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Prescribed Burning, Fire for Wildlife Management

Fire is natural process that scares most people, but fire also played an important role in shaping much of the grassland and forested wildlife habitats found throughout the country. Since fire is an important natural process, biologist and land managers recognize that not fire is bad, especially prescribed fire. Once termed prescribed burns, most planned burns are now referred to as prescribed fire. This wildlife management practice has many benefits though, regardless of what you call it.

Sometimes the vegetation that makes up a particular species’ habitat requires a prescribed, managed fire, not a wildfire, to come along at the right place, at the right time, and in a controlled manner. This is prescribed fire. But it’s not just about starting a fire. The habitat management objectives of the fire must first be determined, and the specific conditions under which the fire should be carry out. It is only after the fire plan has been established that a fire prescription for conducting the fire has been developed.

Prescribed fires have different uses depending on the management objectives. Prescribed burning is most often used to reduce fuels such as pine needles, leaves and herbeceous vegetation such as grass and weeds. These fine fuels typically build up quickly, but they also burn quickly. Prescribed fire is also important for individual game and non-game wildlife species. Fire can be used to effectively manage white-tailed deer and bobwhite quail habitat when used every three to seven years.

Fire behavior is closely very related to local weather variables that determine how a fire will burn. Air temperature, relative humidity, and wind have the greatest impact on fire behavior. Warmer temperatures make for more volatile fires. Low humidity also makes for hotter, more volatile fires. The wildlife and habitat management objectives must be taken in to account when determining the conditions under which the fire will be conducted.

In short, prescribed fire has many benefits that impact both plant and animal species. The habitat management goals must be determined first, then a prescribed fire plan must be developed. Prescriptions should be created that identify the weather conditions necessary to conduct the fire safely while also meeting the habitat management objectives. Proper preparation is the bulk of the work when getting ready for a burn. Land owners interested in songbird, quail, turkey and whitetail deer habitat improvement should consider prescribed fire as a wildlife management practice.

Texas Duck Hunting: Lots of Ducks, Little Water!

Fast and furious duck hunting action is about as fun as it gets, and the Texas Panhandle can offer some real barrel-heating action at the right times. The High Plains Mallard Management Unit duck hunting season runs October 29-30 and November-January 29, 2012. The good news is that’s not far off, the bad news is that few, if any, playa lakes are holding water, so most ducks are working cattle feed lot tanks at this time.

Sandhill cranes are showing in the Panhandle along with a few Canadas. Teal, pintails, shovelers, gadwalls and wigeons are solid on wet ponds along the coastal prairies. Ducks are concentrated on limited water, which should be a boon for hunters when the duck season opens November 5 in the North and South zones. Strong numbers of specklebellies are showing in cut rice fields.

Many duck hunting reports from along the coast have stated seeing more ducks on saltwater flats earlier than normal this year, probably due to the lack of water on high ground inland ponds. This will will boast full straps for those duck hunting along the coasts, but may mean tough sledding for hunters more inland. The duck hunting season in the North and South zones runs from November 5-27 and then December 10-January 29, 2012.

The daily bag limit shall be 6 ducks, to include no more than the following: 5 mallards (only 2 of which may be hens), 3 wood ducks, 2 scaup (lesser scaup and greater scaup in the aggregate), 2 redheads, 2 pintails, 1 canvasback, 1 dusky duck (mottled duck, Mexican-like duck, black duck and their hybrids are closed the first five days of the season in each zone). All other species: 6. With surface water in short supply, the duck hunting should be red hot anywhere a hunter can find water.

Quail Habitat Decline Impacts Texas Quail Hunters

The drought of 2011 has been rough on Texas’ plants and animals, but among the hardest hit is the bobwhite quail. This upland game bird is highly correlated with quality native grasslands, but both are on the decline. Low amounts of precipitation mean poor habitat quality and below average quail hunting. And the drought is only compounding matters because of low soil moisture, overgrazing by livestock, little plant growth and seed production and low nesting success.

“We’ve been on point monitoring quail declines well before this current drought,” said Clayton Wolf, Wildlife Director for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “We’ve been taking steps to address the problem of low quail numbers and declining habitat, but the drought is raising the sense of urgency.”

The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), an annual field census survey used to track quail productivity, shows a decline in Texas bobwhite quail breeding numbers at a rate of 3.9 percent per year from 1970 to 2009. Texas bobwhite harvest has declined by 80 percent over the past 30 years. Although this population decline is not as steep as seen in southeastern states, it is still cause for concern.

