AUSTIN (October 31, 2009)—The state’s general deer season starts in a week, but the recent rain, an early and abundant acorn crop and the growth of new vegetation may make the hunt more challenging this year, state wildlife officials say.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department district wildlife biologist Mike Krueger says the final burst of growth could contribute to a slow season for hunters, especially those who are depending on hunting over feeders.

“It’s been at least three years since ground moisture has been this good at this time of year,” Krueger said.

“There is an abundance of food sources for deer right now, and deer movements are reduced because they don’t have to move as far or as often to keep their bellies full,” he said.

“Deer don’t appear to be coming to feeders as often or as regularly as they would if it were still dry.”

“Everything’s greened up and deer aren’t coming to feeders as readily because there’s so much forage out there,” said Alan Cain, TPWD district wildlife biologist for South Texas.

“That might affect hunting success early in the fall but deer will still be there.”

The Panhandle is one region that is in prime condition at the start of the fall hunting season, according to TPWD district biologist Calvin Richardson.

“The Panhandle deer herds---both mule and whitetail---are in great condition and should go into the fall in great shape,” Richardson said.

“With harvest being down last year, we should have some older aged bucks carry over into this year's season. My guess is that both mule deer and white-tails are not going to have to move around much to find quality forage, so hunting feeders might not be as productive as in years that we have been dry,” he said.

The season concludes in the North Zone on Jan. 3 and the South Zone season ends Jan. 17.