Wildlife Management Archives - TheRanch at Camp Ka Hui Ana

Post Season Deer Surveys at The Ranch at Camp Ka Hui Ana – Trophy Whitetail Management in South Texas

Chase Nunez MS PhD — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 16:31:48 +0000

At TheRanch at Camp Ka Hui ‘Ana, post season deer surveys and scouting are not simply a formality after the last rifle is put away. Across South Texas, and especially here in La Salle County, the weeks following hunting season are one of the most valuable windows for understanding whitetail herd health, structure, and future trophy potential. This science driven approach is a foundational part of how we sustain elite South Texas trophy deer hunting at The Ranch at Camp Ka Hui Ana.

Scouting and population surveys are widely used by biologists, land managers, and experienced hunters to evaluate white-tailed deer herd condition. But why should a ranch owner, hunter, or wildlife steward care about what deer look like after the season closes? The simple answer is that post season surveys provide insight into the next hunting season. The deeper answer lies in how this information shapes long-term management decisions and trophy whitetail hunting success.

How Post Season Surveys Strengthen South Texas Trophy Deer Hunting

Late and post season scouting allows managers to determine how much of the estimated deer population—and which individual animals—survived hunting pressure. This is particularly important for bucks, which can often be identified individually by antler size, configuration, and character. Does, while more similar in appearance, still contribute critical information when surveys are conducted using sound population sampling techniques.

By analyzing post season data, managers gain insight into sex ratios, age structure, and the composition of the breeding population. These metrics directly influence fawn recruitment, future trophy size, and overall herd stability. When surveys are conducted late in the hunting season, results can even be used to fine-tune harvest pressure before the season ends.

Evaluating Herd Health After the Rut

The post breeding period is typically when bucks are in their poorest physical condition. Weight loss, stress, and energy depletion from the rut leave them more vulnerable to predation, disease, and harsh winter conditions.

Here at TheRanch at Camp Ka Hui ‘Ana, we use post season surveys to evaluate body condition, habitat use, and forage availability. These insights guide our supplemental feeding strategies, brush management decisions, and long term population targets.

Revealing Natural Movement Patterns

Once breeding pressure and hunting disturbance subside, deer often settle into more consistent patterns. Post season scouting helps identify bedding areas, travel corridors, and preferred feeding zones.

This knowledge supports future blind placement, food plot planning, and responsible private retreats across the ranch.

Long Term Impact on South Texas Trophy Whitetails

Post season deer surveys provide critical information that supports evidence-based management decisions. While not mandatory, they significantly improve long-term herd health and hunting outcomes.

At The Ranch at Camp Ka Hui Ana, post season deer surveys are part of a long term strategy designed to produce consistent South Texas trophy deer hunting opportunities. If you are interested in a managed, science driven whitetail experience in La Salle County, booking opportunities are available through our ranch team.

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Zulu the Three-Legged Coyote: A True Survival Story from South Texas

Kevin — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 22:49:52 +0000

Spotted in January with a missing front foot, this lone coyote is defying the odds and writing his own wild story in South Texas. Meet Zulu. 🐾🌵

On January 23, 2025, ranch hands at TheRanch at Camp Ka Hui Ana in South Texas first spotted an unusual figure moving through the brush: a lone coyote, missing his front left foot. Now known as Zulu, this resilient animal quickly became a local fascination—not just for his condition, but for how well he navigates the rugged terrain despite it.

Most wildlife experts would consider such an injury a death sentence for a predator that depends on speed, balance, and stamina. But Zulu had other plans. Over the weeks that followed, ranch workers observed him trotting confidently across the property, adapting his gait, and showing a surprising ability to keep up with the rhythms of wild life.

“Coyotes are survivors by nature,” said one observer, “but Zulu takes it to another level.”

As sightings continued, it became clear: Zulu wasn’t just surviving—he was thriving.

Follow Zulu’s journey here at TheRanch at Camp Ka Hui Ana and stay tuned—his story is far from over.

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Texas Trophy Javelina Hunting: A South Texas Treasure

Chase Nunez MS PhD — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 01:47:24 +0000

Misconceptions vs. Reality

Javelinas—also known as collared peccaries or “skunk pigs”—are one of the most overlooked big game animals in North America. Especially in South Texas, they’re often misunderstood and mistakenly compared to destructive feral hogs. But in reality, javelinas are native species with ecological value, rich hunting tradition, and trophy-worthy status.

Around a campfire at any exclusive hunting ranch, javelinas might be the butt of jokes—about fleas, smell, or meat toughness. But much of that reputation is undeserved. The confusion often comes from their resemblance to feral hogs, an invasive species notorious for damaging ecosystems and crops. In contrast, javelinas are native to the Americas and play a beneficial role in South Texas wildlife, feeding primarily on prickly pear cactus and other native flora.

Table Fare: A Surprising Delight

Javelina meat carries a stigma, but that’s largely due to poor preparation or choice of cuts. Many go straight for the backstrap, only to find it too lean and easy to overcook. But the hams? Those tell a different story. With more fat and better texture, the rear quarters of a javelina can be smoked, slow-cooked, or even turned into flavorful sausages—German bratwurst, spicy chorizo, or Cajun andouille. Cooked low and slow with the right seasoning, javelina rivals any store-bought pork in flavor.

