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Outlook for Texas’ Deer Season

Last year’s Texas deer hunting season was consiedered textbook by state wildlife biologists. However, this season hunters may have to throw out the book. Indicators leading into the November 3 season opener point to potentially great hunting across much of the state, according to Texas Parks & Wildlife Department biologist.

“Generally speaking, it’s a banner year for (fawn) production,” said Mitch Lockwood, TPWD Deer Program leader. “As far as quality of the animals, the deer we are seeing are in pretty good condition, and I expect antler quality and body weights to be above average. Not only do we expect this year’s crop to be better, but there are more mature bucks out there simply because harvest was down in 2006.”

Whitetails have responded well from last year’s extended dry spell, thanks to an unseasonably wet spring and summer and the deer have taken advantage of resurgent plant growth, Lockwood said.

That bodes well for the deer, but could pose a challenge for hunters hoping to find success from a blind over supplemental feed. Biologist point to 2004, when timely spring rains created ideal range conditions, healthy deer and high expectations from hunters. Due to the abundance of vegetation available to deer during that year, hunters observed fewer animals during the season and overall harvest numbers were down.

When conditions became relatively dry in 2005, deer harvest jumped considerably and, in particular, more mature bucks were killed that season. “That’s what makes this year tough to predict,” Lockwood said. “There will be more deer on the ground this fall, but hunting could be tough early in the season.”

Because some parts of the state are drying up as rainfall slacked off in September and October, deer movements and hunting conditions could change. “Deer were seeing so much good native groceries all year, corn was something new to them,” the TPWD program leader said.

“In the Edwards Plateau, we’re loaded with acorns. Once those food sources run out, deer should hit the feeders.”

With the expected high percentage of recruitment into the deer population this year, it’s important for landowners to actively manage whitetail numbers. “It’s important for hunters to use those antlerless tags this season and get excess animals off the range before winter sets in to ensure there’s enough food to go around,” said Lockwood.

Digital Game Camera Options

Ok, so you have decided to get a digital game camera to scout deer in your area. There are lots of camera options, so here we go. A big factor to consider in determining which trail camera to buy is battery type/requirements. It’s seems obvious, but choose a camera that works with rechargeable batteries.

Rechargeable batteries will save you a bundle of of cash in the long run and you can use that money to buy another game camera. I know folks who keep their cameras out for months at a time by simply rotating 2 sets of rechargeable batteries and swapping memory cards. Many cameras also have ports for the attachment of solar charger. This is even easier!

Next, let’s talk about image capabilities. As far as picture options, you’ve got infrared (IR) or color photos. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. IR cameras are usually priced higher than color cameras and IR pictures will not be as detailed as the full color photos. However, the IR models have the advantage of not needing a flash, which some hunters fear may spook deer and cause them to avoid the area where the camera is placed out. I have not seen any evidence showing that flash impacts deer. Of course, if you go with IR technology it’s not even a consideration. Continue reading “Digital Game Camera Options”

Tips for Choosing a New Rifle Scope

If you hunt white-tailed deer, or any other big game animal for that matter, at some point you will need a quality rifle scope. This article is intended to give you a few suggestions and tips to keep in mind when making your final selection. First, find a quality scope that fits in your budget. And I suggest buying the best you can afford. Unless you are in the habitat of buying guns every year (then I want your job), you will probably only buy a handful of scopes throughout your hunting life. With that said, you will never go wrong buying the best YOU can afford.

First, an important aspect of rifle scopes is light gathering quality of the scope. To check this out, look at the large end of the scope. The diameter of the scope lense will be measured in millimeters (mm). The larger the objective lens the more light it will ultimately gather. If you are hunting early morning or late evening, and who isn’t, you need to gather as much light as possible. Continue reading “Tips for Choosing a New Rifle Scope”

Another Way to Kill Deer: Gates

The white-tailed deer is an amazing animal. Deer really live a tough life and must navigate a multitude of obstacles along the way, just to stay alive. From the time they are born, deer have to survive the elements, escape endless pursuits from coyotes and mountain lions, not to mention diseases or possible deaths from wounds and injuries. Then, there are the deer hunting seasons. But deer populations continue to thrive.

With all that in mind, some of the things that deer — and probably most people — do not suspect as a hazard are gates and wrought iron fences. Elaborate gates are often built entering properties. But deer will try to jump them. It’s important for gates to be either very high, so that deer do not attempt to jump them, or very low so that deer can easily jump them.

Both gates and fences are put around rural, residential and commercial properties. Fences often mark property boundaries, but they are often erected to protect property and keep animals in or out. It’s also important that they be constructed with safety, both human and wildlife, in mind. Improper construction only means that deer will regularly get caught in fences.

Then there are other human-created deer death traps like roads, highways, and interstates. Just add automobiles and 18-wheelers to start the killing. And yes, hunters get to take a few to with archery equipment and firearms during the regulated hunting season. But the occasional residential gate? Who would have guessed?

Strange Wildlife Camera Photos

Looking for some odd wildlife photos captured using trail cameras? Well, this is a good place to start! Below are some of the most crazy game camera pics I have seen to date. The great thing about motion-activated cameras is that you never really know what you are going to get. Enjoy these strange photos and if you have any of your own, send ’em over!