The southwest region in the US is famous for its abundant wildlife, providing hunters with a wide variety of game animals, birds, and vast landscapes to explore. Hunting enthusiasts have eagerly anticipated the start of hunting seasons.
However, responsible hunting practices are essential to preserve the natural balance and ensure the sustainability of these precious resources.
In this comprehensive guide, we have collected the dates and limits for the southwest regions Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas hunting seasons in 2023-2024, covering various game animals. We will also touch upon hunting license requirements and important regulations that every hunter must adhere to.
Texas Hunting Seasons
Texas Javelina Season Dates
| Season | Zone | Dates |
| General | North | Oct. 1, 2023 - Feb. 25, 2024 |
| South | Sep. 1, 2023 - Aug. 31, 2024 |
Texas Mule Deer Season Dates
| Season | Zone | Dates |
| General | Panhandle | Nov. 18, 2023 - Dec. 3, 2023 |
| Trans-Pecos | Nov. 24, 2023 - Dec. 10, 2023 | |
| Archery | 59 counties | Sep. 30, 2023 - Nov. 3, 2023 |
Texas Pronghorn Season Dates
| Season | Zone | Dates |
| General | 41 counties | Sep. 30 - Oct. 15, 2023 |
Texas Squirrel Season Dates
| Season | Zone | Dates |
| General | East Texas | Oct. 1, 2023 - Feb. 25, 2024 & May 1-31, 2024 |
| Other open counties | Sep. 1, 2023 - Aug. 31, 2024 | |
| Youth-only | East Texas | Sep. 23 - 24, 2023 |
Texas White-tailed Deer Season Dates
| Season | Zone | Dates |
| General | North | Nov. 4, 2023 - Jan. 7, 2024 |
| South | Nov. 4, 2023 - Jan. 21, 2024 | |
| Special Late | North | Jan. 8-21, 2024 |
| South | Jan. 22, 2024 - Feb. 4, 2024 | |
| Youth-Only | North | Oct. 28-29, 2023 & Jan. 8-21, 2024 |
| South | Oct. 28-29, 2023 & Jan. 8-21, 2024 | |
| Archery | 252 counties | Sep. 30, 2023 - Nov. 3, 2023 |
| Muzzleloader | 90 counties | Jan. 8-21, 2024 |
Texas Chachalaca Season Dates
| Season | Zone | Dates |
| Regular | Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr & Willacy Counties | Oct. 28, 2023 - Feb. 25, 2024 |
Texas Pheasant Season Dates
| Season | Zone | Dates |
| Regular | Panhandle | Dec. 2-31, 2023 |
Texas Quail Season Dates
| Season | Zone | Dates |
| Regular | Statewide | Oct. 28, 2023 - Feb. 25, 2024 |
Texas Turkey Hunting Season
| Rio Grande Turkey | Season | Zone | Dates |
| Fall | North | Nov. 4, 2023 - Jan. 7, 2024 | |
| South | Nov. 4, 2023 - Jan. 21, 2024 | ||
| Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg & Willacy counties | Nov. 4, 2023 - Feb. 25, 2024 | ||
| Archery-only | Sep. 30, 2023 - Nov. 3, 2023 | ||
| Fall Youth-only | North | Oct. 28-29, 2023 & Jan. 8-21, 2024 | |
| South | Oct. 28-29, 2023 & Jan. 22, 2024 - Feb. 4, 2024 | ||
| Spring | North | Mar. 30, 2024 - May 12, 2024 | |
| South | Mar. 16, 2024 - Apr. 28, 2024 | ||
| One-turkey counties | Apr. 1-30, 2024 | ||
| Spring Youth-Only | North | Mar. 23-24, 2024 & May 18-19, 2024 | |
| South | Mar. 9-10, 2024 & May 4-5, 2024 | ||
| Eastern Turkey | Spring | East Texas | Apr. 22, 2024 - May 14, 2024 |
Texas Dove Season Dates
| Season | Zone | Dates |
| Regular | North | Sep. 1, 2023 - Nov. 12, 2023 & Dec. 15-31, 2023 |
| Central | Sep. 1, 2023 - Oct. 29, 2023 & Dec. 15, 2023 - Jan. 14, 2024 | |
| South | Sep. 14, 2023 - Oct. 29, 2023 & Dec. 15, 2023 - Jan. 21, 2024 | |
| Special White-winged Dove Days | South | Sep. 1-3, 2023 & Sept. 8-10, 2023 |
Texas Duck Season Dates
| Season | Zone | Dates |
