Alternative Ideas for Mother’s and Father’s Day Giving
Special Report by Texas Fish & Game Staff
LISTEN: (4 min, 26 sec)
WHEN IT COMES TO celebrating Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, Texas Fish & Game readers know that the best gifts aren’t wrapped in bows.
Instead, they are found in the great outdoors. And while everyone knows about bass fishing, white-tailed deer hunting, and the classic Gulf Coast saltwater adventure, there are plenty of outdoor experiences in Texas that many have yet to discover.
ADVERTISEMENT
This year, surprise your mom or dad with a gift that revolves around the hidden natural wonders of Texas. Here are some truly unique species that many outdoor enthusiasts don’t even realize exist in the Lone Star State.
Snook are typically associated with Florida’s warm waters, but Texas has its own population of these prized gamefish.
(Photo: Adobe)
Snook
Snook are typically associated with Florida’s warm waters, but did you know Texas has its own population of these prized gamefish? Found primarily in the lower Laguna Madre and around South Padre Island, snook offer some of the most exciting light-tackle fishing in the state. Their acrobatic jumps, line-burning runs, and aggressive strikes make them a thrill to catch.
Texas has free-ranging nilgai antelope, axis deer and elk in addition to other unique fish and game species.
(Photo: Adobe)
Free-Ranging Nilgai
When people think of Texas big game, deer and hogs come to mind, but South Texas is home to an exotic giant—the nilgai antelope. Originally from India, these massive, blue-hued antelope roam free on some of the vast ranches of the coastal plains. Their sharp eyesight and speed make them a challenge to hunt, and their lean, flavorful meat is a trophy in itself.
Free-Ranging Axis
Axis deer were introduced to Texas in the 1930s, and thanks to their ability to thrive in the wild, they now have free-ranging populations in the Hill Country and parts of South Texas. Known for their striking spotted coats and exceptional venison (often ranked better than beef in flavor and tenderness), axis deer offer an exciting alternative to traditional whitetail hunting.
The Guadalupe bass, Texas’ state fish, is found only in clear, fast-flowing Hill Country rivers.
(Photo: TPWD)
Guadalupe Bass
Bass fishing is a Texas pastime, but did you know the Lone Star State has its very own native species of bass? The Guadalupe bass, Texas’ state fish, is found only in clear, fast-flowing Hill Country rivers. Smaller than a largemouth but full of fight, catching one is a true badge of honor for any angler.
ADVERTISEMENT
Great White Shark
While Texas is famous for redfish, speckled trout, and king mackerel, most people don’t expect to see great white sharks off the coast. However, in 2024, reports surfaced of great whites showing up in Texas waters, drawn by warming currents and an abundance of food. Seeing one is rare, and they are protected from harvest but the idea of sharing the water with these apex predators adds a whole new thrill to offshore fishing.
Eastern Wild Turkey
Everyone in Texas knows about Rio Grande turkeys, but did you know the Eastern wild turkey is making a comeback in East Texas? Once nearly wiped out, conservation efforts have successfully restored these birds to the Pineywoods region. They’re larger and warier than their Rio cousins, making for an exciting and challenging hunt.
Chachalaca
Chachalacas may sound like something out of a rainforest documentary, but these loud, chicken-sized game birds live in the Rio Grande Valley. Often heard before they’re seen, chachalacas make for an interesting and underappreciated upland hunting experience.
Pheasants
Many people associate pheasant hunting with the Midwest, but Texas actually has wild pheasant populations in the Panhandle and parts of North Texas. These colorful, fast-flying birds provide excellent upland hunting opportunities that rival those of the Dakotas.
Elk
Believe it or not, elk still roam free in Texas. Most people assume these majestic animals are found only in Colorado or New Mexico, but free-ranging herds can be found in the Trans-Pecos region. The mountains of West Texas provide rugged terrain and an unforgettable backdrop for an elk hunt.
This year, instead of the usual coffee mug or gift card, consider giving your parents the gift of adventure. Whether it’s hunting free-ranging exotics, fishing for an elusive Texas species, or embarking on a rare wildlife encounter, there’s no better way to celebrate Mother’s Day and Father’s Day than by experiencing the unique biodiversity of Texas’ great outdoors.
—story reported by TF&G Staff
