Buck Manager | Buck Manager

Texas Bowhunters Wet, Whitetail Well-Fed

If Texas’ archery season had opened a few weeks ago when habitat conditions were fair to poor at best, opening weekend might have been likened to shooting fish in a barrel. Well, it probably would not have been that easy, but just a couple of weeks ago range conditions were horrible over much of the state due to severe to extreme drought conditions. A lack of rainfall had resident white-tailed deer hustling to make a living. That is no longer the case. What bowhunters found this past weekend was that they themselves were the fish in the barrel.

Bowhunters that took the field on Saturday and Sunday in search of whitetail found themselves pretty soggy. Sure, the weather opening morning was decent, but rain and clouds literally sat over most of Texas for the rest of the weekend. As a matter of fact, those rain-makers are still out there and weather forecasters are calling for more precipitation for the remainder of the week. So from a bowhunter’s perspective, the archery opener was less than ideal and I suspect deer harvests numbers were way down. Texas’ white-tailed deer, on the other hand, are knee-deep in acorns and succulent fall forbs.

The hot, dry summer had deer scrambling in search of native forage, but recent, abundant rains have turned the once brown landscape Scotland green. Parts of Central Texas have received 12 or more inches of rain in the past couple of weeks—some in a single day! To add insult to injury, oak trees recently dropped massive acorn crops despite dry spring and summer conditions. I call it the bowhunters curse, and it happens more often than not.

Just when hunters think they have the white-tailed deer in patterned, here comes the acorns and fall forbs and then all bets are off. Well, the only thing that you can bet on is that deer will be spread out just like the food—and that if you’re set up near a feeder you will not see a deer. A heavy acorn crop combined with improved habitat conditions make it difficult for bowhunters to pin-point where deer will be feeding, unless there are only a handful of oak trees in an area. That is usually not the case.

But it’s not all bad, particularly for the deer. With fall at hand and winter around the corner, white-tailed deer need to fatten up for hard times ahead. The good acorn crop will help with that. Fifty percent of the calories a deer obtains from an acorn comes from fat; another 40% comes from carbohydrates. The timely rains have boosted habitat conditions and produced a bumper crop of cool season forbs. Forbs are high in carbs, too, but also loaded with protein—as high as 25 to 30 % digestible protein in some cases. So bowhunters may have suffered the early fall curse this past weekend, but Texas’ white-tailed deer have been blessed this fall.

Poor Nutrition: Doe Eats a Fawn?

Whitetail Doe Eats Fawn?!?

White-tailed deer have specific nutritional requirements that can be met through habitat management and by maintaining deer numbers at the carrying capacity for the area. Under these described conditions, deer can get all of the required components of their diet, including energy, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals, that allow them to function properly. Many deer managers will even provide supplemental forage in the form of protein pellets or food plots that allow for optimal deer performance and health.

But what happens when a deer’s diet does not meet their dietary requirements? The answer is simple: Deer suffer. This suffering comes in the form of lower body weights, poor body function, lowered immune systems, and sub-optimal antler growth. As far as deer are concerned, the latter is the least of their worries.

Malnourished bucks will “steal” necessary vitamins and minerals from antler growth to supply critical processes. Does will do the same sort of thing, but malnourished does will abort their fetuses during pregnancy or abandon their fawns during nursing. In short, deer that have poor diets will do things you may not expect. Such is the case in these photos of a white-tailed doe eating a road-killed fawn.

These photos are from an suburban area with a high population of white-tailed deer located near Austin, Texas. And by high, I suspect that the deer density in this area is approaching about 1 deer for every 1 to 2 acres. I don’t care where you go, that’s a very high deer density! To make matters worse, this part of Texas has been under severe drought conditions for the past year. Although high numbers of deer exist in suburban areas throughout the United States, poor environmental conditions can exacerbate the problems associated with deer overpopulation.

One deer for every one acre: I hope that no ranch ever attempts to have this many deer on a property. In most parts of the country, a good rule of thumb is 1 white-tailed deer for every 6 to 12 acres of deer habitat, depending on soil and precipitation. In central Texas, a deer would require a minimum of 8 acres of good habitat to meet its dietary requirements and achieve optimal growth. Because the doe above is found in a suburban area where deer numbers are difficult to maintain (because hunting is not allowed), the the animal can not possibly have a proper diet. The “habitat” is inadequate and, as a result, so are the food sources.

READ: Can Deer Get Mastitis?

