Darin,

Although I've never hunted Taylor County, did do some just west of there near Blackwell in Nolan County as well as lived in the area for about 3 years.  But, certainly no expert opinion here...just letting you know what I know. 

A couple things to note: There's some pretty good differences in topography in the county which will change the way you'll likely hunt.  If you look at the picture there is a transition about midway where you go from pretty low relief ranch and agricultural land with mesquite flats and a few drainages in the north to the addition of some mixed caprock mesas with cedar and oak breaks in the south (ranch and ag land too, but not as much).  Another thing to nore is they've gotten a fair bit of rain out there this year so I suspect, unless something ruins the crop (like a rain-freeze-warm cycle), in the south mesas/caprock the abundance of acorns will hold deer in cover pretty tightly until they start their pre-rut/rutting activities.  We've had that situation in Schleicher County (about 120 miles south of Abilene) now for two years running.  You'll see deer all right, but probably not the ones you want to shoot.  No matter what, if you've got some place where you can see a lot of territory try to scope out movement patterns.  In that situation good binoculars are a must.  If you hunt the north end I suspect that it'll be elevated in stands.  Can't tell you much about hunting in that flat ag land (unless you're hunting along a drainage) except to hunt the transitions.

I know from your earlier post you said you planned to go in late October...that might be a little early for the big boys to come out, although depending on hunting pressure anything's possible.  Some of the other guys may have their own (and probably better) opinions, but if it were up to me I'd try to get there around November 18th, maybe a little later.  A lot of guys do well out there that time of year as the rut is usually in full swing by about the 25th if memory serves correctly.

thanks for your input it is much appreciated... we have decided to hunt the 8-12 of Nov ( due to other commitments this is the latest we can make the trip) hopefully this will get us into some pre-rut activity..

darin

Under your circumstances that sounds absolutely like the right call.  You definately ought to be seeing more pre-rut in mid-November.  Hunting pressure will be another key consideration, because as you probably know rifle seasons kicks in on November 7th. 

Do you know what kind of hunting you're going to be doing (stands, rattling, still hunting, etc)? 

i would thing mainly stand/blind hunti' ( not at feeders but on runways to the feeders) as rattling does not really work in ontario may give it a go but not an expert by any means...will hunt feeders for turkey and hogs ( if done with the deer hunt early) don't want to mess up a deer hunt for a hog but would be fun to run an arrow thru one!

darin

p.s what would you suggest our hunting style be for best oportunity at a buck...not lookin' for a world record just a nice example of a texas buck to put on the wall.

With the varying terrain you might have to try a number of things, so the more tricks you have in the bag the better. 

Stands do work, but an awful lot of deer know exactly where they are if they're hunted very hard.  And, the degree to which they come to the feeders may depend on the acorn crop (or other food source) if there's any around.  If you're in the flat areas, a makeshift ground blind can be used around fresh sign.  If you have some ground blind material to bring along for a set-up (like what duck hunters use, some even have sticks in the fabric so you can drive them in the ground) that might be helpful.  Of course, all this assumes that the guide/outfitter will let you move around during the hunt.  Some don't, so that'd be a good question to ask up front.

Where you have elevation we've always tried to get up where you can see a lot of area at once, and watch for deer movement/patterns, then try to set-up an ambush based on what we see.  if you're in mesa country you can see 400-500 meters or more from the right spot.  That's where the binocs come in. 

I've always been a 'watcher' so a more aggressive tactic like rattling for us is pretty much a last resort, though we've had success at it.  I'm sure no expert, but we've usually tried either working the edge of a brushy ridge (elevation), or tried to look for an opening near or in the thick stuff (elevation and flat).  The deer should be fighting somewhat by the time you get there, and depending on a number of factors (buck:doe ratio, hunting pressure) they should respond.  Remember, they'll usually come in from the downwind side so watch your scent and try to make sure you have an opening in that direction so if they do show-up you'll have a chance at a quick shot, because they don't stick around very long.  There are some good videos out there to show you the details on how.  We usually go 200 yards or so between rattling sequences after we sit down for a few minutes, rattle, wait 15 minutes, rattle, wait, then move on type of approach.  I shot one of my biggest bucks (at the time) after a landowner talked me into rattling when nothing was moving...I'd never done it before, and really didn't want to do it.  But, it worked. 

This is pretty long-winded but I hope it helps.  Come prepared, come ready to adapt to your hunting situation, and don't be afraid to try something different if nothing else is working. 

great advice we will bring down our double bull blinds and a couple sets of rattlin' antlers and hey...when in texas do as the texans do .. all i know it will be a great hunt i have been to texas a couple times in the past to turkey hunt and there are no nicer people then the people of texas! 

