The Fayette County Record Hunting, Fishing, & Outdoor Adventures 2020

The Fayette County Record

HUNTING FISHING

& OUTDOOR ADVENTURES publication of

LAKE FAYETTE

Oak Thicket & Park Prairie Campgrounds welcome you to enjoy the great outdoors

Maeker’s Sausage Shiner-based business has been making sausage since 1967 PAGE 10

A Beginners Guide to Kayaking A water sport that can be beneficial to the mind and body PAGE 22

Local Adventures Hunters, Fishermen, & Outdoor Enthusiasts Share their Fun Memories PAGES 8, 18, & 28

©2019 The Fayette County Record

Hunting for a New Dentist?

Come see us at Brawley Dental Clinic! brawleydental.com DR. KARI BRAWLEY

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2020 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

110 N Washington St. La Grange, TX 78945

979-968-5813

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

4

p.

FEATURES

Recreation Resource Management..........4 Local Adventure Pictorials.......8, 18, & 28 Maeker’s Sausage........................................10 Hog Hunting with Doug.............................12 Flying without Wings...................................14 Preparing Youngsters for Hunting & Fishing................................20 Beginner’s Guide to Kayaking.................22 How to field dress wild game properly and safely.....................................24 Tips for Family Camping Trips.................26

10

p.

14

p.

ADVERTISING

Ad Index.........................................................30

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STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS PUBLISHER Regina B. Keilers

EDITOR Jeff Wick

DIGITAL EDITOR Andy Behlen

STAFF WRITER/ OFFICE H.H. Howze LouAnn Adcox Kara Koether Jessica Montez

p.

ACCOUNTING Theresia Karstedt Nonnie Barton

PRODUCTION John Castaneda Lindsey Fojtik

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CIRCULATION JoAnn Mueller George Kana Bobby Bedient Jesse Montez Leigh Ann Bedient Nicol Krenek

ADVERTISING Becky Weise Jackie Daniels

p.

NG HUNTIIN G FISH TTE Co The Fayette

OOR & OUTD publication of

d unty Recor

TURES

ADVEN

LAKE FAYE

Park Prairie Oak Thicket &welcome you ds Campgroun at outdoors gre the to enjoy

127 S. Washington St. | P.O. Box 400 La Grange, Texas 78945 Ph: 979.969.3155 | Fx: 979.968.6767 Email: editor@fayettecountyrecord.com www.FayetteCountyRecord.com The Fayette County Record is published every Tuesday and Friday, except the publication immediately following Christmas by Fayette County Record, Inc. serving Fayette County since 1922. The Fayette County Record is locally owned and operated by the Barton family since 1976. (USPS 188-440)

On the Cover

Ronilson Marcos Dasilva with daughter Leila Dasilva fishing at Lake Fayette Photo by Lindsey Fojtik

sage Maeker’s Sau been business has Shiner-based ge since 1967 making sausa PAGE 10

aking de to Kay ers Gui icial A Beginn that can be benef A water sport and body to the mind PAGE 22

ures Advent LocalFishe or rmen, & Outdo Hunters, Fun Share their Enthusiasts Memories & 28 PAGES 8, 18,

2020 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

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Oak Thicket & Park Prairie Campgrounds get a massive makeover

by Recreation Resource Management

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2020 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

Recreation Resource Management, Inc. (RRM) is a private company who partners with various public agencies at the federal, state, and local levels to operate campgrounds and recreation areas under longterm concession agreements. We have been in business over 30 years and currently operate over 150 sites in 9 different states.

RRM took over the operations at Oak Thicket Park and Park Prairie Park this past summer (2020), and we have already begun major renovations of the boat docks, fishing piers, pavilions, campsites, bathhouses, and existing rental cabins. New RV loops are currently being added, along with full campsite renovations to include comprehensive maintenance (new grills, fire pits, hazard avoidance, etc.).

Renovations and additions will continue into the 2021 season and beyond for these two parks with new structures and amenities being offered. These additions will include cutting-edge designed cabins ranging from more simplistic lodging to premium lakeside rentals.

The goal is to accommodate all different types of visitors seeking an outdoor getaway. Additionally, RRM plans to provide general camp stores at both parks that will provide camping necessities and snacks for visitor convenience.

4 efficiency cabins (101, 102, 103, 104) that sleep 4.

These have a large bathroom, and a kitchenette with a small refrigerator, microwave, and coffee pot.

