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ELECTED EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
rob@sgdeer.com
MIKE WOOD Treasurer Madera Bonita Game Ranch Combine, TX (Region 5) Cell (214) 356-7913
W. CHASE CLARK Immediate Past President Artemis Outdoors Three Rivers, TX (Region 8) Cell (361) 319-6926 Work (361) 786-1877
TERM 2015-2017
mwood@oldhamlumber.com
chase@artemisoutdoors.com
TERM 2015-2017
TERM 2013-2015
BOB PRICE President Moss Creek Ranch Big Spring, TX (Region 2) Cell (432) 517-0269 Work (432) 393-5889
MARK HUBBARD Vice President Mark Hubbard Ranch Properties Boerne,TX (Region 1) Cell (361) 816-8400
ROB BECKHAM Secretary Spring Gap Ranch Abilene, TX (Region 2) (325) 665-7889
bob@mosscreekranch.net
hubbardranches@gmail.com
TERM 2015-2017
TERM 2015-2017
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Terms for elected postitions officially start following the Statewide Membership Meeting held at the TDA Annual Convention in August. Term Length: Executive Committee - 2-years Directors - 3 years Officers - 1 year
REGION 4 Jordan Smrekar Double Dime Whitetails Llano (214) 417-6217 Term: 8/2016-8/2019 Lin Poor Texas Wildlife Management (512) 423-2716 Term: 8/2014-8/2017 Fred Gonzalez Gonzalez Whitetails Uvalde Cell (830) 279-8770 Term: 8/2015-8/2018
DIRECTOR AT LARGE Gilbert Adams, III JAG Ranch Beaumont, TX (409) 781-6146
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REGION 1 Hugo Berlanga Mustang Ranch Corpus Christi (361) 813-9212 Term: 8/2015-8/2016
REGION 2 Bob Price Moss Creek Ranch Big Spring (432) 517-0269 Term: 8/2013-8/2016
REGION 3 Dick Cain Trophy Ridge Ranch Saint Jo (903) 821-6258 Term: 8/2013-8/2016
Sheldon Grothaus Texas Whitetail Breeders Hondo (210) 854-5833 Term: 8/2015-8/2018
Rob Beckham Spring Gap Ranch Abilene (325) 665-7889 Term: 8/2015-8/2018
Joe Francks Three Nails Ranch Cisco (254) 631-9400 Term: 8/2015-8/2017 Ben Mooring 4M Whitetails Fort Worth (817) 822-8085 Term: 8/2015 - 8/2018
Mark Hubbard Long Ranch Boerne (361) 816-8400 Term: 8/2015-8/2017
REGION 5 Jeff Jones Brown Trophy Whitetail Ranch Ennis (214) 534-7056 Term: 8/2014-8/2017
REGION 6 Chris McDaniel B&C Wildlife Consulting Caldwell Cell (210) 287-3226 Term: 8/2015-8/2018
Mike Wood Madera Bonita Game Ranch Combine Cell (214) 356-7913 Term: 8/2013-8/2016
Chris Stewart 3S Texas Outdoor/3S Whitetails Bedias (832) 493-0147 Term: 8/2016 - 8/2019
Carroll Glaser Emma’s Crossing Rockdale (512) 284-0807 Term: 8/2015-8/2018
Summer Wingo High Roller Whitetails Center (936) 427-2773 Term: 8/2014 - 8/2017
REGION 7 Troy Smith Triple S Whitetail Highlands (713) 725-2723 Term: 8/2015-8/2018
REGION 8 Craig Wilson Wilson Whitetail Ranch Fair Oaks Ranch (210) 602-4531 Term: 8/2014-8/2017
Zac Kennedy JZ Whitetails Gonzales (361) 293-8867 Term: 8/2014-8/2017
Ben Schmidtke Silverhorn Ranch LLC Freer (830) 267-1448 Term: 8/2016 - 8/2019
Rodney Heller Heller Deer Farm Yoakum (361) 293-4635 Term: 8/2016-8/2019
Klint Graf G5 Ranch San Antonio (210) 213-5306 Term: 8/2015 - 8/2018
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REGIONAL OFFICERS REGION 1 Sheldon Grothaus President Hondo (210) 854-5833
REGION 4 Jason Maroney President Kerrville (512) 748-2810
Hugo Berlanga Vice President Corpus Christi (361) 813-9212
Chuck Herndon Vice President Utopia 830-966-2301
REGION 3 Michael Deveny President Cross Plains (936) 554-4941
Grant Garner Secretary/Treasurer Mountain Home
Steve Frisina Vice President Fort Worth (432) 556-2970
REGION 5 John True President Dallas (214) 890-0900
REGION 8 Lynn Collard President George West ( 575) 519-8458
Jason Milligan Vice President Georgetown (512) 635-4327
Verona Wilson Secretary/Treasurer Center 254-206-0293
Amanda Ivie Secretary/Treasurer Maypearl 214-794-5755
REGION 7 Zac Kennedy President Gonzales (361) 293-8867
Leo Martinez Vice President Freer 361-207-0980
REGION 6 Summer Wingo President Center (936) 427-2773
Ryan Mills Vice President Gonzales (830) 857-3443
Carrie Collard Secretary/Treasurer George West 575-590-0539
Keith Payne Vice President Bellville 214-802-7386
Latimer Sands Secretary/Treasurer Houston 832-741-3757
TDA ADVISORY BOARD Bill Grace Salado (254) 718-5084
Warren Bluntzer Lometa (512) 556-7027
Tom Malouf Wills Point (469) 222-2778
Dr. James Kroll Nacogdoches (936) 554-0998
Jerry Johnston San Antonio (210) 288-1558
David Hayward Columbus (936) 870-6835
Marty Berry Corpus Christi (361) 767-7200
Chase Clark Three Rivers (361) 319-6926
TDA FOUNDING DIRECTORS REGION 3 Ray Murski Meridian 1939-2011 Jon Henderson Meridian 2004 REGION 4 Bill Grace Salado (254) 718-5084 Dr. Dan McBride Burnet (512) 755-1919 Jerry Johnston San Antonio (210) 288-1558
Randy Shipp Lometa (512) 756-3194
Tom Malouf Wills Point (469) 222-2778
Slim Crapps Hondo (210) 413-9777
Glenn Sodd Corsicana (903) 396-7096
Warren Bluntzer Lometa (512) 556-7027
REGION 6 Dr. James Kroll Nacogdoches (936) 554-0998
REGION 5 Rod Green Mineola (903) 530-6326
J.N. Grimes Jacksonville (903) 721-1375
David Hayward Columbus (936) 870-6835
Robert Scherer Houston (713) 851-3767
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REGION 8 Marty Berry Corpus Christi (361) 767-7200 Lee Wheeler George West (361) 449-6000 Gene Riser George West 1945-2011
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TDA FOUNDING FATHERS
TDA MISSION STATEMENT TDA is the unified voice of deer enthusiasts who seek to share ideas and methods to improve management and harvest of deer. TDA is a Texas deer organization that cares for the welfare and health of deer herds and methods to improve deer quality and hunting quality in Texas. We, as the TDA, are working toward better conservation, appropriate regulations and improving the overall quality of deer herds in Texas.
TDA PURPOSE AND GOALS - To promote wise management of deer, recognizing that hunting and management are lifelong enterprises; - To be a repository and clearinghouse of accurate and high quality information and knowledge; - To promote deer herd health and quality through research, technology, and flexible management practices;
- To improve the image and awareness of deer management and harvest through public education; - To promote research and technology regarding improvements to deer herds through the practice of controlled breeding and genetic improvements; - To share research findings, management techniques and harvest strategies with the membership of TDA; and
- The deer-breeding industry is relatively new to Texas, but data from a 2007 Texas A&M University Economic Impact Study indicates it has a $652 million annual economic impact in Texas, equivalent to the state’s rice and citrus industries.The industry’s economic contributions, especially to rural areas, tourism, real estate, wildlife, game and land management, are beginning to be noticed, not only in Texas, but in states across the nation.
- To increase quality hunting opportunities for Texas hunters. 4
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CONTENT DEPARTMENTS
POINTS OF INTERESTS
7
TDA Staff
78
Ahhh, Spring...
13
Executive Director’s Journal
80
Calendar of Events
84
Tracks Classifieds
84
Advertiser’s Index
TDA CARES 16
We Got Your Six... Veteran’s Event
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Joint Advisory Committee
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 24
Exotic Game Species in Texas
30
Fencing Law Part I
34
Dr. Cain: Antibiotic Study
38
Post Oak Savannah
44
Vet Students Get Hands-On
HUNTING & SHOOTING 52
Development of a Hunter
56
Unknown Power
62
Practical Optics Part II
66
Night Hunt
70
#BuckFever Winners
INDUSTRY 72
CWD Found in Free Ranging Deer
72
Intrastate Movement Rules
72
Missouri Legislative News
72
CTC information
FROM THE CAPITOL
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76
Lacey Act Article
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Legislative Update
Cover photo by Butch Ramirez “I took the photo at the Tipps Ranch (Live Oak County) during the month of January in 2016. The buck was coming in towards some does. I call him Capt. Hook because of the unique ‘hook’ in his antlers.”
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TDA STAFF
PATRICK TARLTON Executive Director patrick@texasdeerassociation.com
JUDY JACKSON Membership Director judy@texasdeerassociation.com
CECI WALLACE Director of Finance ceci@texasdeerassociation.com
RILEE WONG Advertising Assistant rilee@texasdeerassociation.com
PAULINE PRESTON Director of Events pauline@texasdeerassociation.com
KELSEY SHINAUT Graphic Designer kelsey@texasdeerassociation.com
DAVID ESCAMILLA Graphic Designer david@texasdeerassociation.com
EDITORIAL INFORMATION Editorial comments may be sent to: Amy Clark, Editor amyclark.texas@gmail.com Advertising requests may be sent to: publications@texasdeerassociation.com Direct all other correspondence and address changes to: TDA 816 Congress Avenue, Ste. 950 Austin, TX 78701 It is the sole responsibility of the advertiser to ensure ad artwork is current and submitted by each issue’s deadline and that their advertising contracts are up to date.
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EDITORIAL STATEMENT Tracks is the official publication of the Texas Deer Association (TDA) and is published six times a year. Subscription is included in membership dues. Articles in Tracks are independent opinions and do not necessarily represent the views of TDA. TDA assumes no responsibility for statements or advertising made or expressed in this publication. TDA reserves the right to refuse any advertisement. Materials should be mailed to TDA as listed. 816 Congress Avenue, Ste. 950 Austin, TX 78701 www.texasdeerassociation.com
TRACKS ADVERTISING SUBMISSION DEADLINES JANUARY/FEBRUARY November 15 MARCH/APRIL January 15 MAY/JUNE March 15 JULY/AUGUST May 16 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER July 15 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER September 15
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S JOURNAL
E
arlier this year I came across a thesis written by a PhD candidate at Boston University entitled, “Is Hunting Moral? A Philosopher Unpacks the Question”. I read with fascination at the way he broke down what we in Texas hold as such a proud part of our family traditions into a purely analytical discussion. What we tend to view as a passion, he wrote about through the lens of logic. “Every year as daylight dwindles and trees go bare,” Joshua Duclos writes, “debates arise over the morality of hunting. Hunters see the act of stalking and killing deer, ducks, moose and other quarry as humane, necessary and natural, and thus as ethical. Critics respond that hunting is a cruel and useless act that one should be ashamed to carry out.” He explained his thesis this way: “As a nonhunter, I cannot say anything about what it feels like to shoot or trap an animal. But as a student of philosophy and ethics, I think philosophy can help us clarify, systematize and evaluate the arguments on both sides. And a better sense of the arguments can help us talk to people with whom we disagree.” Duclos argued that there are three rationales for hunting: therapeutic, subsistence and sport, with each type being distinguished by the purpose it is meant to serve. “Therapeutic hunting,” he writes, “involves intentionally killing wild animals in order to conserve another species or an entire ecosystem.” This is different from subsistence hunting—the intentional killing of wild animals for nourishment or resources. The final rationale was sport hunting, which he defines as “intentionally killing wild animals for enjoyment or fulfillment.” Duclos did recognize what many of us have known all along… that the “rationales” of hunting are not mutually exclusive. Someone may enjoy the thrill of deer hunting, while seeking to remove undesirable genetics from their property, while depending on the venison to fill the freezer… all at the same time. People who have grown up hunting understand the sportsman’s role in the conservation of our wildlife resources. Far from being “cruel”, we play a valuable role in the “circle of life” when it comes to animal populations. We can all agree that animals do have the capacity to suffer, and that it would be immoral to allow animals to do so. Yet we can also understand that there is a much higher degree of suffering for a population competing for little resources that is destined to slow starvation or disease outbreak, than there is for a careful harvest of an animal by a practiced and ethical hunter. Duclos suggests that if someone makes the “objection from harm” argument, then they are logically required to oppose all three hunting rationales. “Whether a hunter’s goal is a healthy ecosystem, a nutritious dinner or a personally fulfilling experience, the hunted animal experiences the same harm… But if inflicting unwanted harm is necessarily wrong, then the source of the harm is irrelevant. Logically, anyone who commits to this position should also oppose predation among animals. When a lion kills a gazelle,
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it causes as much unwanted harm to the gazelle as any hunter would – far more, in fact.” Interesting point. Of course, this is where your typical antihunter argues that the lion needs to kill that gazelle to ensure his survival… and we can just “go to the grocery store.” (We’ve all heard this argument, haven’t we?) Of course, it is impossible to explain to the anti-hunter the incredible respect hunters have for the animals we harvest. Or, the way hunting allows us a communion with nature to a degree that no other sport could. Duclos points out that there are those who “find the derivation of pleasure from hunting to be morally repugnant.” Morally repugnant? Hunting is a multi-billion industry in Texas… annually. Our state’s economy depends on the revenue provided by hunters each year. The health and vitality of our state’s wildlife resources depend on the conservation that is inherent in hunting. I think one would be hard pressed to find anything repugnant about that. But hunters understand it’s about much more. It’s a way of life, a proud tradition, an exercise in self-sufficiency that so many of us cherish in this era of ready-made and instant gratification. It is of great importance to understand the arguments against our sporting tradition so that we will be better prepared to defend it, and to teach our children to do so, as well. The future of our precious hunting traditions lie in the hands of the next generation. If they aren’t taught about the joys of the outdoors, they won’t have any interest in protecting our Texas Constitutional rights to hunt and fish. They won’t pay any attention when the anti-hunting extremists try make our sporting way of life illegal. So this spring, make plans to connect with a youngster you know and take them to the outdoors. Turkey hunting, shed hunting, or just sitting for a while in the deer blind and watching the animals. All children benefit greatly from time spent outside. And when you inspire a love of nature in the next generation, you are helping to preserve our sport for the future. Take your own kids or grandkids; take a child whose Dad is serving overseas in the Armed Forces; take a child whose family may not be able to afford a hunting opportunity for their own family. Reach out, open your ranch, host a young hunter, and change a life. And be sure to engage them in a discussion about the real life morality that is inherent in hunting. You may find Duclos’ full argument here https://theconversation.com/is-hunting-moral-a-philosopherunpacks-the-question-68645
Patrick Tarlton
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TDA CARES
TDA & Record Rack… We Got Your Six!
