…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

and businesses that rely on our dollars and free time to make their livings as well.  Though most of us would argue, the freedom to enjoy a sport we love on a regular basis is not vital to our day to day survival and thus must be viewed as a luxury item that must be cut back or even spared in times of financial crisis.
On the flip side, the economic woes of this country has little affect on the day-to-day lives of game animals or their ability to eat, breed, and pro-create.  Game managers have the same job description that they did a few years ago — sell hunts that allow the ranch to stay afloat or be profitable, and maybe just as important, maintain a sustainable herd of animals that will allow the ranch or outfitting business to continue for generations to come.  A large part of this equation is balancing game numbers.  This is done by removing a predetermined number of individuals to avoid degradation of habitat and avoiding loss to disease, starvation, and natural mortality.

The point of this whole schpeal — managers must still reduce animal numbers as they always have.  But what can you do if people are canceling booked hunts or not spending the $$$ to book future hunts?  –> Lower the asking price until you find the current market value.  Talking to several outfitters and checking out dozens of hunting sites, hunts are being reduced (by thousands of $$$ in some cases) to sell “excess” hunts this year.  Take a close look around.  There are some amazing deals on unique hunts across the country (for native and exotic hunts, alike).  You may just find the hunt of a lifetime at the best price of your lifetime!