Texas Hunting Times

Duck Hunting in Texas – Numbers Up, Habitat Good!

The weather is cooling down so that means duck and goose hunting in Texas will be picking up shortly. The cool fronts received lately have pushed a good number of teal through and there are even some white-fronted geese hanging around some of the fields. Deer hunting gets a lot of ink in Texas, but goose and ducking hunting is big too. From the coastal plains to the high plains, hunters are looking forward to chasing ducks this fall and winter.

Good habitat conditions on most of the nesting grounds mean good numbers of birds should winter in Texas. With expectations of a cold winter, that bodes well for hunters looking to decoy birds their way. I can’t wait to make my annual pilgrimage down to the coast for a little cast and blast. Here is what Kevin Kraai, Waterfowl Program Leader for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, had to report about the upcoming waterfowl hunting season in Texas:

“Assuming you can follow up a drought like last year with rain, an event like that can be very beneficial for wetland conditions the following year. Wetlands need disturbance of one kind or another, and drought can act as one of the best disturbances to stimulate favorable plants for waterfowl. I don’t believe we could have asked for a better scenario for breeding mottled ducks and waterfowl arriving this fall … we just need lots of rain prior to their departure from the north.

Duck hunters should brace themselves for what could be a good duck hunting season. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s survey estimates 48.6 million breeding ducks, a 7 percent increase over last year and 43 percent above the 1955–2010 long-term average. This year’s estimate is a record high and is only the sixth time in the survey’s history that the total duck population has exceeded 40 million. As always, fall weather and habitat conditions along migration routes will have a big impact on migration chronology and local goose and duck hunting success in Texas.”

Deer Smelling Me – Best Scent Eliminator for Hunting

Question: “I started bowhunting this season and deer are smelling me! Whitetail deer hunting is definitely a different game when you try to go close range. It’s just amazing that I was rarely detected while gun hunting from a blind, but now that I am bowhunting the deer just keep picking me up. I need a scent eliminator/killer suggestion and a procedure/recommendation from the deer hunting pros in a hurry. I’ve got a wall-hanger 10 that needs to be on the ground.”

Deer Hunting Pros: Here is a little known deer hunting secret, hunt the wind. Okay, I lied. It’s not a secret but a simple piece of advice that is 100 percent true. Don’t fight the wind because the deer will smell you and you will lose. Scent killers are not totally effective and I would argue may not even be half effective for whitetail deer or anything else. Continue reading Deer Smelling Me – Best Scent Eliminator for Hunting

Granger WMA Deer Hunts, Postcard Hunts

Texas is known for white-tailed deer hunting and big ole bucks, but there is a public hunting hot spot located just a stones throw from Austin, Texas. That place is called the Granger Wildlife Management Area (WMA). I’ve seen several hunting forums buzzing about the postcards hunts out there this hunting season. Hunters possessing an Annual Public Hunting (APH) Permit could apply by postcard for the opportunity to deer hunt at Granger WMA. The deadline was September 18 and it looks like there may be additional opportunity for those not initially selected.

Source: “There are at least 10 positions available for Stand-by on Monday, October 1st. The drawing will be held at 9 AM sharp. The orientation for standby postcard hunts will follow. There could be more positions depending upon how many no-shows there are for the Mandatory Orientation on Friday (no, there won’t be any stand-by opportunity on Friday – so don’t bother coming if you weren’t picked for the initial drawing – it will be crowded enough).

Both the drawing and orientation will be held at the TPWD Granger Lake WMA Checkstation next to Willis Creek Park entrance (NOT AT THE US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS OFFICE BY THE DAM).

Hunters can show up as early as you like, but Derrick and I won’t be there until 8 or so. The drawing will be out of a hat (actually a cap probably because very few people wear hats anymore).

