Took a very healthy spike buck in Coryell Co., Texas opening day... [View all]
Whereas before I would usually take a doe, this season I took a small buck. Same as last year (2 bucks). The reason is because the population has "crashed" due to overpopulation and the drought. The game warden in Coryell recommended we take the small bucks ("they won't survive winter"
. This left more does to replenish the population. Seems to be working already: We saw many fewer deer, but what we did see looked healthy; in one case a mother had two yearlings with her, and not the one commonly seen when things go dusty and the foliage dies off.
I saw one big buck. He was blocky, thick, casual in pace, and able to detect me down-wind. He bugged out, of course, but gave some proof that the antler restrictions in the area (min. 14" width when both antlers branch) seem to be working. Country side looks good, spring is healthy, animals (fewer) are healthy. Should have a good increase in deer for next season.
My hosts do an excellent job of managing for natural diversity. And the abandoned feeders are relics from past owners.
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