Hunting
Deer hunting rules in Bell County
Bell County has different deer bag limits and antler restrictions depending on whether your land is east or west of Interstate 35.
Texas Parks and Wildlife divides Bell County into two regulatory zones at Interstate 35. East of I-35, the bag limit is four deer total per season, with no more than two bucks and no more than two antlerless deer, and only one buck may have an inside antler spread of 13 inches or greater. West of I-35, the limit increases to five deer total, still no more than two bucks, with the same antler restriction on one of them. Wild turkey can only be taken west of I-35.
Statewide archery season typically runs from late September through late October, with general season starting November 1. Exact dates change each year — always check TPWD's Outdoor Annual at tpwd.texas.gov before the season. You must have a valid Texas hunting license to hunt deer in Bell County, and a hunting license with a Managed Lands Deer Program tag, if applicable, must be in your possession.
Important: you cannot hunt on the water of Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir or on federal land adjacent to the reservoir, except for game birds taken with a shotgun. TPWD's county-specific regulations page at tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/regs/counties/bell is the authoritative source before each season.
Source to confirm: TPWD – Bell County Hunting Regulations