Field Notes

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.

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.

At BirdDog, we work with landowners across Texas to prepare their land for premium hunting experiences—whether it’s for family use, outfitting, or maximizing income. A little prep goes a long way, and it starts well before opening day.

Whitetail hunting in Texas is a tradition as old as the Hill Country hills. Whether you're setting up on your family lease, joining a guided hunt through BirdDog, or hunting one of our private ranches, having the right gear can mean the difference between a tough sit and a filled tag. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what we carry into every stand, and why it matters.

If you're new to hunting or fishing, it can feel overwhelming knowing where to start. Licenses, gear, access, and experience all seem like barriers. But the truth is: you don’t need to grow up in the outdoors to enjoy it. With the right support and access, anyone can get started. That’s where BirdDog comes in.

When temperatures rise and summer is in full swing, most people are thinking about beach days and barbecues. But for savvy outdoorsmen and landowners, summer is the perfect time to start planning for fall hunting and fishing. From booking access to preparing gear, the most successful fall seasons begin months in advance.

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.

Many BirdDog clients are strong freshwater anglers looking to break into the salt—and we love helping with that leap. One of the biggest technical shifts? Mastering the strip set. It’s a critical skill for anyone targeting redfish, snook, or tarpon on our coastal trips. Here’s how to do it right.

Catch and release fishing is a popular practice among conservation-minded anglers who are committed to ensuring that fish populations remain healthy and sustainable. By releasing fish back into the water after they’ve been caught, anglers help maintain the balance of ecosystems and support the long-term viability of species. However, for catch and release fishing to be truly effective, it’s essential to handle the fish properly to ensure their survival.

At BirdDog, we help folks get on the water in unforgettable ways—whether that’s a coastal fly trip with a guide we know or an exclusive BirdDog property tucked near redfish-rich water. But even with the best setup, you still need the right gear to seal the deal. Here’s what we recommend for getting dialed in on the Texas coast.

BirdDog’s Land Referral Program provides a simple yet rewarding way to connect landowners with hunters, outfitters, and guides. Whether you’re an individual with local knowledge or a business in the outdoor industry, this program offers opportunities to earn rewards for facilitating valuable connections. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how the program works and the benefits you can expect.

America’s farmers are the backbone of our nation, but rising input costs and unpredictable commodity prices have made every acre a battlefield. Enter the USDA’s Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP)—a $10 billion initiative launched to deliver direct financial relief to agricultural producers like you.

Hunting is often misunderstood, with misconceptions surrounding its role in wildlife management and conservation. However, when done responsibly and ethically, hunting can have a positive impact on wildlife populations, habitat preservation, and local ecosystems.