Wildlife - a Central Texas focus for ranchers/farmers

By MANDY SPIKES | Central Texas Edition

Kirby Brown, with the Texas Wildlife Association, says Texas has one of the best systems for hunting. - Photo by Mandy Spikes

June 12, 2003 -- In Texas, the economic value of different wildlife enterprises vary. From deer to quail, many hunters enjoy the thrill of the hunt and the reward of their first kill. Included in this sport, is a 150-year history of leasing land out for hunting.

Over 100 participants had a chance to hear about the economic aspect of the wildlife enterprise industry in Texas during the Wildlife Business Development Strategies Seminar, which took place June 4 in Junction. The special wildlife meeting also provided a venue for participants to hear from people who run their own enterprises.

"Texas has one of the best systems for hunting and we are glad to have it," said Kirby Brown, executive vice president of Texas Wildlife Association. "In this state we have a free market approach to conservation. In 1996 hunters spent $1.3 billion on hunting."

Brown explained that Texas is a private land state and 80 percent of the best wildlife is on private land. It's the private landowner's decision to manage wildlife.

"In 1860 the first access fees were charged for hunting and this was initiated with waterfowls. In the early 1970's hunting was realized as an important economic component after cattle prices plummeted.

"Wildlife habitat enhancement in Texas was then implemented on a broad scale. Right now there is a lot of wildlife management going on. There are a lot of people in this business."

He stated that if one has good management, they will have a higher dollar. "There are lots of dollars in helping manage wildlife."

Wildlife is great because it has an economic value, said Brown. If people are paid for taking care of the land, then they will take better care of it.

"Concerning the age group of hunting, we are all aging and we are not replacing ourselves. We need to redirect our market because we are not reaching the younger age group."

He said in a recent survey, it was shown that over 70 percent of Texans oppose hunting for trophies. Over 90 percent approves of hunting for meat and over 80 percent oppose hunting for profit.

"We need to change our ways of thinking. We need to change our ways of doing things and think of all wildlife resources.

"As lands fragment around us, we need to keep incomes high and find ways to keep families on the land."

Craig Wilson, owner of Wilson Whitetails, stated that there are many factors to think of when operating a deer enterprise. "It's crucial to make sure you are prepared when you offer full service hunts. Cooks are critical, because the hunters want cooked meals. You also must have people working for you that are fun to be around."

He emphasized the importance of control on the ranch. All visitors who are on the ranch should be personally guided.

"In our operation, we had to change our market approach. Now, we don't just sell buck hunts, we also take doe hunts. We figured that we should diversify in the hunt in order to maximize profit.

"While on the hunt, the guide should be responsible for dealing with the hunter at all times. It's important for the hunter to be successful."

Wilson stated that the number one complaint from new clients or prospects is being mislead or dishonest.

"Not everyone can afford to run a deer enterprise. It takes a lot of time and money to build and run a quality hunting operation, especially if you have to buy your land. It takes at least five years of intense game management before you can begin seeing and selling higher class deer.

"Success is normally measured by obtaining positive cash flow of the operation excluding any land notes and most major improvements," he ended.

"Quail hunting is a great sport," said Terry Lee, owner of Terry Lee Kennels. "I use a four-point plan when I operate my quail enterprise."

This plan focuses on having an area conducive to quail hunting, getting help from your land lord, allowing the good Lord to help you, and making sure you have a prudent harvest.

"Often times the size of property depends on what you can get. Remember that timely rain and adequate weather will help with the quail population."

He pointed out that it's important to have bird dogs because they add dimension to a hunt. "It's hard to say how many you need when you are thinking of bird dogs.

"Right now we are witnessing a strong quail decline, but we don't know why we can't raise them. Change is probably in the air when dealing with this type of hunting and so we are going to have to look at it from a different perspective, a business perspective."