2015
Fencing
ISSUE 8
What to start doing NOW to
FOR<YOUR
<
WATERWAYS
<
<
< <
aWildlife
Exemption
Livestock-Friendly < Exotic-safe and proven flood proof.
NEXT < YEAR
Ducks
Jump start your approach with these late summer and early fall activities
Unlimited: World Leader
Winner
in WETLANDS
Conservation
photo chosen by YOUR vote at LandAssociation.org feat. RecordBuck Ranch
Their impact to date and what it means for landowners
landassociation.org landassociation.org andassociation.org
11
8.........Did you know? W Y
hat to Look for Before ou Buy
by Michael Morrow
16......Species Snapshot: Feral Hogs by Mark Tyson
20...... P
51......Featured Property: Triple S R
54......GOTEXAN
by Ashley Morrow
57......Ducks Unlimited:
artner for All Texans
by Beverly Moseley
24......The Harvest Season
by Bob Locke
62......Featured Project:
Day at Hockley Ranch
by Craig Bowen
28......
H by Ashley Morrow
32......Katch Kan: A Guide to Zero D
rilling for Texas Landowners by David Nygaard
34......Featured Project: F W S
lood-Proof Fencing for aterways
by Sara Noll & Joe “Quatro” track IV
38......Economic Advantages of F1 B
rahman Crossbred Cows
by Levi A. Russell
40......Texas Treat: La King’s by Michelle Rhoten
43......Who Manages Groundwater i
n Texas
by Robert E. Mace
46......Agency Highlight: Tex a E
s A&M Veterinary mergency Team
b
y Brandon Dominguez
48......TLA Store: NEW! TLA W
hitetail Food Plot Mix
anch
by Michelle Rhoten
by Michelle Rhoten, Blake amilton, & Shelly Rice
69......Summer Recipes 73......Product Highlight: All T
imer by Ashley Morrow
74......Weekend at RecordBuck R M
anch in Honor of emorial Day
b
y Michael Morrow
77......The Great Texas Flood by Bob Lusk
84......Made for a Texan by a T
exan: Hemlock Heather
b
y Michelle Rhoten
88......Partner Highlight: All Out R
anch Improvements, LLC
92......Texas Treasure: The Cattle R
aisers Museum
by Michelle Rhoten
96.....#TXTuesday landassociation.org
In This Issue
Feature d P roje ct P.34
Quarter Featured Stories
5
Business Highlight
Katch Kan A GUIDE to Zero Spill Drilling for Texas Landowners By David Nygaard, Katch Kan
Zero Spill? Zero Stain? What’s the Difference?
I
capture and contain oilfield waste. In less demand-
to oilfield waste capture and containment may not be as rigorous and landowners may need to take extra steps to ensure that their land and rights are
referred to as “mud”, may be Oil Based Mud (OBM) or Water Based Mud (WBM). WBM may be made tain OBM, it is less common in Texas for operators
When you are preparing to sign a lease with an oil and gas company or enter into a Surface Use Agreement (SUA) do you know your rights under Texas law? In Texas, the surface landowner is not the owner of the mineral rights in most cases. Mineral owners may be liable for damages to the surface if unreasonable or negligent use occurs, or if the mineral owner violates a conlandowner to prove unreasonable or negligent use. According to the Texas Railroad Commission, which serves as the lead agency for spills and discharg-
32
landassociation.org
PROJEC T
FEATURE D
-PROO F FL OO D FE NCIN G for WATE RWAYS
I
By: Sara Noll, Texas Landowners Association &Joe “Cuatro” Strack IV, J4 Fencing & Services
T’S MAY 2014 and you’re acting o n
an intui tion to check-in ar ound your property. All a round you, a blazing , Texas sun en velopes everything in i ts path with tri ple-digi t-temperatures. From the driver’s seat in yo ur dust-covered rid e, the toll of the cur rent drought is all too plain to s ee. Your trees are dying f rom stress. Your herd has shrunk to a fractio n of its usual size. Y our creek beds a re dry, cracked and exposed.
