The range of the white-tailed deer covers almost all of North America. They are most common east of the Rocky Mountains. From the Rockies west, mule deer and black-tailed deer dominate, but whitetails are still found in river bottom areas and lower foothills in many western states. Record books recognize a wide variety of subspecies, from Coues whitetails to Texas whitetails to northern whitetails. The differences are largely in size and geographic region. Northern whitetails of Canada and the northern Midwest are the largest in body size; body size tends to get smaller the farther south you go, although antler size does not necessarily do the same, as some Texas whitetails have antlers that rival their northern cousins.
WHITETAIL DEER HUNTING METHODS
Whitetails are hunted with a variety of methods depending on terrain, habits and local laws and traditions. The most common methond is stand hunting, where a hunter watches from a likely area, either from a treestand or ground blind. In some states such as Texas and Michigan, baiting is legal, and hunters may be positioned near a feeder or bait pile. Driving is also a traditional method of deer hunting, especially in Eastern states that are thickly wooded. Still-hunting and spot-and-stalk are the most challenging and rewarding methods.
WHEN TO HUNT WHITETAIL DEER IN TEXAS
Whitetail deer hunting season is generous, beginning in August or September in most states and provinces, and often lasts well into the next year. The greater part of the hunting season is typically archery only, with the modern firearm seasons limited to a few weeks in October-November. This season usually coincides with the rut, which is generally supposed to be the best time to hunt white-tailed deer.
WHAT IS THE COST TO HUNT WHITETAIL DEER IN TEXAS?
Guided whitetail deer hunts start at about $300-$500, depending on the location and duration of the hunt. Archery and muzzleloader hunts, where the chance to harvest a trophy is smaller, are typically cheaper. Prices increase with trip duration, the work that the outfitter has put in to improve the trophy quality and abundance, or the need to travel into remote areas, but most will cost under $3,500. The hunts offered around the $10,000 mark on BookYourHunt.com are mostly combination hunts with other animals, or calculated for a party of 3-4 hunters.
