Texas

During the Texas Muzzleloader Hunting Season, A Muzzleloader is defined as any firearm that is loaded only through the muzzle. Note: A cap and ball firearm in which the powder and ball are loaded into a cylinder is not a muzzleloader. Muzzleloader deer seasons are restricted to muzzleloading firearms only.

Texas Muzzleloader Hunting Season 2023-2024

Season	Dates
Muzzleloader – White-tailed Deer (90 counties)	Jan 8 – 21, 2024

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Texas Muzzleloader Hunting Season Regulation

Definitions

• A “buck deer” is a deer with a hardened antler protruding through the skin. A “spike buck deer” is a buck with no antler having more than one point. All other deer are antlerless deer. A spike buck must be tagged with a buck deer tag from the hunter’s hunting license or applicable permit.
• White-tailed Deer – Except for deer taken under MLD permits, no person may take more than five white-tailed deer or more than three bucks (all seasons combined) in one license year. Bag limits in individual counties may be less (see County Listings).
• Mule Deer – The annual bag limit is two mule deer with no more than one being a buck (all seasons combined). See County Listings for antlerless permit requirements.

Statewide Bag Limits

Except for deer taken under MLD permits, no person may take more than five white-tailed deer or more than three bucks (all seasons combined) in one license year. Bag limits in individual counties may be less.

Special Antler Restrictions

• Antler restrictions apply only in certain counties (see County Listings). In these counties, the bag limit is two legal bucks, but only ONE may have an inside spread of 13 inches or greater. In these counties, a legal buck deer is defined as having:
  • a hardened antler protruding through the skin AND;
  • at least one unbranched antler; OR
  • an inside spread measurement between main beams of 13 inches or greater (does not apply to a buck that has an unbranched antler).
• In these counties it is unlawful to take more than one buck with an inside spread of 13 inches or greater.
• To determine if a buck has an inside spread measurement of at least 13 inches, look at the distance from ear-tip to ear-tip on a buck with ears in the alert position (see illustration).
• Does not apply on Level 2 or 3 MLDP properties.
• Definition of a point: A point is a projection that extends at least one inch from the edge of a main beam or another tine. The tip of the main beam is also a point.

This information is subject to change, for more information visit: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/

Additional Links

SEASON DATES
HUNTING LAWS AND PENALTIES
NEW IN HUNTING 2023-2024
HUNTING DEFINITIONS

Knight Rifles, America’s Muzzleloader!