Blackbuck and fallow deer are located in nearly 100 Texas counties. The landowners have been supplemental feeding for the past fifteen years and have grown the herds of whitetail deer, axis deer, aoudad, and turkey. However, the Axis Deer is the most abundant species in the state. And most hunters outside of Texas’ not-so-golden triangle have never even heard of it. Originally from India, these large deer have a reddish hide with white spots with long, gently curved, three-pronged antler tines averaging up to 35 ″. If you’re looking for exotic hunts in Texas, you’ve come to the right place. Axis deer are still the undisputed tastiest exotic wild game in Texas. I have heard alfalfa or maybe a pellet type? Order Artiodactyla : Family Cervidae *Introduced species. Native to India, axis deer run free in the Texas Hill Country. What do they really like? Texas Parks and Wildlife Department regulates the trapping of game species such as white-tailed deer, but not the trapping of axis deer and other exotic wildlife. The Texas Hill Country region boasts over 30,000 Axis Deer with our ranches centralized in the heart of this area. Axis deer are known as natural fighters and have left behind the category of Bengal tigers in their native land of Sri Lanka only. They were described by a biologist as possibly nature’s perfect deer due to the huge antlers, beautiful hide and the best venison you can eat. The axis deer, also known as the chital deer, is regarded as one of the most beautiful breeds of deer, and they're a far cry from the native Texas whitetail deer. If MLDP antlerless tags have been issued for a property, harvest is by MLDP tag only and all antlerless deer must be tagged with a MLDP antlerless tag. Axis Deer are Texas’ most populated and popular exotic. In fact we’ve had several Axis larger than 35 inches taken during the spring and summer. Even more, these herds have been strictly managed to produce mature bucks for harvest. The axis deer was first introduced into Texas in the 1930s, and now occurs in at least 45 counties. Axis Deer Hunting Season: Axis can be hunted year-round at Ox Ranch, however, we recommend May-August to have the greatest number of hard antler bucks to choose from. The Texas Hill Country region boasts over 30,000 Axis Deer with our ranch centralized in the heart of this area. Since then they have adapted very well to the warm, seasonal climate of the central part of the state. The species was found confined on only 36 ranches in 25 counties. What would you say is the best attractant (food/seed) to attract axis deer to your deer blind location? Axis deer are an exotic species that were introduced from India to the Texas Hill Country in the 1930s. Even though this specific region of Texas is not normally known for an abundance of free-range exotics, this unique ranch and immediate surrounding areas have several significant herds of Axis. Origin: Asia Antler Size: 31-36 inches Weight: 180-250 pounds Estimated World Population: 75,000 Ox Ranch Population: 750+ Ox Ranch is famous for having some of the largest Axis in the world! Hunting exotics in Texas can be done year around, with no season restrictions or bag limits with the exception of Aoudad sheep in the Palo Duro Canyon area (8 counties in the Texas panhandle). Axis Hunts in Texas free range or high fenced is one of Pope Brothers specialties. In 1932, axis deer were introduced to Texas. Axis Deer have been known to run up to 40 miles per hour! If flying, San Antonio International Airport is the closest major airport and from there it’s typically less than a 2-hour drive to any of my axis deer hunting ranches. Our Axis deer are free ranging and you can choose the method in which you would like to harvest your animal. “Anthrax is a disease that can cause high local mortality in deer,” Dittmar said. Most are found on ranches designed for hunts, but some do roam free in certain areas. At Southern Buck Outfitters, we absolutely love hunting Axis Deer and take great pride in offering the best Axis deer hunting in Texas.Southern Buck has obtained properties with some of the finest Axis deer in the United States. The only way we have shot them has been by 100% chance/luck. This quality of axis deer excites the people to carry out hunting of these special kinds of deer on regular basis. Of course, Axis meat is the best in the world and some people favor it over domestic beef. And some Ruby Ranch residents, a subdivision east of Buda, Texas, do not like the trapping of these non-natives either. In 1988, self-sustaining herds were found in 27 counties, located in Central and South Texas . These Axis hunts in Texas are generally conducted in the Hill Country region within a 1 to 2 hour drive from the San Antonio airport. High Fence Trophy Axis Deer Rocksprings, Texas - $1950 fee after harvest Many exotic species are now living in the state of Texas. We have over 400 Axis Deer roaming the ranch. We've tried hay, pellets and corn with ZERO luck. They are the most abundant exotic in Texas both on ranches like Oak Creek … It kills deer in droves. [42] The deer are most populous on the Edwards Plateau , where the land is similar to that of India. Axis deer can be found in over 45 counties in Texas, but the majority of my axis deer hunting occurs in the Hill Country. DESCRIPTION. There are approximately 5.6 Million White-tailed deer in Texas. Another factor that makes exotic hunting in Texas so attractive to our hunters is the fact that non-resident exotic hunting licenses are very inexpensive and unlimited (5 day license only costs $48). Willacy Counties in South Texas. If you run up on an