2018 Kendall County Wild Game Dinner Magazine

SPECIAL EDITION

RMH Exotics Local Trap, Capture and Release Business Promotes Wildlife Conservation and Education

Klein Smokehaus:

THE TASTE OF HILL COUNTRY TRADITION

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

Kendall County Fair Association

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN OVER A CENTURY AGO

Meet the Scholarship Recipients

and so much more!

JOIN THE FUN! Saturday, November 3rd @ the Kendall County Fair Grounds 1307 River Road – Boerne, Texas

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This event was started in 2011 with a vision of sharing great food with our friends and neighbors, all the while being able to give back to our area youth.

When we say “we do it for the kids,” know that we mean it!

We love the fact that we provide family fun and entertainment at a reasonable price so that all can enjoy it. We love the fact that we, hands down, have the best food of any of these dinners in the State of Texas!

What’s new? The Kendall County Wild Game Dinner has become a standalone 501(c)(3). This gives us the opportunity to give back to the kids in a big way! To date, we have awarded scholarships to twenty two (22) college & technical school bound students from the Boerne and Comfort school districts, including private and home schools. Our goal is to distribute 90% of the funds raised each year to our youth through scholarships, leadership programs, 4-H, FFA and agriculture related projects and capital improvements!

We are here to help!

What hasn’t changed? The fantastic food, amazing auction items, games, vendors and so on! We will have 20 plus cook teams returning this year and as we’ve always said, our cooks are the backbone of this event. They are the reason that we draw the huge crowds year after year! You can expect everything from Axis to Wild Boar and it’s probably bacon wrapped, sizzled, seared or sautéed! This group can cook!

By now you realize we throw a great party, have a ton of fun, cook some amazing food and raise a bunch of money for the kids! We hope you’ll join us on November 3rd at the Kendall County Fair Grounds located at 1307 River Road in Boerne. Gates open at 4:00 pm and we will begin serving at 5:00 pm!

Many Thanks,

Beca Short President

SPECIAL EDITION

Love This Magazine?

Don’t miss your chance to advertise in the 2019 issue

RMH Exotics Local Trap, Capture and Release Business Promotes Wildlife Conservation and Education

Klein Smokehaus:

THE TASTE OF HILL COUNTRY TRADITION

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

Kendall County Fair Association

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN OVER A CENTURE AGO

Meet the Scholarship Recipients

and so much more!

JOIN THE FUN! Saturday, November 3rd @ the Kendall County Fair Grounds 1307 River Road – Boerne, Texas

4

WILD GAME DINNER | 2018

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Contents TA B L E O F

Don’t Miss the Food & Fun of the 8th Annual Kendall County Wild Game Dinner!

saturday, November 3rd Gates open at 4pm Food Starts at 5pm Tickets $25 at the Door Kendall County Fair Grounds

1307 River Road – Boerne, Texas

Fun for the Whole Family!! presenting sponsor

08: about the WGD

Great Food. Great Time.

Great Cause.

12: profile

Klein Smokehause: The Taste of Hill Country Tradition

16: photo fun

39: scholarships Merina Jackson

40: hunting schedule 42: scholarships Dustin Smith

44: art

- Kim Felts: Translating Life Onto Canvas - 2018 Featured Artists

Crazy Cooks

19: event venue

Kendall County Fair Assoc: 48: Where It All Began Over a Century Ago

22: recipes

A Taste of the Wild

26: photo fun

Kids Corner

28: cover feature

Bella Hollis

35: presenting sponsor M5 Utilities

Jessica Spenrath

50: photo fun

Shop ‘Til You Drop

52: hunting contest 54: Guns

2018 WGD Gun List

56: RMH Exotics: Local Trap, Capture and Release Business Promotes 58: Wildlife Conservation & Education

32: scholarships

scholarships

family profile

The Rust Family

photo fun

Wildest Fans

60: just for laughs 62: nutrition

Feeding Deer in the Fall & Winter

36: live auction item

Cast and Blast Adventure

Sponsor ship Oppor tunities Still Available See Page 10 For More Info!

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WILD GAME DINNER | 2018

The Kendall County Wild Game Dinner Magazine is published by the Kendall County Wild Game Dinner, copyright 2018. Reproduction is strictly prohibited without prior consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in The Kendall County 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 Kendall County Wild Game Dinner makes no guarantee as to, and assumes no responsibility for, the correctness, sufficiency or completeness of such information and recommendations.

Joining with our friends and neighbors to

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ABOUT THE WGD

GREAT FOOD. GREAT TIME. GREAT CAUSE.

KENDALL COUNTY WILD GAME DINNER BOARD OF DIRECTORS Beca Short, President Jess Hawkins, Vice President Tammy Aldrich, Secretary Sally Cowan, Treasurer Mike Arthur Karen Daly Paul Duran Amanda Hallmark Lynn Lang Bill Stakes Krista Upham Jennifer Wyle Greg Yost Stephen Zoeller – County Extension Agent

W

When the Kendall County Wild Game Dinner was created no one knew just what a success the event would be! Now going on it’s 8th year, the event draws a crowd of over 4,000 people and has taken on a life of it’s own.

The Kendall County Wild Game Dinner was the brainchild of Beca Short, who at that time served as the chair of the Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce board. “We wanted to create something that we could build on and continue for years to come,” said Short. “We had a vision of sharing good food with our friends and neighbors all while being able to give back to our area youth.”

The event was a huge hit from the get-go and has gotten bigger and better with each year. Eventually the Chamber encouraged the co-chairs of the event, Karen Daly and Beca Short, to run the event independent of the Chamber and continue to grow it. Now, the Kendall County Wild Game Dinner has become a standalone 501(c)(3). “We are very excited about this next step for the Wild Game Dinner,” said Short. “It gives us the opportunity to give back to the youth of our area in a big way!” According to Short, in the seven years that the event has been taking place they have netted about $650,000! continued on page 10

2018 COOK TEAMS & MENU ITEMS MAROON OUT GRILLERS Bacon Wrapped Nilgai SIP N SHOOTERS Fried Alligator & Axis/Chili MIKE SAUR AUTOMOTIVE Axis Guisada HOG WILD Pulled Pork Sliders GRILL BILLIES Jalapeno Bacon Wrapped Quail Breast PITLICIOUS Quail Leg Skewers PEDROTTI'S WILD PIZZA Wild Game Pizza LAZYBCRAZY CHOWBOYS Crawfish Pasta

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WILD GAME DINNER | 2018

ROAD KILL GRILLERS Venison Fajitas ALAMO MEAT MARKET Jalapeno Cheese Venison Sausage KLEIN SMOKEHAUS Wild Boar Sausage & Wild Board Queso COME & GET IT CHUCKWAGON Wild Hog Tacos UP IN SMOKE Venison Sliders RAJUN CAJUN Jambalaya HOHMANN WELDING & SUPPLY Beef Brisket and Beans LONE STAR ROASTERS Roasted Corn

BASS KNUCKLES Fried Fish JAVELINA HARLEY-DAVIDSON Hawg Wings CEDAR CREEK BBQ Bison Sliders DEDICATED LANDSCAPING Smoked Turkey CMS COOKERS Wild Boar Racks KELANI YOGURT Yogur t RIVERSIDE CATERING Homemade Fruit Cobbler

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“We will continue to award scholarships through the event, and are looking to give a minimum of four, $2500 scholarships in 2018. However, now we will also be able to assist other youth organizations as well. One of our main benefactors will be the Kendall County Junior Livestock Association, however there are lots of additional groups that will be able to benefit and we encourage them to apply,” added Short. “Just as an example, kids can apply for assistance to attend 4-H or FFA Leadership Camps, we can help out the local school agriculture or 4-H programs if they are in need, we really just want to give all the proceeds back to our

area youth! When we say ‘we do it for the kids,’ we mean it!”

