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A Shot of Texas Magazine™ March/April 2016 A Shot of Texas Magazine
CONTENT
“Where Outdoors Meets Industry�
Our Staff
Teffany and Robert Kahn
Advertisers List Issue 21 Abrasive Products Air Logistics
6. WHO AM I NOW???? by David Bradshaw
BlackHawk Datacom Cannon Feeders
Founders/ Co-Editors
Capital Farm Credit
11. A WARNING ABOUT AFRICA LION HUNTS by Barbara Crown/The Hunting Report
Champion Ranch Critter Gitters Dale Company
Kendall Rae Kahn Camo Girl Product & Ranch Reviews
Rod Daigle Senior Industrial Editor
Butch Ramirez Wildlife Photographer
Dan Verrips
12. DEATH IN THE WHITE SAGE by Jim Miller
Field Writer
,QÂżQLW\ *URXS
16. GRASSROOTS SPEAKS NRA Report
Innovative Turnaround Controls Joshua Creek Ranch
&5,0(6 2) 20,66,21 by Howard Barbanel
Knife & Fork Ranch Larco Industries Medical Plaza Mobile Meyer Ranch Boots
21. Products We Like! by Jeanine Johnson
My Core Control Record Buck Ranch
Shamus Dartanyon Political Editor
Jim Miller
Red Point Solutions
24. Superior Pipeline Tracking Industrial Product Review
Ohmstede Performance Top Drives
Bow Hunting Editor
Efrain Martinez Safety Editor
Terry Blaukamp
PipeHandler
$ 6DIHW\ ([SHUW 3HUVSHFWLYH by Efrain Martinez
Shooting Editor
Jeanine Johnson Product Review Editor
Grizzly Coolers HY-BON/EDI
Wildlife Photographer
Larry Weishuhn ‘Mr Whitetail�
Gravely
Service Radio Triple C Project Services Tubal-Cain Holdings
-XOLH 7ULHG 7R .LOO 0H by Robert Kahn
Watt’s Trophy Hunting Woods Cycle Country
C 2014 A Shot of Texas Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Printed in the USA. For current Media Kit, advertising or questions about our Traveling Trade Show contact Rob Kahn. Email rob@ashotoftexas.net 2IÂżFH RU &HOO
WHO AM I Now???? T
h at seems like an odd question for someone to ask themselves, But it is a very common and important question for a service-member who has been severely injured.
6 Shot of Texas Magazine™
One of the major hurdles to recovery after a devastating incident is the loss of personal identity. They go from being one of the healthiest people on the planet, looked up to as a hero and protector of our way of life, to being trapped in a broken body, unable to do the only job most of them have ever had. Their whole world has been torn away, and they have no idea whether they can ever be a productive person again. The Patriot Warrior Foundation is a QRQ SURÂżW RUJDQL]DWLRQ IRXQGHG WR KHOS newly injured service-members, and severely disabled veterans, the opportunities and skills to return to as active and healthy a lifestyle as possible. One of the most effective ways to accomplish this is to get them involved in recreational activities that they enjoy, and challenge them physically and mentally. Since every service member has military training with ÂżUHDUPV KXQWLQJ DQG VKRRWLQJ VSRUWV JLYH us a way to interact with them in a “comPRQ JURXQG´ HQYLURQPHQW 6LQFH ÂżUHDUPV are viewed as such a large part of being in the military, and since all weapons are taken away from them when they are severely injured, by giving them the opportunity to shoot again, we give them back the feeling of being a service member. We have found that by giving servicemembers a break from their medical rou-
tine, and engaging them in activities they enjoy, we can help them avoid or reduce depression, and at the same time help them learn to adapt and adjust to living in the “real world� with their disabilities. By
partnering them with other service-members who have lived with the same type of injury, they can see that they can still have a full, productive life after a devastating injury. There are also some subjects that they are uncomfortable discussing with their medical staff, which they have an opportunity to discuss with others who have been in the same situation. We also have new program where we give a serYLFH PHPEHU DQ HPSW\ $5 5LÀH UHFHLYHU and teach them to assemble a complete ULÀH IURP LQGLYLGXDO SDUWV 7KH SULGH DQG VHQVH RI DFFRPSOLVKPHQW WKH\ UHDOL]H LV LQFUHGLEOH :KHQ WKH\ DUH GRQH WKH ULÀH is theirs to keep at no cost to them. We provide all of our outings at no cost to the service-member, and provide all equipment, meals, ammunition, etc., including any adaptive equipment or modi¿FDWLRQV QHHGHG ZH KDYH WKH DGDSWLYH equipment and the experience to handle a wide range of disabilities, including: Paraplegia, Quadriplegia, amputations (including multiple amputations), loss of vision(including total blindness), and Traumatic Brain injury. We have not yet found a disability we can’t overcome. If you are interested in helping us help them, contact David Bradshaw @ (210 410-1599
A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 7
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10 Shot of Texas Magazine™
If you have followed the hunting news lately you probably know that in December 2015 the US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) listed African lions from southern and eastern Africa as endangered under the US Endangered Species Act and are now requiring an import permit to bring home a lion trophy. What you might not know is that USFWS has NOT approved any African countries for those import permits. Basically, USFWS must decide if a country’s lion populations and management meet a stringent list of criteria before they will issue permits for import. At this late date, they are still in the research stage of doing that. That means no African lions can be imported into the United States, unless they were hunted before the January 21, 2016 deadline announced by the Service earlier this year.
A WARNING
By Barbara Crown
ABOUT AFRICAN LION HUNTS FOR 2016 W
here does that leave hunters who have lion hunts booked for 2016? The same place it leaves anyone who booked a lion hunt at one of the hunting shows this season. In limbo. Here’s why: If you hunt a lion right now, you cannot import it. And while you may leave the trophy with the operator, there is no guarantee that the country where you hunt will be approved by USFWS for lion imports. No matter what information your operator says his country has submitted for review, approval is not guaranteed, and until it is official you cannot count on a permit. Also, USFWS may decide not to make their finding retroactive, covering the importation of lions taken before they fiQDOL]H D GHFLVLRQ WR DSSURYH WKH GHVWLQDtion. In this case, you will not be able to import your lion either. Keep in mind it is not illegal for an American citizen to hunt a lion in a country that allows lion hunting. You can still do that. But \RX PLJKW KDYH WR EH VDWLV¿HG ZLWK SKRWRgraphs if you do it before USFWS approves the destination you choose to hunt. Safari operators continue selling lion hunts, and some have encouraged US hunters to go hunting and leave their trophies until they are importable, but for the reasons outlined above, that is a risky proposition. Bottom line: If you have a lion hunt booked for 2016, you may want to postpone it until USFWS announces which countries are approved for import permits.
