Spring Branch, Texas Deer Hunting

Spring Branch, Texas offers excellent deer hunting.

When deer hunters are looking for top deer hunting destinations, they don't look any further than Texas. Known for trophy deer, hunters from around the world travel to the Lone Star State in search of a trophy buck. Spring Branch, Texas, located north of San Antonio in Comal County, is a popular destination for deer hunters looking for a trophy buck.

Public Lands

The Spring Branch area has several Wildlife Management Areas to choose from for public hunting lands. Some of these areas include the James E. Daughtrey WMA, Kerr WMA and Mason Mountain WMA. James E. Daughtrey WMA consists of 4,400 acres surrounding the Choke Canyon Reservoir. Kerr WMA is situated on the head of the North Fork of the Guadalupe River and contains 6,493 acres. Mason Mountain WMA is located in the Llano Uplift and was previously an exotic game ranch. Fluorescent orange is only required while hunting on public land.

Regulations

Before hunting deer in Spring Branch, you will need to purchase a hunting license. The licenses can be purchase online at the Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) website, at a license vendor or a sporting goods store. As of 2010, resident hunting licenses cost $25 and nonresident licenses cost $315. An additional $7 archery hunting stamp is required if you plan on using archery equipment. Some of the public hunting lands require a special permit, such as Mason Mountain WMA. Contact the area manager for more details about a permit (see Resources). The Spring Branch area bag limit for 2010 is five deer with no more than two bucks for the entire season. For example, if you shoot two bucks, the last three deer must be antlerless. You are, however, allowed to shoot five antlerless deer and no bucks.

Time Frame

Seasons are set by the TPWD and the 2010 hunting season opens on Oct. 2 with the archery season. The general firearm season opens on Nov. 6 and closes on Jan. 2. Youth seasons are open from Oct. 30 to 31 and Jan. 4 to 17. Matt Williams from Texas Sportsman Magazine suggests hunting in late October and early November to hunt the rut and increase your chances for harvesting a mature buck.

Equipment

The climate for the Spring Branch area has long, hot summers that extend into the early deer season and mild winters for the late-season hunts. Be prepared for warm weather during October by wearing hunting clothing that breathes and wicks sweat away from your body. Rain gear isn't a top priority as the average annual for the area is only 20 to 25 inches. If you are bow hunting, bring a ground blind to position along a trail, water hole or feeding area. Tripod stands can be effective for rifle hunting allowing you to see over the brush.

Geography

The Spring Branch area has a diverse landscape, from gently rolling hills to the south and steep canyons to the north. Common plants, brush and cover include mesquite, blackbrush, brasil, Texas persimmon and prickly pear. If you are interested in hanging a tree stand, common trees are oak and hackberry and elm. Be prepared to adjust your hunting style based on deer movement through the terrain.

Considerations

If you aren't interested in public hunting, consider leasing private property or hiring an outfitter in the Spring Branch area. Ranches will typically manage their deer herds to maximize antler growth that increases the potential of shooting a trophy buck. The outfitter will do the research before the season to find a buck and learn his patterns. Some outfitters will charge trophy fees based on antler size. For example, size minimums might be 130 or 140 inches with a trophy fee for any buck shot under the minimum.

References

• Texas Parks and Wildlife: South Texas Wildlife Management
• Texas Parks and Wildlife: Upcoming Texas Hunting Seasons for Comal County
• Texas Sportsman: Texas' 2009 Deer Outlook

Resources

• Texas Parks & Wildlife Department: Hunting and Wildlife
• Texas Parks and Wildlife: Mason Mountain WMA