By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Texas hunters can expect another promising white-tailed deer season with a strong statewide population and Opportunities to harvest quality bucks, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).

The agency estimates the state’s white-tailed deer population has climbed to an estimated 5.64 million.

“Texas leads the nation in terms of number of deer hunters, annual harvest and deer population,” Blaise Korzekwa, TPWD white-tailed deer program leader, said. “Even an average year in Texas is worth hunting, and those landowners who properly manage the state’s natural resources have shown year after year that their management can pay off.”

Hill Country
The Hill Country has the highest population density in the state.

TPWD biologists report there is an estimated 1.973 million white-tailed deer in the region.

Adequate rainfall in recent years has supported favorable habitat conditions and provided hunters with opportunities to see plenty of deer this fall.

The region also consistently records the highest hunter success rates in the state.

South Texas
South Texas is known for producing mature bucks with above-average antler quality. Some hunters can find a once-in-a-lifetime trophy in the premier big buck destination, according to TPWD.

Nearly 478,000 white-tailed deer are estimated to be in the region following a consistent population increase over the years.

TPWD biologists anticipate an average hunting season in South Texas, but the region’s reputation for producing quality bucks means hunters can still expect strong opportunities.

Post Oak Savannah
Above-average fawn production this year could provide a boost to future deer populations in the Post Oak Savannah.

A TPWD survey indicated 30% of the 2025 buck harvest was represented by bucks 4.5-years-old or older. However, fewer bucks in the 4.5- and 5.5-year-old age classes are expected.

Younger bucks should be more abundant, and TPWD recommends hunters give these bucks a few more years to reach maturity.

East Texas
The East Texas white-tailed deer population has remained steady over the last five years and is estimated to be at 334,414 deer.

Habitat management continues to be a priority for TPWD biologists, who work with landowners and timber companies to restore and maintain quality deer habitat.

Hunters can expect a strong population of 3.5-year-old bucks but fewer 4.5- and 5.5-year-old bucks.

TPWD encourages hunters to allow younger and middle-aged bucks additional time to reach maturity.

Cross Timbers
The Cross Timbers ecoregion has the second-highest deer population in the state, with an estimated 924,242 white-tailed deer.

Hunters focusing on mature bucks should have good opportunities this season. Most bucks will be present, but TPWD biologists anticipate fewer 4.5-year-old bucks.

Rolling Plains
Deer populations in the Rolling Plains have increased in recent years and brings favorable prospects for hunters pursuing mature bucks.

Large properties and relatively light hunting pressure make the region particularly attractive for hunters looking for older deer.

Reminders for hunters
TPWD reminds hunters to review current regulations before heading to the field.

Hunters are encouraged to monitor wildlife for signs of New World screwworm (NWS) infestations. Any suspected cases should be promptly reported to the local TPWD biologist to allow for quick action by all agency partners to aid in the eradication of NWS.

Check the Outdoor Annual or OutdoorAnnual.com for full deer hunting regulations, information on chronic wasting disease zones and mandatory harvest reporting.

The archery-only season in most counties opened Oct. 3 and runs through Nov. 6.

The general season opens Nov. 7 and runs through Jan. 3 in the North Zone and Jan. 17 in the South Zone.

The special late season runs Jan. 4-17 in the North Zone, and the South Zone opens Jan. 18-31.