If you’re planning your hunting trips, one of the most important questions you need to answer is: when does deer hunting end in Texas? The end date isn’t the same everywhere, as it depends on the county, the type of deer, and the hunting method you’re using.
This guide will give you all the dates and details you need. We’ll break down the season structure by region and weapon. You’ll learn how to find your specific county rules and avoid any costly mistakes.
When Does Deer Hunting End in Texas
Texas deer hunting seasons are set by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). They use a system based on ecological regions. The state is divided into counties, and each county has its own set of opening and closing dates.
Generally, the season for white-tailed deer runs from early November through early January. But for mule deer, seasons are often shorter and limited to far West Texas. Let’s look at the general framework.
General Statewide Season Framework
Most hunters pursue white-tailed deer. The season is longest in the eastern and central parts of the state. It gets shorter as you move west.
Here’s a basic overview of how the seasons are typically structured:
- Archery Only Season: Usually starts in early October and runs for about 6 weeks.
- General Season (Firearm): This is the main event. It most often starts the first Saturday in November.
- Muzzleloader Season: Often runs concurrently with the general season in most counties, not as a separate early season.
- Late Special Seasons: Some areas have a late youth-only season or a special late season for antlerless deer only.
Breaking It Down by Deer Type and Region
You must know what kind of deer you’re hunting and where. The rules change significantly.
White-Tailed Deer Seasons
This is the most common deer in Texas. The end date for the general season varies wildly by county. Here are some examples for the recent season cycle:
- North Zone: Many counties here have a season ending in early January. For instance, it might close on January 5th.
- South Zone: Seasons here often end much earlier, sometimes in mid-November. Some counties may close as early as November 17th.
- Special Regulation Counties: Some counties, especially in the Edwards Plateau, have unique dates. They might run from early November to late December.
You can’t rely on a neighbor’s county info. Always check your specific county.
Mule Deer Seasons
Mule deer hunting is primarily in the Trans-Pecos region. Seasons are more restrictive to protect the population.
The general season is often in late November and December. For example, in many western counties, the season might run from late November through mid-December. It almost always ends before the white-tailed season in the same area.
There is also a limited draw for some areas with even different dates. If you have a mule deer tag, triple-check the specific rules on your permit.
How to Find Your Exact Closing Date
The only way to know for sure is to use the official TPWD resources. Don’t trust hearsay or last year’s regulations, as they can change.
Follow these steps:
- Go to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website.
- Find the current “Outdoor Annual” hunting regulations guide.
- Locate the “County Listing” section for deer.
- Find your county name in the alphabetical list.
- Read across the row. It will show separate columns for Archery Only, General Season, and Late Youth Season. The date in the “End” column is your answer.
Bookmark this page on your phone. It’s the best tool you have in the field.
Weapon-Specific Season End Dates
The type of weapon you use also dictates when you can hunt. Here’s how it usually works.
Archery Season End
The archery-only season typically opens in early October. In most counties, it runs for about 30-44 days, then closes a few days before the general firearm season opens.
However, in many counties, you can continue to use archery equipment during the general season. So while the “archery-only” period ends, your ability to hunt with a bow may not.
General Firearm Season End
This is the date most hunters are reffering to. It’s the final day you can legally hunt deer with a rifle, shotgun, or muzzleloader in your county.
This is the critical date to mark on your calendar. Hunting after this date, even on private land, is a serious violation.
Muzzleloader and Special Weapon Seasons
Texas does not have a widespread, separate primitive weapon season like some states. In most counties, muzzleloaders are legal during the entire general season.
Some public hunting lands (like drawn hunts on state parks) may have special primitive weapon dates. Always read the specific rules for the hunt you are on.
Why Seasons Vary and the Importance of Bag Tags
Seasons are set based on deer population health, breeding cycles (rut), and land management goals. The earlier closing dates in South Texas are often tied to the earlier breeding season there.
Your hunting license comes with tags. You must immediately notch your tag when you harvest a deer. The tag must remain attached to the animal until it reaches your final destination and is processed.
