Unlocking the Best Time to Feed Deer Protein



When is The Best Time to Feed Deer Protein?

When is the most important or best time to feed deer protein? This is a common question that many hunters ask. The answer often surprises people who focus strictly on antler growth or fall hunting success. From early spring through summer, the benefits of good nutrition are easy to see as bucks grow antlers and does support fawn development. That window is important, and no sound deer management program should ignore it.

However, from a deer management and hunting perspective, winter is consistently the most critical time to provide nutrition. In fact, it’s time to feed deer at this point in the year for many reasons. Let’s discuss all the reasons to supplement deer in winter.

The Best Time to Feed Deer Protein

Winter:  #1 Best Time to Feed Deer Protein

Winter is when natural selection is most unforgiving. Across much of the whitetail’s range, deer must contend with cold temperatures, drought-stressed habitats, snow cover, or depleted native forage. Energy demands increase just to maintain body heat and survive, while available groceries decline. If deer enter winter already stressed, losses in body condition—and deer survival—are almost guaranteed. This should help substantiate that feeding deer protein at this time of year is best.

Many hunters feed deer during the fall to increase sightings or concentrate deer for harvest. Once the season closes, feeding efforts often stop. From a management standpoint, this is backwards. The post-season period is when nutrition has the greatest return on investment. Feeding protein at this time influences winter survival, body condition, and the quality of the herd heading into spring. A mature buck may need five, six, or seven pounds of high-quality forage per day just to avoid slipping into a nutritional deficit.

Supplemental Food  & the Whitetail Rut

The rut further magnifies the problem. During breeding season, mature bucks dramatically reduce feeding as they chase does, fight rivals, and cover large distances. By the time hunting season ends, many bucks are run down, underweight, and vulnerable. Providing adequate winter nutrition helps those bucks recover, rebuild body reserves, and enter spring in better condition. This sets the stage for improved antler growth and higher-quality hunting opportunities the following fall.

For landowners and hunters focused on long-term deer management, winter feeding isn’t about attraction—it’s about herd health, buck recovery, and sustainable hunting success.

A deer must consume five, six, or seven pounds of quality food every day during the dead of winter. That is no small feat, regardless of where he’s at in the whitetail’s range. A deer face’s this exact struggle each year, which is why it’s so important to have a high quality supplemental feed in place before winter conditions peak. As with any management practice, hunters and landowners should always check local regulations regarding the legal feeding or baiting of deer.

The best time to feed deer protein in during winter and summer.

No Surprise: The Best Time to Feed Deer Protein is When They Need It!

Post-season feeding often surprises hunters with how many bucks show up once hunting pressure disappears. Seeing these deer utilize a winter food source provides more than peace of mind. In fact, it’s a clear indicator that supplemental nutrition is helping bucks recover from the rut. Deer that maintain better body condition through winter are healthier. They experience lower stress, and have the nutritional reserves needed for improved antler development the following growing season.


From a management standpoint, supplemental feeding is most effective when it’s treated as a year-round strategy rather than a short-term attraction. Providing feed through winter and continuing into spring and summer helps stabilize deer nutrition during critical stress periods and supports fawn recruitment and buck recovery. Over time, consistent nutrition encourages deer to spend more time on the property, improving daylight activity and creating more predictable movement patterns.

For hunters, the payoff comes the following fall. There are many reasons why the best time to feed deer protein starts in winter. Deer that survive winter in good condition grow better antlers, use the property more consistently, and contribute to a healthier, more balanced herd. When done responsibly and in accordance with regulations, supplemental feeding strengthens both deer management goals and long-term hunting success.


Texas Deer Hunting Antler Restrictions

In Texas, buck antler restrictions are designed to promote the sustainable management of deer populations. The intent of this harvest regulations is to improve the age structure of bucks within the herd. The Texas deer hunting antler restrictions apply in specific counties and aim to protect younger bucks, encouraging the harvest of older deer.

In almost all cases, antler restriction regulations exist in counties that have very high deer hunting pressure. Fortunately, antler restrictions allow harvest opportunities while protecting and sustaining some of the buck segment of the deer herd. In fact, without antler restrictions in place in certain counties, yearling bucks (1 1/2 years of age) would comprise almost all of the buck harvest annually.

Texas Deer Hunting Antler Restrictions

Overview of Texas Deer Hunting Antler Restrictions

A buck is considered legal in restricted counties if it has at least one unbranched antler or an inside spread of 13 inches or greater between the main beams. This approach helps maintain a balanced age structure in deer populations. In turn, this supports healthy deer populations and reproduction. These regulations also providing hunters with opportunities to harvest older and better bucks. Understanding and following these restrictions is essential for ethical hunting and deer management efforts in certain counties across the state.

