By james art LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Whitetail deer season begins Saturday for the north Texas area, which includes Lubbock County.
Game ranchers want hunters to prepare now so they don’t get a citation later.
Before you go, game warden Lt. Aaron Sims says to make sure you have your hunting license.
“The first question is which license do you prefer. Do you prefer physical tags or do you want to tag the deer with your phone,” Lt. Sims said.
If you’re in a hurry, Lt. Sims suggests going digital, as entering physical tags can take some time.
You’ll also want to have a hunter’s education certificate, a requirement for anyone born on or after September 2, 1971.
“People say, ‘Well I know how to use a gun, I don’t need a hunter’s education.'” Gun instruction is a very small part. We actually review what’s ethical and what’s unethical, and they’ve changed over the decade,” Lt. Sims said.
Once you’re out in the field, make sure you’re hunting the right species.
Deer season isn’t until a few weeks away.
“In some of the areas where the Caprock drops off, there are herds of white-tailed deer and mule deer that are mixed and mixed,” Lt. Sims said.
Whether you’re hunting white-tailed deer or mule deer, both have bag limits that determine how many you can kill in a season.
Baggage limits also vary by county.
For Lubbock County, that’s three deer, no more than one buck and no more than two antlerless deer combined for all seasons.
“Some counties are one-dollar counties, some counties are two-dollar counties, so you definitely want to think about that before you go because you don’t want to put two dollars in one dollar,” Lt. Sims said.
After the kill, immediately tag the deer and fill out your harvest log.
This can be done in person or on the Texas Hunt & Fish app.
“When you tear the tag off your license, you’ll want to cut out the dates on the tag. Don’t mark it with a blade or a pen, it has to be physically cut,” Lt. Sims said.
Finally, if you are hunting in an area of chronic depletion, your harvests should be tested.
You will have 48 hours to do so, even if you think they look healthy.
These areas are outlined in the Outdoor Annual application or on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.
“Many of the deer that have CWD may not show any symptoms. If you are harvesting in these protected areas, you will want to inspect it within 48 hours. Call a biologist or stop by a checkpoint,” said Lt. Sims.
If you don’t follow these rules, Lt. Sims says you can be fined up to $500.
He encourages everyone to be safe, follow the rules and pass the sport on to the younger generation.
Whitetail deer season ends Jan. 5 for the Northern Area.
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