2024-2025 hunting season in Texas

Here's a comprehensive guide to the 2024-2025 hunting season in Texas, covering major game species, hunting seasons and regions, licensing requirements, regulations, educational resources, and important considerations for hunters.

1. Major Huntable Species in Texas

Texas offers a diverse range of game species for hunters. Key species include:

  •  White-tailed Deer: Abundant throughout the state and highly sought after by hunters.
  • Mule Deer: Primarily found in the Panhandle and Trans-Pecos regions.
  • Wild Turkey: Both Rio Grande and Eastern subspecies are present, with populations varying by region.
  • Pronghorn Antelope: Located mainly in the Panhandle and Trans-Pecos areas.
  • Javelina: Common in South Texas and parts of the Hill Country.
  • Upland Game Birds: Including quail, pheasant, and chachalaca.
  • Small Game: Such as squirrels and rabbits.

2. Hunting Seasons and Regions

Hunting seasons in Texas vary by species, region, and sometimes by specific counties. Below is a summary of the general hunting seasons for select species:

Game Animals

Javelina

Season

Zone

Dates

General

North

Oct. 1, 2024 - Feb. 23, 2025

South

Sep. 1, 2024 - Aug. 31, 2025

Mule Deer

Season

Zone

Dates

General

Panhandle

Nov. 23, 2024 - Dec. 8, 2024

Trans-Pecos

Nov. 29, 2024 - Dec. 15, 2024

Archery

59 of 254 counties

Sep. 28, 2024 - Nov. 1, 2024

Pronghorn

Season

Zone

Dates

General

41 of 254 counties

Sep. 28 - Oct. 13, 2024

Squirrel

Season

Zone

Dates

General

East Texas

Oct. 1, 2024 - Feb. 23, 2025 & May 1-31, 2025

Other open counties

Sep. 1, 2024 - Aug. 31, 2025

Youth-only

East Texas

Sep. 27-29, 2024

White-tailed Deer

Season

Zone

Dates

General

North

Nov. 2, 2024 - Jan. 5, 2025

South

Nov. 2, 2024 - Jan. 19, 2025

Special Late

North

Jan. 6-19, 2025

South

Jan. 20, 2025 - Feb. 2, 2025

Youth-Only

North

Oct. 25-27, 2024 & Jan. 6-19, 2025

South

Oct. 25-27, 2024 & Jan. 6-19, 2025

Archery

252 of 254 counties

Sep. 28, 2024 - Nov. 1, 2024

Muzzleloader

90 of 254 counties

Jan. 6-19, 2025

Upland Game Birds

Chachalaca

Season

Zone

Dates

Regular

Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr & Willacy Counties

Oct. 26, 2024 - Feb. 23, 2025

Pheasant

Season

Zone

Dates

Regular

Panhandle/South Plains

Dec. 7, 2024 - Jan. 5, 2025

Quail

Season

Zone

Dates

Regular

Statewide

Oct. 26, 2024 - Feb. 23, 2025

Turkey

Wild Turkey

Season

Zone

Dates

Fall

North

Nov. 2, 2024 - Jan. 5, 2025

South

Nov. 2, 2024 - Jan. 19, 2025

Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg & Willacy counties

Nov. 2, 2024 - Feb. 23, 2025

Archery-only

Sep. 28, 2024 - Nov. 1, 2024

Fall Youth-only

North

Oct. 25-27, 2024 & Jan. 6-19, 2025

South

Oct. 25-27, 2024 & Jan. 20, 2025 - Feb. 2, 2025

Spring

North

Mar. 29, 2025 - May 11, 2025

South

Mar. 15, 2025 - Apr. 27, 2025

One-turkey counties

Apr. 1-30, 2025

East

Apr. 22, 2025 - May 14, 2025

Spring Youth-Only

North

Mar. 22-23, 2025 & May 17-18, 2025

South

Mar. 8-9, 2025 & May 3-4, 2025

Migratory Game Bird

Dove

Season

Zone

Dates

Regular

North

Sep. 1, 2024 - Nov. 10, 2024 & Dec. 20, 2024 -Jan. 7, 2025

Central

Sep. 1, 2024 - Oct. 27, 2024 & Dec. 13, 2024 - Jan. 14, 2025

South

Sep. 14, 2024 - Oct. 27, 2024 & Dec. 13, 2024 - Jan. 21, 2025

Special White-winged Dove Days

South

Sep. 1-2, 2024; Sep. 6-8, 2024; & Sep. 13, 2024

Duck

Season

Zone

Dates

Regular

High Plains Mallard Management Unit

Oct. 26-27, 2024 & Nov. 1, 2024 - Jan. 26, 2025

North

Nov. 9, 2024 - Dec. 1, 2024 & Dec. 7, 2024 - Jan. 26, 2025

South

Nov. 2, 2024 - Dec. 1, 2024 & Dec. 14, 2024 - Jan. 26, 2025

Youth/Veterans

High Plains Mallard Management Unit

Oct. 19-20, 2024

North

Nov. 2-3, 2024

South

Oct. 26-27, 2024

Goose

Season

Zone

Dates

Early Canada Goose

East

Sep. 14-29, 2024

Dark Geese

West

Nov. 2, 2024 - Feb. 2, 2025

East

Nov. 2, 2024 - Jan. 26, 2025

Light Geese

West

Nov. 2, 2024 - Feb. 2, 2025

East

Nov. 2, 2024 - Feb. 14, 2025

Rails, Gallinules & Moorhens

Season

Zone

Dates

Regular

Statewide

