Texas Hunting Season Opens With Exciting New Digital Licenses

Hunting season in Texas is back in full swing, and whether you’re out chasing birds or gearing up for deer season, there are some important changes you’ll want to know. I may not have been out deer hunting in the last couple of years, spending more of my time chasing feral hogs, but I’m still a fan of hunting season. Here’s what’s new from Texas Parks and Wildlife for the 2025-2026 season.

Get our free mobile app

Expanded Digital License Options

For the first time, hunters can now purchase fully digital licenses for all recreational hunting, fishing, and combo license and tag types. That means no more digging around for paper tags when you’re in the field. TPWD has even released a helpful how-to video to guide hunters through the new process.

Changes for Non-Resident Hunters

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department have streamlined the license system this year, cutting non-resident hunting options from five down to just two.

Non-Resident General Hunting License, required for anyone planning to hunt legal game birds or animals, from white-tailed deer and mule deer to wild turkey, pronghorn, and even alligator.

Non-Resident Special 5-Day Small Game/Exotic Hunting License, covers small game birds (other than turkey), exotics, non-game animals, fur-bearers, squirrels, and javelina for a five-day window.

Regulation and Bag Limit Updates

There are a few changes hunters should be aware of:

Wild Turkey Zones, IH35E now serves as the zone boundary line in Hill County.
Lubbock County, newly opened to turkey hunting under North Zone rules.
Ducks, northern pintail daily bag limits increased across all zones.

Key Season Date Changes

This year’s calendar brings notable adjustments:

Mule Deer Archery Season:
Brewster, Pecos & Terrell Counties: Sept. 27 - Nov. 27
Trans-Pecos: Sept. 27 - Nov. 27
Panhandle: Sept. 27 - Nov. 21
Mule Deer General Season:
Panhandle: Nov. 22 - Dec. 7
Trans-Pecos: Nov. 28 -Dec. 14
Brewster, Pecos & Terrell Counties: Nov. 28 - Dec. 14
Quail: Nov. 1, 2025 - Feb. 28, 2026 (new statewide dates).
Teal: Sept. 20 - 28 (shortened season).

Staying Updated

All season dates and regulations are available online at OutdoorAnnual.com
or through the free Outdoor Annual mobile app. Once downloaded, the app works even without cell service, making it a reliable tool in the field. See the video below for more details on the digital licenses.

Hunting season is a big part of life in Texas, and these updates aim to make it easier, safer, and more accessible for everyone. Whether you’re after dove, quail, deer, or just scouting new ground, staying informed means more time enjoying the outdoors and less time worrying about regulations.

Animals You Can Hunt Year Round in Texas

Certain animals can be hunted in the Lone Star State all year round. However, there are still rules put in place by the Texas Parks and Wildlife that have to be followed or you are breaking the law.

Gallery Credit: Lori Crofford

Fearless Hunting Photos

While Fearless only hunts a few times a year, there are other times when he will stop to take a dead animal off the road, like that deer on Buffalo Gap Road.

Gallery Credit: Rudy Fernandez

LOOK: At This Stunning Mountain Style Hunters Cabin Airbnb in Abilene

This is a perfect recreation of a Mountain Style Hunters Cabin Airbnb in Abilene

Gallery Credit: Rudy Fernandez

Source: Check Out The Latest 2025 Changes for Texas Hunters

Categories: Photos