Texas Hunting Laws Licensing & Regulations

Texas deer hunting

The availability of small and large game during the hunting season benefits Texas’ huge size. Javelina, alligator, deer, pronghorn, and a variety of minor games are among the most popular games in the state.

Hunting regulations in Texas

Hunting and trapping are controlled in Texas, as they are in every other state, with laws and requirements that hunters must obey.

The following are some of the most important hunting restrictions in Texas:

Texas hunting license

A state hunting license is required before you can hunt any game in Texas. There are different permits available in Texas for both resident and non-resident hunters. It is illegal to hunt without a current state hunting license.

Texas tagging regulations

Certain animals must be tagged after being hunted. Deer and turkeys are examples of these animals. Hunters must be aware of all tagging regulations for the sports they wish to participate in, and the animals must be appropriately tagged to avoid infringement.

Hunters must first obtain hunting tags before they can go hunting for animals such as turkeys and deer. The tag must be attached immediately after hunting the game and before the animal is transported from the hunting field.

Hunters must also label their tags with relevant information, such as a date, the zone where the hunting occurred, and any other pertinent information. The tag must be kept on the carcass when it is transported for storage or to the hunter’s home after the animal has been tagged. Furthermore, the tag must remain attached to the carcass while the hunter is still in camp.

Tag verification and validation

Validating game tags for animals, such as turkeys and deer, is required. The validation must be completed within 72 hours of playing the game. It is possible to do so using the Texas game check system.

Tags can also be validated over the phone or online at Texas Parks & Wildlife. If a check station is provided, hunters who harvest deer in specific Wildlife Management Areas can validate their deer tag within the WMA. It is the hunter’s obligation to determine whether a WMA has a deer check-in station and whether the station is open throughout the hunting season.

Texas Hunter Dressing Regulations

Orange and pink are the permitted colors in Texas for some game animals, such as white-tailed deer, and it makes no difference what sort of hunting firearm is utilized. However, the quantity of pink or orange hue acceptable for hunting will vary depending on the type of hunting and if the hunter is on public or private property in Texas.

The following are some of Texas’ hunting attire regulations:

Hunters on private state properties are permitted to wear at least 400 square inches of the required pink or orange color in body regions such as the chest, back, and head. According to this law, they can also wear an orange or pink cap with the required inch size.

Hunters who harvest deer during the lawful deer rifle season must wear at least 400 square inches of the pink or orange color on their head, chest, or back.

Hunters who shoot from stands or elevated floors on private land in the state are exempt from the dressing requirement. However, if private land authorizes the use of hunting rifles, there is an exception. In this situation, they must conform to the 400-square-inch minimum criteria for the orange or pink hue to be worn on their head, back, or chest when going to the stand or elevated floor and when returning.

Archery hunters who take wildlife on hunting lands that do not allow the use of guns are exempt from the dressing rule.

Texas hunting bag limits

Hunters must adhere to the bag limit for the animal they wish to take as well as the hunting season in which they participate. Bag restrictions are used to limit the quantity of specific game animals that can be taken during the course of a hunting season.

Depending on the type of animal, bag limitations may be daily or seasonal. Daily bag limitations will limit the number of games that can be played in a single day. Seasonal bag limitations limit the number of games that can be taken between the beginning and conclusion dates of a hunting season.

Bag limits are set by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and vary depending on the number of species available that year. Violating bag restrictions will result in consequences such as a fine or license revocation.

Texas Open Carry While Hunting

In Texas, open carry is permitted while hunting. You can also use any caliber of rifle while bow hunting.

Texas also has hunter harassment statutes in place to safeguard similar behavior within the state.

Nobody in the state shall engage in the following activities on wildlife and in seas controlled by the government or private individuals where a hunting license is available:
To prevent the taking of such creatures, disrupt the authorized hunting of wildlife animals by hunters or fishing of aquatic animals by fishermen.
disturbing wild animals by engaging in activities or creating a barrier that alters animal behavior and interferes with hunting.
Disturb any hunter or fisherman who is lawfully carrying out his or her activity in order to dissuade or discourage them from doing so.

Trespassing on any wildlife or aquatic body with the goal of violating any provision of the hunter harassment legislation

Trespass on any privately owned, unnavigable water body with the intent to hunt any animal without first obtaining authorization from the landowner.

Hunting Licenses, Permits, and Tags in Texas

Texas hunting licenses are awarded based on the age and residency of the applicant. Licenses are also available for military personnel. Permits and tags are granted to hunters to allow them to take specified game animals.

The following Texas licenses, permits, and tags are available in the state:

Basic Season Permit

This license permits holders to participate in several hunting seasons in Texas. This license, however, cannot be used to play large games. Residents and non-residents can purchase it for $15 and $150, respectively.

Big Game Permit

During their hunting season, this license will allow them to take a variety of large game. It is offered for $14 and $150 for locals and non-residents, respectively.

Bow Hunting Permit

Hunters who want to use archery to take game in Texas must obtain this license. It costs $10.5 and $26 for residents and non-residents, respectively.