Tagging is not just a formality. It’s the law, and it’s how TPWD manages the harvest. Failing to tag a deer properly can result in fines and loss of hunting privileges.
Late and Special Seasons
After the main general season ends, a few opportunities might remain. Don’t pack your gear away just yet.
Late Youth-Only Season
Many counties have a special weekend or week for hunters under 17 years old. This season usually occurs in early January, after the adult general season closes.
It’s a fantastic opportunity for young hunters. An adult supervisor must be present, but only the youth can hunt.
Special Antlerless/Spike-Only Seasons
Some counties, particularly in the Panhandle and Post Oak regions, have late seasons where only antlerless deer or bucks with unbranched antlers (spikes) may be taken.
These seasons are management tools to control population growth. They can extend hunting opportunity into mid-January in a few places.
Avoiding Common Mistakes as the Season Ends
The end of the season is a busy time. Hunters are trying to fill their last tags. Mistakes happen more often when your in a hurry.
Here’s how to stay on the right side of the law:
- Confirm the Final Sunset: Your season ends at sunset on the last day. You cannot hunt after dark, even if you shot the deer during legal hours. You must track and recover it after dark, but you cannot take a new shot.
- County Line Confusion: If you hunt near a county line, you must know the regulations for the county you are physically in. They are frequently different.
- Tag Filling Order: Some licenses have restrictive tags (like buck tags) and more flexible tags (like antlerless tags). Know which tag to use first. The rules are in the Outdoor Annual.
- Public Land Differences: Public hunting lands, including Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), often have dates that are different from the surrounding county. The draw hunt permit you receive will list the exact dates for that specific unit.
What to Do After the Season Ends
Your responsibility doesn’t end on the last day of hunting. Use the off-season wisely.
- Report Your Harvest: Some counties require mandatory harvest reporting. Even if it’s not required, providing data through the TPWD app helps biologists.
- Maintain Your Gear: Clean your firearms and bows. Repair stands and feeders. Doing it now is easier than right before next season.
- Scout and Plan: The off-season is the best time to scout for next year. Sign is fresh, and you can observe deer patterns without pressure.
- Apply for Draw Hunts: The application period for TPWD draw hunts for the following year often opens in the spring and summer. Don’t miss those deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are quick answers to some common last-minute questions.
When is the last day to hunt deer in Texas?
The last day varies by county and deer species. For white-tailed deer, it can range from mid-November to early January. You must check the TPWD County Listing for your specific hunting location.
Does deer season end the same date statewide?
No, it does not. Texas uses a county-by-county system. There is no single “statewide” closing date for deer season. The end dates are set based on local deer herd management goals.
Can I hunt deer with a bow after rifle season ends?
Only during a designated late archery season, which is very rare in Texas, or during a late special season (like youth or antlerless only) if archery equipment is allowed. In most cases, when the general season closes, all deer hunting closes for that county.
Where can I find the official Texas deer hunting dates?
The only official source is the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Get the current “Outdoor Annual” hunting regulations guide from their website or any license retailer. The PDF or mobile app is the most reliable.
Are the season dates the same every year?
They are similar but not identical. The framework (first Saturday in November, etc.) is consistent, but the exact ending dates may shift by a few days from one year to the next. Always check the current year’s booklet.
What happens if I accidentally hunt after the season ends?
Hunting after the season is a Class C misdemeanor at minimum. It can result in significant fines, loss of hunting equipment, and suspension of your hunting license. It is a serious violation. Always double-check your dates.
Final Thoughts on Season Dates
Knowing exactly when does deer hunting end in Texas is the mark of a responsible hunter. The rules are detailed for a reason: to ensure healthy deer populations for years to come.
Your number one job is to verify the dates for your county, for your weapon, and for the type of deer your pursuing. A quick look at the TPWD guide takes just a minute. That minute can save you from a mistake that could affect your hunting future.
Seasons come and go, but good habits in the field last a lifetime. Mark your calendar, know your tags, and hunt safely until that final sunset.