Barbara Crown is publisher and editorin-chief of The Hunting Report Newsletter, a news and consulting service for hunters who travel. In publication for 36 years, The Hunting Report helps hunters make informed decisions about where to go hunting. Not a booking agency, The Hunting Report provides information
and advice on hunting developments around the world and publishes reviews on hunting destinations and operators. Its online database offers more than 10,000 KXQWHU ¿OHG UHSRUWV RQ RSSRUWXQLWLHV around the world. For more information go to www.huntingreport.com or call 305-253-5301.
A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 11
DEATH IN THE WHITE SAGE I know many of you have read Death in the Long Grass by Peter Hathaway Capstick, about the deadly game of stalking Cape buffalo with a big bore rifle in Africa! Well let me tell you, right here in Texas we have a deadly, dangerous Big Game Animal, the Spanish fighting Bulls. About a year ago, a good friend of mine Dennis Erskine of Famed Dennis Erskine Safaris called and informed me that he had a herd of pure strain Mexican /Spanish fighting bulls. First I told Dennis, that I was not interested, but I would check with some of my closest friends and see what they thought? Everyone that I talked to, said do it! 12 Shot of Texas Magazine™
F
irst, I thought I had better do a historical study on the Spanish Fighting Bulls, “Toro Bravoâ€? , ZDV WUXO\ DPD]HG DQG WKH\ primarily bred on free-ranging extensive environment in Southern Spain, Portugal and Latin American Countries, ZKHUH EXOO ÂżJKWLQJ LV ZHOO RUJDQL]HG )LJKWLQJ %XOOV are selected primarily for the combination of aggression, energy, strength and stamina. Fighting bulls are characterL]HG E\ LWV DJJUHVVLYH EHKDYior, especially when solitary RU XQDEOH WR Ă€HH &RORU PD\ vary from black, brown, red, blue roan and in multi colors of white, black, blue, red or JUD\ 7KHVH %XOOV DUH ZHOO muscled “athleticâ€? a complex
of muscles over the shoulder and neck area, which gives WKH %XOO LWV GLVWLQFWLYH SURÂżOH and strength with its horns. Dennis owns a ranch between Brackettville and Del Rio, has a large herd of pure strain Spanish Bulls which you can trace their lineage back 3 or 4 hundred years. I called Dennis and advised that I was ready to try and hunt these Dangerous animals. Dennis and I agreed on a time frame that was good for both of us and it was decided for me and my camera man to go to San Mateo Ranch to hunt these bulls, but I had informed Dennis I would not be wearing a tutu nor would I be waving a RED Cape in front of these bulls and he stated,
“ Ah, come on Jim you would look great running around in a pair of those real tight pants, with your Cowboy hat turned side ways and waving a big 5HG Ă€DJ´ 7KH WULS H[FXVH WKH expression “almost went southâ€? with that comment. Upon arrival at the San Mateo Ranch, I wanted to see what I could do with my bow set up. Mathews Helim, 29 @ 70 lbs with a 400 grain arrow developing 79 foot pounds of energy would do, as Dennis wanted me to shoot the bull in D FKDUJH "# 1R :D\ EXW , did want to try a frontal skull shot. Dennis had a dry skull lying around from a bull that had died and I wanted to test what would happen? I set up a skull and backed off to 25 yards and shot the skull with my set up, and the broadhead never did SHQHWUDWH WKH VNXOO -XVW ZD\ too thick and a bad angle no matter how you changed the location of the skull, I knew I was going to have to take a standing shot either straight on where the apex of the neck and body come together or broadside. That night over mesquite grilled steaks and a good cold drink a lot of discussions were had about hunting the Spanish Fighting Bulls. We started our hunt on the San Mateo Ranch, and it was very windy that morning we did not see many bulls close, those we did see were very nervous and wary. That afternoon we got into a Ranger ATV just driving the senderos to try spot and stalk any Bull we could ÂżQG 7KLV DUHD LV VHPL DULG GHVert, with a ton of White Sage brush that grows to be 6 feet tall with a lot of cactus, yucca, mesquite Live Oak, Retama and native grass with creek bottoms plus man made water tanks. Perfect country for these mean, aggressive, hateful monVWHUV :H KDG VSRWWHG D UHDOO\ huge Black Bull and a Gray
Bull hanging together feeding mid afternoon. We got our gear together, decided to make a stalk, we had the wind in our favor, plus we had good cover for stalking these two bulls as we neared for a shot, one of the Bulls spotted our approach and these Bulls took off in the direction of the creek bottom, the VWDON ZDV RYHU The afternoon was going quickly as we had seen several different bulls, for one reason or another we just was not sucFHVVIXO $V WKH VXQ VWDUWHG WR VHW we spotted a really awesome 5HG %XOO LQ D ¿HOG RI :KLWH Sage, I really wanted to try to take this bull, as we started planning our approach, we had to get the wind in our favor, using the setting sun to our advantage. As the sun was going down we had to move on the Bull several times to make sure the swirling wind did not give XV XS )LQDOO\ ZH ZHUH DEOH WR get on the Red Bull and move in close for that coveted 20 yard VKRW 7KH PRQVWHU 5HG %XOO LQ fact looked like the Red Bull on the famous energy drink, however, I had a natural energy pump going now. The bull was feeding right into our laps, at 30 yards; I had started drawing my bow, when my cameraman decided to move for an over the VKRXOGHU VKRW 7KHVH 6SDQLVK Bulls have great eye sight and do see movement, thus picking up my cameraman’s movePHQW WKH EXOO IUR]H 7KHQ WKH ELJ VWDUH GRZQ RFFXUUHG )RU 15 minutes, I held my bow up in my hands ready to draw, my cameraman was standing with camera on his shoulder, Dennis or Guide was standing with a 10 lb. German made Heym 500 1LWUR ([SUHVV DW 3RUW $UPV Sweat poured out of ever pour in my body for I knew we were just the blink of an eye from D IXOO EORZQ FKDUJH 'XULQJ this, all kinds of scenarios went thru my mind I knew this could
go really bad quickly, with 1400 lbs of hate and aggression staring at us but the bull was not sure what were where? Finally with the sun setting the wind swirled, the Red Bull became a red streak tearing thru the white VDJH , GLG VD\ WR PD\ FDPeraman,â€? that in the future if I stop, you stopâ€? No excuses RU QR H[FHSWLRQV Âł7KH FDPeraman looked me in the eye and stated, “Don’t you worry, never again will I do thatâ€? This was a tough day for hunting and dangerous. Day two we were out well DIWHU IXOO GD\OLJKW , ZRQder why? These bulls have an attitude and were mad at the world, better to be
safe than sorry. We wanted to be sure to see these Bulls before we started any stalks, with the evening before still fresh in our minds. We had several different stalks but no shots, again just before dark we found four bulls feeding along the edge of a creek bottom, after much conversation, checking of the wind and glassing to make sure we would not surprise any other bulls we started our stalk, this looked like it was going to be a repeat of the day before only the fickle finger of fate, kicked up the wind out of the wrong direction and we now had bulls running A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 13
