When Does Rifle Season Start in Texas? (2023-2024 Season)
When Does Rifle Season Start in Texas?
The start of rifle season in Texas is a highly anticipated event for hunters across the state. It marks the beginning of a new hunting season and the opportunity to pursue a variety of big game animals, including white-tailed deer, pronghorn antelope, and mule deer.
The rifle season dates vary depending on the specific region of Texas, but the general season runs from September through January. The exact dates are set by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in order to manage wildlife populations and ensure that hunters have a fair opportunity to harvest animals.
Rifle season is a time of excitement and anticipation for hunters in Texas. It’s a chance to get out in the woods and enjoy the great outdoors, while also pursuing some of the state’s most iconic game animals.
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| Species | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White-tailed deer | September 25-January 31 | Antlered bucks only |
| Mule deer | September 25-January 31 | Antlered bucks only |
| Antelope | October 1-December 15 | Antlered bucks only |
| Elk | September 25-January 31 | Antlered bulls only |
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Rifle Season Dates in Texas
General Rifle Season Dates
The general rifle season for deer in Texas runs from November 6 through January 31. The specific dates vary by region, but the general season is open in all areas of the state.
Special Rifle Season Dates
In addition to the general rifle season, there are also a number of special rifle seasons for deer in Texas. These seasons are designed to provide hunters with additional opportunities to harvest deer.
- The early-season rifle season for deer runs from September 24 through October 15. This season is open in some areas of the state, but not all.
- The late-season rifle season for deer runs from January 4 through February 28. This season is open in all areas of the state.
- The youth rifle season for deer runs from October 22 through October 24. This season is open to hunters who are 17 years old or younger.
- The disabled hunter rifle season for deer runs from October 29 through November 5. This season is open to hunters who have a permanent disability that prevents them from hunting during the regular rifle season.
Late-Season Rifle Season Dates
The late-season rifle season for deer in Texas runs from January 4 through February 28. The specific dates vary by region, but the late season is open in all areas of the state.
Early-Season Rifle Season Dates
The early-season rifle season for deer in Texas runs from September 24 through October 15. The specific dates vary by region, but the early season is open in some areas of the state.
Species Available During Rifle Season
The following species are available during rifle season in Texas:
- Deer
- Elk
- Antelope
- Goats
- Bears
- Other species
Deer
The most popular game animal in Texas is the white-tailed deer. There are two subspecies of white-tailed deer in Texas: the eastern white-tailed deer and the western white-tailed deer. The eastern white-tailed deer is found in the eastern half of the state, while the western white-tailed deer is found in the western half of the state.
Elk
Elk were reintroduced to Texas in the 1920s and 1930s. There are now elk herds in several areas of the state, including the Panhandle, the Edwards Plateau, and the Trans-Pecos.
Antelope
Antelope were introduced to Texas in the 1950s. There are now antelope herds in several areas of the state, including the Panhandle, the Edwards Plateau, and the Trans-Pecos.
Goats
There are two species of goats in Texas: the mountain goat and the desert bighorn sheep. Mountain goats are found in the mountains of West Texas, while desert bighorn sheep are found in the deserts of West Texas and the Trans-Pecos.
Bears
There are two species of bears in Texas: the black bear and the grizzly bear. Black bears are found in all areas of the state, while grizzly bears are only found in the Panhandle.
Other Species
Other species that are available during rifle season in Texas include:
- Pronghorn antelope
- Wild hogs
- Coyotes
- Bobcats
- Raccoons
- Opossums
- Skunks
- Rabbits
- Squirrels
- Quail
- Doves
- Ducks
- Geese
Rifle season is a popular time to hunt in Texas. There are a variety of species available during rifle season, and the state offers a number of special seasons to provide hunters with additional opportunities to harvest game.
3. Regulations for Rifle Season
Rifle season is a popular time for hunters to pursue big game animals, such as deer, elk, and antelope. However, it is important to be aware of the regulations that apply to rifle hunting in Texas.
Hunting licenses and permits
All hunters in Texas must have a valid hunting license. Licenses can be purchased online or at any Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) office. Hunters who are 17 years of age or younger are eligible for a discounted license.
In addition to a hunting license, hunters who are planning to hunt on private land must also have a landowner permission or lease agreement.
Bag limits
The bag limit is the maximum number of animals that a hunter can legally harvest during a hunting season. Bag limits vary depending on the species of animal and the hunting area.
For example, the bag limit for white-tailed deer is two in most areas of Texas. However, the bag limit is reduced to one deer in some areas with high deer densities.
Shooting hours
The shooting hours for rifle season vary depending on the species of animal and the hunting area. In general, rifle season is open from sunrise to sunset. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.
For example, the shooting hours for deer are extended to 10:00 p.m. on the last day of the season.
Other regulations
In addition to the regulations listed above, there are a number of other regulations that apply to rifle hunting in Texas. These regulations include:
- The use of a scope is prohibited on muzzleloaders.
- Hunters must wear blaze orange clothing during rifle season.
- Hunters must check their game in at a TPWD check station.
4. Tips for Successful Rifle Hunting
Rifle hunting can be a challenging and rewarding experience. However, there are a few things that you can do to increase your chances of success.
Scouting
One of the most important things you can do to improve your chances of success is to scout the area where you plan to hunt. This will help you identify the best hunting spots and the types of animals that are present.
When scouting, pay attention to the following factors:
- The type of cover that is available
- The food sources that are present
- The migration patterns of the animals
Choosing the right equipment
The type of equipment you use can have a significant impact on your success. When choosing a rifle, consider the following factors:
- The type of game you plan to hunt
- The range at which you will be shooting
- Your personal shooting preferences
In addition to a rifle, you will also need to choose a scope, ammunition, and a hunting pack.
Preparing for the hunt
Once you have chosen the right equipment, it is important to prepare for the hunt. This includes practicing your shooting skills, getting in shape, and planning your hunting trip.
Taking the shot
When you are ready to take the shot, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
- Make sure you are in a safe position.
- Take your time and aim carefully.
- Follow through with your shot.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success on your next rifle hunting trip.
When does rifle season start in Texas?
Rifle season for white-tailed deer in Texas begins on November 6, 2023 and ends on January 15, 2024.
What are the different types of rifles that can be used during rifle season in Texas?
Any rifle that is legal to own in Texas can be used during rifle season. However, there are some restrictions on the caliber of rifle that can be used for certain species of game. For example, only rifles with a caliber of .223 or larger can be used to hunt deer.
What are the bag limits for white-tailed deer in Texas?
The bag limit for white-tailed deer in Texas is one antlered buck per day.
What are the other hunting seasons for white-tailed deer in Texas?
In addition to rifle season, there are also archery season, muzzleloader season, and youth season for white-tailed deer in Texas.
Where can I find more information about hunting regulations in Texas?
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website has a comprehensive list of hunting regulations for Texas. You can find it at https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/hunting/.
the rifle season in Texas starts on September 27th and ends on January 31st. The general season is open for deer, feral hogs, antelope, and black bears. There are also special seasons for specific species, such as the early teal season and the late goose season. Hunters should be aware of the regulations for each species and season before they go out. By following these guidelines, hunters can enjoy a safe and successful hunting season in Texas.