What Are the Deer Hunting Rules in Texas?
Deer hunting is popular in Texas, as many individuals seek both the sport of the hunt and the meat that comes with it. While this is an exciting season to many, it's important that hunters know and understand the deer hunting rules in Texas. This includes the season dates and acceptable deer sizes.
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Season Dates
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In most counties in Texas, deer season starts around Nov. 1, although it is possible that the date will change from year to year. While it's OK to start getting the hunting gear prepared, it's important to make sure one knows the proper starting day of the hunting season for that year.
Typically, the season for white-tailed dear, which is the most popular in Texas, will be open until mid-January.
Hunter Safety Courses
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Hunters in Texas are required to pass hunter safety courses to ensure that they will be hunting in the safest possible ways. Out-of-state hunters must take courses as well. Children under the age of 17 may hunt without being certified if they are accompanied by an adult who is certified. Those 17 and older must take the hunter safety courses to be legally able to hunt.
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Hunting Licenses
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Every hunter in Texas must have a hunting license if he's over the age of 17. Children under the age of 17 who will be hunting must obtain a youth hunting license and be accompanied by an adult who carries a valid regular hunting license.
Size and Bag Limit
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Most years, hunters are allowed to bag one buck with an inside antler spread of around 13 inches. However, this, like other laws, is subject to change from year to year. By checking with the Texas Parks and Wildlife each year before hunting season, individuals can verify the size and bag limit for white tailed deer and mule deer.
Archery Laws and County Differences
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For hunters who will be using bows rather than guns, the laws are sometimes different. For instance, the dates of the season will typically be different for archery. There are often different laws for different counties in Texas as well. A quick check with the Texas Parks and Wildlife can allow individuals to see the specific rules for each year that relate to archery and counties in Texas.
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References
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