When Does Deer Season Start in Texas?

Deer hunting season dates in Texas varies by county.

Deer hunting seasons vary in each state. In Texas, White-Tailed Deer Season begins in October and ends in January; specific dates depend on the method hunters use to bag their game and what county they are hunting in.

Hunting Zones

Counties in Texas are divided into north and south hunting zone regions. For the general hunting season, 208 counties are in the North Zone, 30 are in the South Zone. Hunters who use muzzleloader firearms can hunt deer with them in 55 Texas counties.

White-tailed and Mule Deer

If you hunt deer in Texas using a bow and arrow, you can do it in October and the first few days of November before the regular gun-hunting season. Gun-hunting begins the second week of November through the second week of January, depending on the type of deer and the hunting zone. Some counties have special-antler restrictions; a legal buck has an inside spread of 13 inches or more or at least one un-branched antler. Special-antler restrictions exist in 113 counties in Texas.

Bag Limits

County regulations vary on how many deer the hunters are allowed to bag. For example, some counties will allow three deer with one buck; four deer with two bucks or five deer with one buck. Check the restrictions in the county where you hunt.

References

• Texas Parks and Wildlife: White-Tailed Deer Season: North Zone
• Texas Parks and Wildlife: White-Tailed Deer Season: South Zone
• Texas Parks and Wildlife: Upcoming Texas Hunting Season Dates by Animal
• Texas Parks and Wildlife: White-Tailed Deer Special Antler Restrictions
• Texas Parks and Wildlife: Hunt Season

Resources

• Texas Parks and Wildlife