Deer, turkey season begins

By Sandy Morris

Recent cooler temperatures and a pleasant forecast for the upcoming weekend have hunters hopeful for a good opening weekend of deer and turkey season. 

Deer and turkey season officially opens Saturday, Nov. 7, and quail season opened Oct. 26

According to Shackelford County game warden Jacob Mort, the recent cold snap has gotten the deer moving.

“We are seeing a lot of movement with the bucks fighting and chasing the does,” Mort said. 

Regulations

The general season for both north Texas deer and turkey runs from Nov. 7 to Jan. 3, although bow season has been going on for several weeks, and youth could start last weekend.

Quail season is already underway and will run through Feb. 28, 2021. 

The legal shooting hours for all game animals and non-migratory game birds in Texas is the period from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

 Hunters should be sure they are hunting on their own land or leased land.

Deer hunters must have a valid hunting license and any hunter born after Sept. 2, 1971, must have completed the hunter education program or be accompanied by a qualifying hunter. 

If hunting turkey or quail, hunters must have a valid hunting license and an upland game bird endorsement. 

Bag Limits

The bag limit for deer is five, including no more than two bucks, all seasons combined.

The annual bag limit for turkey is four birds, no more than one of which may be an Eastern turkey. 

Quail hunters are reminded that the daily bag limit for quail is 15, with 45 in possession. 

Violations

As always, Mort asks hunters to report any wildlife violations by contacting him at 817-343-3499 or the sheriff’s office as soon as possible when a violation is seen. 

Mort also reminds hunters of one very important violation.

“It is against the law to pick up road-kill deer,” said Mort.  “Some people harvest the antlers off of a road kill deer, which is absolutely illegal,” Mort added.