Nonprofits asking for funding should support education, agriculture, wildlife and youth. They will be required to submit a portfolio of their organization for promotional use and an application outlining their mission and how the monies awarded will be used.

The Kendall County Wild Game Dinner is run by a team of volunteers. Everyone from the co-chairs of the event to the cook teams, and all the countless volunteers in between donate their time and efforts because they love this event! “We love the fact that we provide family fun and entertainment at a reasonable price so that all can enjoy it.

We love the fact that we, hands down, have the best food of any of these dinners in the State of Texas. Yes, that is a big and bold statement, but if you’ve been, you know this to be a fact! Our cook teams are handpicked. Our cooks are not professionals, they simply love to cook. If you ask any of them “why do you cook?” the answer is simple, ‘because Beca or Karen asked.’ All are friends and family. We could not do this without the help and dedication of over 500 volunteers. They are a great bunch of folks who jump in where needed to lend a hand,” said Beca.

This year’s event will take place on November 3rd and will take place back where it began, at the Kendall County Fairgrounds; Tickets are $25. “We can’t wait to see you there!”

sponsorship opportunities Platinum $10,000 • Logo on website • Social media coverage • Banners (3x10 inside venue & 3x10 road front) • Full page ad in event program • Reserved Seating for 10 with 5 VIP parking passes

Silver $2,500 • Logo on website • Social media coverage • Banners 3x8 inside venue • Quarter page ad in event program • Reserved Seating for 8 with 2 VIP parking passes

Gold $5,000 • Logo on website • Social media coverage • Banners (3x8 inside venue & 3x8 road front) • Half page ad in event program • Reserved Seating for 8 with 4 VIP parking passes

Cook Team $1,500 • Logo on website • Social media coverage • Banners 3x6 inside venue • 4 event tickets with 2 VIP parking passes

Exhibitor / Vendor Space • Social media coverage • 10 X 10 Space $250 - 2 Event Tickets • 10 X 20 Space $400 - 4 Event Tickets

Big Game Club Donors contribute to the success of the event through donations of cash, wild game or guns.

Recognition in the event program, on signage and through social media.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT BECA SHORT (210) 316-4297 OR KAREN DALY (210) 215-3486

www.Kendallcountywildgamedinner.com

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WILD GAME DINNER | 2018

R

h c n a

FACTS & TIDBITS

1 ACRE = 43,560 SQUARE FEET 1 SECTION = 640 ACRES 1 HECTARE = 2.47 ACRES 1 ROD = 5 1/2 YARDS OR 16 1/2 FEET 1 HAND = 4 INCHES 1 VARA = 33 1/2 INCHES, CONVERT TO FEET BY DIVIDING BY 0.36 1 LEAGUE = 5,000 VARAS SQUARED OR 4,428.4 ACRES ANIMAL UNIT (AU) EQUIVALENCY 1,000 LB COW = 1 AU 1,100 LB HORSE = 1.27 AU 6 SHEEP = 1 AU 5 BOER GOAT = 1 AU 7 WHITETAIL DEER = 1 AU 6 MULE DEER = 1 AU GESTATION PERIODS COW = 283 DAYS HORSE = 331-346 DAYS SHEEP = 152 DAYS GOAT = 150 DAYS 1 ACRE FOOT OF WATER = 326,000 GALLONS 1 ACRE FOOT = 1 ACRE OF SURFACE AREA, 1 FOOT IN DEPTH 1 BARREL “BBL” = 42 GALLONS 1 GALLON OF WATER = 8.34 POUNDS 1 ML = 1 CC AVERAGE WINDMILL PUMPS 3 GALLONS PER MINUTE WHEN WIND IS BLOWING WINDMILL GEARBOX OIL, TYPICALLY NON DETERGENT SAE 10 1 BEEF COW CONSUMES 2.6% OF HER BODY WEIGHT DAILY CAP RATE = NET OPERATING INCOME “NOI” / PROPERTY ASSET VALUE AN EGG THAT SINKS IS GOOD, IF IT FLOATS IT IS ROTTEN VOLUME OF TANKS - EASY RESOURCES WWW.ALLOILTANK.COM; WWW.CALCULATORSOUP.COM WWW.AQUA-CALC.COM; WWW.ONLINECONVERSION.COM

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PROFILE

I

The Taste of Hill Country Tradition It takes a lot of wild game to feed a crowd of over 4,000 people!

If you have attended the Kendall County Wild Game Dinner in the past, have you ever stopped to think about where all of that food came from? “It takes about 30-40 head of deer to get the amount of venison needed for the cook teams,” said Claire Klein, co-owner of Klein Smokehaus. “The deer are donated by local hunters and dropped off to us to be processed.”

Barret and Claire Klein with Gavin Waldeck photo by Ron Pritchett

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WILD GAME DINNER | 2018

Klein Smokehaus will produce 100 pounds of marinated venison fajita meet, 150 pounds of venison cutlets, 100 pounds of axis stew meat for this year’s Wild Game Dinner and that’s not all. Kleins also handles the orders for the specialty meats such as the Nilgai and alligator, too. “We always say that the backbone of our event is the cook teams, but many of them couldn’t do what they do without all the work that Kleins does before the continued on page 14

photo by Ron Pritchett

O

Gavin Waldeck

Smoking and Curing Fine Quality Meats for Six Decades

On July 4th, 1950, the Waldeck Family purchased the building at 342 North Main Street in Boerne and opened a family grocery store. Gavin Waldeck and his sister Donna went to school right across the street. Every day as soon as school let out the kids would cross the street and get back to work.

The butcher’s counter of the family grocery store offered fresh ground beef and pork grown and harvested from the neighboring farms. Since the store was already butchering domestic meats, it only made sense for hunters in the area to bring their deer to the store for processing. This quickly became one of the core elements of the business, one that continues strong to this day.

By 1976 the family-owned grocery store found it tough to compete with the big chains. The Waldecks decided to adapt to the changing environment and focus on the one area they knew they could do better than the bigger stores – top-notch meats and sausages – and Farmers Meat Market was born.

During deer season, hunters would bring their harvests in, crack a cold brewski, and tell tall tales while hanging sausage rings or tending the firebox in the smokehouse. Today there are too many hunters coming in to have them all hanging out in the kitchen, but their expert crew treats every hunter’s harvest

with the same care and craftsmanship you’d have found in the old days.

That sense of community remains today, and is probably how the market has managed to survive and thrive for so many years. While Donna left the family business to be a teacher, Gavin has been the man behind the counter, feeding a loyal and growing base of barbecue fans for all these years.

In 2006, Barrett Klein purchased Farmer’s Meat Market and has used his expertise and experience to fine-tune the business. According to Gavin, “The biggest change has been in the numbers. We can handle a much larger volume now. Since the Kleins purchased Farmers we have doubled the amount of deer we process each year.”

Gavin used to do all the work himself after hours and on weekends. These days, to keep up with such high demand, Klein’s brings in two to three meat cutters during deer season.

Gavin added, “The local population has grown so much over the years and there are so many hunting leases in the hill country that the demand for our processing services has greatly increased. It is good feeling knowing that we’ve been here on Main Street, Boerne for over six decades providing people with exceptional meat products for all those years.”

