Deer HUNTING
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HOMEGROWN BUCKS SEE STORY ON PAGE 10
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Deer HUNTING
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LSON reporter Nate Skinner takes a moment with a very special buck taken on family land in South Texas. Read about the hunt on page 10.
Photo by Nate Skinner, for Lone Star Outdoor News
9,068± Acres Brook-s -Jim Hogg Co. Mesquite Tree Ranch
Features: EASY, UNTIL IT’S NOT……………………………………………………………… 6 HOMEGROWN BUCKS HIT DIFFERENT………………………………………… 10 TEXAS DEER SEASON PREVIEW………………………………………………… 19
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FOREVERLAST…………………………………………………………………… 13 GREYSTONE CASTLE SPORTING CLUB…………………………………………… 9 H&K………………………………………………………………………………… 17 HOFFPAUIR………………………………………………………………………… 2 HORNADY…………………………………………………………………………… 7 KIMBLE COUNTY WILD GAME DINNER………………………………………… 19 KT COOLERS……………………………………………………………………… 21 REATA RANCH…………………………………………………………………… 12 RECORD RACK……………………………………………………………………… 6 RETAY USA………………………………………………………………………… 20 RUGER…………………………………………………………………………… 24 SPEC’S…………………………………………………………………………… 16 SOUTH TEXAS ECOTOURISM CENTER………………………………………… 22 TEXAS HUNTER PRODUCTS……………………………………………………… 11
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Lone Star Outdoor News, ISSN 2162-8300, a publication of Lone Star Outdoor News, LLC, publishes twice a month. A mailed subscription is $35 for 24 issues. Newsstand copies are $3, in certain markets copies are free, one per person. Copyright 2026 with all rights reserved. Reproduction and/or use of any photographic or written material without written permission by the publisher is prohibited. Subscribers may send address changes to: Lone Star Outdoor News, P.O. Box 551695, Dallas, TX 75355 or email them to editor@lonestaroutdoornews.com.
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DEER HUNTING ANNUAL 2026
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EASY, UNTIL IT’S NOT By Conor Harrison Lone Star Outdoor News
Conor Harrison
Deer herd management means many different things to many different people. For some it’s supplemental feeding, for others it could be the decision to high fence a property. One thing most hunters can agree on is the need to shoot does. Keeping the correct number of deer compared to the carrying capacity of the land is of utmost importance, but that can get tricky as the season winds down and a large number of does still need to be taken. Does are pretty easy to hunt most of the time. Often they are the first to step out into a shooting lane or open field after a feeder goes off. Usually more than one doe will come into a setup at once, offering plenty of targets. But let one or two does hit the ground, and all of a sudden the remaining eight or 10 tags needing to be filled becomes a big challenge. It’s even harder when you are hunting on a well-managed ranch and the bucks have already begun dropping their antlers. What initially looked like a mature doe can very quickly turn into a mistake as the hunter walks up on one of the best 2-year-old bucks on the property lying there without his antlers. Mistakes can and do happen easily. Three of us were hunting a big ranch in West Texas last season trying to fill the doe quota before the season ended in two days’ time. The first couple were easy during the afternoon sit. Work at the skinning shed was completed before dinner and the number began to dwindle. Then reality set in. The does on the ranch figured out real quick they were now on the hit list, and sightings began dropping quickly the next morning. A few more were downed before lunch, and then it got real tough. A doe would stay hidden in the brush eyeing the blind intently before stomping and returning from where she came. Usually taking three or four more with her. Our group scratched and clawed for the next day and a half as we tried different things to find does. Spot and stalking feeders from a different direction, glassing trails in seldom-used areas of the ranch and rotating the blinds we were sitting at in hopes of catching a few mature does still out there. I wish I could say it got easier and we filled the entire quota. We came close but fell just short, even though we hunted as hard as we had all season while pursuing big bucks. Don’t let anyone tell you hunting does is easy, especially if they know they are being hunted. This upcoming season, maybe we shouldn’t wait as long to thin the herd a bit. In fact, I might shoot the first doe I see.
