To hunters, springtime in Texas is often viewed as chasing turkeys through hot, humid weather, or hanging up the firearm for a fishing pole. For white-tailed deer, spring represents a time for growth: body growth, antler growth and population growth.
Texas began the growing season under widespread drought in March, but most of the state received much-needed rain in late spring. Where it rained, plant growth boosted antler development in bucks and allowed does to load up on calories for birth and nursing.
Rain came late to the Edwards Plateau and South Texas, but while summer rainfall helped lower temperatures and allowed for a late season green-up that benefited fawn survival, it was too late to greatly benefit antler development in those regions.
The general deer season kicked off Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 4, 2026, in the North Zone and through Jan. 18, 2026, in the South Zone, giving folks plenty of chances to go from field to table with their harvest.
Hunters taking advantage of Texas public hunting lands must have an Annual Public Hunting Permit. It’s also important for public land hunters to consult the Public Hunting Lands Map Booklet to review regulations that may apply to specific areas. The Texas Hunt & Fish app can be used to complete on-site registration electronically at a public hunting area.
Ecoregion Highlights
The Cross Timbers in North Texas has the second highest deer population in the state and will offer hunters plenty of opportunities to harvest mature bucks.
Despite what seems like lasting spring drought conditions, the Edwards Plateau is a great deer hunting region for those looking for quality animals. It consistently has the highest hunter success rates in Texas. The catastrophic Hill Country floods may have had local impacts on fawns near river and stream channels, but most deer were able to reach higher ground.
Post Oak Savannah hunters can expect a great season of chasing mature bucks thanks to good fawn survival in previous years.
In the Pineywoods, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) biologists work with landowners and timber companies to restore and maintain quality deer habitat, which has helped sustain deer populations.
White-tailed deer population growth in the Rolling Plains in recent years has made the area a hotbed for mature bucks, and another great season is expected.
The South Texas Plains are known for mature bucks with above-average antlers. For hunters looking for a once-in-a-lifetime trophy, South Texas is often seen as the premier big buck destination.
For a detailed whitetailed deer forecast by ecological region, visit the White-tailed Deer Management page on the TPWD website.
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