Overview of Hunting in Texas

With its vast landscapes and abundant wildlife, Texas stands out as one of the premier destinations for big game hunts. The state offers over 1 million acres of public hunting land, including Wildlife Management Areas, national forests, and special draw hunt locations, giving hunters plenty of opportunities to experience the great outdoors. From the dense pine forests of East Texas to the rugged deserts of West Texas and the rolling terrain of the Edwards Plateau, each region presents unique challenges and rewards for hunters of all skill levels.

Texas is home to some of the most sought-after game animals in North America. White-tailed deer are the most popular, with Texas boasting one of the largest deer populations in the country. Trophy whitetails are a major draw for out-of-state hunters looking for impressive antlers. In addition to deer, hunters can pursue mule deer, pronghorn, black bear, and Rio Grande turkey. Migratory waterfowl seasons bring in waterfowl enthusiasts from all over the country, while feral hogs provide year-round hunting opportunities, often requiring thermal scopes for night hunting.

For those interested in exotic game, Texas offers free-range and high-fence hunting for a variety of species, including axis deer hunts, blackbuck antelope, fallow deer, and even American bison. Many of these hunts take place on private property, but there are also public lands that allow fair-chase hunts for exotic wildlife.

Texas landscape with open space and wind mill and mesa in background

The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) plays a crucial role in managing wildlife populations and ensuring sustainable hunting practices. Through the Public Hunting Program and Annual Public Hunting (APH) Permit, hunters gain access to managed lands, making it easier to find quality hunting opportunities across the state. TPWD also enforces migratory game bird proclamations to regulate seasons and ensure healthy populations.

Whether you’re after big game, non-game species, or simply the experience of hunting in Texas’ wide-open spaces, the state offers something for everyone. With long seasons, diverse species, and a strong hunting tradition, Texas continues to be a top-notch choice for hunters from all over the country.

Public Hunting Lands in Texas

While much of Texas is privately owned, the state still offers over 1 million acres of publicly accessible land through the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) Public Hunting Program. This includes Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), state parks, national forests, and select Army Corps of Engineers lands, providing a range of options for hunters seeking public access. Hunterizer offers an interactive map o that helps hunters locate designated areas for various species and game animal opportunities.

Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) serve as the backbone of Texas’ public hunting system. These areas are managed specifically for wildlife conservation and provide opportunities for hunting a variety of species, including white-tailed deer, Rio Grande turkey, waterfowl, and feral hogs. Most WMAs require a regular permit, Limited Public Use (LPU) Permit, or the Annual Public Hunting (APH) Permit for access.

National Forests and Grasslands offer additional public hunting opportunities in Texas. The Sam Houston, Davy Crockett, Angelina, and Sabine National Forests, as well as the LBJ and Caddo National Grasslands, allow hunting under state regulations. These lands are particularly popular for deer, feral hogs, and small game hunting. For those looking for a challenging hunt, rugged terrain and dense forests make for exciting hunts using tree stands and ground blinds.

Army Corps of Engineers Lands provide hunting access around several reservoirs across the state, such as Lake Whitney, Lake Texoma, and Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Hunters should check with individual lake offices for regulations and permit requirements, as some locations may have restrictions due to federal agencies managing water resources.

Texas also offers Special Draw Hunts, which provide limited-access opportunities on both public and private lands. These highly managed hunts take place on WMAs, state parks, and even some federal lands, offering chances at quality game with reduced hunting pressure. These hunts are a great time for youth hunters to gain experience, as well as for experienced hunters looking for trophy whitetails or elk hunts.

Private Land Access

With over 95% of Texas land privately owned, many hunters gain access to private properties through lease agreements, hunting clubs, or guided outfitters. Private landowners offer hunting leases for everything from Texas whitetail and migratory waterfowl to exotic species like blackbuck antelope and exotic game such as axis deer hunts.

However, TPWD also facilitates access to private lands through its Public Hunting Lease Program, which opens certain private properties for regulated public hunting. Some properties even offer fair-chase hunts for species like elk and fallow deer, providing hunters with incredible big game hunt opportunities.

