The hunting season for white-tailed deer and quail kicks off today in Texas.
These two species rank among the most sought-after game animals in the state, and Texas hunters can look forward to approximately three months of hunting opportunities.
It’s important to note that the hunting seasons differ between the north and south zones of the state.
For white-tailed deer, the north zone season is open until January 4, while the south zone season extends until January 18, as outlined by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. Additionally, there is a special youth-only season for licensed hunters aged 16 and under, which runs from October 24-26 and January 5-18 in both zones.
The north and south zones designated for white-tailed deer hunting in Texas. (Courtesy of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department)
Texas state parks will soon offer free entry. Stay tuned for details.
Each county in Texas has its own regulations regarding bag limits, including how many deer can be hunted with antlers and the number of bucks allowed. You can find county-specific guidance online. Statewide, hunters are limited to a maximum of five deer, with no more than three being bucks. A buck is defined as a deer that has “an antler point protruding through the skin, or with antler growth in velvet greater than one inch.”
In some counties, hunters are required to report their harvested deer through the “Texas Hunt & Fish” app or via a web browser.
According to a report from Texas A&M University’s Natural Resources Institute, white-tailed deer hunters contribute $9.6 billion to the state’s economy each year.
The quail hunting season runs from November 1 to February 28 across the state. Hunters are allowed to take 15 birds per day, with a total possession limit of 45.
This year looks particularly promising for quail hunters in the Rolling Plains and South Texas, as the Parks and Wildlife Department’s roadside surveys indicate a notable increase in the number of birds, especially bobwhite quails.
To hunt these game animals, Texans must possess a valid hunting license. Anyone born on or after September 2, 1971, is required to complete a Hunter Education Course with the state.
If you’re searching for hunting locations, you can explore the state’s database for public or leased land, along with information on available game animals.
This article originally published at Texas deer and quail hunting season starts this weekend. Here’s what to know.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/texas-deer-quail-hunting-season-213347132.html
