What are TEXOTICS?

Exotics have exploded onto the scene in Texas.  Since their introduction to South Texas in the 1930s, non-native species have grown from a mere 13,000 in the 1960s (est. by The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department) to population estimates that range from 275,000 to well over 1 million.

…there could be over a million free-ranging exotics in the Hill Country alone.

Much of their success in this state has come from a growing hunting industry, high reproductive rates, and an innate ability to adapt.  The YO Ranch, founded as a cattle ranch in 1880, persists today because of the revenues generated from exotic hunting.

“We can’t make enough on cattle to survive anymore”, says Eric White, hunting manager for the YO. “If not for exotics, this ranch would not be in existence today.”

Ranches and landowners are finding exotic hunting a viable option to cattle production and a way to profit year-round where they are limited to 4 to 5 months a year for whitetail hunting.

Exotics do pose some challenges and potential complications down the road for landowners.  Competition with native species, fencing, and population control are just a few of the factors that need to be accounted for in planning management strategies for newly introduced species.   Studies are being conducted to determine what stresses exotics may have on the habitat as well as the whitetail deer herd.  Many exotics do have a competitive advantage over whitetails in that they utilize a wider range of food sources and are able to “switch” when range conditions are poor.  Some of the most numerous exotics in Texas – axis, fallow, and sika deer – all compete directly with whitetails for valuable resources.

The Exotic Wildlife Association reports that, today, there are more than 5,000 ranches/landowners in Texas with exotics.  That number will continue to grow as the market and demand for exotic hunting opportunities grows.  With the number of free-ranging animals, species that readily adapt and reproduce, coupled with a population that may already number a million or more, it is likely that exotics are here to stay and we will have to learn how to adapt with them.

To Read the entire article TEXOTICS by Rusty Middleton please visit www.tpwmagazine.com

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