| Whitetail deer hunting is one of the most popular | | | | the upper mountains. However, this varies, as in the |
| forms of hunting practiced throughout the country. | | | | case of the Guadalupe Mountains where the |
| While the deer are able to adapt and survive in a | | | | preference seems to be just the opposite, with the |
| great number of different areas and regions, it's | | | | whitetail found in the foothills. |
| important to know your target before jumping into | | | | Whitetail tend to be picky eaters and graze their |
| the hunt. | | | | way through the landscape. In the Chisos Mountains |
| The whitetail is so named because it has a long broad | | | | they feed extensively on mountain mahogany and |
| tail that is all white on the underside; this under area | | | | low shrubs, while those in the Edwards Plateau prefer |
| is visible because the deer's tail sticks straight up in | | | | to graze on forbs and grass. The whitetail also has a |
| the air when running. These deer are relatively small | | | | remarkably small home range, with studies showing |
| and have short ears. Females do not have antlers, | | | | that some deer can spend at least three years in an |
| while males do, with all of the points stemming from | | | | area less than 600 acres. |
| the main beam. On average, the buck weighs 60 to | | | | To begin planning for next season's hunt, begin by |
| 160 pounds when full grown, with the doe slightly | | | | searching the internet to learn as much as possible |
| less. | | | | about the habits and characteristics of the deer. |
| While deer may seem to be everywhere, it's | | | | Many hunters also prefer to hire a guide for their |
| important to know where they frequent. They are | | | | hunt; this gives them a chance to learn from an |
| often found in the hardwoods of the south; one | | | | expert, and also get a feel for the terrain he's |
| state that is known for it's great deer population is | | | | hunting. Also be sure to know the local hunting laws |
| Texas. In the southeast of the state the terrain is | | | | and regulations set forth by the local agency. |
| varied, consisting mostly of pine, where the deer can | | | | Following these few guidelines a hunter can learn |
| also make their home. If trekking the Chisos | | | | about the trophy he's after to increase his chances |
| Mountains, the hunter will find that while mule deer | | | | of a safe and fruitful whitetail season. |
| often inhabit the lower foothills, whitetail are found in | | | | |