Most wildlife experts agreed early on that Texas deer hunters were going to be pleasantly surprised by the antler quality on whitetail bucks this fall. The reasons? Good carryover of animals that survived the 2022-23 season and banner habitat conditions last spring and early summer to jump start another year of antler growth.
Texas Parks Wildlife Department big game program leader Alan Cain thinks the early predictions were right on the mark.
Cain’s opinion is fueled largely by recent field reports from deer managers and landowners all around the state. There has also been a steady stream of hunter/deer photos circulating social media outlets. Many of the photos show lucky hunters cradling mature deer with large antlers brought down during the current archery only and managed lands deer seasons that got underway September 30.
