Big game

White-tailed deer

The most popular hunt in Texas.

Texas has more whitetail than any other state, and your county usually sets the real rules.

Where

All over the state.

Statewide cap is 5 deer, no more than 3 bucks. But your county limit is often lower, and some counties add antler rules. Always check your county.

Hunting license (deer tags included). Add the Archery Endorsement for the archery season.

Antler restrictions: in many counties a legal buck must have one unbranched antler or an inside spread of 13 inches or more (about the width of a grown deer's ears).
Doe days: some counties only let you take antlerless deer on certain days. Check the county listing.
Baiting (corn feeders) is legal on private land, but not on most public land and not in some disease zones.
On Managed Lands Deer Program (MLDP) ranches, the property's permit sets the limits instead of the county.

Source to confirm: TPWD White-tailed Deer / Seasons by County

More big game

Big game

Found in the drier western parts of the state, with shorter, region-specific seasons.

Where: The Panhandle and the Trans-Pecos (far West Texas).

Big game

A wide-open-country hunt managed by permit, in a limited set of western counties.

Where: The Panhandle and far West Texas — 41 of 254 counties.

Big game

Common in the southern and western brush, with generous seasons.

Where: South and West Texas.

Big game

One of the hardest tags to get in Texas — awarded by drawing only.

Where: The mountains of far West Texas.

Official sources

Hunting rules for white-tailed deer come from Texas Parks & Wildlife. Confirm the season, limits, and your county's rules before you hunt.

Caution: Seasons, limits, and open counties change every year. The official TPWD pages are the final word.

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