Texas No Season Hunt FAQs

Cotton Mesa Trophy Whitetail Ranch is here to share everything you need to know about hunting in Texas, with a particular focus on answering the most asked questions about no season hunts in Texas

Can you hunt exotic game in Texas year round?

Texas does allow exotic trophy game hunting all year long. Native wildlife such as whitetail deer, upland game birds, waterfowl, and other game species found in Texas have designated seasons during which hunting is permitted. Exotic game in Texas, on the other hand, are considered no season hunts, which means that you can hunt exotic game in Texas all year long. This began decades ago with the intention of increasing funding for wildlife conservation. The benefit of no season hunts in Texas is that you can arrange your hunting experience around your busy schedule. Offering a more flexible option versus a rigid scheduled season, exotic game hunts have become increasingly popular at Texas hunting ranches like Cotton Mesa Trophy Whitetail Ranch. Here, multitudes of exotic game animals heralding from Asia, Africa, and Europe, provide quality trophy hunts that enable you to check an exotic game species off your bucket list.

Why are there no hunting regulations on exotic game in Texas?

Exotic game were not originally native to Texas, and therefore were brought to the Lone Star state for the specific purposes of hunting and conservation. Seasonal hunting restrictions are relegated for native species that are part of the indigenous ecosystem – which exotic game do not fall under. Allowing year-round, exotic game hunting in Texas provides the opportunity to support the local economy through hunting activities, as well as increasing funding for conservation.

What game can you hunt year-round in Texas?

There are large, healthy breeding populations of various exotic game species at hunting ranches across Texas. One of the most popular exotic game hunting ranches in Texas is Cotton Mesa Trophy Whitetail Ranch. At this all-inclusive guided hunting ranch, you can experience various methods of hunting exotic game, including bow hunting, ATV hunting, spot-and-stalk, and traditional blind hunting. Exotic trophy game species that can be found at Mesa include:

  • Axis Deer
  • Blackbuck Antelope
  • Fallow Deer
  • Watusi
  • Aoudad Sheep
  • Nilgai Antelope
  • Kudu
  • Zebra
  • Waterbuck
  • Hawaiian Black Sheep
  • Addax
  • Blue Wildebeest
  • Eland
  • Many more!

Can you hunt in Texas in the summer?

Summer hunts in Texas are some of the best for climate and flexibility. There are very few native wildlife summer seasonal hunts in the United States, which means that if your schedule allows exclusively for summer hunting trips, Texas exotic game hunting in the summer is a great option. Summer hunts at Cotton Mesa Trophy Whitetail Ranch include a wide range of trophy exotic game. These hunts will typically will take place in the earlier mornings and later evenings. During the heat of the day, the animals are less active, and the heat can prove challenging on the hunt. Morning and evening hunts allow for active animal behavior, providing a fun and exhilarating hunting experience.

Can you hunt without a license in Texas?

Most game in Texas requires a hunting license. There are a few species, such as feral hogs for instance, that are considered a nuisance, and therefore can be hunted without a license. If you are looking for native wildlife such as Whitetail deer, upland gamebirds, waterfowl, and so on, you can obtain a Texas hunting license for each specific species during their regular hunting season. On the other hand, for exotic game, you can hunt year-round with the proper licensing. When you choose a guided exotic game or native wildlife hunt at a Texas hunting ranch like Cotton Mesa Trophy Whitetail Ranch, the licensing is typically included as a part of your all-inclusive stay. We take care of the necessary paperwork and arrange for the filing and documentation for your hunting license.

Is there good public hunting land in Texas?

Texas offers a range of public hunting grounds to pursue native wildlife and some exotic game. While these experiences can be very fun, at times they can prove quite challenging and taking down a trophy animal is far less likely. If you select a hunting ranch in Texas, the ranches offer a wide range of both native and exotic trophy class game species, making it more likely to bag the species you’re after. Ranches like Cotton Mesa Trophy Whitetail Ranch  can advise you on the time of year to pursue the native or exotic trophy animal you are seeking, and will provide guided hunts that enable you to take down the species you’re seeking. 

Some of the best public hunting areas in Texas include:

  • Sam Houston National Forest: Offers opportunities for hunting deer, hogs, and small game.
  • Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): Numerous WMAs across the state provide diverse hunting opportunities for a range of species.
  • Choke Canyon State Park: Known for its waterfowl and hog hunting.
  • Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge: Provides hunting for deer and other game animals.

Why choose Cotton Mesa Trophy Whitetail Ranch for year-round guided hunts in Texas?

  • Prime hunting location Central Texas: Situated conveniently close to Houston, TX, Cotton Mesa offers easy access for hunters looking to escape the city and enjoy a hunting adventure.
  • Diverse native and exotic game: The ranch is home to a wide variety of exotic game species, ensuring that every hunting trip offers a new and exciting challenge.
  • Best hunting lodge Texas: Enjoy a comfortable and fully stocked lodge, gourmet meals, and top-notch activities and amenities that make your stay as enjoyable as the hunt itself.
  • Experienced hunting guides Texas: Benefit from the expertise of professional hunting guides who know the terrain and the behavior of the game, ensuring a successful and safe hunt.
  • All-inclusive hunting ranch Texas: What truly sets Cotton Mesa apart from other Texas hunting lodges is that every experience is customized and all-inclusive. That means that we take care of every aspect of your hunt from scouting and getting you set up to bag the big one to delectable dining and entertainment. If you’re looking for an exhilarating hunt that ensures the trophy species you’re after, Cotton Mesa is the right choice. You’ll enjoy plenty of post-hunt entertainment, exquisite meals to fuel your hunt, and plenty of camaraderie around the nightly fire.

For the Texas no season hunt of a lifetime, contact Cotton Mesa Trophy Whitetail Ranch today!