Many reasons are cited for these declines, but evidence points to changes in the quantity and quality of quail habitat as the leading cause. The topic has broad relevance, because grassland habitat used by quail is important for many of other wildlife species. Proper management can have big, cumulative effects because grassland habitat can affect water quantity and quality for people, as well.

“For all of us who care about the future of this prized game bird and the habitats it occupies around the state, complacency is not an option,” said Carter Smith, TPWD Executive Director. “We need hunters, landowners, government agencies and non-profit groups all making this a priority in order to advance the recovery of this species. Rest assured, the department will do its part.”

While TPWD wildlife biologists are focusing their efforts on assisting landowners develop habitat-based management strategies that can benefit quail and other grassland wildlife, the department is also taking action in other areas, including possible changes in quail hunting regulations.

Potential changes in season length and bag limit framework for the 2012-13 hunting season will be discussed during the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission’s November 2 Regulatory Committee meeting in Austin. Over the next few months, the TPWD Wildlife Division’s upland game bird staff and technical committee will review season length, bag limits and the possibility of regional differences for quail season to determine if modifications to the 2012-13 seasons are warranted.

Wolf said regulation changes alone won’t solve the problem. “But, we can look at a variety of approaches to address quail management, including regulations,” he said. Good news is that in one area of the state, the Gulf Prairies and Marshes region, quail numbers this year have actually risen due to proactive habitat management and adequate weather conditions.

Even in areas of the state where quail numbers have dropped considerably this year, particularly the Rolling Plains region in North Texas, there are still pockets with huntable numbers of bobwhites. But, dry conditions this year contributed to major wildfires that consumed millions of acres of vegetation. Quail production in the Rolling Plains hit an all-time low, according to this year’s BBS, and biologists say every bobwhite that survives the winter will be critical to next year’s production.

“Burned areas will likely provide good habitat after future rainfall events but for now they offer very little cover for quail and other wildlife,” said Robert Perez, TPWD’s upland game bird program leader. “We’re advising landowners if you are seeing low quail numbers on your ranch, you should consider reducing quail harvest. It’s okay to hunt, work your dogs, but take a conservative approach. Flush a covey only once and don’t chase the singles or pairs, or limit how long you hunt.”

Perez also encourages quail hunting early in the season, which runs from October 29 through February 26. Find the best pockets of habitat and there should be at least a few birds to chase. In addition, consider habitat management practices that can improve quail plants on your property to increase available habitat and bird numbers.

Quail Hunting in Texas Depends on Bird Numbers

Bobwhite quail are the most numerous quail found in the Lone Star State. Furthermore, quail hunting in Texas is socially and economically important. But viable quail populations require suitable habitat. According to the National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative, a coalition of wildlife professionals across 25 states, bobwhite quail populations have plummeted nationwide by as much as 80 percent over the past half century by some estimates.

In addition, entire suites of songbirds that depend on the same “quail habitat” of native grasslands and shrublands have recorded similar declines. The good news for quail hunters is that history has shown bobwhites can bounce back when the weather cooperates and suitable habitat is available. Ideal quail production occurs in years that remain wet and cool during the spring and early summer months because it extends the window of opportunity for nesting and reproduction.

“We need to manage quail habitat in preparation for those good years,” said Robert Perez of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “A majority of bobwhites don’t survive the first year even during good times; that’s why it takes more than one good year to bring numbers back. Quail hunting is not typically a limiting factor in areas with good habitat.”

Texas is taking a proactive, partnership strategy to address quail population declines in Texas through a coalition of state, federal and private stakeholders — the Texas Quail Conservation Initiative. By bringing all stakeholders to the table, the initiative can focus on landscape level conservation. Habitat management is the key to producing and maintaining quail habitat and providing quality quail hunting year after year. Without the required habitat, even good years will not be productive for quail populations.

Texas Duck Hunting Reports for Duck Season

With the Texas duck season getting closer by the day, the duck hunting reports are getting better! The hatch was really good up North this year, so we just needed the right conditions to get the birds moving our way. Habitat conditions across the U.S. and Canadian prairies were generally good. During the waterfowl nesting survey and into early summer, many of the areas important to breeding ducks received significant precipitation, which increased later breeding efforts and ensured brood survival.

