Deer Outlook 2019
Colder weather has finally rolled into Texas and the drop in temperature has white-tailed deer on the move. Several reports have made it to me over the past few days regarding an increase in the number of bucks observed traveling during daylight hours. Hunters will also be on the move. The general deer hunting season opens this weekend for white-tailed deer.
With an estimated 5.3 million deer in the statewide white-tailed deer population, Texas hunters heading to the field this fall should not need much luck to bump into at least a few deer. It’s been a good year for deer.
More Deer Means Good Hunting
“Good fawn production this year should help maintain the overall population and provide an abundance of deer for hunters to pursue,” said Alan Cain, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) white-tailed deer program leader.
“We’ve seen a slow but steady growth in the statewide population over the last 15 years, particularly in areas such as the Hill Country, Oak Prairies and portions of the Cross Timbers. As a result of the growing population, we’ve expanded hunting season opportunities in the last several years, including a couple of changes to the antlerless season, the addition of doe days in 2019.” This is good news for deer hunters looking to fill the freezer with some high protein, low fat venison.
“Doe Days” Added to Hunting Season, Again
For the first time, 21 counties in south-central Texas can partake in a four-day antlerless season that runs from Nov. 28- Dec. 1.
Any antlerless deer harvested during the archery, youth-only, muzzleloader, and the 4 doe-days during the general season is required to be reported to the department within 24 hours of harvest using either the “My Texas Hunt Harvest” mobile app (for iOS and Android) or on TPWD’s My Texas Hunt Harvest web page.
Counties required to report their harvest include Austin, Bastrop, Caldwell, Colorado, Dewitt, Fayette, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Karnes, Lavaca, Lee, Waller, Washington and Wilson. Also included in the change are Goliad, Jackson, Victoria and Wharton counties north of U.S. Highway 59 and Comal, Hays and Travis counties east of IH-35.
A Change in the Wind Good for Hunters
The change in weather may be what is needed to jump start white-tailed deer movement. Whitetail activity was curbed during archery season due to unseasonably warm temperatures. It also doesn’t hurt that the whitetail breeding season is looming, just two to three weeks away across much of Texas.
As deer hunting conditions improve with cooler temperatures, hunters can expect an above average year in terms of buck antler quality, total deer numbers and, as a result, overall harvest. This is good news for hunters looking to fill that void on the wall.
“Despite a slow start to archery and the Managed Lands Deer Program (MLDP) season, I’m hearing of some exceptional bucks being harvested including an incredible 214 gross Boone and Crockett score low-fenced buck from La Salle County,” said Cain.
“I’ve talked to a number of hunters and landowners who have been scouting at their lease or hunting property for the upcoming general season and are reporting good antler quality as well. I think hunter excitement is high this season and hunters have lots to look forward to.”
BOOM: Texas Deer Hunting Season
The general gun season opener kicks off on Nov. 2 and runs through Jan. 5, 2020 in north Texas and Jan. 19, 2020 in south Texas. A late youth-only season is also slated for Jan. 6-19, 2020. For additional late season deer hunting opportunities and county specific regulations, consult the 2019-2020 Outdoor Annual of hunting and fishing regulations.
TPWD is also reminding hunters to review the chronic wasting disease (CWD) regulations for information about CWD testing requirements and carcass movement restrictions for the 2019-2020 season. Also, Texas hunters harvesting deer, elk, moose or other susceptible species in other CWD-positive states must also comply with carcass movement restrictions when bringing those harvested animals back into Texas.
In addition, the Texas Animal Health Commission has mandatory CWD testing requirements that apply to elk, red deer, sika, moose and reindeer in Texas, regardless of whether they are harvested in a high or low fence property. Familiarize yourself with these requirements if you hunt land where there is a possibility to harvest one or more of these CWD-susceptible exotics.
In closing, don’t expect whitetail to hit feeders or food plots hard during the early part of the season. Ample acorns are falling and recent rains have resulted in an abundance of cool season forbs. This will provide all that whitetail need through November, possibly beyond. Bucks will of course be moving throughout the rut.
The weather is forecast to be drier and colder than normal, so expect deer to use bait, feed and plots readily once we get into December. Time your hunts with the cold fronts, keep the wind in your favor and have a good hunting season.