October welcomes some of the best weather of the year to Texas and, with it, some great hunting opportunities! Many whitetail hunters miss out on good October hunting as they plan and prep for the November rut. And while October may not allow you to bag the trophy you have been dreaming of, there is still much to offer this month. Here are some tips on making the most out of your North Texas Hunting in October.
1. Hunt Conservatively
You will only get a few good hunts out of one spot before the deer sense they are being hunted in that area. If you spend October hunting too aggressively, you could risk losing buck activity in your promising hunting spots before November. October is a time to take it easy, enjoy the outdoors, and see what opportunities come along. Avoid hunting too heavily in places you plan to hunt during the rut.
2. Doe Hunting
Hunting does in October is a great way to build your confidence as you head into the rut. Some hunters can go the entire rut without tagging the buck they are after. Does, on the other hand, offer plentiful opportunities for success. From a conservation perspective, many areas need to have does thinned from the herd each year to maintain a healthy herd level. Does also produce high-quality, organic meat you can stock your freezer with. When we focus on the glory of the rut, we miss out on doe hunting.
3. Find a Good Food Supply
If you are just looking for a great day outside in the fall weather, you typically can’t go wrong with finding a food supply spot and setting up on the edge of the feeding area or on a heavy trail leading there. Does become more active during daylight hours in the fall so it is likely that you will find yourself in a target-rich environment. Two or three feeding spots could keep you busy for the whole month.
October can be a great time to experience North Texas hunting if you go into it with the right expectations. It is the perfect time for great weather, gorgeous scenery, and lots of action. With the right attitude, this can be some of the best hunting of the year.