Non-typical Stuff | Deer Hunting & Management

Another Way to Kill Deer: Gates

The white-tailed deer is an amazing animal. Deer really live a tough life and must navigate a multitude of obstacles along the way, just to stay alive. From the time they are born, deer have to survive the elements, escape endless pursuits from coyotes and mountain lions, not to mention diseases or possible deaths from wounds and injuries. Then, there are the deer hunting seasons. But deer populations continue to thrive.

With all that in mind, some of the things that deer — and probably most people — do not suspect as a hazard are gates and wrought iron fences. Elaborate gates are often built entering properties. But deer will try to jump them. It’s important for gates to be either very high, so that deer do not attempt to jump them, or very low so that deer can easily jump them.

Both gates and fences are put around rural, residential and commercial properties. Fences often mark property boundaries, but they are often erected to protect property and keep animals in or out. It’s also important that they be constructed with safety, both human and wildlife, in mind. Improper construction only means that deer will regularly get caught in fences.

Then there are other human-created deer death traps like roads, highways, and interstates. Just add automobiles and 18-wheelers to start the killing. And yes, hunters get to take a few to with archery equipment and firearms during the regulated hunting season. But the occasional residential gate? Who would have guessed?

Strange Wildlife Camera Photos

Looking for some odd wildlife photos captured using trail cameras? Well, this is a good place to start! Below are some of the most crazy game camera pics I have seen to date. The great thing about motion-activated cameras is that you never really know what you are going to get. Enjoy these strange photos and if you have any of your own, send ’em over!

Digital Game Cameras – Importance of Effective Flash Range

The flash of a digital game camera can be an important thing to consider when looking for a new trail camera. The most obvious reason is because deer move most frequently after darkness settles in. The flash of your camera must be strong enough to cover the subject area, but no so strong that it causes “white out” on the pictures. A good starting point would be to research the “effective flash range” as stated by the manufacturer of all the trail cameras in your price range. And remember, these are still “stated” ranges.

If you plan on using the trail camera on the edge of a crop field you will most likely need a longer effective flash range than say 20 feet. On the other hand, if you set up the deer camera over a bait pile in heavy brush, then a short flash range will be all you need. Why? Well first, the solid background of brush will reflect light back into your picture, so the short flash range works fine. And obvious, the deer will be much closer because of the confined space.

Conversely, the distant tree on the other side of the agricultural field will need a much brighter, more effective flash. Regardless of where your trail camera goes, make sre to clear out the area between the camera and where you expect the deer to be. The most obvious reason (coming from a seasoned camera user) is because if the camera is set out during periods of high temperature then even minor moments in brush and weeds in front of the game camera could trigger “false” pictures. This close brush will also cause “flash back,” resulting in “white out” of your night photos as well.

“Flash back” can be spotted on your scouting photos as looks like a very hot spot on the game camera photo that may or may not be bright enough to white out the entire photo. In short, if you have brush, dead limbs, weeds, or other obstructions close to your digital game camera’s flash, cut it down.

And lastly, when purchasing your scouting camera, make sure to research the available cameras to find one that meets your needs. And of course, price varies based on picture size, opitical quality, memory, options, and effective flash range. Do a little scouting before your camera does some scouting and you will get the deer photos you want without the headache.

Justin Hurst Wildlife Management Area – Info

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department wildlife management area formerly known as Peach Point Wildlife Management Area (WMA) will be formally rededicated this Friday, Oct. 12 as “Justin Hurst WMA” in recognition of the former game warden and wildlife biologist who was killed in the line of duty earlier this year. As a department biologist in the Wildlife Division, Hurst devoted six years to the 15,612-acre WMA known for its lush wetlands and coastal plains.

As Peach Point’s area manager he was instrumental in the development of many waterfowl conservation projects on the site, including mottled duck research. Hurst switched careers and became a game warden in 2002, and while at the training academy, he shared his knowledge about waterfowl with fellow game warden cadets and taught duck identification.

On March 17, Hurst’s 34th birthday, he was killed while attempting to apprehend a suspected poacher. Employees are invited to attend the rededication, which begins with self guided tours of the WMA from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Ceremonies begin at 2 p.m. and conclude around 4 p.m. Speakers will include Mike Berger, Col. Peter Flores, Todd Merendino, David Lobpries, Jesse Oetgen, John Thorne, Andrew Sansom, Amanda Hurst and Robert L. Cook.

Get more information by calling Texas Parks & Wildlife’s Bay City office at (979) 244-7697.

Parrie Haynes Ranch – Celebration of History

The Friends of Parrie Haynes Ranch has arranged to have more than 200 young people attend an event on Saturday, October 13, 2007 to mark the 50th anniversary of the passing of Parrie Haynes, who donated the property near Killeen that eventually became a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department outreach facility.

Parrie and Allen Haynes were married in 1895 and started working as tenant farmers. Through hard work and determination, and by saving and living a frugal life, they eventually built a modest cattle empire. After Mr. Haynes died in 1953, Parrie took over the ranch. The Haynes were very fond of children, but were childless. So, upon her death in 1957, Mrs. Haynes bequeathed $100,000 to the Killeen School district for scholarships, and donated about 4,500 acres of her beloved ranch to the Texas Youth Commission to serve “the orphans of Texas.”

In 1993, the Stae of Texas, specifically Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, in partnership with the Texas Game Warden Association, leased Parrie Haynes Ranch to establish camps for children. In 2003, the Camp Coca Cola Foundation (now the C-5 Foundation) generously added new facilities at the ranch which are used for their summer residential camping program. Today, the Communications Division manages the ranch as a youth activity, conference, and equestrian facility open to groups on an advance-reservation basis. This Saturday from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. youth will fish, nature walk, ride ponies and enjoy other activities at the 50th anniversary celebration. At 2 p.m., the friends group will unveil a new stone pedestal and marble plaque dedicated to Parrie Haynes’ legacy.