| Regular | High Plains Mallard Management Unit | Oct. 28-29, 2023 & Nov. 3, 2023 - Jan. 28, 2024 |
| North | Nov. 11-26, 2023 & Dec. 2, 2023 - Jan. 28, 2024 | |
| South | Nov. 4-26, 2023 & Dec. 9, 2023 - Jan. 28, 2024 | |
| Youth/Veterans | High Plains Mallard Management Unit | Oct. 21-22, 2023 |
| North | Nov. 4-5, 2023 | |
| South | Oct. 28-29, 2023 |
Texas Goose Season Dates
| Season | Zone | Dates |
| Early Canada Goose | East | Sep. 9-24, 2023 |
| Light & Dark Geese | West | Nov. 4, 2023 - Feb. 4, 2024 |
| East | Nov. 4, 2023 - Jan. 28, 2024 | |
| Light Goose Conservation Order | West | Feb. 5, 2024 - Mar. 10, 2024 |
| East | Jan. 29, 2024 - Mar. 10, 2024 |
Texas Alligator Season Dates
| Season | Zone | Dates |
| General | 22 Counties & Special Properties | Sep. 10-30, 2023 |
| All Other Counties | Apr. 1, 2024 - June 30, 2024 |
Texas Rabbits Season Dates
| Season | Zone | Dates |
| Regular | Statewide | No closed season |
Texas Raccoon Season Dates
| Season | Zone | Daily Limits |
| Year-round | Statewide | Two raccoons |
Texas Hunting License and Regulations
In Texas, hunting licenses and regulations are essential to ensure safe and sustainable hunting practices. Here are some key hunting license requirements and regulations in Texas:
1. Hunting License: A hunting license is required for anyone, regardless of age, to hunt any animal, bird, frog, or turtle in the state of Texas. The license must be valid and appropriate for the type of game you intend to hunt.
2. Youth License: Texas offers a Youth License for residents and non-residents under the age of 17. This license covers hunting for all legal game birds and animals. Youth hunters can also participate in special youth-only hunting seasons.
3. Non-Resident License: Non-residents of Texas must obtain a non-resident hunting license to hunt in the state. The fees for non-resident licenses are typically higher than those for residents.
4. Special Licenses: Depending on the type of game you intend to hunt, additional licenses or permits may be required. These may include licenses for hunting migratory birds, alligators, pronghorn antelope, and more.
5. Tagging and Reporting: Certain game animals like deer and turkey require special tags to be attached immediately upon harvesting the animal. Additionally, hunters are required to report their harvested game within a specified time frame.
6. Hunter Education: Texas mandates that anyone born on or after September 2, 1971, must complete a hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license. Exceptions may apply to individuals with certain exemptions.
7. Hunting Seasons: The Texas hunting seasons have special dates and limits for different game animals and birds. These seasons vary by species and region, so it's crucial to check the current regulations for your specific hunting area.
8. Bag Limits: Bag limits specify the number of game animals or birds a hunter is allowed to harvest in a single day or during a hunting season. Make sure that you follow the limits.
9. Firearm Regulations: Specific rules govern the type of firearms and ammunition that can be used for hunting in Texas. Make sure your equipment complies with these regulations.
Louisiana Hunting Season
Louisiana, another state in the southwest region of the US, offers a unique hunting experience with its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. Here's a glimpse of the hunting seasons in Louisiana for various game animals, birds, and license requirements.
