Sorry I’m late to post—if you checked the calendar, you know deer season opened last weekend for rifle. I’m seriously excited this year because it’s been two years since I’ve chased a buck. My husband and I both hunt, but I’ll usually only go out if we need to put meat in the freezer. And this year? We definitely do.
We headed out to Comanche, my hometown, to hunt. I usually avoid public hunting land—not that it doesn’t work, but I’ve got the luxury of private land and like to make the most of it. We saw plenty of does and even a couple of young bucks, but nothing I’d call a “shooter.” So I’ll be heading back during Thanksgiving week, hoping to take one home.
My Tips for Deer Hunting Season
If you’re out in the field too, here’s some stuff to keep in mind that’s helped me over the years.
1. Catch Deer at the Right Times
Deer are mostly active at night, so you’ve got the best chances early in the morning or later in the afternoon. I aim to be in my spot before sunrise, and in the afternoon, I’ll settle in around 3:30-4:00 p.m. Shooting light is 30 min before sunrise to 30 min after sunset.
2. Control Your Scent
Deer are hyper-sensitive to smell, so make sure you skip perfume on hunting days. I wash my hunting clothes in scent-free detergent and try to stay downwind. It’s all about keeping them from catching your scent before you even see them.
3. Use Natural Calls
You can buy doe urine and other attractants if that’s your thing. I usually don’t bother, but I’ll bring a couple of sheds (dropped antlers) with me to the blind. If a nice buck comes in close, you can knock the antlers together to imitate bucks sparring, which can sometimes grab his attention.
4. Know the Regulations
Every state has different rules. In Texas, for example, baiting deer is legal, so you can set out corn in feeders. Here are a few basics:
- Hunt with the wind in your face to keep your scent down.
- Spend as much time as possible out there and get familiar with where the deer tend to move.
- Buck Requirements: To qualify, a buck must have at least one unbranched antler or an inside spread of 13 inches or more. (See the Image)
- Shooting Hours: Legal shooting is 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.
- Illegal Methods: Hunting from a vehicle on a public road and using artificial lights to hunt at night are both a big no.
- Tagging and Bag Limits: Tag your deer immediately after harvest with the correct tag. Bag limits vary by county, so be sure to check the regulations for where you’re hunting.
I will keep yall posted on my buck, send in any questions you might have through the contact us page!
OTSDE Outdoors 