When does deer hunting season end in Texas?

When Does Deer Hunting Season End in Texas?

Deer hunting is a popular activity in Texas, with many hunters taking advantage of the state’s liberal bag limits and ample opportunities. However, as the seasons change, it’s essential to know when the deer hunting season ends in Texas. In this article, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of the seasons and their corresponding dates.

Season Overview

Texas offers several deer hunting seasons throughout the year, each with its own specific dates and regulations. The seasons are:

• Archery Season: Typically runs from early September to late January.
• Muzzleloader Season: Usually occurs in November and December.
• Rifle Season: Divided into two periods: early November and mid-January to mid-February.
• Youth Season: Usually occurs in late October.

Archery Season

Archery season is one of the most popular and widely accessible deer hunting seasons in Texas. It usually starts on the first Saturday of September and runs until January 15th of the following year. This 16-week season offers a wide range of hunting opportunities, from early rut to late winter.

• Archery Season Dates:

  • First Saturday of September to January 15th of the following year
  • Early morning to 1:00 PM (Central Standard Time)

Muzzleloader Season

Muzzleloader season is a short, 2-week season that occurs in November and December. This season is open to hunters who have harvested their antlerless limit or have a permit.

• Muzzleloader Season Dates:

  • First Saturday of November to the second Saturday of November
  • Second Saturday of December to the second Saturday of December

Rifle Season

Rifle season is the most popular deer hunting season in Texas, offering two separate periods: early November and mid-January to mid-February. During this season, hunters can take advantage of increased hunting pressure, which can increase deer activity.

• Early Rifle Season:

  • First Saturday of November to the first Saturday of December

• Mid-January to Mid-February Rifle Season:

  • 9:00 AM on the 10th Wednesday after January 1st to the last day of the month

Youth Season

Youth season is a special, one-day season designed for youth hunters (ages 16 and under) who are accompanied by a licensed adult. This season typically occurs in late October and allows young hunters to get their first taste of deer hunting.

• Youth Season Dates:

  • Last Saturday in October
  • 12:00 PM (noon) to 5:00 PM (Central Standard Time)

Important Considerations

Before heading out for your deer hunting trip in Texas, make sure to consider the following important details:

• Land Access: Ensure you have permission to hunt on private land, and always obtain landowner permission before hunting.
• Hunting Party: Ensure you have at least one other licensed adult in your hunting party, unless you’re hunting during youth season.
• Legal Rifles: Only take-action firearms (rifles, handguns, and muzzleloaders) are permitted during the rifle seasons. Crossbows are not permitted for deer hunting in Texas.
• Bag Limits: Refer to the official Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) website for up-to-date information on bag limits and other regulations.
• Mandatory Hunter Education: Before applying for a hunting license, complete the mandatory hunter education course.

Season Wrap-Up

Deer hunting season in Texas can be an exciting and rewarding experience. With multiple seasons to choose from, hunters can adapt to changing conditions and enjoy the thrill of the hunt. Remember to respect landowners, follow regulations, and always prioritize safe and ethical hunting practices. As the seasons come to a close, make sure to wrap up your gear, clean your rifle, and get ready for the next deer hunting adventure in the Lone Star State.

References

• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. (2022). Deer Hunting Season. Retrieved from https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/hunt/season_dates/
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. (2022). Hunter Education. Retrieved from https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/hunt/hunt_education/

Table 1: Deer Hunting Season Dates in Texas

Note: Bag limits and dates may be subject to change, always refer to the official Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) website for up-to-date information.