in all kinds of directions. So went another day without an DUURZ EHLQJ VKRW Our third morning, we’re out again after full daylight, DQG , ZDV JODG DOVR :H wanted to be sure to be able to see these Bulls before we started our stalks, with the evening before still fresh in our minds. We spotted the Red Bull Again, we decided to make another stalk on that bull as he was in an area where there was a huge patch of White Sage between us and the Red Bull, plus the wind was right. We loaded up and started moving thru the head high White Sage, moving into the wind, when we walked right out into an opening that was about 60 yards wide and 80 yards across from us, there VWRRG OEV RI SXUH KDWH This bull had already made up his mind that we were way too close to him; before you could spit, the charge was FRPLQJ IDVW DQG IXULRXV , drew my bow for an attempted head on shot but the bull kept his vitals from me as he was locked on Dennis and it ZDV D VWUDLJKW RQ FKDUJH , yelled “Dennis shoot him, 14 Shot of Texas Magazine™
VKRRW KLP 6+227 +,0 ´ DW 15 yards, Dennis had hoped the bull would turn off, but KH GLG QRW $6 LI LQ VORZ PRtion, the bull was coming fast DQG IXULRXV 'HQQLV PRXQWHG his Hyme 500 Nitro Express and I still to this day did not KHDU WKH VKRW :KHQ WKH GXVW settled the Black Raging Bull laid 3 feet from Dennis and PH 'HQQLV WXUQHG DQG DVNHG “Why didn’t you shoot?� My only reply was, “I had no killing shot with my bow� Dennis, advised that the Bull had been a real pain in the butt as he had attacked one of his trucks, had tried to knock one of his tractors off of a sendero and had chased one of his vaquero’s all over the ranch one afternoon. We went for a tractor with a front end loader and FDOOHG WKH PHDW ORFNHU That afternoon, I had informed Dennis I thought we should go to a waterhole and try to ambush one of these bulls as I had several photos on my Spypoint cameras coming into water. Though not very happy with that thought, Dennis agreed. We were actually on a Ranger ATV headed to one of the tanks to put a
Rhino Ground blind in position for a shot. When my cameraman, shouted that he had spotted a really big bull feeding. Of course we stopped and eased back to check. Sure enough there stood a huge blue, black and white bull feeding about 100 yards away. Perfect set up for stalking, lots of cactus, yucca, retama and wind UROOV RI ROG GHDG PHVTXLWH I told my cameraman, come RQ ZH KDG DUURZV WR VKRRW We covered about 80 yards, hunkered down behind one of the wind rolls, within 50 yards of the multi colored bull. Hombre, did we get the surprise of our life when Dennis stated, “boys don’t move too much look to our left� there stood double trouEOH 7ZR EXOOV ZHUH ZDWFKLQJ us and the lone bull. Immediately, I told my cameraman to saddle up for we’re going to take that bull in front of us, we moved to within 40 yards with plenty of cover. My cameraman stated, “ I’m on him� I did not even have time to range the bull, I just knew it was 40 yards, drew my bow back,
launched a deadly arrow, when the arrow hit the bull it sounded like you had took a Louisville slugger and hit the door facing, the smack was so loud. I knew I had a dead EXOO LPPHGLDWHO\ , ZDWFKHG Dennis running toward the dead bull and then come up very short of the dead bull; he was in slow motion bringing up his HYME-500 Nitro ([SUHVV LQWR DFWLRQ )RUtunately the two bulls had thoughts of charging us but at the last minute turned off, it was over. I had one of the most difficult animals in the world on the ground with my bow and arrow and on film. This Spanish fighting bull was one heck of a trophy, beautifully colored blue, black and white; I’m talking about 1400 lbs of hate that is very smart, aggressive, with ORWV RI VWUHQJWK DQG VWDPLQD If you have the “grit in your craw�, contact Dennis Erskine Safaris to book a hunt of a life time. Buena Caceria / Good Hunting; Jim Miller
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NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS SPEAKS
NEWS LEGAL & LEGISLATION
Senate Holds the Line on Second Amendment Rights On Thursday, December 3, the U.S. Senate took up H.R. 3762, the Restoring Americans’ Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act. Despite the seemingly innocuous title, the bill set up a dramatic showdown over Second Amendment rights. The bill was brought under budget reconcilia-
tion, an expedited legislative procedure for a budget resolution to meet fiscal targets. Under this procedure, the bill required only 51 votes to pass the Senate and was limited to 20 hours of debate. It was also subject to a rule which prohibits non-budget related provisions from being added.
USA TODAY
No, Mr. President, the NRA is not to blame: Chris Cox, NRA-ILA Executive Director Just when we think that politics can’t sink any lower, President 2EDPD RQFH DJDLQ SURYHV XV ZURQJ E\ SROLWLFL]LQJ WKH WUDJHG\ LQ 6DQ Bernardino before the facts were even known. What we do know is that WKH $PHULFDQ SHRSOH DUH KHDUWEURNHQ E\ WKHVH KRUUL¿F FULPHV ² DQG GHVSLWH ZKDW WKH SUHVLGHQW ZRXOG KDYH XV EHOLHYH ² $PHULFD¶V ODZ DELGLQJ JXQ RZQHUV DUH KHDUWEURNHQ E\ WKHVH KRUUL¿F FULPHV DV ZHOO $W the same time, we are sick and tired of this president suggesting the men DQG ZRPHQ RI WKH 1DWLRQDO 5LÀH $VVRFLDWLRQ DUH VRPHKRZ WR EODPH 16 Shot of Texas Magazine™
NEWS
Following Paris Attacks, Police Challenge NFL No Gun Policy When attacking the Right-to-Carry, gun control advocates often cite what they view as a lack of sufficient training requirements for permit holders, contrasting these requirements with those placed upon police officers. For instance, LQ D GRFXPHQW FULWLFL]LQJ WKH 5LJKW WR &DUU\ WKH %UDG\ Campaign (then-Handgun Control Inc.) noted, “in stark contrast to the lack of CCW applicant training, police officers receive hundreds of hours of training in marksmanship and non-violent conflict resolution, including role-playing real-life scenarios, to ensure that their firearms are carried safely and not fired carelessly.� Similarly, the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence (CSGV) laments on their website, “[t] raining requirements-if there are any for permit holders-are no more rigorous than a single day-class in instruction.� However, as it turns out, many in the gun control community aren’t actually concerned with the amount of training an individual receives before exercising their Right-
to-Carry, but are opposed to anyone exercising this right at all; as evidenced by the fact that they don’t want highlytrained police officers to go around armed either. Late last month, Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) National President Chuck Canterbury sent a letter to National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell requesting that the league change D SROLF\ SURKLELWLQJ WKH ODZIXO FDUU\ RI ÂżUHDUPV E\ RII GXW\ DQG UHWLUHG ODZ HQIRUFHPHQW RIÂżFHUV DW 1)/ IDFLOLWLHV 7KH OHWWHU pointed out that terrorists select targets “based on the amount of GHDWK DQG LQMXU\ WKH\ FDQ LQĂ€LFW ´ LQFOXGLQJ Âł>Z@HOO DWWHQGHG YHQues and areas,â€? and that the current disarmament policy “weakens the safety and security of NFL players, personnel and fans.â€?
