New World Screwworm: What Hunters Need to Know
Axis Deer:
A Hunter’s Guide
From Lease to Table: After the Hunt
Gray Gray Foxes: Foxes: Meet the Tree-Climbing Canine
Explore Mason County’s Historical Markers
masoncountynews.com
Contents 4 2026-27 Hunting Season
Forecast for Mason County 6 Mason County Map 8 New World Screwworm in Texas 10 Church Directory 11 Gray Foxes: The Tree-Climbing Canine 12 A Hunter’s Guide to Axis Deer 14 Critical Time for Wildlife Surveys 16 Thermal Drone Surveys 18 The Year of the Rabbits 20 Balancing the Needs of Cattle and Wildlife 22 From Lease to Table: What to Do After the Hunt Mason Fit! 25 Mason County Historical Markers 26 Rainfall: Timing vs. Volume 28 Crafting a Turkey Haven 30 Mason Events Calendar
Table of contents photo @ Spring Creek Outdoors.com
2026 Mason County Hunting Guide H 3
Contributors Macy Ledbetter is a professional wildlife biologist with a life-long passion for intensive wildlife and habitat management. Macy earned his degree from Texas A&M University and created the wildlife consulting business, Spring Creek Outdoors, based from his historic family ranch. Macy is a fifth-generation rancher and actively manages his ranch for optimum cattle and wildlife production. His client list totals millions of acres in all eco-regions of Texas. He understands and explains wildlife management processes like few others and can make each individual step palatable and educational for his clients. When he is not surveying wildlife, hunting, or writing about game management, he may be found supporting legislative projects or working as an expert witness in a wide array of legal cases. Macy and his wife Cathy live on their family ranch in northern San Saba County, along with a variety of pets. You can reach Macy anytime at Macy.Ledbetter@gmail.com Matt Nuernberg is a professional wildlife biologist and valued member of Spring Creek Outdoors, LLC team. He became interested in wildlife and habitat management at a young age and started working on helicopter captures, surveys, and with captive whitetail deer while still in high school. Matt graduated Texas A&M-Kingsville in 2013 with a B.S. in Range and Wildlife Management and has worked as an assistant biologist and hunting guide on a King Ranch corporate hunting lease, and as manager, biologist, and guide on two large South Texas ranches and a North Texas exotic game operation. Matt and his family live near Poth, Texas. You can reach Matt anytime at Matthew.nuernberg@gmail.com Wade Ledbetter is a professional wildlife biologist and a valued member of the Spring Creek Outdoors, LLC team. He grew up both in the thornscrub of south Texas and on his family’s historic ranch in San Saba County. Wade has grown up in the family business working directly with landowners, conducting helicopter surveys and wildlife captures and has more hands-on experience with intensive wildlife management than most professionals three times his age. As a sixth-generation landowner, he is intimately familiar with the responsibility of landownership and intensive wildlife management. Wade received his Wildlife and Fisheries Science degree from Texas A&M in 2020, was a member of Company E-1 in the Corps of Cadets, and a member of the Corps Marksmanship Unit, where he helped win seven collegiate national shooting championships. When he is not counting or catching wildlife, Wade continues to shoot competitively and conducts private, intensive shooting courses for individuals, law enforcement, and shooting industry representatives. With his wife Macie, Wade lives in Mason County and can be reached at any time at wadeledbetter@me.com
4 H 2026 Mason County Hunting Guide
2026-27 Hunting Season Forecast for Mason County By Wade Ledbetter Team Spring Creek Outdoors Wildlife in the county is doing very well overall. January to late July rains were abundant before it turned off hot and dry for the last few months. Habitat conditions depend upon the livestock grazing pressure, so not all ranches will have the same experience this fall. Acorn production is also hit or miss, but browse plants remain strong and healthy. This year may not be very uniform throughout all parts of the county, so predictions are more of ranges than specifics. As you likely know, we spend every day in the field starting in August looking, counting, photographing, monitoring, measuring and judging wildlife and habitat conditions throughout our travels. The entire month of September finds us in a helicopter all over central Texas primarily counting deer, turkey, quail and shooting predators, so we get to see some incredible wildlife on incredible ranches up close and personal covering a very large area and many, many acres. The dead trees you continue to see are left over from the two ice storms a few years back, combined with back-to-back droughts that really impacted our big trees. Some of those trees are now falling to the ground and that is part of a critical nutrient recycling process. What you may see now underneath or around the stump of those dead trees are new growth, new life and that is important. Birds deposit seeds as they perch, nest or roost in the dead limbs so new browse plants and/or even new trees are occupying the space that the dead tree is vacating. The layer of dead limbs on the ground is helping to protect the new plants from browsing and grazing animals, allowing the grass to grow taller and more moisture to remain near the stump. Termites, grub worms, earthworms and other beneficial insects have moved in to feed on the dead tree and further break it down. The soil is being enriched with abundant decaying organic matter, and the cycle of life is happening all over again. It really is something to witness so take the time to study the ecosystem around the dead trees on your property and appreciate the evolution of new habitat forming right in front of your eyes. The following is our 2026-27 hunting season forecast for Mason County based on our company’s recent helicopter and thermal drone surveys and landowner meetings throughout the county: Whitetail Deer: The county-wide fawn survival average ranges widely this year. As mentioned, habitat impact by grazing animals is
Photos @ Spring Creek Outdoors.com
Mason County News
the key. Some survival rates have hit 100%, but it ranges from 50-90%, averages about 65%, and that variable is grass. Grass determines fawn survival, so if you have low grass and few fawns, you sure better have a good handle on the deer herd dynamics before you begin harvesting deer this fall. Antler quality and body condition are far above average this year. There is a strong cohort of four- and five-year-old bucks this year and there are some very nice six-year-old bucks out there. Every buck photo you see in this year’s Guide was taken in September in this county by our Spring Creek Outdoors team of wildlife biologists. We saw above-average numbers of kickers, forked tines and a few drop tines this year, so know some real trophies are available this fall. Turkey: For the third consecutive year, turkey production has increased. The freezes and droughts that impacted the trees nearly devastated the turkeys a few years back. This is the third year of the last
five years of positive gains, so the numbers continue to increase. Turkey hunters looking for trophy long beards will still have to hunt hard this year to be successful, but if simply harvesting a turkey is on your schedule, you might have an opportunity this year due to all the young birds available. Quail: The 1980s were the “good old days” for Mason County quail. I am not sure if we can ever return to such quail densities as the 1980s; however, quail are improving for the fourth consecutive year in a row. Every ranch we have flown so far this year has increased quail numbers from last three consecutive years. Covey size is as large with 1216 birds; however, most birds are still considered middle-aged. Many ranches certainly do have surplus birds this year for the first time in a very, very long time, so we hope you see and hear plenty of birds this fall. Rabbits: Rabbits are a “boom or bust” species, meaning when times are good, they do good and when times are hard, they don’t do as well.
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2026 Mason County Hunting Guide H 5 native grasses and shoot as many feral hogs and as often as you can this fall and winter. Predators: Most predator species (coyote, bobcat, fox) had a very good spring and summer this year. Our surveys and aerial shoots show the numbers are up across the board, especially coyotes. There are many coyote young out there this year, so do your part this fall and harvest predators when and as often as you can. Raccoon numbers are up significantly, too, so reducing their numbers will help save you protein feed and minimize ground nest predation on quail and turkey nests. If your property, lease hunters or you need assistance and you want to improve the wildlife herds and/or their habitat on the ranch, give us a call because that is all we do and what we do. We work in every eco-region in Texas, have trucks and will travel and we can make your ranch better. Enjoy this time with friends and family, never forget those that we have lost since last year’s campfire and do your best to introduce a child to hunting this year.
