Hunting Season in Denton County: What Residents Should Know
Hunting Season Is Here: What Justin-Area Residents Should Know
Fall in North Texas brings plenty of familiar traditions — football, cooler mornings, pumpkin patches and, for some, hunting season.
If you’re new to the area, here’s a quick Hunting Season 101 without getting too deep into the weeds.
When Does Hunting Season Start?
Several hunting seasons take place throughout the year, but these are some of the dates Denton County residents may want to know about this fall:
- Dove season: Sept. 1–Nov. 8, 2026, and Dec. 18, 2026–Jan. 7, 2027
- Deer archery season: Oct. 3–Nov. 6, 2026
- Deer general season: Nov. 7, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027
- Youth-only deer season: Oct. 30–Nov. 1, 2026, and Jan. 4–17, 2027
Denton County is in the North Zone for these seasons, and different species have different regulations, licenses and requirements.
So What Does That Mean for Residents?
Here’s the important part: hunting season doesn’t mean someone can hunt wherever they see wildlife.
Hunters must have lawful access to the property they’re hunting and follow the applicable state and county regulations. That empty field, wooded property or stretch of land behind a neighborhood isn’t automatically public hunting land. Texas does have public hunting areas, but they are designated properties with specific access and regulations.
For residents, there’s no need to suddenly panic every time you see a deer. But if you live near larger tracts of land, it’s helpful to know your property boundaries and understand that hunting is a regulated activity in the area.
And for the Hunters…
Check the regulations before heading out. Season dates, bag limits, licenses and endorsements can vary depending on what you’re hunting and where.
For example, Denton County’s 2026–27 white-tailed deer regulations set a four-deer county bag limit, with no more than two bucks and two antlerless deer. Dove hunting requires a Migratory Game Bird Endorsement and HIP certification.
Just Another Part of North Texas
Justin is growing fast, but there’s still plenty of open land and wildlife around us. Understanding a few of the area’s longtime traditions — even the ones you don’t personally participate in — is part of getting to know the community.
So if you’re new to North Texas, consider this your fall “good to know.”
And if you’re heading out to hunt, check the latest Texas Parks & Wildlife Outdoor Annual first. Regulations can change, and the rules for one county or species aren’t necessarily the rules for another.
