Hunting is a popular activity in Texas that attracts people from all over the world. Whether you are interested in hunting deer, quail, turkey, or any other game animal, you need to know when the hunting season starts to plan your trip successfully. To understand the hunting seasons and regulations for each hunting category in Texas, read this comprehensive guide.
Hunting in Texas during 2022-2023: A Complete Guide to Dates
The Lone Star state is an exciting destination for hunters of all levels. Knowing when the hunting season starts can help you have a successful hunting experience. This guide provides all the upcoming hunting season dates for game animals, migratory birds, upland birds, and other animals in Texas for 2022-2023.
Game Animals
Texas has some of the best hunting opportunities for game animals in the US, and deer is one of the most popular species hunted by hunters each year. Before you plan your next hunt, make sure to check the necessary license requirements and local regulations, such as bag limits, size restrictions, etc. Here are some specific dates for various categories, including javelina, mule deer, pronghorn, squirrels, and white-tailed deer.
Javelina
Javelina season runs from October 1st to February 26th (North Zone) and September 1st to August 31st (South Zone). If you plan on participating in public hunts during this period, you need an Annual Public Hunting permit along with your regular javelina hunting license.
Mule Deer
Mule deer season runs from November 19th to December 4th in the Panhandle Zone and November 25th to December 11th in the Trans-Pecos Zone. If you plan on participating in public hunts during this period, you need an Annual Public Hunting permit along with your regular mule deer hunting license.
Pronghorn
Pronghorn season runs from October 1st to 16th in 41 of 254 counties throughout Texas. You also need an Annual Public Hunting permit if you plan on doing public hunts along with your regular pronghorn hunting license.
Squirrels
Squirrel season dates vary depending on where you plan to hunt them. In East Texas, the season runs from October 1st to February 26th and May 1st to 31st, while in other open counties, it's from September 1st to August 31st. Also, youth-only days are available (East Texas) on September 24th and 25th, just before the official start date mentioned above. Note that an Annual Public Hunting permit is necessary before participating in any type of public hunt during squirrel hunting seasons along with the regularly required license.
White-tailed Deer
White-tailed deer season dates vary depending on whether you're hunting in North or South Texas. In North Texas, it runs from November 5th to January 1st, while in South Texas, it's from November 5th to January 15th. Special Late Season Dates are also available for both zones, which run Jan 2nd – 15 (North) & Jan 16 – 29 (South). Further, youth-only days are scheduled for Oct 29 & 30 and again during the special late season periods mentioned above. Archery is allowed year-round, but there may be some restrictions in certain counties, so check ahead of time before planning your hunt accordingly. If participating in public hunts, you need an Annual Public Hunting permit along with your regular white-tailed deer hunting licenses before engaging in any type of hunting activity.
