2- TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
k Thursday, October 18, 2018 k 6:30 pm
Pharr Event Center
Live Cuban Music & Dancing Dinner & Cocktails Silent & Live Auction
To purchase tickets, sponsor a table, or donate an auction item visit www.ckrgv.org or call (956) 277-1776
Funds from our annual fundraiser support our programs for children & young adults with disabilities
3 - TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
4- TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
BE A PART OF THE TEXAS RANGER FAMILY
TH ANNUY A“DL ”
4 COMPAN
COMPANY “D” SPORTING CLAY TOURNAMENT 4 PERSON TEAMS OCT 20TH, 2018
15-STATIONS
100-BIRDS
MI RANCHITO SPORTING CLAYS
EDINBURG, TX
A FUNDRAISING EVENT BENEFITING THE TEXAS RANGER ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION AND THE TEXAS RANGERS For additional information, please call our Event Coordinator, Lacy Finley at 512-796-7942 or email lacy@techcumulus.com Tournament Buckles Awarded for Team Champion and High Overall Scores Buy Raffle Tickets for a 2018 Polaris Ranger Crew 570 ATV 6 Seater w/Roof Raffle tickets are $100 each. Only 300 tickets to be sold. WINNER NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN* Raffle/Auction Pistols, Shotguns Collectibles, and Much More!
For More Information and to Register Online, Please Visit:
W W W.T E X A S R A N G E R C L A S S I C .C O M /C O D *Drawing to be held Oct. 20, 2018 at Mi Ranchito Sporting Clays, Linn, Texas.
CHIEF SPONSORS
VIP RECEPTION
BREAKFAST & LUNCH SPONSOR
BEVERAGES SPONSOR
RETIRED SHERIFF
B I L LY B . H O P P E R LOVING COUNTY, TEXAS
5 - TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
6- TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
7 - TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
Boat Safety and Etiquette We have all been there, we just bought a boat and head on out to go fishing. Here are a few tips to keep in mind. First thing to do is make sure you have your boat plugs in even seasoned fisherman get in a hurry some time or their a little excited. Another, is to make sure you top off your fuel tank and make sure you have enough oil and always carry extra oil just in case you come across someone that might need some. I also carry a few tools and battery cables. If you have time while you are waiting your turn go ahead and transfer your rod and reels snacks drinks everything that you are going to put on the boat.
By Fred Rodriguez
to your boat, that should have already been done. Another big plus if you have the help is get your buddy to go park your truck and you can move your boat out of the way for the next guy. After you have taken off and you get to your first fishing spot always look out for the boats and don’t cut someones drift off, go around and don’t get so close to another boat. Finally, make sure you have all your life jackets and all other necessary equipment that you need to have on your boat. Safe boating and fishing Gotta Have It! Fred Rodriguez
People don’t like it when you pull up to the boat ramp and its your turn to launch and you are transferring your stuff Volume 5, Issue 6. August 2018. Texas Sportsman Tracking Outdoors is a production Sportsman Media LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of the publisher. Views and opinions expressed in this publication are strictly those of the writers, photographers and contributors, and are not necessarily those of Texas Sportsman Tracking Outdoors or its publisher. Every effort has been taken to ensure the correctness and accuracy
8- TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
ON THE COVER Vicki Lynn Chrysler Your Multi Million Dollar Listing Agent America’s Real Estate Group
STAFF Fred Rodriguez The Texas Sportsman fredrsportsman@yahoo. com (956)776-4623 Jose J. Martinez Sales jmtzx54@gmail.com (956)638-0036 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Fred Rodriguez Brian S pencer Capt. James Stewart Steve Hathcock Manuel Perez Nick Lapre Martha Reyna Brent Johnson Albino Mendoza
WATCH THE TEXAS SPORTSMAN FOX - Saturdays at 11:30 am CW - Sunday Mornings at 5:00am in the material published in this magazine. Texas Sportsman Tracking Outdoors reserves the right to edit, rewrite and refuse editorial materials and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors, omissions or consequence arising from it. Texas Sportsman Tracking Outdoors shall be held harmless and indemnified against any third - party claims. Advertisements appearing in Texas Sportsman Tracking Outdoors present only the viewpoint of the advertisers
Texas Sportsman Tracking Outdoors is printed in the U.S.A. All correspondence to the publication become the property of Texas Sportsman Tracking Outdoors. To advertise in Texas Sportsman Tracking Outdoors call (956)776-4623 or email fredrsportsman@yahoo.com
9 - TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
There’s a reason why Redfish hate LASIK anglers!
