We’ll never get tired of saying this: the forecast for the upcoming mule deer season is excellent. Our mild, rainy spring extended into mule deer country, creating exceptional habitat conditions. Refer to your 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. The 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 harvested at a Texas WMA. And the combination of good wildlife management and mild weather guarantees there are more like him.

Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine’s Hunting Guide is your no-cost, go-to source for game information and hunting tips. Watch this video to see all the information this app will bring, literally, to your fingertips. Just download the free magazine app to your Apple or Android device and you’ll have access to the Guide.

Hunting can require spit-second decision-making. And before you take a shot, ask yourself 3 questions: Is the shot safe? Is it legal? Is it ethical? Your skill at assessing all the factors in your shooting situation will determine if you answer these questions correctly.

This video puts you in situations where pulling the trigger may or may not be the right thing to do, and then explains why. Watch it and test your skills. Even if you don’t have all the right answers the first time you watch it, you’ll be better prepared to make the right decisions in the field.

Want to easily report your hunting success? Download the My Texas Hunt Harvest app, and do your reporting in real time, locate CWD check stations and get your test results. Your reporting plays a necessary part in using game management to create first-class hunting in Texas. Thank you.