NEWS
Firearm Purchases Set Another Record Background checks don’t stop crimiQDOV IURP JHWWLQJ ¿UHDUPV EXW RQH WKLQJ LV certain: the trend in the number of checks VKRZV WKDW $PHULFDQV DUH DFTXLULQJ ¿UHarms at an unprecedented rate. The FBI UHSRUWV WKDW WKH QXPEHU RI ¿UHDUP UHODWHG
background checks hit an all-time, one-day high on Friday, November 27, known in the retail world as “Black Friday.â€? There ZHUH FKHFNV FRQGXFWHG IRU ÂżUHDUP purchases, carry and purchase permits, and PLVFHOODQHRXV ÂżUHDUP UHODWHG UHDVRQV ODVW
Friday. The previous high, 177,170, had been set on Friday, December 21, 2012, two days after President Obama announced that he intended to submit new gun control proposals to Congress and to “use all the powHUV RI WKLV RIÂżFH´ WR UHVWULFW WKH ULJKW WR DUPV A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 17
CRIMES OF OMISSION:
By Howard Barbanel
PRIMARY ELECTION COVERAGE A TRIUMPH OF SUPERFICIALITY BY BROADCAST NEWS MEDIA
I
f one subscribes to the blather emanating from the incessant talking heads on cable TV news one would come away thinking that four states or 11 states or 15 states have already predetermined the outcome of the 2016 presidential season – that it’s unstoppable manifest destiny that Donald Trump will be the Republican nominee and Hillary Clinton at the helm for the Democrats. What’s the point for people in the other 35 states to even vote? National composite polls are presented as a fait accompli even though there is no such thing as a “national primary” and WKLV DUJXDEO\ KHOS VNHZ DFWXDO HOHFWLRQ UHVXOWV DV YRWHUV DUH LQÀXenced by supposed “inevitability.” Declarations to the effect that both Donald and Hillary are “electoral juggernauts,” are “running the table” never cease, yet the crimes of omission on the part of the anchors, reporters and pundits are stupendous. Key omission number one – hardly anyone on TV mentions that many of the primaries are “open,” meaning that voters often don’t have to be a registered voter in the party’s primary they’re voting in. In many states Independents can vote in either party’s primary thereby substantially skewing the results and the wishes of the core party members. Voter registrations and party affiliations can be switched pretty quickly, also throwing off the wishes of the party faithful. Why many early voting states allow this kind of open and chaotic cross-party pollination is beyond me. Why should non-Republicans or non-Democrats determine who their respective parties will nominate for the highest office in the land? Primary results are then presented as though they were authentic gauges of party mem18 Shot of Texas Magazine™
Triumph of superficiality: Fox and other cable networks’ coverage of Election 2016.
bers’ sentiments when in fact they’re often not. Key omission number two – anchors and reporters for example will say that “Trump is winning in every state” or “Hillary is sweeping the primaries” without explaining how many or how few delegates may come from being victorious in any given state’s race. All state wins aren’t created equal. For example, winning in Texas is worth a whole lot more than winning in Vermont but the TV news folks just tallyup how many states someone won without giving any perspective or reference and based on that a candidate is either inevitable or over. Also, because the cable news guys are all in New York, late-breaking results from the center or the west of the country are given shortshrift in the big picture. For example, on Super Tuesday, Bernie Sanders won in Colorado and Minnesota but all the talking heads had written Sanders off by 8:00pm without those results. Key omission number three – There’s been few delegate count tally screens
(especially on Fox), just screens showing results of who won which state. This is incomplete information because not all states have equal delegates and therefore are not necessarily as significant. You can win small Southern states all day long but if you can’t win in New York, Illinois, Florida, Pennsylvania and California, you can’t be nominated. Context is missing in its entirety. For example, Sanders isn’t “over” when as of March 2nd he’s only 191 delegates behind Hillary with 35 states to go and 2,383 delegates needed to secure a nomination. Likewise, Ted &UX] LV RQO\ GHOHJDWHV VK\ RI 7UXPS with the same 35 races still to go and 1,237 delegates needed to win. Ninety is not Mount Everest but if you listen to the cable people you’d think it might as well be Mars. Why they declare the races to be over so early if baffling because you would think it’s in their interest to keep the horse races rolling on and on to generate ratings. The composition of the populations of many state races ahead favor candidates other than
Trump and Hillary but you just don’t hear any of that. Key omission number four – Donald Trump hasn’t even reached 50 percent of the vote in any state or any race anywhere yet his wins by slim pluralities are presented as resounding mandates and crushing victories over his rivals. No one discusses why Trump can’t reach 51 percent and what it means that roughly 60 to 65 percent of GOP voters are voting against him. If you want to see a resounding victory or mandate from the voters look at Hillary’s results in Alabama where she got 77 percent of the vote or Georgia where she garnered 71.3 percent. Likewise, Sanders snatched 86.1 percent of the vote in Vermont. Those are mandates and crushing victories. In other states like Oklahoma, Sanders got 51.9 percent to Hillary’s 41.5. That’s a clear majority because it’s over 50 percent. In Minnesota, Sanders received 61.7 percent. Another clear majority. When Trump gets 38.8 percent in Georgia, this is not any kind of majority. Likewise he got 32.7 percent in Arkansas and just 38.9 percent in Tennessee. Also omitted are what Trump’s electoral results may mean in a general election (again, limited context) because let’s take one of his best results, Massachusetts at 49.3 percent (with heavy voting by Independents and Democrats
in the GOP primary). Since Republicans are just 23 percent of registered voters in the nation, extrapolating his win means that if he got the same support across the GOP nationwide that would translate into just 11.3 percent of the entire American electorate which is a sure way to replicate a Barry Goldwater-like crushing defeat in the general election (Goldwater got 38.47 percent of the popular vote and just 52 votes in the Electoral College). If Trump were racking-up results like Hillary and Sanders in their big wins then it would mean he’s got the backing of the Republican rankand-file but this context is never mentioned on air. Key omission number five – no pressing follow-ups – on-air personalities hardly ever press Trump in particular with follow-up questions on any given subject when he evades or ignores the question or gives an obfuscating answer. Most on-air people just move on to the next question hoping for a better answer to that one so he gets away with providing no answers to the American people. A key example of this has been an utter dearth of follow-ups about his releasing of his income tax returns despite the IRS clearly saying that anyone can release their returns even if those returns are being audited and that non-audited returns
from earlier years can also be released and Trump gets away with this time and time again. Key omission number six – Poll results and bandied about with much breathless excitement but hardly ever mentioned are the dates when the poll was conducted, how many voters were polled out of how many registered voters (a quarter percent anyone?), how the poll was conducted (i.e., by landline telephone which is how most polls are done, which is not an accurate way to reach a broad cross-section of Americans in 2016) and what are the demographics of those polled? Yet a poll of 1,000 people reached via landline three days before is presented as the sentiments of the American people and can become self-fulfilling prophesies. What all this says is that sadly broadcast news is terribly superficial and ephemeral and underscores the essential nature of print and web journalism to provide deeper analysis, context and perspective for the average American voter. Unfortunately, most Americans still get most of their news and information from broadcast and cable news which may partly explain why the country is beset and saddled with the kind of underwhelming candidates we’ve got for 2016 from both parties.
