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HILL COUNTRY HUNTING
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Deer season preview - page 5 TPWD’s Clinton Wolf - page 8 Archery season underway - page 9 Harper events for hunters - page 12 Jaycee Turkey Shoot - page 14 Youth only hunting seasons - page 15 Wild Game Dinner - page 16 Feral hog research - page 17 Photo tips, newspaper submission - page 19-20 Things to do in Fredericksburg - page 21 Watch the road - page 22 Wildlife Management Area Associations - page 24 Photo tips, newspaper submission - page 19-20 Hunters for the Hungry - page 27 Safety ďŹ rst hunting tips - page 29 Operation Game Thief - page 30 Outdoor app - page 33 CampďŹ re cooking - page 35 Sunrise/sunset times - page 36 Aging deer - page 37
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Hill Country harvest By Ken Esten Cooke
HILL COUNTRY HUNTING
Deer may be harder for hunters to ďŹ nd early on, but area density will mean high numbers
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ecent rains mean natural forage is good for Hill Country deer. So while deer may be a little more difficult to find early on, area hunters can still look forward to a bountiful harvest when the White-tailed deer season gets under way on Nov. 1. That’s according to Gillespie County Game Wardens Sam Harris and Scott Krueger. The two say while good management practices may mean better bucks in the future, an average year is in store for local hunters. “There will be some good bucks taken — there IMPORTANT DATES always are — but from GILLESPIE COUNTY what I’ve seen on the hoof, UĂŠ Ă€VÂ…iÀÞÊ "˜Â?ÞÊ qĂŠ -iÂŤĂŒÂ°ĂŠ it’s pretty typical Hill ÓLJ"VĂŒÂ°ĂŠ ĂŽÂŁ]ĂŠ {ĂŠ Â ÂˆĂŒÂ…iÀÊ Country deer,â€? Krueger ĂƒiĂ?°Ê ÂœĂŠ ÂŤiĂ€Â“ÂˆĂŒĂŠ Ă€iÂľĂ•ÂˆĂ€i`ĂŠ ĂŒÂœĂŠ said. hunt antlerless deer unless *ĂŠ ÂŤiĂ€Â“ÂˆĂŒĂƒĂŠ Â…>Ă›iĂŠ LiiÂ˜ĂŠ Archery season, which ÂˆĂƒĂƒĂ•i`ĂŠvÂœĂ€ĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠÂŤĂ€ÂœÂŤiĂ€ĂŒĂžÂ°ÂŽ began Sept. 27, has seen a UĂŠ i˜iĂ€>Â?ĂŠ -i>ĂƒÂœÂ˜ĂŠ qĂŠ ÂœĂ›Â°ĂŠ slow start. It’s been quiet ÂŁ]ÊÓä£{‡ >Â˜Â°ĂŠ{]ÊÓä£x° in Gillespie County, though UĂŠ >ĂŒiĂŠ Â˜ĂŒÂ?iĂ€Â?iĂƒĂƒĂŠ >˜`ĂŠ individuals have reported -ÂŤÂˆÂŽiĂŠqĂŠ >Â˜Â°ĂŠx‡£n]ÊÓä£x° decent kills in neighboring Youth Only Mason County. UĂŠ"VĂŒÂ°ĂŠĂ“xÂ‡Ă“Ăˆ]ÊÓä£{ “We haven’t seen any UĂŠ >Â˜Â°ĂŠx‡£n]ÊÓä£x kills during archery season,â€? Krueger said on Oct. 9. “Some of our local processors had some bow kills but it has been a pretty slow start to the season.â€? Harris said antlers look “average.â€? “Hunters just aren’t seeing what they’re looking for, yet,â€? Harris said. “There is good forage and acorns are dropping, so the hunters might have a little difficulty at first. The rains hit at the right time, so the deer won’t go to the feeders as much.â€? Krueger said management practices are helping the number and quality of bucks. “Hunters have reported seeing some deer that have a little age on them, and people are culling some that need to be culled,â€? he said. “Hunters have seen big antlers, but then noticed the buck is just 2½ or 3 years old and they’re letting them walk. They’re doing a better job selecting on what to shoot.â€? Without seeing many kills as yet, both were hesitant to guess about body and antler quality. But their usual
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advice is: “Shoot does and cull bucks early. And shoot all the pigs you can.� Statewide outlook rea biologists can give general predictions based on rainfall and habitat conditions, but it is difficult to guess when dealing with individual properties. Rainfall, native habitat foods, habitat quality and availability, and even hunting pressure on an area play a role in determining success each season. Still, Alan Cain, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s director of its white-tailed deer program, said his prediction has changed from “below average� to just “above average.� “Even though it was dry early in the spring, the bucks should have slightly above average antler growth,� Cain said. And statewide, Cain predicts a decent year, though not like 2010 when big buck kills were reported “There will be some around the state. good bucks taken — “Statewide, I’ve seen there always are — but some good buck kills this from what I’ve seen archery season — a 163 and another 183 on the on the hoof, it’s pretty Boone and Crockett score,� typical Hill Country Cain said. “Hopefully, deer.� that’s a precursor to a — Scott Krueger, good season.� Cain said the Gillespie County Fredericksburg area is Game Warden a high-density area and “always a great place for hunters around the state to fill their freezer.� Our target rich environment doesn’t always translate to huge bucks, however. Gillespie County’s average Boone and Crockett score for a 6.5-year-old buck is 119, compared to the statewide average of 127. (South Texas sports the state’s highest B&C average at an enviable 136.)
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Antler quality ainfall plays a key role in antler quality, Cain said. In dry years, hunters typically see a decline in overall antler quality and increases in wet years. That’s because plentiful rainfall affects the availability and nutrition of forage. Some land managers and landowners provide supplemental feed to help the effects of drought. But native habitat is crucial to deer nutrition even when supplemental feed is provided, he said. Maintaining quality native habitat is important to the quality of deer. Cain said he predicts an average year for antler quality. “For most hunters, the average buck is a pretty good deer and unless you’re a trophy antler collector, I sus-
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6
HILL COUNTRY HUNTING
Hill Country harvest Cont. from page 5
pect a 6.5-year-old buck or older scoring 127 on the Boone and Crockett would be a heck of a deer,” Cain said. Bucks ost hunters don’t take fawns, so years when fawn production is good means solid buck numbers in later years. In the nine years TPWD has taken its deer surveys, fawn crop estimates were good in 2007, 2010, 2012 and 2013. That means a good number of young bucks in the 1.5 and 2.5-year-old age classes and a good number of 4.5 and 7.5-yearold bucks as compared to other age classes. In 2013, BAG LIMIT an estimated UÊ ÛiÊ `iiÀ]Ê Ê 625,000 ÀiÊ Ì > Ê ÓÊ LÕV Ã]Ê deer were all seasons comharvested, L i`° of which UÊ Ì iÀ iÃÃÊ `iiÀÊ qÊ 330,000 Ê«iÀ ÌÊ ÃÊÀiµÕ Ài`Ê were bucks. unless MLDP antler“Hopefully, iÃÃÊ «iÀ ÌÃÊ >ÛiÊ 2014 will Lii Ê ÃÃÕi`Ê v ÀÊ Ì iÊ have similar tract. odds, if not better,” Cain said. “I would encourage hunters to continue to fill their tags in areas such as the Hill Country where the numbers are likely beyond what the habitat should be supporting.” Cain said hunters are always welcome to consult a TPWD biologist to discuss deer density and populations. The final word? “Hunters should expect a good 2014 deer season,” he said. “Who knows? This may be the year you take your biggest buck, fill every tag on your license or more importantly, enjoy the time spent in the field hunting whitetails with your family and friends.”
