Opening day of deer season is a special thing here in Texas. It is a day that we all wait for year after year. This year, though, opening day started out gloomy, but ended up being one of my most memorable — thanks to a mixed bag.

A wide-racked Ohio buck taunts — and evades — a Georgia deer hunter for years, until the deer makes his final mistake.

Girls don't hunt — that is what most boys say. Well, um, they are wrong. I am a girl and I hunt. If you need proof to believe girls hunt, just read my story.

Young Luke thought he'd missed his chance, but a little patience, and help from the author, helped him bag his first deer.

Some cherish a trusted rifle or premium deer hunting land. I cherish my hunting partner.

A detective takes up the trail of a big buck — and scores two monsters in consecutive years, solidifying his newfound love of deer hunting. 

Cooking up enthusiasm for deer hunting is easer than you think. Especially after a cold day in the woods.

Helping a friend bag his first deer gives a seasoned hunter much-needed perspective.

A second run-in with a big 7-pointer is shared with — and dedicated to — a very special grandmother.

This gal's taken deer with bow, shotgun, rifle and muzzleloader. But her most important choice was to become a deer hunter in the first place.