The staff at The Junction Eagle welcomes hunters and visitors to the best hunting country in the great state of Texas. While you’re here in the splendid “Land of Living Waters”, we want you to enjoy yourselves, forget about the shenanigans in Washington (What a mess!) and have the most successful hunting experience ever.
Kimble County has a lot to offer hunters: whitetail deer, exotics, turkey, feral
hogs (Please kill feral hogs!), quail, javelina, bobcats, coyotes, red fox, predator contests, welcoming free breakfasts and lunches; and there are some of the finest folks here that you’ll ever meet anywhere.
We encourage you to shop with our advertisers. The local merchants who advertise in our Hunter’s Guide demonstrate that they want, will work for, and appreciate your business. They have years of experience in stocking what you need, and they will go out of their way, with typical Hill Country hospitality, to make sure you are well served.
We hope visitors to Kimble County will enjoy this publication. We’ve attempted to give you some hunting information and info about local services.
We are always grateful to the Spring
Creek Outdoors and its wildlife biologists Macy Ledbetter, Matt Nuernberg and Wade Ledbetter for the wealth of information they provide each year. This year we are also pleased to publish some works by Kendal Hemphill, outdoor humor columnist; and Mike Cox. Enjoy the beautiful wildlife photography from the following: Macy Ledbetter, Wade Ledbetter and Matt Nuernberg. Other contributors include: Stephanie Pearl, Colt Brandenberger, Robert Stubblefield, Cellanca Modesto, Bethany Baker, Elissa Hooper, India Houser, Saydee Meadow, Kendal Hemphill, Stan Marek, Vanessa Childress, Sydney Goodman and Chris Baker.
Thank you for choosing to visit us. Be careful; have a great time while you’re here ..... and come back soon!
Debbie Cooper Kistler, owner
CONTENTS
Publisher’s Message - pg. 3
Welcome from Representative Murr - pg. 3
Message from KC Game Warden - pg. 5
Spring Creek Outdoors Contributors - pg. 8
Kimble County Hunting Forecast - pgs. 9-10
Deer Season Nuggets - pg. 12
The JuncTion Texas T and surrounding areas hunTer’s
Shot in the Dark- pgs. 15-16
Touring Junction & KC- pgs. 17-22
What do you know about dove?- pg. 23
Places to Set Your Sights On - pg. 24-25
Hunting Season Dates - pg. 28
Beyond Fried Backstrap - pgs. 29-30
guide
Wild Game Recipes - pg. 31
Hunting & Fishing for the truth - pgs. 36-37
Hunters guide to Axis deer - pg. 38
Exciting Events - pg. 39
Kindrick--A wild story of redemption - pgs. 41-42
Worship with us - pg. 47
A W elcome from S tAte r epre SentAtive A ndy m urr
On behalf of my friends and neighbors in Kimble County, I’d like to welcome you to Junction on the banks of the beautiful North and South Llano Rivers. As someone who grew up here, served as Kimble County Judge and is now serving as our area’s State Representative, I suppose my objectivity regarding the allures of Kimble County could be called into question. But in my humble opinion, you have chosen to visit the finest 1,251 square miles Texas has to offer, and we are all very happy that you did.
Our part of the Texas Hill Country is deeply important to the multi-billion dollar hunting, fishing and recreation industry. Texans purchased well over a million hunting and fishing licenses last year, and many of those hunters and anglers chose to spend their time in
Kimble County’s pastures and pristine river banks. The opportunity to spend time surrounded by nature, with family and friends, proves to be a constant enticement for folks visiting our “Land of
Living Waters.”
Please know that I, and the members of Texas Legislature, remain committed to ensuring that the State of Texas remains a reasonable and pragmatic steward of native wildlife and waters, a protector of our fundamental rights to hunt and fish, and a supporter of continued research and study of the natural world around us. As someone who grew up on the land, I zealously support the gifts of the outdoors that surround us all.
Once again, welcome to Kimble County. I hope your stay is pleasant and enjoyable, and that we will see you again in the years to come.
Sincerely yours, Andrew
Murr,
Member Texas House of Representatives
A messAge from KC gAme WArDeN
It’s that time of year again—the temperatures are dropping, and the sun is setting earlier each day. Hunting season is here! After all the rain this year and the coolerthan-normal temperatures, there’s an abundance of food for wildlife. Acorns, pecans, persimmons, and prickly pear are all in plentiful supply. I’ve noticed more turkey poults and bobwhite coveys this year than in any previous season. It’s shaping up to be a fantastic year for hunting! The updated regulations for this year are listed below.
Key Updates and Regulations:
1. Mandatory Digital Tagging: All wild turkey now requires mandatory harvest reporting via the Texas Hunt & Fish app. It’s essential to download the app before hunting.
Functions of the Texas Hunt and Fish App:
• Access hunting and fishing licenses and perform mandatory harvest reporting.
• Digital tagging capabilities for harvested game and fish.
• Harvest history tracking and electronic onsite registration for public hunt areas.
• Downloadable maps for public hunts. • CWD Zone boundaries and location services to gauge proximity.
• Harvest reporting available in both Spanish and English.
2. CWD Surveillance Zone Changes:
• The Segovia CWD zone has been downgraded to voluntary.
• The mandatory CWD zone on Highway 377 South has been reduced to a 2-mile radius from the location of the positive deer.
3. Proof of Sex Requirements for Whitetail Deer: You must retain proof of sex with the carcass until tagging requirements cease. Acceptable proof includes:
• The head and attached antlers of a buck.
• The tail and unskinned skull cap of a buck.
• The head of an antlerless deer.
• The mammary organ (udder) or vulva and tail of a female.
• A Managed Lands Deer Program (MLDP) tag or other legal tags.
4. De-boning Regulations: You can debone a whitetailed or mule deer, provided:
• Each deboned carcass must be packaged separately.
• Proof of sex must accompany each package.
• The remainder of the carcass stays at the harvest location (except the head can go to a
• The definition of deboning is specified, ensuring all musculature remains intact.
• It’s illegal to possess further processed meat or mix meats from multiple carcasses in a single package.
5. Carcass movement restrictions from CWD zones within Texas have been eliminated and replaced with the following statewide carcass disposal requirements: Following final processing at a final destination, the parts of the animal not retained for cooking, storage or taxidermy purposes shall be disposed of only as follows:
1. by transport, directly or indirectly, to a landfill permitted by the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality to receive such wastes;
2. interment at a depth of no less than three feet below the natural surface of the ground and covered with at least three feet of earthen material; or
3. returned to the property where the animal was harvested for disposal.
Carcasses/parts which do not leave the property of harvest are not subject to any new disposal requirements:
As we gear up for hunting season, let’s remember that staying informed and respecting our wildlife and neighbors is crucial for ensuring that future generations can enjoy the thrill of the hunt. So, grab your gear, brush up on the rules, and let’s make this season one for the books!
As always, feel free to call if you have and questions or concerns, want report any suspicious activity and let me know if you’d like me to stop by.
Marcus Whitworth, Kimble County Game Warden 325-280-5224, Marcus.whitworth@tpwd.texas.gov
taxidermist).
The friendly staff at Junction Automotive, from left, Jessie Rae Cantrell, holding Savannah Powers, Skyler Duran, Connie Stapp and Ricky Alvarado invite y’all to come in and check
they have in stock.
Guest contributors: sprinG creek outdoors
Macy Ledbetter is a professional wildlife biologist with a lifelong passion for intensive wildlife and habitat management. Macy earned his degree from Texas A&M University and created the wildlife consulting business, Spring Creek Outdoors, based in central Texas on his historic family ranch. Macy is a fifth-generation rancher and actively manages his ranch for optimum cattle and wildlife production. His client list totals over 3 million acres in all eco-regions of Texas. He understands and explains wildlife management processes like few others and can make each individual step palatable and educational for his clients. When he is not surveying wildlife, hunting, or writing about game management, he may be found supporting legislative projects or working as an expert witness in a wide array of legal cases. Macy and his wife Cathy live on their family ranch in northern San Saba County, along with a variety of pets. You can reach Macy anytime at Macy.Ledbetter@gmail.com
Wade Ledbetter is a professional wildlife biologist and member of the Spring Creek Outdoors, LLC team. He grew up both in the thornscrub of south Texas and on his family’s historic ranch in San Saba County. Wade has spent years in the family business working directly with landowners, conducting helicopter surveys and wildlife captures and has more hands-on experience with intensive wildlife management than most professionals three times his age. As a sixth-generation landowner, he is intimately familiar with the responsibility of landownership and intensive wildlife management. Wade received his Wildlife and Fisheries Science degree from Texas A&M in 2020, was a member of Company E-1 in the Corps of Cadets, and a member of the Corps Marksmanship Unit, where he helped win seven collegiate national shooting championships. When he is not counting or catching wildlife, Wade continues to shoot competitively and conducts private, intensive shooting courses for individuals, law enforcement, and shooting industry representatives. With his wife Macie, Wade lives in Mason County and can be reached at any time at wadeledbetter@me.com
Matt Nuernberg is a professional wildlife biologist and member of Spring Creek Outdoors, LLC team. He became interested in wildlife and habitat management at a young age and started working on helicopter captures, surveys, and with captive white tail deer while still in high school. Matt graduated Texas A&M--Kingsville in 2013 with a B.S. in Range and Wildlife Management and has worked as an assistant biologist and hunting guide on a King Ranch corporate hunting lease, and as manager, biologist, and guide on two large South Texas ranches and a North Texas exotic game operation. Matt and his family live near Poth, Texas. You can reach Matt anytime at Matthew.nuernberg@gmail.com
Macy Ledbetter
Wade Ledbetter
Matt Nuernberg
2024-25 HUNTING SEASON FORECAST
Macy Ledbetter, Spring Creek Outdoors
Kimble County wildlife is thriving in 2024! Drought is finally in the rearview mirror and we have been blessed with multiple timely rains this year. Grass has rebounded, browse plants are flourishing, and things are now trending in a positive direction. The trees continue to struggle, and we have lost many over the last year due to brutal back-to-back freezes, droughts, and even some fires. Pecans and oak trees took the worse of it, but cedar elms and hackberries also took a big hit. But for now, things are
swinging upward, and the short-term gains are welcome.
