Hunting Guide

E E FR

HUNTING GUIDE NOVEMBER 2016

2016 GAME DINNER SCHLEICHER COUNTY’S 30TH ANNUAL

OPERATION ORPHANS BRINGING HUNTING TO UNDERPRIVILEGED KIDS

THE TEXAS HORNED TOAD UNDERSTANDING 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 CHRIS FREY

THE ELDORADO SUCCESS | HUNTING GUIDE

Local Game Warden Expects Good Season, Offers Last Minute Tips

BY CHRIS FREY TEXAS GAME WARDEN

Summer is a time for memorable outings including fishing, swimming and boating the rivers and lakes in our great State of Texas but as always, summer is brought to a close by fall. With the seasons already changing the days are growing shorter, migratory birds are beginning their long journey south, and bucks are shedding their velvet in preparation for the rut.

As we shed our flip flops and shorts for boots and camo, I thought I would impart some thoughts for the 2016-2017 hunting season. Last year’s season was a good one; many harvested good bucks and all the deer harvested appeared to be big and Chris Frey Texas Game Warden healthy. I believe that this season is shaping up to be better in large part due to regular rain throughout most of the county.

The deer had an excellent fawn crop, again many with twins; there should be no problem seeing deer in the field. Once again, mature, heavy antlered bucks can be seen throughout the county. The spring turkey hatch appeared good as young birds can be seen throughout the county and evidence of quail whether by sight or sound can be found everywhere. All this to say 2016 has been a very productive for the game animals and wildlife of Schleicher County.

Before climbing into the blind this year I wanted to remind everyone to purchase their new hunting license and to pick up the free Outdoor Annual that Texas Parks and Wildlife publishes every year. For those that have an iOS or Android device there is now an Outdoor Annual App that can be downloaded for free. It’s never a bad idea to look through the Annual as a refresher. More information about the current hunting season and Game Wardens can always be found at the Texas Parks and Wildlife website at tpwd. texas.gov.

May your hunting season be memorable and may you enjoy your time spent afield with family and friends. Good luck this year and be safe.

THE ELDORADO SUCCESS 204 SW Main Street • PO Box 1115 • Eldorado, Texas 76936-1115

Ph: 325.853.3125 • Fax: 325.853.3378 Email: success@myeldorado.net

Website: www.myeldorado.net

© Copyright 2016, All Rights Reserved Masked Rider Publishing, Inc.

2 • NOVEMBER 2016

City of Eldorado 6 S. Cottonwood Eldorado, TX 76936 325-853-2691 Dear Hunters and Visitors, The City of Eldorado welcomes you all to our area of the Hill Country. You will find an abundance of wildlife and friendly people here.

The City and County provide ample facilities to take care of your waste disposal needs. Alongside the Volunteer Fire Department/Emergency Medical Services building, there are several dumpsters for use by hunters and visitors. The City maintains a Landfill approximately five miles west of town that can be used for disposal of carcasses and trash. We encourage the use of these facilities to promote public health and cleanliness throughout the community.

Our local businesses have the amenities you need for a successful hunt and enjoyable trip. Be sure to stop in and pick up provisions before heading out for your excursion.

Stay safe and happy hunting.

Sincerely,

John Nikolauk Mayor

About This Publication This Hunting Guide was produced by the staff of The Eldorado Success newspaper for the use and enjoyment of the sportsmen and women who hunt in Schleicher County. We hope you have an enjoyable and successful season and wish you well as you try to bag the big buck this year.

We encourage you to visit with our area merchants who support this publication with their advertisements and by allowing us to distribute it in their places of business.

We also hope you will take the opportunity to attend and participate in the annual Schleicher County Game Dinner held each year by the Eldorado Game Association. Through their efforts and with the support of their many generous donors, the Game Association will award hundreds of prizes, including a Wilderness kayak, Polaris four-wheeler, a gas-powered generator and more than 65 firearms to the lucky winners at their annual raffle.

Show Us Your Big Buck!

Bring your Big Buck by The Eldorado Success office for a photo! Selected photos will be published in The Success as well as the 2017 edition of this Hunting Guide.

