The Texas Archery season offers hunters ample opportunities to hunt deer, alligators, pronghorn, deer, and javelina. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department provides several programs for hunters. Hunters have access to one million acres of prime land year-round hunting.
Texas (TX) Archery Season, 2022-2023
The “Lone Star State” offers hunters 49 Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) for recreational and hunting use. The Texas Public Hunt Drawing System selects hunters randomly for special permits to hunt pronghorn, feral hogs, turkeys, and alligators. Additionally, youth-only and guided hunt drawings are available.
When does Archery Season Start in TX?
Texas Deer Seasons
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Archery October 1-November 4
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Youth Only October 29-30 / January 2-15
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General Season North November 5-January 1
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General Season South November 5-January 15
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Special Late Season North January 2-15
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Special Late Season South January 16-29
Texas Alligator Seasons
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General Season Special Properties September 10-30
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Elsewhere in the state April 1-June 30
*Season dates vary by region.
Texas Mule Deer Seasons
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Archery October 1-November 4
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General Season Panhandle November 19-December 4
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Trans-Pecos November 25-December 11
*Season dates vary by region.
Texas Pronghorn Seasons
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General Season October 1-16
Texas Wild Turkey Seasons
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Fall General Season November 5-February 26*
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Fall Youth Only North October 29-30 and January 2-15
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Fall Youth Only South October 29-30 and January 16-29
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Spring General Season April 1-30*
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Spring Youth Only North March 25-26 and May 20-21
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Spring Youth Only South March 11-12 and May 6-7
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Eastern Turkey Spring Season April 22-May 14
*Season dates vary by region.
Texas Javelina Seasons
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General Season North October 1-February 26
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General Season South September 1-August 31
Texas Small Game Seasons
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Woodcock December 18-January 31
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Teal September 10-25
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Snipe November 5-February 19
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Squirrel September 1-February 26*
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Rabbit and Hare Open Season
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Quail October 29-February 26
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Pheasant December 3-January 1
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Chachalaca October 29-February 26
*Season dates vary by region.
Special seasons, bag limits, and hunting regulations vary based on season and animal.
What are the Legal Hunting Hours in Texas?
Authorized hunting hours start 30-minutes before sunrise to 30-minutes after sunset.
Hunting Licenses and Permits in TX
Visit the Texas Fish, Wildlife & Parks website for more details on purchasing your hunting licenses and permits. Permits and licenses are also available at businesses throughout Texas.
Texas Residents
A Texas resident is a person who has lived in the state permanently for 30 days. All Texas residents must have resident hunting licenses. No licenses are required for hunting feral hogs, fur-bearing animals, and coyotes.
Non-Residents
Non-residents over 17 must purchase a hunting license but are not eligible for a lifetime hunting license.
Youth Hunting Licenses
Texas residents and non-residents aged 17 or under don’t need a state hunting endorsement requirement, except for a Reptile and Amphibian Endorsement.
Senior Hunting Licenses
Texas residents aged 65 or older are eligible for a reduced-fee Senior Resident Hunting License and Senior “Super Combo” License Package.
Disability Licenses
Texas doesn’t offer a disabled hunting license, except for military personnel.
Veteran and Military Licenses
Active-duty military personnel stationed in Montana for a minimum of 30 days can buy a resident hunting license. Additionally, active-duty military personnel who are Texas residents are eligible for a free Texas Resident Active Duty Military “Super Combo” License. In addition, they can apply for the free Texas Resident Active Duty Military Hunting Package while on leave.
Migratory Waterfowl Requirements
Hunters aged 16 or older must purchase a Federal Duck Stamp for hunting migratory waterfowl. Hunters aged 17 or older must buy a Texas Migratory Game Bird Endorsement. All hunters must have proof of participation in the Harvest Information Program (HIP).
License Expiration
Texas hunting licenses are valid from August 15 through August 31the following year.
Check out our guide 30+ Hunting Rules to Keep You Safe while bowhunting in the wild.