A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 19
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20 Shot of Texas Magazine™
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oading up for an extended trip is always a time consuming affair. Whether it be for hunting, fishing or simply relaxing, we often find ourselves worn out by the time we’re ready to hit the road! Anything that helps save time in this area is always welcomed. With that in mind, those of you who like to take along your Harley Davidson, prepare to be amazed! Anyone who has gone through the rigorous process of putting all the tie-downs on your bikes knows what a pain this pro-
H
unting, fishing and outdoor life is a great way to escape the hectic stress of the corporate world. I can’t imagine a life without the opportunity to get out into the wilderness and enjoy nature. But, I am still a city girl, so there are certain conveniences that are must haves for me. While I have a full-size fridge in my rig, we often we need more room. Coolers hold more ice than
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food and the ice melts. I found the perfect solution in the Dometic CFX Refrigerator/Freezer line. What a great way to expand your storage requirements without having to replenish ice. We tested the CFX-65DZUS model. This unit offers 2.2 cubic feet of capacity boasts dual temperature zones. Our unit was very deep with removable baskets to access items stored at the bottom. A removable divider allows you to expand
roduct innovation drives new markets and is crucial to business growth in a depressed economy and we love finding truly innovative products to share with our readers. So it may surprise you to see that we are reviewing a propane tank. You may be thinking to yourself, “A propane tank is a propane tank is a propane tank.” Well, you would be wrong! We recently discovered a truly innovative propane tank! This tank, from Viking Cylinders, is constructed using a mixture of fibers and plastic resin instead of metal. They are 50% lighter than metal tanks, don’t rust or corrode, and best of all, you can actually see the level of the propane left in the tank! No more running out at the worst possible time. And these babies are tough! The seamless inner liner prevents leakage and the outer case is durable and protective as well as attractive! Great for your trailer, camp stove, or even home use for an outdoor barbeque. This easy to carry tank is a must have for anyone who regularly uses a propane tank!
cess can be. And if your tie-downs come loose, it can be disastrous! With this great piece of equipment, you’ll never have to face either of those issues again. Welcome to the ‘Biker Bar’! No, this isn’t a favorite biker watering hole. Rather, it’s an ingenious invention designed to secure your bikes with minimal effort and higher degree of security than any tie-down could ever hope to achieve. Once the base is installed in your rig, you simply connect the adjustable clamping bar to the frame of your bike, then ride the bike into the base where it latches into place. That’s it! You are ready to hit the road.
the entire unit to all freezer or refrigerator. The programmable thermostat offers a wide range, from 50°F down to -8°F. The unit
is quiet and efficient and cools down very quickly. It fit nicely in our RV’s basement storage area. The unit runs on both AC and DC, the interior is lit with LEDs and there is an external USB port for charging other devices. Best of all, we kept our daily catch fresh and ready to eat without smelling up our main fridge. If you plan on spending several days out hunting or fishing, this unit is a must!
Q
uick-Set. What a perfect name. It describes this handy screen tent exactly! The ingenious pop-out side and top supports make set up a breeze. We tested the Clam 9879 Quick-Set Escape Shelter. This model is 140 x 140 inches and gave us plenty of interior space to set up our folding picnic table. When they say it sets up in 45 seconds, they mean it! Once out of the bag, you simply let the sides flop down, pull the straps at each side to pop the supports into position and push up the top. Then a couple of rods at the corners of the opening slip into their pockets and you are done! There are no loose pieces to assemble or to cause confusion. Only the anchors and tie-downs are separate. We didn’t anchor ours as there was no wind and we simply wanted to enjoy eating outside without being bothered by flies and mosquitoes. If you are in a windy situation, there are wind flaps available that easily attach to block the wind and rain. These sim-
ply clip on at the corners off each side and you can close in your tent to the elements. This size is available in Forest Green and Brown and provides the perfect little outdoor escape for a back-yard barbecue or an outdoor meal in the campground.
Jeanine Johnson Product Review Editor
A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 21
22 Shot of Texas Magazineâ„¢
A Shot of Texas Magazine Spring Turkey Hunt. Contact rob@ashotoftexas.net for details Looking for a Trophy Hunt or to set a New World Record? Some of the largest Whitetails harvested in the World?
A short one hour drive west of San Antonio lays Record Buck Ranch. We have 20,000 acres of beautiful terrain that varies from open green pasture to a rolling brushy hill country. We hunt it all, giving you different experience with each and every hunt.
2XU H[SHULHQFHG JXLGHV VWDNH WKHLU UHSXWDWLRQV RQ ¿QGLQJ \RX ZRUOG FODVV WURphies. Big terrain offers various levels of challenge, with unsurpassed opportunities for novice hunters, experienced hunters and hunters with special needs. The Best Hunting in Texas Year after Year? • Fabulous lodging, great meals, and top quality trophies! Record Breaking Exotics? • Visit our website and read about us in upcoming issues of A Shot of Texas Magazine. Drop us a line when you read about us and we will send you a www.recordbuck.com beautiful shooters bag. Phone: 830-966-2301 • Over 60 Species of Exotics
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eatured above is our top of the line electronic tracking equipment that we provide to go along with our outstanding pigging products. All products are branded in Inline’s name and available for sale or rent.