There are both cottontail and jackrabbits in surplus this year and you will certainly notice the increase of both for the second year in a row. Rabbits do not overwinter well and the migratory hawks are moving in right now, so their numbers will begin to drop weekly, but know it was a great year for both rabbit species. If you haven’t tasted a cottontail rabbit in a few years, this winter might be a good time to put it back on the menu and teach the kids in camp just how good they can be, especially if they harvest and prepare it themselves. Feral hogs: Feral hogs are resilient and stubborn. Their numbers are holding steady generally speaking. Sounder size is down this year as sows struggled to raise their normal litter size through the hot and dry summer months. We conduct many feral hog aerial shoots after game surveys and what we observed and harvested has been down from a typical year. Continue to do your part to help the other wildlife and
Wildlife Surveys Exotic & Native Wildlife Captures Exotic Stocking Wildlife & Habitat Management Plans Wildlife Management Tax Conversion Plans Mapping & Geospatial Analysis Brush Management Pond Management Pond Design & Creation Fish Surveys Fish Stocking
Macy Ledbetter
Wade Ledbetter
Matt Nuernberg
Macy.Ledbetter@gmail.com
Wade.Ledbetter@icloud.com
Matthew.Nuernberg@gmail.com
361-449-6376
361-449-6702
210-324-8904
San Saba
Mason
SpringCreekOutdoors.com
Poth
MASON COUNTY Roads, rivers & Hill Country communities
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Mapped roads do not establish public access. Shading exaggerates relief; tints indicate elevation. © OpenStreetMap contributors | openstreetmap.org/copyright | Terrain: USGS 3DEP
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8 H 2026 Mason County Hunting Guide
Mason County News
New World Screwworm in Texas By Macy Ledbetter horses, mules, dogs, cats, and heck, even people. But, as of this writI feel pretty sure those reading this article already know a bit about ing, it does NOT include wildlife. screwworms by now. If not, you may have been on vacation on a difIt does not include wildlife because, up until a couple of months ago, ferent planet, or at least on the other side of the Earth for a spell and I almost no research had been done on wildlife. You should remember, can’t describe it all to you here; however, I can hit several points that though, in all honesty, wildlife held very little economic value—particare important to know! ularly when compared to domestic animals—from 1931 up until about New World Screwworm first showed the mid-1980s. Screwworms were “ofup in Texas way back in 1931, so we ficially” declared eradicated from Texhave been battling this pest for nearly a as in 1966; however, isolated sporadic century now. But back then and all the outbreaks did occur from time to time way up until 1962, there was nothing all the way up until 1982. So wildlife landowners could do other than treat pretty much stayed out of sight and out the infestations and hope for cooler of mind from a screwworm research weather. Back then, nothing was able perspective, until recently. to be done to prevent screwworm othThe idea of creating medicated feed er than avoidance and post-infestation for wildlife to help combat new world treatments. Today, however, we have screwworm started in earnest late in many tools to use in our toolbox, but 2023. A handful of others and I were the toolbox is still not complete. Toamong the first to alert the masses day we can help prevent infestations about the potential threat once the by treating the surrounding brush/ flies escaped the Darien Gap—the grass/habitat where the flies roost, we remote jungle region located at the can medicate domestic animals ahead southeastern border of Panama and of time to kill any potential infesta- An adult New World screwworm fly has a metallic bluenorthwestern Colombia. There are tions immediately and we have a ton of green body and three dark stripes on its back. Its larvae many contributing factors that caused high-quality, sound treatment options feed on living tissue. Identification photograph. U.S. that escape, and it doesn’t really matshould an animal actually get infested. Department of Agriculture, via Texas Parks and Wildlife ter now, but know that some of us have But the word “animal” only refers to Department. been ringing the alarm bells for a while domestic animals—cattle, sheep, goats, now. Initial concerns were downplayed
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A game camera is installed at Seminole Canyon State Park on July 8, 2026, as part of TPWD’s surveillance for New World screwworm. Camera images help biologists watch for wildlife wounds. Photo cby Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (Chase Fountain, TPWD). and dismissed. Then the flies were reported 750 miles south of Texas. Then 500 miles. Then 300 miles. Then 100 miles and then BOOM, it was suddenly 43 mile interior Texas, and all of the sudden, we were mysteriously not prepared! The tried-and-true method of combating New World Screwworm is the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) that involves creating sterile male flies. The sterile male fly mates with fertile wild female flies; both die soon after mating yet the larvae never hatch, thereby breaking the lifecycle. Sounds simple and easy on the surface; however, it rarely is. To first produce enough sterile male screwworm flies, the facility must meet federal agricultural biosecurity protocols and the ones we had used previously in Texas had long been shut down and/or destroyed after the last case back in 1982. So brand-new facilities had to be constructed and if you know anything about the federal government, brand-new construction happens as quickly as a turtle moves in a January snowstorm. So construction progress lagged way behind schedule while the flies were on a much more efficient schedule, and they arrived long before the construction was half completed. This means we simply did not have the needed flies to repel them at the border. Prior to the flies entering Texas, the United States had to first expand the fly production facilities in Panama, then Mexico and finally, begin construction on the new facility in deep south Texas. As of this writing, the Panama facility is at full capacity, the Mexico facility is still ramping up, and the south Texas facility is still under construction. In the meantime, the screwworm flies have spread north and west into Texas and currently impacting about 35 different counties. They have infested dogs, cattle, sheep, goats and horses so far with no “official” wildlife cases being reported. But wildlife surveys have started in September, and hunters are just now getting back into the field, so any potential impacts to wildlife are clearly not yet understood. If landowners and hunters had access to commercially available medicated feed for wildlife, it would help slow the spread and impact of new world screwworm. Instead of allowing all wildlife species to serve as hosts for additional new screwworms and spread infestations, they could instead be used as a part of the solution to stop them. New research out of Uvalde, at the AgriLife facility, using captive whitetail deer have shown excellent, proven results. Those results have been shared with all state and federal agencies but, once again, have fallen on deaf ears. Despite the clear and positive results, landowners are still left with no legal way to protect their wildlife from new world screwworm, despite big game hunting bringing in TEN BILLION DOLLARS annually to the Texas economy! Texas landowners and hunters are standing ready, willing, and able to help defend against new world screwworm. The federal government refuses to acknowledge and allow them to help make a difference. Texans, not bureaucrats, should be in charge of fixing this problem because we know how and what to do.
2026 Mason County Hunting Guide H 9
While you are in town, please feel free to attend and worship at the church of your choice. Art Methodist Hwy E. in Art Art29Methodist Hwy 29 E. in Art 325-347-7871 Art.methodist@gmail.com Mason Church of Christ 230 E. College Street 325-347-5771 Calvary Lighthouse Assembly of God 108 Wren St. of God Calvary Lighthouse Assembly 254-265-4274 108 Wren St. 254-265-4274 Church at@the Camp Church The Camp / 1571 Logan RanchCamp. Rd. Logan Ranch Off1571 377 and Long Mountain Logan Ranch Rd. Rd. Off 377 and 325-265-4471 Long Mountain Rd. loganranch.org 325-265-4471 Loganranch.org First Baptist An encounter with Jesus 325 W. College St. 325-347-5105
First United Methodist First Baptist 224 Broad St. 325 W. College St. 325-347-5105 325-347-5105 Hilda United Methodist RR 783 in Hilda First 325-762-6100 United Methodist 224 Broad St. 325-347-5105 St John Lutheran Church officemgr@fumcmason.org 18346 Ranch Road 152 fumcmason.org Castell, TX 76831 Phone: (325) 247-3115
Hilda United Methodist River of Life RR 783 in Hilda 217 E. College Street 830-563-5188 325-347-9497 Mason Global Methodist 424 N. Spring St. River of Life 217 E. College Street 325-294-4626 325-347-9497 www.masonglobalmethodist.org riveroflifemason.org
St. Joseph Catholic 216 Ave. B 325-347-6932 St. Joseph Catholic St. Paul Lutheran 216 Ave. B 325-347-6932 104 Magnolia St. stjosephmason.org 325-347-5582 St. Martin’s Episcopal Corner of Austin & Willow St. St. Paul Lutheran stmartinsmasontx.org 104 Magnolia St. 325-347-5582 stpaulmason.com Mason Gospel 1105 Bluebonnet St. Hwy 386
St. Martin’s Episcopal Masonof Community Corner Austin 606 N. Robin & Willow St. stmartinsmasontx.org 325-347-5417
The Churches of Mason County Welcome you!
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2026 Mason County Hunting Guide H 11
GRAY FOXES Wounded Game The Tree-Climbing Canine
Recovery
Wounded Game Recovery
By Wade Ledbetter If you spend enough time in brushy draws, cedar brakes, and oak bottoms, you may have caught a glimpse of a sleek, salt-andpepper creature slipping silently through the shadows. Weighing between 7 and 13 pounds, the Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) is often confused with its cousin, the red fox, due to the red fur lining its neck, flanks, and legs. However, a distinct, black-tipped tail, a dark stripe running down its spine, and a cat-like build set it apart. The gray fox is one of the oldest extant canid species, representing an ancient lineage distinct from true foxes and coyotes. Monogamous by nature, breeding pairs establish home territories in mid-winter. By early spring, after a 53-day gestation, females give birth to a litter averaging three to five kits. Den sites are hidden in rock crevices, hollowed-out logs, abandoned burrows, or dense brush piles. Both parents share responsibilities in hunting and raising the young until late summer when the offspring disperse. What makes the gray fox truly unique among North American canids is its ability to climb trees. Equipped with strong, semi-retractable, hooked claws and catlike flexible ankle joints, the gray fox can climb limbless tree trunks as high as they please and shimmy down headfirst or in reverse. This arboreal mobility allows them to escape larger predators like coyotes and exploit food sources high above the ground. While listed as a carnivore, the gray fox is an opportunistic omnivore. Its diet adjusts dramatically based on seasonal availability: • Small Mammals and birds: Cottontail rabbits, cotton rats, field mice, and squirrels make up the core diet, along with Bobwhite quail, turkeys, and bird eggs. Gray foxes are prolific nest robbers! • Fruits and Mast: During late summer and autumn, a significant portion of its diet shifts to cedar berries, persimmons, prickly pear fruit, acorns, and wild grapes. • Insects & reptiles: Grasshoppers, beetles, scorpions, lizards, and snakes round out their diet. Rarely, gray foxes will attack and even subdue larger prey such as whitetail fawns or even full-grown deer. There are some famous photos and videos of them doing so, but these are rare and presumably desperate attacks. In Central Texas, gray foxes inhabit a complex predator dynamic. Coyotes actively target them as both prey and competitors, but the fox's ability to scramble up trees to safety give it a distinct survival advantage. Foxes are a top predator for native rabbit species, and this relationship can sometimes cause huge population swings in both predator and prey. Like all wild carnivores, gray foxes are vulnerable to diseases, such as canine distemper, rabies, parvovirus, and mange. Canine distemper is a common disease in this species and can cause large-scale die-offs when their population becomes too dense. Historically, the gray fox was a staple species of the North American fur trade. While less valuable than the soft, dense coat of a red fox, gray fox pelts were harvested heavily throughout the 19th and 20th centuries for the international clothing industry. The collapse of fur prices and reduced trapping intensity led to a steady increase in fox numbers throughout the state. For landowners and hunters, gray foxes serve as efficient, natural pest control around barns and pastures, keeping rodent populations in check. Though they occasionally draw the ire of poultry owners, they are shy animals and generally avoid human contact, preferring the safety of dense cover and elevated roosts. Photo @ Spring Creek Outdoors.com
Central Texas Wounded Game Recovery Cody Weir (325) 792-7595
Serving all of Central Texas
Cody Weir (325) 792-7595 Serving all of Central Texas
12 H 2026 Mason County Hunting Guide
Mason County News
A Hunter’s Guide to Axis Deer noses held high and antlers tucked tightly against their backs. By Wade Ledbetter Axis deer (Axis axis) are a non-native species that were introduced DIET Axis deer can feed on browse and mast just like native whitetails, to Texas in 1932 from the Indian subcontinent. These exotic deer are easily identified by their distinctive reddish-brown coat, white spots, but also graze on grasses throughout the year. They are highly adaptand elegant antlers. While they are not yet as numerous as white-tailed able animals and can thrive in a variety of habitats, including wooddeer throughout Texas, they have become a prolific part of the Hill lands, grasslands, deserts, and agricultural areas. Axis deer are much less selective eaters than white-tailed deer and will often consume a Country wildlife community and hunting culture. wider variety of plants. BREEDING HABITS Axis deer can breed yearINTERACTIONS WITH round, but the breeding season WHITE-TAILED DEER for the bulk of Axis in Texas Axis deer and white-tailed typically occurs from May to deer can and do coexist in the July. Depending on the individsame habitat, but the differences ual herd, many may breed in in their behavior and ecology do not make them happy or willing the wintertime from December companions. Axis deer are gento January. During this time, erally more tolerant of human bucks become more active and activity than white-tailed deer territorial, often fighting other and are often found in areas with bucks for dominance and access higher levels of disturbance such to does. Breeding typically takes as towns and neighborhoods. place at night. Axis does give They are also more gregarious birth to one or two fawns at a and more likely to be found in time but can enter estrus multilarge groups, while white-tailed ple times per year. deer are often solitary or found ANTLER SHEDDING CYCLE in small groups. When Axis deer Axis bucks shed their antlers and whitetails compete for space after each rut, just like whitetails. and resources such as food and The shedding cycle typically water, the Axis will nearly always begins in late summer or early triumph due to their larger physspring, shortly after the dominant breeding seasons. New antical size, larger group size, and lers begin to grow shortly after more aggressive nature. Axis can shedding and will reach full maalso be more difficult to control turity by early summer or early than whitetails due to their exwinter. The antlers of axis bucks tremely flighty nature and love are distinctive, with long, gently of impenetrable brush cover. curving main beams and stag- An axis buck runs through brush in this archival Spring Creek like tines. Bucks typically run Outdoors photograph. Its spotted coat and antlers are visible in the through dense brush with their overhead view. @ Spring Creek Outdoors.com Aluminum & Stainless Steel Repair CNC Plasma Cutting Welding Custom Metal 1767 E. State Hwy. 29, Mason, TX • 325-294-3048 Attachments & Fabrications www.profabweld.com
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14 H 2026 Mason County Hunting Guide
Mason County News
Critical Time for Wildlife Surveys By Macy Ledbetter Annual fall wildlife surveys are mission-critical for herd and production monitoring purposes. The data is needed to calculate harvest recommendations and guidelines to best balance the herds with the supporting habitat under the ever-changing weather conditions. Surveys provide densities, sex ratios, production success, age structure, and can be an early indication of predator problems or even nutritional deficiencies. Survey data is the primary tool biologists and managers use to direct specific management efforts without guesswork. Data is needed for optimum efficiency and effectiveness.