As you may know, we spend every single day in the field starting in late August counting, photographing, monitoring, measuring and judging wildlife and habitat conditions throughout our travels. The entire month of September finds us in helicopters all over central Texas primarily counting deer, turkey, and quail and shooting predators, so we get to see some incredible wildlife on many ranches up close and personal.
Macy Ledbetter
Late winter and spring rains set the table for this fall hunting season. We were blessed with both this year. It still got hot and dry in the summer, but the table was already set. The late-summer rains were certainly welcome when they broke the intense heatwave, scattered the dove and turned everything green all the way into October. The healthy oak trees will have acorns this year, the persimmons and prickly pear have been loaded, so Mother Nature is providing well for the wildlife. This may mean slower activity at the feeders, at least during the front end of the hunting season.
The following are our 2024-2025 hunting season forecast for Kimble County based on our recent helicopter surveys and landowner interactions throughout the county:
Whitetail Deer: The county-wide fawn survival average this year is 70%. However, it ranges from 60-90% and the determining variable is grass. If you had good grass on your ranch in May, June and July, you are on the high end of that range. The grass you see out there right now may not have been there when the fawns needed it, so looks can be deceiving. Fawns need grass to hide in and lay on to stay cool, so grass and fawns go hand in hand and that is why early rains produce more fawns.
Antler quality and body condition are well above average this year. There is a strong cohort of five-year-old bucks this year and there are some very good ones out there, many of whom are sporting non-typical points. Every buck photo you see in this years’ Guide was taken in September in this county by our Spring Creek Outdoors team of wildlife biologists. We saw above average numbers of kickers, forks, splits and even a few drop tines
this year and it is always fun to watch those unique animals thrive in the rolling hills and oak thickets of Kimble County.
Turkey: Turkey numbers have been down for the past several consecutive years, but they have increased significantly from last year. There were many poults produced this year and survival rates continue to be moderate to high. There are not many mature birds in the flocks, most are very young, so the turkey hunting potential looks good in the coming years but still may be pretty thin if it is a true longbeard you are hunting this year.
Quail: Quail numbers are through the roof this year, relatively speaking. To be such a fragile bird, they can be very resilient and this year they have done very well. We are still not back to historic levels by any means, but you very well should see, and hear, far more quail this year than what you have seen in the last decade or more.
Rabbits: Rabbits are a “boom or bust” species, meaning when times are good, they do well and when times are hard, they don’t do as well. Like fawns, you need grass for rabbits to nest, hide and feed in so if your ranch has grass, you have rabbits. If you see more cottontail than jackrabbits this year, you know the grass was present early, but if you see more jackrabbits, then the grass you see now is considered “new”. Cottontails thrive in grassy areas while jackrabbits thrive with more open ground. Regardless, the abundant broomweed and croton helped hide, protect and feed rabbits so their numbers are up sharply this year.
Feral hogs: Feral hogs had an average production year. I anticipated more hogs than what we have found, and sounder size is only average this year; about six shoats per sow. The hot and dry spell in the middle of the summer seems to have worked them over pretty well, not to mention constant trapping and aerial shooting. Continue to do your part to help the other wildlife and grasses, and shoot as many feral hogs and as often as you can this fall and winter.
Predators: Most predator species (coyote, bobcat, fox) had a very good year. Our surveys and aerial shoots show the numbers are up across the board. There are many coyote pups out there this year. The average female appeared to raise at least two or three pups this summer so do your part this fall and harvest predators as often as you can.
If you need assistance and you want answers, give us a call because we work with all things wild and we want to help you help yourself. Enjoy this time with friends and family, Never forget those who we have lost since last year’s campfire and do your best to introduce a child to hunting this year. This is going to be a great hunting season, and our team wishes you well this fall.
Macy Ledbetter
Macy Ledbetter
Deer Season Nuggets for 2024
Macy Ledbetter
The following are bits of miscellaneous information that hunters might find useful this hunting season in and around the deer woods. These observations will help hunters and managers to improve their deer herd this fall:
This years’ fawn survival is diverse because of the timing of the rains. If you have good ground cover (grass), you are on the high end of the spectrum. If you have plenty of bare ground, you are on the low end of the spectrum this fall. Deer don’t eat grass, but they live in it. If you want a viable deer population, you must produce fawns. If you want fawns, you need grass during the late spring and mid-summer months.
When selectively harvesting bucks, allow only the betterquality bucks within each age class the opportunity to breed and pass the more favorable genetics into the herd. The earlier in the season you remove such undesirable bucks, the quicker genetic gains will be realized. Buck management is simple—if you like him, let him walk to breed. If you don’t like him and don’t want to see more just like him, shoot him before he gets away.
When harvesting antlerless deer, make certain it is a female and not a buck fawn. If the deer is alone, the ears appear large in proportion to the head, the forehead is flat, it is the first deer to the feeder or in the field, it very well could be a buck fawn, so don’t shoot until completely confident of its identity. Doe fawns usually travel in groups, are smaller and less confident by nature than their brothers, and their foreheads are round, not flat across the top. Harvesting mature single does early in the season will prevent accidentally harvesting a buck fawn later in the season so begin surplus doe harvesting early this year and don’t wait until later when mistakes can happen.
You should strive to harvest most of your recommended antlerless harvest before December 1 each year. If not, you will be harvesting bred does and run the increased chance of making mistakes. Don’t delay, start early.
An adult sex ratio of two females per male is ideal for optimum breeding and production for sustained harvest; however, more intensively managed ranches can have a much tighten sex ratio. If your adult sex ratio exceeds two females per male, you need to increase the antlerless deer harvest this fall. This strategy will result in less buck stress and natural mortality, tighter fawning rates next summer and a much healthier deer herd and habitat. A box of bullets is cheaper than a ton of feed!
If you are still seeing spotted fawns in November, you have too many does or not enough bucks and this is unhealthy. Increase doe harvest and decrease buck harvest until you stop seeing late-born fawns.
In a healthy deer herd, there are no spike yearling bucks. If your herd has spikes, you have a nutritional or density problem that should be addressed. Do not shoot a spike simply because he was born late (adult sex ratio issue) or he is hungry (too many deer/cattle on the ranch). Spike antlered yearling bucks are canaries in your coalmine. They are telling you of a problem. Do not shoot the canary that is letting you know of a problem that you created.
When harvesting deer early in the season, expect to encounter more parasites than normal. Do not be alarmed if elevated levels of nose bots, ticks, deer keds, or even lice are found. Under only extreme cases of infestation are these critters a problem for the deer. None of the mentioned critters negatively affect the meat quality
Predators such as coyotes and bobcats have a huge impact on fawn survival. Do your part this fall and harvest as many predators as you can, and support local predator trappers, to reduce predation rates in your area.
Feral hog numbers are moderate to strong this year. Continue to harvest every pig possible. Do it for the habitat, do it for the landowner, and most of all, do it for the betterment of the deer herd. Perhaps consider aerial gunning for pigs later in the winter or even early spring before the leaves come out. This practice is extremely effective, not to mention a pretty good time.
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Elissa Hooper shows off her first deer, taken during the Fall 2023 season, at a lease near Ft. McKavett.
A shot in the dark
Getting rid of feral hogs isn’t easy. They breed like rabbits, eat pretty much anything that doesn’t eat them first, and have only one natural predator to worry about – man. And man ain’t doing the job. Just ask anyone with land in Texas.
Wild hogs do millions of dollars’ worth of damage every year, and despite relaxed hunting rules, including allowing hunters to shoot them from helicopters, the problem seems to be getting worse. Left unchecked, they tear up fences, destroy habitat for other wildlife, and run off deer and turkeys. So when Mobley Ranch, near College Station, was trying to get rid of their feral hogs a while back, I was lucky enough to be allowed to hunt a few of them.
