Go on these outdoor adventures to pass the time until deer season.
Wintertime coyote hunting is long gone, spring turkey season is over, spring fishing is slowing down, and it’s still a long while until fall deer seasons open. So, what’s a hunter to do? Go on these outdoor adventures to pass the time until deer season. Here are 25 summertime hunts you’ll love.
1. Armadillo
More of a nuisance than a hunting opportunity, armadillos continue to spread northward. Recently, they entered Kentucky (and neighboring states to the east and west), and continue their march from one latitude to the next. As a result, they are becoming more accessible to hunters around the country. If no other opportunities exist, consider targeting these critters.
2. Axis Deer
Native to India, the mighty axis deer is a treasured exotic animal in America. It’s especially abundant in parts of Hawaii and Texas. Axis are hunted at various times of year, but in Texas, spring and summer are key months to target big axis bucks.
3. Aoudad
Aoudad were once popular zoo animals and raised to be fed to carnivorous zoo attractions. However, in the early- to mid-1900s, they were released in western Texas, and are now a staple in the Lone Star State. Hunters commonly target these animals during the warmer months.
4. Black Bear
Spring is a big time for the bear hunter, and some hunts carry over into June, location depending. These big bruins offer a unique big-game experience with hunt characteristics close to other opportunities, such as whitetails.
5. Blackbuck
Another exotic animal, the blackbuck, is small but offers an action-packed hunt. It’s native to India and Pakistan, but now resides all over Texas. In the early 1930s, it was released along the Edwards Plateau, which is modern-day Kerr County. Since then, it’s spread through Lone Star country and continues to draw hunters from throughout the world.
6. Bullfrog
One of the loudest and proudest summertime target species is the loud-mouthed bullfrog. These are fished, gigged, and hunted. Regardless, the summer months are the best times to go after these noisy things.
7. Coyote
Most coyote hunters focus their efforts in winter, specifically January through March. However, May through July can be great times as well. This is fawning season, and coyotes are actively targeting newborn whitetails. With a fawn-in-distress call, you can bag a few song dogs.
8. Crow
Once widely popular, crows are coming back in style. These animals are smart, though, and aren’t bagged easily. In fact, studies have shown they actively avoid humans carrying visible weapons, but will get close to those who aren’t.
9. Dove
Late summer brings annual dove hunting opportunities. Seasons open, and shots begin ringing out across America. Fast-flying doves make for challenging targets, but with the right lead, stacking a limit is rewarding. If that sounds like fun, it’s because it is, and you should partake.
10. Fallow
Fallow deer are native to the Mediterranean region in eastern Europe and Asia Minor. They’ve been imported to nearly every continent, including North America. Today, they exist by the thousands in the Lone Star state. Hunters travel there, and other states, to hunt fallow deer.
11. Fish
Bowfishing is highly attractive to summertime adventurers. Carp being the premier target species, bowhunters spend many a night shining lights on shallow waters. Many people enjoy the unique experience of arrowing big invasive fish species.
12. Groundhog
A member of the squirrel family, groundhogs have been enraging farmers and barn owners for hundreds of years. These animals commonly burrow underneath structures, such as barns, garages, sheds, and more.
13. Javelina
Home in the Southwest, javelina are small pig-looking animals. They aren’t closely related to domestic or wild hogs, but they still look and act like them. Not to mention how much fun these things can be to hunt.
14. Mouflon Sheep
Another animal import, mouflon sheep are common in parts of Hawaii and Texas. According to most sources, these are native to Asia Minor. Several thousand years ago, they were taken to the Mediterranean islands. In 1946, they were imported to Texas. In 1953, these were released in California. In 1957, they arrived in Hawaii. Ever since, hunters have been harvesting these sheep during action-packed hunts.
15. Nilgai
A member of the antelope family, nilgai are native to India and Nepal. They have excellent eyesight, great sense of smell, and good hearing. These are cagey critters, and are difficult to hunt. In the 1920s, they were brought to Texas, and hunters have been chasing them ever since.
16. Oryx (Gemsbok)
The oryx, often referred to as the gemsbok, is native to Africa. More specifically, it’s home to the Kalahari Desert. In the 1970s, it arrived in Texas. Today, it’s common throughout the American Southwest. It is among the most highly sought-after exotic species.
17. Pigeons
Like dove hunting, pigeon hunting is common throughout America. These fast flyers are especially abundant around agricultural settings, and shooting these birds makes for some fun times.
18. Prairie Dogs
One of the most popular small game hunts of the West, prairie dogs offer some rapid-fire opportunities. Hunters set up and wait for prairie dogs to emerge from their holes. Think of it as a big game of Whack-a-Mole (but with rimfires).
19. Pronghorn (Antelope)
America’s most beloved goat, the pronghorn (a.k.a. antelope), is often hunted in August. Depending on the state and region, hunters can find these animals in season and within the reach of average budgets.
20. Pythons
Burmese pythons are wreaking havoc on Florida. This invasive species is killing off native animals left and right. That makes these snakes excellent targets for summertime trigger pulling. They even have big, organized hunts to cut down the numbers.
21. Squirrels
Some states offer spring or late summer squirrel seasons. Kentucky is just one example. While sweating is a prerequisite for these hunts, it’s a unique experience that can help keep hunters engaged. Not to mention the fine dining to follow.
22. Upland Birds (Pen-Raised)
You won’t find a summertime opportunity to hunt upland birds in the wild. However, you can hunt pen-raised chukar, pheasant, and quail. Find someone with a dog and offer to buy the birds. It’ll give their dogs opportunities to work, and you get to shoot some fast-flying targets.
23. Whitetails
Surprised to see whitetails on this list? Don’t be. Several states offer early deer season openers. Chase rutting Florida bucks in July and August. California offers July and August deer hunting opportunities as well. Hunt South Carolina, Tennessee, and other states, in August, too.
24. Wild Pigs
With more than 6.5 million hogs in America, wild pigs make for excellent summertime hunting opportunities. Populations exist in 31 states, and parts of Canada, making it a widely available summertime adventure.
25. And More
Other summertime adventures await hunters who hope to bridge the gaps between spring and fall. For example, other exotic species opportunities exist, too. Some of these include red deer, Sika deer, and more.
Regardless of what adventure you choose, consider passing the time with these hunts. It’ll help pass the time, keep shooting skills in form, and won’t allow hunting skills to rust over. On top of that, these are summertime hunts you’ll love.