Photos @ Spring Creek Outdoors.com
With the arrival of New World Screwworm (NWS) in Texas on June 3 and flooding events in July, survey data may never be as important as this year. Mother Nature and rainfall have historically been the primary reasons for surveys—the need to gauge the current production rate is ultimately used to formulate harvest guidelines, but now that the flies are present, it is going to be critical to measure, understand, and respond to best manage the wildlife resources on your property. Screwworm flies target newborn fawns. Not that they “prefer” them, but rather, newborns are the most vulnerable because of the umbilical cord. The umbilicus provides easy and instant access into the body cavity for the New World Screwworm because they are the only flies that seek wounds and/or natural openings on a living animal to deposit their eggs. Once the eggs hatch, screwworm young—or maggots—consume living, healthy flesh to sustain themselves as they feed and grow. In time, they eventually leave the wound, drop to the ground, and develop into adult flies that repeat the life cycle over again. Young animals are impacted the most because they are the most vulnerable during early stages of life. Peak fawning dates in north and central Texas range from late May through early August. Peak fawning dates in south Texas range from late June through late August. Unfortunately, the flooding events happened in mid-July, and the adult NWS fly thrives in similar warm and humid climes, so the summer months were ideal for insect activity. The timing of the floods and screwworm’s arrival in Texas could not have been any worse for fawn production. Most other wildlife species are also born in the late spring or early summer, too, so this is not simply a deer issue. Think rabbits, feral hogs, mule deer, many bird species, small mammals, desert bighorn sheep, and most other exotic species that are now so prevalent throughout Texas. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has predicted that a severe screwworm outbreak could negatively impact up to 80% the whitetail fawns in a given year. Texas Animal Health Commission has indicated this fight against screwworms may last 3-4 years and could take a full decade for wildlife to recover if the outbreak is severe. The previous history of screwworm infestations supports both predictions.
masoncountynews.com The NEED for wildlife surveys has never been greater. Surveys come in many forms, but some are much better than others. Survey method should be based on the size of the property, terrain, canopy cover, and labor required. State-approved survey methods will be required if you intend to utilize state-issued deer permits, so that means spotlight, helicopter, thermal drone, or trail cameras, again, depending on the size, terrain, canopy cover, and labor required. Supplemental data may also need to be included such as daylight observation data, stand/feeder observation data, and additional trail camera data to support and confirm the survey data. Even historic and current body weights collected from harvested animals will also be very important
2026 Mason County Hunting Guide H 15 for managers to use. Selecting the correct survey method for your ranch is critical to gather the data needed to best understand any impacts required to formulate decisive management decisions this hunting season. Is the density down? Specifically, how low is the fawn survival rate? Is there still a need to harvest surplus antlerless deer this fall? Or was there no impact at all? Hunting is a tool and method to manage surplus animals on the rangeland. Surplus animals are those that are taken off to balance the herd with the local habitat. If floods or screwworms negatively impact your fawn survival, it is possible that no surplus will exist this year, so hunting pressure will need to be adjusted. But to factually know, realize, and understand it, you first need quality survey data. Reach out to professionals for assistance if needed or make your own plans to use the right survey method for your ranch this fall. Timing is equally important, so plan to start your surveys soon and continue into the fall until you have the data—and the confidence—needed to make an informed, data-driven decision that may impact your ranch’s wildlife management program for many years to come. If you need professional assistance and want to use thermal drones, helicopters, or trail cameras, reach out to us at www.SpringCreekOutdoors. com so that our team of degreed professional wildlife biologists can help. Planning and coordination using survey data and directed hunting pressure has never been more important than the present, so start making plans now to be prepared moving forward.
16 H 2026 Mason County Hunting Guide
Mason County News
Thermal Drone Surveys
By Matt Nuernberg Effectively managing a property with a focus on white-tailed deer in Texas requires have a good handle on how many deer are present. Beyond that, we need to know other details like sex ratio, age structure, fawn survival rate. There are several methods that can be used to collect this information, but the newest method available to landowners and managers is thermal drones. For decades now a large percentage of the deer counted annually in Texas has been done via helicopter surveys. This method still works extremely well and is the best fit for the job quite often. Fortunately, the places that helicopters struggle is the exact spot that thermal drones do the best. Smaller acreage properties might not be able to justify the price of hiring a helicopter or might have concerns about scaring the deer off the property or running them into a high fence and risking injury or death. Hunting properties close to urban areas or those with neighbors who are not the easiest to get along with can present other issues that make a helicopter less than ideal. Thermal drone surveys are best conducted at night. At night, animals are calmer and temperature differences between the environment and the animal are more stark and help the animals stand out better to the thermal sensor. Depending on the weather conditions, we tend to start flying within an hour after sunset and can go until sunrise if needed. The last reason a drone is a clear choice for many people is the safety factor. Manned aircraft are extremely safe, but accidents can and
do happen, and the risk to life and property is nearly eliminated when surveying via drone. Drone surveys are conducted similar to helicopter surveys; they both fly parallel lines across a property counting animals, but there are some key differences. Helicopters can cover more ground faster while surveying than a drone; there is no doubt here. Part of this is because the helicopter is much louder and causes animals to move more, making them easier to count as you fly past. The drone causes less animal movement, and it must slow or stop to look at every animal as they simply stand still and stare, many times from behind a tree or bush. When drone surveys are conducted at night with a thermal sensor, this oftentimes means you count more animals overall as some animals do not run from a helicopter, making them harder or impossible to see. One thing to remember is that “more” doesn’t always mean “better” data. Just like with a helicopter, you must ensure you are not double-counting animals. Helicopters can typically survey 1200 or more acres per hour, while a drone can effectively survey 250-500 per hour as a general rule. This varies based on topography, vegetation height and density, overall animal density, ambient temperature and other factors. While drones are not and will never be a complete replacement for helicopters in wildlife surveying, they are much needed and very valuable addition in many circumstances. Photo @ Spring Creek Outdoors.com
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18 H 2026 Mason County Hunting Guide
Mason County News
The Year of the Rabbits By Macy Ledbetter I don’t need to tell you this, but the rabbits have had an outstanding year this year throughout all of Texas! In central Texas we have two very different species of rabbit—the jackrabbit and the cottontail. These two species are drastically different in many ways so let’s look at each in more detail. First, to be very specific, the “jackrabbit” is really a hare and not a rabbit at all. The Blacktailed Jackrabbit (Lepus californicus) is larger, overall gray in color and has very noticeably long ears with black tips on the ends. Jackrabbits prefer more open, bare ground similar to desert scrub or more open pasturelands. Their primary defense is their speed and their eyesight, so they prefer more open areas to spot danger at a distance. If the danger persists, they will quickly take off running and with short bursts, can reach a top speed of 45 mph. They can leap up to twenty feet in one jump and will oftentimes use a zigzag pattern to elude persistent predators. Oftentimes they will raise their short white tail to warn other jackrabbits in the area as they flee. Hares have longer legs, bigger feet and much longer ears than rabbits. Newborns are born with fur and open eyes, and they can hop right away. The black-tailed jackrabbit is most active at sunrise and dusk and throughout the night. Their huge eyes allow them excellent “night vision” so they will forage in the wide-open areas during dark-
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ness. Jackrabbits mate year-round with up to four litters per year with a maximum of eight young per litter under ideal conditions. Jackrabbits are vegetarians and they eat a wide array of grasses, weeds, forbs/ wildflowers, browse plants and tree leaves. Under ideal conditions, jackrabbits can live up to eight years, but that is rare in a ranching environment because they are high on the predator priority list, if they can catch them. Cottontails, or more specifically, the Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) is much smaller, brown/tan-colored with black-tipped hairs that offer excellent camouflage and has short ears. Because they are much smaller, have shorter legs and ears than the jackrabbit, they prefer thicker, denser grass and shaded woods to hide instead of run. Oh, they can run for sure, reaching short-burst top speed of 18 mph and can leap 12-15 feet and also runs in a zigzag pattern if needed, but they prefer to hide first and run second. Their eyes are not nearly as good as the jackrabbit, so they prefer to sit still, crouch down and let danger pass them by if possible. Cottontails are also active at sunrise, dusk and active during darkness, however they tend to stick closer to
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escape cover than a fast-running jackrabbit. Cottontails are also vegetarians, and they will consume small twigs or tree bark if conditions warrant. Breeding season can be year-round if conditions are prime; however, their breeding cycles mirror the rain patterns. They can have up to five different litters, and each litter may range from one to eight young but typically averages four. Gestation is 28-29 days so you can appreciate the old saying, “they multiply like rabbits.” Rabbits prefer to nest underground in burrows, in brush piles, culverts or under some type of overhead protective cover. Young are born blind, hairless and defenseless. The average lifespan is one to one and a half years with the oldest ever being documented at five years of age. Only 25%-50% of young rabbits survive their first year, so their survival strategy is to overwhelm the environment with babies when conditions are prime for survival, and this strategy is considered “boom or bust”. And this year obviously is a “boom” year for cottontails. Yes, you can eat both jackrabbits and cottontails; however, the fast-running, desert-loving jackrabbit is not nearly as tasty as the cottontail. Most folks prefer to wait until a frost to consume rabbits, and old-timers claim to wait for those months that end with the letter “r” for parasite/flea/tick reasons (September thru December) but I can say I have eaten them all year long and love it. There are many ways to cook rabbit, but my favorite involves dipping it in a salt/pepper/egg mix, then rolled in flour and put into a hot skillet! If you have not tried rabbit before, this fall is the perfect time because they are plentiful. Photos @ Spring Creek Outdoors.com