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YOUR TEXAS HUNTING, SPORTING DESTINATION Perched atop a mesa just west of Fort Worth, Greystone Castle is a sight to behold. With four turrets peeking above the tree line, this majestic sight is one to be remembered. From its award-winning wingshooting program to trophy whitetail and exotics, world-class bass fishing and our national champion sporting clays instructor, there is something for everyone at Greystone Castle. The Gold Medal whitetail deer program offers an allinclusive package based on the opportunity to hunt the opening weekend of the season. Not restricted by score, it is an exclusive chance to hunt for the whitetail of your dreams. As evidenced by being named the Orvis 2015 Wingshooting Lodge of the Year, Greystone has mastered the art of bird hunting. The ever-popular mixed bag hunt includes quail, pheasant, chukar and Hungarian partridge. This upland walking hunt allows guests to experience great pointing dogs working over rolling terrain specially farmed for optimal bird habitat. The European pheasant hunt is a great way to get lots of shooting action and watch Labradors do what they do best — retrieve birds. The mallard hunts offer a great chance to improve your skills over water while the fastflying dove hunts offer an adrenaline rush every hunter craves. If you are looking for something different, you will find it in the exotic pasture full of animals from around the world. Species from Africa, Asia, South America and Europe roam the North Texas plains and thrive in the southern climate. Breeding herds of axis deer, aoudad, blackbuck antelope, sika and fallow deer mean there are plenty of trophies to be taken. For those looking to relax and enjoy the water, Greystone offers more than 120 acres of stocked bass lakes. From small private lakes to the 80-acre Thurber
Lake, every type of fishing opportunity exists. From fly-fishing to spincasters or simple hook and bobber, there is a method for everyone. Kayaks and paddleboards let you go off on your own adventure or you can jump on a pontoon boat to sneak to the honey holes. Two championship sporting clays courses, two 5-stands, a training course and a wobble deck challenges every level of shooter. Our new 400-yard rifle and pistol range offers steel targets at a variety of distances. Hone your skills on the new archery course featuring a tri-level static range and a three dimensional walking course. Or just enjoy the scenic hiking and biking trails. What appeals to Greystone visitors is its top-of-theline accommodations and gourmet meals. Guests enjoy 26 private rooms, gourmet dining from an executive chef, conference facilities, a swimming pool with a hot tub and a steam room. Along with this is the 2,600 square-foot pavilion facility with a custom bar, large seating areas, 65-inch TVs, carved limestone fireplace, Laser Shot, billiards and an overlook terrace with a custom outdoor fire pit. The ownership and staff are dedicated to creating one of the finest sporting experiences found anywhere in the world. Long-term habitat improvements and wildlife management have made Greystone an extraordinary hunting venue.
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Sight in Your Rifle & Practice For Your Trophy. Join us at American Shooting Centers and practice for the perfect shot at the range, so you’re ready when your trophy buck steps out.
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American Shooting Centers offers ranges from 50 to 600 yards. Open Wednesday - Sunday 281-556-8199
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Whether you are looking for world class Bird Hunting, Sporting Clays, Trophy Whitetail Deer or excellent Exotic opportunities, Greystone Castle combines luxurious accommodations with Texas hospitality in an extraordinary setting. Contact us today for more information regarding our rates and packages.
