Hunting / TPWD
Deer and turkey hunting rules for Clay County
Clay County falls under North Zone rules for deer and turkey, with specific bag limits and antler restrictions hunters must know before heading out.
Clay County is in the North Zone for white-tailed deer hunting. For the 2025-2026 season, the bag limit was 5 deer, no more than 2 bucks, across all seasons combined. An antler restriction applies: only one of those bucks can have an inside spread of 13 inches or greater. A legal buck must have at least one unbranched antler or an inside spread of 13 inches or more.
Wild turkey in Clay County follow North Zone rules. The fall bag limit is 4 birds of either sex; the spring bag limit is 4 gobblers or bearded hens. Turkey harvest reporting is mandatory. Most hunting in Clay County takes place on private land. There is no TPWD wildlife management area listed within the county, but the TPWD Annual Public Hunting Permit program may list enrolled properties nearby.
Seasons, bag limits, and rules can change year to year. Always check the current TPWD Outdoor Annual before your hunt. A valid Texas hunting license is required; certain endorsements may also apply. TPWD game wardens for Clay County can be contacted through the TPWD warden directory.
Source to confirm: TPWD — Clay County Hunting Regulations