Texas Wildlife - Inside the Mind of a Rutting Buck - November 2022

Inside the Mind of a Rutting Buck

Easy does it now

TEXAS WILDLIFE

CEO COMMENTS

JUSTIN DREIBELBIS

Hunting season is officially upon us once again. For a Texas out doorsman, November is a special time of year when hunters finally hit the field after months of waiting and preparing. While there have been several early season opportunities for dove, pronghorn, and ar chery deer, November marks the opener for nearly all the rest of our treasured game species including ducks, quail and even mule deer at the end of the month.

With an editorial calendar that requires articles to be submitted two months ahead of time, I’m writing this piece following a fun trip to the Rio Grande Valley with my family to hunt doves during the first Special White-winged Dove opener. We had to dodge a few thunderstorms, which didn’t bother anyone given the historic drought we have experienced this year, and watch a whole bunch of Mourning Doves zip by to get our handful of White-wings, but there is no place I would have rather been.

My girls are old enough that we held their attention for quite a while fetching downed birds and shooting the BB gun. My wife, Rachael, spent some time bird hunting which she hasn’t been able to do for a few years. And I spent time in the field with my dad and uncles who are the guys who introduced me to hunting as a kid. It was a special trip all the way around.

It’s hard to believe that September 1 marked my one-year anniversary with TWA (for the second time). As I reflect on everything that has happened over the last 12 months, I have to say I’m proud of our team and their accomplishments. Let me share a few with you:

• Officially opened the doors on the beautiful new TWA headquarters

• New staff, new roles, and expanded program offerings

• More events around the state—20 planned and/or executed the last year

• Successful convention

• Continued support of private landowners and hunters at the Texas Legislature

The common denominator for all the great things above is people. I continue to be inspired by the generosity and passion of our membership. I’m also extremely proud of our TWA staff team for the important work they continue to do every day to carry out your association’s mission.

As you plan your fall hunting calendar, please don’t forget to make time to vote. It’s more important now than ever that we have lawmakers who understand the value of our natural resources and the private landowner’s important role in the sustainable management of those resources. Tuesday, November 8th is Election Day, but early voting will be open October 24-November 4.

I hope everyone can unplug and spend some quality time in the field with family and friends this season. For a lot of us, it’s what makes all the hard work that has been put into this organization worth it.

Here’s to a safe and successful hunting season. Thanks for being a TWA member.

Texas Wildlife Association

Mission Statement

Serving Texas wildlife and its habitat, while protecting property rights, hunting heritage, and the conservation efforts of those who value and steward wildlife resources.

Texas Wildlife Association

TEXAS WILDLIFE is published monthly by the Texas Wildlife Association, 6644 FM 1102, New Braunfels, TX 78132. E-mail address: twa@texas-wildlife.org. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Texas Wildlife Association, 6644 FM 1102, New Braunfels, TX 78132. The Texas Wildlife Association (TWA) was organized in 1985 for the purpose of serving as an advocate for the benefit of wildlife and for the rights of wildlife managers, landowners and hunters in educational, scientific, political, regulatory and legislative arenas. TEXAS WILDLIFE is the official TWA publication and has widespread circulation throughout Texas and the United States. All rights reserved. No parts of these magazines may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without express written permission from the publisher. Copyrighted 2022 Texas Wildlife Association. Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Texas Wildlife Association. Similarities between the name Texas Wildlife Association and those of advertisers or state agencies are coincidental, and do not indicate mutual affiliation, unless clearly noted. TWA reserves the right to refuse advertising.

6644 FM 1102 New Braunfels, TX 78132 www.texas-wildlife.org (210) 826-2904

(210) 826-4933 (800) 839-9453 (TEX-WILD)

Texas Wildlife

MAGAZINE OF THE TEXAS WILDLIFE

8 Inside the Mind of a Rutting Buck by MATT BUCKINGHAM

18 Hunting Heritage

First Harvest and Youth Division Entries in the Texas Big Game Awards by KARA STARR

Lessons From Leopold Teach the Student by STEVE NELLE

22 Conservation Legacy Apps that Complement our Outdoor Experiences by CHAD TIMMONS

Borderlands News

The Importance of Understanding Biodiversity by CAITLIN CAMP, AMANDA VEALS and PATRICIA MOODY HARVESON

Pond Management

Submerged Aquatic Vegetation for Waterfowl by BRITTANY CHESSER and TODD SINK

32

Al Brothers Deer Management Through the Years by LORIE A. WOODWARD

38 It’s the Offseason That Makes the Hunting Season Drought Has Affected White-tailed Deer in Many Ways by NATE SKINNER

42

Recipes to Remember the Hunt Venison Is The All-time Texas Favorite by TAMRA M. BOLTON

46

Tamara Swindle Trail Planting Trees, Savoring the Shade by LORIE A. WOODWARD

54 Outdoor Traditions

A Grateful Heart by SALLIE LEWIS

Photo by Matt Buckingham

On the Cover

Getting inside the mind of a rutting buck isn’t hard. That’s because a rutting buck has only one thing on his mind—breeding does. Well, maybe two things—breeding does and fighting other bucks for the opportunity to do so. The rut is indeed a time in a buck’s life when to the victor go the spoils, and the ability to pass on the genetic traits that keep a white-tailed deer population strong, as biologist and photographer Matt Buckingham describes in his article beginning on page 8.

Phot by Matt Buckingham

AND EVENTS

FOR INFORMATION ON HUNTING SEASONS, call the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at (800) 792-1112, consult the 2022-2023 Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual, or visit the TPWD website at tpwd.state.tx.us.

DECEMBER

DECEMBER 12

Houston Clay Shoot, Greater Houston Gun Club. For more information, visit www.Texas-wildlife.org or contact Kristin Parma at (800) 839-9453 or kparma@texas-wildlife.org.

DECEMBER

DECEMBER 17

Members-only Wild Game Cooking Class, TWA Headquarters, New Braunfels. For more information, visit www.Texas-wildlife.org or contact Kristin Parma at (800) 839-9453 or kparma@texas-wildlife.org.

CONSERVATION LEGACY YOUTH PROGRAMMING

YOUTH DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAMS:

• Youth Videoconferences are live interactive presentations featuring Texas wildlife species. Offered throughout the semester, classes connect via videoconference equipment or Zoom.

• On-demand Webinars are recorded interactive presentations about natural resources and wildlife conservation topics and are available anytime on the TWA website.

WILDLIFE BY DESIGN ACROSS TEXAS CLASSROOM PRESENTATIONS:

• (Virtual) Wildlife by Design Across Texas is for schools outside of the areas served by TWA educators (DFW area, Greater Houston area, South Texas and West Texas). Programs are offered on a set schedule and registration is required in advance.

Critter Connections are now available in a read-along format. Recordings of past issues are available online and are created for each new issue.

TEXAS WILDLIFE

VISIT THE PROGRAM PAGES ONLINE AT www.texas-wildlife.org/program-areas/category/youth for specifics and registration information.

TEXAS WILDLIFE

Bucks determine which does are approaching estrus through a process known as lip curling, or flehming. The strange crinkly-nosed face they make is known as the Flehmen response. When a buck detects the scent of a doe’s urine, he will curl his upper lip back and pass the pheromone-laden aroma through the vomeronasal organ in the roof of his mouth.

INSIDE THE MIND OF A RUTTING BUCK

Article and photos by MATT BUCKINGHAM

Getting inside the mind of a rutting buck is pretty sim ple—it’s on a single track and everything else—eating, sleeping, everything—is pushed aside. Getting to that ultra-focused, one-track state, however, doesn’t happen overnight. It all starts when the velvet is shed. As the days shorten and the temperature cools, this furry tissue that has nourished growing antlers for the previous six to seven months begins to dry and the underlying bone hardens. Like a boxer pulling off the gloves, those fuzzy strips dropping to the ground signal to

other bucks that the time for friendship will soon end. A time for battle is coming.

The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is arguably the most familiar, revered mammal in the country. Deer have fascinated nature lovers and outdoorsmen for generations. The whitetail is the widest ranging ungulate in the western hemisphere and can be found from central Canada to Peru. They are incredibly adaptable and can often be found thriving in areas with dense human populations.

While does can approach a buck, more often than not it is the buck that will pursue the doe, advancing toward her with his head lowered, communicating his clear intention to mate.

Despite their abundance, mature bucks, especially those trophy class individuals, are elusive and seldom seen—like phan toms of the wood and brush, which only adds to their mythos. While the whitetail remains one of the most recognizable spe cies in the country, few outside the world of hunters and biologists understand the incredible life history of this emblematic species. The most fascinating component of this life history may very well be the annual rut.

Shedding velvet must make the bucks itch fiercely, as they furiously thrash their antlers against any available vegetation to speed up the process. As it is stripped from bone, the velvet hangs from the antlers in a bloody mess until it is completely removed.

White-tailed bucks leave lots of sign during the rut. When a hunter sees a fresh scrape,

clear a rutting buck is close by. Both scrapes and

are common signs of rutting activity.

After the velvet is shed, the bucks will begin to spar, their weapons ready—hard and sharp, rising from their skulls like a crown of blades. Initially the matches are friendly and no real effort is made to harm one another. The camaraderie will soon end, however.

ANALYZING THE RUT

During the rut, bucks that are normally mild-mannered and tolerant of one another turn violent and aggressive. A sudden and dramatic increase in testosterone fills them with lust and rage as they prepare to compete in an ancient breeding ritual—the culmination of a year spent eating, growing, and preparing. During this time, they will fight, sometimes to the death, to carry on their bloodlines.

To truly appreciate the rut’s ecology, consider its timing. Initially, it seems counterintuitive. It is well known that during the rut, bucks barely eat, barely sleep, and expend a seemingly insane amount of calories as they cover vast distances, run down does, and engage in all-out brawls with other bucks.

In fact, a buck may lose 25% or more of its body weight in a matter of weeks. To top things off, this happens right before the leanest time of the year, when food will be in short supply, bucks will be more exposed, and predators are looking for an easy meal. In the context of evolution, it appears to make no sense.

In truth, there is good reason, evolutionarily speaking, why the rut occurs when it does, and it all has to do with fawns. The white-tailed deer’s gestation period is a bit over six and a half months. For a fawn to be born sometime in late May or early June, the doe would need to have been bred sometime in November.

The rut’s timing works in tandem with the does’ gestation period, and results in fawns being born when, at least during normal years, forage production is ramping up. This ensures ample nutrition for milk-producing does and hungry fawns. In much of the country and a good swath of the Lone Star State, this period occurs in the late spring or early summer.

