North Texas Deer Season 2026-27 for Dallas-Area Hunters

For many Dallas families, the first weekend of November is marked on the calendar months ahead. That is when the general white-tailed deer season opens in the North Zone, which covers the Dallas-Fort Worth area and most of North Texas. This guide explains the 2026-27 structure, the firearms and licenses you need, and where Dallas hunters can find public land. Dates below come from TPWD's published 2026-27 regulations; always confirm them, and your county's specific rules, in the current TPWD Outdoor Annual.

The 2026-27 North Zone season structure

General season: November 7, 2026 through January 3, 2027 in the North Zone.
Archery only: an early archery season runs for several weeks before the general opener, usually opening around the start of October.
Youth only: youth-only weekends fall before and after the general season.
Muzzleloader: a late muzzleloader season follows the general season in counties where it is allowed.
Special late seasons: some counties have late antlerless and spike seasons.

Exact archery, youth and muzzleloader dates, and which counties get which late seasons, are listed in the TPWD Outdoor Annual. We do not list them here because they vary by county and we would rather you read them from the source.

County rules matter

Texas sets many deer rules at the county level. Bag limits, the number of antlerless deer you may take, whether doe days apply, and antler restrictions all change from one county to the next. Many North Texas counties use antler restrictions that limit which bucks may be taken, based on spread or points. Before you hunt a lease in Parker, Wise, Cooke or Erath County, look up that county on the TPWD site. Some counties close to Dallas allow few or no antlerless deer outside special permits.

Legal firearms for deer

Texas allows any legal centerfire rifle, centerfire handgun, shotgun or muzzleloader for white-tailed deer during the right season. Rimfire cartridges are not allowed for deer. There is no minimum caliber in state law, but ethical hunters pick a cartridge with enough energy for clean kills. Common choices in North Texas include:

.243 Winchester for young hunters and lighter recoil on smaller Cross Timbers deer.
6.5 Creedmoor for accuracy and mild recoil at pasture distances.
.270 Winchester and .308 Winchester for all-around use.
7mm magnums for longer shots across open country.
AR-15 rifles are legal for deer; choose a bullet built for game, and consider the heavier options many hunters use for deer.
Shotguns with slugs in thick bottomland cover.

Suppressors are legal for hunting in Texas when owned through the federal NFA process. You can find hunting rifles, scopes and ammunition in our online shop. Rifles bought online ship to a dealer near you; see our guide to buying a gun online in Dallas.

Licenses and tags

Texas residents need a hunting license with deer tags. Many Dallas hunters buy the Super Combo, which covers hunting and fishing endorsements. Tag the deer right away and record the harvest on your license or in the TPWD app as the Outdoor Annual directs. Keep your license on you in the field, on paper or in the TPWD app. Hunter education certification is required for hunters born on or after September 2, 1971. Younger or first-time hunters can use a deferral in some cases if they hunt with a qualified adult.

Where Dallas hunters go

Most deer hunting in Texas happens on private land, often through leases shared by several hunters. Dallas hunters commonly lease in Parker, Palo Pinto, Wise, Cooke, Erath, Somervell and Hood counties, where oak and cedar hills break up the pasture. East of Dallas, Van Zandt, Henderson and Hunt counties hold deer in pine, oak and creek bottom country.

Public hunting close to DFW

If you do not have a lease, the TPWD Annual Public Hunting Permit opens thousands of acres to you. Near the metro, the options include:

LBJ National Grasslands WMA in Wise County, about an hour northwest of Dallas, with public deer hunting under TPWD and Forest Service rules.
Caddo National Grasslands WMA in Fannin County, with separate units near Bois d'Arc Creek and Ladonia.
Ray Roberts Lake WMA in Denton and Cooke counties, where some units limit weapons.
Richland Creek WMA near Corsicana, with its own hunting rules.
Army Corps of Engineers lake lands at lakes such as Lavon, Ray Roberts, Texoma, Whitney and Aquilla, where public hunting areas are open under Corps and state rules.

Public areas often limit weapons to archery or shotguns in some units, set their own dates, or require drawn permits. Read each area's rules in the TPWD public hunting map booklet before you go. Wear hunter orange where required, and on public land assume others are hunting nearby.

Getting ready

Sight in your rifle at the distance you plan to shoot, with the ammunition you will hunt with.
Check your scope mounts and rings; a loose ring costs more deer than a poor cartridge.
Scout your lease or public area well before the opener, and look for trails, rubs and scrapes.
Plan how you will cool and process the deer. North Texas can still be warm in November.

Hogs during deer season

Feral hogs share much of the same land and can be taken during deer season. On private land with landowner consent, you do not need a license for hogs, but you still need your deer license for deer. See our North Texas hog hunting guide for rifles and methods.

Transporting firearms

Texas law allows you to keep rifles and shotguns in your vehicle while driving to your hunt. A handgun can be kept in the vehicle by adults 21 and over who can legally possess one. Rules for carry around town are in our Dallas gun laws guide, and the benefits of a license are in our Dallas License to Carry guide. If you are driving through or into Oklahoma for a hunt, check Oklahoma law too.

Final checks

Seasons, bag limits and county rules change every year. Before the opener, read the TPWD Outdoor Annual for each county you will hunt, check any public area rules, and make sure your license and tags are current. County-by-county hunting notes are on our North Texas city pages.

General information, not legal advice. Current as of September 2026. Laws change; check the official source before you act.