I have been very busy lately with deer surveys all over Llano County. The rains have blessed the county and the improved range and nutritional conditions have been very good to the local deer herd. Bucks are supporting above average antler quality while the fawn survival rates are high this year, ranging from 70-100%. Body conditions are good and acorns are abundant throughout much the county.

Expect deer movement to be very slow during the beginning of the hunting season because of the acorns and improved range conditions but should pick up as the temperatures cool down and forage becomes less abundant. Food plots should grow very well this year as deer may leave them alone initially and allow them to readily grow until the first frost.

Use your tags wisely and don't shoot too early on a middle aged quality buck, the mature ones are out there in most areas and a selective hunter will be rewarded. If your buddy shoots a quality middle-aged buck, not only should you use peer pressure to give him a hard time, but mandate he has firewood-cutting duties and camp cleaning chores for the rest of the season!

The bucks you see here are out there right now. I took these photos this September and they are available for harvest. Hunt hard, hunt fair and have fun and should you be fortunate enough to place your tag on a big Llano County buck, please email me quality field photos and a brief description of the buck so I may include it in next fall's Hunters Guide. My email address is [email protected] and I look forward to seeing some great local bucks and I hope you enjoy the photos below.

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