Granite Shoals deer harvesting program starts Sept. 27
Deer near one of the designated harvesting sites on Rosehill Drive in Granite Shoals. Staff photo by Maci Cottingham
The city of Granite Shoals’ white-tailed deer harvesting program opens Sept. 27 along with Texas’ archery-only season. Certified and approved hunters armed with crossbows will be out at designated spots starting Saturday in an effort reduce the city’s nuisance deer population.
Over the years, a growing number of white-tailed deer have contributed to vehicle collisions and damage to local vegetation and landscaping. The animal’s overpopulation also increases the risk of disease, including Chronic Wasting Disease and tick-borne illnesses.
Currently, 90 hunters are signed up for the Granite Shoals program, which is in coordination with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Thirty participants are fully approved and ready to begin, and 60 are in the process of completing testing and background checks. Hunters do not need to be Granite Shoals residents to participate but must meet specific qualifications, including holding a Texas Hunting License and passing safety tests.
The program runs through the end of the general white-tailed deer season on Jan. 4, 2026.
There are 10 active hunting sites on city-owned and private properties, with three alternate locations available if needed. These sites include tree stands, feeders, and backstops. All crossbow shots must be taken within 20 yards of a deer.
Peter Hutnick, chair of the Granite Shoals Wildlife Advisory Committee, said site adjustments could be made throughout the season to improve success if certain areas are less productive.
Initially launched in 2017 and paused in 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the city’s white-tailed deer program previously harvested 305 deer, logged over 2,000 hours, and produced nearly 6,000 pounds of venison. Hunters may keep their harvested venison, while leftovers are donated to local food pantries.
Most deer harvested are antlerless to reduce reproduction, and special permits limit the total number of deer taken.