HSCF Hunter's Horn Convention 2025

About Houston Safari Club Foundation

Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the sport of hunting through education, conservation, and the promotion of our hunting heritage.

HSCF has awarded 668 scholarships totaling $3.05 million. HSCF conducts youth outdoor education programs, career training, hunter education and field experiences for hundreds of students each year.

HSCF has provided over $4 million in grants for hunter-funded wildlife, habitat, and various conservation initiatives.

HSCF is an independent organization, is not affiliated with Safari Club International (SCI) or its affiliates and is not a chapter or affiliate of any other organization.

Visit our website at wehuntwegive.org or call 713.623.8844 for more information.

2024-2025 HOUSTON SAFARI CLUB FOUNDATION OFFICERS

James Lofton, President

Monica Williamson, Immediate Past President

Rudy Nix, Vice President

Lance Lester, Vice President

JD Burrows, Treasurer

Carl Cramm, Secretary

HOUSTON SAFARI CLUB FOUNDATION DIRECTORS

2023-2025

Jeff Garrett

Derek Ham

David Koch

Matt Pyle

Chris Ruhman

2024-2026

Bryan Ray

Mitzy McCorvey

Kevin Ormston

Suzanne Hixson

HOUSTON SAFARI CLUB DIRECTORS

2024-2025

Larry Buryakovsky

Craig Phillips

HEADQUARTERS STAFF

Joe Betar, Executive Director

Angi McCarthy, Director of Administrative Services

Carla Nielsen, Marketing & Publications Manager

Nancy Oka, Director, Events & Membership

Nate Silva, Design Consultant

Alliance Printing and Graphics

Hunter’s Horn™ is published quarterly by Houston Safari Club Foundation 14811 St. Mary’s Lane, Suite 265 Houston, Texas 77079

713.623.8844 (p) 713.623.8866 (f) info@wehuntwegive.org | wehuntwegive.org

© Copyright 2024 Houston Safari Club Foundation

Houston Safari Club Foundation welcomes contributing articles, photos and research. Houston Safari Club Foundation reserves the right to edit submissions for spelling, grammar, clarity, organization and punctuation and to abridge length. Houston Safari Club Foundation reserves the right not to publish submissions. Content may not be repurposed without the express written consent of the author and publisher. Please submit materials with a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you wish materials to be returned. Houston Safari Club Foundation is not responsible for lost or unsolicited submissions. Digital submissions are preferred. The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to Houston Safari Club Foundation, its members, employees or affiliates. Houston Safari Club Foundation reserves the right to refuse any advertisement believed to be incompatible with our mission or deemed competitive or contrary to the best interests of Houston Safari Club Foundation.

2021, 2020 & 2019 American Graphic Design Awards for Publication Design

2021 Best Outdoor Publication, Texas Outdoor Writers Association

2023, 2022 Silver; 2021, 2020 Gold NYX/MarCom Awards, Publication/Cover

2022, 2021, 2020 & 2018 Communicator Awards for Print Distinction

2021 Gold Davey Award, Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts

Association Magazine Design

UPCOMING EVENTS

JANUARY 16-19, 2025

Convention at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott

FEBRUARY 22, 2025

10th Annual Tower Pheasant Shoot

APRIL 12, 2025

Quail Shoot & Crawfish Boil

MAY 2, 2025

Team Competition Shooting Event at Copendero Indoor Archery, Pistol & Rifle Range

Go to WeHuntWeGive.org/upcoming-events to register or for more information!

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

JAMES LOFTON, HSCF PRESIDENT

Howdy HSCF family!

These recent cool mornings have my spirits high and my desire to spend more time among the wild things in full swing. The fall hunting seasons in the US are underway, and I’ve already been blessed this season to take a massive alligator and deer with my bow. I’m hoping all of you have also begun filling your freezers with the purest protein on the planet as well. With several of our signature events already completed, the Houston Safari Club Foundation is well on its way to having a fantastic year. We kicked things off with the Aloha Sunset Summer Soiree hosted at Conroe Taxidermy alongside Ox Ranch. It was a smash hit, with hundreds of attendees and numerous great sponsors. It was a great fundraising night with a great raffle and fantastic auction items. In October, Gib Surles and the team put on another great Sporting Clays tournament. The weather was great, and the shooting was hot. To those who attended, thank you for making these events successful, providing great fellowship, and raising important funds for our cause.

We still have a lot of fun events to come. Keep an eye on your emails, and don’t miss upcoming events such as bird hunting, crawfish, shooting full auto guns, and shooting competitions. Also, this fall, we kicked off our first Gazelles quarterly event for the ladies. As members, there’s no better way to make new friends while having a great time. Sign up now for the Christmas Party, and of course, in January, we will hold the Convention and Expo. This year will bring more exhibitors and some of the best hunts and items in our auction that we’ve ever had.

When I accepted this position, I thought about what priorities to pursue, which I felt would make the club stronger. The first was getting our members actively engaged and the second was improving our message not only to our members and potential members but to the world around us that will never be hunters. We have several projects that will fulfill these goals that will be rolled out in early 2025. I’m really blessed to be supported by our great staff and strong Board of Directors, who all have a shared passion for making this the best hunting and conservation club in the country.

I’m going to ask each of you to do something to help achieve these priorities, too. Every time you speak with your friends about the Houston Safari Club Foundation, you have the opportunity to share more than just our passion for the outdoors; you’re sharing the story of a legacy. Let them know that our mission goes beyond hunting—it’s about protecting our wild places and wildlife for future generations.

Tell them how our scholarships empower young minds, shaping the next generation of conservationists and leaders.

Share how our grants are fueling critical wildlife research and habitat preservation efforts. And remind them that preserving hunters’ rights is about ensuring a balanced, responsible approach to wildlife management that respects tradition and sustainability.

Let your words ignite their curiosity and inspire them to join us in this great cause. Together, we’re not just hunters—we’re stewards of the wild.

Aim true my friends,

James Lofton HSCF President

If some animals are good at hunting and others are suitable for hunting, then the Gods must clearly smile on hunting. —Aristotle

Good times included. Own the perfect piece of property.

eryday. It’s more than buying land. It’s an investment in a long-term place to hang your hat. Owning recreational property multiplies the memories of tomorrow.