NOVEMBER 3 RD, 2018

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continued from page 12 cooking ever gets started,” said Beca Short, president of the Kendall County Wild Game Dinner. “And Kleins donates 100% of their services and has since the very first Wild Game Dinner!”

“The Wild Game Dinner is close to our heart. We like the event’s close connection to the community and their focus on the scholarships for kids involved and interested in agriculture, hunting, 4-H and FFA. All of that makes us happy to support and be a part of the Wild Game Dinner,” said Claire.

Klein Smokehaus was established in 2006 when Barret and Claire Klein purchased the popular Farmer’s Meat Market. Barret graduated from Texas A&M with an Animal Science degree in 1980 and continued his education at Colorado State University working on a

14

Master’s in Meat Science.

That is where he met his wife Claire, who helps in the family business. Their sons, Landon and Clayton, grew up learning the business as well.

Barret’s work experience before taking on his own business was with some great companies including: IBP, Texas Meat Purveyors and for 15 years, Wright Brand Foods in Vernon, Texas. Barret combines this experience with his German heritage of growing up in the Texas Hill Country to produce smoked meats that even his Oma and Opa would appreciate. Klein Smokehaus is now bringing its signature smoked meats and sausages to more and more meat fans every day.

Each year, Klein Smokehaus processes thousands of head of deer in addition to prepping and cooking hundreds of hams, turkeys, prime ribs, crown rib roasts and special cuts. The outstanding smoked meats and sausages are made in small batches with fresh products and aromatic smoke from native oak hardwoods. Beautiful steaks and chops are hand-cut and sold fresh, and folks cover a fair piece of ground to stop in for the award-winning barbecue. Kleins has won the Boerne Star’s Best of the Best Barbecue for 10 years in a row! “If you consider yourself a bacon connoisseur, you owe it to yourself to try our thick, juicy oak smoked bacon,” said Claire. “Our shelves are stocked with pickled vegetables and relishes, salsas, marinades and rubs to perfectly season and complement our tasty meat selections. We try to carry unique, local selections not available at the big chain stores. All of our products are Go Texan.”

In addition to the vast selection of meat, Klein’s offers full meals to-go.

“We offer barbecue bundles, meat and cheese trays, ready to eat beef and chicken fajitas and even fresh hamburger patties,” said Claire.

When it comes to Klein’s deer processing, the numbers are pretty impressive. Hunters drop off their deer, which are hung and put in the cooler as quickly as possible. “We have two coolers available for deer, the second of which holds 200 head,” added Claire. Klein’s deer processing price list is available online. Products made from USDA Inspected Red Stag from New Zealand are also available for purchase should the hunters want a taste of the product prior to placing their order. Klein Smokehaus can turn your deer into backstrap medallions, bacon wrapped chopped steaks, hamburger ground venison or chili meat, and an array of smoked sausages, summer sausages, links, snack sticks and jerky that you’ll be enjoying long after deer season is just a memory.

Klein Smokehaus is bringing its signature smoked meats and sausages to more and more meat fans every day. They’ve been on Main Street Boerne for over six decades, so stop in, swap a story or two, and enjoy the taste of this hill country tradition!

KleinSmokehaus.com WILD GAME DINNER | 2018

NOVEMBER 3 RD, 2018

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PHOTO FUN

CRAZY COOKS IT’S A LOT OF HARD WORK, BUT ALSO A TON OF FUN! CHECK OUT THESE PHOTOS TO SEE THE FACES BEHIND THE FOOD. photos by Melissa Raelynn Photography & William Houghton Photography

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WILD GAME DINNER | 2018

NOVEMBER 3 RD, 2018

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WILD GAME DINNER | 2018

EVENT VENUE

Where it all began over a century ago!

A

by Glenda Boerner

Around the late 1840’s Boerne was settled. The local and surrounding residents farmed, ranched, grew vegetables, and grains. Women spent countless hours cooking, baking and sewing to keep their families fed and clothed. Many used their talents by offering services to the community such as furniture building and forging metal. Trade and bartering was a way of life.

The community would come

together for a gathering to share agricultural information, recipes, news of events, enjoy food, dancing and celebrating together. This gathering became an annual tradition which we know today as the “County Fair.”

In 1905, the Kendall County Fair Association was officially formed and H.O Adler named the first president. Eight years later in 1913, the Ferdinand Ludwig continued on page 20

NOVEMBER 3 RD, 2018

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continued from page 19

Von Herff family deeded 55.6 acres of land to the association for the purpose of continuing this tradition for many years to come. Imagine… numerous generations have enjoyed this annual event on the same ground for the last century. This year, the Kendall County Fair Celebrates its 113th year!

While the Fair is certainly the highlight of the year for the Kendall County Fair Association, the Association stays busy throughout the year with many other events and projects.

THE KCFA’S MISSION IS TO: • Promote agriculture education, leadership and agricultural entrepreneurship,

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• Encourage and recognize the achievement of youth in agricultural, horticultural and livestock management, • Encourage youth academic achievement and leadership experiences and • Promote the involvement of women in business, nutrition, crafts and other home based businesses while encouraging agricultural, horticultural and livestock related occupations for women.

The KCFA has a board of 21 directors who oversee all aspects of the association. Their directors bring a vast spectrum of knowledge, talent and passion to support the future growth of this local tradition. Today they’ve expanded in many areas to bring even more back to the community.

The property received in 1913 is privately owned by the Kendall County Fair Association. From the beginning, with community support and countless volunteers the organization has been able to build the three great event halls, rodeo arena with grandstands, pavilion and horse barns, all

of which they rent to the public for private events, weddings, fundraisers, reunions and much more. Their annual fair is not funded by the city or county tax dollars. All of the KCFA events are 100% privately funded with the help of hundreds of sponsors, volunteers and community involvement.

The support received from the community has also allowed KCFA to offer two different scholarships, the Queen’s Court Scholarship and the Homestead Heritage Exhibit Hall Scholarship. The KCFA also makes various donations to different local entities throughout the year. All the information for applying for their scholarships can be found at www.KCFA.org.

The Kendall County Fair Association is excited to welcome the Kendall County Wild Game Dinner back to the Fair Grounds for this year’s event!!

The KCFA hosts various events throughout the year! ~ Be sure to check www.kcFA.org for much more information on these events ~

OMA’S CHRISTMAS FAIR: Held the first Saturday and Sunday in December. This indoor handmade market showcases numerous artisans who have taken their talent to a level of perfection. All three of the halls are full of merchandise for all ages. You’ll find handmade children’s items, games, deer horn and metal forged utensils, quilts, glass wares, wreaths, jewelry, unique carving boards, spice vendors, wood signs and stars, Christmas ornaments, bird houses, knives and so much more! Santa is always around for a visit with the little ones too. It’s a shopping weekend you won’t want to miss!

COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE: Held on a Saturday in March each year. Two halls, as well as outside booths full of family’s selling items they no longer need or use.

JULY 4TH CELEBRATION: Held on July 4th. The gates are open to the public for parking to celebrate Independence Day and enjoy the Fireworks!! You get the best front row seats for the fabulous show put on by the Boerne Fire Department.

KENDALL COUNTY FAIR AND RODEO: Where it all began over a century ago! The KCFA’s biggest event, held Labor Day weekend.

The 2018 Fair & Rodeo starts out on Thursday, August 30th at 6:30pm with the Queen’s Court Scholarship Pageant. Local young ladies go through interviews, answer questions on stage and off to compete for the next 2018-2019 KCFA Court Positions. The current court, Queen Hannah Culak, Princess Kassidy Langlinais, Junior Miss Addie Martin and Little Miss Lillie Vogt will crown their successor. It’s a very exciting night! Gate entry on Thursday is free.

