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space 4ae Stewarclk
YEARS PAST, when deer numbers
had diminished to a dangerously
low level in many areas of Texas,
hunters and landowners were told
the populations could never grow
unless the killing of does and fawns
were stopped. Save the does to grow
more deer for the future, was the
basis of the theory.
Sportsmen and landowners were
sold on the idea and deer numbers
increased. The program was so successful
in many areas that deer
became so numerous they started
damaging crops, causing deterioration
of the range food supply, decreasing
livestock production, and
dying of starvation.
When this happened, game researchers
recommended removal of
both sexes of deer to bring. the
herd back to a more reasonable
level that would be balanced to the
food supply and other conditions.
But the biologists' recommendations
were not accepted by a segment of
the public, which held to the outdated
theory of bucks-only hunting.
These individuals failed to consider
a change had taken place in
the situation and in effect were
plowing modern game problems
with mule-drawn theories. Times
have changed and modern game
management practices are needed.
When the effect of the antlerless
hunting program is analyzed objectively
it is easy to see that it is a
sound program with its own checks
and balances. One factor that caused
the whole overpopulation problem
is the 'carrying capacity" of the land,
limiting the number of animals a
given area of land will support. This
includes the animal's demands for
food, water, cover, and other necessities
of life.
The primary problem in many
regions of the State is that the
removal of natural predators, the
effectiveness of the screwworm control
program, and protection from
excessive hunting has permitted deer
numbers to build up to a level exceeding
the "carrying capacity."
When this happened, deer starved
to death or died from other related
causes during the hard periods of
short food supply, usually in late
winter or late summer.
With the antlerless hunting program,
extensive population census
procedures determine the number
of deer present in local areas of each
county. The carrying capacity of
the land is also determined. With
this information, trained personnel
can estimate how many antlerless
deer should be removed to reduce
the threat of starvation, range deterioration,
crop damage, and other
indications of overpopulation.
Extreme precautions are taken to
guarantee that even if every doe
permit were issued to landowners
and used by hunters to kill antlerless
deer, the deer herd would not
be in jeopardy. A slight increase in
hunting lease income may entice
landowners, but they benefit more
from better livestock production.
Hunters benefit by enjoying additional
hunting opportunities.
The antlerless deer program warrants
objective consideration by
every landowner and sportsman.
Deer must be managed along with
sheep, goats, and cattle, and included
in individual ranch grazing
programs, if this extremely valuable
wildlife resource is to be properly
utilized to benefit all Texans and
Texas. - The Editor
TEXAS