Texas is home to big populations of both whitetail and mule deer. Deer hunting in Texas is big business.
In rural parts of Texas most ranchers and land owners lease out their land during hunting season. Many rural economies would suffer without white-tail and mule deer hunting.
Cartridges to Use in Texas for Deer hunting
Texas deer, like whitetail, are relatively smaller than say a Canadian whitetail deer. Popular cartridges like the 30-06, 308, 270 Winchester and 25/06 are ideal for long range open country shots on undisturbed deer.
For stand hunting in thick brush the 30-30 Winchester is as reliable as ever. A 12g shotgun shooting solid slugs is also perfect. Texas white-tail deer are easily dispatched using a 243 Winchester and the right bullet (i.e. 85gr Barnes X).
Big magnum cartridges like the 300 Winchester Magnum and 7mm Remington Magnum are way too much gun for the smaller Texas whitetail deer (when compared to their far Northern cousins).
Hunting with a guide in Texas
Non-residents will find it easier to hunt in Texas using the services of a reputable guide or outfitter who specializes in white-tail or mule deer.
Always ask your outfitter if they offer ‘Fair Chase’ hunts. And ask about the methods of hunting whitetail deer – from a blind overlooking corn/protein feeders, food plots or using a rattle or even spot and stalk.
Most Texas style whitetail deer hunting is done from blinds placed strategically along flats and hilltops. Ask your outfitter if multiple blinds are used on the property in different environments. This way you’ll maximize your chances of shooting a mature whitetail trophy buck. Ask how many deer you can expect to see in a day at the time of year you wish to hunt.
Mule Deer in Texas?
Texas is not widely known for mule deer hunting. However, some respectable mule deer trophies have been harvested. Its not uncommon to shoot a 170-class mule deer in a well-managed area these days. Some crossing the magic 200 mark have been taken annually.
So where are Mule deer found in Texas? Its in a region called the Trans-Peco. This region covers a large part of the Chihuahuan Desert (one of the largest in North America). In this part of Texas there are mountain ranges above 8000 feet. The area is arid and remote.
The best way to hunt mule deer in Texas is with a guide/outfitter. Long range, hard hitting magnums are preferred when shooting Texas mule deer in this open desert environment because this species of mule deer are bigger in body size than its Sonoran cousins (live weight often reaches 200 pounds and above).
