Texas is truly a hunter’s paradise and one of the most prized exotic trophy bucks is axis deer. Their large sweeping antlers, distinctive spotted coats, and challenging wary habits make these a pure joy to bag. Axis deer provide the further advantage that in Texas they are not subject to the seasonal restrictions that exists for native game. Instead, you can hunt axis year-round in Texas. Add the no-season hunt option to the fact that axis deer operate on a unique biological clock which results in an incredibly flexible hunting window for these incredible game animals. Yet these facts leave many hunters to wonder: when is the best time to plan an axis hunt in Texas? Cotton Mesa Trophy Whitetail Ranch is here to help you plan your axis adventure, providing a seasonal breakdown of axis deer behavior and habits through the year to help you plan a truly unforgettable axis deer trophy hunt at a premier axis deer hunting lodge. Cotton Mesa Trophy Whitetail Ranch stands out as an elite Texas hunting destination.
Originally native to India, axis deer have thrived in the Texas landscape at Cotton Mesa. Large breeding populations of axis deer free roam the vast acreage of Cotton Mesa. They live much as they do in their native homeland as the terrain and climate are very similar. Planning the perfect axis hunt largely revolves around the rut which is unique for axis deer, as it can occur at anytime throughout the year.
Summer Axis Deer Hunts in Texas
May-August
Hands down, the best time to hunt axis trophy bucks in Texas is during the hot summer months. By then the bucks are hard antlered and have grown magnificent racks. In May, the rut begins to ramp up and bucks become more vocal and are actively seeking out does. With their attention focused on the does, this is a good time to get ahead of the peak season to beat the crowd and take down an axis trophy at Cotton Mesa. June and July are the peak of axis deer hunting in Texas. If you’re looking for the Grand Slam, Super Bowl, prime time to bag a trophy axis buck in Texas, these two months are going to be your best bet. The bucks are at their most vocal, visible, and predictable. They are constantly on the move and it makes for the ideal spot-and-stalk or a safari-style axis hunt. Due to their high movement, the hunt will be challenging and perhaps long, but the payoff is well worth the effort. In August, the rut is beginning to slow down yet you’ll find many trophy bucks with hard antlers still seeking the last available does. As such, August is a great time for trophy axis deer hunting in Texas.
Texas Winter Axis Deer Hunts
December-February
The winter axis rut is considered a second chance season to hunt axis deer. Bucks will still exhibit rutting behavior, plus the cooler weather can make for a comfortable and relaxing hunting day. At the same time, you will see less movement and trophy axis bucks will prove to be slightly more elusive. If you’re looking for a challenge and have experience in trophy hunting, the winter axis deer hunting season can be incredibly rewarding. For hunters whose schedules don’t align with the peak season to hunt axis deer in Texas, it’s an excellent time to try your hand at bagging the big one. Besides trophy bucks, this is also a perfect time to hunt for management game that offer a more tasty and tender venison.
Off Peak Axis Hunts
March – April & September-November
Although technically axis deer rut year round, these months are typically considered off season. However, axis deer hunting is still exceptional during this time. Management bucks and axis does are ideal to hunt during these off-season months. In March and April, bucks will be available in bachelor groups, often in velvet as they grow their new set of antlers. Learning more about axis deer and observing herd dynamics, as well as meat hunts, are the perfect way to spend your spring hunting in Texas. From September to November, the weather cools and axis deer focus on feeding. The experienced axis deer hunting guides at Cotton Mesa are well aware of the patterns of movements of our axis deer. Between bedding down locations and food sources, we can help you find and harvest a magnificent axis deer during these months. Perhaps one of the biggest draws of hunting axis deer in Texas is that you can hunt them year round and fit an incredible, unforgettable hunt into your busy schedule. Avoid the busy crowds and long waits associated with traditional hunting seasons and instead choose a Texas axis deer hunt at Cotton Mesa Trophy Whitetail Ranch. You will have a hunt to remember and take down a trophy axis deer buck that is one for the books.
With the largest population of axis deer outside their native homeland, Texas has large breeding populations that thrive, producing impressive trophy axis deer bucks to bag. Besides the high-quality of axis deer you will find in Texas, you will also appreciate the open availability that axis deer hunting has to offer in the Great Lone Star state. Texas has quickly become synonymous with exotic game hunting thanks to the no-season hunt availability of exotic game. With year-round axis deer hunting season in Texas, you can rest assured that you will have an exhilarating and challenging axis hunt that fits into your schedule perfectly.
If an axis buck is on your bucket list, you can find no better place than Cotton Mesa Trophy Whitetail Ranch in Texas. One of the best parts about an all-inclusive axis deer hunt at Cotton Mesa Trophy Whitetail Ranch is that everything is covered in your cost. From premier lodging and delectable dining to experienced guided axis deer hunts, you’ll enjoy the very finest that Texas has to offer when you choose an axis hunt at Cotton Mesa. All it takes is a quick phone call or click to book your Texas axis deer hunt at Cotton Mesa. Then simply pack and head on over for an exceptional, unforgettable Texas trophy axis deer hunt at Cotton Mesa. We’re waiting to welcome you!
