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Axis deer are threatening parts of Texas and other areas in the United States. The axis deer, also known as the chital deer, is regarded as one of the most beautiful breeds of deer, and they’re a far cry from the native Texas whitetail deer. What are Axis deer? Axis deer sport an orange coat dotted with white spots, not unlike a whitetail fawn, and white patches on their throats. Their antlers are unique to this deer species, as they are thin but long, and often branch out into several impressive points. Similar to the elk but with a much smaller body length, these spotted deer are also extremely vocal, letting out distinctive sharp, alarm calls to communicate. How did they get here? Originally from southern India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, the axis deer was introduced to Molokai, Hawaii in the 1860s, Maui years after that, and Texas in 1932, intended as a game animal. The primary threat of the axis deer lies in the fact that, large as Texas is, there simply aren't enough open areas for two thriving species of deer. The axis deer and the whitetail must compete for resources. As is common with invasive species, the axis deer also have few natural predators. While coyotes and bobcats will go after them, they are powerless to make a significant dent in the axis deer population. Axis deer hunting The best way to manage the axis deer is also the simplest. You can hunt them whenever you like! In the state of Texas, non-native and exotic game don’t have a limited hunting season. So, unlike whitetails, you can bag an axis deer any time you like. For more check out WideOpenSpaces.com

The Super Bowl is the most-watched television event in the United States. The game is the obvious draw, but it's the commercials and halftime show performances that bring millions of casual fans to the game. Back on October 1, 1979, Coca-Cola first aired a commercial starring Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle "Mean" Joe Greene and a 9-year-old superfan played by Tommy Okon. The story the advertisement told stood the test of time, and anyone who watches it today gets all the feels when Mean Joe famously calls out, "Hey kid, catch!" Heading for Steelers' locker room, a young fan offers to help the NFL Hall of Famer. The boy tells 'Mean' Joe that he thinks the NFL star is the best ever and offers him a bottle of Coke. After downing the entire thing, Greene tosses his iconic jersey to the kid. The iconic Super Bowl ad puts a smile on everyone's face to this day. The commercial still ranks as one of the greatest Super Bowl ads in history. Not only did Coca-Cola capitalize at the height of the Steelers' dynasty, which culminated with the team's fourth title of the 1970s in Super Bowl XIV, but Mean Joe's commercial famously re-aired during that very game. The Super Bowl commercial won a Clio Award for one of the best commercials of 1979, and "Have a Coke and a Smile" stamped the iconic ad campaign and jingle as one of the most-effective ever, thanks to the writing of Penny Hawkey and director Roger Mosconi. In 2017, the co-stars reunited at Apogee Stadium in Texas, where Greene recalled chugging 18 bottles of Coke before getting the commercial right. For someone with a "mean" reputation on the field, the commercial showed that football players, even a Hall of Famer and two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, are nice guys with a softer side off the field. During Super Bowl XLIII, Pittsburgh safety Troy Polamalu brought the great commercial back to life with a few hilarious twists for the company's Coke Zero products. The Super Bowl's greatest commercials are more than just good laughs and selling products. The best have an emotional connection, which remind us all that it's only a football game, and even tough guy football stars aren't any more important than a young kid looking to dish out a smile. See more at fanbuzz.com

A buck shedding velvet is a sight to see. 1:1, 2016, Buck, Deer, Hunting, JHOFER, Outdoors, WOS, Wide Open Spaces, antlers, wildlife

In 1993, Ryan and Ventura turned the baseball diamond into a UFC octagon! Check out more about the legendary brawl right here: https://fanbuzz.com/mlb/nolan-ryan-robin-ventura-fight/

Every year, the same debate rages: could the best college team could actually beat the worst team in the NFL!? Read about the 2018 debate here: https://fanbuzz.com/college-football/bills-alabama-game/

