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FRACKING FACTS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
A Shot of Texas Magazine™ November/December 2014
STAFF Robert & Teffany Kahn
7 A Story of Valves and Balls by Michael Breitsameter
21 ISIS vs. ISIL: What is in a Name? By Howard Barbanel
Kendall Rae Kahn
8 Modern Sporting Rifles by Barry Stewart
Rod Daigle
10 Peru Caiman Hunting Staff
24 Dove Quest Recap: 2014 Staff
Founders/Co Editors Camo Girl
Industrial Content Consultant
Butch Ramirez
Wild Life Photographer
Derrick Garnett
Staff Wildlife Biologist
Jessica Tanner
Social Media Coordinator
Contributing Writers: Larry Weishuhn Kerry Oday Efrain Martinez Shamus Dartanyon Barry Stewart
Terry Blaukamp Shooting Editor
Barbara Giacalone Travel Editor
12 Duck Hunting with a Black Dog By Joe Palacios 13 Animal “Protection” Groups Doing Little to Protect the African Elephants By Nelson Freeman w/ Prologue by Rob Kahn 14 Five Fracking Facts By Anthony Ricigliano 16 China is Facing Great Development Opportunity of Fine Chemicals Staff 18 Never Give up on Whitetails! By Larry Weishuhn
26 Little Things Make a BIG Difference By Kerry Oday 27 10 Simple Safety Rules for Firearms By Efrain Martinez 28 L izards Used as Weaponry by Opponents to Texas Oil Industry By Shamus Dartanyon 30 5 Big Bucks By Russell Cannon-BASF 38 The Lubys MassacreWhen You Need it & Don’t Have it 40 Victoria Falls Forever By Barbara GiacaloneTravel Editor
Big Shots List Of Advertisers issue 12 Active Camo Products Arends Inspection Autumn Antlers Backlash Capital Farm Credit Critter Gitters Conroe Taxidermy El Quinto Ranch FW Gartner Grainger Ranch Recruiting Grander Supply Company Gulf Land & Wildlife Hogs Back Ranch Infinity Group Innovative Turnaround Controls Larco Industries Medical Plaza Mobile MG Arms My Core Control Meyers Performance Top Drives Record Buck Ranch Richard Engineering South Coast Products Sprint Pipeline Services Texas Homeland Realty Thandeka Safaris Top Flight Hunting Preserve Unconventional Oil & Gas Brokers
A note about typos. Well it seems that my ADD may have gotten the best of me on the last issue. Here at A Shot of Texas we all wear a lot of hats. In this issue we have searched and searched for typos and think that we may have this baby licked with 1 exception. The first 10 emails that can find it will get our official A Shot of Texas Pocket Knnife to help us cut out some of this bull$&%# . Nope that’s not the typo, that would have been way too easy. We would also like to welcome 400 plus executives working in the Dakotas. My Best Robert A Kahn
C 2014 A Shot of Texas Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Printed in the USA. For current Media Kit, advertising or questions about our Traveling Trade Show contact Rob Kahn. Email rob@ashotoftexas.net Office 512-746-2729 or Cell 832-922-1508
A Shot of Texas Magazine Spring Turkey Hunt . Contact rob@ashotoftexas.net for details
• A short one hour drive west of San Antonio lays Record Buck Ranch. We have 20,000 acres of beautiful terrain that varies from open green pasture to a rolling brushy hill country. We hunt it all, giving you different experience with each and every hunt.
• Looking for a Trophy Hunt or to set a New World Record • Some of the largest Whitetails harvested in the World
Our experienced guides stake their reputations on finding you world class trophies. Big terrain offers various levels of challenge, with unsurpassed opportunities for novice hunters, experienced hunters and hunters with special needs. • Fabulous lodging, great meals, and top quality trophies!
• The Best Hunting in Texas Year after Year
• Visit our website and read about us in upcoming issues of A Shot of Texas Magazine. Drop us a line when you read about us and we will send you a beautiful shooters bag.
• Record Breaking Exotics
• Over 60 Species of Exotics
www.recordbuck.com Phone: 830-966-2301
November/December Issue 2014 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 3
Top Flight
Join us Dec 12-13 for Ducks and Upland Birds with A Shot of Texas Magazine Pro-staff. E-mail: Rob@ashotoftexas.net
Hunting Preserve Since 1989
Pheasant Chukar Quail Dove & Waterfowl Day Hunts Guided & Unguided Tower Shoots and Sporting Clays Full Service facility for corporate events large and small Annual Memberships available
www.topflighthunting.com Columbus, Texas 979-732-9196 4 Shot of Texas Magazine™ November/December Issue 2014
Houston Safari Club Provides Grant
To Operation Game Thief’s Anti-Poaching Effort Houston, TX – Houston Safari Club (HSC) is pleased to announce the award of a $10,000 grant to the Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Operation Game Thief. Operation Game Thief (OGT) is one of the nation’s top wildlife crime-stopper programs. OGT provides a unique reporting and reward system to help curtail the unlawful harvest of Texas’ wildlife. In addition, OGT provides support for educational programs presented by game wardens and the expansion of technology and training. The HSC grant will be utilized to help fund OGT’s ongoing billboard marketing program, increasing the reach and awareness of OGT. The grant was provided through HSC’s affiliate organization, The American Conservation and Education Society (ACES). Carter Smith, Executive Director, Texas Parks and Wildlife, explains, “The Operation Game Thief Program is a critically important element of our efforts to conserve Texas’ rich fish and wildlife heritage. We are most grateful to Houston Safari Club for their longstanding support of this successful conservation law enforcement program.” “The support of anti-poaching and education efforts by Houston Club is part of our mission,” states Joe Betar, HSC Executive Director. “Some people may not be aware that HSC is one of the original organizations that provided funding for the launch of Operation Game Thief. We are proud to continue to support their efforts.” About Operation Game Thief Operation Game Thief is Texas’ wildlife Crime-stoppers program, offering rewards of up to $1,000.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction for a wildlife crime. Begun in 1981 as a result of laws passed by the 67th 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 $200,000.00 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. For more information, please visit www.ogttx.com.
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We like big bucks and we cannot lie! With the start of the fall hunting season some guys in Oil & Gas, Petrochem and Pipeline have been kind enough to share some great photos with us. We hope that you will always feel free to share your adventures with us. Just email rob@ashotoftexas.net and we will be happy to publish your photos and stories.
November/December Issue 2014 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 5
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Billing Tel: 281-598-9247 Technical Support 281-598-9248
A story of Valves and Balls
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By Michael Breitsameter
he modern valve can probably trace its roots to the Industrial Revolution when the development of the steam engine by Thomas Newcomen, created the first critical application where a valve was used to control the pressure and flow of steam, without which the steam engine would not have played such a pivotal role.
Valves today come in many forms, shapes and sizes, are made with almost every high specification material known to man, from plastics to Titanium, and are integral to the design and function of almost every major industrial process that we all take for granted. Indeed in some cases, some of most complex of these valves are now surgically implanted in our aging population to replicate functionality within the human heart. Of the many types of valves in service today, those that are probably used in the most critical applications and environments are metal seated ball valves. These valves are seen across a range of industries including Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Power, Mining, Paper, and many more. They are used to control the flow of process liquids and gases that are critical to these industries, and which in many cases are being operated in extreme pressure and temperature regimes. An integral part of the reliability of the metal seated ball valve is a high performance thermal spray coating applied to the ball and seat, to improve the wear, corrosion, coefficient of friction and sealing properties of the valve. These coatings are applied via a range of technologies with materials that include Tungsten and Chromium Carbides, Ceramics and Nickel based self fluxing materials. After application they may be sealed, and are then finished via specialized grinding and lapping processing to
ensure a gas tight seal, optimized for the particular type of service the valve is destined for. FW Gartner (a business unit of Curtiss Wright), has been in the ball valve coating business for many years, and as part of the growth of the business, has now incorporated specialized finishing
technologies for the finishing of these components. So, for that next project that needs a specialized coating, finishing etc, whether it be something as sophisticated as a ball valve or as simple as a pump sleeve, we can provide you with an optimized solution. Stay tuned for our next article‌MB.