The precise timing of the rut varies. For example, along the Upper Texas Coast, where spring comes a bit earlier and nutritious forage begins to emerge sooner, the rut may peak in mid- to lateSeptember so that fawns are dropped earlier the next year. In South Texas, where vegetation growth is often fueled by summer rainfall, the rut peaks later

Bucks will frequently visit antler-height branches and take small twigs in their mouth. They lick them and rub them against special glands on their face known as pre-orbitals that leave pheromones for other deer to detect. Commonly known as “licking branches,” it is believed that these whitetail message boards are used to communicate important information in the white-tailed deer community.

so that fawns may drop during the second half of July to take advantage of rain-fueled, forage-producing plants.

In the weeks after their velvet has been shed, bucks that spent the spring and summer lounging and feeding together begin to grow intolerant of each other’s presence and isolate themselves in the brush. The sudden flush of testosterone facilitates rapid muscle growth, and as the bucks violently thrash the brush around them and rub the bark from trees and shrubs, their neck muscles swell to an intimidating size.

This new musculature is not simply for show. It will serve them well during the upcoming combat. The bucks also become bolder during this time, and as they move about their territories searching for does, they become more active during the day and are easier to observe and less prone to flight. They truly have one thing on their mind.

Around the same time, the does are becoming reproductively receptive and communicate their impending estrus through pheromones in their urine. They advertise their fertility by moving through the brush and leaving their chemical signature on the landscape.

The bucks also leave abundant sign. They will frequently visit antler-height branches and take small twigs in their mouth. It may appear as if they’re feeding, but they’re not actually eating the twigs. Instead, they lick them and rub them against special

glands on their face known as pre-orbitals that leave pheromones for other deer to detect.

Commonly known as “licking branches,” it is believed that these whitetail message boards are used to communicate important information in the white-tailed deer community, including the status of a buck among the herd. Bucks visiting the licking branch can quickly ascertain what other bucks are in the area, and therefore evaluate threats to their ability to defend and breed a doe.

Does, too, will use the licking branch, likely to determine which bucks may be nearby, and advertise when they are approaching estrus, that brief window when they are fertile.

SMALL TO BIG

Occupying such an expansive range means there is considerable variation in white-tailed deer throughout their distribution. Those at the northern extent of their range are generally the largest bodied. Following Bergmann’s rule, they become gradually smaller moving south. There are exceptions to this, however, and local populations may be larger or smaller based on a variety of factors.

Antler size is less predictable. It is highly variable and more closely linked to local genetics and available nutrition than thermoregulatory requirements.

Bucks will pursue as many does as possible during the rut. This buck is stalking “the one,” head down and intense on his work.

INSIDE THE MIND OF A RUTTING BUCK

In addition to scrapes, rubs are another indication that bucks are around. They’ll rub on branches and small trees as they shed their velvet, and violently thrash as testosterone levels spike.

South Texas brush country deer, for ex ample, are world famous for their impres sive headgear. The larger-than-average antlers of mature bucks in the region have been attributed to a number of factors, in cluding the protein-rich bounty of prickly pear, mesquite beans, and other foods found here. South Texas is also known for its heavily managed deer ranches, where selective harvest enhances genetics and supplemental feed bolsters nutrition.

Both body and antler size are important. While the largest-bodied bucks in an area often will sport the largest antlers, this isn’t always the case. A large rack likely serves to both intimidate rivals and attract does. Large, symmetrical antlers communicate the buck’s genetic quality, and does innately favor those bucks that will provide the highest quality genes to their offspring. When push comes to shove, however, it is typically superior body size over impressive headgear that will win a fight.

Spurred by increased testosterone lev els, bucks seek outlets for their increas ingly violent tendencies and begin to thrash vegetation, including low-hanging

branches and tree trunks. Beyond serving as an outlet for their energy, these rubs, like the licking branches, serve an im portant purpose during the rut. The rub’s height and the destruction it caused can communicate the buck’s size and strength to would-be competitors.

It is also believed that bucks secrete additional pheromones as they rub and that seeing a mature buck turn a small tree or shrub to pulp provides an intimidating warning to younger bucks. After depositing his scent on a licking tree or creating a rub, a buck will typically dig a “scrape” by hoofing at the dirt and urinating over the metatarsal gland on his hind leg, further leaving his mark across the landscape.

As the does near estrus, the bucks really begin to take notice. Chemicals in a doe’s urine contain information as to her cur rent stage in the reproductive cycle. Every buck is driven to breed as many does as he can during the rut, so this information helps him determine which lovely lady he should pursue. An experienced buck will focus on those does that are very near es trus so he can minimize the time spent

guarding her before he can breed her and seek another partner.

Bucks determine which does are ap proaching estrus through a process known as lip curling, or flehming. The strange crinkly-nosed face they make is known as the Flehmen response. When a buck detects the scent of a doe’s urine, he will curl his upper lip back and pass the pher omone-laden aroma through the vomero nasal organ in the roof of his mouth.

Typically, a flehming buck will cock his head back 45 degrees or so. Perhaps this maximizes the organ’s ability to analyze the pheromones. It’s not uncommon to see a buck move his head up and down and from side to side during this process, as if trying to find the sweet spot for extracting doe pheromones from the air above her spoor. The response may last several seconds.

If all goes well with the Flehmen re sponse, a buck can determine which does are nearly ready to breed. If he detects the pheromones of “the one,” he will seek her out. The plan is to find her and tend her until she comes into estrus, during which time he intends to copulate with her as many times as possible to ensure concep tion and chase off any rivals that may get the wrong idea.

A particularly receptive doe may entice a buck by initiating a game of cat and mouse, where she runs seductively to and fro in an attempt to illicit a chase response. More often than not, however, it is the buck that will pursue the doe, advancing toward her with his head lowered, communicating his clear intention to mate.

He will often emit a series of grunts during this pursuit. Does that are not yet receptive or unimpressed with their suitor will spurn his advances. A buck guarding a doe will make several of these “buck runs” until he receives indication from the doe that she is ready to breed. The strange, crouched trot of the buck during this behavior is often referred to as “bird-dogging.”

HIGH STAKES GAME

In a perfect world, there would be plenty of does for all, and every buck would have equal opportunity to pass on his genes.

Bucks will fight with an awesome intensity. And there’s no crying Uncle. When the loser tries to break away, the victor will pursue, raking the loser’s flanks.

INSIDE THE MIND OF A RUTTING BUCK

Bucks will often posture when they first meet a rival. But when horns clash, the combatants come together with a crash. Bucks will fight to exhaustion, even to the death.

INSIDE

MIND OF A RUTTING BUCK

That’s not the way things work, however, and competition for breeding rights is fierce. It is in a doe’s best interest to be choosy when it comes to a suitor so that she may ensure her offspring have the best genetic blueprint for survival and success in life.

It is also in the buck’s nature to breed as many does as he can, maximizing the continuation of his bloodline. When the stakes are this high, conflict is bound to arise.

A fight is inevitable when two evenly matched bucks come face to face and neither is willing to back down. Even so, they will exhaust every option before engaging. First, a buck may communicate his displeasure with an opponent’s presence by forcing air through his nostrils and emitting a long, hissing sound known as a “wheeze.” It may occasionally be preceded by two shorter exhalations, in which case it is commonly referred to as a “snort-wheeze.”

On a rare occasion, a buck may also communicate his displeasure toward a hunter or photographer in this manner. When wheezing fails, the bucks will approach one another in a ritualized manner, pinning their ears back, opening their eyes wide and causing the hairs in their pelage to stand erect. This clearly signals that things are about to get physical.

And when they do, it can be explosive—white-tailed deer are famous for the intensity of their battles. They may ease into it at first, slowly maneuvering their antlers into place before initiating

a bout of pushing. In other cases, it begins with a CRACK when one buck lunges forward, head down, and the other is forced to catch him with his antlers.

Once entwined they put everything they have into attempting forward motion, trying to throw their opponent off center and gain the upper hand. They may disengage and re-lock their antlers several times in a fight, and tines may snap and skin may tear. Often, one buck will be forced to the ground, and he better regain his feet quickly.

During these fights, the bucks are quite literally trying to kill one another; given the chance, that’s exactly what they will do. Once the victor is clear, the loser beats a hasty retreat, often with the winning buck at his heels, goring at his flanks. These battles are often decided in a minute or less, but occasionally they can go much longer, and leave in their wake a trail of trampled vegetation, tufts of hair, and spatters of blood. Look closely at a buck during the rut and you may see that his antler tines are tinged red.

Strength and experience generally determine the outcome of these skirmishes. For this reason, older, larger bucks tend to breed more does. Of course, it’s not just the big bucks that are driven to breed during the rut. The urge to procreate is strong, and younger and smaller bucks are not spared the lust. Their path may be more difficult, but the dominant bucks can’t be

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everywhere at once, and when they are busy guarding a doe or fending off incoming suitors, these “satellite” bucks are often able to sneak in and mate with some of the does in their territory.

The rut lasts for a month or more, with a peak activity period of around 10 days sometime in November or December throughout much of Texas. However, activities may begin as early as September along the Upper Coast and continue as “late” as January in deep South Texas.

On average, a female is only in estrus for 24 hours or so, providing a limited window where fertilization can occur. Those does that are not bred during the first cycle will come into estrus a few weeks later. This, combined with a few does that come into heat early, may prolong the rut. But any way you slice it, it is but a small, albeit supremely important portion of a deer’s annual cycle.

Of course, this is just a small snippet of all that occurs during the rut. However, understanding the behaviors of the rut is important to anyone who wishes to pursue whitetails during this time, be they hunters, photographers, or nature enthusiasts hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the natural world’s great spectacles.

With that said, it is also important to consider that no two bucks behave the same during the rut. Some bucks tend to travel

great distances in search of “hot” does, while others may stick to a small core area and tend the does that appear there. Others may remain strictly nocturnal while some may become bolder and move from early afternoon to late morning.

To successfully see bucks during the rut, spend significant time patterning them before peak rut. Place trail cams to track their movements and look for sign such as rubs and scrapes during the early stages of the rut. Numerous resources exist to help track the projected rut dates across Texas.

Each year, I look forward to experiencing the white-tailed deer rut and have been privileged to witness many incredible behaviors over the years. The fabled whitetail may be the most famous, revered, and sought-after animal in North America. It is so popular, common, and widespread that it oftentimes fades into the background for naturalists and wildlife photographers.

But I can attest that those who put in the time and effort to learn their ways and experience their world will be greatly rewarded. From the pine-hardwood forests of East Texas to the riparian woodlands of the Panhandle and Trans-Pecos, and the thornscrub of South Texas, may the white-tailed deer continue to dig scrapes, lock antlers, secure their bloodlines, and capture the hearts of millions in the Lone Star State and beyond for generations to come.

In addition to leaving a lot of scent signals that a buck is defending does, they’ll warn other suitors away with sound. A buck may communicate his displeasure with an opponent’s presence by forcing air through his nostrils and emitting a long, hissing sound known as a “wheeze.”

