There are a lot of counties in east Texas that require the land owner to have put in for "doe tags." I will be hunting in east texas this weekend
and my buddies father puts in for doe tags every year.

The bad news is that your interpretation of the laws and regs. and the states defintion of laws and regs are not on the same page. My advice to you is next time you are unsure, contact your local game wardenclear explanation.

Maybe if you talk w/ the judge they could reduce the penalty or
deferred ajudication?

At any rate, good luck!