T exas issues the most hunting licenses, tags, permits and stamps in the nation with over 1.1 million, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service data.
And this year’s timely rainfall has set the stage for a positive fall hunting season, despite the drought conditions throughout the state.
The eastern portions of the state have seen abovenormal precipitation since January.
“Many times, it’s not even how much rain an area receives, but when they receive it,” said Jacob Dykes, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist in Corpus Christi. “Late winter and spring rains greatly facilitate the growth of vegetation that provides both nutrition and habitat cover needed for a wide range of species.”
White-tailed deer With a statewide population of roughly five million, Texas is home to more white-tailed deer than any other U.S. state.
Thanks to mostly positive environmental conditions leading up to the summer fawning season, Dykes said much of the state should see an abundance of new, healthy additions to the population for hunting season, which begins Nov. 2. The archery hunting season is Sept. 29-Nov. 1 and youth-only hunts start Oct. 2.
Quail
While annual quail populations naturally fluctuate, Texas has seen a steady decline in both bobwhite and scaled quail over the past three decades, Dykes said.
Turkey
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department reported increased turkey nesting success and recruitment in 2023, thanks to abundant acorn production and warm, late winter conditions across much of the Rio Grande wild turkey range. Turkey season hunting begins Nov. 2, with archeryonly hunts starting Sept. 28.
Dove
The 2023 dove season was a good one, and based on the latest Texas Parks and Wildlife Department dove surveys, the 2024 season, which began Sunday, Sept. 1, shows great promise.
Texas Parks and Wildlife biologists estimate statewide populations of roughly 34 million mourning doves and a record-high 13 million white-wing doves.
Changes to rules and regulations
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved hunting regulations for the 2024-25 season with some modifications and clarifications to 2024-25 Statewide Hunting and Migratory Game Bird proclamations.
Visit https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/ for more information on changes in hunting regulations.
Comment
Comments