t’s that time of year again—when wildlife agencies across the country start fine-tuning hunting regulations, and Texas is no exception. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is rolling out a set of proposed changes for the 2025-26 season, and now’s the time for hunters to speak up before the rules are finalized. From expanded pintail limits to a longer quail season, here’s what’s on the table.
Waterfowl & Migratory Game Birds: More Pintails, Fewer Early Teal Days
Duck hunters will see a major shift in pintail limits, with TPWD proposing an increase from one to three birds per day across all zones. Read more about the migratory game bird changes here.
On the flip side, early teal season is set to shrink from 16 days to just nine. Hunters who rely on those early-season hunts will need to adjust their game plan. The High Plains Mallard Management Unit will gain an extra week of hunting during the regular season, while special white-winged dove days will drop from six to five.
For those who hunt rails and gallinules, TPWD plans to shorten the September season to nine days to align with teal season, shifting seven of those days to the end of the season. Falconers also get a bit more opportunity, with an additional six days added for select migratory birds.
Upland Game Birds: Longer Quail Season, More Turkey Opportunities
Quail hunters can look forward to a longer season, as TPWD wants to push the closing date to the last day of February. This change would give bird hunters extra time to chase bobwhites and blues before spring. Details on quail and turkey changes.
Turkey hunters in Hill County can expect boundary clarifications, while Lubbock County may be added to the list of open turkey hunting areas in the North Zone.
Big Game: Expanded Archery for Mule Deer & MLDP Adjustments
For bowhunters, mule deer season could be getting a longer window. The proposal suggests opening archery mule deer season in late September and running it right up until the general season begins.
Meanwhile, the Managed Lands Deer Program (MLDP) may see an adjustment that allows mule deer harvests with any legal weapon from late September through the end of January.
Stay Informed: Hunting Regulations Change Every Year
Season dates, bag limits, and hunting zone boundaries change more often than some hunters realize. It’s up to every hunter to stay on top of the latest regulations to make sure they’re hunting legally and ethically. That’s where Hunterizer comes in.
Instead of digging through pages of rulebooks and government websites, Hunterizer pulls together updated regulations each year and gives you everything you need to plan your hunt—all in one place. Our interactive map makes it easy to check season dates, bag limits, and public hunting areas for any state, so you’re always ready when opening day rolls around.
Make Your Voice Heard
These proposals aren’t final yet. TPWD wants input from Texas hunters before making a decision at their March 27 meeting. If you have an opinion, now’s the time to speak up. Submit your comments here before March 26.
For those interested in speaking at the public hearing, pre-registration is required, and time is limited to three minutes per speaker.