The pavilion at

Oak Thicket Pa rk

Oak Thicket Park and Park Prairie Park are both situated on Lake Fayette, a 2,000-acre lake that is a fishing paradise and voted one of the best bass fishing lakes in Texas. The day use areas are a popular destination, and activities at these two parks include fishing, boating, picnicking, biking, hiking, and birding, making these parks the ultimate family getaway! A network of multi-use trail systems connect Oak Thicket Park and Park Prairie Park, allowing visitors the chance to get out and explore nature through the forest, prairies, and marshlands. Other local tourist attractions are the towns of Fayetteville, Round Top, and La Grange for more exploring. All campsites, with the exception of one, at Oak Thicket Park have electric (50/30 amp) and water. Oak Thicket Park also has a dump station, pump-out service, and paved parking pads. There are waterfront cabins, waterfront and non-waterfront campsites, and 6 screened shelters which sleep up to 4 people. At Park Prairie Park, RRM will be adding electric and water to existing campsites where there are currently no hookups. Campsites have gravel pads, and there will be a pump-out service and dump station offered as well. The parks are known for the lovely live oak trees, which provide shade during the Texas summers, and stay green year-round.

RRM is honored to be a part of the community and provide the type of services visitors have been desiring. We hope we have the opportunity to host you soon!

Please visit our website for more information (www.camprrm.com) and like us on Facebook to keep up with the latest news and updates!

Current Cabin Descriptions at Oak Thicket Park:

• 4 efficiency cabins (101, 102, 103, 104) that sleep 4. These have a large bathroom, and a kitchenette with a small refrigerator, microwave, and coffee pot.

• 2 bunkhouse cabins (104 & 106) that sleep up to 14. These have a large bathroom, and a full kitchen with cooktop, full size refrigerator, microwave, and coffee pot.

• 2 two-bedroom cabins (109 & 110) that sleep 6. These have a large bathroom, and a full kitchen with cooktop, full size refrigerator, microwave, and coffee pot.

2 bunkhouse cabins (104 & 106) that sleep up to 14. These have a large bathroom, and a full kitchen with cooktop, full size refrigerator, microwave, and coffee pot.

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A little more about RRM services and history: What is a full recreation area development partnership and why to consider it for your campground?

RRM is able to refurbish and expand campgrounds and parks by being reimbursed through a revenue share operating agreement.

For years our main business was the turnkey operation of public recreation areas, and that is still a large part of what we do; however, after many recreation agency budgets were severely cut around 2008, park officials began approaching us with a new problem. Yes, they would appreciate help operating a park or even reopening a park, but years of budget shortages had led to large deferred maintenance issues and underinvestment in modern visitor amenities. They would tell us, “we are happy to have you operate the park, but first someone needs to rebuild it.”

Over the last 10 years, public agencies (including the Tennessee Valley Authority, Lower Colorado River Authority, and Alabama State Parks) have awarded us long-term operating contracts that are predicated on large investments by RRM in things like:

• Park reopening costs.

• Deferred maintenance repair.

• Upgrades of current facilities (e.g. electrification of a primitive camping area).

• Addition of new facilities (e.g. stores, cabins, laundry rooms, docks, etc.).

In these contracts we have invested millions of dollars in facilities for these parks, and every one of these improvements become the property of the park at the end of the contract. In fact, with absolutely no risk or cost, these agencies have gained: • New and refurbished facilities.

• Quality operation and high visitor satisfaction.

• A revenue share payment, often turning a formerly money-losing park into a money-maker for the agency.

We have additionally expanded our business over the last 10 years by not always taking on the entire campground operations, but are leased a portion of the campground to place rental cabins or alternative lodging. A few examples of which are state parks (MI, AL, & CA) where we solely take on the cabin operations.

Our management team is constantly working with government recreation agencies. We would be happy to send you information and come for a site visit to see if we can help your agency!

Contact: Warren Meyer (Company President), 602-569-2333; warren@camprrm.com.

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2020 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

The Ultimate Outdoor Adventure at Lake Fayette!

Hiking, biking, boating, nature watching, fishing, and camping all found at Park Prairie and Oak Thicket Park!

One of the

many renta

l cabins at

Oak Thicke

t Park!

Park Prairie Park view of Lake Fayette - Voted one of the best Bass fishing lakes in TX!

Park Prairie Park and Oak Thicket Park are under new management and being operated by Recreation Resource Management, in a partnership agreement with the LCRA. We invite you to come on out and spend a day of full adventure around the park, and enjoy a night of camping at many of our newly renovated sites!