Something new and exciting this year! Friday, August 31st at 9am, KCFA is hosting their first KC’s Kids event. KC Cowboy became the mascot last year and since this time they have been focused on doing more to give back to the community. KC’s Kids is a closed event. The directors and volunteers will come together the morning before the

gates open to host special needs children to enjoy a special fair just for them. They will enjoy time petting young farm animals, watch a special showing of this year’s Paul Bunyan Lumberjack show, time on carnival rides, a special rodeo and lunch together under the Pavilion.

KCFA is very excited to be hosting this event.

Friday evening, they open the gates to the public and kick off in full swing at 5pm. Food Vendors, Carnival, Exhibit Hall, and The Mercantile will be open. The Paul Bunyan Lumberjack event will have it’s first showing at 6:30pm. The Lester Meier Rodeo starts at 7:30pm with mutton busting followed by the rodeo at 8pm.

Entertainment going all evening when the Spazmatics take the stage at 10pm.

Saturday and Sunday, the Livestock show, featuring lambs, goats, heifers, steers and poultry, begins at 10am both days under the livestock barn. The Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show has three showings during the day prior to the rodeo. There will be entertainment all day long. Food Vendors, Carnival, Exhibit Hall, and The Mercantile will be open.

Saturday’s events also start in downtown Boerne with the Kendall County Fair Parade at 10am! A parade map can be found on their website. Saturday evening,The Lester Meier Rodeo starts at 7:30pm with mutton busting followed by the rodeo at 8pm. Cody Wayne is on stage at 7pm opening for the night’s headliner Bart Crow at 11pm!

Sunday, the gates open at 10am. There is the famous Apple Pie Contest at 2pm in the Exhibit Hall! Lester Meier Bull Riding begins at 7:30pm with mutton busting followed by all-out Bull Riding! Cody Wayne takes the stage at 8pm opening for the night’s headliner, Holly Tucker at 11pm!

You are going to love this year’s fair! www.KCFA.org is where you can find all the details, full schedule, sign up applications, event times, and much more! The Kendall County Fair Association would like to thank the community for the years of commitment and support!!

NOVEMBER 3 RD, 2018

21

RECIPES

A TASTE OF THE

Wild

V

VENSION STROGANOFF Prep Time 15 minutes Cook Time 20 minutes Total Time 35 minutes Serves 4 people

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter • 1 1/2 pounds venison backstrap, in one piece • 2 large shallots, minced • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1/4 pound sliced cremini or button mushrooms • 1/4 pound sliced shiitake mushrooms • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill • 1/4 cup wine or sherry • 1 cup sour cream, at room temperature • Dill pollen to garnish (optional) • Egg noodles

Instructions

1. To make the stroganoff, salt the venison well and let it sit on the cutting board for 20 minutes or so. Get 2 tablespoons butter in a large sauté pan good and hot over medium-high heat. Pat the venison dry and sear all sides well in the butter.

Cook it until it's rare to medium-rare. When the meat is ready, move it to a cutting board and let it rest.

2. Add the mushrooms to the pan and turn the heat to high.

When most of the water has boiled away, add the remaining butter to the pan along with the shallots and sauté everything for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often. Add the garlic, toss and cook over high heat for another 3 minutes or so. Salt to taste.

3. Add the wine and toss to combine. Let this boil down.

While it is doing so, grate some nutmeg over the mixture.

When the Madeira is mostly gone, turn the heat down to low.

Slice the venison thinly and return it and any juices that have collected on the cutting board to the pan. Stir to combine and add most of the chopped fresh dill.

4. Mix in the sour cream and turn off the heat. Stir to combine and let it heat in the pan (do not boil or simmer).

Serve over prepared egg noodles.

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WILD GAME DINNER | 2018

CHINESE VENISON AND BROCCOLI

in a large roasting pan or casserole dish; pour the water over the quail and cover with aluminum foil.

4. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or to an internal temperature of 165oF, taken in the thickest part of the thigh. Spoon the sour cream over the quails, allow the sour cream to melt before serving.

Ingredients

CRAWFISH FETTUCCINE

Prep Time 20 minutes Cook Time 10 minutes Total Time 30 minutes Serves 4 people

• 3/4 lb venison, sliced thin against the grain • 3 tablespoons soy sauce • 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger • 2 teaspoons Chinese Shaoxing wine or dry sherry • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 1/2 tablespoons corn, potato or tapioca starch • 3 tablespoons peanut or other vegetable oil • 2 heaping cups broccoli florets, boiled 2 minutes and drained • 2 teaspoons hoisin sauce • Sesame oil, for drizzling

Instructions

1. Put the sliced venison in a bowl and mix in the ginger, cooking wine, garlic, and 1 1/2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Sprinkle in cornstarch and mix well.

Let this sit about 10 minutes to an hour in the fridge.

2. Heat your wok or heavy sauté pan over the high heat then add the oil. Once hot, spread the venison out in the pan in one layer if possible, and let it sit for 30 seconds.

3. Now stir fry the venison for 2 minutes, moving the meat constantly. Add all the remaining ingredients except the sesame oil, plus about 3 tablespoons of water. Stir fry 1 to 2 minutes more, until the sauce has thickened.

4. Turn off the heat and drizzle with sesame oil.

Serve at once with steamed rice.

GRANDMA'S QUAIL

Prep Time 10 minutes Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes Serves 6-8 people

Servings 6 people

Ingredients

• 1 (16-ounce) package fettuccine • 1 stick butter (1/2 cup) • 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped • 1 celery stalk, chopped • 1 yellow onion, chopped • 6 garlic cloves, minced • 1 pound frozen crawfish meat, defrosted • 2 teaspoons Tony Chachere's seasoning • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper • 3 tablespoons flour • 3/4 cup half-and-half • 4 ounces Velveeta, cut into cubes • 1/2 cup sour cream • 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese • 2 green onions, green parts sliced • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. While pasta cooks, melt butter over medium heat in a Dutch oven. Add red bell pepper, celery, and onion. Cook until soft, about 5 to 7 minutes.

3. Add garlic and cook 2 more minutes.

4. Add crawfish (along with any liquid in the bag), Cajun seasoning, and black pepper and cook 2 to 3 minutes.

5. Sprinkle flour over crawfish mixture. Stir and cook 1 minute.

6. Stir in half-and-half. Cook until mixture comes to a simmer.

7. Add Velveeta, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese and cook over medium heat until cheese is melted.

8. Stir in cooked pasta, green onions, and parsley. Serve.

Ingredients

• 8 quail • Garlic powder to taste • Salt and ground black pepper to taste • 1 cup all-purpose flour • 1/4 cup shortening • 1/4 cup water • 1/2 cup sour cream

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350oF. Heat the shortening in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Season the quail with the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Place the flour in a shallow dish; roll the quail in the flour.

3. Working in batches, brown the quail on all sides in the preheated shortening. Place the browned quail NOVEMBER 3 RD, 2018

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PHOTO FUN

KIDS CORNER BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY OUT TO THE WILD GAME DINNER! CHECK OUT HOW MUCH FUN THESE KIDDOS HAD AT LAST YEAR’S EVENT. photos by Melissa Raelynn Photography & William Houghton Photography

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WILD GAME DINNER | 2018

NOVEMBER 3 RD, 2018

27

COVER FEATURE

Local Trap, Capture and Release Business Promotes Wildlife Conser vation and Education

C

Can you imagine spending your days darting exotic animals out of a helicopter or setting up large traps to capture herds of deer? Probably not, but for Ryan Murphy, owner of RMH Exotics, that is the reality of his trap, capture and relocation business.

