Field Notes

When fall arrives, hunters across the state gear up for one of the most anticipated times of the year—the Texas hunting season. For landowners, this season is more than just tradition—it’s a chance to generate income, improve land management, and strengthen community ties. With species like whitetail deer, hogs, and waterfowl in abundance, Texas offers some of the best opportunities for both hunters and property owners. Partnering with BirdDog makes it easier than ever to connect landowners with hunters eager to book guided hunting trips and hunting packages.

Texas isn’t just big sky country and barbecue—it’s a hunter’s paradise. With over 95% of the state’s land privately owned, Texas offers some of the most diverse hunting opportunities and flexible land access anywhere in the nation. For hunters, this means unmatched variety and quality. For landowners, it’s an open door to transform their property into a profitable and sustainable hunting destination.

Managing land is about more than hunting—it’s about stewardship, financial planning, and maximizing your property’s value. IRS Section 180 provides landowners with powerful tax benefits by allowing immediate deductions for soil fertility improvements. Yet, many ranchers and farmers don’t take full advantage of it. Why? Because execution requires soil testing, documentation, and CPA collaboration. That’s where BirdDog comes in.

For generations, farmers and ranchers have understood that soil is one of their most valuable assets. Its fertility drives productivity, profitability, and long-term sustainability. Yet in the world of tax planning, soil fertility has long been overlooked as an asset with quantifiable value.

If you’ve ever spent much time around farmers or landowners, you know the land carries a story. For John King, a landowner in Tennessee, that story runs deep. He even proposed to his wife on his property — the same land where he now raises hay, enjoys the wildlife, and hosts big dove hunts every opening weekend in the fall.

Meghan Brodnax never planned to run a 10,000-square-foot luxury lodge. “I was just trying to get out of my refinery job,” she says. But when her husband, Capt. Storm, kept hearing clients ask for more than just fishing — lodging, meals, the full experience — Meghan jumped in.She left her 9–5, launched La Pesca, and for three years, hosted guests in a patchwork of Airbnbs. “We realized we were paying out so much money,” she says. “That’s when we thought — let’s buy our own place.”

When it comes to planning your next hunting season, one of the first big decisions is whether to pursue a hunting lease or book a guided hunt. Both offer incredible opportunities, but the right choice depends on your goals, experience, and budget. At BirdDog, we help hunters and landowners connect to ensure every trip—whether self-guided or fully outfitted—delivers maximum value.

At BirdDog, we live for crisp mornings on wild rivers and the quiet rhythm of a fly line unfurling. Whether you’re fishing a private lease in the Hill Country or booking a hosted BirdDog trip out West, freshwater fly fishing in rivers during the fall is one of the most rewarding outdoor pursuits. Cooler temperatures bring trout and bass into prime feeding patterns, and a little preparation ensures you’ll make the most of every cast.

If you're ready to chase something special on your next saltwater adventure, BirdDog can help get you there. From redfish on the Texas flats to hosted tarpon trips with seasoned captains, we connect anglers to the species—and stories—they’ll never forget. Here are three saltwater giants every fly angler should have on their bucket list.

Every fall, hunters from across the country flock to Texas to chase doves, deer, hogs, waterfowl, and upland birds. From early opening days to exotic game opportunities, Texas offers one of the most diverse and exciting fall hunting seasons in the U.S. Whether you’re a wingshooter, a whitetail addict, or someone who just wants to pack as much action as possible into a weekend, the Lone Star State has it covered.

If you’re a landowner managing agricultural property, pastureland, or even hunting land, IRS Section 180 can be a powerful tool in your tax strategy. This provision allows landowners engaged in the business of farming to deduct expenses for soil and land conditioning—including fertilizer, lime, marl, or other soil amendments—as immediate expenses in the year they’re incurred.

We host a lot of corporate and hosted hunts through BirdDog—and we’ve learned what makes them click. Whether it’s a client appreciation dove hunt or a weekend whitetail retreat, these trips build relationships. Here’s how to make them smooth, memorable, and effective.

For hunters looking to chase trophy bucks, bulls, or mallards this season, the United States offers a wide range of legendary destinations. Whether you’re in pursuit of big game hunting across the mountains or dialed in on waterfowl migration routes, here are five of the top U.S. hunting locations—and why Texas should be at the top of your list.

Across the country, thousands of acres sit idle—fenced off, untouched, and underutilized. For landowners, that can mean missed income, rising tax bills, and untapped opportunity.At BirdDog, we believe your land should work for you—not the other way around. Our land services are built to help you transform unused acreage into productive, low-risk, income-generating assets.

When it comes to Texas hunting, gimmicks won’t get you far. At BirdDog, our guides and landowner partners focus on what actually works—field-tested strategies that deliver success across Texas whitetail hunts, dove season, duck blinds, and exotic game like axis deer. Whether you're running feeders in the Hill Country or glassing canyons in West Texas, these tried-and-true hunting techniques will help you tag out and maximize every trip.

Dove season is a big deal at BirdDog. It’s fast-paced, social, and the perfect kickoff to the fall. We host dove hunts across Texas—from tailored client events to big opening-day shoots—and we’re here to make sure you’re ready.

Land is more than a legacy—it’s an income-generating asset, if you know how to tap into its full potential. Whether you’re managing farmland, timberland, or recreational acreage, the right approach can turn underused ground into long-term value.

Hunting seasons are an essential part of wildlife management, ensuring that game populations remain healthy and sustainable for future generations. By understanding the different types of hunting seasons, when they occur, and why they are critical, hunters can plan their trips effectively and responsibly. Here’s a breakdown of hunting seasons and why they matter.

Since Section 180 is a great tax incentive it can motivate landowners to maintain or improve land quality, preserving it for long-term agricultural use. Healthy soil supports wildlife habitat, which can benefit hunting grounds.

Fall hunting season in Texas brings more than just cooler mornings and changing leaves—it’s a prime opportunity for landowners to earn income, manage wildlife, and share their land with a passionate outdoor community. If you’ve got game on your property, you’ve got something hunters are actively looking for. But even the best hunting land won’t fill up if no one knows it’s available.