Legal Weapons

• The Parks and Wildlife Code of Texas allows long bows, recurved bows and, since 2009, crossbows during both archery-only and general open seasons for game, migratory birds and other permitted hunting--with a few exceptions.
  
  

Restrictions

• Crossbows may not be used during archery-only seasons in Grayson County or on certain units of state-owned land, unless certifiably disabled. Grayson County allows crossbow hunting during general seasons for deer and turkey.
  
  

Seasons

• The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) sets month-long archery-only seasons for whitetail, mule deer and turkey that open before the general hunting seasons for those animals. Hunt exotic and non-game animals year-round.
  
  

General License & Education Requirements

• Bow hunters need a valid hunting license plus an archery "stamp" or endorsement and must complete a general hunter-education course. Bow-hunting education is encouraged but certification is only required at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge and Camp Bullis.
  
  

For Birds

• All hunters must purchase an upland bird stamp to hunt turkey. Dove, ducks, geese, and other game require a migratory game bird stamp and Harvest Information Program certification.