Popular Types of Deer You Can Hunt Near Fort Worth, TX

A hunting membership at Ranger Ridge Estates opens up a world of possibilities for hunting. Our more than 1,800-acre preserve is home to native deer species as well as imported deer species to ensure members can enjoy varied hunting opportunities all year long.

Types of Deer at Ranger Ridge

Native to North America

Whitetail Deer

Whitetail deer are by far the most prevalent type of deer near Fort Worth and throughout Texas. There are an estimated 4.5 million whitetail deer in the state – more than any other state in the U.S. Incredibly agile, running as fast as 30 miles an hour and jumping up to 10 feet high, and the smallest type of deer in North America, whitetail deer make for challenging yet highly rewarding game. They tend to sleep during the day, so hunters should schedule their hunt either at dawn or in the late afternoon to increase their chance of encountering one.

Elk

In stark contrast to whitetail deer, elk are much larger in size and stature, much louder with their characteristic bulging and significantly rarer in Texas. Elk are much more common in other states with dense forests like New Mexico or Colorado. Their rarity makes sightings and the chance to take one an exciting luxury for huntsmen.

Exotic Deer

Red Stag

Red stags originate from Europe and are sometimes referred to as the European cousin of North American elk. They are known for their reddish-brown coats and impressive size. Red stag hunting requires patience and skill, as these animals are wary and often travel in groups. Their haunting roar during the rutting season can be heard echoing through the woods, adding to the thrill of the hunt.

Fallow Deer

There are two types of fallow deer: the common type originates exclusively from Turkey, while the Persian fallow is native to Iran and Israel. You can find both in the nature preserve at Ranger Ridge.

Known for their striking spotted coat, fallow deer are easily recognizable – but not always easy to hunt. Fallow deer are highly adaptable, agile and can be difficult to locate, despite traveling in herds. They’re also not as nervous as most types of deer, which makes them quicker to react and thus requires hunters to be more strategic in their planning. Hunters will have the best luck hunting fallow deer while they’re feeding, which is usually either at dawn or dusk.

Dybowski Sika

Dybowski Sika are native to northeastern Asia, although only roam wildly in eastern Russia. They have a colored underside and belly and grow characteristic neck fluff in the winter months. They don’t have tails and instead have a ruff patch with a white underside that fluffs out when they’re alarmed. One of the more elusive of the deer types, their ability to remain hidden and move unpredictably makes hunting them an exciting challenge.

Axis Deer

Native to the Indian subcontinent, axis deer are renowned for their distinct spotted coats, surprisingly tall antlers and significantly smaller stature compared to other deer – all of which make for a challenging yet rewarding hunt. These deer are often found in grasslands and forests and are known for their high-pitched alarm calls, which can alert other animals to danger.

Quick, agile and able to alert any other potential game, hunters seeking to harvest an axis deer will need stealth and precision. Our hunts are guided by experienced professionals who can help increase your chances of successfully bagging axis deer or other game.

Hog Deer

Hog deer are similar to axis deer in many ways. They’re native to the Indian subcontinent and are much smaller than other deer. However, they have a more stocky build than axis deer which allows them to navigate through dense underbrush, where their brown coats can help them blend into their surroundings. Hunting hog deer requires sharp shooting skills and a keen eye, as they are known for their sudden bursts of speed.

Père David

Native only in China, Père David are an Asian type of deer most well known for their unique, jagged antlers, which they grow two sets of every year. Père David deer are some of the hardest deer to find. They were nearly extinguished by a flood in 1895 and the Boxer Rebellion in the 19th century but were saved thanks to avid zoo conservation efforts in Europe. As a result, we’ve been able to ship this exotic game to our preserve so members at Ranger Ridge can enjoy the chance to hunt this rare species.

Hunter Members Can Enjoy an Unparalleled Deer Hunting Experience Just an Hour West of Fort Worth, TX

Hunter and Chief members at Ranger Ridge can experience exclusive access to well-maintained hunting grounds, professionally guided hunting tours and exotic game – all while only being an hour outside of Fort Worth.

Call (817) 618-6773 to schedule a tour of the community and learn more today.