The Panhandle also has seen dry conditions in the past year, reported Richardson, but spring rains definitely will help the mulies in the region. "The Panhandle also experienced a dry fall and winter," he said. "However, spring conditions looked much better as typical precipitation patterns in spring and fall held true, and much of the region received ample rainfall in April and May.

"Antler production should be average to above-average and, given previous years of high production, mature bucks should be plentiful, at least on properties where the harvest strategy in recent years has been conservative."

According to Richardson, Panhandle mulies have been known to find food even when conditions aren't conducive to an overall greenup. "Most mule deer herds in the Panhandle are not entirely dependent on rainfall conditions," he said, "as they normally have access to warm-season crops (corn, sorghum, cotton, immature plants, blooms, tailings) and cool-season crops (winter wheat, triticale). And they will use alfalfa in summer and winter."

Peanuts and vegetables are available in limited areas. As a result of all the supplemental nutrition, much of it irrigated, mule deer bucks in the Panhandle tend to be larger, often field-dressing in excess of 200 pounds.

PUBLIC HUNTING
Private owners hold about 95 percent of the land in our state, so most hunters in the Lone Star State pursue whitetails on family property or deer leases. Play your cards right, however, and a state wildlife management area might pay off in some venison.

For $48, hunters can purchase an annual hunting permit that enables access to more than 1 million acres of land. The permit allows hunters to enter wildlife management areas when the sites are open for general visitation and exempts the holder from any hunting permit fees applicable at those areas.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission also has approved a framework for providing hunting opportunities on 41 state parks during the 2008-09 hunting seasons, offering 1,795 draw-hunt positions for the upcoming hunting season.

For more on public hunting opportunities, visit the TPWD Web site, www.tpwd.state.tx.us

* * * Based on preliminary estimates in the spring and summer, this deer season is shaping up as one conducive to seeing lots of animals and filling as many tags as you're willing to use. A decrease from the previous season's overall harvest of more than 90,000 deer means a huge carryover of animals left to breed, thus adding to the state's already healthy herd.

Favorable range conditions will result in plenty of cover and food sources -- but not enough to enable the animals to hide completely from prying eyes. For hunters looking to stock their freezers with healthy venison, this fall should offer a splendid chance for them to do so.

I know where I plan to be this fall!