At Capital Farm Credit, we help pave the way to owning your dream property. With proper preparation and surrounding yourself with the right experts, land purchases have never been easier to achieve or even more possible.

We take your land purchase and optimize it to your benefit. Whether seeking a family weekend getaway, or strategizing to finance a hunting lease, our experienced lenders are here to help. And when it is all said and done, the good times are included.

Together we’re better

Capital Farm Credit’s loan officers are familiar with the rural way of life and can guide you through the steps of financing your next recreational property purchase. We understand the diverse needs of the rural lifestyle and rural property owners. Our products and related services are created and tailored for every agriculture endeavor, including recreational property purchases.

“The level of local knowledge our lenders provide can prove invaluable,” says Chad Schmidt, Capital Farm Credit relationship manager. “Our wide selection of products are tailored for our member’s achievement and success.”

Loan product options:

Land Loans - Financing recreational, ranchland and other rural real estate with competitive interest rates, reasonable closing costs and an array of repayment options.

Rural Home Loans - Our lenders can finance a home and acreage with a single loan, saving you time and closing costs. We also offer construction loans and refinancing.

Equipment and Livestock Loans - Break new ground, build your herd or bring in the crop with financing for equipment and livestock.

Improvement Loans - Our financing can bring you closer to your goals when you want to dig a well, install an irrigation

Real money back to real people

As a cooperative, Capital Farm Credit is owned by the same farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and rural homeowners we serve. Unlike an investor-owned bank, our borrowers have a vote and a voice in the business. When you borrow money from us, you join the cooperative.

We return a portion of our earnings to members through our cooperative returns program. This can result in significant reductions in borrowing costs. Our board of directors annually reviews the financial health of the cooperative and decides how profits are returned — whether as cash, or as allocated equity. Our cooperative structure has maintained its integrity for more than 100 years.

Let’s do this

With offices serving 192 counties in Texas, there’s always a Capital Farm Credit office in your backyard. The local communities we serve are also the places we call home.

“The foundation of America’s story is built outside,” says Schmidt. “Ag producers, agribusinesses and rural property owners are the backbone of the land we call home. We’re ready to help make your dreams possible.”

Capital Farm Credit is the key to having your share of long summer nights, outdoor adventures and the good times that happen along the way. We’re the lender you trust. The process starts with a simple conversation. Talk to our advisory team at 877.944.5500 or visit capitalfarmcredit.com.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR‘S MESSAGE

JOE BETAR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

They say time flies when you’re having fun…or is it time flies as you get older? Both may be the case for me. I cannot believe it is already convention time again. It will be January 2025 before you know it and we will once again be gathering for our annual Worldwide Hunting Expo and Convention. What’s new this year? Among other things, we have more exhibitors than last year, the awards banquet will be held on Thursday night, there will be a Life Member breakfast on Sunday morning and many more surprises. You will now find registration based upstairs and be sure to pick up your complimentary HSCF ammo can in the upstairs exhibit hall. We will also have an upstairs-only raffle featuring a camera drone giveaway. Of course, the raffle in the downstairs exhibit area will feature incredible raffle prizes, including a Polaris side by side. We are also bringing back the “Big Board” for our Friday night banquet. Do not miss your chance to compete in the heated bidding for great trips and merchandise. Thank you to all our convention sponsors. You can learn more about them and how to support them at hscfdn.org/convention/sponsors/.

Another new offering at convention will be during the Friday night banquet where we will feature an expanded focus on the HSCF-Dan L Duncan Scholarship Program. This is our benchmark outreach program and sets us apart from other organizations. It is one of the best and robust scholarship programs offered anywhere in the country. This year’s program will feature Scholarship Committee Member Rudy Nix, past Scholarship recipient Jena Moon of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, long-time scholarship partner Dr. Louis Harveson of Sul Ross State University, and of course, the incomparable Mr. Gary Rose, presenting our most recent scholarship recipients. This will be a wonderful opportunity to tie the past, present and future of our scholarship program together and demonstrate the effect it has on the lives of the future thought leaders of conservation. We hope you will attend and support this unique program. Be sure to visit the convention pages on our website at wehuntwegive.org for more information.

Speaking of our website, you may notice a few changes the next time you visit. We have been hard at work to create a brand new HSCF website. We hope you will find the contemporary design to be more attractive and easier to navigate when searching for information about HSCF. We will also be presenting more news and information for your reading pleasure. As of this writing the new website is not live, but we hope to have it up and running before the convention. Be on the lookout for the big announcement when it is ready.

Immediately following the convention, we will be working on a new membership management system. This is the portal you use to sign up or renew your membership and register for HSCF events. We think you will find the new system easier to navigate and much more appealing. One of my favorite features of the new system will be the ability to sign up for memberships and register for events on the HSCF website instead of being redirected to another site.

We are also extremely excited to announce a new effort specifically designed for our female members. Some of you may have attended the Situational Awareness course presented by Heidi Rao this fall. Our goal is to offer an ongoing quarterly education program for our female members. We hope you will attend these events and welcome your feedback and suggestions for future events.

If you are interested in helping lead our Youth Wildlife Conservation Experience (YWCE) beginning with our 2026 convention, we are actively recruiting interested parties. Our fantastic leaders of this program, Susan and David Kalich, will be stepping away from the program so they may enjoy a welldeserved, extended vacation. I would be remiss if I did not thank them for their excellent leadership of this program over so many years. Thank you, Susan and David! HSCF so appreciates you. We are pleased to announce the “Hunting Matters” podcast is now available in audio and video. For the video version, visit the HSCF YouTube page or Spotify. We have had some great guests over the past several weeks. Please be sure to subscribe and review and tell your friends. If you have not followed HSCF on our social media pages, check us out! We have been posting a lot more videos and updates. Be sure to follow, like or whatever you need to do and take a minute to share or repost our posts to your pages. This will help spread the great news about HSCF.