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HOMEGROWN BUCKS HIT DIFFERENT
Nate Skinner
By Nate Skinner
For Lone Star Outdoor News There’s nothing like harvesting a mature buck with stick and string on a piece of ground that’s been in your family for decades. That’s exactly the situation I found myself in last October while hunting our family farm in Wilson County. When an old, brute of a 10-point was found lying at the end of a short blood trail, the feeling that came over me was indescribable. I got my first trail camera photos of the buck about two weeks prior, in a spot where I had an elevated bow blind overlooking a corn feeder in a draw at the edge of a creek bottom. Because the set-up was located in a low spot on the property, cell service in the area was poor. Therefore, I was using a traditional, check-and-pull-the-card style trail camera, rather than a modern day cellular camera. When I pulled the card and started scrolling through photos, the buck immediately captured my attention. To my knowledge, I had never seen the deer before. He had a decent set of antlers sporting plenty of character, but what really had me homing in on him was the fact he was a mature buck. I knew sneaking into the set-up without bumping him would be tough, as he had been showing up well before daylight in the mornings on camera. I waited until the wind was right to hunt the blind and made a plan to pursue him. On my first attempt at bow hunting the buck, I stealthily walked into the draw and got settled in the stand about an hour before the feeder was scheduled to go off at legal shooting time. Everything felt right, and I had a light, steady breeze
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blowing directly into my face. About 20 minutes before the feeder was scheduled to go off, I began to hear footsteps below me at the edge of the creek bottom. Looking through my binoculars, I could see the silhouette of what appeared to be a mature buck cautiously moving around in the predawn shadows. The minutes passed slowly as my heart began to race. It finally got light enough for me to confirm it was, indeed, the buck I was after. I picked up my bow and prayed he would relax and jump in the feed pen after the feeder went off. To my surprise, the buck just stood there, unstartled as the spinner plate began to spin and fling corn in all directions. He then slowly began to walk toward the feed pen. “This was it,” I thought to myself. I was confident he was about to jump in the pen and start eating corn. Instead, he stopped short of the perimeter of the pen, right behind a mesquite bush about 27 yards away. The branches of the bush were blocking his vitals. The buck just stood there looking around as if he had some sort of sixth sense that something wasn’t right. That went on for what seemed like an hour, but was actually only about 5 minutes. Then, without hesitation, the buck turned completely around and walked away into the woods from the exact same direction he came from. He never really gave me a good shot opportunity as he exited the scene. I was immediately deflated. I knew it would be at least another week before the conditions and the wind direction would be right to hunt the spot again. The next seven days seemed to drag on forever. The ideal conditions and wind direction finally
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prevailed, and I snuck back into the blind to give it another shot. This time, I got settled about an hour and a half before legal shooting light and the time the feeder was scheduled to go off. I was a bit disheartened when the feeder spun, and I still hadn’t seen any sign of movement before me. Then, out of nowhere, he appeared. For whatever reason, the buck seemed way less cautious than the first encounter I had with him. He waltzed right up to the feed pen, jumped in, and began eating corn. Before he turned broadside another, younger buck showed up and jumped in the pen as well. A few minutes passed before the 10-point finally turned, presenting me with an ideal shot. I drew my bow, and just as I came to full draw, the deer picked his head up. He must’ve heard me. I quickly found my anchor point, hovered the pin of my bow sight over the vitals and released the arrow. The deer mule kicked when the broadhead and arrow made impact and then jumped out of the pen and ran out of sight. That’s when my adrenaline began to kick in. Shaking, I picked up my binoculars and scanned the ground where he had been standing. I could see a decent amount of blood in the feed pen and felt confident I had made a lethal shot. Sure enough, the blood trail was solid, and the deer had expired and fell about 35 yards away from where he was standing. I had successfully arrowed and recovered a mature buck on the family property. It produced a feeling that will never get old and was an experience I’ll never forget.
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COME HUNT AT REATA RANCH IN GLENROSE, TX Last year's "antler drops" were 7x8, scoring 372 on biggest bull
NOV. - DEC. AFTER RUT: Trophy Bull: 6x6 $6,500 6x7+ $8,500 Management Bull: 5x5 $6,500 Cow Elk: $1,600 Oryx Bull: $5,000 Oryx Cow: $1,400
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Since 1998, ForEverlast has been dedicated to creating innovative products for hunters and anglers who demand gear they can depend on. What began with a passion for the outdoors has grown into a diverse lineup of more than 100 unique products designed to help outdoor enthusiasts make the most of every adventure. From game processing equipment and deer feeders to fish feeders, wading gear, and outdoor accessories, we've continued to evolve while staying true to one mission b uilding quality products that perform in the field. As we enter our next chapter, we're excited to introduce new innovations that reflect our commitment to serving the outdoor community. Leading the way this year is the all-new 600-pound Game Changer Feeder. Designed to make feeding easier and more efficient, it features a stand-and-fill design, rugged galvanized construction, an easy-slide lid, heavy-duty 12-volt digital control unit, NoWaste centrifugal force spinner, sight glass, and a durable skid-mounted base. With an MSRP of just $699, the Game Changer is built to become a favorite in deer camps across the country this fall. With ponds once again full across much of the state, now is also the perfect time to upgrade your fish feeding program. Our dependable lineup of fish feeders delivers quality construction, reliable performance, and exceptional value, everything you need to keep your fishery thriving season after season. For anglers heading to the coast, we're also proud to introduce our new Aqua Fishing Collection, featuring several new products designed specifically for coastal fishing while complementing our already popular lineup of fishing gear. At ForEverlast, innovation never stops. We're excited about what's ahead and grateful for the customers who have supported us for nearly three decades. Your trust continues to inspire every new product we build.
