Wildlife populations around the state appear in good shape after mid-August rains created good conditions heading into fall and winter, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialist.

Dr. James Cathey, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, College Station, said three years of good rain have created positive range conditions for wildlife to flourish. Wildlife, such as deer, quail and turkey are expected to be healthy and in large numbers due to timely rains.

Cathey said late-summer rains arrived at a typically stressful time for deer populations and have provided ample forage for a variety of wildlife. The conditions may be good for animals but hunters may find harvesting animals to be more difficult.

“I think deer hunters will have to work harder,” he said. “It will be interesting to see because animals won’t come to supplemental feed like they do when conditions are harsh.”

Properties that are actively managed for farming and wildlife should expect to have good quality animals, he said. Regions in East Texas, which have been heavily modified for hay and crop production have lower value for quail and wild turkey due to lack of habitat. In those areas, populations are still having trouble rebounding.

But not just typical game animals are having a good 2016, Cathey noted.

“Some other critters out there have done well,” he said. “For instance, wild pigs are having a good year and that’s not good for agriculture or landowners. So people need to thin out wild pigs as much as they can.”

AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summary:

EAST: Pasture and range conditions were mostly good across the district. Some counties reported rain while other counties received no rain. Hay harvests continued. Grass regrowth was strong due to the abundance of rain received during the past few months. Most counties reported adequate subsoil and topsoil conditions. Many producers were able to harvest another hay crop, and many have fertilized again and were waiting on another cutting. Those not cutting expected a great standing hay crop going into the winter months. Some ranchers were prepping for winter pastures. Producers were planting fall gardens. Armyworms continued to plague growers. Fly and mosquito numbers increased greatly after the rains. Livestock were in fair to good condition. Cows were fat, and calves were growing off. Weaning and selling of market-ready calves and cull cows continued. Fall cattle work was taking place. Cattle prices were holding steady in Gregg County but were down in Shelby County. Houston County had lightweight calves up a bit compared to prior weeks. Slaughter cattle were down. Wood County also reported cattle prices have taken a hit. Wild pigs were active.