A Life List for Texas Hunters and Fishermen

Feature Story by TF&G STAFF

LISTEN: (6 minutes, 50 seconds)

 

TEXANS HAVE ACCESS to many amazing hunting and fishing opportunities.

And while pretty much everyone has hunted whitetails, fished for bass and caught redfish and speckled trout, there are some accessible things that many have not yet experienced.

Here’s a list that should help you make new goals or perhaps share them with your father or mother in these months we celebrate their roles in our life.

Catch A South Texas Snook

For avid anglers, few experiences compare to the thrill of hooking a South Texas Snook. Nestled in the warm, brackish waters of the lower Laguna Madre, these elusive predators offer a challenge like no other. With their sleek bodies and voracious appetite, Snook provide an adrenaline-pumping fight that tests even the most seasoned angler’s skills. To catch one, you’ll need patience, precision, and a good eye for spotting their telltale ambush points whether you’re in South Bay or the Brownsville Ship Channel.

See Desert Bighorns

Venture into the rugged terrain of West Texas, and you might just witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring sights: the majestic Desert Bighorn Sheep. These iconic creatures, with their impressive curled horns and agile movements, roam the arid landscapes with an air of regal grace. Catching a glimpse of these elusive animals in their natural habitat is a privilege reserved for those willing to trek through remote canyons and rocky slopes, where every step is rewarded with breathtaking vistas and the chance to witness wildlife at its most untamed.

Hunt Hogs with Thermals

In the vast expanse of Texas, wild hogs are both a nuisance and a prized game species. But hunting them under the cover of darkness, armed with nothing but a thermal scope and your wits, takes the thrill to a whole new level. As night falls, these invasive pests emerge from the shadows, rooting and rummaging through the underbrush with reckless abandon. With the aid of thermal imaging technology, hunters can track their movements with unparalleled precision, turning the tables on these cunning adversaries and reclaiming the night as their own.

Fish for Guadalupe Bass

For anglers seeking a true Texas adventure, few experiences rival the thrill of fishing for Guadalupe Bass. Endemic to the clear, spring-fed streams of the Texas Hill Country, these feisty fighters are as beautiful as they are elusive. With their distinctive markings and spirited resistance, Guadalupe Bass offer a challenge that tests both skill and strategy. Whether casting from the bank or wading knee-deep in crystal-clear waters, anglers can immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of the Hill Country while pursuing these prized native game fish.

Run A Trotline for Catfish

For those who prefer a more laid-back approach to fishing, running a trotline for catfish is the epitome of Southern tradition. Stretching across lazy rivers and tranquil lakes, these submerged lines baited with tempting morsels lure in hungry catfish by the dozen. At sunset, fishermen embark on a timeless ritual, checking each line as they reel in their bounty. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice, there’s nothing like the thrill of hauling in a fat catfish from the depths below.

Hunt Turkey

In the heart of Texas, amidst the rolling hills and sprawling fields, lies a hunter’s paradise. Here, the call of the wild beckons those who seek the thrill of the hunt. And there’s no greater thrill than turkey hunting in the Lone Star State. As dawn breaks over the horizon, the woods come alive with the sounds of gobblers echoing through the trees. Shotgun in hand and camouflage attire donned, hunters patiently await their chance to outwit these elusive birds, relying on stealth and strategy to bring home the prize.

Fish Offshore

For those who yearn for adventure on the high seas, few experiences compare to offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. Here, the waters teem with life, from mighty king mackerel to dazzling dorado and everything in between. Set sail aboard a sturdy vessel, guided by seasoned captains who know these waters like the back of their hand. With lines cast deep into the azure depths, anglers eagerly anticipate the electrifying strike of a pelagic predator, knowing that each catch holds the promise of an unforgettable battle against the elements.

Hunt Axis, Aoudad, or Nilgai

Venture into the rugged wilds of Texas, and you’ll discover a land rich in diversity and opportunity for hunters with free-ranging exotics.

From the graceful axis deer of the Hill Country to the formidable aoudad of the Trans-Pecos and elusive nilgai of South Texas, there’s no shortage of big game to pursue. Whether stalking through dense brush or traversing rocky terrain, hunters must rely on keen instincts and sharp marksmanship to outmaneuver their quarry. With each successful harvest, they forge a deeper connection to the land and the wildlife that call it home.

Fish for Stripers

Nestled amid the picturesque landscape of North Texas, Lake Texoma beckons anglers with its promise of trophy-sized striped bass. As the sun sets over the shimmering waters, boats dot the horizon, each one manned by fishermen eager to test their skills against these powerful predators. Armed with heavy tackle and a repertoire of proven techniques, anglers cast their lines into the depths below, where stripers lurk in search of their next meal. With each tug on the line, anticipation builds, culminating in the exhilarating moment when angler and fish come face to face in a battle of strength and will.

Bowfish for Carp

For a truly unique fishing experience, look no further than the art of bowfishing. Armed with a specialized bow and arrow, fishermen take to the shallow waters of Texas’ rivers and lakes in pursuit of the elusive carp. With razor-sharp focus and lightning-fast reflexes, they take aim at their quarry, releasing their arrow with precision and skill. As carp dart and weave through the murky depths, the thrill of the chase intensifies, culminating in a triumphant catch that showcases the true essence of bowfishing.

For in Texas, the great outdoors offers endless opportunities for exploration, discovery, and unforgettable experiences that will be cherished for a lifetime. So grab your gear, and embark on the ultimate Texas adventure, where the thrill of the hunt and the serenity of the fisherman’s life await.

 

—compiled by TF&G STAFF

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