This guide covers all the essential information for the Texas hunting season 2024-2025, including license and permit fees and requirements, season dates, hunting regulations, and more.
Texas Hunting Season Dates by Game Species
Upland Game Birds
Migratory Game Birds
Texas Hunting License Requirements & Exceptions
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- Hunting Licenses:
- Valid from purchase date until August 31
- Sales start August 15
- Requirements and Exceptions:
- Additional endorsements may be needed with a hunting license
- Lifetime, Disabled Veteran, Texas resident active duty military, and Combination licenses have specific regulations
- Texas Public hunting opportunities include an interactive map of over 1 million accessible acres
- Hunter education laws and regulations apply
- License Requirement:
- Required for any person (resident or nonresident) to hunt animals, birds, frogs, or turtles, except:
- Coyotes attacking or threatening livestock, domestic animals, or fowl
- Feral hogs on private property with landowner permission
- Fur-bearing animals with a commercial trapper’s license
- Depredating fur-bearing animals on landowner’s property (no possession, sale, or retention allowed)
- Required for any person (resident or nonresident) to hunt animals, birds, frogs, or turtles, except:
Texas Hunting License & Permit Fees
Texas Youth Hunting License Fees
- Applicable to anyone under 17 years old at license purchase.
- Valid for both residents and non-residents.
- Exempt from state hunting endorsements, except Reptile and Amphibian Endorsement.
- State endorsement exemptions valid for the entire license year.
- Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification required when applicable.
| Youth Hunting License / Digital Youth Hunting License | $7.00 |
Texas Resident Hunting License Fees
- Valid for hunting any legal bird or terrestrial vertebrate.
- Endorsement requirements apply.
- Required for residents unless they have one of the following:
- Senior Resident Hunting License (for residents 65+);
- Youth Hunting License;
- Super Combo or Resident Combination Hunting and Fishing License Package;
- Lifetime Resident Hunting License;
- Disabled Veteran Super Combo Hunting and Fishing License Package;
- Lifetime Resident Combination Hunting and Fishing License; or
- Texas Resident Active Duty Military Hunting Package
- Texas Resident Active Duty Military Super Combo Hunting and Fishing License Package.
| Resident Hunting License | $25 |
| Senior Resident Hunting License | $7 |
Texas Non-Resident Hunting License Fees
- Non-resident General Hunting License:
- Valid for any legal bird or animal, including deer.
- Endorsement requirements apply.
- For non-residents, this is the only valid license to hunt white-tailed deer, mule deer (including MLDP tags), pronghorn, or bighorn sheep.
- Non-resident Spring Turkey License:
- Available after Feb 1, for spring turkey season only.
- Requires $7 Upland Endorsement.
- It is unlawful to possess both this license and a Non-resident General Hunting License.
- Non-resident Special Hunting License:
- Valid for exotic animals, all legal game birds (except turkey), non-game animals, fur-bearing animals, squirrel, javelina, and alligator.
- Not valid for white-tailed/mule deer, pronghorn, or bighorn sheep.
- Endorsement requirements apply.
- Non-resident 5-Day Special Hunting License:
- Valid for five consecutive days.
- Covers exotic animals, all legal game birds (except turkey), non-game animals, fur-bearing animals, squirrel, javelina, and alligator.
- Not valid for white-tailed/mule deer, pronghorn, or bighorn sheep.
- Endorsement requirements apply.
- Non-resident Banded Bird Hunting License:
- Valid for banded bobwhite quail, partridge, pheasant, and mallard ducks on private areas.
- Upland and Migratory Game Bird endorsements required.
| Non-resident General Hunting License | $315 |
| Non-resident Spring Turkey License | $126 |
| Nonresident Special Small Game/Exotic Hunting | $132 |
| Nonresident 5Day Special Small Game/Exotic Hunting | $48 |
| Non-resident Banded Bird Hunting License | $27 |
Texas Hunting Lease LicensesÂ
- Required for landowners or agents leasing hunting rights for compensation.
- License must be displayed on the property.
- Three types of licenses available:
- Small: 1-499 acres – $79
- Medium: 500-999 acres – $147
- Large: 1,000 acres or more – $252
Trapper’s License Fees
- Required for all ages to hunt, shoot, or sell fur-bearing animals, including pelts and carcasses.
- Refer to Nongame and Other Species and Fur-Bearing Animal Regulations for details.
| Resident Trapper’s License | $19 |
| Non-Resident Trapper’s License | $315 |
Texas Hunting Endorsements
- Included with Lifetime Resident Combo Package and Hunting License:
- Archery Endorsement
- Migratory Game Bird Endorsement
- Upland Game Bird Endorsement
- Not required for hunters under 17.
- Required if applicable:
- Reptile and Amphibian Endorsement
- Federal Duck Stamp
Archery Endorsement – $7
- Required to:
- Hunt game animals during an Archery-Only open season
- Hunt deer at any time in Collin, Dallas, Grayson, or Rockwall counties.
Migratory Game Bird Endorsement – $7
- Required to hunt any migratory game bird (waterfowl, coot, rail, gallinule, snipe, dove, sandhill crane, and woodcock)
- Federal Duck Stamp is required for waterfowl hunters aged 16 and older.
- To hunt sandhill crane, a Free Federal Sandhill Crane Hunting Permit is required.
Upland Game Bird Endorsement – $7
- Required to turkey, pheasant, quail, or chachalaca.
- Cannot use Non-resident Special Hunting License or Non-resident 5-Day Special Hunting License for turkey hunting.
Upland Game Bird Endorsement – $10
- Required for any person to capture indigenous reptiles or amphibians on the shoulder of a public road or any unpaved area of a public right of way.
