Story by Tom Claycomb III

Many, even most hunters don’t appreciate all the hunting opportunities, plus length of seasons Texas offers.  Trying to compile an all-inclusive list makes me a bit nervous, fearful I’ll miss two or three fan-favorites.  Regardless, here’s a sampling of what’s available of native and non-native game.

Whitetails are certainly the king of Texas big game! So, let’s start with them as this month we are right in the middle of the general season. The general North Zone season opened November 2 and runs through January 5, 2025.  The South Zone general season also opened November 2 but continues through January 19, 2025.

Throw into the deer hunting mix the archery, youth, muzzle loading plus late doe seasons results in a ton of days to pursue whitetail. When it comes to archery or muzzleloader hunting with these diciplines can be done beyond the designated season dates including the general season too.

Whitetails are the wariest game I’ve ever hunted, and especially Texas whitetails. At this stage in the season, you’ll have to have you’re A-game on. If you haven’t yet been successful, change things up. Hunt at noon. Hunt the thick brush. Reevaluate what deer are doing and develop a new late season game plan.

Even though Spring is the most popular time to turkey hunt, I’ve shot many turkeys in the Fall. While Spring hunting is usually calling gobblers up close and personal.  In the fall birds can be taken at distance with a rifle.  This is a good time to test sharp-shooting skills on head shots. As a kid, that’s how I shot all of my turkeys starting at nine-years of age.

Instead of a colorful Spring long-beard for the wall, go for a gobbler for the table in the fall.  What’s cooler than smoking a wild turkey for your family’s Christmas dinner?

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