Love the smell of a fresh cut Christmas Tree in your house?  Here are some tips to consider when buying and caring for your live Christmas Tree:

1. Make sure the tree is fresh. If you pull on a section of needles gently between your thumb and forefinger very few needles should fall off. Or shake the tree. You should not see an excessive amount dropping to the ground.
2. Keep the tree outside with the trunk in a bucket of water until you are ready to decorate it.
3. Before setting up your tree, make a straight cut across the base of the trunk ad place it in a stand that can hold a gallon or more of water. Making a fresh cut on the trunk allows it to absorb water more freely and stay healthy longer.
4. The tree will absorb the greatest amount of water in the first 24 hours, so be sure to check it and add water as needed. If the water level falls below the base of the trunk, it will begin to dry out the stump within 4-6 hours. Adequate water not only keeps the tree fresh longer, but helps it maintain that fresh tree fragrance.
5. Keep your tree away from fireplaces, radiators or any direct sources of heat. Not only can these dry the tree out, but can also become a fire hazard.

Be sure to locate a recycling program or check with your city for special recycling efforts when it’s time to discard your Christmas Tree.

If early field reports by bow hunters and those hunting on Managed Lands Deer Permit properties are a sign of things to come, Texas hunters should see deer in good condition and above average numbers of mature bucks when the general season kicks off Nov. 1 statewide.

“I had a report of a bow hunter in Walker County connecting on a buck that scored 163 B&C (Boone & Crockett scoring system),” said Alan Cain, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department White-tailed Deer Program Leader. “It turns out it was the hunter’s first time to bow hunt. I got another report of a 183 B&C buck harvested in Atascosa County on a low-fenced MLD property.”

Cain noted he’s received several reports indicating decent antler quality this year so hunters should be in for a nice surprise with the quality of bucks they are seeing.

The general season runs through Jan. 4, 2015 in the 209 counties that comprise the North Zone and through Jan. 18, 2015 in the 30 counties of the South Zone. For county specific regulations, check the 2014-15 Outdoor Annual — Texas Hunting and Fishing Regulations available at hunting license sales outlets, online at www.tpwd.state.tx.us and as a free mobile app download on iOS and Android platforms at www.txoutdoorannual.com/app.

When it comes to deer, wildlife biologists use rainfall as a barometer for gauging hunting season because of the direct correlation between rainfall and impacts to habitat during certain times of the year (primarily as it relates to nutrition and cover deer need). Rainfall or a lack thereof can significantly impact deer body condition, antler quality and fawn production – the end results are what hunters see each fall.

According to Cain, mast crops (acorns, mesquite beans, etc.) that provide a good forage resource to help deer meet the demands of raising fawns and growing antlers during the stressful part of the summer have been in good supply this year. Those native food sources appear to be carrying over into the fall, which means some hunters may have to contend with native food sources competing with artificial feeders early in the season.

“Precipitation has greened up vegetation around much of the state in the last month and with green conditions deer aren’t utilizing feeders as much,” Cain added. “The green vegetation and warm temperatures in October have made hunting a little tough, but there are a few folks having some luck.”

Texas whitetail population estimates have remained fairly stable over the last few decades at around 4 million deer. Hunters can expect to see about the same number of deer as in 2013. Bottom line from a hunter perspective is there will be plenty of animals to pursue.

Source: Texas Parks & Wildlife

The excitement of finding a great buck in your sights can send caution to the wind. A mindful and disciplined hunter will always ask himself or herself three vital questions before pulling the trigger:

Is this shot safe?
Is it legal?
Is it ethical?

How do you know? Watch this video to review how to make these critical assessments.

A capable and responsible hunter uses a rifle that is accurate and that the hunter is confident in using. Preparation for hunting should include a trip to the shooting range every year to check that your weapon can reliably hit your target. This video, “How to Sight Your Hunting Rifle,” demonstrates a step by step method of sighting in a hunting rifle.

What are the benefits of ActivAge™ prebiotic?

Equine Senior Active now includes shredded beat pulp, a 10% fat level, plus the  ActivAge™ prebiotic.

• 100% Vitamins and Minerals*
• Digestible Fibers Including Loose Beet Pulp
• Concentrate Feed – Feed with Hay

Click here to find out more information on the changes to Equine Senior and Equine Senior Active.

With fall nights cooling off and winter coming soon, here are some tips to prepare your outdoor dogs for the cold.

First,  make sure to have a good doghouse for your dog. Doghouses come in all shapes and sizes; including igloo shaped houses, large kennel type houses, and wooden doghouses. If you are purchasing a new doghouse make sure that it is the appropriate size for your dog. You don’t want it to be too small but you also don’t want it to be too big. A doghouse should be a good fit to your dog so that they have enough room to curl up inside but it isn’t so big that it doesn’t hold your dog’s body heat. And if your dog already has a house, check for holes, rust or wood rot. You can use spray insulation to fill in any gaps.

Second, is to make sure that the doghouse is in a good location. Put your dog’s house in a place on high ground and near the house or barn for wind protection. Also note the direction that the entrance faces so that the North wind doesn’t blow directly into the house.

Third, check the bedding inside the doghouse. Your dog should have adequate bedding that gets your dog up off the ground and is padded enough that your dog can snuggle down into. Also, use flea and tick prevention as fleas and ticks will also be seeking a warm place. Another idea is to put straw in and around the outside of the doghouse to help keep the wet and mud out.

Finally, during the winter months your dog will drink less so it is important to always have a good source of water available. To prevent dehydration, provide warm water or check for ice at least twice a day.

Add some color to your flower bed this winter by planting some pansies! J&N Feed and Seed has a variety of pansies for you to pick from. Pansies are hardy annuals that are perfect for planting in the fall.

They are priced at $19.00 for a flat or 99 cents a piece.

Stop by J&N Feed and Seed today to pick out some beautiful, “smiling” pansies!