Texas Combo License Packages
Super Combo License Packages (Texas residents only)
- Includes hunting and fishing licenses + 5 state endorsements at a discounted price
- The package includes:
- Resident hunting license
- Resident fishing license
- Archery endorsement
- Freshwater fishing endorsement
- Saltwater fishing endorsement (with red drum and spotted seatrout tag)
- Upland game bird endorsement
- Migratory game bird endorsement
- Not included:Â Federal Duck Stamp (required for waterfowl hunting)
| Super Combo / Digital Super Combo | $68 |
| Senior Super Combo / Digital Senior Super Combo | $32 |
Combo Hunting & Fishing Packages (Texas residents only)
- Includes:
- Resident Hunting License
- Resident Fishing License
- Choice of saltwater endorsement (with red drum and spotted seatrout tag), freshwater endorsement, or both
- Upgrade option: Add the missing endorsement to switch to the “All-Water” package.
| Combo Hunting & Freshwater Fishing Package | $50 |
| Combo Hunting & Saltwater Fishing Package | $55 |
| Combo Hunting & All-Water Fishing Package | $60 |
| Senior Combo Hunting & Freshwater Fishing Package | $16 |
| Senior Combo Hunting & Saltwater Fishing Package | $21 |
| Senior Combo Hunting & All-Water Fishing Package | $26 |
Texas Resident Active Duty Military License Packages
- Eligibility:Â Texas residents on full-time active military service (U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, Reserves, National Guard, Texas State Guard)
- Proof of Residency:
- Military service record showing Texas as home of record or duty station for the past six months
- Accepts digital or hard copy proof
- Availability:Â In-person only at a license retailer
Super Combo Hunting and All-Water Fishing Package
- Includes:
- Resident hunting license
- Resident fishing license
- Archery endorsement
- Freshwater fishing endorsement
- Saltwater fishing endorsement (with red drum and spotted seatrout tags)
- Upland game bird endorsement
- Migratory game bird endorsement
- Not Included:Â Federal Duck Stamp (required for waterfowl hunting)
| Super Combo Hunting & All-Water Fishing Package | Free |
All-Water Fishing Package
- Includes:
- Fishing license
- Freshwater and Saltwater endorsements
- Red drum and spotted seatrout tags
| All-Water Fishing Package | Free |
Hunting Package
- Includes:
- Hunting license
- Archery endorsement
- Upland game bird endorsement
- Migratory game bird endorsements
- Not Included:Â Federal Duck Stamp is NOT included, but is required for waterfowl hunting.
| Hunting Package | Free |
Disabled Veteran Super Combo Hunting and All-Water Fishing Package
- Eligibility:Â Resident or non-resident disabled veterans (as defined by the Veterans Administration)
- Loss of use of a foot or leg, or 50%+ disability rating
- Receiving U.S. compensation for the disability
- Proof Required:
- Official V.A. disability proof or Texas Driver License with “Disabled Veteran” designation
- Must state disability rate, issued within the last 12 months
- Accepts digital or hard copy
- Availability:Â In-person only at a license retailer
- The package includes:
- Resident hunting license
- Resident fishing license
- Archery endorsement
- Freshwater fishing endorsement
- Saltwater fishing endorsement (with red drum tag)
- Upland game bird endorsement
- Migratory game bird endorsement
- Not Included:Â Federal Duck Stamp (required for waterfowl hunting)
| Super Combo Hunting & All-Water Fishing Package | Free |
Texas Lifetime Licenses
Only for Texas Residents
Available by application
To apply for a Lifetime License:
- Download a PDF application.
- Call TPWD at (800) 792-1112.
Lifetime license applications are processed only at Law Enforcement offices or TPWD Austin Headquarters.
Non-resident military, their dependents, and non-residents under 17 are ineligible for lifetime licenses.
| Lifetime Resident Combination Hunting & Fishing Package | $1,800 |
| Lifetime Resident Hunting Package | $1,000 |
| Lifetime Resident Fishing Package | $1,000 |
| Lifetime Resident Hunting Upgrade to Combo Package | $800 |
| Lifetime Resident Fishing Upgrade to Combo Package | $800 |
Texas Lifetime License Endorsements and Tags – Details
LL – Lifetime License
- An LL includes all state endorsements except Reptile and Amphibian.
- LL holders still require the Federal Duck Stamp.
- LLs are not valid for commercial fur trapping or commercial fishing/hunting.
- Physical lifetime tags are available at retailers or online; digital tags online only, no extra fee.
- Lifetime tags are available annually at no extra fee.
- The HIP certification and Bonus Red Drum/spotted seatrout tag must be added when applicable.
Requesting Tags for Existing Lifetime License Holders:
- From August 15th, obtain current year tags at no fee.
- Available at license agents, by submitting a PDF request to Austin HQ (no digital tags), or online for paper/digital tags.
| Lifetime Combo License Tags | Free |
| Lifetime Hunting License Tags | Free |
| Lifetime Fishing License Tags | Free |
Texas Lifetime License Drawing
Enter to win a Lifetime Super Combo license. Available to Texas residents 17 years or older.
| Lifetime Super Combo License Drawing Entry | $5 |
Federal Duck Stamp (Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp)
- Required for all waterfowl hunters (16+):
- Electronic Federal Duck Stamps are available online and at retailers.
- From the 2024-25 season, printed or validated digital stamps cover the entire season.
- Physical stamps are mailed after March 10, 2025; must be signed and carried while hunting.
- Waterfowl hunters also need a valid hunting license, HIP Certification, and Texas Migratory Game Bird Endorsement.
Federal Sandhill Crane Hunting Permit
- Required to hunt sandhill cranes in Texas.
- Issued by TPWD; 26% of hunters selected for federal harvest survey.
- Obtainable at TPWD Law Enforcement offices, Austin HQ, by phone, or online.
- Fee: FREE
HIP Certification
- Required for hunting migratory game birds.
- Inform clerk for HIP certification; “HIP” will appear on your license.
- Fee: FREE
Texas Pronghorn Permit
- Hunting by landowner permit only.
- Landowners or managers may apply for permits; hunters contact landowners for availability.
- Fee: FREE
Public Hunting Permit
Annual Public Hunting Permit:
- Required for hunting on public land, including Dove and Small Game areas.
- Eligibility: Texas residents and non-residents.
- Fee: $48
- Availability: Buy online or find a retailer.
- Details here.
State Park and WMA Standby Hunting Permits:
- Available if drawn hunt positions are not accepted.
- Eligibility: Texas residents and non-residents.
- Fee: No application fee for standby drawing; successful adult hunters pay permit fee. No fees for youth participants.
- Availability: Contact hunt area for availability.
- Details here.
Mentored Hunting Permits
- Required for mentored hunting Public Hunt Program workshops.
