November/December 2016 Tracks Issue by Texas Deer Association

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Elected EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Elected DIRECTORS & OFFICERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGION 1 Hugo Berlanga Mustang Ranch Corpus Christi (361) 813-9212 Term: 8/2015-8/2016 Sheldon Grothaus Texas Whitetail Breeders Hondo (210) 854-5833 Term: 8/2015-8/2018

PRESIDENT

BOB PRICE

Moss Creek Ranch Big Spring, TX (Region 2) Cell (432) 517-0269 Work (432) 393-5889 bob@mosscreekranch.net TERM 2015-2017

VICE PRESIDENT

MARK HUBBARD

Mark Hubbard Ranch Properties Boerne,TX (Region 1) Cell (361) 816-8400 hubbardranches@gmail.com TERM 2015-2017

Mark Hubbard Long Ranch Boerne (361) 816-8400 Term: 8/2015-8/2017 REGION 2 Bob Price Moss Creek Ranch Big Spring (432) 517-0269 Term: 8/2013-8/2016 Rob Beckham Spring Gap Ranch Abilene (325) 665-7889 Term: 8/2015-8/2018 REGION 3 Dick Cain Trophy Ridge Ranch Saint Jo (903) 821-6258 Term: 8/2016-8/2019 Joe Francks Three Nails Ranch Cisco (254) 631-9400 Term: 8/2015-8/2017

REGION 4 Jordan Smreker Double Dime Whitetails Llano 214-417-6217 Term 8/16-8/19 Lin Poor Texas Wildlife Management Austin 512-423-2716 Term 8/2014-8/2017 Fred Gonzalez Gonzalez Whitetails Uvalde Cell (830) 279-8770 Term: 8/2015-8/2018 REGION 5 Jeff Jones Brown Trophy Whitetail Ranch Ennis (214) 534-7056 Term: 8/2014-8/2017 Mike Wood Madera Bonita Game Ranch Combine Cell (214) 356-7913 Term: 8/2016-8/2019 Carroll Glaser Emma’s Crossing Rockdale (512) 284-0807 Term: 8/2015-8/2018 REGION 6 Chris McDaniel B&C Wildlife Consulting Caldwell Cell (210)287-3226 Term: 8/2015-8/2018

Chris Stewart 3S Texas Outdoors/3S Whitetails Bedias 832-493-0147 Term 8/2016-8/2019 REGION 7 Troy Smith Triple S Whitetail Highlands (713) 725-2723 Term: 8/2015-8/2018 Zac Kennedy JZ Whitetails Gonzales (361) 293-8867 Term: 8/2014-8/2017 Rodney Heller Heller Deer Farm Yoakum 361-293-4635 Term 8/2016-8/2019 REGION 8 Craig Wilson Wilson Whitetail Ranch Fair Oaks Ranch (210) 602-4531 Term: 8/2014-8/2017 Ben Schmidtke Silverhorn Ranch LLC Freer 830-267-1448 Term 8/2016-8/2019 Klint Graf G5 Ranch San Antonio 210-213-5306 Term 8/2015-8/2018

DIRECTOR AT LARGE SECRETARY

ROB BECKHAM

Spring Gap Ranch Abilene, TX (Region 2) (325) 665-7889 rob@sgdeer.com TERM 2015-2017

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

W. CHASE CLARK

Artemis Outdoors Three Rivers, TX (Region 8) Cell (361) 319-6926 Work (361) 786-1877

TREASURER

MIKE WOOD

Madera Bonita Game Ranch Combine, TX (Region 5) Cell (214) 356-7913 mwood@oldhamlumber.com TERM 2015-2017

“Terms for elected positions officially start following the Statewide Membership Meeting held at the TDA Annual Convention. Executive Committee members hold 2-year terms, Directors hold 3-year terms, and Officers hold annual terms.”

Gilbert Adams, III JAG Ranch Beaumont, TX (409) 781-6146

REGIONAL OFFICERS REGION 1 Sheldon Grothaus President Hondo (210) 854-5833

REGION 4 Jason Maroney President Kerrville (512) 748-2810

REGION 6 Summer Wingo President Center (936) 427-2773

Hugo Berlanga Vice President Corpus Christi (361) 813-9212

Chuck Herndon Vice President Utopia 830-966-2301

Keith Payne Vice President Bellville 214-802-7386

REGION 8 Lynn Collard President George West ( 575) 519-8458

REGION 3 Michael Deveny President Cross Plains (936) 554-4941

Grant Garner Secretary/Treasurer Mountain Home

Verona Wilson Secretary/Treasurer Center 254-206-0293

Leo Martinez Vice President Freer 361-207-0980

REGION 7 Zac Kennedy President Gonzales (361) 293-8867

Carrie Collard Secretary/Treasurer George West 575-590-0539

Steve Frisina Vice President Fort Worth (432) 556-2970

REGION 5 John True President Dallas (214) 890-0900 Jason Milligan Vice President Georgetown (512) 635-4327

Latimer Sands Secretary/Treasurer Houston 832-741-3757

Ryan Mills Vice President Gonzales (830) 857-3443

Amanda Ivie Secretary/Treasurer Maypearl 214-794-5755

chase@artemisoutdoors.com TERM 2013-2015

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ADVISORY BOARD TDA FOUNDING FATHERS

EDITORIAL STATEMENT Tracks is the official publication of the Texas Deer Association (TDA) and is published bi-monthly year-round. Subscriptions are included in Activelevel 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. It is the sole responsibility of the advertiser to ensure their advertising contracts are up to date, ad artwork is current, and

SAN ANTONIO

NACOGDOCHES

GEORGE WEST

JERRY JOHNSTON

DR. JAMES KROLL

GENE RISER

(210) 288-1558

(936) 554-0998

1945-2011

submitted by each issueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deadline. Materials should be emailed to publications@texasdeerassociation.com.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

November 15

TDA ADVISORY BOARD

MARCH/APRIL

Bill Grace Salado (254) 718-5084

Warren Bluntzer Lometa (512) 556-7027

Tom Malouf Wills Point (469) 222-2778

Jerry Johnston San Antonio (210) 288-1558

David Hayward Columbus (936) 870-6835

Marty Berry Corpus Christi (361) 767-7200

Dr. James Kroll Nacogdoches (936) 554-0998

January 15 MAY/JUNE

March 15

JULY/AUGUST

May 16

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

July 15

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

September 15

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

REGION 8 Marty Berry Corpus Christi (361) 767-7200 Lee Wheeler George West (361) 449-6000 Gene Riser George West 1945-2011

WARREN BLUNTZER Senior Field Editor

thebluntzers@yahoo.com Editorial comments can be sent to: Warren Bluntzer thebluntzers@yahoo.com Advertising requests can be sent to: publications@ texasdeerassociation.com Direct all other correspondence and address changes to: TDA 816 Congress Avenue, Ste. 950 Austin, TX 78701

TRACKS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

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TRACKS

CONTENT

DEPARTMENTS 10

President’s Journal

Directors Journal

101

Calendar of Events

102

Tracks Classifieds

104

Advertiser’s Index

TDA WORKING FOR YOU 22

News From Abroad

THE BACK 40 96

Snapped In Their Tracks

Did You Know?

ABOUT THE COVER OUT OF NOWHERE By Bob Zaiglin

Do you have a great photo you want to submit for consideration? If so, please send your photo to Warren Bluntzer at thebluntzers@ yahoo.com. 4

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FEATURES

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 30 What We Know That May Not Be So

HUNTING & SHOOTING 44 Procrastinators Beware 56 Squirrels: Possibly The

Perfect Small Game Animal 90

AWARENESS 72 Myths About Cedar

SPECIAL EDITION 84 UPDATE: Protecting Your Best Friend 90 Mother Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Free

Entertainment WWW.TEXASDEERASSOCIATION.COM

816 CONGRESS AVENUE, SUITE 950 | AUSTIN, TX 78701 WWW.TEXASDEERASSOCIATION.COM

TEXAS DEER ASSOCIATION

STAFF

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.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

PATRICK TARLTON patrick@texasdeerassociation.com

PURPOSE & GOALS • To promote wise management of deer, recognizing that hunting and management are lifelong enterprises;

• • •

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR

CECI WALLACE

JUDY JACKSON

ceci@texasdeerassociation.com

judy@texasdeerassociation.com

•

• • • ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

DIRECTOR OF EVENTS

MACKENZIE OLIPHANT

PAULINE PRESTON

mackenzie@texasdeerassociation.com

pauline@texasdeerassociation.com

(512) 499-0466 816 Congress Avenue, Suite 950 Austin, TX 78701 info@texasdeerassociation.com

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 To increase quality hunting opportunities for Texas hunters. 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.

TRACKS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

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TRACKS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

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PRESIDENT’S JOURNAL BY BOB PRICE

PROGRESS – PRO-GRESS

ebster defines progress as “the process of improving or developing something over a period of time”. That is exactly what is happening at your Texas Deer Association! The forward momentum of the association, as a whole, is nothing short of amazing. It is progress I believe every member will appreciate and support. Membership is at an all-time high and with the recruitment/retention program developed and implemented by Membership Director Judy Jackson it is set to climb exponentially. Event Coordinator Pauline Preston has the February Winter Sale event clearly in hand and is hard at work on planning the other events that will benefit members, provide revenue and provide much information and enjoyment for all our members. Finance Director Ceci Wallace has completed all invoicing and collections associated with the Convention auctions and events. She has strengthened our balance sheet by converting hundreds of thousands of dollars from aged accounts receivables into cash through endless collection efforts. Executive Assistant/Auction Coordinator/Ad Director/Legislative Assistant/Do-it-All Administrative Assistant Mackenzie Oliphant has brought to fruition the On-Line Auction Lot Submission Portal we so badly needed, and has stream-lined the entire Auction Lot design/ review process. She is hard at work on the February sale and, as of this writing, is collaborating with our incredible new Auction Committee to finalize the editing of the full battery of auction lots that were turned in complete and on time by you, the consignor. Your timely participation in that portal not only shows your commitment to TDA but also makes delivery of your auction catalogs weeks in advance of the sale a snap. It was Mackenzie’s insight and stewarding of the website development that caused this very crucial tool to become a beneficial reality for you the member. Speaking of progress, I was delighted to meet three new and especially talented TDA team members in the Austin office yesterday. Kim, Kelsey and David will lend their design talents to a graphics art and media division that will provide marketable talent to assist all members in the development and layout of any print and media needs they may have. If you want copy ready advertisement, or media layout they are eager to assist with your every need. No longer is promotion, branding or advertising something you must go shopping for. The TDA has you covered and covered in a BIG way!!!!! Call on them for assistance soon and let them demonstrate the superior insight and techniques they can provide to your ranch or business. At this juncture, I would be remiss in not extending a generous, warm and heart-felt THANKS to Warren Bluntzer, the long-time editor and guardian of our TRACKS magazine. Warren has been blessed with a career opportunity that will be very beneficial to he and his family but will demand much more of his time. With great trepidation Warren has announced his retirement as Tracks Editor so that he may apply himself fully (as with everything he does) to his new endeavor. This edition will be the last to showcase Warren’s masterful hand on the layout and content of the publication he has parented for so many years. Warren – I speak for every member of the Texas Deer Association when I say THANK YOU for all your dedication, leadership, wisdom,

