7 Texas Deer Hunting Myths That Could Ruin Your Hunt

The 2025 archery-only season kicks off this weekend (Sept27-Oct31). Texas Game Wardens remind us, "Be prepared, be safe, and know the State regulations. You can even buy your hunting license and archery endorsement through the TPWD mobile app." Wear your safety harness in stands, practice with your bow, and pack water, snacks, and a basic survival kit. Now, let’s have some fun and clear up a few things hunters love to argue about.

Get our free mobile app

Why Myths Stick (and why they matter)

Outdoorsmen swap stories around campfires and in deer stands; some are useful, some aren’t. The trouble is, myths become rules if we don’t test them. I believed a few myself until experience taught me otherwise, including one I’ll never forget.

Myth 1 - “If someone stomps around your stand, the spot’s blown.”

Busted: Deer can be surprisingly forgiving. A noisy approach might make them wary for a short while, but good cover, wind awareness, and patience often bring them back. Don’t abandon a spot after one mistake, learn from it, and hunt smarter the next day.

Myth 2 - “Never hunt the same stand two days in a row.”

Busted: Rotating stands is a tactic, not a rule. If a field or food source is firing, the same stand can be gold for two days running. The key is scent control, timing, and matching animal movement to your pattern, not blind superstition.

Myth 3 - “Always use a pee can.”

Busted (and funny): I once had to pee out in the brush, made a ruckus, and swore I’d killed my hunt. Fifteen minutes later, a doe came in, followed by an 8-point buck sniffing around where I had just gone #1. So: pee if you must, but be discreet, and don’t panic. Practical hygiene + common sense and rigid rules.

Myth 4 - “A full moon ruins hunting because deer feed all night.”

Busted: Deer behavior changes with the moon, but it doesn’t make the day useless. Sometimes a full moon pushes deer to move more at dawn and dusk; sometimes it concentrates movement in different pockets. Learn your ground and adapt, don’t skip opening day just because the sky’s bright.

Myth 5 - “Big deer only move at dawn and dusk.”

Busted: Mature bucks are crepuscular, sure, but weather, pressure changes, hunting pressure, and rutting can shift their schedules. A cold front or rut activity can trigger mid-day movement. Keep notes on patterns, your best time might surprise you.

Myth 6 - “Rattling only works pre-rut.”

Busted: Rattling is a tool with timing, place, and finesse. It can work pre-rut, during the rut, and sometimes after, if it matches local deer pressure and the moment. Practice your realism and don’t overdo it; smart, situational rattling beats blind repetition.

Myth 7 - “Miss your target and the season’s over.”

Busted: A miss stings, I know, but it doesn’t end your season. Recover, patch gear, track responsibly, and learn. Most recoveries come down to preparation: blood-trail basics, knowing your effective range, and having someone with you who can help if needed.

Keep the safety on, keep your hunting license updated, and practice ethical shots. Take notes, adapt to the conditions, and remember: myths are fine as campfire talk, but don’t let them get in the way of a safe, successful Texas hunt.

Keep safety and licensing from TPWD in mind at all times (download that app for the latest updates). Good luck out there. Be safe in the stand, check out the rules & regs on the TPWD app before you go, and if you see a buck following your “oops,”  well, don’t crow about it.

Read More: Why Abilene, Texas Is Called the Key City (And 9 More Facts)