HUNTING GUIDE | THE ELDORADO SUCCESS

Welcome Hunters

First National Bank of Eldorado, as well as its Directors, Officers and Staff, wish you a safe and enjoyable hunting season. Please feel free to call or come by the bank if we can help you with any of your banking needs.

THE

FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF ELDORADO "Growing Strong Together" Main 853-2561 • TeleBank 853-2567 • www.fnbeldorado.com • Member FDIC NOVEMBER 2016 • 3

THE ELDORADO SUCCESS | HUNTING GUIDE

Eldorado Game Association

Here to Support the Hunters and Our Local Community The Eldorado Game Association is a non-profit organization made up of volunteers from the community of Eldorado, Texas in Schleicher County. The organization was established over 25 years ago and has been self-sufficient through the help of our local businesses, ranchers and other generous donors. The EGA hosts its annual Game Dinner on the first Saturday in November each year with over 1,000 people in attendance.

With proceeds from the 2015 event, the Game Association has donated over $28,000 to 4-H and FFA clubs, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, SCISD Space Cowboys, Eldorado Girls Softball, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Eldorado Ministerial Alliance, Meals for Friends, Schleicher Co. Child Welfare Board, Team Jorge,

Eldorado Events, Eldorado Pride, Schleicher Co. Historical Society, Eldorado Divide SWCD, Teens for Christ, Eldorado Masonic Lodge and Eldorado Elementary Fall Festival during 2016. In addition, we were pleased to award four $2,000 scholarships to 2016 SCISD Seniors. We also sponsor a Big Buck Contest for hunters in Schleicher County.

The Eldorado Game Association has pledged to fund one third of the county trapper’s salary to control predators on ranches in the area. We will continue to support these and other organizations in our community next year with funds from the 2016 game dinner. We are trying to expand the association and the event in order to give more back to the community.

The Eldorado Game

Eldorado’s Plumber Your LOCAL Licensed Plumber Master Plumber M-38127 • Drain Cleaning • Fixture Repair & Replacement Finding A Great Plumber • Emergency Repairs Doesn’t Have To Be A • Water Heaters Draining Experience!

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NOW ACCEPTING CREDIT CARDS! 4 • NOVEMBER 2016

325-853-2500

Association is hosting their Annual 1st Day of Deer Season Game Dinner and Raffle on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 6:30 pm at the Eldorado Civic Center one mile south of Eldorado on Hwy 277.

We will be drawing for over 65 guns, pistols, cross bows, muzzleloaders, gift cards, generator, kayak, high quality coolers, hunts and much more.

All raffle prize donor names will be listed on a Prize List handout at the Game Dinner.

In addition, our premier sponsors will be honored on a banner at the dinner.

Boone & Crockett Sponsors - $1,000.00 and above

Pope & Young Sponsors $500.00 to $999.00 BBQ supper will be catered

by McGowen’s for $10 per plate.

Raffle tickets will be available at the door for $1 and admission is free.

You can purchase raffle tickets in advance in San Angelo at Odin Firearms or West Texas Game Feeders; in Eldorado at Cactus Deer Processing, Farris Taxidermy, Forlano Chiropractic or West Texas Feed & Mercantile; and in Sonora at A’s Beverage Store.

For more information, call 325-650-9553 or visit our website at www.eldoradogame.org.

MOORE'S RANCH & FEEDLOT

325.853.2489 ELDORADO, TX

Mike Moore Brent Moore

HUNTING GUIDE | THE ELDORADO SUCCESS

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CALL 9-1-1

100 North U.S 277 • Eldorado, TX 76369 • 325-853-2507

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CALL 9-1-1

Hospital • Emergency Room • Family Clinic • Radiology • Laboratory • Physical Therapy All Together in a New State of the Art Facility Located on the North Edge of Town

SCHLEICHER COUNTY FAMILY CLINIC CALL 325-853-3137

:H KRSH \RX KDYH D VDIH DQG VXFFHVVIXO VHDVRQ +RZHYHU LI DQG ZKHQ WKH QHHG DULVHV \RX FDQ UHVW DVVXUHG WKDW ZH DUH KHUH

NOVEMBER 2016 • 5

THE ELDORADO SUCCESS | 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 white-tailed 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), 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.

