General gun deer season opened Nov. 5 in Texas:

It will be interesting to see how the epic drought down here has affected the deer herds. Most biologists think a downturn will be pronounced next season since does will have fewer fawns since the mothers will have less to eat from the hideous, often burned-out landscape. I remember 3 years ago when I stopped counting deer along an 8 mile stretch of highway; over-population was already a problem due to heavy rains that spring. I haven't seen those hordes since.

As it is, my scouting trip 6 wks ago scared up half a dozen deer, lean but healthy-looking. There is a non-stop spring running out of the mesa and down into a field, replanted, but suffering from inadequate rains. Hopefully, acorns are good. Surrounding the 125 acres where I hunt are larger spreads, some with feeders. Our acreage is noted for some big trees, many oak mottes and cedar (anything will do!) which seem to provide cover for deer, even those whose range is "next door."

I'll be going out this Friday! Things are more serious, given the economy. Since I hunt 2 locales owned by friends, I pay no lease, and have kept the total expense down to well under $3.00/lb. of meat -- beats hell out of buying beef at the grocery (haven't done that in 5 years). Good luck fellow hunters.