A New Chapter in Trophy Hunting

Trophy hunters are taking notice. The Boone & Crockett Club recently voted to include javelina as a recognized big game animal. This elevates the species for those chasing record books and species slams. For hunters working toward the North American Grand Slam, javelina may soon become the 30th recognized species—a major milestone.

While Arizona and New Mexico offer limited populations, La Salle County in South Texas is javelina country, offering unmatched access and abundance.

Why TheRanch at Camp Ka Hui ‘Ana?

At TheRanch at Camp Ka Hui ‘Ana, we sit deep in South Texas brush country—prime habitat for thriving javelina squadrons. Our land has been carefully managed for decades, supporting not just trophy whitetail hunting but also year-round javelina hunts.

With legal bag limits of two javelinas per licensed hunter annually—and no closed season in La Salle County—TheRanch offers a rare opportunity to hunt big game even during the traditional off-season.

If you’re looking for a new challenge, a meaningful trophy, and a true taste of South Texas wildlife, you’ll find it here.

Footnotes

Taylor R, Synatzske DR. 2008. The Javelina in Texas. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Accessed June 2025.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. 2025–2026 Hunting Season Dates. TPWD Hunting Guide. Accessed July 2025.

Bibliography

Taylor R, Synatzske DR. *The Javelina in Texas*. TPWD. 2008.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. *2025–2026 Hunting Seasons*. TPWD. 2025.

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The Deep Roots of South Texas: Native History of the Millett–Los Angeles Region

Kevin — Sat, 28 Jun 2025 16:08:17 +0000

From TheRanch at Camp Ka Hui ‘Ana Series: South Texas Life

Long before the arrival of Spanish explorers or the establishment of towns like Millett, Los Angeles, or Cotulla, the brush country of South Texas—now home to destinations like The Ranch at Camp Ka Hui ’Ana—was a vibrant and complex landscape shaped by thousands of years of native history. The area approximately 10 miles south of present-day Cotulla—straddling what is now La Salle County—was part of a rich corridor of life for indigenous peoples long before it appeared on maps or bore the marks of European colonization. Though often overlooked in mainstream historical narratives, this region holds deep archaeological and cultural significance, echoing with the footsteps of the first peoples to call South Texas home.

A Landscape of Life and Movement

The semi-arid region of South Texas, particularly near the present-day communities of Millett and Los Angeles, was part of a broader ecological zone often referred to by archaeologists as the South Texas Plains. This area, with its mesquite-studded plains, seasonal creeks, and proximity to the Nueces and Rio Grande Rivers, provided sustenance and mobility for human populations as early as 11,000 years ago.

The first inhabitants were likely Paleo-Indians—highly mobile bands of hunter-gatherers who roamed the area in pursuit of now-extinct megafauna like mammoths and giant bison. Stone tools found in parts of South Texas, including projectile points such as Clovis and Folsom types, suggest these early groups were part of a wide-ranging prehistoric network of peoples moving between the plains, deserts, and coastal areas.

Archaic Period: Adaptation and Innovation

As the climate warmed and the Ice Age megafauna disappeared, the region entered what archaeologists call the Archaic Period (roughly 6000 B.C. to A.D. 1000). During this time, the people of the Millett-Los Angeles area developed a more localized and sustainable relationship with the land. They began to exploit a wider variety of plant and animal resources—mesquite beans, prickly pear, pecans, deer, rabbits, and birds—some of which remain part of the diverse wildlife found around modern-day trophy whitetail hunting ranches in the region. They also established semi-permanent encampments along reliable water sources.

One of the most distinctive features of this period in South Texas is the presence of earth ovens, used to bake plant foods such as lechuguilla and sotol. These cooking methods required deep environmental knowledge and communal effort, indicating a sophisticated and socially connected way of life. Archaeological sites in and around La Salle County have revealed burned rock middens—large accumulations of heat-fractured rock—testifying to centuries of repeated use.

Cultural Connections and Regional Networks

The region was not isolated. Archaeological evidence suggests that the native groups of what is now southern La Salle County maintained extensive trade and cultural relationships with neighboring areas. Obsidian points (which are not native to South Texas) and shell artifacts from the Gulf Coast suggest a network of trade routes and intertribal contact that spanned much of prehistoric Texas and northern Mexico.

By the Late Prehistoric Period (around A.D. 1000 to the arrival of Europeans), bow and arrow technology had replaced the atlatl, and pottery—though rare in South Texas—made limited appearances. The emergence of small, mobile village groups reflected a continuation of the hunter-gatherer lifestyle but with increasing regional

Indigenous Peoples at the Time of Contact

When Spanish explorers and missionaries arrived in the 16th and 17th centuries, they encountered numerous small, independent bands in the region. Though names vary depending on the historical source, groups like the Coahuiltecans—an umbrella term for many small bands with similar languages and lifestyles—inhabited the lands of South Texas and northeastern Mexico. These groups were not one single tribe but rather a loose confederation of peoples who shared certain cultural traits, including a nomadic existence based on seasonal resource use.

In the area near Millett and Los Angeles, specific tribal names are more difficult to trace, due in part to the devastating effects of disease, slavery, and forced assimilation that followed European contact. However, it is likely that smaller bands such as the Pajalat, Pacoa, and others whose names are now nearly lost, moved through or lived in this region. These groups often traveled seasonally, spending parts of the year near rivers like the Frio and the Rio Grande—areas not far from where The Ranch at Camp Ka Hui ’Ana now sits, continuing a legacy of land-based tradition.