The hunt was arranged by the folks at SureFire and Mossberg, and to have the best chance of success we hunted at night over corn feeders. Which is how I found myself sitting in a blind with Linda Powell, the Mossberg Lady, periodically shining a SureFire light at a feeder 150 yards away
across an open field. The hunt was held in June, and even long after dark the temperature was well above 90. It was hard to tell whether we were doing more sweating or waiting. Sweating, I think.
After an hour or so, we caught movement at the feeder, and Linda held the light and told me to take a shot if I had one. I was using a Mossberg MMR, Modern Military Rifle, the Mossberg version of the AR-15, chambered in 5.56x45. My problem was that, despite the 4X scope, the hogs were all black, and blended so well with the night that, from across the field I couldn’t tell which end of a pig was the front and which was the back. Several small hogs rooted around beneath the feeder, so I watched until I saw one moving, and figured it wouldn’t be backing up, so I aimed at the forward end and sent one.
The pigs scattered like mice when you turn on a feed room light, and try as we might, we couldn’t see anything lying on the ground under the feeder. We decided it was a clean miss, and went back to our
Kendal Hemphill
Half an hour or so later, a
came ambling across the field, about 75 yards from the stand, and when I let one go on
new hobby of sweating and waiting. We were getting pretty good at it.
huge hog
him he dropped in his tracks. At least we had something to show for the night, although I was disappointed with my first attempt.
An hour or so later a guy came around to pick us up in a side by side and we drove into the field to collect the big one. Once we got him loaded I suggested we swing by the feeder, just to make sure I had missed. When we got there we found two of the small black pigs, both perforated cleanly through the noggin. As luck would have it, they were lined up perfectly when I took the shot. The hogs had rooted out a large depression under the feeder, which kept us from being able to see them from our stand.
years old, I went deer hunting with my dad, but since I’d been sick, he told me to stay in the pickup, which he parked just inside the gate of the pasture he was hunting in. While he was gone I dozed, but woke up periodically and looked around. During one of those recons, I spotted several does a hundred yards away, rolled my window down, shot one of them, rolled the window back up, and went back to sleep.
When Dad got back half an hour later, we went to pick up the deer and found two, both shot through the neck. Sometimes that’s just the way things go.
Linda is still the Mossberg Lady, and is one of the best hunters I know, besides being a friend and a great gal to be around. And she could use some help.
Not everyone believes that story but, while true, it wasn’t the first time I got an accidental double. When I was about a dozen
A while back Linda was diagnosed with kidney failure, and after a long wait, she received a transplant several months ago. Unfortunately, the new kidney was damaged, and it’s not working out. She needs a new one, and she’s asked her friends to help her get the word out. Prayers are welcome, and a type O kidney would make all the difference to her. The information is all on her website, kidneyforlinda.com.
Hopefully someone with the right blood type can help. I realize this is a long shot, and so does Linda. But I look at it a lot like hunting. You never have a successful hunt if you stay home, and you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.
And you never know. Once in a while you might get lucky.
Kendal Hemphill is an outdoor humor columnist and minister who once shot a greater kudu with a rubber blunt arrow. Write to him at texasjeeptoad@gmail.com
TOURING & KIMBLE COUNTY
by the late Frederica Wyatt
Miles upon miles of pristine waters meander through Kimble County, and the highways and byways along the streams and adjacent hills provide an unusual view of this area of the Hill Country.
The scenery is unsurpassed by any other part of the state. Wildflower drives boasted by neighboring counties pale in comparison to the panoramic countryside of the local area.
Although travelers catch a glimpse of the hills and streams as they travel hurriedly along the Interstate highway bisecting the county, those who opt for a relaxing motor trip can choose other routes via the many roads traversing the area.
A map of the county appears on pages 26 & 27, but because of size limitations, not all the routes in this story are shown. A more detailed map can be picked up at no cost at the Chamber of Commerce of Kimble County, 402 E. Main St.
LOOP 481
Leaving the eastern limits of Junction, a drive along Loop 481 via the overhead suspension bridge, the traveler can view the waters forming Lake Junction as the river blends into a backdrop of Lovers’ Leap and Alta Vista Mountains. By-passing Farm-to Market 2169 and saving its surprises for another trip, the motorist accelerates to climb the steep road carved from the side a mountain named in memory of a legendary Indian couple who leapt to their deaths because their love was forbidden by their tribes.
Before reaching the summit of the hill, a sign beckons to the right to a scenic area, where a breathtaking view of the city and its surroundings is an awesome sight. The concrete cross, erected many years ago by the Men’s Bible Class of Junction, and a gigantic Old Glory proudly flies in the breezes adding patriotic emotion to the site. This park area was donated in 1934 by Mrs. Frank L. Wilson in memory of her husband. For some, the access to the overlook is easier if they continue to the top of the hill, turn around, and approach the entrance from the east. Loop 481 continues on past a roadside park, where the right-of-way is bright with redbud blossoms in the springtime. Ultimately, the loop intersects the eastbound lanes of Interstate 10.
FARM TO MARKET 2169, WEST
If the motorist opts to turn right on 2169 after crossing the suspension bridge (South Llano River Bridge) over Lake Junction, his view will reveal the rugged face of the Lovers’ Leap mountain as the road continues over a bridge above Cedar Creek. The old Scudder Water Hole is at the mouth of the creek as it flows into the South Llano River to the right. To the left on Kimble County Road 181 is the site of the annual pageant staged by local talent each Easter Eve.
The paved FM 2169 is routed past the rodeo arena, where many horses were raced in days gone by. The facility was erected in 1935 by the Hill Country Fair Association and is still a popular site for staging rodeos. The excellent golf course is adjacent to the arena. The Boy Scout camp grounds, inaccessible to the general public, are next. The 2169 route then leads to the entrance of the Junction Campus of Texas Tech University.
FLAT ROCK LANE
Approaching the Tech entrance, turn right onto Flat Rock Lane and follow the road to the old crossing on the South Llano River.
This is one of the more spectacular views of the sparkling river. Flat Rock Lane will shortly intersect Highway 377.
US HIGHWAY 377, SOUTH
A left turn onto the highway leads to a scenic drive with meandering curves
and water crossings. Before the days of modern highways, the river was forded every mile or so as the traveler made his way in a southerly direction. By the time the southwestern city limits are reached on 377, historical markers will relate the histories of the pioneer Bradbury Settlement and the Christmas Eve killing of young Isaac Kountz by Comanche Indians in 1876. The historic ranch established by John J. Smith is along this route. At Crisp Creek, another marker tells of the early Four-Mile Dam.
South Llano River State Park and Walter Buck Wildlife Management Area are on the left on Park Road 73.
Continuing along 377, the highway crosses Potter and Joy Creeks, and at a distance on the left, Chalk Bluff, at the mouth of the creek bearing the same name, is a familiar landmark. Long ago, tourist cottages were located along the banks of the river, offering a delightful respite for well-to-do tourists from the crowded cities. After crossing Fox Hollow, one arrives at the historical
Stan Marek - Brambletye
site where the pioneer R. M. Turner family established an early ranch.
Crossing Bailey Creek, one finds an historical marker on the left describing an early roundup of a lawless element who “holed up” in the area. The next creek crossing is at Cajac, site of the historic Wooten Cemetery.
A bit further, a crossing of the South Llano River provides a breathtaking glimpse of the beautiful stream. A restored Evergreen schoolhouse, now utilized as a residence, is on the left before crossing a murmuring streamlet known as Fleming Draw.
Another crossing of the South Llano River is imminent, and the view on either side is exceptional. To the right is the mouth of Little Paint Creek. The next surprise comes as the road dips, and there, historic Telegraph Store comes into view. A marker relates the legend and lore of the area. Nearby is the ranch homestead established by the late Governor Coke R. Stevenson, who served in the highest office of Texas from 1941 to 1947.
The motorist continuing on 377 reaches Telegraph Hill, a steep and formidable ascent. KC 120 leads to
the Watson Divide, but we advise the winding 377 for the most spectacular views. Home Draw and Christmus Hollow (so named for pioneer Theophilus Christmus not “Christmas”) are to be approached with caution. In the distance, one can catch a glimpse of Paint Creek and its adjacent bluff. Further along, a deep canyon on either side of the road is Bowie Creek, for the legendary Jim Bowie of Alamo fame.
Shortly, one approaches the dividing line between Kimble and Edwards counties. For those wishing to continue their southward journey, sites in the next county include Seven Hundred Springs (inaccessible to the public except for one Saturday each year when Connie Sue Low, chairman of Kimble County Historical Commission, is privileged to host a “day at the Springs” for all interested persons).
Further along, there is a roadside park overlooking Contrary Creek as it unites with the South Llano River.
The Guthrie Crossing of the Llano is near the old Paint Rock Springs, a stop on the Fort McKavett-Fort Terrett-Fort Clark Military Road.