MERCANTILE & WILDLIFE LLC

325-853-2730 10 East Gillis Ave. • P.O. Box 500 Eldorado, Texas 76936

Hours of Operation Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Closed for Lunch 12-1 p.m.

Saturday 8 a.m. - Noon FEED • LUMBER • HARDWARE • WILDLIFE FEED HUNTING NEEDS • BLINDS • HUNTING LICENSES ICE • GIFTS, GALORE & MORE

Fax: 325-853-1001 Business Email: westtexasfeedsales@gmail.com 6 • NOVEMBER 2016

Debbie & Kerry Joy, Owners Reyna Herrera, Store Manager Jeremiah 29:11

HUNTING GUIDE | THE ELDORADO SUCCESS

NOVEMBER 2016 • 7

THE ELDORADO SUCCESS | HUNTING GUIDE

Important Phone Numbers

Local Officials

Schleicher County Sheriff’s Department

Schleicher County

Emergency Dial 9-1-1 Non-Emergency 325-853-2737

County Judge - Charlie Bradley County Sheriff - David Doran Justice of the Peace - Phil Edmiston County Attorney - Clint Griffin County Clerk - Mary Ann Gonzalez Tax Assessor-Collector - Vanessa Covarrubiaz County Treasurer - Jennifer Henderson County Commissioner Precinct #1 - Johnny Mayo County Commissioner Precinct #2 - Lynn Meador County Commissioner Precinct #3 - Kirk Griffin County Commissioner Precinct #4 - Matt Brown

City of Eldorado Emergency Dial 9-1-1 City Hall 325-853-2691

Schleicher County Medical Center Emergency Dial 9-1-1 Hospital 325-853-2507 Family Clinic 325-853-3137

Eldorado Volunteer Fire Department Emergency Dial 9-1-1 Dispatch 325-853-2737

Things You Need to Know The Eldorado Success Eldorado’s newspaper since 1901 204 SW Main Street • 325-853-3125 success@myeldorado.net Bring your Big Buck by our office for a photo and possible publication in the next week’s newspaper and possible inclusion in the 2017 edition of this Hunting Guide.

City of Eldorado Mayor - John Nikolauk Council Members - George Arispe, Vicki Farmer, Paul Rebuck, Danny Halbert, Wayne McGinnes and Ronnie Sauer Utility Superintendent - Floyd Fay

Schleicher County Hospital District Hospital Administrator - Paul Burke Dr. Selina Burt Dr. Sam Becker Monica Kessler, PA-C Nursing Home Administrator - Pam Stokes Board of Directors - Randy Mankin (president), T.J. Rodriguez (vice president) Denese Capps (secretary), Susie Richters, Jason Chatham, Sandra Robledo and Chuck Jones

Schleicher County I.S.D. 325-853-2514

Sanitary Landfill Located five miles west of Eldorado at the north end of C.R. 404 Open Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 12 noon FMI: 325-853-2691

Dumpster Service Dumpsters are provided for the convenience of hunters at Eldorado Volunteer Fire Department on East Murchison Avenue and at the Schleicher County Civic Center south of town on U.S. 277.

FMI: 325-853-2833

RV Sewage Dump Station Contact City Hall FMI: 325-853-2691

Recycling Center Located behind City Hall in downtown Eldorado Accepting aluminum & cardboard FMI: 325-853-2691

Superintendent - Robert Gibson High School Principal - Perry Graves Middle School Principal - Ezra Walling Elementary Principal - Michael Rudewick Board of Trustees - Kriss Griffin (president), Kurtis Homer (vice president), Lupe Sanchez, (secretary), Holly Griffin, Michael Mertz, Melissa Rodriguez and Glyn Hutto

Plateau Underground Water Conservation & Supply District 325-853-2121 District Manager - John Cartwright Board Members - Ray Ballew (president), Cindy Cawley, Johnny Powell, Steve Williams and Kary Gibson

Fam. Contreras Craft & Creation Balloon Arches • Centerpieces Chair/Table Rentals Bounce Houses Videography • Photography

Schleicher County Museum Located on West. Murchison Avenue across from the Schleicher County Courthouse near the stoplight in downtown Eldorado.

