Outdoor Adventure Hunting & Fishing Guide 2021

2021 HUNTING, FISHING, & WILDERNESS GUIDE

OUTDOOR adventures publication of

JIGSAW WEAPONRY

LOCAL ADVENTURES Hunters, Fishermen, & Outdoor Enthusiasts Share Their Fun Memories

From sporting rifles to semi-automatics the crew at Jigsaw Weaponry aim to please

CAMPING FOR BEGINNERS

Campers should familiarize themselves with some of the basics of camping before embarking on their trips

MAEKER’S SAUSAGE Shiner-based business has been making sausage since 1967

KLEIBER

TRACTOR & EQUIPMENT Cultivating relationships and sharing expertise since 1970

979 743

3440

CLASS 3 DEALER SUPPRESSORS, SBRs, SBS

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2021 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

6

p.

FEATURES

Local Adventure Pictorials.........4, 18, & 28 Kleiber Tractor & Equipment.......................6 Jigsaw Weaponry..........................................12 Maeker’s Sausage.......................................20 Hunting Season...........................................22 Jones Insurance..........................................24 Camping for Beginners.............................26 Must-Have Hunting Gear..........................27

12

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22

p.

ADVERTISING

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

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS PUBLISHER Regina B. Keilers

EDITOR Jeff Wick

DIGITAL EDITOR Andy Behlen

STAFF WRITER/ OFFICE Amanda Gifford LouAnn Adcox

ADVERTISING

ACCOUNTING

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Theresia Karstedt Nonnie Barton

p.

PRODUCTION John Castaneda Lindsey Fojtik

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

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Becky Weise Jackie Daniels

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

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Jigsaw Weaponry and Kleiber Tractor and Equipment Photo by Lindsey Fojtik

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2021 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

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Reagan & Stetson Kunz Fayette County Deer

Koralyn Schneider and her hard head!

Palacios, TX

Nana (Betty) Kovar & Kaleb Kuskie fishing in Fayetteville

Local Adventures Hunters, Fishermen, & Outdoor Enthusiasts Share Their Fun Memories Kynsley Schneider and her hard head! Palacios, TX

Since the time he could walk, 2 year old Joseph Nigh has loved exploring his family’s property outside of Ellinger.

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2021 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

Savanna and Layla Bolton hiking Reimers Ranch, TX

Emma Synatschk from La Grange enjoying Corpus Christi Beach

Justin Jasek, 8 years old, Ace Jasek, 6 years old, kayaking on port bay in Rockport, TX

Snapper Saturday! Errin & Josh Schneider Rockport, TX

The Kuehn girls doing some Saturday afternoon fishing at their tank at home in Schulenburg, TX

Brothers Jacob, Joshua and Joseph Nigh love spending their free time fishing and digging for lost treasures at their family’s property near the Colorado River.

Desi Pérez fishing with Papa (Gary Janda) in Sea Drift this past summer.

Tara Childs & Willa Rose with Weslyn on the way (8 months pregnant) Briscoe Ranch Freer, TX

5 year old Joshua Nigh is experiencing his first time ever fishing on Fayette Lake

Matthew and Jack Kokes

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Kleiber Tractor & Equipment has been cultivating relationships and sharing expertise since 1970 Written by Kirsten Cornell | Select Photography by Lindsey Fojtik

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2021 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

For almost 50 years, Kleiber Tractor & Equipment (KT&E) has been providing patrons with quality agricultural, light industrial, and outdoor power equipment and keeping the fields turning. “My dad started this business in 1970. I’ve been around the business all my life and enjoy working around tractors, equipment, utility vehicles, and other gear,” says President David Kleiber.

Farming Roots

The Kleiber family has a passion for tractors, equipment, and power sports—considering themselves “gearheads.” They are primed to get you up and running or keep your operation in top-notch shape. In addition to handling New Holland Ag products, they also carry New Holland Construction, Exmark mowers, Arctic Cat and Kawasaki ATVs and UVs, Woods and Kuhn equipment, as well and Stihl and Honda Power Products.