2XU VXSHULRU WUDQVPLWWHUV DUH RIIHUHG LQ D OLQH RI GLIIHUHQW VL]HV WR cover all types of pipes, pipe bends and duration requirements. For your smallest transmitter requirements, we offer transmitters as short as 2.5� long. We also offer our largest transmitter at 22� long. Best of all, these transmitters offer thousands of hours of duration (battery life). We can FXVWRPL]H DQ\ WUDQVPLWWHU WR VXLW \RXU QHHGV 7UDQVPLWWHUV FDQ EH HTXLSSHG with features such as dual power to save battery life or dual mode to increase gain. These transmitters can also be pulsing or continuous. Even individual signature codes are offered to set transmitter IDs, if a number of transmitters DUH LQ FORVH SUR[LPLW\ ,WœV OLNH IRXU XQLWV IRU WKH SULFH RI RQH The RX-101 tracking receiver combines a very sensitive, low noise ELF +] UHFHSWLRQ RI WUDQVPLWWHU VLJQDOV LQFOXGLQJ FRGHG W\SHV $ % & ZLWK D KLJKO\ SUDLVHG JHRSKRQH DPSOL¿HU ZLWK SUREHV DQG FDEOHV LQ RQH easy-to-carry, easy-to-operate package. All this for less than the price of other receivers without the geophone capability included. 7KH *HRDPS ;7 DFWV DV D VHSDUDWH JHRSKRQH DPSOL¿HU IRU WUDFNHUV ZKR ZDQW D VWDQG DORQH DPSOL¿HU ZLWK RXWVWDQGLQJ TXDOLW\ ,W SURYLGHV great sensitivity with low noise and elimination of external interference, such as power lines and two way radio noise, etc. Accessories such as a 50’ probe extension cable, an auxiliary cable to access vehicle audio systems, a wand antenna and a pair of noise canceling headphones also come with the complete kit.
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COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL INSURANCE Led by Physicians and Special Operations Veterans In February, Redpoint evacuated two Ripcord clients on the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro at 13,000 feet - not an unusual altitude for mountain hunters to reach. The climbers were part of the Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb for Valor, an event conducted by mountaineering company Tusker Trail to raise money and awareness for the families of fallen members of US Special Operations Forces. Two of the climbers developed conditions that threatened their lives but did not require hospitalization for treatment. Dr. Avi Patil, a Redpoint wilderness medical iĂ?ÂŤiĂ€ĂŒ >˜` -ĂŒ>˜vÂœĂ€` i`ˆVˆ˜i‡>vwÂ?ˆ>ĂŒi` physician who was participating in the climb, describes what happened: “On the second night, one climber indicated that he couldn’t breathe. The situation was clearly High Altitude Pulmonary Edema  Ƃ* ÂŽ q yĂ•Âˆ` ˆ˜ ĂŒÂ…i Â?Ă•Â˜}ĂƒÂ° -œœ˜ >vĂŒiĂ€] another climber displayed serious facial
swelling and an allergic reaction that could easily lead to breathing problems. Both situations were immediate and lifethreatening. Both evacuations were necessary; there was no room for hesitation.� These evacuations are perfect examples of Ripcord’s rescue services. Both HAPE and allergic reactions are potentially life-threatening, but, in this case, neither required hospitalization. Both climbers were evacuated off the mountain and transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment, but neither required hospital admittance. Visit us on facebook to see the places we’ve gone and the things we have done for our clients: facebook.com/ripcordtravelprotection
CONTACT US TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION BEFORE YOUR NEXT TRIP.
W W W. R I P C O R D T R AV E L P R O T E C T I O N . C O M / A S O T EMAIL: RIPCORD@REDPOINTRESOLUTIONS.COM PHONE: +1 415 481 0600
24 Shot of Texas Magazine™
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281-470-8770 www.medicalplazamobile.com A Shot of Texas Magazine™ Magazine 25
26 Shot of Texas Magazineâ„¢
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A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 27
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28 Shot of Texas Magazine™
Bayco Products introduces a great new multifunction light
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WLOL]LQJ &5(( /(' technology with 50,000+ hours of LED life. The Nightstick NSP-4603B is a dual-brightness headlamp that is ideal for professionals who want to be able to see at a fairly long distance for a fairly long time. This particular model was tested on a recent predator hunt in Laredo. It almost eliminated the need for a long range spot light. This light gets the “Camo Girl Seal of awesomeness”. Thanks for reading. Kendall Rae Kahn
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W
hen you are in the Texas Hill country in the Austin or Round Rock area. There is a secret little eatery located just one block off the beautiful square in Georgetown Texas. The restaurant is built into a 125 year old Victorian style home. Covered patios and dining under the oaks is always a nice choice as well. EATS ON 8TH is located at 204 East 8th St. in Georgetown Texas and is a must visit local farm to table eatery. Located just 25 minutes north of downtown Austin and no parking issues makes your decision even easier. In the time you spend looking for parking in downtown Austin you can make the short drive up to Georgetown. Owner Pat Mullins and Chef Isaak Conner have created a delightful southern style menu with both international and standard Texas cuisine. Naturally we tried the chicken fried steak first which is made from beef tenderloin and boasts a green chili white gravy on top. Tender and excellent! Our favorite side was the charred brussels sprouts made with bacon, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and chopped pistachios. Absolutely exquisite. If you are seafood lover do not miss out on the red snapper and soft shell crab. As for appetizers we loved the ravioli. Several of our clients from Houston and Dallas tell us
30 Shot of Texas Magazine™
that it is the best red snapper dish in Texas. Be sure to tell Pat you found him in this review and the desert is on us. Good food, great times and great dining. 512-869-3200 eatson8th.com Kendall Rae Kahn Jr. Editor/Camo Girl A Shot of Texas Magazine “Where Outdoors Meets Industry”
SET YOUR SITES ON THE
HEART OF TEXAS
FOR OUR NEXT LONG RANGE SHOOTING AND RELOADING SCHOOL! What better place for a shooting school than the "Heart of Texas"? Literally, the exact geographical center of Texas is on Champion Ranch, 12.5 miles north of the hill country's charming Brady, Texas. Join us at our newest five-star property for a 2 or 3 day retreat. This school will cover the best techniques for reloading your own ammo and teach you precision shooting at both short and long ranges with extreme confidence. Then relax with evenings filled with a variety of offerings--a resort style pool complete with hot tub, putting greens, yard games, 30-ft. outdoor movie screen, pool bar, and outdoor kitchen--all located near the spacious, welcoming lodge and 6 private casitas. You may even be tempted to stalk some of our over 40 species of exotics before you depart. The friendships formed, the memories made, and the good times had at Champion Ranch will be sure to last a lifetime!