2026 Mason County Hunting Guide H 19
20 H 2026 Mason County Hunting Guide
Mason County News
Balancing the Needs of Cattle and Wildlife By Wade Ledbetter The Texas Hill Country has a rich and unbroken history of both cattle ranching and deer hunting, and both activities underpin the economies of our communities. Some people see deer and cattle as competitors, but with careful management they can happily share the same property and produce quality benefits for both hunters and ranchers. Spring Creek Outdoors works with hundreds of ranches that successfully combine productive cattle operations with worldclass deer hunting. Here are some of the lessons we have learned from working with over a million acres of private land throughout the state. CONSERVATIVE STOCKING RATES PREVENT COMPETITION The most effective tool a rancher has for wildlife management is setting a conservative stocking rate. Cattle are predominantly graz-
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ers, relying on grasses, while white-tailed deer are browsers that feed primarily on weeds (forbs), and woody brush (browse), and mast (fruits such as acorns). Under moderate stocking rates, cattle and deer rarely compete for food because their dietary needs naturally separate them. However, when pastures are overstocked, cattle run out of palatable grass and are forced to consume the very forbs and browse that whitetails depend on. In the shallow soils and unpredictable rainfall conditions of Central Texas, maintaining flexible stocking rates, or stocking for dry years rather than ideal years, ensures that deer retain access to high-protein forbs. THE VITAL ROLE OF GROUND COVER FOR FAWN SURVIVAL Perhaps the most critical overlap between cattle management and whitetail survival is the maintenance of ground cover. In Central Tex-
masoncountynews.com as, fawn survival is heavily dictated by how much physical shelter a fawn has during their first 30 to 60 days following births in late spring. Newborn fawns cannot outrun predators like coyotes and bobcats, so they must rely on concealment. To hide effectively, fawns require standing cover consisting of grasses and forbs, combined with trees and brush. Coyotes and bobcats are both vision predators, meaning that they rely on their eyesight for locating prey. If cattle overgraze a pasture, they strip away this visual screen and leave fawns exposed. Temperature management is another important reason to care about ground cover. The weather is hot for everybody during fawning season, but since fawns are restricted to mostly laying on the ground during their first few weeks of life, they are very sensitive to ground surface temperatures. During a 90-degree day, the surface of the ground can reach 120 degrees if it is not shaded by adequate grass cover. A brand-new fawn stands no chance unless some grass is preserved during this crucial time of year. ROTATIONAL GRAZING Continuous grazing in a single pasture allows livestock to repeatedly target the most palatable plant species, suppressing the regeneration of useful species and allowing undesirable species to take over. Implementing a rotational grazing strategy solves this problem by moving cattle through a series of pastures, allowing grazed areas to recover. While most today ranchers utilize some form of rotational grazing, timing it in certain ways can massively help wildlife without detriment to the cattle. Every ranch I have been on has some degree of habitat diversity across the ranch, with some pastures that are best suited to cattle and some rougher ones that are best suited to wildlife. Timing cattle rotation so that the more rugged pastures are left with ample ground cover during fawning season gives fawns a much better shot at survival. These pastures can still be grazed once the fawns are big enough to better fend for themselves, during late summer or fall. CATTLE EXCLUSION For ranches that try to balance both cattle and wildlife, exclusion
2026 Mason County Hunting Guide H 21 can be a useful tool to ensure that both sides get what they need. Cattle do much better on open pasture than they do in thick brush, but most wildlife species are exactly the opposite. Rather than let cattle graze on marginal pasture like rocky hillsides or catclaw-choked brush, fence these areas off so that wildlife can use them without having to share space with foraging cattle. Even just a 5- or 10-acre patch of rough ground kept fenced off from cattle can provide a refuge for an unbelievable amount of wildlife, and we see this effect at work all the time during helicopter and drone surveys. By integrating these steps on your property, you too can cultivate a resilient habitat where cattle and wildlife can both thrive. Photos @ Spring Creek Outdoors.com
22 H 2026 Mason County Hunting Guide
From Lease to Table WHAT TO DO AFTER THE HUNT By Wade Ledbetter Every hunting season, our taxidermists and processors are assailed with a wide range of crimes against their craft. Taxidermists are asked to work with damaged, spoiled, and hairless hides, and processors are asked to make gourmet foods out of dirty, waterlogged, bloodshot cuts of meat. I’ve asked several of these professionals for tips and pointers that will help hunters take home with better mounts for their walls and better food for their tables. SAFE AND EFFICIENT MEAT HANDLING Improper handling of game meat results in lots of lost meat in the best case, and consumption of low-quality or unsafe food in the worst case. Properly caring for meat begins with planning before the hunt even begins. First, ensure that you have the proper equipment and that it is clean and ready to go. Sharp knives, a saw or hatchet, coolers, ice, plastic bags, clean rags or paper towels, and plenty of clean water are essential to hygienic processing. The key to producing a good haul of quality and tasty game meat is to keep it clean and dry, and get it cool as soon as possible. This begins with making a clean and ethical shot that kills the animal quickly and doesn’t contaminate the body with debris from the digestive tract. Gutting should be performed quickly after the harvest, both to help the body cool more quickly and prevent bacterial growth. Avoid perforating the stomach, intestines, colon, or bladder as this will spread bacteria throughout the carcass and can putrefy meat. Next, you’ll skin the carcass, and this should be done carefully to not spread hair all over. Some hair is unavoidable and can be removed from meat at a later stage using a damp cloth or a quick pass with an open flame. Af-
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Mason County News ter gutting and skinning, remember to wash your blades and hands to prevent cross-contamination when quartering or deboning. After gutting and skinning, the meat should be cooled as soon as possible. For cold late-season hunts, letting the carcass hang overnight is perfectly fine as long as the temperatures don’t dip below freezing. For many hunters, though, it will be necessary to put the meat either in a cooler or on ice to get it to the desired temperature of between 32 and 40°F. A common practice at this step is to lay meat in direct contact with ice, but this should be avoided! Leaving the meat in sustained contact with ice and the resulting meltwater encourages the growth of bacteria and causes the meat to break down and discolor. Meat kept on ice should be sealed away from it in plastic bags or kept above the ice on racks to keep it dry. Frozen jugs of water are also a handy way to keep meat cool but dry in a cooler. If you desire to dry age your meat, which is an excellent choice for deer, keeping it dry in the cooler will allow this in a hygienic way. Remember to check the cooler frequently so that you can drain off stagnant meltwater and top off the ice as needed. As long as it is kept cool and dry, game meat will keep for many days until it can be delivered to a processor or your freezer at home. CARING FOR HIDES AND KEEPING YOUR TAXIDERMIST HAPPY If you intend to mount a trophy, proper care of the hide is essential to ending up with a beautiful and long-lived mount. Even more crucially than with meat, it is essential to get the hide cooled as soon as possible, at most within 2-3 hours. If cooling the hide is not feasible
Mason Fit!
By Tony Plutino For such a small community, Mason County offers a vast number of opportunities for the fitness-minded visitor. While these activities keep the locals fit and entertained, they are also open to our short- or long-term visitors seeking to stay on their health regimen or wanting to engage in something new. The offerings include self-led activities as well as many group classes. While many activities are free, some do require fees. For more information, where contact information is not listed, and for some excellent maps, please contact the Mason County Chamber of Commerce. Contact: 325-347-5758 or masontx.org. WALKING & RUNNING One of the most basic things one can do in Mason is to walk, jog or run the pleasant neighborhood streets in town. It’s a great way to get some exercise and get a slowed-down view of life in Mason. If sharing space with traffic is not to your liking, Mason High School has a very nice quarter-mile track as well as a trail that snakes through the school property. Heritage Park, located near downtown just off the southwest corner of the square, features a short eighth-mile loop that can easily be extended to include a walk around the square. For those wanting to incorporate a little nature into their routine, Fort Mason City Park offers the mile-long Jamie Hemphill Nature Trail that can be extended by walking other parts of the park. For those wanting to incorporate a bit of history into their saunter, pick up a copy of the Self-guided Historical Walking Guide from the Mason County Chamber of Commerce or scan the QR codes around town and learn a bit as you keep fit. Two paved routes, Koocksville Road and Pontotoc Street, provide nice out-and-back routes into less-developed areas near town. Many of our unpaved county roads with low traffic also offer good walking opportunities. Art-Hedwigs Hill Road, Kruse Road, Brockman Lane, and Spillar Mine Road are some good choices. A number of ranches cater to the public for overnights and offer miles of walking opportunities as part of the experience, or perhaps a new Mason friend will invite you out for a stroll on their ranch. A fun, highly scenic, and challenging bit of exercise can be found by walking The Island at the James River Crossing (see Swimming & Water Play section). Check with the Mason County Chamber of Com-
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2026 Mason County Hunting Guide H 23
within this timeframe, then it must be salted to aid in drying and prevent the growth of bacteria. If a hide is not chilled or salted within a couple hours of death, the hair will begin to “slip”, or fall out, resulting in a mangy-looking mount or even an unusable hide. Also important is to try not to drag your animal too much, or over rough ground. Dragging is a surefire way to lose hair and damage the hide and can result in a scarred and ragged looking mount. When skinning, it is important to minimize the number of cuts that must be repaired by the taxidermist. If planning on a shoulder mount, cut the hide up the back of the forelegs as straight and clean as possible, and leave at least 10 inches of extra hide behind the shoulders. If you choose to cape the head yourself, try not to cut the hide up the back if possible and take extreme care around the antler pedicles, eyes, and lips. Most taxidermists will prefer that you simply bring in the head with hide attached and allow them to cape it for you, since it’s such a delicate task. Whether the hide is still attached to the head or not, fold it neatly, place it inside of a plastic bag to keep it clean and dry, and put it in a cooler or on ice. Folding instead of bunching will ensure that the entire hide is cooled evenly, instead of insulating itself from the cold. Following these tips will result in better quality meat, better-looking mounts, and an all-round better hunting experience. Respecting the resource is a core component to ethical hunting and ensuring that care is taken through the entire process benefits everybody involved. Safe travels and happy hunting!
