2015 Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce Wild Game Dinner Magazine

SPECIAL EDITION

2015

BOERNE

Wild Game Dinner

Facebook Photo Contest Winner:

ABBEY CAUDILL S e e p a ge 51 for the sto r y b eh in d t h e p h o to. . .

Join the Fun!

Saturday, November 7th @ the Kendall County Fair Grounds in Boerne, Texas

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Wild game Dinner | 2015

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welcome!

If you love to eat great food and enjoy hunting…well, you’re in the right place! We love the Boerne Wild Game Dinner and are sure you will too! This year’s event will begin at 5:00 pm on Saturday, November 7th, at the Kendall County Fair Grounds, located at 1307 River Road in Boerne.

This event was created in 2011 with a vision of sharing good food with our friends and neighbors. Over the last five years, the word has spread! We now welcome over 4,000 folks to our community and have given a total of seven scholarships to graduating seniors in Kendall County.

How do we feed everyone? We’re glad you asked! We have over 20 cook teams this year. The majority are repeat offenders! It’s all about the food and these folks are excellent cooks! You’ll get to meet some of our cook teams later in this magazine and they are sharing recipes! For the record, we have the best food of any wild game dinner in the State of Texas!

In addition to the great food, you’ll also enjoy our silent and live auctions. We have games and other drawings, as well. This event is fun for the whole family and there is something for everyone.

We want to give a “shout out” to our wild game dinner photo contest winner Abbey Caudill. She shot her first buck last season and shared this experience with her Dad, Scott. She received over

contents: 08:

cook teams We’ve Got Game!

29:

live auction item Argentina Dove Hunt

12:

live auction item Donated Gun is Unique Piece of Hill Country History

30:

featured artist Bill Scheidt

34:

live auction item Costa Rica

37:

scholarship Hayley Butler

14: 16:

live auction item Numzaan Safari featured business Enchanted Rock Vodka: Taste Texas in a Glass

Event Co-Chairs

51: 52:

photo contest winners

54:

Texas hunting schedule

blast from the past Fun Photos from Last Year’s Event

For More Information Contact the Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce:

38:

featured business Klein Smokehaus

Publication Production Distinct Media, LLC | (210) 219-6735

recipes Wild About Game?

39:

21:

scholarship Steely Lott

featured business Bear Arms

42:

22:

profile Schreiner University’s Shooting Sports Society

scholarship Sterling Shrum

44:

live auction item Antelope for Africa Safari

24:

featured business Diamond H Quail & Broken Arrow Ranches

45:

2014 live auction hunt A Trip 30 Years in the Making

46:

event map

48:

live auction item Belize

scholarship Emery Dorman

Beca Short & Karen Daly

121 S. Main St. | Boerne, TX 78006 (830) 249-8000 www.boerne.org

18:

26:

500 “likes” on Facebook!

Her story is why we do what we do and we think you will enjoy it.

So, mark your calendars and join us on November 7th for the Boerne Wild Game Dinner! We look forward to seeing you!

Advertising Sales Rusty Meador | (830) 431-1624

The Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce Wild Game Dinner Magazine is published by the Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce, copyright 2015. Reproduction is strictly prohibited without prior consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in The Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce Wild Game Dinner Magazine are those of the writers or sources and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher, nor do they constitute the endorsement of products or services herein. Although the information and recommendations in this publication have been compiled from sources believed to be reliable, the Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce makes no guarantee as to, and assumes no responsibility for, the correctness, sufficiency or completeness of such information and recommendations.

2015 Wild Game Dinner Allyson Munsell Financial Advisor 1011 S. Main Street Boerne, Texas 78006 830-249-2748

Jason Null Financial Advisor 28550 IH 10 W., Ste. 1 Boerne, Texas 78006 830-981-8135

Christian Pliego Financial Advisor 512 E. Blanco Rd., Ste. 301 Boerne, Texas 78006 830-815-1404

Ron Warden Financial Advisor 215 W Bandera Rd, Ste. 113 B Boerne, Texas 78006 830-249-8286

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Rebeca Short Financial Advisor 104 Medical Drive Boerne, Texas 78006 830-249-4630

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Joining with our friends and neighbors to

It’s Game Time!

Don’t Miss the

5th Annual Wild Game Dinner

Saturday, November 7th

5:00pm until 10:00pm at the Kendall County Fairgrounds 1307 River Road, Boerne, TX 78006

Get Your Tickets Now! $20 per person admission includes plenty of delicious wild game, sodas and water, 1 ticket for a door prize and free parking. Beer and wine available to purchase from KCFA.

Fun for the Whole Family!

The Wild Game Dinner, in Boerne, is all about the food! Cook Teams from all over South Texas gather to put on their aprons and prepare savory dishes that outshine the other teams. Enjoy and sample a wide variety of succulent venison prepared in diverse ways, as well as a myriad of other meats, such as quail, Nilgai, crawfish, etc. Don't go home empty handed because the silent and live auctions, drawings and games have something for everyone.

6

Wild game Dinner | 2015

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cook teams

We’ve Got

T

Game!

The Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce Wild Game Dinner is a wildly popular event that draws people from near and far to experience the fun, the festivities and most importantly the FOOD! The thousands of pounds of gourmet game served up each year is second to none. Making this possible are the cook teams that work tirelessly to prepare and cook the food that attracts thousands of people from all over the Texas hill country and surrounding areas.

Read on to meet a few of the cook teams and see what they will be serving up on November 7th.

Pedrotti’s Wild Pizza

“We love to do anything we can to support the Chamber and the local community,” said Dan Pedrotti. “Being one of the area’s token Italians I had to find a way to fit pizza into the Wild Game Dinner. I love experimenting with wild game meats and fish and I came up with these great wild game pizzas!” Pedrotti’s team consists of his sons Daniel, Christopher, Nicholas and Dominic Pedrotti, as well as Mike Cook, Rick Smith, Stephanie Baldoni and of course his wife Joyce. Dan added, “We feel

8

Wild game Dinner | 2015

Members of Pedrotti’s Wild Pizza

2015 Cook Teams & Menu Items

Maroon Out Grillers Bacon Wrapped Nilgai

Javelina Harley-Davidson Hawg Wings

Klein Smokehaus Wild Boar Queso

Burgermeisters (City of Boerne) Grilled Bison & Venison Burgers

Grill Billies Jalapeno Bacon Wrapped Quail Breast & Whole Roasted Hog

Wade Asher Pasta & Piggie Puffs

Bass Knuckles Fried Fish

Pitlicious Quail Leg Skewers

Sip N Shooters Fried Alligator & Axis/ Chili

Pedrotti's Wild Pizza Wild Game Pizza

Mike Saur Automotive Axis Guisada

Lazybcrazy Chowboys Crawfish Pasta & Boudin Balls

Dedicated Landscaping Smoked Turkey

Road Kill Grillers Elk Fajitas

Hog Wild Pulled Pork Sliders

Klein Smokehaus Kangaroo Sausage, Aligator Sausage, Duck Sausage

Cook Team Sponsor

Leadership Boerne Wild Boar Kabobs Up in Smoke Venison Sliders Lone Star Roasters Roasted Corn Wells Fargo Stage Coach Spokes (venison & potato) United SA FCU Dessert Riverside Catering Cobblers

we have come up with something fun and unique to offer the Wild Game Dinner attendees. Our pizzas are not something you see often. We feature dove pizza and ceviche pizza, as well as a venison and wild pork pizza.”

Pedrotti and his team make 100 pizzas that are each cut into eight slices. “We make them as we go and serve them hot. There is never anything left over at the end of the night!”

Lazybcrazy Chowboys

According to Robbie Weyel, “Cooking for the Wild Game Dinner is a good ‘ol time!” Weyel and his team serve up some of the tastiest crawfish cream pasta you’ll ever try.

Their special blend of crawfish, bell peppers, onion, cream cheese, cottage cheese and spices keeps everybody at the Wild Game Dinner coming back for more! “We love seeing all

the happy people enjoying our food.

What’s really fun is seeing all the repeat customers though,” said Weyel.

The Lazybcrazy Chowboys team consists of Weyel, Bill Butler, Dwayne Vadnais, Shawn Ricehouse, Randy Nix and many other family and friends.

Road Kill Grillers

Cooking up some fine elk fajitas is Kendall County Sheriff Al Auxier, his wife Stacey, Kevin Klaerner, Chad Sells, and Larry Ripley.

“This is such a cool, hugely successful event. It is amazing to see how this event grows year after year. It’s really fun to be able to participate in the Wild Game Dinner as a cook team,” said Al Auxier. He added, “There is a fun sense of friendly competition between all of the cook teams, but it’s cool to see what great dishes they all come up with. The quality of

photos (this page): Savannah Weyel mixing up ingredients for the Lazybcrazy Chowboys team; member of the Road Kill Grillers cooking up elk fajitas

continued on page 10

www.boerne.org

9

Sheriff Al Auxier and wife Stacey of the Road Kill Grillers continued from page 9

the food put out by all of the cook teams is really excellent.”

Bass Knuckles

Bass Knuckles Cook Team

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Wild game Dinner | 2015

Claude Sims and his team have been serving up mouthwatering Southern fried catfish going on four years now. “We love to cook, hunt and fish. Entertaining and cooking out is something we all really enjoy,” said Sims. “Last year we cooked 110 pounds of fish and ran out in two hours. This year we will be cooking somewhere around 150 pounds of fish.

We also serve up what we call Cajun potato chips, which are potato chips with

some crab seasoning on them. We plan to go through about 100 pounds of potatoes as well!” The Bass Knuckles team consists of Claude, his son Carson Sims, Tony and Anna Bare, Paul Talley, John Caron and Kevin Justice. According to Claude, “We get started early the morning of the Wild Game Dinner cutting up all of the fish and potatoes, it’s quite a job to get that many pounds of fish and potatoes ready to serve up the night of the Dinner. It’s a fun time though and that’s what keeps us coming back year after year!”

