The 2020-21 statewide Archery Only season for white-tailed deer opened Oct. 3. Folks in the know are saying it should be a good one, thanks to good range conditions and the timely arrival of mild fall weather that has whitetails on the prowl.
“Recent precipitation throughout Texas has resulted in a flush of new growth on preferred native deer forages and should set the stage for good winter weed production, critical for deer late in the season,” said Alan Cain, white-tailed deer program leader with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “This is quite a change from the brown and brittle range conditions experienced in July and August.”
The biologist said deer are good shape, and he expects to see average to above average antler quality on bucks in many areas of the state.
The Archery Only season runs through Nov. 6, followed by the statewide general season opener, Nov. 7.
Wildlife experts say things are looking equally good for the east Texas squirrel season, which got underway Oct. 1.
“Squirrel populations are closely tied with mast production,” said Rusty Wood, TPWD District 6 wildlife biologist. “We have had great mast crops in the Pineywoods for the last three years. From what I have seen, we are on track for an average mast crop this year, which should translate into another good year of squirrel hunting.”