For whatever reason, some of it the range and probably some of it being WT, Texas deer densities are often 100 per square mile rather than the approximately 10 we have here.

For whatever reasons, folks have taken to growing whitetails like a crop with feed plots, cover, and such plus regulations (owner mandated) that are intended to grow big racks. So, lots of does get harvested but you do end up with some big racks. And, selective breeding (having talked with a few of them) has allowed the production of amazing headgear.

Of course, it comes at a cost; pay-to-play. But, many of the ranches in Texas are large enough and the cover is thick enough that getting an animal is no "gimme". Birded one ranch and saw a few deer, one 3 or 4 pt (both Eastern and Western count as it only had one antler) and none that I saw were even close to bow range. Unfortunately, they sold the ranch before I could get back down there.