- Eligibility: Texas residents and non-residents.
- Fee: $25 or FREE
- Availability: Contact hunt area for availability.
Regular (Daily) Hunting Permits
- Required for certain small game and waterfowl hunts.
- Available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Permit fee waived for youth under 17 and Annual Public Hunting Permit holders.
- Fee: $20 or FREE
- Availability: Contact hunt area for availability.
Texas DEER Season​
Texas White-tailed Deer Season Dates
Deer Archery Only:
All counties with an open season: Sept. 28 – Nov.1, 2024
General Season:
North Zone: Nov. 2, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025
South Zone: Nov. 2, 2024 – Jan. 19, 2025
Deer Youth Only:
Only for licensed hunters 16 years of age or younger.
North Zone: Oct. 25 – 27, 2024 / Jan. 6 – 19, 2025
South Zone: Oct. 25 – 27, 2024 / Jan. 6 – 19, 2025
Deer Muzzleloader:
Statewide: Jan. 6 – 19, 2025
Special Late Deer:
- In counties with a Special Late Season, harvest limited to antlerless and unbranched antlered deer
- Unbranched antlered deer: Buck with at least 1 antler having no more than 1 point (a projection extending at least 1 inch from the main beam or another tine; tip of the main beam counts as a point)
North Zone: Jan. 6 – 19, 2025
South Zone: Jan. 20 – Feb. 2, 2025
Texas Deer Hunting: Rules and Regulations
Bag limit:
- Bag limits are established by county.
- WHITE-TAILED DEER Annual limit: 5 white-tailed deer (maximum 3 bucks)
- MULE DEER Annual limit: 2 mule deer; maximum 1 buck
- MLDP (Managed Lands Deer Program) properties are exempt from the annual bag limit
- Check specific limits for your county
Tagging:
- Digital License Holders:
- Refer to Digital Licenses and Tagging for instructions
- Tagging Requirements:
- Use the correct deer tag type (e.g., buck tags for bucks)
- Notch the month and date of kill on the tag
- Complete and attach the tag immediately after harvest, before field dressing or moving the deer
- After harvesting a deer, fill out the log in ink on your hunting license before field-dressing and moving it. Asterisks mark bucks with a main beam spread of 13 inches or more.
- After harvesting and tagging a deer, complete the log in ink on your hunting license before field-dressing or moving it. Check asterisked boxes for bucks with a 13-inch main beam spread in antler-restricted counties.Â
- Report harvest using the Texas Hunt & Fish app in applicable counties
- Log completion not required for mule deer or deer with MLDP tags, TPWD permits, or Big Time Texas Hunt
- Tag Attachment:
- Attach tag securely to avoid damage or loss
- Tag and proof of sex must remain until deer reaches final destination and is quartered
- If head is severed, tag stays with carcass; head needs a Wildlife Resource Document (WRD)
- Read tag use description carefully before attaching
- Unlawful Actions:
- Using another person’s tag or allowing others to use yours
- Reusing a tag or using it on more than one deer
- Using an incorrect tag (e.g., mule deer tag on white-tailed deer)
Read: Official tagging guide
Proof of Sex:
- It’s illegal to possess a deer without proof of sex unless it’s at the final destination, not a Type 1 cold storage or processing facility, and at least quartered.
- Proof of sex includes one of the following:
- Buck deer: head with antlers or tail and skull cap with antlers.
- Antlerless deer: head or mammary organ/vulva and tail if female.
- Completed MLDP Tag, Antlerless Mule Deer Permit, CWD Check Station Receipt, or TPWD Drawn Hunt Legal Deer Tag.
- Proof of sex can’t be removed at a Type 1 processor until the carcass is logged and harvest location recorded.
Reporting:
- Mandatory Harvest Reporting:
- Report white-tailed deer harvest within 24 hours via Texas Hunt & Fish app or online
- Applicable during any open season (archery, general, muzzleloader, youth)
- Reporting Methods:
- Use “Texas Hunt & Fish” mobile app (iOS and Android)
- Report online via web browser
- Counties with Mandatory Buck and Antlerless Reporting:
- Collin, Dallas, Grayson, Rockwall
- Counties with Mandatory Antlerless Reporting:
- Austin, Bastrop, Caldwell, Colorado, Comal (East of I-35), De Witt, Fayette, Goliad (North of US 59), Gonzales, Guadalupe, Hays (East of I-35), Jackson (North of US 59), Karnes, Lavaca, Lee, Travis (East of I-35), Victoria (North of US 59), Waller, Washington, Wharton (North of US 59), Wilson
Deer Hunting Regulations Highlights:
WHITETAILED DEER:
- Definition of Buck Deer:
- A deer with an antler point protruding through the skin or with antler growth in velvet greater than 1 inch is considered a buck.
- For tagging, all other deer are antlerless, regardless of sex.
- Special Antler Restrictions:
- Apply in certain counties.
- Bag limit: 2 legal bucks, but only 1 may have 2 branched antlers with an inside spread of 13” or more.
- A legal buck is defined as:
- A buck with at least 1 unbranched antler.
- A buck with an inside spread of 13” or greater.
- Unbranched antlered bucks may be any width and do not count against the limit of 1 buck 13” or greater.
- It is unlawful to harvest more than 1 buck with an inside spread of 13 inches or greater or with 2 branched antlers in a single county.
- Violating this regulation prohibits harvesting any buck with branched antlers on both main beams in that county for the season.
- Use the distance from ear-tip to ear-tip on a buck with “alert” ears to estimate if the inside spread is at least 13 inches.
- Refer to your county to determine specific antler restrictions.
- Definition of a Point:
- A projection extending at least 1 inch from the edge of a main beam or another tine.
- The tip of the main beam is considered a point.
MULE DEER:
- Definition of Buck Deer:
- Deer with an antler point through skin or antler growth in velvet >1 inch.
- All other deer are considered antlerless for tagging, regardless of sex.
- Special Antler Restrictions:
- Apply in Andrews, Armstrong, Bailey, Briscoe, Castro, Childress, Cochran, Collingsworth, Cottle, Dawson, Donley, Floyd, Foard, Gaines, Hale, Hall, Hardeman, Hockley, Lamb, Lynn. Lubbock, Martin, Motley, Parmer, Randall, Swisher, Terry, Terrell, and Yoakum counties.
