October best month for hunters
For the Texas hunter, October is a time of anticipation and action, planning and pondering, listening and learning.
It's the somber two-note serenade of a veiled bobwhite hiding out in his bunchgrass bungalow.
It's the whistling of wings filling the morning air as ducks seek out watery delight.
It's a German shorthair or Labrador retriever enjoying a day in the field as much as their human counterparts.
It's an archer sitting in their favorite tree and soaking up all the surroundings have to offer.
Now that fall is finally here, the anticipation of partaking in outdoor opportunities this month and into the New Year is at a fevered pitch, and honestly, is there a better month in our great state? Hunting seasons have gotten under way and there remain fantastic angling pursuits from the Panhandle to the Gulf Coast. No matter if you're a first-timer or die-hard veteran, there's something for everyone.
Archery deer season began Saturday and undoubtedly had thousands of hunters across the state up before dawn in hopes of seeing that special buck they've scouted, and the general firearm season will begin in a month, running into January. And with crossbows now being allowed during the archery-only season, many hunters likely will get a jump on a season they may have had to wait on in the past.
While deer are the prime desire for more than a half-million hunters in the Lone Star State every fall, there is no shortage of other critters out there. Dove season is ongoing and cooler weather to the north has a tendency to push more birds down this way, making for some tempting late-season chances. If you're going to throw bowhunting gear into the back of the pickup, you may as well tote a shotgun along, especially if you've got access to water, the ultimate draw for doves.
Later this month, hunters in the High Plains Mallard Management Unit will get a jump on the rest of the state with the kickoff of duck season and will have more days to hunt than other regions this year. For wingshooters who enjoy the bursting sound of a covey rise, the end of this month also marks the beginning of a four-month timeframe to chase after quail.
When it comes to goose and sandhill crane hunting, October is the apex of anticipation for the start of those seasons that begin in November and run for three months. It's no secret the western portion of the state has some of the best bird-hunting opportunities in the country, and this year is sure to be on par with other good years.
The same mild temperatures that make doing anything else outside enjoyable right now also are advantageous to anglers looking for bass, crappie, catfish or anything else that will stretch a line. Angling during the heat of the summer can be downright exhausting, but hitting the water now allows for fishing all day if you so desire. Cooler weather also makes it easier to take along a young one on any of these outdoor pursuits since they won't be as prone to overheating.
With hunting seasons under way and more on the horizon, and the chance at some cool-weather angling, it's a great time to be alive for young and old.
* Big Time Texas Hunts deadline: The deadline to apply for this year's hunts is Thursday. The timeframe is set to allow winners time to prepare for their trips in the coming months. Entries are available online at www.tpwd.state.tx.us/bigtime for $9 or for $10 at retail locations where licenses are sold or by phone at 800-895-4248. There is no limit to the number of entries an individual may buy, but purchasers must be 17 or older. Among the seven hunting packages is the grand slam, which includes hunts for a white-tailed deer, a mule deer, a pronghorn antelope and a desert bighorn sheep.
* Lifetime license drawing: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is offering the chance to win a lifetime super-combo hunting and fishing license -- an $1,800 value -- for only $5. Entries for the lifetime license drawing can be purchased anywhere licenses are sold, as well as on the TPWD Web site. Two drawings will be held, the first on Dec. 30 and the second on June 30 next year. Anyone who registers by Dec. 27 will be eligible for each drawing.
Each drawing will select one winner. Participants may purchase as many entries as they like and winners are allowed to give the license as a gift to family or friends who are Texas residents.
Visit www.tpwd.state.tx.us for more information.
Will Leschper's e-mail address is wleschper@yahoo.com.
Share this story:
Google
Yahoo
digg
del.icio.us
facebook
Slashdot
