In some Texas circles, you still hear people talk about the “old barren doe” that lives in a certain pasture. This train of thought blames poor fawn production on the idea that many older does do not get pregnant. In reality, if the doe isn’t bred during the first estrous period, she will be receptive again in 28 days. This explains the high breeding success in white-tailed deer even when bucks are scarce. We found that on the average, 92 of every 100 does sampled in the state were pregnant. The western part of the state was in a drought during much of the study. In the Trans-Pecos the number of bred does was the lowest. There the breeding rate dropped to only 81 percent (81 of 100).

White-tailed deer are known for producing twins. Statewide, over half of the does examined had twins. Triplets were not common, and the occurrence of triplets was less than two percent. Quadruplets didn’t show up in the study. There were more male fetuses than female fetuses. Males represented 56 percent of the unborn fawns over the three years of the study.

An average sample of ten does had 15 fawns, or 1.5 fetuses per doe. In some parts of the state, though, deer numbers build up slowly. Failure to breed is not a problem, so where do the fawns go? Life is full of dangers for a fawn, and food and cover (the fawning habitat) is the difference in living and dying for fawns. In many parts of the state, predation is severe unless there is adequate hiding cover for young fawns. Imported fire-ants are a problem for fawns in heavily infested areas, but their impact can often mask the real problem. Adequate nutrition is often limiting, and if fawns make it past fire-ants and predators to weaning, they still face the challenge of finding food and cover.

Fawn survival depends primarily on habitat quality. Malnutrition and associated problems are probably responsible for poor fawn survival in much of the state. Dry conditions aggravate the problem of inadequate food. “Empty belly disease” is the most limiting factor on whitetails in Texas. Delayed breeding could cause fawns to be born late, which would be a disadvantage on ranges where food is scarce.

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Ag/timber registrations expire Dec. 31, renew before end of year

Farmers, ranchers, and timber producers with a valid agricultural and timber registration number must renew those by Dec. 31.

The ag/timber registration numbers are required under Texas law to claim a sales tax exemption on products used in the course of agricultural or timber production.

“This renewal process is part of helping farmers and ranchers reduce their input costs,” Brant Wilbourn, Texas Farm Bureau associate director of Commodity and Regulatory Activities, said. “We want to make sure everyone is aware that it’s time for the ag/timber number renewal in order to keep claiming those valid exemptions.”

Legislation was passed in 2011 that required a uniform renewal date for all numbers regardless of when they were first registered. They must be renewed every four years.

Eligible persons must renew their registration with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts by Dec. 31 in order to continue claiming sales tax exemptions.

Anyone producing agricultural or timber products for sale can complete an application for an ag/timber number. That includes farmers and ranchers who grow agricultural products to sell to others, timber producers, custom harvesters, and aquaculture and apiculture producers. Those engaged in agricultural aircraft operations and commercial nurseries that grow stock from seed or cuttings, replant seedlings in larger containers and foster the growth of plants for sale are also eligible.

A registration number is not needed for seed, feed, or livestock purchases, nor is it needed for veterinarian-prescribed items such as medication or topical products.

Items that may qualify for sales tax exemptions include fertilizers, pesticides, defoliants, and desiccants used exclusively in agricultural production.

Machinery and equipment, irrigation systems, seedlings for timber, electricity and natural gas, some motor fuel and certain motor vehicle sales and use tax may also be claimed if used primarily for farming, ranching or timber production.

Retailers may accept and keep on file blanket exemption certificates, but those also need to be updated after Dec. 31 to include new expiration dates.

The Comptroller’s office recently mailed renewal information to individuals who hold current registration numbers. There is a unique WebFile number located in that letter that can be used to renew the registration online.

Those who wish to renew by phone may do so by calling 1-844-247-3639. More information regarding ag and timber sales tax exemptions can be found online at comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/ag-timber/.