Don't Slack Off During the Drought
 I've had conversations with several people lately, asking them what the deer look like on their ranch this year, in both body condition and antler size, and what kind of fawn crop they were seeing. Just typical small talk, expecting the usual answers. But, their responses surprised me and made me scratch my head. They all said that they really didn't know, because they hadn't done the usual surveys. They didn't think it would do any good, because the drought is so bad.
Sounds like the same excuse I've heard a lot of lately; blame the drought and put things off until it rains. When it comes to managing your ranch and the wildlife on it, the drought should be the reason to double your efforts. Get those deer surveys done, because they will tell you the story of just exactly how the conditions are affecting the deer on your ranch. And that is vital to adjusting your harvest plans accordingly this season. I think a lot of folks feel like the drought gives reason for harvesting lightly and minimally impacting the deer. But, it's quite the opposite, as the habitat can no longer support the same number of animals as it could during normal conditions. The drought has put a kink in your normal management plan, and so now you must tweak it to fit the new set of conditions. How will you know how to adjust it if you haven't done your surveys?
 My son and I recently spent an afternoon and evening on a client's ranch, Whitetail Meadows, in North Texas. We helped the landowner clear brush and install trail cams, fill feeders at the camera locations, and then conduct a spotlight survey that night. There is no doubt the historically dry conditions are affecting the deer, but the survey data gathered from 3 spotlight surveys and hundreds of trail cam photos will help to adjust the harvest plans accordingly and bring the number of deer back in balance with the what the habitat can support. Plus, it is always a great opportunity to get a kid out and involved. The woods and the brush come alive at night, and it's worth the late night to see the excitement and amazement as they get to experience it.
Chris Garcia
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