We are now accepting applications for Drawn Hunts in more than 60 categories for the 2026-27 season. This includes 154 hunts across 55 state parks. 

Take a shot at hunts in not-yet-open state parks Bear Creek, Silver Lake and Post Oak Ridge. You'll also find drawn hunts on new acreage added to Caprock Canyons, Enchanted Rock and Honey Creek. Will you be one of the first to score a hunt on these new public lands? 

Apply for multiple hunts in the same category, but stay aware of the deadline dates – the 1st and 15th of Aug., Sept. and Oct., plus Nov. 1st. Each entry will cost anywhere from $0 to $10, and Youth Only entries are always free. 

Find out more in our press release TPWD Accepting Drawn Hunt Permit Applications for 2026-27 Season. For tips on improving your chances, see the Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine story How to Boost Your Odds for a Texas Drawn Hunt. 

Time to start planning your hunts! The season dates for 2026-27 have been set:

• Dove: 9/1 all zones
• Teal: 9/19
• Archery: 10/3
• Quail: 11/1
• White-tailed Deer: 11/7
• Wild Turkey: 11/7

Regulation changes for the 2026-27 season can be found beginning Aug. 15 in the Outdoor Annual online or in the app. The app will update itself in mid-August (requires internet access).

Wild hogs are always in season, making them perfect for summer hunts. Once it gets hot, they become nocturnal and move into agricultural fields, where night shooting is highly effective.

You won't necessarily need night-vision gear, because the moon is your ally in hunting wild hogs. A standard scoped rifle on a bright, moonlit night will get the job done. We have upcoming full moons on July 29, Aug. 28 and Sept. 26. 

Outdoorsman and pro chef Jesse Griffiths shares info about night-vision gear and other hog-hunting tips in our magazine story Summer Nights Present a Unique and Productive Opportunity to Harvest Feral Pigs. Don't miss the recipe at the end, Grilled Hog Backstrap with Summer Vegetable Salad.

For more on wild hogs, listen to Hog Wild on the TPWD podcast Better Outside.

The folks who work at Texas state parks have a lot of experience being outdoors in the summer heat. They've put together a list of the top 7 tips for heat safety and turned it into a fun video. Take 1 minute to watch Safety is our Goooaaaaalllll!

The World Cup may be over but hot weather is not, so take a water break if you need it – safety first! Safety is also why anyone who was born after Sept. 1, 1971 and wants to hunt in Texas must pass a Hunter Education course and be able to present the proof in the field. Check online for proof of your certification. 

If you see live maggots on a live animal, immediately report the sighting and do not move the animal. It may be infested with New World Screwworm (NWS).

NWS are flies that lay eggs in open wounds and moist body parts of live mammals. The eggs hatch into maggots that feed on living tissue. They kill the animal if left untreated. The first case of NWS in Texas was found on a calf on June 3, 2026. 

For guidance on identification of NWS and safe management of your harvest, see the easy-to-read, downloadable NWS Guide for Hunters and Landowners (PDF).

Stay informed with our situational updates and watch our video short New World Screwworm.

Support the hunting tradition by engaging with the community in a positive way when you post about hunts on social media.

Safety, legality, respect for your harvest and the environment are a few things to check before you post. For all 7 tips, watch the short video Social Media Considerations For Hunters.