Tex Hunter | Texas Hunting Times: Texas Hunting News

Texas is Hunting Feral Hogs, Urging Control

Texas has the nation’s largest feral hog population with nearly 2.6 million pigs. That means hog hunting likely good in your area, but at what cost? State officials blame the non-native animals for about $500 million in statewide damage, mostly to agricultural production but also impacting urban areas. Feral hogs were introduced to Texas by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. Since that time, these prolific swine have increased the size of their population, filling all suitable habitat across the state. They have probably even filled the unsuitable habitat. Feral hogs are not game animals; wild hogs are considered feral livestock, so their is no formal hunting season and no restrictions on harvest. Shoot ’em all! But now state officials have added another carrot to promote the control of feral hogs, money.

“Texas counties needing financial help controlling feral hogs are being encouraged to pair up and apply for $30,000 in grants. The Texas Department of Agriculture on Tuesday announced the County Hog Abatement Matching Program, or CHAMP.Commissioner Todd Staples says feral hog control efforts need to be coordinated across public entities and private landowners. Individual Texas counties must partner with at least one other county also working on feral hog abatement. Authorities set a July 1 application deadline. Selected applicants will get funding on a cost reimbursement basis. The projects require a minimum match of one dollar for every grant dollar requested, up to $30,000.”

Trail Cameras for Deer Surveys

Question: “Interested in better deer hunting on our ranch in Central Texas and performing spotlight or trail camera surveys . When a deer survey is carried out, what number of deer per acre is considered high and what is low? Do you simply count the number of deer per on the property and divide it into the size of the property? How is density estimated using a trail camera? I imagine that the “right” number of deer for a property will depend on the part of the state, but what is a rough estimate of a good deer density?”

Texas Hunting: When it comes to deer surveys I recommend talking to your county Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) biologist. He or she will take a look at your property and give you a tight range of the number of animals that it can support. They will even help you estimate the number of animals on your property or give you a guess based on current habitat condition. As you have already guessed, habitat is the deciding factor when it comes to deer density. It can vary greatly inside a county and from property to property. I know that on a particular property in South Texas it is recommended that there be one deer to every 18 acres. Another ranch in the post oak region of Texas may support one deer for every 9 acres. A lot depends not only on the habitat, but also the goals of the property owner. Maximum is not always best.

Trail Cameras and Spotlight Surveys

Spotlight surveys are used to determine deer density, but trail cameras when used correctly can be used to estimate numbers too by estimating a single component of the herd, bucks, but you will also need to keep track of does and fawns. You can use the info from your game camera to get an estimate on your buck to doe and fawn to doe ratios. The results will depend on a lot of factors though. I would take every photo and count every deer in each photo. If the same doe is in 5 pictures in a row then count her every time. You have to do it this way since you won’t always be able to tell one doe from another. Same for a fawn or a buck (sometimes they will be facing various directions). After you have a total of doe, fawns and bucks you can calculate your ratios. The more data you have, however, the better your estimate will be. I took a survey form to the blind with me every time I deer hunted and kept count of the different deer I was able to see that sit in the blind. I think the stand count data showed a better buck to doe ratio than the trail camera survey, but they were both very close.

Spotlight surveys, trail camera surveys, incidental counts and stand counts provide great deer population data on a ranch when used in combination. Spotlight counts are good at estimating deer density and much less expensive than helicopter surveys (which do not work in many areas anyway). Every technique will give you a numbers of bucks, does, and fawns so pool them all together to get the best data. Over the course of several years you will get a great idea of what is happening on the property, then the biggest factor affecting the herd becomes reproduction and recruitment.

Trail Camera Surveys for Deer: Do It Right!

Do not trust trail camera surveys for whitetail deer when cameras are ONLY placed on feeders! Game cameras can be place at feeders, but they should also be set at bait piles and random locations. Cameras placed at feeders alone will not accurately estimate a deer herd. If I were conducting a camera survey I would semi-grid the ranch and use bait piles to count the deer with roughly 100 acres per camera. Of course, I would also count all deer observed with my own eyes at feeders, roadways, troughs, food plots, and everywhere else as I was on the property to supporting camera data.

The one great thing about trail cameras placed at feeders is that they tend to capture almost all of the buck herd within a relatively short period, usually within a couple of weeks. Although does and fawns can rarely be identified individually, almost all bucks can be distinguished based on antler characteristics. Trail cameras placed at feeders will survey bucks the best since feeders attract more bucks than does. That’s because bucks tend to dominate feeders. They best time is when food is limited, typically late summer.