Park Prairie Park

1250 Park Prairie Road La Grange 979-249-3344

www.camprrm.com

©2020 The Fayette County Record

602-569-2333

Oak Thicket Park

4819 W. State Hwy 159 Fayetteville 979-249-3504

Brenley Bujnoch, 9 years old, shot this buck last season with her 223 that her Grandpa gave her.

Jensen Von Minden on the Colorado River fishing March 2020. Age 5

Kurt Hutton had the hunting trip of a lifetime in Indiana this past September.

Local Adventures Hunters, Fishermen, & Outdoor Enthusiasts Share Their Fun Memories Nathan Hess hog hunting with his girls Hope and Harper in Eldorado, TX.

Staci Brailas at a local Fayette Co. lake.

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2020 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

James Pfluger had an amazing hunting trip in Indiana this past September.

Addison Fryer of Winchester

Kyndal Brawley with a Redfish

Time to go fill feeders!! It’s hunting season!

Caston & Tage Beseda of La Grange, TX Conway Adams’ first dove hunt 2020 Ashley Steinmann took down this Mouflon Ram after an intense hunt in Santa Anna.

DeLynn Bage, Ryan Hendrix, Brandon Bage in Somerville

After a weekend parade, Flatonia Czhilispiel Pepper princess Lexi Pilat, changed out of her beautiful red dress and put on some camo for her first thermal hog hunt with her dad.

Gauge Pilat with a small redfish he released on a Rockport vacation.

Harlee Hayek with a nice Fayette County buck.

2020 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

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Shiner-Based business has been making sausage since 1967

Sausage

Maeker’s Sausage & Processing is known throughout the region for its sausage and fresh meats. The business was originally opened in 1967 by Robert “Tinky” Maeker and his father. ”It started off as a grocery store and meat market. My dad ran the grocery store and I ran the meat department,” Tinky said.

“Where Maeker’s Sausage originally started was right there in a 10’ by 12’ little room. That’s where we started making sausage.”

Tinky and his father, who had more experience as farmers than grocers, were initially doubtful about the business. “We didn’t think that we were going to make it,” Tinky remembers. “But through the first year, the business was just tremendous.”

The little shop’s business increased steadily. In 1968, the Maekers added on to the store and started to wholesale their sausage. In the 1980’s, Maeker’s moved to its current location at 813 E 16th Street.

Over the years, Maeker’s reputation spread across the state, and eventually across the nation. “When I was at the plant I had calls from Chicago, Colorado, and California, with people calling for sausage, to ship it to them,” Tinky recalls. “It was nothing for us to have someone drive up in a motor home wanting to buy sausage.”

The Maeker name brought some impressive clients to Tinky’s doorstep.

“One day the phone rang, and it was a phone call from Arkansas.

The Walmart company called and wanted us to be a distributor in the area, so I made a deal with them. I was called, I never went out to solicit their business. That’s a very good feeling.”

Tinky says that the company’s success lies in the quality of its products.

“We started off just making a sausage like they do in the country, at home, with high quality meats, no shortcuts, no additives,” he said. “It’s just a regular country sausage, and that’s been selling the product.”

Despite Tinky’s attachment to the business, after almost half a century, the sausage mogul decided it was time to hang up his spurs.

In November of 2015, Tinky sold Maeker’s to Shiner natives Doug and Melanie Nevlud.

The Nevluds knew they had some big shoes to fill, and they were eager to show their respect for the business they had taken over.

“The Maeker’s recipe did not change, Melanie said. We have expanded with different products, but more than anything we have kept the history and legacy of Maeker’s intact.”

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2020 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

There have been a few changes at Maeker’s, including an expanded retail side to the business. The plant’s new showroom offers a showcase full of fresh meat, party trays, gift baskets, and gift boxes for the holidays. They have added over 5,000 square feet of new coolers, a vac-pack room, and 2 new smoke ovens. They have continued to offer custom slaughtering and processing of calves,

hogs and sheep. The Nevluds have also created a website for the business, where they offer their sausage products online and are able to ship within the United States. Not only can you find them through their website www.maekerssausage.com, but you can also follow them on Facebook & Instagram.

Throughout the past year Maeker’s Sausage has updated their labels for their sausage products and gotten into various new stores in the South Central Texas region, which include numerous new HEB, Walmart, Lowes Market, and Brookshire Brothers store locations. Their goal is to continue to grow the Maeker’s Sausage Brand.