guidance and countless late night hours in making Tracks Magazine the showpiece of this organization. Thank you very, very much. Our next hurdle will be the up-coming 83rd Texas Legislative Session where 181 elected officials will consider the most pressing matters for the state. Your TDA is poised and well equipped to take up matters important to your capital investments and ideals you hold dear. Please take the short time remaining to contact your Senators and Representatives and advise them of issues you require them to defend. Likewise, contact your Executive Director, Patrick Tarlton, and make him aware of matters affecting you, your family and your way of life. Patrick is uniquely qualified to represent this association and you individually in face to face discussions with Legislators and those on the inner circle for decision making. It is not un-noticed, by me, how numerous organizations, both in and out of state, seek his counsel and guidance on Legislative process and substance. You are well represented and guarded by Patrick Tarlton. I invite all of you to re-read my message in last January’s Tracks magazine. We laid out a long list of goals for this association. Without exception, this Board of Directors, this Executive Committee and this staff has caused every one of those promises to become reality for the benefit of you the member. I want to thank every member who rolled up their sleeves at the regional and local level and worked to assist our every effort. The teamwork has been phenomenal AND it was all accomplished in one of the most oppressive periods in this organization’s history. It is for all those accomplishments, as well as the legislative challenges ahead, that I ask for each member to pledge their sole support and financial backing to the Texas Deer Association. I HIGHLY stress that because of the importance of the upcoming legislative session and the ill-intent I witnessed Monday at a re-convening of the Large Stake-holder meeting, I must be VERY candid and tell each member that spreading your support among various trade associations only serves to send mixed messages, dilutes the negotiating strength of TDA and allows opponents to claim support of “industry” by embracing less informed and less capable organizations. The true fact is - those organizations not only DO NOT represent industry but have in fact SOLD OUT industry by opting to foster personal relationships rather than to speak out in defense of their members. Please become a sustaining Pac Member. Please gift TDA memberships. Please extend your membership and that of every family member. Please guide every sportsman and outdoor enthusiast to the TDA Website for at least an E-membership and please have a safe and joyous holiday. Lastly – Thank you for all you do for TDA. 2017 is the year of Texas Deer Association. “Progress,” Bob Price TDA President

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DIRECTOR’S JOURNAL

BY PATRICK TARLTON

‘TIS THE SEASON!

ovember is a much-anticipated season of the year for many. It marks the beginning of changing leaves and cooling temperatures in many parts of the state, and is heralded in stores everywhere as the time to pull out the Christmas decorations! For outdoorsmen in Texas, however, November means just one thing… the promise of another hunting season! Though bowhunting and managed land seasons actually began in October, this month opens the general season for whitetail all across the state. With abundant rainfall in many parts of our state, the forecast calls for excellent harvest opportunities for hunters this year. For many of us—me included—it is the perfect time to introduce our children to the wonder and wisdom that can only be found in the great outdoors. Watching as my young boys sit quietly in a deer stand, breathlessly waiting to see a deer walk out of the trees, reminds me what the season is really all about. As a father, I consider this one of my most important responsibilities: sharing a love and respect for our Texas wildlife and our proud hunting heritage with my kids. Can you remember who it was who first took you hunting? Do you remember the way you felt on your very first outing? The smile on your face when you shot your first deer? Now think about this… that amazing memory did not happen all on its own. That person who drove you to the deer stand gave up a little of their own hunting time to invest in the future of this heritage we all love so much! What if they had been too busy to take you? How might things have turned out differently? Ladies and gentleman, as hunting season approaches, let us make plans to connect with a youngster we know and take them afield. Whether it’s your own kids or grandkids, or maybe the kiddo in town whose Dad is serving overseas in the Armed Forces. Or the kiddos whose folks 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! You know, hunting is a multibillion dollar business in Texas… ANNUALLY. Our state’s economy depends on the revenue provided by hunters each year. But it’s about much more than that. The future of our precious hunting heritage lies 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. As we are told in the Bible, teach your children in the way they should go and when they are old they will not depart from it. When we teach our kids and grandkids about hunting, we are helping to preserve our hunting traditions for generations. So enjoy the blessings of the Texas outdoors this season: the abundant game, the beautiful scenery, the freedom to “hunt your way” and put meat on the table. We have so much for which to be thankful! Patrick Tarlton Executive Director Texas Deer Association

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NEWS FROM ABROAD

ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE CAN OCCUR NATURALLY IN SOIL BACTERIA ARTICLE BY USDA/AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists have found antibiotic-resistant bacteria in prairie soils that had little or no exposure to human or animal activity. Antibiotics have effectively treated bacterial diseases for years, but some bacteria have developed resistance to the antibiotics that once killed them. Agricultural Research Service (ARS) researchers are investigating agriculture-related antibiotic resistance and developing solutions to address food safety, animal production and protection, and the environment. Part of their efforts involves looking at antibiotic resistance in soils. Microbiologist Lisa Durso and her colleagues at the ARS Agroecosystem Management Research Unit in Lincoln, Nebraska, recently demonstrated that ungrazed prairie soils have measurable amounts of bacteria with antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic-resistant genes found in soils where manure was deposited by animals can provide valuable information about what is currently present in a sample site, such as a feedlot. However, the concern is that even if bacteria in manure are dead, their genes can persist in soils. A tool for measuring resistance is needed to identify the source of antibiotic resistance on farms and in the environment, according to Durso. Establishing baseline levels of antibiotic resistance will allow scientists to differentiate resistance caused by human antibiotic use from resistance that occurs naturally. Durso and her team examined native prairie soils that had little human impact and no animal grazing during the past 20 years. They collected soil samples from the sites and screened them for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. They found that all prairies contained bacteria that were resistant to tetracycline and cefotaxime -- two commonly prescribed antibiotics that treat a wide variety of infections -- and nearly half of the samples contained bacteria resistant to two or more antibiotics. According to Durso, data from the study can provide a baseline for what occurs naturally in soil -- giving scientists a starting point for figuring out how best to manage antibiotic resistance in agricultural productions.

ANIMAL AG ALLIANCE RESPONDS TO DRUG LABEL REFINEMENTS REPORT ARTICLE BY ANIMAL AGRICULTURE ALLIANCE Animal agriculture – including farmers, veterinarians, feed mills and animal health companies – is currently working to implement significant

changes in the way antibiotics are used to keep food animals healthy. These changes build on animal agriculture’s decades-long history of innovation and continuous improvement undertaken to ensure antibiotic stewardship, including the design of modern production systems, which have helped reduce the need for many antibiotics. Under a new FDA policy which takes effect January 1, 2017, antibiotics similar to those used in human medicine will be used in food animals only to fight disease under the supervision of a veterinarian. This regulatory change proactively addresses issues raised in the Pew report by ensuring that a licensed veterinarian must order and oversee the use of a medically important antibiotic administered through feed or water. All remaining legally approved uses of these antibiotics will be therapeutic, targeted, uses – meaning only for the prevention, control or treatment of disease. The FDA-approved label for each product – which must be followed exactly by both veterinarians and farmers — designates a specific disease or pathogen to be targeted when the product is used therapeutically. The farm’s veterinarian will be charged with deciding if that specific disease or pathogen is present and threatens the health of the animal or group of animals. The duration of use should be dictated by the disease threat; we cannot tie the hands of veterinarians by removing their ability to make medical decisions appropriate to all situations. Treating and preventing disease is critical to both human and animal health, and it is inhumane and unethical to ask farmers and veterinarians to allow animals to suffer when it is clear disease threats exist and could be managed with the responsible preventative use of antibiotics. The FDA has recently asked stakeholders for comments on this specific issue, and we hope as the agency studies this issue, it will be driven by science and data. The current labels on all antibiotics have all been approved by the FDA based on required scientific research and data packages that have shown the products to be safe and effective. We believe antibiotics should be used judiciously – the right medicine, at the right dose, and for the correct amount of treatment time. Judicious use is not synonymous with reduced use. Withholding treatment from sick animals to meet reduced use targets is neither judicious nor humane. The ability to treat and prevent disease is vitally important in both human and animal health. The new FDA guidance ensures licensed veterinarians will make these decisions and maintain oversight regarding the treatment of food animals with antibiotics, and we believe that guidance should be fully implemented without further restricting the ability of veterinarians to use their medical expertise to address disease threats in food-producing animals.

USDA PREPARES FOR HURRICANE MATTHEW ARTICLE BY USDA PRESS RELEASE USDA Reminds Individuals and Small Businesses that USDA Offers Disaster Assistance Programs to Help WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses

TRACKS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

that could potentially be affected by Hurricane Matthew that USDA has several programs that provide assistance before, during and after disasters. USDA staff in the regional, State and county offices along the East Coast are ready to help. "USDA has offices in nearly every county in the U.S., and we want to remind people that we have a variety of services that may be useful in challenging times like this one," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. USDA encourages residents and small businesses in the potential impact zones to contact the following offices to meet their individual needs: Property and Shelter When floods destroy or severely damage residential property, USDA Rural Development can assist with providing priority hardship application processing for single family housing. Under a disaster designation, USDA Rural Development can issue a priority letter for next available multi-family housing units. While these programs do not normally have disaster assistance authority, many of USDA Rural Development programs can help provide financial relief to small businesses hit by natural disasters, including low-interest loans to community facilities, water environmental programs, businesses and cooperatives and to rural utilities. More information can be found on the Rural Development website or by contacting the State Offices. Food Safety and Food Assistance Severe weather forecasts often present the possibility of power outages that could compromise the safety of stored food. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) recommends that consumers take the necessary steps before, during, and after a power outage to reduce food waste and minimize the risk of foodborne illness. FSIS offers tips for keeping frozen and refrigerated food safe and a brochure that can be downloaded and printed for reference at home. If you have questions about the safety of food in your home, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888674-6854) on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET or visit AskKaren. gov to chat live with a food safety specialist, available in English and Spanish. Owners of meat and poultry producing businesses who have questions or concerns may contact the FSIS Small Plant Help Desk by phone at 1-877-FSIS-HELP (1-877-374-7435), by email at infosource@fsis.usda.gov, or 24/7 online at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/ wps/portal/fsis/topics/regulatory-compliance/svsp/sphelpdesk. The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) coordinates with state, local and voluntary organizations to provide food for shelters and other mass feeding sites. Under certain circumstances, states also may request to operate a disaster household distribution program to distribute USDA Foods directly to households in need. In addition, FNS may approve a state's request to implement a Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) when the President declares a major disaster for individual assistance under the Stafford Act in areas affected by a disaster. State agencies may also request a number of disaster-related SNAP waivers to help provide temporary assistance to impacted households already receiving SNAP benefits at the time of the disaster. Resources for disaster feeding partners as well as available FNS disaster nutrition assistance can be found on the FNS Disaster Assistance website. Crop and Livestock Loss The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) administers many safetynet programs to help producers recover from eligible losses, including the Livestock Indemnity Program, the Emergency Assistance for