Please bring your:

1) Annual Public Hunting Permit (need it before the drawing)
2) Drivers License
3) Proof of Hunter Education
4) License plate number/description of the vehicles you will be driving to the area to hunt

More on Granger WMA

Source: “Both the sportsman and the naturalist can enjoy the 10,800+ acre Granger WMA surrounding Granger Lake. The WMA’s are licensed out to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). These areas provide hunting, hiking, mountain biking, and bird watching. For more information call 512/ 859-2838

To enable you to hunt at Granger Lake you must purchase a TPWD Public Lands Hunting Permit, along with a valid hunting license and applicable stamps. These permits can be obtained anywhere hunting license are sold. (Locally available at Dutchess Exxon in Circleville or Wal-Mart in Taylor)

Primary game species for shotgun hunting are dove, quail, waterfowl, rabbit and squirrel in applicable seasons

Archery hunting for feral hogs is allowed year round, except when areas are closed for special permit (draw) hunts. Hunting for deer and turkey are allowed by draw permit only.”

CWD Containment Zone Map – West Texas

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has developed a CWD Containment Zone Map for West Texas in an effort to better track and Chronic Wasting Diease (CWD) in the Trans-Pecos. TPWD is asking mule deer hunters and landowners in far West Texas to familiarize themselves with new protocols developed as part of the TPWD CWD response plan. The plan includes mandatory CWD check stations for harvested mule deer taken inside the CWD Containment Zone, which covers portions of Hudspeth and El Paso counties.

The response plan is being implemented after tissue samples from two mule deer in far West Texas this past summer tested positive for CWD. Though these are the first cases of CWD detected in Texas deer, deer had tested positive in recent years across the border in New Mexico. Now, it’s official that CWD has been found in Texas and TPWD is looking to monitor the reach of the disease.

CWD workshops will be held in conjunction with upcoming TPWD public hearings to inform landowners, hunters, and outfitters about CWD, care of meat, appropriate management actions, and check station requirements. TPWD will present proposed amendments to deer movement rules, answer questions and take public comment during the public hearing segment of the meetings.

CWD meetings are set for October 2 in Fort Stockton at the Pecos County Civic Center, Octber 3 in Alpine at the Alpine Independent School District Auditorium, and Octber 4 in Van Horn at the Van Horn Convention Center. All workshops will start at 6 p.m. and the public hearing will begin at 7:30 p.m.

More on CWD in Deer

CWD is a member of the group of diseases called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). Other diseases in this group include scrapie in sheep, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE or mad cow disease) in cattle, and Cruetzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans. CWD among cervids is a progressive, fatal disease that commonly results in altered behavior as a result of microscopic changes made to the brain of affected animals.

An animal may carry the disease for years without outward indication, but in the latter stages, signs may include listlessness, lowering of the head, weight loss, repetitive walking in set patterns, and a lack of responsiveness. CWD is not known to affect humans.

There is no vaccine or cure for CWD, but steps have been taken to minimize the risk of the disease spreading from beyond the area where it currently exists. For example, within the CWD Containment Zone, human-induced movements of wild or captive deer, elk, or other susceptible species will be restricted and mandatory hunter check stations will be established. CWD tests can only be performed on dead deer.

Deer Management to Improve Whitetail Deer Hunting

Question: “My father and I own a small tract of land that we have owned for four years and use for whitetail deer hunting. The land is 185 acres and was low fenced until 2010 when the neighbor high fenced two sides of the property. Prior to the high fence I had a good buck to doe ratio but know all we is a few young bucks on game camera. Most of the bucks I see are good 8 to 10 point deer with lots of potential for antler growth. The deer herd seems to be healthy, as in lots of deer. I think reducing the deer herd would be a good idea.