Over the years, researchers and observers have reported that white-tailed deer are not strictly vegetarian. In areas where their normal diet is low in essential minerals (particularly calcium) deer have been reported to eat meat, in addition to bird eggs and young birds (whole) found in nests. These unusual additions to the diet are believed to be consumed when minerals are lacking, although actual vitamin requirements in whitetail are unknown, as well.

Obviously, the whitetail doe featured in these photos is not in horrible shape, but she is far from great condition. This doe was reportedly observed eating meat directly from the road-killed fawn. Although meat does not normally comprise the food habits of whitetail, this doe sensed that something she was lacking could be garnered from the flesh of this dead fawn.

Doe Management: Shoot the Smallest?

The proper harvest of animals is a critical component of white-tailed deer management. Although most conversations concerning the harvest of deer are centered around bucks, the harvest of does is just as important. After all, thinning the doe population, when warranted, will improve the buck to doe ratio, slow population growth, and keep white-tailed deer numbers at the proper carrying capacity for the habitat. The management benefits of necessary doe harvest are well documented.

But when it comes to shooting does, which ones do you shoot first? With bucks, hunters typically use antler characteristics combined with the age of the deer to identify potential cull bucks and other shooter deer. Hunters have varying opinions when it comes to buck harvest, but it’s even less straight forward when it comes to shooting does. Interestingly enough, I recently had a fellow tell me that he spares the largest does and shoots the smallest. At first I thought he was just taking a stab at becoming an “armchair” biologist, but then I started to think his theory may have some merit.

The general rule of thumb in deer management has always been to shoot the oldest does first, the thought being that younger does have been sired by better bucks because of culling practices that take place year after year. The result should be younger does that are genetically better than older does because of gene recombination between better bucks and better does. If this repeatedly occurs on an annual basis, then the last fawn crop should always be genetically superior (even by a small amount) to the year prior.

So, would it make sense to shoot the smallest bodied does? Well, that’s exactly what most deer managers do when it comes to removing cull bucks. White-tailed bucks are judged not only based on their age, but also against other bucks of the same age. Almost without fail, the largest bodied bucks have the largest antlers. On the flip side, bucks that have inferior racks tend to be smaller bodied than other bucks of the same age. Could the same hold true with does?

White-tailed bucks store much of the necessary minerals used for antler formation in their bones. Although they also get a good amount of the material for antler growth from their diet, additional bone bass means the ability to store more antler-growing minerals than the next buck. This explains why larger bodied bucks have better antlers. It would also give some credibility to the “shoot smaller does” theory. A manager should want to pass on the traits for deer with large-framed bodies.

Does also play a large role in the development and initial growth of fawns through rearing, particularly milk production. It would stand to reason that larger bodied does would likely be better “providers” than smaller bodied does, with fawn numbers being equal (both with single or both with twin fawns). From a reproductive standpoint, it becomes beneficial to landowners and fawns to have does with large frames.

When it comes to whitetail deer management, it’s easier to identify potential bucks for harvest than it is does. A hunter can gauge a buck’s genes by the antlers on his head, but does lack these physical yardsticks. However, a hunter can compare does of similar age by body size. Will it really help a deer herd to have a harvest strategy that targets the smallest does? I can’t say for sure, but it makes good sense, especially if you compare does based on age.

7 Reasons to Cull Whitetail Bucks

White-tailed deer management and the culling of bucks often go hand-in-hand. To attempt to improve the buck segment of any deer herd, some type of culling must take place on an annual basis. Each fall, hunters email me photos and ask, “Is this deer a cull buck?” It’s a simple enough question, but the answer depends on the quality of the whitetail bucks found on the ranch. After all, culling is relative to the buck population in question. In addition, the reasons for culling bucks are also closely tied to the manager’s objectives.

A cull buck on one ranch may be a trophy on another. Property objectives, habitat condition, food availability, and the genes found in the local deer population (for antler growth) all determine what a cull buck on a particular property will look like. Bucks found on a property must be judged against other bucks on the ranch. It would be unfair to compare deer from South Texas with a deer from East Texas or Alabama or Indiana for that matter.

Culling is best prescribed when there are too many deer for the habitat, otherwise there is no need to remove anything. It takes a long time to skew the genetic composition of a free-ranging deer herd and, depending on the size of the property, may not be possible. Although the reasons for culling bucks may vary from hunter to hunter and between ranches, there are some physical features by which all bucks are measured. Below are 7 potential reasons to cull healthy whitetail bucks.