The Official Eyewear Provider of “The Texas Sportsman”
• 50% Off Our 10-Second Wavelight LASIK • 25% Off All Designer Eyewear & Sunglasses (Mention ‘Redfish’ when you come in)
956-777-7200 • ThurmondEyeAssociates.com
McAllen • Mission • Rio Grande City • Harlingen • Weslaco • Edinburg 10- TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
DEER BLINDS
SUMMER VINYL FENCE BLOWOUT!
Two Rail PURINA $3.99 / linear foot
PROTEIN
(all materials)
Three Rail
$4.99 / linear foot (all materials) Installation available (not included)
DEER PROTEIN
DEER BLINDS
215 East Monte Cristo Road, Edinburg CHECK OUR LOW DEER CORN PRICES (956) 383-4949 WHERE 8 a.m. to M-F, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays, 215 East Monte Cristo Road, 1 p.m.. Closed Major Holidays.Edinburg (956) 383-4949 www.facebook.com/MartinFarmRanch HOURS ON THE WEB Martinfarmandranch.com M-F, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Closed Major Holidays.
WE HAVESNAKE THE BEST PRICES BOOTS ON DEER CORN!
Martinfarmandranch.com
11 - TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
Flounder Tips and Tactics By Brian Joseph Spencer
I hope that everyone has been having a wonderful summer although it is slowly coming to an end and the kids will be heading back to school while preparing for that routine. The amount of weekend boaters will start to slow down a bit and as it cools off, eventually whither to only locals fishing again. In these last three months not a whole lot has changed, the water has been super low tide no matter how full the moon was. A lot of times the full moon has caused the tides to swell giving us our bull tides, not this summer though. We even experienced some rain in the past week and it is barely making a dent we need the water so bad. I wont say that the gigging has been bad, the flounder are there we have just been putting in longer nights to be able to get our 30 flounder limit. The hurricane really made a big difference on the amount of fish and the size of them. Flounder averages have been pretty good sized still with an average of 18 inches and about 2 pounds each. The fish are still hanging on dramatic drop offs on the edges of the bay and leading in to the marshes. Most important out of everything I say would be to find moving water and bait, those two clues will take you most of the way to finding them. Water clarity has been gin clear, almost too perfect. If you can find and outgoing tide and work it until the water drops out you should be able to find some flounder. A few of my buddies and I went out worked a bunch of different drains that were coming out of the big bay and they have been producing some pigs. On that same day we caught a twenty-six and twentyseven incher back to back and weighing eight pounds plus. We had to go through about twenty fish to find the ones that we wanted but ended up leaving with eight good ones. Along with multiple speckled trout over 20 inches plus a few keeper redfish and accomplishing our Texas Slam. The white gulp shrimp in three inch have been working the best with a Texas Rattler jig head on a dual rig ( tandem rig ). For some reason the fish seem to flock to those jigs paired with chickenboy and gulps both. Put a 1/8th ounce jig on top and 1/4 on the bottom and slowly drag the bottom while you wait for the thump. Lately we have not needed to count down at all and they have been getting hooked immediately. Use a med light action rod and go find some moving water and see what you can catch, if 12- TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
you still have questions feel free to message me or shoot an email and I will do my best to help you out. Until next time, tight lines and sharp gigs.