If you’ve lost your marbles, the volunteers at the museum just might know where they are.

Come by the museum to see ‘em.

8 • NOVEMBER 2016

Maria- 325.812.9446 Lupe- 325.450.8437

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HUNTING GUIDE | THE ELDORADO SUCCESS

Great Hunting Trips begin at Lowe’s, we have everything you need under one roof.

Welcome Hunters

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

The City of Eldorado 201 S. Divide, Eldorado, TX • 325-853-3208

Cactus Deer Processing Jerky • Breakfast Sausage Link Sausage • Summer Sausage Snack Sticks • Deer Storage

216 S. Divide St. Eldorado, TX 76936 Office : (325) 853-3809 Vaden: (325)226-0904 Kim: (325)226-0909

6 S. Cottonwood St. - Eldorado, TX 76936 www.eldorado-texas.com

Schleicher County I.S.D.

EE Home of the high-flying Eldorado Eagles

We Welcome You to Our Community!

SCISD’s Dedicated Faculty and Staff Are Proudly Preparing Today’s Students to be Tomorrow’s Leaders NOVEMBER 2016 • 9

THE ELDORADO SUCCESS | HUNTING GUIDE

for Eldorado, 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.

7:58 7:59 7:59 8:00 8:01 7:02 7:03 7:04 7:04 7:05 7:06 7:07 7:08 7:09 7:09 7:10 7:11 7:12 7:13 7:14 7:15 7:15 7:16 7:17 7:18 7:19 7:20 7:20 7:21 7:22

6:54 6:53 6:52 6:51 6:50 5:50 5:49 5:48 5:48 5:47 5:47 5:46 5:45 5:45 5:44 5:44 5:43 5:43 5:43 5:42 5:42 5:42 5:41 5:41 5:41 5:41 5:41 5:40 5:40 5:40

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.

7:23 7:24 7:25 7:25 7:26 7:27 7:28 7:28 7:29 7:30 7:30 7:31 7:32 7:32 7:33 7:34 7:34 7:35 7:35 7:36 7:36 7:37 7:37 7:38 7:38 7:39 7:39 7:39 7:40 7:40 7:40

5:40 5:40 5:40 5:40 5:40 5:40 5:41 5:41 5:41 5:41 5:41 5:42 5:42 5:42 5:43 5:43 5:43 5:44 5:44 5:45 5:45 5:46 5:46 5:47 5:47 5:48 5:49 5:49 5:50 5:51 5:51

JANUARY 2017 1 2 3 10 • NOVEMBER 2016

RISE A.M.

SET P.M.

7:40 7:41 7:41

5:52 5:53 5:54

GENERAL SEASON Nov. 5, 2016 - Jan. 1, 2017 Late Antlerless and Spike Jan. 4 - 17, 2016 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.

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

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

Eyes:

Wind Chill

Temperature Fahrenheit 5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

5

-5

1

3

13

19

25

31

36

45

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

40

-22

-15

-8

-1

6

13

20

27

34

41

Wind Speed MPH

Sunrise/Sunset Charts

Whitetail Deer Season in Schleicher County

45

-23

-16

-9

-2

5

12

19

26

33

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

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.

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

Why does your nose run when it’s cold?

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

Cheeks:

DANGER

BUNDLE UP

Skin can freeze in 10-30 minutes.

AT RISK Risk of frostbite or hypothermia.

Be sure to wear warm clothing.

EXTRA LAYER Wear an extra layer of thermal protective clothing.

What is frostbite?

• 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.

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

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.

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

Why do we shiver?

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

You’ve Gotta Go:

What is hypothermia?

Being cold over a prolonged period of time can cause a drop in Severe hypothermia body temperature. Normal body Being cold over a prolonged period of time can cause a drop in temperate is 98.6º F body temperature below 90º F.