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Dead Air Silencers Nomad Series the Hunter’s Premium Option August 2026 – Hunting season is almost here, and experienced hunters know that now is the time to line out the essential gear. If this is the year you want to add a suppressor to your big-game rifle, Dead Air Silencers, manufacturer of the next evolution in quiet, purpose-built suppressors, suggests the company’s Nomad series. The Nomad series includes five distinct models — including the all-new Nomad Ti OTB (over-the-barrel) — developed specifically to meet the needs of rifle hunters. Whether your adventures focus on close-quarter whitetail woods, high-country elk hunting, or long-range prairie country in pursuit of mule deer or pronghorns, the Nomad series has you covered. Nomad suppressors are the premium option that blend Dead Air’s advanced material and manufacturing technologies with mission-driven designs. Each model ensures the highest level of sound suppression, weight reduction, and overall performance for .22- through .30-caliber class centerfire rifle platforms. Whether your primary need is a suppressor with minimal weight, maximum noise suppression, exceptional maneuverability, or all the above, the Nomad series from Dead Air has you covered. Nomad 30 (MSRP $949) — Best allaround, hard-use option. At 14.5 ounces and 6.5 inches, the Nomad 30 offers an excellent balance of weight, size, and durability. Its 17-4 PH stainless steel
construction is full-auto rated and has no barrel restrictions, making it the most versatile choice for bolt-action and semiauto rifles, training, hunting, and generalpurpose use. It’s the practical choice for shooters who want one suppressor that can handle a wide range of applications. Nomad L (MSRP $999) — Best for maximum suppression. The 8.4-inch, 18.3ounce Nomad L prioritizes sound reduction, particularly with higher-pressure cartridges. Its longer design provides excellent sound suppression while delivering optimal performance across many different guns. Rated up to .300 Norma Mag, it’s ideal for precision shooting and users who prioritize maximum sound suppression over minimum weight and length. The Nomad L is fullauto rated and even handles sporadic mag dumps. Nomad Ti OTB (MSRP $1,049) — Best for hunting rifles where length and balance matter. The Nomad Ti OTB uses an overthe-barrel design that moves part of the suppressor over the barrel, adding only 4.6 inches to the firearm while weighing a scant 10.5 ounces. Rated for up to .300 RUM and 7mm Backcountry, it’s an excellent choice for hunters who want powerful suppression with minimal added length and excellent rifle balance. Its primary applications are big-game hunting and lightweight mountain rifles. Nomad LTi XC (MSRP $1,199) — Best for maximum lightweight performance. The Nomad LTi XC offers greater suppressor
volume and length than the Nomad Ti XC while maintaining an exceptionally low weight. Constructed from Grade 5 titanium and using advanced additive manufacturing, it features an enhanced two-stage coaxial baffle system to manage both low- and high-pressure cartridges. Compared with the Ti XC, the LTi XC prioritizes sound performance while still providing significant weight savings. It’s a great option for hunters and precision shooters who want maximum suppression without adding unnecessary weight. Nomad Ti XC (MSRP $1,099) — Best for lightweight, compact hunting and precision applications. The Nomad Ti XC is designed for shooters and hunters whose primary goal is building an exceptionally lightweight and maneuverable rifle, particularly for backcountry hunting. Like the LTi XC, it uses Grade 5 titanium, advanced additive manufacturing, and an enhanced twostage coaxial baffle system; however, its shorter 6.35-inch body (direct thread) and 7.4-ounce weight make it the lighter and more compact option. Light weight and maneuverability are the calling cards of the Nomad LTi XC. With fast approval turnaround and no tax stamp fee being the new norm for suppressor acquisitions, there has never been a better time to bring your hunting rifle up to modern performance expectations. You can enjoy a quieter, more comfortable, and safer field experience this fall with a Dead Air Nomad suppressor.