I hope you have a blast.  Its still a year away, but please let us know how you do.

I hope you have a great hunt.  I checked the calendar and if you come early Nov you will be bowhunting during the opening week of rifle season.  Depending on the landowners policies you may be sharing the property with the rifle hunters which may not be good for your bowhunting.  David H is correct about the differences in terrain in the county.  I live a couple of counties west (scurry, CO) and have been in and around Taylor CO all my life.  We ride motorcycles in that area a lot and if you can give me the general area the next time I am riding through there I can give you an idea if it is flat mesquite, hilly juniper or creek bottoms and live oak.   The property you have could be all of the above which would be great for you.  You said you have hunted TX in the past, where did you hunt?  I too am a bowhunter and think there is nothing like it.  Best of luck.

Gary Poe

Snyder,TX 79549

gary,

i have hunted in Eldorado,coleman and one other location i can't remember the name ( man.. i must be gettin' old!) all 3 locations were for turkeys out of the three eldorado was the most game rich but was able to harvest turkeys in all 3 locations seen more snakes in eldorado as well!  

we will be deer hunting near merkel tx

If you're around Merkel that's in the NW portion of Taylor County, with Abilene just to the east about 5-10 miles.  You can see by the photo that you're not in 'mesa' country, but more the mesquite flats.  I've been through that country quite a bit...it can be flat as a pancake but in some places it'll have a a little 'roll' to it.  There is some agriculture, as well as some drainages too.  Parts of it are rugged, but pretty in their own way.  Hard to believe anyone would say that about near desert, but it really does grow on you when you can get away from it all.  And you can do it pretty easily out there.

David,

how is the deer, turkey and hog population in the general area ?

any thoughts on how to hunt this area

darin

Darin,

While I've driven all through that country the closest I've actually hunted was Blackwell, which is south of Merkel in the area with the mesas, draws, etc.  Again, just some thoughts...certainly no expert opinion.  And, you may already know a lot of this already.

As far as your question about deer population it probably isn't as high say as the Coleman or even the Eldorado areas you've hunted.  But, population ultimately depends on how the land and deer population are managed.  If you're hunting a bigger ranch where the owner takes management seriously the population might be higher than what I'm inferring.  If there are a bunch of smaller tracts then hunting pressure becomes an big issue in deer numbers as well as maturity.  But, high populations aren't everything.  There are some good deer in that country.  Here are some photos from the Texas Big Game awards website, Region 3.

There are a lot of hogs in that part of Texas though I can't tell you a lot about hogs in that specific area.  Its been my experience that out there hog populations tend to be near water, and the Clear Fork of the Brazos does extend into southern Jones County to the north of Merkel.  But, I don't know if they get far south enough to where you will be.  Same with the turkey.  That part of Texas also has bobwhite quail, so you might bring along your shotgun if that's part of your package.  Normally you hunt quail with dogs, but we've done OK without them if there's a large enough population.

The first idea about how to hunt, since you have the time, would be to bone-up on where you'll be going as much as you can before you make the trip.  Get satellite and/or topo images, try to get the acreage outline of where you'll be hunting on it, where the water on the ranch is, stand placement, etc and see what you can see.  Maybe you'll get some potential ideas about movement (knowing that what you're looking for may be subtle and that deer often don't follow what makes sense).  At the very least you'll know your hunting area so when you get on the ground you can start piecing some things together.  And, see what specifics your outfitter/guide will tell you, especially as the season gets closer and he's gotten a chance to see what's out there that year and what the conditions are like.

The next thought might be, when you get there, to find the food and/or water (especially if its dry out there) first.  I'd have an idea where to start, then get up high, perhaps a tower blind, see what you can see, then plan from there.  Up in Canada people don't think about it but down here the amount of rainfall has a big impact not only on antler growth and body condition but can affect deer movement as well.  I've known more than a few hunters who have hunted a watering trough or stock pond ('tank') during a dry year. 

Since there are some bottoms mixed with mequite flats ('pasture') and agriculture  the deer may be bedding down either in those bottoms, or thick stuff in the pasture, then coming out to feed.  Look for sign around the bottoms, or in thick stuff, set up your ambush, and go from there.  I'd rattle an edge of a creek bottom early in the morning and early in the afternoon, as well as around the thick stuff.

Hope this helps.

gary,

we will have the ranch to ourselves ( hopefully maybe the gun hunters might get the deer moving in our direction) ...it is very close to the nolan county line.