November/December Issue 2014 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 7
Modern Sporting Rifles Come of Age By Barry Stewart
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o surprises there. I have been a stickler for accuracy and reliability out of my firearms since I can remember. What is surprising though is what my choice has become in my go-to rifle for either target, plinking, or serious hunting… Hands down, the AR15 wins! Although, it was a hard won victory. Nobody was as hardnosed and closed minded about what I thought a rifle should be, than me. Especially when it came to my personally owned rifles. Nice walnut, and a flawless blued steel finish with no scratches, dings or rust were the prerequisite for years. I even hated looking at those ugly old rifles they were fitting with those God-awful fiberglass or composite stocks. I didn’t care if folks claimed they were accurate… So were my beautiful walnut rifles. And then I got enlightened. Educated. Converted. Kicking and screaming, I might add… Being an avid predator hunter, especially coyotes, I never really felt that I
was leaving anything on the table when I took my bolt action rifles hunting with me. And I really wasn’t. They were serving me well. On many occasions when I would call in multiple coyotes, though, I was left with a nagging feeling that if I had a quicker follow-up shot without having to disengage my prey, it would certainly result in greater success overall. Not being exactly a newbie to tactical type rifles, from owning a Ranch Rifle, and Mini 14, I knew that would be the solution to “quick”. But what about accurate? They sure didn’t fit the bill there, as far as I was concerned. Then a couple of my buddies started coyote hunting with AR15 rifles, and de-
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crying their virtues of fast AND accurate. Wait a minute! Did they say “accurate” as well? Hmmm. Okay. I’ll try one. So, I did. Before I got done shooting my new AR15 at the range while sighting it in, I was pretty sure that I was “onto something here.” After a couple of trips afield and calling coyotes, I was convinced of it. I started learning more about these fantastic little rifles, and what made them tick. The more I learned, the more I liked them. The more I shot them, and hunted with them, the more my old bolt actions stayed at home. For the past 8-9 years now, my go-to rifle has always been one of my AR rifles. What’s not to like? I love a rifle in .223.
hunters, but as soon as they mature, or have to start buying their own ammo, it ceases to be a problem. There are a couple of instances when having that extra capacity is VERY handy. Hunting large groups of invasive species like hogs is one of them. If I am in a field and get into a large group of hogs, I will literally shoot them until I don’t have any left to shoot, or they beat the ranges of my rifle and my ability to be accurate.
But what about other calibers? No problem. Just pick what you want to shoot, bullet wise and game wise and match your needs with a new upper receiver. Scope mounts right on it, so you don’t have to re-sight when you change the upper. Just change it and go. The free floated barrel type of forearm gives you better potential accuracy than the military style forearm. Kinda like the Thompson Contender pistols were in their shining times, you can pretty much get what you want. If you like a little more punch than you get out of the short chambered AR15, then get an AR10. The possibilities abound there as well. I actually hunt pretty much everything with an AR modern
sporting rifle now. Deer, hogs, coyotes, whatever. You can even get a dedicated .22lr upper for your rifle. When I first started hunting and shooting an AR, I was mildly concerned that I may get carried away with a fully loaded 20 round magazine, and the coyote running over the hill after being missed initially. I needn’t have worried though. I always try to make the first shot count. And I wouldn’t waste ammo on shooting at a coyote I couldn’t hit with the first couple of shots with a bolt rifle, so why change the way I think or hunt because I have more ammo onboard? So, that isn’t an issue. It may be with some younger
The second instance is with personal and home security. It doesn’t take much handling of these rifles to draw a quick conclusion that you are in possession of a lot of potential to effectively protect your home and family. Whether you choose an off the shelf rifle from established manufacturers like DPMS, Bushmaster, or Armalite, or a custom built precision AR rifle from a top notch company like MG Arms, I have no doubt you’ll be as impressed as I am. Prices have come back to within reason for AR platform rifles. You can get a nice, accurate rifle for under $750 now. Ammo is reasonable and available now as well. Put a good scope on it, and enjoy entering a new and growing era of hunting and shooting with the modern sporting rifle! Don’t blame me if you get addicted. That’s part of the fun! Be safe and enjoy the outdoors! ~Barry
November/December Issue 2014 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 9
CAIMAN Hunting Peru
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n Peru´s eastern edge, in the heart of the Amazon basin, crouch hoards of black caimans, the endangered relative of the crocodile. Bedding down amongst the oxbow lakes and groves of Mauritanian palms, these crocs have poached nearly to extinction, and recently have been declared a dependent of the Amazon parks and reserves. The Black caiman has been hunted for its hide as well as its meat, but many eco-tourists hunt for these impressive beasts just to glimpse their unique appearance and iridescent eyes. From Puerto Maldonado, the city that acts as a launch point into the Amazon interior, you can choose from several tours that allow you to look for the elusive Black caiman. Along the Madre de Dios River there lives an abun-
dance of biodiversity, including world-record breaking numbers of ant, butterfly, and bird species. It is this rich region that nurtures and protects the rare Black caiman. At the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica Lodge, only an hour boat ride away from Puerto Maldonado, you can take a boat ride along the river at dusk to search for caimans, as well as capybaras, owls, and other nocturnal creatures. Guided excursions are not only recommended, they are necessary, as black caimans live in completely remote areas. Plus, caimans are difficult to spot without a knowledgeable guide, and although they rarely approach humans, they can be dangerous. The Posada Amazonas Lodge also gives tours where you might spot caimans. This lodge, two hours from Puerto Maldonado, is near a meandering oxbow
40 Shot of Texas Magazine™ July/August Issue 2014
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lake. You can take catamaran tours around the lake, where caimans, hoatzins, and the endangered giant river otters live. In addition to catamaran tours, you can hike to a nearby clay lick, an embankment where macaws, parrots, and other colorful birds come to feed. Also close to Puerto Maldonado is Sandoval Lake Lodge. This lodge is adjacent to another oxbow lake, this one lined with 100 foot Mauritanian palms. The lake acts as a refuge for a number of flora and fauna, including orchids, birds, turtles, and the endangered river otters and black caimans. At this lodge you can take night boat tours to catch sight of the caimans when they are active at night. Night sightings are possible because caimans have large Psychology Articles, iridescent eyes that reflect light from the boats.
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November/December Issue 2014 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 11
By Joe Palacios
DUCK HUNTING WITH BLACK DOG
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rowing up in South Texas where deer hunting is king, people find it odd that I prefer hunting ducks. What they don’t realize is that shooting at ducks is a very small part of duck hunting. The truth is I probably would not hunt ducks at all were it not for a jet black Labrador Retriever named Darby Tar. I believe in two things: if you’ve never hunted ducks you are missing out; and, if you’ve never hunted with Darby, then you are definitely missing out.
Duck hunting is work. Waking up at 4:30 in the morning, putting your waders on, wading through a freezing cold rice field in the Katy prairies or through a South Texas stock tank, setting out the decoys in the black hours of the morning and positioning them correctly to attract ducks and, finally- as any hunter knows – waiting for the opportunity to harvest your game. But all these hardships and sacrifices are paid off in spades when I watch Darby do what Labradors were bred for, and that is retrieving waterfowl- specifically ducks. Darby is my hunting buddy. She is always geared to go hunting, no matter how miserable the weather or how early the morning. She serves up no excuses, never complains and more importantly, she thinks I hung the moon. At least that’s the impression I get. But I imagine hunters who hunt as I do, in tandem with great dogs whose instincts were bred for such a morning, feel the same way. There’s a triangular connection between man, dog, and the natural world that works perfectly in the small, dark hours of the morning. Although it’s the work she was bred for, the whole duck hunting outing is a big game for Darby, an easy walk through the park. But there’s a different look in her eye at play than when 12 Shot of Texas Magazine™ November/December Issue 2014
retrieving birds. She fetches a Frisbee or a ball just as easily and happily as a duck. But, you can see in her eyes when we are playing Frisbee that she wishes her catch was a duck. When she fetches a duck, Darby is doing what is instinctive for her and her coat and eyes glisten like she knows it. I like to imagine there’s a great dog alongside any serious duck hunter. Quite simply, all I do is provide a little guidance and reap all the benefits, plus I get to watch her have fun. To watch Darby in action is incredible. To see her eyes widen up, as big as silver dollars, as the ducks circle above the decoy spread. To hear her whine with anticipation while the ducks are cupping over the dekes. To send her on her mark and watch her hit the water after the exciting flurry of shots ring out in the morning light. And best of all, to watch her come back with her prize possession- a duck- which she dutifully gives to me. These things turn a great sport and a challenging morning into great day, month.. season. Incredibly, the big black dog does all this for a pat on the head and simple words, “Goooood Darby!” Don’t get me wrong, I love to hunt ducks, anytime, anyplace. But it would not be duck hunting without Darby Tar.
Animal “Protection” Groups Doing Little to Protect African Elephants By Nelson Freeman Prologue by Rob Kahn
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s Editor of A Shot of Texas Magazine I have been both lucky and unlucky enough to see what groups like these do to wildlife first hand. While driving through a section of South Africa near the border of Botswana in August of 2010 I saw emaciated Water Buck bulls and cows behind a high fence with no water. When I asked my guide about it he told me that PETA had purchased the land and then refused to maintain the manmade watering stations. They took the position that the animals deserve the right to roam freely in search of water and food and to be able to survive in the natural world. The natural world always had harvesting of game and certainly did not have fences limiting access to either food or water.
