Hunt & Live

Q&A · Hunting

What is Legal Hunting Season for Sandhill Cranes in Texas?

April 5, 2026

Quick Answer

In Texas, the sandhill crane hunting season typically runs from mid-October to late January, with specific dates varying annually. The season is usually divided into two segments: a "youth" segment and a "regular" segment, with bag limits and restrictions applying to each. Hunters must obtain a free permit from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to participate.

Season Dates and Bag Limits

The Texas sandhill crane hunting season dates are set annually by the TPWD, and hunters should check the department’s website for the most up-to-date information. In recent years, the season has usually begun on the first Monday in October and ended on the third Sunday in January. The bag limit for the “youth” segment is typically 3 birds per hunter, while the “regular” segment has a bag limit of 3 birds per hunter, with a total of 10 birds per party. Hunters are required to report their harvest within 24 hours.

Permit Requirements and Regulations

To participate in the sandhill crane hunting season, hunters must obtain a free permit from the TPWD. The permit is required for both the “youth” and “regular” segments. In addition to the permit, hunters must also follow all applicable state and federal regulations, including those related to bag limits, hunting hours, and equipment. Hunters are also required to wear a minimum of 200 inches of hunter orange during the season.

crane-sandhill legal hunting season sandhill cranes
Share

Find more answers

Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.