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Gillespie County Predator Contest PRIZES &ŽƵƌ ĂƚĞŐŽƌŝĞƐ ͻ ^ŝdžƚĞĞŶ WƌŝnjĞƐ ĂƐŚ WƌŝnjĞƐ ƚŽƚĂůŝŶŐ ΨϮ͕ϬϬϬ will be awarded in the following categories: &ĞƌĂů ,ŽŐ ͻ ŽLJŽƚĞ ͻ ŽďĐĂƚ ͻ 'ƌĂLJ Žƌ ZĞĚ &Ždž ͵ ΨϱϬϬ &KZ , d 'KZz ͵ ĂĐŚ ƟŵĞ Ă ƉĂƌƟĐŝƉĂŶƚ ďƌŝŶŐƐ ŝŶ Ă ƉƌĞĚĂƚŽƌ͕ ŚŝƐͬŚĞƌ ŶĂŵĞ ǁŝůů ďĞ ƉƵƚ ͞ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŚĂƚ͟ ŽĨ ƚŚĂƚ ƉƌĞĚĂƚŽƌ ĐĂƚĞŐŽƌLJ ĨŽƌ Ă ĚƌĂǁŝŶŐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĐĂƐŚ ƉƌŝnjĞƐ͘ When: Where: Who: dŽ ĞŶƚĞƌ͗
ŽŶƚĞƐƚ ƐƚĂƌƚƐ KĐƚŽďĞƌ ϭ ĂŶĚ ĞŶĚƐ DĂLJ ϯϭ WƌĞĚĂƚŽƌƐ ŵƵƐƚ ďĞ ŚĂƌǀĞƐƚĞĚ ŝŶ 'ŝůůĞƐƉŝĞ ŽƵŶƚLJ ůů ƉĂƌƟĞƐ ŵƵƐƚ ŚĂǀĞ Ă ĐƵƌƌĞŶƚ ŚƵŶƟŶŐ ůŝĐĞŶƐĞ ĂŶĚ ĂďŝĚĞ ďLJ Ăůů ŐĂŵĞ ůĂǁƐ dŚĞ ƉƌĞĚĂƚŽƌ ŵƵƐƚ ďĞ ƌĞŐŝƐƚĞƌĞĚ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ůŽĐĂƟŽŶƐ͗
ͻ ůůŝĞĚ Őʹ^ƚŽŶĞǁĂůů͕ ddž͘ ͻ ĞŚƌĞŶĚƐ &ĞĞĚ Θ &ĞƌƟůŝnjĞƌʹ>ƵĐŬĞŶďĂĐŚ Θ ,ĂƌƉĞƌ͕ ddž͘ ͻ ŽƐƐ ŽƵŶƚƌLJ ^ƚŽƌĞʹ ŽƐƐ͕ ddž͘ ͻ ,ŽŚŵĂŶŶ͛Ɛ 'ĞŶĞƌĂů ^ƚŽƌĞʹtŝůůŽǁ ŝƚLJ͕ ddž ͻ >ŽĐŚƚĞ͛Ɛ &ĞĞĚ Θ 'ĞŶĞƌĂů ^ƚŽƌĞʹ&ƌĞĚĞƌŝĐŬƐďƵƌŐ͕ ddž͘ ͻ ĞLJĞƌ &ĞĞĚʹ&ƌĞĚĞƌŝĐŬƐďƵƌŐ͕ ddž͘
:ŽŝŶ ƚŚĞ 'ŝůůĞƐƉŝĞ ŽƵŶƚLJ Ő ŽŵŵŽĚŝƚLJ ƐƐŽĐŝĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ĂůůŽǁ ƉƌĞĚĂƚŽƌƐ ŚĂƌǀĞƐƚĞĚ ŽŶ LJŽƵƌ ƉƌŽƉĞƌƚLJ ƚŽ ďĞ ĞůŝŐŝďůĞ ƚŽ ƌĞĐĞŝǀĞ ƚŚĞ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ďŽƵŶƟĞƐ ;ΨϭϮϱͬĐŽLJŽƚĞ͕ ΨϱͬŚŽŐ͕ ΨϮϱͬƌĞĚ ĨŽdž Θ ΨϮϱͬďŽďĐĂƚƐͿ͘ ŶŶƵĂů ŵĞŵďĞƌƐŚŝƉ ĐŽƐƚ ŝƐ ϭϱ ĐĞŶƚͬĂĐƌĞ Žƌ ŵŝŶƵŝŵƵŵ ŽĨ ΨϱϬ͘ ƉƉůŝĐĂƟŽŶƐ͕ ƌƵůĞƐ ĂŶĚ ŝŶĨŽ ĐĂŶ ďĞ ŽďƚĂŝŶĞĚ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ 'ŝůůĞƐƉŝĞ ŽƵŶƚLJ Őƌŝ>ŝĨĞ KĸĐĞ Ăƚ ϵϱ &ƌĞĚĞƌŝĐŬ ZŽĂĚ Žƌ ďLJ ĐĂůůŝŶŐ ϴϯϬͲϵϵϳͲϯϰϱϮ͘ ^ƉŽŶƐŽƌĞĚ ďLJ 'ŝůůĞƐƉŝĞ ŽƵŶƚLJ ŐƌŝĐƵůƚƵƌĞ ŽŵŵŽĚŝƚLJ ƐƐŽĐŝĂƟŽŶ͘
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HILL COUNTRY HUNTING
Overseeing white tails TPWD’s Alan Cain on hunters’ positive impact Alan Cain, the White-tailed deer program leader for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, is glad he doesn’t have to live in Austin to do his state job. From his office in Pleasanton, Cain gathers survey numbers and travels throughout the state trying to encourage hunters and hunting. Hunters are some of the state’s most ardent conservationists, Cain said, and they are the only group who pays for conservation as part of their licensing fees. Without hunters, he adds, deer populations would explode and that would lead to an outof-balance ecosystem. “Hunters are the ones who help manage the deer population around the state. You’ll have habitat issues if there are too many of them,” Cain said. “And they should be proud of that. They need to be patted on the back.” Hunting is all the more special if you can spend it with kids and encourage them to take part, Cain said. “We have to make sure we’re recruiting new hunters every year,” Cain said. “And in Texas, we’ve been stable, but we want to make sure that deer population numbers don’t get out of control.” Cain said a list of hunting destinations and public hunt opportunities is available on the TPWD website at www.tpwd. state.tx.us. “Don’t get caught sitting on the couch this fall watching hunting shows,” he said. “The deer are out there waiting for you.” Cain is glad to help hunters with questions. Email him at Alan.Cain@tpwd.texas.gov.
Alan Cain harvested a mule deer in Wyoming in 2012.
HILL COUNTRY HUNTING
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Archers take their shots Bow-and-arrow hunters who have gotten “first crack” at this season’s big bucks will continue to enjoy early opportunities during their special archery-only season through Friday, Oct. 31. After that, archery hunters can continue to hunt Rio Grande turkey and white-tailed deer, but will be joined by rifle-bearing sportsmen for the 2014-2015 regular hunting season from Saturday, Nov. 1 through Jan. 4, 2015. Overall, the whitetail deer antlers look “not bad,” according to local game warden Scott Krueger with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
“This time of year, they’re pretty regular where they go and where they feed,” Krueger said. “I’ve seen as many good bucks as much as what I’d call ‘scrubs.’”
Krueger added that the body sizes for the deer are average with some looking “slick and fat” and some looking skinny. Cont. on page 10
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HILL COUNTRY HUNTING
Archers Cont. from page 9
A special youth-only season for the white-tailed deer will run in two segments: Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 25-26 and then from Jan. 5-18, 2015 (both genders). Gillespie’s “Late Antlerless and Spike� season runs from Jan. 5-18, 2015. The youth-only rifle season for turkey is also Oct. 25-26 and then Jan. 17-18, 2015. As for wild turkey hunting, the bag limit is four birds per license year, no more than one of which may be an Eastern turkey. While there are no big changes in Texas’ hunting regulations for the coming year, Krueger reminded hunters of a few of their primary responsibilities. “Hunters need to make sure that — and this is the biggest violation
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we come across — they have their hunter’s education completed,� Krueger said. All hunters born on or after Sept. 2, 1971, need to complete a Hunter Education Training Course. An exception to that regulation is for those who are under the age of 17 years who are hunting with a person who is exempt from the rule because of age or who has completed the course, Krueger said. Also, a young hunter can buy some time in order to complete the course later by opting for the “hunter education deferral.� That is offered at a cost of $10 for the year, but is good on a one-time basis. The Hunter Education Training Course is available in a six-hour, home-study course online, Krueger
THE GO!
said. Those interested can visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s website, http://tpwd.state. tx.us, for more information. Fredericksburg Independent School District’s Community Education program has offered hunter safety classes this summer and is looking to offer more. Carol Reeh, Community Ed director, said they are working on plans to offer a class in late October. For more details, call Reeh at 830-997-7182. Krueger also added that hunters in the upcoming season “also need to make sure they properly execute their tags by cutting out the month and date and securely attaching it to the animal. Then, on the license itself, there is a hunter’s log and they have to be sure to fill that out as well.�
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HILL COUNTRY HUNTING
Friends of Gillespie County Country Schools, Inc. For Information and Group Tours Visit: www.HistoricSchools.org Come and Visit the Friends of Gillespie County Country Schools Trail 12 Properties Listed in the Register of National Historic Places; Restoring and Preserving Our Historical Buildings
“Living Histories Museums” Cave Creek, Cherry Spring, Crabapple, Lower South Grape Creek, Luckenbach, Meusebach Creek, Nebgen, Pecan Creek, Rheingold, Williams Creek (Albert), Willow City, and Wrede Keepsake prices: Mugs with 12 school sketches ~ $5
12 Cards with Envelopes ~ $8 DVD with over 150 pictures of 12 schools ~ $10 Gillespie County School Histories book ~ $10 The Era of the One Room School House book ~ $7 School Properties available for reunions, receptions, parties and other gatherings Become a Member at Large. No Meetings Required. Book your next stay now www.VisitFredericksburgTX.com
Please clip this ad and circle items you are requesting and send with check or money order to: P.O. Box 55, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 Shipping cost is $6 per item. Pay Pal accepted via website www.HistoricSchools.org For free local delivery, call 830-644-2651 or 830-685-3321
Calendar of Events: Bake Sale will be December 20, 2014, Saturday at Jek’s Pit Stop Pecan Creek School will be open November 8th, 2014 Nebgen School will be open January 17, 2015 Cave Creek School will be open February 14, 2015 Pecan Creek School will be open March 7, 2015 Friends Annual Open Schools features 6 schools, April 11 Our Pork and Chicken BBQ Noon Meal Fundraiser at the American Legion Hall, Plan your Spring Weekend Sunday, April 12, 2015
April 11-12. Open Schools Tours & Barbecue!
