Deer

The deadline to apply for this year's hunts is Oct. 15 to give winners time to prepare for their trips in coming months. Entries are available online for $9 or for $10 at retail locations where licenses are sold or by phone at 800-895-4248. There is no limit to the...

For Stratford and Gruver, it’s pheasants. Around Kerrville and Llano, white-tailed deer. And down in Rockport, redfish and waterfowl. The economic impact that wildlife has on the state of Texas is massive and far-reaching, and the most recent survey from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shows just how much critters mean...

Doves North, Central Zones: Sept. 1-Oct. 23 and Dec. 20-Jan. 5 South Zone: Sept. 20-Oct. 27 and Dec. 20-Jan. 20 Teal Sept. 14-29 Pronghorn Antelope Sept. 28-Oct. 6 White-Tailed Deer Archery: Sept. 28-Nov. 1 Youth Season: Oct. 26-27; Jan. 6-19 North Texas (212 Counties): Nov. 2-Jan. 5 South Texas (30 Counties): Nov. 2-Jan. 19 Mule Deer Archery: Sept. 28-Nov. 1 Panhandle (39 Counties):...

The largest barrier to hunting in our state is the fact that upwards of 95 percent or more of it rests in private hands. However, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department again is offering services, drawings and permits to make it easier for hunters across the state to gain access...

Texas hunting seasons again are here, and with a little help from Mother Nature things are looking up for doves, deer, ducks and a host of other wildlife. With that in mind, here is a preview for fall hunting seasons, including the best areas of the state for a variety...

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is taking public comment on reauthorizing the practice of using tracking dogs to trail wounded deer, which has been prohibited in a dozen eastern counties for more than 20 years. A series of public meetings is slated to provide details of the proposal and...

Texas’ big buck forecast isn’t going to be great this season, but in a state long considered among the top whitetail destinations in the country, that type of prediction isn’t bad. Even in down or average seasons, we’ve still got it good when it comes to deer quality. We have the...

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is looking into proposed changes to the state’s hunter education certification program that would “streamline” the process for those who take the course. While that may seem like a good idea to anyone who has yet to complete a course, or for wildlife officials...

Hunter education courses in Texas don’t just save lives. They help improve them, too. Passing on the safe pursuit of shooting sports and hunting to a new generation has never been more important, and thanks to thousands of volunteers across the state, it has become easier than ever. The courses, taught by...

Texas is the most diverse ecological area you can find with rolling grasslands, arid deserts, coastal marshes and dense forests among noteworthy features found inside its borders. Perhaps it's fitting the men and women who don Texas Parks and Wildlife's blue badge also exhibit a wealth of notable characteristics. For...