Primitive Firearms Hunting Permit

Hunters who want to utilize archaic firearms to take game in Texas must obtain this license. It costs $10.5 and $26 for residents and non-residents, respectively.

LA Duck Permit

To take LA ducks, hunters must first have this license. It costs $5.5 and $25 for residents and non-residents, respectively.

Federal Duck Stamp Electronic

In order to take migratory fowl and ducks in Texas, you must first obtain a federal electronic duck stamp. It costs $27.22 and is available to both residents and non-residents.

Texas Wild Stamp

This stamp is required for anyone who does not have a valid Texas hunting or fishing license and wishes to hunt or fish in the state. It costs $9.5 and is available to both residents and non-residents.

Wild Texas One-Day Stamp

This stamp is required for anyone who does not have a valid Texas hunting or fishing license and wishes to hunt or fish in the state. It is good for one day and costs $2 for both residents and non-residents.

Senior Hunting and Fishing Permit

This is a combo license that is offered to older citizens in Texas. To apply for this license, you must be at least 65 years old. It will set you back $5.

Permit to Hunt in the WMA

A WMA hunting license is required to enter several Wildlife Management Areas in Texas. It costs $15 for residents and $15 for non-residents.

Permit for Small Game and Migratory Birds

This permit allows holders to hunt small game and migratory birds across the state. It is only good for one day and is only available to non-residents. It is priced at $29.

Permit for Deer Hunting

This permit entitles the possessor to shoot deer in Texas. It is only good for one day and is only available to non-residents. It is priced at $36.

Permit for Turkey Hunting

This permit entitles the holder to hunt turkeys in Texas. It is only good for one day and is only available to non-residents. It is priced at $36.

Permit to Hunt in a Preserve

Hunters with this permit will be able to access Texas hunting preserves. From October 1st to April 30th, the license is always accessible. It is only good for one day and is only available to non-residents. It is priced at $15.

Permit for a 5-day Native Basic Trip

This permit is only valid for 5 days and is only available to non-residents. Except for large games, the permission allows them to participate in a variety of activities. It is priced at $15.

Permit for a 5-day Native Big Game Trip

This permit is only valid for 5 days and is only available to non-residents. The permit allows them to participate in a variety of large games. It is priced at $14.

Fishing Licenses, Permits, and Tags in Texas

Texas fishing licenses, permits, and tags include the following:

License for Hook and Line Fishing

Residents who want to catch fish using hooks and lines must obtain this license. Non-residents are not permitted to use it. It is $2.50.

Basic Fishing Permit

This license is required for people who want to fish in various Texas bodies of water. Residents and non-residents can purchase it for $9.5 and $60, respectively.

License for Saltwater Fishing

This license allows holders to catch fish in Texas’ saltwater waters. Residents and non-residents can purchase it for $13 and $30, respectively.

One-Day Basic Trip Permit

This fishing permit is only valid for one day. Non-residents must pay a $5 fee to access it.

Basic Saltwater License for One Day

This fishing permit is only valid for one day. It is possible for non-residents to catch fish in salt water for $17.5.

Fishing License for Cans and Buckets

This license is required in Texas to catch fish with cans and buckets. Residents and non-residents can purchase it for $10 and $40, respectively.

Permit for Crab Trapping

A crab trapping license is required in Texas in order to trap crabs. The minimum amount of garbage gathered for this license is ten. It is offered for $15 and $60 for locals and non-residents, respectively.

Permit for Crawfish Trapping

A crawfish trapping license is required in Texas in order to trap crawfish. This license requires 35 tons of garbage to be harvested. It is offered for $15 and $60 for locals and non-residents, respectively.

Permits for Slat Trapping

A crab trapping license is required in Texas to trap crabs. This license requires a total of 5 fish to be harvested. It is offered for $20 and $80 for locals and non-residents, respectively.

Hunting Season in Texas

The hunting seasons in Texas are determined by the game species and the hunting equipment used to capture them.

The following species will be hunted in Texas during the 2020–21 hunting season:

Hunting Season in Texas

Archery Hunting Season (September 1st to January 31st)
Muzzleloader Hunting Season (October 10th to January 31st)
No-Dog Firearms Hunting Season (17th of October to 24th of January)

The seasons for deer hunting in Texas change depending on the hunting zone. Hunters should check the Texas Parks and Wildlife website for particular dates. Alligator hunting in Texas

Alligator Season in Texas

General Hunting Season (September 10th to September 30th)
The state hunting regions govern alligator hunting in Texas.
Hunting Season for Mule Deer in Texas
Archery Hunting Season (October 3rd to November 6th)
General Hunting Season (November 21st to December 13th)
The state hunting regions govern mule deer hunting in Texas.

Season of the Texan Pronghorn

General Hunting Season (October 3rd to October 11th)

Javelina hunting season in Texas

General Hunting Season (North: October 1st to February 28th; South: September 1st to August 31st)

Hunting Season for Wild Turkeys in Texas

General Hunting Season (April 2nd to May 2nd)

Small Game Hunting Season in Texas

Open Season for Raccoon Hunting
Open Season for Opossum Hunting
Open Season for Bobcat Hunting
Squirrel Hunting Season (October 3rd to February 28th and May 1st to May 23rd)
Rabbit hunting season lasts from October 3rd to February 28th.
Season for quail hunting (October 21st to February 28th)

Bag restrictions for small games differ depending on the species. Hunters can go to the Texas Parks and Wildlife website to learn about the bag restrictions for the games they intend to play.

