A Complete Guide to Hunting in Texas

With over a million hunting licenses bought in Texas in 2021, it’s a great opportunity to get involved with a large community. If you’re looking to get into hunting or pick the sport back up, knowing what you’re doing is essential. Texas has a great hunting community with lots of land and species to explore. Check out our guide to help you get your Texas hunting trip off the ground. 

Hunting Regulations in Texas

Texas has several legal requirements for hunting, which include limits on who, where, when and what kind of animals to protect the public and the ecosystem. Before you go hunting, make sure you’re following state and local regulations. 

Texas leaves hunting acreage up to each county, but most counties require at least 10 acres to hunt or discharge your firearm. You can contact your local county clerk to find out your county’s specific regulations around hunting acreage. However, you can fire a weapon on your property smaller than 10 acres if you’re putting down a predator. This law is designed to protect people from hunting accidents while still allowing them to guard their property from dangerous animals. 

Anyone looking to hunt in Texas, regardless of age, needs a hunting license to hunt any animal, turtle, bird, or frog. Predatory coyotes and feral hogs on your property are excluded from this requirement. Additionally, you can hunt fur-bearing animals without a hunting license as long as you have a commercial trapper’s license. 

Safety and Education Courses

Anyone hunting in Texas born after September 2, 1971, needs to complete hunter education before they can hunt in the state. You’ll learn about wildlife conservation, firearm safety, first aid, and hunting ethics. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) offers in-person and online hunter education courses to ensure you stay safe while hunting. Completing the course and assessment helps you stay compliant and promotes responsible hunting practices. You can also take an extended course to dive deeper into hunting education and beginner guides from the TPWD. 

Wildlife Management Areas 

Wildlife management areas (WMAs) are government-owned lands in Texas designed to preserve local wildlife. There are 50 WMAs in Texas, collectively representing all of Texas’ unique environments. While they’re used for research and conservation, WMAs also include public hunting lands in Texas, camping, bird watching, and hiking. Hosting these activities lets the public enjoy nature while preserving the ecosystem and protecting it from development. Find a WMA near you to get outside and see Texas’s incredible natural spaces. 

While WMAs allow hunting and fishing, there are regulations regarding activities on these lands. These regulations protect the public and wildlife, preserving the ecological balance so everyone can enjoy these natural spaces. 

You’ll need to follow the specific rules based on what you’re doing and what park you’re visiting. Be sure to check with park management before your trip to learn about the regulations — ignorance of the rules is not an excuse for breaking them. 

Wildlife Conservation in Texas

Wildlife conservation is critical in Texas. Responsible hunting and careful wildlife protection are essential for protecting diverse animal species and their ecosystems. Conservation efforts work to keep the wildlife population stable and healthy so future generations can enjoy the land and its species for decades. In Texas, hunters and conservation programs work together to boost conservation efforts. 

Importance of Hunters for Conservation

As the human population grows, limiting our impact on local ecosystems is important. Non-native species, land development, climate change, overgrazing, and declining water quality are all challenges Texas wildlife faces. Conservation efforts rely on people to help promote their work. Whether through responsible living practices or education, we can all do our part.

Hunters play a key role in Texas conservation efforts. Purchasing hunting licenses and paying fees helps fund wildlife management and conservation projects. With these funds, groups can invest in habitat preservation, wildlife population monitoring, and conservation initiatives. 

Additionally, hunters help maintain animal population levels. For example, feral hogs are an invasive species that damage Texas agriculture and wildlife and even pose a danger to humans. The problem is so persistent that you can hunt hogs in Texas year-round, and you don’t need a license if you’re hunting on private land.

Texas Conservation Programs

Texas also uses conservation programs to protect wildlife and their habitats. The TPWD runs many of these conservation programs, which focus on research, education, habitat restoration, and more. Their efforts preserve and protect Texas wildlife and offer insight into how the ecosystem works. 

Texas conservation and education programs include:

Hunter and boater education programs

Private Lands and Habitat Management program

Project WILD and Project WILD Aquatic

Fishery Management Assistance

Texas Wildscapes

Texas Nature Tracker

While the state supports many conservation initiatives, other conservation organizations are working towards specialized goals. From nonprofits to large collaborative networks, these programs are dedicated to protecting Texas’ diverse wildlife. Hunting plays an important role in conservation, but there are initiatives beyond hunting you can take part in if you want to protect local environments.

Sustainable Hunting Practices

While hunting helps conservation, it’s essential to hunt sustainably. Over-hunting, or hunting endangered populations, leads to the same unbalanced ecosystems that conservation works to prevent. Hunting seasons, game lotteries, and land limits are some methods local authorities use to keep hunting in balance with the native population. Sustainable hunting aims to ensure hunting activities protect the environment and wildlife populations. 

