WOUNDED GAME TRACKING
TRACKERS OF TEXAS
WGT - Trackers of Texas connects hunters across the Lone Star State with experienced tracking teams dedicated to recovering wounded game.
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DEER
RECOVERED LAST YEAR
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BEAR
RECOVERED LAST YEAR
700,000 FIREARM DEER HUNTERS
225,000 ARCHERY DEER HUNTERS
? ACTIVE DEER/BEAR TRACKERS
TRACKING LAWS* FOR THE STATE OF TEXAS
Know the rules before you track. These Texas laws help insure ethical recovery, respect for landowners, and the future of our hunting rights.
Texas allows the use of tracking dogs to help locate and recover wounded deer and other game animals. In most areas of the state, tracking dogs may be used without a leash while conducting a recovery. However, some counties have additional restrictions. In Jasper, Newton, Sabine, and San Augustine counties, a wounded deer may only be trailed using no more than two leashed dogs under the control of the handler. Tracking dogs are intended for recovering wounded animals and may not be used in areas where pursuing deer with dogs is prohibited.
Texas does not have a statewide hunter orange requirement for most private-land deer hunting. However, hunters and tracking teams must follow any applicable safety clothing requirements for the area being hunted. Hunter orange is required on many public hunting lands, and wearing visible clothing during recovery efforts is recommended for safety.
Texas does not require a special tracking dog license, permit, or certification. Hunters remain responsible for having the proper hunting license, tags, and meeting all harvest requirements for the animal being recovered. Tracking dog handlers assisting with a recovery must follow all applicable Texas Parks and Wildlife regulations.
Tracking dogs may be used to recover wounded game during legal hunting hours and after dark. Night tracking is permitted, but recovery activities must be limited to locating wounded game and cannot be used as a method to hunt or pursue healthy animals.
Using a tracking dog does not give hunters or handlers permission to enter private property. Texas has strong private property laws, and hunters must receive landowner permission before crossing property boundaries to continue a recovery.
Texas does not currently allow recreational hunters to use drones to locate or recover wounded deer or other game animals. State rules consider aircraft, including drones, as restricted tools for locating wildlife unless specifically authorized under applicable permits.
* Disclaimer: The information provided by TRAKR is intended as a general summary of state tracking laws and regulations and is not legal advice. Because laws and regulations may change, hunters and trackers should always verify current statutes, regulations, and agency guidance before using dogs, drones, or other recovery methods in their state.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WGT - TRACKERS OF TEXAS
WGT – Trackers of Texas is a statewide wounded game recovery network built to connect hunters with skilled tracking dog teams across Texas and neighboring states. The organization’s goal is to help hunters recover lost deer and other game while promoting ethical hunting, responsible recovery decisions, and education around tracking dogs.
WGT describes itself as a platform for both novice and experienced dog tracking teams. The site includes tracker listings, team categories, hunter resources, tracker resources, legal guidelines, and information about using the TRAKR app. The network emphasizes “local boots and local dogs,” helping hunters find tracking teams that understand Texas terrain and recovery conditions.
Size and Impact
Some publicly available WGT information includes:
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WGT maintains an online directory and tracking team map for locating recovery teams across Texas.
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The organization accepts membership applications for novice, experienced, and veteran tracking teams.
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WGT organizes teams into Bronze-Novice, Silver-Experienced, and Gold-Veteran categories.
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The website provides hunter education resources covering shot decisions, recovery expectations, tracking laws, and how to contact a tracker.
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Texas has one of the largest deer hunting populations in the country, creating major demand for wounded game recovery services.
Texas Tracking Dog Regulations
Texas allows dogs to be used to locate wounded game, including whitetail deer, exotics, and hogs. Dogs may be used for recovery, but not to actively hunt healthy game. Current guidance states that no more than two dogs may be used to trail a wounded deer.
Why Texas Allows Off-Lead Tracking
Texas has a long hunting tradition, large private-land base, and many regions where wounded animals can quickly disappear into brush, mesquite, creek bottoms, and thick cover. In much of Texas, tracking dogs may be used off lead for recovery, though certain East Texas counties have additional restrictions or different interpretations. Hunters and trackers should verify local rules before beginning a track.
Certification and Training
Texas does not require a state-issued tracking dog certification. WGT does, however, review membership applications and organizes tracking teams by experience level. Many teams also pursue training, mentoring, and real-world recovery experience to improve their dogs and tracking skills.
Interesting Facts About WGT – Trackers of Texas
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WGT was created by Texas trackers to connect hunters with skilled recovery teams.
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The website includes both hunter and tracker education resources.
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WGT provides team categories to help hunters understand tracker experience levels.
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The organization has integrated TRAKR as part of its hunter resources, helping hunters connect with tracking teams more efficiently.