Best Hunting in Texas: Where to Go and What to Hunt

Best Hunting in Texas for Deer, Hogs, and Exotics

Texas is one of the most popular hunting states in the United States, thanks to its vast size, diverse game, and extensive private lands. With 268,000 square miles of terrain ranging from thick East Texas forests to desert mountains in the west, hunters can find just about any kind of hunting experience they want. The state supports over 5.3 million whitetail deer, vast populations of feral hogs, and more exotic species than anywhere else in the country.

Most hunters come to Texas for the whitetails, but they quickly discover axis deer, hogs, turkey, and dove hunting that keeps them busy year-round. The state’s 98 percent private land ownership means that most hunting occurs on ranches and farms, where game management creates better opportunities than crowded public areas.

Game Species That Make Texas a Top Hunting State

Whitetail Deer

Whitetail deer are the backbone of Texas hunting, with 5.3 million animals spread across every region of the state. South Texas produces some of the biggest bucks in North America, while Hill Country deer offer excellent hunting on smaller properties. The statewide success rate hits 68 percent, and antler restrictions have improved trophy quality significantly over the past decade. Hunters can take up to 5 deer annually, with no more than three bucks, and seasons run from early November through late January in most areas.

Exotic Species

Texas supports more exotic game animals than any other state, with over 125,000 axis deer leading the way. Fallow deer, black buck antelope, and aoudad sheep thrive on ranches across the state, particularly in the Hill Country and South Texas. These animals face no closed seasons or bag limits on private property, making them perfect for year-round hunting when other seasons close. Many exotic species taste better than native game, and they provide excellent training opportunities for new hunters.

Hogs

Feral hogs occupy 253 of Texas’s 254 counties and cause up to $1 billion in agricultural damage annually. These destructive animals reproduce rapidly and have no closed season or bag limits. You can hunt them day or night on private property without even needing a hunting license if you have landowner permission. East Texas offers some of the best hog hunting, with thick cover and creek bottoms holding large sounders.

Turkey, Dove, and Waterfowl

Rio Grande turkeys have recovered from near extinction to over 700,000 birds statewide. Spring gobbler hunting runs from April through mid-May and offers some of the best action in the country. Dove hunting provides excellent wing shooting, with mourning dove populations at 34 million birds and white-winged doves hitting record numbers around 13 million. Waterfowl hunting focuses on the coastal prairies and major river systems, with teal providing early-season action followed by mallards and pintails later in winter.

Predators

Coyotes, bobcats, and other predators offer year-round hunting opportunities with no bag limits. Predator hunting helps protect livestock and game animals while providing exciting calling and long-range shooting opportunities. Night hunting with thermal optics has become increasingly popular, especially for coyote control on ranches. Some areas also support mountain lions, though these require special permits and guided hunts in most cases.

Best Hunting Regions in Texas

Texas Hill Country

The Hill Country combines rolling limestone terrain with dense oak woodlands across counties like Bandera, Kerr, and Gillespie. This region produces excellent whitetail deer with good antler genetics, while axis deer populations approach whitetail numbers in some areas. The terrain changes from 1,000 to 2,500 feet elevation, creating different habitats that support multiple species on a single property. Land values run $7,000 to $10,000 per acre, but many hunters consider it worth the investment for consistent hunting opportunities. Water sources are generally reliable, and the scenic beauty makes properties attractive for both hunting and recreation.

South Texas Plains

South Texas covers the legendary Brush Country, where dense thorny vegetation creates some of the most challenging hunting conditions in North America. This 28,000-square-mile region produces the state’s biggest whitetail bucks, with peak rut occurring in mid-December. The thick cover requires hunters to get close, making stands and blinds near feeders the most productive approach. Hunters often see more species diversity here than anywhere else in Texas, including javelinas, turkey, dove, and quail all on the same property. Land prices vary widely depending on hunting quality and water availability.

Piney Woods

East Texas covers the state with rolling pine and hardwood forests managed through four National Forests. This region offers good public hunting access and produces some large bucks despite dense vegetation requiring close-range hunting skills. Annual rainfall of 36 to 56 inches creates thick understory vegetation that supports high deer densities. Hog hunting is outstanding in the creek bottoms and river systems. Private hunting leases are typically less expensive than those in other regions, making them an attractive option for hunters on a tighter budget.

Cross Timbers

This region features alternating bands of post oak woodland and prairie across north-central Texas, serving as the transition zone between forest and plains. The 26,000-square-mile area supports mixed woodland and prairie species while providing hunting lease opportunities on mostly private land. Deer hunting is good, but not as consistent as in other regions. Turkey hunting can be excellent in areas with good habitat management. The terrain makes for easier hunting than the thick Brush Country or dense East Texas forests.

West Texas and Trans-Pecos

West Texas offers desert mountain hunting across 31,000 square miles with elevations ranging from 1,200 to over 8,000 feet. This region supports mule deer, free-range elk, aoudad sheep, and desert bighorn sheep. Hunting conditions can be extreme, with vast open spaces requiring physical fitness and long-range shooting skills. Public land opportunities exist for aoudad and mule deer through draw hunts. The scenery is spectacular, but hunters must be prepared for challenging conditions and lower success rates compared to other regions.

Why Private Land Offers the Best Hunting Experience

Private land gives hunters much better control over their hunting experience compared to public areas. With 98 percent of Texas being privately owned, most hunting occurs on ranches and farms, where landowners can manage habitats and game populations for better results.

• Better control over access, game pressure, and hunting setup means less competition and higher success rates.
• The ability to create food plots, build blinds, and improve water access creates better hunting opportunities.
• Easier to manage trophy game over time through selective harvest and supplemental feeding programs.
• Income potential through leasing hunting rights or starting guided hunt operations.

Key Considerations When Buying Texas Hunting Land

• Look for reliable water sources, such as wells, stock tanks, and natural springs, that attract wildlife throughout the year.
• Check what improvements already exist, such as protein feeders, hunting blinds, ranch roads, and good perimeter fencing.
• Consider utility access for electricity and phone service, or plan for off-grid setups with solar power and generators.
• Research the county’s game quality by checking harvest records and talking to local hunters about the area’s reputation.
• Evaluate soil types and terrain features to determine if the land can support food plots and quality habitat.
• Work with experienced agents like HRC Ranch who understand hunting properties and can identify ranches with proven track records.

Licensing, Seasons, and Access: What to Know

HRC Ranch Listings with Top Hunting Value

HRC Ranch specializes in hunting properties across Texas’s best regions, from Hill Country axis deer ranches to South Texas trophy whitetail operations. Our listings focus on areas where hunting quality justifies land prices and where buyers can expect good returns on their investment. We work with properties that have established game populations, reliable water sources, and infrastructure that supports hunting operations.

Many of our Texas hunting ranches for sale listings include ranches with existing hunting leases, providing immediate income to offset ownership costs. Properties with high game density, natural water features, and habitat diversity hold their value better and offer more hunting opportunities year-round. Ready-to-hunt ranches with perimeter fencing, hunting blinds, and protein feeders in place allow buyers to start hunting immediately, rather than spending years developing the property. We also help buyers evaluate opportunities to build income from hunting leases or outfitting operations that can make land ownership more affordable over time.