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Axis Numbers near Sonora #8282806 06/02/21 12:26 PM
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DirtNapTET Offline OP
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I posted this just a bit ago in the Exotic section, but figured I'd post here as well..

Taking my dad out to Double FF ranch outside Sonora tomorrow for a Free Range Axis hunt for his 60th birthday.

I know obviously their was a good number of die-off from the Freeze, but curious to know if anyone has seen any change/increase in numbers since?

Not that it really matters since we are already committed, but would like to go into it with realistic expectations.

Thanks in advance!

Re: Axis Numbers near Sonora [Re: DirtNapTET] #8282815 06/02/21 12:34 PM
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I'm no expert, but I think it has a lot to do with how open the particular property is that you're going to. I don't think the axis on my place between Junction and Menard were hit too awfully hard, but I have PLENTY of "thermal cover" with the cedar.


...and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Gen. 1:28
Re: Axis Numbers near Sonora [Re: DirtNapTET] #8282817 06/02/21 12:38 PM
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We are between Rocksprings and Sonora. Plenty on the cameras still.
I also think the amount of cover helped.
Also still see a ton on the drive out.

Re: Axis Numbers near Sonora [Re: DirtNapTET] #8282885 06/02/21 01:42 PM
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gary roberson Online Content
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Most survived the freeze however, most have damage to antlers. Most of the ones I see around Menard have black, dried up looking antlers one half to one-third. I expect them to shed off the damaged antlers and be just fine next year.
Adios,
Gary

Re: Axis Numbers near Sonora [Re: DirtNapTET] #8282893 06/02/21 01:55 PM
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The freeze did that to the antlers??

Re: Axis Numbers near Sonora [Re: DirtNapTET] #8282901 06/02/21 01:59 PM
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Sold a ranch several years back about 30 miles south of Sonora.

For the past month they have been whacking and stacking the axis. No antler damage either.


For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
Re: Axis Numbers near Sonora [Re: Dave Scott] #8282968 06/02/21 02:52 PM
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Yes. I have a buddy who outfits for axis SE of Sonora and they have antler damage on many of his bucks there as well.
Adios,
Gary

Re: Axis Numbers near Sonora [Re: DirtNapTET] #8282970 06/02/21 02:53 PM
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I think that all of my mature bucks west of Menard have damage from the freeze.
Adios,
Gary

Re: Axis Numbers near Sonora [Re: DirtNapTET] #8282989 06/02/21 03:08 PM
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I hunt in Junction and we haven't seen a drop off in the Axis. No antler damage either. But we have very good cover.

Re: Axis Numbers near Sonora [Re: DirtNapTET] #8283118 06/02/21 05:38 PM
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Thanks for the info gentlemen, will definitely make that 8 hr drive a bit more bearable. Will post pics if we're successful!

Re: Axis Numbers near Sonora [Re: DirtNapTET] #8283186 06/02/21 07:16 PM
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It is always colder west of Menard along the San Saba River and other drainages than other areas around here. This is not just my opinion but also of Roger Edmiston with Bagley Pecans, San Saba. Roger always said that the pecan trees around Menard and especially west of town would freeze and loose blooms when none of his other trees would. 5-10 degrees can make a huge difference especially over several hours. This area is not far from the ranch that lost 80% of their axis herd and most all of the blackbuck.
Adios,
Gary

Re: Axis Numbers near Sonora [Re: Dave Scott] #8283216 06/02/21 07:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Dave Scott
The freeze did that to the antlers??

The bucks I've seen on our lease that were growing in velvet at the time of the big freeze got pretty jacked up from it.
I'm guessing it was so cold the blood circulation in them froze (frost bite so to speak). Some got black at the tips and actually looked like you to a chop saw and cut them off square. Some lost them completely.


High fence, low fence, no fence, it really doesn't matter as long as you're hunting!
Re: Axis Numbers near Sonora [Re: DirtNapTET] #8283720 06/03/21 02:05 PM
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Yes Sir, if the bucks were behind and not in velvet or just short stubs, there was little to no damage. The further along in the growth cycle they were when the freeze occurred the greater the damage. I asked a buddy who hunts a big ranch SE of Sonora what percent of his bucks had damage and he said at least 75%.
A friend has a ranch west of Garvin Store and they had damage there as well. If you don't have damaged antlers in your axis, consider yourself lucky.
Adios,
Gary

Re: Axis Numbers near Sonora [Re: DirtNapTET] #8287457 06/07/21 03:48 PM
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Well he got it done. Last day, last 30 minutes.

Hunted hard and put in a lot of miles. Tough hunting but the weather was phenomenal (especially for down there in June).

Saw plenty of animals, but at least half the bucks had freezer burn damage and they were really spread out.

Finally spotted him in a cluster of oaks with a few doe. The does keyed in on us pretty quick, but he finally presented a shot as they started to move out.

We had a hell of a time, and they run a top notch outfit. https://ffhuntingranch.com/

[Linked Image]

Re: Axis Numbers near Sonora [Re: DirtNapTET] #8287468 06/07/21 04:02 PM
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banana up cheers

Congrats!


High fence, low fence, no fence, it really doesn't matter as long as you're hunting!
Re: Axis Numbers near Sonora [Re: DirtNapTET] #8287471 06/07/21 04:06 PM
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Congratulations to both of you! I bet is was an awesome hunt!

Re: Axis Numbers near Sonora [Re: DirtNapTET] #8288399 06/08/21 02:34 PM
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up


Cabin rental in Pagosa Springs, Co.
Sleeps 10, If interested please PM me.
Re: Axis Numbers near Sonora [Re: DirtNapTET] #8288411 06/08/21 02:45 PM
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👍👍

Re: Axis Numbers near Sonora [Re: DirtNapTET] #8288616 06/08/21 06:24 PM
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Congratulations! Sorry to hear that you saw so many bucks with freeze damage to their horns. I know it is bad here but after hearing other reports on here, I was beginning to think that it was not as bad as I thought. I guess the good thing is that most of the freeze damaged bucks drew a pass for this year and will give them another year to grow.
Adios,
Gary

Re: Axis Numbers near Sonora [Re: gary roberson] #8288675 06/08/21 07:46 PM
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Originally Posted by gary roberson
Congratulations! Sorry to hear that you saw so many bucks with freeze damage to their horns. I know it is bad here but after hearing other reports on here, I was beginning to think that it was not as bad as I thought. I guess the good thing is that most of the freeze damaged bucks drew a pass for this year and will give them another year to grow.
Adios,
Gary


That’s a great point

Re: Axis Numbers near Sonora [Re: DirtNapTET] #8290051 06/10/21 12:37 AM
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Very nice gonna be good eating!


Don't take life so seriously, you'll never make it out alive!
Re: Axis Numbers near Sonora [Re: DirtNapTET] #8290072 06/10/21 12:55 AM
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Congratulations! banana


...and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Gen. 1:28
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