Sep. 14-29, 2024 & Nov. 2, 2024 - Dec. 25, 2024

Sandhill Cranes

Season

Zone

Dates

Regular

A

Oct. 26, 2024 - Jan. 26, 2025

B

Nov. 22, 2024 - Jan. 26, 2025

C

Dec. 14, 2024 - Jan. 19, 2025

Snipe

Season

Zone

Dates

Regular

Statewide

Nov. 2, 2024 - Feb. 16, 2025

Teal

Season

Zone

Dates

September Teal Only

Statewide

Sep. 14-29, 2024

Woodcock

Season

Zone

Dates

Regular

Statewide

Dec. 18, 2024 - Jan. 31, 2025

Other Animals

Alligator

Season

Zone

Dates

General

22 Counties & Special Properties

Sep. 10-30, 2024

All Other Counties

Apr. 1, 2025 -June 30, 2025

Rabbits and Hares

Season

Zone

Dates

Regular

Statewide

No closed season

Note: Specific dates and regulations can vary by county. For detailed information, refer to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Hunting Season Dates.

3. Licensing Requirements

All hunters in Texas are required to have the appropriate licenses and endorsements. Below is an overview of available licenses:

License Type

Eligibility

Fee

Resident Hunting License

Texas residents

$25

Non-Resident Hunting License

Non-residents

$315

Youth Hunting License

Under 17 years

$7

Senior Resident Hunting License

65 and older

$7

Super Combo Package

Residents only

$68

Non-Resident Spring Turkey License

Non-residents

$126

Note: Additional endorsements may be required for certain species, such as archery or migratory game birds. For a comprehensive list and to purchase licenses online, visit the TPWD Official License Sales.

4. Hunting Regulations and Updates for 2024-2025

Hunters should be aware of the following regulations and updates for the 2024-2025 season:

  • Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Management: New CWD zones have been established. Hunters are required to check harvested deer in these zones.
  • Carcass Disposal: Statewide regulations have been implemented for proper carcass disposal to prevent the spread of diseases.
  • Doe Days Expansion: "Doe days" have been expanded in 43 counties within the Post Oak Savannah and Pineywoods ecoregions.
  • Mandatory Harvest Reporting: All wild turkey harvests must be reported within 24 hours during all seasons.
  • Youth-Only Seasons: Fall youth-only seasons now include Friday for white-tailed deer, squirrels, and wild turkeys.

5. Hunter Education and Resources for Beginners

Texas mandates hunter education for all hunters born on or after September 2, 1971. The certification can be obtained through

  • Online Courses: Comprehensive courses covering safety, ethics, and regulations.
  • In-Person Classes: Hands-on training with certified instructors.

For course details and schedules, visit the TPWD Hunter Education page.

6. Important Considerations for Hunters

  • Public Hunting Lands & Access: Texas offers over one million acres of public hunting land through the Annual Public Hunting (APH) Permit. Hunters should review the regulations and maps for these areas before planning a hunt. More information is available at TPWD Public Hunting Lands.
  • Private Land Hunting: Since 95% of Texas is privately owned, most hunting takes place on private land. Hunters must obtain permission from landowners before hunting.
  • Bag & Possession Limits: Each species has specific bag limits per season, with restrictions varying by county and region. Hunters should review the TPWD Outdoor Annual to ensure compliance.
  • Game Transport & Carcass Disposal: Hunters must follow legal transportation and disposal rules, particularly in Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) zones, where carcass movement is restricted.
  • Hunting Safety & Ethical Considerations:
    • Always identify your target before shooting.
    • Follow firearm safety rules and wear the required blaze orange when hunting in designated areas.
    • Respect property boundaries and landowner rights.

Disclaimer: This information is based on official Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) regulations for the 2024-2025 hunting season. Hunters should verify the latest rules and updates directly from TPWD's official websitebefore planning any hunting activities.