To hunters, springtime in Texas is often viewed as chasing turkeys through hot, humid weather, or hanging up the firearm for a fishing pole. For white-tailed deer, spring represents a time for growth: body growth, antler growth and population growth.
Texas began the growing season under widespread drought in March, but most of the state received much-needed rain in late spring. Where it rained, plant growth boosted antler development in bucks and allowed does to load up on calories for birth and nursing.
Rain came late to the Edwards Plateau and South Texas, but while summer rainfall helped lower temperatures and allowed for a late season green-up that benefited fawn survival, it was too late to greatly benefit antler development in those regions.