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.

HUNTING GUIDE | THE ELDORADO SUCCESS

Shooting Safety

texas

Here are the “ten commandments” of shooting safety:

BOBCAT HIND

FORE

HIND

RACCOON FORE

FOX SQUIRREL FORE

HIND HIND

• Be sure of your target.

RINGTAIL

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

• Control your emotions when using weapons.

COYOTE

HIND

STRAIGHT SHOOTING ON SAFETY

FORE

SKUNK FORE

WHITE-TAILED DEER

HIND

DEWCLAWS SHOW WHEN RUNNING

• Wear hearing and eye protection.

FORE HIND

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

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

wildlife

FORE

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

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

and

Do you know them?

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

• Handle firearms, arrows and ammunition with care.

parks

TEXAS TRACKS

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

OPOSSUM

COLLARED PECCARY (Javelina) FORE

FORE HIND

HIND

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

SOUTHWEST TEXAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE This public service message is brought to you by Southwest Texas Electric Cooperative.

EMERGENCY DIAL

SHAW’S MOTEL 13 S. Divide 325.853.2866 Eldorado, TX (Credit Cards Accepted)

Welcome Hunters!

MARY’S CATERING Catering For All Occasions Breakfast Burritos on Thurs. - Friday 6 am-10:30 Lunch Plates on Mon.- Friday 11 am-1:00

Occasional sales on Sunday’s

505 S. Cottonwood St. Eldorado, TX 76936

325.853.3600 325.234.0038 NOVEMBER 2016 • 11

THE ELDORADO SUCCESS | HUNTING GUIDE

Determining the Age of a White-Tailed Deer Tooth wear and replacement is one of several methods for aging white-tailed 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

when used with other data such as antler characteristics, 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.

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

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.

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 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

Back Cusp

5

4

3

2

1

Infundibulum

3 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.

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

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.

Cusp Worn To Concavity

Dentine Wider Than Enamel

4 1/2 years

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 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.

12 • NOVEMBER 2016

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

Worn Smooth “Dished Out” Appearance

Worn Smooth “Dished Out” Appearance

Small Enamel Ridge In Center of Teeth

8 1/2 years

Small Enamel Ridge

Teeth 4, 5 & 6 Worn Completely Smooth

HUNTING GUIDE | THE ELDORADO SUCCESS

We pride ourselves on SERVING OUR CUSTOMERS!

Wholesale Fuels and Lubricants FULL LINE OR C-STORE PRODUCTS WITH GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL

STAR STOP FOOD MART 15 convenience store chains located in San Angelo, Big Spring, Mertzon, Eldorado, Eden, Junction

We take pride in building and maintaining solid relationships with our customers by providing exceptional service and high-quality product supply maintained to the highest standard.

REGAL OIL CARDLOCK FUEL Unleaded Gasoline, Diesel and Off-Road Diesel Is Available 24-7 at 107 W. Murchison Avenue in Eldorado.

ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED Regal Oil proprietary cards also available by calling 325-658-7521 or 325-650-6309 424 N. Main, San Angelo, Texas 76902 Phone: (325) 658-7521 | www.regaloil.net NOVEMBER 2016 • 13

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Eldorado Woolen Mill

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City of Eldorado Sanitary Landfill

Schleicher County Civic Center

Eldorado Volunteer Fire Department

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12 Schleicher County Road Department

11 YFZ Ranch

10 PAVE PAWS Radar Site (inactive)

SUTTON COUNTY

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Schleicher Sheriff’s Department

Places of Interest 6

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THE ELDORADO SUCCESS | HUNTING GUIDE MENARD COUNTY

HUNTING GUIDE | THE ELDORADO SUCCESS

Just a Few of the Organizations Supported by the Eldorado Game Dinner Association

