Deer are abundant across Texas, thriving throughout much of the state and inhabiting nearly all 254 counties. Their widespread presence underscores their significant role in the state’s natural ecosystems. Deer also contribute substantially to the Texas economy, with hunting-related activities generating billions of dollars annually.
Texas’ Native Deer
Texas is home to two primary native deer species: the white-tailed deer and the mule deer. White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are the most common, numbering around 5.3 million individuals across the state. These deer have reddish-brown to grayish-brown coats, with a distinctive white underside to their tails that flares when alarmed. They are primarily herbivores, consuming a varied diet of forbs, shrubs, leaves, and fruits.
Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are present in lower numbers, with populations fluctuating between 150,000 and 250,000. These deer are distinguishable by their large, mule-like ears and a rope-like tail tipped with black, contrasting with the white-tailed deer’s broad tail. Male mule deer can weigh between 125 and 400 pounds, exhibiting antlers that fork rather than branching from a single main beam. They are selective foragers, browsing on high-quality plants such as forbs, woody plant twigs, and mast.
Where Deer Roam in Texas
White-tailed deer demonstrate remarkable adaptability, inhabiting diverse environments across Texas. They are found in wooded and brushy areas, agricultural lands, and even urban green spaces. The highest densities are concentrated in the Edwards Plateau and Texas Hill Country, where populations can reach up to 293 deer per 1,000 acres.
Mule deer, in contrast, occupy more specific regions within Texas. The majority of the state’s mule deer population, approximately 80 to 90 percent, resides in the Trans-Pecos area. Smaller populations are also found in parts of the Panhandle and the western Edwards Plateau. These deer prefer more arid, rugged, and open terrains, which align with the landscapes characteristic of West Texas.
The Presence of Exotic Deer
Beyond native species, Texas hosts a substantial population of non-native, or exotic, deer. Species such as Axis deer, Fallow deer, and Sika deer were introduced, often for hunting purposes on private ranches. Over time, many of these animals escaped or were released from high-fenced enclosures, establishing free-ranging populations across various parts of the state. Texas now has over 500,000 exotic animals.
Axis deer, originally introduced in 1932, are known for their spotted coats and can be larger than many native white-tailed deer. Fallow deer, introduced in the 1940s, are medium-sized and distinguished by the palmate antlers of the males and their varied coat colors. Sika deer, also introduced in 1932, are smaller to medium-sized, often retaining their spots into adulthood, and possess antlers with three to four points. These exotic species contribute to the overall deer population and can be hunted year-round in Texas, unlike native species which have regulated seasons.