Competition, WT Vs. Exotics

I did not write this and I am the first to say I love me some axis meat You take it for what it is worth. This isn't just about axis. It includes sika, aoudad, black buck, and fallow. We have to be smart enough as hunters etc that the eco system is a balancing act. We are also human and want the best of both worlds as hunters. Good read and see what you think.

https://fishgame.com/2019/01/will-e...4SzqaiPnWOVdH2rPaFJScLi-oDupdAjgTOYwzvyM

White-tailed Deer vs. Exotics
Exotic deer were brought into the Texas Hill County in the 1930s. Exotic numbers began to increase rapidly in the 1950’s, with the birth of the hunting industry. Exotic surveys by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department began in the 1960’s. At that time, there were 13 species and about 13,000 animals. The last survey was in 1996. At that time, there were 190,000 animals and 76 species. According to the Texas Exotic Association there are now over 250,000 exotics.

The Kerr Wildlife Management Area has conducted food habit studies on axis, sika, fallow, blackbuck antelope, and aoudad.

All these studies indicated most exotics were sheep or goats in a deer’s clothing. That is, they either preferred forbs or preferred browse, but could do well on grass too. White-tailed deer prefer forbs when they are available. As forbs become unavailable, they shift their diet to browse. White-tailed deer cannot live on grass; in fact, they will die with a belly full of grass.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department also conducted competition studies between white-tailed deer and exotics. Six 96-acre pastures, enclosed with “deer-proof” fence and not grazed by any other animals, were used to determine the effects of exotic ungulates (axis deer, sika deer, fallow deer, blackbuck antelope, and aoudad sheep) on white-tailed deer. Each pasture was stocked with 6 white-tailed deer, and 6 animals of one exotic species. For example, Pasture 1 contained 6 whitetails and 6 axis deer; Pasture 2 contained 6 whitetails and 6 sika; etc.

These studies indicated that exotic ungulates out-compete white-tailed deer, and white-tailed deer will die while exotics continue to thrive. Remember, white-tailed deer can live on only 2 classes of forage (forbs and browse), while exotics can do well on 3 classes (forbs, browse, and grass). As forbs and browse are removed from the area (from excessive grazing/browsing pressure), exotics can shift their diet to grass and white-tailed deer die from malnutrition.

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

At this time, I think the spread has as much to do with $. From now on I'm talking about prices tp hunt and kill. An exotic doe will produce a trophy buck in appx 4-5 years. Any 4-5 year old axis, sika or fallow looks different enough to be considered a trophy, even though it might just be average. Comparing that to a 140" native white tail, which many consider a decent trophy is not comparing apples to apples. Many native deer will never make that mark. That trophy will bring around the same as an average exotic. Hence land owners will encourage exotics, low fence or high. If one looks around one can get better deals, but exotic does generally sell for $4-$500, whitetails about half that. It' also my opinion that we might, sometime in the future, have to regulate. I also believe its past the point that we can get the toothpaste back in the tube. Let those of us who do, enjoy hunting exotics year 'round. One might also add hogs to the equation. capt david

A lot of you are wanting Axis. Be careful what you ask for. I really don't care but now around here there are more Axis than WT. I can drive from my house to town around 8 in the morning and can count maybe 10 WT and over 75 Axis. Pretty soon the TPWS in all their wisdom will put a season on them and then watch how they grow. in numbers and the WT shrink.

TPWD can’t/wouldn’t make regulations that went against sound scientific data... Oh wait they’re trying to eliminate bowfishing for gar at night. Nevermind.

TPWD will not regulate Axis hunting because they're a non-native species.

We kill every exotic we see on the low fence.
For so many hunters talking carrying capacity it is interesting that they will not include exotics in the count, when the exotics may actually outnumber the WT.

We have seen pictures of 1 exotic in the 12 years we have had our place. If we had seen it in person we would have shot it.

You might as well add Texas Dall, Corsicans, and other "sheep" into the mix that eat up the whitetail's food.

You can handle more exotics if you don't carry livestock.

I wonder which is a better investment... ?

For me exotics are a way better investment than WT or any other so called domestic livestock.

So what's the difference in coastal and plain Bermuda? Deer seem to go to fertilized coastal with no ill effects that I've noticed.

Big white tail are the only deer species that will really pay for themselves now. That’s why I’ve switched the exotics to species where both male and females have trophy value.

Very true. I am now getting more money for females than I use to get for males. The females not trophies as such but for people getting into the breeding of Ibex. The WT breeding market has taken a pretty good hit the last few years.

Was always told to me that you may see them in a coastal field but they aren't eating the coastal.

According to TP&W a deer's diet is 12% grass but varies up and down according to the season. .
https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_rp_w7000_1017.pdf

I'd take all the axis you want to send. Kinda like the pig issue. People cry about the numbers as they charge a stupid amount to let hunters thin them out. I'd trade every WT on my property for axis or sika in a heartbeat.