Edwards County Game Warden Law Enforcement Division Region V, District II blake.satterfield@tpwd.texas.gov 404 W. Austin Street • Rocksprings, TX 78880
n Behalf of Texas Parks and Wildlife we would like to welcome you to another season here in beautiful Edwards County! The deer forecast this year is slightly better than last year overall. White tail deer numbers are up in most areas due to Edwards County receiving a bit more rain than usual in July. This early rain helped improve habitat and wildlife. This helped get us through a bit of the dry spell we have had the last few years. One notable change this year is the “My Hunt Texas Hunt Harvest” app has been updated and renamed “Texas Hunt and Fish.” Here you can easily connect a license and report your harvest. Please take time to familiarize yourself with the new look and updates within the app. Parks and Wildlife wishes you the best of luck this year in Edwards County, Hunt Safe!
Blake Satterfield
Edwards County Game Warden
Welcome to Hunting Season! Hunting Guide
’TIL THE LAST DAY
By COLTON STABENO
The last weekend of deer season had arrived, and I found myself sitting in a popup blind with my bow. Being an avid archery hunter, even the last weekend of deer season and an unfilled buck tag couldn’t convince me to leave the bow behind.
I had watched a solid 8-point several weekends prior but ultimately decided to give him a pass as I wasn’t convinced he was mature. After reviewing some game camera pictures of him, my opinion was swayed.
As I crawled into my blind on that cold Sunday morning, my thoughts were towards taking that buck if I was provided the opportunity. However, my expectations were low as I had not seen a picture of that buck at my feeder since the encounter two weeks ago.
As the orange glow of the rising sun began to permeate the dark sky, the feeder broke the morning silence as it threw about its usual yellow breakfast. On cue, my first arrivers were the same doe and yearling that are always first to show. Roughly 30 minutes later I am still watching only these two deer, and my attention is starting to wane.
To combat boredom, I look down at my backpack to find something to fidget with. Looking back up, I see a stud of a 9-pointer standing 25 yards away staring at me. Sitting there motionless, my heart rate began elevating and my limbs started jittering as the all too familiar “buck fever” was setting in.
As I sat there staring at this buck, the first thought that crosses my mind is where the heck did this guy come from? 5 months of cameras produced not a single picture of this buck. He was very nervous about the situation and slipped out of there just as quickly as he had appeared.
Fearing that I had missed my only opportunity at this buck, I pulled my arm out of my coveralls and got an arrow nocked in hopes that he would return. Shortly after the buck left, deer began piling in from every direction.
Along with many other does and smaller bucks, a young 8-point who had joined the congregation was the focus of my attention. You could tell he was nervous about something to his left as he was constantly looking in that direction.
Sensing that the 9-point could be the reason this young buck was so nervous, I raised my bow and clipped my release on. As fate would have it, the mature 9-point emerged from the brush, bristled up and stiff necked ready to assert his dominance on the other bucks.
As if it was scripted by me personally, the 8-point crossed directly in front of me as he was being pushed out by the 9-point. The 9-point, not content on this display of dominance just yet, continued pushing the 8-point as he crossed right in front of me at 23 yards.
I was ready this time and came to full draw as soon as he stopped. A yearling buck nearly squandered my opportunity
at a shot as he walked into my shooting lane, but thankfully he kept moving. I settled my 20-yard pin tight behind his shoulder, confirmed my anchor points, and touched the release. The arrow looked good in flight, and I could see my fletchings bury right where I was aiming.
The buck lunged forward with his tail tucked, a typical indicator of a lethal hit. Even though I was confident in my shot, I decided to head back to camp for breakfast and to gather some hunters to assist in recovering the buck.
Arriving back at the scene an hour later, we followed a heavy blood trail that led us to my best archery buck to date. He had traveled a total of 60 yards.
After taking a few grip’n grins with the buck, we loaded him up and I headed south back home. The old adage about a particular woman and her singing comes to mind.
On the very last hunt of the deer season, down to the very last hour of the hunt, I took my largest archery buck that had not been seen on our 1100-acre low fence lease all year.
No matter what your hunting season throws you, be sure to hunt hard ’til the last day!
Colton Stabeno Photo courtesy Colton Stabeno,.
are a family owned and operated ranch near Rocksprings. We offer typical old-fashioned Hill Country whitetail hunts which are affordably priced, perfect for last minute hunts and gift giving. We also offer exotic hunts for nine other species.
From Lease to Table: PROPER HANDLING OF GAME MEAT
By WADE LEDBETTER Spring Creek Outdoors
Every hunting season, our illustrious taxidermists and processors are assailed with a wide range of crimes against their craft. Taxidermists are asked to work with damaged, spoiled, and hairless hides, and processors are asked to make gourmet foods out of dirty, waterlogged, bloodshot cuts of meat. I’ve asked several professionals of these crafts for tips and pointers that will help hunters take home with better mounts for their walls and better food for their tables.
Safe & efficient meat handling
Improper handling of game meat results in lots of lost meat in the best case, and consumption of low quality or unsafe food in the worst case. Properly caring for meat begins with planning before the hunt even begins. First, ensure that you have the proper equipment and that it is clean and ready to go. Sharp knives, a saw or hatchet, coolers, ice, plastic bags, clean rags or paper towels, and plenty of clean water are essential to hygienic processing. The key to producing a good haul of quality and tasty game meat is to keep it clean and dry, and get it cool as soon as possible. This begins with making a clean and ethical shot that kills the animal quickly and doesn’t contaminate the body with debris from the digestive tract.
Gutting should be performed quickly after the harvest, both to help the body cool more quickly and prevent bacterial growth. Avoid perforating the stomach, intestines, colon, or bladder as this will spread bacteria throughout the carcass and can putrefy meat.
Next, you’ll skin the carcass, and this should be done carefully to not spread hair all over the meat. Some hair is unavoidable and can be removed from meat at a later stage using a damp cloth or a quick pass with an open flame. After gutting and skinning, remember to wash your blades and hands to prevent cross-contamination when quartering or deboning. Also after gutting and skinning, the meat should be cooled as soon as possible.
For cold late-season hunts, letting the carcass hang overnight is perfectly fine as long as the temperatures don’t dip below freezing. For many hill country hunters though, it will be necessary to put the meat either in a cooler or on ice to get it to the desired temperature of between 32 and 40*F.
A common mistake at this step is to lay meat in direct contact with ice, but this should be avoided! Leaving the meat in sustained contact with ice and the resulting meltwater encourages the growth of bacteria and causes the meat to break down and discolor.
Meat kept on ice should be sealed away from it in plastic bags or kept above the ice on racks to keep it dry. Frozen jugs of water are also a handy way to keep meat dry in a cooler. If you desire to dry age your meat, which is an excellent choice for deer, keeping it dry in the cooler will allow this in a hygienic way. Remember to check the cooler frequently so that you can drain off stagnant meltwater and top off the ice as needed.
As long as it is kept cool and dry, game meat will keep many days until it can be delivered to a processor or your freezer at home.
Caring for hides ... and keeping your taxidermist happy
If you intend to mount a trophy, proper care of the hide is essential to ending up with a beautiful and long-lived mount. Even more crucially than with meat, it is essential to get the hide cooled as soon as possible, at most within 2-3 hours.
