Texas Outdoor Annual
Start here for current Texas hunting regulations, season dates, counties, tagging, harvest reporting, and special rules.
Home / Hunting Season Dates by State / Texas
Texas Hunting Seasons
Use TPWD's Outdoor Annual to confirm current Texas hunting dates by animal, county, and season type.
Texas hunting is county-driven under the Outdoor Annual, with private-land dominance, MLDP programs, and public opportunity through drawn hunts and WMAs. Tags, endorsements, and county special regulations matter as much as a statewide license.
Seasons are set by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The safest starting point is always the Outdoor Annual — confirm the exact county and species details before you hunt.
Texas Season Planning Map
Read dates through the lens of counties and public hunt areas and the species you actually plan to hunt — not a single statewide opening-day myth.
- whitetail deer
- mule deer
- turkey
- feral hog
- dove
- waterfowl
Official Texas Hunting Season Links
TPWD maintains the current Texas Outdoor Annual, including hunting regulations, season dates by animal, county listings, licenses, and hunter education.
Official Sources Last Verified
Sources last verifiedHuntGearGuide last verified these Texas Parks and Wildlife Department source links on . Regulations and season dates can change mid-year, so the official agency pages linked here remain the source of truth before you buy a license, apply for tags, or hunt.
Buy License and Tags
Use TPWD license sales for official Texas hunting licenses, tags, permits, and stamps.
Hunter Education
Confirm who needs hunter education, course options, certification, and deferral rules.
How to Check Texas Season Dates
These steps are written for Texas's system — not a recycled nationwide checklist.
1. County lines change deer rules
North, south, and special county regulations mean opening day is not universal.
2. MLDP properties differ from county seasons
Managed Lands Deer Program properties can operate under different harvest rules—know the property type.
3. Drawn public hunts
Quality public opportunity is often drawn—apply early through TPWD systems.
FAQ
Where can I find official Texas hunting season dates?
Use the TPWD Outdoor Annual. It includes current hunting regulations, season dates by animal and category, and county-specific season information.
Do Texas hunting seasons vary by county?
Yes. Texas hunting regulations can vary by county, species, and season type. Always check the TPWD county listing for the county where you plan to hunt.
Do I need a Texas hunting license before checking season dates?
You can check dates first, but you need the proper Texas license, tags, permits, and endorsements before hunting. Use TPWD license sales and the Outdoor Annual together.
Are Texas deer and turkey tags digital?
TPWD offers digital license options, but it notes that physical licenses and tags are required for hunting and fishing activities that require tags, including deer and turkey.
Are Texas deer seasons the same in every county?
No. County special regulations create different season dates and bag limits. Always look up your specific county in the Outdoor Annual.
Shop Gear for Opening Day
Pair your Texas season plan with curated shop categories.
Read Next
Texas Hunting LicenseOfficial TPWD links for licenses, tags, hunter education, and regulations.
Deer Hunting Gear GuideBuild a practical kit around your season, location, and experience level.
New to Hunting? Start HereWork through license, safety, gear, and season planning in the right order.
Hunting Gear ShopBrowse crossbows, optics, boots, blinds, and accessories by category.
Dates Confirmed? Build Your Texas Hunt Kit.
Once you know your county, species, and season dates, use the checklist tool to plan the gear you actually need.