merce for maps and directions. Texas A&M AgriLife features a self-monitored online fitness challenge called Walk Across Texas! Details can be found on the Texas A&M AgriLife website at agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/asset-local/walkacross-texas. Finally, every September, during Old Yeller Days, Mason hosts the Gem of The Hill Country, a 5K Run/Walk. This event is for both serious competitors as well as the more casual runner and walker. Contact: Mason County Chamber of Commerce at 325-347-5758 or masontx.org. CYCLING With low traffic volume and dazzling scenery, Mason County offers a great deal for cyclists. Road cyclists can enjoy numerous routes starting from the square or transport their bicycles to less-travelled roads. Mason County also offers great opportunities for gravel-grinders and mountain bikers as most of our county roads are beautiful, unpaved red dirt and pink granite gravel. In the springtime, lined with wildflowers, these routes can be stunning as they traverse the county’s remote and rugged terrain. A few hazards to watch for are washboard, deep sand, loose rocks, and free-ranging cattle. Paved and unpaved roads can be combined to create a substantial number of short and long loops or enjoy an outand-back ride. Also, remember that these roads are public thoroughfares, and you will encounter vehicles on occasion, so stay alert and adhere to the same rules you would on paved roadways. Keep in mind that Mason is quite rural and only a few routes offer conveniences. These include stores and restaurants in Doss, Castell, London, Hext, and Fredonia, but these aren’t always open. Call ahead if you want to be sure of operating hours. When cycling around the county, it is best to bring extra food, water, and tire repair tools. Cell coverage can be spotty, so paper maps are a handy idea. It is quite common that road signs are missing, so be aware of known intersections and landmarks. Self-sufficiency is strongly advised! If you do get lost or have a mechanical breakdown, it is likely that a friendly local will give you directions or a ride, so don’t be shy about asking. Mason County is an extremely helpful place! There are a handful of local cyclists who always enjoy riding with new people and can show you the routes. You can also arrange a ride-guide or shuttle with a local outfitter if you want support or if you want to start somewhere out of town and ride back in. Check with the Mason County Chamber of Commerce for maps and directions.
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24 H 2026 Mason County Hunting Guide Each April, the extremely popular Castell Grind occurs in Castell. This gravel-grinding event offers routes of 50, 72, and 100K through extremely scenic portions of Llano and Mason counties. Contact: CastellGrind.com. KAYAKING & CANOEING With fall and winter coming up, please check the weather and Dos Rios or Llano River Region Adventures for updates. With clean water, gorgeous scenery and ample solitude, the Llano River offers a great respite for the soul and a great avenue for exercise. While many people don’t consider kayaking and canoeing as fitness sports (even though they are Olympic events), most people manage to find “new” muscles when they paddle. When using the correct form, paddling is a great sport for improving abdominal strength, toning arms and legs and, if you ramp it up, increasing aerobic capacity. Canoeing and kayaking are a lot of fun, allow access to uncrowded areas, and are a fantastic addition to a cross-fitness regimen. If you just want a peaceful day on the water, it is a great form of active recreation for the whole family. Local outfitters will set you up for a wonderful day or two on the river and offer rentals, shuttles, guidance and lessons. Contact: Llano River Region Adventures at HeadForTheHillCountry.com and 512-496-2020 or Dos Rios RV Park and Campground at DosRiosRVPark.com and 512-553-3977. SWIMMING & WATER PLAY With fall and winter coming up, please check the weather and Dos Rios or Llano River Region Adventures for updates. With the pristine Llano River coursing through the midsection of Mason County, the options for swimming are endless. A favorite swimming hole of locals is at the James River Crossing of the Llano River on Highway 2389, eight miles south of town. For the fitness swimmer, there are large pools above and below this crossing. This area is unique in that it offers a massive gravel island that is accessible to the public by vehicle, but be careful you don’t get stuck in loose gravel. There is a wide, concrete apron that offers solid parking. Use extreme caution when entering and exiting your vehicle. Packed gravel at the bridge offers solid parking and a packed-gravel route offers access to the west end of the island. Loose gravel will be encountered on the east end of the island, so good judgement and driving skills are needed. There are no public facilities on the island. Dos Rios RV Park and Campground offer lodging and have restrooms for guests. The James River Icehouse offers its facilities during opening hours, but please consider buying something as well. Other crossings of the Llano River offer similar opportunities, but shallower water. The Llano River is quite clear, so is good for snorkeling with plenty of interesting aquatic life to see. Check with the Mason County Chamber of Commerce for maps and directions. From June 1st to mid-August, the City of Mason Swimming Pool is open. This little oasis in the middle of town offers general swimming times, adult-only swimming times, and dedicated lane swimming for fitness swimmers. Day or season passes are available. The schedule is available from the City Office. Contact: 325-347-6449 or https://www.cityofmason.us. TENNIS Many visitors are surprised to find that Mason County is a mecca of Texas tennis. Our tennis legacy goes back to a time when many ranches hosted matches on their private tennis courts and matches were even held in the town square. Mason High School has won many
Mason County News state-level awards for its tennis prowess. Our high school offers several courts that are open to the public, and you will likely be able to find a singles or doubles partner. Mason being an exceedingly friendly place, you might also find yourself with an invitation to play on a private ranch court. Private lessons can be arranged in town. GOLF Comanche Creek Golf Course is a nine-hole golf course and driving range catering to the needs of the golf enthusiast. These facilities are located in the Fort Mason City Park, just south of town off of Highway 87 South. The course features a clubhouse where one can rent equipment, find a golfing partner, or simply enjoy some camaraderie. Consider walking to increase the exercise benefit. For course details and operating hours, please visit www.comanchecreekgolfcourse.com. GENERAL FITNESS River of Life Church (ROLC) –The ROLC offers Pickleball every Thursday from 6-8 p.m. and Shape-Up Class for Women Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:00-9:00 a.m. Shape-Up is a 60-minute fitness class to upbeat music, which is self-paced using weights, bands, and other equipment. Tumbling classes with Britni McMillan are offered on Mondays. Contact: 325-347-9497 or https://rolmason.org. First United Methodist Church (FUMC) – The FUMC offer a Senior Exercise Class, including Chair Yoga. Contact First United Methodist Church at (325) 347-5105 or “Aging Stronger” for information on these and other available classes. Mason Wellness Center & Mason Physical Therapy – The Mason Wellness Center offers a 24/7 fitness center that provides cardio and strength equipment and includes onsite lockers and showers. Also offered are numerous group fitness classes including Pilates, Spin, Tai Chi, and yoga. A variety of membership passes are available, including visitor passes. Mason Physical Therapy offers a large and diverse range of physical therapy techniques. Contact: 325-294-4700 or MasonHealthCenter.com. Kinesio Fitt & Physical Therapy–Located on the square, Kinesio Fitt offers a variety of fitness classes, including general strengthening and cardio, Zumba, and yoga. The gym features an array of weight and conditioning machines as well as an infrared sauna. A variety of membership passes are available, including visitor passes. Kinesio Fitt also offers a broad spectrum of therapy techniques. Contact: 325-294-4300 or KinesioFittMason.com. Playgrounds – Several public and private playgrounds around town allow for free-form play and exercise for kids. These include Fort Mason City Park, Joe Martinez Park, Mason ISD, the Mason County Library, Discovery Center, The Ramon Park and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Ball Fields & Courts – Soccer fields and baseball diamonds are available at Fort Mason City Park, and a small basketball court is available in Joe Martinez Park. MASSAGE & SPA Feeling a bit tight after working out? Need to add some finishing touches to your toned-up self? Just need a bit of pampering? Whether it’s a full-body massage, full-body waxing, tanning, lash extensions, lash lift & tint, permanent makeup, facials, Botox, hairstyling and more, Mason has a few great spas that will have you feeling and looking your absolute best! Post Oak Spa - 325-347-7139 or facebook.com/postoakspa. Vitality Day Spa - 325-294-4703 or vitalitydsm.com. The Beauty & Spa Studio – 830-955-3567 or chelsietheesthie. square.site. OTHER GREAT OPTIONS Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Mason County – Provides classes on and serves as a clearing house for local healthy lifestyle activities. Contact Karen Jennings or Tiani Finn at (325) 347-6459 or mason-tx@tamu.edu. Tony Plutino is a fitness and nature enthusiast who has lived in Mason for over 22 years. He owns Llano River Region Adventures providing river and land-based adventures in and around Mason County. In the winter, he guides Big Bend National Park Trips for REI Adventures. His specialties are kayaking, cycling, hiking and nature interpretation. HeadForTheHillCountry.com. 512.496.2020. tonyplutino@gmail.com.
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2026 Mason County Hunting Guide H 25 First Known Religious Services in Mason County: From the Mason square, take Highway 29 east approximately 12 miles to Bauerville Rd. Head south on Bauerville for about 7 miles.
Mason County Historical Markers Art Methodist Church: Located at the intersection of Highway 29 and Art-Hedwigs Hill Rd. in Art. Art Schoolhouse: From Art, take Lower Willowcreek Rd. south for about 400 yards. John Bate Berry: Take SH 29 approximately 4 miles west to Grit Cemetery (in central part of cemetery). Bethel M. E. Church: Take U.S. 87 south for approximately 10 miles, then turn on Ranch Road 783 to the west. Head 4.2 miles on RR 783 to Loeffler Lane, then 0.2 miles to the east. Broad Street Bridge: Take Broad Street north of the square
approximately three blocks. Marker is on the opposite side of the bridge.
The Commercial Bank: Located at the current Commercial Bank on Mason Square. 100 Moody St. Crosby Cemetery: From the Courthouse, take U.S. 87 approximately 1.3 miles north to the cemetery, on the west side of the highway. First Christian Church: On the corner of Austin St. (Highway 29 east) and Willow St. Now the home of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church. First Comanche-German Meeting: Located at 442 Ft. McKavitt Street.