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Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program, Emergency Forest Restoration Program(EFRP) and the Tree Assistance Program. The FSA Emergency Conservation Program provides funding and technical assistance for farmers and ranchers to rehabilitate farmland damaged by natural disasters. Producers located in counties that received a primary or contiguous disaster designation are eligible for low-interest emergency loans to help them recover from production and physical losses. Compensation also is available to producers who purchased coverage through the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program, which protects non-insurable crops against natural disasters that result in lower yields, crop losses or prevented planting. USDA encourages farmers and ranchers to contact their local FSA office to learn what documents can help the local office expedite assistance, such as farm records, receipts and pictures of damages or losses. Producers should use form FSA-576, Notice of Loss, to report prevented planting and failed acres in order to establish or retain FSA program eligibility. Prevented planting acreage must be reported no later than 15 calendar days after the final planting date as established by FSA and USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA). Producers must file a Notice of Loss for failed acres on all crops including grasses in a timely fashion, often within 15 days of the occurrence or when the losses become apparent. Producers of hand-harvested crops must notify FSA of damage or loss within 72 hours of when the date of damage or loss first becomes apparent. Producers with coverage through the RMA administered federal crop insurance program should contact their crop insurance agent. Those who purchased crop insurance will be paid for covered losses. Producers should report crop damage within 72 hours of damage discovery and follow up in writing within 15 days. Community Recovery Resources For declared natural disasters that lead to imminent threats to life and property, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) can assist local government sponsors with the cost of implementing recovery efforts like debris removal and streambank stabilization to address natural resource concerns and hazards through the Emergency Watershed Protection Program. NRCS staff is coordinating with state partners to complete damage assessments in preparation for sponsor assistance requests. NRCS also can help producers with damaged agricultural lands caused by natural disasters such as floods. The NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial assistance to repair and prevent excessive soil erosion that can result from high rainfall events and flooding. Conservation practices supported through EQIP protect the land and aid in recovery, can build the natural resource base, and might help mitigate loss in future events. USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture provides support for disaster education through the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN). EDEN is a collaborative multi-state effort with land-grant universities and Cooperative Extension Services across the country, using research-based education and resources to improve the delivery of services to citizens affected by disasters. EDEN's goal is to improve the nation's ability to mitigate, prepare for, prevent, respond to and recover from disasters., EDEN equips county-based Extension educators to share research-based resources in local disaster management and recovery efforts. The EDEN website offers a searchable database of Extension professionals, resources, member universities and disaster agency websites, education materials to help people deal with a wide range of hazards, and food and agricultural

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NEWS FROM ABROAD

defense educational resources. For complete details and eligibility requirements regarding USDA's disaster assistance programs, contact a local USDA Service Center (http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app). More information about USDA disaster assistance (http://www.usda.gov/documents/ fact-sheet-usda-programs-assist-individuals-small-businesses.pdf) well as other disaster resources is available on the USDA Disaster Resource Center website. In a continuing effort to better serve the public, USDA has developed a new and improved central resource for disaster related materials. In partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other disaster-focused organizations, USDA created a Disaster Resource Center (http://www.usda.gov/ wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=disaster-help) website, utilizing a new online searchable knowledgebase. This knowledgebase is a collection of disaster-related resources that are powered by agents with subject-matter expertise. The new Disaster Resource Center website and web tool now provide an easy access point to find USDA disaster information and assistance.

USDA CONFIRMS NEW WORLD SCREWWORM CASES IN BIG PINE KEY, FLORIDA ARTICLE BY USDA ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE BULLETIN The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the presence of New World screwworm in Key deer from National Key Deer Refuge in Big Pine Key, Florida. USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa, confirms this is a local infestation of New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax). This is the first local infestation in the United States in more than 30 years. In response to this infestation, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today declared an agricultural state of emergency in Monroe County, Florida. Additional deer from the same refuge and a few pets in the local area exhibited potentially similar infestations over the past two months, though no larvae were collected and tested in those cases. All of the potentially affected animals are from the same Key. There have been no human or livestock cases. Animal health and wildlife officials at the state and federal levels are working jointly to address these findings. Response efforts will include fly trapping to determine the extent of the infestation, release of sterile flies to prevent reproduction and disease surveillance to look for additional cases in animals. The initial goal will be to keep the infestation from spreading to new areas while eradicating the New World screwworm flies from the affected Keys. Residents who have warm-blooded animals (pets, livestock, etc.) should watch their animals carefully and report any potential cases to 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352) or non-Florida residents should call (850) 410-3800]. Visitors to the area should ensure any pets that are with them are also checked, in order to prevent the spread of this infestation. While human cases of New World screwworm are rare, they have occurred, and public health officials are involved in the response. For

more information about this disease in humans, please contact your local public health department. Using fly repellents and keeping skin wounds clean and protected from flies can help prevent infection with screwworm in both people and animals. New World screwworms are fly larvae (maggots) that can infest livestock and other warm-blooded animals, including people. They most often enter an animal through an open wound and feed on the animal’s living flesh. While they can fly much farther under ideal conditions, adult flies generally do not travel more than a couple of miles if there are suitable host animals in the area. New World screwworm is more likely to spread long distances when infested animals move to new areas and carry the pest there. In the 1950s, USDA developed a new method to help eradicate screwworm using a form of biological control, called the sterile insect technique, which releases infertile male flies in infested areas. When they mate with local females, no offspring result. With fewer fertile mates available in each succeeding generation, the fly, in essence, breeds itself out of existence. USDA used this technique to eradicate screwworm from the U.S. and worked with other countries in Central America and the Caribbean to eradicate it there as well. Today, USDA and its partners maintain a permanent sterile fly barrier at the Darien Gap between Panama and Colombia to prevent the establishment of any screwworm flies that enter from South America.

COWS ENGINEERED WITH HUMAN GENES COULD STOP OUR NEXT DISEASE OUTBREAK ARTICLE BY EMILY MULLIN, MIT TECHNOLOGY REVIEW During the most recent Ebola outbreak in West Africa, health-care workers treated some sick patients by injecting them with plasma—the translucent part of the blood—taken from individuals who had survived the disease. In the absence of an approved drug to treat patients, the hope was that protective proteins in the donor plasma would help recipients fight the disease and recover. A biotech company wants to use this same approach to treat a variety of infectious diseases, with one key difference: cows, not humans, will be the plasma donors. SAB Biotherapeutics of South Dakota has genetically engineered cattle to produce large quantities of human antibodies—proteins that help remove harmful foreign pathogens from the body—in a rapid fashion that could be used to treat patients suffering from infectious diseases like Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), Ebola, and influenza. The World Health Organization recently recognized the company’s approach among six promising new technology platforms that could help respond to disease outbreaks worldwide. “The entire idea behind this is that human antibodies are the natural way that our bodies fight disease,” says Eddie Sullivan, president and CEO of SAB Biotherapeutics. Sullivan and his colleagues engineered the cows by knocking out a section of genes in the animals and replacing it with a human artificial chromosome containing the genetic information to generate human antibodies. They then vaccinated the cows with a target disease antigen, a foreign substance that induces an immune response in the body and spurs

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the production of antibodies. Once the cows have produced enough antibodies, scientists can harvest the animals’ plasma and separate the antibodies from the plasma to create a therapeutic drug. The whole process, from vaccinating the cows to the end product, takes about two and a half months, making it rapidly scalable in the event of a disease outbreak. Scientists have previously tried using antibodies derived from animals in an attempt to treat disease. But animal-based antibodies can produce severe side effects in people. Sullivan thinks this is less likely to happen with SAB’s antibodies since the cows are producing antibodies that appear to be fully human. Antibodies in plasma, also known as immunoglobulin therapy, have been used for decades to treat a variety of diseases. But one major limitation is that so much of it is needed for the treatment to be effective. The benefit of using the genetically engineered cows is that they are able to produce human antibodies in much higher quantities than people can. Sullivan says one cow can produce anywhere from 300 to 1,000 human doses per month, depending on the disease. During the Ebola outbreak, researchers showed that deaths in patients who received plasma from survivors were only slightly lower than a control group that didn’t receive a plasma transfusion—31 percent compared to 38 percent. But that doesn’t mean convalescent plasma doesn’t work; the authors note that health-care workers didn’t have time to measure the level of antibodies present in the donor plasma. The National Institutes of Health is currently testing SAB Biotherapeutics’s cow-derived human antibodies in healthy adults for the first time in a phase I safety trial for MERS. If shown to be safe, the

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company plans to test the drugs in a Phase II trial in countries with local MERS cases. SAB has also partnered with the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases to test its approach against a wide range of pathogens, including hantavirus, a rare but deadly viral infection spread by rodents. While the technology is promising, the WHO notes that it could be potentially costly to manufacture these drugs—at $2,000 per gram. Each cow can produce 150 to 600 grams of antibodies per month, according to Sullivan, which adds up to a hefty price tag. That high cost means that many of the countries that might benefit most from these drugs might not be able to afford manufacturing them on their own, the WHO report says.

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WHAT WE KNOW THAT MAY NOT BE SO ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY BOB ZAIGLIN

As much as 50% of a deer herd can go unobserved while conducting an aerial survey, and many of those missed are those old, reclusive males that support the largest racks.

ometimes the philosophies entrenched in our educational system are not necessarily factual, and nowhere is this more evident than in the field of wildlife management, particularly when it comes to deer. Now there are some things that never change, like the fact that antlers grow larger as a buck ages, and if complemented by a strong nutritional diet along with the right genetic component, optimal antler size generally develops. But not everything is as basic as the three-legged stool philosophy. For example, as a young wildlife student in college back in the 70â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, I was taught that the average annual home range for a white-tailed deer was 640

acres, or one square mile, and firmly adhered to this bit of knowledge until my friend and colleague Steve Demarais and I spearheaded a research project involving mature bucks on a 107,000acre South Texas ranch I managed in the 80's. By collaring 25 mature bucks and monitoring them on a weekly basis over several years, we upset the apple cart when it came to deer home range estimates, at least in South Texas. Bucks in our study covered an average of 1,775 to 3,341 acres on an annual basis with several bucks occupying 8,000 to 10,000 acres, which was much greater than what I was taught. I once believed that aging deer based on tooth wear and replacement was

100% accurate. However, as a private lands wildlife manager on 200,000 acres of prime brush country for 21 years, I discovered that tooth wear varied among deer, even on the same property. As the coordinator of the wildlife management program at Southwest Texas Junior College, I am even more critical of the technique because I now train wildlife students in its application. I inform the students that this tool is not 100% accurate when estimating the age of deer that are 2.5 years old or older. But if conducted consistently, 'that is everyone employs the same rationale to come up with an age of an animal, at least the information can be shared'. If we are wrong, we are consistently wrong.

