Deep In The Hunt Of Texas

Sportsmen's Empire
  • 4.4 (7)
  • Wilderness
  • Weekly

Welcome to Deep in the Hunt of Texas, where the mesquite whispers, the sun breaks wide over the brush country, and every pursuit becomes a story worth retelling. This show follows the heartbeat of the Texas outdoors, from whitetails slipping through live oaks to redfish pushing wakes across the flats, with plenty of ducks, hogs, and surprises along the way. Each episode blends real hunts, honest gear talk, field wisdom, close calls, big laughs, and conversations with the people who make Texas hunting what it is. Whether you’re in a blind, on the bow of a skiff, or daydreaming at your desk, Deep in the Hunt of Texas brings you right back into the chase. Grab a seat, settle in, and let’s get deep in the hunt.

  1. 3d ago

    First Deer, NM Mule Deer, Hunt and Jeffro Cameo

    Connor records a mostly solo episode of Deep in the Hunt of Texas. He's running late after a day of work golf, and he looks ahead to deer season. He says it's still warm, but a gradual cool-down should help the rut and the rifle season later on. **First blood in Bowie.** His cousin Trey shot a big 8-point, roughly 130–135 inches. It was a last-minute Sunday evening hunt. The arrow showed liver-type blood, so Trey backed out instead of pushing the deer. Connor uses that to explain how to read blood on an arrow: - Pink and bubbly usually means lung. - Darker blood can mean heart. - Flaky red blood means liver. - A shoulder hit usually means the deer lives. Liver-hit deer die, but pushing them too soon can send them miles away. While they waited for a tracking dog, everything went wrong. They got a bad waiter at their favorite Tex-Mex place, then hit a dead deer's antler and got a flat tire. A deputy sheriff questioned their friend at the gate, and Connor worried a game warden might show up. The dog found the buck 25 yards from the stand in seconds. Connor calls the whole night a "Murphy's Law" story. **Lessons from hard seasons.** Connor shot nothing in 2024 and had to grind out a deer on December 28 last year. He says his biggest growth came in those years. He used to be a "slave to the corn." He now studies travel routes and bedding, and he thinks deer hunting is built on trial and error. He gives this advice: - Take more risks if you have a lot of land, and compare it to diversifying investments. - Be patient on strong spots like pinch points. - Move cameras that show only cows and hogs. - Trust your gut. - Focus on the process, not the results. In his words, deer mounts end up in a landfill anyway. **New Mexico mule deer.** In about three weeks he goes after desert mule deer near the Magdalena Mountains with Parker Webb. It's a low-density, high-quality unit with the rut starting. He expects to know within a day or two whether they'll find deer. His main goal is to get Parker on a buck. **Jeffro joins.** Jeffro drops in unannounced, fresh from his nine-year anniversary dinner. They tell the story of Connor's 2021 deer, which interrupted Jeffro's fourth-anniversary dinner and ended with Jeffro helping track a deer that was 10 steps away. After that the talk wanders: - Jeffro's son Brooks makes an appearance. - Old Duck Commander DVDs. - Plans to hunt Sunday. - Broadhead debates (Rage, Muzzy, Grim Reaper, Swacker). They end on rifles. Both swear by the .30-06, and Connor's hot take is that shooting past 300 yards is long-range shooting, not hunting. He signs off hoping to have his own deer story next week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    First Deer, NM Mule Deer, Hunt and Jeffro Cameo

  2. Oct 22

    Halloween Hunting Addition

    Halloween hits the deer woods hard. One strange sound in the dark, one set of eyes in the timber, and suddenly every walk back to the truck feels a little less ordinary. In this Halloween edition of Deep in the Hunt of Texas, Connor and Jeffro swap hunting stories, creepy encounters, and the kind of campfire tales that make you listen a little closer to what’s moving in the brush. They joke about using an Aztec death whistle to clear out a crowded public-land spot, then get into the real things that unsettle them: big cats in the woods, strange lights, and the uneasy feeling that something may be following you through the dark. The conversation moves between laughs and genuine nerves. Jeffro recalls a frightening walk across a field after an evening hunt, when a sound kept getting closer until he turned around and found a cow just feet away. Connor shares a night in the stand when the noise of a hog under his tree had him scrambling for his light and pistol. Their stories capture the unpredictable side of hunting: animals can appear from nowhere, a familiar path can feel strange after dark, and even experienced hunters can find themselves rattled.They also revisit a different kind of haunting: the deer that got away. Jeffro tells the story of a giant six-point he had in his sights but couldn’t bring himself to shoot without being sure.  Later, a trail-camera photo showed the buck had been around all along. Connor remembers two remarkable bucks he never managed to catch up with. Those missed chances still linger, along with the familiar hunter’s debate over patience, ethical shots, and knowing when to take an opportunity.From there, the episode heads deeper into paranormal territory. Connor recounts the Cash-Landrum incident, a famous Texas UFO case in which three witnesses described a bright, heat-producing object over a rural road, followed by a formation of helicopters. The mystery, the witnesses’ reported symptoms, and the unanswered questions make it a story that continues to invite speculation.The unsettling stories continue with a reported thermal-scope sighting of a figure that appeared human, then dropped to all fours and disappeared into the timber. Connor also shares an East Texas hog-hunting account about a large, upright creature that seemed to stalk the hogs before launching at one.  The hosts consider ordinary explanations, acknowledge the lack of verified evidence, and still wrestle with the details that make these stories hard to forget.Throughout the episode, Connor and Jeffro bring the humor and honesty of longtime hunting partners to stories about public-land pressure, deer-season timing, trail cameras, and the strange sounds that seem louder when you’re alone in the woods. It’s part hunting talk, part Halloween storytelling, and part reminder that the walk back to the truck can be the most nerve-racking part of the hunt.Whether you’re a deer or hog hunter, a fan of Texas mysteries, or simply someone who enjoys a good story told by the campfire, settle in for a spooky trip through the woods with Deep in the Hunt of Texas. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Halloween Hunting Addition