About Dead Air Silencers Founded in 2014, Dead Air Silencers has maintained performance objectives and reliability as the foundations of the company’s suppressor engineering and design. From the precision-engineered Sandman® series to the versatile Nomad® family and the groundbreaking KeyMo™ mounting system, Dead Air Silencers continues to set the standard for suppressor excellence. With a focus on real-world performance and customer satisfaction, Dead Air Silencers is dedicated to enhancing the shooting experience for hunters, competitive shooters, and tactical professionals alike.
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Adding just 4.6" to barrel length, the Nomad Ti OTB advances over-the-barrel suppressor innovation. Delivering the recoil reduction and sound suppression of a longer system, it maintains optimal balance and keeps the rifle compact for fast handling and confident control in the field.
OV E R -T HE BA R R E L
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L I G HT W E I G HT & I M P R OV E D BA L A N C E
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EVERYTHING’S BIGGER IN TEXAS. EXCEPT the WHITETAILS. You know big deer, but Saskatchewan grows whitetails on a whole different scale. Trade high fences and feeder timers for deep timber, heavy-racked giants, and a wild northern pursuit you’ll never forget. Book your Saskatchewan hunt today
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sunrise/sunset 2026-2027 SEPTEMBER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
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7:11 7:10 7:08 7:07 7:06 7:05 7:03 7:02 7:01 7:00 6:58 6:57 6:56 6:55 6:53 6:52 6:51 6:50 6:49 6:48 6:47 6:46 6:44 6:43 6:42 6:41 6:40 6:39 6:38 6:37
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Times given above are for Dallas. For other locations, subtract 1 minute per 12 miles east of Dallas, and add 1 minute per 12 miles west of Dallas. The table below gives adjustments for some Texas cities. Information provided is the longitudinal distance from Dallas and the time adjustment for sunrise and sunset. Abilene / 165 miles west / + 14 minutes Alpine / 405 miles west / + 24 minutes Beaumont / 160 miles east / - 13 minutes Corpus Christi / 35 miles west / + 3 minutes Austin / 55 miles west / + 5 minutes
Del Rio / 235 miles west / + 20 minutes El Paso / 555 miles west / - 23 minutes Houston / 170 miles east / - 5 minutes Laredo / 160 miles west / + 14 minutes Lubbock / 280 miles west / + 24 minutes
San Angelo / 215 miles west / + 18 minutes San Antonio / 95 miles west / + 8 minutes Tyler / 75 miles east / - 6 minutes
®
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Leica launches Geovid Max Leica Sport Optics USA has announced the Geovid Max 10x42, the most advanced rangefinding binocular the brand has built and Lone Star Outdoor News got a sneak preview last month. Engineered and built in Europe, Geovid Max (MSRP $3,999.00) combines optics, laser ranging, ballistics and navigation in a single instrument, giving hunters and long-range shooters a complete decision-making tool in the field rather than a collection of separate devices. Geovid Max is designed around convergence rather than addition. A next-generation laser engine, an all-new high-contrast display, embedded applied ballistics and open integration with leading mapping platforms work together as a single unit, so the user moves from spotting to ranging to a firing solution without changing tools. At the heart of Geovid Max is an all-new, bestin-class laser that ranges targets at up to 8,200 yards reflective and returns a reading in as little as 0.3 seconds. It is an eye-safe, invisible class 1 laser certified to EN and FDA standards. Scan and single-measurement modes, three selectable target modes (first, best and last) and an integrated angle sensor deliver equivalent horizontal range from 10 yards out to the full reach of the instrument. Geovid Max introduces what Leica describes as the industry’s brightest and most customizable display: a 640x480 pixel active-matrix microLED engineered for immediate readability in any light, from low dawn cover to bright open ground. Users can tailor the heads-up display, choose from selectable reticle shapes and read elevation and windage as holdover, click or unit corrections. “The display was so bright initially, I had to turn it down,” said David J. Sams, LSON owner. “The acronyms are all completely spelled out, so there is no guesswork, or having to look them up in the owner's manual.” Applied Ballistics Elite is embedded onboard,
