Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Deer Hunting Let's See some Really Big Deer

Much larger in South Texas, especially the western half. They are different subspecies than the Hill Country deer. Also, the ranches tend to be much larger making it easier to control the hunters and keep their fingers off the trigger so the deer can reach 6 1/2 or 7 1/2 years old where they tend to peak on body weight and antler size. Also, most of the South Texas ranches are aggressive on keeping the numbers down by hard culling of does so there is adequate food and water. It is some rough and harsh country, but beautiful in its own way.

The population densities of WT deer in the Hill Country are generally among the highest anywhere, thus causing too much competition for food. In the Hill Country, most properties are much smaller making implementation of management plans much more challenging. There are some areas where landowners are forming very large management cooperatives of 20 - 30,000 acres and really upping the quality of deer by dramatically reducing the densities, thus freeing up food and water, and letting the bucks reach maturity. Personally, I've never heard of a Hill Country buck going much above the 180's weight wise on well managed properties. In poorly managed areas, 150 - 160 pound range is more common.

Typical South Texas habitat from that area - tree stands are not going to work here. Trying to walk through the brush is a special experience too.



Found another of a young deer while looking for that photo.