Texas Deer Hunting
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Texas Deer Hunting Overview
Texas has long been known as a private land hunting destination, with limited public land opportunities — especially for deer hunting. It’s also not typically recognized for producing giant bucks like some Midwest states. That said, there are still plenty of great places to deer hunt in Texas, both on private and public lands. As in most of the country, white-tailed deer dominate the hunting scene, but Texas also offers opportunities to hunt mule deer and exotic axis deer.
Deer Hunting Ranches in Texas
Texas is home to a vast number of private leases and hunting ranches, ranging from modest seasonal leases costing a few thousand dollars to high-end luxury operations with trophy bucks and price tags well over $5,000. Maybe one day I’ll try one of those premium hunts, but for the past few years, I’ve been focused on chasing my first public land buck.
White-Tailed Deer Population
Texas has the largest white-tailed deer population in the U.S., estimated at 5.3 to 5.6 million across 252 of the state’s 254 counties. Mule deer also live in Texas, mostly in the western Trans-Pecos region, though their numbers are far lower — around 180,000 to 200,000. White-tailed deer numbers have steadily grown over the past few decades but fluctuate with drought, habitat quality, disease, and hunting pressure. The Edwards Plateau (especially counties like Llano and San Saba) boasts some of the highest deer densities. Culturally and economically, deer hunting is a big deal in Texas, with nearly half a million deer harvested each year.
Archery Deer Season in Texas
While rifle and slug shotgun hunting options are limited on public land, archery season offers more access. Several public land units are archery-only, and my closest encounters with deer on public land have all been while bowhunting. I’ve had three does within 30 yards — two I spooked while hiking, and one unforgettable encounter came just minutes after setting up a makeshift blind. A large doe walked around a corner only 15 yards away. I hadn’t even taken my pack off. When I tried to draw my bow, the pack squeaked and scared her off. Archery season typically starts in early October and runs through the late gun season in January.
General Gun Deer Season
The general gun season begins in early November and runs through the first week of January. Most public land units are bucks-only unless you draw a doe permit. In the six years I’ve applied, I’ve drawn only two doe tags.
Late Season Muzzleloader Season
For two weeks after the general gun season ends, a handful of units — mostly in East Texas — offer a muzzleloader season. I bought my first muzzleloader last year and hunted the final day of the season. I’ll admit, just loading and firing the thing was a challenge. I missed every shot I took at 30 yards and probably would’ve been more accurate with my bow. This year, I plan to get in some target practice before the late season starts.
Mule Deer in Texas
Public land opportunities for mule deer in Texas are extremely limited. You can apply for draw hunts, but unless you’ve accumulated preference points for several years, your odds are very low. Thousands of people apply for just a few permits each year.
Texas Deer Draw Hunts
Like many states, Texas has a lottery system for limited-entry public land hunts. Some of the hunts — referred to as “e-postcard” hunts — are free to enter with a valid hunting license, but most cost $3–$5 per application. The system includes a preference point system: the more years you apply without drawing, the better your chances in the future. Points are believed to be cubed, meaning your odds increase exponentially over time. The Texas Parks and Wildlife website shows the number of applicants, tags, and success rates for each hunt. I’ve built up about 20 points over the past three years but still haven’t drawn a tag.
Texas Hunting Regions
Texas is massive — roughly the size of several European countries — and the terrain and hunting conditions vary greatly by region. The Texas Public Hunting Lands Map divides the state into eight regions, though only five have viable public land deer hunting:
- Panhandle – Only one public land archery deer unit exists, totaling just 320 acres. Not the best region for public land hunting.
- Trans-Pecos – This far-west region, home to Big Bend, has no public land deer hunts.
- Central Texas – One of the best regions for deer hunting, with two solid public land areas near San Angelo. Numerous private ranches and leases are also available, and deer are widespread.
- Dallas/Fort Worth – Three public land areas offer rifle hunting for white-tailed deer: Caddo National Grasslands, Hagerman NWR (near Lake Texoma), and another smaller unit.
- Piney Woods – Located in the northeast, this heavily forested region offers the most public land options for deer hunters.
- Austin/Waco – Only one public rifle unit (Lake Limestone) and one archery unit (Marlin Lake), though private hunting is abundant.
- Houston/Beaumont – Home to Sam Houston National Forest, one of the state’s largest public hunting areas. Deer are present, but the thick woods make finding shooting lanes or stand locations difficult.
- San Antonio/Corpus Christi – No public land hunting opportunities here. This region includes the famous King Ranch.
Axis Deer Hunting in Texas
Originally native to India, axis deer (also known as chital) were introduced to Texas in the 1930s and have since formed strong free-ranging populations, especially in the Hill Country and Edwards Plateau, where the environment closely mirrors their native range. Classified as exotic game, axis deer can be hunted year-round with no bag limits or seasons on private land, making them an attractive option for hunters. Most axis hunting occurs on private ranches, though limited public access exists — primarily in San Angelo and a small archery-only unit near Kerrville. Known for their impressive antlers, striking spotted coats, and excellent meat, axis deer offer a unique and exciting challenge for Texas hunters.
