--- title: "Houston Hunting" url: https://www.herehoustontx.com/hunting-houston-tx/ date: 2026-07-26T13:50:35-05:00 modified: 2026-07-26T14:05:40-05:00 author: "" site: "HERE Houston" attribution: "HERE Houston" --- # Houston Hunting *Source: [HERE Houston](https://www.herehoustontx.com/hunting-houston-tx/) โ€” July 26, 2026 by * HERE Houston # Houston TX Hunting Report Live conditions, season status, solunar ratings, WMA profiles, and community hunting coverage for Harris County and North Zone (deer). Hog: Closed Turkey: Closed Dove: Open Deer: Open North Zone (deer) **2** WMAs Profiled **Live** Hunt Conditions **Solunar** Rating **2026** Season Guide First Look โ€ข Hunt Conditions ๐ŸŒ” Waxing Gibbous Illumination: 90% Sunrise 7:26 am Sunset 6:44 pm Temp 66ยฐF Wind 5 mph Weather as of 8:20 AM ET Fair โ€” bright nights keep deer nocturnal. Hunt midday movement. 81 PRIME Prime hunting conditions. Get in the stand early. North Zone (deer) โ€ข Harris County ## Houston Hunting Season Status Whitetail Deer OPEN **Season Dates**Harris County (TPWD North Zone): archery Oct 3 โ€“ Nov 6, 2026; general season Nov 7, 2026 โ€“ Jan 3, 2027; antlerless Nov 7โ€“29; youth-only Oct 30 โ€“ Nov 1 and Jan 4โ€“17; muzzleloader Jan 4โ€“17, 2027. **Bag Limit:**See TPWD's Harris County page for bag limits. Deer season is OPEN in Harris County. Hunter education required for hunters born on or after Sept 2, 1971. See TPWD means and methods. per [TPWD](https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/regs/counties/harris) ยท verified 2026-10-22 Feral Hog CLOSED **Season Dates**Feral hogs are not listed as a game season in TPWD's 2026โ€“27 season dates. Check TPWD rules and landowner permission before hunting hogs. **Bag Limit:**N/A Feral hogs are not listed as a game season in TPWD's 2026โ€“27 season dates. Check TPWD rules and landowner permission before hunting hogs. Feral hogs are not listed as a game season in TPWD's 2026โ€“27 season dates. Check TPWD rules and landowner permission before hunting hogs. per [TPWD](https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/hunting/2026-2027-hunting-season-dates) ยท verified 2026-10-22 Spring Turkey CLOSED **Season Dates**TPWD's 2026โ€“27 Harris County page lists no turkey season. **Bag Limit:**N/A TPWD's 2026โ€“27 Harris County page lists no turkey season. TPWD's 2026โ€“27 Harris County page lists no turkey season. per [TPWD](https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/regs/counties/harris) ยท verified 2026-10-22 Mourning Dove OPEN **Season Dates**Harris County south of IH 10 (South Zone): Sept 1 โ€“ Oct 25 and Dec 18, 2026 โ€“ Jan 21, 2027. North of IH 10 (Central Zone): Sept 1 โ€“ Oct 25 and Dec 11, 2026 โ€“ Jan 14, 2027. **Bag Limit:**15 per day. Dove season is OPEN. HIP certification and migratory game bird endorsement required. per [TPWD](https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/regs/counties/harris) ยท verified 2026-10-22 Season dates shown are for North Zone (deer) private lands. WMA dates, license requirements, and antlerless regulations may differ. Always verify current regulations with TPWD before hunting. [Report a Season Update](/submit-a-tip/?topic=report-a-season-update) Hunting Report Partners [Dick's Sporting Goods](https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/c/hunting) [Bass Pro Shops](https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/hunting) [Cabelas](https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/hunting) [Academy Sports](https://www.academy.com/hunting) First Look ## Houston Hunting Weather Now 66F Clear Feels like 66ยฐF as of 8:20 AM ET Wind 5 mph E Humidity 82% Pressure 1022 hPa Moon Waxing Gibbous Location Houston, TX Field Scout Tips - Deer season is open โ€” focus today's hunt on deer. Also open: Dove. - Calm winds are ideal for scent control. Play the wind carefully โ€” enter and exit your