Harper to host hunting events Hunting-related events are on the calendar in Harper with the arrival of the 2014-2015 big game season. First is the Harper Turkey Shoot on Friday, Oct. 31, while members of the Harper Volunteer Fire Department and EMS will host their annual benefit fish fry on Saturday, Nov. 1. Turkey Shoot (Friday, Oct. 31) Sponsored by Harper American Legion Post 650, the Turkey Shoot will begin on Friday at 10 a.m. at the rodeo grounds in the Harper Community Park. Offered will be archery targets and rifle targets. There will also be a paddle wheel with a large selection of prizes for the winners. The auxiliary will be offering food and drinks throughout the day. Persons can also purchase tickets for a prize drawing. Tickets for the drawing are $1 each or six for $5, and are available from Legion members as well as at Security State Bank and Trust in Harper. The winning tickets will be drawn on the first Thursday in December. Benefit Fish Fry (Saturday, Nov. 1) Then on Saturday, Harper Volunteer Fire Department and EMS will host their annual benefit fish fry from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the HVFD station. The cost for a plate of food, including all of the trimmings, is by donation. A prize drawing will follow the meal. Prizes include a Ruger 30-30 rifle custom engraved by master jeweler Terry Theis. Among the many other prizes to be given away that day are a Ruger 10-22, an over and under shotgun, jewelry from James Avery and Jeep Collins, tools, fire grille/ pit, pig hunt and gift baskets. Tickets for the prize drawing are $1 each or six for $5. Tickets will be sold at the event. A special drawing for a 2014 Bobcat ATV (3400) 4x4 gasoline has been added this year. Only 500 tickets at $50 each are being sold for the ATV. (It was noted that the drawing for the ATV will be held when all of the tickets are sold.) In advance, prize drawing tickets are available from department members as well as at Waldo’s, Bode’s and Dauna’s, all in Harper. Prize drawing tickets are also available in Fredericksburg at Sears and at Bee Creek Communications, located in the Tivydale Business Park and at Allied Ag in Stonewall. The Ranch Radio will have a live remote during the fish fry sponsored by Security State Bank and Trust.
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HILL COUNTRY HUNTING
Jaycees to host annual Turkey Shoot Hunters will get the opportunity to hone their skills when the Fredericksburg Jaycees host their 63rd Annual Fredericksburg Jaycees Turkey Shoot. The Turkey Shoot will be held over two dates — Sunday, Oct. 26, and again on Friday, Oct. 31 — at the Tivydale Shooting Range, 15.3 miles from Fredericksburg out FM 2093 (Tivydale Road.) Offered at the event will be a live turkey head shoot, a sight-in range and a separate archery section to give hunters some practice ahead of the general season’s Nov. 1 start. (No hand guns are allowed.) The Turkey Shoot takes place from 11 a.m. to dusk and also includes food and beverages available for purchase. Chances will also be sold for prizes to be awarded in a paddle wheel game and a prize drawing. Featured in the main prize drawing will be numerous prizes, includ-
ing guns, hunts, binoculars and more. The tickets are $5 each or six for $25. Tickets may be purchased at the event or in advance at Kneese & Son, Kramer’s Wood and Metal Works, Woerner Feed and from any Jaycees member. Winners need not be present, but must claim their prizes within 60 days of the official drawing on Nov. 1. Among the prizes that will be given away are the following: 1st Prize — Savage Model 10XP Predator Hunter Bolt Action Rifle .223 caliber in Woodland Snow Camo with 4x12x40 Scope ($700). 2nd Prize — Savage Model 10XP Predator Hunter Bolt Action Rifle .223 caliber in Mossy Oak Brush Camo with 4x12x40 Scope ($700). 3rd Prize — Core 15M4 Scout AR-15 Rifle 5.56 Chrome Molly BBL ($600). 4th Prize — Core 15M4 Scout AR-15 Rifle 5.56 Chrome Molly BBL ($600).
5th Prize — Rossi Circuit Judge 45/410 Rifle with SS Wood Stock ($565). 6th Prize — Remington Model 700SPS Varmint Rifle .22-250 with 26” Barrel and Black Matte Finish ($565). 7th Prize — Deer Feeder with 300 lb. capacity ($550). 8th Prize — Taurus Judge ‘Public Defender’ 45/410 Revolver ($490). 9th Prize — Matthews Mission Bow with Complete Set-up ($400). 10th Prize — 42” Campfire Grill ($400). 11th Prize — TriStar Over/Under Shotgun 3” 12 gauge 28” Barrel with Wood Stock and Black Finish ($380). 12th Prize — Savage Axis XP Youth Bolt Action Rifle .223 caliber Synthetic Muddy Girl Camo with 3x9x40 Scope ($350). 13th Prize — Savage Axis XP Bolt Action Rifle .223 caliber with Matte Camo and 3x9x40 Scope ($350).
Other prizes will also be given away. More information on the turkey shoot events is available by visiting the group’s website: www.fbgjaycees.com.
Upland Game Bird Hunting in the Texas Hill Country Quail ͻ Pheasant ͻ Chukar Our ½ day hunts are $325 per hunter with a minimum of 2 hunters per hunt. Hunt includes 15 quail OR 8 Chukar OR 6 pheasant per hunter. Clay range available. All hunts include lunch, bird cleaning and package service.
Our hunts are available from October 1st – March 31st. tĞ ŽīĞƌ ĨĂƐƚ ŇLJŝŶŐ ďŝƌĚƐ͕ ŚĂƌĚǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ĚŽŐƐ ĂŶĚ dĞdžĂƐ ,ŝůů ŽƵŶƚƌLJ ŚŽƐƉŝƚĂůŝƚLJ Ăůů Ăƚ Ă ƉƌŝĐĞ ŚƵŶƚĞƌƐ ĐĂŶ ĂīŽƌĚ͘ tĞ ĂƌĞ Ă ƉƌŝǀĂƚĞ ŚƵŶƟŶŐ ƉƌĞƐĞƌǀĞ ƐŽ ƚŚĞƌĞ ĂƌĞ ŶŽ ůŝŵŝƚƐ ŽŶ ƵƉůĂŶĚ ŐĂŵĞ͘ ŽŵĞ ŽƵƚ ĂŶĚ ĞŶũŽLJ ƟŵĞ ƐƉĞŶƚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĮĞůĚ ƐĞĞŝŶŐ ŐŽŽĚ ĚŽŐƐ ǁŽƌŬ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚĞƐƟŶŐ LJŽƵƌ ƐŚŽŽƟŶŐ ƐŬŝůůƐ͘ tĞ ĂƌĞ ůŽĐĂƚĞĚ ŚĂůĨǁĂLJ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ ŽŵĨŽƌƚ ĂŶĚ &ƌĞĚĞƌŝĐŬƐďƵƌŐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ dĞdžĂƐ ,ŝůů ŽƵŶƚƌLJ͘
Serengeti Game Ranch Jim & Kim Bruner 444 B Old No. 9 Hwy Comfort, TX 78013 830-370-8831 www.serengetigameranch.com
HILL COUNTRY HUNTING
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Youth only hunting planned Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has established statewide Youth Only open seasons for deer, turkey, squirrel and, with cooperation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, waterfowl. The purpose of these Youth Only open seasons is to provide young people with opportunities to learn about wildlife conservation through an enjoyable and memorable outdoor experience and allow parents and mentors to introduce them to safe and responsible hunting. The Youth Only open season hunts are scheduled to occur at times when youth are out of school. Experienced mentors Texas Parks and Wildlife Department encourages experienced hunters to seek out youth and provide the guidance to make the event both enjoyable and educational for the beginning hunter.
hunting means and methods are allowed, except Collin, Dallas, Grayson and Rockwall counties, which are archery only. For much of the state, including Gillespie County and the remainder of the Hill Country, the bag and permit requirements are the same as for the first two days of the general season in the county.