First Harvest and Youth Division Entries in the Texas Big Game Awards

Article by KARA STARR Photos courtesy of TBGA

Let’stalk about the two Texas Big Game Awards catego ries that don’t require an animal to be scored: the First Harvest category and the Youth Division category. Every year we get questions about what qualifies for these categories and how they differ from one another, so we want to clear it up.

First, how are these two categories similar? There is no minimum score requirement and entries are accepted as long as the animal is one of the five that qualifies for entry into the TBGA: white-tailed deer, mule deer, pronghorn, javelina, and bighorn sheep.

The First Harvest award shows you are never too young or too old to take up hunting. To date, our youngest awardee was 3 years old and our oldest was 90. Hunters are eligible for this award if it is their first ever big game harvest in Texas, not your first time entering TBGA. This award can only be received one time.

The Youth Division award can be awarded to any hunter under 17 years old when they purchase their hunting license and harvest a qualifying animal. This award can be awarded once yearly until the hunter is older than 17.

Also be aware that a hunter can qualify for both a Scored Entry and a First Harvest or Youth Division award in the same year.

We look forward to receiving those First Harvest and Youth Division awards and, as always, if you have any questions, refer to the website www.texasbiggameawards.org or give us a call at (210) 236-9761.

Four-year-old Clay Steen with his 2021-2022 First Harvest.

At 84 years old, Bobbie Blesh was a First Harvest Awardee in 2014-2015.

Chloe Schulz with her 2020-2021 Youth Division entry.

HELP

Teach the Student

BY STEVE NELLE

Leopold

was a gifted teacher, whether it was a wildlife management class at the University of Wisconsin or family and friends on a hunting trip. Gifted teachers have the ability to instill enthusiasm and interest in their students and help them to see what others cannot.

Leopold was also a student. He was always observing, always curious, always thinking about the land and never satisfied with his current level of understanding.

When it comes to land management, we are all students, no matter how well educated we are or how many years of practical experience we have. We must never stop learning and always keep questioning and seeking a better understanding. Diligent learning and teaching of this type is not drudgery nor mere classroom lecture. It is approached with enthusiasm and completed with enjoyment which brings deep satisfaction as well as understanding.

While most of us are impressed by the intellect and ability required in highly skilled professions such as surgeons, veterinarians, or engineers, the profession of ecology and land management is just as complex and requires great skill, intellect, and constant, continuing education.

Both the student and the teacher of the land should be humble and honest enough to realize that the land is far too complex for anyone to completely comprehend. We know bits and pieces. We understand enough to apply sound management, but we always strive to see the bigger picture more clearly and to refine our understanding. The person who thinks they already possess all the knowledge they need is simply professing their ignorance.

An African ecologist once noted, “Those who do not understand nature are destined to deplete it.” It is a sad reality and we can see the truth of this proverb in our own state. As we drive along country roads, we can observe that some landowners are still abusing and depleting their land. It is depressing as well

as destructive. Such land abuse is not usually intentional; it is the natural outcome of poorly understanding the land.

However, there is a contrasting truth which brings great encouragement: “Those who understand nature are compelled to conserve it.” The more we understand about the land, the more we inevitably desire to take care of it. This could well be the motto of Texas Wildlife Association as we, individually and collectively, strive to better understand nature and fulfill our obligations to care for it.

As we consider our relationship to the land and to other people, we acknowledge that each of us is both student and teacher. We must always learn more and as we learn we should teach others.

Some of this learning and teaching is the science of the land, and some is the subtle art of management. For these to be effective, both the science and the art of conservation must be guided by a solid foundation of land stewardship ethics. Without the underpinning of ethics, science is merely “head knowledge” and art is merely emotional.

Leopold was both a professor and a poet. He poured his intellect as well as his emotions into teaching. This is a good combination for today’s land managers. It requires investing in logical thought and scientific knowledge, but also requires investing love, respect, and admiration for the land. Either of these without the other results in an unbalanced management portfolio. Science and art work effectively in tandem but poorly by themselves.

Let each of us strive to see the land better by astute observation and to understand the land better by diligent study and inquiry. As we learn, then we must also teach others. As we do these things there will naturally arise a greater enjoyment of the land, which in turn will motivate us to even greater love and understanding. The greatest enjoyment occurs as a result of a greater understanding.

WRITER’S NOTE: Aldo Leopold (1887—1948) is considered the father of modern wildlife management. More importantly, he developed and described many of the concepts of conservation, ecology and stewardship of natural resources. Leopold was an amazingly astute observer of the land and man’s relationship to the land. His writings have endured the test of time and have proven to be remarkably prophetic and relevant to today’s issues. This bimonthly column will feature thought-provoking philosophies of Aldo Leopold, as well as commentary.

“Teach the student to see the land, understand what he sees, and enjoy what he understands.”

~ Aldo Leopold, 1942

Photo Courtesy of the Aldo Leopold Foundation and University of Wisconsin-Madison Archives

Apps that Complement our Outdoor Experiences

Article by CHAD TIMMONS Photos courtesy of TWA

Many of us look to the out doors as an escape—a place to unplug and get away from our digital distractions. However, that’s not to say we should write off technol ogy completely when it comes to our ad

ventures outside. Technology can serve as a bridge to the outdoors, especially for those new to the natural world.

Thanks to advances in nature-based applications, which are available on most devices and free to download, many bar

riers that previously existed between peo ple and outdoor spaces, such as accessibil ity and affordability, have been overcome.

Some might argue that having a device can be distracting, but the focus should be on how these tools can help people

Smartphones

observe and appreciate nature. The infor mation we obtain from these applications is often instantaneous and learning is oc curring in real time.

For example, studies show that in some cases, nature-based applications such as Seek, Merlin Bird ID and others that are accessible on our phones can be a great supplement for those who lack access to an outdoor educator, guide, family member, or knowledgeable peer. For others, technology is a way to delve even deeper into our outdoor obsessions, whether keeping a wildlife inventory of your property, growing your critter life lists, or conducting a wildlife study.

APPS THAT COMPLEMENT OUR OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES

Merlin Bird ID and eBird from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology have become invaluable tools for neophyte and experienced birders alike. For those new to birding, Merlin Bird ID can help with species identification by capturing the sound of a bird’s call or making note of the colors, general size, and where the bird was observed. For many, Merlin Bird ID is a great supplement to a traditional field guide and will help you develop your bird ID skills.

Once you identify the birds you see and hear, you can keep track of them with eBird. eBird allows users to maintain a life list of species while engaging in “citizen science,” contributing data that scientists use to document migration patterns, track species of interest, and inform conservation policies.

You can build confidence and increase your scientific impact by participating in one of the many birding events that occur every year across the state, like the Great Backyard Bird Count, and working with other birders to log as many species as possible. eBird is also a great way to find new birding locations where you

There’s no better way for adults and youngsters to bond than by working side by side outdoors. That truism has been proven repeatedly in the TWA Texas Youth Hunting Program, and those dynamics work every bit as effectively when using phone apps to get to know the outdoors.

APPS THAT COMPLEMENT

Perhaps more than any other age group, young people are fully digital. Since separating them from their digital device is almost impossible, help them use their devices to engage with the outdoors. Perhaps they’ll even be a little less grumpy.

can refine your skills, find new species, or simply enjoy being outside. To learn more, visit the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website: www.birds.cornell.edu/home/.

Seek and iNaturalist from the Cali fornia Academy of Sciences and National Geographic are tremendous tools for na ture enthusiasts eager to document their findings. It also serves as a valuable re source for anyone who has ever gone walking in the woods and asked the ques tion, “What is that?”

Seek is a great place to start if you’re new to nature apps. Using your phone camera to take a picture of any living thing, Seek will not only identify what you’re looking at, it’ll provide you with general informa tion about the organism such as taxono my, range, seasonality, and more.

Seek is particularly kid friendly and contains features to keep users explor ing, such as the ability to earn badges based on your observations. Seek is not always able to make a positive identifica tion, however. In those instances, the app iNaturalist can help.

By posting your observation on iNatu ralist, other nature enthusiasts can view your observation and help you identify the organism you’ve photographed.

You can also join and contribute to projects like those created by Texas Na ture Trackers through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). By doing so, you’ll be able to see species be ing recorded across the state and add your own observations to the mix. You can also participate in larger citizen sci ence events such as the Texas City Nature Challenge or a community BioBlitz. For

APPS THAT COMPLEMENT OUR OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES

more information on Seek and iNatural ist, visit www.inaturalist.org

TEAM, or Texas Ecosystem Analytical Mapper, is a geographic information sys tems (GIS) application developed by the TPWD that allow users to view and ana lyze vegetation and habitat types across the state.

This tool is available for use either from your desktop or mobile device (the mobile version is TEAMgo) where you can experiment with various mapping layers, identify features of certain layers (soils, geology, hydrology, and ecoregions), find directions, measure distance, and even input a specific address to review the Ecological Mapping System (EMS) data of that area.

TEAM can also be used as a citizen science tool with its “GroundTruther” feature. Users can create a personal pro file and provide input or feedback on the accuracy of the data available or to docu ment changes in habitat.

Since TEAM is a Google maps-based application, you can’t download from your preferred app store. It is only ac cessible via web browser at this time. For more information, visit tpwd.texas.gov/ gis/team/ or tpwd.texas.gov/gis/teamgo/ for more information.

can be compatible with other applications. For more information on these two applications, visit texasforestinfo.tamu. edu/MobileApps/MyTreeID/ and tinyurl. com/treescount

overwhelming, Night Sky and Sky Guide can help identify the constellations and planets you’re observing simply by giving the apps access to your camera and pointing your mobile device at your reference point. It’s a great way to add some nighttime entertainment to your next outdoor adventure.

My Tree ID and Trees Count are two applications developed by the Texas A&M Forest Service. My Tree ID, as you might guess from the name, will assist in identifying trees based on leaves, flowers, seed, bark, location, and/or using images. Users have access to a wealth of images and Texas tree species. My Tree ID can also help approximate the age of a tree using the “Tree Age Estimator” feature.

Trees Count is a useful tool to inventory trees on your property, neighborhood, or surrounding area. This is a convenient way to track changes on the landscape over time. Trees Count can also export all the data you collect into a CSV file, which

Night Sky and Sky Guide are fantastic tools for star parties or general star gazing. Light pollution is an issue impacting Texans more every year. As our urban areas continue to sprawl, fewer people can appreciate the constellations and planets that are visible in the absence of city lights.

Conversely, if you’re enjoying a clear night sky in West Texas where the number of stars can almost feel

While both apps are free to download, be aware that there are some in-app purchases and subscriptions which are required to access additional features. For more information on these applications, visit apps.apple.com/us/app/sky-guide/ id576588894 or apps.apple.com/us/app/ night-sky/id475772902.