Washington, D.C. - Safari Club International (SCI) exposed the hypocrisy of five animal rights groups in a new report. The report, “A Stampede of Hypocrisy: How Animal Rights Activists Poach Elephant Donations,” counters the high-profile propaganda campaign against the sustainable and highly regulated hunting
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), its affiliate Humane Society International (HSI), the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and Born Free USA collectively raise $170 million yet only about 1 penny of every dollar goes to sub-
know that poaching is more likely to be adopted as an economic activity in areas where human livelihoods are insecure. Well regulated hunting decreases poverty by securing livelihoods and provides funds for anti-poaching programs,” stated SCI President Craig Kauffman. “Their efforts to end legal and regulated elephant
less-than-stellar grades several of the animal rights groups draw from the charity watchdog American Institute of Philanthropy (AIP). AIP awards HSUS a “C-minus” grade, finding the group spends up to half its budget on overhead, and awards “C-plus,” “C,” and “D” grades to PETA, Born Free USA, and IFAW, respectively, for their wasteful spending practices. Wildlife officials in Africa have heralded hunting as vital to economies and antipoaching efforts. The Zimbabwe program Community Areas Management Program for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE), which runs
of African elephants, which activists use to push their radical political agenda. Despite the trumpeting from these activists that they’re “speaking for” the interests of elephants, the report points to figures showing the millions of dollars contributed by hunters to African communities and anti-poaching efforts dwarfs the paltry expenditures by the animal rights groups in sub-Saharan Africa.
Saharan Africa, according to their most recent annual tax returns. Even more disturbingly, in May 2014, HSUS and Born Free USA were part of a $15.75 million settlement of a bribery and racketeering lawsuit, and Charity Navigator has issued a “Donor Advisory” regarding both groups. “The anti-hunting zealots mask their political agenda behind emotion. These groups
hunting will not only hurt local economies but trample antipoaching efforts as well.” HSUS’s hypocrisy goes even further as they acknowledge elephant populations are healthy and even in need of thinning. HSUS and HSI have utilized U.S. taxpayer grants for elephant birth control in South Africa. The “Stampede of Hypocrisy” report also details the
wildlife management and antipoaching programs for 12.7% of the entire country, receives 70% of its revenue from legal hunting. Tanzania’s former top wildlife official has praised the “critical role” that hunters play in African communities and across nearly 30% of the country. Revenues from hunting generate $200 million annually in remote rural areas of southern and eastern Africa.
November/December Issue 2014 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 13
A
Five Fracking Facts By Anthony Ricigliano
s the proponents of “fracking� (short for hydraulic fracturing) continue to tout its virtues, the side opposing fracking continues to press forward with its own information on why the practice should either be heavily regulated or stopped altogether. The practice, which pumps water, sand, and a cocktail of viscous fluids into shale formations to release hydrocarbons, has prompted both factual and widely exaggerated claims from proponent and opponents so taking a look at some unassailable fracking facts may be a good place to start. These facts include: The cocktail of viscous fluids used for fracking can contain several components that should not come anywhere near a supply of drinking water. These chemicals include antifreeze, a variety of oilbased products, soap, and diesel fuel. Fracking that is conducted at deep enough levels will not affect aquifers and wells that are thousands of feet above the shale formation. This is due to the fact that cracks caused by the fracking
sits close to the surface or is separated from the surface by porous formations like sandstone. The fracking process in a vacuum is not unsafe. Like any other extraction process there is a time and place factor that should be observed, which basically comes down to using common sense. Where there is the potential for problems, fracking should be avoided. Where the process can extract hydrocarbons efficiently without exposing the surrounding areas to harm, it can be employed.
process typically do not reach further than a thousand feet from the location where fracking is occurring by. Natural gas can accumulate and rise to the surface naturally. This is particularly true when a sandstone formation rests on top of one composed of hydrocarbon-bearing shale. Fracking can cause problems that are avoidable with planning and restraint. There needs to be regular monitoring of retention pits and well sites to prevent dumping and leaks into drinking water supplies. Anthony Ricigliano Fracking should be avoided in situations where the shale formation
The two sides of the debate remain polar opposites. Maybe, by starting with the facts of the technique the proponents and the opponents of fracking can find some middle ground that allows for safe extraction while doing no harm to the surrounding environment.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Anthony Ricigliano Five Fracking thrives with 25 years of integrating the latest technological advances into business operations; Anthony Ricigliano Fracking Process is a point man capable of establishing and managing state of the art infrastructure to maximize operational efficiencies
November/December Issue 2014 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 15
China is facing a great opportunity in development of fine chemicals
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etrochemical and fine chemical are an important parts of chemical industry, which includes two parts: traditional and new areas.
The rate of fine chemicals has become a main measure of a country or region’s chemical development. Currently, the varieties of fine chemicals are more than 10 million. China’s rapid development of fine chemicals, not only to meet the basic needs of national economic development, and some fine chemical products octylferrocene, also has some international competitiveness as the world’s most important fine chemical processing of raw materials and intermediates with the exporter, fine chemical products have been widely applied to various fields of national economy and people’s daily lives. According to relevant statistics show that the volume is concerned, China has become the world’s leading producers of fine chemical products. Dye production
has ranked first in the world, ranking second in pesticides, paints the fourth place; overall fine chemical rate has reached 40%. All kinds of fine chemical products not only meet the basic needs of China’s national economy, and many products in the international market have a considerable share, and some even play a vital role. China ushered in the rapid development of fine chemicals is the golden period. But China pesticides, dyes, paints, rubber processing and other traditional fine chemical industry is facing shortage of quality rather than quantity of the situation. After several years of development, China’s fine chemical industry has reached a critical node, change ideas, to strengthen the innovation will become an inevitable choice for industrial revitalization. Fine chemicals are the industry producing fine chemi-
16 Shot of Texas Magazine™ November/December Issue 2014
cals products with futures of small volume, strong dedication and high value-added. In recent years, with the rapid economic development and higher level of industrialization, the demands and needs for special chemicals increase heated. Fine chemical industry gets more and more attention. To promote the development of China’s fine chemicals market and help Chinese fine chemical companies stepping into international markets, China has organized the China In-
ternational Exhibition Fine Chemicals. Report says that the show has gone beyond India, Europe and the United States with similar size and becomes the world’s largest fine chemical industry. It has the largest professional exhibition participators and thus became ‘the world’s largest chemical show.’ In addition Psychology Articles, China will hold technical exchanges and special report to facilitate the enterprises and research institutions to exchanges and communicate of new technologies and new achievements in fine chemical industry. Source: http://www.mhcfm.com
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A Shot of Texas Hunt Club is Now Big Shot Outfitters. The name changed but our mission remains the same. We search out the finest quality locations to hunt and throw in some upgrades at no additional charge to our hunters. Book all your hunts through A Big Shot Outfitters and get all these perks at no additional charge
FREE 2 page spread in our magazine. FREE Fine Cigars, Texas Whiskeys and Wine tastings. FREE Live Entertainment at all our hunts or events. FREE Professional Photo package of your adventure
Upcoming Hunts: November & December 2014 Hunt for Texas White Tail at a variety of fantastic ranches Dec 12-13 Ducks and upland game birds at Top Flight Outfitters
2015 January 22-24: Quail Hunt West Texas. March/April: Spring Turkey at Record Buck Ranch. May-August: Offshore Fishing with Backlash call for open dates. May 22-29: Argentina Dove Hunt August 15-21: 7 or 10 day African Safari with Thandeka Safaris September: DOVE, DOVE & more Dove with our Dove Quest Ranches every weekend. November 7-14: Argentina Dove Quest Contact rob@ashotoftexas.net 512-746-2729 or cell 832-922-1508 November/December Issue 2014 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 17
Never Give Up “C
ollarrou..ju muss calm widd mee! Hee’s en buttom, shasing un embra...Kwickly, muy pronto!” urged Weddo. Hurriedly I stuffed what was left of my half eaten ham sandwich into my mouth. Heading out of the door I grabbed my 7x57 Ruger rifle. In so doing I glanced at the clock, it was three in the afternoon. I had just gotten back to camp to grab a bite to eat when Weddo came to get me.
The “bottom” was located immediately behind our camp, so I didn’t have far to go. Earlier that morning I had caught a glimpse of the buck I was after, but he had given me the slip. I spent the rest of day up to heading in for a sandwich still hunting, sitting, rattling, using vocalizations trying to entice the buck to again show himself, all to no avail! Then when I decided to get a bite to eat, less
than 200 yards of where I had seen the buck, he showed up again. Weddo had been working on the windmill tower right next to camp and was sitting high in the tower when he spotted “my” buck. I had asked him when I returned to camp to keep an eye out for the old buck. “Dee nopals!” suggested Weddo. I headed to the dense stand of prickly pear cactus
18 Shot of Texas Magazine™ November/December Issue 2014
about half a mile from camp. I had often seen really good, mature bucks chasing does on the “prickly pear flat”. The buck I was after was old, at least eight! He had had, in past, bigger antlers than the did this year. But he was still a massive, gnarly 8 point about 24 or so inches wide, with long beams and tines. During his prime he had been a huge typical 10 point that eas-
on Whitetails! Larry Weishuhn
ily would have made the all-time Boone & Crockett record book. Unfortunately the only time I had seen him was during the annual helicopter game survey. We, those of us who hunted him, never saw him during the hunting seasons when he was at his prime. I had learned this as a wildlife biologist who used to do a tremendous number of helicopter game surveys, working with hunters and hunting.
