WEST TEXAS - Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) biologists say that 2021-22 is expected to be a whitetailed deer season for the books.
Last year, the overall white-tailed deer population was estimated to be 5.4 million deer.
While that estimate is down from the previous two years, TPWD biologists say that if fawn recruitment predictions hold true this season, coupled with good carryover of deer from last hunting season, hunters and landowners can expect to see an increase in the overall statewide white tailed deer population.
The favorable habitat conditions should boost the body condition of deer populations and set up deer to enter the fall and winter with a substantial layer of fat.
The favorable weather conditions were also vital in helping bucks maximize antlers as they finish out the growing season.
Antler quality is predicted to be well above average for the 2021-22 season.
The general season opener is on Nov. 6.
The general season runs through Jan. 2, 2022 in the North Zone and Jan. 16, 2021 in the South Zone. A special youth-only gun deer season is set for Oct. 30-31 and Jan. 3-16, 2022.