stand downwind. - High humidity (82%) intensifies scent. Spray down thoroughly and hunt with wind in your face. Solunar Index ## Houston Hunt Conditions Today Temperature 66ยฐF Warm Wind Speed 5 mph Ideal โ€” Calm Barometric 1022 hPa High โ€” Active Moon Phase ๐ŸŒ” Fair PRIME Prime hunting conditions. Get in the stand early. Extended Outlook ## Houston Hunt Forecast โ€” 5 Days TODAY Sunny 84ยฐ / 60ยฐ 5 mph wind FAIR FRI Sunny 85ยฐ / 64ยฐ 3 mph wind FAIR SAT Sunny 84ยฐ / 65ยฐ 8 mph wind FAIR SUN Mostly Sunny 81ยฐ / 64ยฐ 8 mph wind FAIR MON Partly Sunny 80ยฐ / 63ยฐ 8 mph wind FAIR Public Hunting Lands ## Houston Texas Wildlife Management Areas 2 public hunting areas near Houston. Check the state wildlife agency maps and rules for each property before you go. Sam Houston National Forest WMA NATIONAL FOREST (WMA) Montgomery, San Jacinto and Walker counties โ€ข north of Houston Whitetail Deer Squirrel Dove Waterfowl The whole Sam Houston National Forest is a TPWD Wildlife Management Area. For 2026โ€“27 deer: archery Oct 3 โ€“ Nov 6, general Nov 7 โ€“ Jan 3 (bucks only unless you hold a USFS antlerless permit), muzzleloader Jan 4โ€“17. Texas hunting license plus the $48 Annual Public Hunting Permit for adults. Field Tip Check the Public Hunting Lands map booklet for no-hunting recreation areas. [Field Guide](https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/hunt/wma/find_a_wma/list/?activity=hunting&id=30) Justin Hurst WMA STATE WMA Brazoria County โ€ข about 8 miles west of Freeport Waterfowl A coastal TPWD WMA with public waterfowl hunts. In 2026โ€“27 shooting ends at noon; South Zone duck hunts run Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and the last Sunday of each split. 4:30 a.m. lottery and check-in. Adults need the APH permit. Boats are hand-launched, electric motors only. Field Tip Youth/adult hunts are on the first Sunday of each South Zone split. [Field Guide](https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/hunt/wma/find_a_wma/list/?id=41) Did We Miss a Spot? Know a Houston-area hunting land, WMA, or public access parcel that should be on this list? Let us know. [Report a Hunting Spot](/submit-a-tip/?topic=report-a-hunting-spot) [Launch Special$1 a day for up to 90 days โ€” Best deal in Houston Reach all the Hunting traffic in Houston โ€” itโ€™s a deal! Find out how](#hr-banner-form) Launch Special Your Banner *Here* $1/day Up to **90 days** at the launch rate. Cancel anytime. - Drop us your website URL โ€” we build the banner for you - Runs above the **Community Reviews** section - No contract. No setup fee. Cancel anytime. - Local Houston hunters see your business every visit Your Name * Business Name * Website URL * Email * Phone (optional) How long would you like to reserve it? Daily $1 Weekly $7 30 days $30 60 days $60 90 days $90 Lock in $1/day โ€” Build my banner No payment now. We email a preview within one business day. Your launch rate is locked when you approve. Community Reviews ## Houston Hunting Reviews Share Your Hunt Hunted a Houston-area WMA or private land? Tell us about it in 280 characters or fewer. Location Hunted * Select a location... Sam Houston National Forest WMA Justin Hurst WMA Private Land โ€” Harris County Other Your First Name * How Was the Hunt? * (280 characters max) Species Targeted Select species... Whitetail Deer Turkey Dove Feral Hog Black Bear Duck / Waterfowl Squirrel Rabbit Other Best Spot / Stand Location Gear That Made the Difference Submit Review Community Here *We...* Bag Them *Big...* Trophy harvests, personal bests, and record-book moments from Houston hunters. Your First Name * Location Species Select species... Whitetail Deer Turkey Black Bear Feral Hog Other Weight / Rack Size / Score Tell Us the Story * (200 chars max) Photo or Video (optional, max 8MB) Submit Trophy Don't Drink by the *Swig...