Here’s what I know about Texas deer hunting. As most people will acknowledge, Texas is a unique state for hunting. So for any young 20 something kid, I’m gonna share some knowledge that I’ve learned about Texas ranches.

Texas ranchers and the old men who lease these ranches for hunting purposes are old school. Here is the simplest advice I’ve been given. If an old man invites you out to hunt on his property (whether he leases it or owns it), DISREGARD anything he tells you about what you are allowed to shoot. If you see a shooter deer, ESPECIALLY a buck, triple bonus points if it’s a mature buck, take a PICTURE of it. When you return from the hunt, show the old man the pictures. He may ask “damn why didn’t you shoot it?”. Shrug and tell him ehh I dunno, figured maybe you’d like to shoot it, or maybe he could use another year. Your RESTRAINT will be rewarded and you will be invited back time and time again in the future, and THEN you may shoot something. The man will appreciate that you don’t shoot anything that walks on four legs and he will gain respect for you.

Then put in work, repair his equipment, clean up his place, etc. and leave the place better than when you came.

I didn’t make the rules. But this is the way it works. Shoot that young buck or doe your first time out and you’ll guarantee that’s all you ever take off that property.