Nothing beats the pageantry, the fans and the overall atmosphere of a college football game. From filling 100,000-plus seat stadiums to mascots that just don’t quit, there is nothing like Saturdays in the fall. The college football season kicks off with a few huge games, as fans will pour into stadiums around the country to see the 2018 version of their favorite university’s program. When teams take the field, expect the noise to be deafening and the ground beneath your feet to shake, literally. Tradition is the backbone of college football. Universities look for creative ways to engage fans and make their football programs stand out from the rest of the pack, and the best way to make yourself known is by making a great first impression. When teams take the field, it’s time for business. Some universities have a knack for giving you goosebumps while other entrances simply make the other team stop and take a peak at the show. From player tributes to iconic sports songs, there are 15 college football entrances that stand high above the rest. 15. Oregon’s Duck Rides a Motorcycle If you’ve ever ridden a motorcycle, you know that it’s a four limb job — one hand’s on the front brake, and the other operates the clutch. 14. Nebraska Walks It Out The Cornhuskers’ slow, methodical journey underneath “The Sea of Red” at Memorial Stadium sets the tone for Nebraska’s long tradition of football excellence 13. Arizona State Honors a Hero Beginning in the 2013 season, the Sun Devils honored former all-conference linebacker Pat Tillman, who lost his life serving in Afghanistan in 2004, by building a statue of him, and creating a new aura for Arizona State football to look toward 12. Texas A&M’s Fightin’ Aggies Band The Texas A&M drumline marches out ahead of the Aggies at Kyle Field, home of the 12th man, and sets the stage for their SEC powerhouse to take the field. 11. Oklahoma’s Sooner Schooner Two white horses, rightfully named Boomer and Sooner, pull the replica Studebaker Conestoga wagon on and around Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium to welcome the Sooners to the field, but also after Oklahoma touchdowns. 10. Georgia Tech’s Ramblin’ Wreck Georgia Tech’s nickname is the Yellow Jackets, and their mascot is Buzz, but it’s a 1930 Ford Model A Sport Coupe that serves as the student body’s official mascot 9. Michigan’s Iconic Banner The Michigan Wolverines have been playing football since 1879 and they’ve touched the Go Blue Banner since 1962. 8. Texas Tech’s Masked Rider Since the 1954 Gator Bowl, Texas Tech’s “Masked Rider” has led the team onto the field, but he was first seen roaming Texas Tech’s sidelines in 1936. 7. Colorado Runs with Ralphie There are live mascots, and then there’s this insanity. The Colorado Buffaloes began running Ralphie around the Colorado stadium before each half of home football games in 1967. 6. Miami’s Smoke Since the 1950s, the Miami Hurricanes have entered the field through a cloud of smoke in one of college football’s best entrances. The smoke is produced by fire extinguishers, and the Hurricanes’ emerge in an awe-inspiring moment that is only fitting for “The U.” 5. South Carolina’s Space Odyssey The song was made popular by the 1968 film “2001: A Space Odyssey,” but the University of South Carolina has put the movie’s iconic song to good use. Since 1983, the Gamecocks have taken the field while the melody blares over the speakers at Williams-Brice Stadium. 4. Florida State’s Tomahawk Chop Chief Osceola rides in on Renegade and plants his spear at midfield while the Florida State faithful let their iconic war chant ring into the Tallahassee air during pregame ceremonies. The tomahawk chop, though, is mind-bending. Doak Campbell Stadium seats around 80,000 people, and all able-bodied FSU fans raise their arms, and chop in unison. 3. Tennessee Runs Through the T The Pride of the Southland marching band sets the base of the iconic ‘T’ formation near the end zone, where the Tennessee football team gathers. The orange and white clad Volunteers run through the T onto the field, hanging a left towards their sideline for the opening kickoff. 2. Clemson Touches Howard’s Rock Samuel C. Jones picked up a rock while traveling through Death Valley, California in the 1960s, and gave it to then-head coach Frank Howard. The rock was eventually set up in the East end zone at Memorial Stadium, where it remains today. Howard, who coached at Clemson for 30 years, once said “If you’re going to give me 110 percent, you can rub that rock. If you’re not, keep your filthy hands off of it.” 1. Virginia Tech’s Enter Sandman If you’ve made it this far, you’ve realized that the ACC is by far the most electric conference for entrances in college football, and Virginia Tech is far and away the most exciting. Blacksburg, Virginia is one of the toughest atmospheres to play at in all of college football, and when you hear the first few notes of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman,” you better hope you’re not an opposing team. Read more about these traditions here: https://fanbuzz.com/college-football/15-electric-cfb-entrances/

Are you more of a Camaro or a DeLorean? Maybe you just like your good ol' Ford truck. Let us know!

