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Local hunters can look forward to a promising whitetailed deer season this fall, with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists predicting excellent conditions for the 2024-25 archery-only season kicking off Sept. 28.
According to TPWD Whitetailed Deer Program Leader Blaise Korzekwa, favorable weather earlier this year has contributed to ideal hunting prospects.
“Given that over half the state experienced excellent habitat conditions this spring, it will be another great season to pull the bow out and spend time hunting,” Korzekwa said. “Whether you’re looking to fill the freezer with venison or harvest the trophy of a lifetime, it will be time well spent in the field this year.”
Much of the state received critical rainfall this spring, helping to bolster habitat conditions and support antler development in bucks. Even areas that missed out on rainfall are expected to have healthy numbers of mature deer this season, according to the team. Spring’s strong forb production — a key component of a deer’s diet — helped does meet the lactation needs of their fawns, boosting survival rates. For local archery hunters, the season begins Sept. 28 and runs through Nov. 1, with the general deer season starting Nov. 2. Youth hunters have designated gun seasons from Oct. 25-27 and Jan. 6-19. North Zone hunters will have until Jan. 5, while South Zone hunters can enjoy the season until Jan. 19.
As always, safety and sustainability remain important. Hunters should be aware of changes to Chronic Wasting Disease management, with new CWD zones and updated carcass disposal requirements in place for the upcoming season. Hunters are encouraged to report sick deer, dispose of unused carcass parts properly, and consider testing their harvests to help slow the spread of CWD.
Those hunting on public lands need to purchase an Annual Public Hunting Permit, and archery hunters must have an Archery Endorsement along with their hunting license. Public land hunters can use the Texas Hunt & Fish app for on-site registration.
For more information on regulations, hunting zones and CWD management, visit the TPWD website at https:// tpwd.texas.gov or consult the 2024-25 Outdoor Annual.