* Your favorite post-hunt watering hole. Where do you go when the hunt is done? Your First Name * Bar / Restaurant Name * Go-To Drink Why This Spot? * (200 chars max) Photo of the Bar or Drink (optional, max 8MB) Submit Pick Coverage ## Houston Hunting News Presented by [TPWD Wildlife](https://tpwd.texas.gov/) Texas Parks and Wildlife Department [Become a Sponsor](/section-sponsorship/?section=hunting) Local โ€” Houston and Greater Houston TexasOfficialHouston huntingNo new Houston-area hunting stories this week. Check current Texas hunting rules from the state wildlife agency, and watch this page for the next local report. [View All Houston Hunting Coverage โ†’](https://www.herehoustontx.com/?s=hunting) More at Outdoor Sports Fishing, camping, hiking, and all outdoor sports coverage for Houston and Greater Houston, TX [See All Outdoor Sports Coverage](https://www.herehoustontx.com/sports-houston-tx/) [Sponsor](/section-sponsorship/?section=hunting) Outfitters and Gear ## Hunting Gear Guide Gear reviews and picks for the Houston hunter โ€” boots, optics, packs, and more. Presented by https://www.amazon.com/?tag=herehoustontx-20 Shop our hand-picked hunting gear on Amazon. Free Prime shipping, easy returns. [Become a Sponsor](/section-sponsorship/?section=hunting) Gear Reviews โ€” Tested for Greater Houston, TX Hunting As an Amazon Associate, HERE earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability subject to change. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C74W77V6?tag=herehoustontx-20 Icotec Nomad+ Programmable Predator Call/Decoy Combo with Bluetooth - 165 Professional Soundโ€ฆ Decoy Hand-picked by the HERE Hunting desk this week. Icotec Nomad+ Programmable Predator Call/Decoy Combo with Bluetooth - 165 Professional Soundโ€ฆ. โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜† 4.6 / 5 $13.99 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Hunting desk [View on Amazon โ†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C74W77V6?tag=herehoustontx-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BVKR6QP3?tag=herehoustontx-20 ATN Thor 5 Smart HD Thermal Scope w/Ultra Sensative Gen 5 Sensor, Video Rec, Built in LRF, Bโ€ฆ Optic / Scope Hand-picked by the HERE Hunting desk this week. ATN Thor 5 Smart HD Thermal Scope w/Ultra Sensative Gen 5 Sensor, Video Rec, Built in LRF, Bโ€ฆ. โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜† 4.6 / 5 $1676.85 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Hunting desk [View on Amazon โ†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BVKR6QP3?tag=herehoustontx-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GHSP7S3D?tag=herehoustontx-20 Pulsar Trail 3 LRF Thermal Riflescope with Laser Range Finder and Mount Laser Rangefinder Hand-picked by the HERE Hunting desk this week. Pulsar Trail 3 LRF Thermal Riflescope with Laser Range Finder and Mount. โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜† 4.6 / 5 $2899.97 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Hunting desk [View on Amazon โ†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GHSP7S3D?tag=herehoustontx-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G4X5Q6Y1?tag=herehoustontx-20 Garmin inReachยฎ Mini 3, Rugged Compact Global Satellite Communicator with Color Touchscreen,โ€ฆ GPS / Navigation Hand-picked by the HERE Hunting desk this week. Garmin inReachยฎ Mini 3, Rugged Compact Global Satellite Communicator with Color Touchscreen,โ€ฆ. โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜† 4.6 / 5 $399.99 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Hunting desk [View on Amazon โ†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G4X5Q6Y1?tag=herehoustontx-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M7L66QN?tag=herehoustontx-20 Vortex Optics Fury HD 5000 10x42 Laser Rangefinding Binoculars Laser Rangefinder Hand-picked by the HERE Hunting desk this week. Vortex Optics