Louisiana Turkey Season
| Areas | Dates | Notes |
| Area A | April 6 - May 5 | private lands only |
| Area B | April 6-28 | |
| Area C | April 6-21 |
Louisiana Deer Season
| Area | Archery | Primitive Firearms | Firearms (Still-Hunt only) | Firearms (With or Without Dogs) | Youth and Honorably Discharged Veterans |
| 1 | October 1 - January 31 | November 11-17 and January 22-31 | November 18 - December 8 and January 8-21 | December 9 - January 7 | October 28 – November 3 |
| 2 | October 1 - January 31 | October 21-27 and January 15-21 | October 28 - December 5 | December 6- January 14 | October 14-20 |
| 3 | September 16 - January 15 | October 14-20 and January 1-7 | October 21 - November 26 | November 27 - December 31 | September 23-29 |
| 4 | October 1 - January 31 | November 11-17 and January 22-31 | November 18 - December 8 and January 8-21 | December 9 - January 7 | October 28 - November 3 |
| 5 | October 16 - February 15 | Bucks Only: October 1-15 | November 11-17 | Bucks Only: January 22-31 | November 18-19 and November 24-26 and Bucks Only: November 20-23 and November 27 - December 8 |
| 6 | Bucks Only: October 1-15 and October 16 - February 15 | November 11-17 and January 22-31 | November 18 - December 8 | December 9 - January 21 | October 28 - November 3 |
| 7 | September 16 - January 15 | October 14-20 and January 1-7 | October 21 - November 26 | November 27 - December 31 | September 23-29 |
| 8 | September 16- January 15 | October 14-20 and January 1-7 | October 21 - November 26 | November 27 - December 31 | September 23-29 |
| 9 | October 16 - February 15 | Bucks Only: October 1 - 15 | November 11-17 | Bucks Only: January 22-31 | November 18-19 and November 24-26 Bucks Only: November 20-23 and November 27 - December 8 |
| 10 | September 16 - January 15 | October 14-20 and January 1-7 | October 21 - December 31 | September 23-29 |
Louisiana Quail Season
| Date | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
| November 18 - February 29 | 10 | 30 |
Louisiana Rabbit Season
| Date | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
| October 7 - February 29 | 8 | 24 |
Louisiana Squirrel Season
| Date | Season | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
| October 7 - February 29 (Fall) | Fall | 8 | 24 |
| May 4-26 (Spring) | Spring | 3 | 9 |
*Spring squirrel season is CLOSED on the Kisatchie National Forest, some national wildlife refuges, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property, and some state WMAs.
Louisiana Raccoon Season
Date: Year-round
Daily Limit: Two raccoons
Louisiana Crows Season
Date: September 1 - January 1
Limit: None
Louisiana Hunting License Requirements
Note that various hunting licenses are required for specific hunting activities in Texas. These licenses are in addition to the Basic Season License and may include privileges such as deer tags, archery, and primitive hunting rights.
Additionally, there is a Youth License available for individuals under 18, covering activities like deer and turkey hunting, trapping, and youth lottery hunts. Notably, proof of ID or residency is not needed for the youth license.
It's important to note that all hunting licenses are valid for one year, starting from July 1 of the current calendar year and ending on June 30 of the subsequent calendar year.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the Louisiana Hunting Regulations PDF.