Texas deer hunting regulations include specific antler restrictions to help manage deer populations and improve herd quality. These Texas deer hunting antler restrictions help ensure better herds into the future. Here are the detailed guidelines regarding antler restrictions in Texas:

General Antler Restrictions

In certain Texas counties, antler restrictions apply to buck deer to encourage the harvest of older deer and prevent overharvesting of younger bucks.

Antler restrictions make only two types of bucks legal. These are defined as follows:

  • A buck must have at least one unbranched antler (also called a “spike”), OR
  • A buck must have an inside spread between the main beams of 13 inches or greater.
  • A hunter can harvest up to two bucks in an antler restriction county.
  • A hunter can harvest up to two bucks with at least one unbranched antlers in an antler restriction county.
  • Hunters can shoot only one buck with an inside spread equal to or greater than 13 inches in an antler restriction county.

Texas Antler Restrictions for White-tailed Deer Hunting

How to Measure the Inside Spread of the Main Beams

  • Measure the inside spread at the widest point between the main beams.
  • The spread must be 13 inches or more to meet the legal requirement in antler restricted counties.

Important Notes

  • Hunters are allowed to harvest no more than two bucks per year in counties with antler restrictions. Use this link to see if antler restrictions exist in the county you hunt.
  • Of these two bucks, only one may have an inside spread of 13 inches or greater.

Counties with Texas Deer Hunting Antler Restrictions

  • Not all Texas counties have antler restrictions.
  • The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) website provides a list of counties where these restrictions are enforced. It is important to consult the TPWD Outdoor Annual Hunting Regulations or your local county’s hunting regulations to confirm.

Exceptions to Antler Restrictions

  • Antlerless deer (does) may be harvested during specific seasons or with special permits, depending on the county.
  • Some counties have Youth-Only hunting seasons where antler restrictions may not apply for certain young hunters. Check TPWD regulations for details.

Purpose of Antler Restrictions

  • Encourage hunters to target older, more mature bucks.
  • Improve the overall health and genetic quality of deer herds.
  • Ensure sustainable deer populations for future generations.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) website or consult the TPWD Outdoor Annual Hunting Regulations.


Review of Texas Deer Hunting Antler Restrictions

Managing for a balanced age structure in whitetail deer bucks is crucial for maintaining a healthy deer herd. A balanced age structure ensures that deer populations remain stable, with enough mature bucks to breed within a confined period. It’s also important to have a mix of younger and older bucks to support natural population dynamics.

This balance promotes genetic diversity, which is vital for the overall health and resilience of the herd. Additionally, having a range of age classes helps ensure a more defined breeding period with some level of buck harvest. Removing some bucks and does keeps the herd stable. Allowing the population to grow unchecked can lead to habitat degradation, food scarcity, and increased disease transmission. By encouraging the harvest of deer in a way that maintains age diversity, wildlife managers can enhance the quality of hunting experiences and contribute to the long-term conservation of deer and their habitats.

Antler restrictions are not perfect, but Texas’ deer hunting antler restrictions do allow for a healthy deer population while allowing for the harvest of slightly older bucks. Like too little deer harvest, too much hunting pressure is a bad thing from a deer management and population standpoint. Hopefully, this article provided you with more context on why antler restrictions are part of the deer hunting season in some counties in Texas.

Can You Shoot More Than One 13 Inch Buck in Texas

More Than One 13 Inch Buck?

In Texas, white-tailed deer hunting regulations are set by county. In addition, some counties have antler restriction regulations on bucks. An important part of this regulation is the 13-inch rule related to buck harvest. So, can you shoot more than one 13 inch buck in Texas? A legal buck must be at least 13 inches wide between the main beams.

Texas antler restriction regulations aim to improve the quality and age structure of white-tailed deer populations. These rules are enforced in certain counties and focus on the size and characteristics of a legal buck.

How Many 13 Inch Bucks Can You Shoot in Texas?

Definition of a Legal Buck

In counties with antler restrictions, a buck is considered legal if it meets one of the following criteria:

  1. At least one unbranched antler (a spike or a buck with one antler that does not fork), or
  2. An inside spread of 13 inches or greater.

Why These Restrictions Exist

The regulations aim to:

  1. Protect young bucks to allow them to mature.
  2. Encourage hunters to selectively harvest older bucks.
  3. Promote healthier deer populations and improve hunting quality.

