Texas bowhunters, your patience pays off when archery-only seasons for deer and wild turkey open. Wildlife biologists predict this could be one of the best hunting years in recent memory.
Time to check your gear, practice your shots, and get ready for quality opportunities in the field. Whether you’re chasing a trophy buck or hoping to bag your first tom, this season offers extended opportunities that give bowhunters a serious advantage.
Season Dates That Matter
Wild Turkey: September 27 – October 31
White-tailed Deer: September 27 – October 31
Mule Deer: Panhandle hunters get until November 21, everyone else hunts through November 27
The extended mule deer season represents a significant change for 2025-26, giving hunters nearly two extra months compared to previous years. That’s more weekends, more chances, and more opportunities to connect with that buck you’ve been watching all summer.
Smart Money: Public Land Access
Don’t overlook Texas’s million-plus acres of public hunting land. An Annual Public Hunting Permit costs just $48 and opens doors to countless hunting opportunities across the state. Many private lease prices have skyrocketed, making public land access one of the best deals in outdoor recreation.
Remember to pack hunter orange for firearm seasons, but during archery-only periods, you can move through the woods without that bright beacon alerting every deer in the county.
Paperwork That Keeps You Legal
Before you step into the field, make sure you carry:
- Hunter Education Certification
- Archery Endorsement
- Current Hunting License
Get everything online or at local retailers. Don’t risk a citation over missing paperwork – game wardens stay busy during opening days.
Turkey Hunters: New Rules to Know
Lubbock County now allows wild turkey hunting under North Zone regulations – a win for Panhandle hunters. Hill Country hunters should note that IH35E now serves as the zone boundary line, which may affect your hunting area.
All turkey hunters must report harvested birds within 24 hours using the free Texas Hunt & Fish app or online. Learn proper tagging procedures before you hunt – improper tagging can result in citations even for legally harvested birds.
Deer Hunters: Stay Informed
Chronic Wasting Disease remains a concern across Texas. Review current CWD information and statewide carcass disposal requirements before you hunt. Certain counties require white-tailed deer harvest reports within 24 hours through the Texas Hunt & Fish app.
Proper deer tagging procedures matter more than ever. Take time to understand the requirements – it’s much easier to do it right the first time than to explain mistakes to a game warden.
Get Your Bow Dialed In
Single-pin sights work perfectly for tree stand and ground blind setups. Pre-measure distances to your decoys or landmarks, then sight in at that exact range.
Start by shooting three-arrow groups, then adjust your sight pin for windage and elevation until you consistently hit the bullseye. Check that your sight pin stays tight – vibration can loosen pins over time, throwing off your accuracy when it matters most.
For detailed instructions, watch the official “Sighting In a Single-pin Bow Sight” video on the TPWD website.
What’s Different This Year
The extended mule deer season headlines the changes, but wild turkey hunters gained access to new areas and clearer zone boundaries. These adjustments reflect hunter feedback and changing wildlife populations – TPWD continues adapting regulations to benefit both hunters and wildlife conservation.
Check the complete “What’s New for Hunting Season 2025-26” press release for all changes that might affect your hunting plans.
Keep Texas Wildlife Healthy
New World Screwworm poses a real threat to Texas wildlife and livestock. If you find any animal infested with maggots, immediately report it to your local TPWD biologist. Hunters serve as the eyes and ears for wildlife management – your observations help protect the animals we all depend on.
Final Prep
Download the Outdoor Annual app for county-specific regulations and season details. Regulations vary by county, and ignorance doesn’t excuse violations.
September 27 marks the beginning of months of archery opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned bowhunter or picking up archery for the first time, Texas offers some of the nation’s best hunting experiences.
Get out there, hunt safely, and make this season one to remember. The deer and turkeys are waiting – now it’s up to you to make it happen.
Resources:
- Download the Texas Hunt & Fish app for harvest reporting
- Find your local retailer for licenses and permits
- Access the Outdoor Annual online or through the app
- Review CWD information at tpwd.texas.gov
