Texas Deer Hunting
Hunting in Texas
Are you feeling the change in the weather? The cold is gradually coming upon Texas. It, therefore, announces the onset of the hunting season in its full effect across Texas. Whether you live in Texas or not, the hunting season marks the beginning of something exciting every year. It is, therefore, a much-awaited period in the area as soon as winter approaches. Even non-Texans from all around are known to flock to the famous Lone Star state every year for experiencing the amazing deer & whitetail deer hunting across famous hunting grounds in the state.
Those who live out of town start arriving in the state from early November and across January for the remarkable hunting season in Texas. The visitors travel to the state from all around to witness some of the best deer hunting scenes in the entire United States of America. The state of Texas is known to boast its impressive estimated population of around 4 million white-tailed deer within the borders of the state.
When you wish to be assured of the best hunting guides & outfitters, it is expected that you should wait for around a year or even more for ensuring a shot at the world-class bucks. Do not allow the overall high demand to discourage you. Most of the Texas hunting guides are going to find time on their respective calendars for getting you in the given deer stand with the all-famous southern hospitality.
The once-in-your-lifetime experience does not have to necessarily occur at famous King Ranches spread out across 80,000 acres of land. Most of the affordable Texas deer hunting tours are known to be available for every level of hunter.
Those who live out of town start arriving in the state from early November and across January for the remarkable hunting season in Texas. The visitors travel to the state from all around to witness some of the best deer hunting scenes in the entire United States of America. The state of Texas is known to boast its impressive estimated population of around 4 million white-tailed deer within the borders of the state.
When you wish to be assured of the best hunting guides & outfitters, it is expected that you should wait for around a year or even more for ensuring a shot at the world-class bucks. Do not allow the overall high demand to discourage you. Most of the Texas hunting guides are going to find time on their respective calendars for getting you in the given deer stand with the all-famous southern hospitality.
The once-in-your-lifetime experience does not have to necessarily occur at famous King Ranches spread out across 80,000 acres of land. Most of the affordable Texas deer hunting tours are known to be available for every level of hunter.
Texas Whitetail Hunts
We can book you the best whitetail deer hunts for the best prices at several of the top deer leases in the lone star state. We are connected with several different ranches and leases all around Texas. Many of them specialize in several different types of hunts. Let us get the process started for you hassle free.
Texas Mule Deer Hunts
Texas Mule deer are very common in Texas. These are fun animal to hunt and we can put you together with the leading guides in the state. Once you provide the type of hunt you are looking for, we connect you with the top ranches and leases specializing in those type of hunts. We do not charge a fee for our service. We simply connect you to the best options for what you are looking for, saving you the time of searching for hours.
Axis Deer Hunting Texas
Axis deer are wonderful to hunt and provide some of the best meat of all. We know the best leases in the state for these types of hunts. We will connect you to the correct lease to find you the best deal and help you get it booked quickly.
Guided Hunts in Texas
At an area of around 261,797 square miles, the Lone Star State in Texas is only second to Alaska in the overall size. The area is known to possess an abundance of natural resources. Texas is primarily an agricultural area along with serving as the industrial giant. It, therefore, leads other states in the categories of sheep, cotton, and cattle. A majority of hunting in Texas is carried out on private land –significantly on larger ranches that might be leased by individuals or outfitters, or carried out with the landowner’s permission.
Texans are known to be enthusiastic and avid hunters. The state is known to be particularly famous for the large-antlered white-tailed deer. However, hunters are also known to pursue javelinas, alligators, mule deer, wild pigs, squirrels, pronghorn, upland birds, waterfowl, turkeys, and also quails. In addition to this, most ranches in Texas are known to feature larger populations of non-native, imported animals –including Nilgai, blackbuck, axis deer, aoudad, and other African species like zebras, oryx, and others.
In maximum cases, most of the exotic animals are known to be hunted throughout the year on private lands. The private ranches across Texas are known to provide exclusive opportunities to the hunters about pursuing animals that remain native to Asia & Africa at relatively lower costs. Moreover, there is no requirement of leaving the United States of America for hunting at the same time.