so Geovid Max calculates a full firing solution, including wind and elevation, directly on any target ranged, with no connection to a phone or Kestrel required. The unit also computes WEZ (weapon employment zone) hit-probability in real time. Up to 30 rifle profiles can be stored through the Leica Ballistics app, and users can print custom dope cards for the range or the field. Onboard atmospheric, temperature and stationpressure sensors feed the ballistic solution automatically, while live wind updates can be drawn from a Kestrel or Calypso device. GPS target marking links to OnX, BaseMap and Google Maps, and the Leica ProTrack function guides the user back to a marked location. Firing solutions can be pushed to a Garmin or Apple Watch, a Kestrel or Kestrel HUD, extending the data beyond the binocular itself. “Some of the features were actually a bit too much for my old-school self,” Sams said. “But the more technologically-advanced younger generation will love these features.” Geovid Max delivers up to 91% light transmission through Leica’s Perger-Porro prism system and HDC multilayer and AquaDura coatings, for bright, high-contrast images with edge-to-edge resolution. The magnesium, nitrogen-filled housing is waterproof and built to withstand real backcountry use, making it, in Leica’s words, the toughest rangefinding binocular it has made. Geovid Max is the top tier of a three-model Geovid family, sitting above the technical-hunter Geovid Pro and the standard-hunter Geovid R. It is offered in a single 10x42 configuration in Flat Dark Earth and ships with a contoured neoprene carrying strap, front lens cover, eyepiece caps, a cordura case and battery. “I can’t wait to take these overseas,” Sams added. “When the PH’s in Africa see these, they are going to be ordering them like crazy."
LEICA
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READY WHEN THE FIELD GOES DARK RattlerV3 LRF 35-384 Advanced thermal built for hunters after sundown, with 1,000m ranging and sub-15mK performance in one compact platform.
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DEER HUNTING ANNUAL 2026
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KIMBLE COUNTY
Easton 5.0 arrows hit hard
2026
Easton Archery has introduced the new Easton 5.0 hunting arrows alongside match grade 5MM half-out components, a state-of-the-art system engineered to elevate bowhunting performance. This advanced combination of lightweight arrows and precision components sets a new standard for accuracy, durability, and versatility. The Easton 5.0 is a lightweight, small-diameter carbon arrow built for bowhunters seeking peak performance. Featuring Easton’s 5MM acu-carbon technology, the 5.0 delivers unmatched consistency, enhanced penetration through reduced friction, and increased accuracy thanks to minimized wind resistance. With its lighter mass weight, the Easton 5.0 supports a wide range of setups, from ultra-fast speed builds to high-FOC configurations for maximum impact. Each arrow is crafted in the USA using high-modulus carbon fiber and Easton’s seamless acu-carbon process to ensure uniform spine and weight across every shaft. Available in six spine sizes (200, 250, 300, 340, 400, and 500), the 5.0 fits nearly all bowhunting setups. It also includes Easton’s redesigned 5MM microlite nock system for optimal string fit and tunability and comes factory-fletched with 2-inch Blazer vanes (standard) or 3-inch AAE hybrid stealth vanes (match grade). Complementing the Easton 5.0 arrows are the newly developed match grade 5MM half-out components. These patent-pending, two-piece components feature a sleeved impact collar fused to the post, providing unmatched durability and precision for micro-diameter arrows. The integrated alignment ring ensures perfect shaft fitment, enhancing accuracy and resilience in even the toughest hunting conditions. Easton 5.0 arrow features: • Seamless 5MM high-modulus carbon fiber with Acu-carbon construction • NEW Microlite 5MM nocks for enhanced tunability • Two 8-32 insert options: HIT inserts or 50-grain steel one-piece half-outs • HIT Collars included with match grade arrows • Factory helical fletched with precision vanes • Straightness tolerances: +/- .003” (Standard), +/- .001” (Match Grade) • Made in the USA Match grade 5MM half-out features: • Two-piece design with sleeved impact collar and post for superior durability • Molded alignment ring for precise shaft fitment Weight options: • 55-grain hard-anodized aluminum ($29.99/6-pack) • 75-grain dark nickel-plated steel ($34.99/6-pack) The combination of Easton 5.0 arrows and match grade 5MM half-outs delivers unmatched performance for bowhunters, offering enhanced accuracy, penetration, and resilience to handle the most demanding shots.
