Category: Non-typical Stuff

It’s that time of year, so what does the Texas deer hunting forecast look like for the upcoming 2025-26 season? This deer hunting season in Texas, you can expect a dynamic and rewarding experience while chasing white-tailed deer, especially given the state’s diverse ecological regions, strong deer population, and the generally good habitat conditions experienced this growing season.

“Historically good fawn recruitment over the last several years will provide deer hunters plenty of opportunities to bag a quality buck,” said Blaise Korzekwa, White-tailed Deer Program Leader for Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD). He’s right. It takes annual reproduction to support annual harvest.

Weather Impact on the Texas Deer Hunting Forecast

Texas began the growing season under drought conditions in March, but much of the state received abundant rainfall later in the spring. The vegetation growth from these rains boosted antler development in bucks and allowed does to pack on reserves for fawning and lactation, and those regions should expect an excellent hunting season.

Forbs, a.k.a weeds and flowering plants, are a critical component of a whitetail deer’s diet. They became abundant during late spring and offered essential nutrients to boost antler development in much of the state. However, hunters in portions of the Edwards Plateau and South Texas ecoregions may see average to below-average antlers on bucks this season, as rainfall wasn’t received in these regions until the summer months.

This is too late in the antler growth cycle to have played a role. However, the late-summer rains will help lactating does and should boost fawn recruitment.

Timing the Seasons

Bucks during this time of year gather in bachelor groups and provide plenty of hunting opportunities before the rut kicks off. Early season hunters can take advantage of this opportunity, but it’s generally no fun to “sweat it out” while deer hunting. Let’s hope some cooler weather moves in as the archery and general opener approach. Temperatures generally ebb and flow in Texas during the fall season, so plan to pick your times and pick your shots.

The deer hunting seasons are once again structured very similar to prior years. While the archery-only and Managed Lands Deer Program seasons begin Sept. 27, the general season opens more than a month later, on Nov. 1. The general season runs through Jan. 4, 2026, in the North Zone and Jan. 18, 2026, in the South Zone. A youth-only deer season is set in both zones for Oct. 24-26 and Jan. 5-18. For additional late season deer hunting opportunities, county specific regulations and information on how to properly tag and report a harvest, consult the 2025-26 Outdoor Annual.

Deer Hunting, TPWD, & CWD

Landowners and hunters also play a critical role in managing Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). We all know that CWD has been a hot topic in the deer world for many years now, and nobody wants it. TPWD suggests the most effective way to help manage CWD is by reporting sick deer, properly disposing of unused carcass parts and voluntarily testing harvests.

More information about carcass disposal requirements and voluntary CWD check station dates and hours of operations can be found on TPWD’s CWD website. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

A New Wrinkle This Hunting Season

It seems there is seldom a dull moment in the white-tailed deer world. And just in time to spice things up this year, let me introduce you to the the New World Screwworm (NWS) saga. Wait, what… screwworms in deer? The formally-eradicated NWS is making a comeback, trekking north through Central America from South America. This little insect threatens not only white-tailed deer and other wildlife, but also domestic livestock production.

TPWD is asking hunters to assist with surveillance for New World screwworm. If hunters or landowners observe a live animal infested with live maggots, they should quickly report the observation to a local TPWD biologist. It’s said that through active surveillance hunters can help protect the state from a pest that could have devastating impacts.

Final Look at the Texas Deer Hunting Forecast 2025

We know that good habitat is the foundation of successful deer hunting because it directly supports healthy, abundant white-tailed deer populations. Quality habitat provides everything deer need to thrive—nutritious food sources like native grasses, forbs, acorns, and agricultural crops; reliable water; and diverse cover for bedding, protection from predators, and shelter from harsh weather.

When these elements are present and well-balanced, deer are more likely to stay in an area, grow larger, and follow predictable movement patterns—making them easier to locate and hunt. Fortunately, much of Texas has just had a couple of really good rainfall years. This should translate into above average antler quality across most of the whitetail’s range in Texas.

In contrast, poor habitat can lead to lower deer numbers, smaller body and antler size, and inconsistent activity. This is the camp you can generally find the Hill Country and South Texas regions in for 2025. According to Korzekwa, “Texas leads the nation in terms of the number of deer hunters, annual harvest, and deer population. Even an average year in Texas is worth hunting. Those landowners who properly manage the state’s natural resources have shown year after year that their management can pay off.”

With all that said, deer management practices and age structure can overcome some deficiencies in decreased habitat conditions. This means you play a role in your Texas deer hunting forecast each year. Hunters who understand and develop areas with balanced deer herds and good habitat—whether it’s dense brush in South Texas or mixed hardwoods in East Texas—are far more likely to enjoy success this deer hunting season.

