Author: WM Pro

Quail Management Assistance Program

In an effort to provide more comprehensive quail management assistance, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) is starting has implemented the Quail Management Assistance Program (QMAP). While no additional habitat cost-share is available through QMAP, being a QMAP participant will insure landowners are updated on available cost-share opportunities.

To enroll in QMAP, complete the application provided on the VDGIF website and follow the instructions. QMAP cooperators will be asked to provide an aerial photograph of their property, an optional e-mail address and GPS coordinates, if available. QMAP will help VDGIF establish a QMAP listserv for rapid communications with program participants. It will also provide a link for like minded landowners to work together. In addition, it will facilitate establishing a quail habitat database, helping track habitat additions as they occur throughout Virginia. Continue reading Quail Management Assistance Program

Aging Whitetail Deer by Their Teeth

Looking at the teeth of a deer can give you an idea of a deer’s age. It’s not a perfect science, but when it comes to wildlife management what really is? Wildlife, including white-tailed deer, do not lend themselves to close monitoring. However, biologists agree that analysis of tooth replacement and wear, though not perfect, is the most reliable method for aging white-tailed deer in the field.

Tooth wear works because regardless of where a deer lives, animals lose their “milk” teeth and wear out their permanent teeth on a fairly predictable schedule. At birth, white-tailed fawns have only four teeth. Adult deer have 32 teeth. This include 12 premolars, 12 molars, six incisors and even two canines. Continue reading Aging Whitetail Deer by Their Teeth

Houston Hunter Dies in Hunting Accident

Matt Jansen, a 30-year-old man from Houston, was shot and killed Sunday morning, January 17 by his hunting partner in what has been ruled a tragic hunting accident. The accident occurred on the Salt Bayou Unit of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area shortly after legal shooting time began Sunday morning. The duck hunting accident was ruled by a Jefferson County Justice of the Peace as not intentional and no charges have been filed.

TPWD game wardens and Wildlife Division staff worked with the Jefferson County sheriff’s office to respond to and investigate the incident. Investigators and staff involved say Jansen’s partner swung on a flock of ducks outside a safe zone of fire. Although the number of hunting incidents is low compared to similar outdoor pursuits, and the rate of hunting accident in Texas continues to decline, swinging on game outside a safe zone of fire remains one of the most common accident causes. Just ask Dick Cheney. Continue reading Houston Hunter Dies in Hunting Accident

American Fisheries Society in Athens

The annual meeting of Texas chapter of the American Fisheries Society will take place from January 21 through 23 at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens, Texas. Friday morning’s session will cover future impacts to fish management and aquatic systems in Texas. The fisheries society brings together private and public researchers, universities, and natural resource professionals from around the state to a conference that aims to share working information for the best management of Texas water bodies.

Invited speakers include Dr. Karl Eschbach, Texas State Demographer, and Dr. Nielssen-Gammon, Texas State Climatologist, who will speak to changes that will affect both natural resources and people. Additional presentations, including from both Coastal and Inland Fisheries staff, will address issues specific to fisheries and aquatic resources. Athens is also home to the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.

Whitetail Deer Hunting Was Texas Tough

White-tailed deer hunting is a big deal in Texas, but hunters had a tough time of it this year in the Lone Star State. “The best estimate is that harvest is down by 30-35 percent this year,” said Alan Cain, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Wildlife district leader from Pleasanton of the South Texas harvest. Some locker plants that process deer are reporting deer numbers are down as much as 40-45 percent!

Cain said to blame the drop on the green-up that came following the drought. “The positive side of this is that a bunch of bucks will probably make it through the season to be available next year and with another year of age,” Cain said.He added that range conditions are still good, and once the bucks shed antlers and begin developing another set they should be healthy. Continue reading Whitetail Deer Hunting Was Texas Tough

Speckled Trout Fishing on the Texas Coast

This time of year is a great time to fish for speckled trout. These animals are usually very stocky this time of year and put up a great fight, if you can find them along the Texas coast. Now is the season for personal bests to be bested, when John Glenn’s taxidermy studio expects a seasonal wave of upper-class specks destined to decorate walls and mantels.

But the angling elites who target these elusive trout trophies are not pleased. Several anglers have told the press that they’re experiencing the worst early-winter trout fishing in recent memory. This contrasts greatly with a stellar spring and summer south of the JFK Causeway, when bait croaker produced full boxes of solid specks. You think there’s a connection? Continue reading Speckled Trout Fishing on the Texas Coast

Central Texas Hiking Trail

With spring just around the corner, the weather is much more conducive for some serious hiking and rock climbing in Central Texas, and what better place to find a central Texas hiking trail than Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. The terrain is well suited for both the casual hiker as well as those looking for a more adventurous climb. The website notes: “Enchanted Rock State Natural Area consists of 1643.5 acres on Big Sandy Creek, north of Fredericksburg, on the border between Gillespie and Llano Counties.”

The state park charges a small fee for parking, and it is a haven for nature lovers and outdoorsmen. The Loop Trail covers a terrain of 4 miles, and Summit Trail climbs 425 feet in 0.6 miles, according to the park’s map. It is recommended that you bring plenty of water and snacks because that particular hiking trail can be harder than it looks. Continue reading Central Texas Hiking Trail