Hunting Regulations Overview

Valid Sep. 1, 2019 through Aug. 31, 2020.

Hunting License

A hunting license is required of any person, regardless of age, who hunts any animal, bird, frog or turtle in Texas (except furbearers, if the hunter possesses a trapper's license.) See Hunting Licenses and Permits.

• No license is required for nuisance fur-bearing animals, depredating hogs or coyotes.
• Non-residents under 17 years of age may purchase and hunt with the Youth Hunting License.

Closed Season

For any species, the period of time, if any, when hunting that species is not permitted.

Hunter Orange

No hunter orange is not required while hunting on private property, but it is recommended. Public hunting lands require 400 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange with 144 square inches appearing on both chest and back, and daylight fluorescent orange headwear must be worn. (See Prohibited Acts on Public Hunting Lands offering Hunts by Special or Regular Permit.)

Hunting on Public Roads or Public Right-of-Way

It is unlawful to hunt on public roads or the right-of-way of public roads.

EXCEPTION: See Reptile and Amphibian Endorsement for capture of indigenous reptiles or amphibians.

Legal Shooting Hours for All Game Animals and Nonmigratory Game Birds

The period from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Look up sunrise/sunset hours.

Open Season

Dates shown are opening and closing dates for the open season. The open season includes both dates and all days between. Unless otherwise specified, the open season is a "general" season and all legal means, as specified in this guide, may be used in taking the species. Where the open season is designated as "archery," only legal archery equipment/crossbow as specified, may be used. Where the open season is designated as "muzzleloader only" only muzzleloaders as defined may be used. When a season is designated as a "youth-only," special regulations apply. See definition of "youth."

There is no open season for any wild animal, wild bird, or exotic animal on public roads or the right-of-way of public roads, except that the holder of a Reptile and Amphibian Stamp may capture indigenous reptiles or amphibians on the shoulder of a public road or any unpaved area of a public right of way.

Sale of Inedible Wildlife Parts

The following inedible wildlife parts may be purchased or sold if lawfully taken or possessed:

• Hair, hide, antlers, bones, horns, skull, hooves, or sinew from the following game animals: mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn, desert bighorn sheep, gray or cat squirrels, fox squirrels or red squirrels, and javelina (aka collared peccary).
• Feathers, bones, or feet of game birds (turkey, pheasant, quail, and chachalaca) other than migratory birds may be used, purchased, or sold for making fishing flies, pillows, mattresses, and other similar commercial uses.
• Feathers from migratory birds may not be purchased or sold for hats or ornamental purposes nor may a person purchase or sell mounted migratory game bird specimens or their parts taken by hunting.

Possession of Deer Hit by Motor Vehicle

It is unlawful to possess a deer or any part of a deer that has been hit by a motor vehicle.