STATE HIGHWAY 41
As you near the “top of the world”, Highway 41 leads east to the Garvin Store area. Several dry crossings of the headwaters of Paint Creek are along this route. If you choose to continue on 377 to Rocksprings, you pass the entrance to the Devil’s Sinkhole.
We suggest you opt for Highway 41 and travel until you reach Highway 83, and then turn left to return to Interstate 10 east of Junction. A portion of the famous Y-O Ranch is along the 83 route, and the ranches along the way reflect a memory of the Old West. You will traverse a part of Kerr, Edwards, and Kimble counties as you pass this way.
US HIGHWAY 83
Following Interstate-10 westbound into Junction, a right turn on US Highway 83 will lead into Menard County and on to the northern limits of the lower “48”.
As one passes the entrance to the airport, the Callan Graham Field, and the Coke R. Stevenson Memorial Center, an historical marker tells of the Christmas Eve killing of Sam Speer in the Indian attack of 1876.
headwater draws of Gentry Creek are some of the landmarks with informational signs erected by the Texas Department of Transportation. The roadside park along the way provides an invitation for a relaxing “break” for the traveler.
As the highway nears the northern limits of Kimble, a country lane (KC 370, popularly known as “Whiskey Road”) leads to London. But, continuing on 83, the head draws of Big Saline Creek are ahead.
FARM-TO-MARKET 1773
The next “fork in the road” is FM 1773, also known as Palmer School Road. That road leads to London, and if time permits, a traveler may want to return home via that route.
FARM TO MARKET 1221
At the intersection of 1773 and 1221, the Saline Community will be along the way. Several dry crossings of Little Saline Creek are encountered, and the historic cemetery and school are interesting landmarks of the Little Saline Community just over the line in Menard County.
US HIGHWAY 377, NORTHEAST
An adjacent marker relates the history of the first court held in Kimble County. The site was in the distance, along the main waters of the Llano River.
The county seat, in 1876-77, was old Kimbleville, but no courthouse had been built, so the court sessions were held under the spreading canopy of oak trees.
US Highway 377, northeast, directs a traveler to London, but that course can be earmarked for another trip!
A steep incline known as Foley Hill on 83 is ascended as the valley of the Llanos is left behind. The ranch country is scenic and a delight for sightseers, as wildflowers, blossoming redbud trees, and sumacs line the highway. Crossings of the
If the traveler chooses to take the 377 exit near Junction, he will find unexpected sites along the way. Gentry Creek, and the cemetery bearing the name of the pioneer Raleigh Gentry family, are landmarks along this route. Teacup Mountain, an unusual geological formation, is on the left as you view the Bradbury Mountains and Mesa Flats. A county road (KC 314) is on the right before reaching the ruins of the Teacup School. On 377, Reynolds (or Runnels) Peak is on the left, and Red Creek lies just ahead. To the right, FM 3480 crosses the creek and connects with FM 385. But continuing to travel in a northeasterly direction on 377, one reaches Reichenau Gap, where an historical marker relates the history of Adolph Reichenau and
his namesake gap in the hills.
A short bridge spans the Big Saline Creek on the approach to London. The community cemetery is on the right, and signs mandate a slower pace through the little town. The post office was established in 1882, as related by an historical marker.
Churches, businesses, a dance hall, residences, a community hall and fire station are proof the town is alive and well. A capsule history of London is revealed on a marker at the community hall. A short distance away, Highway 377 passes the tri-county intersection of Kimble, Mason and Menard. The highway leads directly to Mason.
FARM TO MARKET 2169
East FM 2169 at Junction basically follows the route known as the Old Spanish Trail. It was a portion of the San Antonio to Fort Terrett Road. Near town, it is now a corridor leading to local industries. As one leaves the northeast limits of Junction on 2169, he finds an historical marker telling of “Old Oliver,” a pecan variety developed by the late Y. P. Oliver. The ancient river bed known as “The Bogs” is twice forded before the traveler reaches Cloud Point, halfway between St. Augustine, Florida, and San Diego, California, on the OST. To the left, on private property, is the 1879 rock home built by William J. Cloud. A marker adjacent to the one for Cloud Point, gives a brief history of the settlement established by Alfred P. Browning and John A. Miller.
On further, three low-water crossings provide a breath-taking vista of Johnson Fork Creek.
The next intersection is at Segovia, a namesake of a city in Spain. A turn to the left will take one past a crossing of Sycamore Creek and on up the “big hill”. FM 479 is on the left, but for this time, we suggest staying with the 2169 route. The road crosses under Interstate 10 and leads past Joy Creek and other streams and draws.
US HIGHWAY 290
Signs will point the way until one reaches Highway 290, where an overpass on Interstate 10 will take one to the designated route eastward. Here again, several dry draws near the heads of streams are crossed, including Little Devil’s and the Pedernales Rivers. FM 479 is by-passed before turning left on FM 385.
FARM TO MARKET 385
FM 385 in the eastern part of the county provides an unusual vista of the Blue Mountains. The White Bluff community is along this route between Harper and London.
The road crosses Falls Prong, Little Devil’s River and James River, and the descent down Coffey Hill is exciting.
The Brown community and its cemetery is along the way. This is the route traveled by Don Francisco Amangual and his cortege in 1808 while mapping a road to Santa Fe. One of the more enchanting views along this passage is from
Hill, as travelers descend into the Llano River Valley.
Just before the crossing on the Llano (known today as Yates Crossing, but in an earlier time, as Beef Trail Crossing), FM 1871 winds into Mason.
Jones
Bethany Baker - Main Llano near Yates
Along 385, one continues a drive that will culminate at the intersection with Highway 377, three miles south of London. We suggest stopping south of Yates to read the legend of the Beef Trailing Crossing etched on an historical marker. A waterfall empties Red Creek into the Llano above Yates Crossing. During rainy seasons, when the creek is flowing, the waterfall is a captivating sight.
FARM TO MARKET 1871
FM 1871 is another scenic route, and it is reached by a turn from FM 385.
Myriad creeks are crossed as one journeys toward Mason. Along this road is the site of the John L. Jones Ranch, memorialized by an historical marker. A highway sign denotes the Blue Mountain community, and the road passes an intersection with the James River Road. In Mason County, another crossing of the Llano offers a splendid view. Known familiarly as White’s Crossing, the river is an enticement for sightseers and anglers.
FARM TO MARKET 479
Another distinctive route near Junction is FM 479 off Highway 2169, east. This course is within the bounds of the Blue Mountains, and the unpaved county route (KC 420)
known as Blue Mountain Road, connects 479 with 385. However, if one continues eastward on 479, he will cross Jim Little Creek and enjoy glimpses of wildlife along the way. Just before reaching the James River, the road passes near the old homestead of frontiersman and Texas Independence veteran Creed Taylor. Immediately left, are the remains of a post office, known as Noxville since 1912. This was “new” Noxville, for the original Noxville is several miles further along this course. The communities were named for Noah Nox, who settled in the area long ago. KC 443 is near “new” Noxville and connects FM 479 with US 290.
The ranching country is scenic, and one leaves “old” Noxville to the left as the stream known as Little Devil’s River is spanned by a low-water concrete bridge. The Noxville School, built in about 1880, is still standing (but is now on private property.) The Noxville Cemetery is some distance off the traveled road on KC 473. More ranches are traversed before travelers reach the intersection of 479 with 290, a short distance south of the town of Harper.
FARM TO MARKET 2291
Following another scenic road, the traveler is greeted by water crossings, mountain scenery, and historic sites along FM 2291, northwest of
Junction. The route can be accessed via IH-10, about six miles west of Junction at the Cleo exit ramp. After the first crossing of Bear Creek, what appears to be a “mirage” appears on the horizon. Actually, it is a three-story mini-castle built by Englishman William Hall in the 1890’s. He named the structure “Brambletye,” and a capsule history is related on the historical marker there.
Nearby is the site of one of the first settlements in Kimble County, and an historic cemetery adjacent to the road has been in use since 1870. Another crossing of the creek is just ahead, and one will pass the
site of the first Murr ranch in Kimble County. Henry and Adam Murr, natives of Pennsylvania, settled in Kimble after their discharges from the Army at Fort McKavett.
Shortly after again crossing historic Bear Creek (this is the west tributary of the creek and was once known as Viejo), a traveler will approach the site of the historic Morales Ranch. Nearby is Cleo, once a thriving post office. The Bear Creek schoolhouse still serves as a community gathering place.
Two more crossings of Bear Creek are ahead on 2291, as the traveler continues northward. Ranches are on either side of the road, and the old Spiller schoolhouse sits to the right of the paved road.
This route is the pre-1941 Junction-Menard Highway, and 2291 eventually leads into the town of Menard.
FARM TO MARKET 1674
FM 1674 follows a westerly direction out of Junction. This segment of highway was once a part of Highway 290, also known as a portion of the Old Spanish Trail. The road crosses Elm Slough, draining from the north, before one catches a glimpse of the North Llano River near Falls Creek. Two historical markers near the Bolt Ranch relate interesting history.