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WHAT WE KNOW THAT MAY NOT BE SO In other words, a particular animal that exhibits a cupped out lower molar number four may not be six years old, but just how important is the exact age when the animals of similar wear can still be lumped together and compared. There is a big difference between experience and education. One can be considered educated in as little as two years in a junior college, four years in a major college, but it takes a lifetime to become an experienced biologist. For example, as a young biologist in the late 70's and early 80's, I felt like I was observing 90% or more of the deer on the ranches I aerially surveyed, but that changed over time. It became evident that a significant number of bucks, particularly over mature males, were missed as they were observed later in the rut. The use of trail cameras along with scouting around water sources throughout August verified the number missed even more. It may be well known today but back in the 80's minimal information was available on deer activity at scrapes. I actually believed that a scrape was the sole property of its creator, and it wasn't a trail camera that changed my philosophy, but a South Texas buck I actually hunted over a scrape in 1985. The buck, a 15-pointer gross scoring 165 inches, was actually spotted by a visiting friend of mine while it worked over a scrape located on the edge of a

The once accepted theory that deer live within a square mile does not apply to South Texas whitetails.

small clump of mesquite trees located near the middle of a seven-acre oats patch. Informed of its size, I had to see this deer so I spent every free minute I had in that blind until it showed back up. While setting up each morning and evening over a two-week period, a considerable number of bucks visited the scrape, which until that time I felt would not be the case. I also believed that a buck would visit a scrape at least once a day during the rut, but discovered that to be false as the buck I hunted did not return, at least during daylight, for two weeks and I was fortunate to be there when it did. Years later I employed a remote sensing

The inside spread of a deer's rack is its most dynamic feature but it contributes less to the final score than does the beam length and number and length of tines.

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camera to unravel the secret world of bucks at their scrapes. From December 9, 1998 through January 17, 1999, 41 different deer were captured on film at a single scrape. Twenty-five of the deer were bucks composed of 10 yearlings, one middleaged, and 14 mature bucks at least 4.5 years old. Seven, or 50 percent, of the visits by mature bucks occurred nocturnally (after dark). Collateral visits at the scrape included 16 does, three javelina, two coyotes, and one bobcat. From 1999 through 2001, two cameras were employed at two separate scrapes throughout the breeding season, and 240 photographs of 193 bucks and 47 does were obtained. Of the 193 buck photographs, 171 distinctly different males were identified. The average estimated age of bucks was 4.5 years. As to when they visited a scrape, 55% (106) did so during daylight while 45% (87) of bucks did so under the concealment of darkness. As for the 58 mature bucks (4.5 years or older), 50 percent of their visits were after dark. Activity by immature deer at scrapes was primarily during daylight hours as only 37 percent (28) bucks less than 4.5 years visited the scrapes nocturnally, while 63 percent (48) of the visits were diurnal. I also believed that a scrape was a buckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s individual calling card that was visited regularly by the same buck. Based on photos I analyzed, 153, or 83 percent, of the 171 distinctly different bucks that

visited the monitored scrapes did so only once. Sixteen, or nine percent, made two visits; one, or one percent, visited a scrape three times; and one buck visited a scrape five times. The buck that visited the scrape five times was an extremely old male possibly 10 years of age, with a readily identifiable deformed rack scoring an estimated 85 inches. This particular buck visited the scrape only once during the daylight hours and four times after dark. He was definitely an old buck and as a result of its declining physical condition and inability to compete with younger males for breeding privileges, it presumably occupied an extremely small breeding core area, thus showed up at a this scrape more often than its younger, more competitive and wider-ranging cohorts. I also once believed that deer hunting during the full moon phase was futile, but after a long career of guiding and hunting extremely large, low-fenced ranches, I found this to be not entirely true. Matter of fact, as a byproduct of the research Demarais and I conducted, we discovered that buck activity around the clock was greater with a full moon, and that a spike in mature buck activity occurred during the mid-day period. Obviously, bucks high on testosterone and active sporadically throughout the 24-hour period did not demonstrate the characteristic early morning and late evening activity peaks characteristic of crepuscular animals, but they predictably surfaced during mid-day. By employing this information, I was able to harvest several high-scoring deer, including my second Boone & Crockett qualifier around the mid-day period when most hunters were back at camp watching college football. Something I was unaware of was that twin fawns could have different fathers. Research has provided evidence that some 25% of twin fawns are progeny of different sires. The assumption is that while adult males are preoccupied with receptive doe, yearling males still accompanying female family units are readily available when an adult member enters estrous and is accepted as a desirable sire that is until an

adult buck shows up and the youngster is chased off sometime during the doe's receptive period which lasts for 24 hours. Whenever a large deer track is observed, it's generally presumed to be that of a male, but this is not always the case as some doe are considerably large, with hooves as big if not larger than some males, particularly young males. This is particularly the case when the sex ratio heavily favors females and few mature bucks exist. Mature bucks, however, have a tendency to drag their hind feet ever so slightly. When hazing a doe, the two toes are obviously separated with a substantial amount of dirt slung out to each side. The tips of an adult buck’s toes are also considerably rounded while the doe's toes are quite pointed. Another philosophy I have adhered to is that we cannot harvest too many doe, and even though applicable in some regions of Texas, it is definitely not the case everywhere. For example, deer herds existing west of the highway 83 corridor, south of Catarina particularly, exist in an extremely fragile and often harsh environment, impacted by a number of uncontrollable obstacles like the common dearth of rainfall, excessive heat and severe predation. Deer on such areas are referred to as density independent populations which cannot be dramatically reduced through harvest

simply because they are often extremely slow to rebound, unlike those deer herds in other regions enjoying closer to ideal conditions with few predators. I also once believed that a fawn was scentless the first few days following parturition, but this is not the case as a dam often locates its fawn by employing its olfactory system complemented at times with vocalization. When it comes to judging antlers, particularly in my early years, I, like most sportsmen, placed much emphasis on inside spread. It's a common error made by many sportsmen, but in their defense, the width of a deer's rack is its most dynamic feature. The problem is it makes up a minimal amount of a rack's gross score while length of beams and tines make up a significantly higher percentage of the final score. Obviously, it's nice to know the inside spread of a particular buck, but it's imperative to obtain a good estimate of beam and tine length before that trigger is squeezed. I was once told by one of my mentors, Mr. H. B. Zachry, that ‘it's not what you don't know that can hurt you, it's what you know that isn’t so’ that is the problem, and nowhere is this more evident than when it comes to whitetail deer.

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HUNTING & SHOOTING

PROCRASTINATORS BEWARE!

A NEW ROUND OF HUNTING SEASONS IS HERE…ARE YOU READY? ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY JUDY BISHOP JUREK

“Hey, Bud. Just checkin’ in to see if you’re ready to roll out tomorrow around 5:30. I’ve got my gear packed. Won’t take me but a minute to change outta my work clothes and I’m headed to your house. You ready?” “Yeah, sort of…ummm, I’m gonna get my hunting license this evening…and, uh, I need a new set of overalls…is it supposed to get cold this weekend? If not, I can wait on them. Uh, I gotta get the breakfast stuff and check to see if I got enough ammo.” After a few more stutters and stammers, Bud said, “But I’ll be ready. You won’t be waitin’ on me, Jack.” “Oh, Bud, not again! If you don’t know if you have enough ammo then you haven’t shot your rifle in yet, have you?” Jack didn’t wait for an answer. “How many times have I reminded you in the past month to shoot your gun? You missed a good one last year and you said it wasn’t because of buck fever. Man, what am I gonna do with you? I’m tired of holdin’ your hand!” ~

Using a tailgate feeder to spread seed and fertilizer makes quick work of planting food plots for dove or deer season. It’s part of planning and preparing in advance.

Life is full of people who plan ahead, make lists of things to do, and follow to the letter the Boy Scout motto: Be Prepared. And then there are those defined as procrastinators, the folks who delay, postpone, dally, dawdle and otherwise drag their feet by putting off until the very last minute whatever task, deeds, or duties that should have been done long before suddenly yelling, “Yikes! What was I thinking? I gotta get this done… NOW!” Yes, I’m guilty...sometimes. I have to say it’s only on certain levels regarding a few elements in my life. Most often I’m a devout planner as I don’t like unexpected or overlooked things to pop up disrupting my day, a particular hour, fun casual outing, or grand adventure. I penned a TRACKS article about being prepared (‘I’m a Prepper’ Jan/Feb 2015) and I truly consider myself to be one although once in a while I put something off until later. My procrastination most often applies to my writing. My excuse is that I work better under pressure…and I feel it’s really 44

true. That frame of mind stems from a highly demanding job in the oil and natural gas industry where immediate demands often popped out of nowhere thus interfering with planned deadlines. When necessary I can whip things in order quite quickly. However, when it comes to hunting, there is no procrastination on my part. Nor should there be on yours! Everything will go so much easier and smoother with even minor planning and preparation. Break out pencil and paper to create a To-Do List. Believe me, you can’t or won’t remember everything but writing it down and checking it often most assuredly helps. And if you’re like me, you’ll add to it as you scratch through an item completed, packed, or otherwise out of the way. By the time you read this hunting season has already begun. But (there’s always a ‘but’) being a procrastinator there will TRACKS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