Can You Shoot More than One 13 Inch Buck in Texas?

More Than One 13 Inch Buck is Legal

  1. In Texas, the rules about how many 13-inch wide (or larger) bucks you can harvest depend on the county and its specific regulations. There are 254 counties in Texas. Know in which county you are hunting, and know the deer hunting regulations for the county.

Here’s a general breakdown on buck antler restrictions in Texas:

  1. Antler Restrictions: Many Texas counties have antler restrictions to promote better buck age structures. In these counties, a legal buck is defined as:
    • Having at least one unbranched antler, or
    • Having an inside spread of 13 inches or greater.
  2. Bag Limits:
    • Some counties have a one-buck limit, meaning you can only shoot one buck in total during the season (13-inch spread or otherwise).
    • Other counties allow two bucks, but typically only one of them can have an inside spread of 13 inches or greater.
  3. Special Seasons or Tags:
    • If you hunt in multiple counties, you are limited by the statewide bag limit of five deer, but no more than three bucks statewide.
    • Supplemental or Managed Lands Deer Permits (MLDPs) issued to landowners might allow additional harvests.


To ensure you’re within the law, check the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) specific county regulations in the current Outdoor Annual Hunting Guide. You can shoot more than one 13 inch buck in Texas, but just make sure you don’t shoot a second 13-inch-plus buck in a county with antler restriction regulations!

 

Tips for Dove Hunting in Texas

Go-To Tips for Dove Hunting

It’s almost dove season here in Texas and there is nothing more fun than a good dove hunt. However, a lack of preparedness can mess up a good dove hunt before it event starts. In this article, we offer up 17 tips for dove hunting in Texas.  Yep, we got you!

Texas is home to seven species of native doves and pigeons, including the three legal game species- mourning, white-winged and white-tipped doves. Texas accounts for 30 percent of the total mourning doves and 85 percent of the total white-winged doves harvested in the U.S. each year, far more than any other state.

Check out these tips for dove hunting in Texas!

17 Tips for Dove Hunting in Texas

Successfully hunting doves requires some planning, preparation, and understanding of dove behavior. Mourning doves and white-winged doves are fast and agile birds, making them challenging targets. However, with the right approach, you can increase your chances of a successful dove hunt. Here are some tips for dove hunting in Texas and beyond:

  1. Legal Considerations: Before you grab a gun, ensure you have the necessary hunting licenses and permits required for dove hunting in your area. Dove hunting in Texas always concurs with the need for a new hunting license. Sometimes the regulations change, too. Familiarize yourself with local regulations, hunting seasons, bag limits, and any specific rules for dove hunting.
  2. Scouting: Prior to the dove hunting season, scout the hunting area to identify dove flight paths, roosting sites, feeding areas, and watering holes. Look for locations with high dove activity. If you can’t get out beforehand, pay attention to what’s going on around you while you’re in the field. Go to where the doves are flying.
  3. Gear Preparation: Dove hunting is a relatively lightweight endeavor in terms of gear, but a big part of any hunt is having everything you need. Check out your gear before heading to the field and save yourself some headaches. The next three tips for dove hunting cover some essential equipment.
  4. Shotgun: A shotgun with an open choke, improved cylinder or modified,  is recommended for dove hunting, as it provides a wider pattern for shooting moving targets. Check out your gun prior to your hunt.
  5. Ammunition: Use light loads of #7.5 or #8 shot. Most manufacturers sell these shot sizes specifically as dove loads. These smaller pellets are effective for taking down doves without causing excessive damage.
  6. Camouflage: I’ve been on dove hunts when camo was absolutely not required. However, it’s quite helpful and necessary most of the time, especially later in the season. Wear camouflage clothing that matches the hunting environment to blend in and avoid spooking doves.
  7. Decoys: Setting up a few dove decoys on branches or stakes can attract passing doves. Place them near your shooting location to make the doves feel more comfortable landing. This is particularly helpful to pull doves to within shooting distance.
  8. Hide or Blind: Set up a hide or hunting blind to conceal yourself from the doves’ keen eyesight. Typically, this means a natural brush blind, standing next to or within some brush, or even a portable blind can help you stay hidden.
  9. Concealed Movement: Doves are sensitive to movement, so remain as still as possible. Move slowly and avoid sudden motions that might alert the birds. I wait until birds are just about within distance before making a move or swinging on passing birds.
  10. Timing: Doves are most active during the early morning and late afternoon when they are feeding and drinking. Plan your hunts during these times for higher success rates. Morning hunts help avoid the hottest parts of the day, but evening hunts can be great around water.
  11. Water Sources: Doves need water to drink, so dove hunting near water sources such as ponds or rivers can be productive. These are especially good places later in the morning, mid-day, and late in the afternoon.
  12. Cover and Perches: Look for locations with trees, power lines, or other elevated perches where doves like to rest. These spots are ideal for setting up your blind or hide. If you have decoys, set them up in these sites to pull doves your way.
  13. Stay Silent: Doves have excellent hearing, so avoid loud noises, talking, and sudden noises that could startle them. This is not a huge problem until doves start to approach your immediate area, but doves are going to cut away as soon as you start yelling.
  14. Shoot Ahead: Doves are fast flyers, so lead your shots by aiming slightly ahead of the bird’s flight path to account for its speed. Ideally, you want to swing through as you shoot at passing doves, but many hunters stop the gun once the trigger is pulled. It you have a hard time swing through, aiming ahead can help.
  15. Retrieve Downed Birds: Keep an eye on where doves fall and retrieve them promptly. Doves are small and can blend in with the ground, so it’s important to locate them quickly. Avoid the temptation of shooting additional birds prior to picking up your down bird.
  16. Practice Shooting: Practice your shooting skills before the dove hunting season to improve your accuracy. Shooting clay targets or practicing with a shooting simulator can help you become more proficient. I can’t say enough about this one, and I think almost everyone needs more trigger time.
  17. Safety: This one is last, but should be on top of mind. Always prioritize safety. Be aware of other hunters in the area, and follow proper firearm safety rules at all times. Know where you can and can not shoot. Make sure those that you are hunting with know that, too.

