Author: Buck Manager

Report Doe Harvest

With deer hunting season underway in Texas, it’s time for some hunters to report doe harvest in certain counties. As the four-day antlerless deer season approaches, taking place from November 28 to December 1, Texas hunters are reminded by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to report their harvests in a timely manner.

The short season, commonly referred to by hunters as doe days, will run in 21 counties. Hunters who harvest antlerless deer during this period, as well as those who hunt during the youth-only and muzzleloader seasons, are required to report their take within 24 hours. Submit harvest reports through the free Texas Hunt & Fish mobile app  or through the TPWD’s Texas Hunt & Fish website.

Who Needs to Report Doe Harvest?

Mandatory harvest reporting is a critical tool for wildlife management. In fact, reports provide biologists with valuable data on hunting activity and its impact on local deer populations. In addition, by tracking harvest numbers, the agency can monitor the health of deer herds and make informed decisions about hunting regulations, which may lead to more opportunities for hunters in the future.

Hunters in the following Texas counties are required to report doe harvests during the four-day antlerless season:

• Austin
• Bastrop
• Caldwell
• Colorado
• Comal (East of I-35)
• DeWitt
• Fayette
• Goliad (North of US 59)
• Gonzales
• Guadalupe
• Hays (East of I-35)
• Jackson (North of US 59)
• Karnes
• Lavaca
• Lee
• Travis (East of I-35)
• Victoria (North of US 59)
• Waller
• Washington
• Wharton (North of US 59)
• Wilson

Report Doe Harvest & Bucks

Additionally, hunters in the four counties that have been designated for archery-only hunting—Dallas, Grayson, Rockwall, and Collin—are also required to report all white-tailed deer harvests through the Texas Hunt & Fish app. In these counties, this includes any deer harvested throughout all white-tailed deer seasons, not just during the antlerless season. Again, reporting must also be completed within 24 hours of the deer harvest. So, make sure to report doe harvest and buck harvest ASAP if you hunt one of these four counties.

State officials emphasizes that accurate and timely harvest reporting is essential for the effective management of deer populations. By collecting this information, wildlife biologists can analyze trends in deer populations, adjust management strategies, and make data-driven recommendations for future hunting seasons. Furthermore, this helps ensure that hunting opportunities remain sustainable and beneficial to both wildlife and hunters.

Doe Harvest is Deer Management

The harvest of antlerless deer is an important part of managing a deer population at any level. Proper doe harvests contributes to sustainable hunting practices, as white-tailed deer are a renewable resource. Additionally, landowners and wildlife managers can provide more hunting opportunities by keeping deer populations in check. Proper management of doe herds helps maintain healthy deer populations that are sustainable for both wildlife and hunters, ensuring that hunting remains a viable activity for future generations.

Removing does and decreasing the overall deer population generally improve native plant communities. Deer hunting is important for habitat management, whether managing for deer or other wildlife species. When deer populations exceed the carrying capacity of their environment, they over-browse plants, leading to habitat degradation. In fact, this can affect not only important deer plants, but also deer and wildlife species that rely on the habitat.

Surveying deer populations annually and reporting deer harvest each hunting season allows managers to track population changes from year to year. Commonly, bucks are generally the preferred target for whitetail hunters. However, proper doe harvest is more important for population and habitat management. Keeping records is also a good practice, so record and report doe harvest as well as buck harvest this season and for seasons to come. These data can provide real insights into what’s happening on your property over time.

Deer Hunting the Second Rut: Tips for Success

When most hunters think of the prime deer hunting season, they often focus on the first rut. This primary rut in white-tailed deer typically occurs from mid-October to mid-November depending upon location. However, the second rut—sometimes referred to as the “late rut” or “post-rut”—can offer an equally exciting opportunity and more productive for deer hunters. In fact, I have a lot of love for deer hunting the second rut.

Understanding the timing, behavior, and strategies involved with the second rut can give hunters a valuable edge as they chase whitetails late in the season. First, it’s important to know when the primary rut takes place in white-tailed deer in the area you hunt.

What is the Second Rut?

The second rut happens when does that were not bred during the first rut come into estrus for a second time. While not all does will cycle again, those that do create another burst of whitetail breeding activity. The timing of the second rut can vary depending on location, but it typically occurs 28 days after the initial rut, say mid-November early-December. In some areas, like South Texas, the second rut may even extend into January.

The second rut is driven by a combination of factors, including the hormonal cycles of the deer and the presence of unbred does. Since the first rut is usually a chaotic period of intense mating, some does simply don’t get bred during that time. The second rut provides another opportunity for these unbred does to be courted by bucks.