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live auction item

Donated Gun is Unique Piece of Hill Country History

T

This year’s Wild Game Dinner auction will have many spectacular items up for bid, one of which is a unique rifle, rich with history.

The donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, is a collector of fine firearms. “Several years ago I came across a dealer who said he had a really nice piece that I should look at. The piece was an English Mauser target/hunting rifle that is made to scale. The gun is very unique and I have never seen anything like it. However, what makes it even more special is the history that comes with it,” said the donor.

“The original purchaser of the gun, a hill country rancher by the name of Kothmann, kept everything that pertained to the original purchase of the firearm. He saved the box, the postmarked wrapping paper and there are even letters between him and a gun dealer in New York in which he wrote them asking questions about the gun and their responses. I could tell that this was a really important purchase to him. What makes it all even more interesting is that the gun, which is nearly 60 years old, is new in the box and has never been fired.”

The donor went on to explain some of the features of the firearm. “It is a 222 small caliber rifle made to scale. It has a receiver on it that is done by hand. The barrel has a recoil reducer fashioned into the barrel and the handwork is just unbelievable. It has also never been drilled or tapped. I really have never seen anything like this gun,” he added.

12

Wild game Dinner | 2015

When asked about why he wanted to donate this special piece to the Wild Game Dinner the donor said, “I am not a rifle guy, but I purchased this gun because I felt from day one that more benefit could come from this gun. Since the gun made its way from England to New York and then to the Texas hill country, I always felt it was important to keep it in this area. In the ten years that I have owned the gun I was always looking for just the right opportunity for it. I moved to Boerne a little over a year ago and attended last year’s Wild Game Dinner. I was really impressed by the event. I saw what they did, how they were helping the area youth and how important the hunting tradition is to the people putting on the Dinner. It was then that I thought to myself ‘I just found a place for my gun.’ I have always wanted it to go to something in the hill country where it can really do some good, and I believe I have found that in the Wild Game Dinner.” He added, “I am donating the gun in the name of Tomas Tyler, the beloved dog of a friend of mine who recently passed away. He was with her for 20 years and dearly loved.”

He finished by saying, “I hope who ever purchases the gun at this year’s auction will shoot the gun. The gun needs to be shot.

It will bring a sense of peace and rest to this special gun that has such a special history.”

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13

live auction item

Numzaan Safaris

A

A South African Safari is something that tops the list of most hunters. To be able to hunt in one of the most exotic and unique destinations in the world would be a dream come true. This year, the Wild Game Dinner is happy to announce that Numzaan Safaris has donated a five-day South African hunting adventure for two hunters and one guide that will be up for bid during the live auction.

This hunting adventure includes a $500 trophy fee per hunter (if upgraded to the 10-day hunt an additional $1000 per hunter will be given). Also included in this donation is five days of accommodation in a safari lodge, all meals, beverages, cleaning, laundry services, a professional hunter with fully equipped safari vehicle, and field preparation services. This hunt is available from March to October 2016/2017 and can be extended with prior arrangement with Numzaan Safaris. In addition to this, another $500 towards taxidermy work for animals harvested on this safari at Wood & Water Taxidermy Studio is given to each hunter.

Point of arrival/departure is O R Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Transfers from the airport to the hunting area and back to airport are included. Additional hunters are welcome at a daily rate of $350 and this hunt can be upgraded to 10-days, with additional animals as per price list.

Not included is airfare to/from Johannesburg, dip and pack of trophies, gratuities, additional day trips and shipping of trophies to the United States.

Boerne resident, Shannon DeLaune, recently purchased a safari package to South Africa donated by Numzaan Safaris.

“Areva Travel booked everything and took care of all of our arrangements including travel, which made the most stressful part very simple for us. Annelise Dubose from Areva, is from South Africa and she handled everything down to the last detail for us,” he said.

“Our hunt started for zebra, which are much harder to hunt that some might think. After getting two, we were off looking for Wildebeest, Impala, Kudu and Gemsbok. I will tell you that hunting in South Africa involves a lot of driving, walking and even more hydration. There are stalking hunts in Texas, but while on safari, you will certainly define the idea of ‘fair chase.’ We hunted on many different places, looking for animals and seeing so many species and varieties and amazing terrain that varied from savannah, to desert to green lush river bottom. The most

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Wild game Dinner | 2015

pictured above: Shannon DeLaune

Hunt the Big Game of South Africa exciting part was stalking a trophy Greater Kudu that broke off from a group of four males and doubled back to the first place we spotted him where he had buried himself in thick South African brush.”

DeLaune added, “Numzaan prides themselves on the hunting, but the atmosphere they have created really makes the experience. Much of the harvested game goes to feed the local tribesmen, which is a rewarding part of the experience. Additionally, each night the hunters and PH’s have dinner together under the large thatched roof patio. The food that is provided is a wonderful experience and often includes animals harvested on your hunt. However, maybe one of the things that I loved the most is that before each meal, one of the Professional Hunters would say Grace. Each night you would experience the ranking PH thanking God for the majesty of His creation, the relationships being formed and the bounty He provides.”

Numzaan Safaris is a familyrun operation and has exceptional love and passion for nature, conservation and hunting. This family enterprise is arguably one of the leading outfitters in South Africa.

They have an absolute commitment to quality and offer exceptional trophies and service in a picture perfect setting.

For more information on Numzaan Safaris visit www.Numzaan.com.

Jeannemarie Wilson Attorney At Law, P.L.L.C.

Transactional Attorney in Areas of the Law: Real Estate, Business Entities, Contracts 470 S. Main Street | Boerne, Texas 78006 830.331.9935 law.jmwilson@gmail.com

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15

featured business

Taste Texas

W

EnchAnted Rock VodkA! Bottoms Up!

by Joe Lilli

in a

Glass...

When Rebecca Creek Distillery in San Antonio fired up its 750-gallon copper-clad still in 2009, it became the first legal distillery built in South Texas since Prohibition.

Since then, it has gone on to become one of the largest craft distilleries of premium vodkas and whiskey in North America.

The distillery sells Enchanted Rock Vodka and Rebecca Creek Whiskey in either 6-pack or 12-pack cases, with each product available in five different sizes. This year it will sell between 65,000 to 70,000 cases of premium spirits to customers in Texas and in seven other states, including Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, and North and South Dakota.

According to the American Distilling Institute, Rebecca Creek Distillery is a “rock star in the rising craft distilling business” and their success in such a short time is “phenomenal.”

How It Came About

As co-owner Steve Ison recalls, a conversation with a neighbor sparked the idea to open a distillery.

“My neighbor who sells wine was telling me how successful his business was going. The more he told me, the more fascinated I became with doing something similar,” says Ison.

“So I asked him – how do you get into this business? He replied, ‘It’s really hard.’”

And truth be told, it really was hard.

Anyone wanting to start a distillery for the first time faces a maze of federal, state and local regulations and the challenge of getting a liquor distributorship. And if you tack on the fact that you know nothing about distilling, well, it makes the effort seem like climbing Mount Everest.

But Ison didn’t take on the challenge alone. He partnered with longtime friend Mike Cameron.

“We were so enthusiastic and determined to create a true source of Texas spirits that nothing stopped us. We simply persevered,” he says.

Of course, Ison’s relationship with a distributor helped in a big way as well as visiting distilleries and traveling across the country to learn the craft of distilling.

“Mike and I took courses on distilling in San Francisco and at Michigan State University. While at Michigan State, we hired Eric Watson. He’s one of 150 master distillers in the world, and he taught one of our classes.” Ison says.

After Ison and Cameron moved Watson to San Antonio, he helped them select and purchase all the equipment, lay out the plant, and then worked with the contractors on how to build it. Once the distillery was up and running, he also showed the two partners how to make the liquor from his recipes.

Initially, they planned to produce only vodka.

“But we learned early on that to be profitable you need to make vodka and whiskey. That’s because more whiskey is bought in Texas than anywhere in the country,” states Ison.

The two owners settled on naming their distillery Rebecca Creek.

“We have a ranch on Rebecca Creek Road. At one point, we planned to put the distillery there, but decided against it. But, basically, we just loved the name,” he adds.

Best Texas Vodka

The two owners claim they produce only the “best, purest and smoothest Texas vodka.” They say it starts with their blend of old and new technology and equipment – best in the world.

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Wild game Dinner | 2015

“We invested in quality equipment.

Our copper pot still was handmade by a 141-year-old German company called Christian Carl. They have an excellent reputation for manufacturing superb stills.

They took six months to build it at a cost near $1 million.

“They definitely have the best quality. Their stills give the spirits a sweeter, smoother taste.

“The one they built for us has a 750gallon capacity and is the biggest one they’ve ever built for North America,” says Ison.

“Another reason our ultra-premium vodka is the best and purest is because of our water. We use pure limestone-filtered water. The water really brings the product home,” he declares.

And still a third factor is their proprietary 28-degree frost filtration process – second to none in the industry. This process allows them to refine their products so they can deliver the smooth, flavorful taste profile they are known for.

“Since our vodka is handcrafted, our quality and unique flavor are always better than mass-produced vodka. We simply spend more time with it,” Ison says.

True Texas Spirits

Rebecca Creek Distillery is distinctly Texas. Its vodka is made with Texas grain

and water. The bottles too are made in Texas and even their company vehicles.

They named their Texas vodka after a legendary Texas landmark rock formation near Fredericksburg – Enchanted Rock.

In addition to their ultra-premium Texas vodka, Ison and Cameron also produce a flavored vodka with added Texas character. They use fresh Fredericksburg peaches for a subtle, refreshing taste.

Their Rebecca Creek Single Malt Whiskey is produced from natural, local barley and pure limestone-filtered water.