Donation to Schleicher County 4-H Club

Donation to Eldorado FFA Chapter

Donation to Eldorado Girls Softball Association

Donation to Schleicher County Child Welfare Board

Donation to Eldorado-Divide Soil & Water Conservation District

Mason Surber Co-Owner & Operations Manager

432-631-4572

Hugo Hernandez Field Supervisor

325-650-1744

mcsurber@gmail.com

P.O. Box 60208 • San Angelo, Texas 76906

Donation to Eldorado Girl Scouts NOVEMBER 2016 • 15

THE ELDORADO SUCCESS | HUNTING GUIDE

Hill Country Wildlife Management Historical Perspective The appearance of Hill Country rangelands is very different today compared to 150 years ago. The grasslands, which were dotted with an occasional live oak motte, are no more. Midgrass and tallgrass communities have been replaced with shortgrass communities (where grasses persist). Grasslands were replaced by parklands and woodlands. Ashe juniper has spread from the steep draws and canyons and exploited the uplands. Replacement of many deciduous trees (e.g., Spanish oak, madrone, Lacey oak) is nonexistent, and the species will die (locally) with the parent trees.

Climatic conditions in the Hill Country, and their highly variable nature, undoubtedly contribute to alterations of the landscape. While several factors contribute to long-term and large-scale landscape changes, recent changes in the appearance of the Hill Country are primarily a result of two factors: (1) overgrazing/over-browsing by domestic livestock and wild herbivores, and (2) fire suppression. Since the “Golden Period,” many rangelands have been overstocked with sheep, goats, and cattle. More recently, white-tailed deer and exotic ungulates have increased to numbers far surpassing the rangeland’s carrying capacity. Overstocking rangelands with livestock is largely a result of our naivete of the widely fluctuating patterns of climatic conditions in the Hill Country. Terry Jordan (1966) best describes this logic: If overall averages are considered, the western end of the German belt lies just on the humid subtropical side of the border with the semi-arid climates. However, as is often the case in climatic transition zones, the averages are misleading, for in any given 16 • NOVEMBER 2016

year the Texas Hill Country and the plains which border it may fall well within the area of semi-arid climates, and feel the hot, withering breath of the desert to the West. Average temperatures range from about 50° F. in January to over 80° F. in July and August, and the growing season is around 250 days.

Perhaps the most outstanding characteristic of the climate is the unreliability of precipitation. The for the average annual rainfall at Fredericksburg in Gillespie County, 27.5 inches, means very little when only 11 inches fall in one year and 41 inches the very next, as happened in 1956 and 1957. In the nineteenth century, two of the four census years used, 1859 and 1879, were marred by severe drought. The wet years served only to convince the inhabitants that the dry ones were exceptional strokes of bad fortune, while in fact they were part of the normal course of climatic events, to be expected in such a transition zone. As was often the case along the border of the semiarid lands in North America, the settlers did not realize or would not admit that they were on the rim of a desert.

European settlement thrived during the “Golden Period” when grasslands were lush and seemed capable of supporting an unlimited number of livestock. As Jordan wrote, “the settlers did not realize or would not admit that they were on the rim of a desert.” This attitude resulted in abused rangelands lacking adequate groundcover and available browse to support healthy livestock and wildlife populations.

Some may best know the Hill Country as the Deer Factory of Texas, as it supports the largest white-tailed deer population in the state.

Although deer hunting is a major industry in this region,

the area where Mason, Gillespie, and Llano counties converge supports the highest deer density in the nation, with one deer for every 2-3 acres. Several species of exotic ungulates also range freely throughout much of the central and western plateau. Deer densities of this magnitude are denuding rangelands.

A single-species approach to wildlife management also has led to large-scale landscape changes in the Hill Country. The expansion of Ashe juniper has had a tremendous impact on the ecosystem, causing a decrease in plant species diversity and an increase in soil erosion. Cedar brakes lose a significant amount of precipitation through transpiration and overland flow, leaving much less water for aquifer recharge. While overgrazing

and fire suppression have contributed to cedar invasion of upland sites, subsequent protection of Ashe juniper (for endangered wildlife) has compounded the problem. As the groundwater resources are being depleted, associated fauna is threatened.

The key to managing natural resources is to use a holistic approach, where all of “Leopold’s Tools” (cow, plow, ax, fire, and gun) are applied to develop and maintain healthy ecosystems. Single species deserve less attention, while the system in which they thrive requires more.

