Gator, I had him out but he came to help me with getting a wildlife exemption. I discussed the deer situation with him but he said don't base anything on last year. We had a wet year and they didn't move around. I can buy that somewhat but after 20 years, I know the difference. He recommended that I burn off underbrush but I have too many blackjack oaks. They hold their dead leaves all year and I just can't control it. Admittedly, I am reluctant to start a forest fire for any reason. He also said that I need to clear more underbrush to let more plant life grow. Heck, I have lots of cleared areas back in the brush. The upshot of it is that I had more deer before I did all of the selected clearing. One of my neighbors who retired there 10 years ago has given up and gotten a lease in Erath County. The only change I can think of is the fact that I pretty well stay on a 4 wheeler on weekends. I know of one West Texas day leaser who doesn't allow 4 wheelers. He says that if 4 wheelers are run on his land this weekend, next weekends hunters won't see deer. Everybody in the area has 4 wheelers. The local rural mailman says that he quit seeing the big deer herds when the County opened doe season. My wife and I often get in the pickup late in the evening and drive the back roads looking for deer and turkeys. We see about 25% of the ones we used to see. However, where did they go? You know that they didn't stop breeding and the TPWD says that a doe usually spends their entire life within one square mile of where they were born. It may be a combination of neighbors dogs, 4 wheelers, and weather.

BTW, the next time you drive through the area, as you are approaching the Wagonseller exit off 287, look West on the electrical transmission line. About a mile away, you will see a big hill with a tower stand. Thats mine. Let me know when you are coming and stop by.

Dave