FAST-FORW ARD to May 2015, one year visits Texas and, upon arrival, opens Rainstorms rectify your moisture-starved
tips on:
stronger ones, torrential downpours ensue. Suddenly, this weather whiplash begins to seem more unpleasant. It’s the wettest month on record in our state’s history. National Weather Service rains amounted to over 35 trillion gallons, an amount that would cover the entire state in water eight inches deep. Meanwhile, in your corner of Texas, storms cause tree limbs to fall into your waterways, blocking the exit of excess
34
water. As the rainfall intensity begins to exceed the capacity of also causes sections of your fence line to collapse, posing a livestock, cause them to escape or—even worse—fall victim to invading predators. landassociation.org
SO UND FAMILIAR ? If so, you’re
not alone. Each year, Texas leads property damage. A landowner’s best defense is to plan ahead and inform themselves on proper waterway fencing techniques.
FAC TORS for C ONS ID ER ATION
F
WATE R DEPT H as this directly factor in determining overall taller the fence, the less stable it
interval of time. Water velocity is regulated by gravity (steepness of the slope), friction (roughness of the bottom and banks), and water depth.
FL OO D FREQUENCY For example,
should be constructed with the least vertical height that gives adequate stock control.
fencing in low-lying areas
ST REAM P OWER, thus the
regular rainfall. Determining
damage a fence, increases with
OR D EER fencing and
other wildlife barriers, “water gaps” are top-picks among landowners in terms of protecting animals on their
located as far upslope from the lowest point of the stream channel as possible, in order to reduce damage.
from six-foot wide streams to wet-weather river bottoms over half a mile wide. Here are some factors to consider for water gap construction:
WATE R VELO CITY or speed of water in a stream. Commonly expressed in feet per second, this is the distance it travels during an landassociation.org
know if the streams on their irregularly every few years.
tip:
“WORST-CASE SCENARIO”
In addition to the above, it’s also important for a landowner to take a “worst-case scenario” approach when building a design.
35
Economic Advantages of F1 B RAHMAN C RO S SBRED C OWS By Levi A. Russell Assistant Professor and Extension Economist Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
O
ver the last 18 months, we’ve witnessed some pretty dra-
prices skyrocketed last year on rising beef demand and a lack of supply over the last few years. The number of beef cattle in the state rose 7% this year, in a single year! Thanks to favorable El Niño condi-
tle as well as strong demand for beef (in the face of higher prices) has me thinking more and more while we know they’ll eventually move back toward their long-run averages, I think it’s going to take So, given that there are some legitbuilding, what can an economist
relief, with an increase in forage
financial analysis can be used to evaluate investment in capital as-
near term.
ed from those assets. This analysis can not only determine whether a given investment is likely, given the
are popping up, thanks to expec-
determine whether one is likely to be more profitable than another.
an Extension economist, the turnaround in the number of beef cat-
es, we, I and two of my colleagues,
38
landassociation.org
the Risk Management Specialist and our Livestock Specialist, exvestment in F1 Brahman breeding cows versus straight-bred Bos taurus cows (Bt). Given the popularity of the F1 cow and other Bos indicus x Bos taurus breed types especially in humid climates like the South, we thought this comparison might be beneficial to our regional producers. To put together this analysis, we highlight a few of our assump-
F1 cows were assumed to have 9 while Bt cows would only have 7. of longevity of the Brahman F1 cow and is well documented in animal
FEATURED PROJECT
a day at
HOCKLEY RANCH By: Michelle Rhoten, Forestor & Wildlife Biologist, President of Nature’s Eye Bee Hive Project: Shelley Rice, Professional Bee Keeper, Catherine & Elizabeth Locke, Daughters of Hockley Ranch
O
n June 15, around five o’clock AM I made my
Texas Landowners hat, and set out east towards Hockley, TX. An hour and half later, I found myself pulling up to a dirt road leading down to
62
the ranch where I would assist our in providing knowledge and rein two management projects on the and maintain his client’s manageproperty. I didn’t have to travel far before I was greeted by a friendly ed TLA out to join him and Nature’s face, Blake Hamilton, the president Eye Fishery department in executing a successful pond management a frequent contributor with Texas technique known as a Fish Shocking Survey, along with introducing us to highlight the many informaley Ranch. Excitement set in for me ing takes on. Blake shares the same to represent TLA and partner with the Nature’s eye Team to accoma mission to educate landowners plish these projects today. and their families about the importance of land stewardship. He proudly accomplishes their goals we began with electro shocking the pond. Blake and I crossed the ranch landassociation.org
Electro Shocking Fish Survey where we met up with his employees in the Fishery A: Electrofishing boat division, Tyler and Bran- and a seine net. don, who are both wildlife biologist. Q: Does electro shocking hurt the pond or wildlife Q: Where are we conduct- in any way? ing this test? A: It does not hurt the pond or wildlife if perA: Hockley, Tx formed properly. Water Q:Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the background on this private lake, has it day and year was selected to perform the best surbeen monitored before? vey. Also the amount of A: The lake has been mon- energy used was regulatitored and managed by ed so that the fish are not harmed. All fish surveyed were released and swam gram, and supplemental feeding.
