Nine Bar Ranch Blog
5 Expert Tips for Deer Hunting in North Texas
At this point in the early season, deer hunting in North Texas can be extremely rewarding for novices and experts alike. Many times here on the blog we like to try to educate for those who are just starting out as hunting enthusiasts, but today we speak to those who are season veterans of the sport.
If you’ve been hunting in North Texas, or in the nearby regions for many years, you likely have tried and true tactics, gear, routines, and even superstitions that you carry through from year to year. However, even the best hunters can always learn new tricks! Read on for our top 5 deer hunting tips from the pros:
1. Go for the aggressors.
Challenge yourself right now while you have the chance to hunt bully bucks. You can find them (via observing or deer cams) by their posturing at nearby bucks, stubborn and territorial behavior, especially while feeding. Utilizing a younger buck call can draw them toward you as they may want another challenge.
2. Make use of modern technology.
By monitoring the movements of a nocturnal buck with a mobile trail camera, you’ll be able to discover exactly when he begins making daytime movements. Then you can move in quickly (within a few days maximum) to hunt him within his movement area for a successful kill.
3. Strategically plant a cedar tree within shooting range.
Since bucks faithfully check food plots for does at this time of year, you can take advantage of that knowledge. Uproot a small cedar tree and dig a decent hole about 20 yards from your hunting vantage point. Add to the ruse by making a mock scrape under it to draw all of the bucks right to you.
4. Use body language.
Seeking bucks will be quick and moving with intent. They’re on the lookout for a doe which means they’re much less aware of their surroundings and are less likely to notice you. Ignore all of the slower moving bucks. Also good to look for in seeking bucks: laid back ears and hair that is standing up. These are signs that the buck is aggressively on the hunt and that he’ll be likely to come toward your call.
5. Follow the frost.
After the first frost of the year, most bucks are still in their seeking phase. Look for deer that go out at first light to look for food. When the cold dawn air puts them off their usual food scents, many will lay back down for a few more hours while the temperature rises. By mid-morning, there is usually a ton of activity with bucks who are now going out to feed and also starting their doe seeking activity for the day. You can see a lot of action if you time it just right.
We know that deer hunting in North Texas is much more than a hobby for the serious hunter. Scouting, planning, location and the right equipment as well as knowing how to disguise your own scent are all part of the act. If you’ve got a great expert tip that we didn’t share here, please post it in the comments!
Preparing for 2020 Deer Hunting Season in Texas
As it is every year toward the end of the summer season, most people are eagerly anticipating the cooler weather of Fall. Especially in Texas, Autumn brings with it a relief from sizzling temperatures that reach their peaks in August. For the outdoorsman, another thing to look forward to as the seasons shift is deer hunting season in Texas.
Now’s the time to get prepared for your first deer hunt of the season, even though deer season doesn’t officially begin for another several months. Additionally, most avid hunters are so eager for the start of deer season that just the act of getting ready for deer season is exciting. Yes, you may find yourself prepping for Fall hunting while sweat pours off your body and drenches your clothing, but it will all be worth it when you can truly enjoy the Fall hunting season with everything in its place. Some things that should definitely be on your deer season preparation list include:
1. Clearing a hunting trail: If you regularly hunt in the same location, especially if it’s on your own property, make sure you’ve got a clear walking path well before the date of your first Fall hunt. By clearing your way of large branches and limbs, you’ll be able to move easily and stealthily when the time is right.
2. Repairing your hunting stand: If a hunting/tree stand is an important part of your hunting plan, a crucial pre-season task is making the necessary repairs to damage that may have occurred since you last inspected it. You’ll want to check for and fix any: rust, rot, tears, and breaks. Inspect all sides of the stand, as well as the interior, including straps, seats, and legs. VERY IMPORTANT: Thoroughly inspect for nests of any kind and clear them safely and humanely, where possible.
3. Practice and dial in your weapon: If you’ve been taking a break from hunting since last year’s deer season, refresh your mind and body with your hunting rifle or bow. Spend ample time at the range shooting and dialing in your weapon of choice. Discovering a problem with your hunting weapon when the perfect deer is within your sights will likely leave you without a trophy.
4. Inspect your gear and hunting apparel: This is especially pertinent when it comes to hunting boots. If you’ve gone a whole year without wearing them or if you’ve recently bought a new pair, you simply must break them in prior to wearing them on a hunting trip. Failure to do so will leave your feet blistered and aching. Try wearing your boots for a few days a week leading up to deer season.
Here at Nine Bar Ranch, we have experts on staff ready to answer any lingering questions you may have about prepping for the upcoming deer season in Texas. Interested in booking an organized hunting trip? Yeah, we do that too! Give us a call with questions, or to schedule the Texas deer hunt of your dreams. Like you, we are all super excited for deer season.