If you have not had a chance to take advantage of some of the latest HSCF Member Rewards, you may want to do so. Our Corporate Partner, Copendero Indoor Archery, Pistol & Rifle Range is offering free FFL transfers for HSCF members. Dirwin Bike is offering electric bikes at a 10% discount to HSCF members using the code “HSCF” at www.dirwinbike.com. If you have never hunted with an ebike, you should try it. It is an incredibly stealthy way to get to the blind or cover a lot of terrain quietly. Also, for every purchase made at https://hscfdn. org/global-rescue/, Global Rescue will provide a portion of your purchase back to support HSCF’s outreach programs. Planning a big trip in the mountains or abroad? Better get Global Rescue!

I will see you at convention!

Joe Betar Executive Director, Houston Safari Club Foundation, Houston Safari Club

HSCF LIFE MEMBERS

HSCF LIFE MEMBERS

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Dabney Bassel

Ryan Beattie

Tyler Brady

Brandon Circle

Jenni Clark

Leraven Clark

Gayla Cooper

Scott Coopwood

Jerad Dabney

Charlene Dickerson

Carey Drilling

Bob Elolf

Michael Frosinos

Amber Haynes

Kenneth Isham

Chuck Johnson

William Kettler

Sergio Koreni

Katie Leibold

Madean Lemon

Kalan Lemon

Matthew Loessin

Michael Maskell

Matthew Mayers

Alan Neel

Christine Ogles

Heather Potter

Matt Sanders

Robert Slaughter

Darren Sullivan

Jean-Marc Tetevuide

Halapoulivaati Vaitai

Stephanie Wottrich

SCT CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

GIB SURLES, SPORTING CLAYS TOURNAMENT CHAIRMAN

Another Great Sporting Clays shoot is in the books. I hope those of you reading this were able to participate. Our weather was perfect for the 150+ shooters.

Every year is always a little better. I always enjoy sharing a round with old and new friends, but how these folks come together and strengthen these bonds of friendship never ceases to amaze me.

We have discussed it as a committee. One of the significant benefits of this event is not only raising money for the causes we support but also, equally important, providing an opportunity for our members to create long-term memories through

shared experiences.

Our team at the HSCF deserves a big thank you. Joe, Nancy, Angie, and Carla always do a great job. I would also like to thank the committee members Frank Lubrano, David Koch, and Paul McCutchen. Also, the Greater Houston Sports Club is always spot-on. Wonderful job guys! And to our sponsors, we are so grateful for your support. Finally, thank you to all the shooters; you all made the event possible and so much fun.

Please look for future events to come and share with other members. We always have a great time. I look forward to seeing you there. ★

Porter High School Shooting Team.

1: Clay Crushers 2024. 2: Annie Oakley Competitors.

3: Having a good time.

4: HSCF Corporate PartnersCopendero Indoor Archery, Pistol, & Rifle Range.

5: Ammo donated by HSCF Corporate Partner- RC Cartridges.

6: HSCF Life Member, Matt Pyle, and veterans with their trophies from the HSCF Veteran hunt.

7: HSCF Clay Shoot Team.

8: Jeff Birmingham trying for the top spot and Championship belt.

9: Beautiful day to tool around in your cart.

10: The Bad Boys Shooting Team.

11: HSCF Sporting Clays Chairman, Gib Surles, with the winner of the Annie Oakley- Kyle Krause.

CLAY SHOOT SPONSORS

CORPORATE SPONSORS

Capital Farm Credit

DEA Ranch

The Lester Group

WildLife Partners

Copendero

FORLOH

RC Cartridges

Way Engineering

UNDERWRiTiNG SPONSORS

Rancho Bellas Rocas

Cokinos

The Forrest Group, LLC

Xtreme Furniture Restoration and Repair

FRSTeam of Texas

Y Bar Ranch

VETERANS TEAM SPONSOR

B&B Taxidermy

GOLD TEAM SPONSORS

Wright Technologies

Alief Mechanical

Carlysle Bond

Convention Chair Message

By Jeff Garrett, 2025 HSCF Convention Chairman

Hello, my HSCF friends! Convention planning is in full swing and proceeding very well. We have one of the most extensive exhibitors lists ever.

Our entertainment lineup for the banquets and over 100 hunts to be auctioned off during them make attending these events a must. Two new events this year include the return of our hunting and photo awards dinner as part of the Convention on Thursday night and our first Life Member breakfast on Sunday morning!

I encourage you to find your next adventure at the 2025 Houston Safari Club Foundation Worldwide Hunting Expo and Convention. Make sure to bring your family and friends to attend the expo and stay for the banquets. Being our

largest fundraiser of the year, the event’s success is critical to the HSCF efforts to fund scholarships, conservation, youth education, and preserving our hunting heritage. We can’t do this without the support of each of you, so please help make a difference.

Please do not just attend, but find one of the many opportunities to volunteer at the event. Please contact the HSCF office for more information. It gives you the chance to meet fellow members and exhibitors. This is the best place to meet a potential guide/outfitter in person and to sit down and talk about your next hunt.

Secure your reservations and start planning your next adventure! Don’t miss out on all of the fun. I am honored to serve as the 2025 Convention Chair and look forward to seeing each of you in January. ★

Convention Sponsors

CORPORATE PARTNERS

UNDERWRITING SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSOR

Schedule of Events

2025 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15TH

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Exhibitor Registration & Move In

Exhibitor Appreciation Party Members, Volunteers and Exhibitors only event

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16TH

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Exhibitor Registration & Move In

Cocktail Hour

HSCF Annual Hunting & Photo Awards Banquet

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17th

7:00 am - 9:00 am

11:00 am - 6:00 pm

8:00 am - 2:30 pm

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Exhibitor Registration & Move In

Exhibit Halls Open* - featuring raffles, guides, outfitters, artists, craftsmen, gear & more from around the world!

Youth Wildlife Conservation Education (YWCE) Workshop

Cocktail Hour

Friday Night Banquet & Live Auction

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18TH

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

10:30 am - 1:30 pm

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Exhibit Halls Open* - featuring raffles, guides, outfitters, artists, craftsmen, gear & more from around the world!

