Hunting Guide

E E FR

HUNTING GUIDE NOVEMBER 2016

WILD GAME SUPPER REAGAN COUNTY’S 22ND ANNUAL

OPERATION ORPHANS BRINGING HUNTING TO UNDERPRIVILEGED KIDS

THE TEXAS HORNED TOAD GETTING TO KNOW THE TEXAS SIZED MYSTIQUE

NEW DEER HUNTING REGULATIONS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR THE 2016-17 SEASON

ESTIMATE YOUR BOONE & CROCKETT SCORE PHOTO BY MATT HENSON PHOTOGRAPHY

TIPS FROM GAME WARDEN MATT ADAMS

Glasscock Chevrolet WELCOME HUNTERS Come to Glasscock Chevrolet for all your vehicle needs, whether you are looking to buy, or need repairs.

We have a family owned dealership, and promise to treat you right! We would appreciate your business, and the opportunity to meet you.

Our hours are M-F 8-5:30, or by appointment.

Give us a call, you won’t regret it!

325-884-2594 300 Main Street Big Lake, TX 76932 www.glasscockchevrolet.com

HUNTING GUIDE THE BIG LAKE WILDCAT

22 Annual Wild Game Supper nd

Nov. 26th 100+ Quality Guns Doors Open 5 p.m.

Meal Starts 6:30 Prize Drawing Tickets Available Now

$1 Per Prize Ticket

It’s that time of year again!

The time when businesses, individuals, countless volunteers and a whole bunch of hungry hunters come together to be a part of a special event to benefit the youth of our area. The 22nd annual Reagan County Wild Game Supper, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 26, 2016 at the Reagan County Community Building in Big Lake, Texas.

The doors will open at 5:00 p.m. and serving will begin at 6:30 p.m. General admission (includes meal) is $10 per person. Attendees are fed a meal of fried venison, elk, axis, homemade deer and pork sausage, fried turkey, deer chili, brisket and all the trimmings.

To claim firearm prizes you must have proper identification. A physical address must be on your driver’s license or ID. If a physical address is not on your ID, then you must present your voter registration card or your hunting license with a 911 address along with your driver’s license.

Door prize tickets are available at Tator’s House, Big Lake Bank, Big Lake Pump and Supply or any of the RCWGS Board members at the cost of $1 per

ticket.

This year’s board members include: T.J. Hill, Jack Blakely, Sandra Thompson, Jed Hruska, Wade Daugherty, Roger Kalina, Heath Holt, Danny Schwertner and Caleb Edwards.

The Reagan County Wild Game Supper, now in its twenty second year, has been tremendously successful, making it the largest annual event in Big Lake, impacting hundreds of youth in our area. Since our beginning in 1995 the RCWGS (501 c-3 Non-Profit) has donated more than $142,000 to local youth organizations and has helped students further their education through $124,000 in scholarship money, totaling $266,000 in total contributions to date.

Some of the youth organizations the RCWGS has contributed to are: Boy Scouts, Project Graduation, Methodist Youth Fellowship, DARE Program, RCHS Band, Girls of Faith, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, First Baptist Youth, Assembly of God Youth, RCES Library, RC Little League, Reagan County 4H, Reagan County Ambassadors, Big Lake Youth Alliance, Catholic Youth and Liturgical Dance, Industrial Arts, RC Pee Wee Football, Boys

Ranch, Girl’s Softball, Volunteer Fire Dept., Josh Mitchell Remembrance Assoc., American Legion and many more.

The 2015 recipients of the RCWGS Scholarships are: Andrea Dominguez, Baylee Barton, Ben Garner, Breanna Flores, Breauna Jaramillo, Brittany Armstrong, Bruna Sanchez, Carlee Spurgin, Haley Sanchez, Jake Myers and Mattie Williams.

All monies are raised from generous donations, sale of door prize tickets and admission fees.

Among the prizes given away this year will be 100 quality guns, gift certificates, hunting items, Polaris Ranger, and numerous other prizes.

Without your help, none of this would be possible We humbly ask that you consider donating to this great cause so that we may continue to “pay it forward”. All contributions are tax deductible and documentation for tax purposed will be provided. The address is PO Box 53 Big Lake, Texas 76932.

We look forward to yet another successful year and continuing to contribute to the success of the youth in our area.

NOVEMBER 2016 • 3

THE BIG LAKE WILDCAT HUNTING GUIDE

TIPS FROM LOCAL GAME WARDEN MATT ADAMS • the location of the violation • the name and/or description of the violator • a description of any vehicle or boat involved in the violation • any other important information which will assist in apprehending the violator If you wish to remain anonymous, a code number will be assigned to you. You do not have to give your name if you do not want to.

The more information you can provide at the earliest opportunity will increase the probability of arrest and conviction.

LANDOWNER RELATIONS COUNT

Matt Adams Texas Game Warden IV Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden for Reagan & Upton County 325-226-4353 CALL BEFORE SPOTLIGHTING Hunters doing night surveys or varmint shooting should give a courtesy call to local Game Warden Matt Adams by phone or text (Matt Adams 325-226-4353). If no answer leave the following information on voicemail or text.

- your name - date and time hunting - where your hunting - vehicle description - your phone number in case we need to contact you.

OPERATION GAME THIEF Help stop the illegal hunting and fishing in Texas. If you have information which will assist game wardens in apprehending persons who are violating the hunting and fishing regulations of this state, Operation Game Thief needs your help!

Call immediately! Dial toll-free, 1-800792-GAME (4263), any time, day or night and provide the following information to the Texas Parks and Wildlife police communications officer: • the nature of the violation

4 • NOVEMBER 2016

Landowners who are leasing land to hunters and receiving money to hunt are required by law to obtain and make available by posting a copy of the Hunting Lease Lic. at their camps or give a copy to the hunters using the land so the documents can be accessed quickly if requested by a Game Warden.

Lessors should make an effort to know and talk with neighbors in case a wounded deer jumps the fence. Always gain permission to follow a deer into a neighboring place BEFORE you follow it. If you go without permission you violate the law and are subject to criminal action.

Lessors and landowners should also work with neighbors on hunting stand location, especially when placing a stand near a perimeter fence.

NOTE: If your bullet crosses the fence, it is a criminal offense.

HUNTER SAFETY CERTIFICATION Important Facts about your certification • Certification is good for life.

• Texas certification is honored by other states and provinces requiring hunter education.

• You must carry proof of certification or deferral on your person while hunting.

• Proof of certification is NOT required to purchase a license.

Who needs to take Hunter Education?

Every hunter (including out-of-state hunters) born on or after Sept. 2, 1971, must successfully complete hunter education. Minimum age for certification is 9 years and cost is $15.

If you were born on or after September 2, 1971 and you are: • under 9 years of age, you must be accompanied*.

• age 9 through 16, you must successfully complete hunter education, OR you must be accompanied.

• age 17 and over, you must successfully complete hunter education; OR purchase a “Hunter Education Deferral,” and you must be accompanied.

PROOF OF CERTIFICATION Proof of certification or deferral is required

to be on your person while hunting.

Note: Certification is not required to purchase a hunting license.