You certainly don’t need technology to enjoy your time in the outdoors, but it can add an extra layer to your experience. These applications are a great way to usher many of our “digital natives” into nature. Whether you’re a novice or a naturalist, these apps will likely enhance your appreciation and understanding of the outdoors.

BORDERLANDS

The Importance of Understanding Biodiversity Distribution of Mammals in Big Bend National Park

Article by CAITLIN CAMP, AMANDA VEALS and PATRICIA MOODY HARVESON Photos courtesy of BORDERLANDS RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Biodiversitysupports vital eco system services—benefits like pollination for crops, nutrient cycling, and maintaining clean water— that are provided to humans by the natu ral environment and healthy ecosystems. Ecosystems are healthiest when the bio logical community is intact with a large variety and number of species.

Some species play vital roles in their ecosystems, without which ecosystems can degrade and even collapse. Carnivores, especially large-bodied carnivores, are an example of important species for an ecosystem. Carnivores can have sig nificant impacts on the other species, and therefore on ecosystem services and productivity.

Carnivores have a contentious history with humans, often due to conflict over space and predation. Removing carni vores from ecosystems due to conflict with humans and habitat loss has led to worldwide losses in biodiversity and un stable biological communities.

While there is still a significant amount of direct and indirect conflict between humans and carnivores, there have been

A mother black bear and her two cubs in Big Bend National Park. Black bears had a wide distribution in this study as well as a high number of detections.

efforts across the globe to restore carni vore populations and protect their habi tat. Globally, conserving large carnivores and biodiversity as a whole has relied heavily on protected areas. In the Unit ed States, national parks were formed to preserve natural resources and have taken the role of protecting habitat and native species.

as well as their importance to ecosystem functions and human interests.

Figure 1

We used 58 motion-triggered camera traps that were located within and surrounding the Chisos Basin between 2014–2019. We first wanted to understand which species were present in BBNP to assess biodiversity in this important

ecosystem. To do this, we identified where in BBNP ungulate and carnivore species occurred.

We then wanted to understand spatial and temporal patterns for certain car nivore species to understand patterns of co-occurrence. We also examined how large predators used the more frequently

Big Bend National Park (BBNP) is one such park and is home to a variety of spe cies that contribute to biodiversity while attracting many visitors. BBNP was es tablished in 1944 to preserve these species within the desert, river, and mountain ecosystems of the Chihuahuan Desert in the Trans-Pecos ecoregion of Texas near the U.S.-Mexico border.

Given the importance of BBNP for bio diversity and habitat protection in the Trans-Pecos ecoregion, the distribution of species has been well-studied. However, it is also important to monitor changes in the distribution of species over time and to gauge what factors within the park may contribute to change such as increased visitation and climate change.

The park provides vital and protected habitat within the Trans-Pecos to many species. It is one of the last areas in Texas with established breeding populations of black bears (Ursus americanus) and mountain lions (Puma concolor). It is beneficial to know where these top predators occur to better understand species distribution, biodiversity, and species interactions within the park’s ecosystem.

Other carnivores that occupy BBNP include bobcats, badgers, coyotes, kit foxes, gray foxes, raccoons, ringtails, long-tailed weasels, hooded skunks, hognosed skunks, striped skunks, and spotted skunks. Ungulate species present in BBNP that can interact with these carnivores in clude the Carmen Mountain white-tailed deer, mule deer, and javelina, as well as the invasive feral hog and aoudad.

Borderlands Research Institute (BRI) conducted a study on the mammals of BBNP to understand their distribution, activity, habitat use, and co-occurrence patterns. We surveyed specifically for carnivores and ungulates due to the high er detection rate of large-bodied animals

Figure 1 - Percentages of mammal photos (n = 12,499) for species detected during camera surveys in Big Bend National Park, 2014-2019.Figure 2

Figure 2 - Co-occurrence of black bears and mountain lions across all cameras in Big Bend National Park, 2014-2019.

visited areas in BBNP to understand how human recreation impacts the occurrence of these species.

For our first objective, we documented a wide variety of mammals in BBNP; 12 carnivores and four ungulates. (Figure 1). All carnivores overlapped with at least one other carnivore except raccoons and long-tailed weasels. Mountain lions, bob cats, gray foxes, hooded skunks, striped skunks, and hog-nosed skunks appeared in all habitat types.

Javelina were the only ungulate to occur in all habitat types but had a limited num ber of detections compared to the Carmen Mountain white-tailed deer. We found that gray fox and black bears had the widest dis tribution of all mammals in this study, as well as a high number of detections on our cameras. Mountain lions also had a wide distribution but had limited detections.

The two large carnivores overlapped with all mammal species within the park (Figure 2). Of the ungulates, the Carmen Mountain white-tailed deer had the wid est distribution and showed some overlap with mule deer, but generally occurred in higher elevations.

Managing invasive exotics is a priority in the park. Aoudad are an invasive species that may negatively influence the native desert bighorn. Their generalist diet and similar habitat use to desert bighorn could suggest competition between the two spe cies in BBNP. Aoudad had the smallest

distribution of ungulates within our study area, but they showed a generalist pattern of using a wide variety of habitats.

Another exotic species of concern in the Trans-Pecos is the feral hog. There were no detections of feral hogs in our study, but biologists at the park have found that they occur mainly in the northern parts of the park, where we had few cameras.

Biologists are concerned with hogs in vading the Rio Grande corridor due to its dense vegetation. Previous studies have shown that feral hogs in the nearby Da vis Mountains used similar habitat to that of white-tailed deer and mule deer. The Davis Mountains contain similar habitat and elevations to the Chisos Mountains in BBNP, indicating the potential for feral hogs to further spread and compete with native species within the park. Continued monitoring will be important to detect changes in the distribution of both spe cies in the park.

For our second objective, we found that black bears were detected more during he day and overlapped with mountain lions more at dawn and dusk (Figure 3). Fur ther, black bears had more detections in the summer months and when tempera tures increased, although they had some activity in the winter months.

We also found no significant relation ship between the presence of black bears and mountain lions. We found some evidence for these species using similar

areas, but at different times of the day. However, more research is needed to bet ter understand these interactions.

We also determined that black bears and mountain lions differed in their use of areas near the Chisos Basin. Black bears were detected more often and closer to this highly recreated area of the park. The Chisos Basin is in the park’s highest elevations, which is considered good hab itat for bears to den with access to highquality food and water sources.

There are also anthropogenic attrac tants that could encourage bears to occu py this area, such as trash and food near campsites. As bear populations continue to grow in Texas, and human visitation to the park increases, there is potential for an increase in human-bear encounters and therefore conflict.

Mountain lions tend to avoid areas near high human activity, but in this study, they seemed to neither avoid nor select areas of the park with high human use. This could be due to a lack of detections for mountain lions by our cameras, and their general low densities.

In 2021, BBNP had a new record of 600,000 visitors. Understanding where large carnivores live and when they are most active can help guide best practic es to ensure the safety of humans, black bears, and mountain lions.

Our goal was to provide an in-depth overview of the current distribution of carnivores and ungulates in BBNP and the potential reasons behind these pat terns. This information is vital for devel oping and improving conservation strate gies for BBNP.

There are still many questions to be an swered about the mammals of Big Bend, especially those with limited detections, but this can provide park biologists with a baseline for monitoring as the climate changes, visitors increase within the park, and the potential for invasive species to spread increases.

The park is one of the most biologically diverse areas in Texas and the Trans-Pe cos ecoregion; by understanding species interactions and occurrence patterns, this vital ecosystem can be protected for many future generations of Texans to experi ence and enjoy.

3

Figure 3 - Daily activity patterns of mountain lions and black bears in Big Bend National Park, 2014-2019.

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

Submerged Aquatic Vegetation for Waterfowl

Sometimes,

native aquatic veg etation species are an asset rather than a nuisance, depending on the overall goal of a pond management strategy. Shallow, freshwater impound ments are commonly managed for wa terfowl habitat in several Texas regions. Aside from cover and water, a major component of waterfowl management is ensuring there is a large and diverse food supply, leaving overwintering and mi grating waterfowl well fed and ready for their next journey.

Depending on plant age and season, the importance of certain submerged aquatic vegetation species will shift. Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), can be characterized by rooted plants with most of their vegetative mass below the water surface, but these plants often have seeds, flowers, or other small portions of the plant emerging above the surface.

Species like coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum), can indirectly provide food for waterfowl by increasing surface area within the water column, which creates great habitat and food sources for macro invertebrates like snails, insects, and their larvae. These macroinvertebrates provide the high protein diet that many waterfowl species need during the spring migration and breeding season because it aids in egg development.

Other species, like American pond weed (Potamogeton nodosus), sago pond weed (Stuckenia pectinata), or southern

Article by BRITTANY CHESSER, Aquatic Vegetation Management Program Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and TODD SINK, Associate Professor and Aquaculture Extension Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Coontail can be found floating or loosely attached to the pond bottom. It has stiff, densely packed, whorled leaves which gives it the appearance of a racoon’s tail and unique disc-shaped seeds with three equally spaced spikes.

naiad (Najas guadalupensis), provide di rect nutrition to waterfowl as their leaves, shoots, and seeds are often consumed for carbohydrates. Carbohydrates provide energy during migration and overwinter ing. Seeds of many of these species can be relatively high in protein as well.

If the primary management goal for the pond is creating a resting sanctuary for waterfowl, SAV diversity should be a priority and should influence management decisions on less desirable species. Not all SAVs are created equally in terms of value and food for waterfowl, and some species may grow rapidly, outcompeting more desirable species and reducing open water area.

Therefore, it is important to first identify what SAV species are present and manage the most desirable species or introduce species that are more desirable for waterfowl management. Resources to help identify SAVs as well as determine their value as food for waterfowl can be found at aquaplant.tamu.edu.

Sago pondweed is a perennial SAV with thin, multi-branched stems found in water up to 4 feet deep. Its seed head and tubers are commonly consumed by waterfowl.

This buck shows potential. Take him now or give him another year?

Photo by James Richards

AL BROTHERS

Deer Management Through the Years

Article by LORIE A. WOODWARD

Foralmost 60 years, pioneering wildlife biologist Al Brothers has observed white-tailed deer, hunt ing, and Texas land with a professional’s eye—and he’s seen a lot of changes.

“Nothing stays the same—and that in cludes deer management, hunting, and Texas,” said Brothers, who co-authored the first edition of “Producing Qual ity Whitetails,” considered the “Bible of white-tailed deer management,” along with Murphy E. Ray, Jr. in 1975, and they updated it in 1995. “There’s always plenty to think about and a lot to learn.”

