Show Notes
This episode of Deep in the Hunt of Texas begins with Connor talking about the start of bow season in Texas, cooler weather, and the deer he’s watching on camera. He shares his thoughts on whether to pursue a promising buck early in the season or keep waiting for a mature “tree buck” he has followed for several years. He also mentions upcoming hunts in South Texas and New Mexico.
The main focus is a step-by-step discussion of what to do once you’re heading to your stand. Connor recommends planning an access route that accounts for wind, deer movement, and the terrain. In the morning, deer are often still on their feet, so he suggests approaching carefully, especially near feeders, and avoiding unnecessary ground scent. He favors moving quietly and steadily rather than rushing, which can create noise, sweat, and avoidable mistakes.
When setting up in a tree, Connor advises taking your time with climbing and organizing gear. He notes that hauling equipment up can be noisy, especially when leaves are still on the trees, and recommends having essential gear ready. Before settling in, he suggests nocking an arrow and putting on your release so you’re prepared for a possible opportunity at first light.
Once deer appear, Connor emphasizes watching their body language. Calm deer may feed and move casually, while alert deer may pause, look around, or repeatedly lift their heads. He cautions against drawing a bow while a deer is looking directly at you, since that movement can quickly give you away. If you make eye contact, he recommends avoiding sudden movements and slowly closing or squinting your eyes rather than staring back.
The episode then turns to shot placement. From an elevated stand, the downward angle changes where the arrow enters and exits, so hunters should account for the steepness of the shot and aim to achieve a good path through the vital organs. Connor also discusses how broadhead and arrow setups can influence where a hunter chooses to aim. His general point is to understand the strengths and limitations of your equipment, including how much margin for error it offers, and to practice with the setup you plan to use.
Connor wraps up with good wishes for the season and hopes to get out hunting soon. Overall, the episode is a field-oriented guide to access, setup, reading deer, staying concealed, and making thoughtful shot decisions.
