Sutton/ Val Verde County 2019

[Texas8point]

We hunt off hwy 189 close to the Sutton/Val Verde county line. Spent the weekend filling feeders and checking things out. Things were damp and green. If a rock or low spot could hold water it was wet. Things look awesome !
All the rain had the tarantulas moving, I saw 10 of them.

I had a goat that had gotten stuck in my feed pen..... game cam literally had a thousand pics of buzzards on it. Coons had pulled my solar panel wire loose so my battery was dead and had not been feeding



Everything is back up and running !

[Bisch]

The green is nice, but with the high temps we are getting now, it’s going from green back to brown fast!!!!! I live about 3 mile east of Sonora.

Bisch


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[Texas8point]

Originally Posted by Bisch

The green is nice, but with the high temps we are getting now, it’s going from green back to brown fast!!!!! I live about 3 mile east of Sonora.

Bisch


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I took those pics Sunday so still pretty green. Definitely by mid July things will be crispy.


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[Tradman1971]

Our place is on cty road 410, just off 189. Gonna be there next week. Looking so forward to it!!! I hope the Axis are running around!!

[Pedernal]

I hope the rain keeps coming.... green stuff turns brown and dangerously flammable way to fast.

[Arrow Slinger]

Just got on a new lease this year in Val Verde county. We are a few miles North of Comstock. We have corn feeders and protein feeders up and going but did not put our cameras out yet. Hoping that we have some good deer on the place. One of the members last year killed a 150. Will be following this thread.

[Texas8point]

Originally Posted by Arrow Slinger

Just got on a new lease this year in Val Verde county. We are a few miles North of Comstock. We have corn feeders and protein feeders up and going but did not put our cameras out yet. Hoping that we have some good deer on the place. One of the members last year killed a 150. Will be following this thread.

Its a great county, you'll have a good time. I wouldn't count on a 150, but they do come along now and then. We (10 hunters) usually kill 1 big buck every year. We put our cameras up in August. We've tried leaving them up but the sun literally melts them. Good luck.

[daniel044]

We have a place about 8 miles west of Sonora, very green right now and deer are looking very healthy. Saw a group of 5-6 bucks running and they seem to be in good shape. I know Jul-Aug it gets tough for them so I hope the rain continues like it did last year.

[JFRITZ06]

FYI:
My neighbors and I have found a dozen dead deer within the last week. Buzzards everywhere. I’m sure there’s more than that we have missed.
Has anyone else come across this?
I spoke to the biologist and he said it didn't look good. He said the conditions are perfect for anthrax.
He also said he had received multiple other calls with the same concerns in the relative area.
Just wanted to get some opinions

[brianlg31]

Originally Posted by jfritz06

fyi:
My neighbors and i have found a dozen dead deer within the last week. Buzzards everywhere. I’m sure there’s more than that we have missed.
Has anyone else come across this?
I spoke to the biologist and he said it didn't look good. He said the conditions are perfect for anthrax.
He also said he had received multiple other calls with the same concerns in the relative area.
Just wanted to get some opinions

oh no!

[Texas8point]

Originally Posted by JFRITZ06

FYI:
My neighbors and I have found a dozen dead deer within the last week. Buzzards everywhere. I’m sure there’s more than that we have missed.
Has anyone else come across this?
I spoke to the biologist and he said it didn't look good. He said the conditions are perfect for anthrax.
He also said he had received multiple other calls with the same concerns in the relative area.
Just wanted to get some opinions

I hope not.....

[brianlg31]

What part of the county is that in?


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[SabreKiller]

In for a response about location. I hunt the Val Verde/Terrell County line. About 10 years ago they had a big die off in our area due to anthrax.

[brianlg31]

Originally Posted by SabreKiller

In for a response about location. I hunt the Val Verde/Terrell County line. About 10 years ago they had a big die off in our area due to anthrax.

I knew about that one. That’s what has me scared.


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[JFRITZ06]

Originally Posted by brianlg31

What part of the county is that in?


