September 29, 2024 at 8:25 am staff writer

Archery Season Opens September 28

Archery-only seasons for white-tailed deer, mule deer and wild turkey open Sat., Sept. 28 and run through Fri. Nov. 1. Refer to the Outdoor Annual for bowhunting-specific regulations, including the types of equipment allowed for taking game.

We’re forecasting an exceptional white-tailed deer season with good harvest numbers. “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,” says TPWD White-tailed Deer Program Leader Blaise Korzekwa.

If you’re looking for a new bowhunting area, consider the more than 1 million acres of public hunting lands you can access with an Annual Public Hunting Permit ($48).

Find out more about what deer hunters can expect in our forecast press release White-tailed Deer Population Looks Strong Ahead of Archery-only Season.

What You Need To Know

Review archery-only hunting regulations for your county in the Outdoor Annual online or in the app. It’s also available in Spanish.
Wild turkey hunters: Mandatory harvest reporting is required in all open counties. It’s quick and easy with the free Texas Hunt & Fish app or online.
Deer hunters: review current information about chronic wasting disease (CWD), including zones and check stations.
Deer hunters: review statewide carcass disposal requirements.

While bowhunting, you are required to carry proof of the following:

Hunting license with endorsement for archery.
Turkey hunters need an Upland Game Bird endorsement.
Hunter Education certification is required for hunters born after Sept. 1, 1971. You can verify your certification online.

What to Expect at a CWD Check Station

When you go to a TPWD CWD Check Station, the procedure is quick and easy. Watch the process in our short video What to Expect at a CWD Check Station.

If a CWD Check Station is unattended, you can still leave part of your harvest for testing by using the Dropbox. Find out how to do it in our short video How to Use a CWD Station Dropbox.

Get your harvest tested! Even if you are not hunting in a CWD zone, it’s a good idea to have every deer harvest tested.

Tree Stand Safety Tips

If you hunt from elevated stands, there’s an increased risk of injury due to falls. Footing can be difficult, especially in the morning when dew makes steps slippery. Keep these 3 safety tips top of mind when using a tree stand:

1. Use the 3 points of contact rule: always keep two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot, in contact with the ladder.

2. Before climbing into a stand, unload your bow and/or firearm.

3. Always use a Treestand Manufactures Association approved “fall arrest system” when you’re in the stand, and while you’re getting in or out. For more tips on tree stand safety, watch our short video Tree Stand Safety Tips.