HUNTER EDUCATION DEFERRAL Cost: $10 - Allows a person 17 years of age or older who has not completed a hunter education program to defer completion for up to one year. A deferral may only be obtained once and is only valid until the end of the current license year. A person who has been convicted or has received deferred adjudication for violation of the mandatory hunter education requirement is prohibited from applying for a deferral

FILLING OUT THE TAG FOR ATTACHING TO DEER Except for deer killed by MLD permit, LAMPS permit, TPWD Special Drawn Legal Deer Tag, U.S. Forest Service antlerless permit, or Big Time Texas Hunt, all deer must be tagged IMMEDIATELY upon kill in a secure manner anywhere on the deer, with an appropriate license tag with the month and date CUT OUT. If required, the tag from the hunting license of the person who killed the deer must be correctly and legibly completed (including name of property and county) and must: • be used on a specific type of deer (for example, buck tags must be used only on buck deer, antlerless tags on antlerless deer, etc.).

• have the month and date of kill CUT OUT. It is against the law to use: • a tag taken from the license of another person or allow your tag to be used by another person.

• a tag more than one time (or on more than one deer).

• an incorrect tag on a deer (example: mule deer tag used on a white-tailed deer, etc.).

TAGS & HUNTER ED Hunters may only hunt with their own tags. Hunters should keep their hunter education cards with them.

MOST COMMON HUNTING VIOLATIONS The most common hunting violation in Reagan County is improper tagging or failure to update the hunter’s log. Keep that in mind.

Failing to have Hunters Education Certification is also another common violation.

Other common hunting violation is shooting from a public road or road shoulder. It is not legal even if you are shooting into your own place.

THANK YOU REAGAN COUNTY Thanks to the landowners and lease hunters I have had the privilege of working with.

I hope to continue that positive relationship with the community in the future. Happy hunting.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CALL 9-1-1

1300 N Main Ave • Big Lake, TX 76932 • 325-884-2561

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CALL 9-1-1

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THE BIG LAKE WILDCAT HUNTING GUIDE

New Deer Hunting Regulations for 2016-17 The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopted a suite of changes to this year’s deer hunting regulations that includes expanding whitetailed deer hunting into 14 counties across the western Panhandle, and creating additional deer hunting opportunities in East Texas.

The Commission adopted the following changes to the 2016-17 Statewide Hunting Proclamation, the details of which will be incorporated into this year’s Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Outdoor Annual: • Elimination of the Antlerless and Spike-buck Control Permit due to lack of demand; • Define “unbranched antlered deer” to clarify what constitutes a legal buck across seasons and to alleviate confusion among hunters, and replace the “Special Late

Antlerless and Spike-buck Season” with a “Special Late Season” to accommodate the inclusion of “unbranched antlered deer” in the bag limit; • Allow the take of antlerless deer without a permit on certain U.S. Forest Service Lands during youth-only seasons; • Clarify that white-tailed antlerless deer harvest during the archery-only season does not require a permit and harvest of antlerless deer during youth seasons is restricted to persons 16 years of age and younger including on properties issued Level 1 Managed Lands Deer (MLD) Permits; • Implement both a general and special archery-only season for white-tailed deer in Andrews, Bailey, Castro, Cochran, Gaines, Hale, Hockley, Lamb, Lubbock, Lynn, Parmer, Terry and Yoakum

counties, with a bag limit of three deer (no more than one buck and no more than two antlerless), which is identical to adjoining/nearby counties that currently have a season.

• Implement both a general and special archery-only season for white-tailed deer in Winkler County, with a bag limit of three deer (no more than one buck and no more than two antlerless, with the take of antlerless deer restricted to the archery-only season or properties issued MLDP antlerless tags). The new season is identical to adjoining/nearby counties that currently have a season.

• Establish four “doe days” (time periods in when antlerless deer may be taken without a permit in parts of the state where antlerless harvest regulations are conservative) in Bell (east of IH35),

HAPPINESS IS HUNTING

325-650-3665 • 325-650-8652 T.J. Hill

Tommy L. Hill

Big Lake, Texas 6 • NOVEMBER 2016

Burleson, Ellis, Falls, Freestone, Kaufman, Limestone, Milam, Navarro and Williamson (east of IH35) counties; • Increase the number of doe days to 16 in Anderson, Brazos, Camp, Gregg, Grimes, Henderson, Lamar, Leon, Madison, Morris, Red River, Robertson and Upshur counties; and • Implement a muzzleloader-only late season in Anderson, Bell (East of IH 35), Brazos, Burleson, Comal (East of IH 35), Delta, Ellis, Fannin, Falls, Franklin, Freestone, Grimes, Hays (East of IH 35), Henderson, Hopkins, Hunt, Kaufman, Lamar, Leon, Limestone, Madison, Milam, Navarro, Rains, Red River, Robertson, Smith, Titus, Travis (East of IH 35), Van Zandt, Williamson (East of IH 35), and Wood counties.

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HUNTING GUIDE THE BIG LAKE WILDCAT

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WE SELL WILD GAME SUPPER TICKETS!

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NOVEMBER 2016 • 7

THE BIG LAKE WILDCAT HUNTING GUIDE

Operation Orphans, Inc. Making it Possible for Kids to Go Hunting

Operation Orphans, Inc. will have four hunts for underprivileged youth.

A hunt for girls will take place October 29 and hunts for boys will be November 19, December 3 and January 7. The young hunters will spend the day on area ranches who will allow the kids to harvest excess does and bucks. This will be the 57th year that Operation Orphans has organized these outings.

18,280 kids have participated since 1960.

Many volunteers have served as guides and trustees over the years.

Here are some reflections from two individuals who volunteer with Operation Orphans, Inc. John Kinsey — “I was a 21 year old college student when I guided my first hunting trip for Operation Orphans.

That Saturday morning was spent getting to know a 9 year old boy while sitting on a couple of 2X6’s nailed into the fork of a tree on a ranch in Kerr County. We saw some animals and discussed basic deer hunting methods and logic, but most of the conversation covered football and which Ninja Turtle was the best. We spent the early afternoon continuing our conversations, eating lunch, and throwing a football around. As we were gearing up for our afternoon hunt, about to climb back up in our tree, he stopped and asked me a question. “Hey, John.

Would it be alright if I call you Daddy?”

Trying to hold back tears, I told him he could call me whatever he wants.

There I was, still a kid myself, and all I had done was to spend a few hours with a child showing interest in him and his interests and he felt like he could, or should, call me Daddy. I had expected to have a little fun teaching a child about my passion for the outdoors that weekend and maybe help that child harvest an animal if the opportunity arose. That moment changed my life.

I haven’t missed a year of guiding at Operation Orphans since. I am now 31 with a child of my own. Every year I go to Camp Gene Ashby hoping to make a small impact on a young person’s life, 8 • NOVEMBER 2016

A shot at a buck like this one makes a lifelong memory for an orphaned child who might not otherwise have the opportunity. If you can help, please contact Operation Orphans, Inc.

and every year I leave having gained just as much, if not more, from those kids as they have gained from me.

Operation Orphans, Inc. will be a part of my life forever.” John Kinsey Bob Moore shared two stories: My job with Operation Orphans includes working with the children homes, securing guides and deciding who goes where. I met the lady of a children’s home I pass on my way to Camp Gene Ashby. She related that they decided to let a youngster go hunting that was a little hyper. I looked at my list of guides and decided a young man in a father-son guide team could handle this young man. The lady picked a partner for the 2 hunters and 2 guides to go to a ranch needing 2 hunters. I advised the young man what to expect and he was ok with that. After the hunt, I asked the young guide how his day went. He replied, “I didn’t guide the boy. He wanted to hunt with daddy.”

I hunted up daddy and asked how the day went. Daddy replied, “The only thing wrong with that boy is he needs

some attention.” He lowered his voice and said, “I gave him my attention.”

