The Plain Chachalaca Is a Legal Game Bird Only in South Texas

In 2025-2026, the chachalaca season runs October 25, 2025 through February 22, 2026. The daily bag limit is 5, with a possession limit of 15. You need an Upland Game Bird Endorsement in addition to a hunting license.

This bird is found almost nowhere else in the United States outside the lower Rio Grande Valley. Its habitat is dense brush, so hunting typically happens on private ranch land. Verify the season is still open before hunting by checking TPWD's Outdoor Annual.