Texas Hunting Season Guide for 2025-2026 – Dates, Licenses & Wildlife Areas
Welcome to your complete resource for the 2025-2026 Texas game calendar! Whether you’re a lifelong Texan planning your next outdoor adventure or an out-of-state visitor looking to experience the Lone Star State’s incredible wildlife opportunities, this guide covers everything you need to know. We’ll walk through specific dates, permit requirements, wildlife zones, and all the essential details to help you plan successful hunting trips across Texas’s diverse landscapes.
Both resident sportsmen and visiting enthusiasts should bookmark this page and double-check regulations before heading afield. Texas offers some of the nation’s most varied wildlife opportunities, from whitetail deer in the Hill Country to waterfowl along the coast, making proper planning crucial for a successful experience.
📅 Quick Highlights
The 2025-2026 calendar brings several key changes worth noting upfront. License sales began August 15, 2025, with all permits valid through August 31, 2026, unless specifically noted otherwise. This year marks the first time Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) offers fully digital license options for all recreational activities.
Major Species At-a-Glance:
- White-tailed deer archery starts September 27
- Dove opener kicks off September 1 (North Zone)
- Duck seasons vary by zone, beginning October 18
- Turkey fall activities run November 1 through January
- Youth-only opportunities occur throughout multiple periods
Legal Methods Include:
- Archery equipment (compound, recurve, crossbow)
- Modern firearms during general periods
- Muzzleloader-only during special dates
- Specialized falconry windows for certain species
Big Game Overview
White-tailed Deer Schedule
| Season Type | Zone | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery Only | Statewide | Sept. 27 – Oct. 31, 2025 | All counties with open periods |
| General | North Zone | Nov. 1, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026 | Standard firearm methods |
| General | South Zone | Nov. 1, 2025 – Jan. 18, 2026 | Extended southern dates |
| General | Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg, Willacy | Nov. 1, 2025 – Feb. 22, 2026 | Special extended counties |
| Youth-Only | Both Zones | Oct. 24-26, 2025 & Jan. 5-18, 2026 | Under 17 years old |
| Muzzleloader | Statewide | Jan. 5-18, 2026 | Primitive weapons only |
| Special Late | North Zone | Jan. 5-18, 2026 | Additional opportunity |
| Special Late | South Zone | Jan. 19 – Feb. 1, 2026 | Extended southern window |
Mule Deer Opportunities
West Texas provides excellent mule deer prospects with distinct regional variations:
| Season Type | Zone | Dates | Weapon Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery Only | Panhandle | Sept. 27 – Nov. 21, 2025 | Bow equipment only |
| Archery Only | Trans-Pecos | Sept. 27 – Nov. 27, 2025 | Extended archery window |
| Archery Only | Brewster, Pecos, Terrell | Sept. 27 – Nov. 27, 2025 | Special county regulations |
| General | Panhandle | Nov. 22 – Dec. 7, 2025 | All legal weapons |
| General | Trans-Pecos | Nov. 28 – Dec. 14, 2025 | Standard firearm period |
| General | Brewster, Pecos, Terrell | Nov. 28 – Dec. 14, 2025 | County-specific rules apply |
Unlike many neighboring states such as Colorado’s comprehensive hunting regulations, Texas provides extended archery opportunities for mule deer enthusiasts willing to tackle challenging western terrain.
Turkey Schedule
Fall Turkey Periods
| Season Type | Zone | Dates | Bag Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery Only | Statewide | Sept. 27 – Oct. 31, 2025 | Check county regulations |
| Youth-Only | North Zone | Oct. 24-26, 2025 & Jan. 5-18, 2026 | Supervised youth under 17 |
| Youth-Only | South Zone | Oct. 24-26, 2025 & Jan. 19 – Feb. 1, 2026 | Extended southern youth window |
| General Fall | North Zone | Nov. 1, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026 | Either-sex birds allowed |
| General Fall | South Zone | Nov. 1, 2025 – Jan. 18, 2026 | Check local county limits |
Spring Gobbler Action
| Season Type | Zone | Dates | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Youth-Only | North Zone | Mar. 21-22, 2026 & May 16-17, 2026 | Weekend opportunities |
| Spring Youth-Only | South Zone | Mar. 7-8, 2026 & May 2-3, 2026 | Earlier southern dates |
| Spring General | North Zone | Mar. 28 – May 10, 2026 | Gobbler and bearded hen |
| Spring General | South Zone | Mar. 14 – Apr. 26, 2026 | Prime breeding period |
| Spring General | One-turkey counties | Apr. 1-30, 2026 | Restricted harvest areas |
Furbearer Opportunities
Year-round trapping and shooting opportunities exist for many species, making Texas attractive for predator control and fur harvesting:
| Species | Season | Zone | License Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote | Year-round | Statewide | Standard license (except livestock protection) |
| Bobcat | Nov. 1 – Feb. 28 | Statewide | Standard or trapper’s license |
| Raccoon | Nov. 1 – Feb. 28 | Statewide | Check local county ordinances |
| Ringtail | Nov. 1 – Jan. 31 | Statewide | Trapper’s license recommended |
| Badger | Nov. 1 – Feb. 28 | Statewide | Limited range in state |
| Gray Fox | Nov. 1 – Feb. 28 | Statewide | No closed period on private land |
| Red Fox | Nov. 1 – Feb. 28 | Statewide | Uncommon in most areas |
Important Note: Feral hogs can be taken year-round on private property with landowner permission and no license requirement, making them a popular target for pest control and meat harvesting.