The Nevluds say that they’re especially committed to preserving the Maeker’s brand’s reputation for quality. “We keep our meat fresh, and I am very particular of what goes into our award-winning sausage,” Doug said. “We only use quality whole-muscled pork & beef, no trimmings, and the finest spices available. I have created some new sausage recipes including Old Fashioned Garlic, Double Black Pepper, Hot Links, and the Jalapeno & Cheese BBQ Links which are a local favorite!”

Deer processing is a very important part of their business and Maeker’s provides the Best Tasting Hickory-Smoked Deer Sausage Products around! Ring Sausage, Porkies, Summer Sausage, and more are the various products you can have made with your boneless or quartered deer meat. Your deer = Your sausage! They are also your source for at-home processing supplies! Take the trip to Shiner and check out Maeker’s!

2020 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

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Written by Douglas Lehmann

None of the minutes we spent in preparation would be of value now. Then I spotted a perfect young tree that had a split trunk at the perfect height for Chase. I told him to get behind this tree while I loaded the rifle. When I handed him the rifle I noticed he rested the front end against the tree, so I told him to snuggle up to it like a girlfriend to get a steady rest. The hog was about 60 yards in knee high grass, making it difficult to see any vitals. I told Chase to shoot when he could see the ear and shortly thereafter the rifle goes off and I thought I saw the hog drop down. In total shock and trying not to be over optimistic, I said “Chase, I think you got him.” I don’t know who was more surprised as we found the dead hog with a perfect bullet hole in his ear. At first, Chase didn’t know how to react, but slowly a grin started to creep across his face.

Well, there was nothing left to do but a few high fives and snap a few pictures with my cell phone (always a challenge for me) and load up the hog. It was on the drive back home on this perfect day that I could see a question coming on Chase’s face. Probably a question only a wise old grandpa could answer. And then…..

“Grandpa?”

Back this summer, my wife and I were blessed with a visit from our California grandkids and daughter-in-law. They spent a couple of weeks in June with us and then another week in July, before heading back home. On numerous occasions, Chase, our grandson age 9, pleaded to go hog hunting. But as time went by, other things always had priority. With only a few days left in their stay, there were no urgent tasks or obligations at hand. This would be the perfect day to try and find Chase a hog.

As we drove out to our Gonzales County property, it occurred to me that Chase had never fired my rifle or had any training in real world hunting. He had fired a rifle at a target, however as any seasoned hunter knows, preparation is key.

To prepare a youngster for his first hunt in 5 minutes is a job only a Grandpa could pull off. I showed him how to sit on the ground, grab a sapling and lay the rifle on top of his hand, pull his right knee up and anchor his right elbow on the knee, all of which would have no bearing on the events to come.

After checking the deer feeders and throwing out a little corn, we drove to a location that I had taken a hog a couple of weeks before.

It was about an hour before sundown, when to my surprise we saw a hog, about forty pounds, running away obviously spooked by the truck. I was thinking we may have missed our opportunity, when I saw another hog about the same size. Only, this one didn’t have a clue we were there. Chase grabbed his ear muffs and put them on, then grabbed the rifle and exited the truck. Now it was my job to put him in position to be successful.

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2020 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

“Yes Chase?”

“What does snuggle up to it like a girlfriend mean?”

Disclosure: The story you have just read is true except for a few things. Facts may be skewed by faulty memory or willful exaggeration.

Ride More, Worry Less Written by Jessica Montez “Think of the horse as your partner and it’s all one great dance.

That’s not to say it’s always going to be easy or you won’t have to work through issues. But when a horse is troubled or uncomfortable in our world, rather than show contempt for him, you must demonstrate empathy and work to convince him that you mean him no harm. You have some things that you’d like him to do ‘with you’, as opposed to ‘for you’- and the best way to do that is as partners.”-Buck Brannaman Horseback riding, one of if not the earliest form of transportation, can be scary to one person and therapy to the next.

To put one’s trust in a 1,200-pound animal is a feat in itself, but as Buck Brannaman, a horse trainer and a leading practitioner with a philosophy of handling horses, says in his quote above, “Think of the horse as your partner and it’s all one great dance.”

Tina Kallus, the owner of Rhinestones and Rawhide Performance Horses, says the hardest thing she’s found when giving riding lessons to people is “they are about ten times the size that you are and if they want to hurt you they can, but the horses are the easy part, the owners are more complicated!” She adds, “You have to find the horse’s personality and then figure out how to work with that type, a lot like dealing with people.” Rhinestones and Rawhide Performance Horses, located in Fayetteville, teaches whoever has a passion for horses and is willing to learn. She has taught a few exceptional four-year-olds, but her average ages are six and up. Her riding lessons focus on learning balance, control, confidence, mounting and dismounting, haltering, grooming, tacking up, walking and trotting, to canter, patterns, and how to safely ride outside of the arena.