Murphy’s experience grew from an early start in guiding hunts on the Frio.

He later gained additional experience running high-level whitetail breeding programs on game ranches. “The trap and capture business was something that grew naturally as the exotic industry on Texas game ranches exploded,” said Murphy.

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WILD GAME DINNER | 2018

While Murphy’s business may seem to just move animals to game ranches where hunts are sold, it is really more than that.

According to Murphy, “The nature of the business is really grounded on a keen sense for an animal’s needs and growth. The end result of the trap, capture and relocating business is to allow the wildlife to maintain a life in the best environment for them.”

Oftentimes, the mission of businesses such as RMH Exotics are misunderstood by the general public. For example, when a city is faced with the issue of an out of control wildlife population it can be hazardous to both the animals and the citizens; the methods employed by RMH Exotics alleviates those problems and lends a hand to conser-

vation efforts. By trapping a majority of that wildlife population within certain key spots in city limits, the threat to the health and safety of the citizens is immediately improved. “The end result is not to have those animals hunted, but rather to move them from an area in the city where they may have been receiving less than ideal nutrition and relocating them to ranches and reserves where they can be provided with an environment in which they can thrive,” Ryan added. “Game ranches are often viewed as only places where animals are hunted and killed.

This is not the case at all. Many game ranches in Texas solely focus on growing healthy herds of animals, many of which are often rare exotic species.”

When a municipality or landowner has an overpopulation of a species, RMH Exotics can use their developed methods of capture and removal services. A variety of methods including helicopter capture, darting, panel traps and drop nets can be employed. RMH Exotics also has the capability to assist landowners through herd growth, nutrition, inception of a new species brought onto the land and the safety of the animals and citizens.

Murphy focuses on the trap, capture and relocation of certain more common exotics such as axis, fallow, sika, aoudad, black buck and nilgai which have flourished throughout Texas. However, they also deal with the conservation and herd management of “super exotics,” some of continued on page 30 NOVEMBER 3 RD, 2018

29

Murphy also takes some of the local agriculture students along with him on capture jobs, allowing them some very beneficial exposure to the wildlife industry.

RMH Exotics’ clientele includes individual landowners, major game ranches, neighborhoods and municipalities.

Ryan finished with saying, “We do our best to lend a hand to wildlife conservation efforts by relocating certain species to environments in which they can thrive. We believe we are taking it a step further by providing wildlife education and exposure to the next generation.”

continued from page 29 which are addax, buffalo, gemsbok, kudu, impala, Arabian oryx, wildebeest, blesbok, springbok, elland, zebra, lechwe and sable.

“Through the exotic trap, capture and sale industry game ranches have become more like preserves for which these exotics have grown into herds. In turn, those herds are then managed further by the same industry,” said Murphy. “Because the exotics are allowed to flourish on these ranches and reserves, they are plentiful in Texas. This allows for more and more game ranches to spring up, with the new ranches continuing the traditions by starting and managing their own herds.”

Landowners lean on RMH

30

Exotics for their knowledge of how many animals suit their acreage, feeding amounts, managing herd growth and the animals suitability to the land and climate.

Murphy, who runs his business with the help of his two sons, Holden and Cayden, feels it is important to educate youth about wildlife as well. “Providing children with exposure to wildlife is important. We visit local schools and educate them, provide them with fun facts and let them get close to animals that they wouldn’t normally have any interaction with. We bring a trailer of different deer species and baby animals and the kids really enjoy it,” said Ryan.

WILD GAME DINNER | 2018

Follow RMH Exotics on Facebook

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To date, the Kendall County Wild Game Dinner has awarded scholarships to twenty-two college & technical school bound students from the Boerne and Comfort school districts, including private and home schools. Our goal is to distribute 90% of the funds raised each year to our youth through scholarships, leadership programs, 4-H, FFA and agriculture related projects and capital improvements!

bella hollis GRADUATED FROM: Boerne High School MAJOR: Fine Art UNIVERSITY: University of Texas at Austin

B

Bella Hollis, daughter of Richard and Anne Hollis, is a gifted artists. “One day I would like to start a program that exposes underprivileged kids to the fine arts,” said Bella. Hollis didn’t really begin engaging in art until her junior year, but once she started she was all in. Hollis added, “I was lucky enough to get into a program in the Southwest School of Art during my senior year in high school. The program is called Teen Studio Intensive and the excellent instruction within the program made it a great learning environment.”

In addition to art, Bella also participated in choir and colorguard. A couple of her other interests include goats and iced tea.

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WILD GAME DINNER | 2018

continued on page 39

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WILD GAME DINNER | 2018

PRESENTING SPONSOR

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Formed in March of 2016, this Boerne-based underground utilities company’s primary focus is installing all types of underground lines, including storm, water, fire and gas, sewer, as well as duct banks and conduit for telephone and electric for large, new construction projects for clients in the commercial market. M5 also completes a limited number of jobs in the public and residential sectors.

President of M5, John-Mark Matkin has been in the engineering and surveying industry for over twenty years. Matkin eventually decided that he wanted to be involved with the construction of the projects that his firm, Matkin Hoover, was designing.

Matkin formed M5 along with a partner who has since been bought out. When forming the company, Matkin was careful to hire a group of individuals that would be able to mold the organization into a professional and business-minded firm. While only a little more than two years in, M5 has quickly grown to be one of the largest, pure-utility contractors in the San Antonio area.

M5 mainly operates as a subcontractor.

In addition to putting pipe in the ground, their crews can also place precast items like culverts and storm boxes, as well as build custom structures.

Having quickly grown to 130 employees, divided into 13 crews, M5 considers its territory to be the entire state of Texas.

According to Matkin, “Perfection and quality customer service is the goal in everything we do. We don’t always achieve the former, but we never miss the later.” It was

with this mindset that M5 started their very first job. M5 customers appreciate that they take time to carefully evaluate their projects both prior to starting and during.

“Planning, coordination and communication are keys to our success,” added Matkin.

M5 recently moved to a new corporate office designed to handle the companies current growth and possible expansion. “This new location, along with an equipment yard, was a big expense. However it is something that was necessary to allow us to be able to keep growing,” added Matkin.

When it comes to the future, Matkin and his team’s mission is to remain true to their niche. Rather than looking to add services, M5’s commitment is to underground work. “We will look to new markets for our service and stay focused on underground work. We are determined to be the best in our field.”

M5 is very active in the local community and committed to the support of the youth in Kendall County. They provide local school sponsorships, support the Boerne Education Foundation, the Kendall County Wild Game Dinner and for the past two years have been the top buyer at the Kendall County Junior Livestock Show and Sale.

WWW.M5UTILITIES.COM NOVEMBER 3 RD, 2018

35

LIVE AUCTION ITEM

Cast & Blast

Adventure

D

Don’t miss the opportunity to take home the trip of a lifetime at this year’s live auction! This Cast and Blast adventure in Argentina is widely recognized as one of the ultimate sporting experiences. An Argentina dove and golden dorado combination trip is the adventure that hunters and anglers dream about.

Enormous avian populations coupled with no limits and a lively, meandering watershed combine to form the perfect hunting and fishing equation.

Based out of our San Javier Lodge, your trip with Sporting Adventures International (SAI) will feature two full days of dove hunting and two full days of golden dorado fishing for four people. Sportsmen and women can expect to cycle through countless boxes of shells per hunt and fight an endless number of powerful freshwater giants.