CHECK IT OUT ONLINE For more information on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Youth-Only hunting seasons, as well as other general hunting information, log onto the website: www.tpwd. state.tx.us.
Youth only seasons are for only licensed hunters 16 years of age or younger. A special hunting license (Type 169) is required. White-tailed deer After the first session of the fall season on Oct. 25-26, young people will have another chance to hunt deer with less competition when the special youth-only season reopens Jan. 5-18, 2015. The season is open in all counties where there is a general open season for white-tailed deer. All legal
Turkey An opportunity for youngsters to hunt for turkeys will be held during the weekend of Jan. 17-18, 2014. Only licensed hunters 16 years of age or younger may hunt turkey during this season. Bag limit as specified by the general fall turkey season. The annual bag limit for turkey, in the aggregate for all counties, is four (4), no more than one of which may be an Eastern turkey.
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A variety of games and other prize drawings will again be held as part of the Gillespie County Wild Game Dinner at the Gillespie County Fair Grounds on Saturday, Nov. 22. Activities
HILL COUNTRY HUNTING
include food and refreshments, prize drawings, auctions and more. Tickets are $20 and the gates open at 5:30 p.m. — Standard-Radio Post file photo
Wild game, prizes on menu Hunters looking for a of prize drawings. change of pace are invited to Along with the “Blue Ticket” join locals and visitors at the drawing and the “Top 5 Pick” Gillespie County Wild Game will be a prize drawing featurDinner on Saturday, Nov. 22, ing over 80 items, including at the Gillespie County Fair 20 guns. Grounds. Over 100 items are featured Tickets are $20 each and in the silent auction. Door includes the food and refreshprizes will also be given away. ments. Over 100 volunteers come Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and together every year to help serving continues until 8:30 with the Wild Game Dinner. p.m. “Our local business folks The menu includes a dozen really step up to help us raise kinds of wild game, seafood money for youth and adult and exotics. agriculture education in the Barbecue dinners are also Texas Hill Country,” said available. Charlie Wilson, a spokesman The evening will also include for the event. a live auction with over 40 “With their help and the items, including firearms, great individuals who donate Exhibits such as this buck draw attention at the Gillespie County Wild Game Dinner, scheduled for Nov. hunts, vacation trips, a helito our program, we have more 22. — Standard-Radio Post file photo copter ride, name brand than tripled the number of archery equipment and more. kids involved in 4-H and FFA Other activities include the “Rivalry Bid-Out” on three enrollment,” he said. “All of your donations go directly custom made Texas A&M, Texas Tech and University of to educational programs.” Texas 300 Blackouts. Wilson added, “You will be helping the hardest workWorld champion auctioneer Craig Meier will serve as ing, best disciplined kids in this state, if you join us at auctioneer. the Gillespie County Fair Grounds on Saturday, Nov. Also featured at the Wild Game Dinner are a number 22.”
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Research focuses on feral hog control Feral hogs pose threats to local wildlife and the overall ecosystem. Scientists at the Kerr Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are researching a new method to control the population of wild hogs throughout the country. The chemical scientists are using, sodium nitrite, is effective at killing feral hogs that consume enough of the chemical compound. Sodium nitrite is an inorganic compound that is most often used as a food preservative, but consumed in a large quantity, the effects can be lethal. “When it’s consumed in large enough quantities, it reduces the ability of the red blood cells to transmit oxygen to the tissues which induces hypoxia,” John Kinsey, one of the biologists overseeing the research at the Kerr WMA. “If enough of the substance is consumed, it induces mortality.” The research project began with an idea from a technician at the Kerr WMA. “We are constantly looking for new research projects,” Kinsey said, “and one of our technicians had an idea to look into controlling feral hog populations.” Researchers are hoping that the new compound will become registered with the Environmental Protection Agency as a toxicant that can be used outside of a research setting and on private land.
“To do so, we need something in the neighborhood of a 90 percent mortality rate out of our trials,” Kinsey said. “Initially, we weren’t anywhere near those mortality rates.” Biologists at the Kerr WMA have been testing various forms of bait and concentrations on hogs that have been captured and placed into pens. “Currently, we’re using a paste-type bait that has been by far our most accepted bait,” Kinsey explained. “Consumption has increased dramatically when introduced to this bait formulation opposed to other types we have used in the past.” Initially, mortality rates in the hogs was not as high as biologists had hoped, but now they have reached a “very high” mortality rate in the hogs, according to Kinsey. The next step for researchers at the Kerr WMA is to begin the EPA testing process. Feral hog population control is important to protecting the natural order of ecosystems in Texas. “They’re (feral hogs) an exotic invasive species,” Kinsey said. “Historically, they’re not supposed to be on our landscape, and any time you have an exotic invasive on a landscape, it disrupts the natural flow of the ecosystem, which causes problems for our native species.”
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TROPHY Taking top notch wildlife photos with a camera can be a cinch for even non-professionals. 1. Look for interesting combinations of color, light (and shadow) and textures. Nature is full of visually appealing scenes — just provide a channel for them to be seen. 2. Try new perspectives. In other words, get up close or look up … anything to give viewers an interesting angle they won’t see by just standing there. 3. Use the “rule of thirds” to create visual interest. Place the main subject of your photo in the extreme left, right, top, bottom or even corner of the frame to get a dramatic impact. 4. Get close — as in really close — to a subject so that it fills the frame. It’s easy to be too far away, but hard to get too close. 5. Take a lot of photos. The most serious photographers take many different angles and exposures in order to capture that one true “gem.” 6. Use a tripod, especially if using a telephoto lens that is difficult to hold still. Telephotos also cause light loss and so the tripod allows for slower shutter speeds to compensate. 7. Practice, practice, practice. No one ever turned out super photos without first burning a few images. The only way to get comfortable with settings and scenarios is to spend time exposing one’s self to variables.