The Shadow of Colonization

The 18th and 19th centuries brought catastrophic disruption to the indigenous world of South Texas. Spanish missions attempted to convert and settle native peoples, often forcibly. As Anglo-American settlers and ranchers moved into the area in the 19th century, land that had supported indigenous communities for millennia was rapidly transformed into private ranch holdings. The arrival of the railroad and the founding of towns like Cotulla in the 1880s further sealed the shift from indigenous to settler dominance.

Yet despite centuries of displacement and erasure, the deep indigenous roots of the Millett-Los Angeles region remain etched into the landscape. Artifacts still emerge from the soil—stone tools, burned rock clusters, bone fragments—silent witnesses to a world long past but not forgotten.

Legacy and Recognition

Today, efforts by archaeologists, historians, and indigenous descendants aim to recover and honor the South Texas native history its first peoples. While towns like Millett and Los Angeles may seem quiet today, the land they sit on is anything but. Sites like The Ranch at Camp Ka Hui ’Ana now serve as not only stewards of history but hosts of private retreats where guests connect with the land’s deeper story.

By understanding and acknowledging the native and pre-native history of this region, we not only deepen our appreciation of South Texas’s past—we also open pathways to a more inclusive and respectful future.

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Texas Tortoise Talk: Meet One of the Lone Star State’s Most Fascinating Reptiles

Chase Nunez MS PhD — Tue, 20 May 2025 20:49:36 +0000

From TheRanch at Camp Ka Hui ‘Ana Series: Learning More about Texas Wildlife

If you’ve ever driven along a quiet country road in southern Texas during late spring or early summer and spotted a small tortoise slowly making its way through the brush, chances are you’ve met the Texas tortoise (Gopherus berlandieri). This little wanderer is the only native tortoise in the state—and the smallest of all four North American tortoise species. Growing to just about 8.5 inches long, these amazing creatures are currently listed as a threatened species due to illegal collection, vehicle encounters, and disease.³ ⁴

Creatures of Habit (and Heat)

Texas tortoises are early birds and night owls—well, almost. They’re most active during the mornings and evenings of spring and summer, typically resting during the hottest parts of the day.¹ Unlike their cousins in other parts of the country, they don’t dig deep burrows. Instead, they create shallow resting spots, called “pallets,” under cacti or shrubs. It’s more of a cozy nest than a tunnel.

Their activity levels also get a boost after short bursts of rain, likely because they’re eager to hydrate in a dry environment. While most of their water comes from the plants they eat, dehydration is still a risk—especially if they’re stressed. In fact, when scared or handled by humans, a Texas tortoise may empty its bladder, which can be life-threatening. That’s why it’s best to admire these tortoises from a distance unless you’re helping one safely cross the road.³

The Love Life of a Texas Tortoise

Breeding season runs from June to September, and if you happen to see two tortoises bobbing heads or one climbing atop the other, it’s part of their unique mating dance. In fact, you can tell males and females apart by their shells: males have a concave underside (called the plastron) and a rounder back, while females have a flat plastron and a flared shell edge. This natural design helps during the mating process.

Females usually lay two to three eggs per clutch, which take about three to four months to hatch. The hatchlings are roughly 1.5 inches in diameter and perfectly round. But don’t expect them to grow up fast—it takes more than 15 years for them to become sexually mature. These tortoises are in it for the long haul, often living 60 years or more.³ ⁴

What’s on the Menu?

Texas tortoises are mostly plant eaters with a taste for cactus fruit.² ³ ⁴ Their diet changes based on what’s available, but cactus remains a staple no matter the landscape. They also munch on grasses, weeds (also called forbs), and small shrubs. Interestingly, tortoises in captivity have been known to nibble on animal matter, but in the wild, they’re almost strictly vegetarian.²

Where They Roam

The Texas tortoise is a true South Texan. Its range stretches from southern Texas across approximately 45 counties and into northeastern Mexico, including Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas.⁴ Males usually roam more widely than females—averaging about 2.5 acres compared to the female’s 1.4-acre range.¹ Whether they have true “home ranges” is still up for debate, but they certainly know how to make themselves at home in the dry, brushy landscape.

So, the next time you’re out exploring the wild beauty of TheRanch@Camp Ka Hui ‘Ana, keep an eye out for one of Texas’s most remarkable reptiles. In a place known for big white-tailed deer and endless hunting stories, the humble Texas tortoise quietly tells a tale of resilience and natural charm.

Bibliography

Rose FL, Judd FW. 1975. Activity and Home Range Size of the Texas Tortoise, Gopherus berlandieri, in South Texas. Herpetologica 31:448–456.
Scalise JL. 2011. Food habits and selective foraging by the Texas tortoise (Gopherus berlandieri). Master’s Thesis. Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. 2011. Texas Tortoise (Gopherus berlandieri). TPWD Brochure. Accessed on January 16, 2025.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. _. Texas Tortoise (Gopherus berlandieri). TPWD Website. Accessed January 16, 2025.

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Thinking Through the Extended Antlerless and Spike Hunting Season

Chase Nunez MS PhD — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 18:56:53 +0000

If you’ve spent any time hunting in Texas, you’ve probably noticed the extended white-tailed deer doe (antlerless) and spike hunting season in many counties. In fact, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) offers this extended season in 132 of the state’s 254 counties. But why?

