South Texas Trophy Hunting

South Texas grows some very large bucks.

Everything is bigger in Texas, and so it is with big game in the southern part of the state. Some of the largest whitetail bucks in the nation are taken in south Texas each year, making it a popular destination for hunters. The hunting is especially good in the the Golden Triangle area.

Geography

The Golden Triangle, encompassing Dimmit, LaSalle, Maverick, Zavala and Webb Counties, is an irregular triangle area west of San Antonio toward the Mexican border. This area, particularly Dimmit and Webb, have consistently had the largest bucks taken for several years.

Significance

What makes the Golden Triangle of south Texas so special for growing big deer is the perfect combination of nature in this area. There is ample grass and low-lying brush for good cover, and it doesn't get very cold there. The result is trophy-class deer as well as other big-game animals.

Guides

Perhaps the easiest way to go after big game is to enlist a guide or an outfitter. These guides take care of all the details, provide the area to hunt, and put you in the best possible position to make a kill. Of course, they charge a good price for their services, but if you are not familiar with the area, they could be very much worth the cost. Lodging and meals are often included on multi-day hunts with guides.

Public Areas

There are three federal wildlife management areas in south Texas that have public hunting. They are James E. Daughtrey near Cotulla, Chaparral near Artesia Wells and Las Palomas near Weslaco. These areas have special permit hunts at various times during the year.

Draw

Texas has drawings for big-game hunting on public lands. People must apply; if they are chosen, they will receive a special permit for hunting. Applications must be made for specific types of animals you wish to hunt. This is a tool used by conservation officials to maintain size of the statewide herd.

License

Anyone who hunts in Texas must have a license, regardless of age. State residents pay a lower fee for a license.

References

• Texas Parks and Wildlife: Wildlife Management
• World Class Outdoors: South Texas
• Texas Parks and Wildlife: General Rules

Resources

• Catarosa Ranch: Golden Triangle
• Aggieland: Hunting Guides
• El Indio: Outfitters