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The southwest region in the US is famous for its abundant wildlife, providing hunters with a wide variety of game animals, birds, and vast landscapes to explore. Hunting enthusiasts have eagerly anticipated the start of hunting seasons.
However, responsible hunting practices are essential to preserve the natural balance and ensure the sustainability of these precious resources.
In this comprehensive guide, we have collected the dates and limits for the Texas hunting seasons, covering various game animals. We will also touch upon hunting license requirements and important regulations that every hunter must adhere to.
Texas Hunting Seasons
Texas Javelina Season Dates
| Season | Zone | Dates |
| General | North | Oct. 1, 2023 - Feb. 25, 2024 |
| South | Sep. 1, 2023 - Aug. 31, 2024 |
Texas Mule Deer Season Dates
| Season | Zone | Dates |
| General | Panhandle | Nov. 18, 2023 - Dec. 3, 2023 |
| Trans-Pecos | Nov. 24, 2023 - Dec. 10, 2023 | |
| Archery | 59 counties | Sep. 30, 2023 - Nov. 3, 2023 |
Texas Pronghorn Season Dates
| Season | Zone | Dates |
| General | 41 counties | Sep. 30 - Oct. 15, 2023 |
Texas Squirrel Season Dates
| Season | Zone | Dates |
| General | East Texas | Oct. 1, 2023 - Feb. 25, 2024 & May 1-31, 2024 |
| Other open counties | Sep. 1, 2023 - Aug. 31, 2024 | |
| Youth-only | East Texas | Sep. 23 - 24, 2023 |
Texas White-tailed Deer Season Dates
| Season | Zone | Dates |
| General | North | Nov. 4, 2023 - Jan. 7, 2024 |
| South | Nov. 4, 2023 - Jan. 21, 2024 | |
| Special Late | North | Jan. 8-21, 2024 |
| South | Jan. 22, 2024 - Feb. 4, 2024 | |
| Youth-Only | North | Oct. 28-29, 2023 & Jan. 8-21, 2024 |
| South | Oct. 28-29, 2023 & Jan. 8-21, 2024 | |
| Archery | 252 counties | Sep. 30, 2023 - Nov. 3, 2023 |
| Muzzleloader | 90 counties | Jan. 8-21, 2024 |
Texas Chachalaca Season Dates
| Season | Zone | Dates |
| Regular | Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr & Willacy Counties | Oct. 28, 2023 - Feb. 25, 2024 |
Texas Pheasant Season Dates
| Season | Zone | Dates |
| Regular | Panhandle | Dec. 2-31, 2023 |
Texas Quail Season Dates
| Season | Zone | Dates |
| Regular | Statewide | Oct. 28, 2023 - Feb. 25, 2024 |
Texas Turkey Hunting Season
| Rio Grande Turkey | Season | Zone | Dates |
| Fall | North | Nov. 4, 2023 - Jan. 7, 2024 | |
| South | Nov. 4, 2023 - Jan. 21, 2024 | ||
| Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg & Willacy counties | Nov. 4, 2023 - Feb. 25, 2024 | ||
| Archery-only | Sep. 30, 2023 - Nov. 3, 2023 | ||
| Fall Youth-only | North | Oct. 28-29, 2023 & Jan. 8-21, 2024 | |
| South | Oct. 28-29, 2023 & Jan. 22, 2024 - Feb. 4, 2024 | ||
| Spring | North | Mar. 30, 2024 - May 12, 2024 | |
| South | Mar. 16, 2024 - Apr. 28, 2024 | ||
| One-turkey counties | Apr. 1-30, 2024 | ||
| Spring Youth-Only | North | Mar. 23-24, 2024 & May 18-19, 2024 | |
| South | Mar. 9-10, 2024 & May 4-5, 2024 | ||
| Eastern Turkey | Spring | East Texas | Apr. 22, 2024 - May 14, 2024 |
Texas Dove Season Dates
| Season | Zone | Dates |
| Regular | North | Sep. 1, 2023 - Nov. 12, 2023 & Dec. 15-31, 2023 |
| Central | Sep. 1, 2023 - Oct. 29, 2023 & Dec. 15, 2023 - Jan. 14, 2024 | |
| South | Sep. 14, 2023 - Oct. 29, 2023 & Dec. 15, 2023 - Jan. 21, 2024 | |
| Special White-winged Dove Days | South | Sep. 1-3, 2023 & Sept. 8-10, 2023 |
Texas Duck Season Dates
| Season | Zone | Dates |
| Regular | High Plains Mallard Management Unit | Oct. 28-29, 2023 & Nov. 3, 2023 - Jan. 28, 2024 |
| North | Nov. 11-26, 2023 & Dec. 2, 2023 - Jan. 28, 2024 | |
| South | Nov. 4-26, 2023 & Dec. 9, 2023 - Jan. 28, 2024 | |
