Yes. Hunting with a crossbow is legal in Texas, but hunters must follow Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) rules concerning seasons, species, equipment, licenses, endorsements, and county-specific restrictions. Texas recognizes crossbows as lawful archery equipment, and current regulations allow their use during applicable archery-only and general hunting seasons, subject to certain exceptions.
Are Crossbows Legal for Hunting in Texas?
Texas specifically recognizes crossbows as lawful archery equipment. TPWD’s current hunting regulations list crossbows alongside longbows, recurved bows, and compound bows as lawful equipment for taking game animals and game birds.
However, simply owning a crossbow does not authorize hunting at any time or in every location. Hunters must have the appropriate license, follow the open season for the species being hunted, comply with county-specific regulations, and use lawful equipment and projectiles.
Can You Use a Crossbow During Archery Season?
Generally, yes. During the 2026–2027 hunting year, crossbows may be used during applicable Archery-Only Open Seasons. For white-tailed deer, the statewide Archery-Only season is scheduled from October 3 through November 6, 2026, in counties with an open season. An Archery Endorsement is required for deer hunting during the Archery-Only season.
There is an important exception involving Collin, Dallas, Grayson, and Rockwall counties. During the Archery-Only Open Season, a person generally may not use a crossbow to hunt deer in these counties unless the person has a qualifying permanent upper-limb disability and has the required physician’s statement.
The county-specific restriction makes it important for hunters to check the regulations for the exact county where they intend to hunt.
Can Anyone Use a Crossbow During General Season?
Generally, yes. Texas regulations provide that a person may use a crossbow to hunt game animals or game birds during a general open season, regardless of physical ability. The special disability restriction applicable during the Archery-Only season in the four counties mentioned above does not generally apply during the general open season.
For example, a hunter using a crossbow for deer during the applicable general deer season may generally do so if the hunter has the required license and complies with the county’s deer regulations, bag limits, and other applicable requirements.
Is an Archery Endorsement Required?
For certain species and seasons, yes. TPWD states that an Archery Endorsement is required to hunt deer during the Archery-Only Open Season. In Collin, Dallas, Grayson, and Rockwall counties, the endorsement requirement applies to deer, turkey, and javelina at any time, including during the general open season.
Hunters should therefore distinguish between possessing a crossbow and having the authorization required to hunt a particular species with it.
What Kind of Bolts Can You Use?
Texas regulates projectiles used with crossbows. When hunting turkey and game animals other than squirrels, the arrow or crossbow bolt must be equipped with a broadhead hunting point. TPWD states that hunters may have field, target, or judo points in their quiver along with the required broadhead hunting points.
Projectiles used for hunting game animals and game birds may not be poisoned, drugged, or explosive. TPWD does not impose general minimum requirements for bolt length, material, weight, or broadhead diameter under the statewide rules described in its current regulations.
Are There Restrictions During Muzzleloader Season?
Yes. Lawful archery equipment, including crossbows, may not be used to hunt deer during the Muzzleloader-Only Deer Season. A hunter must use the equipment specifically authorized for that season.
This demonstrates why hunters should check the specific season rather than assuming that a crossbow is permitted simply because it is generally recognized as lawful hunting equipment.
Are Crossbows Legal for Other Game?
Crossbows may be used for various game animals and game birds when the applicable season and regulations permit them. Texas also recognizes lawful archery equipment, including crossbows, for non-protected nongame animals. However, particular species can have their own seasons, permits, bag limits, or other restrictions.
Public hunting lands can also impose additional restrictions, so a hunter should check both statewide regulations and the rules applicable to the specific property.
Conclusion
Hunting with a crossbow is legal in Texas, but the legality depends on the species, season, county, hunting location, license and endorsement requirements, and equipment being used. Crossbows are recognized as lawful archery equipment, and they may generally be used during applicable Archery-Only and general seasons.
The most significant county-specific exception involves Collin, Dallas, Grayson, and Rockwall counties, where crossbow use for deer during the Archery-Only season is generally limited to hunters with qualifying upper-limb disabilities. Hunters should also use required broadhead bolts and observe applicable bag limits, season dates, and property restrictions.
Because Texas hunting regulations can change between seasons and may differ by county, hunters should consult the current TPWD Outdoor Annual before hunting and obtain legal advice if a particular situation raises a question about compliance.
