Thriving Fawns, Thriving Hunt: Texas Deer Numbers Stay Strong

Thriving Fawns, Thriving Hunt: Texas Deer Numbers Stay Strong

Oct. 31, 2025

Media Contact: TPWD News, Business Hours, 512-389-8030

News ImageShare on FacebookShare Release URL

AUSTIN - To hunters, springtime in Texas is often viewed as chasing turkeys through hot, humid weather, or hanging up the firearm for a fishing pole. For white-tailed deer, spring represents a time for growth: body growth, antler growth and population growth.

Texas began the growing season under widespread drought in March, but most of the state received much-needed rain in late spring. Where it rained, plant growth boosted antler development in bucks and allowed does to load up on calories for birth and nursing.

Rain came late to the Edwards Plateau and South Texas, but while summer rainfall helped lower temperatures and allowed for a late season green-up that benefited fawn survival, it was too late to greatly benefit antler development in those regions.

The general deer season kicks off Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 4, 2026, in the North Zone and through Jan. 18, 2026, in the South Zone, giving folks plenty of chances to go from field to table with their harvest.

Hunters taking advantage of Texas public hunting lands must have an Annual Public Hunting Permit. It's also important for public land hunters to consult the Public Hunting Lands Map Booklet to review regulations that may apply to specific areas. The Texas Hunt & Fish app can be used to complete on-site registration electronically at a public hunting area.

Ecoregion Highlights

The Cross Timbers in North Texas has the second highest deer population in the state and will offer hunters plenty of opportunities to harvest mature bucks.

Despite what seems like lasting spring drought conditions, the Edwards Plateau is a great deer hunting region for those looking for quality animals. It consistently has the highest hunter success rates in Texas. The catastrophic Hill Country floods may have had local impacts on fawns near river and stream channels, but most deer were able to reach higher ground.

Post Oak Savannah hunters can expect a great season of chasing mature bucks thanks to good fawn survival in previous years.

In the Pineywoods, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) biologists work with landowners and timber companies to restore and maintain quality deer habitat, which has helped sustain deer populations.

White-tailed deer population growth in the Rolling Plains in recent years has made the area a hotbed for mature bucks, and another great season is expected.

The South Texas Plains are known for mature bucks with above-average antlers. For hunters looking for a once-in-a-lifetime trophy, South Texas is often seen as the premier big buck destination.

For a detailed white-tailed deer forecast by ecological region, visit the White-tailed Deer Management page on the TPWD website.

Good Habitat Management Creates Harvest Opportunities

For many landowners and hunters, deer management doesn't begin when the season opens. Healthy deer rely on good habitat and herd management, as well as spring rains from Mother Nature. By properly managing the land throughout the year, landowners are setting the stage for a successful deer season.

Antler growth is directly related to rainfall between April and June, and the improved habitat that follows. This year, hunters should see slightly above-average to average antler quality for most of the state. The Edwards Plateau and South Texas should expect slightly below-average to average antler quality since they missed out on spring rain. The Pineywoods, portions of the Post Oak Savannah and Cross Timbers received timely spring rains and should see above-average antler quality.

Much-needed summer rain and mild weather helped more fawns survive this year. Ranches that manage deer populations through hunting and improving native habitat will see steady improvements over time.

Protecting Texas Wildlife

Texans enjoying the outdoors are the first line of defense in protecting wildlife, livestock and humans from diseases that could have devastating effects.

New World Screwworm

New World screwworms (NWS) are parasitic flies that lay eggs in open wounds or moist body parts, such as those located in the nostrils, eyes or mouths, of live warm-blooded animals. These eggs hatch into a type of parasitic larvae (maggots) that only feed on living tissue, while other species of fly larvae prefer dead or rotting tissue. NWS larvae burrow or "screw" into living tissue with sharp mouth hooks, giving them a screw-like appearance. Infested wounds quickly become infected and, if left untreated, will kill the animal.

If you see LIVE animals with maggots, report it to your local TPWD wildlife biologist. Early detection is key. Do not delay if you suspect an NWS infestation. Reporting is crucial to response efforts and the eradication of NWS.

For more information, visit https://tpwd.texas.gov/screwworm.

Chronic Wasting Disease

Landowners and hunters play an important role in managing Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and can reduce its impact by managing populations, properly discarding unused carcass parts, reporting sick deer and voluntarily testing.

Hunters are reminded to review the TPWD website and Outdoor Annual app to review this year's season dates, bag limits and information about proper carcass disposal. Hunters following these regulations are allowed to debone carcasses to help prevent the accidental spread of wildlife diseases.

More information about carcass disposal regulations, voluntary sampling, check station dates and hours of operations can be found on TPWD's CWD web page.