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While the statewide hunting regulations for the upcoming 2023-24 seasons in Texas remain largely unchanged, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission recently made a minor adjustment to the wording of the Federal Sandhill Crane Permit to provide clarity.
Owen Fitzsimmons, the webless migratory game bird program leader for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), explained the need for the language update. He stated, "We have encountered issues with hunters attempting to use crane permits from other states, which are not valid in Texas. To address this, the updated language will explicitly state that hunters must possess a Federal Sandhill Crane Permit issued by the department to legally hunt cranes in Texas."
Obtaining the permits is a free process, and they can be acquired at TPWD law enforcement offices, TPWD headquarters in Austin, or by calling (800) 792-1112 or (512) 389-4820 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. Online applications are also available, with a $5 administrative fee for online orders.
In the previous year, TPWD proposed the elimination of the Light Goose Conservation Order in Texas. However, this proposal was put on hold for further examination.
During the March meeting, the commission also approved the hunting season dates for 2023-24. Fitzsimmons reminded everyone that there were no federal framework changes for the upcoming season and emphasized that the department must adhere to all established federal regulations concerning migratory game birds. All season lengths, daily bag limits, and proposed season dates are aligned with the progression of the previous season's calendar.
North Zone: Oct. 1, 2023 – Feb. 25, 2024
South Zone: Sept. 1, 2023 – Aug. 31, 2023
Panhandle: Nov. 18, 2023 – Dec. 3, 2023
Trans-Pecos: Nov. 24, 2023 – Dec. 10, 2023
59 of 254 counties: Sept. 30, 2023 – Nov. 3, 2023
41 of 254 counties: Sept. 30, 2023 – Oct. 15, 2023
East Texas: Oct. 1, 2023 – Feb. 25, 2024 and May 1-31, 2024
Other open counties: Sept. 1, 2023 – Aug. 31, 2023
Youth-Only East Texas: Sept. 23-24, 2023
North Zone: Nov. 4, 2023 – Jan. 7, 2024
South Zone: Nov. 4, 2023 – Jan. 21, 2024
North Zone: Jan. 8-21, 2024
South Zone: Jan. 22 – Feb. 4, 2024
North Zone: Oct 28-29, 2023 and Jan. 8-21, 2024
South Zone: Oct. 28-29, 2023 and Jan. 8-21, 2024
Sept. 30, 2023 – Nov. 3, 2023
Jan. 8-21, 2024
Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties:
Oct. 28, 2023 – Feb. 25, 2024
Panhandle: Dec. 2-31, 2023
Oct. 28, 2023 – Feb. 25, 2024
North Zone: Nov. 4, 2023 – Jan. 7, 2024/South Zone: Nov. 4, 2023 – Jan. 21, 2024/Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg and Willacy counties: Nov. 4, 2023 to Feb. 25, 2024
Archery-Only: Sept. 30, 2023 – Nov. 3, 2023
North: Oct. 28-29, 2023 and Jan. 8-21, 2024
South: Oct. 28-29, 2023 and Jan. 22, 2024 – Feb. 4, 2024
North: March 30, 2024 – May 12, 2024
South: March 16, 2024 – April 28, 2024
One-turkey counties: April 1-30, 2024
North: March 23-24, 2024 and May 18-19, 2024
South: March 9-10, 2024 and May 4-5, 2024
East Texas: April 22, 2024 – May 14, 2024
Sept. 1, 2023 – Nov. 12, 2023 and Dec. 15-31, 2023
Sept. 1, 2023 – Oct. 29, 2023 and Dec. 15, 2023 – Jan. 14, 2024
Sept. 14, 2023 – Oct. 29, 2023 and Dec. 15, 2023 – Jan. 21, 2024
Sept. 1-3, 2023 and Sept. 8-10, 2023 (special regulations apply)
High Plains Mallard Management Unit: Oct. 28-29, 2023 and Nov. 3, 2023 – Jan. 28, 2024
North: Nov. 11-26, 2023 and Dec. 2, 2023 – Jan. 28, 2024
South: Nov. 4-26, 2023 and Dec. 9, 2023 – Jan. 28, 2024
High Plains Mallard Management Unit: Oct. 21-22, 2023
North: Nov. 4-5, 2023
South: Oct. 28-29, 2023
East Zone: Sept. 9-24, 2023
East Zone: Nov. 4, 2023 – Jan. 28, 2024
West Zone: Nov. 4, 2023 – Feb. 4, 2024
East Zone: Jan. 29, 2024 – March 10, 2024
West Zone: Feb. 5, 2024 – March 10, 2024
Sept. 9-24, 2023 and Nov. 4, 2023 – Dec. 27, 2023
Zone A: Oct. 28, 2023 – Jan. 28, 2024
Zone B: Nov. 24, 2023 – Jan. 28, 2024
Zone C: Dec. 16, 2023 – Jan. 21, 2024
Nov. 4, 2023 – Feb. 18, 2024
Sept. 9-24, 2023
Dec. 18, 2023 – Jan. 31, 2024
22 Counties and Special Properties: Sept. 10-30, 2023
All other Counties: April 1 – June 30, 2024
No closed season
For more information on general hunting rules and regulations, visit TPWD’s website.