Latest Blogs

Youth Hunting and Involvement

September 29, 2009

I think it is safe to say that the far majority of hunters realize we must encourage young men and women to get out in the outdoors and see what it is all about. Several years back Texas Parks and Wildlife was looking for ways to increase youth involvement in hunting. One of the solutions was to develop a youth only season where youth 16 years of age or younger were the only hunters allowed to harvest certain animals at that time. It was hoped that parents would take their kids afield and focus on the youth, rather than the youth tagging along on dad’s hunt. This started as the weekend prior to the general season for deer, and later added one weekend at the end of the season. There is also a youth only season for squirrel, turkey, and waterfowl in various Texas counties. Chances are youth hunting seasons will continue to expand to allow more opportunity.

It’s Time to Prepare

September 19, 2009

The subtle signs of an approaching autumn are here. Temperatures are receding and bring anticipation of frosty mornings. Cloud structures are taking on different shapes and we thank God for recent rains here in South Texas. Science tells us the shortening photoperiod is the true trigger that begins the rut, the heart of the deer hunting season.

Glock Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF) Competition

September 10, 2009

During the last weekend of this month, my wife and I plan to travel to Conyers, Georgia for the largest Glock Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF) competition of the year. This match averages 450-500 entries every year. It will also be the site of the Fifth Annual GUNNY CHALLENGE, attended and hosted by R. Lee Ermey, veteran actor, TV show host and Glock spokesman. The Gunny Challenge is an invitation-only competition for past Glock “Matchmeisters.”

Improving Deer Habitat by Excluding Cattle

September 08, 2009

Broadleaf plants (commonly called forbs, weeds, or wildflowers) are the most important food items in the white-tailed deer's diet. However, they are seasonal and, consequently, not always available. During the spring and early summer, forbs constitute much of a deer's diet. Woody browse species become more important as the range dries through the summer and forbs become less abundant. Browse species are not as high in protein as forbs but they are available on a year round basis. In essence, they fill the gaps between the forb seasons. Therefore, browse plants play an essential role in the deer's diet.