Many, yet not all, ranches tend to be high-fenced in Texas –especially those featuring exotic species. Most of Texas is known to be thick & bushy. Therefore, it becomes challenging to hunt properly even after the presence of large as well as abundant game populations. This is the reason why hunting –especially for the whitetail deer, is mostly carried out with the help of permanent blinds. Moreover, baiting is also carried out –especially while using automatic feeders that tend to be legal in the given state.
Texas is also known to be rich in the population of feral hogs. This is because they tend to be exotic, unprotected, and non-gaming animals. Moreover, they can be taken by any method at any period of the entire year. Moreover, there are no bag limits or seasons. However, proper landowner’s permission and a hunting license would be required for hunting them.
Texas is known to require the hunters to wear fluorescent orange of 400 square inches during hunting while they are on public grounds. On private lands, orange is not required, still it is encouraged. A hunting license in Texas is required for hunting a particular species in the state.
Deer Hunting
Texas is famous for its amazing deer hunting featuring an overall population of over 4 million animals, huge trophies, and diverse habitat. Texas is arguably one of the best destinations for deer hunting –both for Whitetail Deer hunting and Axis Deer hunting. Around 95 percent of Texas houses private lands for hunting deer.
At leading private ranches, you can come across hundreds of whitetail bucks across several acres of property. You should be cautious about whitetail deer ranches that tend to keep the deer penned up. You can consider hunting the whitetails using any preferred method of your choice –including bow hunting, spot & stalk, pistol hunting, from a blind, pistol hunting, or safari style.
Texas is known to boast an abundant population of wild whitetail deer. Bag limits are known to vary by one county to another. However, across most of the states, a hunter is allowed to harvest around 5 deer (however, only one of those could be a buck having a spread of over 13”) per season. Hunting through the game ranch is not equivalent to the high fencing.
There are some of the game ranches are known to allow deer hunting through permanent stands that are positioned over specific feeders. At the same time, there are other private ranches that deliver access to more challenging hunting options –including spot & stalk. When it comes to whitetail deer hunting in Texas, there is something in store for everyone out there.
Axis deer also goes by the name as “Chital.” These are known to be native to areas like Sri Lanka, India, and Nepal. The name is derived from the Indian meaning –“Spotted.” In the year 1932, axis deer was introduced in Texas as a part of the game ranch in the area. Since then, these have multiplied in the overall population.
Axis deer is known to be popular in hunting in Texas for several reasons. Moreover, they are also regarded as highly sought-after trophies due to several factors like their innate natural beauty, their overall preference to being on flatlands, flexible breeding cycle, and so more. All of these factors make it simpler to hunt them down. The best time to ensure axis deer hunting is during the summer months. However, as these animals are capable of breeding anytime, these are preferably hunted throughout the year. You can choose any method of axis deer hunting –be it spot & stalk, blind hunting, the safari style, or the one with a feeder.
Antelope Hunting
Antelope or pronghorn tend to be the most unique species that are native to America. They are readily available throughout the western states in the country. In Texas, these are easily found throughout the Panhandle as well as far west into the Pecos region. While it is quite challenging to hunt them, you can still come across several excellent quarries that allow you to spot them easily and ensure stalk & hunt styles.
Before you go forward with chasing your Pronghorn, it is recommended that you should consider getting a tag. In Texas, you can get a tag in one of the three ways:
Hog Hunting
Wild hogs are regarded as one of the most destructive species in the United States of America. With their population booming across the country, Texas permits their hunting throughout the year. Moreover, there are no limits imposed on hog hunting. There are several modes of hunting supported by the public as well as private ranches in Texas. One of the most famous techniques is helicopter hog hunting. While using private ranches, the hunters are given the opportunity to customize their hunting skills or techniques based on their preferences. Hogs can be hunted throughout the year. As such, this offers the hunters the opportunity to try out their hunting skills any time they want.
Some of the common instances of hog hunting as offered by a majority of private ranches include archery hog hunts, rifle hog hunts, trophy-only hog hunts, and Texas ram or hog hunt.
Turkey Hunting
There is no other outdoor adventure that equals the fun of spring turkey hunting while in Texas. Typically, the standard turkey hunting season in Texas is known to take place between April & May.
