--- title: "Austin Hunting" url: https://www.hereaustintx.com/hunting-austin-tx/ date: 2026-07-26T13:50:35-05:00 modified: 2026-07-26T14:05:40-05:00 author: "" site: "HERE Austin" attribution: "HERE Austin" --- # Austin Hunting *Source: [HERE Austin](https://www.hereaustintx.com/hunting-austin-tx/) โ€” July 26, 2026 by * HERE Austin # Austin TX Hunting Report Live conditions, season status, solunar ratings, WMA profiles, and community hunting coverage for Travis County and North Zone (deer); IH 35 splits deer and turkey rules. Hog: Closed Turkey: Open Dove: Closed Deer: Open North Zone (deer); IH 35 splits deer and turkey rules **2** WMAs Profiled **Live** Hunt Conditions **Solunar** Rating **2026** Season Guide First Look โ€ข Hunt Conditions ๐ŸŒ˜ Waning Crescent Illumination: 15% Sunrise 6:47 am Sunset 5:41 pm Temp 81ยฐF Wind 3 mph Weather as of 1:51 PM ET Excellent โ€” decreasing moon, peak dawn and dusk movement expected. 87 PRIME Prime hunting conditions. Get in the stand early. North Zone (deer); IH 35 splits deer and turkey rules โ€ข Travis County ## Austin Hunting Season Status Whitetail Deer OPEN **Season Dates**Travis County east of IH 35: archery Oct 3 โ€“ Nov 6, 2026; general season Nov 7, 2026 โ€“ Jan 3, 2027 (antlerless by license tag Nov 14โ€“29); youth-only Oct 30 โ€“ Nov 1 and Jan 4โ€“17; muzzleloader Jan 4โ€“17, 2027. West of IH 35: same archery and general dates, special late season Jan 4โ€“17, 2027. **Bag Limit:**East of IH 35: 4 deer, no more than 2 antlerless and 2 bucks, with antler restrictions. West of IH 35: 5 deer, no more than 2 bucks (TPWD Travis County page). Deer season is OPEN in Travis 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/travis) ยท verified 2026-10-29 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 OPEN **Season Dates**Travis County west of IH 35: fall archery Oct 3 โ€“ Nov 6, 2026; fall season Nov 7, 2026 โ€“ Jan 3, 2027; spring Apr 3 โ€“ May 16, 2027. East of IH 35: spring only, Apr 1โ€“30, 2027, gobblers only. **Bag Limit:**West of IH 35: 4 turkeys, gobblers or bearded hens. East of IH 35: 1 gobbler. Harvest reporting is mandatory. Turkey season is OPEN in Travis County. Upland game bird endorsement required. per [TPWD](https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/regs/counties/travis) ยท verified 2026-10-29 Mourning Dove CLOSED **Season Dates**Travis County (Central Zone): Sept 1 โ€“ Oct 25, 2026 and Dec 11, 2026 โ€“ Jan 14, 2027. **Bag Limit:**15 per day. Dove season closed. HIP certification and migratory game bird endorsement required. per [TPWD](https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/regs/counties/travis) ยท verified 2026-10-29 Season dates shown are for North Zone (deer); IH 35 splits deer and turkey rules 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 ## Austin Hunting Weather Now 81F Clear Feels like 81ยฐF as of 1:51 PM ET Wind 3 mph N Humidity 47% Pressure 1012 hPa Moon Waning Crescent Location Austin, TX Field Scout Tips - Deer season is open โ€” focus today's hunt on deer. Also open: Turkey. - Warm day. Deer activity will shift toward dusk. Focus on evening hunts near water and food sources. - Calm winds are ideal for scent control. Play the wind carefully โ€” enter and exit your stand downwind. - Dark moon nights push deer to move in legal shooting hours at dawn and dusk. Be at your stand early. Solunar Index ## Austin Hunt Conditions Today Temperature 81ยฐF Too Warm Wind Speed 3 mph Ideal โ€” Calm Barometric 1012 hPa Normal Moon Phase ๐ŸŒ˜ Prime PRIME Prime hunting conditions. Get in the stand early. Extended Outlook ## Austin Hunt Forecast โ€” 5 Days TODAY Sunny 83ยฐ / 58ยฐ 5 mph wind FAIR FRI Sunny 76ยฐ / 57ยฐ 8 mph wind FAIR SAT Cloudy then Slight Chance Rain Showers 72ยฐ / 53ยฐ 8 mph wind FAIR SUN Showers And Thunderstorms Likely 66ยฐ / 50ยฐ 5 mph wind SLOW MON Slight Chance Rain Showers 68ยฐ / 50ยฐ 0 mph wind FAIR Public Hunting Lands ## Austin Texas Wildlife Management Areas 2 public hunting areas near Austin. Check the state wildlife agency maps and rules for each property before you go. Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Travis, Burnet and Williamson counties โ€ข northwest of Austin Whitetail Deer Dove A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service refuge set up in 1992 to protect golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo habitat. The refuge runs a limited general deer hunt and a Labor Day-week dove hunt (Sept. 1โ€“4 in 2026, $20 cash-only permit). Refuge hunts follow the refuge brochure and Texas rules; call the refuge office at (512) 339-9432. Field Tip Read the 2026โ€“27 general deer hunt brochure on the refuge site before applying. [Field Guide](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/balcones-canyonlands/visit-us/activities/hunting) TPWD Annual Public Hunting (APH) lands STATE PROGRAM Statewide (search by county) โ€ข search TPWD's map for units near Austin Dove Small Game Waterfowl Deer (where listed) TPWD leases and manages public hunting units statewide under the Annual Public Hunting Permit. Use TPWD's area and legal-game search or map booklet to find units and dates. Texas hunting license plus the $48 Annual Public Hunting Permit. Field Tip Search by county and legal game before you go. [Field Guide](https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/hunt/public/annual_public_hunting/) Did We Miss a Spot? Know a Austin-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 Austin Reach all the Hunting traffic in Austin 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 Austin 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 ## Austin Hunting Reviews Share Your Hunt Hunted a Austin-area WMA or private land? Tell us about it in 280 characters or fewer. Location Hunted * Select a location... Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge TPWD Annual Public Hunting (APH) lands Private Land โ€” Travis 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 Austin 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 ## Austin Hunting News Presented by [TPWD Wildlife](https://tpwd.texas.gov/) Texas Parks and Wildlife Department [Become a Sponsor](/section-sponsorship/?section=hunting) Local โ€” Austin and Central Texas TexasOfficialAustin huntingNo new Austin-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 Austin Hunting Coverage โ†’](https://www.hereaustintx.com/?s=hunting) More at Outdoor Sports Fishing, camping, hiking, and all outdoor sports coverage for Austin and Central Texas, TX [See All Outdoor Sports Coverage](https://www.hereaustintx.com/sports-austin-tx/) [Sponsor](/section-sponsorship/?section=hunting) Outfitters and Gear ## Hunting Gear Guide Gear reviews and picks for the Austin hunter โ€” boots, optics, packs, and more. Presented by https://www.amazon.com/?tag=hereaustin-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 Central Texas, TX Hunting As an Amazon Associate, HERE earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability subject to change. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C74W77V6?tag=hereaustin-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=hereaustin-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BVKR6QP3?tag=hereaustin-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=hereaustin-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GHSP7S3D?tag=hereaustin-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=hereaustin-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G4X5Q6Y1?tag=hereaustin-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=hereaustin-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M7L66QN?tag=hereaustin-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=hereaustin-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B7SMC3K5?tag=hereaustin-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=hereaustin-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); IH 35 splits deer and turkey rules Key Dates ## TX Hunting Season Calendar Oct 3 โ€“ Nov 6, 2026 Archery Deer Travis County, both sides of IH 35. Travis County Nov 7, 2026 โ€“ Jan 3, 2027 General Deer East of IH 35: antlerless by license tag Nov 14โ€“29. Travis County Jan 4 โ€“ 17, 2027 Muzzleloader (east) / Special Late (west) Deer Youth-only Oct 30 โ€“ Nov 1 and Jan 4โ€“17. Travis County Oct 3, 2026 โ€“ Jan 3, 2027 Fall Turkey (west of IH 35) Archery Oct 3 โ€“ Nov 6; fall Nov 7 โ€“ Jan 3. West of IH 35 Apr 3 โ€“ May 16, 2027 Spring Turkey (west of IH 35) Youth-only Mar 27โ€“28 and May 22โ€“23. West of IH 35 Apr 1 โ€“ 30, 2027 Spring Turkey (east of IH 35) 1 gobbler. East of IH 35 Sep 1 โ€“ Oct 25; Dec 11, 2026 โ€“ Jan 14, 2027 Dove (Central Zone) 15 per day. Central Zone Sep 1, 2026 โ€“ Aug 31, 2027 Squirrel Open year-round in Travis County. 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, 2026 โ€“ Feb 7, 2027 Geese (West Zone) Dark and light geese, west of IH 35. West 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); IH 35 splits deer and turkey rules. Always verify with the current TPWD Hunting and Fishing Guide. Regulations are subject to change. Questions and Answers ## Austin Hunting FAQ Common questions about hunting in the Austin area, answered. - When does deer season open in Austin Texas? Travis County east of IH 35: archery Oct 3 โ€“ Nov 6, 2026; general season Nov 7, 2026 โ€“ Jan 3, 2027 (antlerless by license tag Nov 14โ€“29); youth-only Oct 30 โ€“ Nov 1 and Jan 4โ€“17; muzzleloader Jan 4โ€“17, 2027. West of IH 35: same archery and general dates, special late season Jan 4โ€“17, 2027. - Where can I hunt near Austin Texas? Near Austin, Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge northwest of the city holds limited deer and dove hunts. TPWD's Annual Public Hunting Permit opens leased units statewide. - 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 Travis County before hunting on Sunday. - What is the deer bag limit in North Zone (deer); IH 35 splits deer and turkey rules? East of IH 35: 4 deer, no more than 2 antlerless and 2 bucks. West of IH 35: 5 deer, no more than 2 bucks (TPWD Travis County page). - Are there bear in the Austin 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 Travis County. ITS ALL HERE! 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