agement, what is the imfish shocking survey?
A:
Q: What are the most im-
portant things youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking to get out of today?
A: Overall lake health
and current lake status you the species present, (gathered from the data taken) in order to make age length and weight enhancement recomof species, and overall lake health. The averages surveyed are compared Q: How does the water to where the fish health should be based on the A: Abnormal low water It also gives you informa- levels can create low oxygen levels which has to be tested to perform a quality sample that will not Q: How do you know if harm the fish. a lake needs shocking or not? Q: As a fishery biologist, Q: What are the tools we Q: For the average landwhat do you feel like you are using to conduct the owner who wants to learn A: help landowners with on fish shocking survey? techniques for pond man- rived from the survey. a day to day basis?
landassociation.org
63
VIEWS FROM AROUND
th
ke
ou r top thr ee
WHERE ARE YOU AT I N
rr
l vil
c ro
u at
o
an d
SHARE YOU R P ICS: IA TION
THELANDOWNE R TXLANDOWNE R
landassociation.org
r
E
e
ge
n ra
TEXASLANDOWNERSASSOC
on
c
de
texas ? FOLLOW US
96
km
t or
WANT TO
READ MORE? BEC OME A TLA MEMBER
D-
LANDASSOCIATION.ORG/JOIN T 10
landassociation.org
AY
PROPERTY HIGH
strategic tree planting:
Custom Design YOUR own WOODS By: Emily Courtney Forester/Wildlife Biologist Nature’s Eye Consulting
O
u r fascination with trees arises from their beauty,
CROSS CANYON W H I T E TA I L S
S
ometime around 2006, the Millegan family of Georgetown, TX decided to make a purchase of 160 acres just outside of Belton. Johnny and Judy owned a hardware store at the time, but made a move on a small high-fenced
to tap in to it.
“KID ROCK”
was not suitable for cattle grazing. Judy knew of a property in nearby Leander that raised elk, and set up an appointment to meet with the owner to discuss the opportunity to work toward breeding the large game animals. Upon arrival, Judy discovered that the Leander rancher was more
most captivating or impressive are always the biggest, tallest, and oldest. When you see an anthe sky, it evokes a sense of awe and wonder. We can’t help but feel a deep respect bordering for a living thing to grow into such a stately presence. Oddly enough, that same aspect of
breeder,” and that is the direction their conversation went—foregoing the elk altogether. She decided to tell her son Jason, an avid hunter, of this new idea for a pious amounts of research, Jason and his parents decided to work toward a by calling registered deer breeders, gathering as much free knowledge that they could on the industry and genetics and attending auctions to get a feel for pricing along with industry customs. labor to many of their established contacts, a step that proved invaluable in testing the waters before
landowners from wanting to plant them. One of the most common concerns we hear when we suggest planting trees is that they are such a long-term investment. Many landowners into improvements that will produce results in
By: Texas Landowners
that had previously been more than foreign to them. Finally, in the summer of 2007,
love to plant some trees for my kids and grandkids, but what can we do to see some results in my lifetime?” Most people see tree planting as something done for the good of posterity. While that is certainly true, tree planting can make a the right species in the right spot, and you can habitat. A planting design and strategy should
began the establishment of Cross construction on their, now, 17 pens that total approximately 15 acres of
53
things you can do to improve wildlife habitat. A tree can provide two of the three elements wildlife need to survive (food and shelter, with
P R AC T I C E S YO U C A N D O T H I S W I N T E R
A
YOU NEEDAPLAN O
ver the last four decades I have been blessed to work and live with white-tailed deer in every state and province from Mexico to Canada. Along the way, I have met some of the greatest folks—private landowners— who have dedicated their time, sweat and money to making their land a better place for wildlife. Unfortunately, however, many of these landowners
When asked, many landowners tell me their goal is to produce bigger bucks.
