Nine Bar Ranch Blog
North Texas Hunting in Winter
New hunters and hobbyists tend to flock to local hunting grounds in the fall, hanging up their equipment sometime in December. As a more serious hunter, you’re looking for opportunities to hunt year-round. Where can you go for North Texas hunting in winter? Nine Bar Ranch has you covered.
What Game Can You Hunt in Winter in North Texas?
It’s easy to assume that hunting is largely off the table in North Texas in winter because we reach the closed season on a lot of species. For example, the ever-popular white-tailed deer is off the table starting in early January and we don’t reach open season again until early November. That said, Nine Bar Ranch is home to a lot of game that has no closed season, meaning they’re available to hunt year round. Examples include:
- Scimitar horned oryx
- Sika deer
- Fallow deer
- Aoudad sheep
- Hog
In fact, this is a great time to bag game you might not always go after, like the exotic Aoudad sheep, and hone otherwise unused skills.
What Are the Benefits of Hunting in Winter?
Novice hunters tend to assume that the winter months are quiet because they’re not ideal for bagging game. The reality is that you may have a more successful hunt when temperatures drop because many species, including hogs and deer, become more active during daylight hours. Their focus is entirely on finding food, which becomes scarcer in January and February, which can also make them a little less vigilant. Reduced vegetation can also improve your sightline, whether you’re posted up in a blind or down on the ground. That said, winter hunting does present unique challenges that will make for a memorable trip.
What Should You Know Before Your Nine Bar Ranch Winter Hunting Trip?
One of the most important things to prepare for when hunting in North Texas in winter is the weather. While we’re rarely going to see extreme low temperatures, it can get chilly, particularly between sundown and sunup. Make sure that you’re packing layers with a focus on keeping your core, feet, and head warm and dry. When you come in from the hunt, you can enjoy spacious lodging and build a roaring fire inside your private quarters or out near our party barn.
To learn more about our North Texas winter hunting packages, contact us today and get your next trip on the books.
New Year’s Resolutions for Texas Hunters
Every time you head out for the hunt, it’s a unique experience. Still, you may feel like you’ve been in a bit of a rut, especially if you haven’t worked on any new skills or explored new territory in a few years. Read on for four New Year’s resolutions for Texas hunters that will freshen things up.
Clean and Organize Your Gear
This one is a bit of a chore, but we guarantee that it’s worth it. Break out all your hunting gear in the off season to take stock of what you have, from bullets to bows and beyond, replenishing your stock for the year to come.
This is also a great opportunity to clean your gear. Not only can this lengthen the lifespan of your hunting equipment, but it can teach you more about how it works, deepening your connection to the sport.
Become a Sharper Shooter
How often have you spotted a beautiful white tail from the blind but lost it due to inaccuracy? Worse still, how often have you hit your target, but not accurately enough to kill?
Target practice during the off season can help you hone your skills and become a more impressive hunter. Whether you’re a bow hunter or prefer a shotgun, improving your aim will help you bag more game.
Try a New Recipe
Hunting may be a great way to spend a Saturday morning, but it’s also a humane and low-waste way to feed your family. In 2025, it’s time to make more than just deer jerky. Make a commitment to try at least one new recipe using the game you bring home.
Stay warm with a slow-roasted venison stew or spice things up with pulled venison tacos. Alternatively, set your sights on something totally different and bring home a new protein, like wild hog or dove breast.
Explore New Territory
Nothing can add novelty to your hunting life like exploring new territory. Native Texas hunters are in luck! All you need to do is head to a new region and you’ll find totally different terrain.
If you’re ready to give North Texas (and our massive population of deer) a try, consider Nine Bar Ranch. Access over 12,000 acres across multiple tracts and enjoy shifting topography and varying ground cover without having to travel outside of the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Discover our hunting packages today and book your 2025 trip.