2026 Season Dates

Season Type Opens Closes Notes
Archery Sep 27, 2026 Oct 31, 2026 Statewide
Rifle / Firearm Nov 7, 2026 Jan 3, 2027 Antlered deer
Muzzleloader Jan 5, 2026 Jan 18, 2026 Check regulations

Always verify dates with your state DNR before purchasing a license or hunting.

2026 Rut Timeline

Pre-Rut Aug 24 – Sep 29
Peak Rut Sep 30 – Dec 24
Post-Rut Oct 10 – Oct 30
Second Rut Oct 31 – Feb 28

Best Days to Hunt in Texas 2026

These windows combine open season, peak rut phase, and favorable conditions. Exact scoring matches the main RutPlanner best-days logic.

1
Nov 7, 2026
Peak Rut Rifle Preferred
96/100
2
Dec 1, 2026
Peak Rut
96/100
3
Dec 24, 2026
Pre/Peak Rut
96/100

Texas Deer Hunting FAQ