Like A Winery

Rebecca Creek Distillery – laid out like a winery at Highway 281 and Bulverde Road – is one of the few distilleries in Texas that offers free tours to the public. Tours are available on Fridays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

They also sell retail merchandise along with bottles and

Texas Investors Title

drinks, and rent out space for corporate and private events.

Reservations and additional information can be obtained by going to their website at www.RebeccaCreekDistillery.com.

Rebecca Creek is also a proud supporter of the Wild Game Dinner and will continue that tradition this year. For the past four years, it has donated product samples to the Dinner as well as gift baskets for the auction.

䠀甀渀渀渀最 昀漀爀 愀 搀椀û攀爀攀渀琀 欀椀渀搀 漀昀 戀甀挀欀㼀 圀攀ᤠ氀氀 最椀瘀攀 礀漀甀 ㄀ 漀昀 琀栀攀洀 眀栀攀渀 礀漀甀 爀攀ǻ渀愀渀挀攀 礀漀甀爀 渀漀渀ⴀ唀一䤀吀䔀䐀 匀䄀 愀甀琀漀 氀漀愀渀 眀椀琀栀 甀猀⸀

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17

recipes

Wild About Game?

Quail with Rice Serves 4

What You Need

4 Klein Smokehaus Oak Smoked Bacon strips, halved 8 Diamond H Quail Breasts (about 2 pounds) 1 cup shredded carrots 1/2 cup sliced green onions 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley 2-1/2 cups chicken broth 1 cup uncooked long grain rice 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning

Make It

• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until partially done. Remove bacon; drain, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings.

• Brown quail in drippings. Remove and keep warm.

• Saute carrots, onions and parsley in drippings until tender.

• Add broth, rice, salt and lemon-pepper; bring to a boil.

• Place quail over rice; place one bacon strip on each. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the rice is tender and quail is cooked.

Hunter’s Stew Serves 8-10

What You Need

2 tablespoons canola oil

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Wild game Dinner | 2015

Klein Smokehaus Shares a Few of their Favorite Wild Game Recipes

2 pounds venison or antelope stew meat 3 large onions, coarsely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 tablespoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper 3 cups water 7 potatoes, peeled and quartered 1 pound carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup cold water

Make It

• Heat oil in a Dutch oven. Brown meat.

Add onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, pepper and water. Simmer, covered, 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until meat is tender.

• Add potatoes and carrots. Continue to cook until vegetables are tender, about 30-45 minutes.

• Mix flour and cold water; stir into stew.

Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly.

Crock Pot Shredded Venison What You Need

4 lbs boneless venison ham roast 1 1/2 cups ketchup 3 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon ground mustard 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 teaspoons celery salt

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 3 drops hot pepper sauce, to taste

Make It

• Cut venison roast in half; place in a 5 quart slow cooker.

• In a large bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, lemon juice, soy sauce and seasonings.

• Pour over venison.

• Cover and cook on high for 4 1/2 to 5 hours or until meat is tender.

• Remove the roast; set aside to cool.

• Strain sauce and return to slow cooker.

• Shred meat, using two forks; stir into sauce and heat through.

• Put on your favorite bun and enjoy!

Elk Steak Marinade What You Need

1 cup sugar 1 cup bell pepper, chopped 1 cup Wesson Oil 1 cup white onion, chopped 1 cup green onion, chopped 1 cup soy sauce

Make It

• Combine all ingredients.

• Let venison soak in the marinade for 4-6 hours before grilling or baking.

“

The Boerne Wild Game Dinner is a Texas Hill Country tradition that is not to be missed.

Thousands come out to enjoy this memorable community experience at the Kendall County Fairgrounds. The Miller family has had a wonderful time in the past and we’re looking forward to attending again this year. From eating great food to enjoying fellowship with friends, to simply having fun with our family, nothing says “Texas” like the Boerne Wild Game Dinner and nobody does it better than the Boerne Chamber of Commerce.

”

State Representative Doug Miller & Family

Her Big Game Trophy

Remodel • Renovate • Refresh www.BoerneKitchensandBaths.com (830) 446-1506 www.boerne.org

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scholarship winner

Steely Lott

driven to succeed

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A love of agriculture and Texas A&M University are two very strong driving forces shaping the future for Wild Game Dinner scholarship recipient, Steely Lott.

Lott’s upbringing, growing up on her family’s goat farm, led her to want to pursue a career in the agricultural field. According to Steely, “When I was younger I always wanted to become a veterinarian like a lot of young children, but my interest began to fade in veterinarian medicine as I expanded my knowledge of other career possibilities in the field.” Currently Lott is planning to major in horticulture in hopes of becoming an event/wedding planner.

Steely had her heart set on attending Texas A&M University, not only because it is a top-notch agricultural college, but also because her Aggie blood runs deep.

“Both my mother and father graduated from Texas A&M University. Because of the fond memories they have shared with me all my life and numerous visits to the campus, I have always wanted to attend. You could say that I put all of my eggs in one basket

because the application to Texas A&M was the only college application I filled out,” said Steely. For her, there were no other alternatives, any other college was simply not part of her life dreams and goals. “My parents urged me to have a backup plan, but I just couldn’t do it. I could not imagine attending classes anywhere else. So you can imagine the excitement at our house the day in October when my acceptance packet arrived in the mail! We jumped up and down, and yes cried. I couldn’t believe that everything I’d worked so hard for was finally coming true.”

Steely and her family, parents Bruce and Laura Lott and little brother Gage are from Comfort, Texas. She attended Comfort High School where she was extremely involved during all four years. She participated in sports through which she was a member of the varsity cheer squad and captain during her junior and senior year, she was chosen as a UCA All-American cheerleader, and a member of the varsity track team where she was a regional qualifier for high jump.

On the academic side, Steely graduated in the top of her class and as a member of the National Honor Society. Steely was also extremely involved in stock shows where she showed market and breeding goats, as well as breeding pigs. During the 2014/2015 stock show season she was awarded High Point award winner at the Comfort FFA Chapter show, Champion Full blood Breeding Doe and Champion Percentage Breeding Doe in San Angelo, Reserve Champion Senior Showmanship Breeding Does and Reserve Supreme Overall Breeding Doe in Houston.

While she enjoyed the barn life, Steely was also involved in numerous pageants in the surrounding area. Her freshman year she was crowned Miss Comfort Queen 2011-2012, and then Miss Kendall County 2012-2013.

Steely is honored to have been awarded a scholarship from the Wild Game Dinner that will assist her in reaching the goals she has worked so hard to achieve.

www.boerne.org

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profile

Schreiner University’s Shooting Sports Society Takes Aim

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by Jennifer Hudson A small liberal arts college in the Texas Hill Country is making its name being Melissa Barringer. Melissa, along with fellow teammates, in the Shooting Sports arena. Schreiner University’s Shooting Sports secured a win for Team Texas at the National 4-H Shooting Sports Society trains and competes at the highest levels in clay sport shoot- National Championships. Barringer also won the individual trap ing. Since its founding in 2006, the team has won several group and event with 99 shots. When asked what the team’s goals are for the individual competitions, produced national champions and has become 2015-2016 academic year, University Advisor Cindy Becker states, “Win the 2016 Division III ACUI Collegiate Clay one of the top shooting teams in the country. In 2014 Target Championships! In 2014 we lost by a 20 bird and 2015 Schreiner placed 2nd in the Division III margin and this year we lost by an eight bird margin.

Association of College Unions International (ACUI) Collegiate Clay Target Championships. Competing With the strength of returning shooters and our new in American Skeet, American Trap, Sporting Clays, recruits, we should be able to do it.”

Five Stand, International Skeet and International The Schreiner Shooting Sports Society spends an average of $3,000-$4000 per shooter for trainTrap, the SU Shooting Sports team finished ahead of ing, competition fees and travel to competitions. teams from major universities, including Alabama, The club funds itself through Kansas, Kentucky and Wyoming. grants, donations and fundraisThe team consists of 10-12 stuing efforts. They are currently dents who train and compete at planning the 2016 – 3rd Annual the Hill Country Shooting Sports Schreiner Shootout, a 100 Bird Center in Kerrville, Texas. The Sporting Clay Tournament, to be team is coached by Bill Thomas, held Saturday, January 23, 2016 President of the Hill Country at the National Shooting Complex Shooting Sports Center. Coach in San Antonio, Texas.

Thomas was a member of the For more information about World Champion USA Helice Schreiner University’s Shooting Team that won the world chamSports Society, contact Cindy pionship in June of 1994. In Becker at CABecker@schreiner. the fall of 2015 the team will edu or visit www.schreiner.edu. welcome five new shooters, one

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Top Photo (left to right): Dustin English, Brendon Graff, Gregory Partridge, Javier Garza, Remington McBee, Devan Bauer, Drucilla Meier, Mason Wilks, Miranda Wilder, Neal Hodges Bottom Photo (left to right): Gregory Partridge, Dustin English, Remington McBee, Drucilla Meier, Neal Hodges, Devan Bauer, Brendon Graff, Mason Wilks

Wild game Dinner | 2015

TECHNOLOGY YOU EXPECT FROM A BIG BANK. SERVICE YOU DON’T. We’re here with online banking, mobile banking, 1,100+ ATMs and a banker that answers the phone when you call.

frostbank.com Boerne Financial Center 1300 South Main Street Boerne, Texas 78006 (830) 249-6633

“

Where in the Hill Country can one get the best Bison Slider?

At the Boerne Wild Game Dinner of course! The Boerne Burgermeister team has developed a culinary rhythm when it comes to preparing the sautéed onions and jalapenos, grilling the bison, toasting the buns, and dressing the sliders with our famous top secret sauce. Teamwork is the main ingredient and we are excited to join all of the other cook teams again this year!

”

Boerne Mayor Mike Schultz MEMBER FDIC

4th Annual Turkey Trot BOERNE FAMILY YMCA

NOVEMBER 21, 2015 RACE STARTS AT 8AM AT BOERNE CITY PLAza

100 North Main Street – Boerne, Texas 78006

5k & 10k • Fun Trail Walk

• Free Youth Race

First 600 participants guaranteed long-sleeve tech shirt!