If cooling the hide is not feasible within this time frame, then it must be salted to aid in drying and prevent the growth of bacteria. If a hide is not chilled or salted within a couple hours of death, the hair will begin to “slip,” or fall out, resulting in a mangy-looking mount or even an unusable hide.
Also important is to try not to drag your animal too much, or over rough ground. Dragging is a sure-fire way to lose hair and damage the hide and can result in a scarred and ragged looking mount. When skinning, it is important to minimize the number of cuts that must be repaired by the taxidermist. If planning on a shoulder mount, cut the hide up the back of the forelegs as straight and clean as possible, and leave at least 10 inches of extra hide behind the shoulders.
If you choose to cape the head yourself, try not to cut the hide up the back if possible and take extreme care around the antler pedicles, eyes, and lips.
Most taxidermists will prefer that you simply bring in the head with hide attached and allow them to cape it for you, since it’s such a delicate task. Whether the hide is still attached to the head or not, fold it neatly, place it inside of a plastic bag to keep it clean and dry, and put it in a cooler or on ice. Folding instead of bunching will ensure that the entire hide is cooled evenly, instead of insulating itself from the cold.
Following these tips will result in better quality meat, better-looking mounts, and an all-round better hunting experience. Respecting the resource is a core component to ethical hunting and ensuring that care is taken through the entire process benefits everybody involved.
Safe travels and happy hunting!
Wade Ledbetter. Photo courtesy Spring Creek Outdoors.
Neck
Face/Head
Large, Dark Tarsal Glands
Bat flight tours at at Devils’ Sinkhole
ROCKSPRINGS H Devil’s Sinkhole in Rocksprings is home to one of Texas’ largest colonies of Mexican free-tailed bats and is a National Natural Landmark. A 50-foot wide shaft drops 140 feet into the cavern, which itself has a diameter of more than 320 feet and reaches 350 feet deep. Mexican free-tailed bats roost in the cavern from late spring through early fall. They migrate to Mexico for the colder months of the year. Each evening the bats begin a nocturnal quest for food, and some 3 million bats emerge in a swirling mass from the Devil’s Sinkhole in search of food on warm nights. Scientists estimate this colony consumes up to 30 tons of beetles and moths each night! Guests marvel at the amazing spectacle.
Bats are the main attraction at Devil’s Sinkhole Natural Area, but not the only one. Guests can also enjoy guided nature walks and birding tours through the 1,860-acre natural area. Access is by guided tour only. Reservations are required. Bat tours led by the Devil’s Sinkhole Society are offered when bats are in residence. These bats are wild creatures, however, and don’t always conform to the humans’ tour schedule. Tours launch from the Devil’s Sinkhole Visitor Center on the square in Rocksprings. Evening bat flight tours are Wednesdays through Sundays, May 1 through October 31. Bats are wild creatures affected by natural factors; so there is no guarantee they will emerge on schedule. Tours take you to a wheelchair-accessible viewing platform over the sinkhole where you can peer into the depths of the shaft. Tour fees are $14 for adults, $11 for Seniors 65 and up and $6 for kids ages 4 to 12. Kids under 4 get in free.
The Devil’s Sinkhole Society also leads nature walks, birding outings, and day tours to view the sinkhole. Call to arrange these tours. Information courtesy TPWD.
FYI • Visit tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/devils-sinkhole for upcoming event at Devil’s Sinkhole Natural Area. To schedule tours, and for more information, call 830-683-2287.
For ages 60 and up...
Weekdays meals served at Senior Activity Center
ROCKSPRINGS H Head on over to the Edwards County Senior Activity Center, where you can enjoy a home-cooked meal — served weekdays from 11 am to 1 pm (excluding holidays).
Guests ages 60 years and up are welcome to join for a dine-in meal at the center for just $5.
Edwards County Senior Activity Center is located at 104 E. Kerr (one block east of the school). For information, call 830–683–3722.
Edwards County EMS Inc.
Online Fall Raffle 2024
ROCKSPRINGS H Proceeds of this raffle benefit the Edwards County EMS. Don’t miss out! Get your tickets and be entered to win! The Grand Prize is a 2024 Polaris Ranger. Other prizes include a Winston Payne handmade knife, Tidewe popup ground blind with swivel padded chair, Leupold RX-1400 TBR with Flightpath Rangefinder, A-Team Vodka shotgun with case, 45-quart Polaris cooler, $250 Bass Pro Shop giftcard and a $250 Academy Sports and Outdoors gift card.
FYI • Tickets are $20 and available at Jailhouse Grill & Bar, Kingburger, Priour Varga Wool & Mohair Supply and Country Boy’s Feed and Supply or online at EdwardsCountyEMS. org. The drawing will be held via Facebook live on the Edwards County EMS Facebook page on January 13, 2025 at 7 pm.
WALL OF FAME
HUNTERS’ GAME
Austin Allison.
Conner Garrett, 16, with first big Axis. Eli Tribble with an 8.
Big buck 2023 - Juan Jaimes. Payne Fry. Hannah Willstrop.
Tyler Marburger. Paul Detlaff with Brutal in the background. Hunter & Chris Garrett.
Chris Kelley. Sunny Davis.
WALL OF FAME
HUNTERS’ GAME
Eli and his grandfather Mike Tribble. Evan Thomas.
Piers Fry.
Juan Jaimes.
Aiden Mascarella. Connor Garrett and Bam’s last hunt.
Payne Fry.
Madi Jo Outdoors. Check out her Instagram!
Drew Smith.
“I
Just how many deer are enough?
By MACY LEDBETTER Spring Creek Outdoors
As a wildlife biologist, this is perhaps one of the most common questions I get each fall. Landowners need to know, deer hunters want to know, and Mother Nature keeps changing things up so how do we handle this situation and when is enough enough?
You likely have read articles discussing the need to stock conservatively and preparing for the next drought and so forth and they are not wrong; however, the reality might mean different things to different folks. For example, your neighbor may have different goals and objectives than you do. Your neighbor may have worse, or better, habitat than you do. Your neighbor may graze livestock, or more livestock, than you do. Your neighbor might even have a more aggressive supplemental feeding program and/or predator control program than you do. So what does all of this actually mean?
Land management is driven by the goals and objectives of those that control it. That could be the actual landowner or maybe the private equity firm that owns the land for investment purposes, or it could be the lease hunters that pay all of the bills of the landowner who lives out of state. So goals and objectives vary wildly and so does the deer management program. But what I can relay to you after thirty-one years of doing this at a high level, there are patterns based on results and I want to share some of those with you.
I have counted deer and managed deer herds for more than three decades statewide, including some out of state and even out of the country. I am a data nerd, and I count and collect everything imaginable, and I analyze it, and I use it to formulate my decisions. I don’t guess, I don’t wonder, and I don’t experiment much at all. I use experience and hard data, and I never let emotion or peer pressure dictate my recommendations.
It has been my experience managing deer herds in Central Texas (note Central Texas) that once your deer herd exceeds 8.0 acres per deer you will begin to experience a series of negative reactions. Yes, habitat matters. But I am talking in general terms and not interested in the “one off” or the 1 percent exception here, this is an article to guide the masses.