| Youth/Veterans | High Plains Mallard Management Unit | Oct. 21-22, 2023 |
| North | Nov. 4-5, 2023 | |
| South | Oct. 28-29, 2023 |
Texas Goose Season Dates
| Season | Zone | Dates |
| Early Canada Goose | East | Sep. 9-24, 2023 |
| Light & Dark Geese | West | Nov. 4, 2023 - Feb. 4, 2024 |
| East | Nov. 4, 2023 - Jan. 28, 2024 | |
| Light Goose Conservation Order | West | Feb. 5, 2024 - Mar. 10, 2024 |
| East | Jan. 29, 2024 - Mar. 10, 2024 |
Texas Alligator Season Dates
| Season | Zone | Dates |
| General | 22 Counties & Special Properties | Sep. 10-30, 2023 |
| All Other Counties | Apr. 1, 2024 - June 30, 2024 |
Texas Rabbits Season Dates
| Season | Zone | Dates |
| Regular | Statewide | No closed season |
Texas Raccoon Season Dates
| Season | Zone | Daily Limits |
| Year-round | Statewide | Two raccoons |
Texas Hunting License and Regulations
In Texas, hunting licenses and regulations are essential to ensure safe and sustainable hunting practices. Here are some key hunting license requirements and regulations in Texas:
1. Hunting License: A hunting license is required for anyone, regardless of age, to hunt any animal, bird, frog, or turtle in the state of Texas. The license must be valid and appropriate for the type of game you intend to hunt.
2. Youth License: Texas offers a Youth License for residents and non-residents under the age of 17. This license covers hunting for all legal game birds and animals. Youth hunters can also participate in special youth-only hunting seasons.
3. Non-Resident License: Non-residents of Texas must obtain a non-resident hunting license to hunt in the state. The fees for non-resident licenses are typically higher than those for residents.
4. Special Licenses: Depending on the type of game you intend to hunt, additional licenses or permits may be required. These may include licenses for hunting migratory birds, alligators, pronghorn antelope, and more.
5. Tagging and Reporting: Certain game animals like deer and turkey require special tags to be attached immediately upon harvesting the animal. Additionally, hunters are required to report their harvested game within a specified time frame.
6. Hunter Education: Texas mandates that anyone born on or after September 2, 1971, must complete a hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license. Exceptions may apply to individuals with certain exemptions.
7. Hunting Seasons: The Texas hunting seasons have special dates and limits for different game animals and birds. These seasons vary by species and region, so it's crucial to check the current regulations for your specific hunting area.
8. Bag Limits: Bag limits specify the number of game animals or birds a hunter is allowed to harvest in a single day or during a hunting season. Make sure that you follow the limits.
9. Firearm Regulations: Specific rules govern the type of firearms and ammunition that can be used for hunting in Texas. Make sure your equipment complies with these regulations.
Conclusion
Hunting in the Southwest United States offers a wide range of opportunities to connect with nature and pursue your passion for the outdoors. In Texas, the region provides a diverse selection of game animals.
Remember that responsible hunting is not only required to follow the rules and regulations, but also respect the environment and the animals. Make safety a priority, obtain all appropriate licenses and permissions, and always hunt ethically.
As you plan your hunting trips in these states, be sure to check for any updates or changes in regulations and season dates. We will also keep you updated with any new changes!
Happy hunting!