You and your travel partners will be met at the Santa Fe airport where you’ll enjoy a VIP reception complete with drinks and baggage handlers. You will then be escorted in a private van to the lodge.

This trip will include full accommodations, English-speaking guides, all ground transportation to and from the hunting and fishing areas, bird boys and gun cleaning services. From the moment you step off the plane in Argentina until your re-board for the U.S., Sporting Adventures International’s fullservice courtesy will be at your disposal.

A cast and blast combination trip should without question be on every sportsman or woman’s bucket list and SAI hopes you’ll consider traveling with them and put a check in that box

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WILD GAME DINNER | 2018

INCLUSIONS

• 2 full days dove hunting • 2 full days golden dorado fishing • 4 total nights accommodations at San Javier Lodge • Gourmet food, wine and spirit options (alcoholic & non) • Transport to and from hunting/fishing areas • English speaking guides • Bird boys • Gun cleaning services *Airfare, shells, licenses, gun permits, gun rental additional tours and tips are not included. Season runs September 1, 2018 through December 15, 2018 as well as months of March and April, 2019.Winning bidder has one year from date of purchase to take the trip.

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SCHOLARSHIPS

merina jackson

M

GRADUATED FROM: Samuel V. Champion High School MAJOR: Agricultural Engineering UNIVERSITY: Blinn University

Merina Jackson has a passion for agriculture and plans to pursue that through a degree in Agricultural Engineering.

“With this degree I hope to participate in the advancement of agriculture technology,” said Jackson.

Jackson was the vice president of her high school’s FFA chapter and showed steers through 4-H. In addition to agriculture and raising steers for stock shows, Jackson says she “enjoys anything outdoors!”

Merina is the daughter of Alesia Young and has a sister named Morgan.

Jackson added, “I am grateful for this scholarship because it is helping me pursue my education!” continued on page 42 NOVEMBER 3 RD, 2018

39

HUNTING SCHEDULE

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WILD GAME DINNER | 2018

at a glance...

RIO GRANDE TURKEY

FALL SEASON Archery: Sep 29 - Nov 2, 2018 North Zone: Nov 3, 2018 - Jan 6 , 2019 Youth Only: Oct 27-28 & Jan 7-20, 2019 South Zone: Nov 3, 2018 - Jan 20, 2019 Youth Only: Oct 27-28 & Jan 21-Feb 3, 2019 SPRING SEASON North Zone: Mar 30-May 12, 2019 Youth Only: Mar 23-24, & May 18-19, 2019 South Zone: Mar 16-Apr 28, 2019 Youth Only: Mar 9-10 & May 4-5, 2019

SCHOLARSHIPS

dustin smith

D

GRADUATED FROM: Boerne High School MAJOR: Wildlife Conservation UNIVERSITY: Western State Colorado University

Dustin Smith, the son of Robert and Jennifer Smith, has always had an interest in wildlife. As a freshman in high school he began doing lots of wildlife events and competitions for FFA. “This experience helped me to focus my interests and decide on a major in Wildlife Conservation. With this degree I hope to become a game warden or wildlife biologist,� said Dustin.

Dustin was very involved in his local FFA Chapter and served as the Centinal his junior year of high school and as the Treasurer during his senior year. He also raised Boer Goats and Rambouillet Sheep. In his spare time he enjoys hiking and backpacking.

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WILD GAME DINNER | 2018

continued on page 48

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ART

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Kim Felts

TRANSLATING LIFE ONTO CANVAS

Artist Kim Felts has a passion for painting people. “I am fascinated by people, by their story. Where they come from, what brought them to the place they are today, how they think and deal with life,” said Felts.

Kim has a natural gift to be able to create or stir a recognizable emotion in her work that translates to the viewer. According to Felts, “I have been told repeatedly that my work is very emotional.”

Felts feels that she has discovered her calling in life, however it didn’t come about in the conventional way. Although she had always enjoyed sketching, her training included an 11th grade art class and a college art class with a focus on renderings as an Interior Design major. It wasn’t until three decades later, after raising four sons, that she began contemplating a career change. “I had no thoughts of becoming an artist,” said Felts, “however my husband noticed some sketches I had been drawing in the evenings and suggested I pursue a full-time career as an artist.”

Knowing that becoming a full-time artist would take more than an ability to sketch, Kim immersed herself in studying and learning from artists that graciously shared their knowledge, technique, and art experiences through websites and blogs.

With a quick trial in colored pencil, then pastel and acrylic, she finally tried her hand at oil painting. This was the beginning of a passionate pursuit.

It was through trial and error that Kim’s natural style of Realism emerged. Felts

“

I love not only the painting, but the discovery, examination and execution of every piece.

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WILD GAME DINNER | 2018

is drawn to subjects that reflect God’s incredible creation and plan and is driven to seek out those circumstances that reflect those parts of his plan. According to Kim, “I love not only the painting, but the discovery, examination continued on page 46

local artists to be featured at this year’s kendall County wild game dinner In partnership once again with Boerne Professional Artists we showcase their work at the Wild Game Dinner. In addition to the featured artist, Kim Felts, the art show will include the paintings of Texas artists, Bill Eichholtz, Louis S. Garcia & Harold Teel.

BILL EICHHOLTZ Bill, a native Texan, grew up in San Antonio and now lives with his beautiful wife Janie in Bergheim, making it their home for the past twenty-­four years.

As a proud member of Boerne Professional Artists, his photographic artwork features a diverse array of Signed Limited Editions showcasing wildlife, horses, country life, architectural images, landscapes and more.

This year, for the Wild Game Dinner, Bill will be featuring a selection of Signed Limited Editions from both his Wildlife Portrait Series, and his “Equine Portrait Series, along with a variety of other selections.“Mystical Illusion” is one of his selections that will be presented matted and framed in a 20” x 20” Premium Bronze Finished frame for $469.

HAROLD TEEL Harold is a gifted, holistic artist whose portfolio emphasizes watercolor techniques and palette knife oil paintings. He is also an accomplished rotating easel performer. A native of Texas and a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Harold exhibits his professional Architectural and Greek/Roman Art education by creating vivid displays of simplified complexities that create his impressions of nature and the man-made world, “working to interpret reality rather than to recreate it.” Commissions accepted.

Harold's “Oakhurst”, Fulton Mansion, Rockport-Fulton, Texas, a 12x16 watercolor will be available for $775.

Insurance, Done Differently.

LOUIS A. GARCIA Louis is a Professional artist who was born in San Antonio Texas and is now residing in Corpus Christi Texas. Louis developed his interest in art in Jr. High and High School and continued with education in Commercial Art at San Antonio College. Louis is a cutting edge impressionistic artist who creates colorful works of art in oil and acrylics using painting/palette knives. Louis also creates beautiful impressionistic brush work paintings in watercolor.

Louis is a graduate of Texas A & M University Corpus Christi. He uses his degree in Psychology, his business experience and his artistic skills to assist local and national non-profit art organizations and emerging artists.

Louis has been a member of the Boerne Professional Artist since 2013 and is a current member of the BPA Steering Committee. “Purple Rain” available for $675.

Personal | Firearms | Commercial Equine & Livestock | Farm & Ranch

830.443.4890 NOVEMBER 3 RD, 2018

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source and its effects on contour and color. Sometimes she works from life, other times from photographs. She creates an initial sketch and underpainting followed by thin layers of color. This technique can result in hues and tones not able to be obtained through direct painting, or an alla prima style.

