Texas Hunting Seasons: Updated


This page of Texas hunting seasons is updated annually. While Thepredatorhunter.comfocuses on coyotes, fox, and bobcats, it is hoped other game hunters will take up predator hunting as well. We suggest you check out these predator hunting links specific to the state of Texas:

Purchase a hunting license in Texas here.

Learn the rules for hunting coyotes in Texas.

Learn the rules for hunting bobcats in Texas.

Learn the rules for hunting fox in Texas.

Texas hunting seasons.
Texas Hunting Seasons.

Texas hunting seasons.

Javelina

SeasonZoneDates
GeneralNorthOct. 1 – Feb. 26
SouthSep. 1 – Aug. 31

Complete javelina regulations

Texas hunting seasons for Mule Deer

SeasonZoneDates
GeneralPanhandleNov. 19 – Dec. 4
Trans-PecosNov. 25 – Dec. 11
Archery59 of 254 countiesOct. 1 – Nov. 4

Complete mule deer regulations

Pronghorn

SeasonZoneDates
General41 of 254 countiesOct. 1-16

Complete pronghorn regulations

Squirrel

SeasonZoneDates
GeneralEast TexasOct. 1 – Feb. 26 & May 1-31
Other open countiesSep. 1 – Aug. 31
Youth-onlyEast TexasSep. 24 – 25

Complete squirrel regulations

Texas hunting seasons for White-tailed Deer

SeasonZoneDates
GeneralNorthNov. 5 – Jan. 1
SouthNov. 5 – Jan. 15
Special LateNorthJan. 2-15
SouthJan. 16-29
Youth-OnlyNorthOct. 29-30 & Jan. 2-15
SouthOct. 29-30 & Jan. 2-15
Archery252 of 254 countiesOct. 1 – Nov. 4
Muzzleloader90 of 254 countiesJan. 2-15

Complete white-tailed deer regulations

Upland Game Birds

Chachalaca

SeasonZoneDates
RegularCameron, Hidalgo, Starr & Willacy CountiesOct. 29 – Feb. 26

Complete chachalaca regulations

Pheasant

SeasonZoneDates
RegularPanhandleDec. 3 – Jan. 1

Complete pheasant regulations

Quail

SeasonZoneDates
RegularStatewideOct. 29 – Feb. 26

Complete quail regulations

Texas hunting seasons for Turkey

Rio Grande Turkey

SeasonZoneDates
FallNorthNov. 5 – Jan. 1
SouthNov. 5 – Jan. 15
Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg & Willacy countiesNov. 5 – Feb. 26
Archery-onlyOct. 1 – Nov. 4
Fall Youth-onlyNorthOct. 29-30 & Jan. 2-15
SouthOct. 29-30 & Jan. 16-29
SpringNorthApril 1 – May 14
SouthMar. 18 – Apr. 30
One-turkey countiesApr. 1-30
Spring Youth-OnlyNorthMar. 25-26 & May 20-21
SouthMar. 11-12 & May 6-7

Eastern Turkey

SeasonZoneDates
SpringEast TexasApr. 22 – May 14

Complete turkey regulations

Migratory Game Bird

Dove

SeasonZoneDates
RegularNorthSep. 1 – Nov. 13 & Dec. 17 – Jan. 1
CentralSep. 1 – Oct. 30 & Dec. 17 – Jan. 15
SouthSep. 14 – Oct. 30 & Dec. 17 – Jan. 22
Special White-winged Dove DaysSouthSep. 2-4 & Sept. 9-11

Complete dove regulations

Texas hunting seasons for Duck.

SeasonZoneDates
RegularHigh Plains Mallard Management UnitOct. 29-30 & Nov. 4 – Jan. 29
NorthNov. 12-27 & Dec. 3 – Jan. 29
SouthNov. 5-27 & Dec. 10 – Jan. 29
Youth/VeteransHigh Plains Mallard Management UnitOct. 22-23
NorthNov. 5-6
SouthOct. 29-30

Complete duck regulations

Texas hunting seasons for Goose.

SeasonZoneDates
Early Canada GooseEastSep. 10- 25
Light & Dark GeeseWestNov. 5 – Feb. 5
EastNov. 5- Jan. 29
Light Goose Conservation OrderWestFeb. 6 – Mar. 12
EastJan. 30 – Mar. 12

Complete goose regulations

Rails, Gallinules & Moorhens

SeasonZoneDates
RegularStatewideSep. 10-25 & Nov. 5 – Dec. 28

Complete rail, gallinule & moorhen regulations

Sandhill Cranes

SeasonZoneDates
RegularAOct. 29 – Jan. 29
BNov. 25 – Jan. 29
CDec. 17 – Jan. 22

Complete sandhill crane regulations

Snipe

SeasonZoneDates
RegularStatewideNov. 5 – Feb. 19

Complete snipe regulations

Teal

SeasonZoneDates
September Teal OnlyStatewideSep. 10-25

Complete teal regulations

Woodcock

SeasonZoneDates
RegularStatewideDec. 18 – Jan. 31

Complete woodcock regulations

Other Animals

Alligator

SeasonZoneDates
General22 Counties & Special PropertiesSep. 10-30
All Other CountiesApr. 1-June 30

Complete alligator regulations

Rabbits and Hares

SeasonZoneDates
RegularStatewideNo closed season

Complete rabbit and hare regulations

Texas hunting seasons for non-game animals.

Non-game animals include (but are not limited to) the following: armadillos, bobcats coyotes, flying squirrels, frogs, ground squirrels, mountain lions, porcupines, prairie dogs, rabbits, and turtles. There is no closed season on these animals and a valid hunting license is required. They may be hunted at any time by any lawful means on private property. Public hunting lands may have restrictions. The take of any nongame species for commercial purposes (sale, offer for sale, barter, or exchange) from public lands or waters is unlawful.  Note:  Take precautions when handling Armadillos, as they could possibly be carrying leprosy.

Dennis V. Gilmore Jr.

Dennis V. Gilmore Jr. is a former Marine Sergeant and the author of several books, including two on night hunting coyotes and red and gray fox. He has written several hundred articles on predator hunting for ThePredatorHunter.com.

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