Texas is known to be home to three unique species of this beautiful bird –Rio Grande Turkey, Merriam’s Turkey, and Eastern Turkey. Merriam’s Turkey is known to reside in specific areas of the region –especially in extreme west. On the other hands, Eastern Turkey lives in specific portions of eastern Texas along the piney woods. The Rio Grande Turkey tends to inhabit parts of the entire central Texas –right from Rio Grande all up to the panhandle.
Out of the given species, the Rio Grande Turkey is most widely distributed and abundantly-populated bird species in Texas. This is the reason why it is most commonly hunted down in the region during the hunting season. Around 178 out of 254 counties across Texas have dedicated Turkey hunting seasons.
There are certain limitations as well. For instance, there are counties in Texas offering access to only 4 bag limit of turkey hunting in a year. Moreover, there are some counties that only allow harvesting gobblers. However, there are other counties out there in Texas that allow hunters to go forward with harvesting bearded hen at the same time. Bows and air guns are permitted when it comes to hunting Rio Grande Turkey in Texas.
For taking down eastern Turkey, the state allows the utilization of hunting techniques & equipment like archery equipment, crossbows, and shotguns. Moreover, turkey hunters are not given the permission to hunt over baits –especially during the special hunting season for eastern turkey. At the same time, hunters investing in turkey hunting are expected to report to the respective Texas Parks & Wildlife in a span of 24 hours.
Texans are known to be enthusiastic and avid hunters. The state is known to be particularly famous for the large-antlered white-tailed deer. However, hunters are also known to pursue javelinas, alligators, mule deer, wild pigs, squirrels, pronghorn, upland birds, waterfowl, turkeys, and also quails. In addition to this, most ranches in Texas are known to feature larger populations of non-native, imported animals –including Nilgai, blackbuck, axis deer, aoudad, and other African species like zebras, oryx, and others.
In maximum cases, most of the exotic animals are known to be hunted throughout the year on private lands. The private ranches across Texas are known to provide exclusive opportunities to the hunters about pursuing animals that remain native to Asia & Africa at relatively lower costs. Moreover, there is no requirement of leaving the United States of America for hunting at the same time.
Many, yet not all, ranches tend to be high-fenced in Texas –especially those featuring exotic species. Most of Texas is known to be thick & bushy. Therefore, it becomes challenging to hunt properly even after the presence of large as well as abundant game populations. This is the reason why hunting –especially for the whitetail deer, is mostly carried out with the help of permanent blinds. Moreover, baiting is also carried out –especially while using automatic feeders that tend to be legal in the given state.
Texas is also known to be rich in the population of feral hogs. This is because they tend to be exotic, unprotected, and non-gaming animals. Moreover, they can be taken by any method at any period of the entire year. Moreover, there are no bag limits or seasons. However, proper landowner’s permission and a hunting license would be required for hunting them.
Texas is known to require the hunters to wear fluorescent orange of 400 square inches during hunting while they are on public grounds. On private lands, orange is not required, still it is encouraged. A hunting license in Texas is required for hunting a particular species in the state.
Deer Hunting
Texas is famous for its amazing deer hunting featuring an overall population of over 4 million animals, huge trophies, and diverse habitat. Texas is arguably one of the best destinations for deer hunting –both for Whitetail Deer hunting and Axis Deer hunting. Around 95 percent of Texas houses private lands for hunting deer.
- Whitetail Deer Hunting: When people tend to think about hunting in Texas, they might imagine game ranches. Most of the game ranches are known to offer access to affordable hunts. The given hunts serve to be great options when it comes to hunting as a beginner or simply exploring the option of hunting. Whitetail deer are native to Texas. There is no better place of hunting them than at a private ranch.
At leading private ranches, you can come across hundreds of whitetail bucks across several acres of property. You should be cautious about whitetail deer ranches that tend to keep the deer penned up. You can consider hunting the whitetails using any preferred method of your choice –including bow hunting, spot & stalk, pistol hunting, from a blind, pistol hunting, or safari style.
Texas is known to boast an abundant population of wild whitetail deer. Bag limits are known to vary by one county to another. However, across most of the states, a hunter is allowed to harvest around 5 deer (however, only one of those could be a buck having a spread of over 13”) per season. Hunting through the game ranch is not equivalent to the high fencing.
