Mule Deer Season Opens Saturday

Mule Deer Season Opens Saturday

Mule deer season opens Nov. 19 in the Panhandle and Southwestern Panhandle, Nov. 25 in Trans-Pecos.

The forecast for the upcoming mule deer season is excellent. Texas’ mild, rainy spring extended into mule deer country, creating exceptional habitat conditions, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Refer to the Outdoor Annual for all mule deer regulations, including antlerless permit requirements. Don’t forget to carry proof of Hunter Education and a current license while hunting.

If you’ve ever wanted to go for one of these trophies, this is the year to head to West Texas. One robust buck taken in last year’s Ultimate Mule Deer Hunt was found in the Southwestern Panhandle. At 232 0/8 gross and 226 2/8 net, it was the largest scoring deer ever taken at a Texas WMA. A combination of good wildlife management and mild weather guarantees there are more like him.

Hunters who take mule deer within the Trans-Pecos and Panhandle Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) zones must bring their animals to a check station within 24 hours. CWD zones are currently in Culberson, Dallam, Deaf Smith, El Paso, Hartley, Hudspeth, Moore, Parmer, Potter, Reeves and Sherman counties. Download this new booklet to learn all you should know about CWD regulations.