The Texas Deer Study Group will hold a two-day workshop to examine deer populations in the Post Oak Savannah and Gulf Coast Prairies on April 10-11 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 3845 Interstate 10 West in Columbus.
“The Texas Deer Study Group meets in a different part of the state each year,” said Ken Cearley, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service wildlife specialist in Amarillo. The event is hosted by AgriLife Extension, Texas Wildlife Association, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service.
“Whether your family has ranched here for generations or you are a relatively new landowner or manager, you probably realize that this part of the world has its own unique challenges when it comes to deer management,” Cearley said.
Attendees will have the chance to hear from a diverse array of speakers on subjects that have a bearing on those challenges, as well as what can be expected from a deer herd in that area of the state and what management activities can be undertaken to optimize deer production, he said.
Early registration is $75 by March 31, with late registration $100.
For more information or to register, visit the Texas Wildlife Association website here or contact Clint Faas at cfaas@texas-wildlife.org.
“We will discuss what constitutes good science, bad science or no science at all; and a more philosophical aspect related to deer: How big is big enough?” Cearley said. “The meeting promises to be time well spent for anyone interested in making the most of deer in that area, and for those wanting a good healthy dose of fellowship and debate about some of the most important issues facing deer managers today.”
Other topics on the April 10 program include:
- Goals and Objectives: Formulating Realistic Expectations
- Managing Deer on Small Acreage: The Co-op model
- Harvest Strategies – “Micro Co-ops”: Managing beyond antler restrictions
- Deer Management in “Farmland” Habitat
- Value of Wildlife: Managing deer from a new perspective
- Buck Movement in Regards to Hunting
- White-tailed Deer Breeding Chronology
- An Overview on Deer Nutrition
On April 11, the group will meet at a local ranch for a half-day of presentations covering “getting to know your deer,” habitat management techniques, and native and introduced vegetation.
Workshop coordinators said anyone with an interest in deer and deer management is encouraged to attend.