Once a deer herd exceeds 8.0 acres per deer, you can anticipate negative things to happen to include:
• Increased mortality rates of older deer
• Increased supplemental feed costs/labor that do not result in measurable gains
• Increase parasite loads in all animals
• Increased signs of habitat degradation—browse line, hedging of plants
• Increase in broken antlers and physical injuries
• Reduction of fawn survival regardless of weather patterns
• Reduction of body weight/condition regardless of weather patterns
See DEER, page 28
Obviously, deer surveys are very important to all parties involved-- landowners, managers and hunters alike. We all want to produce as many quality, healthy, productive animals as we possibly can, but we do not want to exceed that capacity and produce negative results.
This article is to help save you time, money and gray hair by using my experience to help yourself. Conduct the surveys, count the deer and measure the herd in every way possible and do your homework. If your goal is to maximize your land, maximize your deer herd and push it to the limit yet not stick your toes over the line, then one deer per 8.0 acres is the maximum density that I can ethically recommend to you to ensure all good things to continue.
Once you have surveyed the herd and worn down the calculator keys, now you must also be able and willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen. With this year’s huge fawn survival rate, it will most definitely mean increasing your harvest effort, especially more than in the past several years. Deer managers must be flexible, malleable, reactive and most of all, observant. Mother Nature is the wild card in this whole deer management equation, and we must prepare for success but accept failure but only if and when that failure is not due to lack of effort on our part.
Take your data sheet to the blind with you this year and write down what you see. Take detailed notes and compile it as the season progresses. Respect that data and let the data dictate your decisions, not the other way around. Lean on the professionals and allow yourself to be educated and save yourself some time, money and gray hair. But most of all, take a kid into the woods with you this fall, educate our future hunters and voters and most of all, have your eyes wide open and be observant. Make good decisions this fall and the deer herd, and your hunting buddies, will appreciate that you did.
Edwards County Junior Livestock Show December 14
ROCKSPRINGS H
The Edwards County Junior Livestock Show will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at the Spud Tatum Show Barn. Roy Walston of Harper, Texas will be the judge. The opening ceremonies will start at 9:00am. Included in the opening ceremony is the Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony, sponsored by Grooms’ Polaris.
This year’s inductees are Bobby Cottle, Stan Allen Cottle, and Morrison Carpenter (In Memoriam). Following the opening ceremonies, market goats will kick off the show followed by Angoras, then market lambs, rabbits, “Little Britches Show,” broilers, and closing out with market swine.
A new addition this year is the broiler show. After the completion of the awards following the market swine show, there will be a live auction for the broilers.
The concession stand will once again be provided by the Rocksprings Masonic Lodge with proceeds going towards their scholarship program. ECJLA does not
hold a traditional premium sale, but it does pay each exhibitor for one market animal based on a pay scale and prize money to the non-market shows. The funds for these payouts come from the annual gun raffle and general donations.
FYI • To learn more about ECJLA or to make a donation, visit the website at edwardscountyjla.com or email edwardscountyjla@gmail.com.
Macy Ledbetter. Photo courtesy Spring Creek Outdoors.
Photo courtesy ECJLA.
The beauty of SOUTHWEST TEXAS
Black Buck beauty. Photo by Jodi Rector.
Majestic Axis. Photo courtesy Western Hill Country Realty.
Rocksprings rainbow. Photo by Drew Smith.
Striking gang of turkeys. Photo by Marcy Anderson Epperson.
Sly fox. Photo by Jodi Rector.
Battling bucks. Photo by Scott Cardwell.
How To Prevent Oak Wilt
By JAMES BIGLEY
Avoid pruning oak trees during the spring & summer months. This is when the trees are most susceptible to infection. If pruning is necessary, be sure to seal all wounds with a tree sealer.
Remove any dead or dying oak trees from your property. These trees can serve as a source of infection for healthy trees.
Store only thoroughly-dried wood, burn before spring, and do not stack oak firewood near or against healthy oak trees
Do not transport firewood from areas where oak wilt is present. The fungus can be spread on firewood.
Plant oaks that are resistant to the disease. Some resistant oak species include bur oak, chinkapin oak, swamp white oak, and willow oak.
Avoid planting oaks near each other. This will help to reduce the risk of infection from infected trees.
Water your oak trees regularly. This will strengthen the trees and make them more resistant to infection.
Monitor your oak trees for signs of infection. If you see any wilting or dead branches, contact a certified arborist for diagnosis and treatment.
What is Oak Wilt & where did it come from?
Oak wilt is a fungal disease that affects oak trees. It is caused by the fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum, which is spread by sap beetles. The beetles feed on the sap of infected trees and then carry the fungus to healthy trees. Once the fungus enters a tree, it blocks the flow of water and nutrients, causing the tree to wilt and die. Oak wilt was first identified in the United States in 1944 in the Chicago area. It has since spread to 24 states, primarily in the Midwest and Northeast. The disease is most common in red oaks, but it can also infect other oak species, such as white oaks, bur oaks, and pin oaks. There is no cure for oak wilt, but there are a number of things that can be done to prevent its spread. By following the tips above, you can help to protect your oak trees from this devastating disease.
PREVENT BEAR CONFLICTS
• Keep hunting camps clean to prevent odors that attract bears.
• Discard gut piles far away from campsites.
• Placing deer corn in piles or open feeders will attract more bears.
• Using an automated feeder hung out of reach of bears will decrease bear visitation.
• Switching bait from corn to soybeans will reduce bear activity.
• Planting food plots is best way to attract deer and avoid bear visits!
Electric fencing deters bears while allowing deer access to feeders. Feeders should be hung at least 8 feet high and 4 feet from the attachment point.
HOG HUNTERS, BEWARE!
Hogs and bears can look very similar. Know your target! It is a violation of law to kill a black bear in Texas, with penalties of up to $10,000, added civil restitution fines, jail time and loss of all hunting privileges.
IF YOU ENCOUNTER A BEAR:
Never approach a bear!
• Bears are normally shy and not aggressive to humans.
• If a bear regularly visits your deer stand, scare it with rocks, a slingshot or air horn.
• If you encounter a bear at close range, talk in a calm manner while backing away slowly. Do not make direct eye contact.
• Do not run! This can trigger a bear’s chase instinct.
• If a bear approaches you, stand your ground and raise your arms, backpack or jacket to appear larger. Yell at the bear to scare it off.
• If attacked, fight back aggressively with anything available. Let the bear know you are not easy prey. Do not play dead.
BLACK BEAR FACTS
• The black bear is a protected and rare species in the state of Texas.
• Male bears weigh 150 to 350+ lbs., and females weigh 120-250 lbs.
• Male home ranges average 20,000 acres, females average 5,000 acres.
• Denning can start as early and November and continue ‘til late May.
• Bears den in large, hollow trees, brush piles, thickets, rock crevices and caves.
• Denning bears go into a deep sleep but can be aroused if disturbed.
• Females mature at three to five years of age and, on average, have two cubs every other year
• Cubs are born in the den weighing 8 ounces and exit the den weighing 4 pounds. Cubs stay with their mother for 1-1/2 years.
• Bears are opportunistic feeders and eat almost anything available.
• Up to 90% of a bear’s diet is vegetable material, which includes nuts, fruits, berries and plants. Most of the protein in a bear’s diet comes from insects like beetles, wasps, termites and ants.
