RD'S Deer Blind ~ 2014

[Moon Tree]

Nice piggies. Looks like the hunters enjoyed their outing.

[Ranch Dog]

Well, the 2014 hunting season finished up as the slowest we have experienced. The count is three does, two spikes, and three hogs. A really poor showing despite record days spent hunting. There are a couple of reasons that contribute to the season we had. First and foremost is the lack of rain. This is the forth year with drought conditions and there is no doubt that the toll on the deer has been significant. As I sit in a blind looking out at the vegetation, I estimate that 50% to 70% of the browse species are dead. The riparian areas (bottoms and drainage) have been hit the worst with what I estimate as a 90% kill. Basically, every Post Oak on my place is dead or dying.

The second thing that had an influence is property ownership on my west and north fence lines. This land represents a considerable amount of acreage belonging to three different ranches. All three owners were in their late 80's and passed away this year with the property was divided among their heirs. All kinds of changes have taken place but the most significant have been clearing to seed improved pasture and hunting pressure. The later has been significant.

All of this will give me some challenges in the coming year and if the Good Lord will give us the rain, I can deal with the rest.

[akuser47]

Yea no water in hot regions decimates. Species animal and plant. I hate to say it but if the gulf coast could just get hit by a good tropical storm that maybe what's needed to get thing going again. As long as it's a big enough storm to push inland enough.

[Ranch Dog]

Yea no water in hot regions decimates. Species animal and plant. I hate to say it but if the gulf coast could just get hit by a good tropical storm that maybe what's needed to get thing going again. As long as it's a big enough storm to push inland enough.

That is what we need to catch up but the sudden deluge would be bad news with the condition of our vegetation. There would be quite a bit of soil erosion.

[akuser47]

That's true it would cause so much washout. Hope it gets better.