BY TDA STAFF
Participants in the We Got Your Six veterans hunt at Valdina Ranch, sponsored by Texas Deer Association and Record Rack Feeds.
T
his January, the Texas Deer Association had the incredible honor of co-sponsoring a very special We Got Your Six event, along with Sportsman’s Choice Record Rack Feeds, Tarter Farm & Ranch Equipment, Mossy Oak GameKeepers, RFDTV, and Danner Boots. The Valdina Ranch near D’Hanis and host Sammy Nooner welcomed five veterans—each representing a different branch of service—and their guests for an amazing Texas hunting opportunity and the chance to meet multi-platinum country music recording artist Craig Morgan. Said TDA Executive Director Patrick Tarlton of the experience: “This event changed my life - literally. It was an absolutely amazing experience. It gave me a perspective of our servicemen and women that I would have never been able to experience without being part of the event.” Country singer Craig Morgan said, “I feel like I’m just one of these guys, I’m just here enjoying it as well with Record Rack and the Texas Deer Association really are the ones to be commended for all you guys did, as well as the other sponsors who helped out here and there. I’m part of this because of the conservation. Not only to we get the opportunity to come in and hunt—these guys get their first deer, first bucks--but it’s an opportunity for them to
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experience conservation at a level, in my opinion, isn’t experienced in many other places. The level that conservation takes place in Texas is the template for a lot of people to follow. So it’s a great opportunity to come down here not only to experience it again, but every time I come down here I learn something new about the conservation efforts taking place.” Sportsman’s Choice and Record Rack Feeds opened the contest officially this past summer, taking nominations for veterans to be considered for the opportunity to hunt with Morgan, host of Craig Morgan All Access Outdoors on the Outdoor Channel. Beginning in September, people were allowed to vote for their favorite veterans to become finalists. Ultimately, one veteran from each service branch was selected for the dream hunt. “This trip was awesome, it allowed me to hunt with a group of people from each branch of the military, from several different eras, which made the story time a lot of fun,” said Keith Sekora. “Being able to connect with other warriors on a level that most civilians would not understand.” When asked about his favorite part of the weekend, Kenny Fahndrich responded, “Honestly being able to meet such amazing people, to hear their stories and be able to relate to them for what they have gone through. That’s one thing about the military not everyone can understand. Everyone showed up as strangers and we left as family!” Tarlton says he hopes this could become an annual event, honoring even more veterans from around the country. “This was an amazing experience, something I will never ever forget. I will cherish those moments and those memories forever,” said Fahndrick. “There are so many people to thank so I’ll just say thank you to everyone that was a part of this and helped put this together. We salute you for your generosity and kindness in helping the military veterans.”
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Keith Sekora harvested a beautiful buck during the event. He had been to Texas numerous times while serving in the military but this was his first opportunity to hunt here. A veteran of both the United States Army and the Air Force Reserves, he now lives in Everett, Wash. “The highlight for me was being able to harvest my first buck and be able to share that moment with that group of warriors and family. Hanging out with Craig Morgan was a nice cherry on top!” he says.
For Navy vet Kenny Fahndrich from Central Point, Ore., it was not only his first whitetail buck harvest, but his first time to ever hunt in Texas!
TDA Executive Director Patrick Tarlton receives very special memento from veteran Keith Sekora. “During one of the dinners, I was given an American Flag patch that was worn on his uniform during the Iraq War when one of the vets was injured during an IED explosion. I carry it with me every day.”
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For Navy vet Kenny Fahndrich from Central Point, Ore., it was not only his first whitetail buck harvest, but his first time to ever hunt in Texas!
Coast Guard veteran Ken Tremble landed this incredible aoudad during the January hunt. “Thank you Record Rack Sportsman’s Choice & Record Rack Feed and the “We Got Your Six Contest” for the amazing opportunity to hunt Texas and harvest this trophy aoudad… They support veterans and have generously provided these special opportunities for them. ‘Semper Paratus’,” said Tremble.
Veterans Anthony Price, Keith Sekora, Kenny Fahndrich and Jim Rosencrans share a laugh between hunts during the We Got Your Six event. Says Price, “It was definitely the trip of a lifetime.”
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TDACares Effort Launches New Advisory Board
TDA is proud to announce the formation of the brand new #TDACares Advisory Board. This will be a group of volunteers from the TDA family who are dedicated to furthering our #TDACares outreach… an effort to support various children’s and veteran’s groups across the state of Texas. Since the outreach was launched last year, the association or its members have already touched the lives of hundreds of children and vets through our participation in a wide range of events, benefitting groups such as 4H, The Boot Campaign, OATH, St. Jude’s, and many more. From sponsoring educational opportunities to get more of today’s kids into the great outdoors to serving those who have so courageously served our nation, our mission with #TDACares is to share the blessings we’ve been given with others in our communities. We invite you to join our #TDACares Advisory Board today! Contact Gloria Boenker at gloria@rockstardeer. com for more information about how you can become involved in our efforts to make our Lone Star shine just a little bit brighter for kids and veterans across the state. We applaud those in our TDA family of members who are giving back every day through their charitable efforts. Have a great story to share?
Email Info@texasdeerassociation.com to let us know about it!
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WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
EXOTIC GAME SPECIES IN TEXAS ARTICLE BY NICK KOLBE
Nilgai were the first exotic species to be released in the state of Texas. Photos by Nick Kolbe
F
or those looking for a hunter’s paradise, the state of Texas is never far from the top of any avid sportsman’s list. There are ten different ecoregions throughout Texas, and such diversity allows for an immense abundance of different wildlife species for hunter harvest opportunities. A few native species include the most popular white-tailed deer which can be found throughout most of Texas, pronghorn antelope, mule deer, big horn sheep and upland game birds like quail, turkey, and dove species. However, even with such a wide range of native fauna available to hunters, exotic species introduction over the past 80 years has further broadened the opportunity hunters have to harvest game. Exotic game species were first introduced into Texas in the 1930’s for reasons such as hunting, as a substitute for extirpated native big game, observation pleasure, and/or to sustain populations of endangered species. The first exotic species to be released was the nilgai antelope onto the King Ranch in south Texas. Today, there are close to 70 different species of exotic game that occur in the state. In 1988, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) conducted a survey and concluded that an estimated 164,257 exotic animals occurred within 137 of 254 counties in Texas, with approximately 90,400 animals confined behind fences and 73,857 animals free-ranging (Traweek and Welch 1992). Furthermore, approximately 68% of all confined exotics were found in the Edwards Plateau ecoregion and 51%
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of free-ranging exotics were found in the southern region of the state. Almost 30 years later, it is safe to say that these numbers have likely expanded as exotic species in Texas have proven to be a perfect match for our diverse habitats. Among the numerous exotic species that are found in Texas, the most abundant species is the white-tailed deer’s cervid counterpart, the axis deer. In TPWD’s 1988 survey, an estimated 39,040 axis occurred on 293 confined ranches in 92 counties with an additional two counties having free-ranging animals. Axis deer are native to India and are characterized as having white spots dotting their tan body with a white underbelly. Mature male axis weigh between 180-220 pounds while females weigh between 100-160 pounds, depending upon habitat in the ecoregion and supplemental food sources available. Axis deer tend to be more aggressive than their native white-tailed deer competitor and more general in the food they consume as well. A “general consumer” means that they are able to exploit a wide range of resources and tend not to be limited by any one specific resource. The second, most abundant exotic species found in Texas was the nilgai. In the survey, TPWD estimated that nilgai occurred on 36 different ranches in 25 counties in this state. Most of the nilgai population are semi free-ranging on large ranches in Kleberg, Kenedy and Willacy Counties in south Texas. Nilgai—like axis deer—are native to India, with mature males weighing between 440-530 pounds and females between
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330-420 pounds. Juvenile males will be brown and turn dark blue once mature. Juvenile females are similarly brown but will stay this color throughout adulthood. These Asia natives consume a wide range of vegetation with grass species forming the bulk of their diet in Texas. However, when stressed and needing to diversify and expand their diet, nilgai are able to consume woody browse, forbs, succulents and mast. In this way, they are general like axis deer and are a great fit to the South Texas Plains ecoregion. The next four most abundance exotic species in order from the TPWD survey were the blackbuck antelope, aoudad sheep, fallow deer and sika deer which summed to an additional 67,675 animals within the state (Traweek and Welch 1992). With so many exotics present in Texas, many landowners wonder what impact they might have on native game species and the interaction they play in ecosystems. As hinted above, most nonnative species tend to be well-adapted to the Lone Star State lifestyle. If they weren’t, they probably would not have lasted this long and been extirpated (locally extinct) long ago. Overall, exotics that have made Texas home are more general consumers in nature compared to some of Texan native game. For example, let us look at axis deer here in the state. As noted earlier, axis deer are general consumers and are able to This graph depicts the percentage of each type of food consumed by white-tailed deer based digest a wide range of forage from forbs, on the season. browse and grasses making them welladapted to this environment. Because of they tend to be at an advantage and outcompete white-tailed the inconsistency in rainfall and its arid environments in Texas, deer during these stressful times. The long-term outlook for forb species tend to not be present on rangelands for long, such a situation is the replacement of white-tailed deer by their disappearing quickly without consistent precipitation. That exotic competitor. leaves browse and grass species left for resource consumption, This same scenario is played out with multiple different as they tend to be reliable food sources on rangelands exotic and native species interactions in Texas. For example throughout most of the year. Axis, like many exotics, have in 1971, six sika deer and five white-tailed deer were placed adapted their diet to compensate the lack of one forage class, in a 96 acre exclosure in the Edwards Plateau ecoregion with such as forbs, with others like grasses and browse. A study in absence of livestock. Five years later in 1976, there were only the Edwards Plateau ecoregion found that 95% of an axis deer’s six white-tailed deer in the exclosure and 32 sika deer. By 1979, diet was made up of grass during summer months between May all white-tailed deer had died off and 62 sika deer remained and July when forbs were limited (Henke et al. 1988). Though (Armstrong 1991). Another study found that the presence of not their first choice, axis have adapted to exploit different exotic big game in the Edwards Plateau ecoregion limited food resources such as this when others are lacking. availability and body growth of white-tailed deer (Warren and Now, compare that to the native white-tailed deer. WhiteKrysl 1983). Given that exotic species tend to be more general tailed deer can only survive on two different forage classes: and well adapted to Texas rangelands implies a need to actively forbs and browse. White-tailed deer, similar to axis, would love manage exotic species to ensure preservation of native wildlife. to consume forbs all day as they hold higher protein than most Most landowners in Texas who have exotic animals usually browse and are easily digestible. However, when forbs disappear look to sustain the population for breeding, hunting or white-tailed deer turn to browse for their dietary cornerstone. observation, while also maintaining a healthy native game More than half of a deer’s diet is made up of browse vegetation, population. The first step to create an extent of harmony as it tends to be more consistent on rangelands throughout between exotics and native wildlife is to understand the life the year. Forbs and browse species combined contribute to history traits of both. Life history traits are characteristics of approximately 90-95% of a white-tailed deer’s diet in Texas a species that affect growth, reproduction and survivorship. with the remaining 5-10% composed of grass. It is important to This includes everything from food they consume, annual birth note that this small percentage of grass consumption is usually rate, mating strategies, foraging strategies, social behavior, and ingested when grass shoots are very tender and young. Unlike much more. Understanding these traits provides insight into animals that can consume and digest grass whether young or each species and allows for comparison to see how they may mature, white-tailed deer tend to only utilize this resource when or may not overlap in their specific niches. The majority of the nutrient-rich and easily digestible usually during spring months. time when comparing interactions like the scenarios described What makes this comparison interesting is during times of with the axis and white-tailed deer and/or sika and white-tailed extreme stress, when resources become limited and interspecific deer, niches will overlap and induce competition. This implies a competition is much more apparent. Axis deer and white-tailed need to regulate species numbers to ensure adequate resources deer overlap feeding niches and will directly compete with one are available to sustain populations of both native and exotics another for resources. Given that axis deer are more general while also avoid applying unnecessary stress on ecosystems. because of their ability to consume both grasses and browse,
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WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT | 25
However, situations have occurred in states where introduced exotic species do not overlap niche requirements with natives and have been successful. A great example of a success story of exotic species introduction is the ring-necked pheasant in the late 1880’s. Native to Asia, ring-necked pheasant were introduced first into Oregon, followed by further introduction and expansion into western and mid-western states such as Washington, South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota. Today these Asian birds can be found across much of the mid-west and western states. Their success story stems from the habitat niche they fill. During the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, much of the Midwest was being cultivated for large-scale agricultural production which removed habitat and displaced native species. This expansion of production rendered thousands of acres unsuitable for native species. Fortunately for the ring-necked pheasant, the sculpted croplands made perfect habitat and provided the resources it needed to thrive. Today, ring-necked pheasant can be found foraging in fields and utilizing taller edge vegetation for loafing and seclusion cover.
