Category: Outdoor News

Cold, Wet Weather Kills Axis Deer

Axis deer are a subtropical species native to India that have been introduced into many parts of the world, including Texas. Although Texas is at the pinch-point between the southeast and the southwest, the area does get extended cold weather from time to time. This can wreak havoc on axis deer, especially when combined with cold weather that last for several days. It was recently reported that many axis deer were found dead in Kendall County.

Recent weather conditions have been very cold by Texas standards combined with lots of precipitation. The climatic conditions over the past few days, prolonged cold and wet, were similar to those reported in March of 2009 in Kerr County. At that time, the deer die off included axis with a limited number of white-tailed deer. Additional Texas couties and urban areas reported trouble with axis deer during that period, as well. Continue reading Cold, Wet Weather Kills Axis Deer

More Mule Deer Hunting in Texas?

White-tailed deer hunting may be the most sought after big game animal in Texas, but whitetail are not the only deer living in the state. Mule deer cover much of the Trans-Pecos as well as the Texas Panhandle, where mule deer hunting seasons currently exists. However, conservative regulations  have allowed mule deer to reclaim some of their historical range and that may allow additional recreational opportunities. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD)  is now looking at increasing mule deer hunting in a couple of Texas counties.

“TPWD is recommending an open general season for mule deer in Dawson and Wheeler counties, and adding a day to the season across the Trans Pecos region. Department staff presented the proposals to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Regulations Committee. The proposals address a priority goal in TPWD’s Land and Water Resource Conservation and Recreation Plan to increase access to and participation in the outdoors.

Currently there is no open season for mule deer in Dawson or Wheeler counties. Implementing a nine-day, buck-only season in Dawson County and a 16-day, buck-only season in Wheeler County would offer increased hunter opportunity without adversely impacting mule deer reproduction or distribution. Continue reading More Mule Deer Hunting in Texas?

Buffalo Herd Shot in Texas Panhandle

Not all that long ago, buffalo once roamed most of Texas, save the piney woods. After all, Texas is in the southern portion of the Great Plains. Now, most of the buffalo found in the Lone Star State are found on private land, with the animals having come from captive herds. The legal status of those captive herds, however, is now in question after a man shot 51 buffalo that roamed onto his ranch from a neighboring ranch:

Source: A West Texas Ranch wants new state laws in place after the majority of their herd of buffalo is shot dead on neighboring land. The Guthrie ranch says it was one man who picked up a gun and shot the buffalo, they say unnecessarily. Continue reading Buffalo Herd Shot in Texas Panhandle

Trapping Armadillo – How do You Trap An Armadillo?

Armadillos are funny looking mammals that can’t see very well and spend their nights hunting for grubs and insects to eat. They hunt by smell and, unfortunately for many home owners, dig up the ground and people’s lawns and gardens looking for food. Trapping armadillos is most often the best way to eliminate these burrow-dwelling critters in suburban areas, but how do you trap an armadillo? There is more than one way.

If an armadillo that is tearing up your lawn or garden does not live in your yard, or if you can’t find the burrow, then you might consider shooting or trapping it. Armadillos are usually active early in the morning or late at night. A gun and a flashlight is all that you need if you’re a night owl, but this method is not suitable for suburban areas. Home owners can either get up early or stay up late and attempt to net the armadillo if you see it. Continue reading Trapping Armadillo – How do You Trap An Armadillo?

Whitetail Hunting Economically Important

Whitetail deer hunting is not immune to tough economic times. Businesses that rely on hunting have to adapt, says taxidermist and animal processor Gary Broach, owner of Rhodes Brothers Taxidermy in Kerrville. “Guys like us in Kerrville are fortunate to have year-round hunting with the axis herds and sika and fallow deer,” Broach says. “A lot of small taxidermists out there, rural guys, are really hurting,” he says.

“I’ve talked to them about where they need to put advertising dollars and where to get in with whitetail hunting ranches. I like the fact they aren’t giving up. They just need to regroup.”

Continue reading Whitetail Hunting Economically Important

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

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