Hunting

Duck Hunters: Protect the Lakes You Love

Invasive species like giant salvinia can grow quickly and cover expanses of fresh water, blocking access for hunters to prime waterfowl hunting areas. Invasive species can move to new lakes by hitching a ride on your boat, trailer or gear. Stop the spread and protect the lakes you love by always taking time to clean, drain and dry your boat, trailer and gear when you travel from lake to lake.

Learn How to Clean, Drain and Dry

Your License Purchase Supports Conservation

Annual hunting licenses on sale now. Did you know 100% of license fees go to conservation? Check out the combo packages if you enjoy both fishing and hunting. Then buy your license online or at your favorite retailer.

Dove Numbers Continue to Soar

If you were impressed by last year's dove turnout, this season's forecast is even better. White-winged dove numbers continue to soar, and mourning dove numbers are expected to be above average.

Our extended 90-day season continues, with opening day beginning half-an-hour before sunrise on Sept. 1 in the North and Central Zones. The South Zone also opens on Sept. 1 due to Special White-Winged Dove Days, with shooting hours noon to sunset. The South Zone regular season opens on Sept. 14, a week earlier than in previous years. The daily bag limit for all zones is 15. Refer to this season's Outdoor Annual for details.

It's always a good idea to look over the dove identifier so you know which birds to avoid. You'll find it and all your need-to-know on the Dove Season Checklist. See you out there!

Over 1 Million Acres of Public Land Await

Looking for a new place to hunt? Check out the 1 million acres of walk-in hunting lands available to you with a $48 Annual Public Hunting Permit. These are quality TPWD sites or acreage we've leased for you, for year-round hunting and fishing.

To find a new hunting spot, do a search by area or type of game. For the most up-to-date information on availability of public lands, follow us on Facebook.

Annual Public Hunting Permit holders are also exclusively eligible to apply for 2 types of Drawn Hunts: E-postcard Hunts and US Forest Service Antlerless Deer Permits. Check the deadlines and apply today!

This Season's Regulation Changes

New for the 2018-2019 hunting season:

• South Dove Zone will open Sept. 14, a week earlier than in previous years
• A 9-day mule deer general season (no archery season) is opening in Lynn County
• The daily bag limit for pintails will be increased to 2
• The 2019 Eastern turkey season will open April 22, later than last year. Also, turkey season in Upshur and San Augustine counties has been closed.

Check the current Outdoor Annual for all the regulation changes and other need-to-know information, including that everyone born after Sept. 1, 1971 must carry proof of Hunter Education while hunting. If you misplace your card, you can print a replacement at no cost. Keep that proof in your pocket!

New Hunters Alert: Take Hunter Ed Now

Every hunter (including out-of-state hunters) born on or after Sept. 2, 1971, must successfully complete a Hunter Education Training Course, or be accompanied while hunting. Minimum age of certification is 9 years of age.

Hunter education instructors are always needed. Help share the hunting legacy of conservation and sportsmanship by becoming a hunter education instructor. Find out more about joining the program.