P ac Pr actice and nd d pat a ie enc nce e are re keyy for ama matteur te r pho hoto ho togr to grap rap a he h rs r to get e top op p notch no h photo os dur u iin ng dee eer sea easo son. — Pho so oto by Lissa Treib re eiib be err-W Walt allte ter
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HILL COUNTRY HUNTING
Want a photo in the newspaper? Hunters wishing to share photos of their 2014-2015 hunting season harvests with Fredericksburg StandardRadio Post readers need to know a few guidelines on how to submit a picture for print. To qualify for free publication, photos must meet the following criteria: x $OO DQLPDOV SLFWXUHG PXVW EH legally-harvested following all Texas regulations; x (LWKHU WKH DQLPDO RU WKH KXQWHU must be from Gillespie County; x 2QO\ WKH KXQWHU ZKR VKRW WKH deer may appear in the photo with the animal — no exceptions; x (DFK KXQWHU PD\ VXEPLW QR PRUH than one photo per year — no exceptions; x 7KH DQLPDOuV HQWLUH FDUFDVV PXVW be present and attached to the head. (No caped out or head-only/antleronly photos will be accepted.) x 3LFWXUHV RI GRHV RU VSLNHV ZLOO QRW be accepted; During regular business hours, available staff photographers will
take photos of those stopping in at the newspaper office, 712 West Main Street. (Such images are in digital format and reprints will be made available for purchase online at: fredericksburgstandard.smugmug.com.) Submit a photo x +XQWHUV PD\ VXEPLW FRORU SKRWRgraphs by emailing original, unedited images as separate .jpg attachments to: fbgnews@fredericksburgstandard.com. x 'LJLWDO VXEPLVVLRQV VKRXOG EH 300 pixels per inch or higher in resolution. Pictures of low resolution or otherwise poor quality in regard to lighting, framing and sharpness will not be accepted. Photos printed on home printers and taken with older cell phones are generally not acceptable. Complete and include the following information: 1. Name of the hunter and the city in which they live. 2. If the hunter is a youth, include KLV KHU DJH SDUHQWVu QDPHV DQG
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2014 Meat Bow & Rifle Hunts 1 DAY HUNT PACKAGES ĎŽ tĹšĹ?ƚĞƚĂĹ?ĹŻ ŽĞĆ? Î¨Ď°ĎŹĎŹÍ˜ĎŹĎŹ Íť Ď tĹšĹ?ƚĞƚĂĹ?ĹŻÍŹ ĹŻÄ‚Ä?ĹŹ ĆľÄ?ĹŹ ŽĞ Î¨Ď°ĎąĎŹÍ˜ĎŹĎŹ ĎŽ ĹŻÄ‚Ä?ĹŹ ĆľÄ?ĹŹ ŽĞĆ? Î¨ĎąĎŹĎŹÍ˜ĎŹĎŹ Íť Ď Ç†Ĺ?Ć? ŽĞ Î¨ĎąĎąĎŹÍ˜ĎŹĎŹ WÄ‚Ä?ĹŹÄ‚Ĺ?Äž Ć‰ĆŒĹ?Ä?ÄžĆ? Ĺ?ĹśÄ?ůƾĚĞ͗ Ď Ä‚Ç‡ ,ƾŜƚ͕ 'ĂžĞ͕ 'ĆľĹ?ĚĞ &ĞĞ Θ ĆŒÄžĆ?Ć?Ĺ?ĹśĹ? ŽĨ Ĺ?Ä‚ĹľÄžÍ˜
2 DAY HUNT PACKAGES ϾͲĎĎŽ WĹ˝Ĺ?Ŝƚ tĹšĹ?ƚĞƚĂĹ?ĹŻ ĆľÄ?ĹŹ Î¨ĎŽĎŽĎŹĎŹÍ˜ĎŹĎŹ ϲͲϴ WĹ˝Ĺ?Ŝƚ tĹšĹ?ƚĞƚĂĹ?ĹŻ ĆľÄ?ĹŹ ΨĎĎ´ĎŹĎŹÍ˜ĎŹĎŹ ƾůů DĂŜĂĹ?ĞžĞŜƚ ĆľÄ?ĹŹ ΨĎĎĎŹĎŹÍ˜ĎŹĎŹ PÄ‚Ä?ĹŹÄ‚Ĺ?Äž Ć‰ĆŒĹ?Ä?ÄžĆ? Ĺ?ĹśÄ?ůƾĚĞ͗ ĎŽ ĂLJ ,ƾŜƚ͕ 'ĂžĞ͕ >ŽĚĹ?Ĺ?ĹśĹ?Í• 'ĆľĹ?ĚĞ &ĞĞ Θ ĆŒÄžĆ?Ć?Ĺ?ĹśĹ? ŽĨ Ĺ?Ä‚ĹľÄžÍ˜
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T E X A S
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3 DAY HUNT PACKAGES ϾͲĎĎŽ Ć‰ĆšÍ˜ tĹšĹ?ƚĞƚĂĹ?ĹŻ ĆľÄ?ĹŹ Θ Ď tĹšĹ?ƚĞƚĂĹ?ĹŻ ŽĞ Î¨ĎŽĎąĎŹĎŹÍ˜ĎŹĎŹ ϲͲϴ tĹšĹ?ƚĞƚĂĹ?ĹŻ ĆľÄ?ĹŹ Θ Ď tĹšĹ?ƚĞƚĂĹ?ĹŻ ŽĞ Î¨ĎŽĎŽĎŹĎŹÍ˜ĎŹĎŹ
Fredericksburg Credit OfďŹ ce Jacki Eckert , NMLS 1146580 Jason Helfrich, NMLS 691141 Trae Ottmers, NMLS 612375
their cities of residence, if this was WKH KXQWHUuV ILUVW EXFN DQG ZKR ZDV accompanying the youth while hunting. 3. Daytime contact phone number. 4. Specific location the deer was harvested (i.e. property or ranch name and general location in the county). 5. Time and date of the kill. 6. Number of points on the buck. (Newspaper staff will not be responsible for counting points, so that number must be provided before publication will take place.) 7. Measurements of the antlers, including width and height, and, if applicable, a Boone & Crockett score. $ ILHOG GUHVVHG ZHLJKW RI WKH deer, if available. $OO SKRWRV IURP WKH VHDson will be published no later than the Feb. 11, 2015 issue. Hunters wishing to see their photos in print should submit them quickly so the photo may be processed properly prior to the cut-off date.
ƾůů DĂŜĂĹ?ĞžĞŜƚ Ĺ˝ĆŒ ^ƉĹ?ĹŹÄž ƚŽ Ďą WĹ˝Ĺ?ŜƚĆ? tĹšĹ?ƚĞƚĂĹ?ĹŻ ĆľÄ?ĹŹ Θ Ď tĹšĹ?ƚĞƚĂĹ?ĹŻ ŽĞ ΨĎĎąĎŹĎŹÍ˜ĎŹĎŹ WÄ‚Ä?ĹŹÄ‚Ĺ?Äž Ć‰ĆŒĹ?Ä?ÄžĆ? Ĺ?ĹśÄ?ůƾĚĞ͗ ĎŻ ĂLJ ,ƾŜƚ͕ 'ĂžĞ͕ >ŽĚĹ?Ĺ?ĹśĹ?Í• 'ĆľĹ?ĚĞ &ĞĞ Θ ĆŒÄžĆ?Ć?Ĺ?ĹśĹ? ŽĨ Ĺ?Ä‚ĹľÄžÍ˜
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tÄž Ĺ˝ÄŤÄžĆŒ ƋƾĂůĹ?ƚLJ Ĺ?ĂžĞ Ä‚Ćš ÄšĹ?Ć?Ä?ŽƾŜƚĞĚ Ć‰ĆŒĹ?Ä?ÄžĆ?͘ tÄž Ä‚ĆŒÄž Ä‚ ĨĂžĹ?ůLJ Ĺ˝ĆŒĹ?ĞŜƚĞĚ ŚƾŜĆ&#x;ĹśĹ? ĆŒÄ‚ĹśÄ?ĹšÍ˜ tÄž Ä‚Ä?Ä?ŽžžŽĚĂƚĞ tĹšĹ?ƚĞƚĂĹ?ĹŻÍ• džŽĆ&#x;Ä?Ć?Í• tĹ?ĹŻÄš ,Ĺ˝Ĺ? Θ dĆľĆŒĹŹÄžÇ‡ ŚƾŜƚĆ?͘ tÄž Ä?Ä‚Ĺś Ä?ĆľĆ?ƚŽž Ä?ĆŒÄžÄ‚ĆšÄž Ä‚ ÄšĹ?Ć?Ä?ŽƾŜƚĞĚ ŚƾŜĆ&#x;ĹśĹ? ƉĂÄ?ĹŹÄ‚Ĺ?Äž ƚŽ Ä‚Ä?Ä?ŽžžŽĚĂƚĞ Ç‡Ĺ˝ĆľĆŒ ŜĞĞĚĆ?͘
HILL COUNTRY HUNTING
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Outside the blind:
What to do when you’re not hunting
For hunters seeking activities that will get them out of the blinds in between hunting sessions, Fredericksburg offers a number of activities every weekend of the fall, in addition to numerous live entertainment options. Several fall events are specifically geared toward hunters, including the Harper Volunteer Fire Department Hunters’ Fish Fry Nov. 1 and the Gillespie County Wild Game Dinner on Nov. 22. More information on all upcoming local events is available in the Fredericksburg Standard-Radio Post as well as the new app for visitors, GoFred, available for free on Google Play and the iTunes App Store.
“Christmas at Rockbox,� the company’s holiday production, will be held Nov. 28 through Dec. 24, followed by “Rockbox New Year’s Blast� Dec. 26-31. More information and tickets are available at www.rockboxtheater. com.
Live entertainment Live music of all styles and eras fills the Fredericksburg air every weekend as musicians entertain visitors and locals alike with styles ranging from soothing to up-beat, classical to rock and roll and every-
thing in between. On weeknights and week-ends, dozens of clubs, restaurants and dance halls feature live entertainment. And that doesn’t even take into account the special theatre productions, festivals and concerts that happen throughout the year. The Fredericksburg StandardRadio Post features a weekly listing of live music in the “It’s On� section of the newspaper. The list is compiled by the Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau. Rockbox Theater The Rockbox Theater, a 392-seat indoor venue at 109 North Llano Street, offers a wide assortment of live music, bands and tribute shows. Currently, the stage show “George and Friends,� featuring tribute artists of George Strait, Tina Turner, Alan Jackson, Patsy Cline and more is hosting weekend shows Fridays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 4:30 and 8 p.m.
Theater company The Fredericksburg Theater Company will offer several entertainment opportunities during hunting season, beginning with the comedy “Blithe Spirit,� which is in production through Nov. 2. T.J. Smith and his Rockin’ AllStars will perform at a Fabulous 50’s Fest Nov. 8 followed by a showing of the classic holiday film “White Christmas� on Dec. 5. FTC will then host concerts with the Sentimental Journey Orchestra, Dec. 11-14, and local band 4 Proches on Dec. 20. More information is available online at www.fredericksburgtheater.org.