Use the total number of different bucks caught on camera using feeders as THE number of bucks on the property, then forget about those photos. All you needed them for was to get the number of unique bucks on the property. Next, use all the other survey data (stand observations, random trail camera placement, etc.)to calculate the buck to doe ratio and doe to fawn ratio. For example, if you count 20 different bucks with trail cameras placed at feeders, then assume you 20 bucks. If eyeball observations and randomly placed trail cameras give you a buck to doe ratio of 1:3 and a doe to fawn ratio 2:1 then you have 20 bucks, 60 does and 30 fawns. It’s all there to calculate based on the number of bucks and the herd composition data.

Using trail cameras to survey deer on high fenced properties less than 600 acres is highly accurate. It gets more difficult as property size increase. It also gets more complicated on low fenced properties because deer will be coming on and going off the property at all times. It may take spotlight surveys to estimate deer density as well, or at least learning how to read the habitat to assess whether the herd is healthy (plenty of food) or needs to be reduced (plant over-use). You can also used the body weights of harvested deer to substantiate what you are seeing on camera and on the ground. Trail camera surveys can work for whitetail deer if you do it right from the start.

Venison Chili Recipe – One of the Best!

Venison is a great source of protein because it’s also low if fat. Whether you bring home venison after a successful hunt or have to buy it at the store, this easy venison chili recipe is a good one to have around the house. When we serve this hearty dish up the only complaining we hear concerns who has to wash the dishes!

Ingredients

2 pounds venison, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small jalepeno, minced
1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 tablespoons ground chili powder
2 tablespoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 large red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
salt ground black pepper
1 10 ounce can red kidney beans, drained

Directions

Except for the beans, place all ingredients into slow cooker on the low temperature setting for 4 hours. Then, add beans and continue to cook the venison chili for 1 additional hour. Put in a bowl and top with more finely chopped onions, shredded cheddar cheese and/or sour cream.

Texas Hunting Improved by Habitat, Wildlife Management (WHIP)

The one sure-fire way to improve hunting on your property is to get involved in habitat management for wildlife. All animals need food, cover, water and space. If you are interested in better white-tailed deer hunting, turkey hunting, quail hunting, dove hunting or just having more songbirds then the first step is taking action to reach your goals. The next step will be to contact Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. These two agencies can help you help the plant communities on your land, which will in turn help the wildlife and hunting on your land.

The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist Salvador Salinas today announced that NRCS in Texas has $5.5 million in funding available for people who want to develop and implement wildlife management and improve habitat on their land through the agency’s Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP). “WHIP helps Texas landowners restore and improve fish and wildlife habitats, and benefit at-risk species,” said Salinas. “This funding will give landowners across the state the opportunity to address wildlife concerns in Texas.”

This funding has been established to improve Bobwhite quail and Pronghorn antelope habitat, as well as for landowners that have lost wildlife habitat through the drought and wildfires of recent years. It will also help other wildlife species that benefit from the habitat management practices implemented for target species. Practices for quail are especially beneficial for whitetail populations and deer hunting. Through WHIP, the NRCS provides both technical assistance and financial assistance to establish and improve fish and wildlife habitat. WHIP agreements between NRCS and the participant generally last from 5 to 10 years from the date the agreement is signed.

Landowners interested in participating in the program are encouraged to contact their local USDA-NRCS field office, in the nearest USDA Service Center. Applications for WHIP are accepted continuously and the ranking criteria are established by the State Conservationist, based upon input from the state technical committee.

WHIP applications must address traditional natural resource issues such as water quantity, water quality, grazing lands, forest health, soil management, emerging natural resource issues, and climate change. For additional information about WHIP, or to find the NRCS service center nearest you, visit their website. Improved habitat, healthier wildlife populations, better hunting and a cost-share program to boot? Sounds like a recipe for success!

Whitetail Deer Rut in Texas?

Question: “Looking for some information on when the deer rut takes places in Texas. Just started deer hunting last year and hear that hunting the rut is the best time to see bucks. I got on a lease this year and plan on hunting in the Hill Country. The other guys on the lease said there were some good bucks on camera last year but several of the older deer did not get shot. Hoping I can get the drop on one of them. Plan on putting out cameras in the upcoming months to see what is out there. So when is the whitetail deer rut in Blanco County?”