Dove Hunting in Texas

Spring surveys conducted by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) staff found an estimated 28.3 million mourning doves in Texas, a 44 percent increase from 2022.  White-wing dove populations have increased 20 percent, tying the record high with an estimated 11.7 million this year.

“This spring was about as perfect as it could be, with steady rains and cool weather,” said Owen Fitzsimmons, TPWD Dove Program Leader. “Given the population increases this year and the excellent breeding season conditions that persisted through the first half of the summer, hunters should expect to see a lot more birds on the landscape this September.”

Dove Hunting Tips for Texas Hunters

Tip Your Hat to HOT Texas Dove Hunting

Dove hunting in Texas is hot. We hold a lot of birds and it’s generally temperature hot early in the dove hunting season. As daily temps typically top 100 degrees, hunters will likely find larger concentrations of birds at watering holes, and doves may be feeding earlier and later than normal to avoid the mid-day heat.  In areas where agriculture has suffered from the heatwave, look for stands of common sunflower, croton and other native annual forbs and grasses.

Remember that dove hunting is not only about the harvest but also about enjoying the outdoors and respecting the natural environment. Hunting responsibly and ethically is essential for preserving the experience for future generations. We hope this list of tips for dove hunting in Texas help prepare you for your next trip afield.

Fence to Keep Hogs Out: Fencing for Pigs

Fence to Keep Hogs Out & Off Land

Feral hogs are a real nuisance for landowners in Texas and beyond. However, landowners can fence to keep hogs out of areas and off of their land. Fencing can work when done correctly. Feral hogs are a non-native species and considered one of the most destructive invasive terrestrial vertebrates in North America, so it must be done right in order to work.

Wild hogs cause substantial damage to agricultural operations, natural resources, and native ecosystems. They also have negative impacts on human and animal health. Feral pigs cost landowners direct and indirect losses. In turn, lost agricultural production ends up costing consumers, too.

Best Fence to Keep Hogs Out

How to Fence to Keep Hogs Out

When it comes to choosing the best type of fence to keep hogs out of an area, there are a few factors to consider. Hogs are known to be quite strong and persistent, so the fence needs to be sturdy and well-designed. Here are some options to consider:

  1. Woven Wire Fence: A woven wire fence with small openings (4 inches or less) can be effective fence to keep hogs out. This type of fence is durable and can withstand the pressure exerted by hogs. This type of fence is commonly used around agricultural fields and pastures.
  2. Electric Fence: An electric fence can be effective, especially if it’s properly designed and installed. Electric fences deliver a shock to hogs when they come in contact with the wire, discouraging them from trying to breach the fence. Multiple strands of electric wire are usually necessary to ensure effectiveness.
  3. Chain Link Fence: A chain link fence with small openings can also be a viable option. Hogs might have difficulty squeezing through the openings, especially if the fence is tall enough and properly secured to the ground.
  4. Panel or Pipe Fence: Heavy-duty panels or pipes can create a strong barrier against hogs. These types of fences are quite sturdy and can resist the force that hogs might exert.
  5. Height and Depth: The fence should ideally be at least 4 to 5 feet high to prevent hogs from easily jumping over it. Additionally, burying the bottom of the fence a foot or more below the surface can prevent hogs from digging underneath.
  6. Concrete or Wood Barrier: Building a concrete or wood barrier around the perimeter can also work effectively. Just make sure it’s sturdy and tall enough to deter the hogs.
  7. Addition of Deterrents: In some cases, adding scent deterrents or visual barriers like reflective tape or flags can help enhance the effectiveness of the fence.