TO REPORT A BEAR ENCOUNTER
Call the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at 800-792-1112.
Junction
DINING OPTIONS
Backyard Bar & Grill
203 E Kerr Street, Rocksprings. 210-863-4206.
Barksdale Coffee Company
25775 S. Hwy. 55, Barksdale. 830-282-1616.
Bear Creek Fudge & Chocolate
118 S Nueces (Hwy 55), Camp Wood. 830-597-6160.
Ben & Company Shell Station/ Hunt Bros. Pizza 100 Uvalde Rd, Rocksprings. 830-683-4470.
Canyon BBQ & Grill
107 N Nueces St., Camp Wood. 830-597-2333.
Casa Falcon Mexican Restaurant 2nd Street, Camp Wood. 830-597-5111.
Holy Gainz Nutrition
200 S Uvalde Rd., Rocksprings. (830) 683-2343.
Isaack’s Restaurant
1606 Main St, Junction. 325-446-2629.
Kingburger Drive Inn
102 N. State Highway, Rocksprings. 830-683-4127.
Lotus Thai Café
103 W. Main Street, Rocksprings. 830-683-3711.
Leakey Drug 183 US-83, Leakey. 830-232-4262
Mama Chole’s 234 US-83, Leakey. 830-232-6111
Mill Creek Cafe 849 S US Hwy. 83, Leakey. 830-232-4805.
Miss Buffy’s Casseroles, Pies, etc. Call or text to order. 830-507-9171.
Pineview Coffee Company
205 E Main St, Rocksprings. 830- 460-9298.
Sonia’s Tacos
304 E. Main Street, Rocksprings, TX. 830-834-0037.
Texas Scratch Kitchen
West Bear Creek (Junction), Shortstop (Menard), Mur phy Creek Cellars (Mason), Venison World (Eden) 325-396-8307, TexasScratchKitchen.com.
The Chicken Coop Grill 25607 TX-55, Barksdale, TX. 830-234-3244.
The Jailhouse Bar & Grill
108 W Austin St, Rocksprings, TX. 830-683-3366.
The Tamale Lady Year-round. Call to order 303-564-2180.
Vinny’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
311 US-83, Leakey, TX. 830-232-4420.
36 Southwest Hill Country Hunting Guide 2024-25
Fire Safety Reminder Call Before You Burn!
Report All Controlled Burns to Edwards County Dispatch at 830-683-4104
Every year your local Fire Department responds to controlled burns that have not been reported. It is your responsibility to call in when burning on your property, before you burn.
Controlled Burn Checklist
• If you’re burning over several days, call in each day.
• Clear an area of 10-15 feet around the burn site and do not leave the fire unattended.
• Keep the fire small enough so you can control it. Call the dispatch if you think you need help! It’s better to be safe than sorry.
• Maintain a means of communication at the site if possible (cell phone, etc).
• Have a plan to extinguish the fire (garden hose, buckets of water, flat shovel).
• When done, make sure the fire is completely out and call Dispatch to inform them the burn is complete at 830-683-4104.
If you have questions, please call Fidel Moreno, RECVFD Fire Chief at 830-683-2504.
In August 2015, Edwards County was devastated by a Wildfire, The Brown Ranch fire scorched nearly 18,000 acres in its destructive path for over a week. Multiple State Agencies assisted the Texas Forest Service and Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System Strike Teams and a helicopter were deployed to support fire suppression activities. The county issued a Local Disaster Declaration.
A large part of Edwards County was under a mandatory evacuation as the fire was fast approaching when the winds shifted and subsided, saving many property owners the loss of most everything in the fires path.
Thanks to Gib, Danny and Richard Flores, owners of the ranch where these photos were taken.
HUNTING SEASON DATES
White-Tailed Deer
North Zone: Nov. 2,2024 - Jan. 5, 2025
South Zone: Nov. 2, 2024 - Jan. 19, 2025
Special Late
North Zone: Jan. 6 - 19, 2025
South Zone: Jan. 20 - Feb. 2, 2025
Youth Only
North: Oct. 25 - 27, 2024 & Jan. 6 - 19, 2025
South: Oct. 25 - 27, 2024 & Jan. 6 - 19, 2025
Archery Only
All counties with an open season
Sept. 28 - Nov. 1, 2024
Muzzleloader
Jan. 6 - 19, 2025
Dove
North
Sept. 1 - Nov. 10, 2024
Dec. 20, 2024 - Jan. 7, 2025
Central
Sept. 1 - Nov. 10, 2024
Dec. 20, 2024 - Jan. 7, 2025
South
Sept. 14 - Oct. 27, 2024
Dec. 13, 2024 - Jan. 21, 2025
Quail
Statewide Oct. 26, 2024 - Feb. 23, 2025
Duck
North
Nov. 9 - Dec. 1, 2024
Dec. 7, 2024 - Jan. 26, 2025
South
Nov. 2 - Dec. 1, 2024
Dec. 14, 2024 - Jan. 26, 2025
Javelina
Northern: Oct. 1, 2024 - Feb. 23, 2025
Southern: Sept. 1, 2024 - Aug. 31, 2025
Mule Deer
Panhandle: Nov. 23 - Dec. 8, 2024
Trans-Pecos: Nov. 29 - Dec. 15, 2024
Archery
74 of 254 counties have Mule Deer seasons.
Sept. 28 - Nov. 1, 2024
Brewster, Pecos, Terrell Counties
Nov. 29 - Dec. 15, 2024
Pronghorn
Regular Season
41 of 254 counties have Pronghorn seasons.
Sept. 28 - Oct. 13, 2024
Squirrel
East Texas
Oct. 1, 2024 - Feb. 23, 2025
May 1 - 31, 2025
All other counties
Sept. 1, 2024 - Aug. 31, 2025
East Texas (youth only)
Sept. 27 - 29, 2024
Wild Turkey
North: Nov. 2, 2024 - Jan. 5, 2025
South: Nov. 2, 2024 - Jan. 19, 2025
Archery only: Sept. 28 - Nov. 1, 2024
Spring
North Zone: Mar. 29 - May 11, 2025
South Zone: Mar. 15 - Apr. 27, 2025
East Zone: Apr. 22 - May 14, 2025
1876 FM 1120, Leakey
What Do You Know About Dove?
By MACY LEDBETTER Spring Creek Outdoors
Texas is the number one dove hunting state in the nation and mourning dove are the most numerous and widely distributed game bird in North America. The mourning dove is one of seven species of doves and pigeons native to Texas. Mourning doves are an important economic, recreational, and esthetic resource to Texas and land managers and sportsmen play a vital part in their existence here.
Each spring, male mourning doves establish territories in suitable habitat and announce their presence to competing males and prospective mates by cooing their mournful fournote call from exposed perches. Males also use exaggerated, stiff-winged, flapping-gliding flight to further advertise their territories when moving from one cooing perch to another.
Once a female is attracted to the territory, both birds build the nest, incubate the eggs, and care for the young. Trees with a trunk diameter greater than eight inches and a crown height of ten to thirty feet are generally preferred. The nests are usually located five to fifteen feet above ground level. The clutch usually consists of two eggs laid one day apart. Incubation lasts about fourteen days.