Axis Deer and spook it then you might hear a barking sound, which it uses to alert the rest of their herd. Axis are spotted deer native to southern India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka where they are known as chital. Axis move NON STOP it seems and only bed down for short periods. Axis Deer have become one of the most desired of hunted species in Texas. From free range to game ranches, … Keep in mind that the trophy fee doesn’t include the cost of booking a guide and paying for the animal to be processed after the hunt. Desert Safaris is fortunate to have 4 properties secured in central Texas that encompass over 29,000 acres of the most prime free-range Axis Deer hunting habitat to be found anywhere. This deer is primarily a grazer, but its food habits are very general, and it … 2900 acres northwest of Sonora; Deer, Turkey, Axis; Did not have Anthrax; Small cabin; Price $63000 per year; available; email sc@txhuntsandleases.com; Sonora Deer lease. As is often the case with exotic animal hunts, you’ll have to pay a flat trophy fee when you hunt an axis Deer at 777 Ranch. We offer several hunting packages to fit your needs and experience level, and HJ Ranch is home to some of the best axis deer and blackbuck antelope herds in Edwards County. While on your Axis hunt you’ll also see other game we have on the ranch. The axis deer is the most common exotic deer and is found in Central and South Texas. DVM Bob Dittmar, a wildlife veterinarian for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, shed some light on the issue. Besides the beautiful hide and antlers, exotic game cooks continually seek unique ways to enjoy this delicious venison. $250 per person per day provides your lodging, meals, guide, transportation on the ranch and game care. Axis Deer Trophy Fee. You have the option for bow or rifle, and safari style or blind hunting. Today, axis deer are the most abundant ungulate in Texas and, because they are considered to be “exotic” by the Texas Parks and Wildlife department, may be hunted year-round with a very inexpensive (when compared against other big-game licenses) non-resident 5-day special hunting license ($48). I'll be hunting near Kerrville in an area with axis deer as well as whitetail. Essential habitat components include water, woody vegetation for cover and open areas for feeding. They were introduced to Texas in 1932 and by 1988, Texas Parks & Wildlife found free-ranging Axis in 27 counties in central and south Texas. Hunting whitetail with us will give you a true Texas … You got that right! MLDP If MLDP buck tags have been issued for a property, harvest is by MLDP tag only and all bucks must be tagged with a MLDP tag. Our Axis Deer normally have 6 points but we have some multi pointed Axis Deer as well and some typical 8 PT Axis Deer. We've also logged kills with moon phases...but no pattern so far. While we can show you 28-32 inch Axis year round, spring to early fall is prime time for Axis trophies greater than 34 inches. Like other exotic species in the woods and in the water, exotics like the Axis, Aoudad and Blackbuck usually find a way to intermingle with native big game species like the whitetail deer and they usually get along well. Sutton County Deer lease. Texas Axis Deer Hunting Prices. The pricing structure for our Texas Axis deer hunts is very easy to follow. The animals are housed in a game fenced property with year-round running water with protein supplements, corn, and mineral feeds. Hunters are allowed the freedom of making their own harvest decision with the ranch providing a guide for assistance on all aoudad hunts and when requested and available on all other hunts”. This trophy fee is $3,000 for a buck and $500 for a doe. Bag Limit 5 deer, no more than 2 bucks, all seasons combined. Axis deer are threatening parts of Texas and other areas in the United States. We have a great passion for hunting and the outdoors and believe there is no better way to harvest an axis buck than to get up close and personal by using the spot and stalk method. They were introduced into Texas in 1932 for hunting purposes and have thrived. A native of India, Axis now make the rolling hills and brush country of the lone star state their favorite home. Axis Hunts In Texas . Finding these species on hunting terrain is usually not difficult. Gillespie County AgriLife Extension and Hill Country Alliance have launched the Axis Deer Control Project and are encouraging landowners and hunters to participate. Exotic deer from around the world have been introduced to Texas to bolster hunting. We also offer some of the most prime turkey hunting in Sutton County. According to the same state estimates, White-tail populations have consistently increased since 1989 where they were estimated to number around 3.5 Million. This is according to the most recent (2019) population estimates conducted by Texas Parks and Wildlife (TP&W).. To harvest one, you will need 2 days because the big Axis bucks can be a little illusive. Texas Axis Deer for Sale Cold Creek Ranch’s treatment of the animals and breeding process make them the best in Texas and superior to any other ranch. AXIS DEER* Axis axis (Erxleben 1777) . They originate from India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. With some of the best genetics in Texas, rest assured that you will take home the trophy of your dreams. This smaller sized ungulate has a fairly long history in the central part of Texas with the first Axis deer introduced in 1932. The Axis is one of the hardest animals to hunt in Texas, IMO. 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