By Justin Walker
Communications Specialist

Greener pastures and possibly fewer deer. That’s what Texas hunters can expect to see when the general season begins Saturday.

Dry conditions plagued the state for most of the year, and while deer might be hard to find this season, antler quality will surprise hunters, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).

Recent rains and flooding have left many areas with plenty of new plant growth, which should help white-tailed deer populations.

“There’s a huge flush of green, like a giant food plot, so that’s good for the deer,” Alan Cain, TPWD deer program leader, said. “Hunters may need to adjust their hunting strategies to find deer that may not be readily seeking out corn because of the green conditions, but the benefit for bucks coming out of the rut and for bred does should set the stage for a good spring.”

The Hill Country experienced devastating flooding in the past few weeks, but deer and wildlife in the region shouldn’t be impacted in the long run, Cain said.

“The flooding displaced deer temporarily, but they’ll move back as the waters subside,” he said. “Hunters might notice deer have shifted around into areas they haven’t seen them in before, but as things settle down, they’ll move back into their usual areas.”

The current appearance of Texas is vastly different from earlier in the year when rain was lacking and inconsistent. Most of the state now had reasonable forb production and brush green-up during the spring, according to TPWD wildlife biologists, which gave deer a good foundation of native plants to support antler growth and fawn production.

“I think based on what we’ve seen coming in during archery season, hunters should be pleasantly surprised with antler quality,” Cain predicted. “Overall, I’m fairly optimistic about the 2018 deer season.”

Hunters should review the TPWD chronic wasting disease regulations for testing requirements and carcass movement restrictions during the 2018-2019 season.

The season begins Nov. 3 statewide and will run through Jan. 6, 2019 for North Texas and Jan. 20, 2019 for South Texas. A youth-only season is set for Jan. 7-20.

Click here for more information on deer hunting opportunities and regulations.