Some hunters believe it’s all about herd management, while others think it’s TPWD’s way of thinning out an overabundant deer population. And, of course, plenty of folks just see it as a great way to put more venison in the freezer. The truth? It’s a mix of all those things. At its core, TPWD’s job is to manage wildlife for conservation and sustainable use³—meaning the extended antlerless and spike season is designed to keep deer populations healthy while giving hunters more opportunity to do what they love.

Why The Extended Season?

The main reason for extending the season on does and spike bucks is simple: population control. But here’s the thing—more deer doesn’t necessarily mean a healthier herd. Every piece of land has a limit on how many deer it can support, a concept known as carrying capacity. When too many deer compete for limited food, water, and cover, bad things start happening—disease spreads, malnutrition kicks in, and overall herd quality declines¹, ².

This is a major issue in certain parts of Texas, especially the Hill Country, where deer numbers can skyrocket beyond what the land can handle¹. TPWD relies heavily on hunters to keep populations in check, and extending the season helps increase the number of deer taken, especially the ones that need to be harvested most.

Why Focus on Does and Spikes?

You might be wondering—why target does and spike bucks specifically?

For does, it’s all about maintaining a balanced sex ratio and controlling population growth. Back in the day, shooting does was practically unheard of because more does meant more fawns and faster herd growth. But now that deer numbers have rebounded, proper herd management means making sure there aren’t too many does compared to bucks. A good ratio is somewhere around 1 buck per 1.5 to 2.5 does. Too many does lead to rapid population expansion, which, again, can overwhelm the land’s resources.

As for spikes, that’s a whole debate in itself (check out my article Spikes: To Cull or Not to Cull? from October 2024). But the general idea is that many spikes are genetically inferior compared to branched-antlered bucks of the same age. By focusing harvests on these deer, hunters can help improve overall herd quality over time.

Why Some Counties Don’t Have an Extended Season

You’ll notice that some counties don’t get this extended opportunity—typically the ones where antlerless harvest is already pretty restricted (think archery-only or limited muzzleloader seasons). That’s because those areas don’t have the same overpopulation issues, so TPWD doesn’t need to encourage additional doe harvests⁴.

Does Timing Matter?

There’s an interesting argument that allowing doe harvests later in the season has an added management benefit. By letting deer stay on the landscape through the early part of winter, there’s more competition for food, and does are already putting energy into reproduction before being harvested. This could lead to a slight reduction in overall fawn production. However, the bigger impact comes from simply removing breeding-age females from the population—it’s a numbers game more than anything.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, the extended antlerless and spike season is a win-win. It helps TPWD manage deer populations effectively while giving Texas hunters more time in the field. Whether you see it as a way to improve herd quality, keep numbers in check, or just fill your freezer, the extended season plays a key role in keeping Texas deer hunting strong for generations to come.

So, next time you’re out there with your rifle or bow, know that you’re not just hunting—you’re helping manage one of the state’s most prized resources. Happy hunting, and good luck this season!

Bibliography

DeMarias, S., & Zaiglin, B. (1998). The Effect of Doe Harvest on White-tailed Deer Populations. Wildlife Management Handbook, pp. 25–27.
Côté, S. D., Rooney, T. P., Tremblay, J. P., Dussault, C., & Waller, D. M. (2004). Ecological Impacts of Deer Overabundance. Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics, 35, 113–147.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. (2006). Mission & Philosophy. https://tpwd.texas.gov/about/mission-philosophy. Accessed January 16, 2025.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. (2024). Seasons by County. https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/hunting/seasons/county-listing/. Accessed January 16, 2025.

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Full Rut Flehmen Response: What It Is and What It Means

Chase Nunez MS PhD — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 20:41:21 +0000

Introduction to the Flehmen Response Across Wildlife Species

Have you ever seen a white-tailed deer buck chasing a doe, or a bull elk pushing around his harem of cows, or a bighorn ram sniff the urine of a ewe? You’ll often see them stop and make a similar face across species and then get a sudden burst of energy with a focusing interest in the females. This wide-eyed smiling appearance erupts when the male’s upper lip curls up as he inhales through his mouth. This is the Flehmen response, sometimes called the Flehmen posture. But what exactly is it and what does it mean?

What is the Flehmen Response and How Does it Work?

Asking the question– “What is the Flehmen response?”– is basically asking– “What is the rut?”– because they are so intertwined. The Flehmen response is a physiological process by which an animal smells pheromones and hormones, causing the animal’s upper lip to curl up while orally inhaling to funnel air filled with pheromones and hormones to the vomeronasal organ, otherwise known as the Jacobson organ. The Jacobson organ is a sensory organ located in the roof of the mouth near the throat. Both male and females can exhibit Flehmen behavior but it is much more common among males, especially among hooved species. When a female is hot (in estrus), she releases hormones and pheromones that indicate she is ready for breeding from her genetalia, feces, urine, and other excretory pathways. These pheromones and hormones are interpreted by the male’s Jacobson organ, which then triggers the males libido (male sexual reproductive drive). The burst of energy that follows the Flehmen response is the physical manifestation of the sex drive and causes the male to seek out the female with the lone goal of reproducing offspring. This is the rut.

