Colorado Coach Deion Sanders Chooses Not to Hunt Deer on His Texas Property
Deion Sanders, head coach of the Colorado football team, recently shared why he refrains from hunting deer on his Texas ranch, expressing a deep personal connection with the animals that roam his land in Canton, Texas.
Speaking on the Colorado Football Coaches Show on October 23, Sanders explained, “The only thing about it, I can’t shoot … a deer. I can’t.” He described having two distinct families of deer living on his property, emphasizing the emotional bond that prevents him from hunting them.
Fishing and Wildlife Encounters on the Ranch
Sanders also recounted a recent fishing outing during the team’s bye week, where he caught an unusually large turtle that ultimately did not survive. This incident highlights the diverse wildlife inhabiting his estate’s lakes.
Additionally, Sanders mentioned keeping close protection during his outdoor activities by carrying what he calls his “partner, nine”—widely understood to be a 9mm handgun. This precaution is necessary due to the presence of potential threats like snakes, coyotes, and wild hogs, species common in Texas that can pose risks to humans and livestock alike.
Personal Boundaries and Ethical Choices in Wildlife Interactions
During the interview, host Mark Johnson asked Sanders whether he differentiates between fishing and hunting deer. Sanders responded affirmatively, stating, “Fish is in the food group, right?… You can’t shoot Bambi, right?” His remarks underscore a personal ethical stance regarding game animals, particularly deer, which are often emblematic of peaceful wildlife and deeply ingrained in cultural symbolism.
Expert Commentary: Deer and Human-Wildlife Relations
Wildlife experts recognize that deer often hold a unique place in the hearts of many landowners due to their visible presence and role in local ecosystems. White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), common in Texas and Colorado, are herbivores that contribute to ecosystem health through their browsing but can also impact vegetation and agricultural areas when populations grow unchecked.
Sanders’ choice not to hunt deer aligns with a growing number of landowners who view these animals as more than game, appreciating their ecological and aesthetic values. The emotional connection he expresses reflects a broader societal respect for wildlife, which plays an important role in conservation attitudes.
Ranch Life and Future Plans
At 58, Sanders revealed he is considering adding several horses to his ranch. He remarked on wanting to keep the horses “comfortable,” joking that he doesn’t plan to race them competitively, a nod to his laid-back approach to ranching life.
Summary of Key Details
- Deion Sanders owns a property in Canton, Texas, home to two families of deer.
- He refuses to hunt deer, citing emotional connections likening them to family.
- During a fishing trip, Sanders caught a large turtle that did not survive.
- He carries a “partner, nine” for protection against snakes, coyotes, and wild hogs.
- Sanders is considering adding horses to his ranch and favors comfortable animals.
- The comments were made on October 23 during the Colorado Football Coaches Show.
Sanders’ reflections offer a glimpse into the complex relationships between humans and wildlife on private lands, illustrating personal ethics and everyday realities for landowners amid the diverse species they share their spaces with.
Additional reporting and sources from: Why Colorado coach Deion Sanders won’t shoot a deer on property