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2020 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

Emory Malota, seven years old and one of Tina’s students since she was four years old, has always loved horses, and her mom, Priscilla Malota finds riding lessons has helped Emory gain confidence, learn responsibility, work on teamwork, obtain problem-solving skills, attain focus, and practice patience. For example, “Sometimes Emory just has a bad day and I can tell that riding helps put things into perspective because she has to put her energy into something that is literally bigger than herself,” said Priscilla. “I can see very clearly when she is excited, uncomfortable, frustrated, or happy when she is riding.

It’s great to see her work through those feelings while riding. She has to face each situation and deal with it while on top of a horse, she can’t walk away or give up and she knows that!” Priscilla said she has even learned a thing or two from Tina as well. “Tina is very educated and I have learned a lot about horses just from having casual conversations during Emory’s lessons, she can always answer any questions I throw at her.”

This year Emory has been using her lessons to train more for the rodeo. “She began showing at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the Fayette County Fair last year and wanted to begin participating again this year, but couldn’t because of all the cancellations,” said Priscilla. Tina’s students have won numerous buckles, trophies, ribbons, and competitions across Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. “I can teach ‘rodeo things’ like barrel racing, pole bending, and a few other classes referred to as speed events, but horse shows and the rodeo are two separate things...it’s kinda like track and drama class. I teach horsemanship and that is the basis of all horse-related events,” said Tina.

It’s great to see her work through those feelings while riding. She has to face each situation and deal with it while on top of a horse, she can’t walk away or give up and she knows that!”

-Priscilla Malota

117 Holloway Ave. La Grange, TX | jayjancataxidermy.com

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361.798.2985 16

2020 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

Rhinestones & Rawhide Performance has been open since 2015, but Tina has been training for over 30 years with horses so she knows her way around a horse and loves just about everything about them. “I love everything about horses, their smell, the sounds they make when they are happy, the way they feel when you ride them, the hard work it takes to gain their trust, and then the loyalty they give you in return. They truly keep me grounded,” said Tina. When asked what her favorite type of horse was Tina said, “I don’t really have a favorite type and my daddy always said ‘if it has a mane, tail and four hooves that I would love it’, so I guess that he is kinda right because horses have to have a really bad attitude for me to throw in the towel!”

Rhinestones & Rawhide Performance offers a multitude of services in the horse world from breeding, training, lessons, showing, rehab, consignments, sales, and also pony parties.

Tina’s first goal no matter if you are wanting to learn to ride English or Western is that people learn horsemanship, safety, and how to take care of horses. “Tina is a great teacher. She teaches safety first and foremost. She is in tune with her horses and very knowledgeable and easily passes that knowledge on throughout the lesson.” Tina’s main advice to achieve this is since horses are a lot like people and are very intuitive they can sense any changes in moods very quickly, so just relax, stay calm, be respectful, and just truly enjoy being with the horse. “All my students connect with the horse and there is a sense of accomplishment when the horse remembers what they taught it,” said Tina. “You just need to show up with your jeans, boots, and a positive attitude to learn.”

Horseback riding is something that most people will never understand. To some, it is just a fun activity to do on a weekend or just a sport, but to others, it is a way of life. The smell of fresh hay is just another normal smell, the sound of hooves is music to your ears, the touch of a saddle feels right and the sight of a horse is a blessing. The horse shows, rodeos, or barns become a home away from home and you not only learn how to ride, but you gain a partner and a friend. This friend gives you the freedom to ride and to dance, so just enjoy the ride and worry less because the best way to do that is as partners.

Hunting Supplies • Deer Corn • Deer Feeders • Feeder Batteries ATV Feeders • Game Cameras • Traeger Pellet Grills

2020 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

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Joshua and Joseph Nigh enjoy spending the weekends fishing Fayette Lake.

James W Cooper Michael Cooper and grandson Holdyn Cooper.

Caston Beseda with his speckled trout in Matagorda.

Local Adventures Hunters, Fishermen, & Outdoor Enthusiasts Share Their Fun Memories Jace Hayek with his first deer ever!

Bowen Bishop bringing home dinner after enjoying the day on the Colorado River

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2020 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

Charlotte Brazill and her Peepaw (Stephen Lev) fishing in Praha

Jaxson Smith - fishing in Ledbetter

Raynee Hart and a good ‘Ol Catfish from the Colorado River.

Olivia Osborn loves hunting too (posing with her dad’s buck) La Grange.