As with the pheasant, situations do occur when the introduction of exotic species can be positive and not displace native game. Unfortunately, this situation seldom occurs and populations should be regulated to maintain healthy ecosystem processes and to also meet desired goals. Landowners who desire strictly exotic species will be well-positioned given that most outcompete native species. Those who want only native wildlife should be proactive and remove exotics, as they will more than likely outcompete native wildlife for resources. Finally, landowners who wish for a balance between native and exotic species will need to regulate population densities on both ends to ensure resources are available for all species and that the rangeland is not over-exploited. Most importantly, time and effort should be taken to examining the life history traits of species on your rangeland. Understanding the needs of wildlife and how they may or may not interact with one another is the key to obtaining healthy population levels that are in tune with ecosystem processes. By doing so landowners will be able to enjoy not only the wildlife of Texas, but exotic species as well.
Axis deer in Texas
26 | WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
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WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT Does a stock law exist in my county?
A LANDOWNER’S GUIDE TO FENCE LAW First in a series of articles published in Five Strands: A Landowner’s Guide to Fence Law in Texas by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Unfortunately, there is not a consolidated list that details which Texas counties are still considered open range or closed range. The best option is to contact the county sheriff’s office or ask the county clerk to search the election records to determine if a local stock-option election has been held to close the range. Since many of these stock law elections occurred between 1910 and 1930, it may take extensive research to determine the status of your county. In 1981, the Texas Legislature exempted some counties from adopting a local stock law regarding running cattle at large, leaving these counties as open range if the land is not adjacent to a highway. These counties include Andrews, Coke, Culberson, Hardin, Hemphill, Hudspeth, Jasper, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kinney, La Salle, Loving, Motley, Newton, Presidio, Roberts, Schleicher, Terry, Tyler, Upton, Wharton, and Yoakum.4
Which animal species does the law cover?
T
o understand Texas’ current approach to fence law as it relates to landowner liability in the event of an accident, you must first understand the concepts of open range versus closed range.
Open Range vs. Closed Range Texas is an open-range state, tracing its roots back to the trail drives and cattle barons of the 1800s. Open range means exactly that—livestock owners are not required to fence in their livestock to prevent them from roaming at large. The Texas Supreme Court supported the open-range policy more than a century ago when it stated, “if the cattle of one person wander upon the [unenclosed] lands of another…they are not trespassers, and the owner is not liable for any damage that they may inflict.”1 As recently as 1999, the Texas Supreme Court upheld this concept, holding that “[i]t is the right of every owner of domestic animals in this state…to allow them to run at large.”2 While the common law of open range is still in effect, there are two exceptions: 1) the passage of local, county-based ordinances (stock laws), and 2) the development of U.S. and state highways, that have changed large portions of the state from open range to closed range.
Local Stock Laws As Texas developed, laws changed and counties enacted restrictions on open range. Such closed-range laws make livestock owners responsible for fencing-in their livestock on their property. The Texas Legislature allows local governments to pass stock laws that modify the law for that location from the common-law rule of open range to closed range.3 Local voters consider these stock laws, which can apply to all or a portion of a county. The stock laws state that certain species of animals (such as cattle, horses, jacks, jennies, and sheep) may not run at large within the limits of the particular county. When these laws are in place, the common-law rule of closedrange law essentially replaces the common-law rule of open range. As a result, landowners in closed-range areas have a duty to prevent their livestock from running at large, usually by maintaining a fence to keep their livestock on their property. Because each local stock law is unique, the following questions are crucial when evaluating the law in a particular county:
Which animal species does the law cover?
If a stock law does exist in an area, determine which livestock species it covers. The Texas Agriculture Code allows stock laws that regulate cattle, domestic turkeys, donkeys, goats, hogs, horses, jacks, jennets, mules, or sheep.5 Based on the particular law, it is possible that the same area may be closed range for horses and donkeys, but open range for cattle. The statute also requires separate stock laws for each livestock species (one for cattle, one for horses, and one for other animals). In an opinion issued by the Texas Attorney General, stock laws that are not separated by species may be regarded as ineffective.6
Have I met the standard outlined in the local stock law? Although they differ by county, most local stock laws establish a standard of care a landowner must meet to avoid liability if his or her livestock roam at large. Some stock laws state that a landowner may not “knowingly permit” an animal to run at large, while others set a stricter standard that animals may not run at large at all. Many local stock laws prohibit landowners from permitting their animals to run at large. If a third party is injured, a landowner is liable only if he or she permitted the livestock to run free. Texas courts have interpreted “permit” to mean to expressly or “formally consent” or to “give leave,” and that merely making it possible for an animal to run at large is insufficient to impose liability on a landowner. In determining a landowner’s liability for livestock roaming at large, courts look to the owner’s actions, because an animal in the roadway does not always constitute a violation of a stock law.
Landowner actions that might result in liability include: - Leaving a gate open, - Authorizing a lessee to allow cattle to run at large - Having notice that the livestock were out in the roadway and - Failing to remove the livestock, - Having knowledge that livestock previously escaped from the property - Failing to maintain the fences surrounding the pasture. 1 Clarendon Land, Investment & Agency Co. v. McClelland, 23 S.W. 576, 577 (Tex. 1893). 2 Gibbs v. Jackson, 990 S.W.2d 745, 747 (Tex. 1999). 3 TEX. AGRIC. CODE ANN. §§ 143.021–082. (West, Westlaw through 2015 Reg. Sess). 4 TEX. AGRIC. CODE ANN. §§ 143.072. 5 Id. 6 Texas Att’y General Opinion No. GA-0093 (2003).
Did the landowner meet the required standard outlined in the local stock law?
30 | WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
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WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
Poultry, Fisheries & Wildlife Sciences
Cook, et al., Poult Fish Wildl Sci 2016, 4:2 DOI: 10.4172/2375-446X.1000168
Short Communication
OMICS International
Tissue Residue Levels of Butorphanol, Azaperone, Medetomidine, Atipamezole, and Naltrexone in White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginanus) at 11 and 21 Days Post Intramuscular Injection Walt Cook1*, Dick Cain2, Terry Hensley3, Warren Bluntzer4, William Lance5, Lauren Dobson1, Rebecca McDaniel6 and Don Davis1 1Department 2Trophy 3Texas 42339
A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Texas A&M University System, College Station, Texas 77841-3040, USA
CR 2080, Bluntzer Wildlife Consulting Services Inc., Lometa, Texas 76853, USA
5Wildlife 65893
of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843-4467, USA
Ridge Whitetails, PO Box 605, Saint Jo, Texas, 76265, USA
Pharmaceuticals Inc., 1230 W. Ash St., Suite D, Windsor, CO 80550, USA
FM 908, Caldwell, TX 77836, USA
*Corresponding author: Walt Cook, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843-4467, USA, Tel:979-845-5058; E-mail: WCook@cvm.tamu.edu Received date: October 03, 2016, Accepted date: October 10, 2016, Published date: October 14, 2016 Copyright: © 2016 Cook W, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Abstract Tissue residues were determined after intramuscular injection of butorphanol, azaperone, medetomidine, atipamezole, and naltrexone in 33 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). At day 11 post injection (PI), and day 21 PI, none of anesthetics or reversal drugs were detected ≥0.01 ppm in any of the liver and muscle samples tested.
Keywords: Odocoileus virginianus; Anesthetics; Azaperone; Atipamezole
Immobilizations;
Drugs;
Introduction Chemical immobilizations are routinely used on free ranging and captive wild animals by wildlife biologists and veterinarians. These anesthetics and reversing drugs are labeled for use in traditional livestock, but in most of the situations with wildlife the same drugs are legally used in off-label procedures. Dosages, clearance times, and tissue residue levels for some of the above drugs have been established for some domesticated species [1-4], however, tissue residues have not been established for these drugs when used in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). The levels of drug residues in the tissues of game animals like deer and elk that might be consumed by the public after the drug injection could be of some possible public health concern. A popular drug combination for immobilizing white-tailed deer (and other species) is butorphanol (0.30-0.34 mg/kg) plus azaperone (0.16-0.27 mg/kg) plus medetomidine (0.11 mg/kg-0.20 mg/kg) commonly called BAM [5]. This combination can be effectively and immediately antagonized with naltrexone plus atipamezole. Animals injected with BAM are typically fully immobilized in 11 to 12 minutes (range 4-30 minutes). The combination is known for producing smooth inductions and recoveries (upon administration of antagonists) without lasting changes to physiology or behavior [5].
Materials and Methods To address the residue issue, thirty three (33) white-tailed deer were transported to a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Permitted Private Deer Facility at Triple Threat Ranch, 9228 Triple Ranch Road, in Somerville, Texas 77879. Twenty-three (23) deer (14
MANAGEMENT 34 | WILDLIFE Poult Fish Wildl Sci, an open access journal ISSN: 2375-446X
males and 9 females) were from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department captive deer herd on the Kerr Wildlife Management Area, Hunt, Texas, and 10 other female deer were transported to the Triple Threat facility from 5 private captive deer facilities using TPWD transfer permits. After arrival at the Triple Threat facility the 33 whitetailed deer were placed on TPWD Scientific Research Permit # SRP-0814-151. After a two week acclimation period in a 4 acre high fenced enclosure at Triple Threat while being maintained on a commercial 16% protein pelleted ration, ad libitum alfalfa hay, and water, the 33 deer were worked through a deer handling facility with a drop chute (a specific restraint for cervids with a drop-floor system). The anesthetics were delivered by a single 2.0 ml intramuscular (IM) injection in the left shoulder/neck at the following dose: 27.3 mg/ml of butorphanol; 9.1 mg/ml of azaperone; 10.9 mg/ml of medetomidine (BAM formulation provided for research and development for this study by ZooPharm, 1230 West Ash, Winsor, CO 80550). The deer were placed in darkened 3 m X 3 m rooms during drug induction and monitored for 45 minutes, then 4.0 cc (25 mg/ml) of atipamezole, and 0.5 cc (50 mg/ml) of naltrexone were injected IM into the left hip for anesthetic drug reversal. After full recovery, the deer were returned to the outside pen and maintained as before. At day 11 post injection (PI), 22 deer were transferred from the outside pen into the deer handling facility. They were euthanized by captive bolt and exsanguinated by Texas Parks and Wildlife personnel trained in that procedure. After euthanasia of the deer, veterinarians licensed to practice in Texas collected muscle and liver samples from the carcasses. The muscles collected were the right semimembranosus and semitendinosus; liver samples consisted of the right lobe of the liver. The liver and muscle tissue samples were individually bagged, labeled, refrigerated and then immediately transported on ice to the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL), Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-4467. Tissues were stored in a freezer at -20°C. Tissues were thawed prior to extraction for
TRACKS MARCH/APRIL Volume 4 • Issue 2 • 10001682017
Citation:
Cook W, Cain D, Hensley T, Bluntzer W, Lance W, et al. (2016) Tissue Residue Levels of Butorphanol, Azaperone, Medetomidine, Atipamezole, and Naltrexone in White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginanus) at 11 and 21 Days Post Intramuscular Injection. Poult Fish Wildl Sci 4: 168. doi:10.4172/2375-446X.1000168
Page 2 of 2 drug residue analysis. Tissue residues were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). At day 21 PI, the remaining 11 deer were transferred from the outside pen into the handling facility and sampled as described above. All carcasses from both groups were burned and buried in the manner required by the TPWD Scientific Research Permit # SRP-0814-151.
