Predator Call

It is no secret that proper deer management can improve antler growth and overall deer health.  Removing excess does is a management practice that is needed across most of the country.  In the Hill Country, I feel that it is a good idea to remove the excess does early in the season while they are in good body condition.  Another reason to remove the does as early as possible is because they consume food that a deer that you want to keep could eat. Shooting does early in the season, especially in South Texas can create a few problems.  The rut in South Texas generally peaks 30 to 45 days later than it does in the Hill Country therefore, the fawns will be considerably younger in the first part of deer season.  I have seen a few situations where killing the doe stunted the fawns, as they were still nursing.  Though it was impossible for me to monitor the fawns on a 5,000 acre ranch, I always felt the fawns that were stressed might not ever reach their potential.

Everyone knows that an old buck can be difficult to find but, I have found that a whitetail doe can disappear as well.  When whitetail does realize that they are being hunted, I have to change tactics to find them.  I have found that deer calls, especially bleat calls are very effective on whitetail does.