Texas 2025 Hunting Seasons – Regulations by Species, Tags & Legal Weapons
Are you gearing up for field adventures in the Lone Star State? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 2024-2025 sporting calendar in Texas. From whitetail expeditions and fowl pursuits to tag requirements and regional boundaries, we’ve organized all the essential information to help you plan your outings with confidence.
Texas Wildlife Pursuit Overview 2024-2025
Texas offers some of the most diverse wildlife opportunities in America, with millions of acres of public and private land available for sportsmen and women. The state’s varied landscape—from the piney woods of East Texas to the arid Trans-Pecos region—creates unique habitats that support numerous game species. This guide breaks down the official dates, regulations, and requirements for popular quarry across different regions.
Key Game Species at a Glance
| Species | Opening Date | Closing Date | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer (North) | Nov. 2, 2024 | Jan. 5, 2025 | General/Firearms |
| White-tailed Deer (South) | Nov. 2, 2024 | Jan. 19, 2025 | General/Firearms |
| Mule Deer (Panhandle) | Nov. 23, 2024 | Dec. 8, 2024 | General/Firearms |
| Turkey (Fall North) | Nov. 2, 2024 | Jan. 5, 2025 | General/Firearms |
| Dove (North Zone) | Sep. 1, 2024 | Nov. 10, 2024 | Shotgun |
| Quail | Oct. 26, 2024 | Feb. 23, 2025 | Shotgun |
| Duck (North Zone) | Nov. 9, 2024 | Jan. 26, 2025* | Shotgun |
*Includes split season – see complete details below
🦌 Big Game Opportunities: Archery & Rifle
White-tailed Deer
The pursuit of white-tailed deer remains the most popular outdoor activity in Texas, with different regulations across the state’s wildlife management zones.
Archery Season:
- Dates: September 28 – November 1, 2024
- Available in 252 of 254 counties
- Requires an Archery Endorsement with your license
- Antler restrictions apply in many counties
General Season:
- North Zone: November 2, 2024 – January 5, 2025
- South Zone: November 2, 2024 – January 19, 2025
- Special Late Season (antlerless & unbranched antler bucks):
- North Zone: January 6-19, 2025
- South Zone: January 20 – February 2, 2025
Youth-Only Weekends:
- North & South Zones: October 25-27, 2024 & January 6-19, 2025
- Special opportunities for hunters under 17 with supervising adults
Muzzleloader:
- Dates: January 6-19, 2025
- Available in 90 counties
- Requires primitive firearms as defined in regulations
Mule Deer
For those seeking Mule Deer, opportunities exist in western regions of the state:
- Panhandle Region: November 23 – December 8, 2024
- Trans-Pecos Region: November 29 – December 15, 2024
- Archery Season: September 28 – November 1, 2024 (in 59 counties)
- Antler restrictions apply in most counties
- Tag from your license must be attached immediately after harvest
Pronghorn
Pronghorn expeditions require special permits in addition to your basic license:
- Season: September 28 – October 13, 2024
- Available in 41 counties
- Permit required (landowner-supplied)
- Only bucks may be taken
🦃 Turkey Opportunities
Fall Wild Turkey
- North Zone: November 2, 2024 – January 5, 2025
- South Zone: November 2, 2024 – January 19, 2025
- Special Region (Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg & Willacy counties): November 2, 2024 – February 23, 2025
- Archery-only: September 28 – November 1, 2024
Spring Wild Turkey
- North Zone: March 29 – May 11, 2025
- South Zone: March 15 – April 27, 2025
- One-turkey counties: April 1-30, 2025
- East Zone: April 22 – May 14, 2025
Youth-Only Turkey Weekends
- Fall North Zone: October 25-27, 2024 & January 6-19, 2025
- Fall South Zone: October 25-27, 2024 & January 20 – February 2, 2025
- Spring North Zone: March 22-23, 2025 & May 17-18, 2025
- Spring South Zone: March 8-9, 2025 & May 3-4, 2025
🐇 Year-Round Pursuits
Rabbits and Hares
- Season: Year-round (no closed season)
- No bag limits
- Available statewide
- Popular for training sporting dogs
Javelina
- North Zone: October 1, 2024 – February 23, 2025
- South Zone: September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025 (year-round)
- Two javelina annual bag limit
- Requires immediate tag attachment from license
🐿️ Small Game Calendar
| Species | Zone | Open Date | Close Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squirrel | East Texas | Oct. 1, 2024 | Feb. 23, 2025* |
| Squirrel | Other Counties | Sep. 1, 2024 | Aug. 31, 2025 |
| Quail | Statewide | Oct. 26, 2024 | Feb. 23, 2025 |
| Pheasant | Panhandle | Dec. 7, 2024 | Jan. 5, 2025 |
| Chachalaca | Selected Counties | Oct. 26, 2024 | Feb. 23, 2025 |