WheelersFeed.com  (830)249-2656 32450 IH 10 W, Exit 543  Boerne, TX 78006 www.boerne.org

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featured business

Purveyors of High-Quality Quail & Wild Game Meat

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by Joe Lilli

Who can ever forget last year’s joy of feasting on those plump, juicy, succulent quail breasts served at the Wild Game Dinner?

Stuffed with jalapeños, wrapped in bacon, and marinated in Wayne Zoeller’s secret marinade, wild game enthusiasts devoured all 4,000 quail breasts his culinary team prepared. And that was just after one hour of serving!

Come this November 7, Zoeller and his cadre of cooks plan to prepare upwards of 800 quail for the Dinner – each basted in Zoeller’s secret marinade – but served in quarters.

They’re also planning to cook 2,500 jalapeño hams stuffed with quail breasts and apple wood smoked bacon.

Chris Hughes, owner of the Diamond H Quail Ranch in Bandera, provides the quail as he has done the past several years. The Diamond H raises roughly 11,000 Coturnix quail a week or more than half a million of the domesticated birds annually.

Harvested, Packaged On One Site Unlike most quail operations which breed the quail at one site but process them elsewhere, the Diamond H maintains a hatchery for breeding, the grow-off facilities, and the processing facility all on site.

“This allows us to maintain quality throughout the entire process – from start to finish. It also reduces the stress on the birds because we don’t have to load them up and transport them from location to location, especially just prior to slaughter,” Hughes says.

“That’s one of the keys to preserving the quality of the meat. The meat always tastes better if you don’t stress a bird at the time of slaughter.”

Hughes says few game birds are as versatile, simple to cook, and easy to enjoy as quail. His plump, juicy birds can be grilled, broiled, or sautéed.

The medium-dark flesh has a mild gamey flavor, but tastes mouth-watering delicious marinated, stuffed, or highly seasoned.

The ranch also raises 70,000 bobwhite quail annually. They are sold from September through March to ranches throughout the state either for hunting or repopulating.

For people who prefer to either hatch or raise their own bobwhite, the

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Wild game Dinner | 2015

ranch sells both bobwhite eggs and chicks.

NPIP Compliant All Diamond H quail are compliant with the National Poultry Inspection Program (NPIP). This means they are tested regularly by government officials to ensure the flock is healthy and free of disease.

Hughes never uses antibiotics or medication on his quail. And while they are technically not free-range because they don’t have access to the outdoors, they’re raised in open-sided barns with large windows for fresh air and sunlight.

“Although we can’t call our birds freerange, when I’ve done the calculations, they’ve got about five times the space compared to free-range chickens. So they’ve got lots of room to wander around,” Hughes declares.

Besides supplying quail to the Wild Game Dinner, Hughes sells his domestic birds to about 1,000 restaurants across the country and to individuals who can purchase the quail either online or through the Broken Arrow Ranch at Ingram, Texas.

Broken Arrow is another wild game operation owned and operated by Hughes and his family. It specializes in deer, antelope, wild boar and dorper lamb.

Hughes purchased the Diamond H in 2010 after seeing it as a complimentary fit to Broken Arrow’s portfolio. In fact, both ranches shared many of the same customers.

“Its previous owner had operated the quail ranch for about 15 years before deciding to call it quits. I tried to work out a deal with him, but nothing ever materialized.

“When he retired, he simply closed the business, opened all the pens and released all the birds. After hearing it was vacant, I finally bought it from him two years later.”

Broken Arrow Ranch The Broken Arrow Ranch, started by Hughes’ father, Mike, in 1983, is unique among wild game operations. It uses a mobile field harvesting method for humane field harvesting of wild deer and antelope.

“What we do is work with more than 100 different ranches in Central

and South Texas that have an overpopulation of exotic deer and antelope. We take a shooter, a skinner, a government meat inspector, and a mobile processing unit out to the ranch,” Hughes explains.

They quietly search the ranch with the rancher looking for deer and antelope. Animals are harvested in the field from long-range, usually 50 to 200 yards, using a sound-suppressed rifle.

“The whole purpose of this is to eliminate stress on the animal at the time of harvest. If they sensed a threat, their adrenaline increases creating a rapid increase in lactic acid within their muscles. This acidic condition lowers the meat’s quality.

“Of course, because these are wild animals, my trying to trap them and transport them live to a slaughter house would also stress them and ruin the quality of the meat,” Hughes adds.

Electro-Stimulation Once an animal is shot, they stick it with a knife to bleed it. They also electro-stimulate it by running a low voltage current through the animal.

“This contracts the muscles, pushing all the blood out of the muscle. The iron in the blood is what gives it a gamey flavor. Our process helps remove much of the gamey flavor, makes it a nice, clean tasting meat, and also helps tenderize the meat,” Hughes adds.

Once the animal is electro-stimulated, it’s taken to the mobile processing facility, a meat plant on wheels developed by the Hughes family and approved by the Texas Department of Health. There it is skinned, eviscerated, and weighed. The weight determines the rancher’s fee.

Back at Broken Arrow, the meat goes through a double aging process.

After three to five days of aging, the meat is cut into sections, vacuum packaged, and aged again for up to 28 days before it is boned out and packaged into steak cuts. From the ranch, the meat is shipped out to individuals and fine restaurants across the country.

Healthy, Nutritious Meat Hughes notes that their venison and antelope meat averages one-third the calories of beef, one-eighth the fat content of beef, and is lower in cholesterol than a skinless chicken breast.

“There is no safer, more nutritious meat,” he says.

Broken Arrow also harvests wild boar. Because of USDA regulations, wild boars are not killed in the field. They are trapped on ranches where there is an overpopulation, then transported live to a slaughter house.

For lamb lovers, a co-op of ranchers in North Texas raises dorper lambs for Broken Arrow. Dorper lambs are a South African breed of domestic meat sheep.

Broken Arrow’s product line includes venison from three different species of deer (axis, sika, and fallow), two species of antelope (blackbuck and nilgai or South Texas antelope), wild boar, and dorper lamb.

The ranch typically harvests about 1,000 deer, 800 antelope, 2,500 wild boar, and 800 dorper lambs annually. In 2014, the ranch sold roughly 200,000 pounds of meat.

Anyone interested in buying wild game meat from Broken Arrow can call 830-367-5875 or go to www.BrokenArrowRanch.com. Broken Arrow also offers a wide variety of wild game products for home preparation, including venison and wild game recipes and cooking tips, plus a toll-free “Help Line” for customers.

GOOD IS never

having to hunt for a good bank.

What is good? Good is hometown bankers who blend in perfectly with the Boerne community. It’s supporting the annual Wild Game Dinner and enjoying the traditions of the great community of Boerne.

Boerne Banking Center | 1012 S. Main St. | 830.249.2547 | 800.531.7650 39 Neighborhood Locations | broadwaybank.com | Member FDIC | mmm

www.boerne.org

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scholarship winner

Emery Dorman

Pursuing a Lifelong Love of the Theatre

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For Wild Game Dinner scholarship recipient, Emery Dorman, all the world’s a stage. “I adore the exhilaration that acting gives me; it is purely a natural high, and it gives me an unspeakable joy every time I perform,” said Dorman.

Emery recalls that from a very young age she showed signs of an aspiring actress. “At the age of three I would spend days watching Disney’s Bambi and The Fox and the Hound, reciting scenes of dialogue and forcing my dad to role-play certain scenes with me for hours on end.” Dorman added, “I guess you could say I found my passion at a very young age. Theatre has stuck with me for as long as I can remember; it’s not only my passion but a major part of my life.”

For Dorman, the stage is one of the few places where she can whisk away her bad days, her fears and her insecurities in an instant. “When I am portraying a character, I don’t have to worry about what others are thinking about me, simply because I am not me. I am someone else; I get to create their back-story, their facial expressions, their feeling and relationships. There is nothing more freeing to me than delving into the background of my character.

To me, actors are artists. Our experiences, emotions, and personalities serve as our mediums, and that is what makes theatre so special. We must be willing to leave ourselves and our stories out on the stage, completely vulnerable to an audience of strangers,” said Emery.

Emery sees acting as not just a hobby, but as her career path. She will be attending the University of Incarnate Word pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in theatre. Willing to give 110% to any theatrical endeavor she comes across, Dorman would like to achieve her goal of acting professionally one day and later directing at a school or possibly her own theater. She is extremely grateful to have been a recipient of the Wild Game Dinner scholarship, something that she says will help her to pursue her lifelong passion for the theatre arts.

Dorman attended Boerne High School where she was a member in Boerne High School’s Thespian Society Troupe #3724, holding the Parliamentarian position for the troupe during her Senior year. She was recognized as a National Honor Thespian and a VP List Scholar Thespian. Emery was also awarded Boerne High School Theatre’s 2014-2015 Best Thespian Award. She is a member with AMTC, Actors, Models, and Talent for Christ Organization as well.

While most of her spare time is spent in rehearsal, Dorman also volunteers at Hill Country Family Services Thrift Shop and for the St. Vincent de Paul Society. She was the editor of Boerne High School’s yearbook, entitled The Greyhound, for two consecutive years as well. Her parents are Jim and Jennifer Dorman, and she has one younger sister name Leighton that will be an incoming freshman at Boerne High School this year.

Dorman finished by saying, “It doesn’t matter to me if I am a huge success story or just a local playhouse actress; as long as I am onstage giving it my all, I will be content. Theatre is what pushes me to new heights, both professionally and personally. Acting has never ceased to inspire me to be better, to be determined and to persevere. I want the rest of my life to be abundant in happiness, and I have not one doubt that theatre arts will continue to provide me with the purest bliss for years to come.”