I hunted hard! Again, I did everything I could think of to entice the big, ancient 8-point to show himself. He never did...that season! As a wildlife biologist, hunter who has been able to spend time hunting particular bucks, there is one thing I’ve learned. Never give up! The big 8 point? I finally did get him, two hunting seasons later! I shot him at exactly 12 noon on a cool day, following a full moon, the
night before. I’ve taken several other older mature bucks at that same time of day. I’ve learned the best time to hunt older, mature bucks when the moon is full, is between the hours of about 11 am till 2 pm. Don’t know whether this is a natural time for them to move, or they’ve learned our habits of hunting mostly in the morning and late in the afternoon. I really don’t care why they move during mid-day,
November/December Issue 2014 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 19
I’m just glad to know that’s when mature bucks have a tendency do move! When I shot the buck I had been after, he actually had bigger antlers than the two previous years. Best as I could tell he was probably 10 years old when I shot him. He again had 8 very long points, his spread was 26 inches wide outside. He had 26 inch main beams and extremely long tines. Years later I had him scored. He nets 162 B&C....pretty good 8 point! Never give up! Several years ago I shot another extremely old buck. I started hunting him when
frequented the part of the ranch where he lived. But each of the two years I failed to personally see him, the vaqueros when rounding up cattle on horseback saw him. Hope sprang eternal. Like the buck described earlier as well I shot him on a cool December day a few minutes after 12 noon the day after a full moon night! Three years ago I got a call from a friend inviting me to come hunt whitetails with him. I knew the ranch’s reputation and knew it had some really big bucks. “Larry, there’s a buck that’s been seen a few times before the season opened I think you might be interested in.
different bucks, but for a while not the buck I was looking for. Finally on the fifth day, the big typical 11 showed himself on the edge of the field just before dark. Only about 5 minutes of legal shooting time remained. This was back when I was doing a TV show titled “A Hunter’s Life” which appeared on Sportsman Channel (This before I created my current show, DSC’s Trailing the Hunter’s Moon). I glanced back at the cameraman. He gave me a thumbs up and I nestled my brand new Ruger American Rifle in .30-06, topped
I guessed him to be a 7 year old. He was HUGE, a big typical 10 with double droptines, easily scoring around 180 B&C. I hunted that same buck for another 6 years before I finally took him. The year I shot him he still had 10 really good typical points and three drop-tines on his right side. He fell to my old Ruger 77 in 7x57, topped with a Zeiss scope I had bought second hand, and shooting Hornady’s 139 grain soft point ammo. Interestingly like the one described earlier, the only time I really saw him was when we did our annual helicopter survey. No matter how hard others and me hunted the buck, he was never seen during the hunting season, only before and after. I actually missed seeing the buck a couple of years while doing our game survey, including the year I shot him. I really thought he had been taken down by coyotes or one of the lions that
He’s a typical 11 that should gross over 170. We’ve hunted him hard, and If you can find him, he’s your’s!” I love a challenge, especially a whitetail challenge! The ranch was thankfully only about 30 miles from my southwest Texas home, but even so it was the second week in December before I could break from prior commitments to get there. I won’t bore you with all the failures. But let me say this, I seemed to be at the right places at the wrong time, and the wrong places at the right time! But thankfully once again it was a local vaquero who provided me with “intel” I needed! Normally I never hunt the exact same spot for more than 3 days. But in this instance I hunted the same spot seated behind a stalking shield I was developing for Nature Blinds overlooking a remote and narrow food plot. Each hunt I saw
with a Zeiss scope and shooting 165 grain Hornady GMX ammo into the crux of my BOG Pod RLD shooting sticks. The crosshairs settled on his shoulder.... At the shot the buck bucked. He took only three steps and collapsed. He went down before I could shoot a second time...and I’m really quick on a second shot! My not giving up on hunting once again proved its worth. Not only was the buck every bit as big as was thought, he was bigger! He was also the first whitetail taken with the then new Ruger American Whitetail. A 178 gross B&C, mature whitetail was a great way to start the career of the new Ruger rifle! When I’m asked to provide advice for deer hunters, my rely is always short and simple! First and foremost is go hunt. Don’t look for excuses not to hunt! And then never, I repeat never, give up!
20 Shot of Texas Magazine™ November/December Issue 2014
ISIS vs. ISIL. What’s in a Name?
ISIS or ISIL head Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. He’s no Romeo.
By HOWARD BARBANEL
I
n Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the Bard of Stratford posited and Juliet articulated “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Juliet, vexed by the danger of a relationship with Romeo by virtue of his family heritage but nevertheless in love with the boy is making the point that who someone is matters more than what that person is called. On a far less romantic note, way more dangerous than Capulets or Montagues (or Sharks or Jets in the New York iteration) is the Middle Eastern terrorist group alternately known as ISIS or ISIL, against which President Obama has declared war upon. Thirteen years ago when former President George W. Bush launched the War on Terror, we had no such confusion as to the moniker of our foe, we knew them as al-Qaeda. Today, depending on who you’re listening to, we could be up against two different enemies who are actually one and the same. No, our adversary doesn’t have a split personality disorder – they know quite clearly who they are and what they stand for. We are the ones sowing the confusion. If you listen to the President, or to John Kerry or to Chuck Hagel or to various members of the defense establishment, we are committed to “degrade and destroy”
a group named “ISIL,” which stands for the “Islamic State In the Levant.” However, when watching the news, seeing some members of congress, hearing pundits and talking heads, reading news sites and such we are told that we’re fighting a nefarious organization named “ISIS,” which is short for the “Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.” Within any given newscast, we can see Administration spokespeople wax on about ISIL while the anchors, analysts and correspondents keep saying ISIS, sometimes directly to one another within the same conversation. How are we to agree on a long term strategy to eradicate this evil if we can’t agree on what to call them? A rose by any other name, indeed. I believe we should all agree on “ISIS” and push the Administration to change their tune. Here’s why: ● “ISIS” is easy to pronounce, like “Hamas.” It just sounds better. ISIS is a nemesis. “ISIL” always comes across as awkward; it causes the tongue to make an unnatural pause before saying the next word. ISIS makes for better looking headlines, with the final “S” more graphically attractive than looking at an “L.” If we’re to spend a lot of time over the next few years talking about this group, we should make it as pleasant a linguistic experience as possible.
● “ISIS” sounds like the name of some ominous and dastardly group, like “Kaos” from Get Smart. Would Agents 86 and 99 have made any headway against “Kaol?” All evil and violent NGOs have cool names. ● “ISIL” on the other hand sounds like the last four letters of some cholesterol, diabetic or cardiac pharmaceutical – the kind that gets advertised all day on CNN, Fox and MSNBC. Is it ennobling to be up against a pill, even if most of these medications warn you of the danger of heart attack, stroke or death? ● The “L” in “ISIL” is for the “Levant,” an old-world word that stands for the Middle East, particularly for the area between the Mediterranean and Iran. Most Americans wouldn’t know where the Levant was if it fell on them – also – why give this group regional status? Isn’t it the President’s objective to bomb them back into some corner or Syria anyway? There’s a scary-looking black-clad guy named Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi who is the head of ISIS (or ISIL). Perhaps when our team of Navy Seals eventually gets to his lair in Syria, just before we pull the trigger, we can ask him which English-language acronym he prefers? After all, a Caliph should be able to write his own epitaph. Maybe we could send a message to his YouTube account asking him to clarify this debate for us before his next televised beheading? My bet is al-Baghdadi will go for ISIS as he and his group seem to be very image conscious and media savvy. But in all seriousness, the American people will soon be clamoring for an end to the ISIS-ISIL ping-pong, especially if we’re being asking to support another trillion-dollar war effort. Juliet may not have cared much about names and labels but the American people deserve an adversary whose name is easy to pronounce and as we know from the play, ultimately the names did matter, which is why I’m “pro-ISIS” and “anti-ISIL.” © 2014 by Howard Barbanel, All Rights Reserved.
