Matador Whitetail Nov. 12-16

I just wanted to start a thread here also, to keep making updates about the hunt, and offer a spot for anyone to make some observations or recommendations. Not really a lot of info or posts on this particular hunt that is earlier. Many more entries about the mule deer hunt which occurs a month later.

I lucked out and drew for the second whitetail hunt (Nov 12-16) at Matador this year, and added my two hunting partners along on the app. Should be a fun time for us, and I'm hoping the week later date will off-set the disturbance of the previous weeks hunt. I know it is too early for the rut, but maybe some pre-rut roaming around will help keep the bucks visible. A great hunting experience for my one partner, who has never been to this part of Texas. She got to go down to the Chap with me on a crossbow hunt years ago, but was not successful on a deer. A few nice bucks in the pickup on the ride home would be a definite plus too.

Looked at all the permit and map info, and think we have a understanding of what we will be in for. The Matador WMA Facebook page has some really pretty photos of the area, and we will be following that regularly now too. Question - How bad are the snakes, really, if it stays hot. Don't really worry about them if it stays below 50-60 degrees, and I avoid the sunny spots. None of us wear chaps or boots, with all the hunting we do in the desert here, but we can generally see our feet at all times in the rocks and sagebrush. Not so sure about waist high grass in Matador!!!

Have hunted the Caprock Canyon before for mule deer, and we stayed in a motel in Childress that time. That will be the plan again for this trip, and still keep us about 30 minutes from the WMA. Any spots people could recommend for true Texas good food??? Any places to avoid???

Will be sure to post up a hunt report with pics when we get down on the hunt. Good luck to everyone else in the hunting woods this year.

I just got these and have only worn them once in the field last week. You wont believe how light they are and I really forgot I was wearing them. I am thinking if you are going to do a lot of hiking then these are going to do the trick for you.

https://turtleskin.com/outdoor-snake-protection/snakearmor-snake-protection/snake-gaiters-1.html https://turtleskin.com/outdoor-snake-protection/snakearmor-snake-protection/snake-gaiters-1.html

Good luck on the hunt.

I've been to Matador bird hunting quite a few years ago. I would say you need to think of snakes even at 50-60 degrees. Alot of places you will not be able to see your feet. The snake gaiters listed above may be a good option. The brush will be rough on your legs, so these might help in both regards. Good luck with the hunt.

Been there a couple times myself. Last time I was there the place was covered with what is called "shinnery" which appears to be a dwarf species of Oak tree and it can be some tough stuff to navigate. It is often waist high. This said if you drew a rifle tag staying high and glassing is your best bet. I was dove hunting the last time I was there and saw several nice bucks along with many feral hogs. Seemed black and white spotted was a common color variation on the hogs.

Thanks everyone. Will be looking into both chaps and boots.

Got back late last night from the whitetail gun hunt at Matador. Will get photos transferred from phone to computer and get an actual hunt report up real soon with pics. We were successful on all three of our bucks, and the two partners wanted to shoot does also.

congrats Blank and looking forward to the report!!

Just never can figure out these stupid picture apps, and half the pictures are rotated wrong.... Guess you'll just have to tip your head on a couple to see correctly. Got down to the WMA on Sunday, had a heck of a storm come in with rain, snow, and 30 mph wind. First day was cold as heck to do the orientation and get compartments. Low of 14 degrees, but kept warming up thru the hunt and was 76 on the last day. We brought snake guards for precautions, but never used them. The drew two standby cards with one on the first and two on the second. Got everyone their assigned compartment and we took the O.X. in the NE corner and the Suitcase right below it. Only saw two mule deer does on the side all of the hunt, but plenty of whitetails. Saw up to 8 bucks a day and a dozen does. Lisa shot her 5 point the first morning as she had never killed a Texas whitetail before and it was a nice legal on outside its ears. Paul shot his 8 point that afternoon. I was holding out for a trophy or nothing, and got mine the second morning. They were all 3.5 or 4.5 years old. They each shot a doe but we never saw any big hogs to hunt because of the cold weather I believe. It was a great hunt, and the people running the WMA were great. Enjoyed to chance to stay with another camper in the East campground with generators. A couple of the hunters tent camped in the West camp ground. One kid brought in a super wide 9 point, that was aged at 8.5 years old. All in all a fun hunt and I think there were 6-7 bucks and 3 does taken.

Nice bucks,sounds like you had a great hunt.Congrats to all.

I was drawn for Gun Mule Deer this year in December at matador wma I been there before and killed a turkey with my son. Those are some nice whitetail bucks anybody see any Mule deer bucks ??? Anyone have any information tips or suggestions ? I'm a avid deer hunter but have only gotten to mule deer hunt once when I was 14 with my uncle looking forward to going again my uncle was very good at mule deer hunting hoping to follow in his footsteps on this hunt. Him and my Dad past away a couple years ago now. They thought me to love the outdoors witch I will always be thankful for. Kids and young adults take the time to really enjoy time with your parents outdoors because it ends sooner than u think.

Congrats. Got to love the Matador.

Blank, you continue to be "The man" on these hunts. Great report, great pictures. I got drawn for the Turkey hunt this year at Matador. Any information/ suggestions you could provide will be greatly appreciated.

Sent you a PM.