TOJ’s Annual Forecast of Whitetail, Mule Deer, Pronghorn, Quail and other Game Animals along with the latest from-the-field information.
Story by Bill L. Olson, Photography by John Frankson

This year’s hunting forecast has as many twists and turns as any old crooked backcountry road. On the eve of the month in which many big game seasons open, many prospects are dependant upon where the hunting will take place.
In the panhandle or Trans-Pecos region timely rains has those normally arid areas are generally shaping up for another good season. Plus the Hill Country look good but has a different set of challenges. Along the coastal plains, southern Post Oak Savannah and Pineywoods the impact on wildlife from the devastating floods associated with Hurricane Harvey is not fully know as this is written in early September.
What can be expected in those regions not affected by Harvey hunting should be good to very good. Any lingering affects of the drought of 2011, and a relative poor year in 2012, continues to diminish in most areas.
As unpredictable as Texas weather can be, in areas impacted by flooding, this may become another benchmark that will be monitored to fully understand its impact. One thing that hunters in the Lone Star State know is that our wildlife is as resilient as its people. This too shall be overcome.

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