Do Fawns Breed? Do Fawns Get Bred?

White-tailed deer are prolific animals. For this reason, people often ask,  “Can fawns breed?” It’s a reasonable question, too. Many have witnessed rapid reproduction in deer with populations expanding quickly over short periods. In fact, deer populations often exceed the carrying capacity of habitat in many areas. Too many deer results in degradation of the habitat.

Whitetail populations have the ability to grow rapidly because most adult does give birth twin fawns each year. However, do fawns contribute with more fawns? Do fawns get bred during the breeding season? Okay, so the answers to these questions really depends on a few things that can impact individual deer as well as deer populations.

The primary factors impacting reproduction in deer are age and nutrition. A straightforward answer to these questions is also a little tricky; both yes and no are correct. So, let’s discuss breeding in white-tailed deer and the variables that contribute to whether or not fawns can breed.

Can Fawns Breed in the Fall?

No, fawns generally do not breed in the calendar year in which they are born. However, this does not mean that fawns do not breed. Fawns are defined as young deer, typically less than a year old, and generally are not sexually mature. However, the age at which a white-tailed deer reaches sexual maturity depends a deer’s individual nutrition and body condition.

Fawns are generally still dependent on their mothers and focused on growth and development rather than reproduction. For reference, bucks usually reach sexual maturity at about 1.5 years. However, young bucks are often not dominant enough to mate until they are older and stronger. However, does can become sexually mature around 7 to 8 months if they have good nutrition. So, can fawns breed? Yes. However, they typically breed for the first time in their second year, at about 1 1/2 years of age.

Most white-tailed deer fawns are conceived during the species’ breeding season. The exact timing varies depending on the geographic region but generally occurs in the fall. In most parts of North America, this is generally between October and December. During this time, adult does (female deer) are in estrus (heat) and are receptive to breeding.

Adult and Fawn Breeding Specifics

The peak whitetail breeding season in most of North America, Canada and the United States, tends to peak in November in adult deer. The peak of the breeding season is often referred to by hunters as the rut. In far southern regions, like parts of Texas and Florida, the timing can vary more widely, occurring as early as September or as late as February in adult deer.

Do fawns get bred during the rut? No, fawns generally are not available to be bred during the fall. This has to do with the age and size of fawns. However, doe fawns mature over time and as they increase in size.

Can Fawns Breed: Timing of First Estrus 

The gestation period for white-tailed deer is approximately 210 days, or about 6.5 months. This means that most fawns are born in the late spring or early summer,  typically May through July. This timing generally enhances the availability of abundant food resources for the mother and the fawn.

If a doe fawn (female fawn) reaches a sufficient body weight (about 70-80 pounds) before the end of the breeding season, she may enter her first estrus and breed when less than one year of age, but this is less common and depends on good nutrition and environmental conditions.

In most cases, first estrus in doe fawns will not occur until very early the following year (January-February). At this point, fawns born in late-May and June will be 7-8 months of age. So, can fawns breed? Yes, but it’s not the norm. In general, fawns born from adult does are conceived during the main rut of their region. However, the fawns of healthy, bred fawns are actually are born a couple months later than peak fawning dates.

Unfortunately, environmental conditions are generally less favorable for both mother and baby in mid- to late-summer, so this reproduction is is likely not additive to the population. So can fawns breed? Yes and no. Doe fawns can breed, but it’s not the norm for all doe fawns to breed, and they are unlikely to contribute additional fawns into the population.

Deer Hunting the Second Rut: Tips for Success

When most hunters think of the prime deer hunting season, they often focus on the first rut. This primary rut in white-tailed deer typically occurs from mid-October to mid-November depending upon location. However, the second rut—sometimes referred to as the “late rut” or “post-rut”—can offer an equally exciting opportunity and more productive for deer hunters. In fact, I have a lot of love for deer hunting the second rut.

Understanding the timing, behavior, and strategies involved with the second rut can give hunters a valuable edge as they chase whitetails late in the season. First, it’s important to know when the primary rut takes place in white-tailed deer in the area you hunt.

What is the Second Rut?

The second rut happens when does that were not bred during the first rut come into estrus for a second time. While not all does will cycle again, those that do create another burst of whitetail breeding activity. The timing of the second rut can vary depending on location, but it typically occurs 28 days after the initial rut, say mid-November early-December. In some areas, like South Texas, the second rut may even extend into January.

The second rut is driven by a combination of factors, including the hormonal cycles of the deer and the presence of unbred does. Since the first rut is usually a chaotic period of intense mating, some does simply don’t get bred during that time. The second rut provides another opportunity for these unbred does to be courted by bucks.

