Texas Deer Hunting Season

Texas is one of the biggest deer hunting states in the country. Below is a description of deer hunting season in Texas.

Species of Deer to Hunt

Texas is home to both mule deer and whitetail deer. There are separate seasons depending on which type you would like to hunt, and the species have populations in different areas of the state.

Methods to Hunt Deer in Texas

In Texas, several different methods are used to hunt deer. Early season there is a special archery season, where you can use one of several bow and arrow techniques to kill a deer. Typically, stand hunting is used for whitetails, and spot and stalk for mule deer. Later in the season, the general tags open up. This allows for rifle hunting, and is the most popular. Spot and stalk is very common while rifle hunting, as is using calls or decoys. There are also muzzle-loader seasons for those who wish to use that particular weapon type.

Permits and Seasons

A valid hunting license is required to hunt both whitetail and mule deer in Texas. You must acquire a Texas hunting license first. This may require taking a hunters education class depending on when you were born. This license costs $25 for residents, and $315 for non-residents. There are also annual hunting permits available for $48. If you wish to hunt in a controlled zone, there may be a fee for putting in for the draw.

Seasons vary by hunt type and area. The archery season opens in October and runs till the beginning of December. Muzzle loader seasons are in January. There is a special youth hunt for two days in October and then again in January. Most general rifle seasons open in November and go into December, with some running all the way into January.

Other Laws and Regulations

In Texas, it is only legal to hunt from half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset. In Texas, it is legal to take several deer per season, depending on the zone you are in.

Where you can Hunt

Deer are populous throughout the state, although some areas are better than others. Do some research before you decide on a location to hunt in. Texas has very little public land for hunters to use. Less than 2% of the state is publicly owned. However, you are allowed to hunt on private property as long as you have the permission of the owner of the land.

Texas is one of the most popular deer hunting states. If you’d like to see more about the state’s deer hunting, check out the Texas Parks and Wildlife home page, where you can see the latest in deer hunting season dates and laws.