Texas Hunting Seasons, 2023-2024
Bag game large and small during Texas hunting seasons. A variety of hunting seasons — including youth hunt days and special firearms seasons — are available. And, game such as alligator, pronghorn, deer and javelina make for an exciting hunting experience.
Texas hunting licenses can be purchased online or from a variety of businesses located throughout the state. The state offers license options for both residents and nonresidents. Permits are required for many game hunts and can also be found online.
Texas’ Parks and Wildlife Department offers several beneficial programs for hunters. By purchasing a public hunting permit, hunters have access to nearly 1 million acres of land available for year-round hunting. Texas has 49 Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) available for hunting and recreational use.
The Public Hunt Drawing System randomly selects hunters for special permits to hunt in specific regions or specific animals, including feral hogs, pronghorn, alligator, and turkey. Additionally, guided hunts and youth-only hunt drawings are available.
Texas Deer Seasons
| Archery | Sept. 30-Nov. 3 |
| Muzzleloader Only | Jan. 8-21 |
| Youth Only | Oct. 29-30 Jan. 8-21 |
| General Season | North: Nov. 4-Jan. 7 South: Nov. 4-Jan. 21 |
| Special Late Season | North: Jan. 8-21 South: Jan. 22-Feb. 4 |
Texas Alligator Seasons
| General Season | Special Properties: Sept. 10-30 Elsewhere: April 1-June 30 |
Season dates vary by zone. Check out the details on the Texas Parks and Wildlife before heading out on your hunt.
Texas Mule Deer Seasons
| Archery | Oct. 1-Nov. 4 |
| General Season | Panhandle: Nov. 18-Dec. 3 Trans-Pecos: Nov. 24-Dec. 10 |
**Season dates vary by zone. Visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website for more details.
Texas Pronghorn Seasons
| General Season | Sept. 30-Oct. 15 |
Texas Wild Turkey Seasons
| Fall General Season | North: Nov. 4-Jan. 7 South: Nov. 4-Jan. 21 Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg & Willacy counties: Nov. 4-Feb. 25 |
| Fall Archery Only | Sept. 30-Nov. 3 |
| Fall Youth Only | North: Oct. 28-29 and Jan. 8-21 South: Oct. 28-29 and Jan. 22-Feb. 4 |
| Spring General Season | North: March 30-May 12 South: March 16-April 28 One-turkey counties: April 1-30 |
| Spring Youth Only | North: March 23-24 and May 18-19 South: March 9-10 and May 4-5 |
| Eastern Turkey Spring Season | April 22-May 14 |
**Season dates vary by zone. Visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website for more details.
Texas Javelina Seasons
| General Season | North: Oct. 1-Feb. 25 South: Sept. 1-Aug. 31 |
Texas Small Game Seasons
| Woodcock | Dec. 18-Jan. 31 |
| Teal | Sept. 9-24 |
| Snipe | Nov. 4-Feb. 18 |
| Squirrel | East Texas: Oct.1-Feb. 25 and May 1-31 Other Open Counties: Sept. 1-Aug. 31 Youth Only, East Texas: Sept. 23-24 |
| Rabbit and Hare | Open Season |
| Quail | Oct. 28-Feb. 25 |
| Pheasant | Dec. 2-31 |
| Chachalaca | Oct. 28-Feb. 25 |
**Season dates vary by zone. Visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website for more details.
Bag limits, special seasons and hunting regulations for Texas hunting seasons do vary based on animal and seasons. For more information on obtaining licenses, permits and regulations, visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.