The Significance of the Flehmen Response for Wildlife Managers

But what does the Flehmen response mean to me as a wildlife manager or hunter? From the aspect of a wildlife manager, the Flehmen response indicates which animals in the population are actively involved in sexual competition and reproduction. It can also indicate when a subadult animal in the population is becoming sexually mature; if the urine of a young female induces a Flehmen response in a sexually mature male she may be coming into her first estrus and likewise, if a young male begins to posture the Flehmen response then he is probably entering sexually maturity.

How Hunters Can Use the Flehmen Response to Their Advantage

But how does this impact a hunter? For a hunter, the major implication of a target game animal that is showing the Flehmen response is altering the strategy of how to hunt that animal. If a hunter sees an animal in the Flehmen posture, it means that male animal is interested in one thing– reproducing offspring with whichever fine-smelling specimen caused the Flehmen response. It further means that hunting strategies which rely on feeding patterns or over bait/water will be less effective because the nutritional needs fall by the wayside of the rutting male. It also means that the normal movement patterns will go out the window and the new patterns of that male will mimic, at least for a short period, the newfound female friend.

Adjusting Hunting Strategies During the Rut

Although these factors can limit the avenues to a successful hunt, they also specify which tools and strategies will aid in success. White-tailed deer bucks will typically accompany a hot doe for about three days. This allows for multiple breeding attempts, increasing the likelihood of conception and allowing the buck to defend the doe from sexual competitors. During this time, the bucks will hang tight with the doe (following her patterns), are more likely to respond aggressively to calling and decoys, and are much less observant of surroundings. Basically, when their nose and mind are buried in the genitals of the female they’re with, it makes them easier to spot-and-stalk hunt or tempt with sexual competition.

Conclusion: The Flehmen Response and Hunting Success

Understanding the Flehmen response is an essential tool for wildlife managers and hunters alike. Whether identifying reproductive activity in the herd or adjusting hunting strategies during the rut, recognizing this behavior can make all the difference in both conservation and hunting success.

Bibliography:

Hart BL. Flehmen behavior and vomeronasal organ function. 1983. Chemical Signals in Vertebrates 3:87–103.
Gentry Jr. GT. 2019. White-tailed deer reproduction: How fawns are made. LSU Ag Center. Read More (Accessed September 8, 2024).

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Wild Turkeys in South Texas

Chase Nunez MS PhD — Sat, 30 Nov 2024 00:44:16 +0000

Introduction to Fall and Winter Turkey Hunting

When folks think of hunting wild turkeys, they frequently think of chasing thundering gobblers around in the wildflowers and green grass of spring. Some hunters don’t even know that Texas allows fall/winter turkey hunting in most counties. This may be because fall/winter turkey hunting season often gets overshadowed and forgotten because of the coinciding white-tailed deer hunting season.

But cold season turkey hunting is a unique opportunity that deserves more than neglect. Heck, one of the main course dishes at the first Thanksgiving Dinner, that has remained through time as a symbol of the holiday, was wild turkey harvested in November.

Seasonal Changes in Turkey Behavior

Furthermore, although spring is the more popular turkey hunting season, the number of turkeys harvested in the spring is similar to that harvest in the fall.1 This may be due to the seasonal changes to wild turkey patterns and behaviors and the resulting likelihood of success.

Wild turkey behavior (communication, movement, flock size and demographics, roost location, etc.) can differ pretty dramatically between the fall and spring hunting seasons. Wild turkey roost concentrations in Texas seem greatest between January and March; turkeys begin to disperse leading up to the spring months.^2,3,4 The turkeys tend to congregate more and move less in the winter months, creating flocks that may include more than 200 birds at a single roost.⁴

Hunting Strategies for Fall and Winter

The demographic of these turkey roosts also differs seasonally. Although wild turkeys are breeding in the fall and winter months, they are less aggressive breeders, congregating more with turkeys of both sexes and focusing more on feeding throughout the day than reproduction.

Less aggressive breeding activity means less frequent or aggressive gobbling. That’s not to say wild turkeys don’t gobble in the winter, because they do occasionally gobble (some more than others) and certainly communicate all months of the year. The vocalizations are, however, much more subtle in the cooler months.

The infrequency of gobbling (or response to calls), increased focus and dependency on food, smaller winter home-ranges, and larger groups of birds all call for slightly different hunting strategies for success. Fall and winter turkey hunting involves more ambush hunting tactics and reliance on knowledge of the winter diet and feeding patterns of your local wild turkeys. The use of decoys and calls may be effective but opportunistic hunting over food and water sources or along major travel corridors may prove more fruitful.

Know the Rules: Regulations and Ethics

If one is to hunt wild turkeys in the fall/winter hunting season, the hunter should always be aware of, and familiar with, Texas state hunting rules and regulations for where and what they are hunting. There are some regulatory differences for turkey hunting in the spring season versus the fall/winter season, depending on the county and subspecies of wild turkey.

The subspecies of wild turkey that is most prevalent in Texas is the Rio Grande wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia), with some 500,000+ statewide.²There are also Eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) in the Piney-woods ecoregion of eastern Texas and Merriam’s wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo merriami) found in small pockets around the northern Trans-Pecos ecoregion of western Texas.

The wild turkey bag limits in various counties around Texas may vary by season (spring versus fall/winter), sex, and/or subspecies. Merriam’s wild turkeys are managed similarly to Rio Grande wild turkeys— the county rules and regulations for hunting Rio Grande wild turkeys also apply to Merriam’s wild turkeys.