PROCRASTINATORS BEWARE! be at least a few things you have yet to do. Perhaps you don’t still hanging out at the range trying to get on target! own a ranch to hunt on or have a hunting lease but do have Have you gained or lost weight since last year possibly one or more package hunts planned. Maybe a friend calls on requiring new threads? Your ripped coveralls still need Wednesday unexpectedly asking you to join their hunt on patching and those blood stained hikers look nasty. You were Friday. envious of your buddy’s muck boots so lay out the cash for your You need to be prepared. Once again, don’t wait until the last own. There’s nothing wrong with your old woodland camo but minute. Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and of course some of the newer patterns in lightweight, more comfortable football season will require time, effort, and energy taking fabrics seem to be calling your name…whatcha gonna do? away from your hunting. Time may be of the essence and you Did you freeze in the stand last year? Got drenched from don’t want to be the one holding things up for someone or being caught without rain gear? Now’s the time to stock up on everyone else! those fat green propane bottles for stand heaters before brutal Start by getting your new hunting license right now if you cold arrives and you can’t find any…anywhere! Pick up a large didn’t on August 15th when they went on sale! And get your quantity of disposal hand and feet warmers for the same reason. kid or grandchild a license, too, even if you don’t think they’ll Check out new headgear, face wraps, gloves, and waterproof hunt or kill anything. For one, it’s for a good cause. Secondly, apparel while you’re at it. If you’re warm and comfortable on should you decide to a miserable day, let them shoot their that may be your Procrastinators put off until the last minute sharpening or first deer you’ll be ticket to tagging a renewing shooting skills. This young man’s bullseye practice shots legal tagging it with true trophy. will hopefully ensure a successful hunting season. the hunter’s rightful Have you tag and not one off acquired a your license…which is hunting dog illegal! or decided As a firm supporter four-legged pal of the Texas Big Game Remington will Awards First Harvest accompany you and Youth awards, regardless of the I cannot tell you fact he’s merely how many times a a lap dog? Plan youngster has not been for your canine’s eligible for a certificate needs as well. because they didn’t The same applies possess their own if you’ve added a hunting license at the constant human time of their kill. That’s companion, too, not a good example if you didn’t have to be setting as you’re one last year. the adult and certainly Keeping that know better. A license is only $7 for youth (under age 17 at the person(s) happy and contented* sure makes hunting life much time of purchase) so spend the money…now. easier for everyone involved. (*See all the above again times Next on the list should be checking your gear. Think about two or more if they like to hunt but want/request/demand all your last hunting season. What did you use, didn’t need, wish their own stuff!) you had when the weather was hot, cold, wet, dry, or stormy, Should you have a place to hunt then you already know the and vowed never to be without again? Start with the basics importance of having working feeders, planted food plots, trail such as binoculars, spotting scope, weapon, ammo, hunting cameras, decent hunting blinds, a stockpile of fire wood, and a blind of choice, mode of transportation, cookware...try to host of other things each and every hunting camp requires. Is think of everything. What needs repairing, replacing, or your cabin, recreational vehicle, or whatever accommodations possibly upgrading? Write it down, please. clean, stocked, and ready for use? Are your deer stands cleared If you had been thinking all summer about getting a new of wasps, spiders, and whatever other pests and varmints may shotgun, rifle, or bow, you should have done so already. While have been using them all summer? it doesn’t matter much on a shotgun, going to the rifle or What about your hunting buggy and the trailer used to haul archery range just before season or right after it opens when it? Are the tires in good shape? Should you add new goop to everyone else is there might be cause for a headache or two the tires to prevent flats from thorns? Do you need to check standing in line. Procrastinators wait too long and suddenly your trailer lights if you haven’t used it in a while? Make sure opening day or time to leave for your hunt arrives…and you’re the license tags are current on your vehicle and trailer(s). WWW.TEXASDEERASSOCIATION.COM

up regardless of the best planning. Learn to take them in stride and roll with the punches by taking the bull by the horns. Stop for a moment to analyze whatever it is as much depends on whether it’s simply a minor inconvenience or something of major consequence. Keeping your wits about you is also a part of pre-planning. By staying calm and focused it most certainly helps those around you.

By no means a procrastinator, Audie Hutson’s fine McMullen County whitetail was the result of scouting, choosing the right spot, and being comfortable in his portable deer blind.

Don’t forget to plan ahead if and when you kill something. Make sure coolers are dirt and mildew free with a good supply of ice if no walk-in cooler nearby. Do you take your game directly to a processor? Have one picked out already? It sure helps to know in advance how you want your venison or wild pork packaged. All sausage, half steaks, ground and mixed with beef for hamburger and chili meat, or maybe a ton of those delicious dried survivor links are more to your liking. Another thing to remember and prepare for is how soon your meat will be ready. While some processors get stacked up, others are finished almost before you arrive home. They do not want to store your meat while you make room in your home freezer. A few may even charge you extra if not picked up within a certain time period. Again, think and plan ahead! What about a taxidermist? It never hurts to have one in mind just in case you tag something that would look great hanging from your wall, perched on a pedestal, or perhaps even in a full body mount. Visit with one of your choosing to find out in advance how you should take care of it as soon as it hits the ground. If using a guide or outfitter, taxidermy services may be part of the package or they may have a recommendation. As one taxidermist once told me, think of your future mount as a steak – you wouldn’t leave it outside all day, especially in warm temperatures. Taking proper and prompt care of the entire carcass, especially the cape, will ensure a better quality preservation of your trophy. Once again all it takes is a bit of advance planning. Too often a hunter hasn’t checked out a particular taxidermist and may not be satisfied when it’s ready. Don’t be disappointed.

Let someone know where you are going and when you will return. Emergencies happen. It may be at home where someone is trying to reach you at deer camp. Perhaps someone falls from a tripod, accidently gets cut cleaning game, or any number of scenarios requiring immediate attention. At the very least you should know what county you are in and the nearest town. Knowing your physical address, GPS coordinates should a medic helicopter be required, and the location of the closest hospital should be posted for all to see if needed. Remember you may not have cell phone service if you’re in a remote area. In case you aren’t aware, your OnStar™ or other vehicle service does not work off satellite but rather cell phone towers so that, too, may not work. ~

Bud realized he’d waited too long and got busy. He knew Jack was disappointed in him and didn’t want to start their hunting weekend on the wrong foot. That evening he bought groceries, his hunting license, new coveralls, and two boxes of rifle cartridges. Able to take a day’s vacation at the last minute, he arrived at the gun range to be first in line before it opened. At 5:35pm Bud was pointing to his watch as Jack pulled in the driveway!

There are always last minute unexpected things that pop 46

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HUNTING & SHOOTING

SQUIRRELS: POSSIBLY THE PERFECT SMALL GAME ANIMAL ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY LUKE CLAYTON

Most squirrels are taken from tree branches, often only their heads are visible as they keep their bodies concealed behind the tree limbs or trunks. If you are using an air rifle to harvest them, it better be a track driver and you must know exactly where to hold at distances from 15 to about 35 yards to make a clean, ethical shot

hy would I think Mr. Busheytail is the perfect game animal for small bore rifle hunting? The reasons are many; squirrels are very challenging to hunt and pursuing them greatly increases one’s hunting knowledge and, they will teach you to become a better hunter! They are also plentiful across much of the state and finding a place to hunt them is usually easy. Finding a farmer or rancher receptive to allowing you to hunt deer but the same people will often open their gates to squirrel hunters. The fact that squirrels are excellent in a pot of dumplings or served with cream gravy and biscuits adds much to a squirrel hunt albeit fewer and fewer people today are aware of just how tasty squirrel meat can be. Did you know there is an organization devoted to 56

everything squirrel? That’s right Squirrels Unlimited (SU.) www.squirrelsunlimited.com is a fast growing organization headquartered in the Arkansas Ozarks that is doing its part to rekindle the great sport of hunting squirrels. The site is packed with hunting and cooking tips. SU. hosts an annual national squirrel cooking championship each September which has been highlighted on National Television. Possibly you are a veteran air rifle squirrel hunter and if this is the case, this “primer” might be a bit redundant for you but if you are not, listen up! I want to get you on the path to some great hunting sport and fine table fare. First and foremost, you will need a tack driving air rifle with enough punch to cleanly dispatch a squirrel from a limb 40 feet up in a tree. As a youngster, I owned a .177 caliber pump air rifle that was very TRACKS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

accurate out to about 25 yards. I killed a lot of squirrels with the state of Texas where I live has several corn feeders and this little rifle, making head shots but I do remember it didn’t whether the ranch is in the Texas Hill Country or east Texas, have quiet enough “uumph” to cleanly dispatch squirrels there seems to always be an abundance of busheytails around with shots to the “vitals”, especially if my aim was just a little the golden kernels of corn which are distributed freely on a bit off. Today, there are many excellent .22 caliber and .25 daily basis. caliber rifles on the market that do a great job on squirrels. Squirrels mate twice each year; once in the dead of winter A squirrel air rifle must consistently shoot very tight groups and again between the months of June and August. In Texas, out to about 30 yards which is about the maximum distance squirrels may be hunted throughout the years except in east most squirrels are killed. Not all rifles provide this kind of Texas where there is a fall season and an early summer season accuracy, my .25 caliber Condor by Airforce Airguns does. in May. I hunt them in May when the “winter’s” offsprings are Actually, it groups tightly enough to kill squirrels out to 50 fryer size and again from October through December. This is yards but these longer shots are the exception rather than the the periods when the young squirrels are large enough to eat. rule. Regardless the hunting tool I am using, I’m looking for I don’t want to shoot mothers (sow squirrels) with babies in a close, humane shot. Just as a whitetail deer can “jump the the nest. string” on a bow hunter, a squirrel is known for being “active”. Shooting squirrels with air powered rifles greatly reduces Even if an air rifle has the punch and accuracy to cleanly kill at the “spook factor” compared to shooting them with shotguns extended yardages, keep I mind that squirrels do not set still or even rimfire .22’s. One of my favorite techniques in the for very long. The fall is to locate an farther the shot, area of oaks of the greater the pecans where it’s margin for error! obvious squirrels My goal when have been squirrel hunting feeding. Look for is a head shot but “cuttings”, small shots to the heart/ limbs that were lung region are nibbled off by also lethal. I just feeding squirrels. don’t like to shoot These cuttings them in the front look just like shoulders; messes “mini” trees that up too much good were chewed into meat. by beavers, the Te c h n i q u e tooth marks are involved in exactly the same When acorns, hickory nuts or pecans are falling or around corn feeders, squirrels can be taken while feeding on the ground. Precision bullet placement is just as hunting squirrel pattern, only important in these scenarios as when busheytails are high up in the treetops. depends much much smaller of upon where you course. Acorn hunt them. I have caps on the forest a good friend floor are another that owns a hunting ranch in eastern Texas. Throughout the good indicator of where to hunt. Squirrels remove the caps year he keeps at least 20 corn feeders throwing corn twice a from acorns before eating the nut; when deer are feeding day. My enlightened buddy knows that if left unchecked and upon acorns, you will find that the acorn caps are not intact unharvested, busheytails would run rampant on his place but rather broken in pieces as the deer crunch the acorns. and eat a large percentage of the corn intended to attract I’ll settle into a likely area and usually lean against a tree deer and hogs. A couple years ago, I went down and used my wide enough to break the outline of my body. Usually there is .25 Caliber Condor to remove several of his pests/potential a “lull” in squirrel movement when the woods are disturbed meals! After a tasty dinner of fried squirrel and gravy, my by an approaching hunter. Give them some time to settle buddy vowed to take the time to clean every squirrel he shot. back down and become active again. Usually, if I’m in a He ordered a .25 caliber Condor to keep the squirrels in good spot, I’ll see squirrels moving about or, hear their claws check and the skillet full! Squirrels are smart and prolific, just on bark. Patience is the name of the game when hunting like wild hogs and try as he might, he will always have them squirrels. Just like when hunting turkeys, It’s best to get the nibbling away at his corn but now he keeps the numbers rifle up close to shooting position so you will be ready to in check and has a lot of fun doing so. Obviously this is a shoot without making a great deal of movement. I often rest specialized way of hunting squirrels but one I’ve used on the rifle between my knees so that I can shift it a few inches many occasions. Just about every piece of hunting ground in and be in shooting position. Once a squirrel is shot, reload WWW.TEXASDEERASSOCIATION.COM