Ever wondered how much you'd spend tickets, snacks, souvenirs and parking at an NFL game? All depends on how much you've got! Check out the pricing at every NFL stadium here: https://fanbuzz.com/nfl/nfl-game-costs/

Blogger Derek Low explored the ways you can take a scenic train ride across the United States for less than $250! To learn more about the routes, head on over to https://www.wideopencountry.com/train-ride-across-u-s-250/.

Despite years of intense hunting and trapping, Texas is losing the war on feral hogs. Since Texas Parks and Wildlife first began removing wild boars in 1982, the hog population in the Lone Star State has dramatically increased and there are now more than 10 times as many hogs in the state as there were then. Unfortunately, the evidence is clear: Texans are losing the war on feral hogs. Texas has very permissive regulations regarding hog hunting, and hunters may pursue hogs all year long with no bag limit. You can hunt them over bait, trap them, hunt them at night and from aircraft. As a result, it is estimated that over three quarters of a million hogs are taken by recreational, commercial, and government hunters and trappers each year in Texas. Unfortunately, though, it isn't enough. Hunting for Hogs in Texas Even though hunters and trappers are killing approximately 30 percent of the hog population in Texas annually, hog numbers are still growing by about 20 percent each year. Biologists and wildlife managers estimate that 70 percent of the hogs in the state will have to be killed each year just to maintain the population and even more must be killed to actually start reducing their numbers. Yes, you read that right: 7 out of every 10 hogs in the state must be killed just to keep their numbers where they are now. So why are wild hog populations experiencing such explosive growth in this portion of the United States? The main reason is that hogs breed almost as quickly as rabbits. They become sexually mature before they are a year old and can produce as many as 2-3 litters of up to 6-8 piglets every year. Another reason they are difficult to control is because feral pigs are very intelligent and resilient animals. They quickly respond to hunting and trapping pressure by changing their habits or just leaving the area for greener pastures when things get too hot. Since they are known to roam over extremely long distances in search of food, this makes long term hog control measures difficult and complicated. [embed_recommendations] Landowners and biologists have been relatively successful in controlling feral hog populations in small areas. However, these are usually short-term successes that only last until a new hog sounder moves in and the cycle starts over again. While wild hogs are fun to hunt and provide some very tasty table fare, they also cause all sorts of problems. Their diet normally consists of things like roots, acorns, tubers and other plants, they will eat literally anything they can find or catch. Crops, snakes, insects, ground-nesting birds and even deer fawns aren't safe from a hungry hog. Wild pigs are a textbook example of an invasive species and are causing significant damage to native wildlife and ecosystems in Texas. In addition to competing directly with deer for food, they damage vegetation that quail and turkey need to thrive. They also are carriers of a number of nasty diseases and there have even been cases of drinking water sources being contaminated by droppings from feral hogs. So, what can be done about the hog problem in Texas? Trapping Feral Hogs The good news is that for all their strengths, hogs aren't invincible. Indeed, just about any rifle capable of taking a whitetail deer will probably also work very well as a hog hunting gun. While they are indeed very intelligent, they aren't geniuses, either, and trapping is a viable option for hog control virtually wherever they live. Unfortunately, hog hunting and trapping are already going nearly full bore in Texas. Right now, these operations are taking less than half the number of hogs necessary to stop their explosive population growth and it's doubtful this can be achieved by those with trapping and hunting alone. Poison has been touted as one potential way to turn things around in the American war on feral hogs. However, the use of a feral hog poison on a large scale is a very hotly contested idea. Among other issues, researchers have really struggled to find a poison that'll quickly and reliably kill hogs without harming other wildlife. For instance, proponents of hog poison experienced a big setback when nearly 200 birds died after consuming sodium nitrite poison intended for hogs during field testing in northern Texas. The Texas state government has enacted several measures in recent years to encourage feral swine removal like legalizing hunting hogs from aircraft and hot air balloons. In 2019, Texas Governor Greg Abbot even signed a bill into law that removes the requirement to possess a valid hunting license to take feral hogs on private land in Texas. When added on top of the already very permissive regulations for hunting feral swine in Texas, those measures certainly help to a certain degree, but they probably won't be enough on their own. Only time will tell what the future holds, though. Like what you see? You can read more great articles by John McAdams on the Big Game Hunting Blog. Follow him on Facebook & YouTube and subscribe to his show: the Big Game Hunting Podcast. Visit us at WideOpenSpaces.com

1:1, 2016, WOC, Wide Open Country desc edodLuFg

The man behind the bleach-blonde mustache.

