Texas Deer Association FAQs
Is the TDA a hunting or conservation organization?
Answer: Both. The Texas Deer Association is a non-profit organization for and about Texas deer, advocating wise management practices for Texas herds and for providing conditions in which the herd may be sustained and improved for future generations. TDA was founded in 1999 by sportsmen and ranchers that recognized the state’s future deer population could be ensured and improved through better nutrition, breeding and habitat management. Today, TDA is strongly supported by both hunters and wildlife enthusiasts who recognize the many benefits associated with our comprehensive program. TDA supports deer hunting, when conducted in an ethical and sustainable manner, as a legitimate and acceptable use of a renewable resource. As with most wildlife management programs, TDA recognizes that deer management through harvesting/hunting is an appropriate means of removing excess animals, however, such harvesting should be conducted within the hunting and wildlife regulations set forth by the State of Texas. In addition, TDA strongly condemns ‘canned hunts’ in which deer are harvested in an ‘unfair chase’ scenario. Only fair chase hunting methods, consistent with the geographical area in which the animal is harvested/hunting, shall be deemed consistent with the TDA’s Code of Ethics. ‘Fair chase’ hunting provides the hunted deer with a reasonable chance and opportunity to detect the hunter and, once detected, a reasonable chance and opportunity to flee. When can I go deer hunting, and what are the regulations?
Answer: There are countless resources that show deer hunting seasons and regulations in Texas. However, because we work closely with the professionals at the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) year-round, we highly recommend visiting their website at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/ Does TDA help set hunting regulations?
Answer: No. The Texas Deer Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the overall health and management of the native deer population and does not set hunting regulations or determine season dates. While the Texas Legislature is responsible for creating laws that govern hunting regulations, it is Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) that has the responsibility of compliance and enforcement of those laws. TDA works closely with the legislature and the state agency to monitor proposed changes and provide input into both the legislative and the regulatory process. How do I advertise in Tracks Magazine?
Answer: Tracks Magazine is one of the deer industry’s premier publications with exclusive editorial on hunting and breeding deer in Texas, and it reaches thousands of whitetail and mule deer enthusiasts, sportsmen and landowners. To advertise, click on the 'Advertising' link on our Contact Us page. How do I place a banner ad on the TDA website?
Answer: The Texas Deer Association website is visited every month by thousands of ranch owners, deer breeders and whitetail enthusiasts, so it’s a perfect vehicle to deliver your company’s message online. To advertise, simply contact the Texas Deer Association representative in your area or visit the TDA web page for Advertising. What is a TDA Sportsman’s Banquet?
Answer: Texas Deer Association Sportsmen’s Banquets are events held by one of the local TDA chapters across the state and usually include dinner and a lively auction of exclusive TDA merchandise, hunting gear, ranch equipment, outdoor furnishings, jewelry, guns, taxidermy services, deer feed, guided hunts, and much more. There are also usually a variety of raffles, silent auctions and games to make the event even more memorable. Plus, a portion of banquet proceeds is usually applied to educational and charitable programs within the local community. TDA Banquets are operated by volunteer committees and coordinated by the TDA fund-raising staff. Click here to find an event near you! What is a TDA chapter?
Answer: Local TDA chapters are self-dependent groups that share the values and goals of the Texas Deer Association and support TDA within a specified geographical region. A local chapter consists of volunteer TDA members who work together in their area to raise funds that assists the TDA in fulfilling its mission. How do I start my own TDA event or chapter?
Answer: All local TDA chapters must be organized and operated within the policies and by-laws of the Texas Deer Association. A chapter shall consist of TDA members who volunteer to raise funds within their communities that will assist the TDA in fulfilling its mission. To maintain ‘active’ status, each chapter must hold at least one membership fund-raising event per year. In addition, a portion of proceeds is used by each chapter for TDA-approved educational and charitable programs within the local community. If you are interested in starting a TDA chapter in your area, contact Texas Deer Association at 210.767.8300. How do I contact local TDA representatives in my area?
Answer: The Texas Deer Association has member-elected regional officers located throughout the state. To find the regional officers in your area, call the TDA office at 210.767.8300, or Click Here for a full list of regional officers, or use our Zip Code Locator in the left navigation. Simply enter your zip code, and we’ll show you the contact information for all the TDA Regional Officers in your area. How do I donate merchandise to TDA events?
Answer: Donating merchandise is a rewarding way for companies and individuals to ‘Help the Herd,’ and the Texas Deer Association welcomes the support. The TDA accepts donations of merchandise which are in good condition and which demonstrate a clearly quantifiable fund-raising value. Donations of merchandise are a significant and valuable part of TDA’s fund-raising campaign, and they often qualify the donor to receive helpful tax benefits. If you have a product to donate for an upcoming TDA event, please visit our Contact Us page. What should I do if I am interested in beginning a deer breeding operation?
Answer: Just like with any new endeavor, the first step to breeding deer is to gather information, seek out experts, and attend educational seminars taught by industry professionals. The Texas Deer Association is the state’s only non-profit organization solely dedicated to improving the quality of deer, and our membership includes more deer breeders than any other state-based deer organization in the country. As a result, the TDA holds educational seminars and conferences throughout the year on deer- and deer-breeding topics and offers priceless camaraderie among other deer breeders. It’s a great way to get started. For more information on joining the Texas Deer Association, visit our Membership page. Do I need special permits to breed deer?
Answer: Yes, there are several permits and regulations that govern deer breeding in the State of Texas. Some helpful and informative links through Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) include Deer Breeder Program, Deer Management Permits, and Trap, Transport & Transplant Permit Program. For more detailed information, please email us. How do I renew my TDA membership?
Answer: You can renew your membership in the Texas Deer Association in several ways. The most convenient methods would be to either call the TDA office at 210.767.8300 or Click Here to renew your membership via our secure website. How will TDA spend my donation?
Answer: Every year, the Texas Deer Association spends nearly $1 million in sponsorship of numerous educational conferences, seminars and programs that feature the world’s most renowned experts on breeding, genetic research and technology, new harvest strategies, and herd health and habitat management. Therefore, we welcome donations from members and non-members alike who seek to preserve our hunting heritage and improve our native Texas deer herd. Also, TDA member donations to the TDA Political Action Committee (PAC) help support the TDA’s legislative and regulatory efforts on a state and national level to protect the private property rights of land owners and to closely work with oversight agencies and elected officials toward establishing more ‘deer-friendly’ laws and regulations. For more information on general TDA donations or on member-only TDA PAC donations, please visit our Help the Herd page. Are there different levels of memberships in TDA?
Answer: The Texas Deer Association has several levels of membership that provide a variety of benefits. Click here for TDA membership levels and benefits. Where do I submit an address change or my email address to TDA?
Answer: If you’ve moved or need to change the address associated with your membership, you can call the Texas Deer Association office at 210.767.8300; include your new address and current Membership ID number on a postcard and mail to: Texas Deer Association, 403 E. Ramsey, Suite #204, San Antonio, TX 78216; or click on this special email link Change of Address Notification to send us your new information. In the email, be sure to include your name, new address and your Membership ID#. To submit your email address, please subscribe to our email newsletter by Clicking Here. If I am not a hunter, why should I join TDA?
Answer: As Proud Stewards of Texas Deer, the Texas Deer Association is the state’s only unified voice working to promote and improve the quality of native deer herds and habitat management. Many TDA members are hunters, however, one of our primary purposes is to improve the awareness of the wise management of deer through public education. Whether you are interested in preserving our hunting heritage or simply love deer and wildlife, TDA invites you to join its ranks. Together we can preserve and protect one of Texas’s greatest natural resources.
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