Ethical hunting means following regulations designed to sustain these populations. As a hunter, you should follow these principles to keep the ecosystem balanced and healthy:

Respect wildlife: Hunters should respect wildlife and only hunt legally allowed and in-season species. Following these guidelines prevents overharvesting. 

Avoid waste: Hunters should get and use as much of the hunted animal as possible. This practice reduces waste and respects the animal’s life.

Hunt safely: Use safe hinting practices to protect yourself and others. Avoid hogging shots, hunting under the influence, or using unsafe weapon practices. Always get landowner permission before hunting, and pack your hunts up carefully when you’re done. 

Avoid unfair chase: Unfair chase practices give hunters an unfair advantage over hunted animals. Illegal hunting, excess electronics, and vehicle herding are all examples of unfair chase. The animals you hunt should have a fair chance against you when you hunt them. 

Improve skills: Responsible hunters continually work to improve their skills. You should try to achieve quick, humane kills to reduce animal suffering. Additionally, skilled hunters understand “leave no trace” practices, reducing their impact on the land. 

Hunters can extend their respect for nature past their time hunting. Getting involved in conservation builds better foundations for the future. From education to promoting local wildlife, conservation goes beyond population control. Along with hunting ethically, hunters can use these best practices to help improve conservation efforts:

Selective harvesting: Choosing to hunt older or more populated species protects the young. While wildlife regulations protect endangered species, hunters can choose to avoid younger members of a species when they hunt. This selection process protects the next generation of wildlife. 

Promoting native species: Hunters can also hunt in ways that protect native species. Go on hunts that target invasive and non-native species to restore the local wildlife balance. 

Participating in programs: Get involved in conservation programs. Helping out with restoration projects, educational events, and population surveys improves education and understanding. 

Educating others: Hunters can teach others what they know to improve conservation efforts. Sharing sustainable hunting information creates a community that puts the environment first. 

Types of Game in Texas

Texas is a diverse hunting space. Its warm climate and extensive land make for great biodiversity. West Texas wildlife and hunting is particularly diverse — it’s the only place in the state where you can find species like Gambel’s quail. Here’s a look at some of the games you might come across while hunting in Texas. 

1. Deer Hunting

Deer hunting is extremely popular in the United States. Each year, up to 500,000 white-tailed deer are hunted in Texas, more than any other state. White-tailed deer and mule deer are Texas’ two main deer species. While white-tailed deer are found throughout the state, mule deer are less common — you’ll usually find them in the panhandle and western regions. Deer have keen senses, requiring specific hunting skills and camouflage to get a good catch. 

If you’re going deer hunting in Texas, stay prepared by using:

Scouting: Make sure to scout your hunting area before the season starts to understand the deer’s movement patterns. Look for droppings, tracks, and bedding areas. Finding signs of regular deer activity lets you know where to wait when hunting. 

Camouflage: Deer can smell and see you if you aren’t blending in. Wear camouflage clothing and use scent control products to hide your human features from the deer. 

Hunting stands: Hunting stands and ground blinds are great for staying out of sight from deer while you wait for the right shot. Place them near water sources and feeding areas to get the best angle without being seen. 

Good timing: Deer are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. Plan to hunt during twilight so you have the best chance of catching the deer while they move. 

Careful shot placement: When hunting, aim for vital areas on the deer. Hitting the heart and lungs can kill the deer more quickly, reducing animal pain and preventing you from shooting a deer that gets away. 

2. Bird Hunting

Texas also has a range of game birds to choose from. Wild turkey, pheasant, and migratory birds are abundant across the state. All the various areas of Texas have birds — whether you’re in the east, west, or panhandle, there are game birds nearby. Make sure you can identify bird species well. Texas has game birds and birds with no open season, like the Montezuma quail. Knowing Texas bird species will help you hunt safely and legally. 

Try bird hunting with:

Camouflage: Like deer hunting, you’ll want camo clothing and blinds or cover to hide from birds while hunting. Birds can have good eyesight — they’re less likely to spot you if you blend in. 

Shotguns: Use shotguns designed with bird hunting in mind. Bigger birds, like turkeys, need heavier loads, while quails and doves need larger loads to shoot the bird down cleanly. Texas requires migratory bird hunting shotguns to be plugged, so they only have a three-shell capacity. Additionally, you can’t bait migratory birds.

Decoys and calls: Decoys and calls are a great way to attract birds to your setup. Use calls and decoys specific to the bird you’re hunting for better success. 

Dogs: Trained hunting dogs are a long-used tool by bird hunters. These dogs can run and retrieve downed birds and flush out potential targets from dense cover. 