Here is the deer hunting million dollar question: Do I shoot the cull bucks and hope the neighboring ranches do not shoot the better bucks or do I go for the good, but young bucks now? I know the bucks in our area move around a lot because a guy down the road shot a cull buck that I had on game camera last year. I know that it is hard to manage 185 acres, but I do not want to high fence the place a create an aquarium of deer. Looking to improve deer hunting but don’t just want to raise good bucks for neighboring tracts of land. What say you?” Continue reading Deer Management to Improve Whitetail Deer Hunting

Improve Deer Hunting: Buck to Doe Ratio Critical

Question: “Looking for some advice on how I can improve the deer hunting at my deer lease located just outside of San Antonio. I have a ton of does, but very few bucks. However, I do see some bucks during the rut even though I don’t know where they are coming from. It’s not many, but my game camera photos before deer season show nothing but does. Can you offer any advice to attract more bucks to come onto the property. Have does. Need bucks. Thanks!”

Texas Hunting: Your situation is not an uncommon one when it comes to whitetail deer hunting in Texas. Many areas are buck only and most hunters want to shoot bucks. This tends to create higher harvest or over-harvest of buck deer, but leaves the does. Balancing the adult sex ratio is critical to improve daylight buck activity. From what you have written, it tells me that you have so many does that the few bucks in the area have no competition for breeding rights.

This means the bucks can move when and where he wants to. In fact, the bucks can probably stay brushed up and let the does come to them. This out-of-whack sex ratio is causing problems from a deer herd management perspective and for your deer hunting. The short answer is to shoot more does and less bucks right now. Depending on the size of your deer lease, this may even involve working with your neighbors to get the job done. Within two to three years the area will most likely have a fairly balanced sex ratio. This will create additional competition among the bucks, causing them to move during daylight hours.

Their search for receptive does will make bucks more visible. Now whether you choose those particular bucks is up to you. The best thing about a tight buck to doe ratio is that the does will bred on their first estrus cycle. This means more fawns on the ground earlier, increased fawn survival, and more bucks for the following year. And that’s how you improve the deer hunting on any property is Texas. But again, if your deer lease is less than 1,000 acres it will take coordination with your neighbors.

Deer Die Offs and the Impact on Deer Hunting

Question: “We have enjoyed deer hunting in north-central for almost two decades. However, some landowners believe that deer die offs last year lowered the deer population. We waited to see what our surveys would show. Over the weekend, we all met at the deer lease to check out our game cameras. The number of photos we got over the two weeks they were out were similar as previous years, but the numbers have changed. Hard to tell from pictures what the density may be, so not sure about the die off.

What we have noticed is that the deer number seems to be the same from the number of photos, but the buck to doe ratio has flipped flopped. Last year was about 60 percent bucks and 40 percent does. This year it’s 40 percent bucks to 60 percent does. This got us thinking that some of the bucks in our area did die-off? This would explain the change in the deer herd composition we witness on our cameras.

One of the landowners said that the local biologist said their would be a big buck die off this season. The reasoning behind this thought was that the area did not get enough rain to allow the bucks to fatten up for the rut and the winter months. Have you heard of this, especially since everywhere has suffered from the dry conditions? Continue reading Deer Die Offs and the Impact on Deer Hunting

New Deer Movement-Transport Rules in Texas – TTT

The movement of white-tailed deer and into and around the state of Texas has been on the radar of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) for some time. The deadly deer disease referred to as chronic wasting disease (CWD) is known to wreak havoc on deer populations where it is found. Now that CWD was recently detected in Texas’ resident mule deer herd out west the next step may be to change the deer transport rules within the state. CWD poses a serious threat to deer populations and deer hunting within the state. Just ask any state that has had CWD.

TPWD: “State wildlife officials say more deliberation is needed before new rules are adopted governing Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s regulatory response to the detection of CWD in Texas. Consideration of proposed rules restricting deer movement in the CWD affected area of far West Texas will be delayed until the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission’s November meeting.

“Because this is a very dynamic process involving a complex disease, our approach to proposed rules regarding unnatural deer movement is one of caution,” said Mitch Lockwood, TPWD big game program director. “The consensus among our CWD task force is that additional measures need consideration beyond what we originally proposed.”

Proposed rules being considered would limit permitted deer movement into or from areas in which CWD has been discovered as well as areas for which there is a moderate to high probability that the disease exists undetected.

