Antler Restriction Effects

Antler Restriction Effects

Q: I have been hunting whitetail deer more than 60 years and have a question about antler growth, genes and antler restrictions imposed in certain parts of Texas by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. I have had many conversations with game biologists, game...
Once A Spike Always A Spike?

Once A Spike Always A Spike?

Q. Larry, last week you wrote “Genetics determines shape and size of antlers. Genetic antler potential can only be attained with good daily nutrition and achieving maturity. But realize too, a smaller antlered buck bred to the ‘right’ doe could produce offspring with...
Buck-To-Doe Ratio And Antler Size

Buck-To-Doe Ratio And Antler Size

Q:  Larry, my friends think I’m crazy, but I think the buck-to-doe ratio has an effect on antler development.  My hypothesis is that with fewer does, the competition to breed is fiercer and thus only those deer that are stronger and that have larger antlers will win...
Field Aging Whitetail Deer

Field Aging Whitetail Deer

Q: Larry, it’s important to me to shoot only mature animals, so I’d like to be able to judge the age of whitetail deer before I shoot.  I understand that the size of a buck’s antlers is not a good way to judge because after a certain age antler growth tends to...
What’s A Good Pronghorn Cartridge?

What’s A Good Pronghorn Cartridge?

Q:  Larry, I need a good pronghorn cartridge. I’m from the Midwest and have hunted big game only with slugs.  I was recently invited to hunt antelope with friends in Wyoming, so I’m looking for a good rifle and cartridge to use.  At home, I can hunt with only slugs...
Catching Catfish

Catching Catfish

Catching lots of hungry catfish, with good friends aboard, makes for a great day on the water. “We’ll spend the night at Jeff and Courtney Blankinship’s Broken Stone Ranch near Grand Saline,” my old friend said over the phone. “Then we’ll get up early the next morning...
Sierra Nevada – Ibex On The Med.

Sierra Nevada – Ibex On The Med.

Alfonso extended backwards his lowered, open palm left hand indicating to stop. As I did, using his right hand he pointed toward the horizon. My eyes moved upward. There stood a young male Sierra Nevada ibex staring in our direction. “Poco, poco!” cautioned my guide...
Sand and Shinnery

Sand and Shinnery

I felt a slight nudge on my left elbow as I “worked the horns” in an attempt to draw in a whitetail buck out of the oak thicket. I turned ever so slowly, then followed Craig Archer’s pointing hand. “Buck, three-year old!” whispered he. The buck was charging in jumping...