The buck to doe ratio of a deer herd can impact deer hunting during the second rut. A well-managed deer herd often has 1 buck for every 1-2 does. If the primary rut is highly successful, this can make any remaining does very popular at the next dance. However, this often results in bucks traveling far and wide to find a willing dance partner.

Sex ratios skewed towards does, say 4-5 does per buck, means only some the does get bred during the primary rut. This means deer hunting the second rut can be quite rewarding, as many does remain unbred in the population. Though this can situation can offer prolonged opportunity for hunters, it’s not ideal for bucks, future antler growth, and the deer herd in general. This is how you end up with late-born fawns the following year.

Understanding Deer Behavior During the Second Rut

By the time the second rut rolls around, the peak of the deer hunting pressure is often winding down. However, this doesn’t mean that white-tailed deer are any less active. In fact, I look forward to deer hunting the second rut as bucks are often moving more often and further as they search for a date. While the second rut is less chaotic than the primary rut, the second rut can see bucks returning to and exhibiting typical rutting behavior, such as:

• Increased Buck Activity: Bucks, having recovered somewhat from the first rut, will often become more active again during the second rut. With fewer does in estrus, bucks will actively search for those remaining unbred does.
• Smaller Bucks: By the second rut, larger bucks may have already bred and may not be as visible. However, smaller and younger bucks, often referred to as “yearling” bucks, will be on the prowl. These bucks can be less cautious than mature bucks, making them easier targets for hunters looking to manage the herd and put meat in the freezer.
• More Erratic Movements: While early season deer hunting is often about finding patterns, hunting during the second rut requires more flexibility. Bucks and does may be more erratic in their movements as they continue searching for mates, which means hunters may need to adjust their strategies accordingly. Hunt pinch points and cruising areas.

Strategies for Deer Hunting the Second Rut

1. Focus on Doe Herds: The second rut is all about the remaining unbred does. If you can locate a group of does that are still in estrus, you’re likely to find bucks close by, either seeking out these does or hanging around hoping for a chance encounter.
2. Hunt the “Hubs”: During the second rut, bucks tend to cruise heavily used areas or “hub” locations where multiple deer trails intersect. These hubs could be near feeding areas, bedding grounds, or water sources. Finding a hub can improve your odds of encountering a buck on the move.
3. Look for Fresh Sign: After the intensity of the first rut, some areas may see reduced deer activity, but there’s still fresh sign to be found. Keep an eye out for new rubs, scrapes, and fresh tracks that indicate active deer movement. Bucks may start freshening scrapes as they search for does.
4. Consider the Weather: Weather conditions play a significant role in deer movement, especially during late season hunting. Cooler temperatures tend to get deer moving earlier in the day, so take advantage of the colder mornings and evenings. Overcast days are often ideal, as deer may be more active in the twilight hours.
5. Use Calls and Scents: A well-timed grunt call can sometimes bring in a curious buck, especially if the grunt is imitating a doe’s estrus bleat. Some hunters also use scent lures designed to attract bucks in search of a mate. However, be cautious with your scent trail—deer are more cautious in the post-rut period and can be wary of unnatural scents.
6. Stay Patient and Persistent: Late-season hunting can be a waiting game, and deer hunting the second rut is no exception. Deer may not be as predictable as during earlier phases of the season, so patience is key. Stay alert, and be ready to adapt to changing conditions.

Conclusion: Deer Hunting the Second Rut

Deer hunting during the second rut can be a rewarding experience for hunters who know how to approach it. While the first or primary rut gets most of the attention with whitetail hunters, the second rut offers hunters the chance to catch bucks that are still looking to breed. Don’t get discouraged if you did not tag a buck early in the season, as different and possibly bigger bucks are coming to an area near you and looking to dance.

By understanding the behavior of deer during this time, using the right strategies, and being patient, hunters can enjoy success late in the season. The second rut might not be as well-known as the first, but it’s an excellent opportunity to tag a trophy buck and close out the season with a win.

New Carcass Disposal Regulations

New regulations are in effect this hunting season related to white-tailed and mule deer carcass disposal in Texas. These deer carcass disposal regulations allow Texas hunters to debone a deer carcass at the site of harvest. However, proof of sex and license tags must be maintained until the hunter reaches the final destination. By leaving the unused parts at the site of harvest, TPWD suggests the chance of spreading Chronic Wasting Disease to other areas of the state is significantly reduced. For most Texas hunters, these new regulations do not change how they currently care for their deer following harvest.

