The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is heralding what could be an extraordinary season for white-tailed deer hunters, particularly those favoring a bow over a rifle. According to a recent release by TPWD, the 2024-25 archery-only season, beginning September 28 promises hunters ample opportunity to secure quality bucks and fruitful harvests. "Given that over half the state experienced excellent habitat conditions this spring, it will be another great season to pull the bow out and spend time hunting," Blaise Korzekwa, TPWD White-tailed Deer Program Leader, told TPWD.
Spring rains have contributed to this optimistic forecast, providing ample growth during the crucial early part of the growing season even in areas that experienced less rainfall. A particularly lush production of spring forbs—vital to deer diet post-winter—was cited as a key factor in antler development and the health of fawns. Hunters will have more than just the archery-only season to look forward to; the general season fires up on November 2, and runs through January 5, 2025, in the North Zone and January 19 in the South Zone.
Those eager to take their young ones out for an early taste of the sport are also in luck, with a youth-only gun deer season slated for October 25-27 and January 6-19. Additional hunting opportunities and county-specific regulations can be found in the 2024-25 Outdoor Annual, which TPWD encourages hunters to consult.
But with the excitement of the hunting season comes a serious responsibility for landowners and hunters in managing Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). New CWD zones are in place and some have moved to voluntary sampling. Texas hunters, now dealing with new carcass disposal requirements, must toe the line when transporting their deer carcasses from the property of harvest. TPWD's website offers comprehensive guidance on CWD management, including vital information about carcass disposal, zone requirements, and check station details.
Archery enthusiasts must remember to purchase an Archery Endorsement in addition to their regular hunting license. Furthermore, those targeting public lands need to secure the Annual Public Hunting Permit and should examine the Public Hunting Lands Map Booklet for area-specific rules. The handy Texas Hunt & Fish app, formerly known as My Texas Hunt Harvest, is also available to streamline on-site registration electronically at public hunting areas. For those looking to sharpen their skills or pick up new ones, the Bowhunter by Fall newsletter series by TPWD’s Community Archery Program might be of interest. With all the tools and information at hand, Texas bowhunters are set for what could be a season for the record books.