The archery-only season for whitetail deer opens Saturday Oct. 3.
This year has blown by so fast that I am way behind on scouting and everything else related to deer season.
Hopefully I can make up for it in the next couple of weeks.
Until then, here are some notes about bow season and whitetails that should help you be prepared for the big day.
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There is plenty of public land for bowhunters in the eastern third of the state for those purchasing a $48 Annual Public Hunting Permit available through all license vendors. Most of these areas receive very little pressure in bow season and have great potential for deer hunting.
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The rut in the southern portion of the Pineywoods begins during the archery-only season so pay close attention to deer behavior as the season wears on. It might be your best shot at scoring on a big buck.
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The archery-only season runs through Nov. 1 but that was not always the case. In fact, until 2007 it ended several days before the general season began.
“There was no real reason for the break and it’s nice to see that change,” said legendary bowhunter and hunting activist Ted Nugent.
Nugent who now resides outside of Waco said the sheer amount of archery hunting opportunity in Texas is astounding.
“There are several reasons I live in Texas now and a big part of it is the amount of opportunity for bowhunting. There isn’t a region in the state without a strong deer population,” Nugent said.
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Texas Fish & Game Bowhunting Editor and master bowhunter education instructor Lou Marullo said the number one mistake he sees young hunters making in regards to shooting is not practicing with broadheads.
“It is extremely rare to find a bow that shoots with field points exactly like it would with broadheads of the same grain. All you have to do is look at the physical differences and see that there are some serious aerodynamic differences,” he said.
A number of broadhead makers claim their products match up to field points, but there are simply too many variables.
“It’s an absolute must to get out there and shoot with broadheads before going hunting. Even if you are just off an inch or two that could mean the difference between taking a big buck and suffering the heartache of losing an animal,” Marullo said.
When it comes to shooting broadheads at a target, there are many options on the market nowadays. However, I am old-fashioned in this regard.
In my opinion, the most versatile and practical bow targets on the market are 3-D targets. I have owned Delta and Mackenzie 3-D deer targets and have found they will last for years, if you treat them right.
“When it comes to shooting broadheads, I have found 3-D targets with the removable core or vitals to be the best option although there are some good ones out there that are specific for broadheads as well,” Marullo said.
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Snakes are out in force during October and in fact can be found in areas like South Texas in particular throughout the entire deer season.
Be cautious while walking over deadfall and use extreme caution while blood trailing deer at night. Copperhead, cottonmouths and rattlesnakes tend to be more active after hours.
In addition to snakes, beware of ticks since they carry Lyme disease. Make sure and apply repellent that has Deet and check for ticks as soon as you get back to camp.
(To contact Chester Moore, e-mail him at chester@kingdomzoo.com. You can hear him on “Moore Outdoors” Fridays from 6-7 p.m. on Newstalk AM 560 KLVI.)