EASTON ARCHERY
EASTONARCHERY.COM
DEER HUNTING ANNUAL 2026
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RETAY ACE UPLAND ULTRALIGHT A DREAM TO SHOOT The Ace Upland Ultralight is attractive, stylish, and lightweight with serious smooth shooting. Weighing in at just 5.3 pounds for the 20 gauge and 6.3 pounds for the 12 gauge, the Ace Upland Ultralight is the perfect choice for fast-flying dove or fast-flushing bobwhite quail. The Ace Upland Ultralight — loveat-first-shouldering with quality to last a lifetime. Featuring the famous RETAY Inertia Plus/Rollover bolt system that eliminates out-of-battery misfires, bolt rattle and the AIRY Recoil System. The AIRY Recoil System revolutionizes
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shooting comfort with a design inspired by high-performance sports footwear. Integrated with an internal air pocket mechanism, AIRY absorbs and disperses recoil energy like never before. The result is a softer, smoother shooting experience — minimizing shoulder impact and maximizing control. Whether you're in the field or at the range, AIRY delivers consistent comfort and confidence with every shot. Key Features: Advanced air-pocket technology for superior recoil absorption Lightweight, durable, and ergonomically shaped pad ideal for long shooting sessions
and heavy loads. All Air Control Extreme Models feature a unique Removable Trigger Group system that allows you to quickly and easily remove the entire trigger group at the push of a button. This allows for easy cleaning or servicing, and makes RETAY the only semiauto shotgun you can truly clean in the field. Removing the trigger from the gun disables it so it can no longer be fired, so storing the trigger separately is also an added in-home safety feature. An extremely frustrating problem with the action on some inertia shotguns is the possibility of being jarred out of
DEER HUNTING ANNUAL 2026
Lone Star Outdoor News
battery, a problem that can cost you shot opportunities. RETAY'S exclusive “Inertia Plus” Bolt uses a patented “Rollover” internal torsion spring to forcefully rotate the bolt head into the battery and keep it from ever being jarred out of battery. This system promotes quiet closing, practically eliminates bolt rattle, and most importantly, means virtually no more missed shot opportunities.
RETAY USA
RETAYUSA.COM
2026 DEER HUNTING OUTLOOK
(800) 701-4754 | KTCoolers.com
Deer & Game Coolers Designed for Versatility
Stainless Steel Sinks, Tables & Ice Machines
Conor Harrison
Texas white-tailed deer biologists indicate hunters can expect good numbers and opportunities for quality bucks during the 2026-27 season. Following three aboveaverage years of fawn survival, the Texas white-tailed deer population has climbed to an estimated 5.64 million. “Texas leads the nation in terms of number of deer hunters, annual harvest and deer population,” said Blaise Korzekwa, TPWD white-tailed deer program leader. “Even an average year in Texas is worth hunting and those landowners who properly manage the state’s natural resources have shown year after year that their management can pay off.” Rainfall and habitat conditions go handin-hand and fluctuate seasonally throughout the state. Nearly all of Texas started the spring in some form of drought, but late spring and early summer rain drastically improved habitat conditions. While late spring drought conditions improved throughout much of the state, areas in the Cross Timbers, Edwards Plateau, Eastern Rolling Plains and pockets of the Post Oak Savannah and Blackland Prairie fared better than other regions and should expect a slightly above average season. Pockets of South Texas and the Pineywoods didn’t receive the increase in habitat conditions in late spring but did receive rainfall and below-average temperatures mid-summer that should increase fawn survival. For many landowners and hunters, deer management doesn’t begin when the season opens. Healthy deer populations need good habitat and herd management, as well as spring rains from Mother Nature. By properly managing the land throughout the year, landowners are setting the stage for a successful deer season. Antler growth is directly related to rainfall between April and June, and the improved habitat that follows. This year, hunters should see slightly above-average antler quality for most of the state. Pockets of the Pineywoods and South Texas that missed out on the late-spring rains should expect average antler quality this season. Much-needed summer rain and mild weather helped more fawns survive this year. Ranches