3 day 2 night Reloading and Long Range Shooting School - $3,950/person Champion Arms rifles will be available for use or bring your own long range rifle. Reloading equipment and ammo supplies provided during the school. Meals, lodging and drinks included.
Contact Mark Wray for our upcoming scheduled dates. 806.500.5878 • mark@huntchampionranch.com A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 31
Contact Mark Wray for our upcoming scheduled dates. 806.500.5878 • mark@huntchampionranch.com
Spring Cleaning from a Safety Expert Perspective
T
he days are beautiful for a complete spring cleaning on the business location with all employees participating. Although OSHA does not have a standard for Spring Cleaning, do recall that the General Duty Clause dictates the safety methods applied for said endeavor. Your employees will enjoy a PRUH UHOD[HG HPSKDVLV DQG ZLOO EH D PRUH HI¿FLHQW DQG SURGXFWLYH employee as cleanliness and safety is in their workplace.
1, Assess the building property. Wear safety eye glasses and other necessary personal protective equipment. Repair the rotten wood, roof leaks, broken windows, faded signs
and applicable OSHA labeling. 2. Ground Inspection. Repair washing away of footings, cement spalling, potholes in the parking lot or roadways and cure all
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32 Shot of Texas Magazine™
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walking and working surface hazards. 3. Equipment and machinery must be inspected, repaired or removed. 4. Seek out unwanted pests. Remove animal burrows, wasp nests, birds’ nests in electrical areas. Check for bats as they seek new homes. 5. Get up on the roofusing proper fall protection. Check roof edge railings damaged by hail, ice or snow. 6. Weather Preparation. It’s now tornado, flood and thunderstorm season- with hurricane season is in May. Repair emergency lighting and generators. 7. Check emergency supplies. Flashlights, batteries, potable water, canned food, emergency radios, Discard outdated materials. 8. Update your paperwork. Update office programs and utility providers, employee and family names and/or phone numbers. 9. Recycle paper, plastic, aluminum cans and glass. 10 Hazard materials, chemicals must be labeled
and handled with the proper protective equipment. Dispose said materials properly. 11. Catch up. This Spring cleaning work project is good for your business as the customers visualize the significant freshness of your business and inventory, as they too will see the employee more jubilant, welcoming and refreshed. Mr. Efrain Nunez Martinez has a Bachelor of Science Degree, Master Real Estate Diploma, is an OSHA General Industry, General Construction A & M Trainer Graduate and Maritime Industry University of South Florida Trainer Graduate. Mr. Martinez is the former 2010 Oil-Spill British Petroleum (BP) Chief Bi-lingual Safety Trainer in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. A 15 year FEMA House Damage Inspector and former Small Business Administration (SBA) Construction Analyst during Hurricane Katrina, Gustav. We provide Bilingual Safety Compliance anywhere. Call Dr. Duran at 956-342-6640 or martinezemarti@aol.com for free safety consultation. LIKE us on Facebook. Martinez Occupational Safety Academy is not affiliated with OSHA federal agency.
Julie Tried To kill me but W hen I decided to go to Idaho on a wilderness hunt, I had a lot of things to consider. )LUVW DQG IRUHPRVW ZDV WKH IDFW WKDW , DP \HDUV ROG DQG OLNH PRVW RI \RX , DP D ÀDW lander. To make things worse, I live at 28 feet above sea level with an abundance of oxygen. For this trip, my hunting destination altitudes ranged from 7,500 to 10,500 feet. So I said to myself, this is not going to be a problem. All I have to do is work out every day, pick the right ULÀH DQG JHDU WKHQ ¿QG D FRXSOH RI IULHQGV FUD]\ HQRXJK WR GR WKLV ZLWK PH
34 Shot of Texas Magazineâ„¢
I still got my first Muley Lucky for me, I have a lot of crazy friends. Sure enough, we now had a party of four heading to Stanley, Idaho, in search of mule deer, elk and wolf. I guess you could say I was the most experienced at hunting in high country and in primitive conditions, which can work both for you and against you, as you will soon see! My previous experience in mountainous terrain had taught me that there were many more opportunities over 500 yards than under so this trip I wanted to stack the odds in my favor as much as possible. I chose a 6.5 x 284 caliber rifle. It is light to carry and has zero recoil. I know some of you think it’s a bit on the light side for elk however the Fins have used it as a moose rifle for decades. It’s made by The Best of the West Rifle Systems out of Cody Wyoming. The rifle package included the 20x Huskemaw scope and wind meter. I took the plunge and took a 4 day long range shooting course at FTW Ranch. I just wanted my skills to match the accuracy of the rifle. FTW Ranch placed me in the capable hands of ex-Navy seal Doug Fern who is one of the instructors who had me
My hunting buddy Monty Janak with Tidal Power Company wasn’t smiling quite this big after our 4 hour long decent. “Dude, it’s just right down there. Let’s walk it!”