Results The TVMDL did not detect residues of butorphanol, azaperone, medetomidine, atipamezole, or naltrexone in either muscle or liver samples at any time point PI tested (the limit of detection is 0.01 ppm). The level of <0.01 ppm of the drugs in the muscle and liver tissues in white-tailed deer at day 11 and 21 PI is below that which is allowed by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in tissues from cattle, sheep, and swine. Any concentrations below the limit of detection would preclude any pharmacological effects in humans that might consume the venison from white-tailed deer at the drug dosages used 11 days or later post injection.
Acknowledgements The authors would like to thank the following for their significant funding support: the Texas Deer Association; Wildlife Pharmaceuticals Inc.; the North American Deer Farmers Association; the Exotic
WWW.TEXASDEERASSOCIATION.COM Poult Fish Wildl Sci, an open access journal
Wildlife Association; Wisconsin Deer Breeders Association; Purina Feeds; Lysee and Echols Feed; Record Rack Feeds. We would also like to express our gratitude to the following people for their assistance in this research effort: Chris McDaniel; Chase Clark; Scott Bugai; Bob Dittmar; Pete Wunderlich; Melanie Smith; Ryan Schoenberg; John Hueske; Mitch Lockwood; Donnie Frels; Christopher Maldonando; Travis Mays; Al Kind; Sylvia Vega; Lonnie Littlepage; Ben Shepard; and Roy Moore.
References 1. 2.
3. 4. 5.
Katzung BG (2001) Basic & Clinical Pharmacology (8thedn) NewYork: McGraw-Hill. Pertovaara A, Haapalinna A, Sirvio J, Virtanen (2005) Pharmacological properties, central nervous system effects, and potential therapeutic applications of atipameziole, a selective alpha2-adenoceptor antagonist. CNS Drug Reviews II. 3: 273-288. Sinclair MD (2003) A review of the physiologic effects of alpha2-agonists related to the clinical use of medetomidine in small animal practice. Can Vet J 44: 885-897. Rauws AG, Olling M (1978) Residues of azaperone and azaperol in slaughter pigs. Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics 1: 57-62. Miller BF, Osborn DA, Lance WR, Howze MB, Warren RJ, et al. (2009) Butorphanol-Azaperone-Medetomidine for immobilization of captive white-tailed deer. J Wildl Dis. 45: 457-467.
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WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES IN THE POST OAK SAVANNAH ECOREGION BY ROBERT FEARS
D
ue to its large land area, Texas has pronounced variation in climate, landscape and topography. These variations influence wildlife habitat diversity which dictates different management needs among the ten distinct natural regions. These natural regions are normally referred to as ecoregions. (See map) Doug Jobes, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) discussed some of the wildlife management opportunities and challenges in the Post Oak Savannah Ecoregion at a recent land stewardship meeting in Victoria. This article is framed around Jobes’ presentation. TPWD publications describe the Post Oak Savannah as a transition zone between Blackland Prairies to the west and Pineywoods to the east. This ecosystem is part of a historic oak belt, which runs south from Canada towards Central America. Texas counties located in the ecoregion can be seen in the map. The Post Oak Savannah is dominated by native bunch grasses and forbs with scattered post oaks, live oak, black hickory, and blackjack oak. Sands and sandy loams are predominantly found on upland sites, while clay or clay loams are typically associated with bottomlands.
Wildlife opportunities Trophy free-roaming deer are possible in the Post Oak Savannah where good habitat is maintained. “White tail deer require a large amount of browse, so avoid clearing large areas of brush,” said Jobes. “Deer are selective foragers, preferring to feed on a wide variety of plants rather than a few specific ones. Their first, second and third plant choices in the Post Oak Savannah are shown in the graph. (insert graph here) Encourage growth of first and second choice plants and provide an even distribution of food supply from season to season through vegetation management and keeping deer numbers in balance with their food supply. Wildlife food plots are a consideration for seasons when desired native plants are scarce.” Deer need a mixture of open areas and dense brush thickets. Brush sculpturing allows solid stands of woody vegetation to be interspersed with cleared areas, which makes excellent deer habitat. Cleared strips or blocks produce desirable forb (weed) and browse production, while retaining an adequate mosaic of woody cover for escape, resting, or protection from the elements.
38 | WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
Prescribed fire is an effective management tool for thinning thick stands of grass, forbs and woody plants. The practice improves nutrient cycling by fixing nitrogen in the soil from burned debris, thereby having a soil fertilization effect. Fire also suppresses selected woody brush species and increases diversity of herbaceous (forb or grass) growth depending on the timing and severity of the burn. Additional hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities exist in the Post Oak Savannah from two sub-species of wild turkey: Eastern and Rio Grande. Check regulations for the area in which you intend to hunt. Some counties and areas are closed to hunting of the Eastern wild turkey because of its decrease in numbers. Efforts are underway by TPWD, private landowners and others to restore the populations. As with all wildlife, habitat is the single most important factor in maintaining healthy and viable populations. Wild turkeys are members of the same family as bobwhite quail; therefore, many of the same habitat factors that limit bobwhite populations also limit wild turkey populations. This is especially true concerning nesting and brood-rearing habitat. Wild turkeys are a resident non-migratory species, with a home range that averages about 2,000 to 5,000 acres. Their locations change with the seasons. Spring and summer is nesting and brood-rearing periods. For these activities, they tend to widely disperse in habitats that contain scattered thickets of low growing brush and a diverse grass/forb community that produces abundant seed and insects. During fall and winter, turkeys tend to congregate into large flocks and frequent riparian areas containing large stands of mature hardwood trees. Principle food items of wild turkeys include mast (acorns and nuts), fruits, seeds, green plant matter, agricultural crops and insects. They are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will generally eat what is available as they encounter it. “Turkeys roost in trees throughout the year, except for hens during nest incubation and a short time afterwards. Because of this fact, creation of roost sites is an important habitat management practice,” said Jobes. “Select roost tree areas that have a minimum amount of disturbance. Turkeys use large trees, usually live oak, with relatively low hanging limbs for roosting. They require relatively clear areas for landing and take-off and they normally land into the wind. Underbrush should be cleared around roost trees particularly on the prevalent downwind side.”
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DALLAM
Gould Ecoregions of Texas
IN
POTTER
H
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ROBERTS
HEMPHILL
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TRAVIS
BLANCO
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BREWSTER
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CALDWELL
COMAL
BANDERA
KINNEY
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MAVERICK
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CHAMBERS
GALVESTON
BRAZORIA
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VICTORIA GOLIAD
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Blackland Prairie Cross Timbers
Edwards Plateau
Gulf Prairies High Plains Piney Woods Post Oak Savanah Rolling Plains South Texas Plains Trans-Pecos
HARDIN LIBERTY
COLORADO
GUADALUPE BEXAR
TYLER
MONTGOMERY
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FAYETTE
SABINE
SAN JACINTO
GRIMES
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KERR
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TERRELL PRESIDIO
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ANGELINA
POLK
WALKER BRAZOS
WILLIAMSON
SHELBY GD OC H
MADISON
MILAM
BURNET
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PANOLA
TRINITY
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BELL
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MITCHELL
JOHNSON
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KAUFMAN VAN ZANDT HOOD
ANDREWS
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AUGUSTINE
MOTLEY
JASPER
FLOYD
NEWTON
HALE
MORRIS
LAMB
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BAILEY
ARANSAS
NUECES
KLEBERG
ZAPATA
JIM HOGG
BROOKS
STARR HIDALGO
KENEDY
WILLACY
CAMERON
27 January 2011
Source: Gould, F. W., Hoffman, G. O., and Rechenthin, C. A. 1960. Vegetational areas of Texas, Texas A & M University. Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, Leaflet No. 492 (here modified by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department).
Endangered species opportunities “The Houston toad, an endangered species, offers an opportunity to manage land in a way to halt its further decline and to help restore its populations. It also offers an income opportunity, because people will pay to see it and to enjoy other associated wildlife. The toad is found in portions of Austin, Bastrop, Burleson, Colorado, Lee, Leon, Lavaca, Milan and Robertson counties. Listed as endangered on October 13, 1970, the Houston toad is 2 to 3.5 inches long. Its general coloration varies from light brown to gray or purplish gray, sometimes with green patches. The pale undersides often have small, dark spots. Males have a dark throat, which appears blush when distended. Houston toads live primarily on land and are year-round residents where they are found. The toads burrow into sand for protection from cold weather in the winter and hot, dry conditions in the summer. Plants often present in Houston toad habitat include loblolly pine, post oak, yaupon, and little bluestem. For breeding, including egg and tadpole development, Houston toads require still or slow-flowing bodies of water that persist for at least 30 days. They do best in ponds without predatory fish. Presence of Houston toads are most easily detected in the December through March breeding season when males are heard calling. They usually call in—or near—shallow water, from
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Projection: Texas Statewide Mapping System Map compiled by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department GIS Lab. No claims are made to the accuracy of the data or to the suitability of the data to a particular use.
mounds of soil or grass surrounded by water, or from wooded habitat located within a 100-yard radius of breeding ponds. The call is a high clear trill that lasts an average of 14 seconds. Habitat loss and alterations are the most serious threats facing the Houston toad. Alteration of temporary and permanent natural wetlands for urban and agricultural uses eliminates breeding sites. Draining a wetland, or converting a temporary wetland to a permanent pond can eventually cause the Houston toad to decline or be eliminated entirely. Conversion to permanent water not only makes them more vulnerable to predation by snakes, fish and other predators, but also increases competition and hybridization with closely related species. Extensive clearing of native vegetation near breeding ponds and on uplands adjacent to these ponds reduces quality of breeding, foraging and resting habitat, and increases the chance of predation and hybridization. Other detriments to Houston toad survival include sod-forming introduced grasses such as bermudagrass and bahiagrass, red imported fire ants, high traffic roads, pipelines and utility lines.
Troublesome plant problems Jobes mentioned two woody species that present management challenges in the Post Oak Savannah ecoregion – yaupon and eastern red cedar. Yaupon was discussed in the last
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT | 39
Table 2. Common Browse Plants Utilized by White Tailed Deer in the Post Oak Savannah and Gulf Coast Prairies1
First Choice Common Name(s)
Scientific Name
Alabama Supplejack, Rattan Vine
Berchemia scandens
American Beautyberry
Calicarpa americana
Bois d’arc
Maclura pomifera
Bristle Greenbrair
Simplex hispida
Cedar Elm
Ulmus crassifolia
Decidious Holly
Ilex decidua
Hawthorn species
Cartaegus spp.
Netleaf Hackberry
Cetis laevigata
Poison Ivy
Rhus tocicondendron
Roughleaf Dogwood
Cornus drummondii
Sawtooth Greenbriar, Calibriar
Smilax bona-nox
St. Andrew’s Cross
Ascyrum hypercoides
Texas Sophora
Sophora affinis
Trumpet Creeper
Campsis radicans
Virginia Creeper
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Water Oak
Quercus nigra
Second Choice Common Name(s)
Scientific Name
Bumelia
Bumelia lanuginose
Dewberry species
Rubus spp.
