Apply online for a chance at winning this season's Drawn Hunts. There are now hunts for over 100 areas throughout the state, including hunts for deer and exotics at the unique Powderhorn WMA. This video will fill you in on the history of Powderhorn Ranch, one of the last great habitats along the Texas coast and the location of our newest WMA.

You can apply for multiple hunts in the same category, but keep an eye on deadline dates – they're the 1st and 15th of Aug., Sept. and  Oct. Your entries must be in by 11:59 p.m. CST on the date of your category deadline. Youth hunts are free, with a limit of 3 applications per category. 

For more information, watch this video on the drawn hunts system. Don't miss out on the hunt of a lifetime, apply for your favorite drawn hunts today!

Hunting season dates for 2018-2019 are now set, including these season openers:

• Dove 9/1 
• Archery 9/29
• White-tailed deer: 11/3

Changes this season include: daily bag limit for pintails went up to 2, and the South Dove Zone opens on 9/14, the earliest opener in 70 years! 

To easily access season dates and regulations, get the free Outdoor Annual app. The app will automatically update regulations for the new season in mid-August each year (needs internet access). Once that's done, you won't need internet access to refer to it in the field. Download the Outdoor Annual app today.

Ready to give your hunting a boost? Try some pre-season scouting, as explained in Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine. You'll gain insight into animal behavior and get an edge over other hunters. The magazine lists specific things to look for, including: 

• food and water sources
• rubs and scrapes
• bedding areas
• runways and escape routes

You must have your Annual Public Hunting Permit to pre-scout public hunting areas. Whether or not scouting is allowed varies with each location. Dove and small game leases usually have a 7-day advance scouting period. Use the online map to check each individual area for details. The 2018-2019 Annual Public Hunting Permits and updated hunting maps will be available beginning August 15.

Firearm safety is every hunter's responsibility. Always remember these basic rules:

1. Keep your muzzle pointed in a safe direction 
2. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded
3. Be sure of what's in front of and beyond your target
4. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot

These basic rules are part of the 10 Commandments of Firearm Safety, taught in Hunter Education. 

If you were born after Sept. 1, 1971, you must pass a Hunter Education course and carry the certification with you in the field. If you misplace your certification, replace it at no cost by going online and printing a new one. Then keep that proof in your pocket! 

Following firearm safety rules and encouraging your fellow hunters to do the same benefits everyone. A safe hunt is a good hunt. 

In order to better manage Panhandle mule deer, we study things that may be affecting their numbers. One factor is habitat. So we have teamed up with 3 Texas universities to explore the effects of agricultural land on mule deer survival and movements. 

Watch our video to learn more about mule deer and more about our current research.