WOOD & METAL WORKS )HHG &RUQ 'HHU 3HOOHWV &DWWOH 6KHHS *RDW )HHG $XWRPDWLF 'HHU )HHGHU %DWWHULHV 6RODU 3DQHOV %UDQG 1DPH *XQV
.QLYHV $PPR )LVKLQJ /LFHQVHV 7DFNOH 7URWOLQH (TXLSPHQW 9DUPLQW 7UDSV &DOOV +XQWLQJ )LVKLQJ ,QIR 5HORDGLQJ 0X]]OHORDGLQJ 6XSSOLHV Located 1 mile out 87 North - Fredericksburg (830) 997-9457
22
HILL COUNTRY HUNTING
WATCH THE ROAD Alertness key to avoiding deer The glow of deer’s eyes illuminated by the headlights of a car is a common sight while driving around the Texas Hill Country. Drivers need to be alert to prevent striking a deer that has strayed into the roadway. But, if a motorist does hit a deer with their vehicle, they need to know next steps of action. First, the motorist should check that they along with any passengers did not get injured in the accident and contact law enforcement to report the crash. “By law, you have to report a crash,� said Coy Morales, trooper with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Depending on the estimated amount of the damage, the officer responding will issue a “blue form� to be filled out and filed with an
insurance company if the driver so desires. If the damage is more than $1,000, the officer will file a crash report, Morales said. After, the collision it is illegal for anyone to tag the deer, remove the antlers or take possession of the deer. If there is a need-based issue and a person is interested in taking possession of a deer hit by car, they may contact law enforcement to ask for permission to take possession of the deer, Morales said. Hitting a deer is one of the worst ways a drive through the Hill Country could end. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety suggested the following defensive driving tips to avoid hitting a deer: x 'ULYH FDUHIXOO\ LQ DUHDV NQRZQ to have high deer populations.
Places where roads divide agricultural fields from forestland are particularly dangerous. x ,I D GULYHU VSRWV D GHHU WKH driver should slow down. Other deer are probably nearby. x 8VH KLJK EHDP KHDGOLJKWV ZKHQ there is no oncoming traffic. The high beams will reflect off deer’s eyes to warn of their presence. x ,I D GHHU LV LQ WKH ODQH RI WUDYHO a driver should brake firmly but stay in the lane. When drivers swerve, the most serious crashes occur. x 'ULYHUV VKRXOG QRW UHO\ RQ GHHU whistles, deer fences or reflectors to deter deer. x $OZD\V ZHDU D VHDW EHOW x ,I D GULYHU VWULNHV D GHHU WKH\ should not touch the animal. If the deer is blocking the highway, call the local game warden.
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HILL COUNTRY HUNTING
White knights of the wild Wildlife management associations regulate deer populations Four wildlife management associations in Gillespie County all have one goal in mind — manage the range and wildlife resources found here. Currently, the four Wildlife Management Associations include Cave Creek, Cherry Spring, Doss and Harper. The associations are under the umbrella of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Gillespie County. Along with their efforts to help manage the deer population, the groups also sponsor youth hunts to expose children to hunting and the outdoors. In fact, the Cave Creek WMA was the first in the state to offer such a
program. Cherry Spring and Harper also offer youth hunts. Following is information on the four groups: Cave Creek WMA With approximately 60 members, the Cave Creek WMA covers the eastern part of Gillespie County. Officers include Sammy Segner, president; Kade Burrow, vice president; Carol Birmingham, secretary, and Larry Ahrens, treasurer. The organization meets three to four times a year, which includes the annual meeting in August and regular meetings in October, November and February. All meetings are open to the public, and persons wanting more information or to join are encouraged to contact any of the officers. Members conduct three spotlight census surveys in early September and October and collect data for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
By counting the number of females, males and fawns, the organization can get a better idea of the buck-to-doe ratio and the fawn crop, according to Segner. On the Friday night before the opening of deer season, the Cave Creek WMA hosts a meal and social. After the meal, door prizes are given away and an educational program presented. This year, the association is also holding a drawing for two Winchester gun safes. The drawing will be held at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2. Tickets for the drawing are being sold at Stroeher and Olfers, Lochte Feed and General Store, Segner’s Jewelers, Stonewall One Stop and Behrends Feed and Fertilizer in Luckenbach. On the first weekend, the group offers to age deer, weigh in and sponsors a big buck and a cull buck contest, which is decided at 8
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HILL COUNTRY HUNTING p.m. on Sunday evening. “This gives a feel for the condition the deer are in and the ages of the deer being harvested,� Segner said. Segner explained that one of the goals of the Cave Creek WMA is to educate landowners and hunters on wildlife management practices and to help create a better outdoor experience for all. Cherry Spring WMA Covering the north central part of Gillespie County is the Cherry Spring WMA. The membership includes 52 families. Sam Sagebiel is the president of the organization. Other officers include Roger Crenwelge, vice president, and Jennabeth Wendel, secretary/treasurer. Meetings, which are open to the public, are held in February, August and October. Anyone in the north-central part of Gillespie County can join the Cherry Spring WMA by paying the yearly dues. All meetings include a potluck dinner and presentations by speakers, including representatives from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Members conduct three deer counts in August, September and the first two days of the white-tailed hunting season. The association also hosts a youth hunt in January under the leadership of Daniel Sagebiel with voluntary participation by landowners. Members also participate in Kerr and Mason wildlife areas. One of the goals of the group, according to Sagebiel, is to provide guidance in wildlife management and related resources. A reason to join the group, Sagebiel said, is to have the same goals and management practices as one’s neighbors. Doss WMA The Doss WMA was started in the early 1980s by a group of local ranchers, wildlife biologists and Extension agents, and includes northwest Gillespie County/ South Central Mason County. Currently, there are 129 members encompassing 95,421 acres. Officers are Todd Keener, president; Trey Dittmar,
25
vice president, and Todd Bierschwale, secretary/treasurer. The association holds an annual meeting in late October and a membership sign-up in late July. Meetings are open to the public. Individuals interested in joining are invited to attend the membership sign-up meeting in July, the annual meeting in October or by contacting any of the officers. Annual dues are $20 for a membership, which includes a lease permit. Cont. on page 26
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26
HILL COUNTRY HUNTING
Wildlife management Cont. from page 25
The Doss WMA has eight census lines that perform three separate spotlight counts in September. The census line counts provide data which is used by wildlife biologists to determine harvest recommendations for the fall white-tail deer hunting season. The group supports predator control associations in both Gillespie and Mason counties, and also sponsors a Big Buck Contest for the member properties only. “Hunting is an important and significant part of the culture and economy of our members,” Keener said. “In an effort to sustain this culture and improve the economy in our area, the association strives to promote good stewardship of the land and natural resources, improve the quality of white-tail bucks and optimize overall whitetail herd health through better white-tail deer management.” Harper WMA The Harper Wildlife Management
Association (HWMA) is one of four wildlife management associations in Gillespie County, committed to successful game management practices, including habitat management, providing population data through various census techniques, recommending harvest levels based on deer censuses, maintaining accurate harvest records and recommending supplemental or enhanced food supplies, explained Gary Guenthner, president. Membership is open to any landowner, land manager, hunter or any other interested individuals owning property, operating property, living in or hunting in the area defined by the boundaries of the Harper Independent School District. Cooperation of members is on a voluntary basis in an area-wide effort to achieve the goals of balancing whitetail deer populations with the carrying capacity of the habitat, increasing body weight
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of whitetail deer in the area, improving the overall antler characteristics, increasing fawn survival, promoting ongoing education among members and promoting community interest in wildlife management in general, Guenthner said. The HWMA holds three meetings annually which are open to members and visitors. Meetings are held in July or August, October and January or February. The HWMA will sponsor its second youth hunt in cooperation with the Texas Youth Hunting Program. The youth hunt is being held in honor of the late Jacob Krebs and is primarily for children or grandchildren of wounded warriors. Other officers, in addition to Guenthner, are Tompall Glaser, vice president; Doylene Bode, secretary/treasurer, and directors Erlink Kroll, Bob Dittmar, William Lange and Paula Parker.