Deer Hunting Pros: Well, it can vary somewhat from year to year, but usually not by a whole lot. In Central Texas, the peak of the deer rut runs somewhere from October 30 through November 7 each year. The timing of the rut is most dependent on the length of the days (amount of daylight), but temperature in my opinion does affect the intensity of activity. I think cooler weather means bucks will chase harder and longer, increasing the chances of observation by a hunter. The rut is a great time to be out deer hunting, but the rut also plays an important role in a deer population. Continue reading Whitetail Deer Rut in Texas?

Controlling Rabies in Texas: Concho, McCulloch and Menard County

The rabies virus poses a serious threat to Texas wildlife and people that spend time out of doors. Hunters are especially prone to running into animals that are infected with rabies. A case of Texas fox variant rabies was found near the Concho/McCulloch County line. This variant of rabies is of special concern to public health officials. A contingency wildlife management and disease response is being implemented to try and prevent it from spreading to other counties. A protocol has been developed to help agencies respond to calls about potentially rabid wildlife, and to facilitate the testing of animals suspected of having rabies.

According to state wildlife and disease officials, Wildlife species of most concern in Texas fox variant rabies transmission are foxes, coyotes, bobcats, raccoons, feral or free ranging dogs and cats and livestock. Any mammal, including white-tailed deer and feral hogs can contract rabies., but they are not of great concern to the variant of concern. An animal is considered suspect if it is a member of a species of concern and is aggressive, unafraid, acting unusual.

If a suspect animal is found in the target area (refer to a listing of counties on page three or the map on page four) please contact appropriate personnel in those areas (Animal Control, Sheriff’s Department, local County Trapper, Texas Parks and Wildlife-Game Warden) to have the animal humanely destroyed. Refer below for pick- up and rabies testing.
If a private citizen in any of these counties is witness to a suspect animal and cannot contact appropriate personnel it is asked that the animal be humanely destroyed and held until appropriate personnel can be contacted. This recommendation pertains to citizens living outside of the city limits.
State officials ask that all safety and care be practiced when attempting to obtain suspect animals. Remember: always wear latex, rubber or leather gloves when handling dead animals.

Human/Domestic Animal Rabies Exposure

If a human or domestic animal has been bitten, scratched, or otherwise potentially exposed to rabies by a wild or domestic mammal, or if there is any question about what constitutes exposure, contact the Texas Department of State Health Services. If located in West Central Texas, contact Dr. Ken Waldrup at 915-834-7782 or 915-238-6216; or call Kathy Parker at 432-571-4118 or 432-230-3007. For after-hours rabies emergency cal 512-776-7111. Contact the Health Department at 915-834-7782 or 432-571-4118 if there is a question of rabies exposure.

Rabies Suspected – Sick or Strange-Acting Animals, or Animals Found Dead

If personnel are available, the following agencies will provide assistance or advice on how to deal with a sick-acting raccoon, bobcat, fox, coyote, feral dog or cat. Contact Health Region 9/10 offices of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) during normal business hours (M-F, 8-5). If in West Central Texas call Dr.Ken Waldrup or Kathy Parker. Additional Contacts include the Texas Wildlife Services Program (TWSP). You can call the closest office: San Angelo at -325-655-6101, Brownwood at 325-646-4536, Kerrville at 830-896-6535, Uvalde at 830-278-4464, or if no response, contact the central office of Texas Department of State Health Services Zoonosis Control at 512-776-7255 or the TWSP State Office at 210-472-5451. If no other options are available, keep pets and children indoors and leave the animal alone.

Note: State officials are actively trying to test suspicious foxes, coyotes, bobcats, and raccoons for rabies. Freezers are located at several Texas Wildlife Services offices. Freshly killed or dead animals should be kept cooled or frozen for testing. Do not shoot animals in the head. Contact one of the above telephone numbers for handling procedures.

No Rabies Exposure, But Nuisance & Injured Wildlife/General Wildlife Information

For information on Oral Rabies Vaccine (ORV) baiting and Enhanced Rabies Surveillance (testing), contact the Texas Department of State Health Services’ Dr. Skip Oertli at 512-776-3306 or Texas Wildlife Services Program’s Bruce Leland at 210-472-5451. TWSP can also provide advice on preventing and resolving nuisance wildlife problems.

