For many Texans, hunting season is more than a tradition—it’s time spent outdoors with family and friends, making memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re planning your annual deer hunt, looking forward to opening day of dove season, or preparing for waterfowl, now is the perfect time to start getting ready.
The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) has released the 2026–2027 hunting season dates, so now’s the time to mark your calendar and make sure your gear is ready to go.
2026–2027 Texas Hunting Season Dates
Game Animals
| Species | Season | Zone | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Javelina | General | North | Oct. 1, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| South | Sept. 1, 2026 – Aug. 31, 2027 | ||
| Mule Deer | Archery | Panhandle | Oct. 3 – Nov. 20, 2026 |
| Trans-Pecos | Oct. 3 – Nov. 26, 2026 | ||
| General | Panhandle | Nov. 21 – Dec. 6, 2026 | |
| Trans-Pecos | Nov. 27 – Dec. 13, 2026 | ||
| Pronghorn | General | 41 Counties | Oct. 3 – 18, 2026 |
| Squirrel | General | East Texas | Oct. 1, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 & May 1–31, 2027 |
| Other Open Counties | Sept. 1, 2026 – Aug. 31, 2027 | ||
| Youth Only | East Texas | Sept. 25 – 27, 2026 | |
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | 252 Counties | Oct. 3 – Nov. 6, 2026 |
| General | North | Nov. 7, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027 | |
| South | Nov. 7, 2026 – Jan. 17, 2027 | ||
| Special Late | North | Jan. 4 – 17, 2027 | |
| South | Jan. 18 – 31, 2027 | ||
| Youth Early | Statewide | Oct. 30 – Nov. 1, 2026 | |
| Youth Late | Statewide | Jan. 4 – 17, 2027 | |
| Muzzleloader Only | 90 Counties | Jan. 4 – 17, 2027 |
Upland Game Birds
| Species | Season | Zone | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chachalaca | Regular | Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr & Willacy Counties | Nov. 1, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Pheasant | Regular | Panhandle / South Plains | Dec. 5, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027 |
| Quail | Regular | Statewide | Nov. 1, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Wild Turkey | Archery Only | Statewide | Oct. 3 – Nov. 6, 2026 |
| Fall | North | Nov. 7, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027 | |
| South | Nov. 7, 2026 – Jan. 17, 2027 | ||
| Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg & Willacy Counties | Nov. 7, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 | ||
| Spring | North | Apr. 3 – May 16, 2027 | |
| South | Mar. 20 – May 2, 2027 | ||
| One-Turkey Counties | Apr. 1 – 30, 2027 | ||
| East | Apr. 22 – May 14, 2027 |
Migratory Game Birds
| Species | Season | Zone | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dove | Regular | North | Sept. 1 – Nov. 8, 2026 & Dec. 18, 2026 – Jan. 7, 2027 |
| Central | Sept. 1 – Oct. 25, 2026 & Dec. 11, 2026 – Jan. 14, 2027 | ||
| South | Sept. 1 – Oct. 25, 2026 & Dec. 18, 2026 – Jan. 21, 2027 | ||
| Duck | Regular | High Plains Mallard Management Unit | Oct. 24–25 & Oct. 30, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027 |
| North | Nov. 14–29, 2026 & Dec. 5, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027 | ||
| South | Nov. 7–29, 2026 & Dec. 12, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027 | ||
| Goose | Early Canada Goose | East | Sept. 12 – 27, 2026 |
| Dark Geese | West | Nov. 7, 2026 – Feb. 7, 2027 | |
| East | Nov. 7, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027 | ||
| Light Geese | West | Nov. 7, 2026 – Feb. 7, 2027 | |
| East | Nov. 7, 2026 – Feb. 19, 2027 | ||
| Rails, Gallinules & Moorhens | Regular | Statewide | Sept. 19 – 27, 2026 & Nov. 7, 2026 – Jan. 6, 2027 |
| Sandhill Crane | Regular | Zone A | Oct. 31, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027 |
| Zone B | Nov. 27, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027 | ||
| Zone C | Dec. 12, 2026 – Jan. 17, 2027 | ||
| Snipe | Regular | Statewide | Nov. 7, 2026 – Feb. 21, 2027 |
| Teal | September Teal | Statewide | Sept. 19 – 27, 2026 |
| Woodcock | Regular | Statewide | Dec. 18, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027 |
Other Hunting Seasons
| Species | Season | Zone | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alligator | General | 22 Counties & Special Properties | Sept. 10 – 30, 2026 |
| All Other Counties | Apr. 1 – June 30, 2027 | ||
| Rabbits & Hares | Regular | Statewide | No Closed Season |
Don’t Forget to Check Your County Regulations
Texas hunting regulations can vary by county, season, and species. Before heading out, be sure to review the official TPWD Outdoor Annual for season dates, bag limits, licensing requirements, and any county-specific rules.
Before You Head to the Lease, Stop by Johnson Feed Co.
Hunting season will be here before you know it, and now’s a good time to make sure you’ve got everything you need. Whether you’re refreshing your feeders, picking up deer corn, wildlife feed, attractants, or a few last-minute essentials, we’ve got you covered.
If you’re not sure what works best for your property, just ask. We’re always happy to talk hunting, share what we’ve learned, and help you get ready for the season ahead.
Good luck this season, and we look forward to seeing you around the store! 🦌🌾