Considerations and Fencing for Feral Hogs

Regardless of the type of fence you choose, proper installation is crucial. Ensure that the fence is securely anchored to the ground, and regularly inspect and maintain it to address any potential weak points. Keep in mind that no fence is entirely foolproof, as hogs can be determined and clever.

Therefore, using a combination of strategies might yield the best results in preventing hogs from entering a specific area. Consulting with local experts or wildlife professionals can also provide valuable insights tailored to your specific situation. However, a feral hog control and exclusion program should include properly constructed fencing.

The best fence to keep hogs out also helps keep people out.

Cost Share for Hog Fencing

At the time of writing, there is a cost-share program available for landowners interested in fencing to exclude the movement of wild hogs. On behalf of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) will manage and administer a $7.5 million cost-share program that incentivizes landowners and operators to install or repair perimeter fencing to restrict feral hogs access and impacts to land. More information about the program can be found on the NACD website. Applications must be submitted no later than October 13, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Unfortunately, there are no easy answers when it comes to dealing with feral hogs. Fencing is effective at excluding hogs from property, but the exact design depends on location-specific details. If you do choose to fence to keep hogs out, ensure that you construct it right, and right from the start.

CWD in Texas

Chronic Wasting Disease in Texas

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was found in Texas in 2012 and has been spreading within the state since that time. CWD is a neurological disease in deer, elk, moose and other members of the deer family, known as “cervids.” The disease was first recognized in 1967 in captive mule deer in Colorado, and has since been documented in captive and free-ranging deer in 21 states and two Canadian Provinces.

This disease presents numerous challenges for state wildlife agencies across North America. Of concern is the potential for decline within deer, elk, or other susceptible cervid populations. In addition, CWD could have indirect impacts on hunting, hunter participation, and economic benefits derived from big game hunting. In Texas, hunting is a $2.2 billon economic engine, supporting many rural towns across the state. CWD is a threat to landowners, hunters, and wildlife conservation.

CWD in Texas Updates

CWD Updates: CWD in Texas

Managing CWD in Texas

Because eradication is thought to be impossible once CWD becomes established in a population, it is imperative that a sound CWD management program is established to reduce the severity of implications resulting from the disease. Of course, disease prevention is the best approach to protect cervid populations and prevent social and economic repercussions.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) have developed a cooperative CWD management plan to guide both agencies in addressing risks, developing management strategies, and protecting big game resources from Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in captive or free-ranging cervid populations.

CWD in Kaufman County Deer

CWD in Kaufman County!

It looks like CWD in Kaufman County has become a reality. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was detected on a high fence release site in Kaufman County. This is the first positive detection of CWD in a white-tailed deer in the county.

The buck, harvested at a high-fence release site located in a CWD Surveillance Zone, was delivered to a Hunt County CWD check station in compliance with surveillance zone requirements. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) received notice of the CWD-positive test result from the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) on November 14.

CWD n Kaufman County

Prior to this detection, the high-fence release site was identified as a “trace herd” property to the Hunt County CWD-positive deer breeding facility reported on March 31, 2021, meaning deer were transferred from the Hunt County facility to this release site prior to discovery of CWD in that facility. 0

Plans to conduct additional CWD investigations are underway. Additional deer could have CWD in Kaufman County. Hopefully, that is not the case.

CWD Transmission in Kaufman County

“The incubation period of CWD can span years, creating disease detection and management challenges as seen in this recent detection,” said Andy Schwartz, TAHC Executive Director and State Veterinarian.

Animal health and wildlife officials will continue investigations to determine the extent of the disease within deer within the property and mitigate risks to Texas’ CWD-susceptible species. Adequate surveillance and quick detection of CWD can help mitigate the disease’s spread.