Gazelles Luncheon featuring entertainment, live & silent auctions

Cocktail Hour

Saturday Night Gala & Live Auction

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19TH

9:00 am - 10:00 am

10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Town Center and Waterway Ballroom 1-4

Conroe Taxidermy 11845 Clark Ln., Conroe, TX

Town Center and Waterway Ballroom 1-4

Waterway Ballroom Foyer 5-8

Waterway Ballroom 5-8

Town Center and Waterway Ballroom 1-4

Town Center and Waterway Ballroom 1-4

Montgomery Ballroom

Waterway Ballroom Foyer; 3rd Floor

Waterway Ballroom 5-8; 3rd Floor

Town Center and Waterway Ballroom 1-4

Waterway Ballroom 5-8; 3rd Floor

Waterway Ballroom Foyer; 3rd Floor

Waterway Ballroom 5-8; 3rd Floor

Waterway 6 Life Member Breakfast

Exhibit Halls Open* - featuring raffles, guides, outfitters, artists, craftsmen, gear & more from around the world!

Town Center and Waterway Ballroom 1-4

Town Center Convention Raffle Drawing 2:00 pm

*Attendee/Expo Registration now located on the Upper Level Foyer (outside Waterway 1 Ballroom)

Convention Chairs

CONVENTION

Jeff Garrett

EXHIBITOR PLACEMENT

Jeff Garrett

BANQUETS & DECORATIONS

Mitzy McCorvey and Anna Morrison

BANQUET TABLE SALES

Prentiss Burt

BIG BOARD

Derek Ham

HSCF-DAN L DUNCAN SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION

Gary Rose

HSCF-DAN L DUNCAN SCHOLARSHIP SPONSOR

Darrell Kainer

FINANCE/TREASURER

JD Burrows

FIREARMS

Jamison Smith

GAZELLES

Angie Burrows

GAZELLES FUNDRAISING

Jody Simpson

GAZELLES SILENT AUCTION

Audra Owen

STAG & DOVE SOCIETY

Patrick Darby

GRANTS

David Koch

LIVE AUCTIONS

Matt Pyle

MEMBERSHIP

Kyle Fritz

HUNTING AWARDS

Kevin Comiskey

PHOTO AWARDS

Jody Simpson

RAFFLE

Austin Woodall

SPORTING CLAYS TOURNAMENT

Gib Surles

INDOOR SHOOTING COMPETITION

Jamison Smith VOLUNTEERS

Paul McCutchen

CONVENTION EXHIBITOR LOGISTICS

Carl Cramm

YOUTH EDUCATION, HUNTING & FIELD ACTIVITIES

Susan & David Kalich

YWCE (CONVENTION)

Susan & David Kalich

Incredible Auction Items!

7-day Alaska Coho Salmon Fishing Trip for Two Anglers

VALUE: $13,000.00

OUTFITTER: Alaska Expedition Lodge

DESCRIPTION: Experience the adventure of a lifetime with a sevenday, two-person guided coho salmon fishing trip in Alaska, generously donated by Alaska Expedition Lodge. This exclusive trip is available for booking on open dates from August 21 to September 30, 2025, with no alternate dates offered. Nestled on the renowned Tsiu River, the lodge provides an incredible opportunity to fish for chrome-bright, aggressive silver salmon fresh from the Gulf of Alaska. Whether you prefer fly-fishing or casting gear, you’ll be captivated by the thrilling action and dynamic acrobatics of these celebrated fish. Your package includes full-service lodge accommodations, meals, expert guide service, fish cleaning, and freezer packaging. Additional anglers and non-anglers can join for a fee of $6,750. Please note that expenses for travel before and after the trip, fishing licenses ($65 per angler), air charter ($1,200 per person round trip), shipping, and gratuities are not included. The trip begins and ends in Cordova, Alaska, making for an unforgettable fishing experience. HSCF reference: Gary and Nancy Ellison, Jack Broodo. HSCF thanks Alaska Expedition Lodge for this 100% donation.

WEBSITE: alaskaexpedition.com

3-Day Bird Hunt In Beautiful Ireland for Two Hunters and Two Non-Hunters

VALUE: $20,000.00

OUTFITTER: Game hunting Ireland

DESCRIPTION: Game Hunting Ireland has generously donated a three-day bird hunt for two hunters and two-non hunters. Experience the best of Ireland with a three-day driven bird hunt, complemented by a four-night stay at the luxurious Dromoland Castle. This exceptional opportunity for two hunters and two non-hunters includes three days of hunting pheasant, partridge, and duck, while your companion enjoys the plush surroundings of the castle and its beautiful grounds. For nonhunting guests, touring options are available upon request. Additional hunters are welcome at $8,250, and non-hunters can join for $1,750. The hunt can also be upgraded on request. This adventure is available between November and December in either 2026 or 2027. We also offer big game hunting opportunities, including Red Deer, Sika Deer, Fallow Deer, and the wild Irish goat. For cast and blast enthusiasts, we

cater to both upland bird hunting and fishing. Arrival point is Shannon Co Clare. Not included in this donation are license fees ($350), evening meals and gratuities. HSCF thanks Game Hunting Ireland for this donation.

WEBSITE: gamehuntingireland.com

Alligator Solution Gator Hunt Hosted by Meyer Custom Bootmakers for One Hunter and One Guest in Louisiana

VALUE: $12,500.00

OUTFITTER: Alligator Solution Gator Hunts hosted by Meyer Custom Bootmakers

DESCRIPTION: From Alligator Solution Gator Hunts by Meyer Custom Bootmakers’ is a guided gator hunt by airboat near Lafayette, Louisiana for one hunter & one guest. 100% success rate in the swamps and marshlands near Jeanerette, Louisiana where you will be staying at luxury historical lodgings on Bayou Teche. Your hide will be used to make custom gator boots (belly and lowers), a belt, and a wallet handcrafted by Texas artisans at Meyer Custom Bootmakers. Items will be shipped to the hunter 12 months of the trip. Production of boots depends on the production time of the tannery. Included are meals and lodging, license, skinning, prep, shipping, dying, tanning and ground transportation from/to Lafayette (commercial) or Jeanerette (private) airport. Additional hunters are welcome at $10,500 and observers at $2000. The hunt may be upgraded to include a second night of lodging and a day of inshore guided fishing for $2000/person (depending on availability). This hunt must be scheduled for September 2025 or September 2026. HSCF thanks Alligator Solution Gator Hunts hosted by Meyer Custom Bootmakers for this 100% donation.