Enhanced Rabies Surveillance Counties of West Central Texas

Brown
Coleman, Concho
Gillespie
Kimble
Llano
Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Mills
Runnels
San Saba, Schleicher, Sutton
Tom Green

Rabies Prevention: Things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your pets

Do not feed, touch, or adopt wild animals, and be cautious of stray dogs and cats. Rabid animals do not always appear ill or vicious.
Teach children to leave wildlife alone. Be sure your children know to tell you if an animal bites or scratches them.
Call your doctor and your local health department for advice if an animal bites or scratches you. Thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water and report the incident immediately!
Have your veterinarian vaccinate your dogs, cats, or ferrets against rabies. Keep pet vaccinations up-to-date.
Tightly close garbage cans. Open trash attracts wild or stray animals to your home or yard.
Feed your pets indoors; never leave pet food outside as this attracts wildlife.

Also, do not relocate wild mammals – this can cause rabies to spread quickly to new areas. Importation of rabies-vector wildlife into Texas from other states or other counties would be disastrous. Landowners and homeowners should not transport and release animals.

Dove Hunting in Texas – All About Mourning Doves

White-winged and mourning dove hunting is the most popular form of hunting in Texas. More hunters shoot doves than any other game species. Mourning dove populations occur from southern Canada to northern Mexico. Texas produces millions of new birds thanks to dove nesting activity, but millions more doves migrate south every winter to avoid cold temps and to find food. They usually leave their northern range and travel south from September through February and return to their breeding grounds from March through August. Migration, fortunately for hunters, corresponds with dove hunting season in Texas.

Texas has a large resident population of mourning doves, which is well-supplemented by northern migrants that over winter here. Most of our migrant mourning doves come from the north central states. However, research surveys have shown that over 80% of the doves harvested in Texas are resident birds. This means dove hunting targets primarily locally produced birds, meaning nesting habitat and breeding is important. In Texas, the breeding season usually peaks in late spring and early summer. Nests are usually about 15 feet from the ground and are often along field and pasture edges or adjacent to other open areas.

Two eggs are laid in the nest and incubation begins immediately after both eggs are laid. Eggs hatch in 14 days and the young are fed pigeon milk (a milky substance produced in the dove’s crop) and partially digested seeds by both parents until they are ready to leave the nest. The young doves, or squabs, develop rapidly and can fly at around 12 days old. Soon after the young leave the nest the adults begin preparation for a second brood, often using the same nest.

In Texas, three to seven broods may be produced each year. The life span of wild mourning doves may exceed 5 years but the annual natural mortality in the continental population is 70% whether there is hunting or not. Much of the population data about doves is collected when hunters report dove bands. Each year in Texas, thousands of mounring and white-winged doves are banded for the purposes of getting more information about these important game species.

Habitat Preferences of Mourning Doves

Mourning doves primarily feed on various seeds including waste grain, native and cultivated grasses and occasionally feed on small traces of insect matter. Large open cultivated fields of millet, sunflower, corn, wheat, soybeans and peanuts often attract large numbers of birds. Harvested ag fields, as hunters know, offer good dove hunting in the early fall. In addition to crops, Carolina cranesbill, dove weed (woolly croton), morning glory, pokeberry, ragweed, spiny pigweed, bristle grass are some native foods doves highly prefer. Doves rarely scratch the ground for food and seeds must be on open ground where they can easily be seen. Mourning doves will often sit on power lines, trees, or snags prior to flying down in to a field.

Mourning doves must have grit (sand and gravel) in their gizzard to help grind food. Often doves are seen in dirt roads or along the edge of paved roads picking up grit. Doves also require water daily and prefer to get water from ponds, streams and puddles that have clear banks and edges with a gentle slope to the water. Dove hunters also take advantage of this, dove hunting around stock tanks in the afternoon until shooting time ends.

Wildlife Management – Texas Ranch Honored for Job Well Done

Over the past 25 years, wildlife management has gone hand in hand with hunting in Texas. Landowners have put their time, energy and money where their mouth is when it’s come to the management of the Lone Star State’s natural resources. It’s been a great thing to watch. It’s also nice to see deserving landowners be rewarded for the hard work that they have done. Revitalization efforts on two ranches in two different ecological regions of Texas have earned a Houston couple the 2013 Leopold Conservation Award, Texas’s highest honor for private land conservation.

“On Buckhollow Ranch, the wildlife management goals are to manage and improve the ranch for wildlife diversity, and to provide optimum wildlife habitat,” retired Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) biologist Richard B. Taylor pointed out in his nomination of Jack and Jan Catos for the Leopold Award. “The emphasis is on improving the native habitat through proper range and wildlife management, and to maintain healthy, native wildlife populations – with an emphasis on nongame, threatened, and endangered species.”