The buck to doe ratio of a deer herd can impact deer hunting during the second rut. A well-managed deer herd often has 1 buck for every 1-2 does. If the primary rut is highly successful, this can make any remaining does very popular at the next dance. However, this often results in bucks traveling far and wide to find a willing dance partner.

Sex ratios skewed towards does, say 4-5 does per buck, means only some the does get bred during the primary rut. This means deer hunting the second rut can be quite rewarding, as many does remain unbred in the population. Though this can situation can offer prolonged opportunity for hunters, it’s not ideal for bucks, future antler growth, and the deer herd in general. This is how you end up with late-born fawns the following year.

Understanding Deer Behavior During the Second Rut

By the time the second rut rolls around, the peak of the deer hunting pressure is often winding down. However, this doesn’t mean that white-tailed deer are any less active. In fact, I look forward to deer hunting the second rut as bucks are often moving more often and further as they search for a date. While the second rut is less chaotic than the primary rut, the second rut can see bucks returning to and exhibiting typical rutting behavior, such as:

• Increased Buck Activity: Bucks, having recovered somewhat from the first rut, will often become more active again during the second rut. With fewer does in estrus, bucks will actively search for those remaining unbred does.
• Smaller Bucks: By the second rut, larger bucks may have already bred and may not be as visible. However, smaller and younger bucks, often referred to as “yearling” bucks, will be on the prowl. These bucks can be less cautious than mature bucks, making them easier targets for hunters looking to manage the herd and put meat in the freezer.
• More Erratic Movements: While early season deer hunting is often about finding patterns, hunting during the second rut requires more flexibility. Bucks and does may be more erratic in their movements as they continue searching for mates, which means hunters may need to adjust their strategies accordingly. Hunt pinch points and cruising areas.

Strategies for Deer Hunting the Second Rut

1. Focus on Doe Herds: The second rut is all about the remaining unbred does. If you can locate a group of does that are still in estrus, you’re likely to find bucks close by, either seeking out these does or hanging around hoping for a chance encounter.
2. Hunt the “Hubs”: During the second rut, bucks tend to cruise heavily used areas or “hub” locations where multiple deer trails intersect. These hubs could be near feeding areas, bedding grounds, or water sources. Finding a hub can improve your odds of encountering a buck on the move.
3. Look for Fresh Sign: After the intensity of the first rut, some areas may see reduced deer activity, but there’s still fresh sign to be found. Keep an eye out for new rubs, scrapes, and fresh tracks that indicate active deer movement. Bucks may start freshening scrapes as they search for does.
4. Consider the Weather: Weather conditions play a significant role in deer movement, especially during late season hunting. Cooler temperatures tend to get deer moving earlier in the day, so take advantage of the colder mornings and evenings. Overcast days are often ideal, as deer may be more active in the twilight hours.
5. Use Calls and Scents: A well-timed grunt call can sometimes bring in a curious buck, especially if the grunt is imitating a doe’s estrus bleat. Some hunters also use scent lures designed to attract bucks in search of a mate. However, be cautious with your scent trail—deer are more cautious in the post-rut period and can be wary of unnatural scents.
6. Stay Patient and Persistent: Late-season hunting can be a waiting game, and deer hunting the second rut is no exception. Deer may not be as predictable as during earlier phases of the season, so patience is key. Stay alert, and be ready to adapt to changing conditions.

Conclusion: Deer Hunting the Second Rut

Deer hunting during the second rut can be a rewarding experience for hunters who know how to approach it. While the first or primary rut gets most of the attention with whitetail hunters, the second rut offers hunters the chance to catch bucks that are still looking to breed. Don’t get discouraged if you did not tag a buck early in the season, as different and possibly bigger bucks are coming to an area near you and looking to dance.

By understanding the behavior of deer during this time, using the right strategies, and being patient, hunters can enjoy success late in the season. The second rut might not be as well-known as the first, but it’s an excellent opportunity to tag a trophy buck and close out the season with a win.

New Carcass Disposal Regulations

New regulations are in effect this hunting season related to white-tailed and mule deer carcass disposal in Texas. These deer carcass disposal regulations allow Texas hunters to debone a deer carcass at the site of harvest. However, proof of sex and license tags must be maintained until the hunter reaches the final destination. By leaving the unused parts at the site of harvest, TPWD suggests the chance of spreading Chronic Wasting Disease to other areas of the state is significantly reduced. For most Texas hunters, these new regulations do not change how they currently care for their deer following harvest.

