Deer, turkey season to start this Saturday

By Sam Waller

Hunting seasons for white-tailed deer and Rio Grande turkey open Saturday, Nov. 6 and run through Jan. 2, with expectations high for deer and a little lower for turkey.

Game warden Jacob Mort reminds deer and turkey hunters that they need to make sure they have their licenses in their possession when out in the field.

Tags aren’t required for quail season, which began last week.

New Requirement

“If you’re required to tag an animal, including turkeys or deer, you’re required to have your hunting license with you,” he said.

Mort said there has been some confusion about the requirement.

“Under the new law, which was in effect for dove season, if you’re not required to tag an animal, you technically don’t have to have your license with you,” he said. “You have to tag deer and turkey, so you have to have your hunting license in your possession in order to utilize those tags.”

Mort said the outlook for deer season is “absolutely phenomenal.” 

According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, hunters can expect an exceptional season.

The statewide white-tail population is estimated at 5.4 million with the Edwards Plateau having the highest deer population in the state with an estimate of more than two million deer.

The Eastern and Western Rolling Plains regions generally have lower deer populations compared to other ecoregions. However, trends indicate population increases in 2021. Harvest success is slightly higher in the Eastern Rolling Plains with a 69 percent success rate in 2020 and 65 percent in the Western Rolling Plains.

The Cross Timbers, Edwards Plateau and the Pineywoods ecoregions are expected to see the highest hunter density.

“Turkey still seems to be down as far as the number of birds goes,” Mort said. “I still think we’re in a bit of a drought for turkeys.”

Turkey hunters are required to have an Upland Game Bird Endorsement in addition to a Texas hunting license.

Hunting licenses are $25 for Texas residents with the endorsement costing an additional $7.

A combination license, which permits hunting and fishing anywhere in the state, can be purchased for $68. The cost includes all endorsements needed for  archery, migratory game bird, upland game bird, reptile and amphibian, and federal duck stamp.

Endorsements are not required for any hunter under 17 years of age.