Small Game Opportunities
Upland Birds and Small Mammals
| Species | Season Dates | Bag Limit | Special Regulations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quail | Nov. 1, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026 | 15 daily | New statewide calendar |
| Squirrel | Oct. 1, 2025 – Feb. 22, 2026 (East TX) | 10 daily | Year-round other counties |
| Rabbit | Year-round | No limit | Private land opportunities |
| Jackrabbit | Year-round | No limit | Excellent west Texas populations |
| Javelina | Oct. 1, 2025 – Feb. 22, 2026 (North) | 2 annually | Year-round South Zone |
| Javelina | Sept. 1, 2025 – Aug. 31, 2026 (South) | 2 annually | Extended southern opportunity |
Rail and Marsh Birds
| Species | Season Dates | Bag Limits | Habitat Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rails, Gallinules, Moorhens | Sept. 20-28, 2025 & Nov. 1 – Dec. 31, 2025 | Check federal regulations | Coastal marshes primarily |
| Snipe | Oct. 25, 2025 – Jan. 25, 2026 (Zone A) | 8 daily | Wetland-dependent species |
| Snipe | Nov. 21, 2025 – Jan. 25, 2026 (Zone B) | 8 daily | Later northern opener |
| Snipe | Dec. 13, 2025 – Jan. 18, 2026 (Zone C) | 8 daily | Shortest western window |
Complete Waterfowl Calendar
Duck Hunting Schedule
| Zone | Youth/Veterans | Regular Opener | Split Dates | Species Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Plains Mallard Unit | Oct. 11-12, 2025 | Oct. 18-19, 2025 & Oct. 24, 2025 – Jan. 25, 2026 | Split period | Special mallard management |
| North Zone | Nov. 1-2, 2025 | Nov. 8-30, 2025 & Dec. 6, 2025 – Jan. 25, 2026 | Traditional split | Standard bag limits |
| South Zone | Oct. 25-26, 2025 | Nov. 1-30, 2025 & Dec. 13, 2025 – Jan. 25, 2026 | Coastal timing | Enhanced pintail opportunities |
September Teal Period
Early teal provides excellent warm-weather waterfowl action:
- Dates: September 20-28, 2025
- Bag Limit: 6 teal daily (blue-winged, green-winged, cinnamon)
- Special Notes: Shortened from previous years due to population concerns
Goose Hunting Opportunities
| Species Group | Zone | Season Dates | Bag Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Canada Geese | Eastern Zone | Sept. 13-28, 2025 | Check federal frameworks |
| Dark Geese | Western Zone | Nov. 1, 2025 – Feb. 1, 2026 | Combined Canada/brant limits |
| Dark Geese | Eastern Zone | Nov. 1, 2025 – Jan. 25, 2026 | Shorter eastern period |
| Light Geese | Western Zone | Nov. 1, 2025 – Feb. 1, 2026 | Snow and Ross’s geese |
| Light Geese | Eastern Zone | Nov. 1, 2025 – Feb. 15, 2026 | Extended eastern dates |
Conservation Order: Light geese conservation periods may extend beyond regular dates – check current federal regulations for electronic calls and unplugged shotgun opportunities.
Additional Game Species
Dove Hunting Excellence
Texas dove hunting ranks among the nation’s best, with multiple zones accommodating different migration patterns:
| Zone | Regular Season | Special White-wing Days | Falconry Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Zone | Sept. 1 – Nov. 9, 2025 & Dec. 19, 2025 – Jan. 7, 2026 | N/A | Nov. 14-30, 2025 |
| Central Zone | Sept. 1 – Oct. 26, 2025 & Dec. 12, 2025 – Jan. 14, 2026 | N/A | Nov. 14-30, 2025 |
| South Zone | Sept. 14 – Oct. 26, 2025 & Dec. 12, 2025 – Jan. 22, 2026 | Sept. 5-7 & 12-13, 2025 | Nov. 14-30, 2025 |
Specialty Species
| Species | Season Dates | Permits Required | Harvest Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandhill Crane | Oct. 25, 2025 – Feb. 22, 2026 | Standard license + HIP | Check zone restrictions |
| Crow | No closed period | Standard license | Year-round opportunities |
| Frog | No closed period | Standard license | Gigging popular method |
| Alligator | Sept. 10-30, 2025 (Core counties) | Special tags required | Lottery drawing system |
| Alligator | Apr. 1 – June 30, 2026 (Non-core) | Special tags required | Extended opportunity |
Unlike states with more restrictive frameworks like New York’s regulated hunting seasons, Texas provides year-round opportunities for many non-game and pest species.