Bob’s other memory was sometime during the late 1980’s, he was in the dining hall at Camp Gene Ashby after a hunt. An older, long time guide, now deceased, walked up to his young hunter and put his arm around the boy’s shoulders. He handed the boy a paper with his name and phone number and told the boy, “Son, if you ever feel no one loves you, call this number.”

That is what Operation Orphans, Inc. is all about.

Anyone who desires more information about Operation Orphans, Inc. can visit www.operationorphans.org or may contact camp supervisors, Jerry or Lyla Crouch, phone: 325.347.6745. All individuals who serve as guides must have successfully completed a hunter safety course and submit to a background check. Operation Orphans, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

We are in need of used boots, warm gloves, long john bottoms, and toboggans for the youngsters.

HUNTING GUIDE THE BIG LAKE WILDCAT

The Mystique of the Texas Horned Toad Have you ever heard the legend of “Old RIP”? Well, in 1897 a horned toad was placed in the cornerstone of the courthouse in Eastland, Texas, as it was being sealed. People remembered the event, but no one thought much of it until February 18, 1928, when the courthouse was demolished to make way for a new model. Three-thousand people were on hand to watch the opening of the old cornerstone. Legend has it that inside lay the horned toad — flat and covered with dust — and ALIVE! After 31 years! If you don’t know it already, it is a hilarious story that you should Google just for fun.

Old Rip, real or fake, makes a wonderful story. There is no debate, however, over the existence of the legendary reptile itself, the Texas Horned Frog, the Horny Toad, or officially, the Texas Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum).

The Texas horned lizard, official

state reptile of Texas, is a flat-bodied and fierce-looking lizard. The head has numerous horns, all of which are prominent, with two central head spines being much longer than any of the others.

Horned lizards are named for the crown of horns found on their heads, the size and number of which

vary among species. Although often called horned toads, horny toads, or even horned frogs because of their wide, flattened bodies (their scientific name Phrynosoma actually means “toad-body”), they are not amphibians like other toads, but are reptiles with scales, claws and young CONTINUED ON PAGE ##

WELCOME HUNTERS BLEDC’s MISSION: To Improve the Quality of Life of the Community, for the Citizens of the Community, by bringing in new business to Big Lake and supporting existing businesses. www.biglaketexas.org • 325-884-2288

Big Lake Economic Development INVESTING IN OUR COMMUNITY NOVEMBER 2016 • 9

THE BIG LAKE WILDCAT HUNTING GUIDE

Sunrise/Sunset Charts for Big Lake, Texas

Daylight Saving Time Ends November 6, 2016

NOVEMBER 2016 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 27 28 29 30

RISE A.M.

SET P.M.

8:02 8:03 8:03 8:04 8:05 7:06 7:07 7:08 7:08 7:09 7:10 7:11 7:12 7:13 7:14 7:14 7:15 7:16 7:17 7:18 7:19 7:20 7:20 7:21 7:22 7:23 7:24 7:25 7:26 7:26

6:57 6:56 6:55 6:54 6:53 5:53 5:52 5:51 5:51 5:50 5:49 5:49 5:48 5:48 5:47 5:47 5:46 5:46 5:45 5:45 5:45 5:44 5:44 5:44 5:44 5:43 5:43 5:43 5:43 5:43

DECEMBER 2016 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 27 28 29 30 31

RISE A.M.

SET P.M.

7:27 7:28 7:29 7:30 7:30 7:31 7:30 7:33 7:33 7:34 7:35 7:35 7:37 7:37 7:37 7:38 7:39 7:39 7:40 7:40 7:41 7:41 7:42 7:42 7:43 7:43 7:43 7:44 7:44 7:44 7:44

5:43 5:43 5:43 5:43 5:43 5:43 5:43 5:41 5:44 5:44 5:44 5:44 5:45 5:45 5:45 5:46 5:46 5:46 5:47 5:47 5:48 5:48 5:49 5:50 5:50 5:51 5:51 5:52 5:53 5:53 5:54

JANUARY 2017 1 2 3 10 • NOVEMBER 2016

RISE A.M.

SET P.M.

7:45 7:45 7:41

5:55 5:55 5:56

Common Sense Precautions FOR HANDLING AND PROCESSING DEER Common sense precautions while handling and processing deer should be taken at all times. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is one of many diseases that can affect deer. CWD is a fatal transmissible neurological disease that affects cervid species such as white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, red deer and sika. It is classified as a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy, a family of diseases that includes scrapie (found in sheep) and Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE; found in cattle). Much remains unknown about this disease.

The peculiarities of its transmission, infection rate, incubation period, and potential for transmission to other species are still being investigated. What is known is that CWD is invariably fatal, and can be passed directly from deer to deer and indirectly through environmental contamination. Scientists believe CWD is caused by a misfolded protein (“prion”) that replicates and infects other normal proteins. Prions generally concentrate in the brain, spinal cord, eyes, lymph nodes and spleen, and they are shed in saliva, urine, blood, soft-antler material, feces, and from decomposition of an infected animal. There is no scientific evidence that chronic wasting disease can infect humans or domestic livestock.

General Precaution

Field Dressing

Do not shoot or eat any part of a deer that appears sick. If hunting within a CWD Containment Zone or High Risk Zone, please accurately document the location of any deer that appears sick and contact a TPWD office or call TPWD headquarters in Austin toll-free at (800) 792-1112 and enter 5 for wildlife and 1 for general wildlife information. Or contact TAHC toll-free at (800) 550-8242.

Wear rubber or latex gloves.

All internal organs and inedible carcass parts should be left at the site of harvest.

Clean processing knives and equipment of residue and disinfect with a 50/50 solution of household chlorine bleach and water. Wipe down counters and let them dry; soak knives for one hour.

Cutting and Processing

Wear rubber or latex gloves.

If removing antlers, soak the blade of the saw used in a bleach solution for one hour.

If hunting within a CWD Containment Zone or High Risk Zone, it is recommended that harvested deer be quartered and head detached in the field and all other carcass parts be left at the site of harvest if it is not possible to dispose inedible carcass parts in a landfill (or buried at least 6 feet deep).

Bone out the meat from the deer and remove all fat and connective tissue (the web-like membranes attached to the meat). This will also remove lymph nodes.

These inedible parts also should be left at the site of harvest, or disposed of in a landfill, or buried at least 6 feet deep.

Thoroughly clean and sanitize equipment and work areas with bleach solution after processing.

What parts can I use?

There are some parts of the deer you should never eat, even if the animal looks healthy.

The parts listed below are tissues where prions generally concentrate.

Brain Eyeballs Lymph nodes in head and neck

Spinal cord

Tonsils

Lymph nodes near digestive system

Spleen

Normal field dressing and trimming fat from meat will remove lymph nodes and other parts that accumulate prions. The diagram shows some main locations of lymph nodes and other tissues where prions concentrate.

Never eat meat from a deer that looks sick.

Never eat a deer’s: • Brain • Eyeballs • Spinal cord • Spleen • Lymph nodes

To be sure you’ve removed all of the parts listed above: • Gut and skin the deer • Cut meat from the bone with a knife; don’t cut through bones • Remove all fat, membranes and tendons from the meat • Remove the head

Lymph nodes in/near joints

Clinical symptoms/signs of sick deer Please note that many diseases in deer cause many of the same symptoms as CWD, and not all symptoms/signs of CWD will occur in all cases.