Hunters seeking private land opportunities should always secure permission, follow landowner guidelines, and be mindful of Texas’ purple paint law, which designates private land boundaries where hunting is not permitted without explicit permission. A hunter education certificate is required for many hunting opportunities, ensuring all Texas residents and out-of-state hunters meet state regulations before heading into the field.

For those looking for guide services, Texas is home to some great guides offering top-notch experiences on private ranches. Whether it’s corporate retreats, family hunting trips, or solo fair-chase hunts, Texas outfitters provide excellent options for both seasoned hunters and newcomers. Many guides also help track and recover wounded game, ensuring ethical hunting practices.

Additional Hunting Considerations

Texas offers a wide range of big game hunts, fair-chase hunts, and trophy whitetail hunts across millions of square miles. Whether you’re hunting on private property, public lands, or through a carefully managed draw system, there’s no shortage of opportunities.

Before heading out, hunters should visit the wildlife department website to review current regulations, migratory game bird proclamations, and ensure they have the necessary proof of certification for hunting licenses. In addition to Hunterizer, Texas Parks & Wildlife also provides an interactive map for locating hunting areas, permits, and species availability.

With an abundance of wild game, carefully managed conservation programs, and a deep-rooted hunting culture, Texas continues to be a premier hunting destination for all skill levels. Whether you’re tracking trophy whitetails in the brush country, setting up ground blinds for elk hunts, or scanning open fields with thermal scopes for feral hogs, Texas hunting offers something unforgettable for every hunter.

Species to Hunt in Texas

Texas is home to an incredible variety of game species, making it a versatile destination for hunters. Here’s a look at the key species you can pursue:

Game Animals

Pronghorn Antelope

One of the fastest land animals in North America, pronghorns inhabit the grasslands and deserts of the Texas Panhandle and Trans-Pecos.

Javelina

A medium-sized mammal resembling a wild pig, commonly found in South Texas and the Trans-Pecos region.

Mule Deer

Found primarily in West Texas and the Panhandle, mule deer are known for their large ears and preference for open, rugged terrain.

Whitetail Deer

The most abundant big game species in Texas, thriving in a variety of habitats across the state.

Squirrel

Texas is home to both fox squirrels (common in open woodlands) and gray squirrels (found in dense East Texas forests).

Alligator

Native to East and Southeast Texas, alligator hunting is strictly regulated and requires special permits.

Cottontail rabbit side view with blurry background of field

Rabbits & Hares

Includes eastern cottontail, swamp rabbit, and black-tailed jackrabbit, which are common throughout Texas.

Desert Bighorn Sheep

Once nearly extinct in Texas, this species has been successfully reintroduced in select mountainous areas, with limited hunting permits available.

Migratory Game Birds

Common Snipe

A small, fast-flying bird that migrates through Texas and is commonly found in marshes and wetlands.

Duck

The state is a major migration stopover for species like mallards, pintails, teal, and wood ducks, with prime hunting along the Gulf Coast and in East Texas.

Doves

Texas offers some of the best dove hunting in the country, with mourning doves, white-winged doves, and Eurasian collared-doves widely available.

Flock of Canada Geese fling in formation through a partially cloudy sky

Goose

Texas provides excellent hunting for snow geese, Canada geese, and speckle-bellied geese, especially in coastal and Panhandle regions.

Rails, Gallinules & Moorhens

Secretive water birds found in marshlands, offering specialized hunting opportunities.

Sandhill Cranes

Large, migratory birds that winter in Texas, particularly in the Panhandle and along the Gulf Coast.

Teal

Blue-winged and green-winged teal arrive early in the season, leading to a special early teal hunting season.

Woodcock

A woodland bird that migrates through East Texas in late fall and winter.

Fur-Bearing Animals

Badger

A burrowing carnivore found in open prairies and grasslands.

Beaver

A large, aquatic rodent known for dam-building in rivers and wetlands.

Red fox looking backwards while walking in a snowy field

Fox (Red & Gray)

Red foxes prefer open fields, while gray foxes are more common in brushy and wooded areas.

Mink

A semi-aquatic predator found near lakes and streams.

Muskrat

A wetland rodent that builds lodges in slow-moving waters.

