Hunting season is about to take off in Texas, and the whole state is excited. Seasoned veterans from across the U.S. are descending on the state, looking to make their mark on the big game population and benefit from the beautiful natural scenery on offer.
November is traditionally the start of mourning dove hunting in Texas’s northern areas. Many hunters descend on the area, seeking white-tailed deer. Populations tend to be high, so there’s often significant numbers of people who attend these events, often in the thousands.
Most of Texas’s hunting is about managing wild populations. Excessive deer numbers during the latter months of the year can lead to significant property and land damage over the winter, especially as they begin to forage for the last roots and grasses.
Mule deer are huntable during the month of November until the 28th in some regions. Waterfowl can also be hunted, usually during the early fall or over the winter period, especially around the holidays, according to regulations.
Quail have some hunting availability during the fall season. Usually, permits begin to be issued around the first of the month and can then run for around 30 days.
Many visitors also pay a visit to the SandFork Texas Hog Hunting Ranch. This area is specially set up for hunting and attracts teams looking to enjoy the big game, including wild boar.
Regulations in Texas regarding hunting have evolved over time. The daily bag limit in 2025 for northern pintail ducks ranges from 1 to 2, depending on the specific harvesting strategies.
Archery is available for mule deer season in Western regions. Firearms restrictions sometimes apply.
Falconry is also allowed for the control of some wild bird species and other pests. However, use of falcons is usually limited to local ranchers and other personnel with special licenses.
If individuals want to go hunting or ranching, then they must get the appropriate licensing. In Texas, it’s not possible to hunt without a license, except under highly controlled conditions or where agents have obtained the necessary permits.
Licenses for residents are significantly less than those for non-residents, so those coming from out of state should expect to pay significantly more.
Punters will also need to pay extra if they want to do a combination of hunting and fishing. Shooting migratory birds carries extra fees, which is something travellers need to consider, depending on budget.
Crowds peak during the high deer season during November and December, so care is required. Higher numbers of people mean a greater likelihood of harm being done.
It’s essential, therefore, for anyone traveling to the area to report to various authorities in the area, check the rules, and ensure proper surveillance. The state manages several million acres statewide, which is where hunting usually occurs. However, it can also happen at other times and on private land, depending on agency representation.
The strongest populations of deer are in areas like Pineywoods and Hill Country. These can be remote, so hunters are recommended to bring plenty of supplies with them.
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