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Wild game Dinner | 2015

www.boerne.org

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2015 S-Class Coupe

2015 GLA SUV

Where Luxury Service is Redefined

31455 Interstate 10 Frontage Rd. Boerne, TX 78006 (830) 981-6000

www.MBBoerne.com 28

Wild game Dinner | 2015

2015 CLA Sedan

Live auction item

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Argentina dove shooting is truly the best of the best. Cordoba, Argentina is the dove capital of the world, with dove estimates as high as 50 million in the providence of Cordoba alone. The shooting is endless and the experience of a professionally run operation is second to no other wing shooting destination.

This four person adventure will be available at this year’s Wild Game Dinner live auction and includes a three day dove hunting trip to the finest dove hunting area in the world, along with all meals and lodging in one of three five star lodges.

In addition to unrivaled dove hunting in this wing shooter’s paradise, guests will stay in one of three private Estancias: La Vertientas, El Palomar, or Del Pilar. Las Vertientas is located about one and a half hours north of the Cordoba Airport near the city of Jesus Maria. El Palomar is located a little further north right in the middle of the largest dove roost in Cordoba and Del Pilar is situated between the two. The service guests receive at these Estancias is one major component that separates Sporting Adventures, LLC from other outfitters. Your every need and want are accommodated.

From the white-glove service to the gourmet meals, nothing is left to chance, and every detail is taken into consideration. All three of these authentic Estancias are decorated with old Argentina antiquities with a sense of style and flair.

The purchaser of this trip will be met at the Cordoba airport and enjoy a VIP reception complete with drinks and baggage handlers to assist you after

your long trip. You will then be escorted in a private van to the hunting lodges. The trip will include English-speaking guides, all ground transportation to and from the hunting areas, bird boys, gun cleaning and laundry service.

Sporting Adventures can make all travel arrangements for you.

From your airline tickets, to additional days of touring in Argentina, they have the people in place to take care of all of this. Their ticket broker in Miami can get very competitive rates for all the flights in and out of Argentina and they suggest checking with him before you book your flights.

Your hosts will see to your every need and make sure your trip is everything it should be.

From the time you step off the airplane until you step back on the plane to go home, you will be cared for. The Sporting Adventures team knows what it takes to make your trip a success. www.boerne.org

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featured artist

Bill Scheidt

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Bill Scheidt grew up on a ranch in the Texas Hill Country. Influenced and inspired by those early days as a true cowboy, an avid hunter with a love for the great outdoors, and one of Texas' top rated farriers, Bill just "always seemed able to draw". Working primarily now with oils, Bill's subject matter represents the wildlife of North America, the idealized life of early Native Americans and the range life of the American cowboy.

"Most of my inspiration comes from personal hunting, work and travel experiences throughout the western United States", he says.

Painting was a parttime passion for Bill while he was actively engaged as a farrier, but when back injuries slowed that line of work he began putting more emphasis on his art and he became a full time easel artist in 1996. Bill particularly enjoys portraying wildlife in their natural surroundings without human intervention. He deftly uses the relationship between light and color to stimulate an interest and then hold the concentration of the viewer while his attention

by Ed Hall

to detail invites the viewer to become a part of the event. Bill explains, "I feel privileged to be an instrument of our Creator; to execute paintings of His creations that bring insight and enjoyment". Bill also generously shares his art by donating paintings to worthy causes such as the Cibolo Nature Center, Running Strong for American Indian Youth and the Boerne Chamber of Commerce's Wild Game Dinner.

Bill Scheidt has studied with many fine instructors including members of the Cowboy Artists of America and Boerne's own Jay Hester.

He is a member of the Oil Painters of America, the American Plains Artists, and the Texas Wild Bunch-Professional Artists.

Bill has won numerous awards at art shows across the country, including best oil painting and people's choice. His favorite competitive venue is the annual Wyoming Conservation Stamp Art Competition where he has placed in the top five on two occasions in recent years.

Two of his paintings were accepted for the prestigious American Plains Artists' 30th Annual

pictured (top group, clockwise): Crowning Light; Trick Roper ; Proud Symbol bottom images (left to right): Winging It; Standing Bear

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Wild game Dinner | 2015

ar tist Bill Scheidt

Juried Exhibit & Sale (Aug 7 - Oct 24) at the Great Plains Art Museum in Lincoln, Nebraska, and Bill is frequently included among the country's most famous western artists at exhibits in Kerrville's Museum of Western Art. Bill's work is owned by private and corporate collectors throughout North America and is available at the J.R. Mooney Galleries in San Antonio and Boerne, the Prellop Fine Art Gallery in Salado, the Yellow Rose Gallery in Rockport and the Woodstone Gallery in Kerrville. It can also be seen at his studio and on his website www. billscheidt.com. Anyone interested in taking classes from Bill should contact him via e-mail at bscheidt@gvtc.com. Bill is also an officer and very active member of Boerne Professional Artists.

The Wild Game Dinner Showcases the Works of Wildlife Artists

We are happy to again showcase members of Boerne Professional Artists to visitors of the Wild Game Dinner. In addition to the diverse artistry of featured artist, Bill Scheidt, the art show will include the paintings of local artist, Harold Teel and Killeen artist, Joe Friddle, plus the photographic works of Fredericksburg wildlife artist Jim Heupel and Boerne photo-artist Ed Hall.

Friddle | Joe Friddle was raised in Alabama, transplanted in Texas over 45 years ago, and currently lives in Killeen. He is a founding member of the historic "Texas Wild Bunch" of professional artists. Joe is diverse in painting traditional Texas wildlife and landscapes as well as a whimsical and colorful depiction of wildlife. His framed 15x17 watercolor entitled "Wooly Bully" will be available for $325.

Hall | Ed Hall is a native Texan who moved to Boerne some ten years ago. An avid photographer, his love of the west and its history have led him to document the territory and its natural inhabitants. His "Cinco Peso" depicts the 'tools of the trade' of early Texas Rangers. The framed, 16x20 limited edition Giclee print will be available for $575.

Heupel | After nearly 27 years in the military, Jim Heupel now makes his home in Fredericksburg and pursues a career as a free-lance nature and wildlife photographer, traveling the world to make images that speak to him. His image "Charge" captures an Alaskan Grizzly Bear charging through the water. The framed print size is 16 x 20, and will be available for $425.

Teel | Harold Teel is a native Texan and currently resides in Bulverde. His portfolio demonstrates a breadth of interests and watercolor techniques as well as palette knife oil painting. Large performance type painting on a rotating easel has been included in his 2015 artwork presentation.

Harold's “Intense�, a 24x36 watercolor on canvas depicting a white leopard actively hunting its prey will be available for $850.

Mine Planning Groundwater Reserves Analyses Geologic Assessments

www.boerne.org 744397_Westward.indd 1

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4/20/15 11:13 PM

The Rivers Team

Ranch & Residential Real Estate Experts The Rivers Team consists of husband and wife duo, Judith and Dwaine Rivers.

Dwaine is a 4th generation rancher and has 30 years of extensive knowledge in land development, housing construction and an understanding of the requirements associated with running a successful ranch. Judith Rivers comes to real estate with over 25 years of residential homebuilding experience and leadership in the mortgage industry.

As long-term Hill Country residents, Judith and Dwaine have a deep understanding of the local community. They are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and a positive, memorable real estate experience for their clients.

The Rivers Team REALTORS® 210 E. BLANCO RD. BOERNE, TEXAS 78006 JUDITH CELL (210) 393-3231 DWAINE CELL (210) 889-3652 theriversteam@phyllisbrowning.com

W W W. P H Y L L I S B R OW N I N G L A N DA N D R A N C H .CO M

Set Your Sights on Superior Service The Terrell Team Your Local Lending Team

Where personal service is still in style.

Purchase • Build • Refinance

Donna Terrell

Senior Loan Officer

BOERNE 32

Wild game Dinner | 2015

NMLS#219044

(830) 816-5399 Office 116 W. Blanco Rd., Ste. 100 Boerne, TX 78006 DTerrell@legacymutual.com

www.theterrellteam.com

NMLS#278675

Much like the inspiration behind their name, the Kodiak Bears off the south coast of Alaska, Kodi Coolers are strong, big and tough!

KODITM TOUGH-DURABILITY

• Tough, whitewater kayak grade, seamless Roto-Molded plastic construction for maximum strength and durability.

• Tethered, extra large drain plug allows quick draining and clean-up.

KODITM COLD-ICE RETENTION

• Thicker cooler walls packed with cold-locking insulation, for increased ice retention capability - The cooler body and lid are packed with more than 2” of dense foam insulation, to fend off our extreme Texas heat!

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LiftEase VACUUM RELEASE VALVE TM

• Eliminate the struggle to open your cooler. Just push the button to release the air vacuum, and lift the lid!

Kodi Coolers are made with whitewater kayak grade, seamless Roto-molded plastic construction and thicker walls packed with cold-locking insulation.

Whether you are looking to fill the box with Redfish at the coast or a trophy Whitetail in South Texas the Kodi will soon become your go to cooler for all your extreme outdoor adventures!

38 qt Kodi Cooler, $247 (more than $100 less than Yeti)

125 qt Kodi Cooler, $397 (more than $150 less than Yeti)

Available only at H-E-B! ©2014 HEB, 14-3913

live auction item

An Adventurer’s Paradise

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Costa Rica is a premier vacation and big game destination for serious fishermen. Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin, Black Marlin, Pacific Sailfish, Dorado, Yellowfin, Wahoo, Roosterfish and more thrive in the calm and clear waters off Costa Rica all year long. The Sporting Adventures, LLC fleet of sport fishing boats are manned by proven tournament winning crews who know where and how to catch fish. While most of the sport fishing clients desire offshore trolling in Costa Rica, Sporting Adventures also offers half-day inshore sport fishing excursions for Roosterfish, Snapper, Wahoo and Costa Rica’s world record Pacific Snook.

