Deer hunting in Texas

Texas is a whitetail powerhouse—huge private ranches, classic sendero blinds, and sheer numbers that keep the action steady. But the Lone Star State also offers a huntable population of mule deer in the Trans-Pecos/Big Bend (think basins, desert mountains and yucca flats) and the Panhandle (breaks, prairie rimrock, crop edges). Most hunts are from elevated or ground blinds placed on travel corridors or over feeders; baiting is legal on private land (it’s generally prohibited on most public property), which is why feeders are common management tools. Beyond the blind, some outfits offer spot-and-stalk in broken mesquite and oak mott country. Expect thick, brushy terrain more often than wide-open prairie, with rolling hills and temps that can swing from near-freezing mornings to hot afternoons in the heart of deer season. The archery season runs in early fall, followed by general firearm seasons that span November into January and cover the rut. Exact dates vary by zone and year. If you hunt public lands, plan on blaze orange (minimum 400 sq. in. plus headgear) during firearm periods; many private operations also encourage it. Non-resident deer hunters need the Non-resident General Hunting License (Type 105); the Non-resident Special 5-Day License (Type 157) is not valid for white-tailed or mule deer, and only good for small game and exotics. Deer hunting in Texas goes beyond game ranches which breed bucks with impressive racks and even more impressive price tags - between Mexico and Oklahoma, literally every hunter will find an offer that precisely passes to their preferences. Click here for more tips on deer hunting in Texas.