“On occasion, at a certain stage of the completion of a piece, I step back and think, ‘Oh my, that is all wrong.’ I have painted enough to know that this means it is time to step back and study the subject again, more deeply. Other times, I step back and tears well up as I sense the essence of the subject I am painting. That is my favorite part about what I do, sensing the subject and attempting to paint what I believe is true,” said Felts.

In addition to figurative works, still life and landscapes, one of Kim’s favorite things to paint are commissioned portraits. She added, “The stories that come with commissioned work make them so fun to do. They are also a great challenge, because clients have high expectations of how they want their loved ones captured and represented.”

Felts has also illustrated a children’s book, “The Ride” written by Kayla Davidson. “This was a fun project. I was contacted by a book publisher after displaying my art at my very first show, the author’s mother had attended the show and had recommended me. I tried to listen to every detail of what the author wanted and ask a lot of questions to truly convey what Davidson had in mind.”

Kim Felts artwork can be found on display at Gallery 195 of Boerne. She also has shown her work at Women Artists of the West 46th National Exhibition at RS Hanna Gallery, The Boerne Parade of Artists 2015-2017, Alamo Kiwanis Charity Art Show and Sale 2015-2018, Texas Hill Country Invitational Art Show 2015-2016, Art in the Hills 2015 and The Ecumenical Center “Art Heals Hearts” Show 2014-2017.

Be sure to check out some of her amazing work that will be on display at this year’s Wild Game Dinner.

KimFelts.com

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and execution of every piece.”

Truth, accuracy, quality, beauty, plight, wonder and tone are the thoughts behind each subject that Felts chooses. “I want to know the history behind the expression, the place or the items. My hope is to create a piece that evokes questions, a desire to study the work beyond a glance,” added Kim. Felts’ current method begins with an intense study of the subject. She learns all that she can about it, including studying the light

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Joshua Creek Ranch is the 2018 Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Lodge of the Year. As a finalist for the prestigious award for the past three years, plus featuring an Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Guide of the Year winner in 2017 and finalist in 2018, there is little wonder to why Joshua Creek Ranch has been delighting guests from all over the world for nearly three decades. The sporting lifestyle meets luxury resort amenities at this Texas Hill Country paradise.

A custom itinerary and extraordinary experience awaits guests seeking an unforgettable adventure surrounded by warm Texas hospitality. m Migratory Dove Hunting m Upland Bird Hunting for Quail, Pheasant and Chukar m European-Style Driven Pheasant Shoots m Decoyed Mallard Duck Hunting m Fly-Fishing for Rainbow Trout, Bluegill and Bass m Seasonal Whitetail Deer & Turkey Hunting m Trophy Axis Deer Hunting m Sporting Clays Shooting

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SCHOLARSHIPS

jessica spenrath

J

GRADUATED FROM: Comfort High School MAJOR: Animal Science UNIVERSITY: Texas A&M University

Jessica Spenrath has been involved in the agricultral industry since before she can remember. “I grew up on a ranch outside of Comfort, raising market goats and lambs with my family. I learned early the importance of working for what you want and refusing to give up on what you believe in,” said Jessica. Throughout her life, Jessica has participated in several agricultural activities that have helped her grow and understand the industry. She has also participated in stock shows across the state for the past 14 years, exhibiting market goats raised by her family’s livestock operation. According to Spenrath, “The shows taught me discipline, dedication and humility.”

Jessica has also been heavily involved in the Texas FFA organization which she credits for helping her to develop leadership qualities and public relations skills. “The moments I have spent advocating for agriculture have helped me solidify my decision to pursue a career in veterinary medicine and inspired me to remain involved with agriculture as a market goat breeder,” she said.

Spenrath has decided to pursue a career in veterinary pharmacy, as it will allow her to stay involved with agriculture, animals and medicine. Additionally, it will allow her to study chemistry, one of her favorite subjects in high school. She hopes this field of study will allow her to inform youth across the nation of the importance of agriculture, while still allowing for time to begin building a successful market goat operation.

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Proud to Support the Kendall County Wild Game Dinner!

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PHOTO FUN

SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP SHOP OUR GREAT VENDOR BOOTHS, LIVE & SILENT AUCTIONS AND GET YOUR RAFFLE TICKETS! photos by Melissa Raelynn Photography & William Houghton Photography

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HUNTING CONTEST

West Texas

H

Big Bobcat Contest Have you heard about the West Texas Big Bobcat Contest? The contest, which was started in 2008, gives everyone a shot at the grand prize.

So how does it work? Well, the heaviest bobcat wins the Grand Prize. Your team must kill either five grey fox or five coyotes (no mixing of the two) in order to qualify your heaviest bobcat in the contest. It is not necessary to qualify a bobcat to win the jackpots.

The entry fee is $200. $170 of the fee goes towards the 1st through 5th place biggest bobcat. The remaining $30 is divided between each of the three jackpot prizes – most bobcats, most fox and most coyotes.

Each team may have a minimum of four hunters. The best thing about this format is that anyone can win. Get your hunting buddies together and win some cash! The more people who enter the contest, the bigger the payout so spread the word!

The March 2018 WTBBC had a great turnout with 605 teams entered. 38 qualified cats were weighed and paid out $121,000 is prize money! 2018 was a great year for WTBBC. For the 3 contests combined, there were a total of 1994 teams entered, paid out $398,800 in prize money, they gave away some awesome prizes from their sponsors and a great time was had by all! The all time total payout since the event began in 2008 is $1,645,720!

Mark your calendars!! These are the dates for the 2019 West Texas Big Bobcat Contest. Dates are subject to change.

Saturday, January 12, 2019, 12:00 PM Saturday, February 2, 2019, 12:00 PM Saturday, March 2, 2019, 12:00 PM Visit wtbbc.org for more information, full contest rules and to register.

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Contest Rules

• This is a 23 hour contest • The contest does NOT provide the land to hunt.

• All hunting must be done within Texas.

• Heaviest Bobcat wins Grand Prize.

• To qualify your bobcat, your team must kill either 5 Grey Fox or 5 Coyotes (NO MIXING OF THE TWO). If you do not qualify a bobcat, your team is still eligible for the Jackpots. Hunting begins at 12:00 PM on the Saturday of the contest. Weigh-in is the following Sunday at 11:00 AM at Tom Green County 4-H Center in San Angelo, TX. • Entry fee is $200 per team.

• Contest pays 1st through 5th place biggest bobcat, and 3 jackpot prizes.

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GUNS

2018 WILD GAME DINNER

GUN LIST

RED RAFFLE

Kimber Micro 9 Savage 110 Hog Hunter - 308 Stevens 555 O/U 28 Gauge

SQUEAL GAME

Winchester SXP Defender Kryptek Typhoon

HUNTER'S CHALLENGE Henry Golden Boy Silver - 22 Magnum RugerBackpacker 10 - 22

LIVE AUCTION

Browning 1911 Black Label Medallion Pro - 380 Sig M400 Elite 223/556 Henry Big Boy Color Case Hardened - 45 Colt Kimber 45 Auto Christensen Arms Mesa - 7 Mag Uberti Single Action with Custom Holster Apache Rifle Build

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RAFFLE GUNS

Beretta U22 NEOS - 22 LR RugerAmerican Cerakote Go Wild Camo - 6.5 Cr Ruger American Ranch Rifle - 223 Ruger LCPs - 9mm Taurus Judge 45 Colt/410 Taurus CIA 850 Ultralite Revolver - 38 +P Glock 19 Gen5 - 9 mm Glock 23 Gen 4 - 40 SW Smith & Wesswom M&P 15-22 Sport Smith & Wesson M&P 9 2.0 Carry and Range Kit Winchester SXP Ultimate Defender 12 Gauge Winchester SXP Muddy Girl 26" 20 Gauge Savage Axis II Combo - 223 Mossberg Muddy Girl Combo - 243 Mossberg M500A Stoeger Coach Gun SxS 12 Gauge

For additional information or to donate a gun to this year’s auction, please contact Jess Hawkins at (210) 273-3761.