Farkleberry
Vaccinum aboreum
Huisache
Acacia lamesiana
Live Oak
Quercus virginiana
Macartney Rose
Rosa bracteate
Mustang Grape
Vitis mustangensis
Post Oak
Quercus stellate
Western Soapberry
Saponaria
Yaupon
Ilex vomitoria
Third Choice Common Name(s)
Scientific Name
Blackjack Oak
Quercus marilandica
Coralberry
Symphoricarepos orbiculatus
Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana
Hercules Club, Prickly Ash
Zanthoxyfum clava-hercules
Honey Mesquite
Prosopis glandulosa
Laurel Greenbriar
Smilax laurifolia
Peppervine
Ampelopsis arborea
issue of TRACKS, so the information will not be repeated here. Eastern red cedar, however, warants some discussion. “Eastern red cedar is a native evergreen tree,” said Steven Smith, The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation wildlife and fisheries consultant. “This now very common plant was once limited to rocky bluffs, deep canyons and other areas where fire historically did not occur. It is currently found from the Great Plains to the Atlantic coast and from southern Ontario and Quebec, Canada to the Gulf Coast. “The plant is considered a small to medium-sized tree, growing to 50 feet in height, usually with one main trunk. Crowns are usually conical and dense.” “Eastern red cedar can be beneficial to wildlife, depending on the amount present on a given area,” Smith continued. “Dense stands can provide thermal, screening and escape cover for a variety of wildlife species; however, vast acreages of eastern red cedar can dominate space that would otherwise fulfill other habitat requirements. “Control opportunities for eastern red cedar include prescribed burning, mechanical and chemical. Unlike many woody species that root sprout, top-killing eastern red cedar with fire or other means kills the plant. With adequate fuel and proper prescribed burning conditions, fire kills most eastern red cedar less than four feet tall. Unfortunately, many of these plants have grown so large that prescribed burning is no longer an effective or safe management tool.” Mechanical control methods are often used in combination with prescribed burning. Certain mechanical equipment such as shears, grubbers, and saws mounted on tractors or skid loaders allow a land manager to selectively cut down trees with minimal damage to surrounding vegetation. For smaller jobs, hand tools can be used including loopers, chain saws and axes. Eastern red cedar is controlled with herbicides either through spot-on, pellet or high-volume foliar applications. In the spot-on method, Velpar® L (hexazinone) or Tordon® 22K (picloram) are applied to the soil surface within the drip line in a ring around the tree. Spots of chemical are applied at prescribed spacing and in milliliter dosages. Applications are made with a spot gun which automatically premeasures the amount of applied herbicide. A second control option is the application of either Spike® 20P (tebuthiuron) or Pronone Power Pellets (hexazinone). The pellets are distributed uniformly underneath the tree canopy. Graslan™ L herbicide (picloram + 2,4-D) is applied to eastern red cedar as a high-volume foliar spray. For the best control, spray to thoroughly wet the plant’s foliage and stems. Before using any herbicide thoroughly read and follow the product label. In addition to the people quoted, the following references were used in writing this article. http://tpwd.texas.gov/landwater/land/habitats/southtx_ plain/habitat_management/axe http://tpwd.texas.gov/landwater/land/habitats/post_oak http://tpwd.texas.gov/land/habitats/post_oak/upland_ game/turkey/ http://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/species/htoad/
1The Post Oak Savannah Deer Herd – Past, Present, Future by David W. Rideout, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
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WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
VET STUDENTS GET HANDS-ON OPPORTUNITY AT A TEXAS FACILITY
BY TDA STAFF
Dr. Walt Cook’s students enjoy a hands-on opportunity to work with white-tailed deer during a laparoscopic AI procedure. Photo courtesy of Dr. Walt Cook
T
he future care of deer in breeding facilities across the state of Texas depends largely on the quality of veterinary education regarding our field. The demand for knowledgeable and experienced veterinary assistance has increased exponentially with the growth of our industry in the past decade. There have been great strides made in improving educational opportunities for vet students across the state, as the Texas Deer Association and its members continue to build partnerships with educational institutions for the benefit of our industry. Dr. Walt Cook, clinical associate professor at Texas A&M and wildlife population health veterinarian, believes strongly in providing hands on opportunity to the students in his class. Last fall, he arranged a volunteer opportunity at a nearby deer facility owned by former TDA Executive Committee member Carol Glaser. The students were in their third year of A&M’s veterinary program, and were part of Cook’s Wildlife & Exotic Hoofstock Medicine elective class. Students were treated to an up close and personal look at the process of artificial insemination (AI) in captive whitetails. The procedure, led by Dr. Braden Benson of Mclean and his team, was the first opportunity for many of the students to gain hands-on experience with adult captive whitetails, and to view a laparoscopic AI procedure. Students learned about each step
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in the process, from the initial controlled internal drug release (CIDR) which was removed from the deer three days before the AI, to the drugs used both to anesthetize and “reverse” the deer. Providing field opportunities such as this one no doubt have a lasting impact on the future of the deer industry, as future vets learn more about the opportunities to work alongside ranches to ensure the health of Texas’ cervid populations. “I am a third year veterinary student and I’m taking the large animal track during my fourth year,” said Cayley Burleson. “I plan on being a rural mixed animal practitioner when I graduate, predominantly equine and food animal, but would like to include white-tailed deer and other wildlife work now that I have gained some experience.” Amber Nealy agreed: “The trip allowed hands on experience and reinforced that I definitely want to include white-tailed deer in the animals that I work on. I truly enjoyed the experience and would absolutely be interested in pursuing further knowledge and opportunities in working with whitetail.” “This was a great learning experience for the students,” said Dr. Cook, ”and we really appreciate Mr. Glaser and Dr. Benson’s team allowing them to participate.”
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HUNTING & SHOOTING
DEVELOPMENT OF A HUNTER BY BOB ZAIGLIN
It takes a hunter to make a hunter, and there are no better mentors than a parent. Photos by Bob Zaiglin
A
lthough man’s desire to hunt may be inherent, successful hunters are not born with any special outdoor skills. Hunting prowess is acquired over time in the outdoors pursuing a variety of animals and birds. The education process generally begins early in life as an attraction to the outdoors and its inhabitants, and the desire to hunt is often kindled by an immediate family member who hunts… usually a parent. In reality, it takes a hunter to make a hunter, but that is not always the case. My father never hunted, yet I wanted to hunt for as long as I can remember. My incessant desire to pursue wild game only intensified when my uncle would share his bountiful harvest of delicious wild game with my family in the fall. I can still see those pastel, fluorescentcolored ringneck pheasants he dropped off at our house. I’m not sure how many grocery bags I filled with plumage every color of the rainbow, along with those long, pointed tail feathers, all of which were used for tying nymphs and streamers I fished with for trout. I also distinctly recall walking on the edge of town with several beagles owned by our neighbor who allowed me the privilege of accompanying him on his evening rabbit hunts. The briar-infested fields were ideal rabbit habitat, and listening to the barks of those dogs intensify as a rabbit circled back to the awaiting gunner was exhilarating. The smell of gun powder following an exceptional shot was intoxicating, fortifying the fact that someday I would be on the other side of that shotgun.
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My opportunity to hunt began in the late 1960s. At that time, hunting was a highly anticipated outdoor activity and successful hunters were respected members of the community, often sharing their bounty. Although small game was abundant, deer were not. The sight of a buck was truly an unforgettable event, particularly for a youngster. Today, deer populations have spiraled upward, and with an estimated four million in Texas. Shooting one is not the challenge it once was; thus some Texas sportsmen elevate their harvest criteria based on antler size and age of the animal to augment the challenge. One trait all successful hunters exude is a deep respect for the animals they pursue. They also have an insatiable appetite for knowledge, not only on how to hunt deer, but how they can manage them as well. Many trophy hunters, particularly, are well-read individuals with the ability to apply their knowledge in order to benefit the animals they pursue, with the development of quality animals even more important than the actual harvest. The philosophy of a trophy hunter is not how many bucks they harvest, but more importantly, how old the animal is, how it was taken, what the antlers scored, and more importantly, with whom they shared the event. These individuals in the golden years of their sport tend to shoot few deer. Most hunting seasons are allowed to pass without a single shot fired, except at the range where they practice in order to make sure they can swiftly and humanely dispatch a deer when necessary.
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Taking a big deer requires some luck, but experience is paramount to success. Their hunting experience cannot be defined by a tape measure, but how challenging it was to locate, and finally harvest, that unique buck. Waiting for that certain buck to show up, discretionary hunters spend a substantial amount of time in the field. As a result, they acquire more knowledge about deer behavior in one year than the average weekend warrior does in several hunting seasons. Dedicated and accomplished hunters also pride themselves on their ability to estimate the age and score of a buck, a skill that takes much time to perfect. The willingness to take a pass on immature bucks exhibiting above average antlers is one characteristic that separates veteran hunters from the average hunter. Trophy hunters are actually the consummate conservationists, removing little, while contributing much to the welfare of the herd. I refer to them as management-oriented sportsmen. They are as interested in benefitting deer by applying appropriate habitat management practices as they are at harvesting an old high-scoring buck. Regardless of a hunter’s skill level, one cannot find—let alone harvest—a big deer if none exist. Successful hunters are byproducts of the environment in which they hunt, thus their ultimate objective is to hunt where big deer occur. Another unique attribute accomplished deer hunters exude is the ability to seek out and find those exceptional, less-thanrenowned trophy buck-producing areas. In this state, their search obviously begins in the brush country of south Texas. But it doesn’t end there, as some incredible deer surface annually up in the Panhandle and Mexico, which remains a big buck mecca just on the other side of the Rio Grande. They are also good communicators (and, more importantly, outstanding listeners) as they visit with landowners and other hunters from around the state. They understand that word of mouth may be the best way of locating those obscure, out-of-the-way places that hold some outstanding deer. Once a promising piece of quality deer turf is acquired, hunters will spend an exorbitant amount of time acquiring knowledge about the area. Their goal is to locate that particularly rare buck exhibiting an above-average sized rack, which takes time. By doing so, they become attached to the land and dedicated to improving it in order to benefit the deer inhabiting it. Their willingness to sacrifice much time, energy and money to elevate deer quality is another common trait demonstrated by dedicated management-oriented hunters. Finding that piece of buck-rich real estate is obviously important to success, but even then some hunters will fail to capitalize on taking that buck of their dreams. And although there is no real secret to shooting a trophy buck, there are several attributes exhibited by veteran hunters that sets them apart from the novice. Confidence: A hunter must believe that big deer inhabit the area they hunt, or they may not hunt hard enough or long
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enough to catch a glimpse of those outstanding deer that are not only evasive, but extremely rare. Persistence: This is critical when it comes to hunting a particular buck, and all successful sportsmen exhibit that “stick and stay, make it pay” attitude. This incessant drive to continue hunting, even under adverse conditions over long periods of time, has enabled hunters to place more big bucks on their memory room walls than any other factor. A good example is a south Texas hunt I enjoyed back in 2000. After spotting an outstanding buck on the cloudy, dank morning in December, I was a little too slow at critiquing the animal. By the time I decided to shoot, it was gone. I returned to that same area for 16 cold, (and sometimes windy and dusty) days and was lucky enough to see the incredible buck once again. With one well-placed shot, the 184-inch bruiser became one of my fondest brush country memories. The area in which I searched for this buck was occupied by few deer, thus my time there was almost boring, but fortunately, I remained patient and more importantly, persistent. I doubt I could have waited out this deer in my younger years, which were characterized by a desire to always find out what was over the next hill. Practice: Another characteristic exuded by successful hunters is the ability to precisely and accurately place that bullet or arrow, which requires practice. Even I can remember when I would clean and store my rifle following the deer season and not shoot it again until a few weeks before the following deer season opener. Yet I have learned that opportunities at incredible animals are extremely rare, and in order to capitalize, one must be prepared. I now shoot occasionally throughout the year and, more importantly, every few days throughout the hunting season. A single shot or two can help maintain focus while eliminating the natural habit of flinching, and all hunters owe it to the animals they pursue to be able to dispatch them as swiftly and painlessly as possible. Punching holes in paper at the range can also help overcome buck fever which can be overwhelming. With practice, shooting becomes instinctive. Thus when faced with uncontrollable excitement, one’s instincts kick in and override those nerves… at least until the shot is made. Luck always plays an integral role in success; however, if a hunter is lucky enough to see one of those incredible deer, he must be prepared. I know some individuals who are just plain lucky, and no matter where they hunt, something good will show up. I would rather be lucky than good any day, but that’s not how it always works. Luck increases exponentially with effort, thus my philosophy has always been the harder you work at something, the luckier you get. And even though that buck of a lifetime failed to show up this past season, it’s gratifying to know that it existed. When you’ve done everything you could to be prepared, it only adds impetus to looking forward to next year.
The memories developed while hunting at an early age are never forgotten and remain the principal impetus to hunt as one ages.
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HUNTING & SHOOTING
UNKNOWN POWER BY JUDY BISHOP JUREK
An annual Boy Scout weekend camp-out on the Fowler Ranch has been ongoing for decades. No one knows the impact it may have on the participants’ futures. Photos by Judy Bishop Jurek
“
What’s it like to see a deer walk out of the woods?” queried nine-year-old Ethan listening to several adults talking about wildlife. The question stopped me in my tracks as I had never thought about it. Having lived in the country my entire life watching nature on a daily basis, being a part of the great outdoors, as well as being a hunter, was simply second nature to me. The other folks ignored Ethan, dismissing his question as unimportant. I was intrigued as this youngster was a city kid, a relative of someone in the group gathered in a suburban backyard for an afternoon barbeque. I was introduced earlier but had not paid close attention. I turned from the adults, put my hand on Ethan’s shoulder, and gently guided him away so we might have a private conversation. “So you’ve never seen a deer?” I asked. “Oh yeah, I have. At the zoo and on television. But I was wondering how it feels to see one in person, you know, with no fence or anything. Like you’re just sitting there and it walks out in front of you.” Big green eyes full of curiosity looked directly at me as he spoke. I could see a bit of resemblance to a thirty-something accountant who was the son of a longtime friend. “Who do you belong to?” “My dad is Corey. He says we’re going hunting someday but so far it hasn’t happened. He’s always busy. You know my grandpa died a long time ago and now grandma is thinking about coming to live with us. I overheard we might be moving to her place or even go somewhere else but my parents haven’t told me anything yet.” After a brief pause, Ethan added, “It’d be nice to be some place I might can see a deer.” There was no whine or begging for sympathy in his comments, just matter-of-fact statements. I sensed this young man had a good head on his shoulders. My brain was clicking. I wondered to myself if I might persuade Corey to bring Ethan for a visit sometime. They lived about three hours away.
