One of the draws of our purchase of this property was the widespread range of Axis Deer. These exotics have been imported for years by the larger Texas Game Ranches, but they reproduce and escape rather easily so their range is much of south and western Texas. They are originally from India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, but gained US attention when they thrived in Hawaii. Nearly 6000 of them roam freely throughout Texas today. Axis deer bucks an weigh as much as 250 pounds with larger than normal antlers, more like elk. The does average a bit less at around 140-180 pounds. The meat is highly revered here.
There is so season, better yet there is no bag limit or possession limit, so you can bring home as many axis deer as you want as long as you have room in your truck. The only special thing is you need a non-game permit from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, which differs from the standard state hunting license.
These deer are nearly the size of whitetails, yet highly prized for their meat and unique racks. Anyone who has ever eaten Axis Deer meat raves about it; better than whitetail and make you question your love for beef. There were about 25 bedded down on our property on arrival. They frequent the area. I plan to harvest one during my stay, but will be patient as I clear up some freezer room. I would like to help conserve and help to maintain the herd during my absence.
Javelina
There is also the question of pigs. There are much less of them as there used to be. Feral hogs still roam the area, but only rarely accompanied by Javelinas. Wild Boars can range from 100 to 300+ pounds easily while the little Javelinas only run about 80. I checked with the local feed store and stocked up on Apple Deer Corn as well as some Alfalfa. Axis deer love sweet treats, but are especially drawn to fresh alfalfa. So I set about baiting several areas of our property for awhile to get them comfortable with us being here. Deer gun season is in full swing and finding feed is sketchy at best. I don't plan on harvesting an Axis until January or February. Much cooler weather then as well.
Another curiosity of this area is moss. We are in a fairly dry area, but the prevalence of moss surprises me. It is normal to see Live Oak trees covered with the stuff throughout SE Texas and Louisiana, but I was a bit surprised to see it here. One of the more curious features is the presence of 'Ball Moss'.
Ball Moss
Ball moss especially favors the shady habitat of the lower and interior limbs of live oaks. They anchor their pseudo-roots into the bark, but derives no nutrients from the tree. It lives by absorbing water and nutrients from the atmosphere. Often seen on the ground, they fall easily from the trees during the least amount of disturbance.
On we go with our projects then. As I said our freezer will need to be paired down some in order put a deer in them. It could cool off a bit and it would be fine with me. Plumbing, fencing, and septic are on the agenda, but time dictates all. Plenty of good meals are coming.
"When you cook, you take a life. When you eat meat or fish you take a life. You must be very respectful of the ingredients and that is very important"
Joel Robuchon
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Thanks for including info about the Axis deer. Beautiful looking animal!
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