Brian Joseph Spencer Flounder Professor Outdoors @ You Tube Flounder Professor Outdoors @ Facebook Flounder Professor @ IG & Twitter Sponsors: Frio Coolers, Legend Popping Corks, Nacho Daddys Spoons, ForEverlast, Chupacabra Rub, Chickenboy Lures, Texas Rattler Jigs, Redtail Republic, Stinkypants, Pure Fishing, Outcast Rods, Fin Addict Angler, Salt Thugz Apparelo, Kelley Wigglers, DeFishing Soap,Unfair Lures, Poer Pole
13 - TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
14- TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
15 - TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
16- TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
17 - TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
Southern Exposure By Nick Lapre
The Louisiana outdoors has run through my blood since I was a child. I caught my redfish at a very young age and things have never really changed. My love of the water, the land, conservation and the good people around Southeast Louisiana is some hospitality like you will find nowhere else. One thing Louisiana is known for its cuisine and the best cuisine can be found around the Mississippi River. From the boat to the stove here in Louisiana, we will have gumbo, crawfish fettuccine, redfish on the half shell or some good ol jambalaya! Louisiana is known for that rich spicy cuisine and nothing is better than a fresh catch from that morning to the skillet in the evening! A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of taking some clients fishing who have never experienced both. With the fishing and the food, these guys had a blast. Even though it was hot and the water was low, the Captains put their game faces on and we did what we do! We headed out to find and catch fish! The winds have been predominately from the West pushing the water away from the east side of the Mississippi River. This has also caused the water to be dirty as well. When this happens you basically cut your area in half and you are only able to fish a portion of what you can normally fish. We began a morning hitting the islands on the east side of the Mississippi River known as Black Bay picking up some trout early with live shrimp along with some sheep head. Some of the reefs in around eight foot of water have been holding a few trout when you can get to them. We began hitting points and shorelines looking for a place to get out the wind and for redfish which has been a lot easier to find as of late. Covering a lot of water we were able to see some sharks busting up on a school of mullets which was exciting. We ended up in some smaller bays chasing fishing a ashore line catching redfish one after another. After catching their limit, we were starting to chase some bulls in the mix to finish the box for the day! It’s all about friends and family and it’s also about the experience at our lodge. With an unbelievable meal and stay, from the five course meal to the cold air conditioned rooms of the great stay cabins, to fishing in of the most fantastic fishing estuary in the world! We would like you to come to Southern Exposure in Buras, La. and let us help you “Experience the Delta”!
18- TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
19 - TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
20- TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
21 - TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
Having over 30 years of experience in the Rio Grande Valley Real Estate market, Vicki Lynn Chrysler believes that there is a human side to Real Estate. She takes a different approach to Real Estate, one that is built on personal touches, win-win deals and positive results. She works in over 8 South Texas markets from South Padre Island to Laredo, Texas not forgetting Dallas, San Antonio, Houston and Fort Davis TX. She works with some of the most discreet clients in Mexico and the US. Vicki always has a confidentiality form on hand. She utilizes the latest technology, market research and business strategies to exceed her clients expectations. More importantly, she listens to her clients and customers needs, being a certified mediator she has those special 24- TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
skills to get the deals done fast and find solutions that tailor to them. If her client is selling Residential, Commercial, Land or Investment Properties, my comprehensive marketing and professional experience provides nonstop exposure through various types of advertising she uses throughout the Rio Grande Valley. If her customers are Buying Residential, Commercial, Land or Investment properties, she helps them find the right property in the right location at the lowest price possible with the best financing available. Vicki is teamed up with the best Mortgage Companies & Commercial Lending Banks to offer clients and customers the most competitive rates and programs available. She can usually get you pre approved the same day. Vicki works side by side with experienced professionals to manage the entire process.
Vicki is not only a Real Estate agent she is also the up and coming Texas Sportswoman. Teaming up with Fred Rodriguez The Texas Sportsman she has a new show coming to the Rio Grande Valley. It will be action packed with fishing, hunting and all kinds of amazing trips and adventure. She will also be showcasing some of the most luxurious homes in the Rio Grande Valley. She was born and raised to be a true outdoor Sportswoman. Her father would take her on hunting and fishing trips where she learned all about the great outdoors. Her passion for deep sea fishing comes from her fiance Ruben Hinojosa Jr. who introduced her to the sport. Vicki made her first appearance on The Texas Sportsman tv show hunting with Fred Rodriguez at L&L Adventures where she shot her very first Corsican Ram.
Stay tuned on The Texas Sportsman to catch up on the details of the upcoming show The Texas Sportswoman hosted by Vicki Lynn Chrysler. If you are ever looking to buy or sale any property in the state of Texas give Vicki Lynn Chrysler your Multi-Million dollar listing agent a call.