There are some of the game ranches are known to allow deer hunting through permanent stands that are positioned over specific feeders. At the same time, there are other private ranches that deliver access to more challenging hunting options –including spot & stalk. When it comes to whitetail deer hunting in Texas, there is something in store for everyone out there.
- Axis Deer: The axis deer is known to be one of the most majestic species of deer. However, its introduction to the Texan landscape has proven disastrous for the native whitetail deer. The introduction of axis deer has also opened doors for hunting this species by hunting enthusiasts all around Texas. In fact, axis deer hunting has become one of the most renowned trophies in hunting when it comes to catching down other species of deer.
Axis deer also goes by the name as “Chital.” These are known to be native to areas like Sri Lanka, India, and Nepal. The name is derived from the Indian meaning –“Spotted.” In the year 1932, axis deer was introduced in Texas as a part of the game ranch in the area. Since then, these have multiplied in the overall population.
Axis deer is known to be popular in hunting in Texas for several reasons. Moreover, they are also regarded as highly sought-after trophies due to several factors like their innate natural beauty, their overall preference to being on flatlands, flexible breeding cycle, and so more. All of these factors make it simpler to hunt them down. The best time to ensure axis deer hunting is during the summer months. However, as these animals are capable of breeding anytime, these are preferably hunted throughout the year. You can choose any method of axis deer hunting –be it spot & stalk, blind hunting, the safari style, or the one with a feeder.
Antelope Hunting
Antelope or pronghorn tend to be the most unique species that are native to America. They are readily available throughout the western states in the country. In Texas, these are easily found throughout the Panhandle as well as far west into the Pecos region. While it is quite challenging to hunt them, you can still come across several excellent quarries that allow you to spot them easily and ensure stalk & hunt styles.
Before you go forward with chasing your Pronghorn, it is recommended that you should consider getting a tag. In Texas, you can get a tag in one of the three ways:
- Public Land Draw: The first can be obtained through a draw to hunt these animals at the designated public areas or properties. While this type of tag might take years to draw, still for the mere amount of $3, it is all worth the wait.
- Landowner Permits: Texas Parks & Wildlife is known to issue pronghorn hunting permits to landowners in areas featuring abundant populations of the animal. Every year, a Pronghorn Lease List is released that gets published on the TPWD website for listing landowners that have been awarded the permits to sell the same to hunters.
- Experimental Buck Season Tag: Another method of obtaining the tag for hunting antelope is through a special experimental buck season. In the given scenario, one can typically advance to the TPWD office and personally request a tag. One can get the buck tag for free. However, you will be expected to obtain the written permission from the landowner with respect to the special area in which the given experimental hunting season will take place.
Hog Hunting
Wild hogs are regarded as one of the most destructive species in the United States of America. With their population booming across the country, Texas permits their hunting throughout the year. Moreover, there are no limits imposed on hog hunting. There are several modes of hunting supported by the public as well as private ranches in Texas. One of the most famous techniques is helicopter hog hunting. While using private ranches, the hunters are given the opportunity to customize their hunting skills or techniques based on their preferences. Hogs can be hunted throughout the year. As such, this offers the hunters the opportunity to try out their hunting skills any time they want.
Some of the common instances of hog hunting as offered by a majority of private ranches include archery hog hunts, rifle hog hunts, trophy-only hog hunts, and Texas ram or hog hunt.
Turkey Hunting
There is no other outdoor adventure that equals the fun of spring turkey hunting while in Texas. Typically, the standard turkey hunting season in Texas is known to take place between April & May.
Texas is known to be home to three unique species of this beautiful bird –Rio Grande Turkey, Merriam’s Turkey, and Eastern Turkey. Merriam’s Turkey is known to reside in specific areas of the region –especially in extreme west. On the other hands, Eastern Turkey lives in specific portions of eastern Texas along the piney woods. The Rio Grande Turkey tends to inhabit parts of the entire central Texas –right from Rio Grande all up to the panhandle.
Out of the given species, the Rio Grande Turkey is most widely distributed and abundantly-populated bird species in Texas. This is the reason why it is most commonly hunted down in the region during the hunting season. Around 178 out of 254 counties across Texas have dedicated Turkey hunting seasons.
