Regional Highlights - Central Texas Issues

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Deer Hunting Forecast - Hill Country (Regions C)

The potential for some quality bucks is out there, but predicting where they will be is the catch this season, according to TPWD biologist Mike Krueger in Kerrville. "It's extremely hit or miss as far as feeders," he explained. "We've got a tremendous acorn crop and they're not going to be cleaned up before the season. Maybe by the rut deer will start coming to feeders, but I expect it will be very shaky." Krueger said back-to-back years of low fawn production has had an impact and although the deer are making up ground this year, hunters in some areas still may see fewer deer. That doesn't mean the deer have vanished, just tough to spot. "We did a spotlight survey on Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and didn't see much of anything because the vegetation was so tall," he reported. "The abundance of acorns is affecting deer movement. Things are pretty good for them right now." He said he's received scattered reports of deer not in good condition. "But, overall the quality should be good," he noted. "When bucks initiated antler growth, rains already started and the deer were able to maintain that through the growing season. Generally speaking throughout the Edwards Plateau, unless you have evidence to back off, hunters need to continue to control deer numbers." (More info)

New Texas Game Warden Training Facility Project Underway (All regions)

The Texas Legislature has authorized TPWD to use funds from the sale of the current 6.6-acre Game Warden Academy property in Austin to develop a new training facility. The balance of the approximately $15 million needed to complete the academy and endow its operations will come from private donations. Already, the Texas Game Warden Association and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation have raised about $4.5 million for the center. The new facility will require road construction, water, telecommunications and electric improvements and expansion; upgrades to existing facilities; security fencing and walkways; site signage and other infrastructure enhancements. The planned campus will include a water rescue training facility with swimming pool, an emergency vehicle operations course, a firing range, classrooms, an armory and much more. All told, more than 39,000 square feet of instructional, administrative and living space is planned for the property. All buildings and facilities at the Texas Game Warden Training Center will meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification standards. Fundraising is a partnership effort involving the TPWD, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation and the Texas Game Warden Association.