When Is Axis Deer Hunting, Texas?

Originally from the Indian subcontinent, this species stands out in the Texas outdoors and is a popular choice for hunters and naturalists. It makes for an exotic trophy, and the tender and mild meat, considered by many to be the finest of all venison, is a true culinary delight. 

If you're considering an axis deer hunt in Texas, here's everything you need to know, plus some insider tips to help you take home an axis deer.

What is the Axis Deer?

Axis deer is a native Indian species that was first introduced to the ranches of Texas in the 1930s. The population of these deer is considered to be around 150,000, and they are classified as an exotic species. 

Known also as chital or spotted deer, these introduced species thrive in the Texan environment and are highly adaptable to various natural zones, ranging from grasslands to woodlands. They're noted for their distinctive golden-reddish coat with white spots providing camouflage, and males showcase impressive antlers that can exceed 30 inches. 

Axis deer are adaptable eaters, browsing on grass and chewing away on woody browse and forbs if need be, which means they're less selective in their diet than whitetails. Additionally, they're more naturally disease-resistant than other deer species, further adding to their proliferation and longevity in the Texas regions.

Texas Offers Year-Round Hunting Opportunities 

Due to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) designating it as an exotic non-game species and the ecological threat caused by axis deer, including habitat destruction and competition with other species such as whitetail for resources, axis deer are open for year-round hunting. 

There's no closed season for hunting axis deer, meaning hunters can enjoy flexible, year-round hunting trips in Texas when targeting this species. 

Of course, seasonality and behaviors will still dictate a hunt's success, but that isn't to say that with a bit of luck and planning, you can't have success all year round. 

What Are the Optimal Hunting Periods?

Even though you can hunt them year-round, when is the best time of year to increase your chances of success when hunting these deer? 

Interestingly, axis deer breeding can occur all year round, as a female axis deer can give birth twice a year. 

However, the peak rut occurs from May to August, leading to a spike in axis deer activity. This opens up opportunities to encounter mature bucks focused on breeding and less cautious in their behavior. 

Axis Deer Behavior 

Axis deer are adaptable and resilient and can be found in a wide range of habitats, from dense forests to grasslands. Here are a few critical insights into this fascinating species that can help you plan the ideal timing and location for your hunt. 

• Social behavior: Axis deer are social creatures preferring to herd up for behaviors such as feeding. 

• Activity: They are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk; however, interestingly, they're less nocturnal than other deer species and can even be seen feeding a few hours before sunset. 

• Mating: Males will engage in dominance battles using their antlers during the mating season. An axis deer pregnancy will last anywhere from 7-8 months. 

Understanding their behavior and habitat preferences can enhance hunting success and help you prepare a hunting strategy. 

What Are the Benefits of Year-Round Axis Deer Hunting, Texas? 

All-year hunting allows hunters to plan a trip that suits their timeline and needs. Some of the additional benefits include: 

Ecological Balance

Year-round hunting means hunters can contribute to the ecological balance in Texas by removing axis deer from the environment, promoting the longevity and growth of local species such as the whitetail. 

It might be strange to think of these beautiful animals as "invasive," but since they're not native to the Texas environment (as are whitetail), they are considered such. So, bringing home an axis deer trophy is not only beautiful, it helps protect the whitetail species, so there are still plenty of them left to hunt every season.

Subsistence Hunting

Hunting axis deer isn't just about the trophy. They are highly prized for their meat quality.

With its mild flavor, it's a popular option for local hunters or those who find venison sometimes overpowering. Hunters can take axis deer all year round, providing an ethical and consistent food source that's high in protein and bioavailable nutrients. 

That Trophy

Then again, aside from the delicious meat, trophy hunters can take a stunning trophy year-round in Texas. You'll still need a license and to follow all regulations, but hunting axis deer can happen if you have a free weekend and want to work on your deer-hunting skills.

Legal Considerations and Regulations

There are no bag limits or specific hunting tagging requirements for axis deer in Texas. However, as we just mentioned, hunters must have a relevant hunting license.

As part of this process, hunters seeking a license born after September 2, 1971, must pass a hunter safety course. 

To be safe, contact the TPDW (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department) to research any local regulations that may be in place and abide by all relevant laws. 

As always, it's essential to display ethical hunting strategies, take a quality shot to ensure a humane end, and respect animals and the natural environment. 

Preparing for the Hunt 

How can you improve your chances of bringing home a beautiful axis deer? Here are three critical strategies to prepare for a successful hunt. 

1. Use HuntWise to e-Scout 

Start your hunt from the comfort of your home by utilizing the multiple HuntWise mapping features to explore high-potential areas.

Study the Texas hill country, looking for valleys and ridgelines where deer may be used as a passageway, and mark potential scouting locations that provide an overview of this area. For a more challenging hunt, go deep in the South bush country, marking openings, clearing waterways, and identifying potential food sources where axis deer are likely to thrive. 

2. Set up trail Cams

Trail cams provide invaluable insights into deer movements and patterns. These images can help you paint a picture of deer movement in the area. 

With a cellular option, you can get quality images straight to your phone. 

3. Start In-Person Scouting 

Get out there, burn some boot leather, and nestle it into a vantage point where you can scout these deer.

The more time behind these deer, the better, as a spot and stalk strategy will likely be your best bet. Once spotted, use the terrain to your advantage to move slowly and carefully, covered wherever possible by the bush. 

Take a Texas Axis Deer This Season With HuntWise 

Year-round hunting doesn't mean there should be less planning on your hunting trip. Axis deer are just as much, if not more, cautious and elusive than other species of deer. Planning, location scouting, and time out in the field will all work in your favor so you can take home one of these incredible deer for your freezer. 

With HuntWise, you'll gain valuable insights into the landscape, rutting, weather patterns, and more. So, if you don't have the app yet, now is the time to download it and plan your axis deer hunt!

Get started with access to every feature – free – for a week.