Introduction
They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that certainly holds true when it comes to hunting. My name is Jake Carter, and I’ve spent the better part of the last fifteen years navigating the diverse landscapes of Texas, pursuing game of all kinds. From the rolling Hill Country to the vast expanses of West Texas, my hunting adventures have shaped who I am today. In this article, I’m going to share with you my experiences, the lessons I’ve learned, and the stories that have defined my life as a hunter. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or someone just starting out, I hope you find a bit of wisdom, excitement, and maybe even inspiration in my tales.
The Early Days: Learning the Ropes
Getting Started: The Call of the Wild
My hunting journey began as a young boy, tagging along with my father and grandfather on their weekend hunts. We lived in a small town just outside of San Antonio, where the culture of hunting was as much a part of life as football and barbecue. I remember the first time I held a rifle—it was a .22 caliber, just right for a kid learning to shoot. My dad set up some tin cans on a fence post, and with his steady hand guiding mine, I took my first shot. The sound of the bullet hitting the can, the smell of gunpowder, and the look of pride in my father’s eyes—it was then I knew I was hooked.
Hunting in those early days was all about learning the basics: how to handle a firearm safely, how to read the land, and how to be patient. Patience, as it turns out, is one of the most important skills a hunter can have. I can’t tell you how many hours I spent sitting quietly in a blind or under a tree, waiting for a deer to appear. Sometimes, the wait would pay off, and sometimes it wouldn’t. But every hunt was a lesson, and I soaked up as much as I could.
Mentorship and Tradition
One of the most valuable aspects of those early years was the mentorship I received from my father and grandfather. They were both seasoned hunters with decades of experience, and they took the time to pass on their knowledge to me. Hunting is a tradition in our family, passed down from generation to generation. It’s more than just a hobby; it’s a way of life.
My grandfather, who everyone called "Pawpaw," was particularly influential. He was a tough old man, a World War II veteran who had seen more than his fair share of hardship. But out in the field, he was patient and kind, always taking the time to explain the reasons behind every decision. “Hunting is about respect,” he would say. “Respect for the land, respect for the animals, and respect for the tradition.” Those words have stuck with me throughout my life, guiding me every time I step into the wilderness.
The Evolution: From Whitetails to Exotics
The Whitetail Pursuit: A Rite of Passage
In Texas, hunting whitetail deer is almost a rite of passage. It’s what every hunter here starts with, and for many, it’s the mainstay of their hunting life. My first whitetail hunt is a memory I cherish. I was 16, hunting on a ranch in the Hill Country. We had spent the early morning hours hiking to a secluded spot my father knew well. As the sun began to rise, the world came alive with the sounds of birds and the rustling of leaves.
We had just settled into our blind when my father nudged me and pointed to a clearing about 200 yards away. There, standing majestically, was a mature buck, his antlers silhouetted against the golden light of dawn. My heart pounded in my chest as I raised my rifle, a .270 Winchester, and took aim. My hands shook slightly, but I remembered my training—breathe, aim, squeeze the trigger. The shot rang out, and the buck dropped. It was a clean kill, and as we approached the animal, my father put his hand on my shoulder and said, “Well done, son.” That was the moment I truly felt like a hunter.
Expanding Horizons: Hunting Exotics in Texas
After years of hunting whitetails, I started to expand my horizons. Texas is unique in that it offers a wide variety of exotic game, thanks to the numerous game ranches that have brought species from all over the world to our state. Hunting exotics like axis deer, blackbuck antelope, and even African game like kudu and gemsbok has added a whole new dimension to my hunting experience.
Hunting exotics is a different ballgame compared to whitetails. These animals are often more wary, with heightened senses and a natural instinct to avoid predators. The terrain can also be more challenging, especially when hunting in the rugged hills of West Texas or the dense brush country. But the challenge is part of the appeal. There’s something thrilling about stalking a blackbuck across a wide-open field or tracking aoudad sheep in the rocky canyons.
One of my most memorable exotic hunts was for a beautiful axis buck on a ranch near Kerrville. Axis deer, originally from India, are known for their striking coats and impressive antlers. They’re also incredibly alert and skittish, making them a real challenge to hunt. After several days of stalking and close calls, I finally got my chance. The buck was feeding in a small meadow, and with a well-placed shot, I was able to bring him down. The satisfaction of that hunt wasn’t just in the trophy, but in the knowledge that I had successfully outwitted a truly formidable animal.
