2019-20 Hunting Season Forecast for Kimble County ou know that old saying about Texas weather, the one about hang around a few minutes and it will likely change? Well nothing could be closer to the truth than the Kimble County rainfall pattern dating back to last fall. Of course you remember the incredible flood back in October 2018, with thirteen inches of rain that month. You may recall that Kimble County typically receives 25” of rainfall in twelve months, but in 2018, the total amount was almost 33”! December of 2018 ended with over two more inches so the wildlife headed into the winter months in fine physical condition and the ground soaked up the moisture like a sponge. 2019 started out dry with no real rain until March, but from March to the end of June over twelve inches found Kimble County ground. The habitat and the wildlife had a great mid-winter and stored up their resources for the remainder of the late winter. As spring sprung, the rains arrived once again, just as the grass greened up, the brush put on new growth, and wildlife had their babies. The table was once again well set for a banner production year. And then July rolled in like a blow torch— hot, dry winds and less than one inch of rain the entire month. August saw less than two inches, and September was below average. The lush, green grass that was present in late spring and early summer quickly dried up. Wildlife species, such as deer, turkey and quail, started out perfectly and got off to great starts; antlers were growing well, and hens hatched above average clutches of chicks, just as the mid July heat arrived. As the insects and seeds disappeared, so did the surplus of young animals that were unable to cope with the harsh conditions. The hot dry winds sucked the moisture from the ground as forbs
and standing water began to disappear just as the youngsters were dispersing and trying to make it on their own. I know this is a natural cycle and Mother Nature’s way of sorting things out so that only the tough survive but that doesn’t make it easy to witness. Mid summer, many landowners rallied and sold off livestock, filled protein feeders and ran water lines trying to deflect the negative effects of the summer months, and on many ranches, this was the difference between success or failure. Our neighbors to the west were not nearly as lucky because their lush spring went quickly to dire, straight summer and that caused the anthrax spores to rise to the top of the soil and greatly impact all mammalian species. Huge die-offs of wildlife and some domestic animals were widespread and aggressive. Longtime ranchers report this may be the worst outbreak they have ever witnessed. By now, the weather has cooled down, and the outbreak has subsided, but the damage has been done. Again, some say this is a natural cycle, as anthrax spores reflect weather patterns, but that still doesn’t make it easy to witness. Kimble County was spared the anthrax outbreak but not the fluctuating rainfall patterns. Hunters headed to the woods this fall will be able to recognize the signs. Mother Nature can be our perfect partner or our worst enemy sometimes. When she cooperates with our plans and schedules, great things can happen. Managing for wildlife is like a chess game with Mother Nature—she makes a move, you make a move. Things change at odd times and responses should be swift or you may get left behind. It is a check/ check-mate game of survival at times, just as it is a blessing of abundance
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Macy Ledbetter Guest contributor
Macy Ledbetter is a professional wildlife biologist with a life-long passion for wildlife, habitat, and hunting. Macy earned his degree from Texas A&M University and now operates his wildlife consulting business, Spring Creek Outdoors, based in central Texas on his historic family ranch. Macy is a fifth-generation rancher and actively manages his ranch for optimum cattle and wildlife production. His client list totals over two million acres in all corners of Texas and Mexico. He understands and explains wildlife management processes like few others and can make each individual step palatable and educational for his clients. When he is not surveying wildlife, hunting, or writing about game management, he may be found supporting legislative projects or involved in a wide array of public speaking activities. With a full time staff of three degreed wildlife biologists, Spring Creek Outdoors can help you with all of your wildlife, habitat and fishery needs, so contact Macy today at Macy.Ledbetter@gmail.com or check out his website at www.SpringCreekOutdoors.com