The first time the American national anthem was played during a sporting event came in the seventh-inning stretch of Game One in the 1918 World Series between the Chicago Cubs and Babe Ruth's Boston Red Sox. More than 100,000 U.S. soldiers were already dead in World War I. A bomb exploded in the game's host city of Chicago, Illinois, the day prior. A sparse crowd was on hand, and it didn't seem like playing baseball was the right thing to do. But as the U.S. Navy band began to play, players on both the Red Sox and Cubs stood and faced the flag. Fans in the stands erupted with excitement after the show of patriotism. The national anthem became a standing appointment (pun intended) before Major League Baseball games. Beginning with the MLB, leagues from the NBA, NHL, NFL, and all the way down to collegiate and high school athletics adopted "The Star-Spangled Banner" as a reminder that, no matter what jersey you're wearing, we're here as Americans and "our flag was still there." Yet, ignorance prevails. Many spend their time talking, texting, using the bathroom, grabbing a hot dog, flirting with the girl behind them, or grabbing a selfie for social media. Playing the national anthem has become less about American ideals and more of a symbolic starting gun to the day's events. I empathize with the "let's get to business" crowd who think removing the anthem isn't a big deal. After all, why waste the time if no one's paying attention? Why should we even afford NFL players like former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick the opportunity to "disgrace" America by kneeling during the song? Why? Because these are the United States of America, that's why. Sports are a beautiful microcosm of our society where anyone — no matter your race, religion, gender or sexual orientation — can take the field and compete as equals. It's the anthem that brings us together for a brief moment honoring those freedoms. Need proof of the anthem's power? Listen to an emotional TD Garden crowd sing in unison after the deadly Boston Marathon bombing. "The Star-Spangled Banner" is about perseverance. Francis Scott Key's four-stanza poem came in the shadows of Fort McHenry, which survived a night-long onslaught by the British during the War of 1812 — The first stanza is what we recognize as the national anthem of the United States. Yes, it was written over 200 years ago during a very different time in our history. But at its core, the anthem is about standing side by side, weathering the storm, and remembering that our country is fucking awesome when we work together. Anyone who thinks it should be removed from pregame festivities, or reserved for "special occasions" like the Olympics or Super Bowl, is entitled to their opinion. Quite frankly, it's a naive one, but you know what, that's fine. This is America after all. In truth, we don't give thanks often enough for the freedoms we have. I think you can spare two minutes before eating your nachos. The national anthem isn't going anywhere. Forr more, check out Fanbuzz.com!

Delanie Gourley, a National Pro Fastpitch player, compared her pro salary to the bat boy of the New York Yankees, and the result will shock you. Read more about the incredibly low wages of professional softball players here: https://fanbuzz.com/college-softball/delanie-gourley-softball-contract/

The Ruger Hawkeye FTW Hunter Rifle gets tested and reviewed in this video. 1:1, 2016, Guns, Shooting, WOS

Some school programs already offer it, but do you think firearm safety should be taught as part of physical education classes?

The Dodgers' great fought back against racism both on and off the baseball diamond. Check out more MLB coverage at FanBuzz.com: https://fanbuzz.com/mlb/president-george-h-w-bush-first-pitches/