- Legal buck: main beams’ outside spread ≥20 inches.
- Unbranched antler buck is not legal unless spread ≥20 inches in width.
- Restriction does not apply in any CWD zone.
- How to Measure Outside Spread:
- Average ear-tip to ear-tip spread: 21 inches.
- The outside spread is measured similarly, using the main beams’ outer edges.
- Apply in Andrews, Armstrong, Bailey, Briscoe, Castro, Childress, Cochran, Collingsworth, Cottle, Dawson, Donley, Floyd, Foard, Gaines, Hale, Hall, Hardeman, Hockley, Lamb, Lynn. Lubbock, Martin, Motley, Parmer, Randall, Swisher, Terry, Terrell, and Yoakum counties.
GENERAL:
- CWD Zones & Regulations:
- Hunters must present the intact, unfrozen head of harvested deer at a TPWD check station within 48 hours if in a mandatory testing zone.
- A CWD receipt is required before removing any part of the animal from the CWD Zone, including meat and quarters.
- Additional regulations may be introduced without prior notice if CWD is discovered.
- TPWD will publicize CWD Zone designations and check station locations; for updates, call (800) 792-1112 or visit the CWD information pages.
- Restricted Areas & Regulations:
- Hunters are responsible for knowing unlawful hunting methods in specific county areas and on federal lands.
- Processing of Deer
- Hunters have the option to debone deer at harvest property under conditions:
- Process no further than whole muscles; no grinding, chopping, or slicing.
- Separate bags/containers for meat from different deer while transporting.
- Tagging and proof of sex must accompany meat to the final destination.
- Skinning and quartering (two forequarters, two hindquarters, and two backstraps) allowed for transport; tag and proof of sex must accompany. Statewide Carcass Disposal Requirements apply for transportation.
- The hunter must keep four quarters and two backstraps in edible condition.
- Tagging and proof-of-sex requirements apply until final destination.
- In camp, parts may be prepared immediately before cooking; regulations apply to remaining parts until final destination.
- Hunters have the option to debone deer at harvest property under conditions:
- Transporting & Transferring:
- Carcass must be tagged and proof of sex must accompany it during transport to final destination.
- If transferred before reaching the final destination:
- Transferred parts must have a WRD link.
- Parts kept by the harvester must have a tag until reaching the final destination.
- Some of the Means & Methods Regulations
- Rimfire ammunition cannot be used to hunt deer.
- Air guns & arrow guns:
- White-tailed deer may only be hunted with pre-charged pneumatic air guns or arrow guns.
- Arrow guns may not be used to hunt deer during archery season.
- Lawful archery equipment cannot be used to hunt deer during the Muzzleloader-Only Deer Season.
- Crossbow Restrictions: In Collin, Dallas, Grayson, and Rockwall counties, a crossbow cannot be used during the Archery-Only Open Season unless the hunter has an upper-limb disability with a physician’s statement certifying the disability.
- Archery Endorsement: Required for hunting deer during the Archery-Only Open Season and at any time in specified counties during the general open season.
- Unlawful Methods:
- Cannot use traps to hunt deer.
- Dogs cannot be used to hunt deer.
- Possession of a shotgun and buckshot or slugs is prohibited when in the field with dogs on another’s land during an open deer season in certain counties.
- Trailing Wounded Deer: No more than two dogs may be used statewide. In Jasper, Newton, Sabine, and San Augustine counties, dogs must be leashed. A “wounded deer” is one leaving a blood trail.
- More here.
Texas Pronghorn Season Dates
Regular Season:
By permit only!
41 of 254 counties: Sept. 28 – Oct. 13, 2024
Read about pronghorn permits here.
Texas Pronghorn Hunting: Rules and Regulations
Permits:
- Permit must be filled out and attached to pronghorn after harvest.
- Permits issued to landowners or agents in huntable areas (Trans-Pecos, Permian Basin, Panhandle).
- Hunters must verify permits are for the property they hunt on.
Tagging:
- Fill out the appropriate hunting license tag or permit immediately after harvesting a pronghorn.
- Pronghorn may be transported to a final destination if it is tagged and accompanied by proof of sex.
Processing:
- Pronghorn can be skinned and quartered (two forequarters, two hindquarters, and two backstraps) for transport with proper tagging and proof of sex.
- Processing beyond quarters is only allowed at a location designated as a final destination.
- The four quarters and two backstraps must be kept in edible condition.
- When in camp, removal and preparation before cooking must comply with tagging and proof of sex regulations.
Transporting & Transferring:
- Any transferred carcass parts before reaching a final destination require a Wildlife Resource Document (WRD).
- Retained carcass parts must remain accompanied by a tag until reaching the final destination.
Proof of Sex:
- It’s illegal to possess a pronghorn without proof of sex unless it’s at the final destination, not a Type 1 cold storage or processing facility, and at least quartered.
- Proof of sex includes the unskinned head of a pronghorn
- Proof of sex can’t be removed at a Type 1 processor until the carcass is logged and harvest location recorded.
- Instead of proof of sex, hunters may obtain a receipt for a taxidermist or Wildlife Resource Document (WRD). Required information:
- Name of person who harvested pronghorn
- Date pronghorn was harvested
- Sex of the pronghorn
Some of the Means & Methods Regulations
- Rimfire ammunition cannot be used to hunt pronghorns.
- If using air guns or arrow guns, pronghorns may only be hunted with pre-charged pneumatic air guns or arrow guns.
- Read more here.
Texas JAVELINA, SQUIRREL, RABBIT & HARE Seasons​
Texas Javelina Season Dates
Regular Season:
Northern: Oct. 1, 2024 – Feb. 23, 2025
Southern: Sept. 1, 2024 – Aug. 31, 2025
Texas Squirrel Season Dates
General Season:
East Texas: Oct. 1, 2024 – Feb. 23, 2025 / May 1 – 31, 2025
All Other Counties: Sept. 1, 2024 – Aug. 31, 2025
Youth Season:
East Texas: Sept. 27 – 29, 2024
Texas Rabbit and Hare Season Dates
No closed seasons
Rabbits and hares may be hunted at any time by any lawful means or methods on private property.