The male usually takes nest duties from mid-morning until early evening each day while the female takes the night shift. Since incubation starts immediately after the first egg is laid, the first egg usually develops and hatches about one day before the second. Consequently, one of the nestlings is often noticeably larger than the other. Less than fifty percent of all nesting attempts are successful. High winds, rain, and hail destroy many nests. Snakes, mammals, and avian predators prey on eggs, nestlings, and adults as well.
Both parents feed their young a secretion from their crops known as “pigeon milk.” This substance is very similar to milk produced by female mammals.
small game species such as bobwhite quail and cottontail rabbits spend their entire lives within a mile or so of their birthplace, mourning doves are strong, swift flyers capable of crossing the continent during migration and traveling many miles to obtain their daily needs. Even during the nesting season when they are most sedentary, doves often travel five miles or more for food and water. All of the habitat requirements for mourning doves do not necessarily have to appear on the same property, but they will be more numerous on land where all habitat needs are supplied.
Mourning doves are almost exclusively seed eaters. Native plant seed especially important to doves include sunflower, croton, ragweed, and pigweed. Partridge pea, bundleflower, spurge, panic grass, paspalum, prickleypoppy, and bristlegrass are also important. Introduced seed important to doves include grain sorghum, forage sorghum, corn, wheat, rice, peanuts, domestic sunflower, and Johnsongrass. Soil disturbance is generally the least expensive method of actively providing food for doves, but seed of desirable plants can also be purchased and planted quite successfully.
Mourning doves generally water twice a day, once in midmorning and once in late evening. As with feeding areas, the dove prefers their water sites open and free of tall, concealing vegetation. An ideal watering site includes a bare landing area at least 30-50 feet wide at the water’s edge. A gravel, caliche, or grazed area at the water’s edge will work very well.
The September dove opener in central Texas was disrupted by rain this year. That means far fewer doves were harvested state wide so it may also mean more total dove will be available for the second split season. Not many people hunt the second season, but they are definitely missing out on a good time.
“Mourning doves are an important economic, recreational, and esthetic resource to Texas and land managers and sportsmen play a vital part in their existence here.”
BEYOND Fried Backstrap
By CATHY LEDBETTER Spring Creek Outdoors
Iknow most of us grew up thinking of chicken fried backstrap when we think of eating venison, or maybe we grew up in a family that also liked to make venison jerky and sausage at the end of hunting season. Some also really enjoy the big pots of venison chili when the weather turns cold. All of those are delicious and a part of my family’s meals, but there is so much more to game meats!
Although the word has a much broader meaning, I am referring to deer meat when I say “venison.” Like most game meats, deer meat venison is very, very lean and very compact due to the lack of fatty streaks in the meat like we are used to seeing in beef and most pork.
Because it is so lean, venison is almost all healthy, organic protein. It is also very high in some important nutrients that you will not find in most domestically produced meat, like omega-3 fatty acids.
If you want to branch out beyond the traditional uses of venison, that lean, compact nature of venison means you have to do things a little differently than you do with, for example, beef. The first thing to remember is that venison has that low fat content coupled with a much higher moisture content, which means heat travels through it much more quickly than it does with beef.
Backstraps (loins) and hams can be cut into thick steaks and grilled on a hot grill QUICKLY, leaving them rare but definitely not beyond medium-rare and they will be tender and delicious. Tenderloins can be cooked whole this way, but with all of it you have to watch it closely and work fast, as it will cook in about half the time of a comparable cut of beef. An instant read thermometer can be a big help on learning how to time grilling venison. You really don’t want to go beyond 125 degrees with grilled venison.
The opposite approach to hot and fast also works well— that would be low and slow…make that very low and very slow.
I tried all sorts of recipes for venison roast and all I got was highly seasoned, dry, very chewy hunks of meat until I finally applied a little scientific thinking to it.
Finally I tried cooking at the lowest heat I could get away with on my oven, which is 190, and cooking my roast in a well-sealed pot all day. I didn’t add a lot of liquid, reasoning that the meat would produce enough on its own, but did pour in about a half a bottle of dark beer. What resulted was a fall-apart tender and very flavorful roast with drippings that I thickened to make gravy. The low heat combined with the acidity of the beer worked perfectly on those venison hams. This technique works even better for meat still on the bone, such as ribs, crosscut ham steaks, or shanks. Recipes for Osso Bucco work great with bone-in venison, as long as you cook it very low and very slow.
You could do this in a slow cooker if it can produce heat that low. Check it with a thermometer because the levels of heat produced vary between brands, but hardly any slow cookers made in the past 20 years will go as low as you need for venison.
Like most people, I like to grind some of my venison. Throwing beef tallow into the grinder with venison is pretty common, but I don’t do that. I would rather leave it healthy and low-fat and come up with other ways to deal with the leanness. Once I ground up a package of bacon to mix with ground venison to make hamburgers and, although it defeated the low fat-ness, it was delicious! When I use venison to make chopped steaks or meatloaf, I’ve found that mixing in shredded or finely chopped vegetables will help lighten the texture, as will mixing in rolled oats and a couple of eggs.
My final tip from many decades of cooking with venison is to get yourself a jar of Better Than Bouillon in the Roasted Beef flavor to add to stews, gravies, and chili. I love the flavor of venison but this stock paste gives just a little boost to make everything taste richer. I use it with most beef dishes, too. I hope you have a fantastic hunting season and get to enjoy some delicious venison!
Typically utilitarian, he is the type of man who works hard for a living, fixes what is broken, and stands fearless in the face of a world full of evil. To put it simply, he is the type of man this world needs more of. If you find yourself in a tight spot and need some help, just ask the guy with the pocket knife. Although they are few and far between these days, chances are he can and will be able to help you out.
Photo by Jodi Rector, Triple R Ranch.
AXIS DEER in Texas
By JAMES BIGLEY
Unless you are from Texas or a hunter, I’ll bet you’ve never heard of Axis Deer. Originally from India and Sri Lanka, where referred to as Chital or spotted deer, they are thought by many to be the most beautiful deer. Their coats are rust-colored and covered with white spots, very similar to a Whitetail fawn. They are sizable, weighing in from 110-135 pounds, while bucks can weigh in at up to 200 pounds.
EXOTIC AND INVASIVE SPECIES
Texas has a current estimated population of up to 125,000 animals, according to the Exotic Wildlife Association. The highest populations of Axis Deer in Texas are now mainly found around the Edwards Plateau area. Axis Deer are grazers and will eat for food a broad variety of grass, forbs, and browse. This contrasts with White-tailed Deer, who are much more selective, eating predominantly forbs and browse (tender shoots, twigs, leaves of trees and shrubs, etc.).
WHITETAIL DEER VS EXOTICS
Per TPWD, studies indicated most exotics were sheep or goats in a deer’s clothing. That is, they either preferred forbs or preferred browse, but could do well on grass, too. Whitetailed deer prefer forbs when available. As forbs become unavailable, they shift their diet to browse. Whitetails cannot live on grass; in fact, they will die with a belly full of grass.