For David, it was never a question of whether he would go into farming, but rather a rooted destiny. “Farming has always been in our family—on both sides,” says David. “For as long as I can remember the land has been a part of our heritage.”

While KT&E can be counted on for consistently carrying a plethora of tractors, equipment, lawn and garden, utility vehicles, and ATVs in inventory, they also have highly trained service technicians to assist with your current equipment as well.

Long before David knew his betrothed, she was exposed to the harvest life as well. “My dad sold milk coolers from Wisconsin to local dairies,” recalls Debbie Kleiber. “That’s what brought me and my family to the area.”

“We are a full line dealer and back all the brands we carry with knowledgeable parts and service techs,” adds Ryan Kleiber, Head of Sales. “We constantly train to keep our employees up-to-date.”

Where Weikel’s Store & Bakery now sits serving up delicious pastries, there was once a pool hall that would serve as the backdrop for their love story. “There was a dance being held and we were both there,” smiles Debbie. “I think he was pretty shy, but he eventually came around.”

David recognizes that the industry has changed drastically since his father broke ground all those years ago. “We have gone from the mechanization of farm work to high-tech tools that make farm work much easier to do today,” he adds.

The two married in 1986 and settled in La Grange where they had three children—Lindsey, Courtney, and Ryan.

All in the Family

After taking over the business from his father in 1996, David has been leading the charge with the same high expectation of customer service and friendly hometown demeanor as his predecessor. “We love our customers at KT&E just as we do our best friends,” says David. “We consider our employees and customers to be part of our extended family.”

David Kleiber

Innovative Tech

In fact, the industry has seen many advances over the years including app management, camera surveillance, crop sensors, and telematics.

Perhaps one of the most interesting innovations to enter the field is autonomous (self-driving) tractors. “The ultimate goal of these tractors would be to alleviate farmers from having to be present for any in-the-field activities,” he explains.

While many are still antsy about the notion of autonomous vehicles manning the roadways, farming witnessed this technology nearly

Ryan Kleiber

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a decade ago. If operating a tractor saves on time and labor, then self-driving tractor technology makes even more sense to automate farming processes and save time and money. The Autonomous Tractor Company invented a self-driving tractor as a brand-new agricultural system and unveiled it to wide-eyed onlookers at a farm machinery show in 2012.

While driverless tractors have come a long way in the last 5-10 years, the path to hands-free agricultural operation remains a ways off.

Community Roots

Locally owned and operated, this Blue Ribbon Dealer is proud to be deeply rooted and connected to the community they live in. “We love this because we are doing business with the same people we call our friends,” says David. “You can’t replace something like that.”

Additionally, KT&E has won many top awards from industry leaders including the prestigious New Holland President’s Award.

Members of the community don’t only see David and Debbie around the showroom floor. They are often spotted at local auctions and picnics either donating equipment or volunteering with whatever work needs to be done. After Hurricane Harvey devastated many in their community, KT&E rushed to help their neighbors rebuild. “We take pride in taking care of our community,” adds Debbie. “We participate in fundraisers, bring meals, and step in where we see a need.”

Stop by and visit with their staff who have over 250 years of combined industry experience. It won’t take long to see why Fayette County votes them their #1 tractor and farm equipment store again and again.

So, what sustains a business for nearly five decades? For the Kleibers, the secret to success is pretty simple—treat people right and it will come back to you.

David loves taking his granddaughters, Addison and Emerson for rides in the mule

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2021 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

TRACTOR

Fun Facts • The earliest tractors were huge, heavy, and steam-powered.

• Early tractor designs in the 1930s used metal wheels instead of tires.

• ‘Tractor’ is derived from the Latin word ‘trahere,’ which means pull.

• Automobile companies were the first to dominate the tractor market.

• Tractor innovations still drive modern agriculture. *Source: Smithsonian

“When we were looking for a Kawasaki Mule, Ryan and David Kleiber found exactly what we were looking for.