PETA is at it again, and better than ever with a new claim saying cow’s milk is “a symbol of white supremacy.” The organization, known for their full name, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals released an article where they stated milk is a symbol used by white supremacists, which is one more reason to ditch dairy completely. The article reads, “Aside from ‘lactose-tolerant’ white supremacists, cow’s milk really is the perfect drink of choice for all (even unwitting) supremacists since the dairy industry inflicts extreme violence on other living beings.” The organization believes that cows relate to human culture in three categories: control over their bodies, control over your mind and “might doesn’t make right.” The reason as to why they believe this? Well, according to the activists, cows don’t really have a choice about what is being done to them or their bodies. Their horns are gouged or burned out of their heads, part of their tails can be cut off, and holes are punched through their ears before being “used” for milking purposes. Still confused? Well, basically, PETA is stating that humans are the only animals who drink milk from other species, and who drink milk beyond infancy. The dairy industry spends millions of dollars funding campaign that urge people to avoid drinking milk, that can cause several health hazards. The article quotes, “Before you pour a glass of the “white stuff,” please remember that it isn’t the “right stuff”.” PETA believes the cows are suffering inside crumpled, filthy enclosures, forced to produce nearly 10 times as milk as they would naturally. The article even references scenes in “Inglorious Basterds” where one can see Christoph Waltz’s character drinking a glass of milk and “Get Out”, where a character sips the milk, convinced in fact, dairy was a white supremacy symbol indeed. They say these “white supremacists” are chugging milk to draw attention to a genetic trait that is known to be more common in white people than others-the ability to digest lactose as adults. The animal rights group tweeting its theory, saying it was “One more reason to #Ditchdairy.” See more at rare.com

The SIG SAUER CROSS rifle could be the do-it-all gun we've all been waiting for. As the shooting industry continues to expand, the variety of firearms widens as rapidly the quality improves. However, they tend to fall into two separate categories: tactical and hunting. While hunting firearms are still fun to shoot at the range, and tactical firearms are still capable of hunting, firearms usually serve their designated purpose. SIG SAUER decided to bridge that gap, however, with a tactical bolt-action rifle equipped for true backcountry hunting. Not only do you get the best of both worlds, but also top-tier quality for each purpose. For starters, it only weighs 6.5 pounds, making it one of the lightest long-range rifles on the market. And, it features a fully adjustable, folding stock, making it easy to carry deep into the wilderness. Spring-loaded for one-handed operation, the stock is fully adjustable for comb height and length of pull in the field without the use of any tools. An adjustable, two-stage match trigger optimizes the CROSS' spot-on precision, as does a stainless steel, rifled barrel, a free-float M-LOK handguard, an ambi-safety and a three-lug bolt design with a 60-degree throw and an interchangeable bolt handle. Additionally, a one-piece aluminum receiver strips the need to bed the action. Available in both black anodized and First Lite camo finishes, the CROSS comes chambered in .308 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor and 277 SIG Fury (coming soon). A full-length Picatinny rail creates allows hunters to mount 0 MOA and 20 MOA optics, too. If you've always wanted a rifle to exhaust at the range and also pack into your hunting bag, the SIG CROSS bolt-action rifle is finally here to grant your wish.

On July 21, 2018, Duke University students broke the Guinness World Record for most fuel-efficient vehicle, which had previously been set by ETH Zurich back in 2005. The hydrogen fuel cell car of Duke Electric Vehicles gets the equivalent of 14,573 miles per gallon. The old record? 12,600 miles per gallon. What an awesome achievement!

https://altdriver.com/general/dodge-ram-1500-thank-god-country-boy-commercial/ This 2019 Ram 1500 commercial makes it clear that the Ram truck perfect for owners from all walks of life. The ad cuts back from cityscape to country road, all while the Tennessee Kids perform a special rendition of the classic song “Thank God I’m a Country Boy.” It may not be quite like the John Denver version, but it definitely gets the job done. Considering that the ad has racked up more than 20 million YouTube views since it was posted back in January 2018, it’s safe to say that Dodge definitely nailed it with this one.

It’s estimated that 7,000 to 8,000 people in America become snakebite victims each year. If you're lucky enough to survive a rattlesnake bite, the price might give you a heart attack! (https://rare.us/people/woc-rattlesnake-bite-cost/)

Did you know that pets are literally good for your health? Check out the health benefits of having a pet in your life. Animals, Cats, Dogs, Emotional Gift, Health, Informational, News Card, Pets, SQUARE, WOP

When this Austin woman's mugshot was released, the internet couldn't help but notice the similarities between Pam Beesly, or Jenna Fischer. Can you see it? 1:1, Pam Beesly, Rare, Texas, The Office, mugshot

The Dallas Cowboys have been America's Team since 1979. In recent years, only one team has dominated pro football. Read more about the Patriots' claim to the title here: https://fanbuzz.com/nfl/americas-team-dallas-new-england/