HILL COUNTRY HUNTING
27
Hunters help fill a need with donations Hunters looking to help others and not see their sport go to waste this season can donate it to a program that helps the needy. “Hunters for the Hungry� is a statewide program associated with the Texas Food Bank Network. The program is designed to ease hunger in the state through donated meat. Since its inception over 20 years ago, the program has provided over 2.5 million pounds of meat — nearly 10 million servings — to hungry Texans. The program connects hunter with participating deer/meat processors and the meet is distributed through food banks. Although it doesn’t donate to individuals, those in need of food should call 211, visit 211texas.org or contact a food assistance provider directly. Gillespie County processors
Hunters looking to help those in need can donate their legally tagged deer to Hunters for the Hungry. — Photo by Lisa Treiber-Walter
Cont. on page 28
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HILL COUNTRY HUNTING
Hunters Cont. from 27
accepting donations for this season are: x 5DENHuV 7DEOH 5HDG\ 0HDWV ORFDWHG DW (FNHUW 5RDG LQ :LOORZ &LW\ x %HOO 0RXQWDLQ 'HHU 3URFHVVLQJ ORFDWHG DW /HJLRQ &UHHN 5RDG LQ :LOORZ &LW\ DQG x /'5 3URFHVVLQJ DQG 0HDW 0DUNHW ORFDWHG DW 8 6 :HVW LQ +DUSHU Other participating processors in WKH +LOO &RXQWU\ DUHD LQFOXGH z 7ZR LQ .HUU &RXQW\ 0LOWRQ %HUQKDUG 0HDW 3URFHVVLQJ -XQFWLRQ +LJKZD\ LQ ,QJUDP DQG :RRGEXU\ 7D[LGHUP\ DQG :LOGJDPH 3URFHVVLQJ -XQFWLRQ +LJKZD\ LQ ,QJUDP z 2QH LQ /ODQR 0LOOHUuV /ODQR 6PRNHKRXVH :HVW <RXQJ 6WUHHW )RU D FRPSOHWH OLVW RI 7H[DV SURFHVVRUV YLVLW WKH ZHEVLWH RI WKH
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The key to a happy hunting trip is following safety guidelines. — Photo by Lisa Treiber-Walter
Following safety rules prevents accidents Safety with a loaded firearm is top priority while hunting. Various factors, including lack of bright clothing, good eyesight or attention to detail can result in a hunter mistaking a ‘hunting buddy’ as a deer. Simple safety tips may help prevent accidents while in the field. ‘Blaze Orange’ A condition known as “early blur” is a menace to hunters that can potentially lead to tragic results if safety measures are not taken beforehand. “Early blur” is a combination of sight and sound factors that can cause a hunter to mistake another person for a deer. Hunter safety programs always have stressed the importance of positively identifying any target before shooting. But there’s another way a person in the outdoors can be protected from his careless fellow outdoorsmen — the use of “blaze orange” clothing. The Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department says studies by the military, universities and clothing industries have shown this color to be the best for hunters’ protection. The department feels the use of daylight fluorescent orange is important enough that it requires all participants in public hunts on wildlife management areas to wear at least 400 square inches of material with the color on their outer clothing. Ear protection An often forgotten aspect of ‘Safety First’ while hunting is keeping the ears covered. The noise of gunfire might diminish quickly, but when the ringing in the ears disappears, hearing damage may already have been done. A few shots fired while hunting might not cause immediate harm. However, the noise of a 12-gauge shotgun blast has a momentary sound pressure level higher than the takeoff of a jet airliner. Constant shooting on a target
range can cause a gradual and permanent hearing loss that may go unnoticed until it’s too late. Even the .22 caliber bullet, used in short-balled carbines and handguns, can damage sensitive aural nerves. A wide variety of protection devices are available which enable every shooter to find a comfortable and effective means of preventing hearing damage. The familiar earmuffs provide excellent protection, though some shooters find them uncomfortable at first. Other gunners prefer one of the several types of earplugs. Shooting glasses should also be a part of every hunter’s equipment. Texas also offers a Hunter Safety Education Course, a requirement for every hunter (including out-ofstate hunters) born after Sept. 2, 1971. The minimum age of certification is nine years of age. For more details on this safety course, visit www.hunter-ed.com/ texas.
30
HILL COUNTRY HUNTING
Operation Game Thief targets poachers Poaching is a problem in Texas, and Operation Game Thief strives to be the answer. Operation Game Thief (OGT), Texas’ wildlife Crime Stoppers program, offers rewards as high as $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction for wildlife crime. Started in 1981 as a result of laws passed by the 67th Texas Legislature to help curtail poaching, the program, a function of the law enforcement division of Texas Parks and Wildlife, is highly successful, having been responsible for the payment of over $200,000 in rewards. Privately funded, the program is dependent on financial support from the public through the purchase of OGT memberships and merchandise, donations, sponsorships and gifts. Because Texas is a large state — more than 262,000 square miles with 24 million people living in its 254 counties — it’s difficult for the
estimated 530 wardens to patrol the state looking for those people who break hunting and fishing laws. The program is important because it uses the public’s “eyes and ears� to assist in the intervention of the ever-increasing, moneydriven exploitation of the wildlife resources of the state. Numerous examples of this exploitation exist. Mature white-
tailed bucks are killed on midnight runs, then beheaded, leaving the meat behind, in anticipation of selling the bragging-sized rack to a well-to-do, unsuccessful hunter. Various freshwater and saltwater fish, including white bass, crappie, striped and hybrid striped bass, catfish, redfish, speckled trout, flounder, black drum and others are being taken through the use of illegal nets in large quantities, and without regard for size or bag limits. Shrimp and oysters are often harvested in illegal quantities and from areas closed to harvest. The product is then sold, both in and out of state, to select restaurants, wholesale and retail fish dealers, even to individuals from vacant city lots located in high traffic metropolitan areas. Even birds, snakes, turtles, mussels and protected plants fall prey to these unscrupulous operators. Cont. on page 32
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HILL COUNTRY HUNTING
Operation Cont. from page 30
Resolving the problem What can the citizens of Texas do to help resolve this problem? The answer is simple: Get involved. Alert observation by concerned citizens, followed by immediate reporting of the suspected violation, gives the local warden a much-needed edge in catching the criminals. Operation Game Thief is the mechanism that allows citizens to get immediately involved and quickly get that information to the warden. Receiving a tip on illegal activity while it is occurring can make a significant difference in whether or not the violator is apprehended. Even if the offender has left the scene before the warden can get there, there may be critical evidence, or even other witnesses with important information, that can be used to make a case in court. People who have information on law-breakers are asked to call (800) 792-GAME (4263). The reward hotline is manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Over the life of the program, more than 28,000 calls have been received and over $1,180,000 in fines assessed. For more information on the Operation Game Thief program, contact Lewis Rather at (512) 389-8801. For more information, visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Operation Game Thief website at www.ogttx.com.
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Texas Parks and Wildlife updates ‘Outdoor Annual’ mobile app The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has updated its official Outdoor Annual Texas hunting and fishing regulations mobile app for the 2014-2015 hunting season. Among the updates are season dates and bag limits for the waterfowl season, along with corrections and clarifications to deer and turkey regulations in certain counties. To download the free app, go to www.txoutdoorannual.com/ app. The app is available for free download on iOS and Android platforms. This will give sportsmen mobile access to information they can use in the field and on the water. Those who have already downloaded the app will need to install the update from their app store to ensure they are referencing accurate regulations. Once installed, the app enables access to the summary of the Texas 2014-2015 hunting and fishing regulations without having to be connected to the Internet. It can also use a device’s GPS capabilities to access location-specific regulations, such
Good Luck to all our Area Hunters!
as exceptions to fish size and bag limits and county-specific hunting regulations. “Feedback on the new app has been tremendous,” said Josh Havens, TPWD communications director. “From what we have seen, hunters and anglers alike really appreciate the ease and benefits of being able to access the Outdoor Annual, no matter where they are, on their phone and tablet.” The content is mostly the same as in the printed Outdoor Annual, just in a different layout and with added interactivity. Officials describe the screens as “easy to use and navigate.” The app includes things like county listings, species listings, definitions, and even details about species. Also, the new app includes links to the department’s weekly fishing reports as well as an ability to contact regional TPWD law enforcement offices. Links to purchase a license online and apply for drawn hunts (where hunters are selected to hunt in a specific area) are also available through the mobile app.
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HILL COUNTRY HUNTING
35
Cooking over the campfire Most hunters agree that there’s nothing quite like a good plate of grub around the campfire to cap off a full day of hunting and camaraderie. Even with all of today’s modern conveniences, there is still one cooking utensil that has been proven to do it all for the appointed campfire chef — the Dutch oven. Made of cast iron, the culinary piece has won over the hearts of open fire cooks through the centuries. The Dutch oven can be used for cooking up stews, baking delicious cakes and cobblers, steaming veggies or — with the lid inverted for a flat surface — making a flavorful plate of eggs, pancakes or French toast. In any regard, the Dutch oven is a hungry hunter’s best friend (when treated in the correct manner). When getting a new Dutch oven, the most important thing to keep in mind (as it is with any cast iron piece) is that it needs to be “burned in�, or seasoned. To do so, wash the factory film off, rinse and let it dry in an open warm area. Then, use salt-free shortening to coat the oven and lid with a thin layer of oil in order to seal or fill the metal pores. After that, heat to a moderate temperature for an hour, then, wipe with a clean cloth, being sure to leave a thin layer of shortening on all metal surfaces.