Loss of fear of humans Nervousness or high excitability Teeth-grinding Loss of coordination Notable weakness Inability to stand Rough dull haircoat Excessive salivation Drooping of the head and ears Excessive thirst Difficulty swallowing Severe emaciation and dehydration

Report sick deer, especially those within a CWD zone to a TPWD Game Warden or Wildlife Biologist.

For additional information contact Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

www.tpwd.texas.gov

HUNTING GUIDE THE BIG LAKE WILDCAT

Shooting Safety

texas

parks

and

wildlife

TEXAS TRACKS

Texans love to hunt. Nature beckons. There’s suspense and excitement and escape from the daily routine.

Here are the “ten commandments” of shooting safety:

Do you know them?

BOBCAT FORE

• Always point the muzzle of your gun in a safe direction.

HIND

FORE

• Treat every firearm or bow with the same respect you would show a loaded gun or nocked arrow.

HIND

RACCOON FORE

FOX SQUIRREL FORE

HIND

• Be sure of your target.

HIND

RINGTAIL

• Unload firearms and unstring conventional bows when not in use.

COYOTE

FORE

WHITE-TAILED DEER

HIND

DEWCLAWS SHOW WHEN RUNNING

• Wear hearing and eye protection.

• Be aware of circumstances that require added caution or safety awareness.

COLLARED PECCARY (Javelina)

OPOSSUM

FORE

FORE HIND

HIND

325 884-2853

1 1/2"

2" FORE

1 3/4"

HIND

1 1/2" 1 3/4"

2 /4" FORE

1 1/4"

8

HIND

2 3/4"

5

2 1/4" HIND

FORE

FORE

2 3/4"

1 1/2"

2

HIND

HIND

FORE

2"

HIND

9

6

3

FORE

1"

HIND

FORE

2"

HIND

FORE

3 3/4" 4200 Smith School Road Austin, Texas 78744 1-800-792-1112 www.tpwd.state.tx.us

HIND

© 2001 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department PWD LF K0700-001 (3/01) In accordance with Texas Depository Law, this publication is available at the Texas State Publications Clearinghouse and/or Texas Depository Libraries.

9. Ringtail

404 2nd Street • Big Lake, Texas

4

7

3

8. Coyote

Grandma’s Kitchen

2"

7. Bobcat

EMERGENCY DIAL

1

FORE

6. Fox Squirrel

This public service message is brought to you by Southwest Texas Electric Cooperative.

You may know Texas wildlife, but do you know their tracks? Some like the rabbit and opossum are easily recognized. Others such as the coyote, collared peccary and bobcat may be confused with their domestic look-alikes the dog, pig and house cat. Tracks are easily followed in snow or loose sand. Prints made in soft mud are best for study. (Answers at the bottom of page.)

5. Skunk

SOUTHWEST TEXAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Can you identify these tracks?

4. Collared Peccary

If you practice these rules, you’ll help to ensure safety for everyone.

3. Raccoon

STRAIGHT SHOOTING ON SAFETY

FORE HIND

• Don’t consume alcohol or drugs before or while handling firearms or bows.

2. Opossum

• Control your emotions when using weapons.

SKUNK

1. White-tailed Deer

• Know your safe zone-of-fire and stick to it.

FORE

HIND

• Handle firearms, arrows and ammunition with care.

NOVEMBER 2016 • 11

THE BIG LAKE WILDCAT HUNTING GUIDE

Estimate Your Boone & Crockett Score T

he Boone & Crockett Scoring system has become the “gold standard” for measuring whitetailed deer antlers. Although many people have tried, no scoring system has surpassed the Boone & Crockett (B&C) system for recognition and popularity. Even if you’re not familiar with how the scoring system works, you are likely familiar with the B&C scores that represent trophy animals.

For example, a B&C score of 170 inches for a typical whitetailed deer would make the alltime record book, and a score of 160 inches would make the buck eligible for the 3-year award.

Similarly, for non-typical whitetailed deer, a buck scoring 195 inches would make the all-time record book, and a score of 185 inches would receive 3-year award recognition. If you or a

friend has been lucky enough to harvest or find a buck that comes close to these minimum scores, you should locate an official Boone & Crockett measurer in your area. The Boone and Crockett website provides a list of official measurers located in each state.

But what if you want a simple estimate of B&C score without taking all the necessary measurements? Often times this scenario occurs among hunters or deer herd managers that wish to have an approximate score, or in many deer management programs, a manager may wish to monitor the average B&C score of harvested bucks to determine the condition of the herd and if management activities are effective. Is the habitat management program working? Did the average size of antlers increase after reducing the deer herd to below

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carrying capacity?

The Mississippi State University Deer Lab developed a few equations that may help.

Please keep in mind, this only an estimate of B&C score — to determine the true score, the antlers must be measured by someone familiar with the B&C scoring system. The MSU Deer Lab developed four equations using the sum of both main beams (inches), number of antler points, sum of both basal circumferences, and the inside spread. There’s an equation that uses only the sum of both main beams, but this is the least accurate equation. The more measurement you can enter, the better.

So, the best equation uses the sum of both main beams, number of points, sum of basal circumferences, and the inside spread.

The best results occur when the user enters the average antler measurements for a group of bucks. For example, if a manager was examining the harvest data from the previous hunting season they could take the average of all the main beams, circumferences, spread, and number of points from all the bucks harvested to determine the average B&C score.

Or, a manager may want to estimate average B&C score by age class — for all the 3.5 year, 4.5-year, and 5.5-year bucks. In this context, the equations are most accurate.

If you have these antler measurements, visit the website listed below, enter the boxes at the bottom of the page, click on the calculate button and an estimate of your B&C score will be produced. Remember — this is only an estimate.

Daun Williams Construction

Hunting and Fishing Licenses, Propane Cylinders, Ice, Beer, Charcoal, Lighter Fluid, Deer Corn, Feeders and Camouflage Gear

Dirt Contracting • Road Work Location Cleanup • Build Locations Vacuum Trucks • Dump Trucks Transport • Haul Trucks Cover Reserve Pits • Brush Work 201 S. Divide, Eldorado, TX • 325-853-3208 12 • NOVEMBER 2016

PO Box 1518 Ozona, TX 76943

325-226-3910 daun_williams@yahoo.com

HUNTING GUIDE THE BIG LAKE WILDCAT

Estimate Boone & Crockett Score from Simple Antler Measurements 5 6

4

7

3

8

1

6

7 9

8

2

12

4 11

5

13 14 15

INSIDE SPREAD 16

3

10

2

1

The source for all your real estate needs in Texas

www.msudeer.com/estimateboonecrockettscore.asp LEAST ACCURATE EQUATION Estimated B&C Score

115

Main Beams

=

Estimated B&C Score

109

Main Beams

=

Estimated B&C Score

113

36

36 Main Beams

=

36

Number of Points

8 Number of Points

8

Janet Wilburn Local Agent and Appraiser 325-650-3611

Circumferences

9

MOST ACCURATE EQUATION Estimated B&C Score

118

Main Beams

=

36

Number of Points

8

Circumferences

9

Inside Spread

16

Main Beams = Sum of left and right main beams in inches Number of Points = Total number of antler points 1 inches or longer. Includes typical and non-typical points.

Circumferences = Sum of left and right basal circumferences in inches.

Inside Spread = Inside spread on main beams in inches.

Roy Raney & Jay Garrett San Angelo (325) 942-0769 http://www.stephensranchrealestate.com/ NOVEMBER 2016 • 13

THE BIG LAKE WILDCAT HUNTING GUIDE

Stay warm out there What happens to your body when the mercury falls?