A campsite of Marquis de Rubi in 1767 was at the junction of Bear Creek with the North Llano River, and during the settlement of the county, a Texas Ranger camp was at the same location.
The six-mile crossing of the North Llano on 1674 is a short distance past the turn off to 2291. Some creeks (dry except in the wet season) include Nixon Draw and Calf Creek. Ten-mile crossing of the Llano just past KC 2731 provides another scenic view. In an autobiography, Peregrinations of a Pioneer Printer, J. Marvin Hunter wrote of a trip in 1898, “The distance to Sonora (from Junction) was sixty-five miles, and the road was not much more than a cow trail. I remember we went up the North Llano for twenty miles, crossing that beautiful stream many times. It was in the month of March, and while glorious Spring had not yet burst forth, the scenery along the route was entrancing, and the rippling waters and overhanging crags presented a grandeur that cannot be described by my pen.” FM 1674 forks as one leaves KC
274 to the left. The route of 1674, straight ahead, will ultimately lead to ranches located in the Bois d’Arc area of the county. We suggest a right turn, where an underpass on IH10 allows the traveler to continue a journey past Stark Creek and on to the Copperas community. The historic cemetery, school, and the old Methodist Church are located there.
After a crossing of Copperas Creek, a sign on FM 1674 notes that Ft. McKavett is some miles to the north.
LOOP 291
Continuing on the route first taken, Loop 291 will take one to an overpass of the interstate highway and lead to the Buck Hollow community. A bridge spans the North Llano just above its confluence with Maynard Creek, and the traveler continues on to another interstate underpass, where the community of Roosevelt is on the horizon. The Presbyterian Church that doubles as a community center is on the left, as well as the remnants of the old schoolhouse. A nearby marker relates the Fort McKavett-Fort Clark-Fort Terrett military road traversed the countryside at this location.
The historic Roosevelt post office, Lyssy and Eckel Feeds, Simon Brothers Mercantile, Backdoor Cafe and several residences are located at this townsite.
After leaving Roosevelt in the background, the River Road (KC 260) is on the right. The current route continues up the steep incline known as Roosevelt Hill. After reaching the summit, a left turn again takes the traveler over IH-10 and then the
access road continues parallel to the Interstate in a westerly direction.
SUTTON COUNTY ROAD
Sutton County is just ahead, but a short drive a bit further will add a delight to the trip. Another overpass is negotiated, and the county road offers an outstanding vista of the landscape as the route dips into the North Llano River Valley near the Cedar Hill Church of Christ. Turning left, one finds the serenity of Camp Allison is phenomenal. Shortly, the road bypasses the Cedar Hill School just before another fording of the river. Eventually, the road will lead past old Fort Terrett, now a ranch headquarters. The fort is on private property and not open to the general public. The route leads back to the IH-10 access route, where a left turn will lead to the overpass, and one’s course is retraced back to Roosevelt.
KIMBLE COUNTY ROAD 260
Although KC 260 is unpaved, the drive is worth the effort of pacing to a slow speed and enjoying the surrounding beauty of the river and
the hills. At the southwestern edge of Roosevelt, the road is accessed. It winds along the North Llano River; hence, the local name “River Road”. This was the old Junction-Sonora highway and was a part of the OST route in earlier days.
Along 260 is the Cedar Hill Cemetery, and we suggest returning to Roosevelt from this point. A river crossing just beyond the cemetery is a bit treacherous to the novice driver and to those unfamiliar with the riverbed’s eccentricities.
FARM TO MARKET 1674, NORTH
Still another interesting route is FM 1674 as it traverses the countryside on the way to old Fort McKavett, now a State Historical Park. That site is one of the best preserved frontier forts in the state.
Both East and West Copperas Creeks flow along 1674 on its northbound route.
A marker will tell of the site known as the Coalson-Pullen Settlement. The Murr Community, with its neighborhood church near the highway, is “out this way”.
After reaching the Fort, a left turn is toward Sonora, while a right turn will lead into Menard.
KIMBLE COUNTY ROAD 370
In the northeastern part of Kimble, County Road 370 west of London between Highways 377 and 83 was dubbed “Whiskey Road,” probably because it was a direct route between London’s dance hall and the liquor store just over the line in Menard County. Today, the road has many crossings of Big Saline Creek before reaching a plateau. There are ranches and a subdivision of rural homes.
KIMBLE COUNTY ROAD 321
Nearer Junction, the Pipe Line Road, so named because the TexasNew Mexico Pipe Line’s facilities were erected along the route, is
India Houser - Copperas Creek
actually KC 321, off FM 2169.
A wondrous view of Johnson Fork Creek is along this route, and after a while, after winding past mountain peaks and crags, a spectacular view of the Llano River greets the eye. At the end of the road, a decision must be made whether to take the left or the right fork. If one turns left, the Grobe Crossing of the river is a short distance away. This route, KC 314, leads to an intersection with 377.
KIMBLE COUNTY ROAD 320
The right fork of the road will bring surprises. A wondrous view of the river is ahead as the road (KC 320) parallels the stream for a distance. Both Sycamore and another stream known as Cedar flow into the river along the way. The historic Ivy Chapel and School are along this route.
The county road eventually intersects FM 385.
KIMBLE COUNTY ROAD 210
The county road known as KC 210 off FM 2291 leaves Cleo behind as
it meanders west with scenic crossings of West Bear Creek. Even the head draws are spectacular, although they are mostly devoid of water except during the rainy seasons. Once upon a time, a post office serving the ranches of the area was located along the way and was known as Roca Springs. The road intersects the Fort McKavett Road (FM 1674).
KIMBLE COUNTY ROAD 450
An account of country lanes would be incomplete without mention of the old Segovia Road (KC 450) This was a part of the old Fort Terrett to San Antonio Road, and later a portion of the Old Spanish Trail. The road winds easterly from the Segovia Truck Stop complex, and first crosses Sycamore Creek. The Segovia schoolhouse, now a private residence, is on the right, and the remains of a once-thriving post office are adjacent to the road.
Two crossings of Johnson Fork Creek are along this course, and the Johnson Fork Settlement, founded by the Joys and other families, is commemorated by an historical marker near a Johnson Fork tributary known as Joy Branch. Remnants of old rock fences can be seen along the road. One can enjoy a panoramic view of Joy Valley as a steep hill is ascended. The end of the road intersects with FM 2169.
KIMBLE COUNTY ROAD 410
Another county road that bears mention is KC 410. It crosses Johnson Fork Creek and after meandering on a plateau, dips suddenly into the Sycamore Valley. KC 410 is a link between 2169 and the Blue Mountain Road.
Because of space constraints, this article has touched on only a few of the many country lanes in Kimble County.
They are maintained by the county, but they criss-cross private properties. It is well for each motorist and passenger to remember that all flora, fauna, driftwood, rocks and the like belong to and are under the control of the landowner and should not be taken from along the road. Some roads are dead-ends with no outlet, while others are a short-cut between heavier traveled roads.
Slow speeds and careful driving are a must, as many of these routes are caliche-based and unpaved. Their locations are along streams, for in bygone days, it was a must to have water nearby for weary travelers, for horses used
What
Texas is the number one dove hunting state in the nation and mourning dove are the most numerous and widely distributed game bird in North America. The mourning dove is one of seven species of doves and pigeons native to Texas. Mourning doves are an important economic, recreational, and esthetic resource to Texas, and land managers and sportsmen play a vital part in their existence here.
Each spring, male mourning doves establish territories in suitable habitat and announce their presence to competing males and prospective mates by cooing their mournful four-note call from exposed perches. Males also use exaggerated, stiff-winged, flapping-gliding flight to further advertise their territories when moving from one cooing perch to another.
are strong, swift flyers capable of crossing the continent during migration and traveling many miles to obtain their daily needs. Even during the nesting season when they are most sedentary, doves often travel five miles or more for food and water. All of the habitat requirements for mourning doves do not necessarily have to appear on the same property, but they will be more numerous on land where all habitat needs are supplied.
Once a female is attracted to the territory, both birds build the nest, incubate the eggs, and care for the young. Trees with a trunk diameter greater than eight inches and a crown height of ten to thirty feet are generally preferred. The nests are usually located five to fifteen feet above ground level. The clutch usually consists of two eggs laid one day apart. Incubation lasts about fourteen days. The male usually takes nest duties from mid-morning until early evening each day while the female takes the night shift. Since incubation starts immediately after the first egg is laid, the first egg usually develops and hatches about one day before the second. Consequently, one of the nestlings is often noticeably larger than the other. Less than fifty percent of all nesting attempts are successful. High winds, rain, and hail destroy many nests. Snakes, mammals, and avian predators prey on eggs, nestlings, and adults as well.