that manage deer populations through hunting and improving native habitat will see steady improvements over time. Although hunters can harvest a mature buck with a quality set of antlers in any area of Texas, there are a few regions of the state that typically produce a greater number of larger antlered bucks, namely the South Texas brush country and the Western Rolling Plains. Average Boone and Crockett (B&C) scores of a buck that is 5.5 years old or older is about 131 inches in South Texas and 133 inches in the Western Rolling Plains. Other ecoregions of the state can also produce exceptional bucks, with each ecoregion producing trophies every year and statewide B&C scores averaging 124 inches if the bucks survive to 5.5 years of age. The Edwards Plateau, commonly called
the Hill Country, has the highest deer population in the state with an estimated 1.973 million white-tailed deer in this ecoregion alone. Severe drought conditions in 2022 lowered the region’s population to 1.514 million white-tailed deer in 2023. Since then, consecutive years of exceptional fawn survival helped the population to steadily increase. Hunters looking for opportunities to see lots of deer this fall should put this area on the priority list. The area around Llano and Mason counties (Deer Management Unit 6) has the highest deer density in the region. Doe harvest is especially important in this area to relieve pressure on food resources. Despite what seems like perpetual drought conditions every spring, the Edwards Plateau has received adequate rainfall in recent years and is a great deer hunting region, especially for hunters looking for quantity of animals. It consistently produces one of the highest hunter success rates in the state. The South Texas Plains ecoregion is known for mature bucks and above average antler quality relative to most other areas of the state. For hunters seeking a once-ina-lifetime trophy, South Texas is often regarded as the premier big buck destination. Estimates show a population of nearly 478,000 white-tailed deer, and although drought conditions can limit growth from year to year, the population has been trending upward with slow growth over the last two decades. More-often-than-not drought conditions in South Texas leads to erratic fawn crops that keep population growth at a slow pace and require good habitat management and population management practices to produce the quality of deer South Texas is known for. Most recent survey data estimated the Pineywoods deer population at 334,414 and has remained very stable over the previous five years. The Cross Timbers ecoregion in north Texas has the second highest deer population in the state, with 924,242 white-tailed deer. The population in the Cross Timbers continues to increase due to exceptional fawn survival over the last three years. Because of the relatively consistent fawn production, buck age structure is generally well distributed across all age classes. However, hunters will likely see fewer 4.5-year-old bucks this year due to poor fawn recruitment in 2022, but every other age class will be well represented. Hunters focusing on mature bucks should not be disappointed with the upcoming season. The Eastern and Western Rolling Plains ecoregions have experienced population growth in recent years. In 2025, 42 percent of the buck harvest in the Western Rolling Plains was represented by bucks 4.5 years old or older, equal to the Eastern Rolling Plains and the second highest in the state behind South Texas. —TPWD DEER HUNTING ANNUAL 2026
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DEER HUNTING ANNUAL 2026
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DEER HUNTING ANNUAL 2026
Lone Star Outdoor News
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THE NEXT GENERATION OF AMERICA’S FAVORITE HUNTING RIFLE
The Ruger American® Rifle Generation II; an update to the American-made rifle that has been the benchmark for accuracy, durability, and performance in bolt-action rifles for over a decade. Designed with customer feedback in mind, the Ruger American Rifle Generation II is available in a variety of calibers and is sure to become the first choice for hunters and firearms enthusiasts.
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The acquisition, ownership, possession and use of firearms are heavily regulated. Some models may not be legally available in your state or locale. Whatever your purpose for lawfully acquiring a firearm – know the law, get trained and shoot safely.
DEER HUNTING ANNUAL 2026
Lone Star Outdoor News