Archery hunting in Texas is more than just a pastime—it’s a tradition that brings hunters closer to nature, requires skill and preparation, and provides one of the most rewarding hunting experiences available. With archery-only hunting seasons right around the corner, bowhunters across the Lone Star State are gearing up for white-tailed deer, mule deer, and wild turkey hunts.
At Texas Archery, we are passionate about equipping hunters with the gear, knowledge, and resources they need to succeed in the field. Whether you are a seasoned bowhunter or just getting started, this year’s season promises plenty of opportunities for a successful hunt.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the upcoming 2025–2026 Texas archery hunting season, including official dates, regulations, preparation tips, and new updates. We’ll also walk through essential archery gear, including bows, arrows, and accessories available at Texas Archery’s collection.
2025–2026 Texas Archery-Only Season Dates
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has announced strong forecasts for this year’s archery seasons. Hunters can expect excellent conditions for both deer and wild turkey across the state.
Archery-only season dates are as follows:
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Wild Turkey: Sept. 27 – Oct. 31
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White-tailed Deer: Sept. 27 – Oct. 31
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Mule Deer:
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Panhandle: Sept. 27 – Nov. 21
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All other regions: Sept. 27 – Nov. 27
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For county-specific details and regulations, hunters should consult the Outdoor Annual, available online or through the Texas Parks and Wildlife app.
Hunting Opportunities: Public and Private Land
Texas offers more than 1 million acres of public hunting lands for bowhunters. With an Annual Public Hunting Permit ($48), hunters gain access to a wide variety of terrains and habitats across the state.
Hunters on public lands during firearm-shooting seasons must wear hunter orange for safety. This applies even if you are strictly bowhunting during those times.
Private land opportunities also abound, and many outfitters and landowners across Texas lease hunting rights to bowhunters. Whether you hunt public or private land, preparation and compliance with TPWD regulations are essential.
Essential Requirements for Texas Bowhunters
Before heading into the field, every bowhunter must ensure they meet the necessary requirements:
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Hunter Education Certification – Mandatory for hunters born on or after Sept. 2, 1971.
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Archery Endorsement – Required for archery-only season hunts.
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Valid Hunting License – Obtainable online or at authorized retailers.
Special Reporting Requirements:
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Wild Turkey: All harvested turkeys must be reported within 24 hours via the free Texas Hunt & Fish app or online. Hunters must also properly tag turkeys according to state regulations.
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White-tailed Deer: Certain counties require hunters to report harvested deer within 24 hours through the Texas Hunt & Fish app or online. Hunters must also review Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) requirements and carcass disposal rules.
These steps ensure conservation efforts, population management, and compliance with state law.
Gear Up for Success: Archery Equipment You’ll Need
At Texas Archery, we provide everything a bowhunter needs for a successful season. Choosing the right equipment is essential for accuracy, consistency, and ethical harvests.
Bows
Whether you prefer compound bows, traditional recurve bows, or crossbows, having a properly tuned bow is the foundation of bowhunting. Compound bows are the most popular choice due to their speed, accuracy, and adaptability.
Arrows
Carbon arrows remain the go-to for most hunters thanks to their durability and straight flight. Pairing your arrows with the right broadheads—fixed or mechanical—is critical for penetration and ethical kills.
Sights
Single-pin sights are especially effective for tree stand and ground blind hunting. By pre-measuring the distance to your target area, you can quickly adjust and aim without clutter from multiple pins.
Accessories
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Stabilizers for balance
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Releases for clean shots
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Quivers for efficient arrow access
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Rangefinders for accuracy in distance estimation
You can explore premium bows, arrows, and accessories at the Texas Archery collections.
How to Sight In a Single-Pin Bow Sight
Single-pin bow sights are highly recommended for bowhunters because they reduce sight clutter and allow precision aiming at various distances. Here’s how to sight in properly:
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Set Your Distance: Begin at a specific range (20 yards is standard).
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Group Your Shots: Shoot until you consistently land three arrows in a tight group.
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Adjust for Accuracy: Move your sight pin horizontally (windage) or vertically (elevation) until your grouping hits the bullseye.
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Check Tightness: Sight pins can loosen with use—check them before and after practice sessions.
Mastering your bow sight now ensures you’re ready when the season begins.
Preparing for the 2025–2026 Archery Season
Proper preparation is key to a safe and successful hunting experience. Here are some tips:
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Inspect Your Tree Stand: Safety comes first. Tighten bolts, check straps, and ensure stability before climbing.
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Tune Your Bow: Check string condition, cam timing, and arrow rest alignment.
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Practice Regularly: Focus on consistent anchor points, smooth releases, and shooting from elevated positions to simulate real hunting conditions.
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Scout Your Area: Look for signs such as rubs, tracks, and trails. Pre-season scouting increases your odds of finding deer or turkey.
What’s New for the 2025–2026 Season
Texas hunters will see several important updates this year:
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Mule Deer Season Extended: Hunters now have more opportunities in multiple regions.
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Wild Turkey Hunting in Lubbock County: New hunting opportunities under North Zone regulations.
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Hill Country Zone Boundary Change: IH35E now serves as the zone boundary line for wild turkey hunting.
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New World Screwworm Reporting: Hunters spotting live animals infested with maggots must report it to TPWD biologists immediately. This surveillance protects Texas’ wildlife and livestock from harmful pests.
Staying informed ensures compliance and helps protect Texas’ diverse ecosystems.
Conservation and Responsibility in Archery Hunting
Bowhunting in Texas is not just about sport—it plays a critical role in wildlife management. Archery-only seasons help control deer populations before rifle season begins, ensuring healthier herds and balanced ecosystems.
Hunters also contribute to conservation efforts through license and permit fees, which directly support habitat protection and wildlife research.
Every ethical bowhunter should follow the principles of fair chase, practice proper shot placement, and ensure quick, humane harvests.
Why Choose Texas Archery?
Texas Archery is more than a retailer—we are a community for hunters, archers, and outdoor enthusiasts. With expert guidance, high-quality gear, and a passion for archery, we help bowhunters across Texas succeed season after season.
From beginners purchasing their first bow to seasoned hunters fine-tuning their setups, our collections offer everything needed for the hunt.
Final Thoughts: Get Ready for Archery Season in Texas
With archery-only seasons opening on September 27, Texas bowhunters are in for an exciting year. Deer and turkey populations are healthy, public hunting lands are abundant, and new opportunities are expanding across the state.
By preparing your gear, understanding regulations, and committing to ethical hunting, you can enjoy one of the most rewarding experiences Texas has to offer.
When you’re ready to gear up, practice, and make this season your most successful yet, turn to Texas Archery for everything you need.