A strong cold front combined with a full moon last week to deliver a noticeable number of new ducks to the Texas coast. Coastal scouts reported seeing pintails, shovelers, redheads and teal on the bays in larger numbers. Duck hunters positioned on the coastal prairies with ponds with water are holding impressive concentrations of puddle ducks and white-fronted geese.

East Texas reservoirs are holding teal, gadwall and wigeon in shallow coves and creeks with submergent vegetation, but many access points (boat ramps) have been closed due to low water. The Texas Duck Season and goose season opens on November 5 along with the General White-tailed Deer Hunting Season. Many ponds across Texas are dry, and much of the coastal waters are quite salty, but I suspect hunters that can find any water will have report a strong duck season. Look for creeks with water and rivers full of submergent plants to provide some solid duck hunting this fall.

TPWD Mule Deer Check Stations Announced

With the mule deer hunting season just around the corner, biologists with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are asking deer hunters and landowners to bring their harvested mule deer to one of the six voluntary mule deer check stations in the Trans-Pecos region on December 3-4 and December 10-11. The voluntary mule deer check stations will be set up during the two weekends in Culberson, Midland, Pecos, Terrell and Brewster counties.

Mule deer harvest data collected at these check stations is used to monitor harvest intensity, herd condition and age structure and to develop revisions in deer hunting regulations. TPWD biologists annually collect mule deer harvest data by management compartment, which include age by tooth wear and replacement, antler measurements and field-dressed body weights.

“In an effort to improve deer data, increase our knowledge of mule deer harvest intensity on a broader scale, and enhance efficiency, we will be operating voluntary mule deer check stations for the 2011 hunting season in five counties,” said Shawn Gray, TPWD mule deer program coordinator. “These check stations will be located in areas where hunters can conveniently get their harvested mule deer aged, weighed, and measured [for bucks].”

In the Trans-Pecos, more than 14,000 harvested mule deer bucks have been checked since 1980, averaging more than 500 deer each season. In addition, data is also collected from a limited number of harvested does. Successful Texas mule deer hunters can do their part by participating and allowing TPWD staff to collect valuable information.

“This information is essential in monitoring mule deer populations in Texas and making future hunting regulation decisions,” Gray explained. “The success of the check stations will be in large part because of the cooperation of hunters and landowners. TPWD encourages all hunters and landowners hunting these dates to bring their harvested mule deer by a check station this hunting season.”

All voluntary check stations will be open from 9am – 5pm on December 3-4 and December 10-11. Voluntary mule deer check stations will be located at these locations:

Van Horn, Culberson County, Van Horn Convention Center – 1801 West Broadway

Midland, Midland County, Naturally Fresh (Deer Processor) – 1501 Elwyn, Midland, TX 79701

Bakersfield, Pecos County, Chevron Station – south of I-10 (Exit 294)

Sanderson, Terrell County, Slim’s Auto Repair – intersection of HWY 90 and 285

Alpine, Brewster County, Hip-O Taxidermy – east side of town on HWY 90, across from Dairy Queen Restaurant

Mule deer numbers in Texas have been going up with increased mule deer population management. In addition, some counties have seen the addition of mule deer hunting seasons in recent years. This year has been dry, but hunters focusing on water and food sources should have good luck. Hope to see all you successful hunters bring your deer by one of the six TPWD mule deer check stations this years. It’s almost here!

Does Not Showing Up at the Feeders

Question: “We have a 700 acre high-fenced ranch located in Mason County. We have been involved in whitetail deer management activities over the past four years, improving the habitat and selectively harvesting deer based on surveys in an attempt to improve deer hunting. I know we have does on our ranch, but since we put up hog panels around our deer feeders all we see are bucks. How do we get our does back to using these feeders again? Any ideas? For reference, our feeder pens are about 30 feet in diameter.”

Response: This is something that many ranches experience across the state of Texas. Managing for deer typically means lowering the number of deer on a ranch in line with the available habitat. With whitetail deer at a proper density, hunters will see fewer deer than when deer are at higher, unhealthy numbers. This can be a part of the “problem.” However, I suspect the biggest issue is that the does not do feel comfortable at the feeders. But it has nothing to do with the hog panels. Continue reading Does Not Showing Up at the Feeders

Habitat Management for Waterfowl – Better Duck Hunting in Texas

While biologist located in the northern states and Canada are reporting record waterfowl production, Texas has little to offer these winged-migrants this fall. And the winter is not looking very bright either. But even with no rain in sight, habitat management should be on every duck hunters mind. There are several management practices that can be implemented that can help produce duck foods and put birds in your bag.