Texas Fishing and Wildlife Games

Texas wildlife and games include the following:

Deer hunting in Texas

There are a lot of white-tailed deer in Texas, and the state does a good job of keeping them alive for hunting. As a result, white-tailed deer are the most commonly harvested game in the state. They are widely scattered throughout the state and can be found in practically all places.

Turkey hunting in Texas

Turkey hunting in Texas is more popular now than it was in previous decades. Wild turkeys can be found in practically every section of the state and in every suitable habitat. Every year, thousands of hunters are expected to participate in the state’s turkey hunting season.

Texas Alligator Hunting

Alligator hunting in Texas occurs in areas of the state with bodies of water such as swamps, rivers, canals, ponds, and lakes. Alligator hunters are picked through a lottery procedure, and only those chosen will be issued an alligator license and tag. To hunt alligators on private land, you must either be the landowner or gain permission from the landowner, but you must have a state alligator license and permit tag.

Duck hunting in Texas

Duck hunting in Texas takes place in wetlands such as ponds, rivers, and lakes. Hunters who have access to wildlife refuge areas can also go duck hunting there. Ducks prefer shallow areas of bodies of water.

Dove hunting in Texas

Mourning Dove hunting is quite prevalent in Texas, and it is the most frequent species of dove found in the state. They can be observed perching in trees or on phone cables outside of residential areas. They also spend a lot of time roaming the grounds, especially while hunting for food.

Bobcat hunting in Texas

The Texas Bobcat Refuge is the state’s only wildlife refuge where bobcats can be found. Bobcats are the only species of wildcat found in Texas and live in wooded areas.

Quail hunting in Texas

Every year, quail hunting estimates take place in Texas. Although the figures are lower than in prior years, they are still higher than in other states. The fall in quail hunting in Texas is attributed to habitat deterioration caused by farming activities in Texas.

Raccoon hunting in Texas

Raccoons are widely spread in Texas because they can thrive in the majority of the state’s environments. They can be found in densely forested areas, woodland regions, and pine areas. Raccoons are easily identified by hunters due to their black masks on their faces and their characteristic yellow and black tails.

Shooting ranges in Texas

The following are some of the shooting ranges that are open to the public in Texas:

Shooting ranges in the United States
The Bandera Gun Club
Range of the Bracken Rifle and Pistol
Shooting Range with Bullet Holes
Trap & Skeet Club in El Paso
The Eagle Peak Shooting Range is located in Eagle Peak, Colorado.
Sporting Clays for Two Friends
The Cisco Gun Club
The Cedar Ridge Mountains
Capitol City Trap & Skeet Club is a trap and skate club in Washington, DC.
The Ysleta Gun Club
Waco Skeet & Trap Club was founded in 1989.
Trap and Skeet Club in Victoria.
The Gun Club of San Antonio
Claybird Association of San Angelo
Flying Clays at Rose City
Maxey Rifleman Gun Club is a gun club in Maxey, California.

Hunting Land in Texas for Sale and Lease

Texas hunting lands for sale include the following:

192.52 acres in Rocksprings, Texas (Edwards County).
175 acres are located east of Centerville. In Texas (Leon County), there is a great combination of land with a wonderful balance of forests and grass.
84 acres of land for lease in Lavaca County, with a good combination of open pasture area, trees, and water.
Huntsville, Texas (Walker County), has a high-fence deer ranch on 478.54 acres.
affordable hunting and recreational tract with water and power. Excellent for a weekend cabin with family. 28.86 acres in Menard, Texas (Menard County).
1,011 acres in Langtry, Texas (Val Verde County).
50 acres are for sale in Sutton County, between Rock Springs and Sonora.
The Newby Hills Ranch is a historical, animal, and natural resource haven. 35.13 acres in Rocksprings, Texas (Edwards County).
Oak Bend Ranch is located between Sonora and Rocksprings and is surrounded by oak-lined draws and seasonal rivers. 51 acres at Rocksprings, Texas (Edwards County).

Texas hunting lands for lease include the following:

long-term and year-round lease for the 2020–21 Tennessee hunting season within 50 miles of Hood County, 100+ acres for 2-3 individuals.
Aoudad Hunts in West Texas Aoudad hunts are now offered on the 12,000-acre Crane Lane Ranch, located just west of Del Rio in Val Verde County.
A remote ranch is located about 5 miles south of Hebbronville on FM1017 at the end of a ranch road. good brush with two tower blinds, an ancient ground blind, and feeder pens. Three hunters are required.
Excellent property surrounded by thousands of acres for mature deer hunting, with an elevated box stand and a high line clear cut where numerous mature bucks in Jasper County can be found.

The lease money in Newton County includes a 1300-acre deer lease outside of Burkeville, adjacent to the Toledo Bend Dam camper sites with electricity.