3. Small Non-Game and Predators

While deer and bird hunting is popular, Texas offers more hunting opportunities. These non-game animals include rabbits, bobcats, squirrels, coyotes, and more. Whether you’re looking to hunt small critters or predators, avoid doing so on public lands if you’re looking to use your catch for commercial purposes. Additionally, you can hunt these animals at any time on private property. There might be some restrictions if you’re on public lands, but these animals don’t have a closed hunting season. 

Fit your hunting style to the game you’re after. For predators, use calls that sound like prey in distress. These sounds can lure predators into your area. Make sure to have a high-powered rifle and always set it up somewhere with good visibility. For small non-game animals, like rabbits, you’ll want to stay camouflaged and used good cover and dogs to get the best shot. 

Texas Hunting Events and Seasons

With so many landscapes and lots of diverse wildlife, there are limitless hunting opportunities in Texas. The state organizes different hunting seasons to improve wildlife management and conservation. If you’re looking to hunt in Texas, you need to follow the hunting season schedule to keep your hunting legal and responsible. 

Each year has slightly different dates, so make sure to stay updated on the current dates. Additionally, some game will have set Youth or species dates you can use to hunt if you qualify. Here’s a look at some of the hunting seasons in Texas:

White-tailed deer: Archery season is October to early November, while the General season runs from November to late January. Check your area for the North and South seasons. Muzzleloader season is the shortest season for deer, lasting around a week in January. 

Mule deer: Archery season is also from October to early November. Mule deer season is split based on location but runs from late November to early December.

Ducks: Veterans and active-duty military members can duck hunt for set days in late November and early October. The Regular season covers dates from late November to early January, depending on your location. 

Turkey: You can hunt turkey with bows and arrows from late September to early November. The Fall season is November to January, while the Spring season takes place at the end of March through mid-May. 

Pronghorn: You need a permit to hunt Pronghorn in Texas. After getting your permit, you can hunt from the end of September to mid-October. 

Quail: Quail season is long, covering the end of October to the end of February.

Texas Hunting Events

If you’re looking to get involved in the community, the TPWD hosts lots of hunting events with prizes to bring hunters from everywhere to the state. The TPWD’s Big Time Texas Hunts events feature hunts for classic game in Texas, like ram, pronghorn, deer, gators, and more. Purchase entries before the October deadline and compete for prizes against other hunters. All proceeds will go to wildlife conservation in Texas.

Along with the TPWD events, there are other hunting events hosted by local organizations. The Texas Trophy Hunters Association hosts a Hunters Extravaganza every year. Explore the hunting show and participate in the Annual Deer Competition. Hunting enthusiasts can show off their skills, make friends, and enjoy their hobby with a community dedicated to hunting and sustainability.

Hunting Transportation

Hunting might require using vehicles to get through rough terrain or remote areas. In Texas, you cannot hunt wild animals from boats, vehicles, or floating devices except turtles, alligators, or frogs. Basically, avoid using vehicles for hunting on public lands. However, you can use vehicles to hunt non-migratory animals on private property. If you’re using vehicles for transport while hunting, make sure you’re sticking to local rules and safety tips. 

Off-Road Vehicles

Off-road vehicles (ORVs) are popular for hunting thanks to their durability and terrain-tackling skills. Some common ORVs include all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and side-by-sides. These vehicles get you through tight spaces and rough areas easily:

ATVs: ATVs hold one or two people and are built for travel with limited carrying. Use them on narrow trails and dense brush. 

Side-by-sides: These hold multiple passengers and more gear. You get better stability and comfort, making them useful for hauling heavier loads and longer travel.

If you’re using off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on public lands, you need the correct tags and training and you can only use them on designated trails. Avoid driving on public roads and hunting from the vehicle. 

Transportation Safety

You must follow park safety regulations when using your vehicles on public lands. You should still practice safe driving on private lands to prevent accidents and protect nature. Use these tips to stay safe on your trip:

Wear protective gear: Always wear helmets, eye protection, gloves, and protective clothing to prevent injuries.

Follow regulations: Respect private property, stay on designated trails, and avoid public roads. Following relevant laws is essential for staying safe and avoiding penalties while hunting. ATV riders need to complete Texas-approved safety courses before they can use their ATV on public hunting lands. 

Know your vehicle: Make sure you know what your vehicle can handle. You should practice driving in different conditions to reduce the chance of accidents. 

Communicate: Travel with a partner and let others know where you’re going and when you’re coming back. These measures protect you during an emergency and ensure you can get help if you need it. 

Pack first aid: Always have first aid with you while hunting. A kit can close up minor injuries while outside. Additionally, know basic first aid procedures so you can address injuries if they happen. 

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