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Everyone needs a road trip once in a while but I would broach the subject without Ethan in ear shot just in case the answer was not favorable. By coincidence Corey had an upcoming business meeting in a city that would take him within 30 minutes of my house. He could reschedule it for a Friday, let Ethan miss one day of school, and afterward they could come by to stay overnight. It was agreed it would be a big surprise for Ethan. Going on a trip alone with just his dad would be a grand treat by itself. Corey stated he needed to bond more with his growing son. I could not wait to see Ethan’s face when a deer walked out of the brush line into the front yard. I began planning a variety of things from the menu to a nature walk to perhaps even exposing this young man to firearms. From a long friendship with his grandmother and late grandfather I knew all would meet their approval. However, to be sure I exchanged several texts with Corey for his support and agreement in advance. Strategies were laid out. It was mid-afternoon when Thor began barking feverishly as a strange vehicle pulled into the driveway. The canine quickly began wiggling all over as Corey and Ethan exited. An instant friendship began as Ethan knelt to scratch and rub all over the affable plot hound. From the width of Ethan’s smile I knew the youngster was ready for an adventure. After greetings and hugs, I said, “Let us get y’all settled in and I will tell you what I have planned for the rest of today now that you are here.” Over cookies and iced tea, Ethan expressed his surprise as his father suddenly slowed down and turned; they were out in the country, not in a town. He had no idea where they were until told. I reminded Ethan of our conversation and his longing to see deer for himself. His eyes widened, a grin stretched from ear to ear but the young man remained silent. It was as if there was a big bubble in front of him but he did not want to move for fear it may burst. I further advised what might be in store for them.
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Late evening we settled into chairs on the front porch. An deer and dove and that his dad Corey had experienced many automatic feeder situated on the edge of the yard along the years of hunting adventures. brush line would go off in about fifteen minutes. I stressed the “So why don’t we hunt, Dad?” asked the youngster. need to be quiet and halfway still—no loud talking or sudden Raising my eyebrows while shrugging my shoulders, my movements—and the deer should come out to feed only yards expression told Corey it was up to him to explain. Following away from us. Thor lay down with eyes focused toward the another sly wink I murmured with a slight chuckle, “Good luck feeder. with this one.” A short few minutes later two fearless fawns losing spots emerged from the brush. Ethan gasped beside me, breathlessly After stuttering and stammering a bit, Corey replied, “You whispering in a gush of words, “OH MY GOSH!!! Oh my gosh! know, Ethan, that’s a good question. My only answer is that I Look, Dad, REAL LIVE DEER!” I had to stifle my laughter while have no excuse. I’ve gotten so caught up in making money and at the same time I felt a rush of excitement much like I knew trying to climb the corporate ladder that I’m guilty of neglecting Ethan was experiencing at this very moment. “Oh! Here comes my duties as a father. You’re old enough to learn how to hunt another one,” he exclaimed, “It’s even BIGGER!” but you’ll have to bear with me, son, as I’m rusty as an old nail.” Having slung corn across the entire front yard, it wasn’t long before fourteen bucks, doe, and fawns helped themselves to a free meal. As we whispered back and forth a few would occasionally pause to stare but otherwise all were content allowing us to watch them. Two squirrels and two cottontails scampered around, too, when suddenly a covey of bobwhite quail appeared. Ethan was astounded while Corey stated he had forgotten how enjoyable it was to simply watch nature. A semi-truck with a clatter drove by slowly on the nearby highway. All deer alerted. Several doe stomped their feet and snorted loudly, causing Ethan to ask what was happening. Before he finished the question, white flags were flying as every deer sought the safety of the brush. “Wow! What was that all about? Have you ever seen anything like that, Dad? Where’d they go?” Enthusiasm, as well as curiosity, was evident in Ethan’s voice. “Yes, son, I have but it’s been a very long time. Too long.” La Espuela Ranch has hosted numerous urban youngsters through the Texas Youth Hunting Corey turned to me but before Program (TYHP) enabling young people the chance to experience the outdoors and hunting. he could say more, I raised my Could it affect the rest of their life? hand to stop him. With a smile, a wink, and a nod toward Ethan, I indicated we would talk about Clearing my throat, I said, “Well, in that case, Rusty, I think I this later. It was easy to read his mind but I did not want to say can assist you both.” I looked from father to son and back again anything in front of Ethan who was busy searching the brush before adding, “How about we have some lessons in firearms for one more glimpse of a deer. and gun safety with some target practice tomorrow? I think it “That is likely all of the show for tonight,” I told Ethan. “They would be fun and I can always use some refreshing myself.” This will come back after dark. I am going to get you up at daylight was a subject I had broached to Corey beforehand to which he and we will sit out here again. The feeder goes off at 6:45am had been most agreeable. and you never know what you might see.” After a supper featuring chicken fried venison backstrap, Ethan’s expression was priceless. The young man gushed we settled in to watch game camera photos on a large screen excitedly, “Oh, Dad! Can we? Can we? I promise I’ll listen to television. It was an adventure as Ethan and Corey witnessed every word and do whatever I’m told. Please, Dad, please.” interesting scenes of wildlife in action. Deer, turkey, quail, doves, Corey put on a bit of a show like it was a really hard decision squirrels, raccoons and rabbits were abundant. Also snapped but he already knew he had no choice but to say yes. The smiles were a mother bobcat with two kittens, fox, porcupine, a skunk both produced were seared in my memory. with an extra wide white stripe, two wily coyotes and several The next morning began with another deer show. At 7:30 feral hogs though all of these were nighttime photos. four young gobblers joined the assortment of whitetails. Ethan Ethan was enthralled. Question after question flowed. Corey was amazed at the tiny beards sprouting from the jakes’ necks. and I exchanged many glances over Ethan’s head. I related a He expressed a desire to see both a long bearded tom and a few stories about Corey’s parents Sam and Edna. I had hunted hen to compare the differences. This young man had an eager with them many years ago but had known both most of my life. mind ready to learn new things. Ethan was surprised to learn his grandmother had once hunted One night’s stay stretched into two as father and son enjoyed
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an outdoor adventure. A long walk through a dry creek bed, down several well-worn game trails, up a steep rocky ridge, and along winding sandy roads held too many new sights to count. A lesson in gun safety followed by a grand target session introduced Ethan to a 20 gauge shotgun and .22 caliber rifle. He was an avid student, quick to catch on and remember even minute details. Much too quickly it was time to go home. While Ethan packed their gear Corey and I made plans to have further discussions out of earshot of the inquisitive youth. The weekend had proven to be an eye opener for the young father in addition to awakening a long lost desire for the outdoors. The hug I received before their departure was utterly priceless…I knew where this was going and my course was set. Thus began a friendship that would span decades. They returned often, not just to hunt but to also explore every inch of ground I owned. Mom and sister sometimes joined them making their outdoor adventures a true family affair. They even brought Ethan’s grandmother Edna for a visit once. Being up in years was somewhat of a hardship but it, too, made memories for us all. Fast forward twenty years. A single evening watching whitetail deer walk out of the brush sparked an ember in the mind of a youthful city kid that turned into a roaring blaze. Like a huge sponge Ethan absorbed any and everything having to do with nature and the great outdoors. His focus never wavered once he set his sights on becoming a wildlife biologist. However, that was not enough. With a continual quest to learn more, Ethan added meteorology, forestry, brush and range management, and several other degrees to his list of achievements while also becoming an experienced hunter, tracker, photographer, and guide of all types of game. His adventures are numerous, the friendships borne widespread, and sharing his knowledge and experiences has become second nature.
AUTHOR’S NOTE: The above story was inspired by multiple true events based on a mixture of several people’s life events. Possibly considered fiction by some, it nonetheless depicts how a single event, or series of outdoor adventures, could possibly change the direction of someone’s life.
Adults often fail to realize the impact an unpretentious statement, casual conversation, or modest act may have on a young person. It is in this context those of us fortunate enough to have skills and knowledge of the outdoors need to help pass it along to our future generations. The great outdoors along with conservation of our natural resources depends on it. It really makes no difference what activity is your favorite. Hunting, fishing, camping, ranching, birding, cycling, kayaking, stargazing, beachcombing…the list is endless. Think about it. Perhaps it is as simple as providing the locale and opportunity to someone who otherwise might not ever have such a chance. Who would have ever thought that something as innocent as sitting on a porch allowing a youngster to see a whitetail deer naturally walk out of the brush would eventually lead to the creation of a wildlife biologist? Anything is possible. Do your part to point a young mind in the right direction. The power you hold is unknown.
Something as innocent as watching whitetail deer in a natural setting may have a powerful influence on a youngster’s future.
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HUNTING & SHOOTING
PRACTICAL OPTICS BY LON KRIEGER
Stock Photo
“OK, the Vortex Diamondback model. Would you like that bino in an 8x or 10x?” “Oh! 8 power. 10’s give you a headache!” “Noooo,” I say. “What makes you feel that way?” “My buddy has a 10 power and he says 10 powers give you a headache,” my buyer says. “Did he pay more than $50 for them?” “Probably not – he’s pretty cheap.”
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ast issue, I laid out my First Law of Optics, which is: There Is No Free Lunch. Now I will present my Second Law of Optics: You Get What You Pay For. Nothing new here—it’s true with most things. But it generally applies here. This Law only seems to break down a little at the upper end of the spectrum, but I’ll get to that in a minute. A binocular can be had for anywhere from $20 to $2000 or more. So, where does the good stuff start and what do you get by spending more? Let’s start off by defining what the “good stuff” is. It’s a glass that will do the job well, dependably, and for a long time. I have four requirements for binoculars to get into the “good stuff” category: 1) Waterproof and Fog-proof 2) Fully Multi-coated Lenses 3) Phase Corrected 4) A Lifetime Warranty 1)
Waterproof and Fog-proof… These items are easy
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to explain. A waterproof bino must be o-ring sealed on all openings. Fog-proofing is achieved by purging all the atmospheric air and moisture from inside the tubes, usually with nitrogen (or gases like argon in the top-notch units). Bear in mind that “fog-proof” refers to internal fogging, not breathing on the lens or taking a binocular that’s been outside all night inside and fogs up, only to clear shortly. (If they could master that, wouldn’t it be on every bathroom mirror?) 2) Fully Multi-coated Lenses… The best binocular made would be lousy without lens coatings. They reduce glare, reflections and other chromatic aberrations, and improve contrast, brightness and color. Some manufacturers like to tout their “special, patented lens coatings”, but it’s kind of like touting car engines. They’ll bellow on about special valves, cams and injectors, but the bottom line is that they all make lots of horsepower. Lens coatings are like that, they all have their secret formulas, but they all boil down to about the same things, just adding a smidgeon of this or that to tweak the recipe. The end result is better images, and the more lens coatings, the better. Multi-coated lenses aren’t bad, but for a little more you get fully-multicoated, which means that every side of every piece of glass in the binocular has multiple lens coatings. These coatings kind of massage the light as it passes through the binocular and makes the light look better (don’t you look better after a good massage?) 3) Phase correction or phase coatings. Most folks believe that a bino is a tube full of lenses straight through to the eyepiece. Actually, there are two prisms inside that bounce the light around five times before it exits the eyepiece. And what happens when light goes through prisms – rainbows! Optics manufacturers can keep this under control without phase coatings, but it’s much better with them. Basically, phase correction helps keep the white light white. 4) Lifetime warranty. Anything man makes can break, and if the manufacturers built their products for a zero failure rate, we couldn’t afford them. If you’re unlucky enough to get an item that does fail, they’ll fix or replace (usually) for free until you die. That sounds like a great deal to me. But, since
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most manufacturers are offering such a warranty, one has to ponder the reasons why some don’t. I’d stay away. If you step out and get yourself a binocular that meets these four criteria, you’ll have a good, serviceable tool you can take most anywhere in the world and be happy with your new toy. Now here’s the great news – you can acquire one of these little gems from most big name optics companies (sorry, not the Germans) starting around $250! That’s probably half the airfare cost on your next hunt, and these may last you 20 years or so before you want to break down and do it again. As an added bonus, with this class of bino, you usually get other features well worth having, like rubber body coatings, nice wide neck straps, carrying cases, twist-up eyecups (instead of those infernal roll up numbers), lens caps and good, solid hinges that keep both tubes in alignment and collimation (unlike our buyer’s buddy at the top of this article.) This is your basic unit in the “good stuff” category. And from there they just get better. If $250 gets you in the door, what does $500 or $1000 or more get you? There seems to be three categories of improvement as you spend more: ergonomics, better construction, and better image quality. You’ll see things like locking diopters, textured surfaces on the bino body, better eyecups and such as you spend more. They just feel better, which adds up with a long day of glassing. A lot of the construction improvements have to do with materials. Magnesium bodies, stronger hinges, argon purging rather than nitrogen (nitrogen is fine, but argon does better and lasts longer), and better construction methods are what you’ll find here. Now, the Big Kahuna – image quality! This is kicked up with more and better lens coatings, prism coatings, including the shiny stuff that reflects the light (like on the back of your mirror), better lens polishing, and the latest great thing to come down the pike: extra low dispersion (ED) or HD glass. This is wonderful stuff. Also known as flourite glass and other proprietary names, it is noticeably clearer and sharper than what used to be considered the best glass available. And when you get this glass, you also get the finest in lens coatings and polishing, making for a truly outstanding optical tool. If you get ED glass, you’re definitely into the “great stuff” category now. This is also where the Second Law of Optics (You Get What You Pay For) starts to get a little fuzzy. At the upper end of the price scale, the optics manufacturers start getting awfully proud of their work. Case in point: one brand I carry has a topof-the-line, every feature you can imagine, ED bino that sells in the $1200 range, while another outfit known for their optics has their competitive model at around $2400. I’ll defy you to see $1200 worth of difference – or any difference for that matter! And what about all the binos that didn’t make it to the “good stuff”? There’s a place in the world for them, too. Let’s make two categories: Almost There, and Not in Your Gear Bag. There are several models in the $100 to $200 range that are really not bad. In fact, they are probably better than 75% of the typical deer hunters’ glass. Usually waterproof, fog-proof and multicoated, these are good candidates for kids and the uninitiated, or as a loaner or backup bino. I don’t believe any TDA member would seriously consider using a binocular costing less than $100 as their main glass any more than they would use a straight out of the cosmolene WWII surplus military rifle as their go-to gun. Sure, it can be done, but do you really want to put yourself though it? But they definitely have their place! I would much rather see some guy in camp with a $35 special than with no glass at all because he won’t end up using the scope on his loaded rifle (probably
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a surplus WWII number) to look at me as I sneak up the other side of the canyon. Hurray for the $35 special! The title of this column is “Practical Optics” and here are three more quick practical tips for you: 1) If you’re comparing two different priced models of binoculars and can’t see the difference – don’t pay for it. Just be sure you’ve compared them long and well with all-day use in mind. On the other hand, if the more expensive model is a little nicer but you’re not sure if it’s worth it, bear in mind that $100200 more over ten or twenty years is peanuts. 2) If you are about blind in one eye, look into a monocular. They’re a whole lot cheaper, but a little harder to hold steady. 3) Get a good binocular harness, especially with heavier binos. They are the best $20 you can spend in the hunting world.