  3. Oct 15

    Early Season Success w/ Travis Miller

    This episode of Deep in the Hunt of Texas follows host Connor Little and returning guest Travis Miller as they swap stories and advice from the early deer season. Travis recounts taking a buck on his first sit of the season, despite a less-than-ideal wind. He describes how he gained access to an 80-acre property through a landowner’s generosity, and how creek-bed terrain, familiar background noise from a gas compressor, and steady corn and mineral sites may have helped make the hunt work. The conversation also covers practical challenges of hunting in Texas: finding quiet access routes, unpredictable deer movement, changing thermals, heavy rain that can leave roads impassable, and mosquitoes that can make a sit miserable. They compare notes on processing deer and doing European mounts, then discuss how weather, forage, and the rut may influence buck activity. Connor shares that his own season has been unusually quiet for bucks so far, while Travis is looking ahead to another mature buck and hopes his daughters might get a chance at it. The episode works as a relaxed, relatable hunting conversation: Travis’s first-sit success gives it a clear story, while the practical details and shared frustrations make the advice feel grounded in real experience. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Early Season Success w/ Travis Miller

  4. Oct 8

    Bowhunting 201

    This episode of Deep in the Hunt of Texas begins with Connor talking about the start of bow season in Texas, cooler weather, and the deer he’s watching on camera. He shares his thoughts on whether to pursue a promising buck early in the season or keep waiting for a mature “tree buck” he has followed for several years. He also mentions upcoming hunts in South Texas and New Mexico. The main focus is a step-by-step discussion of what to do once you’re heading to your stand. Connor recommends planning an access route that accounts for wind, deer movement, and the terrain. In the morning, deer are often still on their feet, so he suggests approaching carefully, especially near feeders, and avoiding unnecessary ground scent. He favors moving quietly and steadily rather than rushing, which can create noise, sweat, and avoidable mistakes. When setting up in a tree, Connor advises taking your time with climbing and organizing gear. He notes that hauling equipment up can be noisy, especially when leaves are still on the trees, and recommends having essential gear ready. Before settling in, he suggests nocking an arrow and putting on your release so you’re prepared for a possible opportunity at first light. Once deer appear, Connor emphasizes watching their body language. Calm deer may feed and move casually, while alert deer may pause, look around, or repeatedly lift their heads. He cautions against drawing a bow while a deer is looking directly at you, since that movement can quickly give you away. If you make eye contact, he recommends avoiding sudden movements and slowly closing or squinting your eyes rather than staring back. The episode then turns to shot placement. From an elevated stand, the downward angle changes where the arrow enters and exits, so hunters should account for the steepness of the shot and aim to achieve a good path through the vital organs. Connor also discusses how broadhead and arrow setups can influence where a hunter chooses to aim. His general point is to understand the strengths and limitations of your equipment, including how much margin for error it offers, and to practice with the setup you plan to use. Connor wraps up with good wishes for the season and hopes to get out hunting soon. Overall, the episode is a field-oriented guide to access, setup, reading deer, staying concealed, and making thoughtful shot decisions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Bowhunting 201

  5. Oct 1

    The Hang: Deer Season Preview

    Connor, Curtis, and James catch up just days before bow season opens. They reminisce about dove hunting in South Texas—including Connor’s favorite hunts with smaller shotguns—and swap stories about getting stung by wasps.The conversation turns to the frustration of unreliable cellular trail cameras: Connor describes cameras failing despite new batteries and monthly service fees, and wonders whether going back to basic cameras and memory cards might be better.  The group also talks about deer on their hunting properties, their hopes for the season, and the friendly negotiations over who gets a buck tag.Much of the episode is an informal, comedic hangout, with stories about casino trips, gambling wins and losses, and the importance of knowing when to walk away. Connor closes by wishing listeners luck for opening weekend and gives a shout-out to the show’s sponsor, Kirco Services. The episode’s conversational, teasing tone makes it feel like joining friends around the campfire—well suited to listeners gearing up for hunting season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Hang: Deer Season Preview