Both parents feed their young a secretion from their crops known as “pigeon milk”. This substance is very similar to milk produced by female mammals. After about seven days, the pigeon milk is gradually replaced by a diet of regurgitated seed. Young doves grow very rapidly and leave the nest ten to fourteen days after hatching but continue to be fed by the male in the vicinity of the nest for several more days. The female often begins renesting immediately after the young leave the nest. Adult females may nest successfully as often as four or five times in a single season in warm southern climates but only two or three times per season in northern climates.
As with all wildlife species, food, water, and cover are essential for mourning dove survival. Although many small game species such as bobwhite quail and cottontail rabbits spend their entire lives within a mile or so of their birthplace, mourning doves
Mourning doves are almost exclusively seed eaters. Native plant seed especially important to doves include sunflower, croton, ragweed, and pigweed. Partridge pea, bundleflower, spurge, panic grass, paspalum, prickleypoppy, and bristlegrass are also important. Introduced seed important to doves include grain sorghum, forage sorghum, corn, wheat, rice, peanuts, domestic sunflower, and Johnsongrass. Soil disturbance is generally the least expensive method of actively providing food for doves, but seed of desirable plants can also be purchased and planted quite successfully.
Mourning doves generally water twice a day, once in mid-morning and once in late evening. As with feeding areas, the dove prefers their water sites open and free of tall, concealing vegetation. An ideal watering site includes a bare landing area at least thirty to fifty feet wide at the water’s edge. A gravel, caliche, or grazed area at the water’s edge will work very well.
The September dove opener in central Texas was disrupted by rain this year. That means far fewer doves were harvested statewide so it may also mean more total dove will be available for the second split season. Not many people hunt the second season, but they are definitely missing out on a good time.
SOUTH LLANO RIVER STATE PARK
1927 Park Road 73 Junction, TX 76849
Five miles from Junction on Highway 377 S
Entrance Fees
Adult: $5 Daily Child 12 Years and Under: Free (325) 446-3994
CITY PARK & COUNTY PARK
Located along the South Llano River, just below the historic metal bridge that leads from town to Interstate 10.
Houses memorabilia of US Congressman O.C. Fisher, a Kimble County native.
LOVER’S LEAP
Beautiful sunrise and sunset views over Junction at Lover’s Leap hilltop. Cross the South Llano Metal Bridge, take Loop 481 to the first “scenic view” which leads you to the top of the hill for a breathtaking view.
JUNCTION DEER HORN TREE
The Deer Horn Tree is a must photo opportunity in Kimble County. Sitting in front of Kimble Processing facing Main Street, it is composed of hundreds of deer antlers. It was erected in 1968 by the Kimble Business and Professional Women’s Club.
Welcome Hunters and Visitors
Men’s & Women’s
Camouflage Clothing
Hunting Coats
Hunting Accessories
Deer Feeders
Deer Food Plot Seed Tarps
• Scent Camouflage
• Cooking Utensils
• Proctor Silex Products
• Outdoor Dutch Ovens
• BBQ Necessities
• Coolers
• Space Heaters & Fans
• Propane Cylinders
• Charcoal
• Lighter Fluid
• USDA Select Beef
• Tents
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• Air Mattresses
• Blankets & Towels
• Beef Jerky
• Beer, Wine & Ice
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• Dried Sausage
• Film & Cameras
2024-25 HUNTING SEASONS
Effective Sept 1, 2024 - Aug 31, 2025
For bag limits and other hunting regulations, visit OutdoorAnnual.com.
22 counties & special
All
GENERAL SEASON
10-30
Apr 1 - June 30
Panhandle Nov 23 - Dec 8
Trans-Pecos Nov 29 – Dec 15
Archery Season Sept 28 – Nov 1
WHITE-TAILED DEER
GENERAL SEASON
North Zone
South Zone
Nov 2 – Jan 5
Nov 2 – Jan 19
Youth Only Oct 25-27/Jan 6-19
SPECIAL LATE SEASON
North Zone
South Zone
Archery Season
Jan 6-19
Jan 20 - Feb 2
Sept 28 - Nov 1
Muzzleloader-Only Jan. 6-19
JAVELINA
North Zone
South Zone
PRONGHORN (by permit only)
SQUIRREL
East Texas
Youth-Only
Oct 1 – Feb 23
Sept 1 - Aug 31
Sept 28 - Oct 13
Oct 1 – Feb 23 & May 1–31
Sept 27-29
Other counties Sep 1 – Aug 31
DOVE
North Zone
Central Zone
Sept 1 - Nov 10 / Dec 20 - Jan 7
Sept 1 - Oct 27 / Dec 13 - Jan 14
South Zone, regular season Sept 14 - Oct 27 / Dec 13 - Jan 21
Additional days for Special
Sept 1-2, 6-8, & 13
White-winged Dove Season (South Zone only) (special regulations apply)
PHEASANT Panhandle / South Plains Dec 7 - Jan 5
QUAIL Statewide
WILD TURKEY
FALL SEASON
North Zone
Youth-Only
South Zone
Youth-Only
Oct 26 – Feb 23
Nov 2 - Jan 5
Oct 25-27/Jan 6-19
Nov 2 - Jan 19
Oct 25-27/Jan 20 - Feb 2
Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg & Nov 2 - Feb 23 Willacy counties
Archery-Only
SPRING SEASON
North Zone
Youth-Only
South Zone
Sept 28 - Nov 1
Mar 29 - May 11
Mar 22-23 / May 17-18
Mar 15 - April 27
Youth-Only Mar 8-9 / May 3-4
CANADA GOOSE Early East Zone Only Sept 14-29
EARLY TEAL-ONLY Statewide (all counties) Sept 14-29
Beyond Fried Backstrap
I know most of us grew up thinking of chicken fried backstrap when we think of eating venison, or maybe we grew up in a family that also liked to make venison jerky and sausage at the end of hunting season. Some also really enjoy the big pots of venison chili when the weather turns cold. All of those are delicious and a part of my family’s meals, but there is so much more to game meats!
Although the word has a much broader meaning, I am referring to deer meat when I say “venison”. Like most game meats, deer meat venison is very, very lean and very compact due to the lack of fatty streaks in the meat like we are used to seeing in beef and most pork. Because it is so lean, venison is almost all healthy, organic protein. It is also very high in some important nutrients that you will not find in most domestically produced meat, like omega-3 fatty acids.
If you want to branch out beyond the traditional uses of venison, that lean, compact nature of venison means you have to do things a little differently than
Cathy Ledbetter
you do with, for example, beef. The first thing to remember is that venison has that low fat content coupled with a much higher moisture content, which means heat travels through it much more quickly than it does with beef. Backstraps (loins) and hams can be cut into thick steaks and grilled on a hot grill quick-
ly, leaving them rare but definitely not beyond medium-rare and they will be tender and delicious. Tenderloins can be cooked whole this way, but with all of it you have to watch it closely and work fast, as it will cook in about half the time of a comparable cut of beef. An instanread thermometer can be a big help with
learning how to time grilling venison. You really don’t want to go beyond 125 degrees with grilled venison. The opposite approach to hot and fast also works well—that would be low and slow…very low and very slow. I tried all sorts of recipes for venison roast and all I got was highly seasoned, dry, very chewy hunks of meat until I finally applied a little scientific thinking to it. Finally, I tried cooking at the lowest heat I could get away with on my oven, which is 190, and cooking my roast in a well-sealed pot aaaalllllll day. I didn’t add a lot of liquid, reasoning that the meat would produce enough on its own, but I did pour in about a half a bottle of dark beer. What resulted was a fall-apart tender and very flavorful roast with drippings that I thickened to make gravy. The low heat
Rustic Rose
combined with the acidity of the beer worked perfectly on those venison hams. This technique works even better for meat still on the bone, such as ribs, crosscut ham steaks, or shanks. Recipes for Osso Bucco work great with bone-in venison, as long as you cook it very low and very slow.
You could do this in a slow cooker if it can produce heat that low. Check it with a thermometer because the levels of heat produced vary between brands, but hardly any slow cookers made in the past twenty years will go as low as you need for venison.
Like most people, I like to grind some of my venison. Throwing beef tallow into the grinder with venison is pretty common, but I don’t do that. I would rather leave it healthy and low-fat and come up with other ways to deal with the leanness. Once I ground up a package of bacon to mix with ground venison to make hamburgers and, although it defeated the low-fat-ness, it was delicious! When I use venison to make chopped steaks or meatloaf, I’ve found that mixing in shredded or finely chopped vegetables will help lighten the texture as will mixing in rolled oats and a couple of eggs.
My final tip from many decades of cooking with venison is to get yourself a jar of Better Than Bouillon in the Roasted Beef flavor to add to stews, gravies, and chili. I love the flavor of venison but this stock paste gives just a little boost to make everything taste richer. I use it with most beef dishes, too. I hope you have a fantastic hunting season and get to enjoy some delicious venison!