The passage of time has not damp ened his curiosity, enthusiasm or innate

passion for land, livestock, and wildlife that have characterized his notable career and prompted his ongoing contri butions to wildlife and habitat manage ment. In August, Brothers, who retired from H.B. Zachary Ranches in 1995 and now lives in Berclair, Texas, celebrated his 87th birthday.

In 1976, a helicopter accident left the self-described bibliophile wheelchairbound, but the crash failed to slow him down; therefore, it’s not surprising that retirement and birthdays have had little effect either.

He is currently partnering with longtime collaborator, nature photographer

Growing a deer like this takes careful attention to all aspects of land and animal management. That’s something Al Brothers learned early on as a soldier at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Photo by Joseph Richards

Dave Richards, to develop a field guide de signed to help managers identify individu al whitetail deer using characteristics such as tail patterns, throat patches and other unique body markings. The duo is already responsible for “Observing & Evaluating Whitetails,” deemed the definitive guide for aging deer on the hoof.

“Early on, I figured out that we weren’t getting research information to landown ers in language they could understand— and use,” Brothers said.

Leading by example, Brothers helped break down the communication barrier that once existed between scientists and land managers. Now, people interested in managing their land to benefit white-tailed deer or any wildlife species have a host of resources, ranging from state and federal technical guidance experts housed at a va riety of agencies, and private consultants as well as magazines, books, management bulletins, podcasts, and much more. Even

the “Journal of Wildlife Management,” a well-respected, peer-reviewed journal, now includes a “Management Implications” section at the end of each scientific paper.

“Information is readily available today, in a way that it wasn’t back then,” Brothers said.

As he hoped, good information gen erated interest, participation—and re sults—among the landowners. A combi nation of economic necessity and passion prompted ranchers and landowners to see white-tailed deer and all other wildlife in a new light.

“Now, when people start thinking about managing their land, they consider how the changes might impact their wildlife, and it wasn’t always like that,” Brothers said. “To have good, sustainable habitat, you have to balance the needs of livestock and wildlife.”

Looking back on his long and storied career, he considers “Producing Quality

Whitetails” his greatest professional contribution. He managed the ranches during the day and wrote at night.

“It sparked a real movement and headed us in the right direction,” Brothers said.

MANAGEMENT BACK THEN

From the beginning, Brothers’ life struck a balance between livestock and wildlife. Born and reared in Gonzales, Brothers grew up as part of a ranching family. His paternal grandmother was Alma Kokernot, and he spent several pivotal summers while in high school working on the O6 Ranch between Alpine and Fort Davis under the watchful eye of then-manager Ted Gray. He got his first job at the Gonzales Livestock Commission on Saturdays when he was 11.

The Brothers’ family land lay in between Gonzales and Shiner. The Guadalupe River bordered the property. The river offered good fishing while bottomlands provided good squirrel hunting. White-tailed deer, however, were scarce.

In 1948, Brothers, who was 13, shot his first buck. He was actually hunting squirrels when he jumped a buck and doe that had bedded in the tangle of roots of a felled tree. Armed for squirrels, it took 11 shots from his semi-automatic Winchester Model 63 .22 Long Rifle, which was a legal firearm for deer hunting then, to harvest the buck.

“I was hooked,” Brothers said, noting that ironically enough, one of his first projects when he later joined the Texas Game and Fish Commission was col lecting data to prohibit the use of rim fire rifles for deer hunting. According to Brothers, until he enrolled at Texas A&M University, he never missed the opening day of deer season, which in the 1940s was always November 16.

Upon high school graduation in 1953, Brothers opted to get a job, while his more studious twin brother went directly to Texas A&M. It wasn’t until a few years later, during a weekend trip to visit his twin, that Brothers found his life’s work. As he waited for his sibling to finish his day’s tasks as a student worker in the Registrar’s Office, Brothers flipped

Does contribute half of the genetic potential to the fawn, so doe management is just as important as buck management. In reverse of buck management, however, Al Brothers recommends harvesting younger does. That’s because older does are better mothers.

Photo by Joseph Richards

through a course catalog and discovered a degree plan for wildlife management.

“I didn’t even know that a wildlife man agement degree existed, but I immediate ly knew that this was what I wanted to do with my life,” said Brothers, noting Texas A&M was one of the few schools offering the degree program at that time. And, as a point of reference, Aldo Leopold’s conser vation classic, “A Sand County Almanac,” had only been in print for six of its now 73-year run.

When Brothers walked on campus in the fall of 1956, there were very few wildlife management students. Of course, there weren’t all that many Aggies. The all-male student body numbered only 7,200 as opposed to more than 72,000 coed students today.

“If I hadn’t gone to A&M, I’d be picking up cans now,” said Brothers, laughing.

When he graduated in 1960, Brothers entered the Army and was stationed at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. The Fort, which now encompasses 94,000 acres, abuts the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. During the Korean War, the Army expanded the base, taking in some of the refuge and some deer.

By the early 1960s, the deer popula tion, which had been exposed to limited hunting pressure, had increased and was reaching its peak of maturity and quality. For four weekends each fall, the base shut down and allowed soldiers to hunt. Each soldier was allowed to hunt one week end out of the four. Brothers hunted one weekend and then manned the manda tory check station on the other three.

One of the officers on post harvested a non-typical whitetail that earned the num ber 27 ranking non-typical for Boone & Crockett at that time; the officer had the deer scored at Brothers’ urging. Brothers himself took a “good non-typical” and an other typical with a 28-inch inside spread.

“After being in Oklahoma, I knew what a quality deer herd looked like,” Brothers said. “I had never seen one. We sure didn’t have any in Gonzales County.”

Brothers completed his two-year enlistment on March 19, 1963. Thirteen days later, he joined the Texas Game and Fish Commission, which would become the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

later that year. He was one of the first field biologists working primarily in Webb, Dimmit and other South Texas counties.

He hit the ground running and began supplementing his education with the wisdom of more experienced practitio ners. His mentors included Val Lehmann, King Ranch’s first wildlife biologist and noted quail authority, “Big” Roy Hindes, a rancher and an early adopter of high fenc es who was an “excellent student of deer dynamics and habitat” and a pioneer at aging deer on the hoof, and Capt. Herbert Ward, an “old-time game warden” based in Catarina.

“In those days, the game wardens took care of the ranches and the deer in their counties just like they were theirs,” Brothers said.

At the time, state regulatory authority for wildlife was divided. Some counties,

known as Regulatory Counties, fell under the purview of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, while others were classified as General Law Counties. In those counties, the state legislators introduced seasons, bag limits and other regulations by bill during each bi-annual legislative session.

The rules coming out of General Law Counties were a mixed bag. For instance, the white-tailed deer season in McMullen County ran from November 1 – December 15. There were other South Texas General Law Counties where the whitetail season was closed for five years.

“In the mid-1960s, the whole state came under the regulatory framework of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department,” Brothers said. “That was one of the biggest and most significant changes that I’ve seen in my career.”

Land fragmentation topped Al Brothers’ list of the three biggest challenges currently facing Texas white-tailed deer managers. Texas is losing about 640 acres of open space per day as more and more people move to the state. That means pressure to keep working lands working will only increase.

Photo by James Richards

Antlerless deer permits, which had been introduced in the Hill Country during the ‘50s, were a relatively new and controversial development in South Texas. Many people thought it was the wrong thing to do.

“In my career, I’ve issued antlerless permits to not only prevent overharvesting, but to prevent underharvesting as well,” Brothers said. “I’ve seen it work both ways, depending on the county and the situation.”

Survey techniques were rudimentary. Brothers and Tom Moore, a regional TPWD supervisor, flew what is thought to be the first helicopter survey in South Texas on ranch upriver from Laredo in 1964. Brothers continued to fly experimental helicopter surveys, refining the methodology along the way.

“The best census method is the helicopter, but it always undercounts,” Brothers opined in “Al Brothers’ Rules of Thumb,” written by Steve Nelle and published in the October 2020 issue of Texas Wildlife magazine. “Much debate and confusion can be eliminated by understanding this basic truth.”

In 1965, the private sector came calling. Brothers left TPWD to become general

manager of two South Texas ranches for H.B. Zachary Ranches. According to him, it was “a heck of an opportunity to manage both cattle and wildlife.”

At the time, high fences were rare. They were more prevalent in the Hill Coun try than in South Texas. The fences were contentious. Small-acreage landowners in some instances filed lawsuits attempting to stop their neighbors on larger proper ties from building the fences, he said.

“It took a lot of pressure at the Legislature and with TPWD to get high fences approved as a management tool,” Brothers said.

When Brothers came to South Texas, he was aware of two in Webb County: one surrounded a Zachary Ranch, while a landowner upriver from Laredo had erected the other. The second Zachary Ranch was low fenced at the time, giving Brothers experience managing whitetails in both environments.

DEER MANAGEMENT NOW

Through the years, high fences have proliferated. In the 1995 edition of “Producing Quality Whitetails,” the authors estimated there were 1 million acres enclosed by high fences. While no

agency keeps track of the total number of acres behind high fences, TPWD does note the type of fences used by MLDP program participants. Of the 28,198,239 acres under MLDP during the 2021-22 season, 5,928,395 acres or 21% were high fenced.

One of the drivers behind high fences is land fragmentation. In 1966, Texas’ popu lation was 10.5 million. Today, it is 29.5 million. As urban and suburban areas sprawl, Texas is losing open space land faster than any other state in the nation.

Once-large holdings are being broken into smaller pieces. When it comes to deer management, a small property with plentiful feeders or food plots and too much hunting pressure can influence harvest over a larger area, Brothers said.

“Today, people are fencing smaller places to prevent the actual—and perceived—overharvest on the acreage in the landowner’s control,” Brothers said.

Fragmentation topped Brothers’ list of the three biggest challenges facing Texas white-tailed deer managers. Currently, Texas is losing about 640 acres of open space per day. The state’s population is expected to double by 2050, further increasing the pressure to sub-divide

Would you recognize these two bucks next year? Al Brothers and photographer Dave Richards teamed up to publish “Observing & Evaluating Whitetails,” deemed the definitive guide for aging deer on the hoof.

Photo by Joseph Richards

and making it more difficult to manage whitetails at the landscape level.

“Fragmentation isn’t going away,” Brothers said. “In fact, it’s just picking up its pace.”

While the issue is becoming more urgent, it isn’t a new concern. In the 1995 edition of “Producing Quality Whitetails,” the authors identified “devising a fair, equitable, and effective system of managing deer populations that range within a habitat fragmented by a pattern of small landownerships” as one of the three biggest challenges facing white-tailed deer management.

They noted that cooperatives had great potential, but to date had met with modest to limited success for a variety of reasons. They suggested that cooperatives would have to become more widespread and effective or that some areas that enjoy deer populations today will be declining or devoid of them in the future.

