Evaluate waterfowl habitat
If the 2011 drought continues into the fall and water levels keep dropping, waterfowl will have fewer areas to loaf, roost and feed, and will not stay in this area. Hunting conditions and numbers of birds will most likely be well below average. However, if we get rain in the fall and impoundments fill up, it should be an excellent year for waterfowl hunting.
As water levels have been dropping throughout the summer, moist soil plants have been germinating and growing along the banks and basins of impoundments. Many of these moist soil plants are waterfowl foods, such as smartweeds. For more information regarding duck foods, refer to Food Choice Plays Key Role in Attracting Migratory Ducks. If water levels rise this fall, the plants will be flooded, creating excellent conditions for waterfowl hunting. Waterfowl populations in the breeding grounds are estimated to be 35 percent above historical averages this year. If our habitat conditions improve, more birds will be in the area and stay longer.
Understand the general effect on white-tailed deer
White-tailed deer have evolved and adapted to cope with the hot, dry summers commonly experienced in Oklahoma and north-central Texas. The drought we are experiencing will probably not have a long-term effect on deer populations, but has the potential to have some short-term effects. For more information, see What To Do About Deer and the Drought, and White-tailed Deer: Their Foods and Management in the Cross Timbers.
Expect mycotoxins in wildlife feed
Mycotoxins are toxins produced by fungi, such as aflatoxins. Stress, including drought, during growth tends to encourage fungal infection and, therefore, mycotoxin production. Mycotoxins are known to negatively affect mammals, birds and fish. Relatively high levels of some mycotoxins cause acute death, while relatively low levels appear to cause no problems. Intermediate levels can cause several effects, such as liver damage, cancer, anemia, tissue necrosis, immune suppression, decreased milk production, decreased egg production, reduced conception, reduced ovulation, poor fetal development, abortion, reduced feed consumption, reduced feed conversion and gastrointestinal disturbances. Susceptibility to various mycotoxins differs among species and among ages within species. To minimize mycotoxin problems when feeding, only feed seeds or foodstuffs that have been tested for mycotoxins and have levels approved for livestock or human consumption. For more information, see Minimize Wildlife Consumption of Mycotoxins.
Properly manage grazing for northern bobwhite
Bobwhites can be an indicator of good grazing management on native pastures. Regrettably, the elimination and overuse of native pastures are two of the many factors contributing to declining bobwhite numbers. A major component of bobwhite habitat is native grasses. This year, the overall lack of native grass is probably the most limiting factor for bobwhites. Research suggests over 250 clumps of native bunch grasses (i.e., little bluestem) per acre are needed to provide a minimum amount of nesting cover. Bobwhites use last year's growth to construct this year's nest; however, in many areas there is very little of last year's and this year's growth left. To ensure adequate nesting cover for bobwhites next spring, maintain 25 percent to 75 percent herbaceous (grasses and forbs) canopy cover that is 10 to 20 inches tall. For more information, see Grazing Management Will Affect Quail During Drought, and Bobwhite Habitat Should be Managed Through Proper Grazing, Burning or Rest.
Evaluate the appropriateness of feeding northern bobwhite.
Research has shown that providing supplemental food, such as milo or corn, in feeders has little beneficial effect on abundance of bobwhites regardless of habitat quality. However, in areas with good to excellent bobwhite habitat, some studies have shown bobwhites may benefit from feed being broadcast over a significant percentage of the area year-round. Weekly broadcast feeding rates for milo may need to be as high as 2 pounds per acre. Before starting a feeding program, determine whether the cover aspects of habitat meet all the daily and annual requirements needed to support bobwhites.