WEBSITE: alligatorsolution.com

10-Day Cape Buffalo Hunt for One Hunter and One NonHunter in Mozambique.

VALUE: $16,700.00

OUTFITTER: Marromeu Safaris

DESCRIPTION: Marromeu Safaris invites one hunter and one nonhunter to enjoy a 10-day guided Cape Buffalo hunt in Mozambique. Located adjacent to the southwestern border of Marromeu National

Park, Marromeu Safaris operates in the famed hunting area of Coutada 10. Spanning over 1,000 square miles of unfenced land, this prime hunting destination sits near the Indian Ocean coastline and is a paradise for hunters. The diverse terrain includes Zambezi River floodplains, grasslands, forests, and swamps, supporting large wild herds of Cape Buffalo, Sable, Leopard, Lion, Elephant, Hippo, Crocodile, and the elusive Forest Duikers, Suni, and Oribi, along with various other Plains Game species. The package includes en-suite chalet accommodations, meals, 1x1 guide service, a trophy fee for one Cape Buffalo, firearm and hunting permits, VAT, laundry service, field preparation of the trophy, meet and greet services in Beira, and a community tax. Additional hunters and non-hunters are welcome, with pricing available upon request. Excluded from the package are preand post-hunt expenses, air charter transfers (approximately $1,500 per person, round-trip), dipping, packing and shipping of trophies, veterinary permits ($100 per trophy), transportation of trophies to the shipper ($500 per hunter), and gratuities. The arrival and departure point for this adventure is Beira, Mozambique. HSCF reference: Rowdy Woodson. HSCF thanks Marromeu Safaris for this 100% donation.

WEBSITE: marromeusafaris.com

4-day/5-Night Muntjac, Chinese Water Deer, and Fallow Deer Hunt for One Hunter and One Non-Hunter

VALUE: $17,000.00

OUTFITTER: Carnegie Sporting

DESCRIPTION: Carnegie Sporting invites one hunter and one nonhunter to England, UK, for a four-day, five-night adventure. This package includes hunting Muntjac, Chinese Water Deer, and Fallow Deer, as well as sightseeing activities. The method of take is rifle, with available dates in February 2025 and February 2026. Jamie, an experienced guide, has led numerous clients on hunting expeditions across the British Isles, specializing in bird and deer hunting. He covers the six native species of deer in the UK and all game species, including Pheasant, Partridge, Grouse, Duck, Woodcock, and Snipe. The hunter will have the opportunity to harvest one Muntjac, one Chinese Water Deer, and one Fallow Deer on one of England’s premier estates, plus a day of historic sightseeing in Cambridge. The package includes accommodation, meals, one-on-one guide service, trophies for the donated species, field preparation, and ground transportation. Not included are flights, tips, taxidermy, a $100 license, rifle or shotgun rental, and shipping. The arrival and departure point is Birmingham, England, UK. The trip can be upgraded with extra nights to hunt Red Deer and Sika Deer. Consult with Carnegie Sporting for more details. Additional hunters and nonhunters can be added to the package. HSCF thanks Carnegie Sporting for this 100% donation.

WEBSITE: carnegiesporting.com

5-Day Coues Deer Hunt for Two Hunters with Free Mountain Lion Bonus in Arizona

VALUE: $16,500.00

OUTFITTER: Diamond Outfitters

DESCRIPTION: SCI Hunter of the Year (2017) Dan Adler, owner of Diamond Outfitters, is donating 5-day Coues deer hunt for two hunters including a free mountain lion bonus! Diamond Outfitters is the largest, most successful Coues deer outfitter in the world. The Outfitter, Dan Adler, is our Master-of-Ceremonies here tonight. Dozens of HSCF members have been on this hunt with Diamond Outfitters. As a unique bonus, a mountain lion may be taken (incidental to deer hunting--no hounds) without additional trophy fees. This means that should a lion be glassed up while looking for deer, we’ll hunt the lion, prepare the cape for taxidermy, and then resume Coues deer hunting. Opportunity rate on a Coues buck has been over 90% for this donation with most

hunters re-booking multiple hunts with Diamond Outfitters. Included: Guides (hunter to Guide ratio is 2x1), meals, including non-alcoholic beverages and snacks, lodging in either heated canvas cabin tents, trailers, or heated wall tents, private property and ranch access fees, if required, USFS and BLM permits, tax, trophy fees for one Coues deer and one mountain lion per hunter; field transportation during the hunt, field processing and delivery to the local butcher and taxidermist (if needed). Not Included: Arizona License at $160 per hunter, the deer tag at $300 per hunter, mountain lion tag at $75 per hunter, and if required roundtrip transportation from Phoenix or Tucson airport $200 per hunter. Please note, hunt is a draw with well over 80% draw odds year one--outfitter handles draw paperwork. This donation is good for available dates October through December 2025 to 2028. The hunt may be upgraded to include 1x1 hunter to guide ratio for $1000/hunter and upgraded from 5 to 7-days per hunter for $500/ hunter. Non-hunters are welcome at $250 per day. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity! HSCF thanks Diamond Outfitters for this donation.

WEBSITE: diamondoutfitters.com

5-Day Red Stag Hunt (Up to 525 SCI) for One Hunter and One Non-Hunter in New Zealand

VALUE: $34,500.00

OUTFITTER: New Zealand Hunting Adventures

DESCRIPTION: New Zealand Hunting Adventures has donated an unforgettable 5-day, 4-night hunting adventure at the expansive 22,000-acre Fox Peak Station, where you’ll have the opportunity to hunt a magnificent Red Stag scoring 500-550 SCI! This all-inclusive package offers an exceptional experience, including lodge-style accommodations at the heart of the hunting grounds, delicious, cooked meals, and freshly packed lunches to keep you energized throughout the day. Your hunt will be guided by registered NZPHGA professionals, ensuring you are well-prepared and confident with a comprehensive health and safety briefing and a range session before the hunt begins. With vehicle or ATV transportation provided, you’ll have the chance to explore the property and encounter a variety of species, offering opportunities to upgrade your hunt to include Tahr, Chamois, Fallow Buck, New Zealand Elk, and more. Additional hunters and observers are welcome to join at the current price list for an enhanced experience. This hunt, available for the 2025 or 2026 hunting seasons from March to June, promises a thrilling and luxurious experience in one of New Zealand’s most scenic landscapes. Please note that this package cannot be combined with another donation hunt. HSCF reference: Derek Ham. HSCF thanks New Zealand Hunting Adventures for this donation.

