If early field reports by bow hunters and those hunting on Managed Lands Deer Permit properties are a sign of things to come, Texas hunters should see deer in good condition and above average numbers of mature bucks when the general season kicks off Nov. 1 statewide.

“I had a report of a bow hunter in Walker County connecting on a buck that scored 163 B&C (Boone & Crockett scoring system),” said Alan Cain, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department White-tailed Deer Program Leader. “It turns out it was the hunter’s first time to bow hunt. I got another report of a 183 B&C buck harvested in Atascosa County on a low-fenced MLD property.”

Cain noted he’s received several reports indicating decent antler quality this year so hunters should be in for a nice surprise with the quality of bucks they are seeing.

The general season runs through Jan. 4, 2015 in the 209 counties that comprise the North Zone and through Jan. 18, 2015 in the 30 counties of the South Zone. For county specific regulations, check the 2014-15 Outdoor Annual — Texas Hunting and Fishing Regulations available at hunting license sales outlets, online at www.tpwd.state.tx.us and as a free mobile app download on iOS and Android platforms at www.txoutdoorannual.com/app.

When it comes to deer, wildlife biologists use rainfall as a barometer for gauging hunting season because of the direct correlation between rainfall and impacts to habitat during certain times of the year (primarily as it relates to nutrition and cover deer need). Rainfall or a lack thereof can significantly impact deer body condition, antler quality and fawn production – the end results are what hunters see each fall.

According to Cain, mast crops (acorns, mesquite beans, etc.) that provide a good forage resource to help deer meet the demands of raising fawns and growing antlers during the stressful part of the summer have been in good supply this year. Those native food sources appear to be carrying over into the fall, which means some hunters may have to contend with native food sources competing with artificial feeders early in the season.

“Precipitation has greened up vegetation around much of the state in the last month and with green conditions deer aren’t utilizing feeders as much,” Cain added. “The green vegetation and warm temperatures in October have made hunting a little tough, but there are a few folks having some luck.”

Texas whitetail population estimates have remained fairly stable over the last few decades at around 4 million deer. Hunters can expect to see about the same number of deer as in 2013. Bottom line from a hunter perspective is there will be plenty of animals to pursue.

Source: Texas Parks & Wildlife

The excitement of finding a great buck in your sights can send caution to the wind. A mindful and disciplined hunter will always ask himself or herself three vital questions before pulling the trigger:

Is this shot safe?
Is it legal?
Is it ethical?

How do you know? Watch this video to review how to make these critical assessments.

A capable and responsible hunter uses a rifle that is accurate and that the hunter is confident in using. Preparation for hunting should include a trip to the shooting range every year to check that your weapon can reliably hit your target. This video, “How to Sight Your Hunting Rifle,” demonstrates a step by step method of sighting in a hunting rifle.

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• 100% Vitamins and Minerals*
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Click here to find out more information on the changes to Equine Senior and Equine Senior Active.

With fall nights cooling off and winter coming soon, here are some tips to prepare your outdoor dogs for the cold.

First,  make sure to have a good doghouse for your dog. Doghouses come in all shapes and sizes; including igloo shaped houses, large kennel type houses, and wooden doghouses. If you are purchasing a new doghouse make sure that it is the appropriate size for your dog. You don’t want it to be too small but you also don’t want it to be too big. A doghouse should be a good fit to your dog so that they have enough room to curl up inside but it isn’t so big that it doesn’t hold your dog’s body heat. And if your dog already has a house, check for holes, rust or wood rot. You can use spray insulation to fill in any gaps.

Second, is to make sure that the doghouse is in a good location. Put your dog’s house in a place on high ground and near the house or barn for wind protection. Also note the direction that the entrance faces so that the North wind doesn’t blow directly into the house.

Third, check the bedding inside the doghouse. Your dog should have adequate bedding that gets your dog up off the ground and is padded enough that your dog can snuggle down into. Also, use flea and tick prevention as fleas and ticks will also be seeking a warm place. Another idea is to put straw in and around the outside of the doghouse to help keep the wet and mud out.

Finally, during the winter months your dog will drink less so it is important to always have a good source of water available. To prevent dehydration, provide warm water or check for ice at least twice a day.

Add some color to your flower bed this winter by planting some pansies! J&N Feed and Seed has a variety of pansies for you to pick from. Pansies are hardy annuals that are perfect for planting in the fall.

They are priced at $19.00 for a flat or 99 cents a piece.

Stop by J&N Feed and Seed today to pick out some beautiful, “smiling” pansies!

Winter is fast approaching, so here are some tips to help you prepare your barn for the cold weather. It’s important to take the time to plan ahead so that your animals are safe and warm through the winter.

First, check all pipes, spouts, and faucets. Make sure that pipes are buried deep enough into the ground to prevent freezing. For spouts and faucets have them securely wrapped and/or insulated. When it does start to freeze, remember to drain your hoses over night so that they do not freeze.

Second, consider fire preventative measures. Check electrical wires for lights, heat lamps, and water heaters. Also be careful not to overload outlets and extension cords. Even keeping your barn tidy and clean can help.

Third, examine the condition of your barn. Look for any leaks, holes, or lose boards. Make sure that all the doors can seal tightly and that windows can be opened to aid in proper ventilation. Also, trim back trees and branches that may hang over the barn.

Fourth, have a water plan. Cold weather decreases your animals water consumption. To prevent dehydration in your animals, have a plan to get fresh, warm water to them. You should check troughs at least two times a day to break ice. Or you can use deicers to warm the water to keep it from freezing. Also make sure that your animals have access to salt mineral, this will help encourage them to drink.

Finally, plan ahead and have supplies on hand in case of hazardous weather. Stock up on hay and grain to have enough for all your animals for several days. Also stock up on straw or shavings so that you can keep the stalls dry and clean.

Come by J&N for all your winterizing supplies!

Quail season opens statewide October 25 and runs through February 22, 2015. The daily bag limit for bobwhite, scaled (blue) and Gambel’s quail is 15, and the possession limit is 45. The bag limit is the maximum number that may be killed during the legal shooting hours in one day. Legal shooting hours for all non-migratory game birds are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.

Timely rainfall has helped bolster quail populations and should improve hunting opportunities over last year, according to the most recent quail forecast. Excellent hunting opportunities are expected in South Texas while quail populations in the Rolling Plains will remain below average but moving in the right direction, according to Robert Perez, TPWD Upland Game Bird Leader.

Although much of the state remains in drought, the degree is far less than the past few years and daily temperatures remained below average for most of the summer. Additional winter rains are needed to provide greens and aid continued population recovery into next spring and summer.

Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department