Texas 2025-2026 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 2025-2026 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 2025-2026
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.
📅 Quick Reference: Key Species Summary
| Species | Zone/Season | Opening Date | Closing Date | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | General North | Nov. 1, 2025 | Jan. 4, 2026 | Rifle, Bow |
| White-tailed Deer | General South | Nov. 1, 2025 | Jan. 18, 2026 | Rifle, Bow |
| Dove | North Zone | Sep. 1, 2025 | Nov. 9, 2025 | Shotgun |
| Duck | North Zone | Nov. 8, 2025 | Jan. 25, 2026 | Shotgun |
| Turkey | Fall North | Nov. 1, 2025 | Jan. 4, 2026 | Rifle, Bow |
| Quail | Statewide | Nov. 1, 2025 | Feb. 28, 2026 | Shotgun |
🦌 Big Game Animals: Archery & Rifle Opportunities
White-tailed Deer
The crown jewel of Texas wildlife offers extended opportunities across multiple zones:
🎯 General Rifle Dates:
- North Zone: November 1, 2025 – January 4, 2026
- South Zone: November 1, 2025 – January 18, 2026
🏹 Archery-Only Period: September 27 – October 31, 2025 (252 of 254 counties)
👦 Youth Opportunities:
- Early Youth-Only: October 24-26, 2025
- Late Youth-Only: January 5-18, 2026
🔫 Special Late Periods:
- North Zone: January 5-18, 2026
- South Zone: January 19 – February 1, 2026
💥 Muzzleloader-Only: January 5-18, 2026 (90 counties)
Mule Deer
Found primarily in West Texas, these majestic creatures offer specialized opportunities:
Panhandle Zone:
- General: November 22 – December 7, 2025
- Archery: September 27 – November 21, 2025
Trans-Pecos Zone:
- General: November 28 – December 14, 2025
- Archery: September 27 – November 27, 2025
Pronghorn Antelope
Limited to specific counties, these speedsters require special attention:
- Dates: October 4-19, 2025
- Coverage: 41 of 254 counties
- Tag Requirements: Special permits often required
Javelina (Collared Peccary)
These desert dwellers offer year-round opportunities in southern regions:
- North Zone: October 1, 2025 – February 22, 2026
- South Zone: September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026
🦃 Turkey Season: Spring, Fall & Youth
Fall Turkey Opportunities
🍂 General Fall Dates:
- North Zone: November 1, 2025 – January 4, 2026
- South Zone: November 1, 2025 – January 18, 2026
- Special Counties (Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg & Willacy): November 1, 2025 – February 22, 2026
🏹 Archery-Only Fall: September 27 – October 31, 2025
👦 Fall Youth-Only:
- North: October 24-26, 2025 & January 5-18, 2026
- South: October 24-26, 2025 & January 19 – February 1, 2026
Spring Turkey Glory
🌸 General Spring Dates:
- North Zone: March 28 – May 10, 2026
- South Zone: March 14 – April 26, 2026
- East Zone: April 22 – May 14, 2026
- One-Turkey Counties: April 1-30, 2026
👦 Spring Youth-Only:
- North: March 21-22, 2026 & May 16-17, 2026
- South: March 7-8, 2026 & May 2-3, 2026
🦝 Furbearers & Predators
Texas offers excellent opportunities for furbearer enthusiasts with different regulations for recreational and commercial harvest:
🎯 Recreational Furbearer Season: September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026
- Species: Badgers, beavers, fox, mink, muskrat, nutria, opossum, otters, raccoons, ringtails, skunks
- No bag limits
- Pelts cannot be sold under recreational license
💼 Commercial Furbearer Season:
- Nutria: September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026
- Beaver: October 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026
- All Other Furbearers: November 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026
🐺 Special Notes: Coyotes and bobcats are not classified as furbearers and have no closed periods, but coyotes are subject to rabies quarantine regulations.
🐦 Upland Birds
Quail
The gentleman’s game bird offers extensive opportunities:
- Statewide Season: November 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
- Bag Limits: Varies by region and species
Pheasant
Limited to specific northern counties:
- Panhandle/South Plains: December 6, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Chachalaca
South Texas specialty:
- Counties: Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr & Willacy
- Dates: October 25, 2025 – February 22, 2026
🐿️ Upland Animals & Small Game
| Species | Zone | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squirrel | East Texas | Oct. 1, 2025 – Feb. 22, 2026 & May 1-31, 2026 | Split season |
| Squirrel | Other Counties | Sep. 1, 2025 – Aug. 31, 2026 | Year-round |
| Squirrel Youth | East Texas | Sep. 26-28, 2025 | Special youth period |
| Rabbits & Hares | Statewide | No closed season | Always open |
🕊️ Migratory Birds
Dove – The Season Opener
🎯 Regular Dove Zones:
- North Zone: Sep. 1 – Nov. 9, 2025 & Dec. 19, 2025 – Jan. 7, 2026
- Central Zone: Sep. 1 – Oct. 26, 2025 & Dec. 12, 2025 – Jan. 14, 2026
- South Zone: Sep. 14 – Oct. 26, 2025 & Dec. 12, 2025 – Jan. 22, 2026
🤍 Special White-winged Dove Days (South Zone):
- Sep. 5-7, 2025 & Sep. 12-13, 2025
Rails, Gallinules & Moorhens
- Statewide: Sep. 20-28, 2025 & Nov. 1 – Dec. 31, 2025
Sandhill Cranes
Zone-Specific Dates:
- Zone A: October 25, 2025 – January 25, 2026
- Zone B: November 21, 2025 – January 25, 2026
- Zone C: December 13, 2025 – January 18, 2026
Other Migratory Species
- Snipe (Statewide): November 1, 2025 – February 15, 2026
- Teal-Only (Statewide): September 20-28, 2025
- Woodcock (Statewide): December 18, 2025 – January 31, 2026
🦆 Ducks, Scaup, Mergansers
Regular Duck Seasons
🦆 Primary Duck Zones:
- High Plains Mallard Unit: Oct. 18-19, 2025 & Oct. 24, 2025 – Jan. 25, 2026
- North Zone: Nov. 8-30, 2025 & Dec. 6, 2025 – Jan. 25, 2026
- South Zone: Nov. 1-30, 2025 & Dec. 13, 2025 – Jan. 25, 2026
Youth & Veterans Waterfowl Days
Special early opportunities for our younger and veteran outdoor enthusiasts:
- High Plains: October 11-12, 2025
- North Zone: November 1-2, 2025
- South Zone: October 25-26, 2025
🪿 Geese & Other Waterfowl
Goose Opportunities
🪿 Canada Goose (Early Season):
- East Zone: September 13-28, 2025
🪿 Dark Geese:
- West Zone: November 1, 2025 – February 1, 2026
- East Zone: November 1, 2025 – January 25, 2026
🤍 Light Geese:
- West Zone: November 1, 2025 – February 1, 2026
- East Zone: November 1, 2025 – February 15, 2026
🐊 More Games & Special Species
Alligator
Texas offers unique alligator opportunities in designated counties:
- 22 Counties & Special Properties: September 10-30, 2025
- All Other Counties: April 1 – June 30, 2026
Always-Open Species
Several species offer year-round opportunities:
- Rabbits and Hares: No closed period statewide
- Furbearers (recreational): September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026
- Coyotes: No closed period (rabies quarantine applies)
🗺️ 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
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! 🤠
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