AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has some good news for hunters ahead of the upcoming deer season.
TPWD biologists are predicting an "exceptional" white-tailed deer season this fall, thanks in part to significant rain this spring. The department said hunters should expect a good number of quality bucks.
TPWD said much of Texas received drought-quenching rain in the spring that allowed for habitat growth during the initial part of the growing season. Spring weeds and flowering plants were abundant, offering the needed nutrients to boost antler development in bucks and aid in meeting lactation demands for nursing fawns. Improved habitat conditions during the summer also helped keep fawns healthy enough to survive their first few months.
When does white-tailed deer season start in Texas?
The 2024-25 archery-only and Managed Land Deer Program seasons kick off on Sept. 28. TPWD noted that archery hunters are required to purchase an Archery Endorsement in addition to their hunting license.
The general white-tailed deer season doesn't open until Nov. 2 and then runs through Jan. 5 in the North Zone and Jan. 19 in the South Zone. A youth-only gun deer season is set in both zones for Oct. 25-27 and Jan. 6-19.
TPWD said hunters taking advantage of the Texas Public Hunting Lands must have the Annual Public Hunting Permit and should also consult the Public Hunting Lands Map Booklet to review regulations that may apply to specific areas.
Hunters can use the Texas Hunt & Fish app to complete on-site registration electronically at a public hunting area.
Managing Chronic Wasting Disease
As deer season begins, TWPD said landowners and hunters play a critical role in managing deadly Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).
"Before heading to the field, hunters are reminded that several new CWD zones are in place for the 2024-25 season, and some have transitioned to voluntary sampling," TPWD said. "New carcass disposal requirements are also in place this license year, so Texas hunters harvesting white-tailed deer and mule deer must comply with carcass disposal requirements when transporting the carcass away from the property of harvest."
TPWD said the most effective ways to help slow the spread of CWD are reporting sick deer, properly disposing of unused carcass parts and voluntarily testing harvests. Learn more about CWD prevention here.