WILD GAME
SIX CAN CHILI
INGREDIENTS:
1-1/2 lb. your choice of meat cooked (I usually use ground axis)
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 can of corn (drained)
1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed)
Recipes
India Houser
1 can of pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
1 can of chicken broth
1 large can of green enchilada sauce
1 package of taco seasoning
COWBOY VENISON MEAT LOAF
INGREDIENTS:
2 lbs. venison hamburger
2 beaten eggs
1 cup uncooked oatmeal
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 ½ cups diced sweet onion
1 10 oz. can diced tomatoes w/ green chilies
1 bell pepper, red or green, diced
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper ¼ cup favorite BBQ sauce (or catsup)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Cook meat in oil, or I use bacon grease, then add all of the other ingredients and let simmer for approximately 30 minutes. Garnish as desired. Can use avocado, pico de gallo, salsa, cheese, sour cream or any other garnish you prefer. I usually double the recipe. It makes for yummy leftovers.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients except BBQ sauce. Shape meat into a loaf. Place in 11 x 16 baking pan or a Pyrex baking dish. But first, spray pan or baking dish with cooking spray to keep meat loaf from sticking to sides and bottom. Place meat loaf in center of oven and bake for 1 hour 15 minutes. Baste top of meat with BBQ sauce (or catsup) after 1 hour (15 minutes before done). Serves eight as a meal.
SHINER BOCK BATTERED VENISON CHILE RELLENO
INGREDIENTS
4 Poblano peppers
1 pound of ground venison
2 cups of shredded pepper jack cheese
1 TBSP of ground cumin
2 TBSP of chili powder
1 tsp of cayenne pepper
½ white onion, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, peeled and chopped
4 TBSP of olive oil
4 wooden skewers
Vegetable oil for frying (about a ½ inch depending on the size on your skillet)
SHINER BOCK BEER BATTER INGREDIENTS:
¾ cup off all-purpose flour
1 TBSP of cornstarch
1 ½ -2 ½ cups of Shiner Bock beer (enough to turn the batter into a liquid, but not too thin, something slightly thicker than a pancake batter)
2 TBSP of your favorite steak seasoning
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Blister the Peppers: Roast poblano peppers on a grill or gas burner, rotating until all sides are blistered (about 10 minutes). Place them in a plastic bag with a splash of water, seal, and let steam to loosen the skin.
2. Prepare the Filling:
• Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the venison with salt and pepper, then set aside.
• Add another 2 tbsp olive oil to the skillet and sauté garlic and onion until translucent.
• Return the venison to the skillet, adding chili powder, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Mix and set aside.
3. Stuff the Peppers:
• Peel the peppers, cut a slit lengthwise, and remove seeds.
• Fill with venison mixture and pepper jack cheese, then secure with toothpicks or skewers.
4. Fry the Peppers:
• Heat ½ inch vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Make a batter by whisking flour, cornstarch, beer, and seasonings. Coat each pepper in the batter and fry until golden brown on all sides.
5. Serve: Remove skewers and serve over salsa, garnished with cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime.
Vanessa Childress
Steven Childress
Vanessa Childress
A Milestone Hunt: Bryson Smith, left, took his first axis deer harvested with expert
from Shep Silvers, right, at Tillman Ranch.
Hunting (and fishing) for the truth
Mike Cox
Folks who like to fish and hunt aren’t always out on the water or at their deer leases. Sometimes they’re just sitting around camp telling jokes about hunting or fishing.
For instance, a game warden out looking for poachers walked up on a man with a rifle and remarked that it sure looked like he had picked a good place to hunt.
“Yep,” the man agreed, “I killed a 10-point buck here yesterday.”
Unfortunately, it wasn’t deer season.
“Do you know who I am?” the warden asked.
The man said he did not.
“I’m a state game warden,” the officer said.
“Do you know who I am?” the citizen asked.
The warden did not.
“Well, sir, I’m the biggest liar in Llano County.”
A father takes son on his first deer hunt.
“Son, this is your first deer hunt, an ancient and sacred tradition marking your passage into manhood. Do you have any questions?”
The boy replies: “Yes, if you die of a heart attack, how do I get home from here?”
Two men are out dove hunting. Two birds approach, and before the one man can shoot, both birds fall dead to the ground.
“Is there somebody else on this lease?” asked the hunter who had been about to shoot.
“No, just us.”
“Then what happened to those birds.”
“I don’t know.”
Pretty soon two more birds approached.
Again, the men raised their shotguns only to see the birds tumble from the air in mid-flight before they could fire.
Seeing a movement in a clump of brush, they go to investigate. Behind it sits a farmer, the ugliest man any of them had ever seen.
Before they can say anything, two more birds approach. As they watch, the farmer looks up and the doves fall to the ground, stone dead.
The farmer explains it’s a special gift he has. All he has to do is look at the birds and they drop dead. The men ask if anyone else in his family can do the same thing.
“Yes,” he says, “my wife can but she doesn’t.”
“Why,” they ask.
“She tears the meat up too bad,” he says. All photos must be submitted at actual size. Please include information about the photo: Who is pictured in the photo, when and where it was taken and a brief description. All content submitted must be your content or content you have permission to use and share. Email photos to asia@junctioneagle.com
A guy shows up and asks around town about the best place to fish and who the most knowledgeable local fisherman is. No one suggests a place, but he gets a name and goes to see the man. The man is quite gracious and offers to take his visitor to his favorite fishing hole the next day.
On a nice lake the following day, the local expert reaches into his tackle box, pulls out a stick of dynamite, lights it and tosses it into the water. A big explosion rocks the boat and dozens of crappie, bass and catfish float to the surface.
As soon as he recovers from his shock, the visitor launches into a long riff on the importance of game conservation and fair play. The fisherman listens for a while, then reaches into his tackle box, pulls out another stick of dynamite, lights it and hands it to the indignant visiting sportsman.
“Do you want to talk or fish?” the man asks.
An optimist and pessimist are out duck hunting. The optimist, who owns the bird dog, knocks down a mallard. The dog immediately climbs out of the boat, walks across the water, picks up the duck, walks back to the boat and climbs back in. Soon another mallard sails low and the optimist nails it with equal facility. Again, the dog climbs out of the boat and retrieves the duck. After a while, the optimist asks the pessimist if he had noticed anything unusual about his bird dog.
“Yeah,” the pessimist replies, “your dumb dog can’t swim!”
An old-time East Texas preacher decides to break a member of his congregation from compulsive lying. He goes to the man’s house and tells an outlandish story about how a bear broke into his church one Sunday and walked toward him as he stood at the pulpit. Just before the brute reached the preacher, he said, a small dog chased in after the bear, nipping at its hairy heels. In a terrible fight that caused women to faint and men to cower, the dog not only beat the bear, he ate him.
“Now, do you believe that?” the preacher asks, convinced his has finally proven to the man the obviousness – not to mention odiousness -- of a bald-faced lie.
“Sure do,” the prevaricator replies. “That was my dog.”
A traveling salesman driving through East Texas ran over a coon dog. Being a dog lover and decent sort, he went to the nearby farm house, knocked on the door and told the woman who answered that he’d accidentally killed their dog.
Shaking her head sadly, she told the man he’d better go tell her husband in person.
“He’s out back in the barn,” she said. “And listen, make it easy on him. At first, tell him it was one of the kids.”
A new widow walks into a newspaper office to place an obituary for her late husband. When she heard it would cost 50 cents a word, she said, “Just print ‘Fred Brown died.’” To which the newspaper employee replied, “I’m sorry, ma’am, but there is a seven-word minimum.”
The woman thinks for a moment and says, “OK, just print ‘Fred Brown died. Bass boat for sale.’”
A hunter’s guide to Axis deer
Axis deer (Axis axis) are a non-native species that were introduced to Texas in 1932 and originate from the Indian sub-continent. These exotic deer are easily identified by their distinctive reddish-brown coat, white spots, and elegant antlers. While they are not yet as numerous as white-tailed deer throughout Texas, they have become a prolific part of the Hill Country wildlife community and hunting culture.
Breeding Habits
Axis deer can breed year-round, but the breeding season for the bulk of Axis in Texas typically occurs from May to July. Depending on the individual herd, many may breed in the wintertime from December to January. During this time, bucks become more active and territorial, often fighting other bucks for dominance and access to does. Breeding typically takes place at night. Axis does give birth to one or two fawns at a time but can enter estrus multiple times per year.
Antler Shedding Cycle
Axis bucks shed their antlers after each rut, just like whitetails. The shedding cycle
typically begins in late summer or early spring, shortly after the dominant breeding seasons. New antlers begin to grow shortly after shedding and will reach full maturity by early summer or early winter. The antlers of axis bucks are distinctive, with long, gently curving main beams and stag-like tines. Bucks typically run through dense brush with their noses held high and antlers tucked tightly against their backs.
Diet
Axis deer can feed on browse and mast just like native whitetails, but also graze on grasses throughout the year. They are
Wade Ledbetter
highly adaptable animals and can thrive in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, deserts, and agricultural areas. Axis deer are much less selective eaters than white-tailed deer and will often consume a wider variety of plants.
