Drought destroying deer habitat, threatens population, experts say

MARBLE FALLS — Humans aren’t the only ones affected by the severe drought and wildfires.

The drought has damaged the natural habitat of whitetail deer, which means they are traveling to more populated places in search of food and water.

“Definitely, I don’t know anywhere around here where the habitat is in good shape,” Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologist Trey Carpenter said. “We’re near rock-bottom numbers because we didn’t have a fawn crop. A lot of deer succumb to where the water is. Subdivisions are along the lake. They concentrate in those areas. It’s a matter of time. Unless we get some immediate rain, things will be tough this winter.”

Dale Schmidt, the wildlife technician for Llano and San Saba counties, agreed.

“I think the overall number is probably lower due to the lower fawn crop,” he said. “We’re seeing that in Llano County translate to lower numbers. The habitat can’t supply a large fawn crop and it can’t support a large population of whitetail deer.”

Bow-hunting season opened Oct. 1.