There are certain limitations as well. For instance, there are counties in Texas offering access to only 4 bag limit of turkey hunting in a year. Moreover, there are some counties that only allow harvesting gobblers. However, there are other counties out there in Texas that allow hunters to go forward with harvesting bearded hen at the same time. Bows and air guns are permitted when it comes to hunting Rio Grande Turkey in Texas.
For taking down eastern Turkey, the state allows the utilization of hunting techniques & equipment like archery equipment, crossbows, and shotguns. Moreover, turkey hunters are not given the permission to hunt over baits –especially during the special hunting season for eastern turkey. At the same time, hunters investing in turkey hunting are expected to report to the respective Texas Parks & Wildlife in a span of 24 hours.
Some of the Famous Ranches in Texas
Texas is famous for its hunting ranches, which attract many hunters each year. Here are some of the most famous hunting ranches in Texas, along with the animals they are known for:
- King Ranch: The King Ranch is one of the most famous hunting ranches in Texas, known for its trophy whitetail deer hunting. The ranch also offers hunting opportunities for wild turkey, javelina, and nilgai antelope.
- Y.O. Ranch: The Y.O. Ranch is another well-known hunting ranch in Texas, offering hunting for whitetail deer, exotic game such as axis deer, blackbuck antelope, and aoudad sheep, and turkey.
- Ox Ranch: The Ox Ranch is known for its exotic game hunting, with over 60 species of animals available to hunt, including African species such as kudu, impala, and zebra.
- Circle H Outfitters: Circle H Outfitters offers hunting for whitetail deer, Rio Grande turkey, and wild hogs. The ranch is located in the Texas Hill Country and offers a variety of hunting packages.
- Cibolo Creek Ranch: The Cibolo Creek Ranch is a luxury hunting resort offering hunting for whitetail deer, elk, and a variety of exotic game, including axis deer, blackbuck antelope, and fallow deer.
Texas What Tail Deer
The Texas white-tailed deer, or Odocoileus virginianus texanus, is a subspecies of the white-tailed deer found in the state of Texas, USA. Here are some interesting facts about the Texas white-tailed deer:
Physical Characteristics:
Physical Characteristics:
- They have reddish-brown coats that become grayer in the winter months.
- Males (bucks) can weigh between 120 to 300 pounds, while females (does) usually weigh between 90 to 200 pounds.
- Bucks have antlers that they shed annually, and these antlers can have up to 10 points.
- They have large ears that can rotate up to 180 degrees, allowing them to hear predators from far away.
- The Texas white-tailed deer is found throughout Texas, from the eastern piney woods to the western desert regions of the state.
- They prefer areas with dense cover for hiding and open areas for grazing, such as brushy areas, wooded creek bottoms, and grasslands.
- The Texas white-tailed deer is primarily a nocturnal animal, but they can also be active during the day, especially in the early morning and late evening hours.
- They are herbivores and feed on a variety of plants, including acorns, grasses, and browse.
- During the breeding season, which usually occurs in the fall, bucks compete for does by using their antlers to fight other bucks.
- The does usually give birth to one or two fawns in the spring, and they are very protective of their young.
- The Texas white-tailed deer is an important game animal in Texas, and hunting regulations are in place to ensure sustainable harvest.
- In recent years, habitat loss and fragmentation have become a threat to the Texas white-tailed deer population, and conservation efforts are in place to protect and restore their habitat.
Texas Axis Deer
Axis deer, also known as chital or spotted deer, is a type of deer that belongs to the Cervidae family. It is native to the Indian subcontinent, but has been introduced in many parts of the world including the United States, Australia, and Argentina. Here are some details about the axis deer:
Physical Appearance:
Physical Appearance:
- Axis deer are medium-sized deer with a height of about 3 to 3.5 feet at the shoulder.
- They have a reddish-brown coat with white spots on their back and sides.
- Males are larger than females and have antlers that can grow up to 3 feet long. Their antlers have three tines and are shed annually.
- Axis deer have a distinctive white throat patch and a dark stripe running from the corner of their eyes to their nostrils.
- Axis deer are found in a wide range of habitats, including grasslands, forests, and open scrublands.
