Jody Horton
CARTER SMITH SAYS: “My father would take me out of school early to dove-hunt at our Williamson County farm. The only thing more enjoyable than skipping class and spending time in the country was the reward after the hunt: grilled dove. I’ve been eating these poppers all my life; our family serves them every chance we get and always as appetizers at Thanksgiving.”
Jody Horton
a tip from Chef Jesse: I like to pluck doves, not just take the breasts. You took the time to drive to the lease, so take some time to pluck a few doves while the sun goes down on your post-hunt celebration. While dove poppers like Carter’s are beloved, try stews, dumplings, pot pies or even frying them with a spicy glaze, like my Hot Fried Birds.
Jonathan Vail
a tip from Chef Jesse: Remember, there are many fish in the sea. Croaker, sheepshead, whiting, black drum and even gafftopsail catfish make fine eating. Beyond frying or grilling on the halfshell, try ceviche, fish soups and tacos. Think beyond The Big Three and fish for dinner, not just pictures.
Jody Horton
a tip from Chef Jesse: Shanks, necks and ribs can be incredible if first slowly braised to make them tender and moist. Then slap them on the grill for a little char and smoke. Try long-simmered venison in tacos, egg rolls or with pasta. Pound out backstraps or slices of ham or go raw with the tenderloins for some incredible tartare, carpaccio or South Texas parisa. Here’s a recipe for stuffed venison flank, a misunderstood, throwaway cut.
Zoryanchik | Dreamstime.com
a tip from Chef Jesse: Coating the fish in tangy mustard gives it another layer of flavor. Feel free to use any style of mustard you have in fish camp, and don’t worry if you don’t have buttermilk, as milk or even plain yogurt thinned with water will work fine. Fry the fish in hot oil and get it crispy, then allow your fryer to get hot again before dropping the next batch.
HIphoto | Dreamstime.com
Texans have been serving wild game to their families for generations. Hunters know that wild game is the original low-carb, low-fat, all natural food. From venison to dove, turkey, or quail, it's a healthy choice the whole family can enjoy. Whether you prefer traditional dishes with a Texas twist or have a more adventuresome palate, we have the perfect recipe for you.
For generations, the Outdoor Annual was the trusted regulations booklet kept in the glove compartments and tackle boxes of millions of Texas hunters and anglers. Due to the pandemic and the resulting economic downturn, the Texas Outdoor Annual Hunting, Fishing and Boating Regulations will be all-digital for the 2020–21 license year. Fortunately, the Outdoor Annual products are tried and true and already in use by millions of Texas hunters and anglers
The OutdoorAnnual.com website and the Texas Outdoor Annual mobile app make it easy to find everything you need to know before you go. Check out the latest information on bag limits and season dates by animal and by county, chronic wasting disease zones, fishing bag and length limits by water body, places to fish and more. The website is mobile-friendly, offering maps, images and useful links, plus a downloadable PDF for printing any page.
The mobile app has all the functions of the website and more. After downloading the app, you won't need an internet connection to view regulations — it works even in the most remote locations. View your current or past hunting/fishing licenses, find location-based information on hunting seasons or places to fish or launch the My Texas Hunt Harvest app to digitally report your harvest or check in at public hunting sites.
When it's time for your next hunting or fishing trip, be sure you have the Texas Outdoor Annual mobile app on your phone or visit OutdoorAnnual.com before you go.
Jonathan Vail
There's no better time to harvest Texas treasures for your table.
Chase Fountain / TPWD
Grab a shotgun and a good dog and hunt Texas' most popular game bird.
Courtesy Megan Radke
King mackerel's the crown jewel of a saltwater kayaking trip.
Earl Nottingham / TPWD
Split-second decisions determind the hunt's outcome for a new whitetail hunter.
Chase Fountain / TPWD
Wade into a Texas river for the graceful pursuit and unexpected wonder of fly fishing.
Earl Nottingham / TPWD
A determined youth bypasses the lure of whitetails to realize his wild hog dream.
Earl Nottingham / TPWD
A weekend’s pursuit of deer and hogs culminates in a mouthwatering wild game feast.
Sergejsbelovs | Dreamstime.com
Preparing your own venison feast is the ultimate local food experience.
stockcreations | Dreamstime.com
Whether you shop at a farmers' market or go to wild game cooking classes, learning how to hunt and cook for your family is becoming more popular.