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and remain quiet, within 15 minutes or so you will probably again see movement in the trees or on the ground. If you do not, it’s time to move on to the next likely spot with plenty of squirrel sign. Still hunting is another very effective method of hunting squirrels and one best suited for hunters that have a problem with setting still and remaining motionless. When using this method, I “slip” along through the woods very slowly, sometimes taking ten minutes to cover 50 yards. I’m listening for sounds such as claws on bark, the barking of a distant squirrel or scratching in the leaves. It’s common to hear squirrels well before you see them. Once the sound is pin pointed, it’s a cat and mouse game between you and your quarry. Move ever so slowly while continually scanning the woods ahead for movement. Keep brush and tree trunks between you and the squirrel as much as possible; keep an

eye pealed for a tree to use as a brace when you make your shot. Some rifle squirrel hunters actually carry shooting sticks along but I hunt “old school” and use what is available as a rifle rest. There has been resurgence in small game hunting the past few years and I hope the trend continues. Regardless what game animal one hunts during his or her career, squirrel hunting is absolutely the best teacher. If you take only one bit of information away from this article, remember that a tack driving rifle is an absolute must! Your target is about the size of a half-dollar. Keep your shots close and within your effective range. Now…. Go get em’ you are in for some fun hunting as well as a tasty platter of fried squirrel and gravy after a successful hunt.

A squirrel rifle primary attribute must be accuracy. Luke’s Airforce Airguns .25 caliber Condor is a tack driver topped with the Sun Optics USA 1-6 X 24 scope.

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AWARENESS

MYTHS ABOUT CEDAR ARTICLE BY ROBERT FEARS

Ashe juniper has low, large branches which gives an illusion of a multi-trunked tree.

eople, who live on the Edwards Plateau in Central Texas, are familiar with cedar which is most noticeable on rocky hillsides. The sprawling trees with thick bark commonly form dense thickets where none or very few other plants grow. There are many myths about cedar and hopefully, we can separate truth from fiction. Myth #1- Cedar in Texas is cedar. The biggest myth is that the tree is a cedar. Botanically, cedar in Texas is juniper and is in the Juniperus genera. True cedars grow in the northern part of the United States bordering Canada and in the Pacific Northwest. They belong to the genus, Thuja. There are three major species of juniper in Texas which include Ashe juniper (Juniperus ashei), redberry juniper (Juniperus pichotii) and eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana). Ashe juniper is the most prevalent west of Interstate 35 and is the focus of this article, although much 72

of the presented information also applies to redberry juniper. Ashe juniper goes by many names including blueberry cedar, mountain cedar, rock cedar, post cedar, Texas cedar, brake cedar, Mexican juniper, blueberry juniper, Ozark white cedar, sabino and enebro. The plant is an evergreen tree with a trunk that is often grooved and twisted. Ashe junipers have large branches, which start almost at ground level, giving an illusion of a multi-trunked tree. Myth #2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ashe juniper can be distinguished from redberry juniper by the region in which they are growing. You cannot rely on location for identifying juniper species. Ashe and redberry juniper overlay in many areas, although redberry juniper is more common in the western Edwards Plateau and eastern Trans-Pecos regions. At certain times of the year Ashe juniper can be distinguished from redberry juniper by the color of their fruit. Ashe juniper fruit is a deep blue color whereas redberry displays reddish to TRACKS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

copper brown fruit. In addition, redberry juniper has a more multi-stemmed growth form than Ashe juniper and usually has small flecks of a white, wax-like substance on its leaves. Although it may appear otherwise, Ashe juniper usually has a single stem and does not bear the white specks on its leaves. Myth #3 – Ashe juniper did not occur in Texas when first explored by Spanish expeditions. “Ashe juniper has been a component of Edwards Plateau plant communities for thousands of years,” said Fred Smeins, PhD, Texas A&M AgriLife Research. “The general geographic range of the species has probably not changed greatly since the time of settlement. It has, however, increased in density in areas where it has always occurred, and in some instances spread into habitats where it was previously absent or was in limited abundance. “The exact cause of Ashe juniper increase is difficult to determine. Overgrazing by livestock, which reduces herbaceous plant competition for juniper seedling establishment, is frequently considered a factor. Purposely or inadvertent prevention of naturally occurring fires, along with reduced fuel loads due to grazing, have also had an influence.” Myth #4 – Ashe juniper needles contain a toxin which prevents other plant growth. “There is little evidence that accumulated Ashe juniper litter alters the chemical nature of soil as it relates to growth and development of other plants,” Smeins explained. “In addition, no allelopathic effects have been shown to be produced by the litter.” (Allelopathy is a biological phenomenon by which an organism produces one or more biochemicals that influence the germination, growth, survival, and reproduction of other organisms.) “Major impact of the litter seems to be its physical presence and its alteration of hydrologic properties of the area under the canopy,” continued Smeins. “The thick litter layer is a difficult medium for seeds of other species to germinate and grow because moisture either runs off or it dries out very quickly after a precipitation event.” Myth #5 – Ashe juniper helps control soil erosion. This myth is partially true. “Junipers protect soil beneath their canopies by intercepting rainfall,” said Robert Lyons, PhD, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. “Litter beneath tree canopies absorbs moisture from light rainfall reducing soil moisture. Soil structure is improved by litter allowing better water infiltration when rainfall does reach its surface. Areas between trees, however, have more potential for erosion. Reasons for this are the strong competition of juniper with grass in these areas and removal of existing protective grass cover by increased grazing.” According to USDA-NRCS, when juniper overstory exceeds 30 percent coverage and progresses towards total canopy closure, productivity and diversity of understory plants begin to decrease. In time, with less understory cover, increased WWW.TEXASDEERASSOCIATION.COM

runoff will create concentrated flow paths, and rills can develop on slopes over 10 percent. Eventually, the rills can become gullies with bedrock exposed, and significant soil loss can occur during runoff events. On many rangelands, this level of soil loss is essentially irreversible, and restoration to historic conditions is not possible. A new condition occurs that is less productive for livestock and wildlife. If significant soil loss occurs on a site, the remaining subsoil is generally less capable of supporting native plants, and a form of desertification can occur. Degraded sites with dense woody cover are more prone to excess runoff, continued soil loss, and drought effects from reduced soil moisture. Productivity declines, plant community composition changes, native plants disappear, and less desirable weedy species fill niches. Myth #6 – Ashe juniper reduces aquifer recharge. Ashe juniper is a big water user and prevents rainfall from percolation through the soil profile into aquifers. “Rainfall can be intercepted and lost both within plant canopy and in plant litter,” Lyons said. “The combination of canopy and litter of an average-size, mature Ashe juniper intercepts about 40 percent of the annual precipitation, while redberry juniper canopy alone intercepts 26 percent and live oak intercepts about 25 percent. Most rainfall of less than 0.1 inch does not reach the litter layer because it is intercepted by the tree canopy. “Stemflow, which is precipitation that falls on tree canopies and is channeled by branches to the trunk, gives some trees a competitive advantage,” Lyons continued. “With Ashe and redberry juniper, stemflow allows these species to receive 462 percent and 470 percent, respectively, of the annual rainfall at the bases of their trunks.” Myth #7 – Ashe juniper makes good wildlife habitat. “Although juniper invasion of rangeland generally has a negative impact on livestock production, it can be beneficial for wildlife, at appropriate densities,” said Allan McGinty, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. “Large dense stands of juniper are not beneficial for either wildlife or livestock.” “Juniper is only fair as deer forage in terms of nutritional quality, but deer may eat substantial amounts of juniper berries and foliage when desirable browse is unavailable,” said Lyons. “In late winter, up to 50 percent of a deer’s diet may be juniper. Juniper berries also are eaten by rodents and are most important to robins and cedar waxwings.” “One of the most important attributes of juniper for wildlife is in providing shelter,” McGinty continued. “Thermal cover allows animals to compensate for temperature extremes. Junipers are probably much more valuable for thermal cover in the winter than in summer and in colder climates than in warmer areas.” “Juniper trees provide wildlife species with escape and screening cover: but they are no more valuable in these functions than any other brush species with appropriate density and canopy structure,” Lyons explained. “Escape cover 73

AWARENESS Left unchecked, Ashe juniper trees can form a thicket with closed canopy shielding sunlight from other plants.

requirements depend on topography, human disturbance, brush density and wildlife species. Juniper is not preferred loafing cover for bobwhite quail.” “The only endangered species that requires Ashe juniper is the golden-cheeked warbler,” Lyons continued. “Black-capped vireos do not require Ashe juniper, but use plants associated with juniper such as shinoak, Texas persimmon and sumac. Jackrabbits and some bird species may increase as juniper is cleared.” Myth #8 – Juniper control is illegal in designated golden warbler habitat counties. This myth is not exactly true. According to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, golden cheeked warblers are dependent on mature Ashe juniper, primarily for thin bark strips used to build their nests. Bark is obtained from mature junipers that are at least 15 feet tall with a trunk diameter of approximately five inches at four feet above ground. It is essential that Ashe juniper have shredding bark, at least near its base for it to be useful to the warbler. Removal of cedar trees that could supply bark for warbler nests would be a “take” and a violation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Areas, not considered warbler habitat and can be controlled without violating the ESA, are shown in Table 1. Only some of the myths and misconceptions concerning Ashe juniper have been discussed. Always review coffee shop information with county extension agents, knowledgeable consultants, or USDA-NRCS conservationists to obtain the facts.

Table 1. Areas not considered warbler habitat and Ashe juniper can be controlled without violating the Endangered Species Act (ESA). •

Stands of small Ashe juniper with trees that average less than 15 feet in height and have stems less than five inches diameter at breast height.