Searching for an alternative to cooperative agreements, the duo took a look backward and explored the possibility of returning to a permit system administered by the state, based on acreage owned/operated, population levels, buck/doe ratios, buck ages, and reproductive success.

They wrote, “If, by some remote chance, a return is made to some form of that system, it is imperative that all concerned individuals mandate the issuance of both antlerless and antlered permits, to ensure proper management of the entire herd, rather than the antlerless-permit-only program of the past.”

Brothers identified hunter recruitment as another pressing challenge. While Texas’ population is skyrocketing, the number of hunters is not growing apace. Today, there are about 1.25 million licensed hunters in Texas, which is almost twice the 644,000 the total of licensed hunters in 1966, but this larger number represents a smaller percentage of the population, 4% today as opposed to 6% in 1966.

“Hunters fund conservation and we’ve got to have them,” Brothers said.

In his estimation, the current MLDP system is rife with missed hunter recruit ment opportunities. Under the system,

each participating property enjoys an extended hunting season and is issued multiple antlerless and buck permits. The permits have no restriction to who can use them, so it’s possible for a single indi vidual to harvest many deer.

“We’re losing hunter opportunity by letting people kill over and above the established individual limit for any given county, which translates to fewer license sales and less hunter recruitment,” Brothers said.

He carried the idea one step further. “There are still counties where individuals can kill two bucks per year—and I think we should spread the opportunity out,” Brothers said. “If our goal is hunter recruitment, all counties should be one buck counties.”

According to Brothers, the third major challenge facing deer managers is chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal, neuro logical illness affecting North American cervids. The first case was identified in Texas in 2012.

“In my opinion, CWD can change the face of white-tailed deer management and hunting,” Brothers said. “If it’s found on someone’s land, it increases the regulatory hoops, increases overhead for the cost of testing and compliance, devalues the hunting experience, and decreases the number of bucks that will live to maturity.”

He continued, “It isn’t wise for anyone to dismiss its potential impact.”

While Brothers is clear-eyed about the challenges, he is optimistic about the future of white-tailed deer management in Texas, with a caveat.

“If CWD keeps spreading, it could be devastating to the deer industry in Texas, otherwise I’m very optimistic,” Brothers said. “There are so many people now who control white-tailed deer habitat and are interested in improving it that it bodes well for whitetails—and other critters. Information and engagement got us to where we are today and it can help carry us forward.”

IT’S THE OFFSEASON THAT MAKES THE HUNTING SEASON

Drought Has Affected White-tailed Deer in Many Ways

Article and photos by NATE SKINNER

Texasdeer hunters are a rare breed. They pour their blood, sweat, and tears into their pursuit, 12 months out of the year, even though they only hunt for a small portion of that time. They do it willingly and with intent, because most understand that their experience during the hunting season is significantly affected by what takes place during the offseason.

Deer management is a year ‘round process. Variables during the spring and summer leading up to deer season play a large role in the behaviors exhibited by deer, as well as the characteristics that they will possess during the fall and winter months. Of these variables, range conditions are perhaps the most crucial.

While landowners and wildlife and habitat managers can provide some assistance to white-tailed deer to try to compensate for what any given year’s offseason range conditions might lack, the truth is that a lot things are simply outside of the scope of human control. The rest is left to Mother Nature, forcing us to adapt and adjust our actions and decisions that might determine the future of whitetails on the properties we hunt.

According to the TPWD White-tailed Deer Program Leader Alan Cain, offseason range conditions ultimately determine how well bucks recover from the rut, and the condition of does during fawning season.

“White-tailed deer rely on spring weeds and forbs for nutrition,” Cain said. “During the spring, bucks are simply trying to meet their nutritional requirements as they recover from the rut, and does are trying to get in the best physical shape possible to support the fawns that they will give birth to during the summer.”

In years like this one, where we had extremely dry conditions in the spring and summer, Cain said that deer have to expend more energy to meet their nutritional needs.

“Whitetails will focus on a diverse array of browse plants when drought conditions prevent the growth of spring weeds and forbs,” Cain said. “The drier it is, the more the quality of the browse forage goes down. Therefore, the deer may have to feed longer to meet their nutrition requirements on a daily ba

It takes a combination of management—available water, supplemental feeding, good livestock grazing management, and more—to ensure a healthy whitetailed deer population. But management can only go so far. The rest is up to Mother Nature.

sis. This, in turn, prevents them from packing on the calories and pounds be cause of the increased energy they are ex pending just to consume enough food for nutritional purposes.”

Cain said this ultimately translates into what hunters see during the fall when hunting seasons open.

“Generally speaking, when the scenario described above occurs, antler growth seen in bucks is at a minimum, and body conditions for both bucks and does just aren’t as good or as impressive,” Cain said. “If does aren’t in decent shape, then they are going to have a hard time providing enough milk to their fawns, which could negatively affect fawn crop success. If that is the case, hunters may see fewer fawns than they are used to during the season.”

Water is another essential piece of the puzzle. Hydration plays a major role in milk production for does, according to Cain, and the drier it is, the farther does may have to travel to find adequate water sources. This could mean that they will expend even more energy, which would have an even larger negative impact on their body composition and could again, negatively affect fawn crops.

“Bucks could also have to travel more to stay hydrated during dry conditions if water sources are few and far between,” Cain said. “This would require them to expend even more energy as well, nega tively impacting their body composition.”

Cain said that grass cover is another key to be mindful of in regards to offseason range conditions.

“Fawns rely on grass cover to hide from predators, as well as to shelter themselves from the summertime heat,” Cain said. “This past summer there were a lot of properties that just didn’t have a whole lot of cover for fawns. This was partly due to the fact that it was dry, and then also because the cover that was available had been grazed down by livestock. Over grazing can further enhance the negative impact of poor range conditions during the offseason and will definitely not bode well for fawn crops.”

As far as vegetation is concerned, prop erties that have diverse plant communi ties can provide white-tailed deer with more nutrition options when offseason

IT’S THE OFFSEASON THAT MAKES THE HUNTING SEASON

Does are important for the long-term success of a white-tailed deer population. If range conditions are good, they will have adequate groceries to give the next age class of bucks a good start. If range conditions are poor, they won’t have enough to milk well.

When range conditions are good, bucks can express their genetic potential for antler growth.

range conditions become as poor as they did earlier this year.

“The drier it gets, the more deer will shift their diet to compensate for the lack of certain forbs and weeds,” Cain said. “Plant species like mesquite that some folks may think is a problem plant, can actually be a very important habitat fea ture for deer during drought conditions. Not only do mesquite trees provide shade for shelter from the heat during the swel tering days of summer, they also act as a significant source of nutrition from the beans that they produce.”

Cain said that having a more diverse plant community on a property also means there may be some plant species that tolerate certain conditions better than others. This provides some form of vegetation for deer to forage on, regardless of what the weather patterns are.

Offseason range conditions can also affect what age classes of deer may be available or lacking in a herd, depending on the decisions hunters make in their blinds during hunting season.

“There are lots of folks out there that practice selective harvesting or the culling of deer, when it comes to bucks with undesirable antler characteristics,” Cain said. “This year is one of those years where hunters need to be extra careful of how they go about culling deer, due to the fact that offseason range conditions were poor for the majority of the offseason for most of the state.

“We know that antler quality is not going to be as good, because of the range conditions, so there may be more yearling class bucks or young bucks that exhibit antler criteria that hunters would generally harvest or cull them for. This, however, could simply be a product of poor range conditions.”

Additionally, Cain said that hunters may want to be very mindful of how intensely they harvest or cull younger bucks this year because there is already a high chance that fawn crops are going to be below average in many areas.

“If fawn crops are already lower than normal, and then hunters choose to har vest a large amount of young bucks, then they could essentially create a two year gap in the age class of deer within their

THAT MAKES THE HUNTING

herd,” Cain said. “This two-year gap in age classes would be the result of folks harvesting too many younger or imma ture bucks this season, combined with poor fawn crops leading up to the season. It’s definitely something to consider that could affect future hunting seasons.”

For example, there will likely be a lot of 1 1/2-year-old bucks this season that are spikes. This won’t be due to genetics, but rather it will be a product of these bucks having lived more than half of their lives during a drought. If hunters harvest all the spikes they see, they could potentially remove many of the mature bucks they would have in another four to five years. Then, with the likelihood of fawn crops this year being below average, there’s a good chance that a two-year gap in age classes would occur.

Cain said this also may be a season where hunters might want to let some more mature deer walk as well.

“This isn’t the year to judge a buck by the growth or gains he made during the offseason,” Cain said. “Bucks that only showed slight antler growth this season could really surprise folks the following year if range conditions are much better.”

When it comes to doe harvests this year, Cain said it would be wise for hunters to harvest younger does if possible.

“Typically, does that are 3 1/2-yearsold and older make better mothers,” Cain said. “If fawn crops are low because of the poor offseason range conditions, it would make more sense to let older does live so that they can replenish the herd with fawns next year.”

Younger does are not near as successful at raising fawns. “If hunters want to har vest does this season, they should consider harvesting younger ones. This would take some pressure off of food resources, pro vide meat to the hunter, and allow more mature does to have a successful fawn crop next season,” according to Cain.

Cain said that landowners, ranch managers, and hunters should always focus on managing for droughts.

“With weather patterns shifting the way that they have over the years, it’s good to be cognizant of what drought conditions mean for the offseason, and how that will affect the white-tailed deer

breeding season or hunting season,” Cain said. “Folks should really learn to manage their deer habitat and deer herd as if the next drought is just around the corner.”

Available water sources, diverse plant species, a sound supplemental feeding program, and a livestock grazing program that does not negatively affect deer habitat, are all essential. Combine that with making good, calculated decisions when it comes to harvesting deer during the season, and the rest can be left up to Mother Nature.

At the time of writing this, much of the state received some needed rainfall prior to opening day. TPWD Wildlife Biologist, Blaise Korzekwa, said that although these rains were positive, they were really too little, too late in regard to what effects they would have on deer for hunting season.

“Vegetation definitely greened up across the board after these rains,” Korze kwa said. “This was great for whitetails as it began to offer them a wider variety of

food sources that they hadn’t had avail able to them all summer long. However, this green-up did not occur soon enough to really make any impacts on fawn crops or antler growth.”

Korzekwa said that the green-up prior to the season could affect how many deer that hunters encounter early this year.

“White-tailed deer were frequenting feeders regularly on many properties prior to things greening up,” Korzekwa said. “With more diverse food sources available to them now, there may not be as much regular activity around feeders until colder weather sets in, causing most vegetation to go dormant.”

