In east Texas drought is having an affect on wildlife and consequently on hunting. Ducks are not plentiful as local ponds and swamps that normally provide food and habitat are dried up.
The dove hunting season opened last week and hunters are finding the birds few and far between.
In contrast, officials are saying that because of the drought they believe deer will become easier targets revealing themselves in search of food and water. But officials say this is a good thing heading into winter.
Two things should occur. One is more deer will be harvested and as such will leave more food for the survivors heading into winter. The other thing that happens usually naturally is there will be fewer fawns born in the spring. Of course this will reduce the herd somewhat for the following year but should not have any real detrimental effects.
Tom Remington
