Hunting Outlook for Central Texas

By:
Shane Reynolds, Outdoor Recreation Director & Outfitter

Hunting season in Central and South Texas kicks off with dove on September 1 and early teal in mid-September, shifts to big game like white-tailed deer in November, and wraps up with late-season small game and spring turkey.

If you read the outlook for the Hill Country from Texas Parks and Wildlife, they anticipate a solid 2026–2027 hunting season. State biologists expect stable white-tailed deer densities and good harvest numbers, alongside an above-average mourning dove population across the state.

If you have driven around the Edwards Plateau and the Hill Country in the past month, you will notice some great antler production on our native white-tail bucks. I have seen some of the largest free-range white-tail bucks I’ve ever seen on the hoof.  

The waterfowl outlook for the Central Flyway points to favorable overall prospects, backed by liberal regulatory frameworks from federal services, and solid local habitat conditions in key southern wintering grounds here in Texas.

Getting Ready for Texas Hunting Season

As Texas temperatures begin their slow decline and opening day nears, now is the time to transition your gear from storage to the field. Proper preseason preparation is the single best way to ensure an effective, ethical and successful hunt — whether you’re targeting early-season doves, autumn deer or winter waterfowl. Waiting until the weekend before your trip often leads to rushing, unexpected equipment failures or missed opportunities. Taking a methodical approach to inspecting your firearms and gear now pays off when you’re out in the field.

A proper range session is about more than just punching holes in paper; it’s about rebuilding muscle memory and confirming total confidence in your setups. Guns that have sat in safes or cases for months need a thorough cleaning, mechanical check and proper lubrication before being fired. Optics should be inspected for loose mounting screws or drifted zeros, and shotguns require a quick review of choke selections and pattern density for your chosen game. Getting back on the bench early gives you the time to identify small issues before they become field failures.

Our shotgun and rifle ranges are fully equipped to help you get completely dialed in before opening day. Whether you need to bore-sight a new rifle scope, verify your zero at target distances, or throw a few rounds of clay targets to smooth out your swing, our Outfitter staff is on-site to assist. Bring your gear by the Club early, take advantage of the facilities, and let’s make sure you’re 100% prepared for a great season.!

Key Central Texas Season Dates (2026–2027)

  • Dove Regular Season (Central Zone): September 1 – October 25, 2026, and December 11, 2026 – January 14, 2027
  • Dove Regular Season (South Zone): September 1 – October 25, 2026, and December 18, 2026 – January 21, 2027
  • Early Teal: September 19 – 27, 2026, for migratory teal

White-Tailed Deer and Big Game

  • Archery Season: October 3, 2026 – November 6, 2026
  • General Gun Season (Central/Hill Country): November 7, 2026 through early January
  • General Gun Season (South Texas): November 7, 2026 through mid-January

Small Game and Waterfowl

  • Quail: November 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027
  • Duck and Goose: November 7 – 29, 2026, and December 12, 2026 – January 31, 2027
  • Spring Turkey (Rio Grande): March 20, 2027 – May 2, 2027

 

Shane Reynolds is the Outdoor Recreation Director & Outfitter at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at outfitter@cordilleraranch.com and 210.616.6051, or at the Cordillera Ranch Outfitter Center at 830.336.4823.

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