Your Friendly Guide to Texas Deer Seasons 2025-2026: Zones, Tags, and Key Dates
Howdy, future outdoorsman! 🦌 If you’re dreaming of wide-open spaces and the thrill of pursuing whitetails or mule deer, you’ve come to the right place. This guide is your one-stop resource for everything you need to know about deer seasons in the Lone Star State for 2025-2026. We’ll break down all the key dates for archery, rifle, and muzzleloader periods, explain the unique wildlife zones, and even touch on license info and regulations. Let’s get you ready for an unforgettable adventure in the Texan wilderness!
🗓️ At a Glance: Texas Deer Seasons 2025-2026
Here’s a quick snapshot of the primary periods for pursuing deer in Texas. These dates are based on the latest announcements from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department .
| Species | Season Type | Dates | Key Zones/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | Sept. 27 – Oct. 31, 2025 | Open in 252 counties . |
| General (North Zone) | Nov. 1, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026 | Regular firearms permitted . | |
| General (South Zone) | Nov. 1, 2025 – Jan. 18, 2026 | Extended period for management . | |
| Youth-Only Early | Oct. 24 – 26, 2025 | For young outdoors enthusiasts . | |
| Muzzleloader | Jan. 5 – 18, 2026 | Open in 90 counties . | |
| Mule Deer | Archery (Panhandle) | Sept. 27 – Nov. 21, 2025 | |
| Archery (Trans-Pecos) | Sept. 27 – Nov. 27, 2025 | ||
| General (Panhandle) | Nov. 22 – Dec. 7, 2025 | ||
| General (Trans-Pecos) | Nov. 28 – Dec. 14, 2025 |
📅 Detailed Breakdown: All Deer Seasons in Texas
Texas offers a diverse array of opportunities for pursuing deer, with seasons tailored to different regions and methods. Understanding these periods is key to planning your adventure.
White-Tailed Deer Seasons
The white-tailed deer is the most popular game animal in Texas, thriving in habitats from the Pineywoods to the South Texas brush country .
- Archery Only: This extended period runs from September 27 to October 31, 2025, and is open in 252 of 254 counties. It’s a perfect time to enjoy the challenge of bowhunting before the busier periods begin .
- General Season (North Zone): The primary firearm period in the North Zone is from November 1, 2025, to January 4, 2026 .
- General Season (South Zone): In the South Zone, the general season is longer, running from November 1, 2025, to January 18, 2026 .
- Youth-Only Season: A special early weekend for youths aged 17 and younger is set for October 24-26, 2025. They must be accompanied by a licensed adult who is at least 18 .
- Muzzleloader Season: This traditional method season occurs from January 5 to 18, 2026, in 90 designated counties .
Mule Deer Seasons
Mule deer are primarily found in the western regions of Texas, such as the Panhandle and Trans-Pecos, offering a different kind of pursuit in more rugged terrain .
- Archery Season (Panhandle): The archery period in the Panhandle runs from September 27 to November 21, 2025 .
- Archery Season (Trans-Pecos): In the Trans-Pecos region, the archery season is slightly longer, from September 27 to November 27, 2025 .
- General Season (Panhandle): The general firearm season in the Panhandle is from November 22 to December 7, 2025 .
- General Season (Trans-Pecos): In the Trans-Pecos, the general season is from November 28 to December 14, 2025 .
🦌 Other Deer-Related Game in Texas
While Texas is famous for its whitetail and mule deer populations, it also offers opportunities for other species that provide a unique sporting experience.
- Javelina: Often mistaken for wild pigs, javelina are a unique game animal. The season in the North Zone runs from October 1, 2025, to February 22, 2026. In the South Zone, it’s even longer, from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026 (nearly year-round) .
- Exotic/Non-Native Deer: Texas has a thriving population of various exotic ungulates on private ranches, including Axis deer, Fallow deer, and Sika deer. These species are typically not protected by game laws and can be hunted year-round, but always require landowner permission and are not subject to state bag limits or seasons .
⏳ Late Season Snapshot
For those looking for opportunities after the main general seasons wind down, here are the key late periods.
| Season Type | Dates | Zones/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| North Zone Special Late | Jan. 5 – Jan. 18, 2026 | Antlerless and unbranched antler deer only . |
| South Zone Special Late | Jan. 19 – Feb. 1, 2026 | Special regulations apply . |
| Muzzleloader | Jan. 5 – Jan. 18, 2026 | In 90 designated counties . |
📜 Essential Regulations to Know
Playing by the rules ensures a safe, ethical, and sustainable experience for everyone. Here are some of the most critical regulations :
- Bag Limits: The annual bag limit for white-tailed deer is five, no more than three of which may be bucks. Antlerless harvest regulations vary by county.
- Antler Restrictions: In many counties, a legal buck must have at least one unbranched antler OR an inside spread of 13 inches or greater.
- Tagging & Reporting: You must immediately tag your harvested animal upon recovery. Mandatory harvest reporting is required for white-tailed deer within 24 hours via the app or online portal .
- Hunter Orange: During firearm periods, a minimum of 400 square inches of hunter orange must be worn, including a head covering.
- Legal Shooting Hours: Generally from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
🎟️ License and Tag Fees
Gearing up legally is part of the process. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the costs involved for the 2025-2026 period .
Resident Licenses & Permits
| License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Resident Hunting License | $25 |
| Archery Endorsement | $7 |
| Muzzleloader Endorsement | $7 |
| Super Combo License (All-inclusive) | $68 |
Non-Resident Licenses
| License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Non-Resident Hunting License | $315 |
| 5-Day Special Hunting License | $48 |
Note: A valid license is required for any deer. Endorsements are required for specific methods. Additional permits may be needed for public land access .
✅ Who Needs a License?
- Residents: Anyone born on or after September 2, 1971, must have a license.
- Non-Residents: All non-residents must have a license.
- Youth: Residents and non-residents under 17 need a Youth Hunting License ($7) .
- Seniors: Texas offers a discounted Senior Resident License for $7 .
- Hunter Education: Certification is required for those born on or after September 2, 1971. Exceptions include the Hunter Education Deferral option for those 17+ .
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a crossbow during the archery season?
A: Yes, crossbows are legal during the archery season in Texas .
Q: Is baiting allowed?
A: Baiting is generally permitted on private land, but it is prohibited on public land and for hunting migratory game birds .
Q: Do I need a license to hunt feral hogs?
A: On private land, Texas residents do not need a license to hunt feral hogs. Non-residents do. A license is always required on public land .
Q: Where can I find the boundary between the North and South zones?
A: The North Zone is generally north of U.S. Highway 90, while the South Zone is south of it. Always consult the official TPWD map for precise details .
Q: What is the “tagging” process?
A: Upon harvesting a deer, you must immediately fill out the appropriate tag from your license and attach it to the animal before moving it. You must then report the harvest within 24 hours .
🏁 In a Nutshell
Texas offers an incredible diversity of deer hunting experiences, from the dense brush of South Texas to the open plains of the Panhandle. The 2025-2026 schedule provides ample opportunities through archery, muzzleloader, and general seasons, with special considerations for youth. Remember to always check the most current regulations, secure the proper licenses and tags for your chosen method and zone, and prioritize safety and ethics above all else. Your adventure in the Lone Star State awaits!
ℹ️ Rules can change, so always confirm all dates, zones, and bag limits with the official Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) before your hunt. For the most authoritative information, visit the 🔗 TPWD Official Website.
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Is doe season in texas only good thru Thanksgiving weekend ???