Tracy Head Fayette Lake

Lathen Frank 1st buck-West Point Scored: 148

Presley Lange 8 years old, Thanksgiving morning hunt 2019

Brendan Brandt Mesa Verde 2020

Brittany Canada Cooper Adams kayak fishing with dad on the Colorado River in La Grange.

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How to prepare youngsters for their first hunting trip

A young person’s first hunting trip can be an incredible experience, sparking a lifelong love and appreciation for nature and wildlife.

Parents who grew up hunting likely remember their first hunting trip and want to recreate that experience for their own children.

As memorable as a first hunting trip can be, parents of current youngsters might not recall all the pre-trip preparation their own folks did to make that first hunting experience so memorable. Such preparation can ensure today’s youngsters enjoy the same magical experience their parents did when going hunting for the first time.

Make sure kids are ready. Kids’ maturity levels merit consideration before taking them hunting for the first time. Children may experience a range of emotions on their first hunting trips.

Such emotions can include excitement, nervousness, sadness, and/ or guilt. Parents should assess their children’s maturity levels prior to announcing a trip to make sure they’re ready for that emotional roller coaster. Kids mature at their own pace, so assess each child individually, resisting the temptation to assume one child is ready at a given age because an older sibling was ready at the same age.

The American Forest Foundation recommends parents first take their youngsters along as hunting apprentices, which allows them to participate in the rituals of the hunt while their parents can gauge how mature they are to handle the hunt itself.

Make sure kids can handle their guns. Wide Open Spaces, a website devoted to providing up-to-date information for hunters, fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts, notes the importance of kids knowing how to use their guns before they go hunting for the first time. Kids should know how to load and unload, check the chamber and turn the safety on and off. Kids should be confident with their guns, feeling comfortable enough to pull their firearms to their shoulders, get the gun’s sights on the animal and pull the trigger.

Temper youngsters’ expectations. Hunting is a rewarding hobby, but also one that requires a lot of work. Weather also can be unpleasant during hunting season, and that can quickly spoil youngsters’ impressions of hunting. Temper kids’ expectations in advance of a hunting trip so they know it won’t necessarily be all fun. In addition, let children know many hunting trips end without a kill.

Focus on the fun factor. The AFF notes that surveys indicate that young hunters are more excited to have fun and enjoy quality outdoor time than they are by the prospect of bagging and taking home a trophy animal. Parents should focus on the fun and the beauty of nature when taking youngsters hunting to ensure kids have as good a time as possible.

Some pre-trip preparation on the part of moms and dads can make youngsters’ first hunting trips successful.

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2020 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

How to make the most of kids’ first fishing trips Fishing provides a great way for parents to bond with their children in the great outdoors. The value of first impressions has been well-documented, and parents who want their kids to inherit a love of fishing can take the following factors into consideration so their youngsters’ first fishing trips are successful.

Local programs Parents who are not sure if their kids will embrace fishing should look into local programs. Many towns, especially those with reputations for fishing, host free family fishing events. These events give parents an opportunity to see if their kids enjoy fishing before they start buying them gear.

Starting simple Any fisherman would love to snag a trophy fish such as a largemouth bass on his or her first trip. And while that’s possible, it’s unlikely, especially for youngsters. Such fish tend to be difficult to catch, even for seasoned fishermen. When taking kids fishing for the first time, fish for something that’s somewhat simple to catch and capable of being caught throughout the day. If you aren’t familiar with your local rivers or lakes, visit a local outdoors store and ask for advice about which local bodies of water are home to fish that kids might be able to snag.

Having fun Don’t make the day all about catching fish, as even the most seasoned fishermen have their off days when nothing is biting. If the focus is on catching fish, kids might grow discouraged and not want to come back if they don’t catch anything on their first trip. Focus on the fun everyone is having rather than the fish they are (or aren’t) catching. Some youngsters might just be thrilled to spend a day out on the water with their parents.

Break time Kids might not have a full day of fishing in them on their first trip. Frequent breaks to explore nearby nature, enjoy a snack or even toss a ball around can keep children from growing bored throughout the day.

Fishing is a family-friendly activity that youngsters can enjoy from the moment they first pick up a rod.

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Custom Blends of Bag and Bulk Feed, Along with Herbicides/Seed and Farm & Ranch Supplies

Š2020 The Fayette County Record

We will also be offering Purina Accuration Liquid Feed,

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Store Hours Monday-Friday 8-5:30 • Saturday 8-12

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BAG & BULK FEED DELIVERY 2020 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

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Beginner’s guide to Kayaking is a water sport that can be beneficial to the mind and body. Just about anyone willing to spend a day on the water can benefit from learning about kayaking and how to get started with this rewarding activity.