Texas Small Game Hunting: Rules and Regulations
Bag limits:
- Javelina: 2 javelinas per license year
- Squirrel:
- General season counties (East Texas): 10
- Youth-only season: 10
- Counties with year-round season: No bag limit
- Rabbit & Hare: No bag limits or possession limits
Hunting Means & Methods:
See here.
It is legal to:
- Vehicles: Legal to hunt animals and non-migratory game from vehicles or boats on private property.
- Calling Devices: Allowed for game animals and birds; electronic calls may not be used to hunt migratory birds.
- Decoys: Permitted for game animals and birds; no live decoys for migratory birds.
- Baiting: Allowed for game animals, nongame animals, and upland game birds, except wild turkey in East Zone and migratory birds; check public property rules.
- Trapping: Legal for nongame/exotic animals on private property.
- Dogs: Can be used to hunt any game bird.
Firearms:
- Any legal firearm can be used for game animals and non-migratory birds, with exceptions:
- Rimfire Ammunition: Not allowed for deer, bighorn sheep, or pronghorn.
- Automatic Firearms: Fully automatic firearms are prohibited.
- Shotguns: Only shotguns are allowed in East Zone spring season.
- Magazine Capacity: No limit on shells/cartridges, except for migratory birds.
- Muzzleloaders: Only muzzleloading firearms (where a bullet/projectile, and powder can be loaded only through the muzzle) are allowed in muzzleloader deer seasons. A cap and ball firearm in which the powder and ball are loaded into a cylinder is not a muzzleloader.
- Suppressors: Permitted for hunting, following all applicable laws.
Air Guns & Arrow Guns:
- Air and arrow guns can be used to hunt alligator, game animals, furbearers, squirrels, and non-migratory birds (except East Zone wild turkey), provided:
- Alligators, bighorn sheep, javelina, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn, and turkey (except wild turkey in the East Zone) can only be taken with pre-charged pneumatic arrow guns or air guns.
- Pre-charged pneumatic air guns should have:
- At least .30 caliber projectile
- Minimum weight of 150 grains
- Minimum muzzle velocity of 800 feet per second
- Or any combination achieving at least 215-foot pounds of muzzle energy
- Squirrels, pheasant, quail, and chachalaca can be hunted with air guns that have:
- Minimum projectile diameter of .177 caliber (4.5mm)
- At least 600 feet per second of muzzle velocity
- Additional arrow gun standards:
- Arrows or bolts must meet the same projectile standards as archery
- Arrow guns cannot be used for deer or wild turkey during archery season.
- More about air guns and arrow guns here.
Archery & Crossbows:
- Only lawful archery equipment can be used for taking game animals or game birds.
- Lawful archery equipment includes compound bows, crossbows, longbows, and recurved bows.
- Cannot use lawful archery equipment for hunting deer during Muzzleloader-Only Deer Season.
- Lawful for non-protected non-game animals.
- Longbows, compound bows, and recurved bows:
- No minimum draw requirement.
- Lighted pins, sight magnification, overdraw rests, and devices that allow a bow to be locked at full or partial draw are allowed during lawful archery seasons.
- Crossbows:
- In Collin, Dallas, Grayson, and Rockwall counties, a crossbow can only be used for deer hunting during Archery-Only Open Season if the person has an upper-limb disability with a physician’s certification.
- An Archery Endorsement is required to hunt deer during Archery-Only Open Season and at any time in the specified counties.
- Crossbows can be used by anyone in all counties during general open season or East Zone spring turkey season.
- Projectiles:
- Projectiles for hunting cannot be poisoned, drugged, or explosive.
- For turkey and game animals, except squirrels, projectiles must have a broadhead hunting point.
- No restrictions or minimum requirements on arrow/bolt lengths, materials, weights, lighted nocks, broadhead specs, or mechanical broadheads.
It is illegal to:
- Discharge a firearm across property lines without ownership or permission.
- Use firearms on or across public roads or hunt from them.
- Use computers for remote hunting if the animal is in Texas.
- Hunt with artificial light unless exceptions for certain disabilities apply.
- Use traps for hunting game birds or animals.
- Use dogs to hunt deer; restrictions vary by county.
- Use aircraft, including drones, for hunting or wildlife management.
- Hunt in Public Hunting Areas without necessary permits.
- Hunt on small lots in subdivisions against local ordinances.
- Use banned methods and hunt in areas designated as wildlife sanctuary, nesting, or propagation area.
- Hunt in parks or refuges outside scheduled hunts or policies.
- Hunt on submerged private land unless posted.
- Hunt from roads or waterways except under specific conditions.
- Possess firearms if a convicted felon, with limited firearm exceptions.
Texas Alligator Season Dates
General Season:
Core: Sept. 10 – 30, 2024
Non-core: Apr. 1 – June 30, 2025
Texas Alligator Hunting: Rules and Regulations
Bag limits:
Non-core: 1 alligator per person/year
Core & Non-Core Counties:
- Core counties:
- Angelina, Brazoria, Calhoun, Chambers, Galveston, Hardin, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Refugio, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Trinity, Tyler, Victoria.
- Must possess valid CITES tag before hunting alligators.
- Tags are issued to landowners or agents after inspection by TPWD.
- Tags are property-specific, non-transferable.
- Non-core:
- Alligators can not be taken during the core counties open season on any property where alligators were taken during the September season.
- Immediate put the WRD tag upon kill. The WRD tag must accompany the alligator until it is permanently tagged with a CITES tag
- Submit the Non-Core Alligator Hide Tag Report + $21 fee within 72 hours
- Affix CITES tag within 10 inches of tail tip upon receipt
General Hunting Regulations:
- Feeding Alligators: Illegal to intentionally feed free-ranging alligators, except when hunting.
- Required License: Any resident or non-resident hunting license is valid, except non-resident spring turkey and banded bird licenses.
- Lawful Hunting Hours: From half an hour before sunrise to sunset. No setting or removing baited lines between sunset and half an hour before sunrise.
- CITES Tags: Required in all counties, issued by TPWD.
- Sale of Alligators: Only legally harvested alligators can be sold to licensed dealers or farmers. Illegal to shoot alligators over public water.