This include rules on when hen’s may be harvested (often only in the fall/winter season), what the bag limit is, and requires that harvested wild turkeys, Merriam’s or Rio Grande, be tagged with a “Rio Grande wild turkey” carcass tag from a state issued hunting license if harvested. Eastern wild turkeys are only allowed to be hunted in the spring months (April 22, 2025 – May 14, 2025).⁵

Conclusion: Ethical and Legal Hunting

The legal means of hunting may also vary by season. For example, some counties allow rifles for fall/winter wild turkey hunting but only allow shotguns or archery equipment for the spring season. This is also the case with baiting– some counties do no allow legal baiting of wild turkeys with feed in the spring, while it may in fact be legal in other counties. No matter the situation though, the hunter should know the rules and regulations associated with the game and location they are hunting. Because although cold season wild turkey hunting can be lucrative and interesting, it should always be done legally and ethically.

Bibliography:

Buckley BR, Hardin JB, Chamberlain MJ, Collier BA. 2022. Survival, harvest, and population size of Rio Grande wild turkeys in Texas. Journal of Wildlife Management 86(8):e22312.
Dickson JG. 2005. Wild Turkeys. The Texas Breeding Bird Atlas- Texas A&M AgriLife Research. Accessed September 1, 2024.
Gross JT, Little AR, Collier BA, Chamberlain MJ. 2015. Space use, daily movements, and roosting behaviors of male wild turkeys during spring in Louisiana and Texas. Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 2:229–234.
Swearingin RM. 2007. Winter roosting ecology of Rio Grande wild turkeys in the rolling plains of Texas. Masters Thesis- Texas Tech University.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. 2024. Wild Turkey 2024-2025 Seasons and Regulations. Accessed September 1, 2024.

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Spike Culling: Effective Deer Management or Myth? | The Ranch

Chase Nunez MS PhD — Sat, 19 Oct 2024 20:54:04 +0000

Will harvesting “spike” white-tailed deer help grow bigger bucks? The foundation of many wildlife management plans are often built on one side of the other of the argument with solid reasoning either way. This age-old question among white-tailed deer hunters, ranchers, and managers, is actually a question of two parts– 1. are spike white-tailed bucks genetically inferior and, if so, 2. will culling spike bucks improve the antler size among the white-tailed deer herd. To thoroughly but briefly deconstruct the sides, we must clearly define some terminology, clarify some misnomers on the topic, and breakdown when and how the reasons ‘to cull or not to cull’ situationally apply.

Using the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department definition, a spike in the case of this writing is a white-tailed deer buck with at least one unbranched antler.¹ Our definition of an unbranched antler is a single beam or tine and does not include “cactus”, perruque, or broken antlers. We are excluding these from our criteria because cactus or perruque antlered bucks are often associated with testicular and/or testosterone related issues and broken antlers are often environmentally related (fighting, hit by a car, etc.). Deer with antlers that have not broke through the skin of the scalp are often called “nubbin” or “button” bucks are considered antlerless, not spike bucks. Culling is the act of selectively removing an animal from the population as a means of controlling or removing undesirable characteristics (bad genetics, diseases, etc.). And lastly, just so we’re clear, bigger bucks is not indicative of body size or mass… Although good body condition can be an indication of good health, our definition of bigger bucks is white tailed deer with larger, better scoring bone (antlers) on their heads.

Myths

Now to dispel a couple of myths. One common misconception about white-tailed deer spikes is this idea that “once a spike, always a spike”. This is simply not true; not that a spike couldn’t be a spike it’s whole life, but most in fact are only a spike for their first set of antlers and progressively get larger, better scoring antlers each year with age and nutrition.² A study in south Texas conducted by Stephen F. Austin State University researchers found that the average spike with 3 legal points or less at 1.5 years old will be at or above the herd average number of points and Boone and Crocket score by 3.5–5.5 years old.² Another major misconception is that all (or most) spikes are caused by poor antler genetics. The genetic aspect certainly plays a role, but in actuality, there are numerous reasons that can cause spike antlers among white-tailed deer at any stage of life. This may include injuries or infections at the antler pedicle (the base of the skull where antlers regenerate from each antler growing season) from fighting, motor vehicle collisions, or casting previous year’s antlers, opposite hind limb injuries, nutritional deficiencies, antler breakage, testicular injuries or infections, testosterone issues, harsh weather conditions during buck fawn gestation, or simply age.^1,3,4 In fact, a large portion of single spike-antlered bucks (one antler has branches and one is a spike) are caused by good ol’ nature and nurture (environmental and/or health) rather than genetics.

One study conducted in Alabama found that 62% of single spike-antlered bucks were caused by external factors like those described above.³ Furthermore, 92% of white-tailed bucks with two spike antlers are a yearling (about 1.5 years old) with their first set of antlers.¹ But, just because most double-sided spike bucks are yearlings does not mean most yearlings are spikes; only about 25%–33% of yearlings are spikes.¹

Does that mean that spikes are genetically inferior?

An argument can be made that there is a genetic aspect in both the size of antlers and susceptibility to injury, infection, or disease that may otherwise cause spike antlers. But the same argument can be made that a gene that is associated with large antlers could also be associated with more breakable antlers, or some other double-edged genetic sword. Under the assumption that the genetic influence on external reasons for spike antlers is obsolete by canceling itself out, the size of antlers are based on antler genetics, nutrition, and age. When available forage and nutrition are sparse, the percentage of yearling spikes will increase. But, if observing three visibly healthy same-aged bucks on a ranch that are likely to have received similar nutrition, and one of the three bucks is a spike while the other two are 6-point or 8-point bucks, the spike buck likely has comparatively inferior antler genetics.