In addition to fishing, there are plenty of other adrenaline packed adventures to experience while in Costa Rica. “El Encanto” waterfall zip line canopy tour is a very special mix of raw waterfall canyons, rain forest, river valley and spectacular mountain and ocean views. With over 1800 meters and eight platforms, El Encanto flies its guests through canyons, over rivers and across valleys with the final cable distance of over 2,000 feet long. This final cable arrives at the Jungle Hut cafe where you will be cheered on and welcomed by your friends and other

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Wild game Dinner | 2015

guests within the park.

The ATV tours offer riders a safe and exciting way to access some of the area’s most impressive landscapes; you will cover almost six kilometers of terrain going through the valley to the end at a private waterfall.

One of the best ways to view Costa Rica’s tropical rainforests is on horseback. Experience a gentle and beautiful tour on well cared for Costa Rican Stepping Horses trained to carry visitors gently through the private river valley along the foothills of the mountains and across rivers, reaching the hillsides that allow for spectacular views of this private reserve.

For a bit more of a challenge, guest can rappel down Sporting Adventure’s El Encanto waterfall. Their guides will hike you back to the private waterfall at the north end of their property. You will have a chance to view the 180-foot fall from the bottom looking up to the top. Next, you will take a short 10-minute hike up the mountain in order to rappel down the face of this waterfall. The rushing water, the natural experience and the adrenaline release will make your senses explode.

Want to awaken your inner surfer?

Surfing lessons are also available. Learn

everything from the basics of surfing to safety and surfboard management to catching waves and standing up.

All of this adventure is sure to tucker you out, but you’ll no doubt be happy to return to your luxury villa.

Sporting Adventures offers villas ranging from beach front properties to very private and secluded jungle villas, all of which have easy access to Playa Hermosa and Playa Herradura beaches. At this time they have 2 villas located in the gated community of Hermosa Palms, one Jungle villa located just outside of Jaco, and one Mountain villa located between Jaco and Esterillos.

They are all very unique and have four to six bedrooms and four to five bathrooms. Sporting Adventures wants to make your stay the best it can be. They are happy to supply you with a list of restaurants, shopping options, and nightlife venues for you to explore while visiting Costa Rica.

This trip, available at this year’s Wild Game Dinner Live Auction, is for six days and six nights and is great for up to four couples or a large family. Excursions and airfare are not included n the cost of the trip, however Sporting Adventures, LLC will be happy to assist you in making arrangements to provide you with an exceptional vacation.

Don’t miss the chance to experience fantastic fishing and amazing adventures among the lush vegetation and warm Pacific waters of Costa Rica.

Check out SportingAdv.com for more information!

We Know Texas Ranches.

Buying or selling acreage in Texas? Call us today.

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Official Host Hotel J Official Host Hotel J Official Host Hotel

Fairfield Inn & Suites

by Marriott

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of the Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce

Wild Game Dinner!

Ask About Our Special Rates for Wild Game Dinner Attendees!

6 Cascade Caverns Rd

Enjoy Our Texas Hill Country Hospitality

Official Host Hotel

830.368.4167

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scholarship winner

Hayley Butler

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Promoting Agricultural Awareness through the Study of Veterinary Medicine

“I have always been told to choose a career that you love, because if you do then it’s not considered working,” said Wild Game Dinner scholarship recipient Haley Butler. “I truly enjoy animals and cannot think of anything better than maintaining their health.”

For Butler, agriculture has always been a huge part of her life and will be in her future. Since she was about five years old she has been around livestock and has always been interested in the way these animals behave and respond to injury. “It is only natural to study a field that you know well and are interested in, but what I like about agriculture is that it is ever-changing and each day is different, always leaving you wondering what’s in store next,” said Hayley. “This is especially true for Animal Science, Pre-Veterinary Science because you can see various species and breeds of animals in one day with an infinite number of health issues.”

Hayley first knew she wanted to study Animal Science, with the intent of applying to Veterinary School when her border collie, Jazz, injured her leg. “Jazz was our track dog and kept the goats lean for stock shows. One day we accidentally forgot to move a stray piece of fence and she cut her leg all the way down to the bone. I got the opportunity to watch her being treated at the veterinary clinic and was responsible for nursing her back to health. I was so interested in this experience and wanted to know everything about her injury,” Butler stated.

Hayley is now doing everything she can to reach her career goal. She is taking a class taught by Dr. Faries, the professor in the Department of Large Animal Medicine at Texas A&M University, Veterinary Medical Application, which will actually certify her to be a Veterinary Assistant. “After completing the course, I plan on trying to shadow multiple veterinary clinics to better understand what goes on and learn basic procedures,” she added.

Butler lives in Comfort, Texas with her parents Timothy and Sandra Butler. She has one older sister, Ciara Butler and attended Comfort High School. While in high school, Hayley participated on the Varsity volleyball and golf teams where she qualified for state twice in golf and as a team they placed 2nd in State in 2015.

Hayley was also part of the Comfort FFA and served as 1st Vice President for both her junior and senior years. She was a member of the Student Council from 2012-2015 and a Senior Class Officer Secretary. Throughout the school year she spent much time on sports and extracurricular activities, but also devoted time to working with her livestock projects for the stock show season. “I have showed a variety of animals from goats to sheep and pigs. My senior year I showed only hogs,” she said.

“Agriculture has done so much for me throughout the years and has shaped me into who I am today. I am truly grateful and the only way I can think of giving back is by majoring in an agricultural field and getting a job that contributes to promoting agriculture. I think that a degree in Veterinary Medicine will help me to do just that. I will be able to help farmers and ranchers maintain their livestock, as well as help others with their animal health needs. The Wild Game Dinner scholarship

that I received will assist me in reaching that goal and I am very thankful for that.”

Butler is excited to start the next chapter of her life at Texas A&M University, taking classes based on her two favorite subjects: agriculture and science. Hayley stated, “I know that these next four years, plus the four in the School of Veterinary Medicine will prepare me to one day be a veterinarian. I will then be able to help people in 4-H, FFA, farmers or ranchers, and anyone else with their animal health needs.”

Hayley finished by saying, “I want people who were not as fortunate as I was to grow up around agriculture to understand its importance. Taking this path with my future will allow me to help educate others just how important agriculture is to our society.”

www.boerne.org

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featured business

bar b q meat market deer processing boerne

Established 1950

texas

What's Smoking at Klein Smokehaus?

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Smoke rises from a smoke stack on the North end of Main Street in Boerne. Do you ever wonder what’s smoking in there? It could be one of many savory smoked meats the folks at Klein Smokehaus offer up daily. Most known for their BBQ, brisket slow-smoked on the pit for 16 hours, moist and peppery smoked turkey breast, ribs, smoked sausage, and pulled pork with a kick, they also make some of the best smoked meats around.

All smoked over Texas Hill Country Oak! The modern method of smoking meat evolved from its roots as a process for preservation. Long before refrigerators and chemical preservatives, smoke was used to extend the life of foods, particularly meat. Over the years, smoking and curing meats has evolved into an art, creating some very unique products and flavors to

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be enjoyed by all.

While the signs on the building are new, the recipes are not. Many of the items made at Klein Smokehaus come from long-time family recipes. They are most proud of their German Style Dried Sausage, available in beef or venison blends. This sausage is cold smoked and air dried like they’ve done it for decades in the Hill Country and centuries before abroad. The flavor of the live oak smoke will remind you of campfires and fall – absolutely delicious!

Bacon is a very popular item for customers in the meat market, and is featured in a few local establishments too. The local chefs have said bacon isn't just for breakfast anymore! Bacon is now served as an entree, enjoyed at times using a knife and fork. Mr. Klein has been mastering the art of

bacon making for over twenty years and takes great pride in providing the best bacon around. Pork bellies are cured and smoked on the pit to get that extra smoky flavor. The bacon is then hand sliced and ready to sell.

Meat snacks have become increasingly popular as a high protein snack option.

Klein Smokehaus is one of the best at incorporating great taste, quality, and

convenience into their smoked meats. Farm Raised & Grassfed Venison snack sticks, beef jerky, smoked pork tenderloins and jalapeno cheese salami are just a few products offered that are ready to eat. The combination of hardwood smoke, different meats, spices and curing methods delivers a wide variety of flavors and eating experiences.

Smoked meats have evolved from the traditional curing methods used long ago, but those that have mastered the art of smoke while incorporating today’s technologies continue to innovate and bring customers new high quality products. So when the smoke is rising, Klein Smokehaus is preparing Boerne’s “Best of the Best” BBQ, putting on bacon and hams for the holidays, or cooking up smoked & peppered deer backstrap for a wild game order, you can bet it’s gonna be good!

Kent Creek Ranch

Nestled in the Heart of the Texas Hill Country

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Located in Real County, Texas.

Kent Creek Ranch offers you a wide range of high Texas hills and deep canyons. You’ll find steep limestone cliffs and flowing springs that all come together to provide you with a hunting experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

• Whitetail • Axis • Blackbuck • Japanese Sika • Manchurian Sika • Fallow Deer

• Aoudad • Addax • Mouflan Ram • Mixed Corsican Ram • Rio Grande Turkey

KentCreekRanch.com | (830) 232-4927 www.boerne.org

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featured business

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Your One Stop Shop for All Things Firearms

When you’re in the market for firearms and accessories, it’s important that the dealer be not only friendly and courteous, but very knowledgeable about their products and services. At Bear Arms that is exactly what you get. “We want to be your neighborhood gun shop, the place you can come to and ask questions and feel comfortable. That’s not always possible at the larger stores. Sometimes their employees aren’t familiar with the products they are selling or customers might feel intimidated, whatever the case may be, the level of comfort isn’t always there. It’s not that way at Bear Arms,” said Don White, owner of Bear Arms in Boerne, Texas.