“The discovery of CWD in Kaufman County on this ranch is an unfortunate situation that TPWD and TAHC take very seriously,” said John Silovsky, TPWD Wildlife Division Director. “Both agencies will respond appropriately to this matter to protect the state’s susceptible species from further disease exposure. Hunters are reminded of the requirement to bring their harvested deer to the check station within 48 hours of harvest.”

Testing for CWD in Texas

First recognized in 1967 in captive mule deer in Colorado, CWD has since been documented in captive and/or free-ranging deer in 30 states and three Canadian provinces. To date, 420 captive or free-ranging cervids — including white-tailed deer, mule deer, red deer, and elk — in 17 Texas counties have tested positive for CWD. Unfortunately, the list continues to grow.

Testing for CWD allows wildlife biologists and animal health officials to get a clearer picture of the prevalence and distribution of the disease across Texas. Proactive monitoring improves the state’s response time to a CWD detection and can greatly reduce the risk of the disease further spreading to neighboring captive and free-ranging populations.

This confirmation is a good reminder to those hunting in CWD surveillance and containment zones to know the submission requirements for CWD susceptible species. Additionally, hunters outside of established surveillance and containment zones are encouraged to voluntarily submit their harvest to TPWD for testing at a check station, for free, before heading home from the field. The presence of CWD in Kaufman County was found through mandatory zone testing, but voluntary testing can also help TPWD know where CWD is and is not.

Texas Quail Forecast 2022

Forecasting Quail

The prior was a good one for quail, but the Texas Quail Forecast 2022 is not as bright. Unfortunately, it was hot and dry and not want quail or quail hunters would have dialed up, given the option. September 2021 through March 2022  proved to be one of the driest stretches in Texas on record.

Measurable precipitation was absent from most of the state until late April. In South Texas, a good year of production and grass growth in 2021 was insulation from the worst these conditions, but up north in the Panhandle there was little cushion.

Texas Quail Forecast 2022

Texas Quail Forecast 2022: Coming in Hot!

The common refrain was, “hot and dry,” resulting in little early season breeding activity. Pushing into May and June scattered, intermittent showers and runs of cooler days sparked calling and the first reports of nests and broods on the ground, but the unrelenting heat that followed limited any meaningful gains.

Long stretches (>30 days) of 100-degree days became the norm and July was the hottest July on record in Texas since 1895, and the fifth driest. With few exceptions the trajectory for Texas bobwhite populations was set early on, difficult to alter, and the continuation of a multi-year stretch of below average abundance that began in 2018.

Quail by the Numbers

In late summer, range conditions ran the gamut, but a consistent thread was a decline in habitat quality as we moved into late summer. Outside a handful of counties in South Texas bobwhites were few and far in-between. The lack of birds was most apparent in the Rolling Plains where, for the second year in a row, the region set an all-time low for abundance; the 0.86 bobwhites per route was well below our 15-year mean of 12.10 and lower than the 1.50 bobwhites per route observed in 2021.

This downward trend was similar for the other northern regions, including the High Plains and Cross Timbers. However, the lone bright spot again this year was the South Texas Plains, the only bobwhite region in the state to see an increase in recorded abundance. With a grain of salt, the number of bobwhites observed per route was up from 3.10 to 5.26, but still below the 15-year mean of 9.01. These numbers will provide some comfort to Texas hunters, but the statewide outlook again points to tough sledding in 2022.

Finally, it is unknown how widespread rainfall throughout August and September will impact bird populations. It’s likely this late season moisture will improve opportunities for late season nesting, but how well those broods will fair and what their contributions will be to fall populations remains unknown. With that said, we welcome any new recruits to help springboard bobwhites into the new year.

Texas Quail Forecast 2022: Rolling Plains

 

There’s little solace for bobwhite hunters heading to the Rolling Plains this year as populations contracted for a fourth straight year. When paired with long-term changes in habitat, the impacts of inconsistent annual precipitation have clearly driven populations downward. Some areas along the Canadian River welcomed rainfall earlier in the year and in those areas bobwhite numbers and range conditions are encouraging , but exceptional heat likely dampened reproductive activity elsewhere.

Most late season reports reference single birds, pairs, and small coveys (e.g., 6-8 birds), with chick sightings at a premium. There has also been a notable deterioration in habitat quality for most counties, even those areas where early season vegetation reports were optimistic. With close ties to nesting habitat and insect production, worsening cover conditions (e.g., grasses, forbs) only exacerbated the impacts of the drought.

As such, below average hunting conditions across the Rolling Plains region are expected. There are certain to be scattered pockets of good hunting, but the overall quail hunting forecast is less promising.