The Challenges: Overcoming Obstacles in the Field
Adapting to the Terrain: Texas’s Diverse Landscapes
One of the things that makes hunting in Texas so unique is the sheer diversity of its landscapes. From the piney woods of East Texas to the deserts of the Trans-Pecos, each region offers its own set of challenges and opportunities.
In the Hill Country, where I’ve done most of my hunting, the terrain is a mix of rolling hills, dense thickets, and open fields. This area is prime whitetail country, but it can also be tough to navigate. The thick brush provides plenty of cover for deer, but it also makes it difficult for hunters to move quietly and see long distances. I’ve learned the importance of patience and the value of finding the right vantage point, where I can watch a clearing or a game trail without being detected.
West Texas, on the other hand, is a different beast entirely. The terrain here is rugged, with steep cliffs, rocky canyons, and vast open plains. The game is more spread out, and the distances are greater, which means you have to be in top physical condition and have a good pair of binoculars to spot animals from a distance. I remember one hunt in the Davis Mountains, where I spent the better part of a day tracking a group of aoudad sheep. The climb was brutal, but when I finally reached the summit and saw those sheep grazing below, it was all worth it.
Weathering the Storm: The Impact of Texas Weather
If there’s one thing you can count on in Texas, it’s that the weather will be unpredictable. I’ve hunted in every kind of weather you can imagine—scorching heat, freezing cold, torrential rain, and even the occasional snowstorm. Each type of weather brings its own challenges, and as a hunter, you have to be prepared for anything.
One of the hottest hunts I can remember took place in the middle of August, during a particularly brutal Texas summer. The temperature was well over 100 degrees, and the sun was relentless. We were hunting feral hogs in the brush country, and the heat made everything more difficult. The hogs were only moving at dawn and dusk, and during the day, we had to find shade and conserve our energy. Hydration was critical, and we made sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Despite the heat, we managed to take down several hogs, but it was one of the toughest hunts I’ve ever been on.
Conversely, I’ve also hunted in freezing conditions, where the cold seemed to seep into your bones no matter how many layers you wore. One late-season deer hunt in the Panhandle stands out. A cold front had moved in, and the temperature had dropped into the teens. The wind was howling, making it feel even colder. I remember sitting in a blind, my breath visible in the frigid air, waiting for a buck to appear. When one finally did, my fingers were so cold that I could barely feel the trigger. But I steadied myself, took the shot, and dropped the buck with a single bullet. That hunt taught me the importance of mental toughness and staying focused, no matter how uncomfortable the conditions.
The Ethics of Hunting: Respecting the Game
Fair Chase: Hunting with Integrity
Throughout my years of hunting, I’ve always strived to uphold the principles of fair chase. This means giving the animals a fair opportunity to escape and not relying on unethical methods to take them down. Fair chase is about respecting the game and the hunting tradition. It’s not just about getting a trophy; it’s about the pursuit, the challenge, and the connection to nature.
I’ve seen hunters who prioritize the kill over the experience, who are willing to bend the rules or take shortcuts to get what they want. But to me, that’s not what hunting is about. It’s about the thrill of the chase, the satisfaction of a well-placed shot, and the respect for the animal that gave its life. I always make sure to take clean, ethical shots, and if the conditions aren’t right, I’m willing to pass on a shot rather than risk wounding an animal.
Conservation: Giving Back to the Land
Hunting isn’t just about taking; it’s also about giving back. I’ve always believed in the importance of conservation and the role that hunters play in preserving our wildlife and natural habitats. Over the years, I’ve participated in numerous conservation efforts, from habitat restoration projects to wildlife surveys. It’s important to me that future generations of hunters have the same opportunities that I’ve had, and that means taking care of the land and the animals that call it home.
In Texas, we’re fortunate to have a strong hunting culture that supports conservation. Through organizations like the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Wildlife Association, hunters can contribute to conservation efforts that benefit all Texans. Whether it’s through purchasing hunting licenses, supporting habitat conservation programs, or participating in wildlife management initiatives, every hunter has a role to play in preserving our natural heritage.
Memorable Hunts: Stories from the Field
The Big One: A Record-Book Whitetail
Every hunter dreams of bagging a record-book buck, and a few years ago, I was lucky enough to do just that. It was early November, and the rut was in full swing. I was hunting on a friend’s ranch in South Texas, an area known for producing some truly impressive whitetails.