WEBSITE: newzealandhuntingadventures.com

All-Inclusive 2-Day/3-Night Ultimate Sportsman’s Retreat For Fallow Deer or Scimitar Oryx

VALUE: $18,995.00

OUTFITTER: Cedar Cove Ranch

DESCRIPTION: Prepare for the ultimate sportsman’s retreat with this all-inclusive experience at Cedar Cove Ranch, offering a luxurious two-night, three-day stay. The winner of this exclusive package will have the thrilling opportunity to choose between a Fallow Deer or Scimitar Oryx hunt. In addition to the hunt, three guests will be treated to the excitement of our Marksman package, which includes a tactical shooting course and a five-stand clay shooting experience. Throughout the stay, indulge in gourmet dining, bass fishing, and the full range of premium amenities that Cedar Cove Ranch is renowned for. This unforgettable adventure is a dream come true for any outdoor enthusiast. Available for select dates in 2025 only. HSCF thanks Cedar Cove Ranch for this 100% donation.

WEBSITE: cedarcoveranch.com

7-day Cape Buffalo and Plains Game Safari for Two Hunters in the famed Selous Game Reserve with Custom Cape Buffalo Pedestal Mount Taxidermy by Brush Country Studios.

VALUE: $28,850.00

OUTFITTER: Game Trackers Africa and Brush Country Studios

DESCRIPTION: Jaco and Magdel Oosthuizen of Game Trackers Africa are excited to offer a 7-day, 2x1 Cape buffalo and plains game rifle safari for two hunters in Tanzania’s renowned Selous Game Reserve. This adventure promises an unforgettable hunting experience in Africa’s most magical and expansive game reserve, with trophy fees for two Cape buffalo included. This free-range hunt is available from July to December in either 2025 or 2026 and can be upgraded to include a second Cape buffalo for $8,300, as well as, additional species at the current price list. Additional hunters and non-hunters are welcome at standard rates. The hunt is conducted primarily on foot and by vehicle, with a focus on spot-and-stalk methods. This package is combined with Brush Country Studios’ taxidermy service for a custom cape buffalo pedestal mount including mounting services and a floor pedestal base. The hunt package includes 2x1 guiding, field preparation, luxury A-frame safari-style tent accommodations, all meals, drinks, and daily laundry service. Please note that the package does not include dip and pack services, transportation to the shipper, permit, and license fees totaling $4,950, rifle import fees, additional species taken, gratuities, round-trip transfers between Dar es Salaam and the hunting concession

by C208 air charter at $6,000, or accommodations before and after the hunt in Dar es Salaam, which is approximately $320 per night. To secure your hunt dates, a $5,000 deposit is required at booking. This deposit will be credited toward fees at the end of your hunt. Please consult with the outfitter regarding any additional taxes. HSCF references include Craig Boddington, Mark van Ness, Clay Padgett, Steve Travis, and Mannie Seale. HSCF thanks Game Trackers Africa for this donation.

WEBSITE: gametrackersafrica.com; brushcountrystudios.com

Magnus MTX Rifle System

VALUE: $14,630.00

OUTFITTER: Gunwerks

DESCRIPTION: It’s the Gunwerks Magnus MTX Rifle system in 7mm PRC. This incredible rifle features a 20-inch carbon wrapped barrel, directional muzzle brake, Tectonic tan carbon fiber stock and a tungsten metal finish. It is topped with a Revic Acura RS25i (5-25x50mm) rifle scope. Also included is a Gunwerks hard case and a case of Gunwerks custom ammunition. MAXIMUM CONTROL. minimal weight. The MTX blends our Magnus stock with our lightest weight C20 contour carbon barrel to give the most comfort on the gun and in the pack. The optimized geometry of the Magnus stock provides the control needed to execute the most difficult shots and tame heavier recoiling cartridges. The Magnus MTX is configured for hunts where ounces matter and opportunities are rare. No compromises can be made when it’s time to shoot. HSCF thanks Gunwerks for this 100% contribution.

WEBSITE: gunwerks.com

Chapuis 2025 President’s Rifle A One-Gun Companion For The Worldwide Adventurer

It was on October 19, 2023, that the luxury Gordy & Sons gun store in Houston held an evening event for their high-end customers. As the Chapuis product manager, I was among the invitees. Blue Italian suit—check. Thick silk neck-tie with carefully tied knot—check. Pocket square, rigorously not matching the tie—check. Spit-polished Edward Green shoes—check. The enjoyment of that evening, during which I now showed samples of my product now, mingled with the crowd of likely-minded hunters, was beyond my already optimistic expectations. Gorgeous ladies swishing around me in their cocktail dresses, gentlemen swapping stories of faraway adventures—I was intoxicatingly in my element.

As I made my way from one group to the next, I was glad to run into an old acquaintance, Joe Betar, Executive Director of the Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF), who introduced me to James Lofton, the Foundation’s

current president. Almost immediately, we started to reminisce about the HSCF President’s rifle that Chapuis made for the 2023 banquet and auction—a customized version of the bestselling .375 Chapuis Iphisi double rifle with upgraded wood, African game engraving, and HSCF lettering—which got snapped up by a lucky hunter after a very brisk and frantic bidding session. We got talking, and it was not long before the pens and cocktail napkins came out, and an idea for the 2025 President’s rifle gradually materialized.

ONE RiFLE TO RULE THEM ALL

As the Chapuis product manager for the USA, I may be biased—“may” being the operative word. For I know, I’m not embellishing nor exaggerating when, as part of my elevator pitch for the brand, I invariably state that a Chapuis double rifle (or shotgun, for that matter) is as perfectly reliable in the field as it is apt to turn heads when shown off to

friends and fellow hunters. Like a sleek, high-performance European sportscar, this French-made gun just begs to be used for what it was intended while providing a high level of pride of ownership even while at rest. Moreover, the factory in Saint-Bonnet-le-Château (Loire Valley, France) offers an ideal equilibrium between the artisanal and the state-of-the-art industrial: besides granting quality and uniqueness to their product, this combination results in a high degree of flexibility.

