The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) anticipates a prosperous deer hunting season ahead, attributing it to vastly improved habitat conditions across the state. State offical are expecting a robust 2023-24 deer hunting season with ample harvest opportunities. A TPWD’s White-tailed Deer Program Leader was quoted as saying “Texas offers one of the lengthiest deer hunting seasons in the country. Take advantage of it this fall and winter and relish the exceptional deer herds we have right here in our home state.”
Following widespread and timely rainfall in the spring months, there has been remarkable habitat growth throughout most parts of the state. The proliferation of spring forb, a crucial element in a deer’s diet, has provided abundant nutrients for growing bucks, nursing does, and newborn fawns. The improved habitat conditions during the early part of the year have significantly contributed to the overall health of fawns, ensuring a better chance of survival through their initial six months. Areas that experienced a shortfall in spring rainfall should anticipate average antler quality, though still surpassing the standards set by the 2022 season.
The north Texas Cross Timbers ecoregion is projected to host the second-largest deer population, estimated at around 820,000 animals. The central part of the region is anticipated to exhibit higher deer densities. Thanks to consistent fawn production, the buck age structure remains well distributed across all age classes in this area.
Ahead of venturing into the field, hunters and landowners are urged to remain vigilant for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) within their deer herds. This fatal disease has been confined to specific regions across the state. TPWD has introduced new CWD zones to assist in management efforts. Reporting sick deer, appropriately disposing of inedible carcass parts, and voluntary testing of harvests are key measures in curbing its spread. Comprehensive information on CWD zones, requirements, and check stations can be accessed on TPWD’s website.