If you’re hunting for good food......
Porky’s Come to
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11-4 Open Fri. until 8 Closed Sundays
Keep in mind that Dutch oven lids should be kept with the lid slightly ajar so that moisture doesn’t condense inside. After repeated uses, a patina or finish will form that is testament that the utensil has been kept in perfect campfire cooking shape. There are several cookbooks on the market which specifically detail more about how to cook and care for Dutch ovens.
Behrends Taxidermy
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"RANDON "EHRENDS Licensed Taxidermist
To drop off after hours, please call ďŹ rst.
s $ANZ ,ANE s &REDERICKSBURG 48
Biedermann’s
Hardware
It’s Deer Season in Gillespie County We’ve got what you need! Licenses, Ammo, Timers, Corn, Blinds, Game Camera and More
Welcome Hunters!
Porky’s has a long tradition of serving fresh beef, ground daily from Dutchman’s Market, and they are famous for their giant handmade onion rings. (DVW 0DLQ 6WUHHW w
Search for 100,000’s of products on-line www.thesupplyplace.com
904 W. Main ‡ 997-6882
2SHQ 'D\V D :HHN
36
HILL COUNTRY HUNTING
Sunrise, sunsets for the 2014-2015 hunting season The times given below are the general times of sunrise and sunset for Gillespie County, Texas, for the general hunting season — Nov. 1 through Jan. 4, 2015. Texas is in the Central Standard Time Zone, and hunters should take note that Daylight Savings Time will end at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2. Nov. 1, 2014 – Jan. 4, 2015
Day
A.M. Rise
P.M. Set
NOVEMBER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
7:50 6:51 6:51 6:52 6:53 6:54 6:55 6:55 6:56 6:57 6:58 6:59 6:59 7:00 7:01 7:02 7:03 7:04
6:48 5:47 5:46 5:46 5:45 5:44 5:44 5:43 5:42 5:42 5:41 5:40 5:40 5:39 5:39 5:38 5:38 5:38
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
7:04 7:05 7:06 7:07 7:08 7:09 7:09 7:10 7:11 7:12 7:13 7:14
5:37 5:37 5:36 5:36 5:36 5:36 5:35 5:35 5:35 5:35 5:35 5:35
DECEMBER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
7:14 7:15 7:16 7:17 7:17 7:18 7:19 7:20 7:20 7:21 7:22 7:22 7:23 7:24 7:24 7:25 7:26 7:26 7:27 7:27 7:28 7:28 7:29 7:29 7:30 7:30
5:35 5:35 5:35 5:35 5:35 5:35 5:35 5:35 5:35 5:35 5:36 5:36 5:36 5:37 5:37 5:37 5:38 5:38 5:39 5:39 5:39 5:40 5:41 5:41 5:42 5:42
27 28 29 30 31
7:30 7:31 7:31 7:31 7:32
5:43 5:43 5:44 5:45 5:45
JANUARY 1 2 3 4
7:32 7:32 7:32 7:33
5:46 5:47 5:48 5:48
OPEN: Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm Fri-Sat 11am-9:30pm
To Fredericksburg
Gillespie County Fair Grounds
HILL COUNTRY HUNTING
37
Aging on the hoof A year can make a difference YEARLING BUCK
2.5 YEAR OLD
(1.5 years old)
( immature) Neck relatively thin and meets body just above brisket swirl
Slender neck that meets body at mid-chest Ears normally appear large
Chest and hindquarters appear to have same depths
Head is slender from front and side and tight skinned
No muscle definition Top of back usually straight
Antler spread normally within ear tips Looks like a doe with antlers
Mature Buck
3.5 YEAR OLD
( 4.5 years or older )
( immature)
Note muscle definition
* Neck appears full but not swollen and meets body just above brisket swirl
Large neck blends in Large belly Back may sway
* Chest and hindquarters appear to have same depths *Top of back usually straight
Forehead and eyes appear broader than young bucks Appearance of short legs
Photo taken before rut
* No noticeable belly
\HDU ROG EXFN
Profile of head
Full neck Skin tight under jaw Belly not obvious Chest and hindquarters have same depths Back Straight
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Courtesy of Kerr WMA, TPWD and Gene Fuchs
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Aging on the hoof or by the jaw is not exact. Just tools to get close.
8 /ĂŠ 1 / ĂŠ*,"* ,/9 Secluded and beautiful tract of land situated at the end of the road loaded with native wildlife. No restrictions allow for anything your heart desires. Large variety of hard woods and there is a wonderful draw that meanders throughout the rolling hills. Brand new perimeter fencing wrap up this lovely piece of land. Jamie Sparks (C) (830) 992-0076 jamiesparkskwrealty@gmail.com KELLER WILLIAMS UÊ£ÎäÎÊ >ÂˆÂ˜ĂŠ-ĂŒÂ°]ĂŠ-ĂŒiĂŠ ĂŠUĂŠ Ă€i`iĂ€ÂˆVÂŽĂƒLĂ•Ă€}]ĂŠ/8ÊÇnĂˆĂ“{ ( ÂŽĂŠÂnÎäŽÊ™™Ç‡££ÓäÊUĂŠĂœĂœĂœÂ°ÂŽiÂ?Â?iĂ€ĂœÂˆÂ?Â?ˆ>Â“ĂƒÂ‡vL}°Vœ“
Open for Lunch 11 am-SOLD OUT Closed Mondays Closed 1st Sunday Each Month LOCATED 1 ½ MILES SOUTH OF MAIN STREET on HWY 87 (WASHINGTON STREET).
1679 HWY 87 SOUTH * (830) 997-2353 FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS
Schneider’s Deer Processing 0XVWDQJ 6W v )UHGHULFNVEXUJ 7; v 2IF &HOO Locally owned by Greg & Teresa Schneider "ÂŤiÂ˜ĂŠĂ‡ĂŠ >ĂžĂƒĂŠ ĂŠ7iiÂŽĂŠ`Ă•Ă€ÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠ-i>ĂƒÂœÂ˜ĂŠÂ‡ĂŠnĂŠ>°“°Ê‡Ênʍ°“°ÊUĂŠ7iĂŠÂœvviÀÊÞi>Ă€ĂŠĂ€ÂœĂ•Â˜`ĂŠĂƒiĂ€Ă›ÂˆViĂƒĂŠEĂŠÂŤÂˆVÂŽĂŠĂ•ÂŤ]ĂŠV>Â?Â?ĂŠ Ă€i}ĂŠvÂœĂ€ĂŠ`iĂŒ>ˆÂ?Ăƒ
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Ă€Âˆi`ĂŠ,ˆ˜}ĂŠEĂŠ*>Â˜ĂŠ->Ă•Ăƒ>}i]ĂŠ Ă•Ă€i`ĂŠEĂŠ-“œŽi`ĂŠ >VÂŽĂŠ-ĂŒĂ€>ÂŤĂŠEĂŠ-i>ĂƒÂœÂ˜i`ĂŠ >Â?ÂˆĂŒ>ĂƒĂŠÂ‡ĂŠ ˜`ĂŠ ÂœĂ€it EACH DEER PROCESSED INDIVIDUALLY & PACKAGED - VACUUM SEALED ĂŽĂ¤Ă¤Ă¤ĂŠĂƒÂľÂ°ĂŠvĂŒÂ°ĂŠv>VˆÂ?ÂˆĂŒĂžĂŠUĂŠ-iÂŤ>Ă€>ĂŒiĂŠĂƒÂŽÂˆÂ˜ĂŠÂœÂ˜Ă‰ĂƒÂŽÂˆÂ˜ĂŠÂœvvĂŠVœœÂ?iĂ€Ăƒ
TRUCK OF THE YEAR BACK TO BACK!
Welcome Hunters & Visitors!
Service since 1927 – Sales since 1940
Crenwelge Motors
Crenwelge Motor Sales
301 Main Street, Kerrville
(830) 896-4835
815 West Main Street, Fredericksburg
www.crenwelge.com
(830) 997-4331
Hunt On Your OWN Property! 217 East Main St. Fredericksburg, Texas 78624 www.FredericksburgRealty.com v
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