November/December Issue 2014 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 21
The Legend
22 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ November/December Issue 2014
O
n the weekend of 11-12 October 2014, OATH (Outdoor Association for Texas Heroes, Incorporated) took a group of wounded and disabled veterans on a bowhunting trip in East Texas. OATH, a registered 501c3 Public Charity, utilizes various outdoors activities to improve the quality of life for resident Texas Veterans that have been wounded or disabled as a result of direct combat action in OIF or OEF. It also focuses on getting the general public involved in these said events in order to adequately bridge the gap that is clearly evident between the general society and our wounded / disabled veterans. At this specific event, OATH was very fortunate to have the support from various members of the Kountze, Texas community. Paula and Robert Hall, as well as Heather and Corey Wyble, came forward to provide all meals for the OATH group, to include a BIG country breakfast, a pot roast, mashed potatoes, black eyed peas and bread pudding lunch and a chicken and sausage gumbo supper ! The OATH hunters also enjoyed cookies, homemade fudge and some fine sweet tea ! Not only did these heroes have full hearts due to the time spent in the woods with folks that cared for them, but they also had full bellies due to the generosity of this wonderful group of folks. Also pitching in were Kim and Ryan Price who created and hand delivered some “Goody Buckets” to the OATH hunters. These buckets were second to none and included lots of great outdoors gear and supplies: hunting magazines, scent control gear, camouflage clothing, snacks for the hunt, and a Bible ! A great deal of time and thought was put into the collecting of these items, and the hunters were absolutely in awe of the generous gesture. Making it even more wonderful was the fact that Kim was able to hand deliver the Goody Buckets to the
deer camp and express to each and every OATH hunter how she and her family and those of the other donors appreciated their service and sacrifice. It was completely wonderful for everyone involved ! At the conclusion of the weekend, contact information was shared, hugs were
given and lives were changed. Gary Bartels, Founder and Executive Director of OATH, put the weekend into perspective when he said, “Well, as this OATH hunting weekend comes to an end, I must say that this was the best weekend I’ve had in the woods in quite awhile. Lots of brotherhood. Lots of camaraderie. Lots of GREAT FOOD. Lots of talking and laughing and joking like we were all in the same unit on the same FOB in the same war at the same time. I know I made some new friends and created bonds that will not soon be broken. Very special thanks to all that supported this effort. Anybody that served food, offered conversation, shook hands, said “Thank You” and made these heroes feel right at home .... THANKS !!!” Matthew Snyder, one of the OATH hunters, stated “Thanks again for a great weekend. I don’t think I can thank you enough. You have a great organization. The memories of this weekend will be with me and shared around the campfire for a lifetime.” Guy Hurd, another OATH hunter, stated “Thanks to all who made this one heck of a weekend! The food was amazing and blessed be the hands that prepared it. I look forward to more OATH events in the future.” With feedback like this, folks, we are very much looking forward to our next event in November, as we take another group of OATH hunters on a nice rifle hunt at another East Texas location. In the end, it’s not about the deer tagged or the fish on the stringer or the ducks in the bag…it’s all about getting our heroes back into the great outdoors and ensuring that they are well aware that folks appreciate their service and their sacrifice for our daily freedoms. Folks interested in becoming involved with OATH can find us at www.oathinc.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oathinc . They may also email Gary Bartels directly at Gary@ oathinc.org. Until then, stay tuned for the next OATH event update !
November/December Issue 2014 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 23
Dove Quest Co-Editor Rob Kahn sporting his favorite Teddy Roosevelt Look while waiting for birds at El Quinto Ranch. He didn’t wait long!
Buck Ranch. Glad to see the Scott Sims, Mark Gerchy and sons at Record youngsters help keep our sport alive.
Not too tough watching football at El Quinto Ranch Lodge between hunts.
The guys from The Infinity Group came to El Quinto Ranch all the way from Clute Texas. r Houlding Firearms’ Stephanie Houlding sent ove a custom AR-15 to test fire. Rapid fi ring over and. over was in the words of Mike Myers “Like Butter”A That beautiful rifl e on the right was made by Shot of Texas Contributing Writer Kerry Oday’s MG. Arms. It was amazingly lightweight and accurate
24 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ November/December Issue 2014
Contributing Writer Alex CAMPBELL , with Campbell Security Solutions spent quite a bit of time enjoying the ATV and the pool table at Record Buck Ranch.
Recap 2014
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Shot of Texas started Big Shot Outfitters to support our advertisers and to enhance our readers experience at the same time. If you are going to plan a dove hunt anyway we thought why not come along with our magazine friends and staff. Our sponsors basically provide free perks like Clay Shooting, Fishing, ATV demos, Cigars and fi ne Texas whiskeys to enhance the hunt with no additional charge to our hunters.“Everyone wins” says Tef Kahn Co-Editor. Hunters are happy and sponsors are happy to be able to introduce a product in a relaxed setting.. We had a total of 60 hunters in our first year thanks to the support of our good friends like Bob Anderson of Anderson Pools and Rod Daigle with The Infinity Group, who put out the word for us and helped with the gathering of hunters. The live music with Camo Girl, Kendall Rae Kahn, went over well with our hunters at Record Buck while Trey Clark (Trey Clark Band) and Co Editor Robert Kahn’s guitar duo played at El Quinto Ranch while entertaining the all night poker crowd. It was a great bunch of folks and they really enjoyed the lodge experience at both our selected ranches. We will continue to strive to enhance next year’s hunts. Big Shot Outfitters has trips planned through all of 2015. Contact rob@ashotoftexas. net or visit our website www.ashotoftexas.net to check out where we will be next.
Record Buck Ranch Dove Quest hunters shooting long range between hunts.
Dean enjoyed the ATV test drive and managed to keep the mud at bay during the test.
Best of The West Crew Joe Cunningham, Daryl Peterson and Latt Durance with A Shot of Texas Magazine’s own Camo Girl, Kendall Rae Kahn. They had Camo Girl hitting targets at 850 yards.
Record Buck Ranch Host Glenn Erskin (left) with Daryl Peterson and Camo Girl ready to try a shot at 850 yards with Best of The West custom rifle system 7mm Mag. Yup she hit the target.” The shot was so far that we had to wait for the CLINK made by the bullet when it hit the iron target” said Kendall.
Record Buck Ranch provided a long range shooting range where hunters got lessons from Best Of The West TV shows and long range shooting experts Joe Cunningham, Latt Durance and Daryl Peterson.
Black Rain Ordnance AR-10 shots were PERFECT 6 shots 6 kills at 650 yards.
Clay Shooting all day with El Quinto’s new Sporting Clays range. Even under construction it was a great course.
November/December Issue 2014 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 25
W
The Little Things Make A BIG DIFFERENCE
e had shot the gun before we shipped it to the customer and knew it had shot very well. However some things can happen in shipping or maybe we didn’t tighten a stock screw before it left. When the rifle came in I took one look at it and started to laugh. The “quality” scope was a $200 Japanese scope with “made in China” stamped on it. The big box store who sold him the scope and had mounted it, had replaced the Talley Ultra-Light rings we had included on the rifle originally with a $15 dollar set of Tasco rings and not one of the screws had been torqued down or even tightened. The scope was set at about a 10 degree angle from being straight and you could see where it has slipped in the rings from shooting. Now, we never recommend shooting our rifles in a lead sled, they put pressure on the forend of the stock which changes the harmonics. I don’t think you are going to take a shooting bench or a vice when you are out hunting, so we always shoot the gun off sand bags with it against your shoulder like you would in a hunting situation. You could see marks on the stock where the vice had tried to hold the stock in place.
We mounted his $200 Japanese scope correctly in a set of good Talley Ultra-Light rings. We made sure the scope was straight and perpendicular with the bore of the rifle. If you don’t do this, your bullet will not only be dropping straight down but it will also be dropping to the side. With a 400 yard shot, the bullet can drop 30 inches and be right 15 inches without any wind effect. If a scope is loose in the rings, it can jump forward with every shot, then your groups will definitely open up. With a minimal .002” slip on a scope, the rifle will give you 2 inch groups at 100 yards!