Missing Brow Points

Brow points (G1s) are important. Plain and simple, whitetail bucks should have brow points once they reach 2 years of age. Not only are bucks expected to have brow points, but the presence of these tines is genetically dominant over deer with one or no brow points. If bucks are missing one or both brow points, then these animals should be considered for removal from the herd. I have been on several ranches where many of the bucks were missing brow points. It happens. The only way to ensure that whitetail bucks have brow points on a property is to remove what you can see, bucks without them.

Short Points

Bucks with short antler points are undesirable to most hunters and deer managers. When we think of great whitetail bucks, we immediately think of deer with longer points, particularly from the G2 on up. Short-tined bucks not only look inferior, they could be, possibly. I like to think that Mother Nature would want bucks to have long tines so that they could use them more effectively to defend themselves. In reality, body size is much more important when it comes to dominance, but short points in your deer herd means hunters get the short end of the stick.

Short Beams

Whitetail bucks with short main beams make for odd deer. We all know what a typical buck’s beams look like and that is what most hunters want to manage for in their deer herds. Long points and main beams add inches and inches to a buck’s Boone and Crockett score. In addition, bucks with short main beams leave no room for point placement. A manager can’t expect to have 12 point bucks when all of the bucks on the property have 15 inch main beams. It can happen, but we could all be living on the moon one day, too. And even if it did, is that what you want? Bucks with short main beams make for short-lived bucks.

No Mass

Mass is the most highly heritable antler trait for whitetail bucks. Bucks that have heavy mass are sired by bucks with heavy mass. On the other hand, deer with pencil horns come from bucks that were thin-horned. Of course, buck nutrition and age both play a role when it comes to antler mass. A buck’s antler mass will increase with age, so judge an individual buck’s mass measurements relative to other bucks of the same age class. If your property provides good deer habitat, then well-fed whitetail bucks should have good mass. If they lack antler mass, then think about culling those bucks if you need to remove deer and are concerned about maintaining good age structure within bucks (ie. shooting all of the young or old bucks on the property).

Narrow Spread

This is a matter of opinion, but most deer managers and hunters like wider spread bucks as opposed to more narrow spread bucks. In my opinion, inside antler spread is the least important measurement when it comes to a buck’s numerical score. I like ’em old. Most mature bucks only achieve an inside antler spread of about 20 inches, so even a very narrow-horned buck with a 12 inch spread just gives up 8 inches of B&C score if that is important to you . Because of this, whitetail bucks with a narrow antler spread can still score very high if they have long antler points and heavy mass. You can cull based on spread, but point length and antler mass are more important in the end.

Lack of Points

Every person interested in whitetail deer management wants to produce better bucks with more points. Antler points, like beam mass, are highly heritable traits in whitetail deer. If a buck has a low number of antler points, then the deer could be on the chopping block. The number of points a buck has must be judged against the deer’s age. The number of points a buck has as a yearling is indicative of the deer’s future. A high number of points at a young age typically means more points at an older age. Most want yearling bucks (1 1/2 years old) with 6+ points. Spikes, three, four, and five point yearlings may be potential culls depending on your objectives and where you stand with regards to the deer carrying cap.

Most hunters have heard of the infamous “management buck.” This term became popularized about 15 years ago as a way to market 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 year old 8 point bucks that were deemed culls. As a general rule of thumb, if a whitetail buck has only 8 points at 3 1/2 years of age, then the potential that he is going to “blow up” into something amazing decline drastically. Sure, the buck may throw on some stickers and kickers, but more often than not the deer has maxed out on main antler points. This may not a desirable buck if the hunter or manager is managing for 10+ point bucks. By using a selective deer harvest strategy, a manager can reduce main-frame 8 point bucks and promote whitetail bucks with more points to older age classses.

Maturity

This is kind of a no-brainer. If a whitetail buck is mature, regardless of antler quality, it should be considered available for harvest. The buck may or may not be a true cull, but once a buck reaches maturity it has played its role. The problem with old-aged culls is that they have been on the property for years breeding and producing both buck and doe fawns that carry their same genes. It’s easy to identify an old cull buck, but you will do yourself and your deer management program a favor by learning how to identify undesirable, cull bucks at an earlier age. Not only will culling bucks at a young age ensure your best quality whitetail bucks do most of the breeding, but it will mean more food and better habitat for your best deer!