Texas Quail Forecast 2022: South Texas

If there was an enigma these past few years it’s been South Texas. Despite survey numbers indicating below average abundance in 2021, the on-the-ground reports were more encouraging. Hunting exceeded expectations with hunters moving upwards of 10-20 coveys per day, and as many as 30 into the late season (e.g., Duval, Jim Hogg, McMullen counties).

Only interrupted by a mid-January cold front, many went home with well worked dogs. This level of production was insulation for populations heading into 2022 and it turned out to be needed. Early season rainfall led to an early season hatch in some regions (e.g., Sand Sheet) and counties (e.g., Webb, Dimmit, Maverick), but drought conditions settled in early and led to a deterioration in habitat conditions.

An increase in wildfires highlighted the difficulties, with temperatures soaring throughout the summer. There were exceptions, and bright spots included Bee, Duval, Live Oak, and McMullen counties, which all seemed to have benefited from good production this year. Of those, Bee and Live Oak represented two of the top three bobwhite survey routes for South Texas (Willacy rounding out the top tier).

State officials observed a bump from 3.10 bobwhites per route in 2021 to 5.26 in 2022, and while still below their 15-year mean of 9.01, seems hopeful for the upcoming season. To that end, late summer rainfall may benefit South Texas with its longer nesting season and should improve the outlook in the coming months. Average quail hunting conditions across the region are expected, with certain ranches engaged in active quail management outperforming our forecast as usual.

Texas Quail Forecast: Everyone Else

Dry conditions put the Gulf Prairies in a position to be successful early, but the availability of cover resources and insects decreased as we moved deeper into the summer and made successful nesting and brooding less likely. There is little recent evidence to suggest otherwise, as surveys by state officials fell below average for a fifth year in a row.

The High Plains took the brunt of the drought and with herbaceous cover at a premium, the region is unfortunately mirroring a landscape we became familiar with in 2011. As for the Cross Timbers, there were plenty of anomalies when it came to bobwhite observations, with state officials reporting coveys in areas not typically seen. However, that will be a footnote in a year where below average abundance and hunting opportunities are again expected in the region.

CWD in Limestone County Texas

CWD Found in Limestone County

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) discovered Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Limestone County. A white-tailed deer within a breeding facility tested positive for CWD. The is marks the first positive detection of CWD in Limestone County. With deer season just around the corner, will this affect hunters?

The deer was found as part of a required CWD surveillance program.  Samples from four deer were detected with CWD prions by the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory in College Station on September 5. The National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa confirmed CWD in two of these samples on Sept. 13. In addition, the lab should complete testing of the other two samples soon.

CWD In Limestone County

Animal health and wildlife officials have taken action to secure the deer breeding facility. State officials must now identify and notify other breeding facilities that received deer or shipped deer to this facility in the last five years. CWD seems to be on the move, as earlier this month CWD was found in Gillespie County. The recent news makes you wonder where CWD will be found in Texas next?

Looking at CWD in Limestone County

“TPWD and TAHC are taking this situation very seriously,” said John Silovsky, Wildlife Division Director for TPWD. “Fortunately, these positive cases were detected early, and we have a good sample distribution across the facility. At this time, CWD appears to be contained to one pen within the facility.

Animal health and wildlife officials will continue to investigate to determine the extent of the disease within the facility and mitigate risks to Texas’ CWD susceptible species. Quick detection of CWD in Limestone County can help mitigate the disease’s spread.”

CWD Zone in Limestone County

TPWD officials are developing surveillance zone boundaries that may include portions of Limestone, Hill, Freestone and Navarro counties. CWD zones are an effective strategy for managing and containing the disease. Hunters in surveillance and containment zones must take harvested CWD susceptible species to a check station or otherwise meet submission requirements.

TPWD will provide additional information to landowners and hunters within the surveillance zone regarding CWD sampling locations. Furthermore, TPWD will provide options to have white-tailed deer or other CWD susceptible species tested. There is no cost to the hunter for this testing. A public meeting will be held concerning CWD in Limestone County prior to implementation to provide the details of the zones and CWD management.

“Surveillance is an essential part of managing CWD,” said Dr. Andy Schwartz, TAHC Executive Director and State Veterinarian. “While the disease’s incubation period poses challenges, quick detection can help mitigate the disease’s spread and protect cervid populations in Texas.”

Testing Required with CWD in Limestone County

Testing for CWD allows wildlife biologists and animal health officials to get a clearer picture of the prevalence and distribution of the CWD disease across Texas. Additionally, proactive monitoring improves the state’s response time to a CWD detection and can greatly reduce the risk of the disease spreading further to neighboring captive and free-ranging populations.