We had been scouting a particular buck for several weeks. He was a monster, with a massive rack that we estimated would score well over 170 inches. But he was also smart, and he had managed to elude us on several occasions. On the third day of the hunt, I finally got my chance.
I was set up in a ground blind overlooking a mesquite flat. The sun was just starting to set, casting long shadows across the landscape. I was glassing the area with my binoculars when I spotted him. The big buck was moving cautiously through the brush, stopping occasionally to check his surroundings. My heart started pounding as I realized this was the moment I had been waiting for.
I steadied my rifle, a .300 Win Mag that I had been saving for just such an occasion, and took a deep breath. The buck stepped into a clearing, presenting a perfect broadside shot. I squeezed the trigger, and the rifle roared. The buck jumped and ran a short distance before collapsing. When I walked up to him, I was in awe of his size and the sheer beauty of his antlers. He ended up scoring 178 inches, making him the biggest whitetail I’ve ever taken.
The Wild Hog Invasion
Hunting feral hogs in Texas is more than just sport; it’s a necessity. These animals are incredibly destructive, tearing up crops, damaging property, and outcompeting native species for food. Over the years, I’ve participated in countless hog hunts, doing my part to control their population.
One hunt, in particular, stands out. I was hunting near the Brazos River, where a group of hogs had been causing problems for a local rancher. We set up a night hunt, using thermal optics to spot the hogs as they moved through the fields. It wasn’t long before we spotted a sounder—a group of hogs—rooting in a field about 300 yards away.
I set up my rifle on a tripod and took aim at the largest hog in the group. The thermal scope made it easy to see the heat signatures of the animals, and I lined up the shot. The crack of the rifle echoed in the night, and the hog went down. The rest of the sounder scattered, but we managed to take down several more before the night was over. It was a successful hunt, and the rancher was grateful for our help.
Hog hunting in Texas is relentless. These animals breed quickly and can adapt to almost any environment. But for every hog we take down, we’re helping to protect the land and support the local ecosystem.
The Future: Passing the Torch
Mentoring the Next Generation
As I’ve gotten older, one of the things that has become increasingly important to me is passing on the knowledge and traditions of hunting to the next generation. I’ve been fortunate to mentor several young hunters over the years, including my own children. Teaching them the skills and values that were passed down to me has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
One of the first things I teach young hunters is the importance of safety. Handling a firearm is a serious responsibility, and I make sure they understand the rules of gun safety before we even step into the field. From there, we work on marksmanship, learning to shoot accurately and confidently. But beyond the technical skills, I emphasize the values of respect, patience, and ethical hunting.
It’s a joy to see the excitement in their eyes when they take their first deer or successfully stalk their first game animal. Knowing that I’m helping to instill a love for the outdoors and a respect for wildlife in these young hunters gives me hope for the future of hunting.
Looking Ahead: The Changing Landscape of Hunting
Hunting has changed a lot since I first started. Advances in technology, changes in land use, and evolving regulations have all had an impact on the way we hunt. But despite these changes, the core principles of hunting remain the same: respect for the land, the game, and the traditions that have been passed down through generations.
As we look to the future, it’s important for hunters to adapt to these changes while holding onto the values that make hunting such a meaningful and fulfilling pursuit. Whether it’s embracing new technologies like thermal optics and GPS tracking, or getting involved in conservation efforts to protect our natural resources, there’s always something new to learn and ways to grow as a hunter.
For me, the future of hunting lies in the hands of the next generation. By mentoring young hunters, supporting conservation efforts, and advocating for responsible hunting practices, we can ensure that this time-honored tradition continues for many years to come.
Conclusion
Hunting in Texas has been more than just a hobby for me; it’s been a way of life. Over the past fifteen years, I’ve had the privilege of exploring some of the most beautiful and challenging landscapes this state has to offer. I’ve hunted everything from whitetails to exotic game, faced the harshest of conditions, and experienced the thrill of the chase time and time again.
But more than anything, hunting has taught me about respect—respect for the land, the animals, and the traditions that have been passed down through generations. As I continue my journey as a hunter, I look forward to passing on what I’ve learned to the next generation and ensuring that the legacy of hunting in Texas lives on.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting out, I hope my stories have provided some insight, inspiration, and perhaps a little bit of the wisdom I’ve gathered along the way. The Texas wilderness is vast, wild, and full of opportunities for those willing to explore it. So get out there, respect the land, and enjoy the hunt.
POSTED by Addy.S FROM HONTRY
Permission to reprint was granted by Jake.J.