Alfalfa Food Plots for White-tailed Deer

Alfalfa Food Plots

Food plots are commonly used by deer managers to provide supplemental forage for white-tailed deer. Most hunters and deer managers like to plant forage species that are easy to maintain. However, a little extra work is usually worth it. Alfalfa food plots for deer fall into that category. Besides, nothing worth having comes easy. And, a little extra work can pay off big, especially if you consider establishing alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) as a forage plant for deer on your property.

Alfalfa is an excellent spring, summer, and early fall food plot choice for white-tailed deer. Alfalfa is a cool-season perennial legume that contains 16% to 26% of highly digestible protein. Whitetail will flock to a well-established alfalfa field. In addition, this perennial can survive for 5 to 10 years if managed properly. It’s a good food source for deer for those willing to put in the effort.

Alfalfa Food Plots are Tough

Established alfalfa plants have taproots that extend 4-5 feet deep in the soil. As a result, this forage species makes for a very drought tolerant food plot for deer and other wildlife. And what’s better than a drought tolerant food plot? Well, how about a highly productive food plot that is capable of fixing its own nitrogen? Yep, there is a lot to like about alfalfa.

This forage plant is a legume and does not need the application of nitrogen fertilizer. Like other legumes, it makes its own. Established alfalfa is tough. However, it’s not always easy to establish, Alfalfa is a highly effective forage plant for fall and winter food plots, but spring planting is recommended. After the first year, alfalfa serves as a dependable spring food plot for whitetail.

Alfalfa has many attributes that make it a great choice for forage plots. However, some deer managers find it difficult to establish and maintain. Alfalfa is not a plant where one can just disk, throw, and grow with the addition of a little fertilizer like oats or wheat.

Alfalfa has low tolerance for moisture and soil acidity. In addition, it performs best on well-drained soils (loam to sandy loam) with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. And even though alfalfa is capable of fixing its own nitrogen, plots usually require annual applications of other soil nutrients. These often include macro- and micronutrients such as phosphorous, potassium, sulfur, and even boron. Additionally, alfalfa must be inoculated with Rhizobia bacteria (Type A) prior to planting.

Alfalfa Food Plots for Deer Hunting and Management

Managing Alfalfa Plots

New alfalfa food plots for deer and other animals must be managed. Heavy competition from weeds can will put a lid on recently-planted and poor (thin) stands of alfalfa. In addition, white-tailed deer can over-browse alfalfa plots. This is especially true before plant establishment and/or early in the plant’s growing season. However, proper management by the manager ensures the alfalfa planting is successful.

First and foremast, proper seedbed preparation is important. This is true for any food plot, but especially when trying to start alfalfa. Control competitive plant species through chemical or mechanical treatments. In addition, ensure that white-tailed deer are not present at a high density. If so, overuse of the food plot by deer could be an issue early on. Options include reducing the deer population or excluding animals from the food plot until it is established. Electric fencing and tall net-wire fencing will do the job.

Alfalfa for Food Plots

Believe it or not, there are currently over 220 varieties of alfalfa! Alfalfa varieties are rated for fall dormancy and winter hardiness. These factors should be considered based on the latitude of your property. When evaluating alfalfa, pay attention to hardiness and dormancy. Fall dormancy relates to how soon an alfalfa variety stops growing in the fall and how early it begins growing again in the spring. Winter hardiness pertains to how well an alfalfa variety will survive over multiple winters.

Once established, the dormancy and winter hardiness ratings determine the length of the variety’s annual growing season and the life of the alfalfa food plot. The best way to choose alfalfa varieties that are suitable in your area is to talk directly with local seed dealers, agricultural extension agents, and wildlife biologists.

Planting Alfalfa for Whitetail Deer

Planting Alfalfa Food Plots for Deer

Alfalfa food plots can generally be planted in April or September-October each year. Spring is preferred. Timing depends on latitude and the variety of alfalfa. Alfalfa can grow 2 to 3 feet in height and produce an astounding 3 to 5 tons of high quality forage per acre! It is a cool season species that will start growing in late-March, persist through the summer, and grows throughout October at southern latitudes.

Alfalfa planting rates vary by variety, but usually run around 15 to 20 pounds per acre. Seed costs for alfalfa plantings range from $60-80 per acre. Alfalfa food plots for deer and other animals requires more costs and effort up front than other plots. However, the reward is a high quality forage that benefits your whitetail and deer management program year after year. Alfalfa plots are a good investment for properties with suitable soils.