- They are native to the Indian subcontinent, but have been introduced in many parts of the world for hunting and as an exotic species.
- In the United States, axis deer are found in Texas, Hawaii, and Florida.
- Axis deer are social animals and live in herds of up to 50 individuals.
- They are active during the day and rest in the shade during the hottest part of the day.
- Axis deer are herbivores and feed on a variety of plants including grasses, leaves, and fruits.
- During the breeding season, males will compete for mates and engage in vocal displays and physical combat.
- Axis deer are listed as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
- However, some populations of axis deer are threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and competition with livestock.
- In some areas where they have been introduced, axis deer are considered a pest and are actively hunted to control their population.
Hunt Turkey in Texas
The only wild turkey species native to Texas is the Rio Grande turkey (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia). They are found in the western two-thirds of Texas, primarily in the Edwards Plateau and South Texas regions. The Rio Grande turkey is one of five subspecies of wild turkey found in North America, and it is named after the Rio Grande River that forms the boundary between Texas and Mexico.
There are two species of wild turkeys that can be found in Texas:
The Rio Grande Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia) is a subspecies of the wild turkey found in the central and western regions of the United States and in parts of Mexico. Here are some of the living habits of the Rio Grande Wild Turkey:
The Eastern Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) is a subspecies of the wild turkey native to the eastern part of North America. Here are some of its living habits:
There are two species of wild turkeys that can be found in Texas:
- Rio Grande Wild Turkey: This is the most common species of turkey in Texas, and it can be found throughout most of the state. The Rio Grande wild turkey is a subspecies of the wild turkey, and it has brown feathers with a metallic green and coppery sheen.
- Eastern Wild Turkey: This species is less common in Texas, but it can be found in the eastern part of the state. The Eastern wild turkey is also a subspecies of the wild turkey, and it has dark brown feathers with a black and green iridescent sheen.
The Rio Grande Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia) is a subspecies of the wild turkey found in the central and western regions of the United States and in parts of Mexico. Here are some of the living habits of the Rio Grande Wild Turkey:
- Habitat: Rio Grande wild turkeys live in a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, savannas, and grasslands near water sources such as rivers and streams.
- Diet: Rio Grande wild turkeys are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of foods such as insects, seeds, fruits, and nuts. They also eat small animals like lizards and snakes.
- Roosting: At night, Rio Grande wild turkeys roost in trees to protect themselves from predators such as coyotes and bobcats. They typically choose trees with dense foliage for cover.
- Social behavior: Rio Grande wild turkeys are social birds and typically live in flocks of up to 50 individuals. During the breeding season, males will compete for the attention of females and display elaborate courtship behaviors such as puffing up their feathers and strutting.
- Reproduction: Females lay a clutch of 10-12 eggs in a ground nest, which they incubate for around 28 days. Chicks are precocial, meaning they are born with downy feathers and are able to walk and forage for food shortly after hatching.
- Migration: Rio Grande wild turkeys are not migratory, but they may move to different areas in search of food and water during different times of the year.
The Eastern Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) is a subspecies of the wild turkey native to the eastern part of North America. Here are some of its living habits:
- Habitat: Eastern Wild Turkeys prefer mixed forests with openings and edge habitat. They are also found in agricultural fields, meadows, and other areas with a diverse range of vegetation types.
- Diet: The Eastern Wild Turkey is an omnivore that feeds on a variety of foods, including acorns, seeds, fruits, insects, and small animals like snails and salamanders.
- Roosting: At night, Eastern Wild Turkeys roost in trees to avoid predators. They choose roost sites based on safety and proximity to food sources.
- Social behavior: Eastern Wild Turkeys live in flocks that consist of several hens and a dominant tom. During the breeding season, males will display to attract females and may fight with other males for dominance.
- Breeding: Breeding season for Eastern Wild Turkeys typically occurs in the spring, with hens laying up to a dozen eggs in a shallow depression on the ground. The eggs hatch after about 28 days, and the young turkeys, called poults, are capable of running and feeding on their own within a few hours of hatching.
- Movement: Eastern Wild Turkeys are primarily ground-dwelling birds but are capable of short flights to escape danger or reach a roosting site. They also walk or run through their habitat in search of food and mates.
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