Oklahoma Hunting Seasons
Oklahoma is a haven for hunters, offering a wide variety of game and hunting opportunities. Here are the hunting seasons for 2023-2024 in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma Deer Season
| Type | Dates |
| Deer Archery | Oct 1, 2023 - Jan 15, 2024 |
| Youth Deer Gun | Oct 20, 2023 - Oct 22, 2023 |
| Deer Muzzleloader | Oct 28, 2023 - Nov 5, 2023 |
| Deer Gun | Nov 18, 2023 - Dec 3, 2023 |
| Holiday Antlerless Deer Gun | Dec 18, 2023 - Dec 31, 2023 |
Oklahoma Elk Seasons
| Type | Dates |
| Elk Archery | Oct 1, 2023 - Jan 15, 2024 |
| Youth Elk Gun | Oct 20, 2023 - Oct 22, 2023 |
| Elk Muzzleloader | Oct 28, 2023 - Nov 5, 2023 |
| Elk Gun | Nov 18, 2023 - Dec 3, 2023 |
| Holiday Antlerless Elk Gun | Dec 18, 2023 - Dec 31, 2023 |
Oklahoma Bear Season
| Bear Archery | Oct 1, 2023 - Oct 15, 2023 |
| Bear Muzzleloader | Oct 28, 2023 - Nov 5, 2023 |
Oklahoma Turkey Seasons
| Type | Dates |
| Turkey Fall Archery | Oct 1, 2023 - Jan 15, 2024 |
| Turkey Fall Gun | Nov 4, 2023 - Nov 17, 2023 |
| Youth Turkey Spring | Apr 13, 2024 - Apr 14, 2024 |
| Turkey Spring | Apr 16, 2024 - May 16, 2024 |
Oklahoma Dove Season
Sep 1, 2023 - Oct 31, 2023
Dec 1, 2023 - Dec 29, 2023
Oklahoma Crow Season
Oct 10, 2023 - Nov 16, 2023
Dec 9, 2023 - Mar 4, 2024
Oklahoma Woodcock Season
Oct 28, 2023 - Dec 11, 2023
Oklahoma Rail Season
Sep 1, 2023 - Nov 9, 2023
Oklahoma Snipe Season
Sep 30, 2023 - Jan 14, 2024
Oklahoma Gallinule Season
Sep 1, 2023 - Nov 9, 2023
Oklahoma Waterfowl Season
Zone 1: Nov 11, 2023 - Nov 26, 2023
Dec 2, 2023 - Jan 28, 2024
Oklahoma Squirrel Season
May 15, 2023 - Feb 28, 2024
Oklahoma Rabbit Season
Oct 1, 2023 - Mar 15, 2024
Oklahoma Quail Season
Nov 11, 2023 - Feb 15, 2024
Oklahoma Pheasant Season
Dec 1, 2023 - Jan 31, 2024
Oklahoma Hunting Regulations
Oklahoma has certain regulations in place to ensure responsible and ethical hunting. Some of these regulations include:
- The use of dogs for hunting is not allowed when pursuing bear, deer, elk, antelope, and turkey.
- It is prohibited to use computer software or services that enable remote control of firearms or weapons to hunt live animals or birds without physical presence.
- Hunters are required to report all deer, elk, antelope, bear, or turkey harvested to the Department within 24 hours of leaving the hunting area.
- Using artificial light, thermal, or night vision equipment for hunting from a public roadway is strictly forbidden.
- It is unlawful to harass, attempt to capture, capture, attempt to take, take, kill, or attempt to kill any wildlife with the assistance of motor-driven land, air, or water conveyances, except for non-ambulatory individuals who may hunt from such conveyances with a valid non-ambulatory or motor vehicle permit.
- Prior permission must be obtained from landowners for access to posted or occupied land, especially on properties primarily dedicated to farming, ranching, or forestry purposes.
- Shooting from or across any public road, highway, or railroad right-of-way, or its adjacent areas, is prohibited by law.
For more detailed information, please refer to the Oklahoma Hunting Regulations PDF.
Conclusion
Hunting in the Southwest United States offers a wide range of opportunities to connect with nature and pursue your passion for the outdoors. Whether you're in Texas, Louisiana, or Oklahoma, the region provides a diverse selection of game animals.
Remember that responsible hunting is not only required to follow the rules and regulations, but also respect the environment and the animals. Make safety a priority, obtain all appropriate licenses and permissions, and always hunt ethically.
As you plan your hunting trips in these states, be sure to check for any updates or changes in regulations and season dates. We will also keep you updated with any new changes!
Happy hunting!
The post Texas Hunting Seasons Calendar 2023-2024(Updated) appeared first on Kalkal.
