Regional Highlights - Panhandle Issues

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Prospects Looking Good for Deer Season (Panhandle)

Hunters hoping for a shot at a quality deer during the 2008-09 deer season will need to get off the bench and into the game, suggest state wildlife biologists, as current range conditions indicate increased availability of native food sources.

The general deer hunting season opens statewide Nov. 1. This change in deer feeding patterns could also have an impact on opportunity around feeders during the Special Youth Season weekend Oct. 25-26. The youth-only season is available to licensed hunters ages 16 and under.

Panhandle Report:

Reports on big game species are generally good to excellent, said Danny Swepston, TPWD district biologist in Amarillo.

Some of the northwestern counties were in a severe drought during the fawning season and fawn survival was poor in those areas. White-tailed buck antler development appears normal.

Recent rains across the Panhandle should dramatically improved browse growth which will have an impact on body weights and antler development.