Fort Mason: Near the corner of Post Hill St. and Spruce at the top of Post Hill Street. Fort Mason and Camp Llano, C.S.A.: On the southeast corner of the courthouse lawn. Daniel Hoerster: From Art, take North Art Rd. north approximately 0.6 miles to small Hoerster Family Cemetery. Hofmann Dry Goods Company: 220 Ft. McKavitt St. on the north side of the square (the Shooting Star).
Go 18 miles south of Mason on Highway 87. At the intersection of U.S. 87 and Ranch Road 2242, in Loyal Valley. Koocksville: From the square, take Highway 29 west 2 miles to Koocksville Rd. Head down Koocksville Rd.; look for marker on the left. Kothmann Homesite and Cemetery: At the intersection of Highway 29 and Lower Willow Creek Rd. Herman and Willie Lehmann: From “downtown” Loyal Valley take House Mountain Rd. 0.2 miles to Loyal Valley Cemetery. The Lindsay House: Located at 516 Spring St., just north of downtown.
Holmes & Bierschwale Law and Land Office: On Highway 87 North (421 Ft. McKavitt St.) next door to Capital Farm Credit. (Cherokee Rose retail store).
Mason County: From the square, take U.S. Highway 87 south approximately 2 miles to the rest stop across from Ft. Mason City Park.
Homesite of John O. Meusebach:
Continued on page 27
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16 16Mason 16 Mason Mason County County County News News News
By Matt Nuernberg, Spring Creek Outdoors
2024 2024 Hunting 2024 Hunting Hunting in the in t
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by larger animals and humans. The same can be said for ocelots in 26 H 2026 Mason County Hunting Guide County the Mason central part of theNews state. Ocelots are The short answer? No. The longer By By Matt By Matt Nuernberg, Matt Nuernberg, Nuernberg, bycertainly larger by larger by animals larger animals animals and and humans. and humans. humans. known to be active resident Spring Spring Spring Creek Creek Outdoors Creek Outdoors Outdoors answer? ALMOST certainly no. Every TheThe same The same can same can be can be said said be for said for ocelots ocelots ocelots in in Coi of the very southern tip offor Texas. 2024 Hunting in the HillThe 16 Mason County News single year we receive dozens of texts, the the central the central central part part of part the of the state. of the state. Ocelots state. Ocelots Ocelots are are ar ocelot population is currently though TheThe short The short answer? short answer? answer? No. No. The No. The longer The longer longer emails, and forwarded images on social certainly certainly certainly known known known to be to be active to active be active residents residents resident to be and roughly 100 animals, and is no answer? answer? answer? ALMOST ALMOST certainly certainly certainly no.mice, no. Every no. Every By Macy Ledbetter seeALMOST ofanimal rabbits, rats, quail, fawns in the summer media asking iflots the in the photo isEvery of dove, the of the of very the very southern very southern southern tip tip of Texas. tip of Texas. of Texas. TheTheTh widely spread out. As with the jaguarun single single single year year we year we receive we receive receive dozens dozens dozens of texts, of texts, of texts, The age-old questions we receive as biologists revolve around the orand fall, know itHalf is because of lateocelot winter and early spring and ocelot ocelot population population population is currently is rains currently is currently thought thought though an ocelot jaguarundi. of the time and and forwarded and forwarded forwarded images images images on social on social on social amount of rain received and the benefits. Honestly, volume emails, hasemails, faremails, typically NOT record rainfall amounts. di, ocelots prefer to remain hidden in By Matt Nuernberg, to be to be roughly to roughly be roughly 100 100 animals, 100 animals, animals, and and is and not is not is the no by larger animals and humans. it is easy to answer due to modern, qualiless to do with the potential benefits than TIMING. Timing ismedia much By time June rolls around, the ground and air brush temperatures in- find. Virgin media asking media asking asking if the the if the animal if animal the animal in the in the photo in photo theisphoto is thickest isThe same Spring Creek Outdoors scrub they can can be said for ocelots in widely widely widely spread spread spread out. out. As out. As with with As the with the jaguarunthe jaguarunjaguarun ty game cameras and cell phone pictures. more important to habitat and wildlife management. Rainfall an timing and plantHalf nutrition to level off and/or even decline. But ocelot an ocelot an crease or ocelot jaguarundi. or jaguarundi. or jaguarundi. Half ofHalf the of begins the time of the time time the partthis of to the state. Ocelots are brush like isareas, becoming increasingly di, ocelots di,central ocelots di, prefer prefer prefer remain to remain tothe remain hidden hidden hidden in the in the in th The short answer? The longer heavily dictates body condition, fawn survival, and deer antler growth the structure—the cover, the shade, theocelots bedding travel The other half ofanswer the time themodern, animal it isit easy isiteasy is to easy answer toplant answer to due due to modern, due toNo. modern, to qualiqualiqualicertainly known to be active residents uncommon, which further limits theVirgi hab thickest thickest thickest scrub scrub brush scrub brush they brush they can they can find. can find. Virgin find. Virgin answer? ALMOST certainly no. Every by controlling spring nutrition from March through June. in Same for corridors—are still present and that alone helps to keep animals safe. is blurry or obscured and of the very southern tip of Texas. The tyquestion game ty game tycameras game cameras cameras andand cell and cell phone cell phone pictures. phone pictures. pictures. receive of texts, itat they find desirable in the state. Even brush brush like brush like this like this is becoming this is becoming is becoming increasingly increasingly increasingl rabbit, quail, and turkey production. Late winter rains, even snow, are single Youngyear arewe naive anddozens inexperienced but they were born under excelocelot population is currently thought The other The other half other half ofhalf the ofconditions the of time the time the time the animal the animal animal weThe cannot be certain what species itsocial is. and forwarded images wonderful because it provides deep moisture that plants can store then emails, lent spring and on now they are better able to documented survive the heat uncommon, uncommon, uncommon, which which further which further further limits limits the hab-habthe Ott hab in with population to beareas roughly 100 animals, andlimits is the not in the question in question in media question isasking blurry is blurry isif the blurry oranimal obscured or obscured or obscured andand in the the photo is andhabitat conditions. sake of coffee house discussion, use to explode with new growth as early spring emerges. ButFor the real stress, again, because of improved and widely spread out. As with the jaguarunitat itat they itat they find they find desirable find desirable desirable in the in the state. in the state. Even state. Even Eve such as Kenedy and Willacy counties ancannot ocelot jaguarundi. Half ofspecies the time wewellwe cannot we cannot be certain be or certain be certain what what species what species it is. it is.it di, is. many will believe that the blurry picture key to improved wildlife and habitat health comes from those June is when the whitetail buck’s antlers are growing thehidden quickest, prefer todocumented remain inpopulations thepopulation areas inocelots areas in with areas with documented with documented populations it isthe easy to answer due todiscussion, modern, quali-in sightings are still quite rare, even tojag the For For the For the sake sake of sake coffee of coffee of coffee house house house discussion, discussion, thickest scrub brush they can find. Virgin timed and evenly spaced conservative early spring rains. Not floods sometimes as much as 1” per day. It takes a lot of nutrition to push out is definitely what they and want to be. such as such Kenedy as Kenedy as Kenedy and and Willacy and Willacy Willacy counties, counties, counties ty game cameras cell it phone pictures.such wil employees of the property with ongoing brush like this is becoming increasingly many many will many will believe will believe believe that that the that the blurry the blurry picture blurry picture picture that offer erosion or with more runoff than soaking in, but rather slow, new antlers, especially ifthat there are lots of points involved. If at any time The of the are time the animal The facts ofother thehalf matter jagsightings sightings sightings arewhich are stillare still quite still quite rare, quite rare, even rare, even toeven the to the todist th further limits the habOtter rang steady, well-timed rain events that don’t necessarily cause huge during this June, July, August timeframe the weather turns is celedefinitely is definitely is in definitely what what they what they want they want itwant toor itbe. toeven itbe. toand be. uncommon, research projects. question is blurry or obscured employees employees employees of the of the property of the property property with with ongoing with ongoing ongoin and often uarundi are considered to be extirpatitat they find desirable in the state. Even com brations at the rain gauge or coffee shop. Ranchers like the big rains off hot and dry (which is are normally the While case), antler growth slowsisway TheThe facts The facts of facts the of the of matter the matter matter are are that that jagthat we cannot be certain what species itjagis. jagthe jaguarundi listed jaguarund as extir inresearch areas with documented populations research projects. projects. projects. edto from Texas and the United States. to fill the ponds and make the creeks run and the public loves have down because the nutritional demand ofresearch new antler growth simply For the sake of coffee house oth uarundi uarundi uarundi are are considered are considered considered to be to be extirpattodiscussion, extirpatbe extirpatpated in the Texas and the ocelot such as the Kenedy andjaguarundi Willacy While While While jaguarundi the jaguarundi is listed iscounties, listed is as listed extirasare extiraslisted extir will likely will believe that the blurry picture lakes full of water; however, the wildlife and habitat are not fans bigfrom cannot be maintained by the reduced nutritional supply. A even July 4th Jaguarundi are the most common small S edofed from edmany Texas from Texas Texas and and theand the United the United United States. States. States. sightings are still quite rare, to the aspated federally endangered in are the United disturbed pated in pated Texas incompared Texas in and Texas and the the the ocelot ocelot are listed are listed liste isflood definitely what they want itantler to be.but rains. does very little forcommon growth when toand aocelot mid-June tho felid in Central and South America, employees of the property with ongoing commerci Jaguarundi