Due to excellent habitat management, endangered species such as the black-capped vireo, golden-cheeked warbler and Tobusch fishhook cactus are increasing on the Buckhollow Ranch. Natural springs are returning to life, and flow volumes have increased since the Catos purchased the ranch. Because of the ample ground cover that has become established through sound management practices, water penetration has improved, run-off slowed, and soil erosion noticeably diminished. The benefits of good are evidenced by the healthy plants and abundant wildlife populations on the property.

Native plant populations have been surveyed on Buckhollow by the Texas Nature Conservancy and monitored by various agencies including TPWD and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Texas Snowbell, an endemic native plant, was reintroduced several years ago in an attempt to re-establish it in its historical range.

On the Stockard-Sirianni Ranch, bi-annual helicopter surveys are conducted to assess white-tailed deer, coyotes, feral hog, javelina, turkey and quail populations. Incidental herpetological surveys have also been conducted by the landowners, TPWD, and ranch visitors. Plant surveys targeting native grasses have been conducted by South Texas Natives and TPWD. Similar to those found on the Buckhollow, bird populations are also monitored throughout the year by various bird watching groups and individuals, including the Catos, who are active birders. The Catos have participated in a prescribed burning school and numerous wildlife seminars to better educate themselves on habitat management and environmental issues. Most of their knowledge has been directly applied to the landscape.

The Catos’ Wildlife Management Activities

Water guzzlers (a mechanical water conservation device) installed throughout Buckhollow Ranch continue to benefit wildlife by improving species distribution and decreasing dependance on natural springs, rivers, and streams.
In addition, extensive stands of ashe juniper have been removed to increase spring flow, and four solar-powered water wells have either been retrofitted or drilled. Water diversion berms have been created across all hillside roads to prevent soil erosion, promote soil conservation, and one small holding tank has been created to capture seasonal water for wildlife. This has helped reduce negative impacts to sensitive areas.
As a result of extensive habitat management on Buckhollow Ranch, native grasses such as little bluestem are returning at an increasing rate, slowly replacing the non-native King Ranch bluestem that previous owners planted and allowed to increase. Browsing pressure on woody plants such as live oak has decreased dramatically, allowing ample regeneration.
At the Stockard-Sirianni Ranch, existing fences have been replaced, and a rotational grazing system instituted. This has benefitted the native habitat, and improved livestock production. In addition, a roughly 20-acre wetland has been established for resident and migratory waterfowl, complete with levees and pipelines to maintain water levels. More than 100 bird nesting boxes have been erected on this property, including bluebird boxes, screech owl boxes, wood duck boxes, purple martin houses, and bat boxes.
In addition to the work they have done on their land, the Catos have been generous in sharing their properties with others—including local residents, neighbors, conservation groups, universities, and state and federal agencies. They have been actively involved with TPWD, NRCS, the Nature Conservancy, West Texas A&M University, and Southwest Texas Junior College by allowing these agencies or institutions to use the ranch for meetings, field days, research projects, demonstrations, and educational programs.

Perhaps the most dramatic demonstration of the Catos’s long-term commitment to wildlife management and conservation is the recent placing of the Buckhollow Ranch under a perpetual conservation easement with The Nature Conservancy. The sole purpose of an easement of this type is to preserve the natural beauty and habitat of the ranch for future generations. It’s like wildlife management — forever.

James Daughtrey Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Hunting

The James E. Daughtrey Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is a 4,400 acres low fenced multiple-use recreational area that offer public hunting opportunities for white-tailed deer, alligator and other game species. The WMA surrounds Choke Canyon Reservoir as is operated by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). Located in Live Oak and McMullen counties midway between San Antonio and Corpus Christi, the WMA is representive of South Texas habitats and is a component of the South Texas Ecosystem Project (STEP). The Frio, Atascosa, and Nueces Rivers join near the town of Three Rivers, just east of the WMA. The WMA occupies five non-contiguous parcels adjacent to the lake.

Choke Canyon Reservoir also provides valuable habitat to migratory species, including a wide variety of waterfowl. The lake itself is considered part of the WMA for purposes of public waterfowl hunting. All regulations applicable to waterfowl hunting, including a prohibition on airboats on the lake, apply to hunters accesing the lake for waterfowl hunting purposes. Waterfowl season is open during all open waterfowl seasons when accessed from the lake. An Annual Public Hunting (APH) permit is required of all waterfowl hunters. Access to the lake through the WMA is closed as posted at entrance information booths and in the Annual Public Hunting Lands Map Booklet.