TPWD also conducted competition studies between white-tailed deer and exotics. Six 96-acre pastures, enclosed with “deer-proof” fence and not grazed by any other animals, were used to determine the effects of exotic ungulates (axis deer, sika deer, fallow deer, blackbuck antelope, and aoudad sheep) on white-tailed deer. Each pasture was stocked with 6 white-tailed deer, and 6 animals of one exotic species. For example, Pasture 1 contained six whitetails and six axis deer; Pasture 2 contained six whitetails and six sika, etc.
These studies indicated that exotic ungulates out-compete white-tailed deer, which will die while exotics continue to thrive. Remember, white-tailed deer can live on only two
classes of forage (forbs and browse), while exotics can do well on three classes (forbs, browse, and grass). As forbs and browse are removed from the area (from excessive grazing/browsing pressure), exotics can shift their diet to grass and white-tailed deer die from malnutrition.”
FORBS
Forbs (sometimes referred to as herbs) are herbaceous, broadleaf plants that are not grass-like. They are typically annual plants that fill seasonal gaps in high-quality forage. Examples include:Chicory, Kale, Rape, Swede and Turnips.
AXIS VENISON OR MEAT
Axis venison is widely considered one of the tastiest wild game venison. It is extremely lean (less than 1% fat on average) and lacks much of the “gamey” taste, which is often associated with most venison.
ECOLOGICAL THREAT
Considered as an exotics and invasive species, Axis are known to occupy the same ecological niche as whitetail deer, competing for available resources. With an increased resistance to native diseases, Axis are not susceptible to the same population decreases from local disease outbreaks. This would allow the axis deer populations to grow out of control while the whitetail deer suffer from local disease outbreaks. Local farmers are at risk of damage caused by axis deer populations growing and foraging in cultivated fields or gardens.
Axis tend to be cautious by nature and show many similarities to the daily activity patterns of whitetail deer – becoming most active around dusk and dawn. Both sexes communicate alarm calls sounding much like a high-pitched bark. Male antlers are shed and regrown annually. Antler cycles are often irregular, depending on what time of the year they were born, with some showing hardened antlers while others are in different stages of growth, allowing for year-round hunting. Breeding normally occurs in June and July but can occur throughout the year.
the AOUDAD
By JAMES BIGLEY
ORIGIN, HABITAT, AND RANGE
The Aoudad or Barbary Sheep, scientifically known as Ammotragus lervia, originates from the mountainous regions of North Africa, including the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and the Sahara Desert. They have adapted to survive in harsh desert climates by occupying rugged rocky terrains, making them fantastic climbers. Their natural habitat allows them to seek shelter in caves, crevices, and other areas that protect them from extreme temperature conditions.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Aoudad or Barbary Sheep are sturdy animals with a striking appearance. They have a compact, muscular build, with males weighing an average of 220-300 pounds and females being slightly smaller. One of their most notable features is impressive spiraled horns, which can measure up to 30 inches in length. Their dense coat varies in color, ranging from sandy brown to reddish-brown, providing excellent camouflage in desert environments.
These remarkable creatures are well-adapted to the arid landscapes they inhabit. Herbivorous animals, they mainly consume grasses, shrubs, and cacti. Their digestive system is highly efficient, allowing them to extract maximum nutrients from sparse vegetation. They are also highly agile climbers, using their sharp hooves and incredible balance to navigate steep cliffs and rocky terrain effortlessly.
Aoudads stand 2.46 to 3.61 feet tall at the shoulder, with a length about 5 feet. They are sandy-brown, darkening with age, with a slightly lighter underbelly and a darker line along the back. Some shaggy hair is on the throat (extending down to the chest in males) with a sparse mane. Their horns have a triangular cross-section. The horns curve outward, backward, then inward, and can exceed 30 inches in length. The horns are fairly smooth, with slight wrinkles at the base as the animal matures. If you have land with Aoudads on the property, be careful of your feeders. Aoudads will battle the triangle-shaped feeders to get the corn.
BEHAVIOR AND ADAPTATIONS
In terms of social structure, Aoudad or Barbary Sheep live in herds consisting of both males, females, and their offspring. Within the herd, there is a hierarchy established through behaviors and confrontations between males. During the mating season, known as the rut, males use their impressive horns to compete for dominance and access to females. This period is a fantastic spectacle, with fierce battles occurring between males to establish dominance and breeding rights.
CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The Aoudad or Barbary Sheep have held a significant place in the narratives of the regions they inhabit. In folklore and traditions, these majestic sheep are seen as symbols of strength, resilience, and endurance, associated with traits such as bravery and honor. Historically hunted for their meat and hides, their horns were used as symbols of status and power.
AOUDAD OR BARBARY SHEEP IN THE UNITED STATES
If you watch the James Bigley ranches videos, a Texas Realtor, on TikTok, you will see information on western acreage for sale and will have seen stories about exotics living in Texas. Featured stories have included feral pigs and wild Axis deer. An example in the west is a curved-horn mountain goat, seen standing on steep terrain in the Rocky Mountains. The releases of Aoudads were intended to increase big-game hunting. Soon they competed with Big Horned Sheep. Introduced in Texas the 1940s, they now threaten the population of Big Horned Sheep. Aoudads are hardier, breed rapidly and run in packs.
THE ECOLOGICAL THREAT
Barbary sheep are a threat to mule deer and bighorn sheep because of direct competition for food and habitat. Mule deer and Barbary sheep feed on similar vegetation and mule deer risk being out-competed by the aggressive invasive Barbary sheep. Efforts to reintroduce big horn sheep populations are at risk because of habitat competition. Barbary sheep can be aggressive and territorial, with the ability to climb and evade predators successfully. They also live in packs comprised of mature and immature members allowing a pack size advantage over the native bighorn sheep. Barbary sheep are a threat to wheat farmers, with several observations of the invasive sheep feeding on winter wheat crops. They are not currently considered significant agriculture pests.
CAN YOU EAT THE MEAT?
Meat is tough and lean, but it can be quite flavourful if properly prepared. When slow-cooked, it becomes tender and delicious.
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MAJESTIC ELK NATIVE TO TEXAS?
By JAMES BIGLEY
The majestic elk, also known as Cervus canadensis, is a popular species that roams across North America. However, their history in Texas is not so straightforward. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), elk were present in Texas prior to European settlement in the 1800s. Evidence suggests that bighorn sheep and elk were found west of the Pecos River and other areas of Texas.
According to a study by Dr Richardson Gill of Pitchstone Waters, “the available eyewitness accounts in every part of the state, the presence of elk bones and coprolites in archaeological contexts, and elk antlers on the surface of the ground convincingly establish that elk were native to Texas. In addition, pictographs, petroglyph, and the place names, while not conclusive in and of themselves, lend corroboration to the presence of elk in Texas. These native elk were eradicated by hunting and diseases from domesticated animals, and it wasn’t until the 1920s they were reintroduced into Texas by private landowners.
TPWD also played a role in elk reintroduction. By the 1960s, bighorn sheep were also reintroduced to West Texas. However, elk were reclassified as non-game or exotic species in 1997 due to concerns about their impact on bighorn sheep populations.
ELK
HABITAT
According to the Texas Tech University Natural Science Research Laboratory, elk can adapt to a variety of habitats and have been known to thrive in Texas. Elk prefer to inhabit areas with a mixture of forested land and meadows. Their original habitat were plains, not mountains, but based off pressure from settlement they changed their habits.