Jaguarundi Jaguarundi are are the are the most the most common most common small small small facts of the matter are and that ajagStates, both are listed as species ofUnite Leas As a biologist, I can typically predict very accurately the upcoming 1”The rain, a mid-July 1” rain mid-August 1” rain. The rain in sustains asresearch federally as federally as projects. federally endangered endangered endangered the in the in United the United wit Mexico the most edge of their felid felid inis felid Central in Central innorthern Central and South and South South America, America, but but but other reaso uarundi are and considered to besustain extirpathunting season forecast by the end of May. Yes, May. Rainfall timthe plants and the America, plants the animals that depend upon them. States, States, States, both both are both are listed are listed as listed species as species as species of Least of Least of Leas Concern by the International Union While the jaguarundi is listed as extirthin So, wha Mexico Mexico Mexico isedthe is the northern is northern theand northern most most edge most edge ofspring edge their of their of their from Texas and the United States. The last confirmed sighting in ing is that important and the rains generally from Decemberrange. to May, So early consistent rains set the stage forby all wildlife while pated in Texas and thethe ocelot are listed Concern Concern Concern by by the the International International International Union Union Unio for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) those that Jaguarundi are the most common small we range. range. range. The The last The last confirmed last confirmed confirmed sighting sighting sighting in in as infederally was in 1986. Does this mean that but more specifically, from March to May are the key factor.Texas March, timely summer rains sustain them so that they may reach full endangered in their the United for Conservation for Conservation Conservation oflisted of Nature Nature ofas Nature (IUCN). (IUCN). (IUCN) with a say long felid in Central and South America, butfor Both species are decreasing Texas Texas was Texas was in was 1986. in 1986. in Does 1986. Does this Does this mean this mean that mean that that States, both are listed as species of our Least things: a in April, and May rains trigger fresh weed and flower growth. High-propotential. 2026 is amost great example of thespecies wild nutritional swings there haven’t been here since di Both Both species species are are listed are listed as listed decreasing as decreasing as decreasing in in Mexico is theany northern edgethen? of theirBoth number, neither arefrom believed toaro be Concern bybut the International Union there there haven’t haven’t been been any been any here any here since here since since then? tein plants are in full-throttle production and the animals who rely onhaven’t wildlife often experience. For example, we had excellent rains we tell so range. The confirmed sighting inthen? Ofthere course not, but itlast does make itthen? more number, number, number, but but neither but neither neither are are believed are believed believed to be to be to b for Conservation oflow Nature (IUCN). surv them gorge themselves on the bountiful nutrition. Birds and Of rabbits January until 4.does The rain was well spaced out, timely, AND above The near critically numbers. fac Of course course OfTexas course not,not, butnot, but it1986. does but itJuly does itmake make more it more it more say that th was in Does thisitmake mean that unlikely, and extremely unlikely that one near near critically near critically critically low low numbers. numbers. numbers. The fact The factacro fac Both species are4th listed aslow decreasing inThe are nesting, conditions are nice, and predation rates are reduced when average volume. The flooding events around July filled the ponds, around. E unlikely, unlikely, unlikely, and and extremely and extremely extremely unlikely unlikely that that one that oneone there haven’t beenunlikely any here since then? of the matter is that Northern Mexico but neither believed toMexico be Mexico ofnumber, the of the of matter the matter matter is that isare that isNorthern that Northern Mexic be in central Texas. The habitat surveys the habitat is primed, so more “small critters” survive into thewould summer. the creeks, and lakes and everyone was happy—unless youNorthern and estw not,central butTexas. itthe does make ithabitat more would would would beOf be incourse central in be central in Texas. Texas. The The habitat The habitat and Southern Texas are the very North near critically low numbers. The fact andand Southern and Southern Southern Texas Texas are Texas are thehomes. are the very the very North very North Nort across ap By the time summer arrives, the young of the year are very visible BEyour wildlife lived in flood-prone areas and you both lost your unlikely, and extremely unlikely that one that these cats prefer is thick stands of go thatthat these that these cats these cats prefer cats prefer prefer is thick is thick isstands thick stands stands of of of ofthe matter is that Northernrange, Mexicoa est edge of their current fact tha house edge of edge their of their of current their current current range, range, range, a fact a fact that a fact that tha wouldthat be inremains central Texas. The habitatedge CAUSE they survived due to the lush spring conditions. So when youbrush thorny undisturbed Continued on page 28 and Southern Texas are the very North go miles h thorny thorny thorny brush brush that brush that remains that remains remains undisturbed undisturbed undisturbed
Rainfall: Timing vs. Volume
Was That an Ocelot/
that these cats prefer is thick stands of edge of their current range, a fact that thorny brush that remains undisturbed
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2026 Mason County Hunting Guide H 27
Mason County Historical Markers Continued from page 25
Mason County Courthouse: The marker is located at the north side entrance gates to the courthouse grounds.
Site of First Church in Mason County: From Art, take Lower Willowcreek Rd. south for about 400 yards.
Mason County Jail: Located on the square at the intersection of Westmoreland and Post Hill St.
Site of Old Park Named for Comanche Chief Katemcy: Two miles east of Highway 87 on Ranch Road 1222 and the intersection of Katemcy Rd.
Mason House Hotel & Stage Station: On the northwest corner of the Mason Square at the intersection of Highway 29 and Live Oak St. Mason National Bank: On the south side of the square directly across from the courthouse. Methodism in Mason County: First United Methodist Church, 224 Broad St. Old Fort Mason: Head one mile north of the square to the former roadside park just north of the Highway 377/Highway 87 intersection. Old Mason Grammar School: It is at the intersection of Moody Street and Bryan Street on Moody Street. The marker is located at the north side of the Mason County Museum building. Peters Prairie School: It is on U.S. 87 half a mile south of Ranch to Market Road 1222, on the right when traveling south. Pontotoc and San Fernando Academy: In downtown Pontotoc just off Highway 71. R. Grosse and Sons: At 114 Live Oak St. on the east side of the square. Now the home of the old Lea Lou Co-op. Rudolph and Therese Runge House: It is on San Antonio Street (U.S. 87) 0.2 miles west of East Rainey Street, on the left when traveling west. The marker is located in front of the building by the street.
Spring Street Church: Spring Street, just two blocks north of the west side of the square at the intersection of Bluebird St. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church: On the corner of Avenue B and Church St., just off Highway 87 north. St. Paul Lutheran Church: Located at 102 Magnolia St., just 1.5 blocks east of the square. Taylor-Carter House: Located at 610 Robin Ave. Dizenia Peters Todd: Take Highway 87 S. 2.5 miles, then turn right into Ranch Road 1723. Turn on Ranch Road 2389 and go one mile to cemetery on the left. Todd Mountain: Located 2.5 miles south of Mason on Ranch Road 1723, then 1 mile southwest on Ranch Road 2389. Two Sheriffs of Mason County: Located half mile north of the courthouse on the right of way of U.S. Highway 87 near Dollar General. Wagram Cemetery: It is on Ranch to Market Road 386 0.2 miles west of Wagram Road, on the left when traveling north. The marker is located at the entrance to the cemetery. Whorlie Well: On Ranch Road 1871 (El Paso St.) near the corner of Westmoreland and Avenue F.
Seaquist Home: Two blocks north of the square on Broad Street at the intersection of Lotus St. Stay Up-to-Date and Support Community Journalism 325-347-5757 • masoncountynews.com
28 H 2026 Mason County Hunting Guide RAINFALL – Continued from page 26 The July 4th rains represented way more negative than positive on a landscape level. Whitetail fawns were being born at that time, and their mothers prefer the low-lying creeks, drainages, and thick wooded areas, referred to as riparian areas, when and where they are available. Mother quail and turkeys behave similarly, so when the floodwaters rushed down the draws, creeks, and rivers, many very young wildlife species were lost from drowning or flood debris injuries. Severe flooding killed a lot of wildlife this year because it was simply too much and too fast at the wrong time. Rain gauges overflowed and lakes are now full, but it came at a great expense to localized, lower elevation-loving wildlife and habitat. Summer months (July and August) drought typically results in reduced fawn survival because mom may not be able to lactate enough to support both fawns, so one survives and one does not. Same with the birds: there may not be enough green grass or insects for the entire clutch to feed upon, so fewer survive. A buck’s tines stall or even stop growing, resulting in fewer total points and shorter tine length. And as drought conditions take over, predation rates skyrocket because predators are hungry, too. As habitat conditions deteriorate, animals are forced to move more often and scarcity causes animals to do things they may not normally do such as travel farther in search for food, visit the ditches near the highway, cross a few more fences or cattle guards and simply expose themselves more to danger. So, 2026 was an abundant rainfall year up until August 1; then the spigot shut off. Temperatures stayed above 100 degrees until the very end of August and then we had a brief, but very valuable, rain. Grass greened up briefly, the tropical depression made landfall in SE Texas and the temperatures stalled in the high 90s, all very favorable conditions for the young of the year and the stressed habitat. As of this writing, the browse plants and trees are doing well while the grass is still struggling. That means if it stays dry through September, activity at deer feeders will be very strong in October and November. But if better rains fall in mid-September and again in mid-October, feeder hunting will be much more challenging. Timing of rainfall is way more important to wildlife than volume.
