If you’re looking to hunt deer in Texas, you’ve come to the right state. Texas is home to four million whitetail deer, which is more than is found in any of the fifty states. In order to get the most out of your hunting experience, you should be aware of when hunting season is and what limitations you may face before you head out.
Deer Hunting Season in Texas
Prime hunting season for whitetail deer in Texas runs from October through early January, which is also breeding season. This is the time of year when whitetail deer are very active and on the move, making them easier to find. As far as the best time of day to hunt deer, it’s important to know that before the rut the deer are typically nocturnal. During that time, the morning until about 10 a.m. and the evening, after 4p.m. are the best times because the deer try to sleep during the day. During the rut, you can find deer everywhere at any time of the day. Legal shooting hours for deer hunting in Texas are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
Deer hunting is at that time of year because if it were later when does are giving birth there would be many fawns left without their mothers. Does rely on their mothers in the beginning of life for nursing and for protection. By the time the next hunting season rolls around, many deer are usually old enough to make it on their own.
Limitations on Texas Deer Hunting
If you are thinking about hunting deer on public land in Texas, you should be aware of several limitations before you head out.
You cannot exceed an annual limit of five whitetail deer, no more than three of which may be bucks. Since bag limits are set by county, it’s important to check into the county regulations where you will be hunting.
Antler restrictions also apply in certain counties. In these locations, the bag limit is two legal bucks, but only one can have an inside spread of 13 inches or greater. In these areas, a legal buck is defined as one with:
- at least one unbranched antler; OR
- an inside spread of 13 inches or greater (does not apply to a buck that has an unbranched antler)
It is also against Texas law to hunt on any public roads or on the right of way of any public roads.
Hunting anywhere in Texas requires a license. Any resident or non-resident must get a hunting license through the Texas Park & Wildlife Department. In order to get a license, every hunter must complete a Hunter Education Training Course. Any hunter over the age of 17 can take a course online to meet the requirements.
Deer Hunting in Texas Compared to Other States
Deer hunters tend to do well in Texas because of the large number of deer available to hunt. When compared to other states, there are not only more deer available, but the climate is favorable for hunting. Timely rains combined with a mild winter and a summer that isn’t scorching hot, help to keep deer population at its peak. Weather conditions for 2017 were at their prime, only adding to the whitetail population. Combine that with the fact that whitetail deer have access to about 600 different types of vegetation in Texas and you have favorable conditions for deer. There is a strong crop of acorns as well as a good crop of mesquite beans and fruits that adds up to plenty of food for the whitetail deer. This helps them grow and maintain their weight, contributing to the reasons why hunters flock to Texas in search of deer.
The Texas whitetail deer hunting season can also be very profitable for ranches as hunters are drawn to the area. Many have had so much success in the past that they often return time and time again.
Book Your Next Texas Deer Hunt
If you’re planning on heading to Texas to hunt deer, you can get a positive experience at Squaw Mountain Ranch. During a whitetail deer hunt at Squaw Mountain Ranch you can expect a one to one buck to doe ratio which allows hunters to see several deer to choose from during their hunt. The staff at Squaw Mountain aims to accommodate all hunters including those with physical disabilities. There is a variety of hunting packages to choose from, but no matter which you choose we ensure a fair hunt resulting in a trophy any hunter would be proud to display.
If you are planning a trophy hunt at Squaw Mountain Ranch, you just need to bring your rifle and ammo, hunting clothes, a Texas hunting license, cooler to transport meat and any other desired personal items.