Houston Outdoors

In a state where more than 95 percent of the land is privately owned and gaining access to property offering high-quality hunting for most species can cost thousands of dollars, Texas duck hunters have tens of thousands of acres of world-class duck hunting opportunities available at little or no cost. More than a dozen public hunting units on federally run national wildlife … [Read more...] about Public hunting areas for waterfowl

The overwhelming "Top Gun" among several generations of Texas hunters is a bolt-action rifle fitted with a variable-powered telescopic sight. The bolt rifle is inherently the most accurate of the various actions, and models from reputable manufacturers are rugged and reliable. The .270 cartridge with a 130- or 150-grain factory round is a fine choice, combining excellent … [Read more...] about What to shoot? It depends on what you’re shooting

Full camouflage is legal when hunting on private land in Texas (bright orange required on public land and strongly advised on any quail hunt), but many hunters fail to include a simple mesh face mask. A simple mesh mask can turn 40-yard flaring shots into "ice cream" incomers at 25 yards. A heavy parka is SOP during the late-fall/early-winter deer or waterfowl season, but a … [Read more...] about Ready, set, shoot: What to get before you head out

First of all, congratulations on your successful hunt. On one of her visits to Texas in years past, I served her bacon-wrapped and grilled venison tenderloin, which she thought was the best filet mignon she'd ever tasted. [...] your freshly killed and field-dressed game should be iced down immediately and kept that way until you get home. Pick an oil, an acid and an herb or … [Read more...] about Dress for success with game