Vicki Lynn Chrysler Phone: (956) 821-1939 Email: Vicki@SelectPropertiesRGV.com Website: SelectPropertiesRGV.com
25 25--TEXAS TEXASSPORTSMAN SPORTSMAN--AUGUST AUGUST2018 2018
26- TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
27 - TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
My Summer In Israel By Martha Reyna
Dynamic, diverse, and amazing was my experience in Israel this summer. Here in the Rio Grande Valley, I enjoy volunteering and helping others in any way possible. As an educator and having a fixed calendar of time off , I wanted to feed my passion through volunteering in a different way. In addition to contributing, I also seeked an exchange to learn and explore. After doing research and getting first had testimonial from my older sister, I decided volunteer for Sar-El in Israel. SarEl is a non-profit organization in which civilian volunteers from all over the world are welcome to experience working for Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in non-combat tasks, releasing real soldiers to handle more important tasks. I arrived in Tel-Aviv July 4th, 2018 where I was instructed to meet the rest of the volunteers and taken to our designated base for the next three weeks. My job was at a medical base, in which I sorted medical supplies to make first aid kits. As I worked I thought how the next person who opened these items would be a doctor or a soldier, and I had taken a part in this. While at the base I met people from different countries, ethnicities, and careers, but yet we shared a common goal, our desire to help. This sense of unity and purpose felt with total strangers was indeed a seldom experience. In a blink of an eye, it was time to say goodbye to good fellowship. The next three weeks I spent exploring. Through previous research or simply asking Siri, the state of Israel can be traveled from one end to the other in about seven hours. After all, it is smaller than the state of New Jersey. Personally, however, ones experience can never be complete. In this 28- TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
geographically diverse country, everything changes so quickly. I was at the beach in Tel-Aviv one weekend and as a I traveled to Tzfat, I left behind the hot humid weather, passed green beautiful mountains, arriving to my destination needing my jacket Afterwards, chose a differente spot on the map and decided to go to Mesada and the Dead Sea. As we headed southeast, greens turned into the Negev Desert to the right and to the left the beautiful Sea which at the other bank, green mountains arose. From the highest point in the country in Tzfat, I had travelled to the lowest point on Earth, the Dead Sea. In addition, that morning I had hiked what is known as Masada,before sunrise, which was very exhausting, but well worth. Seeing the beautiful sunrise and how it intersected the countries of Israel and Jordan left me speechless. Words could not describe the unreal beauty I had in front of me. Israel consists of a vast diversity of people, home of three monosthetic faiths, Hebrew being the official language of the country. Knowing minimal Hebrew, I was excited to get by with English, which is the most commonly foreign language. As I visited numerous museums around the country and biblical sights that I had read about as a child or seen in videos, it really felt like a blast from the past using a chrovisor. This experience, was truly like no other! Middle Eastern food is tasty! My mornings started with a cup of Turkish coffee and Shakshuka. My favorite beverage was a freshly squeezed orange and pomgranate juice. Lunch and dinner were a choice of Falafel, Shawarma, or Sushi. In
addition, there was franchise restaurants like Pizza Hut, McDonalds, which were other options. In essence, my goal to feed my passion to serve the country and learn was fulfilled. While it was not accepted by all, because Israel is portrayed by dangerous and scary due to media and headlines, I can honestly say I never felt so safe. Will I go back? Definitely. I did not finish exploring this beautiful country. “In order to write about life, first you must live it.” –Ernest Hemingway
Making Lives Better Through Print
Use Promo Code: CHOP10 to Save 10% Off Online Orders
Hassle Free Printing
Books | Magazines | Catalogs | Newsletters | Flyers | Postcards and More
29 - TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
I Feel So All Alone By Brent Johnson
Have you ever experienced being on your own in the wild far away from pavement with no one but yourself to talk to? I must say if you have not I highly recommend it. There is something about this experience that tests a person’s mettle. On a few occasions I have found myself in a lonely situation. My buddy and I had planned to hunt some public land somewhere along the Texas Coast. For years we had talked about doing this trip and when the day finally came, he had to pull out for some reason, but I was not going to be deterred as too much talk and preparation had gone into this. On my way to pick up the X3 Shallowsport I decided to take a short cut down a muddy road hoping to get on the water sooner. As I got closer to the end, the road became more soupy than the 2 or 3 miles I had already conquered. A feeling of nervousness came through the steering wheel as I drove the last 50 yards from getting back on the pavement. All of a sudden, BAM, I am bottomed out and not going anywhere!