We ended up getting a brown Ranch Edition 4x4 ProFXT with a ProBoxTop. It’s a work tool for sure, but it’s a lot of fun, too. We are super happy with our purchase and with Kleiber Tractor and Equipment. David and Debbie Kleiber have always gone the extra mile for us.”

– Tim & Becky Weise

“I can’t say enough good about my experience with these guys! They went well above and beyond to get me up and running fast!

Professional with hometown customer service.”

– Kevin Ray

“David and Ryan Kleiber are very friendly and excellent to work with.

Go see them today for all your equipment needs!” – 10

2021 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

Jason Palmer

From sporting rifles to semi-automatics, Jose Garza and the crew at Jigsaw Weaponry aim to please Written by Kirsten Cornell | Select Photography by Lindsey Fojtik

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2021 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

A crack in the air and the crisp feel of coolness. Hunting season has officially hit the calendar and Jigsaw Weaponry is ready.

Hanging their shingle up in Giddings, Texas, Owner Jose Garza has been serving the area with his one-stop shop since 2012. A love for firearms led him to the business where they sell a variety of rifles, handguns, shotguns, and knives as well as ammunition and accessories.

The Fayette County Record sat down with Garza to learn more about Jigsaw Weaponry and answer some commonly asked questions.

Q. What makes your business unique from others?

We can accommodate custom pieces.

Q. What are some of the most unique custom pieces you’ve done?

We’ve done so many! However, the latest we worked on was a MSR chambered in 22-250.

Q. What is your best-selling product?

One of our most well-liked items are modern sporting rifles or MSRs. They are very popular semiautomatic rifles.

Q. Do you offer instruction for customers?

We have an instructor that teaches classes on-site.

Q. What gun ranges to you recommend in the area?

One of our favorites is the Fayette County Gun Club.

Q. What hearing protection do you suggest for youth on a hunting trip?

We use Walker’s Game Ears for our kids and grandkids.

Q. Do you have a gun of choice?

It would be hard to pick a favorite. However, we just released what I think is going to be our best MSR yet. The MSR- RG stainless chambered in 223 wylde.

Q. Why is being a locally owned business valuable to you?

We enjoy getting to know our customers. Plus, we are able to provide customers with what they need here, in our own community.

Q. What is the biggest compliment you could receive from a customer?

For us, it’s about serving our clients. So, we appreciate hearing that they received a great customer service experience and are pleased with their purchase.

Q. What exactly is Cerakote?

It’s a hard durable paint that protects the material it’s painted on.

We’ve used it on several custom pieces.

Q. What should patrons know about Jigsaw Weaponry?

We are working on coming out with our line of new manufactured ammunition made right here in-house. Right now, we are doing custom rifle loads for customers being that ammo is difficult to find right now.

Q. Is it lawful to ship a firearm to a different state?

All firearms must go through an FFL (Federal Firearms License).

Q. What age must a person be to purchase a firearm from an FFL? They must be 18 for rifles and 21 for handguns.

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Q. How do I register my firearm?

Texas does not require registration for firearms.

Q. If I don’t have a permit, can I still shoot at a gun range?

Yes. Q. Where/how should I store my guns?

Always store them in a safe place. Keep in mind who is in your home and what ages they are.

Q. I’m not a police officer. Are hollow points legal for me to possess?

Yes. Q. What do you love most about the community?

The hometown hospitality.

Q. How does your business give back to the area?

We often donate to area charities and sponsor youth activities.

Q. What are your favorite places to visit in the area?

Sixth Street Bourbon Distillery as well as local restaurants.

WORLD - CLASS WEAPONRY Just a sampling of the arms available at Jigsaw Weaponry!

