Texas has some of the finest hunting in the United States and sportsmen all over the country come here to hunt. Whitetail deer, an indigenous game animal, and axis deer, an exotic species native to India, are two of the most demanded species. Although both are amazing hunting experiences, their seasons in Texas are quite different. Being aware of these differences can assist you in planning the ultimate hunt and ensuring your success.
We provide world-class hunts of both species and walk our hunters through the seasonal intricacies so that they can optimize each opportunity at Squaw Mountain Ranch. The following is a breakdown of the differences between axis deer hunting seasons and whitetail seasons in Texas.
Whitetail Deer Hunts Texas – Highly Regulated Seasons
Whitetail deer is a native species in Texas, and therefore, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) strictly controls the hunting seasons of the deer to maintain healthy populations. The season is different according to your county and the type of weapon.
The bow season is usually in the late September to early November. This is followed by the general firearm season which commonly begins in early November and runs through to early January. Youth-only seasons and special late seasons are also available in many counties, and provide more hunting opportunities under certain management regulations.
The whitetail rut, or breeding season, is primarily in November. This is the most active and visible time of bucks and it is one of the most thrilling moments of whitetail deer hunts in Texas. But due to its comparatively short season and the strict rules, which include hunting quotas and antler restrictions, hunters have to be very careful in scheduling their trips to coincide with the official dates.
Axis Deer: Flexibility throughout the Year
Chital, or axis deer, are exotic game in Texas. They are not native, and thus are not bound by the same state-regulated seasons or hunt limits as whitetail deer. There is no season of axis deer hunting, which gives hunters unparalleled flexibility in trip planning.
Their rut occurs during the late spring to early summer, usually June and July in most of Texas. The mature bucks are more vocal and easier to see during this time, making it an exciting hunting environment like the whitetail rut, only months earlier. This enables hunters to have two distinct peak rut hunts within a year: whitetail in the fall and axis in the summer.
Significant Variations in Hunting Seasons
Timing is one of the most important differences. Whitetail hunting is a fall and early winter activity with specific opening and closing dates. Axis hunting, however, is an all-year affair with no bag limits. This allows hunters to make their own choices of time of day depending on weather, rut activity, or personal schedules.
Regulation is another major difference. Whitetail deer hunts in Texas are subject to a hunting license and tags, and special county regulations must be observed. The axis deer also needs a hunting license but not tags and there is no limit on the number that can be harvested.
Hunting Tactics for Each Species
Due to these seasonal variations, you need to adjust your hunting style to each species.
In the case of Whitetail Deer:
It is all about the timing. The most promising opportunities are usually right before and during the rut when bucks are the most active. Placing them around food sources, bedding areas, or travel corridors can be very effective. Sightings are best in early mornings and late afternoons. Trail cameras will assist you in monitoring movement patterns and trophy bucks.
In the case of Axis Deer:
You can hunt them at any time, but there is something special about the summer rut. Bucks are more vocal, and calling and spot-and-stalk tactics are particularly effective. Beyond the rut, concentrate on water sources and feeding grounds, especially in the hot summer months in Texas. Axis deer are known to be highly sensitive, glassing slowly and patient.
Opportunity to Hunt Both Species
The possibility to hunt both species without overlapping is one of the biggest benefits of hunting in Texas. You can plan a summer visit to hunt rutting axis deer, and come back in the fall and hunt trophy whitetails. Not only does this allow you to spend more time in the field, but you will also have the opportunity to experience two very different types of hunting in the same year.
At Squaw Mountain Ranch, we simplify the planning and implementation of hunts of both. We have trophy-class whitetail and axis deer on our property, so you do not have to travel to different locations to get the best of Texas hunting.
Why Hunt at Squaw Mountain Ranch?
We take pride in providing the best whitetail and axis deer hunting experience. Both species find perfect habitat in our ranch, and our guides know how to get you in the right place at the right time.
You can look forward to:
- Well-managed habitat with trophy-quality game
- Local guides who are experts and have years of experience
- Accommodation suitable to multi-day hunts
- Seasonal whitetail and year-round axis hunting opportunities
- Ethical and fair-chase hunting commitment
Whether you are after a huge-racked whitetail or the beautiful spotted coat of a mature axis buck, we will make your hunting trip memorable.
Plan Your Hunt Today
Texas has what very few other destinations do, the opportunity to hunt two amazing species with totally different seasons. In case you want to have a difficult and memorable experience, you can book a summer axis hunt and a fall whitetail deer hunt Texas adventure.
We will tailor your hunt to your needs at Squaw Mountain Ranch, fit your schedule, and assist you in taking home the trophy you have always dreamed of. Our team is prepared to take you through all the steps, including scouting, to your successful harvest.
Book Your Texas Hunt Today
Do not wait until the season arrives, book your place at Squaw Mountain Ranch today. We have the game, guides and expertise to make it happen whether you want to experience the peak rut of whitetail or the summertime excitement of axis deer hunting.
Call us today to book your hunt and begin planning your dream Texas hunting experience.