Introduction
Texas is paradise for hunters, providing an abundance of not only game species, but enormous terrain, and some of the most lenient hunting laws in the United States. The 2024-2025 hunting season is rapidly approaching and it’s important to know the regulations, season dates, and what your specific opportunities in your county will be. The Texas hunting season by county 2024-2025 PDF map is an invaluable resource for hunters who want to stay up to date with how and where they hunt.
From an overview of game species, what licenses you’ll need, a breakdown of regulations, and the value of PDF maps to quicly navigate Texas hunting seasons by county, this article is your complete guide. If you’re an experienced hunter or a newbie, this guide will have you ready for a successful season.
Below is some background information about the best times to schedule your Texas hunting trips for this coming year.
The regulations vary by county and there are different dates and various sets of regulations in different zones and regions of Texas. Here’s what you need to know:
General Hunting Seasons
Deer Season
Archery: October 2024
General Season: November 2024 to January 2025
Youth Season: Specific counties have early and late special weekends.
Turkey Season
Spring: March to May 2025
Fall: In the months from October to January (varies by county) (varies by county).
Waterfowl Season
In the waterfowl, consists of ducks, geese and other migratory birds.
Depending on the zones (High Plains Mallard Management Unit, North, and South ).
Upland Game Birds
Generally quail, pheasants and grouse hunting takes place between October and February.
Small Game
Comprises rabbits, squirrels and hares with extended hunting opportunities year round in most counties.
The right place to start is Exotics and Non-native species.
Exotic species such as wild hogs, axis deer can frequently be hunted year round and seasonless.
Why do County Specific Hunting Maps Matter?
In Texas, the hunting rules vary drastically from county to county, requiring hunters to have access to accurate, detailed maps. Here’s why:
1. Regional Specifics
Special rules and extended seasons are allowed in some counties for some species.
Example: Wild turkey regulations may be stricter in eastern counties compared with western counties.
2. Public and Private Lands
Hunters can use maps to locate public hunting land and land that requires owners’ permission.
3. Zone Boundaries
County lines rarely conform to waterfowl hunting zones or deer management units, so maps are needed to help you obey the law.
PDF Download: Texas Hunting Season By County Map
A PDF map showing Texas hunting seasons by county is a great hunting season survival tool. Here’s what it typically includes:
1. Hunting Zones
Shows disposition of deer, turkey, and migratory bird zones.
Divides North, South, and Central hunting zones.
2. Game Availability
Higlights counties with many game species.
3. Regulations
Summarizes bag limits, hunting hours, and legal methods by county.
4. Public Hunting Lands
Locates state managed hunting areas featuring wildlife management areas (WMAs) and state parks open for hunting.
How to Access the Map
First, go visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) website.
Get the latest 2024-2025 Texas Hunting Season by County PDF Map download.
You can use digital tools or print them to use the map offline in hunting trips.
Texas’s Top Counties for Hunting
The Lone Star state has some of the very best hunting experiences in its 254 counties. Here are standout counties for various game species:
1. Deer Hunting
Hill Country (Llano, Gillespie, Mason Counties): High whitetail deer populations are known.
South Texas (Dimmit, Webb, Maverick Counties): Juvenile swollen heads, trophy sized bucks, extended hunting seasons.
2. Turkey Hunting
East Texas (Nacogdoches, Cherokee, Angelina Counties): The Eastern wild turkey was at home here.
Central Texas (Travis, Williamson, Hays Counties): Healthy stock of Rio Grande turkeys.
3. Waterfowl Hunting
North Texas (Collin, Denton, Grayson Counties): Mallards and pintails do well here.
Coastal Texas (Galveston, Chambers, Jefferson Counties): Best for geese and teal.
4. Upland Birds
Panhandle Region (Gray, Hemphill, Wheeler Counties): Popular for quail hunting.
5. Exotic Game
Edwards Plateau (Bandera, Kerr, Kendall Counties): Free ranging exotic species, axis deer are known.
Apply and purchase your Texas Hunting licenses and permits online
While it may be tempting to want to race out and hunt, hunters don’t head out for the season unprepared — they have licenses and permits to ensure they will be within the law.
1. Hunting License
Resident: Need for all Texas residents who wish to hunt any game species.
Non-Resident: Tickets for the visitors hunting migratory birds or other species.
2. Endorsements
Endorsements for small game, migratory bird and upland game bird may be required.
3. Tags
Standard licences come with deer and turkey tags but these must be completed properly.
4. Public Hunting Permits
Access to designated public hunting lands were required.
Things to Keep in Mind About Hunting Regulations
By following the rules, hunting is safe, legal. Here are some critical rules to remember:
1. Bag Limits
Varies by species and county.
Example: Duck daily bag limits vary between the North and South zones.
2. Legal Hunting Hours
After 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset, the majority of game species may only be hunted.
3. Allowed Equipment
Generally acceptable are rifles, shotguns, archery equipment, and crossbows.
Certain species and counties have restrictions on certain weapons.
Getting ready for the 2024-2025 Texas Hunting Season
1. Plan Early
You can use the PDF map to determine the best counties for your target game.
View season dates and regulations or Check the TPWD website for any updates.
2. Scout the Area
Before the season visit and hike public hunting lands or private leases to get familiar with the terrain.
3. Gear Up
Buy good gear: firearms, ammo and protective clothing for Texas weather.
4. Practice Safety
You must also complete a hunter education course if required.
Always pull the trigger when the muzzle is pointed downrange, and obey your local firearms laws.
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FAQ
1. How can I get the Texas hunting season by county PDF map downloaded?
Visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s web site, for example, or search “Texas hunting map PDF 2024 2025” online.
2. I was also wondering are there any hunting changes to regulations from 2024 to 2025?
The regulations are refreshed each year. Details can be checked on the TPWD website or with local wildlife offices.
3. Do I need a permit to hunt on public land?
Most public hunting areas require a Public Hunting PermiT (no).
4. How many whitetail deer can you kill in Texas?
Individual bag limits vary by county, but are usually 2 to 5 deer per season.
5. Are there special youth hunting times?
In fact, a number of counties run dedicated youth hunting weekends with extended bag limits.
Conclusion
Any hunter is going to need the crisp PDF of the Texas Hunting Season by County 2024 – 2025, a map that is crucial for efficiently planning a hunting trip. Knowing that county regulations and licensing requirements are different for every county, and where each game species can be found will serve you well to maximize your enjoyment of Texas’s diverse hunting offerings.
Prepare now, respect local rules, and have a well deserved hunting season in the Lone Star State!