Owned by Law Enforcement Officer, Constable Don White, Bear Arms offers new and used firearms, ammunition and accessories, as well as a host of other services such as gunsmithing, firearm modification, concealed handgun training and custom weapons. They recently moved to an expanded location that is allowing for an even bigger and better operation. “The new location is 2,000 square feet and we are expanding further to add on an additional 1,000 square feet of retail space,” said Don. “With the new, larger space we are now able to have a machine shop and three full time gunsmiths, allowing us to provide even more services to our customers.” According to White, “The additional 1,000 square feet of retail space is primarily for the addition of a fine gun room that we will be opening upon completion this fall.”

At Bear Arms they buy, sell, trade and even build

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guns from scratch. “With my background in Law Enforcement, we seem to specialize in the tactical side of firearms, the shotguns, AR15’s and handguns for concealed carry and self defense. However, we offer firearms of all types. It’s of course seasonal, in the summer I sell more tactical weapons and in the fall and winter months it’s all about dove and deer season.” White added, “You just never know what you will find on our shelves. There’s always something different every time you come in. People bring in their gun collections to sell all the time; we’ve had some really interesting firearms in our store.”

Don has really found a niche in building custom AR15’s.

“When selling factory AR15’s I began to notice that my customers were wanting many modifications to the guns that were ending up costing them a lot of money.

I found that it was better to just start from scratch, building custom weapons out of components that had proven to work well together. In the end, a custom AR15 allows for my customers to receive a much better gun for a much better price,” said Don. Bear Arms was asked

by Blaser, a German manufacturer of fine hunting and sporting rifles, shotguns and accessories headquartered in

San Antonio, Texas, to carry their rifle and shotgun line. According to Don, “Aside from one other dealer in San Antonio, Bear Arms is the only dealer in this area to offer the Blaser, Sauer and Mauser brands. This is something we are very excited to be able to offer our customers.”

Concealed Handgun License (CHL) Training is another large part of Bear Arms’ business. “We offer one CHL course per month and have provided over 5,000 students with concealed handgun training, with an emphasis in firearm safety and legal issues,” said Don. Bear Arms also offers an array of professional services including auction services, consignment sales, firearm transfers, professional firearm appraisal for individual firearms or collections of all sizes, private shooting instruction and even firearm selection, transfer services and support for several local non-profit fundraisers. In fact, they have supplied the firearms for the Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce Wild Game Dinner, as well as the transfer services, since the event began in 2011. “This year’s selection for the Wild Game Dinner is really impressive. Every year we step it up, providing more and better guns for the live and silent auctions,” White said. “Just to list a couple, this year’s auction will include another Blaser and the Original Henry .44-40, which is the first repeating rifle. It is an exact replica of the original one made in 1860. They used to say ‘Load it on Sunday and shoot it all week.’”

In addition to their location at 110 Industrial Drive in Boerne, Bear Arms has an impressive selection of firearms and accessories available online.

www.BearArmsTexas.com (830) 249-8519

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aradise is closer than you think. A wide variety of hunting and outdoor sporting activities combined with luxury lodging, gourmet dining and premier meeting & event facilities make Joshua Creek Ranch a preferred hunting lodge and resort destination for both business and pleasure. Beginning in early fall, guests can enjoy many world-class hunting, shooting and fishing scenarios including‌ a White-Winged Dove Hunting a Upland Bird Hunting for Quail, Pheasant and Chukar a European-Style Driven Pheasant Shoots a Decoyed Mallard Duck Hunting a Fly-Fishing for Rainbow Trout a Whitetail Deer Hunting a Trophy Axis Deer Hunting a Rio Grande Turkey Hunting a Sporting Clays On Scenic 15 Station Automatic Course Joshua Creek Ranch is celebrating 25 years as a superior hunting and shooting resort destination.

Recognized as a Beretta Trident Lodge for Excellence in Upland Bird Hunting and an Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Lodge, Joshua Creek Ranch truly represents the BEST of the best.

www.joshuacreek.com a (830) 537-5090 a info@joshuacreek.com Like, Follow and Connect With Us Boerne, TX

www.boerne.org

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scholarship winner

Sterling Shrum

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A Passion for Agriculture

Wild Game Dinner scholarship recipient Sterling Shrum is proof that you don’t have to be raised on a farm or come from a strong agricultural background to develop a passion for agriculture. According to Sterling, “My older sister became actively involved in raising and showing chickens when I was in fourth grade. With her as a role model, I dove into the chicken industry the following year and the rest is history.”

In the past eight years, her agricultural interests have grown significantly. “I have bloomed as a leader, learned the importance of advocating agriculture, and expanded to swine and turkey productions,” stated Shrum. “I am a young believer in the future of agriculture, and its growth. As a leader in my local FFA chapter, I have learned that being knowledgeable and strong in your interests can carry you far.”

Sterling will be attending Texas Tech University to pursue a degree in Agricultural Communications, after which she plans to attend law school. “With my law degree, I want to become a voice for the three percent of the population that feeds the other 97 percent,” she said. “Agriculture is by far the most important industry in the world. It is what our world was founded upon. Since America’s inception, we have thrived from various agricultural pursuits and I want to promote the future of it.”

Sterling has high aspirations. She hopes to become active in the United States Department of Agriculture.

From there she dreams of becoming the United States Secretary of Agriculture. Shrum stated, “Tom Vilsack, the

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current Secretary of Agriculture, has done a tremendous job leading the farming and ranching population. As a young adult I have watched him carefully and learn from everything he does.”

If Shrum’s time in politics doesn’t pan out she hopes to be a lawyer for a large farming corporation, specifically one that plays sponsor to the Texas FFA Program.

Sterling credits FFA for cultivating her love for agriculture and the reason she plans to devote her life to serving others.

Sterling is the daughter of Tami and Chuck Shrum and attended Boerne High School. “I love the family and community feel of Boerne,” Sterling said of her hometown in which she has lived her entire life. “I have volunteered at the Wild Game Dinner for the past four years and look forward to it every year. I am so excited and thankful to be a Wild Game Dinner scholarship recipient.”

Though Shrum was not brought up in a family that has strong agricultural roots, she is thankful for her upbringing. “Not having strong agricultural influences at home has pushed me to be independent and learn everything on my own. In the past four years alone I have become knowledgeably equipped in agriculture. I plan to continue my love for agriculture and public speaking by integrating the two with an Agricultural Communications degree,” she said. Sterling knows the importance of agriculture in our society. “Agriculture is the driving force of America, and I plan to be in the driver’s seat one day!”

At GVTC, it’s always hunting season.

GVTC is proud to be the Hill Country’s original service provider and creator of the growing GVTC GigaRegion®. We offer a sportsman’s 24 / 7 / 365 paradise, thanks to communication services including blazing fast Internet and crystal clear, digital HDTV. On the off-season, it’s the next best thing to being out there. Hats off to our fellow hunters and the Boerne Wild Game Dinner.

I N T E R N E T License number (B-03287)

H D T V

P H O N E

S E C U R I T Y

gvtc.com

live auction item

South African Safari Antelope for Africa Safaris Offers Once In a Lifetime Hunting Experience

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Have you dreamed of hunting in South Africa? Well stop dreaming and experience the hunting adventure of a lifetime with outfitter and professional hunter, Melville du Plessis of Antelope for Africa Safaris. Test your skills against the most cunning of animals while experiencing the rhythm of the African bush in all of its beauty and harshness. On an Antelope for Africa Safari you will experience the pace and rhythm of nature as you hunt a wide variety of animals.

This 10-day hunt for two people will be auctioned off at this year’s Wild Game Dinner and offers the perfect combination of African hunting and comfortable accommodations. Base camp is located in the scenic Waterberg Mountains in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. There you will experience relaxing lodges and meals prepared by a professional chef out of the meat you bring back from your hunts.

Outfitter Melville du Plessis of Antelope for Africa Safaris has over 28 years of experience in outfitting and professional hunting in South Africa. He is licensed by the South African Department of Nature Conservation in most of the provinces of South Africa.

Melville personally organizes all safaris, both hunting and photographic. He employs a strong, competent team of professional hunters to conduct the safaris.

He has an intimate knowledge of the fauna and flora of southern Africa. Melville is a life-member of P.H.A.S.A. (Professional Hunters' Association of South Africa).

Serving on the Executive Committee for 14 years, he was elected Vice-President at the PHASA AGM until November 2012 and in 2010 was awarded the Coenrad Vermaak Award. Melville is a member of Safari Club International, Texas Wildlife Association, and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and a Master Measurer for both Rowland Ward and SCI. He is also director of the S.A. National Professional Hunting School.

You can be sure you are in good hands with Antelope for Africa Safaris. You’ll be accompanied by a professional hunter as you stalk your prey, testing your hunting skills with Africa’s most cunning of animals.

Included in the hunt that will be auctioned off at the 2015 Wild Game Dinner: • Day Fee for 10 days x 2 hunters; • Services of a licensed professional hunter; • Pick up and drop off to the Polokwane International Airport; • All accommodations (ranch house or chalets) for the hunt; • All meals & soft drinks during the hunt; • All land travel for the purpose of the hunt using a 4X4 vehicle; • Tracker and Skinner; • Field preparation of trophies; • Daily laundry service and full kitchen staff; • One additional non-hunting day added at no cost; a quiet day for you to rest/relax on your own.

Excluded from the auction package: • Round Trip Airfare to South Africa; • Trophy fees for animals taken or wounded; • Chemical preparation, dipping, shipping, packing (all work done by taxidermist); • Alcoholic beverages; • Air charter; • Overnight accommodations near Johannesburg International (only if needed) due to flight schedule or transportation from Johannesburg airport to lodge via shuttle service on day of flight arrival with return shuttle on departure day (cost $400 per person round trip for shuttle service; • Rifle hire $75 per day if you choose not to bring your own rifle.

For more detailed information about this hunting package, please contact The Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce at (830) 249-8000.

Check out Antelope for Africa Safaris on the web at www.bwanamel.com.

