Lifestyle

The Deer Horn Tree in This Texas Town Draws a Crowd

By  | 
Tony Maples Photography

 

One of the more popular areas for hunting in the Texas Hill Country is Junction. Not only that, but it draws a sort of crowd with another fascination. People come from far and wide to see something called a Deer Horn Tree at the center of town. Created in 1968 by the Kimble Business and Professional Women’s Club of Junction, the structure is fashioned in the shape of a tree and covered in the antlers from numerous whitetail deer of the area.

The “tree” was designed to celebrate the hunting heritage and history of the area. With an estimated deer population of approximately one per 7.5 acres in the county, the Deer Horn Tree seems to be a fitting tribute to Junction and its lifestyle, as a result. Located at the heart of town, on Main Street, the tree is roughly 12 feet tall and is constructed entirely of deer antlers. It’s modeled in the shape of a Christmas tree, and the town even had a star placed on top to celebrate during the holidays!

The Deer Horn Tree in This Texas Town Draws a Crowd

Photo: Facebook/Junction Texas Tourism

Junction is easy to reach at just about a minute’s drive from Interstate 10, if you’re en route to West Texas through the Hill Country. In addition to its popularity as a hunting haven, it’s also taken on the reputation of being “The Land of Living Waters,” due to the vast amount of flowing water in town and throughout Kimble County. In fact, it has more than any other county in Texas. The town is situated at the junction (hence the name) of the North and South Llano Rivers, and there are literally hundreds of natural springs in the area that feed into the rivers. Throughout the years, this availability of water has aided in creating a habitat that is rich in wildlife and supports the successful ranching community that has developed around the town. The town has excellent water sport activities, as a result, and visitor can take part in great fishing, paddling, and enjoy some of the best swimming holes around!