Texas allows crossbows for everyone during general open seasons, but the Archery-Only season carries a county-level catch: in Collin, Dallas, Grayson and Rockwall counties only hunters with a permanent upper-limb disability may use a crossbow during that season. An Archery Endorsement is required to hunt deer during the Archery-Only season, and in those four counties it is required to hunt deer at any time.
Terrain & Hunting Landscape
Texas hunting terrain is incredibly diverse, encompassing the Piney Woods of the east, the limestone hills of the Central Hill Country, the rugged Trans-Pecos mountains, and the brushy plains of the South Texas borderlands.
The state boasts the largest whitetail deer population in the US, along with mule deer, pronghorn, feral hogs, javelina, and a variety of exotic species like Axis and Aoudad.
Public Hunting Areas
Sam Houston National Forest, LBJ National Grassland, Caddo National Grassland, Chaparral WMA, and the James Daughtrey WMA.
Crossbow & Bowhunting Culture
While private land dominates, there is a massive culture surrounding the 'Drawn Hunts' system and a year-round passion for feral hog control. Hunting is a major social event often involving large family camps.
Season Overview
Crossbows are lawful during any general open season and the Eastern spring turkey season in every county. During the Archery-Only Open Season they are lawful statewide except in Collin, Dallas, Grayson and Rockwall counties (disability exception with physician's statement). Archery equipment may not be used during Muzzleloader-Only Deer Season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a crossbow during Texas's Archery-Only season?
Yes, statewide, except in Collin, Dallas, Grayson and Rockwall counties, where crossbows during the Archery-Only season are limited to hunters with a permanent upper-limb disability.
How does the Texas crossbow disability exception work?
In Collin, Dallas, Grayson and Rockwall counties a hunter with a permanent loss of use of fingers, hand or arm that prevents using a longbow, compound or recurve may use a crossbow during the Archery-Only season while carrying a physician's statement certifying the disability.
Does Texas have a minimum draw weight for bows or crossbows?
No. TPWD sets no minimum draw requirement for bows or crossbows, but projectiles used for game animals and turkey must have broadhead hunting points.
Are there archery-only or crossbow zones in Texas?
The Archery-Only Open Season applies statewide, with the crossbow restriction in Collin, Dallas, Grayson and Rockwall counties. Some public hunting units may add their own crossbow restrictions.
What licenses and endorsements do I need to bowhunt in Texas?
You need a valid Texas hunting license, and an Archery Endorsement to hunt deer during the Archery-Only season. In Collin, Dallas, Grayson and Rockwall counties the Archery Endorsement is required to hunt deer at any time.
Can I use a crossbow during Texas's muzzleloader season?
No. Lawful archery equipment, including crossbows, may not be used to hunt deer during a Muzzleloader-Only Deer Season.
What is the Annual Public Hunting (APH) Permit in Texas?
For a $48 fee, the APH Permit grants walk-in access to over a million acres of public land, including WMAs and leased private acreage for various species.
Are there special rules for hunting feral hogs on public land in Texas?
While hogs are generally non-game on private land, hunters on public land must follow specific APH unit rules, which may restrict hunting to certain seasons or weapon types.