Knowing how that system functions, and applying the techniques with which that system developed (e.g., moderate cattle grazing, prescribed burning, hunting) is imperative for its continued existence.

Hill Country Wildlife District

The wildlife district for the Texas Hill Country is comprised of 25 counties stretching from the southern Pecos River valley eastward to the I-35 corridor north of San Antonio

Wildlife Management Contacts

HUNTING GUIDE | THE ELDORADO SUCCESS

KAS MEASUREMENT Ricky Soto Jr. (325) 206-3283 Eldorado, Tx kasmeasurement@gmail.com

Welcome Hunters!

Lost your marbles?

We might know where they are.

• Old Saddles • Branding Irons • Barbed Wire • Home Furnishing • Household Utensils • Old Photographs • Historic Artifacts • And Much, Much More

Come see ‘em at the Museum!

Schleicher County Museum 100 W. Murchison • Eldorado, Texas

Open Tuesdays & Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m

NOVEMBER 2016 • 17

THE ELDORADO SUCCESS | HUNTING GUIDE

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

18 • NOVEMBER 2016

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

HUNTING GUIDE | THE ELDORADO SUCCESS

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

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.

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

FARRIS Taxidermy

325-853-3109 601 S. Divide St. Eldorado, TX 76936 Open 7 days a week during hunting season!

G & G Fiberglass

•

325-650-9559 - Doug 325-650-6614 - Richard potbellyblind@gmail.com

112 West College Avenue San Angelo, TX 76903 Phone: (325) 659-7000 (325) 655-7307

Toll Free: (866) 655-7307 Fax:(325) 655-7308

Pot-Belly Blinds More room in the middle

P.O. Box 758 - 289 Hwy 277 South • Eldorado, TX NOVEMBER 2016 • 19

THE ELDORADO SUCCESS | HUNTING GUIDE

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 20 • NOVEMBER 2016

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 “toadbody”), they are not amphibians like other toads, but are reptiles with scales, claws and young produced on land. Three horned lizard species call Texas home, with the most widespread being the Texas Horned Lizard, or the familiar “horny toad.”

• 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 heart-shaped, 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 ELDORADO SUCCESS

Common Sense Precautions FOR HANDLING AND PROCESSING DEER

Offices serving the Sonora, Ozona, Eldorado and San Angelo areas

info@msr-hp.com (325)387-6115 Acreage - Sutton County Improvements 150.01 Acres - Rolling Hills Ranch S/D (Tract 5) Water, Electricity 210.78 Acres - N. Service Rd. to IH-10 Unimproved 184.80 Acres - Rolling Hills Ranch S/D (Tract 4) Unimproved 178.86 Acres - Rolling Hills Ranch S/D (Tract 6) House, Water and Electricity 120 Acres - 3435 Loop 467 4BR/2B Home 200 Acres - Loop 467 Under Contract 334 Acres - SCR 410 House, Barn, Water, Electricity 600 Acres - S. Service Rd. to IH-10 Near City Limits 772.35 Acres - SCR 403 (Off of HWY 277S) Well 655.41 Acres - SCR 204 (Baker Rd.) Under Contract 400 Acres - 680 RR 864 (Ft. McKavett Rd.) 3BR/2B Home, Pens, Barn & More 3934 Acres - PR 4412 House, Pens, Barns, Utilities 3242 Acres - PR 4412 3 Homes, Barn, Shop, Pool

Price $250,000 $289,823 $300,000 $350,000 $450,000 $450,000 $481,000 $957,000 $984,746 $1,045,379 $1,225,000 $4,307,730 $4,800,000

Acreage - Crockett County Hwy 190 Whitetail Way 100 Acres Hersey Ranch S/D (Tract 25) 2004 Acres - CR 101 5500 Acres - CR 402

Improvements Under Contract Furnished House, Blind/Feeder House, Barn, Pens Water, Electricity, Pens

