The Texas deer season is expected to provide good harvest opportunities and slightly above-average antler quality across much of the state in 2026-27, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Following three consecutive years of above-average fawn survival, Texas’ estimated white-tailed deer population has increased to approximately 5.64 million.

Most of the state entered the spring under some level of drought. However, rainfall during late spring and early summer significantly improved habitat conditions in several regions. The Cross Timbers, Edwards Plateau, Eastern Rolling Plains and portions of the Post Oak Savannah and Blackland Prairie are expected to experience a slightly above-average season.

Texas Deer Season Outlook for the Post Oak Savannah

The Post Oak Savannah, which includes much of the Austin County area, received beneficial late-spring rainfall that contributed to above-average fawn production.

Hunters may see fewer bucks in the 4½- and 5½-year-old age groups because of lower fawn survival in 2021 and 2022. Strong fawn crops from 2023 through 2025 have produced an abundance of younger bucks. Wildlife officials encourage hunters to allow those animals additional time to mature.

Improved habitat conditions are also expected to support slightly above-average antler development in most parts of Texas. Antler growth is closely connected to rainfall and available nutrition from April through June.

Portions of South Texas and the Pineywoods that missed some of the late-spring rainfall are expected to experience average antler quality. However, summer rain and milder temperatures may have improved fawn survival in those areas.

State wildlife officials emphasized that successful deer management depends on year-round habitat improvements, appropriate herd management and responsible harvesting practices.

Hunters Asked to Watch for Screwworm

With New World screwworm detected in Texas earlier this year, hunters are encouraged to monitor wildlife through trail cameras and carefully inspect harvested animals.

New World screwworm larvae infest open wounds and feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. Hunters who observe possible signs of infestation should promptly contact their local TPWD biologist so wildlife and agricultural agencies can respond.

More information about identifying and reporting New World screwworm is available at tpwd.texas.gov/screwworm.

Chronic Wasting Disease Precautions

Hunters and landowners also play an important role in limiting the spread of chronic wasting disease. TPWD recommends properly disposing of unused carcass parts, reporting sick deer and participating in voluntary testing programs.

Before participating in the Texas deer season, hunters should review current season dates, bag limits, carcass-disposal requirements and county-specific regulations through the TPWD website or Outdoor Annual app.

Archery hunters must purchase an Archery Endorsement in addition to a valid hunting license. Hunters using Texas public hunting lands must also obtain an Annual Public Hunting Permit and review regulations for the specific property they plan to visit.

In Austin County, the 2026-27 white-tailed deer seasons are:

  • Archery season: Opened Saturday, Oct. 3, and runs through Nov. 6
  • General deer season: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027
  • Antlerless deer by hunting-license tag: Nov. 14–29
  • Early youth-only season: Oct. 30–Nov. 1
  • Late youth-only and muzzleloader seasons: Jan. 4–17, 2027

Austin County also requires hunters to report antlerless deer harvests to TPWD within 24 hours.