Mason County News
Crafting a Turkey Haven By Wade Ledbetter Whether you hunt them or just enjoy having them around, Rio Grande turkeys can be a tricky species to manage for in central Texas. On many ranches, they come and go throughout the year with seemingly no rhyme or reason. While turkeys do tend to travel more than some of our other headliner wildlife species, their travel plans can be influenced more than you may realize. By implementing targeted practices, hunters and landowners can attract, retain, and support breeding populations of these birds, ensuring that they hang around for reliable hunting. The Rio Grande wild turkey is well-adapted to Texas's semi-arid and predator-rich environment, but survival is still an uphill battle. In our part of the world where variable rainfall and land use pressures combine to make life hard on turkeys, just a few management efforts can give them the conditions they need to thrive. The following strategies focus on key habitat components to foster booming populations. A foundational element is food availability, which draws turkeys to an area and sustains them through seasonal demands. These omnivores consume a varied diet consisting of approximately 50% grass and forb seeds, 30% invertebrates, and 20% mast such as fruits, pecans, and acorns. To enhance forage, consider shallow disking (2-4 inches deep) along wooded edges in early spring, creating strips roughly 20 feet wide. This promotes the growth of native forbs and enhances the diversity of food available. For supplemental food, small food plots planted with cowpeas, wheat, or clover can provide choice foraging if soils and rainfall are favorable. Feeders are another option, but some research suggests that feeders increase the number of turkeys lost to predators. Which brings us to a critically important factor: ensuring safe nesting and roosting sites. While adult turkeys are pretty good at taking
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2026 Mason County Hunting Guide H 29
care of themselves (as any turkey hunter can attest), eggs and poults are highly vulnerable. Most folks hear the word predators and think coyote, but even smaller varmints like foxes, raccoons, possums, snakes, skunks, owls, and hawks can put a huge dent in turkey numbers. Hens themselves are sometimes so committed to their nest that they become easy prey for otherwise avoidable predators, but egg predation by foxes and raccoons in particular is probably the biggest obstacle to turkey production. Preserving some patches of thorny underbrush where hens can build well-hidden and protected nests can help reduce nest predation, as can timely predator control. A little trapping, calling, spotlighting, or other predator control efforts prior to nesting season (March-June) can go a long way to helping hens raise a clutch or two of poults unmolested. Equally critical is cover, providing security for roosting and rearing young. Turkeys prefer mature hardwoods like live oaks, pecans, or cottonwoods for overnight roosts— trees at least 40 feet tall with ample limb space and dense overhead canopies. Turkeys need ample runway both for getting up into the roost and coming back down in the morning, so they favor an open understory with room to fly. Selective brush control in suitable stands of trees can create a preferred turkey roost, which they will return to over and over again. Turkeys take great care in pruning and maintaining their roosts, so they will happily reuse a proven spot rather than fix up a new one. For nesting, hens prefer grassy areas where woods and pasture meet, especially when cattle grazing has been very light. Deferring cattle grazing in such habitat prior to nesting season can not
only attract more hens but also increase nest survival. Water sources are essential since turkeys can consume up to a quart daily, especially during breeding season or hot weather. A good rule of thumb is to have one permanent water source per square mile, such as ponds, troughs, or guzzlers. Protect natural creeks or seeps by fencing them off from livestock to ensure clean, reliable access. In central Texas's unpredictable precipitation patterns, these permanent features help retain birds on the property and support population stability. Some more intensive management techniques can further enhance recruitment. Prescribed burns in late winter on fallow fields stimulate forb growth and insect populations that are key for poults, as insects comprise up to 90% of their diet. Apply burns in a mosaic pattern, blending treated and untreated areas to provide diverse cover options. Similarly, targeted brush control that removes invasives while preserving mast-producing trees can increase forage diversity without removing too much cover. Avoid burns, heavy grazing, or other disturbances during spring nesting to minimize losses. These practices can significantly improve poult survival rates, from as low as 10% in unmanaged areas to levels that sustain huntable populations. Well-managed habitats not only help the turkeys but also benefit co-occurring species like quail and deer. With consistent effort, your property can become a reliable stronghold for these iconic birds, yielding recreation and conservation for years to come. Photos @ Spring Creek Outdoors.com
30 H 2026 Mason County Hunting Guide MASON EVENT S C ALENDAR EVERY WEEK: Pickleball Courts: Come play pickleball for FREE at River of Life Church Gym. Open every Thu. evening from 6–8PM. Just show up and play! No experience needed. All are welcome—bring a friend! ONCE A MONTH: Save these dates for First Fridays: Nov. 6, Dec. 4, Feb. 5, Mar. 5 and Apr. 2 The McLaughlins invite Mason County residents to stop by on the first Fri. of the month for a casual evening of wine and good company. From 5–9PM at 113 Austin Street, across from Mason Feed Store and behind Parr Cellars building. Reminder: First Fridays are exclusively for Mason County residents and the guests they bring. Thank you for helping us keep this gathering focused on our local community. OCTOBER 2026 Free Halloween Treats 30th: Join us at Mason Dairy Queen from 3:30PM–6:30PM for a Free Kiddie Cone for every child in costume. Louisiana Cajun Homemade Chicken & Sausage Gumbo 31st: Enjoy delicious food at Crockett’s on the Square. 11AM until gone. Karaoke Night 31st: Spring Street Collective — Halloween Edition — from 6:30– 10:30PM! Fall City-Wide Garage Sale 31st: Mark your calendars for the City-Wide Garage Sale! Each participating sale will be listed on a map with its own hours, so be sure to check the details before heading out. Looking to declutter and make some extra cash? Or maybe you’re on the hunt for hidden treasures and great deals? Either way, this is the perfect event for you! Created by the Mason County Chamber. Halloween Costume Party 31st: Come celebrate Halloween at Willow Creek Café & Club! Come in your funniest, scariest, or most original costume and win prizes! Karaoke with DJ Polo P. From 9PM–11:59PM. Arts & Wine Festival 31st: Make your way out to Magical Mason and enjoy a walk
around the square with Hill Country artists and winemakers! From 11AM–4PM, a whole host of artists, craftspeople, and winemakers will be lining the sidewalks with their creations. Spend the day strolling through our friendly little town for our 13th annual fall festival! Take a drive to see the Llano River and the beauty of Mason County. Treat yourself to a bite of lunch in one of our yummy eateries. For more info, or to see if we have vandor space available, contact Lisa Polk at 325-347-0230 or lisapolk1160@gmail.com. NOVEMBER 2026 Mammogram Mobile Screening 6th: Frontera is bringing mammography services closer to home through our mobile screening partners at the River of Life Church parking lot from 9AM–5PM. Mason County Health Fair 6th: This event provides medical resources and health screenings to support the health and well-being of individuals of all ages and stages of life in Mason County. River of Life Gymnasium from 10AM–2PM. Customer Appreciation Day 6th: Join us for free food, giveaways, door prizes and beer at our Customer Appreciation Day at Mason Feed Store starting at 11AM. 130 Austin Street, Mason, TX. Ordinary Elephant 7th: Ordinary Elephant is the performing name of husband-andwife duo Pete Damone and Crystal Hariu-Damone. The musical duo, winner of the International Folk Music Award Best Artist of the Year, brings their unique sound to the Odeon at 7PM. Rooted in bluegrass and folk, Ordinary Elephant has a style of their own and delivers their songs with power, beauty, and soul. Get tickets now. Hamburger Fundraiser 8th: Join us for a drive-through lunch supporting Steady Steps Children’s Ministry from 11AM– 1:30PM. West side of the courthouse. Meal by donation. Texas Top Gun Shootout 11th–15th: Texas Top Gun 2026 is coming! Bigger and badder than before! This will be the 5th year of the ultimate rock-crawling test to see who the Top Gun in rock crawling really is! $10,000 first-place prize money in Top Gun, plus payouts in 2nd and
Lunch & Dinner • WeD-Sat • 11am-8pm Eat In or Carry Out 325-347-6140 • 205 San Antonio St., Mason
Mason County News 3rd places! Drag Axle class also pays a $2,000 first-place prize. The best rock crawlers in the United States will be here for this event! Great sponsors and the best rock crawling. Open wheeling this weekend. Special rates apply. Hosted by Katemcy Rocks. texastopgunshootout. com for details and competitor sign-up. Karaoke Night 14th: Spring Street Collective from 6PM–9PM! Wild Game Dinner 14th: Join us from 5:30PM–9PM for the Mason County Chamber’s biggest fundraiser of the year! The Wild Game Dinner is a Mason tradition featuring great wild game food, rifles, prizes, and plenty of fun. Proceeds support the Chamber’s efforts to promote local businesses, tourism, and community events. Karaoke with DJ Polo P 21st: Join us at 9PM at Willow Creek Café & Club for a fun night of karaoke with DJ Polo P! Sing your favorite songs, enjoy great music, and vibe with friends all night. Light Up Our Town—A Hometown Christmas 28th: Celebrate the holiday season around the Square! Activities, local vendors, food, Santa, a parade, plenty of holiday cheer. Bring the family and experience the joy of Christmas in Mason. Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides 28th: Carousel Carriage Co. will be joining us for Light Up Our Town from 2PM–8PM! Gather your family and loved ones for a festive carriage ride and enjoy the Christmas lights and hometown holiday atmosphere! Pickup & Drop-off: Westmoreland Street, on the south side of the courthouse entrance. DECEMBER 2026 Open Guided Tours 5th: The Seaquist House will be open for self-guided tours from 5PM–8PM at no charge! Donations are always welcomed. Enjoy a special evening on the floor where a pianist will be playing Christmas and holiday music on the 1897 Chickering baby grand. WinterFisch Dec. 5th – Feb. 28th: The WinterFisch Celebration launches the 9th annual Mason County WinterFisch season with an opening-day celebration from 10AM–4PM. Begins the threemonth-long Mason County WinterFisch rainbow trout fishing season. Fishing available along the public island, at Dos Rios RV Park, and at the James River Icehouse. The James River Icehouse will allow free access during regular business hours. Day-use fees will apply at Dos Rios RV Park to fish from their property after opening day. Christmas Bingo Dec. 11th – Dec. 18th: Keep the holiday fun going with Christmas Bingo! This festive Mason County Chamber promotion encourages every-
one to shop locally while enjoying a little friendly competition and the chance to win throughout the holiday season. Open Guided Tours 12th and 19th: The Seaquist House will be open for self-guided tours! $5 per adult; children 12 and under are free. Christmas and holiday music on the third floor with a pianist. Cookies and punch also on the third floor. Los Texmaniacs 12th: Returning for their annual holiday show at 7PM. A Hill Country favorite and has always packed the house. Tickets are selling now for this Grammy-winning band that won their award in 2010 and earned a nomination for their last Smithsonian Folkways recording in 2019, Borders y Bailes—featuring Lyle Lovett and Rick Trevino. The show is expected to be a sellout. Purchase your tickets early. Mason County Livestock Show & Expo Dec. 29th – Jan. 1st: SAVE THE DATE! Karaoke Night 31st: Spring Street Collective — New Year’s Eve Edition — from 6PM–11:59PM! JANUARY 2027 Look for Johnny Nicholas: Concert with Johnny Nicholas in Jan. theodeontheater.com. Ladies’ Night 15th: Get ready to go back in time for a far-out evening of shopping, fun, and fabulous finds! Where peace, love, and local shopping take center stage! Grab your girlfriends, put on your grooviest ’60s-inspired outfits, and get ready to explore our local shops, discover unique treasures, and enjoy a night full of good vibes and great company. Hosted by the Mason Chamber from 4:30PM–7:30PM. FEBRUARY 2027 Look for Kym Warner: Concerts with Tony Kamel and Kym Warner in Feb. theodeontheater.com. Katemcy Kickoff 5th: Help us kick off 2027 with our season opener! Open event. From 1PM–12PM. Standard prices apply. katemcyrocks.com. APRIL 2027 Spring City-Wide Garage Sale 3rd: Start your spring with a treasure hunt! Brings bargain hunters to Mason for a day of shopping, exploring, and finding those unexpected treasures. Yee Yee Jeeps 9th: Weekend Bash to Katemcy! This is an open event, open to all! Fun weekend! RVs will be allowed to come in Thu. eve after 5PM. No wheeling until Fri. morning. Thu. night and Fri. morning arrivals pay $100/rig. Arrivals after 1 Fri. pay standard $70/rig. Times, locations, and dates may change.
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