Nutria

An invasive, swamp-dwelling rodent that damages Texas wetlands.

Opossum

North America’s only marsupial, highly adaptable to both urban and rural environments.

Otter

Found primarily in East Texas waterways, these playful carnivores are excellent swimmers.

Raccoon

A nocturnal omnivore found throughout Texas, known for its dexterous paws.

Ring-tailed Cat

A small, tree-climbing relative of the raccoon, often spotted in rocky habitats.

Skunk (Striped & Spotted)

Recognizable by their black-and-white markings and strong defensive odor.

Nongame Animals

Armadillo

Texas’ iconic armored mammal, often seen along roadsides and in fields.

Bobcat

A stealthy predator found in a wide range of habitats, from forests to deserts.

Coyote

A highly adaptable canine found statewide, often hunted for predator control

Flying Squirrel

Nocturnal and rarely seen, these small gliding rodents inhabit East Texas

Frogs

Various species, including bullfrogs, which are commonly hunted for food.

Ground Squirrel

Burrowing rodents that thrive in prairies and grasslands.

Mountain Lion

A rare but powerful predator, primarily found in West and South Texas.

Porcupine

A slow-moving rodent with quills, most common in West Texas woodlands.

Prairie Dog

Social, burrowing rodents that create large colonies in the Panhandle and West Texas.

Turtles (Freshwater)

Includes multiple species that inhabit Texas’ rivers, lakes, and ponds.

Hunting Seasons

Coming Soon

Licenses and Tags in Texas

Here’s a simplified overview of hunting licenses and add-ons available in Texas.

License Type	Eligibility	Fee
Resident Hunting	Resident	$25.00
Senior Resident Hunting	Resident	$7.00
General Non-Resident Hunting	Non-Resident	$315.00
Non-Resident Special Hunting	Non-Resident	$132.00
Super Combo Package	Resident	$68.00
Res Sr Super Combo Package	Resident	$32.00
Non-Resident Spring Turkey Hunting	Non-Resident	$126.00
Non-Resident Banded Bird Hunting	Non-Resident	$27.00
Hunting Lease (Small)	Resident and Non-Resident	$79.00
Hunting Lease (Medium)	Resident and Non-Resident	$147.00
Hunting Lease (Large)	Resident and Non-Resident	$252.00
Archery Hunting Endorsement	Resident and Non-Resident	$7.00
HIP Certification	Resident and Non-Resident	$-
Federal Duck Stamp	Resident and Non-Resident	$28.50
Non-Resident Five-Day Special Hunting	Non-Resident	$48.00
Deferred Hunter Education Option	Resident and Non-Resident	$10.00
Upland Game Bird Endorsement	Resident and Non-Resident	$7.00
Migratory Game Bird Endorsement	Resident and Non-Resident	$7.00
Youth Hunting License	Resident and Non-Resident	$7.00
Annual Public Hunting Permit	Resident and Non-Resident	$48.00
Limited Public Use Permit	Resident and Non-Resident	$12.00
Reptile and Amphibian Endorsement	Resident and Non-Resident	$10.00
Resident Combo Hunting and Freshwater Fish Pkg	Resident	$50.00
Resident Combo Hunting and Saltwater Fish Pkg	Resident	$55.00
Resident Combo Hunting and All Water Fish Pkg	Resident	$60.00
Resident Combo Senior Hunting and Freshwater Fish	Resident	$16.00
Resident Combo Senior Hunting and Saltwater Fish	Resident	$21.00
Resident Combo Senior Hunting and All Water Fish	Resident	$26.00

Final Thoughts

Texas offers some of the most diverse and rewarding hunting opportunities in the country. From its vast network of public hunting areas and thriving wildlife populations to its deep-rooted hunting traditions, the Lone Star State is a premier destination for Texas hunters.

With careful planning and an understanding of the state’s game laws, hunters can enjoy a successful hunt while contributing to Texas’ long legacy of conservation and wildlife management. Take advantage of the wide variety of resources offered by Texas Parks & Wildlife, respect the land and wildlife, and experience the unforgettable thrill of hunting in Texas.

Texas Regulations