What direction are you from Merkel...north or south?  If you're more than about 5-10 miles south of Merkel (south of the railroad tracks more or less) you'll start getting into more of the 'mesa' country.  I thought you were more north heading toward Anson.

david,

it's actually south west of blair ...so yes it is south of the railroad tracks...does this change your thoughts on hunting style from before?

Yes but not much...just peaking at the sat photos you've got a real varied area SW of Merkel: bottoms, mesas, as well as ag land.  The only additional thing I'd try to do, like I said before, is take advantage of the topography if you can.  If possible get elevated where you're able to see as much territory as reasonable before you move in close...and, sometimes you can see a good distance out there so don't stretch yourself too thin.  Depending on what's planted there pay attention to the ag fields.  Its a great way to detect deer movement patterns.  That's really the only basic thing I'd change. 

As the crow flies I've hunted about 30 miles south of you and the territory is fairly similar from what I can tell.  Don't forget the binoculars and ground blind material!

Wohalliburton~

We're a couple of miles from the Merkel area north of Trent...you're right about your statement on the desert.  This area does grow on you!  Our ranch looks real similar to south Texas..mesquite and prickly pear.  You know being from west Texas, we have the best sunsets around!

Allen,

I spent 3 1/2 years north of you near Knox City, and spent a lot of that time in the Abilene area.  Hated to leave it too...we all grew to love the 'Big Country'.

Darin,  I just googled Blair, TX and I think you will be in some really great country for deer hunting with a bow.  If the property your hunting is bowhunting only then the landowner / manager may have some elevated platforms to hunt out of.  Just to the west of Blair it starts getting into the mesa's that are covered with evergreen juniper, heavy mesquites and some live oak.  I know that just to the West around Lake Sweetwater there are good numbers of deer and "probably" good numbers of Hogs.  Them there Hogs are ever spreading over the state.  There should be a fair amount of Turkey as well, just depends on the property.  I hunted on similar land down around Lohn, TX that was next to a Mesa.   At the bottom of the Mesa was a winter wheat field and the deer would come down in the evening to the wheat.  It appeared that they would bed down in the thick cover on the side of the mesa during the day.  Most of the activity was down in the flats though.  Due south of Blair looks like some creek bottom land and that can be really good for you.  Lots of cover and a natural draw for bedding areas during the day. 

Darin - Looks like you're getting some pretty consistent advice.

hey guy's ,

what kind of weather can we expect at that time of year, i understand things change ..but on average.......thanks a bunch you have been a wealth of knowledge...i'm just sorry it is still a year away!!...if you ever need any info on hunting in canada ...maybe i can repay the favour..

thanks again

darin

Darin,

Weather can be all over the place, so be prepared for 80°F and above all the way down to 20°F.  And, things can change rapidly too, especailly if a front hits.  Whenever we go out for more than a few days at a time, regardless of what the weather reports says, we normally carry some insulated coveralls (Texas version, not the heavy ones you guys have up there) and all the trimmings as well as uninsulated.  

To give you an example here about 3 years ago my son shot a beautiful 10 point in early November (8th or 9th if memory servers correctly).  The weather was awful the whole week (80°+).  In fact, it was so hot that the little town closest to camp literally ran out of ice.  We shot two deer that week and used over 240 lbs keeping them both iced down. 

But, even with the weather we still saw good deer movement.

dave,

it sounds like temp is not a contibuting factor in deer movement like it is up here?

Darin,

Temperature will always contribute to some degree with deer movement, but in west Texas what can drive deer movement more than temperature is the scarcity of food and or water in years where rainfall is low.  In years of plenty (i.e. sufficient rain and good mast crop, etc.) deer movement is very dependent on weather.

Living where you do sufficient rainfall is usually a given (at least where I grew up about 90 miles from the Ontario border), but down in West Texas a swing of 3-4 inches of rain during the spring and summer months can make the difference between a great season and a terrible one.

The season I referred to earlier was one where the deer had to move to find food.  We saw him one evening feeding but he saw us too.  Thankfully he didn't know what we were - we were several hundered years away and camoed-up pretty well, so we stayed put until he slowly walked into cover.  Hunting pressure was pretty low on this ranch so we let the area 'cool down' for a couple days then got some duck blind material and set-up as to get our silhouettes broken-up under a live oak tree.  He came-out on time and the rest is history.

By the way, another thing we learned from that episode was that a small, folding-back pruning saw is a great thing to have handy.

hey guy's

my Texas hunt is getting closer by the day....what does the deer population look like around the Merkel/Blair area this fall