HUNTING ELK IN TEXAS
At this time Elk are considered a non-game species in Texas. With a hunting license, hunters are able to hunt Elk year round without any bag limits. Per TPWD: “An exotic animal is any animal that is not indigenous to Texas, including but not limited to aoudad sheep, axis deer, elk, sika deer, fallow deer, red deer, and blackbuck and nilgai antelope. An exotic fowl is any avian species that is not indigenous to Texas and is also not protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, including but not limited to ratites (emu, ostrich, rhea, etc.). Hunting License required.”
DO HYBRID ELK EXIST:
United States: Yes, according to an article from Deseret News out of Montana (1994) confirmed cross breeding of elk and European red deer from a test conducted of free range elk. There are a ton of rumours related to hybrid elk in Texas, but there are no studies (that we know of) that prove this is the actual case.
New Zealand: There is thorough documentation of hybrid elk in New Zealand, starting in 1905. Since the importation there has cross breeding with red deer stag and also sika deer.
CONCLUSION:
Despite their complicated history in Texas, elk are a unique and valuable addition to the state’s wildlife population. The TPWD allows hunting of elk on private lands, and some ranches even offer guided elk hunting experiences. With careful management and conservation efforts, elk populations can continue to thrive in Texas for generations to come.
Lyme Disease A personal experience with
By MACY LEDBETTER Spring Creek Outdoors
Lyme Disease is the most common tick-borne illness in North America and Europe, infecting hundreds of thousands of people annually, including 500,000 new cases in the US alone. The disease comes from bacteria in the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group when the infected deer tick, or blacklegged tick, bites people. In Texas, the cases are skyrocketing just in the past few years, and I am among them. Ironically though, I traveled to Europe to get it!
I grew up around wildlife for the past 31 years as a professional wildlife biologist. I was born and raised locally, on a ranch in northern San Saba County, and literally grew up outdoors and around all sorts of animals, domestic and wild. A year ago this past August, my wife and I traveled to Scotland where I hunted several different species and then we played tourist for two weeks taking in all that Scotland had to offer. Scotland is perhaps the most beautiful, green, lush, place I have ever experienced, and I highly recommend that you go if ever the opportunity arises. But if you intend to get off the concrete, take special precautions, because Lyme Disease is much more common there than here, at least for now.
I researched the animals I went to hunt well in advance, studied their tendencies, biology, physiology, requirements, habitat and forage preferences, the optimum firearm to use and the various hunting techniques required for success. I also studied the weather, terrain and soils and purchased clothing suitable for the occasion. I did not, however, research wildlife-related diseases, common illnesses to the UK, nor even think to prepare for prevention measures.
The hunts were successful, and I experienced Scotland very intimately. From the sticky clay mud, the brief but heavy daily rainstorms, the cold swirling wind, the chest-high green grass, rugged mountains, thick forests and incredible rolling farmland with amazing perimeter rock walls as far as the eye could see. Did I mention sheep? Thousands of sheep. In the mornings, low-hanging clouds met the mountain tops but eventually gave way to sun and blue skies, at least for a few hours.
The constant wet grass never let your boots completely dry before the next storm arrived, and dressing in layers was necessary to adjust to ever-changing temperatures, especially while hiking the mountains and crossing the clear flowing creeks snuck through dense forests. With my whole life experiences and while on this hunt, I never once thought about ticks. Not once.
When a harvest was made, typically we had to pack the animal out, at least to some degree. Roads were not abundant, and most hunts involved a lot of walking—spot and stalk to be specific, no blinds, no feeders. We hunted on foot or sometimes by sitting on a rock and using binoculars to glass animals into the distance. We walked, we crawled, we sat, we forded waterways, we laid on rocks and logs. We ate lunch from a sack sitting on anything dry we could find. We laid down mid-day on our backs in the greenest grass I have ever seento rest on occasion. It was one of the funniest and most rewarding hunting experiences of my life. I lost weight, I gained strength, and I was physically exhausted after each day.
A couple days before leaving Scotland, I began to feel bad. Joints started to ache and my endurance was low. I thought it could be a cold or just a slow recovery from hunting so hard for so long, so I didn’t
get too concerned about it. I put on my game face and continued. By the time I made it back to Texas, I was sick. I tested for COVID, and it was negative. Fever, chills, extreme fatigue, no appetite, sleepy, everything ached. During all of this, I noticed the most perfect, red, bullseye rash on my right hip. I went back to the doctor and this time we suspected Lyme Disease. Only 10 percent of patients exhibit the bullseye rash. Five days after submitting the blood samples, it was confirmed that I had early stage Lyme Disease.
There are 47 known strains of Lyme Disease-related bacteria from around the world. Genetic researchers have sequenced the genomes of the different bacteria and discovered it likely originated before the breakup of the ancient super continent Pangea, which explains the current worldwide distribution! So Lyme Disease is millions of years old, yet here in Texas we do not hear much about it.
Lyme Disease is caused by a corkscrew-shaped bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. It can affect any organ of the body, including the brain and nervous system, muscles, joints and heart. Patients are frequently misdiagnosed initially, and this can lead to further damage and long term effects as the infection progresses unchecked. Quick diagnosis and treatment are ideal for a sure cure while delayed treatment or diagnosis can lead to death or severe arthritis or heart conditions, so this is nothing to ignore. Again, I went to Scotland and got Lyme, but I also know that nearly 300 patients right now are being treated just in the Corpus Christi area alone. I seek medical treatment in Marble Falls now and there are dozens of patients there too, so the take-home message is that Lyme is real, Lyme is local, and Lyme is a very difficult disease to combat once you have it.
On a personal note, I struggled mightily in the beginning with it. Prior I was energetic, tough and able to physically do anything that I wanted and needed to do. Today, not so much. I struggle with strength and endurance primarily but initially I had near zero energy. I mean zero as I could not walk 50 yards. 50 yards! Now I can walk several miles, but I tire more easily, and recovery is slow, but I am mending. The professionals say it can take up to two years to recover from Lyme and I am just one year and counting into it. I have done everything medically possible up to this point and it is working, but the road thus far has not been smooth or easy.
Listen to me and take my advice—you do not want Lyme Disease. Do as I suggest and think about tick prevention before the hunt, during the hunt and inspect closely after the hunt. Ticks are sneaky little pests and can be found in grass, brush, trees, leaves, dirt and obviously on living or dead animals. As hunters, you are in constant contact with their preferred habitat so use my experience to help keep yourself safe. Prevention is the best recommendation and spraying yourself and hunting bags and equipment before and during the hunt with DEET is strongly recommended. Be safe and be smart!
WHITE-TAILED DEER NUTRITION
Importance of cottonseed and protein feed
By JAMES BIGLEY
Feeding whitetail deer in various habitats and climates requires a strategic approach to meet their nutritional needs. Cottonseed and protein feed are two vital components that play a significant role in ensuring these animals reach their optimal health and genetic potential. Let’s delve into the benefits of both these supplements and how they contribute to a well-rounded deer nutrition program.
Cottonseed: The Missing Link in Arid Climates
Cottonseed stands out as a valuable nutritional supplement, particularly in arid climates where green crops may be scarce. This feed provides a crucial missing link by offer ing essential nutrients that may not be readily available in the deer’s natural habitat. One of the standout features of cottonseed is its impressive protein and fat content, boasting over 20%. This high protein content is essential for deer, especially during critical periods such as post-rut.