With the scope mounted straight and tight we took his rifle back to the range and shot it at 100 yards. The scope had very heavy cross-hairs and no parallax adjustment but we were still able to shoot .650” groups with the rifle. Now this is not as good as when we shot the rifle before but when we shot the gun we had used a good 12 power target scope with good ammo which was built for this particular rifle. There are so many little things that can make a rifle shoot better and don’t cost a great deal of money. First and foremost is to use good scope mounts. A good set
26 Shot of Texas Magazine™ November/December Issue 2014
of rings make a big difference in knowing the scope will not slip or come loose when shooting. Second, make sure the scope is mounted correctly and aligned with the axis of the rifle. If you never shoot past 100 yards then you will never know the difference, but if you plan on shooting long distance then you will need to have a straight scope. Make sure the base screws are torqued with a little Lok-Tite to the receiver. If a base screw comes loose or breaks, your shots will be erratic. You might get 2 or 3 shots together then have a flyer or your shots will start walking on you when you
shoot. Having a loose or broken base screw can be hard to find and many times you have to remove and remount the scope before you know what is going wrong. Make sure the stock screws are snug. A loose stock screw can cause you to shoot bad groups. On a big caliber rifle which kicks hard, a loose stock screw can cause the action to slip in the stock and break a nice piece of wood. Make sure the rifle is not too long for you and that the eye relief is set right for you. If you are having to push your head forward to see clearly in the scope that either the rifle is too long or the scope is mounted too far forward. If you have to stretch your head to see every time, your eye won’t be in the same place every time, so your groups will change with every shot. Now we have just been talking about the scope, there are many other little things which make a big difference. A good crisp trigger will make you a better shooter. If you have to concentrate on the trigger pull then you are not thinking about the cross-hairs or where the bullet needs to go. A clean gun will shoot better than a dirty gun. If a bullet has to push copper or brass out of its way as it goes down the barrel then it will shoot different as the brass and copper build up. Take the time to break in your barrel. If you will take an hour or two when you first get your new gun with shooting and cleaning after every shot for 10 to 20 shots, then your rifle will shoot better in the long run. Shoot good ammo and find out what your rifle likes. Even a good custom gun will be particular about types of ammo and bullet weights. You need to try several brands and weights to find what really shoots well in your gun. Last, take time to practice at the range. Don’t just shoot off a bench. Simulate as closely as you can, a real hunting scenario. Try shooting off hand or off a bipod or shooting sticks. One of the best experiences for someone who wants to take shooting to the next level would be to go to one of the long range shooting camps here in Texas. One of my favorites is the FTW SAAM course in Barksdale. Their instructors are former Navy Seals who really know their stuff when it comes to guns and shooting. It’s a fun experience and you come away with a new appreciation of what shooting is all about. And finally, the more practice you get, the better chance you will have when you have to make that once in a life time shot. The rifle and scope can’t do it all. The person behind the trigger has to be just as capable. By Kerry Oday
Simple 10 Firearm Safety Rules Hygienist Efrain Nunez Martinez of MARTINEZ OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY ACADEMY reminds us of a simple 10 firearm safety rule guide. (1.) Treat every firearm as if it is loaded (2.) Carry weapons with actions open and check if it is loaded. (3.) Wear ear and eye protection and comfortable hunting clothes. (4.) Acquaint yourself with your hunting grounds and safe zone-offire. (5.) Create your own safeguards list to your specific hunting plans. (6.) Never turn with a loaded firearm with the gun safety off toward a downed animal or at anyone. Point the muzzle in a safe direction. (7.) Do not place your finger on the trigger until you are ready to fire. (8.) Always identify your game animals before shooting. (9.) Never shoot at water, rocks or other flat, hard surfaces as the bullet may ricochet. (10.) Never climb a fence, a tree or ladder with a loaded firearm. (10.) Unload firearms when not in use, leave actions open and
store in safe, cool, dry places. (11.) Do not drink alcohol or take drugs before or while handling a firearm. Happy Hunting! We will gladly assist to all your safety personal and business concerns. Email us at martinezemarti@aol.com or call us at 956-342-6640, fax: 956-720-4403. Martinez is a General Industry and Construction Safety graduate from Texas A & M and a Maritime Industry safety graduate from University of South Florida at Mobile, Alabama. Martinez has a Bachelor of Science Degree, Master Real Estate and one year of American Law towards doctor of jurisprudence. Mr. Martinez was British Petroleum (BP)’s Chief Bi-lingual Safety Trainer for their Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida’s 2010 Oil-Spill. Dr. Jesus Duran, our National Registrar, is a licensed medical doctor in Mexico contracted as Veracruz Oil Rig’s medical safety officer. T R O P H Y
W H I T E T A I L S
T R O P H Y
W H I T E T A I L S
Don’t let the name fool you T R O P H Y
W H I T E T A I L S
Welcome to Hogsback Ranch, Wisconsin’s trophy whitetail deer and elk hunting destination. Our hunting preserve specializes in providing quality, trophy whitetail and elk hunting opportunities with fully-guided, all-inclusive hunts on a wide variety of terrain. Modern lodging and amenities included. We take great pride in providing our customers with world class hunting opportunities and big Northerm White tails. The Man Behind the Bucks: Nathan Wininger Phone: (715) 572-1724 or (715) 572-5938 WWW.HOGSBACKRANCH.COM
November/December Issue 2014 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 27
mYcore™ Heated Gear Camo Hooded Parka/Jacket with Personal Thermal Control
I
ntroducing the World’s first heated hooded parka/jacket with patented My Core Control Personal Thermal Control technology inside that gives the wearer the ability to actually change their core body temperature on demand. How? By strategically providing heat to the pulse point area of the inner wrists and utilizing the heart as the pump,the blood as the coolant and the circulatory system as the radiator. We field tested this jacket on a northern white tail hunt оctober 19-22 on an icy cold morning and It was truly amazing! Contact Ben for more information at www.mycorecontrol.com. I’m sure he would be happy to direct you to a dealer near you. Kendall Rae Kahn Camo Girl
Lizards used as weapons against Texas Oil & Gas Industry
“E
ndangered” lizards are the latest blatant attempt by the Obama Administration mignons to thwart progress of the Texas Oil & Gas Industry. A lizard? And just recently a huge road construction project was halted because of a spider. That right folks! A $28,000,000 job creating road project here in Texas was brought to a screeching halt by hippies who “fabricated” a spider of a different species. How do we know that they didn’t take some regular spider, surgically remove an appendage, and photograph it? They claim there are so few of them that it would be difficult to find another to contradict their “findings”. And guess what? Forty-four million dollars was spent to accommodate the spider. You know what else? Did we know that when we saved the spider near San Antonio that the lizard was the spider’s favorite food and that the spider is actually the reason for the decline in the lizard? Hmmm? That can’t be because environmentalists can’t extract cash from the spider? Enter the Texas Oil & Gas Industry who has the cash that these S.F. Brains are seeking. It is not about the spider or the lizard; it’s about certain individuals getting a degree in something that doesn’t 28 Shot of Texas Magazine™ November/December Issue 2014
matter and that does not contribute to economic success trying to justify their existence. Thankfully the Texas Railroad Commission has stood up to the Feds on this matter. Good for you Commissioner David Porter for your recent statement of “We must not allow the Obama Administration to use the Endangered Species Act as a weapon against the oil and gas industry.” I think I’m going to see how many of these lizards I can find before they are actually declared endangered. I hear that lizard makes great finger food. I’m certain real Texans, not the transplants who have fled here for work in the evil Oil & Gas Industry, would be happy to try a bite. I read a quote recently from an unknown author that applies here. It says “Never argue with stupid people because they drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience”. This is Shamus Dartanyon, defender of Texas and the Texas Oil & Gas Industry, signing off. Order your ”I’m with Shamus” T shirt at www.ashotoftexas. net . All proceeds go to The Patriot Warriors Foundation. Shamus Dartanyon
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n October 16, 1991, I was headed to Luby’s to meet two clients for a lunch meeting. I was 15-minutes late for that meeting – 15 minutes that saved my life. By the time I arrived, George Kinard had already entered and killed over 20 innocent people, two of which were my clients. It was at that moment that I decided to purchase my first gun and to carry it 100 percent of the time. Deciding on the gun I liked was the easy part. Carrying a gun was uncomfortable and inconvenient. I tried every holster I could find but none made it any easier or any more comfortable. I was determined to find a way to carry comfortably. Two
years of experimenting with different designs and materials I finally put all the pieces together and came up with a holster that not only fit every gun, large or small, but could be worn comfortably. No longer did my shirt have to be worn out, no need for a jacket to cover the holster … I could carry wearing shorts and no shirt! Since 1995 when I introduced this to the public, over a half a million have been sold all over the world. Check out our video on www.ultimateconcealedcarry.com and stop by your local gun show for a demonstration of the Hide-it and Grip-It holsters and try it yourself! Arming the good guys has been our goal for over 20 years!
