Texas is known for outstanding whitetail deer hunts. With a vast space, favorable climate and terrain, the Texas deer population has been steadily increasing in certain parts of the state.
The native deer species in Texas include white-tailed deer and mule deer. Texas is an outstanding destination for whitetail deer hunting. With the abundance of areas open for public hunting, there a plenty of opportunities to harvest an animal. Still, many hunts take place at private ranches or high-fence outfit locations.
The Lone Star State continues to top the list of states with the most residential and non-residential licenses sold. The hunting season starts in November and extends to January, depending on the region.
Texas Deer Population by Region
The population of deer in Texas has been estimated in 2019 at approximately 5,600,000. There are significantly more whitetail deer in the Edwards Plateau region than anywhere else in the state. The density in this region is also much higher with approximately 147 deer per 1,000 acres.
DEER POPULATION - HOVER TO VIEW
1. Hill Country
The Texas Hill Country is located in Central and South Texas, forming the southeast part of the Edwards Plateau. This area is considered the very remote rural countryside of Central Texas, which understandably helps in sustaining a substantial deer population. Kerr WMA has been named one of the best places to hunt in this region. Located at the headwaters of the North Fork of the Guadalupe River, Kerr WMA offers abundance of white-tailed deer, bobwhite quail, javelina, wild turkey, mourning dove, and many migratory birds.
2. Pineywoods
With more than 300,000 acres of public hunting land, this region claims nearly 30% of the state’s 45,000 deer permits each year. Located in East Texas and covering almost 15 million acres, this region produces a large deer population. Although the animals may not be as large as the ones in the Southern part of the state, the hunts are exciting and interesting due to the wooded areas.
3. Southern Texas Plains
If you are looking for a trophy large game, the Southern Texas Plains are your destination. Because of the popularity of this region, you have to plan your hunt in advance. Most areas will require a daily fee payment or a multi-day hunting package. This area offers the ideal habitat for deer and is ranked as some of the best places to hunt in Texas.
4. Cross Timbers
This region is known for a very high deer population. Covered in grasslands, this 18 million-acre area often produces large herds of medium-sized whitetail. Hunters in the Cross Timbers region have the best chance of landing an animal during the rut often taking place around mid to late November.
If you live in Texas or planning to hunt there, the best strategy is to find your destination first. Follow all rules and regulations for hunting in that region to ensure a successful hunt. If you are interested in purchasing your own hunting ranch in Texas, browse our listings.