After a few phone calls I am finally able to get through to one of my buddies who lives in the area, however he is at deer camp so he calls his friend. A couple hours later the guy shows up in a small 2 wheel Dodge pickup. He gets on the gas and skirts the side of the ruts making it behind my truck. He then takes a forty foot rope that stretches like a bungee cord and ties it to my tow hitch. I give him the signal after putting the gear in neutral and he takes off wheels spinning, mud flying until that bungee snaps me up and out of the rut. For the next 2 minutes I am doing my best to control steering in reverse at 50 miles an hour. Let me just say it was some serious pucker factor, but at the same time fun. I hopped out and said “Mucho gusto carbon”, and handed him one of my high dollar fishing rods as payment. He said 30- TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
thanks and tosses it in the back of the bed with all the other potential rod breaking stuff he had in there. He said “hey you wouldn’t happen to have a twenty on you would you?” and I said sure but I’d have to hit an atm. Back on the road I finally make it to where the boat is only to find it locked up with no one in town to bring me a key. About an hour away is my boat which is a lot smaller than the X3. It is an 18’ Shallowsport and my only hope for finishing what I started. After picking up the boat I decide to stay at a relatives fish camp for the night and head out first light. When morning comes a fog thicker than 50 weight gravy rolls in. I transfer all my gear to the boat and it takes up both sides and stern. After a few curious looks at the boat ramp I am motoring through the harbor and into the fog. At first I get up on plane and cruise about half speed, but after seeing a boat with waders in the water not far from port, I decide to kill the engine and do some fishing myself until it burns off. I toss a top water out into the mist and listen to the interesting sounds of mother nature. I hear another interesting sound of a boat heading in my direction at a pretty good pace. The navigation lights are on, but I grab a Q beam and start flashing a signal in the direction of the sound. I never did see the boat, though I imagine he was just far enough to be concealed by the fog. Soon it is noon, the fog is still around but at a thinner viscosity allowing me to see at least 50 yards further. I decide to push on until I make my destination which is the old fishing shack. Originally I was going to sleep in the comfort of this old abode, but since my buddy couldn’t make it with the keys it looks like I will be pitching a tent on the sand. After everything is unloaded I return to fishing and add 2 more decent trout to my one from earlier. As the sun sets and darkness falls I clean my catch and throw the diced fillets in a zip lock with pico, lemon & lime juice. I push out the air in the bag and roll it in the shape of a burrito and put it in the ice chest. A coleman lantern is the only light for 50 miles or more and it is odd I think to myself that I am out here roughing it with the hopes of a great hunt. The fog has returned and it is very wet outside. I decide it is time for bed so I hop off the porch and climb into my one man tent I have pitched on the sand flat. Laying in the tent I hear the sound of light rain and also the annoying clawing sounds of crabs under my tent. Before long I go crazy and realize I will not be able to sleep in this situation so I grab the sleeping bag and pillow and head back for the porch. I opt for the leeward side of the shack as it is nice and dry. I fall asleep hard for about 2 hours until I awake to the sound of mosquitoes at an all you can eat buffet. I hop up and move everything to the windward side. I notice a strange light approaching in the fog. It is a barge coming down the inter coastal waterway and it looks like a space
ship with all its lights. I stay up long enough to watch it until it finally passes and then I jump back into my sleeping bag. Though humid the air is nice and cool and I quickly fall back asleep. Morning comes and I wake to a warm wet sleeping bag. I get up, get dressed and hop in the boat to head to the spot I have fantasized about for so long. Problem is I have a marked spot where I plan to come ashore, but I cannot find it in the thick fog. I pull up to a spot that looks like the spot, but it turns out I am what feels like 2 miles from the seat I had set up in the bush. I try to adapt and overcome, but it just seems after all the obstacles I am finally ready to throw in the towel as frustration has finally won. Back at the shack I reach into my cooler for a coke and then remember the ceviche I had made. It is now I realize things aren’t so bad after all. This bag of fish is my trophy hunt and everything I have been through is represented right here in this bag. A feeling of pride fills my soul, for I know I am the man as few would have made it this far. My journey is over, I found what I came to find. I break camp and head home. See you on the water my friends.
31 - TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
32- TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
33 - TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
The Straight Arrow By Steve Hathcock
Stone scrapers are found in a wide range of sizes, shapes and forms. Depending upon its function, the scraping edge can be on either end or, in the center. I received the following email and photo from Judie Somereset. “I was walking the beach at South Padre Island with a friend of mine. We were throwing flat stones and clam shells against the tops of the waves to see who could “skip” their stone the most times before it sank. It was only when I had this stone in my hand did I realize it was different. Can you tell me anything about it? Is it valuable?
