HUDSON OAKS —
While there is not a major problem with deer right now, a Texas Parks and Wildlife urban biologist says the city could have one if it doesn’t begin managing the population.
Brett Johnson spoke to about a dozen residents during Thursday night’s regular council meeting. Johnson said that as the city has grown, the deer population has dropped off but has come back, which is common in places with high vegetation like Hudson Oaks. He also said that compared to many cities and homeowners associations he has seen, the city is in good shape.
“To keep it like that, however, you need to develop a form of control for them,” Johnson said. “With growth averaging 20 percent a year, there needs to be some sort of elimination of the same amount.”
Much of the problem has come within the last two years or so, where many people report seeing the deer become more urbanized, which is very common with whitetail deer. Feeding the deer corn to watch them is not a good idea for a number of reasons.
“Corn has a lot of carbohydrates in it which actually helps the reproductive cycle,” Johnson said. “With 95 percent of does becoming pregnant each year, the average having 1.6 fetuses ... having two to three is not uncommon if they have corn or a high carb diet.”
Leaving corn out for deer doesn’t mean they are the only animals eating it.
“Raccoons and skunks also like corn as well as anyone else,” Johnson said. “Skunks are the number one spreader of rabies in Texas. “
A long term plan must be developed to keep the deer problem under control. Many places use a program where deer are trapped, taken to a processor and the meat donated to charitable organizations. Asking residents to voluntarily not feed the deer and see what happens was considered another option.
Mayor Pat Deen said the city is going to take action in some way about the deer.
“It’s more serious than I thought,” Deen said. “We will be bringing this back at a future meeting.”
Top News
Hudson Oaks seeks fix for deer problem
- Top News
-
-
Group plans events to benefit Okla. storm victims
You've Been Tagged is a non-profit organization located here in Weatherford. The group is planning three local events over the next three weeks to support the victims of the storms in Oklahoma. All proceeds from these events will go to those in need.
-
VFW to honor Patriot Guard
At funerals all over the world, one might occasionally hear the distant hum of a motorcycle prior to the procession.
-
Peaster Academic Challenge team places fourth
Twenty-nine high schools competed May 5 in an academic contest that resembled an athletic contest. Teams from all across Texas competed in the State Academic Challenge sponsored by the Texas Association of Community Schools.
-
Crockett Elementary named Title I, Part A Distinguished Schools Recipient
Crockett Elementary was recognized by WISD Board members at the May 9 meeting for being named a 2012-2013 Title I, Part A Distinguished Schools recipient.
-
Forgotten storm victims
CRESSON – Needed help has been slow to arrive for one of the Parker County neighborhoods hardest hit by the tornado-producing storm last week.
-
Work progressing swimmingly on new water park
HUDSON OAKS — Work continues fast and furious on the Splash Kingdom Wild West WaterPark here, scheduled for completion later this spring.
-
Free outdoor stockmanship clinic Wednesday
A free outdoor stockmanship clinic focusing on increasing ranch profitability through reduced stress and improved cattle performance is Wednesday, May 29, at the Wagley Ranch, near Graford, from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
-
VALS & SALS: Brock's Wallace, Drillette top 2013 class
The Weatherford Democrat is profiling the valedictorians and salutatorians at area high schools. Today's feature is on Brock High School and its top two 2013 graduates Taylor Wallace and Abbey Drillete.
-
Second arrest made in baseball bat beating
A second suspect has been arrested in connection with the Monday beating of a man who, deputies say, stopped along the highway to help a man he believed to be in trouble.
-
AP: Boy Scouts approve plan to accept openly gay boys
GRAPEVINE, Texas (AP) — In one of their most dramatic choices in a century, local leaders of the Boy Scouts of America voted Thursday to ease a divisive ban and allow openly gay boys to be accepted into the nation's leading youth organization.
- More Top News Headlines
-
Group plans events to benefit Okla. storm victims
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