The history of kayaking is interesting. The word “kayak” means “hunter’s boat,” and the Inuit used to rely on these small vessels to catch food by sneaking up on their prey from the water’s edge.

Some people still hunt and fish from their kayaks, but many are happy to use them for sightseeing and exercising.

“Paddlesports are increasing in popularity among Americans who desire to connect with the outdoors,” said Christine Fanning, executive director of The Outdoor Foundation. The Outdoor Foundation and The Coleman Company, Inc., found in a Special Report on Paddlesports that 21.7 million Americans enjoyed paddling on rivers, lakes, streams, and other waterways in 2014, the most recent year for which data is available. Paddlesports include canoeing, rafting, kayaking, and stand-up paddling.

Learning how to kayak does not involve a significant initial financial investment. The outdoor experts at REI say there’s a good chance a novice kayaker will not go out and buy a boat immediately. It’s important to first get a feel for the sport and then go from there.

Although it’s not absolutely necessary, it’s recommended that novices take paddling lessons to hone their kayaking skills. Learning the proper technique can help people avoid strain on their neck and back and safeguard their arms from fatigue.

Novices should practice on calm waters until their technique is honed. Lakes are a great place to learn, as rivers and places with mild currents can overwhelm those new to the sport.

One of the easiest ways to get introduced to kayaking is to go with an experienced paddler or tour company. Such companies charge a set price for an excursion that will provide transportation to the drop site as well as the equipment needed for the voyage. Tours may include travel down several miles of a relatively calm waterway, allowing novice kayakers to get a feel for paddling and take in the scenery.

Getting in and out of a kayak can be challenging for beginners. The resource Kayakpaddling.net offers helpful illustrations and animated tutorials about entering and exiting kayaks as well as paddling techniques and safety.

Kayakers should bring some essentials along.

A dry pack can keep electronics, food and equipment dry. Remember to wear sunscreen and a hat to keep safe from the sun. A life vest also is essential.

Exercise, fresh air and enjoying the open water are just some of the many draws of kayaking.

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2020 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

Novices should practice on calm waters until their technique is honed. Lakes are a great place to learn, as rivers and places with mild currents can overwhelm those new to the sport.

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Fishing and hunting are popular outdoor activities. Many outdoor enthusiasts engage in angling or hunting so they can have trophies to put up on their walls. Others rely on hunting and fishing for supplemental food sources. Game animals will have to be cleaned and processed properly whether they’re headed to the dinner table or to the taxidermist.

Pathogen contamination is one of the biggest risks when field dressing an animal. As with any animal, game can contain harmful bacteria, such as salmonella and strains of E. coli. Other animals, such as wild hogs, can infect people with a flu-like illness called brucellosis, which can be caught through contact with blood, fluid or tissue of an infected hog. Deer, elk and moose also may have chronic wasting disease, or CWD. Although there is no evidence that links CWD to human illness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises caution.

Proper field dressing techniques and game transport can help reduce the risk of pathogenic contamination. Here are some tips for getting started, courtesy of Penn State and the CDC. Wear safety gear. When handling any game

animals, protect yourself with rubber gloves. This will prevent the blood and fluids from the game animal from getting on your skin. Eye protection is also advised when handling carcasses.

Work quickly. The elapsed time from when the

animal is downed until it is processed can affect the safety and the quality of the meat if it will be consumed, according to Martin Bucknavage, food safety extension associate in the Penn State Department of Food Science.

Field dress as soon as possible to ensure rapid loss of the animal’s body heat, to prevent surface bacteria from growing and to preserve the quality of the meat.

Eviscerate the animal to help the carcass dissipate heat and remove the internal organs, where spoilage tends to occur more quickly.

Watch out for internal organs. Avoid

cutting into internal organs, especially the intestines, where the largest amount of bad bacteria tend to reside.

Chill the carcass. Deterioration will occur more quickly in temperatures greater than 40 F. Therefore, insert plastic bags of ice or snow into the body cavity of the animal to keep the carcass chilled.

Move the carcass into a cooler or refrigerator as soon as possible after field dress.

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2020 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

Choose tools wisely. Use clean, sharp knives when field dressing and butchering to make it easier to cut through and process the carcass. Use clean water, premoistened wipes or alcohol wipes to clean the knife frequently between cuts to prevent bacterial contamination.