Price $80,000 $179,500 $2,255,287 $4,125,000

Improvements Water Front Lot House, Cabin, Barn

Price $85,000 $295,000

City Lots - All Areas 304 Hilltop Street - Sonora 708 & 710 Orient - Sonora 509 Amistad St. - Sonora 1605 Paseo de Vaca - San Angelo

Improvements Under Contract Utilities Building and Utilities on Site None

Price $19,500 $25,000 $35,000 $200,000

Other Areas 3.27 Acres, Menard County 61.08 Acres, Junction, Texas River Property 9.453 Acres, Junction, Texas River Property 99.857 Acres, Mertzon, Texas River Property 1544.6 Acres, Coleman County

Improvements Under Contract Unimproved w/ house, barn, gardens w/ house, barn & more 2 Cabins, Water Electricity

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

Acreage - Val Verde County 5.46 Acres (Rough Canyon) 26.27 Acres (Juno Road)

Price $175,000 $499,500 $625,000 $1,595,000 $2,201,940

View all listings at www.msr-hudsonproperties.com

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

NOVEMBER 2016 • 21

THE ELDORADO SUCCESS | HUNTING GUIDE

Estimating Your Boone & Crockett Score The Boone & Crockett Scoring system has become the “gold standard” for measuring white-tailed 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 white-tailed deer would make the all-time record book, and a score of 160 inches would make the buck eligible for the 3-year award. Similarly, for non-typical white-tailed deer, a buck scoring 195 inches would make the alltime 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 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.

5 6

4

7

3

8

2

1

7 9

8

6

12

4

13

11

5

14 15

INSIDE SPREAD 16 3

10

2

1

Estimate Boone & Crockett Score from Simple Antler Measurements www.msudeer.com/estimateboonecrockettscore.asp LEAST ACCURATE EQUATION

Eldorado and Surrounding Counties PO Box 358, Eldorado, TX 76936 divideservices@gmail.com

Estimated B&C Score

115

Main Beams

=

Estimated B&C Score

109

Main Beams

=

Estimated B&C Score

113

Conservation Work •Tree Grubbing Raking • Excavator Jason Porter 325.226.4616 Eldorado, TX 22 • NOVEMBER 2016

Vaden Aldridge 325.226.0904 Consultant/Sales

36

36 Main Beams

=

36

Number of Points

8 Number of Points

8

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.

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.

THE ELDORADO SUCCESS | 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 24 • 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 ELDORADO SUCCESS

Community Baptist Church

Pretty In Pink Boutique Anais Almazan 830.719.5194 10 W. Gillis Ave. • Eldorado, TX M-F 11-7 pm • Sat. 11-5pm www.prettyinpinkboutique.biz

Hunters Welcome Come as you are and worship with us!

North Side of the Courthouse Square Bible Study - 9:45 a.m. • Sunday Morning Worship - 11 a.m.

Community Baptist Church 6 E. Warner Avenue • Eldorado, Texas Rev. Bill Butts, Interim Pastor

Em i l y Do n u t s Baked Fresh • 7 Days a Week Donuts • Breakfast Croissants • Kolaches Egg Rolls • Fried Rice • Chicken Monday - Friday: 5am - 4pm Saturday & Sunday : 5am - 1pm

325-853-2103 • 325-259-0071

102 N. Divide • Eldorado, TX

JR’s Fresh Water 4350 Hwy 915 - Eldorado, TX Thomas J. Roach Owner/Operator 432-520-6221 Home Office 432-631-0622 Cell

let us take care of all your printing needs

MAGAZINES • CATALOGS • POSTCARDS CALENDARS • BROCHURES

Mailing Address: 4502 Mercedes Dr. Midland, TX 79703 4954 Space Center Dr., San Antonio, TX 78218 210.480.0860 | www.shweiki.com

Estrada’s Automotive & Tire Shop

325.277.6303 112 E. Denny • Eldorado, TX NOVEMBER 2016 • 25

THE ELDORADO SUCCESS | 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: 26 • 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 ELDORADO SUCCESS

Operation Orphans, Inc.

Making it Possible for Underprivileged 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,

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.

NOVEMBER 2016 • 27

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!

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