Everything You Need to Know About Hunting Season in Texas

When it comes to hunting in America, Texas stands unparalleled. Whether you're a lifelong resident of the Lone Star State or planning a long-anticipated trip for wild game, the 2025 hunting seasons offer something for everyone—from seasoned trophy seekers to first-time youth hunters. With diverse terrains stretching from dusty deserts to pine-covered woods and expansive skies that seem to go on forever, Texas isn’t just a place to hunt—it’s a place to belong.​

This rich hunting culture also presents a golden opportunity for content creators. Documenting your hunting adventures, sharing tips on gear and techniques, or showcasing the state's unique wildlife can captivate audiences on platforms like YouTube. Engaging videos not only share your passion but also educate and inspire fellow enthusiasts. To enhance the visibility and engagement of your content, consider strategies to increase interaction, such as encouraging viewers to like, share, and even buy YouTube comments. Some creators even explore services, aiming to boost their video's reach and credibility.​

Why Hunters Are Drawn to Texas

There are plenty of reasons Texas keeps popping up on every hunter’s radar. From pronghorn and mule deer to wild turkey and even desert bighorn sheep, the state boasts unmatched biodiversity and hunting access. Texas is also one of the few places in the U.S. where javelina hunts are not only allowed but deeply rooted in local hunting traditions.

Where to Hunt: A State of Many Terrains

Texas has it all: sprawling plains in the north, wooded thickets in the east, rugged canyons in the west, and rolling hills in the south. Whether you prefer hunting near the Guadalupe River, exploring South Texas brush country, or stalking mule deer across the windswept Trans-Pecos, each region offers a unique challenge and reward.

For the best experience, use tools like HuntWise to scout land and understand movement patterns—it’s not just about luck; it’s about preparation.

2025 Texas Hunting Seasons You Can’t Miss

Here’s a breakdown of the most anticipated seasons across the state. Note that all dates are subject to change, so double-check the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department before your hunt.

White-tailed Deer

Legal in 252 of 254 counties:

• Archery: Sept 28 – Nov 1
  
• General (North Zone): Nov 2 – Jan 5
  
• General (South Zone): Nov 2 – Jan 19
  
• Muzzleloader: Jan 6 – 19
  
• Special Late Season:
  
  • North: Jan 6 – 19
    
  • South: Jan 20 – Feb 2
    
• Youth Only: Oct 25 – 27 & Jan 6 – 19
  

Mule Deer

Legal in 74 counties:

• Archery: Sept 28 – Nov 1
  
• Panhandle: Nov 23 – Dec 8
  
• Trans-Pecos: Nov 29 – Dec 15
  
• Select Counties: Nov 29 – Dec 15 (Brewster, Pecos, Terrell)
  

🆕 Panhandle archery season has been extended to 56 days in 2025!

Turkey Seasons in Texas

Spring 2025

• North: Mar 29 – May 11
  
• South: Mar 15 – Apr 27
  
• East: Apr 22 – May 14
  
• 1 Turkey Limit (Special): Apr 1 – 30
  
• Youth Hunts:
  
  • North: Mar 22 – 23 & May 17 – 18
    
  • South: Mar 8 – 9 & May 3 – 4
    

Fall 2025

• Archery: Sept 28 – Nov 1
  
• North Zone: Nov 2 – Jan 5
  
• South Zone: Nov 2 – Jan 19
  
• Extended Counties: Nov 2 – Feb 23 (Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg, Willacy)
  
• Youth Fall Hunts:
  
  • North: Oct 25 – 27 & Jan 6 – 19
    
  • South: Oct 25 – 27 & Jan 20 – Feb 2
    

🆕 Lubbock County is now open for turkey hunts with a four-bird bag limit!

Big Game and Small Game Extras

Pronghorn: Sept 28 – Oct 13
Javelina:

• North: Oct 1 – Feb 23
  
• South: Sept 1 – Aug 31 (Year-round!)
  

Squirrel:

• East Texas: Oct 1 – Feb 23 and May 1 – 31
  
• Other Counties: Sept 1 – Aug 31
  
• Youth: Sept 27 – 29
  

Wingshooting in the Lone Star Sky

Dove Season

• North: Sept 1 – Nov 10 & Dec 20 – Jan 7
  
• Central: Sept 1 – Oct 27 & Dec 13 – Jan 14
  
• South: Sept 14 – Oct 27 & Dec 13 – Jan 21
  
• White-winged Dove Days: Sept 1–2, 6–8, and 13
  

Teal: Sept 14 – 29
Woodcock: Dec 18 – Jan 31
Rails & Gallinules: Sept 14 – 29 & Nov 2 – Dec 25
Sandhill Cranes:

• Zone A: Oct 26 – Jan 26
  
• Zone B: Nov 22 – Jan 26
  
• Zone C: Dec 14 – Jan 19
  Snipe: Nov 2 – Feb 16

Duck & Goose Breakdown

Duck Season

• High Plains: Oct 26 – 27 & Nov 1 – Jan 26
  
• North Zone: Nov 9 – Dec 1 & Dec 7 – Jan 26
  
• South Zone: Nov 2 – Dec 1 & Dec 14 – Jan 26
  

Youth & Veteran Hunts

• High Plains: Oct 19 – 20
  
• North Zone: Nov 2 – 3
  
• South Zone: Oct 26 – 27
  

Geese

• Early Canada Goose (East): Sept 14 – 29
  
• Dark Geese:
  
  • West: Nov 2 – Feb 2
    
  • East: Nov 2 – Feb 26
    
• Light Geese:
  
  • West: Nov 2 – Feb 2
    
  • East: Nov 2 – Feb 14
    

Final Shot: Tips Before You Hunt

• Always verify zones and exact county regulations—Texas is huge, and rules vary.
  
• Respect bag limits and youth hunting weekends—they protect our game for future generations.
  
• Try new species! From pheasants to javelina, the state offers more than just deer and turkey.
  

And above all—get outdoors and enjoy it. Hunting in Texas isn’t just about the harvest. It’s about the connection to land, tradition, and moments shared in nature.