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Val Verde/Sutton County Line HWY 189

[Texas8point]

Originally Posted by JFRITZ06

Val Verde/Sutton County Line HWY 189

No way ! Say it ain’t soooo


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[Doublelunger]

I believe thats about the same location that millman lost most of his herd a couple years back. Im not sure if he ever found out what it was but it didnt effect us and we were probably less than a mile from his place

[Doublelunger]

Its a possibility with all the rain it could be blue tongue/ehd. I know its spread by a midge that thrives in the mud so if theres a wallered out hole underneath a feeder it could spread that way i guess. Best of luck to you and keep us updated

[Sackett]

Originally Posted by JFRITZ06

FYI:
My neighbors and I have found a dozen dead deer within the last week. Buzzards everywhere. I’m sure there’s more than that we have missed.
Has anyone else come across this?
I spoke to the biologist and he said it didn't look good. He said the conditions are perfect for anthrax.
He also said he had received multiple other calls with the same concerns in the relative area.
Just wanted to get some opinions

Would you mind keeping us updated? They found Anthrax down in Uvalde last week as well.

[JFRITZ06]

Originally Posted by Sackett

Would you mind keeping us updated? They found Anthrax down in Uvalde last week as well.

Absolutely.
I am headed down there Tuesday to take a little closer look and visit with the neighboring ranches as well as the biologist.
I will update as soon as I get any new information.

[Kdog]

I was in Del Rio this weekend, everything is very green. Hopefully the Anthrax thing is not widespread. It should be a great season, but Anthrax is a real wildcard so time will tell.

[BrianG]

Tagged...I hunt on 189 also, hate to hear that.

[BrianG]

I talked to my land owner last night and no signs of dead deer on his property. He said he's hearing a little noise from other ranchers that EHD or blue tongue
is in the area, but no major die-offs so far.

[Fischer]

Any updates on finding dead deer that may have been caused by anthrax or EHD along highway 189 near the sutton / valverde county line? I also hunt along hwy 189, approx. 3 to 4 miles from hwy 277. About 5 years ago I also found about 10 to 15 dead deer along with several dead cows but no final diagnosis of cause of death. I was at the ranch several weeks ago and no sign of any dead deer.

[TP3]

I just got back from Val Verde on Tuesday.

FM 1024 area looks very green. Saw a lot of deer both in person and on cameras. Our deer are looking very healthy and I even saw a doe with 2 fawns, a big one and a small one.

Good distance from the area mentioned above though.

[SabreKiller]

I'm headed out to our lease on the Val Verde/Terrell County line the last weekend of the month. I know we are a little farther west than ya'll, but we did have a big anthrax die off about 8-10 years ago. I haven't been out there since the last of February and I'm itching to get after some pigs and sheep. I'll top off the feeders and check cameras while I'm there as well.

[JFRITZ06]

Originally Posted by Fischer

Any updates on finding dead deer that may have been caused by anthrax or EHD along highway 189 near the sutton / valverde county line? I also hunt along hwy 189, approx. 3 to 4 miles from hwy 277. About 5 years ago I also found about 10 to 15 dead deer along with several dead cows but no final diagnosis of cause of death. I was at the ranch several weeks ago and no sign of any dead deer.

Just got back in. We found a lot more dead deer than what we were hoping for. We had the local Biologist and Game Wardens come out to get their input. They both said that it has not been officially tested, but they can confidently say it is
Anthrax. They said ranchers don’t want any tests done because they don’t want to deal with the quarantine procedures. We did speak to a local vet that said they took a sample into Texas A&M. The Biologist said the “hot spot” is South of I-10 and West of 277.
We talked to several locals that are losing livestock as well. The biologist said the best thing to hope for is rain and cooler temps. Looking at the cameras, it looks like it started taking effect around the 22nd of last month. We found several orphaned fawns as well. The Game Warden had a lady come out and take them for rehabilitation. I’m planning on going back down in a few weeks and will update again.

[mexico70]

Man that's a bad deal I hate to hear that.


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[BrianG]

Originally Posted by JFRITZ06

Just got back in. We found a lot more dead deer than what we were hoping for. We had the local Biologist and Game Wardens come out to get their input. They both said that it has not been officially tested, but they can confidently say it is

Anthrax. They said ranchers don’t want any tests done because they don’t want to deal with the quarantine procedures. We did speak to a local vet that said they took a sample into Texas A&M. The Biologist said the “hot spot” is South of I-10 and West of 277.