What is frostbite?

What is frostnip?

• Severe condition: both skin and underlying tissue (fat, muscle, bone) are frozen.

• Skin appears white and waxy; is hard to the touch.

• No sensation — the area is numb.

• Mild form of frostbite; only skin freezes.

• Skin appears yellowish or white, but feels soft to the touch.

• Painful tingling or burning sensation

Temp Conversion

What is hypothermia?

Being cold over a prolonged period of time can cause a drop in body temperature. Normal body temperate is 98.6º F

Why does your nose run when it’s cold?

Eyes: Eyeballs don’t freeze because they are protected by the head, which your body works very hard to keep warm. Also Tears are salty, which reduces the freezing point.

While trying to warm up cold air on the way to the lungs, extra blood flow within the nostrils leads to more mucus production.

Mild hypothermia Body temperature drops. Being cold over a prolonged period of time can cause a drop in body temperature to below 97º F.

Ears:

Moderate hypothermia

At the greatest risk because there are no major muscles to provide heat.

Being cold over a prolonged period of time can cause a drop in body temperature to 95º F.

Severe hypothermia Being cold over a prolonged period of time can cause a drop in body temperature below 90º F.

Cheeks: Turn red when surface blood vessels dilate as skin temperature drops below 15º F.

Wind Chill

Temperature Fahrenheit 5

10

15

20 25

30

35

40

45

5

-5

1

3

13

19

25

31

36

45

50 48

10

-10

-4

3

9

15

21

27

34

40

46

15

-13

-7

0

6

13

19

25

32

38

45

20

-15

-9

-2

4

11

17

24

30

37

44

25

-17

-11

-4

3

9

16

23

29

36

43

30

-19

-12

-5

1

8

15

22

28

35

42

35

-21

-14

-7

0

7

14

21

28

35

41

-22

-15

-8

-1

6

13

20

27

34

41

45

-23

-16

-9

-2

5

12

19

26

33

40

Wind Speed MPH

40

50

-24

-17

-10

-3

4

12

19

26

33

40

55

-25

-18

-11

-3

4

11

18

25

32

40

60

-26

-19

-11

-4

3

10

17

25

32

39

DANGER

BUNDLE UP

Skin can freeze in 10-30 minutes.

Be sure to wear warm clothing. Have fun out there!

AT RISK

EXTRA LAYER

Risk of frostbite Wear an extra layer of or hypothermia. thermal protective clothing.

Fingers, Toes 50º F is the critical air temperature for good manual dexterity. 45º F is the point at which fingers lose sensitivity to touch.

14 • NOVEMBER 2016

You’ve Gotta Go: Why do we shiver?

Muscle contractions produce heat, so when we get cold we shiver.

You need to urinate more when you get cold.

Exposure to cold causes reduction in blood flow to the surface of the skin, which reduces overall blood volume. The body’s response is to reduce fluid volume by urinating.

Nature’s Antifreeze: The temperature of urine is about 98.6º F — the temperature can’t drop fast enough to freeze within the second it takes to hit the ground.

HUNTING GUIDE THE BIG LAKE WILDCAT

Cross Timbers Wildlife Management Our purpose is to provide useful information to landowners, land managers, hunters, sportsmen, educators, and the general public about management of wildlife and habitat resources found here in Northcentral Texas. Since almost all land in Northcentral Texas in privately owned, it is incumbent that landowners be informed about proper land and wildlife management to ensure proper management of wildlife and habitat resources for present and future generations. Northcentral Texas includes portions of several Ecological Regions and a wide diversity of habitat types, plant communities, and wildlife species, both game and nongame. Consequently, the quality and quantity of wildlife and habitat resources vary. Current and past land uses continue to influence wildlife populations found in this vast region of Texas.

Texas Parks and Wildlife has a staff of wildlife biologists and wildlife technicians assigned to this 43 county district - Region II, Wildlife District 3 - who help implement the agency’s mission - “To manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations”. Our Wildlife Division staff collects annual population data on game birds and mammals throughout Northcentral Texas from surveys for use in setting of seasons and bag limits by the Parks and Wildlife Commission. This information is also used by landowners and managers to determine harvest rates and hunting opportunities. In addition, District 3 personnel conduct research on wildlife species and provide technical assistance to landowners on proper wildlife and habitat management practices.

Cross Timbers Wildlife District

The wildlife district for North Central Texas comprised of 43 counties.

This site will allow you to find useful information for each county. Click on any county in the map below to find out which wildlife biologists and technicians are responsible for your area.

Wildlife Management Contacts

WELCOME TO BIG LAKE! BIG LAKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Big Lake Chamber of Commerce would like to extend a special welcome to the out of town hunters in Reagan County.

Feel free to visit our office for information on local attractions and services available in Big Lake such as churches, restaurants, lodging and much more!

On behalf of the Big Lake Chamber of Commerce, welcome to Reagan County!

Chamber Office Located at 120 N. Main Avenue Big Lake, Texas

325-884-2980

Big Lake,Texas - Where believing “The Impossible” is “Possible”!

NOVEMBER 2016 • 15

THE BIG LAKE WILDCAT HUNTING GUIDE

The Mystique of the Texas Horned Toad CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 produced on land. Three horned lizard species call Texas home, with the most widespread being the Texas Horned Lizard, or the familiar “horny toad.”

The City of Big Lake welcomes Hunters for the 2016-17 Hunting Season!

We invite you to explore all that Big Lake offers by visiting our local restaurants, retail businesses and our website at: www.cityofbiglaketx.com.

We hope your visit to our City is a pleasant and trophy winning experience!

16 • NOVEMBER 2016

Round-tailed Horned Lizard (Phrysonsoma modestum) Horns: four horns of medium length lined up on the back of the head Range: rocky areas in the western third of Texas Greatern Short-horned Lizard (Phrysonsoma hernandesi) Horns: robust head that is wider than long and heartshaped, back of the head is tipped only with small horns Range: only higher elevations, in the forests of the Davis and Guadalupe mountains of West Texas Texas Horned Lizard (Phrysonsoma cornutum) Horns: two prominent horns at the rear and center of the skull Range: most of Texas, though now nearly gone from the eastern third Texas Horned Lizards have some amazing defenses.

Its horny appearance and coloration helps it to blend into sparse vegetation. Its horns may make it less palatable.

It can also inflate itself to a larger apparent size. Finally, the horned lizard is renowned for its ability to shoot a stream of blood from its eyelid. Don’t mess with horny toads!

Everyone loves horny toads, but for many Texans the fierce-looking yet amiable reptile is only a fond childhood memory. The Texas horned lizard currently is listed as a threatened species in Texas (federal category C2). Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has initiated a Texas Horned Lizard Watch. By participating, you can take part in an effort to better understand why our official state reptile is doing well in some locations and what factors may have contributed to its decline in other areas. All the information you need to participate can be found at: http://www. tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/ wild/wildlife_diversity/texas_ nature_trackers/horned_lizard/watcher/ or by contacting: Texas Nature Trackers, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, (800) 792-1112 ext. 8062, or tracker@tpwd. state.tx.us .

HUNTING GUIDE THE BIG LAKE WILDCAT

How to Determine the Age of a White Tail Deer Tooth wear and replacement is one of several methods for aging whitetailed deer. Texas Parks and Wildlife biologists have been using this deer aging technique to manage deer on ranches, wildlife management areas and by county since 1965. Although this method is not perfect, it has been used for the past 35 years in the successful management of deer herds in Texas. Deer are aged by examining the wear and replacement of the premolars and molars of the lower jaw. As a deer grows older, its teeth continue to wear.