It was with this flexibility in mind that Mr. Betar, Mr. Lofton, and I had the time of our lives brainstorming about what features the new President’s rifle should possess. This is the most fun and creative part of my job and the reason why if I had a magic wand and could choose whatever profession I wanted, I would choose being Chapuis product manager, as I am lucky enough to have been since 2020. Almost right from the start, the theme we chose for this rifle was versatility. One rifle for the high-end worldwide hunter. One rifle that could be used just as effectively for whitetail in the US or Cape buffalo in Africa, and everything in between. One rifle that is rugged and reliable while shining with great looks and custom touches. One rifle to rule them all.

But first things first. In what caliber should this double rifle be chambered? Call me a crusty traditionalist, but to me, every useful hunting cartridge (with very, very few exceptions) had been invented and perfected by 1930. Subtract eighteen from that number, and you get the year in which, in my humble opinion, the world’s most useful and flexible hunting cartridge was introduced. Yes, I’m talking about the venerable .375 Holland & Holland, also known as the .375 Magnum Nitro Express. Originally propelling bullets of 235, 270, and 300 grains at 2,800, 2,650, and 2,500 feet per second, respectively, this cartridge has proven useful and deadly on all game on Earth, and this unmatched record hasn’t changed for well over a century. Nowadays, the lighter bullet weights have somewhat fallen by the wayside, although I’ve had a great track record with my pet 270gr load both in the US and in Africa. Today, most hunters use— and most ammunition manufacturers produce—the 300gr configuration. Given how experienced Mr. Betar and Mr. Lofton also are, agreeing on this caliber was not a hard sell. Here, I have to make a little parenthesis. For some reason, the idea still persists that in a double or single-shot rifle, the rimmed version of a cartridge must be used to the exclusion of its rimless configuration. Historically, this idea has long been obsolete. Even considering how ubiquitous the Ruger No. 1 single-shot rifle continues to be in chamberings like .30-06, the various .300 Magnums, 7x57mm, and other rimless cartridges, British gunmaker Westley Richards had put this idea to rest as early as 1909, with the introduction of their .425 Magnum. Not only was this cartridge rimless, it was actually rebated, meaning that the diameter of the rim was even smaller than that of the cartridge’s body. Westley Richards chambered the .425 (and a year later, the .318, another rimless cartridge) in both Mauser actions and double rifles to the universal satisfaction of hunters who used them. Thus, a Chapuis .375 H&H holds and ejects rimless cartridges with proven reliability, employing a technology that is well over a century old.

Hey, What About Birds?

I forget exactly who of us three first brought up this issue, but as a corollary to the desired versatility of this unique rifle, we quickly agreed that a second pair of barrels, chambered in 3” 20 gauge, would make this gun a perfect companion for any hunting in the world. No, it probably won’t be ideal for busting geese 30 yards up in the air, but for anything else, it would perform as impeccably as could be dreamt of.

So, after some more fun, creative brainstorming, the blueprint for the 2025 HSCF President’s rifle took shape with the following specifications:

• Base model: Chapuis Elan double rifle

• Rifle caliber: .375 H&H Magnum

• Rifle caliber regulation: 300gr Hornady DGX at 50 meters— target included in the box

• Extra shotgun barrels: 20 gauge, 3” chamber, rated for lead and steel shot

• Chokes: C, IC, M, IM, F, plus wrench

• Rifle barrels length: 25.5”

• Shotgun barrels length: 27.5”

• Stock: hand-checkered Circassian walnut upgraded to AAAA quality, German cheekpiece, Decelerator pad, semi-beavertail forend

• Action: scalloped blitz-type, ejectors, coin finish, richly engraved with floral motifs and a Cape buffalo on the underside

• Safety: manual, tang-mounted

• Lettering: HSCF logo and “2025 President’s Rifle”

• Sights (rifle): express—one standing, 3 folding leaves graduated from 50 to 200 meters

• Scope mounting: accepts Recknagel scope-mounting systems

• Sights (shotgun): solid rib, bead front

• Weight as a rifle: 9.3lbs approximately

• Weight as a shotgun: 6.8lbs approximately

• Length of pull: 15.3”

• Overall length with rifle barrels: 43”

• Overall length with shotgun barrels: 45”

• Sling swivels: included, but not mounted (user may have them placed where desired)

• Case: deluxe “Artisan” case for two sets of barrels

• Retail value: $25,000

TELLiNG THE CHAPUiS STORY

The sense of accomplishment after this wonderfully creative session was truly inebriating. But it was time for me to mingle some more and to eventually amble back to the counter where an assortment of Chapuis rifles and shotgun lie. It was not long before a distinguished-looking couple—a very attractive lady and a well-dressed gentleman—made their way to me and expressed their curiosity about Chapuis. What is the history of the brand? How did it become part of the family of brands under the umbrella of Beretta Holding?

Jean Louis Chapuis, the company’s founder, was one of many gunsmiths who took advantage of an 1885 law that liberalized the manufacture of components for the massive military arsenal of nearby Saint-Etienne. This arsenal, not unlike our own historical Springfield but dating back to the time of King Louis XIV, was one of the world’s first to require standardized components for the manufacture of military arms. As part of a cottage industry springing up around Saint-Etienne arsenal, Mr. Chapuis increasingly dedicated himself to component manufacturing until, in the 1930s, it became his primary occupation. As the concern was passed down from father to son and the number of employees grew, component manufacturing gave way to the more lucrative production of finished rifles and shotguns until, in 1966, the brand Chapuis Armes was born. One of their most successful innovations was the “Progress” side-by-side system—used for both shotguns and rifles since the early 1970s. Based on the blitz-type action, known for its relative simplicity and fast lockup time, the Progress action soon established itself as the basis for Europe’s most innovative African-style rifles. Since its inception, this system has become a trusted favorite

among African guides and international hunters alike. Even today, the side-by-side double rifle is the crown jewel of the Chapuis line, closely followed by side-by-side shotguns, which share the same action type. And it was because of the reputation of the Progress action that Mr. Piero Gussalli Beretta—an avid African hunter himself— became interested in acquiring a majority share of the Chapuis brand in 2019. Chapuis is now part of the family of companies under the Beretta Holding umbrella, being exclusively imported and sold in the USA by Benelli USA, another member of the Holding group. Progress-action guns are being marketed in the USA as Elan, Iphisi, and X4 double rifles, as well as Chasseur side-by-side shotguns.

