South Texas Plains

Breeding occurs in the fall but usually occurs over a range of dates, and the exact timing can vary from area to area. For example, in Texas, breeding may occur as early as August to November in the Gulf Prairies and Marshes ecoregion and as late as November to February in the South Texas Plains, and it can even vary within those ecoregions. These ranges are broad, but this includes the early birds and the stragglers. In reality, most deer breed in just a few days during peak breeding time. For example, peak breeding in the east section of the South Texas Plains ecoregion occurrs on December 16th.

Proportion of whitetails breeding across dates

Fawns are born about 200 days after conception, so for the east section of the South Texas Plains, most fawns are on the ground by July 19th. Weaning can occur at about 10 weeks, which means fawns can survive without milk, but this often occurs at about 12 to 16 weeks. So, when harvesting does, we recommend waiting until after Thanksgiving. This doesn’t always work, but most fawns across the state are weaned by this time.

Cross Timbers

Representing the north-central part of the state, conception dates in the Cross Timbers and Prairies were as early as October 13 and extended to December 17. In the northern portion of the region the average breeding date was November 15. The average breeding date in the southern part was November 17. Biologists recorded an average of 1.7 fetuses per doe and 95 percent of the females had been successfully bred. The majority (90%) of the fawns are born by June 15 in the northern area and by June 20 in the southern area.

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5 reasons to be thankful for agriculture

By Julie Tomascik

’Tis the season of giving. The season to be thankful. And a time of reflection.

The Thanksgiving holiday means many things to many folks. Oftentimes, those link back to agriculture and the farm and ranch families—like those in the Lone Star State.

They care for Mother Nature’s most precious resources. Consider the risks farmers and ranchers must face. The blood, sweat and hardship. The long hours. But also remember their spirit, passion and love.

As we embark upon the holidays, I find myself reflecting on the top 5 reasons I’m thankful for agriculture.

5. The food on our tables. And not just the Thanksgiving turkey, but all year long. We have the security of a plentiful food supply because of our farmers, ranchers and modern agricultural practices—like science, biotechnology, conservation practices and more.

4. Abundant choices. Because there’s local, organic, conventional and all-natural. Grain-finished, grass-finished and more. Each aisle offers something different for us to choose.

3. Freedom. To be anything we want—teachers, doctors, lawyers, musicians—whatever we’re passionate about. Because just 2 percent of the nation chooses to work the land. Sustainably. So we don’t have to.

2. Jobs. Jobs. And more jobs. One in seven working Texans has a job related to agriculture.

1. Meaningful relationships. With farm and ranch families. Online networks. Neighbors and friends. Agriculture brings us together wherever we are.

This Thanksgiving, slow down, reflect and give thanks for more than just the turkey. Remember our farmers and ranchers. But also remember the food safety and service employees, those who work in transportation, teachers, our military and so many others.

It’s a season to be thankful for each other.