HB2842

HB2842 creates an additional route for specified entities to seek a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department permit to control white-tailed deer by lethal means. It took effect September 1, 2025. Eligible entities are political subdivisions, state or federal agencies, higher-education institutions and qualifying property owners’ associations. It is not a general permission for any individual to kill deer. Final law

An entity must give the department written evidence showing either:

• Lethal control is necessary to prevent deer from damaging habitat of a species officially listed as endangered or threatened; or
• Deer are overpopulated on property the entity owns or manages, and recreational hunting is not feasible for controlling that population.

The department may inspect the habitat or property to assess management plans, overpopulation and whether recreational hunting is feasible. An authorized representative must submit a written, sworn permit application stating the relevant facts and agreeing to follow the law and commission rules. Applying is not the same as receiving permission.

The existing permit framework remains important: a permit specifies its duration, area, wildlife species and number, and the people authorized to act. The application fee is $50 or a higher amount set by the commission. Existing carcass-donation rules prohibit the permit holder or authorized person from keeping or selling parts, including antlers. Permit conditions, reporting duties and enforcement provisions remain. Application and permit rules; permit terms; disposition of wildlife

HB2842 also creates a narrow exception to the hunting-for-hire prohibition for an eligible entity employing someone to perform the authorized deer control under such a permit, and for that employee. It does not repeal the general prohibition. The commission gains express rulemaking authority over the means, methods, times and locations of killing protected wildlife under this permit subchapter. Hunting-for-hire provision

The existing route for serious agricultural damage or threats to public safety remains separate. The special mandatory inspection requirements for mule deer, pronghorn and desert bighorn sheep are not converted into an automatic inspection requirement for every white-tailed-deer application.