Texas hunters and landowners have an opportunity to weigh in on potential hunting rule changes that could shape upcoming seasons. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is currently seeking public feedback on proposed regulation updates for the 2026–27 hunting seasons, part of the agency’s regular process for reviewing wildlife management policies.
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the state periodically evaluates hunting regulations to ensure season structures, bag limits, and harvest strategies remain consistent with wildlife population data and conservation goals. The agency notes that public input is a key part of that process and helps inform decisions made by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, which ultimately approves hunting regulations across the state.
How Hunting Regulations Are Developed
Before any regulation changes take effect, wildlife biologists with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department review harvest data, population surveys, and habitat conditions for game species throughout the state.
Those recommendations are then presented to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, which considers the scientific data alongside feedback from hunters, landowners, and the public before adopting final rules.
The department explains that this process helps ensure regulations support healthy wildlife populations while also reflecting the experiences of hunters and land managers across Texas.
What Could Be Affected
The proposed updates for the 2026–27 seasons could affect regulations for several species, including white-tailed deer, dove, waterfowl, and upland birds.
Season structures in Texas vary widely by region. For example, deer seasons are divided into different zones across the state to reflect variations in habitat and wildlife population trends, according to information published by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in its annual outdoor regulations guide.
Changes to regulations can include adjustments to season dates, bag limits, or hunting methods depending on population monitoring and harvest data.
How to Submit Public Comments
Hunters and members of the public can submit feedback on the proposed regulation changes in several ways.
Online comments can be submitted through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s public comment page until 5 p.m. on March 25, according to the department.
Members of the public may also submit comments by email depending on the species involved.
For migratory game bird proclamation comments, or for feedback related to wild turkey or chachalaca hunting regulations, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department directs comments to wildlife biologist Shaun Oldenburger at shaun.oldenburger@tpwd.texas.gov.
For comments regarding big game hunting seasons, including deer regulations, the department asks the public to contact Blaise Korzekwa at blaise.korzekwa@tpwd.texas.gov.
Opportunity to Speak at Commission Meeting
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission will also accept public testimony on the proposed changes during its upcoming meeting in Austin, Texas.
The commission is scheduled to hear public comment on Thursday, March 26, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Individuals who wish to speak during the meeting must pre-register in advance.
Public testimony during the meeting is typically limited to three minutes per person, allowing multiple speakers the opportunity to address the commission.
Why Public Participation Matters
Texas has one of the largest hunting communities in the United States, and hunters play a major role in wildlife conservation through license fees, habitat programs, and land stewardship.
Wildlife officials note that feedback from hunters and landowners can help ensure regulations remain practical while still supporting long-term conservation goals.
Because roughly 95 percent of land in Texas is privately owned, cooperation between wildlife agencies and private landowners is essential for managing wildlife populations across the state.
What Happens Next
Once public comments are collected, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission will review the feedback alongside recommendations from agency biologists.
The commission may revise proposals before voting on final regulation changes for the upcoming hunting seasons.
For many Texans, hunting is more than just recreation—it is a tradition deeply connected to land stewardship and wildlife conservation.
By participating in the public comment process, hunters and landowners have a chance to help shape the future of Texas hunting regulations before new rules are finalized.