27

Texas Hunting Licenses and Regulations

In Texas, hunting licenses and regulations are essential to ensure safe and sustainable hunting practices. Here are some key hunting license requirements and regulations in Texas:

1. Hunting License: A hunting license is required for anyone, regardless of age, to hunt any animal, bird, frog, or turtle in the state of Texas. The license must be valid and appropriate for the type of game you intend to hunt. In 2026, Texas is now fully digital. You can carry your hunting license on the Texas Hunt & Fish app, no paper license needed.

2. Youth License: Texas offers a Youth License for residents and non-residents under the age of 17. This license covers hunting for all legal game birds and animals. Youth hunters can also participate in special youth-only hunting seasons.

3. Non-Resident License: Non-residents of Texas must obtain a non-resident hunting license to hunt in the state. The fees for non-resident licenses are typically higher than those for residents.

4. Special Licenses: Depending on the type of game you intend to hunt, additional licenses or permits may be required. These may include licenses for hunting migratory birds, alligators, pronghorn antelope, and more.

5. Tagging and Reporting: Certain game animals like deer and turkey require special tags to be attached immediately upon harvesting the animal. Additionally, hunters are required to report their harvested game within a specified time frame.

6. Hunter Education: Texas mandates that anyone born on or after September 2, 1971, must complete a hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license. Exceptions may apply to individuals with certain exemptions.

7. Hunting Seasons: The Texas hunting seasons have special dates and limits for different game animals and birds. These seasons vary by species and region, so it’s crucial to check the current regulations for your specific hunting area.

8. Bag Limits: Bag limits specify the number of game animals or birds a hunter is allowed to harvest in a single day or during a hunting season. Make sure that you follow the limits.

9. Firearm Regulations: Specific rules govern the type of firearms and ammunition that can be used for hunting in Texas. Make sure your equipment complies with these regulations.

10. CWD Update: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has made some rules about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) easier to follow. Many required check stations are now optional, but you still can’t move a whole carcass out of a CWD zone. You need to quarter it in the field first.

Conclusion

Hunting in the Southwest United States offers a wide range of opportunities to connect with nature and pursue your passion for the outdoors. In Texas, the region provides a diverse selection of game animals.

Remember that responsible hunting is not only required to follow the rules and regulations but also to respect the environment and the animals. Make safety a priority, get all appropriate licenses and permissions, and always be an ethical hunter.

As you plan your hunting trips in these states, be sure to check for any updates or changes in regulations and season dates. We will also keep you updated with any new changes!

Read more about nearby states:

• US Hunting Season Summary For 50 States
• Oklahoma Hunting Season
• New Mexico hunting Season
• Louisiana Hunting Season
• Arkansas Hunting Season