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2014 live auction hunt

A Trip 30 Years in the Making

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Cyndi and Charles Laljer were enjoying watching the live auction at the 2014 Wild Game Dinner.

They had already watched several hunts go at auction, when by chance Charles (on the way back from getting a glass of wine) heard a new auction start up and the auctioneer called out for a bid—Charles saw no harm in bidding because what were the chances he would actually win.

Several minutes later he and his wife Cyndi were the proud owners of a 10 day 2 person hunt in South Africa with the outfitter Antelope for Africa Safaris. “Once the sticker shock wore off we became very excited about the opportunity. We decided it would be our 30 year anniversary celebration trip,” said Charles Laljer.

Fate had intervened and provided them with an adventure of a lifetime. Both Cyndi and Charles began researching immediately. Cyndi said one of the great things about Antelopes for Africa Safaris was that they were able to meet with Melvin, one of the owners, in person to ask questions and get directions on where to go to do more research. “He was always very honest and forthright about what to expect. This is a family owned outfitter. When you are there you share the same food, the same fire and you become part of the family.”

by Jennifer Hudson

Cyndi and Charles quickly knew that they were going to make this trip a family affair. They would bring their son Chris, nephew Matt and daughter Candace. Cyndi and Candace would soon carve out their own South African adventure. “Melvin and Robin were great in helping us create our own trip outside of the boys hunt. We knew we wanted to see as much as much of South Africa as possible”, said Cyndi. One of Cyndi’s favorite memories happened at Krueger National Park. Krueger was founded in 1898 to protect the wildlife of Africa. While at the park their guide put them in the perfect position to witness a group of hippos. “We came across a family of hippos at the park.

The mother was grazing by the bank of a river when the baby hippo went chasing after a tree branch in the river. The baby hippo grabbed the branch and threw it up in the air – it kept doing this, basically playing fetch with itself. I watched as my 23 year old daughter found such joy and humor watching this hippo play fetch. She laughed so hard. Here we are in the middle of nowhere watching my daughter laugh and have a good time watching this baby hippo. This is a memory I will never forget.”

While the ladies were off making their memories, Charles, Chris and nephew Matt were off making their own memories. Among the three of them they harvested a total of 14 species.

They would hunt and shoot a blesbok, three impalas, baboon, and wildebeest, two warthogs, kudu, waterbuck, zebra, nyala, eland and red hartebeest. All the meat is used to feed the ranchers and surrounding families. “Our PH’s (Professional Hunters), Melvin and Marco, would guide us to what needed to be hunted – what the best animals for us would be at the time”, said Charles. “We hunted a few different ways—we would hunt from the back of a vehicle, in a blind as well as spot and stalk.” One particular hunt stands out for Charles. “We would all take turns hunting –this particular hunt it was my son Chris’s turn. Marco, our PH, had us spot and stalk a herd of blesboks. Chris was right behind the PH while Matt and I were about 30 yards behind. At one point we were low crawling (commando style) when Marco takes us under branches and sets up Chris in the perfect position to shoot.” The blesbok would become Chris’s first kill ever. He had been hunting with his father, but had never shot anything. Chris and Matt were both hunting with rifles that had been passed down to them by their grandfather. Chris was hunting with a 7mm rifle and Matt was using a 30.06 rifle. “I could not tell you what I got for Christmas 3 years ago, but this hunt, this experience, is something the boys and I will talk about for the rest of our lives.

This trip was about making memories,” said Charles.

www.boerne.org

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event map

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Proudly supporting wild game dinners since 1900.

Sonora Bank and Sonora Mortgage are serving up the best financial services, all with a smile and a handshake. That’s Texas, and that’s who we are.

Knowing your name and always doing right by you is where we hang our hat.

Service. It’s where we hang our hat. www.boerne.org

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Boerne • Sonora • San Angelo • www.SonoraBank.com • www.SonoraMortgage.com

live auction item

Experience An Adventure Awaits Belize

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Have you been dreaming of a Caribbean beach getaway? Peaceful sandy beaches and exciting adventures unite in this escape to Belize being offered at this year’s Wild Game Dinner live auction.

Placencia, Belize offers a myriad of exciting adventures just a short distance from your luxury Villa. For those who enjoy fishing, there are over 200 miles of flats, nearby rivers, lagoons, freshwater lakes and the largest reef in the western hemisphere that provide great fishing spots and the perfect locations to land your prize winning tarpon, grouper, barracuda, triggerfish, bonefish, and permit. Sporting Adventures’ award winning guides will ensure that you enjoy the best light tackle, spinning or fly fishing available in Belize.

Also, if you would like, they can arrange for a deep sea fishing trip beyond the reef. So whether you like to fish on the flats or the reef, in rivers or lagoons they are ready to cater to all your fishing needs.

How about snorkeling and diving? The Sporting Adventures’ Belize diving resort, located on the Placencia Peninsula, is the springboard to some of the most exciting diving in the world. The reason for this is that, as the edge of the Barrier Reef comes south along the coast of Belize, it separates itself further and further from the mainland. The result is a broad expanse of coral reef with channels that go down from 90 to 110 feet, but rising abruptly into shoals and cayes, providing many nearby SCUBA locations. At last official count there are a minimum of 20 named Belize diving sites in the southern waters off Placencia, bursting with untouched coral and abundant fish life.

In addition to spectacular fishing and snorkeling, a short boat ride will take you to the majestic Monkey

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River, where you and your group will have firsthand encounters with the local monkey population. An hour drive also takes you to the ancient Mayan Pyramids where you can spend a day walking around these enchanting pieces of history.

For the real adventurous, wanting to experience Belize wildlife firsthand, to the north lies the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary or Jaguar Reserve, the world’s first protected area set aside to preserve the greatest cat in the new world – the jaguar.

While you may be lucky to spot the great cat, you will also experience his habitat of a tropical rainforest. The Sporting Adventures’ guide will point out medicinal plants and herbs, animal life and habitats. You can also swim under the waterfall and go river tubing.

Last but not least, why not experience a private island lunch trip on Ranguana Caye, a two-acre Belize private island maintained and managed by Robert’s Grove Beach Resort.

The person lucky enough to be the winning bidder at this year’s auction will enjoy a full six days and six nights for up to four couples or a large family. The Villas are among the finest the country has to offer and a short step out the back door will take you right into the ocean.

Most of the Villas offer a private pool onsite as well as Wi-Fi and TV. There are several nice restaurants in the area that Sporting Adventures will be happy to recommend or the possibility of having an in-house chef prepare meals for you. Excursions and airfare are not included in the cost of the trip; however Sporting Adventures is happy to assist you in making arrangements to ensure you have an amazing getaway.

Don’t let this opportunity for a dream Caribbean adventure pass you by! Check out sportingadv.com for more information.

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and the Winner Is...

photo contest

Thanks to all who submitted their photos of the one that didn’t get away on Facebook! Here are the winners of this year’s photo contest:

1st pLace: Abbey caudill HILL COUNTRY TREASURED MEMORIES Taking your first deer is an awesome experience for any young hunter.

Being a dad and sharing that experience with my nine year old daughter Abbey was a memory I will always treasure. The fall of 2014 was special as we had decided this was to be Abbey’s first deer season as a hunter. We took the necessary time to practice at the range, study the shots and practice gun safety together. We hiked into the blind an hour before first light in the moonless darkness that fills these hills in the fall. What amazed me the most was the calm still presence she had when the deer first came out that cold November morning. Her patience was key as it took a good long while before the perfect shot presented itself. Then I heard her say, “I have the shot.” I clicked off the safety and heard her exhale just as the Remington 270 founds its mark. A heart shot and a perfect clean kill on this beautiful hill country Texas buck. We lost my father to cancer when I was just six months old and I never had the chance to share the outdoors with him. Somehow I think he was watching over his granddaughter on this special occasion. We paused and thanked God for the harvest and our time together sharing this wonderful hunting experience in our beloved Texas hill country.

2nd pLace: tripp payne, 6 years old 33" free range axis buck. Practiced that afternoon with a .17 HMR. This bruiser came out that evening and the only guns we had with us were a 300 Ultra Mag or the .17 HMR, which was way too small for the job. Dad had no choice, he made sure the butt was firm on Tripp’s shoulder as to not scope him and told him to shoot when ready. Tripp immediately started crying that his ribs were broken ( they weren’t). When we got to the animal and he saw what he had shot he said with tears in his eyes, and I quote “Dad that hurt real bad…..but I’m over it.” As is tradition in the Payne family, Tripp earned possession of his dad’s $5,000 gun that day about five years before Dad was ready to give it to him.

“

3rd pLace: John Mowrey My hunt on a historic farm with Wanganui Safaris on New Zealand's north island capped a fabulous two week South Pacific trip. The pictured Red Stag was taken on the afternoon of the first day of hunting. He weighed about 600 pounds and scored 480 inches.

”

As the Chamber Scholarship Chair, I can honestly say that our Scholarship program for Kendall County high school seniors would not be nearly as robust were it not for the WGD proceeds. The WGD has provided thousands of dollars in scholarships in the past 4 years.

This is a great investment in the future of Kendall County.

Kathy Estes, Frost Bank www.boerne.org

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BLAST FROM THE PAST Fun Photos from Last Year’s Event photos on this page by Libby Castle for BoerneSpotlights

We’d Love to See Your Photos from this Year’s Event, Don’t Forget to Share Them on Our Facebook Page!

Search 2015 Wild Game Dinner presented by the Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce on FB

photos on this page by Beth Coyle of Beth Coyle Photography - Commercial & Fine Art

Texas Hunting Seasons

342 N. Main St. – Boerne, TX www.kleinsmokehaus.com | (830)249-8063

YEAR ROUND CUSTOM GAME PROCESSING After hours drop off cooler available, call ahead.

Jalapeno Cheese Salami • Bacon Wrapped Chopped Steak • Dried Sausage

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