What a great find Judie, the stone in the photo is a very nice example of a spoke- shave. For thousands of years, arrows were made from cane and wood. The arrowhead was fastened on with sinew; the other end had feathers, and was notched for a bowstring. Arrows were often decorated. Each hunter may have had his own design. In order to make the arrow fly true, it was necessary to have as straight a shaft as possible. Several tools were use to accomplish this end. First, a shaft-straightener was used. This was a stone with a hole or groove in it. Green wood was placed in the groove and bent to shape as the stone was heated. After the shaft cooled and 34- TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
seasoned for a few days, it was time to use the spoke shave. With a pronounced concave working edge, the spoke shave was used for scraping and shaping arrows, darts, spear shafts and bows. It could also be used to scrape the meat from bones or to shave thin strips of bone for making fish hooks and needles. With its sharp edge a skilled craftsman could fashion buttons or talismans and a multitude of tools from deer antlers. Its intrinsic value would be around $150-$250 but its historical value is much higher. (I am vice chairman of the South Padre Island Historical Foundation and would love to see that item on display in our future museum. Please let us know if it becomes available.) Today, we have modern tools to ensure perfect symmetry in our arrow shafts. Modern arrow-straighteners do an excellent job of getting aluminum shafts straightwithin .005 inch over the span. At worst, this may translate into a few thousandths of an inch of bend over the entire shaft length, certainly within the tolerable range. By slowly turning the shaft, the dial indicator on the straightener will show the severity and location of bends. A built-in lever allows for over-flexing the shaft in the opposite direction to straighten it. Extremely crooked shafts can't be straightened effectively in this manner and are better off in the garbage. Most archery catalogs offer straighteners. Your local pro shop is sure to offer a straightening service. Email your questions to steve@southpadretv. tv or visit his website http://southpadretv.tv Cutline Spoke-Shave found on South Padre Island by Judie Somerset
35 - TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
Have a Game Plan By: Manuel Noel Perez Jr.
This month’s article will address the highly ignored, but often talked about, danger in the field known as venomous snakes. I would like to discuss options, as well as my experiences, dealing with this misfortune while in the field. For the purpose of this article, I would like to talk about avoidance training, preventable medicine, and emergency care and preparedness. Let’s discuss avoidance training. My experience with avoidance training involved using three carefully selected rattlesnakes. We chose a very aggressive and reactive snake, a very calm and lazy snake, and an active mobile snake. All snakes were drained of venom and defanged. We then collared the dogs up with an electronic correction collar. In the first pen, we allowed the dogs to visually notice the snake and use their sight and hearing of the snake. The dogs would follow their interest, such as following the snake’s scent, movement, or sound and were corrected when approaching the snake. In the next pen, we taped the snake’s tail in order to silence it so that the dogs could only see and smell it but not hear it. If the dogs engaged the snake, they were again corrected. Lastly, in pen three, was the active snake that would leave a scent path and then coil up and hide. If the dogs showed any interest in the odor of the snake’s trail and followed it up instead of avoiding it, the dogs were also corrected. These exercises were continued until the dogs showed that they could avoid the snake by sight, smell, and sound. This avoidance training has proven successful, but I strongly urge maintenance training to keep the dogs avoidance skills sharp. As for preventative medicine, the only treatment that I am aware of is the administration of the Red Rock Biologics Rattlesnake vaccine (Crotalns Atrox Toxoid) for dogs. This vaccine is carried by most veterinarians and is administered as a series of two initial vaccinations, 30 days apart. It is then recommended that a booster be administered every six to twelve months, depending on possible exposure to rattlesnake bites. Be advised that although this seems like a cure to rattlesnake envenomation, it is rather recommended that all rattlesnake bites be seen and treated by a licensed veterinarian. My experience has been a diminished effect of envenomation and a quick recovery with minimum pain and necrosis. 36- TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
I recommend you educate yourself about this product and consult a licensed veterinarian as to the pros and cons to using this vaccine. Finally, be prepared for the emergency situation should it arise. Have a plan including a contact number to your preferred veterinarian, and have a backup plan. I have consulted with several friends of mine who are local veterinarians and are readily prepared and experienced in treating a rattlesnake bite or other venomous snake bites. I would suggest calling, before hunting season, to ensure that your preferred veterinarian is prepared with anti-venom or other combinations of medical therapy to treat an envenomation. Time is crucial when treating a dog after a snake bite. I have consulted with Dr. McManus of the Valley Animal Hospital, Dr. Cerelli of Four Paws Animal Clinic, and Dr. Heflin of Mission Veterinary Hospital and each have their own proven method of treatment and are ready to serve you should the need arise. Preferred methods of treatment include CroFab F(ab) by Protherics Inc., Nashville, Tennessee and Anarip (Antivenin Crotalinae equine immune F(ab)2 by Instituto Bioclon, Mexico City, Mexico among other forms of intravenous fluids, pain medications, antibiotic treatments, and steroidal cocktails. All of these treatments have proven highly successful although, unfortunately, never 100% effective. My hope is that this article sheds a little light in the field of venomous snake bites. I am also hopeful that each of you uses this article as a stark reminder of the high probability of a rattlesnake bite in Deep South Texas. Be ready, be vigilant, make a plan, and be there for your hunting partner should this unfortunate situation arise.