We talked to several locals that are losing livestock as well. The biologist said the best thing to hope for is rain and cooler temps. Looking at the cameras, it looks like it started taking effect around the 22nd of last month. We found several orphaned fawns as well. The Game Warden had a lady come out and take them for rehabilitation. I’m planning on going back down in a few weeks and will update again.

How far down 189 are you finding the dead deer? I’m about 8 miles down from 277.


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[JFRITZ06]

Originally Posted by BrianG

How far down 189 are you finding the dead deer? I’m about 8 miles down from 277.


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We are right on the Sutton/Val Verde County line. When we left, we saw buzzards on carcasses scattered out all the way to Sonora. The groups of buzzards seemed to be more concentrated on 189 though.

[TP3]

Man I hate to hear that.

[Sackett]

Just spoke to our landowner and the neighboring property found quite a few dead deer and Anthrax is suspected. He's getting with the county biologist to investigate further.

We are approximately 20 miles south of I-10 off Old Juno Rd

[daniel044]

Anyone make a trip over the holiday weekend? Still curious to see how bad it is. I will be going to our place probably in the next 30-45 days to check it out.

[Texas8point]

Originally Posted by JFRITZ06

We are right on the Sutton/Val Verde County line. When we left, we saw buzzards on carcasses scattered out all the way to Sonora. The groups of buzzards seemed to be more concentrated on 189 though.

That really sucks.

[Fischer]

I spoke with the owners of the property where I hunt, which is 3 to 4 miles down highway 189 from highway 277 and they said they didn't hear about deer kills down the road. They said they would ride the ranch and give me a call if they found any dead deer or cows. This was several days ago and I have not heard any negative news back. Hopefully it hasn't spread that far east from the ranches experiencing the deer kills. Has anyone heard anthrax was positively tested? BTW, I was at the ranch a couple of weeks ago and didn't find any dead deer. I will try to go back to the ranch to retrieve game cam pictures in a couple of weeks and then provide an update to what I find.

[JFRITZ06]

The realtor in Sonora has lost some cattle. The biologist told me there’s been several calls about goats as well. I haven’t heard back about the vet who sent a sample to A&M. As soon as I do I will update the post.
The biologist in the area that I have spoke to is: Ryan Schmitt (830) 703-6808.
I have not spoke to him in a few days to see if he has any new news.
It did look like we got some rain out there today. He said rain and cooler temps will help knock it out.

[JFRITZ06]

This was around 9:00 o’clock

[Bisch]

Looks like some big thunderstorms to the SW of me this evening. I talked to a rancher off of the Caverns Rd, west of town, that said he had anthrax on his place. I’m a few miles east of town, and have not seen or heard anything about it occurring around here yet.

I spoke to a (not local, but very familiar with the area) biologist Sat night. He said, as far as the deer are concerned, there is nothing that can really be done about anthrax, except to wait it out, and hope it stays in an isolated area.

Bisch


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[aggieland]

I hunt down 277 several miles south of town. I'll contact our land owner tomorrow and see if any there has been any dead deer or livestock on our place.

[Texas8point]

Originally Posted by aggieland

I hunt down 277 several miles south of town. I'll contact our land owner tomorrow and see if any there has been any dead deer or livestock on our place.

Any word from the land owner ?

[aggieland]

Originally Posted by Texas8point

Any word from the land owner ?

Yes sorry I’ve been busy but I talked to my cousin who spoke to the land owner and she told him that our place hasn’t been affected yet. She’s talked to all the ranches around and as of yesterday the closest place to ours that has been affect is 10 miles south and 14 miles west of us. She also said she sprayed and vaccinated all the cows, goats and sheep. She also spoke to the biologist and said since we don’t have any hogs we are at a lower risk.


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[daniel044]

Originally Posted by aggieland

Yes sorry I’ve been busy but I talked to my cousin who spoke to the land owner and she told him that our place hasn’t been affected yet. She’s talked to all the ranches around and as of yesterday the closest place to ours that has been affect is 10 miles south and 14 miles west of us. She also said she sprayed and vaccinated all the cows, goats and sheep. She also spoke to the biologist and said since we don’t have any hogs we are at a lower risk.


