Change is Upon Us

For North Texas and much of the country November has been slow, at least for avid whitetail hunters.  Deer reports from coast to coast seem to all be the same.  Deer are moving but the rut is not hot and heavy as of yet this November. Of course there have been bucks taken and deer in woods, however, from personal experience, hunting forums, and articles I have seen very few reports of the typical hyperactive November hunting season. Maybe it's the weather; maybe it is the ever-increasing amount of hunters out there.

I am sure there is a combination of many factors that we as humans are unaware or are inattentive to. In the last few years, I have observed changes in animal behavior based on changing weather patterns in Texas.  Spending many hours in the bow blind already this season, I have observed a lot of variation in weather and wildlife. I am not an expert but I see that our weather is changing. No, I am not saying it is global warming, just that the seasons are longer, slow to change, and different from recent years.  With much of Texas in drought conditions for some time now, and what seems to be an unusually wet winter ahead, weather patterns are changing.

Grass, browse, and forage has remained green from small, sparse and light showers. The rains mostly evaporating in the lingering warm weather and grasses growing well into fall even with the long dry summer. Collectively gaining potential for fires across the state, with thick dry underbrush and tall grasses.  Conversely and in accordance with the diversity of our great state, there has recently been heavy rainfall and flooding in east Texas.  Species of plants and animals that have been scarce have emerged.  I personally spotted three horny toads this summer; I have not seen one in Texas since the mid 90's.  There are also reports of increases in snake sightings around the state this year.

Similarly to the experts, I do not know what lies in store for us. I do know as hunters and as Texans to expect the unexpected, be prepared for any type of weather, and do not make predictions based on the weather/weatherman. Living in such a diverse state gives us as residents and hunters many options. One thing is for sure, all the animals including whitetails are more in tune with the weather and seasons than we are.  Making a prediction based on the deer and not the weather I believe we are in for a long winter but I am no expert.