Texas hunters can expect good white-tailed deer harvest numbers and opportunities for mature bucks during the 2026-27 hunting season, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists.
Following three years of above-average fawn survival, the state’s estimated white-tailed deer population has climbed to 5.64 million, according to TPWD.
“Texas leads the nation in terms of number of deer hunters, annual harvest and deer population. Even an average year in Texas is worth hunting and those landowners who properly manage the state’s natural resources have shown year after year that their management can pay off,” said Blaise Korzekwa, TPWD white-tailed deer program leader.
Nearly all of Texas began the spring under some level of drought, but late-spring and early-summer rainfall improved habitat conditions across much of the state. The Cross Timbers, Edwards Plateau, Eastern Rolling Plains and portions of the Post Oak Savannah and Blackland Prairie saw greater improvements and are expected to have slightly above-average seasons, according to TPWD.
Parts of South Texas and the Pineywoods did not receive the same improvement in late spring, but rainfall and below-average temperatures during the summer are expected to improve fawn survival.
TPWD biologists expect slightly above-average antler quality across most of the state. Areas of the Pineywoods and South Texas that missed late-spring rainfall are expected to have average antler quality.

East Texas outlook
In the Post Oak Savannah, late-spring rainfall contributed to above-average fawn production this year after the region began the spring under extreme drought conditions.
TPWD age and antler surveys showed 30% of the region’s 2025 buck harvest consisted of bucks 4 1/2 years old or older. The agency said that was lower than in recent years, likely because of the increased number of young bucks resulting from strong fawn crops since 2023.
Below-average fawn survival in 2021 and 2022 is expected to result in fewer 4 1/2- and 5 1/2-year-old bucks this season, while above-average fawn survival from 2023 through 2025 has resulted in more young bucks.
The Pineywoods deer population is estimated at 334,414 and has remained relatively stable during the past five years, according to TPWD.
Based on previous years’ fawn production, biologists expect a strong group of 3 1/2-year-old bucks in the Pineywoods this season but fewer 4 1/2- and 5 1/2-year-old bucks.

Wildlife diseases
TPWD is also asking hunters to watch for signs of New World screwworm and chronic wasting disease during the season.
New World screwworm was confirmed in Texas earlier this year. Hunters are encouraged to monitor wildlife with trail cameras and while hunting and report signs of infestation to a local TPWD biologist.
Landowners and hunters can also help limit the spread of chronic wasting disease by properly disposing of unused carcass parts, reporting sick deer and participating in voluntary testing, according to TPWD.
Hunters should check current TPWD regulations for season dates, bag limits, carcass disposal requirements and chronic wasting disease testing requirements before hunting.

Licenses and public lands
Archery hunters must purchase an archery endorsement in addition to a hunting license. Hunters using Texas public hunting lands must have an Annual Public Hunting Permit and should review regulations for individual public hunting areas.
Season dates, regulations and additional information are available through TPWD’s Outdoor Annual and Texas Hunt & Fish app.