Hunting Means & Methods:
- Only one taking device allowed per person in non-core counties.
- Alligators can only be taken on private property, but from public water if the person and device are on private land.
- Hook and line must be secured on private property with part of the line above water; minimum 300 lb. test line.
- Hook-bearing lines can’t be set before the season and must be removed by sunset on the last day.
- Each line must have a visible tag with the setter’s name, address, and hunting license number.
- Lines must be checked daily; alligators must be harvested and documented immediately.
- Firearms (excluding rimfire), air guns, and arrow guns are only allowed on private land in non-core counties.
- Firearms (excluding rimfire), air guns, and arrow guns can be used to dispatch legally captured alligators in any county.
- Gigs, (with integral locking mechanism), and lawful archery equipment (with barbed arrow) must have a float attached, at least 6”x 6”x 8” or 8” in diameter if spherical.
Texas TURKEY & UPLAND GAME BIRDS Seasons​
Texas Turkey Season Dates
Turkey Archery Only:
All counties with an open fall season: Sept. 28 – Nov. 1, 2024
Turkey Youth Only:
Fall – North Zone: Oct. 25 – 27, 2024 / Jan. 6 – 19, 2025
Fall – South Zone: Mar. 22 – 23, 2025 / Jan. 20 – Feb. 2, 2025
Spring – North Zone: Mar. 22 – 23, 2025 / May 17 – 18, 2025
Spring – South Zone: Mar. 8 – 9, 2025 / May 3 – 4, 2025
Fall Turkey Season:
North Zone: Nov. 2, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025
South Zone: Nov. 2, 2024 – Jan. 19, 2025
Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg, and Willacy Counties: Nov. 2, 2024 – Feb. 23, 2025
Spring Turkey Season:
North Zone: Mar. 29 – May 11, 2025
South Zone: Mar. 15 – Apr. 27, 2025
One-Turkey Counties: Apr. 1 – 30, 2025
East Zone: Apr. 22 – May 14, 2025
Texas Pheasant Season Dates
General Season – Panhandle: Dec. 7, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025
Texas Quail (Bobwhite, Scaled, Gambel’s) Season Dates
Regular Season – Statewide: Oct. 26, 2024 – Feb. 23, 2025
Texas Chachalaca Season Dates
Regular Season – Statewide: Oct. 26, 2024 – Feb. 23, 2025
Texas Upland Game Birds Hunting: Rules and Regulations
Upland Game Bird Endorsement is required to hunt all upland game birds.
Bag limits:
- Pheasant:
- Daily bag limit: 3 cocks
- Possession limit: 9 cocks
- Quail (Bobwhite, Scaled, and Gambel’s):
- Daily bag limit: 15 birds
- Possession limit: 45 birds
- Chachalaca:
- Daily bag limit: 15 birds
- Possession limit: 45 birds
- Turkey: Depending on the county
Turkey Hunting Regulations:
Tagging
- Use a tag from the hunter’s license, completed with property and county name, and attach immediately (exceptions for special tags like MLDP).
- Attach the tag anywhere on the turkey to prevent damage or loss during transport.
- Tag must remain until the turkey is at its final destination and processed.
- For restricted seasons (gobblers only/bearded hens), proof of sex must stay with turkey until processing:
- Gobbler: Proof includes one leg with spur or a patch of skin with breast feathers and beard.
- Bearded Hen: Proof includes a patch of skin with breast feathers and beard.
- If separated, hunting license tag stays with meat; WRD tag stays with head.
- Read license tag descriptions carefully before use:
- Tags 1-3: Valid in counties with a bag limit of 1 or 4, not in the East Zone.
- Tag 4: Valid in any county with a bag limit of 1 or 4, in all zones.
- Hunter must:
- Use the correct turkey tag type.
- Notch the tag to indicate the kill date; do not ink out.
- Complete mandatory harvest reporting via the Texas Hunt and Fish app (applies to all counties).
- Refer to Digital Licenses & Tagging for instructions if using a digital license.
Other
- Unlawful Activities:
- It’s prohibited to hunt roosting turkeys at any time without department authorization.
- Releasing turkeys requires department authorization.
- Mandatory Harvest Reporting:
- Reporting is required for wild turkeys in all counties.
- Use “Texas Hunt & Fish” app or report online.
- East Zone Special Regulations:
- Only shotgun and archery equipment allowed; no baiting.
- East Zone Counties:
- Bowie (north of U.S. 82)
- Cass
- Fannin (north of U.S. 82)
- Grayson
- Jasper (other than the Angelina National Forest)
- Lamar (north of U.S. 82)
- Marion
- Nacogdoches
- Newton
- Polk
- Red River (north of U.S. 82)
- Sabine
- Western One-Gobbler Zone Regulations:
- Limit of 1 gobbler annually per county.
- Applicable Counties: Bastrop, Caldwell, Colorado, Fayette, Jackson, Lavaca, Lee, Matagorda, Milam, Wharton.
Pheasant Hunting Regulations:
- Proof of Sex: Must accompany pheasant until processing; includes one leg with spur or entire plumage, attached to the pheasant carcass.
- Exception: A taxidermist receipt or WRD can replace proof of sex, including:
- Harvester’s name
- Harvest date
- Sex of pheasant
- Unlawful Methods: Illegal to hunt pheasant using a dragging device connected to or between moving objects.
Texas WATERFOWL Hunting Seasons​
Texas Duck Season Dates
Duck Youth Only:
High Plains Mallard Management Unit: Oct. 19 – 20, 2024
North Zone: Nov. 2 – 3, 2024
South Zone: Oct. 26 – 27, 2024
Veterans and Active Duty Military:
High Plains Mallard Management Unit: Oct. 19 – 20, 2024
North Zone: Nov. 2 – 3, 2024
South Zone: Oct. 26 – 27, 2024
Regular Duck Season:
High Plains Mallard Management Unit: Oct. 26 – 27, 2024 / Nov. 1, 2024 – Jan. 26, 2025
North Zone: Nov. 9 – Dec. 1, 2024 / Dec. 7, 2024 – Jan. 26, 2025
South Zone: Nov. 2 – Dec. 1, 2024 / Dec. 14, 2024 – Jan. 26, 2025
“Dusky” Duck Season:
High Plains Mallard Management Unit: Nov. 4, 2024 – Jan. 26, 2025
North Zone: Nov. 14 – Dec. 1, 2024 / Dec. 7, 2024 – Jan. 26, 2025
South Zone: Nov. 7 – Dec. 1, 2024 / Dec. 14, 2024 – Jan. 26, 2025
Falconry Duck Season:
North Zone: Jan. 27 – Feb. 10, 2025
South Zone: Jan. 27 – Feb. 10, 2025
Texas Duck & Geese Hunting: Rules and Regulations
Migratory Game Bird Endorsement, HIP Certification, and Federal Duck Stamp are required to hunt waterfowl.