Manuel Noel Perez Jr. “Manny” has been an outdoor enthusiast for most of his life. He began training his own hunting dogs at the early age of nine. He has been guiding deer and quail hunts for over twenty years and has a wealth of dog knowledge in the field. When not on a hunt of his own, Manny would rather be found working behind a blood trailing dog, a water dog, or a well-trained pointer. -CEO of Coastal Concepts,
LLC Follow me on Facebook at Coastal Concepts, LLC and on Instagram @coastalconceptsllc
Photo credit: John Martin “Tito” Killian
37 - TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
38- TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
YOU DON’T HAVE TO DRIVE FAR TO SAVE MONEY IN PHARR!
PER GST REGION BASED ON 2017 YTD.
Son Buena Gente!
1625 W. Expressway 83, Pharr, TX 78577
855-418-0800
ToyotaofPharr.com 39 - TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
40- TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
41 - TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
BANANAS ON A BOAT By: Captain James Stewart
Bananas are deemed unlucky by recreational fishermen and those catering to that trade. Usually this rumor takes the form of the fish not biting on the day when bananas were discovered on board, but mechanical breakdowns and other mishaps are also pointed to. Two of the most enduring crab boat superstitions have to do with, of all things, bananas. In all cases, these items are strictly forbidden on board. Many charter fishing boat crews have steadfast restrictions about bringing bananas on the boat. In fact, they’ll return to the dock to purge the offending fruit. Some forbid Banana Boat brand sunscreen or Banana Republic brand clothes on board. Some have even been known to object to Fruit of the Loom underwear. To me, that is taking it too far. When the fishing starts out bad and stays that way, charter boat captains are likely to interrogate their clients of the day as to whether any of them might have brought a banana aboard. When the offending item is found; be it the fruit itself, a banana muffin, or a tube of Banana Boat sun screen, it is quickly flung overboard. Almost immediately, say those who have performed such exorcisms, the boat's luck turns around — the fish begin biting and a good day at sea is enjoyed by all. No clear reason exists as to how this superstition came to be. Common explanations include: - When top-heavy ships of earlier eras would sink, precious little other than the bananas they’d carried would be found floating on the surface, thereby leaving some to conclude conveyance of the fruit itself had led to these naval mishaps. - Spiders, snakes, and other poisonous vermin living among bananas carried in the hold would, on long haul trips, expand their 42- TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
horizons by infesting other parts of the ship. - Because the speediest sailing ships were used to get bananas to their destinations before they could spoil, those attempting to fish from them never caught anything while trolling. - Fisherman became ill after eating the fruit. There are many more reasons, but if you get on a charter any time, don’t bring bananas of any kind on the boat. Every captain I know is serious about this superstition. As always, be safe and see you on the water
43 - TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
PRESENTS
Get your tickets online at bebosangels.org  Purchase tickets with Daniel: 956-534-5092 or Raffle will be held on Oct. 13, 2018 Luis: 956-227-1976 Additional details of location will be sent via text/e-mail
Prizes Total of 11 Prizes, there will be 3 Management buck winners, 5 special prize winners and 3 hog hunt winners. (The hunt sessions & fishing trip will be guided)
44- TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
45 - TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
46- TEXAS SPORTSMAN - AUGUST 2018
It’s your dream. Let’s make it a reality. At Capital Farm Credit, we understand that a piece of land is more than a place to go hunting; it’s an escape where you create memories with family and friends. That’s why we’re with you every step of the way throughout the entire lending process. We’re a cooperative, and that means your goals are our goals. And our patronage dividend program means we share our profits and put money back in your pocket. Because we’re all in this together. And together we’re better.
Together we’re better. Partnership that really pays.
EDINBURG 956.383.1488 HARLINGEN 956.440.1676 capitalfarmcredit.com | NMLS493828