For many North Texans the kick-off to deer hunting season is bigger than any holiday all year.
On Saturday, Nov. 1, the season kicks off 30 minutes before sunrise across the northern region of the state, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
The state estimates hundreds of thousands of hunters will participate in the season.
Many packed Cabela’s in North Fort Worth on Friday to get their last-minute supplies and stock up for the first outing of the year.
"Not only is it the deer opener, it's the duck opener,” said store general manager Steve Andognini. “This is kind of the peak of our hunting season that carries on through the rest of the year."
The ammo section was probably the hottest spot for the day as Andognini said most people will select the rifle over the bow this time of year.
For a lot of participants the yearly deer hunt has become a tradition of sorts.
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Chris Brooks was stocking up with his young daughter, Sophia, who will join the family this year, bright and early for the season opener.
"We usually get out there about five in the morning,” said Brooks. "She doesn't actually shoot or anything yet; a little too young for that, but a big time family tradition."
Brooks said he learned to hunt from his father and grandfather and planned to keep passing the tradition down, which was a common story among other shoppers.
"Best day of the year; no ifs, ands or buts about it,” said Brooks. “We love going out there with the family. Like I said, it's a big time family tradition going out there and enjoying the weather, enjoying the company."
Others, like Krista Farquhar, are newer to the sport, joining the traditions of loved ones and others.
"My husband, his father was a hunter and grandparents were hunters,” said Farquhar, who was gearing up for an early start Saturday. "It's, yeah, a holiday. That's a good way to classify it."
Parks and Wildlife officials remind folks that many of the rules for hunting in the state vary from county to county, so folks should make sure to check theirs before heading out.
The department has also released an app this year to make it easier for folks to get any info they may need during the hunt.
Game wardens said they will be out in full force to patrol the opening weekend and make sure all laws are being followed and everyone gets home safe.
The general season lasts through Jan. 4 in North Texas with some extended dates for specialty and youth hunting.
A full listing can be found on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website.