Bag limits:
DUCKS
- Early Teal:
- 6Â in the aggregate
- Regular Duck:
- 6Â in the aggregate (includes mergansers)
- Includes no more than:
- 5 mallards (only 2 of which may be hens)
- 3 wood ducks
- 2 redheads
- 2 canvasback
- 1 scaup
- 1 pintail
- 1 “dusky” duck (mottled duck, Mexican duck, black duck, and their hybrids are closed the first 5 days of the season in each zone)
- All other species not listed: 6
- Coot:
- 15 birds
- Possession limit: 3 times the daily bag limit
- Falconry Limits:
- Daily bag and possession limits shall not exceed 3 and 9 migratory game birds, respectively, singly or in the aggregate
GEESE
Western Zone:
| Bird | Daily Bag Limit | Daily Bag Aggregate |
| Dark Geese | 5 | In the aggregate |
| Light Geese | 5 | In the aggregate |
- Possession limit: 3 times the daily bag limit
Eastern Zone:
| Bird | Daily Bag Limit | Daily Bag Aggregate |
| Early Canada Geese | 5 | In the aggregate |
| Dark Geese | 5 | No more than 2 white-fronted geese |
| Light Geese | 5 | In the aggregate |
- Possession limit: 3 times the daily bag limit
Falconry Limits:
- Daily bag and possession limits shall not exceed 3 and 9 migratory game birds, respectively, singly or in the aggregate
Duck Hunting Regulations:
- Legal Shooting Hours: Half-hour before sunrise to sunset.
- Dusky Duck: Off-limits first 5 days of the season in each zone; includes mottled, Mexican, black ducks, and hybrids.
- Youth Only Season:
- For ages 16 and under
- Regular bag limits apply
- Dusky ducks are allowed
- Youth hunters must be with an adult 18+
- Duck Stamp is required for 16+.
- Veterans and Active Duty: Open to veterans and active duty military, including National Guard and Reserve.
- Falconry Season: Valid permit holders can hunt migratory birds from half-hour before sunrise to sunset during open and falconry seasons.
Geese Hunting Regulations:
- Legal Shooting Hours: Half-hour before sunrise to sunset.
- Youth Geese Season: Youth hunters can hunt geese during youth-only waterfowl seasons in duck zones.
Texas Dove Season Dates
Regular Dove Season:
North Zone: Sept. 1 – Nov. 10, 2024 / Dec. 20, 2024 – Jan. 7, 2025
Central Zone: Sept. 1 – Oct. 27, 2024 / Dec. 13, 2024 – Jan. 14, 2025
South Zone: Sept. 14 – Oct. 27, 2024 / Dec. 13, 2024 – Jan. 21, 2025
Special White-winged Dove Days:
South Zone: Sept. 1 – 2, 2024 / Sept. 6 – 8, 2024 / Sept. 13, 2024
Falconry Dove Season:
Statewide: Nov. 15 – Dec. 1, 2024
Texas Dove Hunting: Rules and Regulations
Migratory Game Bird Endorsement and HIP Certification are required to hunt doves.
Bag limits:
| Zone | Daily bag limit | Daily aggregate |
| North Zone | 15 birds | Max 2 white-tipped |
| Central Zone | 15 birds | Max 2 white-tipped |
| South Zone | 15 birds | Max 2 white-tipped |
| Special White-winged Dove Days (South Zone) | 15 birds | Max 2 mourning doves and 2 white-tipped doves |
| Falconry (Statewide) | 3 birds | Â |
- Possession limit: 3 times daily bag
Dove Hunting Regulations:
- Legal Shooting Hours: Half-hour before sunrise to sunset; noon to sunset on Special White-winged Dove Days.
- Report Leg Bands: Submit at www.reportband.gov.
- Legal game species:
- Mourning dove
- White-winged dove
- White-tipped dove (white-fronted)
- Unprotected species (no closed season, no bag limit; keep plumage for ID):
- Eurasian collared dove
- Rock pigeon
- Protected species:
- Band-tailed pigeon
- Inca dove
- Common ground dove
Other Migratory Birds Hunting Seasons in Texas​
Texas Migratory Game Birds Season Dates
Common Snipe:
Regular Season – Statewide: Nov. 2, 2024 – Feb. 16, 2025
Bag limit: 8 birds
Possession limit: 24 birds
Hunting hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset
Rails, Gallinules and Moorhens
Regular Season – Statewide: Sept. 14 – 29, 2024 / Nov. 2 – Dec. 25, 2024
Falconry – Statewide: Jan. 27 – Feb. 10, 2025
| Bird | Hunt Type | Daily Bag/Possession Limit |
| King and Clapper Rails | Regular | 15/45 in the aggregate |
| King and Clapper Rails | Falconry | 3/9 in the aggregate |
| Sora and Virginia Rails | Regular | 25/75 in the aggregate |
| Sora and Virginia Rails | Falconry | 3/9 in the aggregate |
| Moorhens and Purple Gallinules | Regular | 15/45 in the aggregate |
| Moorhens and Purple Gallinules | Falconry | 3/9 in the aggregate |
Hunting hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset
Sandhill Crane
Zone A: Oct. 26, 2024 – Jan. 26, 2025
Zone B: Nov. 22, 2024 – Jan. 26, 2025
Zone C: Dec. 14, 2024 – Jan. 19, 2025
Woodcock
Regular Season – Statewide: Dec. 18, 2024 – Jan. 31, 2025
Bag limit: 3 birds
Possession limit: 9 birds
Hunting hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset
Falconry – Statewide: Jan. 27 – Feb. 10, 2025
Bag limit: 3 birds
Possession limit: 9 birds in the aggrigate
Hunting hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset
Texas Migratory Birds Hunting Methods
- HIP Certification:
- No one is allowed to hunt migratory game birds in Texas without a HIP certification; it identifies hunters for USFWS surveys.
