Texas Porch
Deer Hunting Practical

Deer hunters in Ellis County face specific antler rules

Ellis County The Great Outdoors

The bag limit for deer in Ellis County is four deer total across all seasons combined: no more than two bucks and no more than two antlerless. Of the two bucks, only one may have an inside antler spread of 13 inches or greater. This is the state's antler restriction rule for this county.

Archery season typically runs late September through October. General season opens in early November and runs into early January. Youth-only and muzzleloader seasons follow. Turkey hunting is allowed west of IH 35 only. Always verify current season dates with the TPWD Outdoor Annual before heading out.

Content last revised 2026-07-11

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More stories and useful context near Ellis County

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Stories & local character

Cotton farming once made Ellis County a powerhouse in Texas agriculture

When the Houston and Texas Central Railroad arrived in 1872, Ellis County shifted from cattle range to one of Texas's top cotton-producing counties.

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Practical

Turkey season in Ellis County only applies west of I-35

Only the western half of Ellis County, west of Interstate 35, falls within the turkey hunting zone under TPWD regulations.

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Stories & local character

I-35E is the main artery through Ellis County — and it can get congested

Interstate 35E runs north-south through Ellis County and is the primary route for commuters traveling to and from the Dallas area.

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Practical

TPWD public hunting land is limited in Ellis County — know your options

Public hunting land is limited in Ellis County. Most hunters use private leases, but a TPWD Annual Public Hunting Permit opens access to areas across Texas.

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Place pages in Ellis County

AlmaBardwellCedar HillEnnisFerrisGarrett

Nearby county shelves

Navarro (24) Dallas (64) Hill (12) Johnson (32) Kaufman (20) Tarrant (67)