As the enamel begins to wear away, and exposes the dark dentine material, noticeable distinctions in

tooth wear occur between each age class. Deer are aged in year and half increments, such as 1 1/2, 2 1/2, 3 1/2, etc., since fawns are born from late May through July and are not harvested until the fall hunting season.

Biologists, landowners or land managers may be interested in deer ages from a deer management standpoint. Age data provides information about deer herd characteristics, hunting or mortality pressure on a particular age class, and progress of the wildlife management program. Age data becomes a valuable piece of information when used with other data such as antler characteristics,

Fawn (1/2 year) Aging fawns should not be difficult. For more clarification, inspection of the lower jaw will indicate age. Fawns have 5 or less teeth present and the third premolar (tooth 3) has 3 cusps.

Tooth 6 has not yet erupted. In younger fawns tooth 5 has not erupted and only 4 teeth will be visible.

dressed body weights or lactation in females. Deer herd trends can thus be monitored if enough data are collected over time.

Often these trends can be related to a particular management style, climatic conditions or any other factors affecting deer. Dressed body weights, age and antler measurement data should be collected every year and from every deer harvested. Collecting partial data, only occasionally during a season, or every couple of years may result in land managers making uninformed decisions about deer management.

Aging deer using the wear and replacement method is not difficult, but

it does require practice.

When aging a deer, it is helpful to cut the skin along the edge of the jaw to allow better inspection of the teeth. Do not cut the skin if planning to mount the deer. Taxidermists will cape out the deer head and save the lower jaw if asked.

A jaw spreader and small flashlight may also be used to prop open the jaw while examining the teeth, especially when the skin is not to be cut. Be sure to remove any food particles or debris to maintain a clear view of the teeth along the jaw.

Inspect teeth on both sides of the jaw to confirm that wear is consistent.

1 1/2 years

Deer Teeth Parts Cusp: a point or projection on a tooth Back Cusp: very last cusp on tooth 6 on cheek-side of the jaw Lingual Crest: tooth ridge adjacent to the tongue Enamel: hard, white, outer coating of a tooth Dentine: soft inner core of a tooth, dark brown color Infundibulum: crescent-shaped depression in the central crown of a tooth between the enamel ridge or crest Lingual Crests

Tooth 3 (3rd premolar) has 3 cusps. Tooth 6 has erupted and is slightly visible just above the gum line.

3-Cusp Tooth Heavy Wear

Enamel Dentine

6

2 1/2 years

Back Cusp

5

4

3

2

1

3 1/2 years

Infundibulum

Lingual crest on all molars are sharp and pointed. Tooth 3 now has 2 cusps. Back cusp of tooth 6 is sharp and pointed.

Enamel is wider than the dentine in tooth 4, 5 and 6.

Permanent 2-Cusp Tooth

Pointed Cusp

4 1/2 years

A simple jaw spreader can be made from 1/4 inch rebar and welded into a similar shape as the above photo.

Insert jaw spreader into mouth as shown in photo. Be sure spreader is pushed completely through the mouth. Rotate jaw spreader downward as shown.

Cusp Worn To Concavity

Teeth are now visible for inspection. A small light may be helpful for viewing teeth.

Dentine Wider Than Enamel

5 1/2 years

Lingual crest on tooth 4 are almost rounded off and lingual crest in tooth 5 are blunt. The dentine in tooth 4 is twice as wide as the enamel. The dentine in tooth 5 is wider than the enamel. The back cusp on tooth 6 is worn so badly that it slopes downward towards the cheek.

Blunt Crests

Lingual crest on tooth 4 is blunt. The dentine is as wide or wider than the enamel in tooth 4. The back cusp on tooth 6 is forming a concavity.

Lingual crest is worn away on tooth 4 and rounded in tooth 5.

Lingual crest in tooth 6 is blunt. Dentine in tooth 6 is now wider than the enamel.

Dentine Twice As Wide As Enamel

Dentine Twice As Wide As Enamel

Dentine Wider Than Enamel

Cusp Slopes Downward

6 1/2 years Tooth 4 is worn completely smooth; no enamel ridge should be visible in the center of tooth 4. Small enamel ridge will be present in center of tooth 5 and tooth 6. Lingual crest on tooth 5 is almost worn away and rounded in tooth 6.

7 1/2 years Tooth 4 and tooth 5 are worn smooth; no enamel ridges are present in the center of these teeth. Lingual crest is gone from tooth 6. Infundibulum in tooth 6 is a narrow crescent shape.

Worn Smooth “Dished Out” Appearance

Worn Smooth “Dished Out” Appearance

Small Enamel Ridge In Center of Teeth

8 1/2 years Tooth 4, 5 and 6 are completely dished out and no enamel ridges are showing in the center of these teeth.

Small Enamel Ridge

Teeth 4, 5 & 6 Worn Completely Smooth

NOVEMBER 2016 • 17

THE BIG LAKE WILDCAT HUNTING GUIDE

Saturday, November 5, 2016 @ 6:30 p.m.

Eldorado Game Association

ANNUAL GAME DINNER

SCHLEICHER COUNTY CIVIC CENTER (1 Mile South of Eldorado on U.S. 277)

Prize Drawings Must be in it to win it!

65+ Firearms Gift Cards & Other Prizes

WIN PRIZES!

Coolers • Kayak • Crossbow • Gas Powered Generator More Than 60 Guns & Pistols • Gift Cards • Loads of Other Prizes

SPECIAL GUN AUCTIONS

$$$ BIG RACK CONTEST $$$ Delicious Barbecue Brisket Dinner Only $10 per Plate Tickets Available in Eldorado at West Texas Feed, Forlano Chiropractic, Cactus Deer Processing and Farris Taxidermy. In Sonora at A’s Beverage Store.

In San Angelo at Odin Firearms and SA West Texas Game Feeders.

TICKETS AVAILABLE ALL DAY SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH AT CIVIC CENTER

PRIZES GALORE! 18 • NOVEMBER 2016

GRAND PRIZE Wilderness Kayak Donated by Happy Trails Outdoor Goods & More San Angelo

HUNTING GUIDE THE BIG LAKE WILDCAT

Whitetail Deer Season in Reagan County GENERAL SEASON Nov. 5, 2016 - Jan. 1, 2017 Late Antlerless and Spike Jan. 4 - 17, 2016

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MAGAZINES • CATALOGS • POSTCARDS CALENDARS • BROCHURES

YOUTH-ONLY Early Youth-Only Season Oct. 29-30, 2016 Late Youth-Only Season Jan. 2 - 15, 2017 BAG LIMIT 5 deer - no more than 2 bucks, all seasons combined.

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ANTLERLESS DEER No permit is required to hunt antlerless deer unless MLDP antlerless permits have been issued for the tract of land.

ARCHERY ONLY Oct. 1 - Nov. 6, 2016 Archery Only either sex. No permit is required to hunt antlerless deer unless MLDP permits have been issued for the property.

WELCOME HUNTERS

ELKINS LAW FIRM + Oil Field Injuries + Truck Accidents + Probate Civil Litigation + Debt Collection + Real Estate + Governmental Entities

325-651-8702

317 W. Concho • San Angelo, Texas 76904 300 N. Plaza Ave • Big Lake, Texas 76932 chadmelkins@gmail.com

Not Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization NOVEMBER 2016 • 19

THE BIG LAKE WILDCAT HUNTING GUIDE

Keeping Feral Hogs Away from Feeders Research conducted in the South Texas Brush country has found that exclosure fences are an effective way to keep feral hogs from eating corn and supplemental feeds that are intended for other animals. These fences protect corn and protein pellets from feral hogs and though labor intensive, they will pay for themselves in feed savings.

