TPW Commission Approves 2026-27 Statewide Hunting, Migratory Game Bird Regulations

AUSTIN, TX — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has approved the following changes to 2026-27 Statewide Hunting and Migratory Game Bird proclamations:

Migratory Game Bird Regulations 

• The South Zone dove hunting season structure during the first segment will include an earlier regular season opening date (Sept. 1 – Oct. 25), eliminate the Special White-winged Dove Days, and institute standardized daily bag limits and shooting hours across all days in the South Zone. The second segment will be December 18, 2026, to January 21, 2027.

Upland Game Bird Regulations 

• Chachalaca and quail hunting season dates were aligned (November 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027).
• Matagorda and Wharton counties were closed to wild turkey hunting due to the decline in wild turkey populations in the area.
• Due to the overall decline in wild turkey populations across Texas, annual bag limits were changed to only gobblers and bearded hens in counties where either sex is currently allowed for wild turkey hunting.  

Big Game Regulations 

• "Doe days" were expanded to a 16-day season that begins the second Saturday of General Season and closes the Sunday following Thanksgiving in Austin, Bastrop, Caldwell, Colorado, Comal (east of IH 35), DeWitt, Fayette, Goliad (north of U.S. Highway 59), Gonzales, Guadalupe, Hays (east of IH 35), Jackson (north of U.S. Highway 59), Karnes, Lavaca, Lee, Travis (east of IH 35), Victoria (north of U.S. Highway 59), Waller, Washington, Wharton (north of U.S. Highway 59), and Wilson counties.
• The definition of "muzzleloader" was defined to allow the use of new muzzleloading technology for the take of white-tailed deer.

Hunters hitting the field in the upcoming season should make note of these changes and follow all regulations set for species, tagging, bag limits, counties, season dates, means and methods. Hunters can check the Outdoor Annual for approved season dates for the 2026-27 season beginning in early April on the TPWD website. All other information currently in the Outdoor Annual reflects last season’s regulations.