Archery-Only Season Opens Saturday for Deer and Turkey

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Archery-Only Season Opens September 30

Archery-only seasons for white-tailed deer, mule deer and turkey open Saturday, Sept. 30 and go through Friday, Nov. 3. Check the Outdoor Annual for the types of archery and crossbow equipment that are allowed for taking game, as well as other bowhunting regulations. 

Prospects for white-tailed deer are expected to be good across the state. If you're looking for a change in your hunting grounds, there are over 1 million acres of public hunting lands available in Texas. All you need for access is an Annual Public Hunting Permit ($48). 


Your Need-to-Know

archer in mask

Bowhunters must carry the following in the field:

If you can’t find your Hunter Education card, print a free copy online. Hunter Ed. is required for everyone 9 years of age or older that was born after Sept. 1, 1971.

Licenses and endorsements are available at retailers and online. You can also order by phone: 800-895-4248 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon. – Fri. There’s a $5 administrative fee for phone or online transactions.

Mule deer and white-tailed deer hunters should be aware of Chronic Wasting Disease(CWD) regulations. These include requirements for hunters in the South Central, Panhandle and Trans-Pecos CWD Zones to take their animals to check stations within 48 hours of harvest. If you hunt outside these zones, please consider voluntary sampling of your harvest. Our downloadable booklet has everything a hunter needs to know about CWD.


lifetime license drawing

Build Your Skills

If you want to improve your bowhunting skills, try a Bowhunter Education course. It’s available to anyone 12 years of age or older and covers:  

  • mastering new archery techniques
  • anatomy and behavior of game
  • scouting, tracking and recovering game
  • developing stealth, perseverance, patience and effort

Check Your Treestand Before Using It

testing tree stand video

If you plan to use a treestand, hang it in the backyard first and check it for needed repairs and squeaks (you don't want to blow your cover). 

Be aware that the #1 cause of hunter incidents in the U.S. is due to falls from tree stands. So take a minute to review this video on tree stand safety. Don’t become a statistic, choose safety first. 


Enter Big Time Texas Hunts

Your chance at a Premium Buck Hunt and more! Enter by Oct. 15.

big time texas hunts link