The regulation requires that meat from each deboned deer carcass must remain in whole muscle groups and maintained in a separate bag, package or container until reaching the final destination. Successful hunters cannot chop, slice, or grind meat prior to transport, but this change allows hunters to leave long bones of whitetail and mule deer at the property of harvest. Hunters can still quarter animals for transport or bring them to a deer processor. Proper carcass disposal

“Proper disposal of all potentially infectious material is critical for reducing the risk of disease transmission,” said Blaise Korzekwa, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) White-tailed Deer Program Leader. “These new deer carcass disposal regulations provide hunters more options when it comes to processing their deer to reduce that risk. If CWD is not managed and efforts are not made to mitigate potential spread of the disease, the implications for Texas and its multibillion-dollar ranching, hunting, wildlife management and real estate economies could be significant.”

Carcass Disposal Regs & Options

• Left or returned to the property where the animal was harvested
• Directly or indirectly disposing of the remains at a permitted landfill
• Burying the carcass at a depth of no less than 3 feet below the natural surface of the ground and covered with at least 3 feet of earthen material

These disposal measures apply to unused carcass parts from native deer harvested in Texas. This only includes white-tailed deer and mule deer that are being transported from the property of harvest. If carcass parts from native deer species are not being transported from the property of harvest, these carcass disposal rules would not apply. Livestock carcass disposal is already regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

For those hunters that take their harvest to a commercial deer processor, it will be up to the processor to properly disposes unused parts for them. For hunters processing deer at home, disposal in a commercial trash service is preferred.

Deer Carcass Disposal Regulations Seem Reasonable

This new regulation makes sense from a disease and deer management standpoint. I appreciate the fact that myself and other deer hunters can now debone deer at the site of kill. For me, the most difficult aspect of processing a deer has always disposing of the bones. This new regulation provides Texas’ deer hunters with more flexibility, since we still have the option of simply quartering up a deer or brining it to a processor.

According to Alan Cain, TPWD Big Game Program Director, “Part of the issue with chronic wasting disease is there is no cure. It’s not like a virus or bacteria. It’s just this little misfolded prion protein that causes other prion proteins to misfold in the brain and essentially creates holes in the brain, which leads to all kinds of neurological issues and problems with the health of the deer. Ultimately, it’s fatal. If we can minimize the impacts or try to stop the spread of disease in part through deer carcass disposal regulations, then that’s a win.”

20 Tips for Early Season Deer Hunting

The most popular big game animal in North America is the white-tailed deer. However, less than 50 percent of hunters tag a buck each season. The start of the season offers the best chance of success, but early season deer hunting presents unique challenges and opportunities. Here are 20 tips to help you have a successful hunt during the early season:

Tips for Early Season Deer Hunting

Scouting: Get out in the field during the summer before deer season begins. Spend time scouting your hunting area to locate deer trails, feeding areas, and bedding sites. This basic information tells you where deer travel and spend their time. Whitetail generally have home ranges of 200-600 acres. Having an idea of deer movement patterns will give you a big advantage come hunting season.

Trail Cameras: Cameras are an extension of your physical scouting. Set up trail cameras while in the field to monitor deer movement and behavior. Camera photos can provide valuable information about the timing of deer activities and the size of the local deer population. Photos will identify animals you can target for harvest. Cameras will also identify areas that you should avoid.

Food Sources: Deer need to eat. Identify the available food sources in the hunting area, such as acorns, fruit-bearing trees, and agricultural fields. Deer will be attracted to these food sources and that increased your chances of spotting them. Your best chance at tagging an early season buck is knowing where his food is located.

Water Sources: Deer need to drink, too. The early season means warmer temperatures. This increases the need for high quality H-2-O. Locate water sources in your hunting area prior to the season. Rather than hunt right on the water source, hunt high traffic trails leading to the site.

Practice Shooting: Before hunting season starts, practice shooting to ensure your accuracy and proficiently. This tip is essential if you plan to hunt with archery equipment, but also important for gun hunters. Deer are not quite as wary early in the early season, but you still need the skill to seal the deal.

Scenarios and Drills: In addition to standard shooting repetition, go beyond and practice real-world scenarios. Shoot from elevated positions (if using a tree stand), shoot in low light conditions, and practice drawing your bow slowly and quietly. These drills will improve your adaptability and confidence in the field.

Scent Control: Whitetail have a keen sense of smell. This is by far their best defense against hunters. Want to tag a buck? Become nearly un-smell-able. Use scent control measures like scent-eliminating sprays and scent-blocking clothing. Most of them work. In addition, position yourself downwind of where you think the deer will be when hunting. This will reduce the odds of deer detecting your presence.

