Bow Hunting in Texas

Bow hunting is popular in Texas

Hunting with archery equipment challenges sportsmen in Texas, who pursue deer, birds, exotic game species and non-game animals with bow and arrow as their forefathers did. Knowing the basic rules and options improves the hunter's experience.

Legal Weapons

The Parks and Wildlife Code of Texas allows long bows, recurved bows and, since 2009, crossbows during both archery-only and general open seasons for game, migratory birds and other permitted hunting--with a few exceptions.

Restrictions

Crossbows may not be used during archery-only seasons in Grayson County or on certain units of state-owned land, unless certifiably disabled. Grayson County allows crossbow hunting during general seasons for deer and turkey.

Seasons

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) sets month-long archery-only seasons for whitetail, mule deer and turkey that open before the general hunting seasons for those animals. Hunt exotic and non-game animals year-round.

General License & Education Requirements

Bow hunters need a valid hunting license plus an archery "stamp" or endorsement and must complete a general hunter-education course. Bow-hunting education is encouraged but certification is only required at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge and Camp Bullis.

For Birds

All hunters must purchase an upland bird stamp to hunt turkey. Dove, ducks, geese, and other game require a migratory game bird stamp and Harvest Information Program certification.

References

• Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, Chapter 62: Provisions Generally Applicable to Hunting
• TPWD: Bow Hunters May Need To Go Native During Archery Season Sept 2009
• TPWD: Upcoming Texas Hunting Season Dates by Animal
• TPWD: Hunting & Wildlife FAQ---Hunting Regulations
• TPWD: Migratory Game Bird Harvest Information Program