TPWD and TAHC encourage hunters outside of established surveillance and containment zones to voluntarily submit their harvest for testing at a check station, for free, before heading home from the field. A map of TPWD check stations can be found on the TPWD website. CWD testing required for exotic deer in Texas according to TAHC, regardless of location.

CWD in Texas and Beyond

First recognized in 1967 in captive mule deer in Colorado, CWD has since been documented in captive and/or free-ranging deer in 30 states and three Canadian provinces. To date, 392 captive or free-ranging cervids — including white-tailed deer, mule deer, red deer and elk — in 16 Texas counties have tested positive for CWD.

CWD is a fatal neurological disease found in certain cervids, including deer, elk, moose and other members of the deer family. The disease is highly transmissible and can remain infectious on the landscape for several years. If left unmanaged, CWD can have long-term impacts on the native deer herd and local economies.

Clinical signs may include progressive weight loss, stumbling or tremors with a lack of coordination, excessive thirst, salivation or urination, loss of appetite, teeth grinding, abnormal head posture and/or drooping ears. These signs may not become evident until long after animals have become infected. Therefore, testing remains the best available tool for detecting CWD at an early stage and containing it with appropriate management strategies.

To date, there is no evidence that CWD poses a risk to humans or non-cervids. However, as a precaution, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization recommend not to consume meat from infected animals. However, because there is CWD in Limestone County deer, local hunters need to be aware of testing requirements.

CWD in Gillespie County, Texas

Found: CWD in Gillespie County

State officials have discovered CWD in Gillespie County. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been discovered in a deer breeding within the county. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) are collaboratively working to determine the source and extent of the first positive detection of the disease in this county.

CWD is a prion disease that affects deer, elk, reindeer, sika deer and moose. CWD has been found in some areas of Texas and it continues to increase. It may take over a year before an infected deer develops symptoms, which can include drastic weight loss (wasting), stumbling, listlessness and other neurologic symptoms. CWD can affect deer of all ages and some infected animals may die without ever developing the disease. CWD is fatal to animals and there are no treatments or vaccines.

CWD Found in Gillespie County, Texas

Deer Positive for CWD in Gillespie County

After the mortality of a white-tailed deer on the premises was identified, tissue samples from the one-year-old buck were submitted by the deer breeding facility as part of a required CWD surveillance program. The samples were tested at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in College Station on August 17 and indicated the presence of CWD. The National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa confirmed CWD in those tissue samples on August 30.

Immediate action has been taken to secure all deer located at the facility and plans to conduct additional CWD investigations are underway. Additionally, other breeding facilities that received deer or shipped deer to this facility, during the last five years, have been identified and placed under movement restrictions.

READ: CWD Testing Required for Exotics in Texas

“Response staff are diligently working to conduct epidemiological investigations, but the nature of the disease makes definitive findings difficult to determine,” said Dr. Andy Schwartz, TAHC State Veterinarian. “The incubation period of CWD can span years creating disease detection and management challenges.”

More CWD in Gillespie County?

Animal health and wildlife officials will investigate to determine the extent of the disease within the facility and mitigate risks to Texas’ CWD susceptible species. Quick detection of CWD can help mitigate the disease’s spread. 

“The discovery of CWD in Gillespie County at this breeding facility is an unfortunate situation that TPWD and TAHC take very seriously,” said John Silovsky, Wildlife Division Director for TPWD. “Both agencies will respond appropriately to this matter to protect the state’s susceptible species from further disease exposure.”

Facts About CWD and Impacts to Deer in Gillespie County
A CWD fact sheet is available from the Texas Animal Health Commission.

More on CWD

First recognized in 1967 in captive mule deer in Colorado, CWD has since been documented in captive and/or free-ranging deer in 30 states and three Canadian provinces. To date, 376 captive or free-ranging cervids — including white-tailed deer, mule deer, red deer and elk — in 15 Texas counties have tested positive for CWD. For more information on previous detections visit the CWD page on the TPWD website. The discovery of CWD in Gillespie County makes it the most recent county added to the list.

Testing for CWD allows wildlife biologists and animal health officials to get a clearer picture of the prevalence and distribution of the disease across Texas. Proactive monitoring improves the state’s response time to a CWD detection and can greatly reduce the risk of the disease further spreading to neighboring captive and free-ranging populations. With each discovery of a new CWD positive area in the state, CWD zones are established as a strategy to manage and contain the disease. TPWD officials will be working towards delineating and establishing a new zone in Gillespie County to be implemented later this fall.