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STOCK Thank You! Blake Revels for the opportunity to co-own such an awesome buck
HUNTING & SHOOTING
NIGHTTIME IS THE RIGHT TIME… FOR HOG HUNTING BY LUKE CLAYTON
This lightweight rifle in .223 caliber topped with a night scope and loaded with shooting Full Boar ammo is the author’s idea of the perfect rig for night hunting. Photos by Luke Clayton
I
arrived at the spot where I have been baiting hogs about 6 p.m. a cold late winter afternoon. The sun was about to dip over the horizon, and as I made the walk back into the bottoms where my ground blind and baited area awaited, I had that “feeling” that this was going to be an exciting night. Wild hogs often become almost entirely nocturnal during the winter months when cover is sparse; they’ve been exposed to hunter pressure for several months and, being the highly intelligent animals they are, prefer to feed under the cover of darkness when they have the woods to themselves. The critter’s eyesight is touted as being pretty bad but I’ve seen them spot movement and spook from at least a couple hundred yards away. What they might be missing in the eyesight department is more than compensated for in their olfactory system. I have intentionally scattered corn in heavy cover including oak leaves six inches deep and watched hogs sniff out and devour every kernel. I have my trail camera mounted to an oak sapling a few feet from a spot back in the woods where I hand-feed a couple of gallons of corn on an almost daily basis. The spot is a short 15 minute ride on my “hunting buggy” from my house, and I enjoy studying the porkers. For the past 14 years, I have annually harvested several hogs from this spot. The images the camera captured indicated there was a smorgasbord of wild hogs coming to my hotspot. Most of the activity was between 8 and 10 p.m. My hog honey hole is situated between a slough and several old gravel pits that hold water year-round. It is a natural travel corridor for all wildlife and a hotspot for hogs that live in the area, and also those “roving” sounders that are often on the move during the winter months in search of food when agricultural crops and native mast is depleted. Soon after I settled into my blind, darkness descended on the remote stretch of bottomland. Stars began to twinkle from the heavens and a sense of tranquility settled over the
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dark woods. There’s something very exciting about spending time in the woods anytime, but especially so on a cold, quiet winter’s night. Thanks to the images on my trail camera, I felt almost positive that wild hogs would be disturbing my peaceful setting, assuming I stayed put for a couple hours. Every little sound was magnified by the darkness. I heard a distant pack of coyotes open up with their evening serenade and a couple of owls shared greetings somewhere back in the blackness I use a Photon XT by Sightmark for all my night hunting. While there are much more expensive night hunting scopes on the market, I’ve found the Photon XT to be ideal for my kind of hunting. I have no need to shoot farther than 100 yards at night and most of the hogs I kill with my style of hunting over baited areas are at 50 yards or less. I set up to shoot hogs at 100 yards or less and on a moonlight night, it’s easy to see and shoot at greater distances. The scope has the ability to generate infrared light on nights with little or no ambient light. If there’s moonlight, the scope provides good visibility without using the infrared feature. I have the Photon mounted on a bolt action Mossberg .223 Patrol rifle which is relatively short, light, and easy to handle. Some hog hunters might consider this a bit light for hog hunting, but I’ve taken lots of hogs with this fast little caliber. If the bullet is properly placed, I’ve found the caliber excellent for close-in work on wild hogs, regardless of their size. Because I am hunting for food, I wait until the hog is in position for a shot that damages little meat. A .223 bullet placed in the upper neck, just behind the hog’s head, will anchor the biggest boar in the woods. Bullet choice is important when hunting hogs and I have had excellent results, even with the lighter caliber using Hornady Full Boar ammo. These bullets provide good penetration and expansion. I set my bipod up and cradled the forestock of the little rifle on the shooting rest. Peering through the scope, the blackness
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of smaller hogs and a couple times, the guttural grunt that I knew was emitted by a big boar. Such a boar was the first to come into view through the night scope. He was big and black, and dominated the feeder for at least ten minutes, before he moved into the night and a couple of smaller hogs (the eaters I was looking for), appeared out of the blackness. I centered the red crosshairs of the night scope just behind the ear of one of the porkers and at the crack of the little rifle, my target hit the ground. I field dressed the young boar which weighed about 130 pounds and hung him from a rope I’d swung over the lower limb of an oak. I hung my cap on a bush nearby to deter that roving pack of coyotes; I wanted ALL the pork for myself! Butchering could wait until tomorrow. I headed back out of the woods and made the short drive back home. I’d be busy the next morning transforming my hog into pork chops and cured ham!
This young boar will make plenty of sausage, ham and pork chops. turned to a green hue and I could easily see everything within 40 yards without the use of the onboard infrared light system. The red crosshairs were bright and I knew they were adjusted correctly for the yardages I planned to shoot. I’d spent plenty of time making ready for this hunt, and the sharp, bright images I saw through the scope sent my confidence level through the roof. The first critters coming into view were a couple of raccoons. I watched their eyes “bouncing” through the woods until they approached my feeder, then—through the night scope—they became crystal clear. As the pair crunched away on the corn that the feeder had scattered on the forest floor, I tested the scope. Absolutely no problem seeing or shooting an animal as small as a raccoon; this night scope was going to be perfect for night hog hunting. Next appeared a big swamp rabbit that joined the raccoons for an early evening snack. I must admit, I was tempted to take aim at that big, 6 pound rabbit. Nothing is more tasty than fried rabbit with gravy and biscuits unless, of course, it’s fresh pork chops from the wild! Then, while studying the animals in front of the feeder. I noticed a flicker of movement through the scope. A bobcat had appeared on the scene, probably eyeing up the big rabbit for dinner! I watched the show for about ten minutes then, in a flash, the cat made his move. The rabbit was one jump ahead and both disappeared in the darkness. The outcome of this race I’ll never know but, secretly, I was rooting for the rabbit. I know the cat and I had both assumed the role of predators but I was hunting a much more menacing and tasty prey: the feral hog! After a couple hours enjoying the solicitude and sights and sounds of the winter woods, I heard a distant sound with which I was all too familiar: animals pulling their feet out of the mud as they traveled a well-used trail. On occasion, I heard the squeal
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Hogs and pigs aplenty… Trail cameras are the night hog hunters’ most useful tool. The author watches his camera closely and when hogs are hitting his corn at a reasonable hour, he heads to the woods for a night hunt.
CURING HAM A few years ago, I learned just how easy it is to cure and smoke ham from the wild hogs that I shoot. Rather than cure the entire ham bone-in, I much prefer curing pieces of the upper part of the hindquarter and both backstraps using a sugar cure. Begin with cuts of prime pork weighing about two pounds and rub the cure well into the meat. I then add additional dark brown sugar, as I place the cuts of meat in a plastic storage bag and allow the meat to cure in the refrigerator for six or seven days. Next, I smoke it several hours at low temperature, making sure not to dry it out. It is sometime necessary to apply a little olive oil to the pieces of ham as they slow smoke. Remember, this is the cold smoking process, and you are not actually cooking the cured meat. I use an electric smoker so that I can easily keep the temperature at 150 degrees. If you use a wood-fired smoker, you’ll have to keep a close eye on the temperature and never let it get above 150 degrees. Through the years, I’ve made and eaten a lot of sugar cured ham from wild hogs I’ve harvested. It makes a great addition to a big breakfast of eggs, potatoes and biscuits!
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HUNTING & SHOOTING
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS IN OUR 2016 TDA #BUCKFEVER HARVEST PHOTO CONTEST! HELEN, 6
“2016 was my most exciting year ever because I killed my first deer!” said young Helen. We are so proud of you! Keep up the great work!
TONY HAWK
“I killed that buck down in south Texas—Duval Count—on December 3rd. I shot him at 17 yards with my Mathews Chill SDX... that was my 4th buck over 200” with a bow…”
GLORIA BOENKER
Gloria took this a few days after Christmas with her brand new Obsession bow—a gift she had received from her husband a few months before. “Third time was the charm,” she said. “After missing two shots—one at 20 yards that grazed the deer and one at 30 yards that was a complete miss—the buck came back in and gave her one more 20 yard shot and she downed him! She is pictured here after her hunt with her youngest daughter, Quinlie.
ALEXIS FLETCHER
Alexis harvested this beautiful deer with a Howa 1500 6.5 Creedmoor in her home county of McCulloch—this biggest buck she’s ever killed! This hunt was a 6th anniversary present, and she was incredible excited about it. “I definitely had Buck Fever,” she recalls. “I was shaking the whole time!” She says her favorite part of hunting is to see how smart the animals smart they are, how they interact with one another. We can’t wait to see photos from your next hunt, Alexis!
GREG WILSON
Pearsall, TX
ELLA, 11
Ella says she had practiced with her Dad for quite a while preparing for her hunt, so that when the time came she would be ready. When the deer walked out, she knew this was her chance. Ranch owner Al Boenker helped Ella get lined up for her shot. “I got my gun ready, and I was all propped up where I needed to be. I was ready but nervous at the same time, and was trying not to close my eyes! Then I pulled the trigger and shot it!” When asked if she would like to go hunting again next season, she responded, “Definitely! It’s great!” Ella and her father especially wanted to thank Al and Quad Boenker for being gracious hosts on his daughter’s first hunt.
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INDUSTRY NEWS First case of chronic wasting disease detected in free-ranging Texas Whitetail FROM THE WIRE AND NEWS REPORTS Chronic wasting disease has been detected in a hunter-harvested 1 1/2 –year-old white-tailed buck submitted for sampling within Surveillance Zone 3 in Medina County, according to a release by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). It is the first confirmed case of CWD in a free-ranging Texas whitetail. The TPWD and Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) are taking steps to deploy an early detection and containment strategy designed to limit the spread of CWD from the affected area and better understand the distribution and prevalence of the disease. “Although the disease has been discovered in a free ranging whitetail in this area, we cannot draw any conclusions at this time based on one detection,” said Dr. Bob Dittmar, TPWD’s Wildlife Veterinarian. “The proactive measures we are taking as part of our epidemiological investigation into this case are in line with the state’s strategies to prevent this disease from spreading any further. The more effective we are at containing this disease within a limited geographic area, the better it will be for our wildlife resources and all those who enjoy them.” Effective immediately under an executive order issued by TPWD Executive Director Carter Smith, Surveillance Zone 3 (SZ3), which extends across portions of Bandera, Medina and Uvalde counties, is now a CWD Containment Zone and all associated rules for that designation are in effect. Those rules include restrictions on the movements of carcass parts as well as live deer possessed under the authority of a permit. The department is also implementing mandatory CWD testing of hunter harvested deer within this containment zone. While the general deer hunting season is over, TPWD will continue to collect samples from Managed Lands Deer Program properties in the new containment zone as well as roadkills. The department is seeking as many additional samples for testing as it can obtain in order to get a better handle on the geographic extent and prevalence of the disease in this area.
Elk, Red Deer, Sika Deer Proposed Intrastate Rules for Movement in the State of Texas FROM THE EXOTIC WILDLIFE ASSOCIATION On Tuesday, December 13, 2016 the Texas Animal Health Commission met to consider newly proposed rules for the movement of elk, red deer and sika within the State of Texas. State Veterinarian, Dr. Andy Schwartz presented the proposed rule, which was a product of the CWD working group who has met regularly over the past year. The proposed rule was unanimously adopted by the Texas Animal Health Commission and will now go out for a 30 day public comment period. A link will be provided by the EWA so that our members can comment on the proposed rule and a detailed link outlining the various requirements of the intrastate rule will also be sent to our membership. The basics of the newly proposed regulations, in order to move within the State, are as follows: 1. The originating premise must have a premise ID number issued by the Texas Animal Health Commission as well as a premise ID number issued to the receiving premise. 2. Any elk, red deer or sika leaving a premise alive must have a visible USDA RFID tag approved by the Texas Animal Health Commission. 3. Before leaving the originating premise a transfer paper shall be activated with the Texas Animal Health Commission. This transfer paper must list the identification of the elk, red deer, or sika being transferred and must also list the premise ID of the receiving premise.