RIFLES • FN 15 Carbine M-Lok • Colt M4 Carbine • M1500 HS Precision • Rossi Gallery • Savage Arms Axis II Precision • Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 HANDGUNS • Taurus International GX4 • Glock 19 • Springfield Armory XD(M) Elite Compact • Ruger Max-9 Pro • SIG Sauer P365X ROMEO Zero • SDS Imports Zigana PX-9 SHOTGUNS • Landor Arms BPX 902-G3 • Dickinson Arms XXPA • Stevens M301 Turkey • Mossberg 590 Tactical • Tristar Sporting Arms Viper G2 • Savage Arms Stevens 320 Field/Security

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2021 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

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“This is one great little gun shop! The folks are like family and they’re just good people. These fellows know what it takes to keep you coming back and they are all highly skilled in the art of weapons. I recommend this shop to all my friends and family.”

– Daniel B.

“Was a great experience for me and my wife. Really helpful and affordable” – Jesse S.

“Great service, helpful staff, and awesome products. If you want a gun that sets yours apart from the rest, this is your place. Very pleased with the work they did, and would recommend to anyone wanting a quality firearm.”

– Jeremie L.

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2021 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

©2021 The Fayette County Record

JIGSAWWEAPONRY.COM

RIFLES • HANDGUNS • SHOTGUNS • KNIVES • AMMO • GEAR & ACCESSORIES

Class 3 manufacturer of small firearms and ammo.

Specializing in AR-15's/Modern Sporting Rifles and suppressors.

Cerakoting services available.

6212 E HWY 290 • GIDDINGS, TX 78942 • (979) 542-0300 HOURS: M-F 9AM-6PM & SAT 9AM-3PM

Kynsley Schneider and Papa Jeff Schneider.

Matagorda, TX!

Brantley Sarvis Pond fishing here in Fayette County

Wade Rhodes, Lake Fayette

Local Adventures Hunters, Fishermen, & Outdoor Enthusiasts Share Their Fun Memories Tanner, Wade, and Beau Rhodes, caught in Lake Fayette

Luke McCoy, Seadrift, TX

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2021 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

3 year old Colbie Lange proudly holding her first catfish caught in the Colorado River.

Hope Michalke.

First Deer, Fayette County

Snapper Saturday!

Rockport, TX

Makayden & Krugher Smidovec Matagorda, Texas “ Fishing buddies“

Paige Michalke.

White bass, Lake Somerville

Dawson Canada Moravia, Tx

Presley Lange with her first Redfish caught in Rockport.

Bryson Beseda and son Caston.

Catch & release on this drum in Matagorda, TX.

Cooper Lange with his Dad, Casey Lange. Yellow Cat caught on the Colorado River

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Shiner-Based business has been making sausage since 1967

Sausage

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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2021 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

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

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

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

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

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

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2021 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

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HUNTING SEASON

Written by Doug Lehmann

Just the sound of those two words makes my heart beat a little faster and breathing go deeper. There was a time when it was generally considered to be the 1st of September that started things off, but now with hogs, it could be any time of year. For me personally, it starts on the 1st day after deer season ends. You see, the best time to start working on next season is when the last one ended. I know what some of you are thinking, this guy has to be a little off and there is much evidence to back that up. Well, everyone has character flaws and as for me, I have more than most. For a complete list on that subject, you would have to consult my wife.

Camera technology has improved tremendously over the years. Image quality is much sharper today than ever before. My first camera had six mega pixels of resolution while inexpensive cameras today offer twenty plus mega pixel, giving clearer pictures than ever before.

Some cameras now can be linked together and send instant pictures or video to your cell phone while you drive down busy streets. (Not recommended, however)

So what do I do at the end of deer season? The answer is, I continue to monitor my trail cameras. Arguments can be made that no other advances in technology have benefitted hunters more than trail cameras. Trail cameras can give a hunter “buck to doe” ratios, fawn recruitment numbers, and also which bucks in your area survived the season. I like to use my cameras to tell me how many coons it takes to empty my protein feeder. Cameras can also help a hunter age deer before he or she is faced with a decision to shoot or pass on a buck.

They can be used to alert a hunter when an old buck finally decides to show up during daylight hours, giving the hunter an edge. I once had a nice buck that would disappear shortly before rifle season, only to show back up in January. On the third year I was forced to move across a county road to a place our family had not hunted for a number of years. And, what did my camera find, a six and a half year old buck, throwing caution to the wind in broad daylight and had successfully eluded a hunter with character flaws for almost 3 years.