Cottonseed helps in rejuvenating bucks quickly, aiding them in rebuilding their body weights. The sooner they recover, the faster their bodies can focus on antler growth, making cottonseed a great one-two punch when combined with a protein-rich diet.
Protein Feed: Fulfilling Genetic Potential
Protein feed is a solid supplement for both native and genetic herds of whitetail deer. It plays a crucial role in helping deer reach their genetic potential, which can be limited due to the constraints of the native browse they typically rely on for
sustenance. Protein supplements compensate for the lack of nutrients in the native vegetation, enabling deer to achieve optimal growth and development.
However, it’s important to note that while protein feed is highly beneficial, it may not cover all of a deer’s nutritional requirements, especially when native vegetation is sub-par due to factors like inadequate rainfall. This is where cottonseed steps in, filling the nutritional gap and providing the essential nutrients that deer need for overall well-being.
Minerals: A Key Component in Deer Nutrition
In addition to protein and cottonseed, minerals are a crucial part of a well-rounded deer nutrition program. Providing minerals in the deer’s diet ensures they have access to essential nutrients for their bone development, overall health, and antler growth. Salt blocks placed near water sources or spread around corn feeders provide a convenient way for deer to access these vital minerals. Establishing granular mineral sites further supplements their mineral intake, allowing them to consume the necessary minerals as part of their regular diet.
In conclusion, cottonseed, protein feed, and mineral supplementation are vital components of a comprehensive deer nutrition program. Understanding their benefits and incorporating them strategically can significantly contribute to the health, growth, and genetic potential of whitetail deer in different habitats and climates. By providing these essential supplements, we can support the well-being and thriving of the deer population. Photo by Darlene Cabela.
HUNT. GOLF. RELAX. RELOAD
2024
What Is A Full Moon?
Full Moon Calendar
SOURCE: Farmer’s Almanac
A Full Moon is the phase when the Moon appears to be fully illuminated from Earth’s perspective. This occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are all in alignment, forming a straight line. The Moon and the Sun are on exact opposite sides of the Earth. From this position, the Sun’s light shines directly onto the portion of the Moon that is visible to us and creates a full, bright circle of light.
FULL MOON DATE NATIVE AMERICAN NAME T IME OF FULL MOON
November 15 ........................... Beaver Moon ........................................... 4:28 pm
December 15 ........................... Cold Moon ............................................... 4:02 am
2025
FULL MOON DATE NATIVE AMERICAN NAME T IME OF FULL MOON
January 13 ............................... Wolf Moon ............................................... 5:27 pm
February 12 ............................. Snow Moon ..............................................8:53 am
March 14 .................................. Worm Moon ..............................................2:55 am
April 12 ..................................... Pink Moon ............................................... 8:22 pm
May 12 ...................................... Flower Moon ......................................... 12:56 pm
June 11 ..................................... Strawberry Moon.....................................3:44 am
July 10 ...................................... Buck Moon .............................................. 4:37 pm
August 9 ................................... Sturgeon Moon ........................................3:55 am
September 7 ............................ Cold Moon................................................ 2:09 pm
October 6.................................. Harvest Moon ....................................... 11:48 pm
November 5 ............................. Beaver Moon ............................................8:19 am
December 15 ........................... Cold Moon................................................ 6:14 pm
Custom Homes • Barndominiums
Metal Buildings & Horse Barns
New home builds starting at $300K & up to $5M+ within a 100-mile radius of Hondo TX, such as Boerne, Comfort, Kerrville, Bandera, Castroville, Devine, Uvalde. “We’re not into boring and plain designs. We’re all about making homes that fit your lifestyle perfectly.”
events
NOVEMBER 1, 2024
DIVIDE: Divide School Annual Wild Game Dinner. 4 pm - 8 pm. Divide Volunteer Fire Department on Highway 41. $20/plate. Silent auction, $10 raffle. $5 raffle, bake sale, fellowship.
LEAKEY: Real County Wildlife Association (RCWA) Annual Dinner. $20 dinner plate, silent auction, 14-gun raffle, at Frio Pecan Farm Pavilion Doors at 5:30 pm. realcountywildlifeassociation@gmail.com.
NOVEMBER 1
JUNCTION: Youre invited to the 42nd Annual Luncheon at West Bear Creek General Store. 11 am to 1:30 pm. 406 Main Street. 325446-2514.
ROCKSPRINGS: Edwards County Annual Hunter’s BBQ. Edwards County Fairgrounds. 6 pm to 8 pm. edwardscountychamber@gmail. com, 830-234-7488.
SONORA: The More the Merrier Christmas Bazaar. sonoratexas.org, 325-387-2880.
NOVEMBER 30, 2024
JUNCTION: Kimble County Wild Game Dinner 2022. 40+ guns and other prizes for raffle. Coke Stevenson Center, Highway 83 North. 6:30 pm. email kcwildgame@gmail.com.
DECEMBER 4, 2024
SONORA: Downtown Christmas and Lighted Parade. sonoratexas. org, 325-387-2880.
DECEMBER 7, 2024
ROCKSPRINGS: Christmas on the Square and Light the Way Christmas Parade. Downtown. 830-683-6466.
DRAWING JANUARY 13, 2025
ROCKSPRINGS: Edwards County EMS Raffle. (See story, page 18). More information at EdwardsCountyEMS.org.
APRIL 5, 2025
SONORA: Will Carver Days. . sonoratexas.org, 325-387-2880.
MAY 3, 2025
SONORA: Cinco De Mayo. sonoratexas.org, 325-387-2880
CAMP WOOD: 64th Annual Old Settlers Reunion at Lindbergh Park. nuecescanyonchamber.org.
SEPTEMBER 13, 2025
ROCKSPRINGS: Edwards County VFD 12th Annual Fish Fry and Ranch Rodeo with goat roping, washer pitching and corn hole tourney, vendors, team roping, and dance. Edwards County Fairgrounds.
AUGUST 8-9, 2025
SONORA: Sutton County Days & Sonora Outlaw Rodeo. sonoratexas. org, 325-387-2880.
TrucounTry Inn
CONTACTS & INFORMATION
COMMUNICATIONS
Claude H. Gilmer Memorial Library
308 US Hwy. 377, Rocksprings, Texas Computers, Free WiFi 830-683-8130
Rocksprings TX Hunting & Property Owners FaceBook Group www.facebook.com/groups/367594347352600/
MEDICAL
Rocksprings Kimble Hospital Medical Clinic
Tuesday and Thursday 9am - 4pm Friday 9am - 2pm
212 W. Main Street, Rocksprings, TX. 830-308-7734
Air MedCare Network Membership Swift access to emergency care you need with transport services. 830-928-1226, 800-793-0010.
VETERINARY
Sonora Animal Hospital, Dr. Gene Gibbens 2300 N. Service Rd, Sonora, TX. 325-387-2481
Town & Country Veterinary Hospital 2710 Junction Hwy., Kerrville, TX. 830-367-5316.
Junction Veterinary Clinic 102 Bluebonnet Dr. Junction, TX. 325-446-2776.