veloped goal would be something like, “We want to produce 5 mature bucks ference lies in that a true goal is a target against which data can be collected and -
at not achieving their expectations for
BY: D R . J A M E S C . K R O L L
“DR. DEER”
in a successful whitetail management for failure is not having a management plan—or a wildlife management plan plan and objectives. So, this article is aimed at informing you about how to or set of goals. establish goals for your wildlife management program and developing a T H E P LA N plan to accomplish these goals. Once you have established your goals, the next step is develop a set of objecW H AT I S A G O A L tives to achieve the goal. For example, one of the goal is to have a deer herd There is a huge di erence between ifwith at least 25% mature (4.5 years or older) bucks, an objective would be a goal and an expectation.. to produce and protect enough bucks to allow this proportion of animals
.
Texas
s the holiday festivities come to an end, those of us who are used to spending time outdoors may become a little bit stir-crazy! Even though the plants may be dormant, our management practices do not have to be. Here are some winter practices to consider for land and livestock improvement.
Brush Management that can be done when the weather is not sweltering: 1) cut stump treatment and 2) stem spray method. Both of these methods involve a mixture of triclopyr and diesel applied to either the freshly cut stump or stem of brush species.
Fecal and Forage Sampling itor diet quality and see if you need to adjust your supplemental feeding program (cnrit.tamu.edu/ ganlab). Alternatively, if purchasing hay, conduct a
By: Dr. Megan Clayton, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Range Specialist, Corpus Christi
forage analysis (soiltesting.tamu.edu).
Measure Your Forage
forage at the beginning of the winter will indicate the amount of grass you have for the winter and determine if adjustments in your stocking rate need to be made or if you can expect to need hay.
Identify Problem Weeds Early Identify areas where you experienced weed issues
this year and/or where there is bare ground or you fed hay. Learn to identify the problem plant in its early stages of growth so treatment
Texas Landowners Association
ISSUE NO. 5 FALL 2014
Want Your Shot at a
Record-Breaking Wallhanger? YOUR Cattle? Expert Food Plot Tips For Legendary Trophies
$6.95 USA
11
FERAL HOG CONTROL By: Brad Beach Owner
All Out Ranch Improvements
landassociation.org
E
VERYTHING’S BIGGER IN TEXAS, a common phrase heard across the nation. When referring to our feral hog problem, this couldn’t be any closer to the truth.
Texas is home to an estimated 2.6 million feral hogs, the largest number of hogs in the nation, and it’s not getting any smaller. Part of the reasoning behind this is that they have very few natural predators and reproduce rapidly.
pre-winter and post-winter assessments of your vegetation can help you determine the number of
Magazine
Venture to Utopia Where the Proof Is In the Name:
M O D E R N I Z E D, M I L I -
PROUD TEXAS DEALER OF
Texas AgriLife Extension Service estimates that feral hogs cause $500 million in damages statewide. No matter which side of the fence you’re on, the hunter that enjoys seeing hogs at the feeder, or the farmer that loses thousands of dollars to damages each year, without extensive management, this problem will continue to get worse. the most common are hunting, trapping, hunting with dogs, and hunting out of a helicopter. Some of these are very successful but costly, while others are less expensive but have little impact on the overall management of feral hogs.