In addition to permitted movement restrictions, officials will be collecting samples from hunter harvested mule deer for CWD testing. All mule deer harvested in the CWD Containment Zone of El Paso, Hudspeth, and Culberson counties during the upcoming mule deer season, Nov. 23-Dec. 9 will be inspected by officials at mandatory hunter check stations and tested for CWD. Mandatory check stations will be set up at the Van Horn Convention Center and at Mae’s Café in Cornudas.

Also, hunters in the surrounding High Risk Zone are encouraged to submit their harvested deer for CWD testing at voluntary mule deer check stations in Bakersfield, Midland, Alpine and Sanderson, scheduled to be open during all three weekends of the general mule deer season.

TPWD plans to post all test results on the agency’s website as soon as results are received from Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. Additional information, including maps of the Containment and High Risk Zones, check station locations and other details will be made available on the TPWD website prior to the mule deer hunting season.”

Duck, Goose, Sandhill Hunting Seasons for Texas

It’s September, so in Texas that means the new hunting licenses are on sale and dove hunting is on in the North and Central Zones. It also means the sandhill, goose and duck hunting season dates have not been distributed. The season dates must always wait for final approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before making their way back to the states for implementation. Luckily for Texas hunters, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission finalized the 2012-13 waterfowl seasons at its August 30 public hearing as Texas hunters make ready to welcome record numbers of ducks.

According to this year’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife “Trends in Duck Breeding Populations,” estimated waterfowl production in North America’s “duck factory” are at a record high, eclipsing a record set last year. The total duck population is estimated at 48.6 million birds. This represents a 7 percent increase over last year and is 43 percent higher than the long-term average since 1955.

Last year was tough for duck and goose hunting as many places were without a necessary ingredient, water. This year it’s just add water and hunt. Much needed rainfall this year has helped rejuvenate drought stricken wetland plant communities across much of the Texas coast, setting the stage for better than usual hunting this fall. The good duck habitat means ducks will find plenty to eat, and hunters should find plenty of ducks.

An early season for teal statewide, and for Canada geese in the eastern goose zone, runs September 15-30 with a daily bag limit of four teal and three geese. Here are the rest of the migratory hunting seasons:

2012 Duck Hunting Season in Texas

2012 Goose Hunting Season in Texas

2012 Sandhill Crane Hunting Season in Texas

Duck Hunting Season in Texas 2012

It seems that Texas hunters have never seen a weak duck hunting season. The truth is that some seasons are just better than others. I think the 2012 duck hunting season is going to be phenomenal! Conditions are great for migrating birds and I expect that to hold up as we go into the fall and winter. Ducks have had excellent hatches. But duck hunting is about much more than just shooting unsuspecting ducks on cold, blustery mornings. It’s about spending time with friends, family and making memories. Here’s to a good one!

High Plains Mallard Management Unit Duck Hunting Season

All species other than “dusky ducks”: Oct. 27-28, 2012 and Nov.2, 2012 – Jan. 27, 2013; “Dusky ducks”: Nov. 5, 2012 – Jan. 27, 2013; Youth-only Season: Oct. 20 — 21, 2012

North and South Zones Duck Hunting Seasons

All species other than “dusky ducks”: Nov. 3 – 25, 2012 and Dec. 8, 2012 — Jan. 27, 2013; “Dusky ducks”: Nov. 8 – 25, 2012 and Dec. 8, 2012 – Jan. 27, 2013; Youth-only Season: Oct. 27-28, 2012

Duck Bag Limit for Texas 2012

The daily bag limit for ducks is six, to include no more than five mallards of which only 2 may be hens; three wood ducks; two redheads; two pintails; one canvasback; and one “dusky” duck. Dusky ducks include: mottled ducks, Mexican-like duck, black duck and their hybrids. For all other species not listed, the bag limit is six.

The daily bag limit for coots is 15. The daily bag limit for mergansers is five, which may include no more than two hooded mergansers. Duck hunting shooting hours are one half hour before sunrise to sunset.