Originally grassland, after the suppression of fire and the elimination of the buffalo, this region developed into the South Texas brush country of today. The climate includes long, hot summers, mild winters and erratic precipitation distribution. The average annual rainfall rate is 20-25 inches. Mesquite and associated thorny shrubs, such as catclaw acacia, huisache, blackbrush, granjeno, brasil, whitebrush, Texas persimmon, and prickly pear, account for much of the cover. Live oak, hackberry, and elm are the dominant tree species. Silver bluestem, buffelgrass, curly mesquite, and Arizona cottontop are the dominant grasses throughout the WMA. The topography is gently sloping to level and the soils range from loamy sand to heavy clay.

Ample cover, food, and water in close proximity result in a very productive wildlife habitat. White-tailed deer, javelina, wild turkeys, mourning and white-winged dove, bobwhite and scaled quail, rabbits, coyotes, gray foxes, bobcats, mountain lions, feral hogs, and many other wildlife species inhabit the WMA. The Daughtry WMA is know for excellent deer hunting and good deer are harvested there on a fairly regular basis, which is not unusual for that part of Texas.

TPWD assumed responsibility of the property in 1981 for the care, operation, maintenance, and replacement of the recreation, fish and wildlife, and open space resources of the Choke Canyon Reservoir. The WMA historically has been used as a public use area to provide maximum hunting opportunity and appreciable public use, commensurate with availability of the resource. The Daughtrey WMA offers an interpretive nature trail, wildlife viewing, and hunting. Fishing is available on Choke Canyon Reservoir through access by public boat ramp.

The James E. Daughtrey WMA is named in memory of state game warden James E. Daughtrey, who was fatally injured in a vehicle accident while pursuing game law violators in McMullen County. You can get more information about the (a href=”https://texashuntingtimes.com/category/public-hunting/” title=”Texas Public Hunting Lands”>public huntingopportunities at the WMA by contacting area personnel at (830) 676-3413.

Public Hunting at Daughtrey WMA

Roads on the area are mostly primitive and trucks will permit access to most of the hunting area. Four wheel drive is recommended for wet conditions. Limited permanent blinds are provided and hunters may bring their own portable blinds. There are no cold storage facilities available on the area. A primitive campground is available for use only by persons authorized to hunt under Special Permits and will open the evening prior to scheduled hunts. Drinking water and electrical hook-ups are not available in the campground. A limited number of fire rings and picnic tables are provided on a first come-first served basis as is one rented chemical toilet. Camping is also available at Choke Canyon State Park – South Shore Unit (361/786-3538). For further information call the WMA office.

Deer Feeder Pen Size

Question: “We’re getting on a new deer hunting lease and need to build some feeder pens. No feral hogs on this place, but we need to put some barb wire to keep the cows off of the protein feeders. What’s the smallest deer feeder pen size. that will work in this situation?

I would think one could make smaller feeder pens with barb wire than hog panel pens because the deer won’t have to jump them. We just want to provide some feed for deer without letting the cows eat it all. We want the deer to feel comfortable too. As far as height, we are thinking just three wires and about 40 inches high.”

Deer Feeder Pen Size for Deer Hunting

Texas Hunting Times: There is only one rule you need to know when it comes to deer feeder pen size: BIGGER IS ALWAYS BETTER! It does not matter what type of fence you choose to go with, larger feeder pens are preferred by whitetail. This helps in many ways. The closer to the feeder the cattle are the more problems you will have when it does get really dry and they run out of things to eat on your lease.

This sounds trivial until you find your feeder emptied out way too earlier. The extra cost of materials that will allow you to build a much bigger feeder pen will be less the cost of losing a feeder full of protein to hungry, disrespecting cows.

Larger feeder pens will also allow more deer to feed in the pen at the protein station calmly, and with less stress. Make sure that you take the time to put in good corners so you can keep the wire stretched tight. Take the saying, “Do it right the first time,” to heart. When I was younger (and apparently more optimistic) I rebuild a deer feeder pen two additional times before I finally did it the “right” way. No headaches after that, just hunting.

As far as the pen size, I would make it at least 40 feet per side and 4 feet tall with bottom wire around about 20 inches off the ground. To help deer from getting barbed, I would recommend that you install cable twist (barbless barbwire) for the bottom wire and possibly even the top wire. I have seen deer feeder pens made of 3 wires, but the cattle had plenty of grass to eat on the property. If your deer hunting property looks overgrazed, build your protein feeder pen big, and build it strong.