•

Pure stands of Ashe juniper taller than 15 feet and with stems less than five inches diameter at height with few or no oaks or other hardwoods.

•

Open park-like woodlands or savannahs, even with old juniper, where canopy cover of trees is less than 35 percent.

•

Small juniper and other trees growing along existing fence lines.

•

Small juniper shorter than 15 feet, and growing under larger hardwoods where juniper has been removed in the past 20 years.

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SPECIAL EDITION

UPDATE: PROTECTING YOUR BEST FRIEND ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY JUDY BISHOP JUREK

Blood oozes from the fang marks two minutes after Zarr encountered a large rattlesnake as evident from the spacing of the punctures.

all it coincidence. Call it ironic. Or just call it plain bad luck! Whatever word you use, it happened to me…or more precisely to my four-legged best friend Zarr. Two days after completing and sending in my article for TRACKS, Zarr was bitten by a rattlesnake. Here’s his story. At 7:30am July 13, I was outside sweeping the patio when I heard a yelp followed by 2-3 loud aggressive “I’ve got something” barks. Suddenly Zarr came running across the driveway from a thick brushy area to circle near me to crouch down alerted toward the brush. This stance was unusual in that he was statue still, eyes focused afar. I asked what was wrong. His stare never wavered. Walking over to him I immediately noticed two blood spots almost 1-1/2 inches apart. Rattlesnake 84

bite! I knew about where he’d been, grabbed a shovel, and we both headed to the general area. Only he stopped short, wheeled around, and ran back to the patio. Having hollered at hubby John, he began looking for the reptile as I called our veterinarian. Zarr’s nose and mouth were already swelling. Dr. David Guitar said to bring him right in so we loaded up and headed to the clinic twenty minutes away. Zarr received one bag of anti-venom plasma, antibiotics, and pain killers but was able to go home within two hours. His head and neck, more specifically under his jaw and throat, grew huge and even the slightest movement caused pain. However, within about 24 hours he was drinking water and 36 TRACKS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

hours he ate a bit of soft food. It took a week for the majority of swelling to dissipate while the fang marks rotted out. Due to a previous accident and the medications being given at the time, we had elected to pass on Zarr’s semi-annual rattlesnake booster. However, he had just completed a new two-shot regimen in early June. Zarr had also recently had a snake-proofing update. However, we believe he chased a cottontail into the brush and ran headlong into the rattler. Since his bite I have noticed my canine is more cautious on our walks and when we check things in the pasture, especially in brushy areas. Recently John was shredding pasture when Zarr and I drove the buggy down a freshly mowed pasture road to check his progress. Without warning Zarr bailed out of the back seat floorboard. He ran back about a hundred yards, refusing to come when called. I walked back, grabbed him by the collar only to have him wrestle away from me. Then it dawned on me – could a rattler be nearby? Looking carefully all around I was about to drive over the chopped up remains of a massive bull snake. Although not a rattlesnake it evidently had a powerful smell Zarr associated with the ground buzzer. Backing up, I got him into the buggy and we left the area. Good boy! There is no definitive way to determine if the rattlesnake vaccine, anti-venom plasma, Zarr’s youth and good health, or the bite site were what enabled my Doberman to quickly recover from his rattlesnake encounter. Most likely it was a combination of all of them. Other than two small scars on the side of his face Zarr is 100 percent. And hopefully he learned a most valuable lesson never to be repeated.

At his worst, Zarr’s throat and jaws were swollen as the result of a rattlesnake encounter and bite. Making him comfortable was all we could do for him at this point.

Two weeks after being bitten by a large rattlesnake the fang punctures slowly rotted out to leave scarring. The swelling in Zarr’s throat took almost a month to totally dissipate but he’s good as new today.

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MOTHER NATURE’S FREE ENTERTAINMENT ARTICLE BY JUDY BISHOP JUREK

Predicted thunderstorms and cloudy conditions followed several clear sky nights of fine viewing the Perseid meteor showers in mid-August. PHOTO by Judy Bishop Jurek

am not what you would consider a star gazer. Oh, I like to look skyward at night and pick out the big and little dippers, check the Milky Way, North Star and Venus while momentarily enjoying all the sparkles above me but that’s about it. Although I downloaded a constellation app on my smart phone I’ve never used it. The universe: vast and unknown to me but always a wish on a falling star! However, since relocating to the center of the Lone Star state, I find myself viewing the night sky somewhat differently. Perhaps it is due to its attractiveness as we’re pretty far from any major city with light intrusion. A recent visit to the truly dark skies of the Van Horn and Alpine areas made me feel like the stars out there were almost within reach. In the last two years I’ve paid just a tad of attention to the Perseid meteor showers. They take place annually from late July into mid-August. As a morning person up before 5am I’ve stepped outside during this time period with a large cup of java to see if there was anything to this phenomenon. A handful of meteors would be seen but after 10-15 minutes viewing the stars I’d proceed to my usual pre-dawn parking space in front of my computer. This year was different. Actually I almost forgot about it until I saw a friend’s Facebook posting of the Perseids. The peak would be the night of August 11th into the 12th. 90

Rising at 4:30am on the 11th, I took my canine outside and immediately saw a short, quick dim streak in the western sky. While he took care of business I spied another one, each sort of like a bug catching a bit of light as it flies past in semidarkness. Sorry, I don’t know how else to describe it. Putting Zarr back inside and getting my tank of coffee, I went back out to stand in the front yard away from trees and the backyard security light. Immediately a bright flash caught my eye but it was way too brief, like I didn’t really see anything but a swift burst of brightness. It didn’t take long for my neck to start aching from tilting backward so I sat down on the front porch steps. That, too, didn’t last long as the stone steps were hard and again my neck hurt. However, the sight of a brilliant star streaking halfway across the sky leaving a long trail made me want to see more. It didn’t matter that it only lasted a mere millisecond. I then tried a sort of reclining position on the wooden steps of the guest house. Aarrgghhh, still uncomfortable. We don’t own a cot or even an outdoor lounge chair on which I could relax prone to view the overhead theater. I wasn’t going to lie on the ground with rattlesnakes, bugs, and other critters or varmints that might possibly be wandering around in the darkness and stumble onto me! Suddenly I TRACKS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

remembered our twelve foot utility trailer was not under the shed but parked out in the open for use in a day or two. I was grateful for gravel, glad I didn’t have to venture through tall grass to get to the trailer. I stretched out flat and immediately saw three rapid glimmers of star streaks. Wow! This might be fun. Using my hands as a pillow, this was an easy way to watch the stars. By now it was 5:15. I didn’t count how many I saw but it was enough to keep me interested and alert. There were some lulls but also a few times I witnessed one after another in fairly quick succession. I had looked up the Perseid meteor showers on the know-all, tell-all Internet. It said for my location to look to a compass setting of 32-39 degrees but that proved false… they were everywhere! From every direction! One may streak from east to west and the very next west to east. Meteors, I prefer to call them falling stars, might shoot across straight overhead, be sighted low near the horizon, or anywhere in between. More often than not they were very short, medium to dim, with a vague trace of trajectory. By my non-scientific calculations at least two in ten would be a very bright white light, either a burst or a brilliant flash streaming an all-tooquick-to-disappear tail trail. Those, of course, were my favorite. I could not help but smile while exclaiming out loud, “Ohhhh, a Good One!” I laughed to myself. What was I doing, lying on the hard wood floor of a trailer staring into the star studded sky? Some people would consider it crazy; my husband John for one. “I sleep the very best early in the mornings. Why waste good sleep?” he bemoaned when I suggested watching for falling stars. He’s a grumpy slow riser while I’m wide awake every morning before my feet hit the floor. My thoughts in the darkness included a very good friend about to undergo a lengthy, complicated, and serious surgery at 8am this very day. I said a prayer aloud, feeling somewhat closer to God by being outside under this twinkling canopy with intermittent flashes and streaks. Thanks were given for this opportunity as well as for having five healthy senses, one being the ability to see such wondrous sights. It was interesting to me how much air traffic I spied with much of it headed due south according to my compass. Some moving lights never blinked while others flickered with changing colors. Many were fast while a few seemed to creep very slowly. Who knows if they were airplanes, jets, satellites or UFOs? I certainly don’t know or can tell the difference. Oh, did I mention I was using only my naked eyes, as in no makeup, no telescope or even binoculars? Nearby vehicle traffic didn’t bother my star gazing meteor watch. I wondered if motorcyclists worry about hitting deer or hogs in the dark as the one flying by at breakneck speed apparently did not. Rough grated no passing, center, and side WWW.TEXASDEERASSOCIATION.COM

stripes had recently been added to the roadway. It seemed almost every northbound auto crossed one (or more) when making the slight curve in the road. The bbbaaa-rrrrapt noises were loud and most often when only a single vehicle. Were they sleepy or texting while driving or what? Suddenly it seemed as if the stars were fading. Of course they were. The sun was edging closer to daybreak on the eastern horizon. I looked at my watch. It was 6am so I called it quits just as I saw kitchen lights come on indicating John and Zarr were now awake. Ah, time for breakfast as my stomach had been grumbling for some time. I vowed to do the same thing the next morning as it would be the peak of the Persoid showers. Perhaps I would see even more. As I stood up it occurred to me the entire time had been silent of coyotes. Hmmm. Usually the pre-dawn is filled with yipping, yapping and long yodeling. Wonder why I didn’t hear a single howl or song? Maybe tomorrow they would sing for me. Smell a rose. Mother Nature offers so much free entertainment all around us every single day and night of the year. Step outside and enjoy the great outdoors of our Lone Star state and elsewhere. PHOTO by Judy Bishop Jurek

I awoke at 4:28 without the aid of an alarm. After taking Zarr outside and getting coffee I was once again flat on the trailer bed, wishing I’d thought to bring a pillow this morning. It was 4:45am. I was ready for the aerial show to start and I was not disappointed. Number eight in the first minute was spectacular – bright and long, seemingly from one side of the sky to the other. It was exciting! Once again it was peaceful. The thermometer showed 77 comfortable degrees while a very soft breeze floated across me. I hadn’t been there long when I heard something. It was a thump, thump, thump followed by a rapid succession of a sort of whipping noise. I immediately thought of Zarr scratching behind his ear, then shaking his head. Must be a cottontail or jackrabbit doing the same…really close. At least that’s what I hoped it was. It was very dark yet a variety of birds were active. Yesterday I had not noticed any birds calling. I recognized the hoot of an owl, whippoorwills sounding off, and the common nighthawk or bullbat that has always been one of my favorites 91

