Field Notes

A short guide to help new hunters get started with practical tips on licensing, safety, gear, and finding accessible hunting opportunities while connecting them to the land, tradition, and wildlife.

December marks one of the most important windows in the Texas hunting calendar. As winter approaches, wildlife behavior shifts, temperatures drop, and the late season presents new opportunities for hunters across the state. From the final phases of the whitetail rut to increased hog activity and prime conditions for exotic species, December offers Texans a unique blend of challenge and reward.

As the summer heat fades and cooler temperatures roll in, fall fishing season begins across Texas and beyond. The changing water temperatures trigger aggressive feeding behavior in both freshwater and saltwater species, making fall one of the most productive—and enjoyable—times of year to fish.

December marks one of the most exciting periods of the hunting year. Cooler weather, shifting wildlife behavior, and reduced hunting pressure create prime opportunities across Texas and beyond. Whether you're heading out for whitetail, hogs, waterfowl, or upland birds, late-season hunting requires strategy, preparation, and the right mindset.

When fall arrives on the Texas coast, everything changes—cooler temperatures, cleaner tides, lower fishing pressure, and a massive push of baitfish flooding the bays. For saltwater anglers, it’s one of the most productive seasons of the year. Whether you're wading shallow flats, drifting open bays, or booking a guided trip through BirdDog, fall fishing in Texas is as good as it gets.Below are the top inshore saltwater species to target this fall and the gear, tactics, and locations that consistently produce.

Texas is one of the most species-rich hunting states in the country, offering landowners and hunters a wide range of opportunities each fall. As temperatures cool and wildlife activity increases, fall becomes the perfect season to pursue big game, upland birds, and waterfowl across the Lone Star State.

Many BirdDog clients are strong freshwater anglers looking to break into the salt—and we love helping with that leap. One of the biggest technical shifts? Mastering the strip set. It’s a critical skill for anyone targeting redfish, snook, or tarpon on our coastal trips. Here’s how to do it right.

When it comes to private land hunting in Texas and beyond, access is a privilege—not a right. More hunters are realizing that private property hunts offer the best game quality, land management, and experience available. But as access grows, so does the need for responsible hunting etiquette.Whether you’re heading out on a BirdDog-arranged lease or invited by a private landowner, how you behave in the field can determine whether you’ll be invited back—or not.

We host a lot of corporate and hosted hunts through BirdDog—and we’ve learned what makes them click. Whether it’s a client appreciation dove hunt or a weekend whitetail retreat, these trips build relationships. Here’s how to make them smooth, memorable, and effective.

If you're new to hunting or fishing, it can feel overwhelming knowing where to start. Licenses, gear, access, and experience all seem like barriers. But the truth is: you don’t need to grow up in the outdoors to enjoy it. With the right support and access, anyone can get started. That’s where BirdDog comes in.

For hunters looking to chase trophy bucks, bulls, or mallards this season, the United States offers a wide range of legendary destinations. Whether you’re in pursuit of big game hunting across the mountains or dialed in on waterfowl migration routes, here are five of the top U.S. hunting locations—and why Texas should be at the top of your list.

When it comes to waterfowl hunting in Texas, there’s no shortage of opportunity—or challenge. From the flooded timber of East Texas to the windswept coastal prairie, Texas is a waterfowler’s paradise defined by migration, patience, and grit. Every sunrise brings the potential for mallards, pintails, teal, and geese riding the flyways south.

At BirdDog, we work with landowners across Texas to prepare their land for premium hunting experiences—whether it’s for family use, outfitting, or maximizing income. A little prep goes a long way, and it starts well before opening day.

Fall hunting season in Texas brings more than just cooler mornings and changing leaves—it’s a prime opportunity for landowners to earn income, manage wildlife, and share their land with a passionate outdoor community. If you’ve got game on your property, you’ve got something hunters are actively looking for. But even the best hunting land won’t fill up if no one knows it’s available.

Hunting seasons are an essential part of wildlife management, ensuring that game populations remain healthy and sustainable for future generations. By understanding the different types of hunting seasons, when they occur, and why they are critical, hunters can plan their trips effectively and responsibly. Here’s a breakdown of hunting seasons and why they matter.

Dove season is a big deal at BirdDog. It’s fast-paced, social, and the perfect kickoff to the fall. We host dove hunts across Texas—from tailored client events to big opening-day shoots—and we’re here to make sure you’re ready.

December is one of the most action-packed months for Texas duck and goose hunting. As winter pushes deeper into the Central Flyway, Texas becomes a major stopover for migrating birds seeking food, mild weather, and quality habitat. From the Gulf Coast marshes to North Texas reservoirs, December offers some of the most productive waterfowl hunting opportunities of the season.

When temperatures rise and summer is in full swing, most people are thinking about beach days and barbecues. But for savvy outdoorsmen and landowners, summer is the perfect time to start planning for fall hunting and fishing. From booking access to preparing gear, the most successful fall seasons begin months in advance.

When it comes to Texas hunting, gimmicks won’t get you far. At BirdDog, our guides and landowner partners focus on what actually works—field-tested strategies that deliver success across Texas whitetail hunts, dove season, duck blinds, and exotic game like axis deer. Whether you're running feeders in the Hill Country or glassing canyons in West Texas, these tried-and-true hunting techniques will help you tag out and maximize every trip.

When fall arrives, hunters across the state gear up for one of the most anticipated times of the year—the Texas hunting season. For landowners, this season is more than just tradition—it’s a chance to generate income, improve land management, and strengthen community ties. With species like whitetail deer, hogs, and waterfowl in abundance, Texas offers some of the best opportunities for both hunters and property owners. Partnering with BirdDog makes it easier than ever to connect landowners with hunters eager to book guided hunting trips and hunting packages.