Hang game by hind legs. Hang the animal by its hind legs with its head down when aging or butchering. This prevents brain and spinal fluids from contacting the meat.

Most importantly during field dress, if any of the internal organs smell or look offensive, or if there is oddly colored discharge, do not consume the meat. Hunters and anglers are advised to learn more about field dress techniques to hone their skills. Speak with local fish and game officials about nearby courses.

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For nature lovers, perhaps nothing is more enjoyable than packing up the camping gear, traveling to a favorite campsite and getting away from it all while sleeping under the stars. Such an experience can be transformative, turning first-time campers into lifelong enthusiasts.

The opportunity to turn youngsters into nature enthusiasts who can’t wait to spend time outside may be one reason why so many families go camping. A 2018 report Kampgrounds of America found that 52 percent of campers have children, making camping among the most popular and family-friendly ways to enjoy the great outdoors.

Camping with youngsters can help families make lasting memories. Parents who have never before taken their children camping may benefit from employing a few strategies to make the trip as fun as possible.

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2020 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

• Make a trial run in the backyard.

A night camping in the backyard won’t be exactly the same as a night in the woods, where wildlife, and particularly insects, may be less welcoming hosts. But a backyard camping night can acclimate children to their sleeping bags and their tents. A fun night sleeping under the stars in the backyard also may make kids more enthusiastic about an upcoming camping trip in the woods.

• Go over safety early and often.

Use every opportunity to explain camping safety measures to youngsters in advance of your trip. Emphasize the importance of staying together in the woods, and teach youngsters how to identify potentially harmful plants like poison ivy, making sure they know to avoid coming into contact with these and other poisonous plants. Contact your local parks department, or the campground where you will be staying, for some additional advice on camping safety.

• Let kids help when choosing camping equipment.

Youngsters may be more excited about camping if they’re allowed to choose certain equipment, including their sleeping bags and tents.

Before visiting your nearby camping retailer, explain to kids that tents come in various styles because they’re designed to protect campers from certain elements that may be more common in certain areas than others. Such an explanation can make it easy to explain to youngsters why you’re purchasing certain items, even if those items weren’t kids’ top choices.

• Plan the family menu in advance.

Plan the menu in advance so you can ensure everyone will continue to eat healthy. But make sure to include a few kid-friendly camping classics, like s’mores, in the meal plan as well.

• Prepare a camping-friendly first-aid kit.

Bandages and topical antibiotic creams are part and parcel of any first-aid kit, regardless of where you’re going. But the elements pose a different set of challenges that require a more extensive first-aid kit. When designing a first-aid kit for your camping trip, be sure to include all the usual items but also over-the-counter medications that can treat pain, allergies, constipation, and diarrhea. An extra gallon or two of water also makes for a wise addition to campers’ first-aid kits.

Family camping trips can instill a lifelong love of the great outdoors in youngsters. A few simple strategies can help parents make such trips safe and memorable.

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Damon Faldyn 2019 Bear hunt Dove Creek, CO

Justin JasekWest Point, TX

Vivian Roesler finds a snake shed at deer camp.

Local Adventures Hunters, Fishermen, & Outdoor Enthusiasts Share Their Fun Memories

2 year old Cooper Lange proudly holding his daddy’s Mule Deer mount

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2020 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

Michael Cooper Holdyn Cooper and pawpaw

Max Faske shot a hog at his grandparent’s house on Weise Farms in Serbin, Texas. Max is the grandson of Tim and Becky Weise.

Jaxson Smith from Ledbetter - fishing on Lake Somerville!

Everett Corn helping his Pops, Randy Pietsch, show off his deer in Winchester (2019).

Jaydon Faldyn 1st deer with mom Elizabeth Faldyn Harper, TX Teagan (L) & Amanda (R) Branch 2019...Mommy Daughter time in the blind waiting to fill the freezer!!

Todd Keilers and Chestin Rollins after a hunt in Cistern last season.

Clayton Dees and his oldest son, Jonathan Dees, right outside of Minerva, Texas 09/26/2020

Kylin Brawley with an axis deer

Jerry Hess and Rilan Karisch. Rilan called up three foxes (his first time to call in a live animal while predator calling!)

And Jerry was able to get a shot on one! Schleicher County, Texas

Andrew Srubar and Darrin Tousek on a recent hunt in Wyoming

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ONLY CRACKPOTS TAKE

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Potshots

Hunters Fun Share their Enthusiasts Memories & 28 PAGES 8, 18,

Enjoy your sport, but be a responsible hunter.

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