Interactions with White-Tailed Deer
Axis deer and white-tailed deer can and do coexist in the same habitat, but the differences in their behavior and ecology do not make them happy or willing companions. Axis deer are generally more tolerant of human activity than white-tailed deer and are often found in areas with higher levels of disturbance such as towns and neighborhoods. They are also more gregarious and more likely to be found in large groups, while white-tailed deer are often solitary or found in small groups. When Axis deer and whitetails compete for space and resources such as food and water, the Axis will nearly always triumph due to their larger physical size, larger group size, and more aggressive nature. Axis can also be more difficult to control than whitetails due to their extremely flighty nature and love of impenetrable brush cover.
SPRING BRANCH
TRADING
Hunters Welcome Events
1ST WEEKEND IN NOVEMBER
Deer Hunting Season Opens
FRI: ANNUAL LIBRARY BAKE SALE
@ WBC, LOWE’S & PARKER LUMBER
FRI: HUNTERS APPRECIATION LUNCH
WEST BEAR CREEK GENERAL STORE
SAT: LONDON HUNTERS BREAKFAST
LONDON COMMUNITY CENTER
SAT: HUNTERS BBQ LUNCH
SIMON BROS. MERCANTILE/LYSSY & ECKEL FEED/ ROOSEVELT
WILD Game Dinner
Annually, the Saturday after Thanksgiving November 30, 2024 • 6:30 p.m., Stevenson Center Eat Wild Game, Win Guns & Hunts & Live Auction of Hunts!
Christmas Happenings
• CHRISTMAS TRAIL OF LIGHTS - CITY PARK OPEN NIGHTLY
• LATE NIGHT CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IN JCT.
December 5
• CHRISTMAS AT THE RANCH
First Saturday in December • 2 - 5 p.m.
SOUTH LLANO RIVER STATE PARK
Fun activities for the Family. For more info: 325.446.3994
• COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CANTATA
Annually in December
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, MAIN ST.
• Lighted Christmas Parade
MAIN STREET DOWNTOWN, ENDING IN CITY PARKDecember 6, 2024
• Lions Club pictures with Santa Santa Claus will hear children’s wishes immediatly following the parade in City Park under the Trail of Lights.
The Junction Area Farmers Market
Open every Saturday through December 7
KIMBLE COUNTY COURTHOUSE LAWN
9 AM TO 12 PM
Events with live music and free draft beer
Held Quarterly 9 AM to 1 PM
Easter Happenings
Easter Saturday Morning CITY PARK PAVILION
• Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt (Ages 1-8) 10 a.m.
SCARF PET PARADE 11:30 a.m.
DRESS UP YOUR PET & JOIN IN THE FUN FOR FREE! Easter Eve
Meet at County Courthouse. Motorcade leaves promptly at 10 a.m. for Ranch. Bring bag lunch and lawn chairs. For more info: 325.446.4219
Junction A&M Club Scholarship Golf Tournament
Annually in April 2025
Dinner & Silent Auction after tournament www.junctionaggies.com fb.com/junctionaggies
Kimble County Disc Golf Events
The Freezer-February 2025
The Sizzler-July 2025
For info: Hoyt Moss 325.446.6565 or Charlie Chapman 512.557.2482
Memorial Day Celebration
Memorial Day Monday - May 27, 2025
8:30 am - TRIBUTE CEREMONY
FLAGPOLE AT JUNCTION CEMETERY ON US. HWY 377 S For more info: 325.446.3157
Cowboys & Cajuns
Annually 1st Saturday in June
Saturday June 7, 2025 ON 5TH STREET BESIDE THE COURTHOUSE STREET DANCE “FAST MOVING TRAIN”
“Hit for Sticks”
Softball Tournament
Benefiting Lexi Cardwell Scholarship Fund
Annually, Second Saturday of June
For more info: 214.714.5653 or 325.446.6043
Despuse de Cinco Dance
The Second Saturday in May
May 10, 2025
HILL COUNTRY FAIR ASSOCIATION DANCE PAVILION
For more info: 325.446-3190
Freedom Celebration
July 4, 2025 Free Fireworks Display!
DARK THIRTY • CITY PARK, ALONG THE LLANO RIVER
July 4, 2025 PARADE ON MAIN – 10 AM
Hill Country Fair Assoc.
Summer Classic Rodeo
Annually 2nd Full Weekend in August- 8 & 9
HILL COUNTRY FAIRGROUNDS
DANCES & PARADE
Up & Back Boat Race
August 16-17, 2025
SOUTH LLANO RIVER - BEGINS & ENDS AT THE DAM
For more info: Hoyt 325-446-6565
Junction’s 56th Annual Kow Kick
Family Fun Festival • BBQ Cook-off • Dance
Labor Day Weekend, August 30, 2025
Lone Star BBQ Society Sanctioned Cook-Off LIVE Music • VENDORS • Kids Activities
Annual Predator Calling Contest
March 1-2, 2025
Predator contest with cash prizes and drawing at the end of the contest on Sunday. (Must be present to win.)
For more info: 325.446.3190
Hill Country Challenge Triathlon
November 23, 2024
Run-Bike-Paddle
For more info: hilcjackson@gmail.com
Love Hurts 5k/10k Run
February 15, 2025
Love Hurts, But Only a Little For more info: hilcjackson@gmail.com
Texas Sheep Dog Trials
February 13-16, 2025
Hill Country Fair Association Grounds For more info: texassheepdogassoc.org
MONDAY-SATURDAY
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Hunting license, gasoline, soft drinks, wine, all your grocery needs, and clean restrooms.
CAFE
W-Th 7 AM - 8 PM
F-S 7 AM - 9 PM Daily and weekly specials! Draft Beer!
LYSSY & ECKEL
TGR BIG BUCK CONTEST SCORING STATION
Monday-Saturday
Kindrick--A wild story of redemption
Debbie Kistler
Kimble County native Sam Kindrick and I sat visiting amiably in a small coffee house recently. After having read his book in which he lays bare details of his youth and early adult life, I found myself amazed that he had survived at all. Yet here he was, preparing to celebrate his 90th birthday on November 3. As we chatted, I marveled at the incongruence of the mellow, engaging, sober and God-loving gentleman sitting across from me and the wild, alcoholic, drug-using, rebellious, untamed journalist self-described in his book, Outlaw Country Reporter, Misfits, Madames and Hanging with Willie Go buy it at the Kimble County
Historical Museum.
The Junction Eagle has already published the press release promoting the book and information from the book jacket. I encourage you to read it. I thoroughly enjoyed Sam’s story of redemption. He leads the reader from his youth and upbringing in Kimble County through his stint near the gates of hell as an offbeat journalist who wrote about losers rather than heroes. He chronicled and embraced the upheaval resulting as traditional country music was upstaged by the movement that included Willie, Jerry Jeff, Kris Kristofferson, Ray
Tree Cabins at Rivers Bend
Wiley Hubbard, Augie Meyers. That period also included parts in movies, friendships with Luckenbach’s Hondo Crouch and even San Antonio’s well-known Madam Theresa Brown.
Sam with Willie Nelson. I was one of the first to hear the early mixes of Redheaded Stranger. I loved it but didn’t think it would sell. On the surface, Willie acted like he didn’t give a rat shit about anything.
the
who explained, “If
I’ll have 35 years with nothing stronger than a Tylenol in my system.”, was the Sam Kindrick in the book.
“Chester (Red) Smith was my father’s friend, and he worked tirelessly alongside my cowboy-lease rancher maternal grandfather, Clarence Chenault. Red remained close to my mother’s family until his death. He taught me to shoot a rifle. He taught me how to gut a deer. He taught me not to lie, cheat, or steal. And he taught me how to stand up to the school bully. He was the personification of tough. I loved Red Smith.” Sam Kindrick
He believed in cedar-stick justice: “Don’t take any shit from anybody.” I loved that cowboy. But the toughest cowboy I ever met and whom I revered also had his flaws: he drank anything he could get his hands on.
Sam in fur coat and goggles: persona unleashed. It was a beaver coat that Bobby Thomas, “Kid Death”, had come up with. I traded him a bunch of meth for it.
Red Smith (left) and Sam. Red, he was my father.
Sydney Goodman
Chris Baker
Worship With Us
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
202 South 8th Street
9:45 a.m. - Sunday School
10:55 a.m. - Morning Worship
6 p.m. - Evening Worship
Kris Bransom, Music Minister
Steve Myers, Pastor
FIRST METHODIST CHURCH
904 Main Street
9:45 a.m. - Sunday School
11 a.m. - Morning Worship
Stephen Curry, Pastor
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
201 S. 11th Street
9:45 a.m. - Sunday School
11 a.m. - Morning Worship
Rev. Jim Barker
Co-Pastor Laurie Barker
COLLEGE STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST 815 College Street
Bill Ragsdale, Pastor www.londonbaptistchurchtx.com
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