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Hunting Forcast: South Texas

The hunting forecast for the coming season in South Texas looks to be shaping up positively. Obviously, rainfall and range conditions have varied across South Texas during the past year, but I think the overall result will be rewarding. Even though some areas received more rain than others, it seems that the increased role of management has had a positive impact. Range conditions throughout South Texas have been improving for years, raising the nutritional level of native browse and the amount of cover produced. Additionally, the introduction of protein supplement insures that the periods of stress do not have a negative affect as in the past. Consequently, the relatively "short droughts" do not effect the overall habitat as in the past. I feel that antler development this year, generally, will be average to above average in all age classes. Obviously, the younger age classes are normally affected to a greater degree, but this year I do not feel that will be the case. From early indications, the antler development in all age classes will be as good or improved over last year. Additionally, the fawn survival seems to be above average, which would normally be surprising due to the early dry conditions. However, the increased level of management employed across South Texas has contributed to improved nutritional levels, increased the amount of cover and allowed the habitat to produce, even though we have all experienced a somewhat "rocky" year.

Hunting Forcast: Zavala / Maverick Counties

The environmental conditions in these two counties has either been feast or famine depending on where you were standing ! Some parts of the area did quite well with reports of rainfall in excess of 15 inches since March 1. While the majority of the area recieved 6 - 8 inches during the same time frame.

The overall condition of deer herd appears to be in excellent condition. Many thanks to the bumper crop of mesquite beans which loaded up the trees between June and August. I have not conducted any helicopter surveys as of September 18, but from the incidential observations, the antler quality appears to be good. Some for the known deer made a good jump while others remained constant. I dont think this year will compare to the previous, but last year will be hard to ever top!

Fawn survival rates look above average, so be perpared to remove plenty of does!!! For all of you quail enthusiast, I have noticed numerious hatches but with smaller clutch sizes.

I suspect a fairly good hunting season for bobwhites and somewhat better for those of us with both " bobs and blues".

I suspect there will be a couple of surprises in the bushes. Be sure to keep an eye to the sky and watch the moon phases.

Hunting Forcast: Frio / LaSalle Counties

The 2008-2009 Hunting Season is closing in on us quickly. With only a week left until Archery Season, the traffic rolling down I-35 is picking up daily. From what I have seen and heard from customers here at Los Cazadores, it is looking like we are on track for another exceptional year.

Much of South Texas received substantial rainfall early in the spring making an abundance of vegetation for the wildlife. These early rains produced one of the best Mesquite Bean crops that I have seen. The summer rains, that came a little late, soaked much of the eastern parts of these counties while the western parts were fairly drier.

This year should produce some very good mature bucks. There were a lot of people last year that were very impressed with there 4 1/2 and 5 1/2 year old deer. With another year of growth, these bucks could be outstanding. Fawn crops are above average again this year due to the abundance of cover.

The quail population seems to be fairly strong this year also. On the west side of Frio County we have seen substantial covey's of Bobwhite's and no shortage of Blue's! Good luck to everyone on the upcoming season and hopefully we will be seeing you role through the breezeway at the Los Cazadores Deer Contest to get your trophy scored.