Latest Blogs

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.

Public Dove Hunting Lands in Texas

September 05, 2009

A common phone call that TPWD biologists receive concerns public hunting opportunities in Texas. Many of these calls come from recent transplants to Texas. Texas certainly lags behind many other states in public hunting opportunity because of our lack of public lands. However, between the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service there are more than 2 million acres of land available for public hunting in the state.