The regulation requires that meat from each deboned deer carcass must remain in whole muscle groups and maintained in a separate bag, package or container until reaching the final destination. Successful hunters cannot chop, slice, or grind meat prior to transport, but this change allows hunters to leave long bones of whitetail and mule deer at the property of harvest. Hunters can still quarter animals for transport or bring them to a deer processor. Proper carcass disposal

“Proper disposal of all potentially infectious material is critical for reducing the risk of disease transmission,” said Blaise Korzekwa, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) White-tailed Deer Program Leader. “These new deer carcass disposal regulations provide hunters more options when it comes to processing their deer to reduce that risk. If CWD is not managed and efforts are not made to mitigate potential spread of the disease, the implications for Texas and its multibillion-dollar ranching, hunting, wildlife management and real estate economies could be significant.”

Carcass Disposal Regs & Options

• Left or returned to the property where the animal was harvested
• Directly or indirectly disposing of the remains at a permitted landfill
• Burying the carcass at a depth of no less than 3 feet below the natural surface of the ground and covered with at least 3 feet of earthen material

These disposal measures apply to unused carcass parts from native deer harvested in Texas. This only includes white-tailed deer and mule deer that are being transported from the property of harvest. If carcass parts from native deer species are not being transported from the property of harvest, these carcass disposal rules would not apply. Livestock carcass disposal is already regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

For those hunters that take their harvest to a commercial deer processor, it will be up to the processor to properly disposes unused parts for them. For hunters processing deer at home, disposal in a commercial trash service is preferred.

Deer Carcass Disposal Regulations Seem Reasonable

This new regulation makes sense from a disease and deer management standpoint. I appreciate the fact that myself and other deer hunters can now debone deer at the site of kill. For me, the most difficult aspect of processing a deer has always disposing of the bones. This new regulation provides Texas’ deer hunters with more flexibility, since we still have the option of simply quartering up a deer or brining it to a processor.

According to Alan Cain, TPWD Big Game Program Director, “Part of the issue with chronic wasting disease is there is no cure. It’s not like a virus or bacteria. It’s just this little misfolded prion protein that causes other prion proteins to misfold in the brain and essentially creates holes in the brain, which leads to all kinds of neurological issues and problems with the health of the deer. Ultimately, it’s fatal. If we can minimize the impacts or try to stop the spread of disease in part through deer carcass disposal regulations, then that’s a win.”

What are Deer Mad Stones?

A mad stone, also known as s bezoar stone, are naturally occurring masses that form in the stomachs of certain animals, particularly ruminants, such as white-tailed deer and goats. The are often called a deer pearl when found in deer. Referred to as deer mad stones, these “gems” are formed from the accumulation of indigestible materials, such as hair, fibers, and plant matter, which gather and compact over time in the stomach.

In white-tailed deer and other deer species, these mad stones are referred to as deer pearls since they are formed similarly to oyster-formed pearls. However, the presence of these stones is not universal among all members of a particular species. It’s not accurate to say that every whitetail has deer pearls or deer mad stones. The formation of these stones is influenced by various factors, including the deer’s diet, health, and other physiological factors.

Hunter Finds Deer Pearl in Buck

“This is what biologists refer to as a mad stone or deer pearl. They grow to baseball-sized proportions and are formed when calcium clings to a foreign object (like hair) in the deer’s stomach. The process is similar to how an oyster creates a pearl. And if you cut one open, you’ll find growth rings like that of a tree.

It was once believed that mad stones had healing properties, and that those from albino deer were extra powerful. Some textbooks from the 1800s say these formations could cure rabies, snakebites, and more.

A common treatment was to soak the stone in milk and apply it directly to the wound. When it was done absorbing the poison from your body, it was placed back into the milk to recharge.

Mad stones are rare, but it’s said they’re more common in the East where soil is calcium-rich. So next time you kill a hoofed animal, do some rockhounding by exploring its stomach. You might just find a pearl.”

Deer Pearls are a Rare Find

The Power of Deer Mad Stones

A mad stone or bezoar stone is a substance that was traditionally believed to have medicinal properties, particularly in folk medicine. It was thought to have the ability to neutralize or absorb poisons. The name “mad stone” comes from its historical use as a supposed remedy for rabies or “mad dog” bites.

The mad stone is typically derived from the stomach of a ruminant, such as a goat, whitetail, or other deer species. The belief was that these stones could absorb toxins and poisons when applied to a wound. In the case of rabies, it was thought that using a mad stone on the bite wound could prevent the onset of symptoms.

It’s important to note that the efficacy of mad stones in treating rabies or other poisonings has never been scientifically proven. With the advancement of modern medicine and the development of vaccines, the use of mad stones has largely fallen out of favor, and medical professionals strongly recommend seeking conventional medical treatment, such as rabies vaccination, in the case of potential exposure to rabies.