Wildlife managers and hunters manage many properties for whitetailed deer. They use corn as feed and as bait to attract them into hunting areas. They also provide supplemental feed such as protein pellets in order to increase antler scores, body weights, survival and fawn production.

Hunters and land managers put out thousands of tons of corn each year and though most of this corn is intended for deer, feral hogs consume a substantial portion of it (Fig. 1B). Hogs also are detrimental to other game species such as ground-nesting birds like quail and wild turkey.

Keeping Hogs Out of the Corn To determine whether fencing could exclude feral hogs while still allowing deer to enter the feeding area, researchers with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and AgriLife Extension Service erected various heights of welded-panel fences and studied their effectiveness.

The fences tested were 20, 28, and 34 inches tall.

The 20- and 28-inch fences used six 16-foot-long utility panels with 4-inch squares.

The 34-inch fence was constructed using graduated 20 • NOVEMBER 2016

hog panel, with the smaller openings closest to the ground. Where the panels overlapped, they were tied to steel T posts with bailing wire. T-posts were also placed halfway between each overlap. Each exclosure measured 28 feet in diameter and was placed around a broadcast corn feeder.

The study was conducted in two phases, one during the summer of 2010 and the other in the fall. Researchers used remote-sensing infrared cameras to monitor the feeders for 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after setting the fences. They found that the 20-inch fence reduced feral hog access while the 28- and 34-inch-tall fences kept them out completely.

Adult deer visits to the feeders did not decline significantly after the fences were erected. The 2009 drought severely limited the fawn crop and may be the reason that no fawns visited the feeders before or after the fences were built.

Also, fawns have a lower social status and may have been kept away by more dominant deer. As fawns grow larger, their access to feeding stations should increase.

Another study was conducted by the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute and Texas A&M University–Kingsville. This study found that fences taller than 33 inches limited fawn access to feeding stations.

This group also conducted a study on exclosures around protein feeders and suggested that fences be 80 by 80 feet or larger to prevent deer from crowding while feeding.

The materials for the 20-,

28-, and 34-inch fences cost $170, $187, and $190 respectively. The 28-inch fence required more labor because 5-foot-tall utility panels were cut in half to create the six panels needed for the circular fence.

Choosing the Right Height Remote-sensing infrared cameras can confirm if feral hogs are visiting your bait or feed stations. You can also inspect the area for hog tracks, rooting, rubs, and wallows. If hogs are a problem around your feeders, 28- or 34-inch-tall fences will keep them from reaching your corn. These two fence heights will keep out feral hogs but still allow adult deer to enter and feed.

However, fencing that is 34 inches high may be too tall for fawns. When fawns are present, the 20- and 28-inch fences are a better choice. If you do build a fence that is 34 inches tall, you can improve accessibility for fawns by cutting at least two slots that are 6 inches deep by 3 feet wide into the top of the fence. Also, place

the smaller openings of the graduated panel closest to the ground.

Building the Fence A 28-inch-tall fence requires the following: • Three 60-inch by 16-foot utility panels • Twelve 5-foot T-posts • Wire clips • T-post driver • Fencing pliers • Bolt cutters 1. Use the bolt cutters to cut each panellength-wise exactly in half.

2. Place the utility panels end to end to form an approximately 28-foot-diameter circle. Overlap the ends by one 4-inch square and push the cut end into the ground.

3. Fasten the ends together with wire clips.

4. Position the fence so the feeder is in the middle of the circle.

5. Drive steel T-posts on the outside of the circle in the middle of each panel and where they overlap.

6. Fasten the T-posts to the panels with wire clips.

Make sure the panels are flush to the ground and leave no gaps that hogs might dig under.

Deterring Feral Hogs Has Many Benefits In many parts of Texas, feral hogs damage landscapes, pollute the water, and hinder farming, ranching and wildlife management.

They cause an estimated $52 million in damage to the state’s agriculture industry each year.

Because feral hogs are non-native and damage water quality and wildlife management, fencing them from supplemental feed should be part of every ranch management plan.

HUNTING GUIDE THE BIG LAKE WILDCAT

Gun Safety Rules for Everyone at Deer Camp You love to hunt and your kids are starting to get to the age where they would like to try hunting. You appreciate their interest and have enrolled them in the appropriate education course to obtain a license.

You also plan to teach them the ropes yourself, starting first with gun safety.

To ensure you don’t forget anything, familiarize yourself with these dos and don’ts of gun safety.

DO...

• Treat every gun as though it were loaded.

• Read the owner’s manual for your gun and learn how to operate it properly.

• Use the correct ammunition for your gun.

• Carry your gun with the muzzle pointing toward

the ground.

• Keep your finger off the trigger until shooting.

• Look at the target and the area beyond it before pulling the trigger.

• Keep your gun unloaded when not in use.

• Store ammunition away from your gun and out of the reach of young children.

• Clean your gun and keep it free of obstructions.

• Make sure your gun is unloaded be fore cleaning it.

DON’T...

• Point your gun at anyone.

• Modify your gun.

• Run with your gun.

• Climb with your gun.

• Jump with your gun.

• Shoot at a hard, flat surface. The bullet will

ricochet.

• Shoot at water. The bullet will deflect and travel a few inches above the water.

• Go hunting when you are overly tired.

• Drink alcohol when hunting.

• Do drugs when hunting.

After you have familiarized yourself with these rules, find a time to discuss them with your kids. Stress to them the importance of following the rules of gun safety and the consequences of ignoring them. Point out, for example, how many people are killed each year in accidents involving guns that were stored loaded.

Rent a video or take your kids to a demonstration on

gun safety.

Kids learn best by example, so make sure you follow the rules of gun safety. More importantly, make sure you enforce the rules. Should a situation arise in which your kids forget or abandon a safety rule, take the steps necessary to correct the situation immediately. It could mean the difference between life and death.

Do your kids a favor.

Teach them the rules of gun safety, enforce the rules when necessary and help your kids mature into safe, responsible hunters.

Also, go over these gun safety rules with anyone at your hunting camp that you do not know. It NEVER hurts to review gun safety rules.

“We’re here to love you not judge you”

WELCOME HUNTERS! Come as you are and worship with us!

Sunday Service 10:45 a.m.

Wednesday Youth & Bible Studies 211 N. Main Avenue Big Lake, Texas

Leslie Davidson, Pastor 325-226-0400

Hope in Christ Cowboy Church NOVEMBER 2016 • 21

THE BIG LAKE WILDCAT HUNTING GUIDE

Be Smart about First Aid

In an emergency, there is no substitute for medical attention. Locally, the Schleicher County Volunteer EMS serves as the first responder. Likewise, the Schleicher County Medical Center, located at the north edge of Eldorado on U.S. 277, has a fully-staffed trauma level-4 hospital with a 24-hour emergency department.

The Family Clinic is open five days a week for routine visits.

However, there are those times when first aid must be administered and a wellstocked first aid kit is an essential item at any campsite.

Commercially available first aid kits suck. But, it’s cheap and easy to build your own, creating something that might just save your life. Here’s how.

According to the Center for Disease Control, around 213,000 people are treated in emergency rooms each year for injuries that result from outdoor recreation.