While it is dry, consider disking to improve conditions to favor future production of smartweeds or millets, both of which are excellent waterfowl foods. Properties will flooded stands of smartweeds and millets will also have outstanding duck hunting. Disking is typically needed about every 3 to 5 years to promote and maintain these annual seed-producing plants for waterfowl and helps reduce the numbers of many undesirable perennial plants.

Shredding is another habitat management practice often needed on an annual basis to control wetland growth and nuisance vegetation like green ash, black willow, Chinese tallow, and cocklebur. These species are not favored by waterfowl. By the way, you will need approved aquatic herbicides to control particularly hard to kill woody species like black willow and tallow. That’s because these woody species will sprout back from the roots, so shredding or disking them does not eliminate them.

Additionally, duck hunters may need to consider herbicide treatment of undesirable perennial herbaceous plants, such as soft stem bulrush or maidencane, if they take up too much surface area in your wetlands, then this can actually decrease the value of the waterfowl habitat of your duck hunting area. Cockleburs and some other undesirables can easily be killed with a glyphosate herbicide.

If you are unsure of the species of plants you have growing in your wetland, don’t do anything until you have identified them. You may think they are bad, but they may be good seed producers or important for the duck habitat on your property. There are several good sources to use to identify your plants. And the Web is always a good place to look.

During the summer and fall months, clear swamps of invaded hardwoods such as maple, ash, gum and Chinese tallow trees. Also remove any brush such as buttonbush and water elm while these wetlands are dry. An excellent technique for performing this habitat management practice would be with a mulching machine followed with herbicide treatment of woody sprouts to kill the roots. If you decide to mulch, hire an operator with a large mulching machine. You will pay more per hour but your results will likely be a savings in the end. Make sure your wetland is dry first!

Forested wetlands can also be enhance with a dozer. I would encourage developing some openings within swamps that are overgrown. Do not clear out all the brush and hardwoods, but rather create some sizable openings, leaving a mosaic of waterfowl habitat. This habitat will bring in the birds and make for some awesome duck hunting in wooded areas from Beaumont to Katy to anywhere in East Texas. This clearing will also promote the growth of seed producing plants that waterfowl consume.

I have seen great results from increased production of smartweeds from such dozer clearing. In addition, millet and barnyard grass seed can also be broadcast into the wetland to provide additional food for migrating birds. Wetland habitat management for migrating waterfowl is a great way to get more ducks on your property. And more ducks means better duck hunting for you. It’s difficult to carry out these management practices when it may not rain this fall in Texas, but even if it does not your wetland will be ready for next year.

Deer Hunting in Gillespie County, Texas

I have spent many a deer season hunting white-tailed deer in the Hill Country of Texas. Llano, Mason and Gillespie County are all great places to hunt deer. Because of the once very high deer numbers, they were all great counties to see deer, but true-to-life trophies were few a far between. Deer hunting in Gillespie County, however, is getting better. Times have changed and many land owners have adopted various versions of a deer management program. Some are a little out there, but everyone has good intentions.

We had a deer lease in Mason County for about eight or nine years running. Initially, the deer population was high on that piece of property and the bucks were dinky. But over the years, because of selective harvest and an effective wildlife management association, the deer numbers were lowered, the weights increased and the antlers did too. It just goes to show what bucks can do when they get the right nutrition. Here is a case in point: Continue reading Deer Hunting in Gillespie County, Texas

Deer Hunting at Caprock Canyons State Park

Question: “My hunting buddy and I were drawn for the December mule deer hunt at Caprock Canyons State Park in the Texas Panhandle. I have never been to this public hunting area, so could you offer some advice about where and how to hunt site place? We have been mule deer hunting in Texas before, but that was out in West Texas. From what I have heard, mule deer hunting at Caprock Canyons will be a bit different. Any information would be appreciated.”

Response: One of my good friends grew up in that area of the state and still hunts about 15 miles from Caprock Canyons State Park. We used to spend quite a bit of time deer hunting around that country. I have seen some monster mule deer bucks in the park. In that part of Texas, the mule deer almost always rut right after the General White-tailed Deer Season and well after the General Mule Deer Season, near first of January. Continue reading Deer Hunting at Caprock Canyons State Park