Does that mean culling spikes will improve the antler quality among the deer herd? The short answer, it depends. There is evidence that culling will not influence antler size of the average low fenced ranch white-tailed deer herd, regardless of culling criteria.^2,5 The reasoning boils down to too little control; over the deer movement, over neighbors culling criteria (or lack thereof), the genes present in the herd, etc. But there is much more control over management goals and strategies when discussing deer herd management of a closed herd like that behind a game-proof fence or in a geographic area with limited migration (islands, steep surrounding mountains, etc.). In these more controllable situations, the use of selective culling to improve antler characteristics is more likely to prove effective.⁵

Ultimately, my philosophy is, if the buck white-tailed deer population is high and numbers need to be thinned, you can’t go wrong shooting spikes, especially from age classes older than 1.5 years. If the buck white-tailed deer population is low, let the spikes go and grow, because there is plenty of evidence that a spike can explode into a respectable buck with age and good nutrition.²

Bibliography:

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. 2006. Antler Restrictions. Accessed September 1, 2024.
Koerth BH, Kroll JC. 2008. Juvenile-to-adult antler development in white-tailed deer in south Texas. Journal of Wildlife Management 72(5):1109–1113.
Karns GR, Ditchkoff SS. 2013. Trauma-induced malformed antler development in male white-tailed deer. Wildlife Society Bulletin 37(4):832–837.
Mississippi State University Deer Ecology and Management Lab. 2019. Antler Abnormalities. . Accessed September 1, 2024.
Webb SL, Demarais S, Strickland BK, DeYoung RW, Kinghorn BP, Gee KL. 2012. Effects of selective harvest on antler size in white-tailed deer: a modeling approach. Journal of Wildlife Management 76(1):48–56.

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Assessing Various Predator Crossing Deterrents for Fence Line Management on A White-Tailed Deer Ranch in Southern Texas

Chase Nunez MS PhD — Sat, 21 Sep 2024 19:15:09 +0000

In south Texas, predation of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawns and nesting game birds like wild turkeys (Maleagris gallopavo) and bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) is a common threat during the late winter, spring, and early summer months. During this time of year, new mothers and young are most vulnerable⁶– a fact of life that predators rely on as a primary source of nutrition for their own young survival. Fawn and nest predation includes both mammalian and avian culprits, but avian predators are more difficult to manage from a regulatory aspect. Mammalian predators of frequent concern include, but are not limited to, coyotes (Canis latrans), raccoons (Procyon lotor), bobcats (Lynx rufus), grey foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), hog-nosed skunks (Conepatus leuconotus), opossums (Didelphis virginiana), badgers (Taxidea taxus), feral hogs (Sus scrofa), nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus), feral cats (Felis catus), and feral dogs (Canis familiaris)^2,3,4,6. Although the effects of mammalian predator management on nesting success and survival is largely unknown, there has been evidence showing it results in significant improvements for fawn survival and recruitment³.

There are many methods for controlling predator population sizes, but snare trapping on fence-lines is a time- and cost-effective method that is often utilized for trapping mammalian predators like coyotes in southern Texas⁵. A snare is one of the oldest and most rudimentary traps, constructed from a simple wire or cable loop with a locking device that creates a cinch effect– as the animal pulls harder, the loop locks tighter and tighter around the animal’s body^1,5. Snares can, however, be set for more species-specific captures, if desired, with cable stops (allows smaller animals to escape and larger animals to avoid leg catches) and trap set design (loop size, cable-size, trap placement location, etc.)¹.

For snares to be most effective, it is recommended to trap on fence-lines constructed of net-wire⁵, which forces most predators underneath and creates a habitual travel route that is easily accessible and advantaged for trappers. Identifying fence-line travel paths with higher traffic allows property and/or wildlife managers to trap predators more efficiently and effectively. Filling in holes that traverse under net-wire fencing forces predators to re-dig or dig new holes under the fence; these new holes indicate recent and potentially frequently used areas and can be leveraged for snare trap sets. It is not known if different hole filling substrates (dirt, concrete, razor wire, cactus, thorny brush, etc.) are more effective than others at deterring predator re-digs, but reduced re-dig activity could concentrate the travel across fence-lines and increase the frequency of trapping success with less effort. This experiment sought to determine if different filler materials made a difference in fence-line hole re-dig activity.

The experiment was conducted over a 39-day period (2/2/2024–3/11/2024) on a 546-acre white-tailed deer ranch approximately 12 miles East from Dilley, Texas in La Salle County. The perimeter of the property is surrounded by an eight-foot-tall game-proof StaTite net-wire fence with two vehicle drive-through gates over cattle guards. There are no livestock on the ranch, but white-tailed deer are managed extensively for a hunting operation.

