Texas Bird Hunting

Seasons Span November 1 – February 28, 2026

State Drought Monitor – Upland hunting conditions are often highly dependent upon moisture for both habitat production and bird survival.

Season Dates

  • Quail (bobwhite, scaled, and Gambel’s):
    • Season: November 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
  • Pheasant (Panhandle region):
    • Season: December 6, 2025 – January 4, 2026
  • Chachalaca (Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy counties):
    • Season: November 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026

Required Licenses and Costs

To hunt upland game birds in Texas, hunters need the following licenses and endorsements. Costs are approximate and subject to change; check the TPWD website for the most up-to-date information.

  • Resident Hunting License: ~$25 (required for residents unless exempt, e.g., lifetime license holders).
  • Non-Resident General Hunting License: ~$315 (required for non-residents to hunt any game bird or animal).
  • Non-Resident Banded Bird Hunting License: ~$27 (valid only for banded bobwhite quail, pheasant, partridge, and mallard ducks in private areas).
  • Youth Hunting License: ~$7 (for hunters under 17, exempt from most endorsement requirements except HIP certification for migratory birds).
  • Upland Game Bird Endorsement: ~$7 (required for all hunters pursuing quail, pheasant, chachalaca, or turkey).
  • Hunter Education: Required for hunters born on or after September 2, 1971. Costs vary (~$15-$30 for the course).
  • Note: Lifetime hunting licenses are available for Texas residents, with costs depending on the license type (contact TPWD for details). Non-residents cannot possess both a General and Special Hunting License simultaneously.

Daily Bag Limits and Possession Limits

  • Quail (all species in aggregate):
    • Daily Bag Limit: 15 birds
    • Possession Limit: 45 birds
  • Pheasant (cock birds only, Panhandle region):
    • Daily Bag Limit: 3 birds
    • Possession Limit: 9 birds
  • Chachalaca (specific counties):
    • Daily Bag Limit: 5 birds
    • Possession Limit: 15 birds

Additional Notes

  • Regulations: Hunters must comply with TPWD regulations, including tagging requirements for certain species (e.g., turkey) and using non-toxic shot on some public lands. Always check the TPWD Outdoor Annual for specific county regulations and updates.
  • Public vs. Private Land: Texas has limited public land (e.g., Wildlife Management Areas), and many hunters opt for private leases or guided hunts, especially for quail in the Rolling Plains or South Texas.
  • Conservation Considerations: Quail populations fluctuate due to environmental factors like drought. Hunters are encouraged to practice ethical hunting and avoid overharvesting, especially in areas with low bird densities.

For the most current information, including any changes to dates or regulations, visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website (tpwd.texas.gov) or the Outdoor Annual.