Rob Kahn, Co - Editor of A Shot Of Texas Magazine. hitting alternating targets from 500 to 750 yards and allowing me only 8 seconds to acquire the target and strike it. The experience was humbling because I thought I knew how to shoot until I took that course. The way I figure it, if you are going to fork out five grand or more for a no guarantee high country hunt, you may as well be able to shoot without too
Gross Score 188 Mule Deer
much regard for distance. My trip began with the flight to Boise, which is a beautiful city by the way and extraordinarily clean. From there we would drive four hours to Stanley Idaho. The next morning we were to meet our guide off the side of the highway in the middle of nowhere for our trip up to the base camp. We followed the river most of the way and the scenery was absolutely gorgeous and we arrived at 9 AM as instructed. We quickly unloaded our gear in anticipation of what was to come and here begins the story. Our young guide, Travis, was tending to the horses and blurts out “which one of you is the most experienced rider?” “I am” I replied. As I felt the words leaving my lips, I wanted to desperately grab at them in an attempt to retrieve them. Perhaps nobody heard me I thought. Let me give you all a little bit of advice, or better yet, let me translate for you. The question ‘which one of you is the most experienced rider’ means ‘which one of you wants the youngest, dumbest and least experienced animal for your ride through treacherous terrain?’ It’s too late now. “What’s her name”
Leica Range Finding Binoculars are not only crystal clear but absolutely dead accurate which is a must for long range shooting. A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 35
Travis? Julie he replied.” How old is she?” “She just turned three”. Just great I thought . This would be equivalent to handing a 16-year-old the keys to a supercharged Corvette. With everyone saddled up we began the two hour ride to base camp. The terrain was super rough with rocked outcroppings shadowing grass fields. The mules headed slow and steady with only the clip clop of the horse’s hooves as they navigated the stone trail. (You can see videos of this trip on www.ashotofTexas.net). Our guide motioned to us that base camp was just over the next rise. A few minutes later Julie and I crested the hill and were looking down onto our home for the next eight days. As we approached I realize that Julie had done an excellent job. Whoa girl I said that she gently stopped. If you have ever been on a wilderness hunt using horses you will always notice that at the very back of the saddle near the horses rump will be a small loop which is usually made of rope or leather. These loops are used to tie the horses together, making it easier for one man to lead a large group of horses. In this case the loop on my saddle was made of orange bailing twine which is commonly used to bind square bales. Twine is you know is made of tiny little strings that you can easily separate with your hands. So there I was at a dead stop and began to dismount Julie. My right foot came out of stirrup in order to go up and over for dismount. As my right leg went over her rump one of the eyelets in my hunting boots became entangled in the twine. The abrupt stop caused my boot to kick Julie square on the base of her tail. Her immediate reaction was to buck and buck hard. I felt myself being launched into the air where I would’ve landed directly in front of her. The problem was that the boot was still hung in the twine so when I reached the top of the buck I came flying back down and was left hanging by my right leg with my head just inches from the ground. But wait it’s not over yet. She now begins to run with me suspended by my right leg. I saw both a rock and a tree coming right towards my head but somehow I missed both obstacles. When she came to a halt she did so in the area where all the horses are tied and the quick stop finally snapped the eyelet off of my boot. I landed hard on my left shoulder but I 36 Shot of Texas Magazine™
didn’t feel any pain. I simply stood up dusted myself off a bit and looked down at the thick layer of horse manure that broke my fall. The only thing hurt was my pride. My Kenetrek Boots saved the trip without even having to take the first step on the top of that mountain because without that durable buckle, I would have not fared so well. The camp was made up of two large wall tents ,one for cooking, the other for sleeping. We had worked out a partial drop camp and partial guided hunt with Travis at Mile High Outfitters which meant that one day two of us would have horses and a guide and then alternate with days on foot. The outfitter did an outstanding job of stocking the camp with groceries and all the comforts of a high country hunting camp.
Day 1:
My hunting partner for this trip was Monty Janak with Tidal Power Company located just outside Houston. Monty and I headed out on foot to find a place to glass for animals. We all had Elk, Muley and Wolf tags and were ready and eager to fill them. I had been preparing for my trip by walking up steep embankments in my home town of Georgetown Texas for a full four months prior to the trip however it is difficult to prepare for the thin air at 8000 plus feet. One nice thing about the thin air is that it forces you to move at a hunters pace which in my case was 20-40 steps followed by a pause to catch my breath. I was packing my 6.5 x 284 Best of The West Rifle, My Leica Range Finding Binoculars and the new compact spotting scope from
Leupold. The compact scope was mounted on a single monopod and made an excellent walking stick handle as well as a long range spotting scope. I wonder if the folks at Leupold know about the walking stick feature of this lightweight and powerful spotting scope? In about an hour we reached a beautiful clearing with visibility to the opposite slope. The wind was still and the weather warmer than we would have liked it however we setup for a good look see. One of my favorite parts of wilderness hunting is spotting for game. It wasn’t long before my compact Leupold picked out a nice buck. The Leica range finding binoculars gave us a reading of 675 yards. The nice thing about having a long range rifle like BOTW and the ability to use it, is that it saves an extraordinary amount of stalking time. If I had to close that gap to say 300 yards we would have had to ascend more than a quarter mile then ascend the same distance. In that time frame the buck could have easily moved on. Nope not me, I had been practicing at 700 to 800 yards on a 12 inch plate for almost a year The new Leupold Compact Spotting Scopes are a must when you are on foot. They are durable enough to and well over 50 boxes of ammunition be used as handles for your walking stick courtesy of The Best of The West Folks. I had also recently completed a long range questioning my sanity. It’s too late for ex- rifle scope to the correct distance when shooting school at FTW Ranch. Hell, I planations now. BASS (Breath Aim Steady shooting at a target. In my excitement the didn’t even know that I didn’t know how and Squeeze) I thought as I touched off the one thing I forgot to do was set the dial on to shoot until I took Tim Fallons Course. shot. BANG went the shot, then nothing. the scope to 675. Luckily I was set at 1000 One thing is for sure, I was ready. A near- He was still there! Not even a glance to- yards which of course explains why the by log pile made for a great rest. “Range?” wards the sound. BANG went the second animal was not startled as the bullet sailed “Still at 675 Monty replied, not much of round and still nothing. What? Chamber way over his head. My Huskemaw 5 x 20 an angle”. The Leica Range Finding Bin- round number three and try again? Check was now set at the correct distance for the oculars confirmed the distance. I did a the range again and still 675. A light went third and final shot. On impact the buck field trial on this optic prior to my trip. off in my A.D.D. brain at that very mo- arched upward then came down hard. Up We set markers out to 1000 yards and ment. It is always a good idea to set your he gets and then over the crest where we then purposely place another maker 6 lost sight of him. It felt awful to see him feet beyond the marker. On every reading getup but we both agreed it was a solid hit the Leicas would pick up the additional and a sure kill. We were out of daylight and two yards. In addition it provides the dewe still had over an hour of walking in the gree of angle which is also critical when dark to base camp. That night I prayed that shooting long range. Outstanding binthe wolves didn’t find him before we did. oculars, and deadly accurate range findWe will look in the morning. ers. The buck was a more than adequate I love horses and mules when I’m hunt5 x 5. He was feeding from right to left at ing high country. The two hour walk the the very crest of the next slope with nothday prior was a simple 20 minutes from ing around him but thin dry air. It always camp on horseback. When we arrived at amazes me how a Mule Deer Buck will the exact spot of the shot we found good even feed in a defensive position. He was tracks where he bolted along with marks clear for 300 yards on both sides with the where he hit the ground. Two hundred top of the crest as his getaway point. Yup, yards straight down hill at a 57 degree he felt safe all right. “Are you serious? pitch we found him. What a trip! I look You’re REALLY going to shoot?” I didn’t forward to my next Idaho hunt when I will have time to tell Monty about my new let the guides know that I don’t even know rifle and the course so naturally he was how to spell horse. Julie! A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 37
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