  6. Sep 24

    Texas Draw Hunts w/ Hunter AKA Captain Texas

    In this episode of Deep in the Hunt of Texas, Connor talks with Hunter Thompson about preparing for deer season, the rising cost of hunting access, and how Texas hunters can use the state’s draw-hunt system to find new opportunities. Hunter shares his background growing up near Houston, learning to hunt from his family, and eventually working in environmental restoration. He explains how wetland mitigation projects can protect wildlife habitat while also creating hunting access on restored properties.The main focus is Texas’s draw-hunt program, which offers opportunities for deer, alligator, waterfowl, quail, javelina, mule deer, and other species. Hunter tells the story of drawing an alligator hunt, harvesting a seven-foot alligator, and processing the meat himself. He also discusses a South Texas archery hunt where he took a 10-point buck and a Big Bend Ranch State Park quail hunt that unexpectedly sparked his interest in pursuing Texas mule deer. Connor and Hunter explain the difference between paid applications and free e-postcard hunts, how the Annual Public Hunting Permit works, and how loyalty points improve a hunter’s odds over time. They encourage listeners to explore Texas’s draw system, especially the low-cost and free opportunities, as a way to access unique properties without relying entirely on expensive private leases.Why it works: The summary highlights both the practical value of the draw system and the personal hunting stories that make the episode engaging. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Texas Draw Hunts w/ Hunter AKA Captain Texas

  7. Sep 17

    Early Bow Season Manual

    This episode of Deep in the Hunt of Texas is a practical guide to preparing for bow season, especially for hunters in North Texas. The host begins by apologizing for previously releasing the wrong episode, then discusses his own late start to deer-season preparation. He covers getting cameras and feeders set up, trimming shooting lanes, tuning and practicing with a bow, using short-distance repetitions to rebuild form, and always wearing a proper safety harness.The main lesson is understanding early-season deer behavior. In October, deer generally follow a bed-to-food pattern, with activity concentrated around dusk and dawn. Bucks may begin sparring and breaking up from bachelor groups, but isolated signs of fighting do not mean peak rut activity has arrived. The host explains that October can be the best time to target a specific buck because patterns are still predictable—but it is also risky because disturbing a deer can cause it to change patterns or disappear.He recommends being especially cautious with morning hunts, where hunters may bump deer while entering the property.  Evening hunts can offer cleaner access, particularly when a buck consistently arrives at a feeder just before legal shooting light ends. The episode also explains how morning and evening thermals affect scent, emphasizing that hunters should use terrain, wind, and rising or falling air to keep their scent away from approaching deer.Finally, the host stresses that exits are just as important as entrances, encourages hunters to be patient, and highlights the valuable late-October and early-November window when bow hunters may get several extra days before general hunting season begins. His overall advice is to avoid rushing, use camera data wisely, and wait for the right opportunity rather than compromising future hunts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  8. Sep 10

    Dove Season Opener and Deer Season Talk w/ Brandon Smith

    Connor Little welcomes Brandon Smith back to the podcast to celebrate the return of hunting season in Texas. They begin by recapping their opening-weekend dove hunts, discussing dry conditions, extreme heat, bird numbers, and the different experiences of hunting in North and South Texas. Connor also shares the story of his long drive south, a memorable breakfast-taco stop, and the advantages of using a 28-gauge shotgun for morning dove. The conversation expands into gear and strategy, including the differences between 28-, 20-, and 12-gauge shotguns, hunting ducks on large lakes, and the frustration of birds landing outside comfortable shooting range. Connor and Brandon also discuss taxidermy costs, turnaround times, and rifle cartridges such as the 6.5 PRC and .25-06. They then look ahead to the rest of the season. Brandon talks about hunting a small property where deer primarily travel through, while Connor shares his plans for South Texas and his goal of eventually taking a 150-class buck in Bowie. Both hosts explain why they enjoy introducing friends and new hunters to the outdoors, even when it means giving up some personal hunting time. The episode also includes stories from Louisiana fishing trips and Brandon’s past spearfishing adventure in Mexico. They close with a detailed discussion about passing deer, the value of mature bucks, and how property size, deer movement, personal history, and the possibility of never seeing a buck again can all influence the final decision. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Dove Season Opener and Deer Season Talk w/ Brandon Smith
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Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to Deep in the Hunt of Texas, where the mesquite whispers, the sun breaks wide over the brush country, and every pursuit becomes a story worth retelling. This show follows the heartbeat of the Texas outdoors, from whitetails slipping through live oaks to redfish pushing wakes across the flats, with plenty of ducks, hogs, and surprises along the way. Each episode blends real hunts, honest gear talk, field wisdom, close calls, big laughs, and conversations with the people who make Texas hunting what it is. Whether you’re in a blind, on the bow of a skiff, or daydreaming at your desk, Deep in the Hunt of Texas brings you right back into the chase. Grab a seat, settle in, and let’s get deep in the hunt.

Information

  • Creator
    Sportsmen's Empire
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Deep In The Hunt Of Texas
  • Show Website
    Deep In The Hunt Of Texas

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