Tracking in Texas comes with unique responsibilities. Whether you’re following a faint blood trail at sunrise or working a difficult track after dark, knowing the laws that govern your actions is just as important as your tracking skills. These guidelines help ensure every recovery is legal, safe, and respectful of landowners, hunters, and the game we pursue. As a WGT member, understanding and following Texas regulations not only protects you and your dog—it protects the reputation of all trackers across the state.

Night tracking & humane dispatch

  • Tracking after dark is legal in Texas, but all other hunting laws still apply.

  • A hunter may humanely dispatch a mortally wounded deer after legal shooting hours if that hunter inflicted the wound. If the animal was wounded by someone else (or by a vehicle), do not dispatch without authorization from a Game Warden. Findlaw

  • Use lights to recover, not to hunt. “Hunting with artificial light” is prohibited; avoid shining/spotlighting healthy game. When in doubt, call your local Game Warden.

  • Texas allows the use of dogs to trail wounded deer (not to hunt/take). No more than two dogs may be used statewide. In Jasper, Newton, Sabine, and San Augustine counties, you may trail a wounded deer with no more than two leashed dogs held by the person in control. Texas Parks and Wildlife

  • Statute authorizes the TPW Commission to set these rules; the ban on using dogs to hunt deer still stands. Texas Statutes

You may not pursue a wounded animal across a property line without the landowner’s consent. Entering without consent is criminal trespass under Texas law. Get verbal or written permission before crossing fences. Texas Parks and WildlifeFindlaw

Preferably the hunter who wounded the deer dispatches the wounded deer when it is located. However, safety concerns for both the members of a trailing party and the trailing dogs, if used, shall be evaluated when making the decision as to who should dispatch the wounded deer. (Section 3.2.3 of TPWD General Orders Manual)

Preferably, the permit holder or licensed hunter who wounded the deer should be present in the trailing party so tagging requirements can be met immediately after the wounded deer is located and dispatched. However, if the hunter who wounded the deer is too young, or physically unable to safely accompany the
tracking party, or in the rare case where the hunter who wounded the deer has had to depart the property before the wounded deer is located, the landowner and/or his agent, such as the leader of the tracking party, are authorized to dispatch and recover the deer, and they shall promptly make every effort to see
that the deer is legally tagged with the appropriate hunter’s hunting license tag or permit and returned to the hunter who wounded the deer. (Section 3.2.5 of TPWD General Orders Manual)

Regulations can change (county exceptions, methods, definitions). Review the Texas Outdoor Annual before each season and consult your local Game Warden when unsure. Texas Parks and Wildlife+1

💡 Pro Tip — Get Permission Before You Track

The fastest way to derail a recovery is hitting a property line without permission to cross. Always confirm access before you release the dog. Have the hunter call or text the adjoining landowner while you’re still at the shot site. A simple screenshot of a “Yes, you can track” text can save you from a trespassing dispute later. Carry a printed Permission to Track form in your truck — it’s quick to fill out, adds credibility, and helps landowners feel more comfortable saying yes.

Property Permission Form

Downloads for Trackers

Below are several excellent downloadable resources for Texas tracking teams—focused on laws, guidelines, and practical reference—that complement the “Permission to Track” form:

1. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department General Orders Manual (PDF)

Chapter 10.140 – Legitimately Trailing a Wounded Deer – Effective April 1, 2014. 

1.1 Currently, there exists an age-old practice of trailing a wounded deer (with or without trailing dogs) and dispatching the deer for the purpose of reducing the deer to a hunter’s possession.
1.2 This practice is consistent with the statutory requirement that the person who kills or wounds a deer must make a reasonable effort to retrieve the deer (Texas Parks and Wildlife Code §62.011).
1.3 The purpose of this policy is to clarify the legitimate practice of trailing and retrieving a wounded deer, and the additional statutes set out in the Background below.
1.4 This policy will allow a legitimate hunter and game retrieval party or individual to comply with the retrieval and waste of game statute (TPW Code §62.011).

2. Texas Parks & Wildlife Outdoor Annual (PDF)

The comprehensive guide for all hunting regulations in Texas. Trackers should keep both digital and printed copies for reference.

3. Retrieval of Game & Hunting Dogs PDF

Key excerpt from the TPWD regulations defining that entering private property to retrieve wounded game or hunting dogs requires explicit landowner permission. A vital summary for your team’s operating practices. Texas Game Retrieval Quick Reference

4. Texas Wildlife Identification Guide (PDF)

Perfect for newer trackers, this guide helps quickly identify game animals, lakes, and other wildlife in Texas—including identifying tracks and habits. Texas Parks and Wildlife+14Texas Parks and Wildlife+14Texas Parks and Wildlife+14

5. “Texas Tracks – Do You Know Them?” Flyer (PDF)

A simple reference sheet for common mammal tracks (e.g., deer, coyote, bobcat), useful for quick field identification. Texas Parks and Wildlife

Scroll to Top