“ Buy the ranch-Stock the ranch we’ll handle it!” Gulf Land & Wildlife, Inc. Cell: 281-546-7051
9002 Chimney Rock, Suite 160 Houston, TX 77096 DrakeHeller@gmail.com WWW.Gulf-Land-Wildlife.com
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KW Farm & Ranch Group November/December Issue 2014 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 29
5 BIG BUCKS
I caught Rick Shepards Buck on camera the day before Rick found him
30 Shot of Texas Magazine™ November/December Issue 2014
W
e started the afternoon hunt following our guide, Brandon Gerchy, as he slowly weaved his way through the thick carpet of multi colored fall leaves. The red, yellow and orange colors of the turning leaves in northern Minnesota in October are beautiful. When you added the 55 degree weather it made for a perfect fall hunt. Although the leaves of the aspens and maples had started to fall the cover was still thick. There was a slight breeze so we felt that the deer should be up and moving. All three of us climbed up into a spacious tower stand and started glassing the timber for any movement. We drew straws and my longtime friend and hunting buddy Rod Daigle was first up to shoot. A year earlier and almost to the day Rod harvested a massive 191 and he was hoping to up the ante by breaking 200 for the first time in his hunting career. My job was to take photos and, if possible, video the action. The afternoon sun was casting shadows across the food plot. I kept glancing through the trees and into the forest with my binoculars but saw nothing. After about an hour of this my eyes started playing tricks on me. As the sun changes position each shadow became different and everything started to look like a deer or at least part of a deer. It was a tiny flicker that caught my eye at about 125 yards. Rod saw it at the exact moment that I did. We both glanced at each other to confirm the movement that had finally given him away. The flicker was his tongue licking his nose. We saw the flicker again but still no body movement. Finally it moved about a step and we could now see the silhouette of the body but still no horns. It’s large body size made me feel sure it was a buck. I’m not sure how long we stared at that shape but it had to be at least half an hour. When the buck turned his head to the right I caught my first look at the main beam on his left side. Holy &%) y#! It was wide and massive. What would the bases look like? I didn’t even need to see the rest of him to know he was a shooter. Several minutes passed before he began to walk toward the food plot we were hunting over. The patience of deer
Rod Daigle with The Infinity Group and his almost 210 B&C
has always amazed me. Instinctively they know that their next step could be their last. The open meadow before us was lush with the still green grass and deer clover. The deer can’t resist it. I started fumbling around with my new and unfamiliar video camera to begin to film this impressive animal. I got it together just in time to see him clear the trees at about 90 yards. All three of us were so in awe of the animal that no one thought to get the rifle up. My guess is that we instinctively knew that although the buck was visible the thick cover would certainly make the shot too risky to take. We all sat there staring through our binoculars. I’ve never personally seen a deer before with that kind of mass. I remember thinking to myself “I can’t believe I got the short straw”. When Rod did reach for his rifle the buck stopped at about 85 yards. As is often the case the buck’s head was clearly visible but his vitals remained completely blocked by a group of three aspen trees. There was nothing we could do but wait for him to clear. The guide glassed him again to insure his mental scoring was accurate and gave us the final go ahead with a quick nod of his head. This buck was
the 200+ that we had been looking for. However, it was another ten minutes before the front edge of the shoulder appeared. But Rod still had no shot. The buck was definitely feeding and moving forward but at a snail’s pace. We had watched him long enough to count all 19 of his points but could still not get a clear shot. To make things worse every mental image of what could make the deer bolt out of there had appeared in my head. Maybe one of the hunters would leave his stand early and scare this mammoth away; or possibly some distant barely audible noise would startle him? What if he went back the way he came in? All of these thoughts ran through my mind until the buck decided it was time to find some fresh clover. He took two steps forward. Our guide Brandon had slipped in behind Rod with a video camera. There was sound of the click of Rod’s safety on his Ruger No. 1 .300 Win Mag followed by an immediate boom! The bullet found its mark. The buck leapt straight into the air on impact and managed 10 more yards before he dropped. The animal weighed 264 pounds live weight and scored 209.5. In the blind there was a mixture of joy and awe. Rod sat motionless and quietly relived the shot. I just kept saying “oh man, oh man”. When we made it down to the deer there was no ground shrinkage. The main beams were massive. Rod couldn’t get his entire hand around the antlers even midway up the buck’s main beams. Hunting a northern white tail is a very different experience than hunting a South Texas, Hill Country, Panhandle or East Texas buck. Venture out of Texas from time to time. You’ll find a new adventure that you’ll treasure forever. Man what a deer. Be sure and download a QR scanner for your smart phone and check out the video. A Shot of Texas Magazine has just filmed its first live hunt and Rod had just harvested his first 200 plus deer. Thanks to our guide Brandon Gerchy at Autumn Antlers for remaining calm and setting the tone for the shot. He has got a great singing voice, too. Later in the week a campfire sing along showed us that guiding was just one his talents.
November/December Issue 2014 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 31
W
hen they are not busy testing welders, father and son team Rick (above) and Colton Shepard of Dynamic Labs in La Porte, Texas love to hunt. Both Rick and Colton were patient in their quest for a big Booner. Colton (below) harvested his 200 ½ inch northern giant on the next to last day of the hunt. What Colton really wanted was to down a typical framed deer. The icing on the cake was that he found a fantastic typical with a third main beam and a dagger like set of three kickers off the back of the right main beam. Rick saw many impressive shooter bucks but kept holding out for his dream buck. That dream came true on the morning of the last day when he harvested this gorgeous 223 inch monarch with 25 scorable points.
Colton Shepard with Dynamic Labs in LaPorte Texas his 200 B&C
32 Shot of Texas Magazine™ November/December Issue 2014
Slow & Steady Sealed the Deal
I
t was an overcast afternoon in late October. Russell Cannon had come to Long Prairie Minnesota to join Rob Kahn of A Shot of Texas Magazine and other industry peers on a northern white tail hunt. He was hunting with head guide, Jason Freiler, of Autumn Antlers Trophy Whitetail Lodge. When the hunt started they didn’t know they were in store for a true hunting challenge that very first afternoon as they climbed into an elevated bow blind. It was Jason who saw the first signs of deer, a rustle and quick flash of fur. He was certain the buck would score well over 185 . As the buck came into view behind the pair of hunters… it was under their tree stand. The angle offered no shot and all they could do was wait. “He came up under us and worked a scrape for 10 minutes and then fed for another 20 minutes more,” said Russell. It was then that the deer turned and walked out to the northwest of the tree. Russell drew his bow and slowly followed the buck out to 15 yards. It turned broadside. In a fraction of a second a shot presented itself and then evaporated. The buck had swiftly and sharply turned. Russell took this moment to relax his bow hold and flex his cold fingers. Jason grunted at the deer and the animal stood at alert and statue still for a few moments. Finally the buck moved out and to the right. As it again turned broadside Jason sighted him at 24 yards. Russell quickly drew back again but his arm was tightly pinned to his side
By Russell Cannon - BASF against the tree, a difficult position for even someone as practiced at this as Russell. As he released his arrow the buck started to turn. Instead of a double lung shot Russell’s arrow destroyed the buck’s front shoulder. It ran into the trees in the fleeting daylight. This would prove to be the last sight they would have of the deer that night. As the last light of day slipped under the horizon, it was decided they would have to return the next morning. As is said often in hunting stories Russell had a sleepless night wondering if they could find his buck in the morning. Before daybreak, and in a brisk wind, Russell and Jason began their hike. They returned to their tree top vantage point and waited as the morning peaked through the tree branches. At about 8:00, and after seeing no sign of the buck, they descended. The pair walked for about 30 minutes, taking steps strategically placed on the forest floor and timing each movement with the blowing of the wind. Suddenly Jason spotted the buck. The buck was facing away from them and lain up near a pile of deadfall. Jason ranged him at 50 yards away. Russell wasn’t comfortable taking the shot at that distance with the wind they were experiencing. With the layer of fresh, dry leaves amplifying every step it took an entire hour and a half to move just 30 yards towards the animal. Each step was slow, quiet and meticulously planned. To have another go at the deer, Russell was going to need to get within that 20 yard goal. A shot seemed possible
ahead and Jason pointed out a potential vantage for him. However, as they crept to this position they realized it was completely brushed over, too thick with scrub and trees. Because of the underbrush, Jason went up to find an alternate shot, slowly moving himself 5 yards out and then back to Russell’s position. “Jason suggested we move find a position to the left. I looked to the left and I found a shot,” said Russell. Well…”the shot” was a space between a twig and a tree measuring, if you can imagine it, only 4 inches by 5 inches. And, in order to even reach this position, Russell had to move painfully slow. Before each step he would have to clear twigs and brush from his path, moving just two cautious steps in 15 minutes, and wait for the wind for every move to cover any noise. Russell finally reached the target point and checked his hands for good measure. They were stiff from the cool temperature. When confident and in position he drew down on the buck and released his arrow. The buck was down and done after a few mechanical steps. Russell later said, “At the moment of impact I knew he was a goner.” Back at the lodge this buck scored a total of 194 and 3/8ths inches. It was an amazing hunt and with the help of Autumn Antler’s Jason Freiler Russell stalked and harvested one of the Ranch’s largest bow kills this season. If you’d like to live a hunt like this contact rob@ashotoftexas.net.
November/December Issue 2014 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 33
s y u G
by Editor Robert Kahn
Ready right after the afternoon hunt ! Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese Ingredients: Cold Weather Cooking oil spray 2 cups skim milk 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk 1 egg 1 tsp salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 1 1/2 cups pre-shredded sharp cheddar cheese 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
Directions: Spray the pot of the slow cooker or if using a liner bag, spray the bag well. In a mixing bowl whisk together milk, evaporated milk, egg, salt and pepper. Pour milk mixture into the crock pot. Add cheese and uncooked macaroni. Stir gently to mix. Turn slow cooker on low and cook 3-4 hours, or until the custard is set and the macaroni is tender. (Do not cook more than 4 hours, or the sides will begin to dry out). Serve at once.
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34 Shot of Texas Magazine™ November/December Issue 2014
For Information contact: Rob Grainger roblgrainger@gmail.com 832-215-4899 www. graingerranchrecruiting.com
Steven Huskey’s Close Call! G
lobal Rescue member Steven Huskey was on a hunting trip to the Canadian Rockies when suddenly things went very, very wrong. “During a steep, snowy descent through the Canadian Rockies in pursuit of an elusive Big Horn sheep, I found myself sliding down the mountain toward a cliff. As I went over the edge, I instinctively grabbed for a sapling. It was like a madefor-TV-movie.” With help from Global Rescue, Huskey lived to tell the tale of his ordeal. “[As I fell,] the momentum of my weight and my pack dislocated my right shoulder, breaking the socket and tearing pretty much every tendon and ligament including my bicep. After finishing the descent with my arm duct-taped to my body and an extremely agonizing horseback ride to camp, I was able to call Global Rescue
on the satellite phone,” said Huskey. The Global Rescue operations team launched into action, making plans for a field rescue and evacuation to trans-
port Huskey to a hospital to receive medical care. With significant snowfall forecast for the following two days, the helicopter rescue was set for the first break in the weather. “First, they worked with my guide to ensure I was stable and gave him
warning signs to monitor. Second and most impressive, they coordinated with my fiancée, the local medical personnel, the outfitter, the aircraft as well as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and other local authorities,” said Huskey. “The snow and terrain prevented a ground rescue team from reaching my location, so as soon as the weather broke, Global Rescue had a helicopter en route. Their coordination and persistence was impressive.” The helicopter transported Huskey to the hospital, where he was evaluated, admitted, and treated for his right shoulder dislocation. Global Rescue’s paramedics kept in contact with him throughout his ordeal to ensure he was receiving proper care until he was discharged. Huskey’s advice: “If you are a back country adventurer, your Global Rescue membership should be at the very top of your packing list.”
