As enjoyable as the holidays can be, it’s no secret that many of us struggle with the unrelenting, frenzied activity leading up to Christmas and New Year’s Eve. If you are looking to relax, get away from it all, and reconnect with the beauty of fall and winter outside of the commercialized aspects, winter hunting in TX is the best way to make it happen!

In December, Texas has a wide variety of game animals in season. With an Annual Public Hunting Permit (available for just $48,) you gain access to more than 1 million acres of Texas hunting land. With this permit, you are also invited to begin scouting for prime hunting spots a full week before your target game’s season opens.

To find the best locations for your hunt, start with the public hunting map. While crowds tend to pack in on any given animal’s opening week, you can beat the rush by heading out as early as possible, hunting mid-week as often as you can, and choosing spots that cover more challenging terrain that might deter less capable hunters. 

In December, the following game is in season: 

  • Javelina
  • Mule Deer
  • Squirrel
  • White-tailed Deer
  • Chacala
  • Pheasant 
  • Quail
  • Rio Grande Turkey
  • Dove
  • Duck 
  • Goose
  • Rails
  • Gallinules
  • Moorhens
  • Sandhill Cranes
  • Snipe
  • Teal 
  • Woodcock
  • Rabbits
  • Hares

To learn more about our state’s robust public hunting program, check out the Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine story, Hunting for a Place to Hunt? 

Nine Bar Ranch’s Winter Experience

Of course, the best way to avoid crowds as a hunter is to book an exclusive hunting trip at Nine Bar Ranch. Our winter hunting offerings are more diverse than those found in the wild, and include the following:

  • Aoudad
  • Red Stag
  • Fallow Deer
  • Sika Deer
  • Wild boar
  • Scimitar Horned Oryx

Our spots for holiday hunting packages do tend to sell quickly, so please contact us as soon as you can to reserve your desired dates and game package

Hunting at Nine Bar Ranch in Decatur is private and customized to your plans, yet remains a challenging and satisfying experience. Stay for two days, sleep in our cozy hunter’s lodges, relax around a roaring campfire at the end of a long day, and enjoy the option of having our crew dress and pack your game for you to take home with you.

Whether you hunt here at the ranch or out in the wilds of Texas on public land, we wish you a relaxing and successful winter hunting season. Happy holidays from our family to yours!