Wildlife Management Areas and Public Land
Texas offers over 1 million acres of accessible public property through the TPWD system. Key resources include:
- Interactive WMA Map: Available through TPWD website showing all public properties
- Annual Public Hunting Permit: Required for most WMAs ($48 for residents)
- Special Regulations: Many areas have unique rules regarding weapons, dates, and bag limits
- Quota Hunts: Popular areas require advance applications and drawings
Essential Planning Tips:
- Check individual WMA regulations before each visit
- Some areas require advance reservations or permits
- Camping rules vary significantly between properties
- Many WMAs close during special management activities
Public land opportunities complement Texas’s extensive private hunting lease system, providing options for hunters without land access.
License and Permit Details
Resident Licensing Options
| License Type | Age Requirements | Cost | Validity Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident General | All ages | $25 | Through Aug. 31, 2026 |
| Senior Resident | 65+ years | $7 | Through Aug. 31, 2026 |
| Youth License | Under 17 at purchase | $7 | Through Aug. 31, 2026 |
| Combination Packages | Varies | $68-$80 | Include fishing privileges |
Non-resident Opportunities
| License Type | Restrictions | Cost | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Hunting | None | $315 | Required for deer, turkey, upland |
| 5-Day Small Game/Exotic | No deer/turkey | $48 | Consecutive day periods |
| Youth Non-resident | Under 17 | $7 | Same privileges as resident youth |
Required Endorsements
Beyond basic permits, several species require additional stamps or endorsements:
- Upland Game Bird Endorsement: $7 (required for quail, pheasant)
- Waterfowl Endorsement: $7 (plus federal duck stamp $25)
- HIP Certification: Free but mandatory for migratory birds
- Archery Endorsement: $5 (bow hunter education or exemption)
- Muzzleloader Endorsement: $5 (primitive weapons certification)
New Digital Options: Starting 2025-2026, hunters can choose fully digital licenses or traditional paper/plastic versions. Digital permits offer convenience but require smartphone access for field verification.
Texas Hunting Quick FAQ
Q: When do 2025-2026 licenses go on sale? A: August 15, 2025. All licenses remain valid through August 31, 2026, regardless of purchase date.
Q: Can non-residents hunt deer with the 5-day small game license? A: No. White-tailed and mule deer hunting requires the full $315 non-resident general permit, regardless of trip length.
Q: What’s new for digital licenses this year? A: For the first time, TPWD offers completely digital options for all recreational permits. You can choose digital-only or traditional physical licenses during purchase.
Q: Do I need hunter education to buy a license? A: Texas requires hunter education certification for anyone born on or after September 2, 1971. Certification must be from TPWD or a state with reciprocal agreement.
Q: Can I hunt on my own property without a license? A: No. Texas requires all hunters to possess valid licenses regardless of land ownership, with very limited exceptions for immediate livestock protection.
Q: What counties are archery-only for deer? A: Collin, Dallas, Grayson, and Rockwall counties restrict deer hunting to archery equipment only. These urban areas maintain special regulations for safety reasons.
Q: How do bag limits work for antlered deer? A: Most of Texas follows the “13-inch rule” – harvest one buck with at least one unbranched antler OR one buck with 13+ inch inside spread, plus potentially one additional buck meeting minimum criteria. Specific county restrictions may apply.
Essential Resources and Planning Tools
Official TPWD Resources:
- Season dates and regulations: tpwd.texas.gov
- License purchasing: txfgsales.com
- WMA information and maps: Public hunting section
- Hunter education courses: TPWD education portal
Planning Considerations:
- Purchase licenses early to avoid Labor Day weekend rushes
- Download offline maps for remote hunting areas
- Check weather patterns for waterfowl migration timing
- Scout public properties during non-hunting periods
- Consider hiring guides for unfamiliar species or areas
Safety Reminders:
- Wear required hunter orange during firearm periods
- File hunting plans with family or friends
- Carry emergency communication devices in remote areas
- Check private property boundaries carefully
- Follow all state and federal transportation laws for game
Conclusion
The 2025-2026 Texas game calendar offers incredible diversity for hunters seeking everything from trophy whitetails to challenging mule deer, abundant dove action to technical waterfowl hunting. New digital licensing options streamline the permit process, while extended archery opportunities provide additional flexibility for bowhunters.
Remember that regulations can change throughout the year, county-specific rules may apply, and federal frameworks influence migratory species. Always verify current information through official TPWD channels before heading into the field. Purchase permits early, scout your intended areas, and plan for Texas’s varied terrain and weather conditions.
The Lone Star State’s hunting opportunities rival anywhere in North America – take advantage of this incredible resource while supporting wildlife conservation through license sales and habitat programs. Whether you’re chasing your first Texas deer or your fiftieth, the upcoming calendar promises outstanding opportunities across the state’s diverse ecosystems.
