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.