White-tailed deer season opens Saturday, Nov. 4 in both the North and South Zones. The forecast is excellent and we expect another record year for deer, so don't sit this one out!

If you're looking for a new spot to hunt, check out the over 1 million acres of Public Hunting Areas available with a $48 Annual Public Hunting (APH) Permit.

There are no major regulation changes for white-tailed deer this year. But be aware that the South-Central CWD zone now has mandatory Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) sampling as well as carcass movement restrictions. If you hunt there, bring your deer to a check station in Hondo or Tarpley within 48 hours of harvest to have a sample collected. 

Check this list to refresh your knowledge of counties in CWD zones. Regardless of where you hunt, consider submitting your harvest for CWD sampling. Refer to the CWD manual (PDF) for submission details and all you need to know about how you can help keep CWD at bay.

It's a remarkable year for birds in Texas. Quail carryover from the boom of last season is creating another good year, and Rio Grande turkey populations are the best they've ever been, with plenty of 2 and 3-year-old birds. 

We expect duck hunting to be on par with last year due to waterfowl numbers holding strong and the rapid recovery of waterfowl habitat along the Harvey-trampled coast. Watch our bird forecast video for more information on this season's birds.

Texas weather is unpredictable, and boating waterfowlers should be prepared. Even in good conditions, wear a lifejacket and take basic safety precautions. Read this article for tips on water safety specifically for waterfowlers.

Check the Outdoor Annual for all your bird season dates, bag limits and regulations. Don't forget your Migratory Game Bird Endorsement and HIP certification. And it's always a good idea to take a look at those birds that are illegal to hunt so you'll know if you've got one in your sights.

A hunter with an accurate rifle is a safer and more confident hunter. To be sure your rifle is set up correctly, take it to the shooting range and sight it. This video will show you the equipment you'll need and a step-by-step method to sight your hunting rifle.

You'll learn how to sight a rifle and much more in Hunter Education. Anyone born after Sept. 1, 1971 must carry proof of Hunter Ed. in the field. If you can't find your certification card, reprint yours by going online. And keep the proof in your pocket!

Our state is home to 4 species of quail, scaled (blue), bobwhite and Gambel's, all of which are currently in season until Feb. 25, and Montezuma quail, for which there is no season in Texas. Watch this short video to see examples of each.  

Quail numbers are in decline, but replanting native grasses is one quail management effort being used to bolster numbers. Your license fees help support wildlife management efforts, including quail restoration – thank you. 

During hurricane Harvey, your Texas Game Wardens rescued more than 10,000 people. In a natural disaster, the equipment they have can mean life or death.

Gear Up for Game Wardens is a fundraising project by our nonprofit funding partner, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation. It will provide the specialty equipment your Game Wardens need to ensure the highest level of service to the people of Texas. Find out how you can help support Texas Game Wardens.

The work of protecting our wild things and wild places goes on 24/7 for your Game Wardens. Read about the odd activities they come across in the latest Game Warden Field Notes.

If you'e running out of room in your freezer, consider supporting Hunters for the Hungry and donating your deer to a participating meat processor to help feed needy families. 

You can also make a donation when you purchase your hunting license. Donations help cover the costs of processing the donated venison, and make it possible for more Texas families in need to enjoy a quality protein. Last year, Texas license buyers generously donated more than $106,000 and Texas hunters gave an astounding 54,000 lbs. of venison – thank you!