Fury HD 5000 10x42 Laser Rangefinding Binoculars. โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜† 4.6 / 5 $799.00 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Hunting desk [View on Amazon โ†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M7L66QN?tag=herehoustontx-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B7SMC3K5?tag=herehoustontx-20 TACTACAM Reveal X PRO Cellular Trail Camera, Verizon and AT&T, NO Glow, Integrated GPS Trackโ€ฆ Trail Camera Hand-picked by the HERE Hunting desk this week. TACTACAM Reveal X PRO Cellular Trail Camera, Verizon and AT&T, NO Glow, Integrated GPS Trackโ€ฆ. โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜† 4.6 / 5 $99.99 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Hunting desk [View on Amazon โ†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B7SMC3K5?tag=herehoustontx-20) Outfitter, Guide Service, or Hunting Retailer? Get featured in the Essential Gear section and reach active hunters across the HERE City Network โ€” 100+ cities. [Learn About Gear Advertising](/section-sponsorship/?section=hunting&tier=gear) North Zone (deer) Key Dates ## TX Hunting Season Calendar Oct 3 โ€“ Nov 6, 2026 Archery Deer Harris County. North Zone Nov 7, 2026 โ€“ Jan 3, 2027 General Deer Antlerless Nov 7โ€“29. Youth-only Oct 30 โ€“ Nov 1 and Jan 4โ€“17. North Zone Jan 4 โ€“ 17, 2027 Muzzleloader Deer Harris County. North Zone Sep 1 โ€“ Oct 25; Dec 18, 2026 โ€“ Jan 21, 2027 Dove (South Zone) South of IH 10. 15 per day. South Zone Sep 1 โ€“ Oct 25; Dec 11, 2026 โ€“ Jan 14, 2027 Dove (Central Zone) North of IH 10. 15 per day. Central Zone Oct 1, 2026 โ€“ Feb 28, 2027; May 1 โ€“ 31, 2027 Squirrel (East Texas) Youth-only Sept 25โ€“27. Statewide Nov 14 โ€“ 29 and Dec 5, 2026 โ€“ Jan 31, 2027 Ducks (North Zone) 6 per day. Youth/veterans Nov 7โ€“8. North Zone Nov 7 โ€“ 29 and Dec 12, 2026 โ€“ Jan 31, 2027 Ducks (South Zone) 6 per day. Youth Oct 31 โ€“ Nov 1. South Zone Nov 7, 2026 โ€“ Jan 31, 2027 (dark); Nov 7, 2026 โ€“ Feb 19, 2027 (light) Geese (East Zone) East of IH 35. East Zone Sep 19 โ€“ 27, 2026 Teal Statewide early teal season. Statewide Nov 1, 2026 โ€“ Feb 28, 2027 Quail 15 per day. Statewide Dec 18, 2026 โ€“ Jan 31, 2027 Woodcock Statewide Nov 7, 2026 โ€“ Feb 21, 2027 Snipe Statewide Sep 12 โ€“ 27, 2026 Early Canada Goose Statewide Dates reflect 2026 Texas hunting regulations for North Zone (deer). Always verify with the current TPWD Hunting and Fishing Guide. Regulations are subject to change. Questions and Answers ## Houston Hunting FAQ Common questions about hunting in the Houston area, answered. - When does deer season open in Houston Texas? Harris County (TPWD North Zone): archery Oct 3 โ€“ Nov 6, 2026; general season Nov 7, 2026 โ€“ Jan 3, 2027; antlerless Nov 7โ€“29; youth-only Oct 30 โ€“ Nov 1 and Jan 4โ€“17; muzzleloader Jan 4โ€“17, 2027. - Where can I hunt near Houston Texas? Near Houston, public options include the Sam Houston National Forest WMA and Justin Hurst WMA near Freeport. Both need the Annual Public Hunting Permit for adults. - Do I need a license to hunt in Texas? Yes. Texas requires a hunting license, plus endorsements such as the migratory game bird endorsement for doves and ducks. Buy from TPWD online or at a retailer. Hunter education is required for anyone born on or after Sept 2, 1971. - Can you hunt on Sundays in Texas? Sunday hunting rules in Texas vary by land type and local ordinance. Verify with TPWD and Harris County before hunting on Sunday. - What is the deer bag limit in North Zone (deer)? See TPWD's Harris County page for deer bag limits. - Are there bear in the Houston area? Bear hunting in Texas is regulated by TPWD. Bear populations and seasons vary by Game Zone. Check the current TPWD hunting guide for bear zones and tags relevant to Harris County. ITS ALL HERE! 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