MOTHER NATURE’S FREE ENTERTAINMENT

On his ranch outside Mason, Ray Uherek captured a falling star in the early morning hours of August 12, 2016, during the peak of the annual Perseid meteor showers. PHOTO COURTESY of RAY UHEREK

for its piercing calls. Other birds I had no clue as to what they were. Rustling in the brush several times I attributed to a large armadillo spied a few nights earlier when taking Zarr out before bedtime. Finally I heard a long, lonely coyote howl very far away. “There they are,” I said aloud. About that time #54 streaked across the sky like a bottle rocket just ignited. Out of nowhere it occurred to me that I was once 54 years old…a few short years ago! I asked myself why it took me so long to take time to simply watch the stars. And count the falling ones. I had no answer. Once again I thought how peaceful and relaxing it was to be doing something so effortless courtesy of the Good Lord and Mother Nature. My thoughts wandered to my friend’s surgery the day before. The outcome was not good; he may not be with us long. Perhaps this meteor shower could be lighting this good man’s way to the heavens. I felt comforted for whatever reason and said another prayer for him. As the sky began to slowly lighten in the east, a chorus of song dogs filled the air. While not close the coyote serenade was loud and long with several crescendos from different directions. It was worth the wait. In all my years of hunting and being outdoors I have yet to witness these wild beasts actually yipping and yodeling within view. Watching on television or a video just isn’t quite the same but one day I hope to see a live performance right in front of me. My count had reached 97 when I saw two long white streaks race across barely above the horizon, the second one 92

chasing after the first. The sky was getting very light, the stars fading away by the second. I decided 99 was a good number and quit looking for one more to make an even one hundred. A bat flew by in search of a last minute tidbit before heading back to the roost. I wondered where and decided a nearby highway bridge was likely its summer home. All too soon the star production closed. Thunderstorms and overcast clouds were predicted for the next several days and nights. I was grateful for the clear moonless skies of the last two predawn mornings. The Persoid meteors had occurred in all directions at every angle imaginable, quite an outstanding show. The brilliant vivid bright streaks with long tails were my favorites, stored in my memory to be recalled another day. But even the short ones with somewhat dim light were well worth lying on a flatbed trailer to see. All too often we overlook the small things in life, those factors we can watch, listen, taste, feel, or smell that surround us on a daily basis. Don’t get so caught up in life you overlook and miss out on simple pleasures. Hug someone. Tell those close to you that you love them. Literally take time to smell roses. Listen to the wind, birds, bees, bugs, and even the din of millions of mosquitos on a calm night. Feel the gentle breeze, a summer day’s exhaustive heat, or the cold blast of a crisp norther or a Jack Frost morning. Taste a raindrop like when you were a child. Enjoy the stars at night while during daylight hours look all around to see Mother Nature’s free entertainment. It is yours for the taking! TRACKS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

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THE BACK 40

SNAPPED IN THEIR TRACKS

ALL IN A ROW

PHOTO BY HUBERT GONZALEZ

TRACKS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

THE BACK 40

DID YOU KNOW?

INTERESTING FACTS BY WARREN BLUNTZER

The owner and operator of Warren Bluntzer Wildlife Consulting Services, inc., which serves Texas and the nation in wildlife consulting services.

Texas Urban Dweller photo by Judy Bishop Jurek

Point to Ponder

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Politics sometimes reminds me of a long tail cat in a room full of rocking chairs. See you down the trail.â&#x20AC;? - Warren Bluntzer

Robins

Deer Collisions

When Robins arrive each fall a favorite sight is them capturing earthworms. They use both auditory and visual abilities to locate worms.

Each year there is an estimated 1.23 million vehicle deer collisions in the US. Average $ 3,300.00 per collision.

Feral Swine

Wasting Water

Feral swine are becoming an increasing problem in suburban areas. They cause an estimated 1.5 billion in damage each year in the US.

Households waste an estimated 11 trillion gallons of water each year through faulty plumbing. That is about 40 million swimming pools or 24 billion baths.

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THE BACK 40

GOOD HUMOR

CARTOON BY RICHARD STUBLER

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TEXAS DEER ASSOCIATION

CALENDAR

DECEMBER

FEBRUARY

JANUARY 2017

February 10-11, 2017 TDA WINTER SPORTSMANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ROUNDUP & DEER AUCTION La Cantera Resort & Spa 16641 La Cantera Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78256

December 3-5, 2016 TEXAS FARM BUREAU ANNUAL MEETING Marriott Rivercenter 101 Bowie Street San Antonio, TX 78205 January 5-8, 2017 DALLAS SAFARI CLUB 2017 CONVENTION & SPORTING EXPO Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas, TX January 9-21, 2017 NUECES COUNTY JUNIOR LIVESTOCK SHOW Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds Robstown, TX January 13-15, 2017 HOUSTON SAFARI CLUB 2017 CONVENTION & HUNTING EXPO The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center The Woodlands, TX

February 9-26, 2017 SAN ANTONIO LIVESTOCK SHOW & RODEO San Antonio, TX

AUGUST

August 10-12, 2017 TDA 19th ANNUAL CONVENTION JW Marriott Hill Country Resort & Spa San Antonio, TX

HUNT YOUR WAY

MARCH

February 9-26, 2017 March 7-26, 2017 HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW & RODEO Houston, TX March 10-11, 2017 TDA SPRING GALA & DEER AUCTION Hampton Inn & Suites Rodeo Center 1700 Rodeo Drive, Mesquite, TX 75149

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TEXAS DEER ASSOCIATION

CLASSIFIEDS

Deer - Horse - Cattle - Hog Proof Fence

903-292-0525

TejasRanchFence.com

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103

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T E X A S D E E R A S S O C I AT I O N POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE

Celebrating a Decade of Advocacy for the Texas Deer Industry

What is the TDA PAC and why should I give to it? TDA PAC is an investment to help protect, improve and promote the deer industry in our great state. Opponents to our industry want to impose their ideals on landowners and deer enthusiasts, and create unnecessary government regulations which costs our deer industry and our state thousands of dollars each year. Your donation helps to support legislators who understand our issues and hear our concerns, as well as, to promote our message to others. “Their knowledge of our industry is our biggest asset .”** The success of our legislative efforts in Austin have a significant impact on our industry’s future. Thank you for your support! For more information on the TDA PAC visit www.texasdeerassociation.com **Quotes from The Honorable Bill Brewster

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AD INDEX 7Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Whitetails .............................. 41,51

High Wide & Heavy Whitetails ...........20

Record Rack ...................................... 17

All Seasons Feeders ...........................28

Hoffpauir Group .................................18

Revels Racks ...........................67,75,104

Big Rack Ranch ...................................47

In Sights Nutrition ..............................98

Rockstar Whitetail....26,27,41,51,99,103

Bison Coolers .....................................19

Indian Mountain Ranch ....................... 8

Rocky Ridge Whitetails ......................62

Blue Creek Whitetails ..........................21

KDH Whitetail Nursery ......................102

RR Ranch............................. 29,39,75,82

Brown Trophy Whitetail Ranch ......54,55

Limitless Genetics...............................33

RS Deer & Cattle Ranch .................... 63

Capital Farm Credit ............................ 3

Lodge Creek Whitetails ..................... 13

SASCO- San Antonio Steel Co. ..........40

CC Bar Whitetails .............................. 42

Lonehollow Whitetails .........26,27 34,35

Sekula Whitetail Ranch ...................... 50

Champion Genetics ........................ 102

Lyssy & Eckel Feeds .......................... 77

Sexy Whitetails .................................. 14

Charquitas Creek Ranch .....................70

Massey Hollow Ranch ................... 48,49

Summit Whitetails ............................. 78

Cougar Ridge Whitetails ................52,65

M C Bar Whitetails ............................ 43

Tajada Whitetails ..................... 80,87,89

Cross Canyon Whitetails ......................9

Mosley Ranch .................................... 76

Tejas Ranch & Game Fence ..............102

Deer Star Breeders ............................ 59

Mossy Rock Whitetails ........................ 7

Texas Hunter Products ...................... 64

Derby~Sand~Ranch ...........................25

NADR .................................................86

The Refuge ........................................53

Designer Roofing................................93

Outback Wildlife Feeders..............94,95

Trophy Ridge Whitetails .................... 61

Easley Does It Whitetails.....................93

Paco Deer Co., Inc ............................. 38

TWC Ranch Services ..........................98

Flying 5B Ranch .................................99

Pine Meadow Ranch ...........66,71,79,83

Wildlife Consulting Services, LLC .....102

G2 Ranch .......................................... 60

Pinnacle Whitetails ............................103

Wildpoint Whitetails .......................... 88

Gist-Kinsman Ranch ............................16

Priefert .............................................102

Wilks Ranch ....................................... 11

Goatweed Ranch .............................. 37

Purina .............................................. IFC

Wilson Whitetail Ranch ..................... 81

High Roller Whitetails ........................ 15

Purina Mills - SW .......................... 68,69

Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note: I want to thank the Texas Deer Association for 16 years as editor of TRACKS Magazine. It has been a rewarding experience and one that I will miss. It is time to move on and I have decided to step down as editor. I want to thank all of our readers and supporters throughout the years. I'll always look forward to receiving Tracks, the photos, the articles, and items of interest in each publication. A last note, when the magazine was born, I struggled to find a name to fit. One afternoon, I pulled into my front gate and there it was.... a fresh set of deer tracks in the road. Now you know the rest of the story. Sometimes you just have to look at what's in front of you to find a way! I WILL SEE YOU DOWN THE TRAIL! --Warren Bluntzer

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WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO:

The Texas Deer Association focuses on promoting and caring for the welfare of Texas deer herds, seeking to improve both the quality of the deer and the overall deer hunting experience in Texas. Since 1999, we have grown into the state’s leader in protecting the rights of every Texas hunter and sportsman to hunt on their terms, in their way!

PROMOTING WHITETAIL HABITAT:

Wildlife habitat fragmentation continues at an alarming rate in the state of Texas, as urban sprawl expands across the landscape. In our state, for every 1000 new residents in a county, an estimated 149 agricultural acres of land is lost to population. As nearly 97% of land in Texas is privately owned, conservation of wildlife habitat depends almost solely on the motivation of private property owners to participate in habitat management and wildlife conservation to ensure a hunting heritage for the next generation.

WILDLIFE STEWARDSHIP:

True stewards of wildlife resources must encourage ALL habitat conservation, on properties both large and small. Ranchers with smaller properties must be motivated to invest in wildlife resources and habitat. Discouraging the investment in habitat on smaller acreages through over-regulation, will surely signal the destruction of millions of acres of critical Texas wildlife habitat.

Working to preserve our whitetail heritage and our hunting traditions for generations.

HUNT YOUR WAY 816 Congress Avenue, Suite 950, Austin, TX 78701 • (O) 512-499-0466 • (F) 844-489-8244 WWW.TEXASDEERASSOCIATION.COM