The most common injuries (27.4 percent of them), are fractures, followed by muscle strain and sprains (23.9 percent), bruises and abrasions (15.9 percent), lacerations (14.81 percent) and dislocations (3.81 percent).

The CDC also lists concussions, burns, crushing, dental injuries, skin inflammation and poisoning as other common injuries experienced in the outdoors.

The good news is, pretty much all of that is stuff you can do something about.

No, you’re not going to fix a broken leg in the field, but you could make the potentially very long trip to the hospital much more comfortable and reduce the chances of further injury in the process. Quick, effective treatment can also reduce the severity of burns and cuts.

To avoid these injuries, the CDC makes the following recommendations: • Maintain fitness and don’t exceed skill levels or experience.

• Checking and maintaining equipment.

• Alert others about travel plans.

• Carrying a first-aid kit.

Let’s look at those most-common injuries and discuss how we can treat them ourselves. Typically, all it takes is a little preparation.

FRACTURES — broken bones — are no fun. The Mayo Clinic’s first aid advice for treating a fracture is to stop bleeding, immobilize the injured area, apply ice packs to limit swelling and reduce pain, and to treat the person for shock by laying them down with their trunk and legs slightly higher than the head.

Supplies you can add to your first aid kit to help with that are: 22 • NOVEMBER 2016

• SAM Splints, which quickly and easily mold themselves to any shape you require, then provide stability for the fracture or joint in a comfortable, padded way.

• ACE Bandage to wrap around the splint and injured limb.

• Instant Ice Packs • Quick Clot to rapidly stop any major bleeding • Pain Killers STRAINS AND SPRAINS — These commonly occur around major joints like the ankle and knee when the ligaments connecting those joints are ripped or torn.

These hurt like hell and can massively limit your mobility.

The Mayo Clinic recommends resting the joint in question, applying ice to limit swelling, compressing the muscles and elevating the injured body part.

Supplies you need to achieve that are: • ACE bandage • Instant Ice Packs • Ibuprofen or prescription strength muscle relaxants BRUISES AND ABRASIONS — Fall down go boom, get scraped up in the process. Doesn’t sound like a big injury, but bruises and scrapes can be painful and you need to prevent infection.

Supplies that can help with that are: • Instant Ice Pack • Ibuprofen or stronger prescription meds • Hydrogen Peroxide or Iodine • Neosporin • Bandages • Medical Tape (to hold the bandages on) LACERATIONS — Cuts big and small. Your first concern is blood loss, followed by infection.

To treat them, the Mayo Clinic recommends you first stop the bleeding by elevating and compressing the wound, then rinsing the wound with clean water to remove any debris. Tweezers may help you pick out any foreign debris that remains in the wound after washing. You’ll then need to cover or seal the wound and keep it clean and dry.

Supplies that can help with that are: • A 60cc medical syringe (for wound irrigation) • Tincture of Iodine 2% to disinfect water • Quickclot • Superglue • Safety Pins • Needle and Thread (fishing line will work in a crunch) • Wound Closure Strips • Bandages

• Medical Tape DISLOCATION — The end of a bone moves out of its joint.

If you don’t know how to set a dislocated bone, don’t try to. The Mayo Clinic recommends stabilizing or immobilizing the joint and applying ice to reduce swelling.

Supplies you’ll need are: • SAM Splint • ACE Bandage • Instant Ice Pack • Pain Killers OTHER INJURIES — Burns, blisters, poison ivy, allergic reactions, all the non life-threatening, but still painful or irritating stuff that happens often when you’re outside. Your first aid kit will most often be called on to help with the little things, so keep plenty of these supplies in it: BandAids; Mole Skin;Duct Tape; Neosporin; Benadryl (works for dogs, too); Calamine Lotion; Visine; Gel Blister pads; ACE Bandages; Anti-Diarrhea Pills; Laxatives; Extra supplies of any prescription medicines you might need; Soap; Small multitool with needlenose pliers and wire cutters.

And, some general supplies kept in your first aid kit will come in handy too: shears or scissors; a small LED flashlight w/spare lithium battery; nitrile gloves; emergency space blanket or bivvy sack; propane lighter; safety razor; aloe vera; first aid instruction manual; and a A positive attitude.

Don’t panic, you can fix it and you will be fine.

In general, think about the trips you take, identify any particularly high risks and pack some extra supplies to deal with those. If you’re several days from your car, then you’re several days from real medical care. Obtaining prescription pain killers and keeping them fresh can be a big help if you’re forced to self rescue or even if your buddies are just carrying you out. The further you’re going, the more supplies you’ll need too, as the time throughout which you’ll need to treat an injury before reaching hospital could be hours or days long. Obviously factor that into your risk taking too.

And, any first aid supplies are only as good as your ability to use them. Study before you go and consider taking a course. Knowledge is the best first aid kit there is.

EMERGENCY DIAL

HUNTING GUIDE THE BIG LAKE WILDCAT

Purple Paint Means NO TRESPASSING Question: We recently moved to rural Texas and I keep seeing purple paint on trees and fence posts. What’s with the purple paint?

Answer: In Texas, as well as several other states (Illinois, Missouri, North Carolina, Florida, Arkansas), purple paint is a method of prohibiting trespassing. Basically, the purple paint is one alternative to posting “No Trespassing” signs.

The Texas Penal Code 30.05 provides that a person commits criminal trespass if he or she (1) enters or remains on the property of another; (2) without effective consent; and (3) the person had notice the entry was forbidden or received notice to depart but failed to do so.

The “notice” required in the third prong of this test may be given in various ways, including (a) oral or written communication from the landowner or someone with apparent authority to act for the landowner; (b) fencing or other enclosure obviously designed to exclude intruders or to contain livestock; (c) a sign or signs posted on the property or at the entrance to the building, reasonably likely to come to the attention of intruders, indicating that entry is forbidden; (d) the placement of purple paint marks on trees or posts on the property; or (e) the visible presence on the property of a crop grown for human consumption that is under cultivation, in the process of being harvested, or marketable if harvested at the time of entry. Essentially, any of these five options constitute notice to people that trespassing is prohibited.

In order to constitute the required “notice” that trespassing is prohibited, purple paint marks on posts or trees must meet the following criteria: (1) vertical lines of not less than 8 inches

in length and not less than 1 inch in width; (2) placed so that the bottom of the mark is not less than 3 feet from the ground or more than 5 feet from the ground; and (3) placed at locations readily visible to any person approaching the property and no more than 100 feet apart on forest land or 1,000 feet apart on land other than forest land.

Thus, in summary, purple paint is used to indicate that the public is not permitted to trespass on private property and is one of five alternative options for giving the notice required so that trespassers may be held criminally liable.

Source: Texas Agriculture Blog - Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

NOVEMBER 2016 • 23

22nd Annual Reagan County

WILD GAME SUPPER November 26, 2016 (Saturday after Thanksgiving)

100+ Quality Guns Prize Tickets Now Available! $1.00 Per Ticket HIGH ROLLER TICKETS AVAILABLE SPECIAL PRIZES FOR CHILDREN DRAWN FROM ADMISSION TICKETS

Reagan County Community Building Big Lake, Texas Doors Open at 5 p.m.

Meal Starts at 6:30 p.m.

2017 Polaris Ranger Do not have to be present to win. All prizes must be picked up no later than January 1, 2017.

Proper Identification required to claim firearms.

A physical address must be on your drivers license.

If a physical address is not on your ID, then you must present your Voters Registration Card or your Hunting License with a 911 address with your drivers license.