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Good news for you guys, hopefully some of those rain showers keeps it dormant. Not sure how it spreads.

[Fischer]

You mentioned your place is on the highway 189 along the Sutton / Valverde county border, but there are three places along 189 where the counties touch. Can you say how far from 410 you are? Sorry for what you property is experiencing and hopefully the spread will stop and the anthrax spores will go dormant. After speaking to the biologist for Val Verde and for Sutton county the test did come back positive for anthrax in a horse and a cow, and those ranches are quarantined. The biologist also said deer density has an impact on how quickly it could spread. Do you know your deer per acre ? the higher the quicker it will spread. BTW, they also said both vultures and pigs will aid the the spread of the disease.

[JFRITZ06]

Originally Posted by Fischer

You mentioned your place is on the highway 189 along the Sutton / Valverde county border, but there are three places along 189 where the counties touch. Can you say how far from 410 you are? Sorry for what you property is experiencing and hopefully the spread will stop and the anthrax spores will go dormant. After speaking to the biologist for Val Verde and for Sutton county the test did come back positive for anthrax in a horse and a cow, and those ranches are quarantined. The biologist also said deer density has an impact on how quickly it could spread. Do you know your deer per acre ? the higher the quicker it will spread. BTW, they also said both vultures and pigs will aid the the spread of the disease.

We are 2 miles as the crow flies from the 189/410 intersection. Our deer density is probably two or three times what it should be. We have only had the property for a couple years and have been whittling down on them as much as our state tags will allow. We are also learning the property and it’s potential before cutting the herd in half or more.
We have seen where the pigs messed with the dead deer and have also seen a huge increase recently in the pig population on the property.

[Texas8point]

Anthrax Update in Texas

More anthrax, including an equine case, has been reported in Texas in the area where it is historically present.

Texas Animal Health Commission· Jul 9, 2019

Since June 19, 2019, the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has received confirmation of three additional anthrax cases in the area of Texas where anthrax is historically found.

The first anthrax case of the year was confirmed in one captive antelope on a premises in Uvalde County on June 19, 2019. Since that time, anthrax was confirmed in goats on a new Uvalde County premises on June 24, one Sutton County horse was confirmed to have anthrax on July 3, and cattle were confirmed to have anthrax on a separate Sutton County premises on July 4.

All of the premises have been placed under quarantine and producers were advised on vaccinating exposed animals and the proper disposal of affected carcasses, as outlined by TAHC’s rules. Typically, quarantines are lifted 10 days from vaccination or the last death loss.

“It is common to see an increase in anthrax cases after periods of wet, cool weather, followed by hot, dry conditions,” said Dr. Andy Schwartz, TAHC Executive Director. “During these conditions, animals ingest the anthrax bacteria when they consume contaminated grass and hay, or inhale the spores. Outbreaks usually end when cooler weather arrives.”

[aggieland]

Well we just got the call our ranch is now affected..


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[BrianG]

Originally Posted by aggieland

Well we just got the call our ranch is now affected..


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Hate to hear that. What area are you in?


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[aggieland]

Originally Posted by BrianG

Hate to hear that. What area are you in?


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Few miles south of town off 403.


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[millman]

Man I hate reading about this. EHD, Anthrax and the sort is tough to watch. I am a little surprised the hope was for rain and cooler weather in July....anthrax is a spore that comes out of the soil. From all I learned when they talked about cooler weather they meant MUCH cooler like October/November type. The local folks also know it is part of life in the "wild wild west". Nothing you can do about it, you just have to deal with it regardless and with no local folks (land owners for most part) wanting to open a can of words these things are kept low key. Good luck guys!

[Fischer]

Do you hunt multiple locations in Sutton county? One of your comments says south of town off 403 and another says 8 miles down 189 off of 277. I am surprised that a ranch that close to down was affected considering the historical outbreak locations never reached that far north west. Could you ranch be experiencing EHD not anthrax ? Was a sample tested positive? I did speak to my land owner on 189 near 277 and so far so good but it is still early in the game.

thanks for sharing