*Additional May season: May 1-31, 2025
*Youth-Only Squirrel Weekend (East Texas): September 27-29, 2024
🦆 Waterfowl Seasons
Duck Seasons
- High Plains: October 26-27, 2024 & November 1, 2024 – January 26, 2025
- North Zone: November 9 – December 1, 2024 & December 7, 2024 – January 26, 2025
- South Zone: November 2 – December 1, 2024 & December 14, 2024 – January 26, 2025
- Youth/Veterans Weekends:
- High Plains: October 19-20, 2024
- North Zone: November 2-3, 2024
- South Zone: October 26-27, 2024
Goose Seasons
- Early Canada Goose (East): September 14-29, 2024
- Dark Geese:
- West Zone: November 2, 2024 – February 2, 2025
- East Zone: November 2, 2024 – January 26, 2025
- Light Geese:
- West Zone: November 2, 2024 – February 2, 2025
- East Zone: November 2, 2024 – February 14, 2025
Early Teal Season
- Statewide: September 14-29, 2024
- Requires Federal Duck Stamp and HIP Certification
- Daily bag limit of 6 teal (any combination)
🕊️ Dove Opportunities
- North Zone: September 1 – November 10, 2024 & December 20, 2024 – January 7, 2025
- Central Zone: September 1 – October 27, 2024 & December 13, 2024 – January 14, 2025
- South Zone: September 14 – October 27, 2024 & December 13, 2024 – January 21, 2025
- Special White-winged Dove Days (South): September 1-2, 6-8, & 13, 2024
🐊 Additional Wildlife Pursuits
Sandhill Crane
- Zone A: October 26, 2024 – January 26, 2025
- Zone B: November 22, 2024 – January 26, 2025
- Zone C: December 14, 2024 – January 19, 2025
- Federal permit required
Alligator
- 22 Core Counties: September 10-30, 2024
- All Other Counties: April 1 – June 30, 2025
- Special permit and CITES tag required
- Specific methods and restrictions apply
Other Migratory Birds
- Rails, Gallinules & Moorhens: September 14-29, 2024 & November 2 – December 25, 2024
- Snipe: November 2, 2024 – February 16, 2025
- Woodcock: December 18, 2024 – January 31, 2025
🗺️ Texas Wildlife Management Zones
Understanding Texas zone boundaries is crucial for following correct dates and regulations. For detailed zone maps, visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Maps.
🎟️ License Information
Resident License Options
- Annual Resident Hunting: $25
- Super Combo All-Inclusive: $68
- Senior Resident (65+): Discounted rates
- Youth (under 17): $7
Non-Resident Options
- General Non-Resident Hunting: $315
- Five-Day Special Non-Resident: $48
- Spring Turkey Non-Resident: $126
Required Endorsements
- Archery: $7
- Upland Game Bird: $7
- Federal Duck Stamp: $25
- Harvest Information Program (HIP): Free certification required
Licenses are available online through Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, at sporting goods stores, or TPWD field offices.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need tags for all game animals?
All deer, turkey, and pronghorn harvests require immediate tagging with the appropriate tag from your license. Some animals like javelina also require tags, while others like squirrel and rabbit don’t.
Can I pursue game on public lands?
Yes! Texas offers the Annual Public Hunting Permit ($48) that provides access to over 1 million acres. Additionally, drawn hunts offer special opportunities through an application process.
Are night pursuits allowed?
Night hunting is prohibited for most game animals and birds. Feral hogs and certain non-game animals may be taken at night with some restrictions and proper permits.
How do bag limits work?
Limits vary by species and sometimes by county. Always check the regulations for your specific location and quarry. Some counties have antler restrictions and special bag limits.
Are there youth-only opportunities?
Texas offers numerous youth-only weekends for deer, turkey, and squirrel to encourage participation from the next generation of conservationists.
Related Resources
- Oklahoma Hunting Calendar
- Louisiana Hunting Calendar
- Texas Public Land Access
Plan Your Texas Outdoor Adventure Today
The Lone Star State offers some of North America’s most diverse and abundant wildlife opportunities. Whether you’re pursuing a trophy buck in the Hill Country, calling spring gobblers in the Pineywoods, or enjoying dove season with friends, proper preparation ensures a safe and successful outing.
Remember to always verify current regulations, understand zone boundaries, and obtain proper licensing before heading afield. Conservation depends on responsible sportsmen and women following regulations designed to protect wildlife populations for future generations.
Good luck and safe hunting in the great outdoors of Texas! 🤠