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4. Three elk, red deer, or sika mortalities each year shall be tested for CWD. (This can be from hunter harvest, natural mortality, slaughter surveillance, etc.) 5. A mortality log supplied by the Texas Animal Health Commission shall be kept at each premise listing the RFID numbers of any elk, red deer, or sika mortality and the results of the CWD test.
Missouri: Hearing Held on Captive Cervids Bill FROM STAFF & NEWS REPORTS JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Recently, Missouri’s Senate Agriculture, Food Production, and Outdoor Resources Committee heard testimony on a bill that would transfer oversight of captive cervids to the state’s Department of Agriculture. Committee Chairman Sen. Brian Munzlinger presented SB 123. “What this bill does is allow one of our agricultural industries here in Missouri to actually sell the meat that they raise,” testified Munzlinger. Focusing on the potential economic benefits of allowing the nearly 250 Missouri deer farms to more easily sell venison, Munzlinger explained the impact that the industry has in the state. Currently, the majority of the 500 to 1000 tons of venison imported each year comes from New Zealand. The senator contended that this represents millions of dollars that could stay in Missouri. Those who opposed the bill included conservationists and environmentalists, arguing on the matter of regulatory authority. Brandon Butler of the Conservation Federation of Missouri stated: “We believe the MDC, the agency tasked with regulating the state’s wildlife resources, must maintain control of all deer species, wild and captive, to protect all deer in our state.” The president of the Missouri Deer Association Jacques deMoss, stated that the Department of Conservation had previously attempted to put deer farms and hunting lodges out of business via lawsuits and rule changes. “White-tail breeders and hunting ranch operators are small business owners fighting to protect their industry,” deMoss said in support of the bill. “This is not about CWD; it’s about private property rights.”
New Guidelines on Medicated Feed for Deer TDA STAFF The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recently released a “Compliance Policy Gude” regarding extralabel use of chlorotetracycline (CTC) for minor species, including deer. Important information for both veterinarians and end users is contained in the document, which you can find on the TDA website.. Currently the new Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) form for minor species has not been put out by the FDA, so veterinarians are asked to continue to use script protocol that they have been using for CTC. This protocol is where the vet who has client relationship with the deer breeder fills out approved script for medicated feed. This script is good for 90 days or for the prescribed treatment period they dictate. Important points to note are: 1) Breeders can continue to utilize CTC for therapeutic purposes in rations for whitetail deer in confinement after January 1, 2017. 2) A Vet-Client relationship must be in place. 3) A Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) or version of it must be filled out by a veterinarian along with separate written recommendation with whom the end user has this relationship. 4) Feed can only be manufactured for treatment period prescribed or 6 months max with this recommendation. 5) Record of The Form/VFD and separate written recommendation by vet must be maintained for a period of two years. 6) It is important to consult your vet prior to requesting CTC in a ration (or utilizing any medication for that matter) to ensure the optimal health and well-being of the deer.
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FROM THE CAPITOL
General History and Purpose of the Lacey Act GILBERT ADAMS, FORMER TDA PRESIDENT The regulation, conservation and management of wild animals or game had historically been solely within the jurisdiction of the various individual states prior to 1900 under the theory that each state would and should manage its natural wildlife resources pursuant to the public trust doctrine, which dates back as early as England’s Magna Carta signed in 1215. Except on federally owned lands, the federal government had no jurisdictional or authority to regulate or manage game herds. However, by the turn of the century, commercial hunting and liberal or non-existent bag limits threatened game populations, some to the point of extinction. The Lacey Act (named for its principal sponsor Iowa Representative John Lacey) was signed in to law in 1900 by President William McKinley, making the federal government a partner with the respective states in regulating, managing and conserving wild animals. Initially the Lacey Act made it a federal crime to cross over state lines with a game animal that had been illegally captured or killed according to State or local law, including Indian Reservations. Congress used its powers granted to it by the U.S. Constitution to regulate interstate commerce to create for itself both criminal and civil jurisdiction to regulate, punish and restore wild animals across the United States. The Lacey Act has been amended several times since its initial passage and now encompasses not only native and exotic animals and birds, but also reptiles, fish, plants and trees. Too, over the years the definition of “interstate commerce” has expanded broadly with technological innovation to include the U.S. Mail and telecommunications such as facsimile and wire transfer of money. The Lacey Act and subsequently created federal laws including the Pittman-Robertson Act - which provided a means for the collection of taxes from the purchase of firearms and ammunition to fund wildlife conservation - together with efforts from private, nonprofit conservation organizations are widely credited for halting the decimation of and restoring wildlife species and populations resulting from commercialized hunting which occurred at the end of the Nineteenth and the beginning of the Twentieth centuries.
New Federal Cabinet Appointees TDA STAFF With the recent election and inauguration of President Donald Trump, a brand new slate of Cabinet members are being appointed to fill the nation’s top departmental spots. Among these appointed Cabinet members are Secretary Ryan Zinke of the Department of the Interior and nominee Governor Sonny Perdue to the Department of Agriculture. Secretary Zinke is a former member of Congress who served on the House Natural Resources committee. The 55 year-old former Navy Seal was born and raised in Montana, and graduated from the University of Oregon. The Secretary of the Interior is the head of the U.S. Department of the Interior, the branch of federal government responsible for managing most natural resources and federal land. A number of
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agencies fall under the purview of the Department of the Interior, including the National Park Service (NPS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The Secretary both serves on, and appoints members to, the National Park Foundation board. To learn more about the Department of the Interior, visit www. doi.gov. You may follow Secretary Zinke on Twitter (@RyanZinke) and Facebook (@RyanZinke or @CongressmanRyanZinke) Governor Sonny Perdue, age 70, served as the governor of Georgia from 2003-2011. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia and is a former veterinarian and small business owner. Most recently, he served on Trump’s agricultural advisory committee when he campaigned for office. The Agriculture Secretary heads up the US Department of Agriculture, which incorporates both the National Forest Service and the US Cooperative State Research, Education & Extension Service. As of this printing, Gov. Perdue was still awaiting confirmation. For more information on the U.S. Agriculture Department, visit www.usda.gov.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE TDA STAFF House Bill 904 Rep. Poncho Nevarez out of Eagle Pass has filed House Bill 904, relating to the classification of exotic and nongame animals. This bill would require the state to consider elk as a “wildlife” species, instead of their current agriculture designation. This chance would drastically alter the dynamic of how the state’s robust elk population has been treated for years. TDA is OPPOSED to this bill. We believe elk should remain to be designated as an agriculture species, falling within the oversight of the Texas Animal health Commission. House Bill 1100 Rep. Terry Canales out of Edinburg has filed House Bill 1100, relating to the issuance of a permit to host a charity hunt outside the regular hunting season. This bill would allow landowners to apply for a permit to host a charitable hunt within two weeks of the regular hunting season. Any proceeds received by the landowner would be donated to a charitable nonprofit organization. TDA will monitor this bill. Senate Bill 626 Senator Schwertner out of Georgetown filed Senate Bill 626 this week, relating to the acquisition of certain real property in conjunction with the acquisition of real property for a public use through eminent domain procedures. This bill would require the condemning entity to make two separate offers to the property landowner. One for the portion private property needed for the desired project. Secondly, a separate offer for the property not subject to condemnation by the entity. TDA will monitor this bill. Senate Bill 627 Senator Schwertner also filed Senate Bill 627, relating to notice of a property owner’s rights relating to the examination or survey of property by an entity with eminent domain authority. This bill strengthens landowner’s rights by giving them the right to refuse grant permission, allow the landowners to negotiate terms and makes the entity responsible for any damages arising during an examination or survey of private property. TDA will monitor this bill.
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PARTING SHOT
AHHH, SPRING AND ALL THAT COMES WITH IT! BY JUDY BISHOP JUREK
Photos by Judy Bishop Jurek
F
resh bright new green growth on trees and grass, newborn calves and colts running and bucking, farmers and gardeners planting, fish flouncing, turkey gobblers displaying amorous affections for a homely hen, the Easter bunny â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ahhh, it must be Spring! You can feel it in the air as bugs appear to bite and sting. Winds blowâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;sometimes for days on end. Showers pop up while thunderstorms with lightning, hail, and possible flooding may cause havoc in small areas or across vast expanses. Heat and humidity become more noticeable. Ugghh. Spring will be sprung and summer is close behind, but first is spring turkey season across the Lone Star State. What fun! It makes no difference if you are an experienced veteran gobblerchaser or a novice eager to try your hand at calling in a long beard. Spring turkey hunting is a fine time to be outdoors, witnessing the green of spring while anticipating the chance to see a wild turkey waltz.
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EVENT CALENDAR MARCH
APRIL
AUGUST
3-4
8
Exotic Wildlife Association Annual Conference
10-12
Hoffpauir Outdoor Day Expo
19th Annual Texas Deer Association Convention
Lampasas, TX
Kerrville, TX
3-4 Exotic Wildlife Association Membership Meeting Kerrville, TX
10-11 Spring Gala & Deer Auction Hampton Inn & Suites Rodeo Expo Center 1700 Rodeo Drive, Mesquite TX 75149
29 TDA Concert in Fort Worth Wild Acre Brewing Company 1734 E. El Paso St, Suite 190 Fort Worth, TX 76102
JW Marriott Hill Country Resort & Spa 23808 Resort Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78261
SEPTEMBER
MAY
27
5-7
2nd Annual TDA Dove Hunt at G5 Ranch
Lonestar Hunting & Fishing Expo
G5 Ranch, Pearsall TX
McAllen Convention Center McAllen, TX
14 TDA Deer Day at the Capitol
12-13
Texas Capitol, Austin, TX
7th Annual Brush To Bay Fishing Tournament
11-25
Bluffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Landing Marina & Lodge 4242 Laguna Shores Rd Corpus Christi, TX 78418
Rodeo Austin Austin, TX
29
22-25
85th Texas Legislative Session Ends "Sine Die"
North American Deer Farmer's Association Annual Conference
Austin, TX
Dallas, TX
JULY
31-APRIL 2 Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Convention & Expo
OCTOBER 17-18 USAHA Annual Conference Town & Country Hotel San Diego, CA
TOWN HALL MEETINGS Region 6 April 21-22 | Time TBD Turner Ranch
29-30 Lonehollow Texas Deer Summit Lonehollow Whitetails Mountain Home , TX
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center San Antonio, TX
80
TRACKS MARCH/APRIL 2017
WWW.TEXASDEERASSOCIATION.COM
81
Save the Date
m ay 1 2 & 1 3 , 2 0 1 7
brush to bay invitational fishing tournament bluff's landing marina & lodge c o r p u s c h r i st i, t exas
w w w . t e x a s d e e r a s s o c i at i o n . c o m WWW.TEXASDEERASSOCIATION.COM
82
r e e s d u m s a m x i e t t Is Back! JULY 29-30, 2017 ALSO CELEBRATING THE TEXAS DEER ASSOCIATION
18
TH
BIRTHDAY
Featuring A LIVE AUCTION, PEN TOURS & INDUSTRY DISCUSSIONS WWW.TEXASDEERASSOCIATION.COM
83
AD INDEX
4M Whitetails..............................................51
High Wide & Heavy Whitetails............18
Rockstar Whitetails..............................IFC,
ADM Nutrition...........................................54
Hoffpauir Group.........................................27
CenterSpread & Centerfold, IBC, BC
All Seasons Feeders.................................12
Indian Mountain Ranch...........................31
Rocky Ridge Whitetails........................65
Big Rack Ranch........................................50
KDH Whitetail Nursery..........................84
RR Ranch.............................................42, 43
Bison Coolers..............................................41
Limitless Genetics.....................................73
RS Deer & Cattle Ranch........................68
Blue Creek Whitetails..............................15
Lodge Creek Whitetails..........................21
Sexy Whitetails.............................................9
Capital Farm Credit...................................8
Lonehollow Whitetails....................22, 23
Summit Whitetails....................................29
Charquitas Creek Ranch........................61
Lyssy & Eckel Feeds................................55
Tajada Whitetails.......................28, 64, 74
Coastal Conservation Association...35
Mossy Rock Whitetails.............................11
Tejas Ranch & Game Fence.................84
Cross Canyon Whitetails........................19
Outback Wildlife Feeders....................36
Texas Hunter Products...........................59
Derby~Sand~Ranch.................................20
Paco Deer Co., Inc...................................60
The Refuge..................................................77
Empire Whitetails.................................10,81
Purina.................................................................1
Trophy Ridge Whitetails.......................46
Flying 5B Ranch ......................................79
Record Rack.................................................5
Wildlife Consulting Services...............84
G2 Ranch......................................................33
Red Stag Ranch........................................45
Wilks Ranch................................................47
Gist-Kinsman Ranch.................................14
Revels Racks...............................................32
High Roller Whitetails.............................37
Rockin R Whitetails..................................71
KDH Whitetail Nursery
CLASSIFIEDS
84
TRACKS MARCH/APRIL 2017