November/December Issue 2014 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 35
The Infinity Group A Legacy of Performance
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November/December Issue 2014 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 37
38 Shot of Texas Magazine™ November/December Issue 2014
Under Pressure Drilling has options U
nder Pressure Drilling involves providing a branch-connection to a live pipe in constant operation. Now, this means that the business needs not to go for a complete shutdown of operation. Another beautiful feature or benefit with Under Pressure Drilling is that it can be performed on any types of pipes, including Steel, Iron, PE, PVC, and PSCP.
Advantages: •Minimal Down Time •Reduces Disruptions on Mains Systems •No Leakage or Loss of Flow (a complete peace of mind) •This Process can be done on any type of pipe •Even When the System is in Operation Carrying Liquids at High Temperatures Hundreds of companies are out in the market offering Under Pressure Drilling services. Almost all of them have online presence and relatively easy to find. However, one thing that you should keep in mind is to choose a well-established and professional service provider. An experienced Under Pressure Drilling service provider is in a much better position to offer you quality services at a more competitive price. Be careful of a newcomer or at the very least check references carefully. If under Pressure Drilling (Hot Tapping) isn’t the solution, there are several other options such as Pipe Freezing, Line Stopping, and Shrink Fitting. Just call an experienced professional and things will be just fine. By Robert Earl
November/December Issue 2014 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 39
One Magnificent Wonder of the World
W
here the power of this water was once known as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” meaning “The Smoke that Thunders” This impact of its powerful water flow will always be an incredible phenomenon to the supremacy that Mother Nature always Reins.
Six magnificent gorges intertwine the borders of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Livingston, Zambia. David Livingstone a Scottish missionary and explorer was believed to be the first European to view Victoria Falls in 1855, consequently naming an island in the middle of the falls gorges as Livingstone Island. Indescribably the magnitude of these falls is spectacular, with a total height in the center at 360 ft. tall (the length
of a football field) and is fed by the Zambezi River, recognized as the largest sheet of falling water in the world. For those who love to fish the river is known for 39 species below the falls and 89 varieties above the falls. The two countries permit tourists to make day trips between countries and visas may be purchased at the borders. One famous feature naturally formed called the “Devils Pool” is near the edge of the falls on the Zambian side. When
40 Shot of Texas Magazine™ November/December Issue 2014
the river flow is at a certain level a rock barrier forms and adventurous swimmers splash around near the edge of the falls with relative safety. A view of the falls from a helicopter ride one morning was amazing to amass not only the size but observe the power of falling water between each of its gorges. In the early 1900’s a decision to build a rail bridge connecting Zimbabwe to Zambia offered access for tourists and traders from
as far south as the Cape to as far North as the Belgian Congo. In today’s version of the rail bridge it continues to offer scenic rail rides but also offers “thrill seekers” bungee jumping off the bridge into the gorge below…heart rendering just to watch that expose! We flew from Johannesburg, South Arica to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe where our guide Zwe met us upon arrival and transferred us to the historic and quaint:
Victoria Falls Hotel With over 100 years of operation this hotel was subsequently given the nickname “The Grand Old Lady of Africa.” Surrounded by stories from Kings, Queens and Presidents this hotel graciously offered many other distinguished guests the comfort and style with graciousness befitting the grand old dame of hotels. As the saying goes “if these walls could talk” thousands of visitors would acknowledge their historic eulogies. Upon our arrival at the Victoria Falls Hotel we dined on the terrace overlooking the beautiful gardens and listened to falls with the sound of the massive water flow, clearly heard from the gorges below. The sight of mist and smoke rose high into the air confirming the power
of the water tumbling below. One of my favorite afternoons was sitting on the veranda for high tea listening to the classical piano-man play his melodies. His music eras, along with the sounds of the thunderous water in
the background, are moments in time that remain captured within our souls. A milestone tribute to this wonderful classic establishment…this Grand Old Lady of Africa looks back with pride and forward with confidence. Try and count the 7
wonders of the world? Over many decades you will find several different opinions on “the wonders”, as our universe will infinitely be marked by its wondrous reality! Bon Voyage & Santé Barbara
November/December Issue 2014 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 41
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Contact Teffany Kahn for info & registration: tef@ashotoftexas.net 512-746-2729 May/June Issue 2014 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 43
Thandeka Safaris is a beautiful hunting destination situated in the Kalahari, 4km from the Botswana border,
Thirty two species Plains Game Dangerous Game Wing Shooting Bow Hunters welcome
“Experience prime unspoiled savannah”. Ideally suited for first time or returning hunters or families wanting to relax and enjoy all that Africa has to offer. Contact info@thandekasafaris.co.za or rob@ashotoftexas.net for details and packages We are proud to be hosting A Shot of Texas Magazine’s Big Shot Outfitters Safari 2015, August 15 – 21. Join executives in Oil & Gas, Petrochem and Pipeline for an adventure of as life time.
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Houston Safari Club And Texas Wildlife Association Foundation Partner to Promote Youth Hunting Houston, TX – Houston Safari Club (HSC) has provided a $15,000 grant to Texas Wildlife Association Foundation, Inc. (TWAF) in support of their Texas Youth Hunting Program (TYHP). The TYHP is recognized as one of the official educational programs of the Texas Wildlife Association and its partner, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, to introduce young Texans to hunting. Each year, the TYHP gives thousands of Texans the opportunity to participate in youth hunting activities, legally and ethically while learning about the valuable role landowners and hunters play in wildlife conservation. Because many youth today do not have the resources or opportunities to experience outdoor activities such as hunting, especially on private land, the TYHP is a solution as it provides hunting activities for many families who have limited income and/or limited access to private and public land. “The generous support from Houston Safari Club enables the Texas Youth Hunting Program to accomplish its mission – to increase the numbers of youth participating in wildlife and hunting activities,” stated Christopher Mitchell, Executive Director, Texas Youth Hunting Program. “Houston Safari Club is proud of our partnership with the Texas Wildlife Association Foundation and their Texas Youth Hunting Program,” stated Mark King, Grant Chairman of Houston Safari Club. “Since 2009 HSC has contributed $79,000 to the TYHP and feels this commitment represents the essence of our mission by expanding hunting education and outdoor opportunities for youth in Texas.” The TYHP believes that it is vital to educate Texans, especially the youth, about the importance of conservation and management of wildlife and native habitat on private land, the valuable roles that landowners and hunters play in wildlife and habitat conservation, and the legacy and responsibility of ethical hunting. Last year, TYHP conducted 223 youth hunts which included a wide variety of game for rifle, shotgun and bow hunts. The grant from HSC will help TYHP continue to expand
their hunting program in the Houston area by providing meaningful hunting and outdoor experiences to Houston youth and their families. “As urbanization continues, it is imperative that we continue to educate and expose as many Texas children as possible to the outdoors, for they will become the future leaders of the state,” stated Tina Buford, President Texas Wildlife Association Foundation, Inc. “With the assistance of Houston Safari Club, we look forward to continuing to enhance and grow TYHP in the Houston area.” ABOUT TEXAS YOUTH HUNTING PROGRAM Texas Youth Hunting Program (TYHP) is offered to youth age 9-17 years old from the entire state of Texas, regardless of gender, race, family or financial background. With the help of over 1,400 active volunteers, TYHP conducts nearly 150 hunts annually including a wide variety of game for rifle, shotgun and bow hunts. To date, TYHP has provided over 55,000 Texans with safe, educational, outdoor experiences while instilling an appreciation for the valuable role private landowners and hunters play in wildlife conservation. For more information, please visit our website at www.tyhp.org. ABOUT HOUSTON SAFARI CLUB Houston Safari Club (HSC), established in 1972, is a volunteer non-profit conservation, education and sporting rights advocacy organization based in Houston, Texas. HSC works diligently to preserve the sporting heritage, support wildlife conservation and promote education, both locally and throughout the world. HSC proudly provides one of the largest scholarship programs of its kind, in conjunction with its charitable arm, the American Conservation and Education Society (ACES). Together, HSC and ACES have provided millions of dollars for conservation, education and sporting rights initiatives worldwide to ensure the longevity of the sport and the sustainability of sporting resources for generations to come. For more information, please visit our website at www.houstonsafariclub.org or call 713.623.8844.
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46 Shot of Texas Magazine™ November/December Issue 2014 MGA-AST-GoGetUm-Whitetail.indd 1
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4500 Williams Drive, Ste 212-413 Georgetown, TX 78633