Sometimes cameras can provide an unusual picture or one that is aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Last February I had many pictures of deer feeding while it was snowing which is rare for this part of Texas and they were just breath taking. If you take a look at the photo associated with this article, you will see bucks feeding just before sunrise with a little fog in the background. I wasn’t in the stand to see it first hand, but my camera captured the scene perfectly and just produced another wall hanger as I plan to have the photo developed to a printed canvas.

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2021 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

Cameras are also being used for security purposes as well. Land owners can now watch who is entering or leaving their property twenty-four hours a day with minimal time spent.

The 2021 season has already been a success…… because of a trail camera.

Have a good hunting season.

ALL SEASONS DEALER

©2021

FEEDERS, BBQ PITS, BLINDS, HUNTING ACCESSORIES, & MORE!

e Fayeee County Record

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

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Tony Jones and his friend Greg Cholas with two deer from the Mesa in Colorado.

JONES INSURANCE A successful elk hu

At Jones Insurance, we are not just your best choice or all things insurance-personal and commercial. We are also a likeminded family of hunters that enjoy the outdoors and all the beauty and excitement it offers. From hunting in Colorado and Wyoming to stock pond fishing at the farm, each of us love to be outdoors. We all grew up camping and hiking, and hunting was a natural progression. From mule deer and bear in Colorado, Elk in Wyoming to whitetail and whitewing in Texas, we love it all. While not necessarily “trophy hunters”, as we mainly just want to make sure we have wild game in the freezer, but we have had some really nice deer and elk along the way. And don’t forget the practicing-we have a great time having family and friends out to practice target shooting both with handguns and long rifles.

I just wish the price and availability of ammo would normalize!

Remember to call on us either before you go out or when you get back- you will be glad you did! —And to all hunters this season- stay safe, shoot straight and

GOOD LUCK!

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2021 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

The mount from Tony ’s larg deer harves ted in Color est mule ado.

nting trip in Wyo

ming.

28 YEARS IN BUSINESS

GUNS•AMMO•KNIVES•ACCESSORITES Large Supply of Firearms in Stock!

Special Ordering Available!

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©2021 The Fayette County Record

©2021 The Fayette County Record

©2021 The Fayette County Record

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Camping for Beginners Camping is an opportunity for individuals of all ages to venture into the great outdoors. Camping can be an immersive outdoor activity that includes hiking, cooking and sightseeing, all in a single, memorable trip.

Camp in warm weather. Novices may want to camp in warm weather first. This way you will not have to purchase a lot of gear just to keep warm. In addition, you’ll have more daylight to set up your tent and enjoy long evenings outside.

According to KOA’s 2021 Annual North American Report, more than 70 percent of North American campers changed their camping habits in 2020. First-time campers increased fivefold between 2019 and 2020, and experts note the pandemic likely had a great deal to do with that spike.

Rent or borrow gear at first. Try out gear before you purchase anything to figure out what you need. The experts at REI say that if budget allows, go bigger on the tent to give occupants a little more wiggle room, such as a six-person tent for a family of four.

Experiment with sleeping bags with different temperature ratings so you’ll be able to gauge just how hot or cold you’ll be inside of them.

Even though camping seems like a relatively easy activity, firsttime or novice campers should familiarize themselves with some of the basics of camping before embarking on their trips. Camping beginners can consider these tips to make the most of their time in the great outdoors.

Practice in your backyard. If you have a backyard, practice setting up a tent and other camping equipment in the yard first so this becomes second nature by the time you reach the campsite.

Sleep outside in the yard and learn the sounds of nature to get a feel for camping, including spending time in a sleeping bag. It’s a lot easier to make initial adjustments in the backyard as opposed to at the campsite.