The ranch shape is an approximate rectangle with 3.8 miles of perimeter fencing. A total of 40 predator-made holes traversing the game proof fencing were identified and enrolled in the study; 16 holes on the southwestern fence (1.2 miles), two holes on the northwestern fence (0.7 miles), 15 holes on the northeastern fence (1.2 miles), and seven holes on the southeastern fence (0.7 miles). When a hole was discovered, notes were recorded about the hole to better estimate the primary culprit of the hole in question; these notes included measurement of the hole size (width and height), notes on the type and density of the surrounding vegetation, suspected culprits (based on tracks, scat, hair caught in the fence, etc.), and the estimated frequency of use based on trail wear. Holes were filled in with either dirt only (as a control), a mix of dirt and prickly-pear cactus (Opuntia basilaris platypuntia) paddles, or a mix of dirt and thorny brush clippings from honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa), blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima), and allthorne (Koeberlinia spinosa). The filler used for each hole was rotated so that the order was dirt–dirt/cactus–dirt/thorny brush–dirt–dirt/cactus–… so that holes were randomly filled and so there was an even number of samples distributed across the three test groups. Holes were checked after four-, 14-, and 23-days for re-dig activity. If a hole was re-dug, measurements and notes were recorded for the new hole and it was then re-filled with the next filler in the order from the previous filler (i.e. if the previous filling attempt was dirt only, the refill was with dirt/cactus). A successful re-dig was defined as a hole that traversed completely underneath the net-wire fence. Holes at the end of the experiment were used for future snare trap sites.

Results and Discussions

Predator holes under the fence had a size range of 7–32 inches wide (w) and 3.5–14 inches deep (h), with an average hole size of 15.9 inches (w) by 7.5 inches (h). The suspected culprits of holes, with occasional evidence on multiple suspects, included coyotes (n=34), javelina (Pecari tajacu; n=7), raccoons (n=5), armadillos (n=2), and bobcats (n=1). Re-dug holes (n=20) ranged in size from 4–22 inches (w) and 3–10 inches (h). The average size of a re-dug hole was 10.9 inches (w) by 6.4 inches (h). The suspected culprits of re-dig activity, with occasional evidence of multiple species at one re-dig site, were coyotes (n=15), bobcats (n=4), javelina (n=3), raccoons (n=2), and skunks (n=1). Vegetation type and the estimated frequency of use did not seem to predict re-dig activity. The hole size associated with each species determined by evidence is shown in Table 1. Although there is a high degree of overlap in hole dimensions between target species and non-target species (javelina), hole size and evidence used simultaneously can inform the trapper of the most likely species to travel the hole to reduce unintended bycatch. Selective snare setting or non-lethal snares (with cable stops) can also reduce non-target bycatch¹, which can be a common occurrence with snares. Trap lines should be checked daily, if possible, to insure traps are properly and continuously set and that caught animals are not subjected to prolonged suffering or injuries, especially if using non-lethal snares.

Of the 40 predator-made holes identified and filled in the experiment, a total of 20 successful re-digs and four unsuccessful re-digs occurred. There was a total of 14 holes filled or refilled with only dirt, 18 holes filled or refilled with dirt/cactus, and 15 holes filled or refilled with dirt/thorny brush, and 13 holes remaining at the end of the experiment for snare sets. Dirt alone was the least successful deterrent for predator re-dig activity; of 9/14 (64%) dirt-filled holes experienced successful re-dig attempts and 0/14 (0%) unsuccessful re-dig attempts. Although dirt/cactus-filled holes experienced one more successful re-dig attempt than dirt/thorny brush-filled holes (6/18 versus 5/15), both groups experienced the same statistical occurrence of successful re-dig attempts (33% success rate). Dirt/thorny brush-filled holes did, however, experience a slightly higher rate of unsuccessful re-dig attempts (11%) than that of dirt/cactus filled holes (13%). Evidence indicates that the addition of any deterring substrate (cactus or thorny brush) to filled holes reduced the rate of re-dig activity by half. It should be noted that cactus added as a hole filler may promote cactus growth along fence-lines, which may inhibit fence maintenance but could, if thick enough, also act as a natural succulent fire break in a wildfire situation. There was new cactus growth in some holes by the end of the study (within 39 days). Less penetrable filler such as razor wire, galvanized steel panel, or concrete may further deter predator re-dig activity, but is more costly and time-consuming.

Table 1: Holes dimensions associated with evidence of various predators.

The dimensions listed are in inches. The average is shown with the range shown parenthetically as (minimum – maximum). There is a significant overlap in hole dimensions among common predators (coyotes, bobcats, raccoons) and non-target species (javelina). * Indicates no range is provided because there was only one sample.

Literature Cited

1. Boddicker ML. 1982. Snares for predator control. Proceedings Tenth Vertebrate Pest Conference pp50–54.
2. Dreibelbis JZ, Melton KB, Aguirre R, Collier BA, Hardin J, Silvy NJ, Peterson MJ. 2008. Predation of Rio Grande Wild Turkey Nests on the Edwards Plateau, Texas. The Wilson Journal of Ornithology 120(4):906–910.
3. Guthery FS, Beasom SL. 1977. Responses of Game and Nongame Wildlife to Predator Control in South Texas. Journal of Range Management 30(6):404–409.
4. Rollins DA, Carroll JP. 2001. Impacts Of Predation On Quail. The Role of Predator Control as a Tool in Game Management Proceedings of a Symposium pp84–101.
5. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service–Wildlife Services. 2022. Managing Coyotes With Snares. Accessed July 9, 2024.
6. Watine LN, Giuliano WM. 2017. Factors Determining Coyote (Canis latrans) Diets. Open Journal of Ecology 7:650–666.

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