Camouflage and Concealment: Scent control is more important than the cloths you wear, but camo helps close the distance. Wear appropriate camouflage clothing that matches the surroundings. Additionally, use natural cover and terrain to your advantage. This will break up your outline and help you stay hidden.

Tree Stands and Ground Blinds: Stands and blinds also help conceal your presence. Use strategically placed tree stands and ground blinds near deer trails, feeding areas, or travel corridors. They help you stay hidden and can improve your vantage point. In addition, an elevated hunting position helps combat a whitetail’s sense of smell. Make sure you have clear shooting lanes.

Quiet Movement: Early season deer hunting means lots of leaves. This is good for visual concealment, but vegetation is noisy to move through. Practice slow and deliberate movements to minimize noise and avoid spooking deer, especially if still hunting.

Visualization and Mental Practice: For new hunters, it’s important to think about the task at hand. Think about a huge buck standing 15-yards away. How will you react? Spend time visualizing successful shots and hunting scenarios. Mental preparation can enhance your focus, confidence, and decision-making skills while in the field. Mental preparedness will allow you to harness all that repetitive, preseason training.

Deer Calls: The early season is not the prime time for aggressive calling. However, soft doe bleats or fawn calls can still attract curious deer in the area. Do some research and practice before using audible devices. These sounds can attract bucks as well as does and both taste better than tag soup.

Patience: Early season deer hunting is often challenging as deer may go form very predictable to not predictable at all. This is true when food sources are all of a sudden abundant and scattered. Deer movement patterns change quickly when new food sources become available. Deer that seem very predictable prior to the hunting season can turn on a dime. Be patient and prepared to spend more time in the field. Stay the course or identify the new pattern and respond accordingly.

Stay Flexible: A benefit of the early season is it often allows hunters to pattern bucks on food sources. However, both food and water availability can change quickly. Dry weather often means deer stay in a pattern, but a string of rain events will change forage availability. Warm, wet conditions tend to scatter food and deer. Likewise, so can the sudden availability of apples, persimmons, acorns, pecans, chestnuts and other foods in a hunting area. Stay patient if your hunting the right spot, but do not be afraid to move with the deer.

Weather Considerations: Pay attention to weather patterns. Early season hunting generally means warmer temperatures. Put more emphasis on hunting during cooler parts of the day, such as dawn and dusk, when deer are more active. Save those all day hunts for cooler weather or during the rut, if needed.

Safety First: Always prioritize safety. Though this bit of advice is not listed first, it should be on the top of mind. Always let someone know your hunting plans, where you are going, and expected return time. Doing this means help can be sent your direction should you need it. In addition, wear appropriate safety gear. This includes a tree safety harness if hunting from an elevated position and/or blaze orange. Consider ear protection if gun hunting.

Stay Hydrated and Prepared: As mentioned, early season deer hunting weather ranges from mild to warm to hot. Hunting in warmer weather can lead to dehydration, especially if you are fortunate enough to tag a deer early. A deer on the ground means the real work starts. Carry enough water and snacks to stay comfortable during long hours in the field.

Tick Awareness: Depending on your location, ticks can be prevalent during the early deer season. Wear appropriate clothing and use tick repellents to protect yourself.

Follow Regulations: Know the hunting regulations for the area you are hunting prior to the season. Follow all hunting regulations, including bag limits, hunting seasons, and licensing requirements. Do not ruin a hunt, or someone else’s hunt, by breaking the law.

Plan for Travel: If you plan to deer hunt in a different location this season, research the area, plan your accommodations, and familiarize yourself with local hunting regulations. Follow the tips provided, even if some of your work is done remotely. Planning and preparation is vital for success.

Key in on Deer Behavior & Prepare

Hunting early season deer generally means bucks are in still late-summer or early-fall feeding patterns. In addition, bucks have received zero hunting pressure leading up to the start of the season. Although this stacks a few things in favor of hunters, whitetail are still cautious animals. Furthermore, changing weather conditions, additions to the food supply, and the start of the breeding season will alter the movement patterns of deer.

Pattern early season bucks and use that to your advantage as much as possible. Moreover, use the provided tips to increase your chances of early season deer hunting success. Do not be afraid to switch gears when the deer you are hunting switch gears.

By dedicating time and effort to offseason preparation, you’ll be better equipped to make accurate shots, understand deer behavior, and handle all the challenges that come with early season deer hunting. The season will be here soon. Be safe and be successful!