Upland birds
Chachalaca
A loud, chicken-sized bird of the deep South Texas brush.
Sometimes called the 'Mexican tree pheasant,' found in just four counties.
Where
Only Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy counties.
Daily / season limit
5 per day, possession 15.
Season(s) (2026-2027)
- Open counties Nov. 1, 2026 - Feb. 28, 2027
License & add-ons
Hunting license plus the Upland Game Bird Endorsement.
- Upland Game Bird Endorsement
Source to confirm: TPWD Chachalaca
More upland birds
Others like this
Upland birds
Wild turkey
Rio Grande turkey covers most of the state; the Eastern turkey in the far east is much more limited. Read this one closely.
Where: Rio Grande: central, southern, and western Texas. Eastern: far East Texas.
Seasons, limits & official link ->Upland birds
Quail
A statewide upland classic with a long winter season.
Where: Statewide. Bobwhite is most common; scaled quail in the west; Gambel's in the far west.
Seasons, limits & official link ->Upland birds
Pheasant
A short, region-only season where hens are off-limits.
Where: Only the Panhandle and South Plains counties.
Seasons, limits & official link ->Official sources
Hunting rules for chachalaca come from Texas Parks & Wildlife. Confirm the season, limits, and your county's rules before you hunt.
- Data vintage:
- Built on the 2026-2027 season
- Last reviewed:
- June 15, 2026
- TPWD Chachalaca - Official TPWD page for this animal
- TPWD Outdoor Annual
- TPWD Seasons by County - County-specific dates and limits
Caution: Seasons, limits, and open counties change every year. The official TPWD pages are the final word.