TOJ’s Annual Forecast of Whitetail, Mule Deer, Pronghorn, Quail and other Game Animals along with the latest from-the-field observations.

Story by Bill L. Olson
Photography by John Frankson

This year’s statewide hunting forecast not only reflects the diversity of animals available across Texas, but also the varied landscapes and climatic influences that impacts wild things in wild places.

Besides the overview of conditions of rangeland and animals a few tips are offered to help increase hunting success.  These words-to-the-wise might provide the edge needed for an even more successful hunting season.

Insights provided by TPWD’s team of wildlife biologist should be a starting point from which a comprehensive management plan can be formulated.  Once again a big thank you to all that contributed and resulted in this year’s expanded forecast.

REGION 1, DISTRICT 1, Trans-Pecos (West Texas)

Alpine based District Leader James Weaver’s report said, “Until early-summer, 2025 had been a continuation of 2024 and 2023, with dismal rainfall and record drought conditions throughout most of the region. Starting the first of June, the monsoon season began, and we have received rain across the region.

“The region ranges from abnormally dry to exceptional drought based on U.S. Drought Monitor, but the areas of drought are shrinking.  We are in far better shape than we were.

“Through May, range conditions were as bad as I’ve seen in 15 years in the Trans-Pecos. With the rains, most of the region has greened up and habitat is starting to recover. The prolonged drought will certainly affect all wildlife populations, but hopefully rain fell soon enough to improve mule deer fawn crops and quail numbers.

“Nesting and fawning cover was extremely limited in the spring through early summer, and I would expect to see limited population growth this year, except for in the eastern part of the region. Creeks and dirt tanks are starting to run and fill up, so wildlife will have more abundant water sources available going forward. Habitat containing adequate food, cover and water is the key to maintaining prosperous and healthy wildlife populations, and we are still lacking some of these factors this year.

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