The most anticipated time of year is upon us. Deer hunters are taking to their stands across the state and making memories doing what they love the most. Those that take into account the offseason range conditions earlier this year will be able to make choices that will benefit the future of whitetails on the properties they hunt for many seasons to come.

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RECIPES TO REMEMBER THE HUNT

Venison Is The All-time Texas Favorite

Article and photos by TAMRA M. BOLTON

Last years’ good acorn crop and abundant native forage made harvesting a deer a bit more challenging. This year, however, with 2022’s drought and the accompanying scarcity of forage, this season may well be in the hunters’ favor. Hopefully, you can fill your freezer and have plenty of venison to try new recipes or tweak old favorites.

The following recipes can be prepared with the same marinade listed in the first recipe, or you can substitute your own tried and true marinade if you like. Either way, these easy, tasty venison dishes are sure to please your family or a crowd on a special occasion.

MARINATED VENISON TENDERLOINS

Ingredients:

• Four 4 ounce venison tenderloins

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 3 cloves garlic (crushed)

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley

• 4 tablespoons butter, separated into 1 tablespoon segments

Instructions:

Whisk together olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, soy sauce, garlic, black pepper, thyme, and parsley in a bowl.

Place tenderloins in a shallow dish. Pour marinade over tenderloins, cover and place in the refrigerator. Marinate tenderloins in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, up to 24 hours, turning at least once during that time.

RECIPES

REMEMBER

HUNT

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Preheat cast iron skillet on stove with medium high heat and add a sprinkle of olive oil to skillet.

Remove tenderloins from the marinade. Discard marinade.

Sear tenderloins over medium-high heat until all sides are browned/charred. This takes roughly 2-3 minutes per side or until an instant read thermometer reads 100°F.

Put cast iron into the oven to finish cooking until the thermometer reads 125°F, about 5-7 minutes. Do not overcook. Overcooking will lead to a rubbery texture.

Just before tenderloins are finished, add a tablespoon of butter to each one to enhance flavor.

Remove from oven, move tenderloins to a cutting board and allow meat to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Resting ensures that the meat will be juicy and tender. You will notice that some of the juices from the meat will pool around the tenderloins as they cool. This is expected.

This dish is delicious served with mashed new potatoes and garlic, maple-glazed pe tite carrots and a fresh rosemary garnish.

FIRE UP THE…AIR

More than 25 million air fryers have been sold in the last two years, making it likely you either have one in your kitchen already or are contemplating a purchase. While I was late jumping onto the air fryer trend, I have fallen in love with the versatility of these amazing appliances. For the appetizers below, I experimented with a grill recipe and tweaked it slightly for my air fryer. The results were impressive! Now, if the weather isn’t conducive to grilling, I simply pull out the air fryer and enjoy these delicious venison appetizers anytime.

AIR FRYER VENISON BITES

Ingredients:

• 1-2 pounds of venison backstrap

• 6 pieces of bacon, cut in half

• Marinade (use recipe above or your own favorite)

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions:

Cut backstrap into ½ inch pieces and place in marinade for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. For maximum tenderness, marinade as long as possible, no less than 8 hours. Turn pieces at least once during the time in the fridge.

When ready to cook, take the venison pieces out of the marinade and discard the marinade. Take half of the pieces and wrap them with the half slices of bacon and secure with a toothpick. (Toothpicks are safe to use in the air fryer.)

Preheat the air fryer for 3 minutes at 400 degrees.

Carefully place the bacon-wrapped venison in the air fryer, leaving space around each one. A large fryer can hold about 8 to 12 pieces, a small fryer about 6.

Cook for 7 to 10 minutes at 400 degrees, checking at 7 minutes. Air fryers are all different, so continue to cook as needed, until bacon is nicely browned, at one minute intervals, checking every minute till done to your liking.

Tip: Cooking pieces that are approximately the same size at the same

For deer hunting season, stock up on assortment of red wines to pair with your game dishes, and for sharing a glass around a cozy fire.

time will ensure a more evenly cooked result. Otherwise, you may end up with some overdone and some undercooked pieces.

Take the other half of the venison pieces and dip these in the melted butter and place in the air fryer, cooking them at 400 degrees for about 6 to 7 minutes. Because the air fryer is already very hot, the pieces may cook faster. Check for doneness every minute until pieces are nice and brown. Again, cooking pieces about the same size will ensure a more evenly cooked product.

Let venison bites rest for 5 to 10 minutes for the best results.

Serve with your favorite BBQ sauce or just plain. Either way, they are delicious!

PAIRING SUGGESTIONS FOR VENISON DISHES

For hearty dishes like venison, rich, dark, and elegant reds are the perfect match for the robust game flavor. When choosing a wine to accompany venison, look for the drier red blends: tempranillos, cabernet sauvignons, and merlots. The following recommendations will help guide you when making your decision:

2019 “Unico” Red Blend from Llano Escatado is a blend of tempranillo and syrah, an atypical blend aged for two years in French oak puncheons, giving it a minimal oak influence. This results in a lush, fruit-forward expression with aromas of dark cherry and blueberry, with a soft, smoky note and a silky smooth finish.

2019 Lost Draw Cellars Cinsault from La Pradera Vineyards has a lighter feel with both cherry and spices evident in its subtle finish.

2018 Texas High Plains La Herencia Tempranillo from McPherson Cellars boasts woodsmoke and cherry jam, along with supple rounded tannins, making this wine a delight for meals or just sipping.

2019 Cabernet Sauvignon from English Newsome Cellars is a full-bodied varietal with aromatics of cherry and black currant. It has a smooth finish that is filled with a mixture of red and black fruit, pepper, chocolate, coffee, and vanilla notes.

2019 Red Italian Blend from English Newsome Cellars has aromas of raspberry, strawberry, and cranberry, in conjunction with a smoky, sweet oak that creates a very foodfriendly mouthfeel.

If you are a craft beer fan, The Brewery LBK has a couple of suggestions when pairing beers—choose bold, dark beers like porters or stouts to accompany heavier foods like game meats.

LBK’s Champurrado Porter is a cinnamon chocolate porter with additions of brown sugar and cacao nibs. This is a great beer to cook with also.

LBK’s Social Justice Warrior is an Irish Whiskey Stout with big, bold roasted coffee, caramel, chocolate, and dry roasted bitterness. The malty sweetness and bold characteristics are a perfect accompaniment to rich, hearty venison dishes.

Trmara Trail is in her element when she’s outdoors, and she’s particularly in her element when she is helping others learn more about enjoying the world around them. Trail offered instructions during TWA’s Women of the Land program participants at the 5-stand range in September.

Photo courtesy of TWA

TAMARA SWINDLE TRAIL

Planting Trees, Savoring the Shade

Article by LORIE A. WOODWARD

Byher own estimation, Tamara Swindle Trail was destined to become a conservation educator.

“God just worked it all out,” said Trail, who was reared in San Angelo and now lives in Albany.

The groundwork was laid early. For vacations, her fam ily hiked and camped close to home and in Colorado. She also hunted and fished alongside her dad and her uncles. Her Uncle Andy was a favorite hunting companion. The World War II vet

eran downplayed his knowledge of animal behavior and habitat, but continuously predicted where and when the duo would see animals and explained their various behaviors. He took time to stop and show her important plants and animal sign.

“He was a student of the land before I ever knew there was a term coined for that,” said Trail, noting that a deer blind of ten doubled as an outdoor classroom where her lifelong love of science blossomed. Later, she also used nature’s classroom to

engender the same wonder, curiosity, and passion in her three daughters: Hannah, a sophomore at TCU, Robyn, a high school junior, and Charlotte “Charli”, a seventh grader.

In addition to sparking Trail’s curiosity, the outdoors also captured her heart and her imagination. In an era when most girls were swooning over Donny Osmond, John Travolta, or Shaun Cassidy, her first celebrity crush was Grizzly Adams, who she dubbed “the perfect man.” And instead of reenacting favorite episodes of “Happy Days,” “The Partridge Family” or other hit television shows, Trail and her cousin imagined themselves as the host and guest on “Jimmy Houston Outdoors,” providing color commentary and angling tips as they drifted down Dove Creek near San Angelo pursuing bass and perch.

“Yep, I was that girl,” Trail said, laughing.

When that girl graduated from Central High School in 1990, the world was her oyster. She had significant scholarship offers from several universities, and all were in play until she flipped through Texas A&M’s course catalog and spotted the degree plan for wildlife and fisheries sciences.

“I just knew that’s where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do,” Trail said.

Although the Aggies didn’t offer the same level of financial support as other schools, Trail’s parents were all in. Until she announced her decision, she didn’t know that her father had wanted to be a fisheries biologist earlier in his life but didn’t have the opportunity.

“My folks said, ‘Let’s figure out how to do this,’” Trail recalled.

And they did. In 1994, Trail graduated with her B.Sc. in wildlife and fisheries sciences. Then she earned a master’s degree in rangeland ecology and agricultural economics, graduating in 1997.

REAL WORLD EDUCATION

In the absence of a full-ride scholarship or abundant aid, Trail rolled up her sleeves and worked through her entire college career. Along the way, she developed a network of mentors, including familiar TWA stalwarts such as Dr. Don Steinbach, Dr. Dale Rollins, and David K. Langford.

“Looking back, everything worked out just as it was supposed to,” Trail said. “If I hadn’t had to work, I wouldn’t have gained the experiences I did, met the people I did, or ended up on the career path I’ve enjoyed.”

As a co-op student, she gained hands-on experience working in the field alongside noted wildlife professionals such as Dr. Doug Slack, who was not only a national expert on Whooping Cranes and Black-capped Vireos, but a passionate teacher. She also occupied a front row seat to the changes, challenges, and controversies that were reshaping conservation in the 1990s.

For instance, her co-op position took Trail back and forth between Oregon and Texas, immersing her in the differences between public and private lands states. At the time, in the Pacific Northwest, the proposed listing of the Spotted Owl as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act, dominated headlines across the country and led to hostilities in many of the region’s small towns.

Although the issues were far more complex, many news reports positioned the controversy as a struggle between loggers’ jobs and protection of the owls’ ancient forest habitat. In the community where she lived and worked, forestry and salmon fishing were the economic lifeblood. Tensions were high.

“During those very heated discussions, it became apparent to me that natural resource management is as much about people management as it is about what takes place on the land,” Trail said.

Meanwhile, back home, Texas was embroiled in its own Bird Wars, which centered on the Black-capped Vireo and Goldencheeked Warbler. These battles were prompted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s ill-conceived attempt to name portions of 33 Texas counties in the Hill Country and Central Texas as critical habitat for the rare songbirds.