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FAMILY PROFILE

THE RUST FAMILY

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Teaching Life Lessons Through Hunting, Fishing and Raising Livestock

“We try to teach and show our children that everything we have is a gift from God. We want them to be hard workers and to do their work unto the Lord,” said Stephanie Rust.

Stephanie and her husband Shawn believe that raising their kids to farm, hunt and fish, instills many important values.

According to Shawn, “Farming teaches work ethic and compassion, nurturing and selflessness. Hunting and fishing teaches patience and endurance, as well as a way to provide for family and friends.”

The Rusts have three children, 14-year-old Kendyl, 11-yearold Tucker and 9-year-old Taygan. All of the kids have been brought up raising show steers and heifers, hunting, fishing and being involved in their youth groups at Currey Creek church. The

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girls also participate in dance and softball and Tucker plays baseball. “In all these different aspects of our life together as a family of five, we want our kids to learn from their failures and their accomplishments. We cheer each other on in each other’s adventures and encourage each other when we fail,” Rust added. “Everything in life is not instant gratification. You have to work hard and use the hands and feet that God gave you. Shawn and I believe that the values and lessons learned through hunting and fishing and raising livestock reinforce those principles.”

The Rusts hunt for whitetail, axis, hogs and varmints on their family Rust Ranch in Comfort, Texas as well as a deer lease near Fowlerton, Texas. While each member of the family enjoys hunting and fishing, they all vary a bit when it comes down to what is their favorite. “I love to hunt whitetail and go deep sea fishing,” said Shawn. “Steph enjoys fishing for bluegill and Kendyl’s favorite is bass fishing. Tucker loves to go out bay fishing for trout and reds and Taygan thinks hunting for wild pigs is the best!”

In fact, Shawn tells a funny story about Taygan when she was hunting for wild pigs down in south Texas. “She shot at one and missed and the pig ran off. The next day she shot at another one and hit it, but it ran off too. She looked at me and said, ‘Dad, these pigs are rude! You shoot them and they won’t even stay there so you can take a picture with them!’”

Shawn and Stephanie teach their children that God trusts us with animals to raise and care for and what an honor that is. Sometimes He blesses us with a gift or ability to do something for others, and what a joy that is. Stephanie added, “We want them to love others as God loves us. Life will not be perfect and neither are we, but by his grace we are blessed to be a part of and see His wonderful creations!”

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PHOTO FUN

WILDEST FANS THERE’S NO DOUBT ABOUT IT, THE WILD GAME DINNER IS A GOOD TIME! CHECK OUT HOW MUCH FUN THESE FOLKS HAD AT LAST YEAR’S EVENT. photos by Melissa Raelynn Photography & William Houghton Photography

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JUST FOR LAUGHS

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SLEEPIN’ WITH BOB

All the guys were at deer camp…

No one wanted to room with Bob, because he snored so badly. They decided it wasn’t fair to make one of them stay with him the whole time, so they voted to take turns.

The first guy slept with Bob and comes to breakfast the next morning with his hair a mess and his eyes all bloodshot. They said, “Man, what happened to you?”

He said, “Bob snored so loudly, I just sat up and watch him all night.”

The next night it was a different guy’s turn. In the morning, same thing, hair all standing up, eyes all bloodshot.

They said, “Man, what happened to you? You look awful!”

He said, “Man, that Bob shakes the roof with his snoring. I watched him all night.”

The third night it was Fred’s turn. Fred was a tanned, older cowboy. The next morning he came to breakfast bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. “Good

morning!” he said.

They couldn’t believe it.

They said, “Man, what happened?”

He said, “Well, we got ready for bed. I went and tucked Bob into bed, patted him on the butt, and kissed him goodnight. Bob sat up and watched me all night.”

With age comes wisdom…

Z Z

Z

Clear it today and enjoy it

t o m o r r o w.

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NUTRITION

FEEDING DEER

IN THE FALL AND WINTER

F

is Beneficial for Bucks, Does, and Fawns Michael L. Schlegel, PhD, PAS, Dipl. ACAS-Nutrition Sr. Nutritionist, Wildlife and Small Ruminant Technical Solutions Purina Animal Nutrition LLC

Feeding your deer herd during and after rut in the fall and winter sets bucks, does, and fawns up for success the following year. With less daylight in the fall and winter, the deer may not be seen at the feeders, but they will utilize the nutrition if available.

Even though bucks are in hard rack and achieved their antler size for the year, they can lose 10-30% of their body weight due to increased activity and decreased food intake during the rut and subsequent winter. Feeding bucks during the fall and winter allows bucks to regain weight they may have lost during the rut. Bucks entering the spring in good body condition can utilize the nutrients they consume for antler growth rather than merely regaining the weight they lost the previous season. Fall and winter feeding does not need to be the high protein diets that allowed the deer to reach their genetic potential for antler growth. A well-balanced diet of 16% protein and added fat and minerals to support reproduction is of greater benefit than just corn during this time of year.

After a summer of producing milk for one to three fawns, a doe’s body weight and body condition has decreased. Just like the bucks, regaining the lost weight and condition is critical for reproductive success and for surviving the winter. A study conducted at Washington State University (Tollefson et al., 2010) in mule deer showed that digestibility energy intake the month prior to the breeding season impacted pregnancy rate and rate of twining. Additionally, does with greater body

fat prior to the breeding season had greater rates of twinning.

Does in good body condition during gestation were found to produce heavier and a greater number of fawns than does in poor body condition (Verme, 1963). Fawns with low birth weights have a greater chance of mortality within the first week of life (Carstensen et al., 2009). Additionally, researchers are evaluating the link between the food available to does during gestation and their fawns’ future performance.

Fawns born early and late summer may benefit from fall feeding.

The fawns born early in the summer are just being weaned in early fall and depending on forage availability would benefit from supplemental feeding. Likewise, fawns born late in the summer may benefit from supplemental feeding in the fall and winter to achieve an adequate body size to survive the winter. In both cases, the fawns have watched their does consume the supplemental feed and have started nibbling it as well. Weaning is a period of stress and having an additional source of nutrition, like supplemental feed, supports the fawns’ nutrient and energy needs during this period of transition.

The importance of supplemental feeding in the spring and summer to support antler growth is a common practice. Continuing to feed deer in the fall and winter is also important to support the gain of body weight, reproduction, and growth to have a successful program the following year.

Literature Cited: Carstensen, M., G.D. Delgiudice, B.A. Sampson, and D.W. Kuehn. 2009. Survival, birth characteristics, and cause-specific mortality of white-tailed deer neonates. Journal of Wildlife Management 73(2):175-183.

Tollefson,T.N., L. A. Shipley, W.L. Myers, D.H. Keisler, N. Dasgupta. 2010. Influence of summer and autumn nutrition on body condition and reproduction in lactating mule deer. Journal of Wildlife Management 74(5):974-986.

Verme, L.J. 1963. Effect of nutrition on growth of white-tailed deer fawns.Transactions of the North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference. 28:431-443.

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