Question: Do you know what would cause wounds such as these to my Texas
Persimmon? Is it an insect?

Answer: As Sherlock would say, "Elementary!" This is the work of an
intelligent being--much more intelligent than an insect. Squirrels will
do this from time to time, for reasons I’ve never heard explained.
Shown below is a similar example from Red Oak. You'll notice that there
is fresh damage plus some scars that have already formed callus tissue.
This suggests that some squirrels develop this behavior as a habit and
may do it year after year. Its relative rareness suggests that only a
few “weirdo” squirrels take up the practice. Go figure. Michael
Merchant, Ph.D., BCE; Urban Entomologist; Texas Cooperative Extension