To landowners, it appeared that the agency and its allies were going to “save” the endangered species by permanently wresting control away from private landowners, either by taking the land or purchasing the land at fire sale prices from those who found themselves in a financial fix. Ranch gates slammed shut. Cedar trees were strapped to truck hoods as landowners rallied at the Capitol. Tensions were high.

During that maelstrom, TWA, which was still a fledgling or ganization itself, perfected what has become its signature move— identifying common ground and then using that common ground (and the partnerships built upon it) to creatively solve conservation problems. Because TWA put the interests of wild life and habitat above all else, the organization became a trusted ally for groups standing on all sides of any given issue. In the case of the ESA, TWA helped people recognize the value and power of using a tempting carrot instead of a threatening hammer.

Trail paid close attention. Whether she realized it at the time or not, finding common ground, building trust, and working together to solve big challenges would become a signature of her work as well.

All of these things would prove to be increasingly important because Texas was changing, too. People began moving into the Lone Star State at a record rate, exacerbating urbanization, natural resource illiteracy, and fragmentation.

As economics made it even more difficult to keep ranches intact, hunting, as a revenue stream as well as a conservation vehicle, was becoming more important as was nature tourism. In fact, Trail’s thesis explored the decision-making process of landowners who were managing for enterprise diversification in this “changing Texas landscape.”

Agencies and non-profits developed outreach and education programs to address the changes and challenges. In many cases, the Texas-based programs were partnerships or collaborations involving Texas AgriLife Extension, TPWD and TWA. Trail, as a graduate student, volunteered with TPWD’s Becoming an Out doors Woman program and with TWA’s early outreach efforts, including the newly formed Texas Youth Hunting Program.

As she was completing graduate school, Trail transferred her co-op back to Texas and was working on the McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge near Port Arthur. Steinbach and op portunity called. AgriLife and TPWD were partnering to cre

TAMARA

Good friends make a good hunt. Tamara Trail (right) enjoyed a day of dove hunting the best way possible.

Photo courtesy of Tamara Trail

ate a conservation education position and Steinbach suggested she apply.

The interview stands out clearly in her mind even after almost 30 years. She left the refuge way before daybreak to make it to College Station on time. As she settled in before the interview panel that included Steinbach, Rollins as well as Dr. Billy Higginbotham and Dr. Ron Howard, she realized that in her rush and in the dark, she had put on one brown pump and one black pump. Fortunately, fashion was much less important than philosophy.

While the probing questions were fired rapidly, she remembers one answer in particular because it was also an epiphany that determined the path of her career.

“I remember telling the panel that while I valued my experience on the refuge, it is one thing to make a difference on a few thousand acres but it’s an entirely different thing to make a difference in people’s lives,” Trail said. “If you can educate and influence people, then you can make a difference on hundreds of thousands of acres.”

She got the job and began making a difference in people’s lives. In the role, Trail worked as a “special agent” lending her talents to a variety of different programs such as 4-H Shooting Sports, 4-H Sportfishing, Becoming an Outdoors Woman, and TYHP where she helped write portions of the first program manual, and Texas Brigades where Rollins tasked her with creating the Buckskin Brigade, the first offshoot of the Bobwhite Brigade.

She also planned and implemented programming such as field days and conferences, thereby learning the Extension model of outreach. Trail traveled and spoke extensively on nature tourism as a ranching enterprise and various future of hunting initiatives.

Trail took her first real sip of the Kool-Aid that draws people to non-profit conservation education.

“When you get to see, feel, and experience other people get excited about nature and conservation for the first time— whether it’s catching a fish, harvesting a deer, or watching a sunset—it’s addictive,” Trail said. “It’s what makes you keep doing it again and again.”

In 2001, when TWA got ready to fully launch its education efforts, Trail got a phone call from Langford. He shared the organization’s plans and suggested she was the right person for the job.

She said, “My first question was, ‘What does Don [Steinbach] say about this?’”

Unbeknownst to her, Langford had reached out to Steinbach, who was very active and instrumental in TWA, before he brought the opportunity to her attention. Although Steinbach wasn’t keen to lose her, he saw the potential of the new programs with Trail at the helm and was onboard.

“I was in the right place at the right time,” Trail said. The rest is history.

A CONSERVATION LEGACY

From the beginning, TWA’s Conservation Legacy programs, which started in earnest around 2001, harnessed the power

of partnerships. The first step was collecting tried-and-true curriculum from trusted partners to “move forward without completely reinventing the wheel.”

While the foundational curriculum wasn’t completely original, TWA leaders, meeting around a campfire at Steve Lewis’ ranch, identified two essentials tenets that ensured TWA’s efforts would always be unique. They determined that all education would reinforce the role that both hunting and private landowners play in conservation.

By then, Texas had become an urban state. In schools across the state “third generation apartment dwellers were teaching fourth generation apartment dwellers” and the connection to the land was becoming ever more distant. When data showed that the most missed question on the state’s standardized science test involved natural resources, TWA used that sadly startling fact as its entry into public schools.

“TWA has been able to do what it’s done because passionate people said, ‘Not on my watch will we lose hunting, private land stewardship or our state’s historic connection to the land,’” Trail said.

Since 2007 when the Conservation Legacy staff began keeping outreach records, the program has directly impacted almost 4.9 million Texans.

“We could have never accomplished any of this without the legions of committed volunteers who dedicated themselves to making our shared vision a reality,” Trail said.

Of course, the need for conservation literacy is increasingly urgent. The trends of urbanization, fragmentation, and com peting demands for natural resources are accelerating. What’s more, the pandemic and its associated appetite for outdoor rec reation, increasing recognition of the role of nature in overall human health, a burgeoning interest in sustainable food sourc es, and emerging environmental and social government man dates for corporations that reinforce idea that “good stewardship is good business” create new opportunities for connection.

“We’ve got to continue bridging the urban/rural interface if we landowners and land managers are going to remain relevant,” Trail said. “The public needs to understand that the efforts of landowners are not just for their own good, but the common good.”

Moving forward, it’s important to recognize that homeowners are landowners too, just on a smaller scale and they’re interested in healthy soil, native plants, clean and plentiful water, and healthy wildlife, she said. TWA and its trusted partners are uniquely qualified to identify the common ground and connect.

“People who are hungry for information are going to get it from somewhere and it sure as heck better be us,” she said.

These days, Trail isn’t on the front lines delivering conservation education on a daily basis; instead, she serves on TWA’s Executive Committee and co-chairs the Conservation Legacy Advisory Board, which just recently helped launch CL 2.0, the second generation of Conservation Legacy. She likens the experience to “sending your children off to college and watching them grow into the mature versions of themselves.”

As she looks back, Trail measures program success in terms of people. Things like letters from parents who described the

almost unimaginable changes in their children after a Brigade experience or the conversations that would have never oc curred without time shared in a TYHP deer blind, are more valuable to her than any income she might’ve enjoyed by pur suing a more lucrative career.

And while she’s far from done, passion ate people are also part of her legacy. As she looks at the best and brightest in con servation in Texas, she takes special pride in those next generation movers and shakers who she hired and worked with directly, such as Jenny Sanders, Justin Dreibelbis, or Helen Holdsworth or those like Sarah Biedenharn, current TWA president, Anson Howard, and Whitney Marion Klenzendorf, who found their passion through TWA and partnered pro grams like Texas Brigades.

“In conservation education, you get a lot of ‘one hit’ wonders where kids are exposed to the natural world to raise their aware ness and concern,” Trail said. “But to have the opportunity to play a small role in cre ating true ambassadors who embrace their own passion and go on to spread the stew ardship message is almost indescribable.”

According to her, the experience brings to mind a Texas Brigades’ Silver Bullet, which says, “One generation plants a tree. Another enjoys the shade.”

“I’m enjoying the shade and watching others planting their trees for the next generation of Texans,” Trail said.

While Trail is enjoying the shade, she’s not sitting still. She stays busy supporting her girls’ activities, providing leadership in her community and other conservation organizations. She’s also considering her “kingdom work” and envisioning an effort that harnesses the healing power of nature and faith to help people recover from trauma of many kinds.

In nature, people let their guard down. In the vulnerability, there’s an opportunity to hear their stories and develop deep intentional relationships, which has always inspired Trail as much as managing natural resources.

“What fires me up—and always will— is the ability to make a difference in someone else’s life. I look forward to continuing to do that, but in a slightly different way.”

TAKE A KID HUNTING

A Grateful Heart

Article and photo by SALLIE LEWIS

AsI write this column, it is late August and the sun is setting on a long, hot summer. By the time you read this, autumn leaves will be falling in shades of scarlet, crimson and gold, and the holidays will be near.

For many Texans, the holidays actually begin with the start of hunting season. When the temperatures drop, excitement and anticipation fill the air as people plan their pilgrimages to the country for opening weekend.

In the November 2021 issue, I reflected on childhood mem ories made with my dad. Those early fall mornings chasing white-tailed deer, axis, and turkeys still fill me with nostalgia for the carefree days of my youth.

Looking back, I realize that it wasn’t just the sport but the time we shared together that made those days so special. In the quiet moments of pursuit, a communion formed between us as we paused to appreciate the beauty of nature and the wildlife around us.

For me, this time of year is all about that pause and appreciation. While it feels especially meaningful in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, I believe gratitude is something important to practice year-round. Whenever I lose sight of that or find myself adrift, one of my favorite ways to ground and recenter is by heading outdoors.

Growing up, my mom firmly believed that a brisk walk rem edied all sorts of stressful situations. Apart from its clarity-induc ing benefits, walking often leads you to unexpected encounters. Over the years, both her walks—and mine—have unearthed many treasures, from fallen feathers and fossilized shells to the silken wings of a butterfly. Heart-shaped rocks have always been a par ticularly treasured prize, as evidenced by our growing collection.

Still today, every time I see a heart rock in the wild, I stop and smile, delighting in how such a simple object can symbolize one of life’s most precious gifts. Lately, I’ve taken to finding hearts in other places, from the paddle of a cactus to the silhouette of a puddle after a long, soaking rain. Each discovery reminds me that love is all around and Mother Nature is always giving herself to us, if only we stop and look.

My maternal grandmother knew all about the power of love in life. Every Thanksgiving, she invited us to her historic school house in Gillespie County. There, a long, wooden table large enough to seat her five children, their spouses, and her growing brood of grandchildren was laid with china, crystal, and flickering candles. Before the feast commenced, we gathered hands as someone said grace over the food and family.

While the prayer was often different, my grandmother always had the last word, urging us to keep “a grateful heart.” Though it’s been more than a decade now since she’s passed away, those three little words still ring in memory as crisp and clear as a Christmas bell. And so, this November, I wish you all great adventures filled with hunting and holiday traditions, and a grateful heart at the end of the day to take them all in.

The table

waiting for family and friends to gather. Stories of the hunt will

told and retold, and laughter will warm every corner.

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