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2021 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

Check out other camp setups. Visit a campsite by tagging along with an avid camper to see what others use. You’ll need to bring all of your supplies, so find out how people pack light and how they differentiate between necessities and luxuries. You’ll likely want foldable camp chairs, lanterns, camp cooking utensils, a cooler, and a camp stove. If you camp at an established campsite, there may be grills or designated areas for campfires.

Camping is an enjoyable pastime that has inspired scores of devoted campers across the globe. Novices can learn the basics and then expand on their camping knowledge with each ensuing adventure.

MUST-HAVE HUNTING GEAR Hunting is popular throughout North America. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said that 40 percent of the population of the United States ages 16 and older participated in wildlife-related activities in 2016, the most recent year for data. Hunting also is popular in Canada, where it’s difficult to paint a picture of that popularity because hunting is regulated at the provincial level. However, Wild Alberta reports that, in 2020, there were 151,724 resident hunters in Alberta alone.

Knife: Knives are a staple for every hunting trip and can be used for multiple purposes. Most hunters prefer a dedicated knife for field dressing the animal, which includes gutting, boning, skinning, and butchering. Some knives fold and others are fixed blades.

As is the case with many hobbies and pastimes, hunting requires some unique gear. Hunters need to bring some essential gear along on each trip to ensure their safety, while other gear and gadgets are all about convenience.

Legal documents: Hunters should always carry their hunting licenses and have game tags on hand to mark their kills appropriately. Depending on where one lives and hunts, licenses may need to be visible on the person.

Proper clothing: Hunting clothing comes in two main varieties: camouflage and blaze orange. Camo patterns mimic real-life foliage or use a digital pattern of natural colors to trick the animals’ eyes, preventing them from detecting the hunters’ outlines. Blaze orange hunting gear, from coats to hats to coveralls, is designed to make hunters visible to other hunters. Some game, like whitetail deer, cannot detect the orange color spectrum, so hunters need not worry that they will be compromising their hunting efforts.

Depending on the hunting area and its specific regulations, camo or orange clothing will be required. Hunting clothing also should be comfortable for the weather and the conditions. Waterproof or water-resistant clothing can protect hunters from the elements as well. In cold climates, layer up and wear insulated materials.

Calls and scents: It may be possible to lure game closer with special calls or scents. In addition, hunters may want to utilize scent killers, which are sprays and washes that remove human scents from clothing and gear so game are unaware that hunters are present.

Weapon and ammo: Hunters should always look for ammunition details for the animals they will be hunting so they choose the

correct weapon and ammunition type. Weapons should be maintained and cleaned for safety, and all hunters should consider taking a course in the proper handling of weapons.

Binoculars: While one may be able to use the scope on a weapon to spot game, binoculars are more efficient.

First aid kit and other safety gear: Hunters should stock a first aid kit, emergency phone, water and snacks to stay hydrated and fed, and a foldable paper map in the event cell phone signals fade or prove unreliable.

Hunting requires patience, dedication and essential gear. With the right supplies, a hunting venture is that much more enjoyable.

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Luke McCoy and Weston McCoy, Colorado River, La Grange TX

Cruz Chavez, swimming at Splashway, Sheridan, Texas

Curtis Brawley.

Axis deer.

Rocksprings Tx.

Local Adventures Brad Rohde & Brendan Brandt Caught this baby shark outside of the Big Jettys Port O’Connor

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Hunters, Fishermen, & Outdoor Enthusiasts Share Their Fun Memories

2021 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

Jett Jasek 2-yearold, La Grange Outdoor chicken enthusiast.

Layton Kloesel fishing in the sunset at Lake Somerville

Hector & Hector Kael Cerda 4-wheeling here in La Grange

Cheyenne Bolton duck calling Brazos County, TX

Presley Lange with her hunting buddy, Roscoe.

Ashlyn Kloesel and Tayler Russell paddling on the Ouachita River in Arkansas

First Hog Trenton Kneblik Columbus, Tx

Amy, Sawyer and Savanna Bolton hiking along Barton Creek

Kyndal Brawley.

First deer.

Rocksprings, Tx

Hannah Fisbeck Weimar, Texas

2021 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE

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