- Check harvested birds for leg bands and report at reportband.gov.
- Means & Methods:
- Legal equipment and means include shotguns, lawful archery equipment, falconry, dogs, artificial decoys, and manual or mouth-operated bird calls.
- Of all firearms, only shotguns (max 10-gauge) are allowed; must be fired off shoulder and hold no more than 3 shells (if hold more, must be plugged).
- Hunting is permitted in the open, from a blind, or a stationary floating craft or boat; motors must be off.
- Powered craft can be used to retrieve birds but not shoot them.
- No lead shot; use approved nontoxic materials like steel or bismuth-tin.
- Baiting:
- Prohibited to place or use food as bait for attracting migratory game birds.
- Hunters must ensure hunting areas are not baited.
- Read:
- A hunter may hunt migratory game birds including waterfowl, coots, and sandhill cranes:
- On or over standing crops, flooded crops, and harvested crops.
- Over manipulated natural vegetation.
- On or over land used for soil stabilization or land reclamation per USDA recommendations.
- Where seeds or grains are scattered due to normal agricultural practices, not including broadcast seeding.
- Over areas where grain is inadvertently scattered by entering/leaving hunting areas or retrieving birds.
- Using vegetation/crops to conceal blinds, ensuring no feed is exposed or scattered.
- Doves can be hunted over planted crops manipulated for hunting.
- Hunting waterfowl and sandhill cranes is prohibited where grain or feed is scattered due to manipulation or livestock feeding.
- It’s unlawful to:
- Hunt migratory birds with the aid of bait or over any baited area.
- Hunt over a baited area until 10 days after all baiting materials are removed and confirmed by a game warden.
- Place or allow placement of bait where migratory birds could be attracted for hunting.
- Hunt waterfowl or sandhill cranes over manipulated planted millet in the first year after planting.
- Hunt waterfowl or sandhill cranes over manipulated crops, except for normal agricultural post-harvest manipulation as per USDA recommendations.
- Use any firearm other than a legal shotgun.
- Use traps, snares, nets, fishhook, poisons, drugs, explosives, or stupefying substances.
- Use live birds as decoys.
- Use recorded or electronically amplified bird calls or sounds.
- Use a sinkbox for hunting.
- Hunt from or by means of motor vehicles or aircraft, with exceptions for paraplegics and leg amputees from stationary vehicles.
- Use motor-driven vehicles, conveyances, or sailboats to concentrate, drive, rally, or stir up birds.
- Hunt where tame or captive ducks or geese are present, unless confined for 10 consecutive days to reduce call audibility and visibility to wild birds.
Texas Furbearer Season Dates
Furbearing animals include:
- Badger
- Beaver
- Fox
- Mink
- Muskrat
- Nutria
- Opossum
- Raccoon
- Otter
- Skunk
- Ring-tailed cat
Commercial Harvest:
Nutria: September 1 – August 31
Beaver: October 1 – May 31
Other furbearers: November 1 – March 31
No bag limit or possession limit.
Recreational Harvest
September 1 – August 31
No bag limit or possession limit.
Fur-bearing animals taken as a result of recreational harvest may not be sold
Texas Furbearer Hunting: Rules and Regulations
Take, Possess, or Sale of Furbearers
- Hunter education requirements apply.
- CITES tag is required for all otters taken/possessed.
- Otters cannot be taken from public roadways.
- Night hunting is allowed on private property with artificial light.
- No license is needed for taking nuisance furbearers causing damage. However, possession/sale of such animals or pelts is prohibited
- Possession:
- No person may possess the pelt or carcass of a fur-bearing animal, except as follows:
- Recreational hunters: No bag or possession limit.
- Licensed trappers: May possess pelts or carcasses at any time.
- Nutria pelts can be possessed at any time.
- Finished products are not included in possession limits.
- Representatives of recognized organizations: May possess live fur-bearing animals for up to three days for approved instruction/demonstration with prior written authorization.
- Taxidermists May possess lawfully taken or possessed animals/pelts with a wildlife resource document.
- No person may possess the pelt or carcass of a fur-bearing animal, except as follows:
Means & Methods
- Legal Methods:
- Firearms
- Foothold, body grip, live or box traps
- Dogs
- Snares
- Lawful archery equipment
- Electronic or hand-held calls
- Artificial light
- Falconry
- Air guns (min. .30 caliber)
- Arrow guns (with exceptions)
- It’s unlawful to:
- Shoot at or take fur-bearing animals from a boat on public waters.
- Use falconry without a valid permit.
- Use foothold/body grip traps outside of commercial harvest season.
- Use foothold/body grip traps within 400 yards of a school.
- Use smoke, explosives, or chemical irritants to flush animals.
- Use body grip traps with openings >10 inches if set on land or in <6-inch deep water.
- Fail to examine and remove animals from traps every 36 hours.
Otter Tags
- All otters taken (except nuisance otters) must be permanently tagged with a federal CITES tag within 90 days.
- Tags must be valid for the year the otter was taken.
- Imported otter pelts require evidence of lawful take or possession.
- Obtain CITES tags from TPWD offices:
- Beaumont: 5550-K Eastex Fwy., 77708, (409) 892-8666
- Mt. Pleasant: 212 South Johnson, 75456, (903) 572-7966
- Tyler: 3330 South Southwest Loop 323, 75701, (903) 534-0388
- Lufkin: P.O. Box 266, 75902, (936) 632-1311
- Rusk: 801 West 6th Street, 75785, (903) 683-2511
Propagators
- Possession of live fur-bearing animals is restricted to:
- Licensed fur-bearing animal propagators.
- Persons authorized under Parks and Wildlife Code, Chapter 43.
- Representatives from recognized organizations for instruction/demonstration.
- Fur-bearing animal propagators can:
- Take live animals only during the commercial harvest season.
- Hold live animals only in facilities meeting required specifications.
- More details: Fur-bearing Animal Program, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas 78744.