Another claim to fame for Chapuis is the quality of the wood they use. The current company head, Mr. Vincent Chapuis, makes it a point to travel to Turkey twice a year and individually hand-select all the blanks Chapuis will use for their guns. These blanks, from Circassian walnut, often close to 300 years old, reside in a series of cubbies in the Chapuis factory, and they are carefully selected for the beauty of their grain pattern—as well as for the legendary strength of this type of wood. Thus, it is a refrain among Chapuis owners that their hunting gun will never fail to attract profuse compliments from fellow hunters and gun owners.

In conclusion, I am very proud of the double being presented as the 2025 Houston Safari Club Foundation President’s rifle. As I always recommend to hunters buying Chapuis, I will close by saying this: as beautiful as your new rifle is, don’t keep it as a safe queen. These are guns made by hunters for hunters, and keeping them unused would be like relegating a prized racehorse to the pasture before its time. Bonne chance et bonne chasse! ★

Trophy Bonded ® Bear Claw ® | Swift ® A-Frame ®

Trophy Bonded ® Sledgehammer ® Solid | Woodleigh™ Hydro Solid

ONLY THING STANDING BETWEEN HIM AND YOU IS WHAT’S STANDING HERE

There’s no room for doubt when you’re toe-to-toe with the planet’s most deadly animals. That’s why Federal Premium® Safari is the only ammunition to combine the exclusive Gold Medal® primer with the hardest-hitting bullets, to create the most powerful, reliable loads available for dangerous game. Choose from the complete range of big bore cartridges.

A PERSONALISED HUNTING EXPERIENCE IN THE MOST GAME RICH AREAS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

We offer an extensive selection of dangerous and plains game safaris on over 3.5 million acres of private wildlife properties and concessions. Every safari is unique and personalised according to the individual needs and requirements of our clients. If you are a species collector, big game hunter or taking the family on a hunting holiday, we can assure you the opportunity to hunt what you’re after whilst having the adventure of a life time.

Botswana

| Mozambique | Namibia South Africa | Zimbabwe

VISIT US AT THE 2025 HUNTING CONVENTIONS:

DSC, Atlanta, 9-12 January, Booth# 2547

Texas Outdoor Extravaganza, Dallas, 10-12 January, Booth# 4074

Houston Safari Club, 17-19 January, Booth# 302

SCI, Nashville, 22-25 January, Booth# 2109

6S River Ranch

BOOTH: 1009

6Sriverranch.com

Outfitter-North America

Acute Angling

BOOTH: 700 acuteangling.com

Outfitter-South America

Africa Photo Safaris

BOOTH: 815

Outfitter-Africa

African Elephant Hair Bracelets

BOOTH: 603

Clothing/Jewelry/Footwear

AG Leather

BOOTH: 15 agleather.us

Clothing/Jewelry/Footwear

Alaska Coastal Outfitters

BOOTH: 909 alaskahunting.com

Outfitter-North America

Alaska Expedition Lodge

BOOTH: 204

Outfitter-North America

Alaska Fur Gallery

BOOTH: 117 akfurgallery.com

Clothing/Jewelry/Footwear

Animo Hat Company

BOOTH: 22 www.animohatco.com

Clothing/Jewelry/Footwear

Argentina Puelo Expeditions

BOOTH: 419 www.pueloexpeditions.com

Outfitter-South America

ATP Hunt

BOOTH: 314

Outfitter-Europe

Australian Outfitters by Andrew Mackay

BOOTH: 1001 www.australianoutfitters.com

Outfitter-Australia

B&B Taxidermy

BOOTH: 213 www.bbtaxidermy.com

Taxidermy

Baranof Jewelers

BOOTH: 207

Baranofjewelers.com

Clothing/Jewelry/Footwear

Exhibitors

Bering Optics

BOOTH: 817

www.beringoptics.com

Optics

Big Cove Whitetails

BOOTH: 1006

www.bigcovewhitetails.com

Outfitter-North America

Blaser Group

BOOTH: 717

www.blaser.de/us Firearms/Firearms Accessories

Boesmanskraal Safaris

BOOTH: 120

www.boesmanskraalsafaris.co.za

Outfitter-Africa

BoschNel Safaris

BOOTH: 822

www.boschnelsafaris.co.za

Outfitter-Africa

Boyds Gunstocks

BOOTH: 614

Firearms & Firearms Accessories

Braeside Safaris

BOOTH: 105 www.braesidesafaris.co.za

Outfitter-Africa

Brenham Kitchens

BOOTH: 12 www.brenhamkitchens.com

Miscellaneous

Brush Country Studios/Prairie

Mountain Wildlife Studio

BOOTH: 713

www.brushcountrystudios.com

Taxidermy

Buckbrush Outfitters

BOOTH: 500

www.huntbuckbrush.com

Outfitter-North America

Buffalo Wool Co

BOOTH: 2006 thebuffalowoolco.com

Clothing/Jewelry/Footwear

Bush Africa Safaris

BOOTH: 600 bushafricasafaris.co.za

Outfitter-Africa

Cape to Cairo

BOOTH: 813

Outfitter-Africa

Capital Farm Credit

BOOTH: 413

www.capitalfarmcredit.com

Real Estate/Credit/Property Lending

Carnegie Sporting

BOOTH: 2004 www.carnegiesporting.com

Outfitter-Europe

Caza Planeta

BOOTH: 1011 www.cazaplaneta.es

Outfitter-Europe

Cazatur Spain & Europe

BOOTH: 409 Outfitter-Europe

Cedar Cove Ranch

BOOTH: 305 www.cedarcoveranch.com

Outfitter-North America

Cedar Eaters of Texas BOOTH: 723 cedareater.com

Miscellaneous

Champion Ranch

BOOTH: 716 www.championranch.com

Outfitter-North America

Chapungu-Kambako Safaris

BOOTH: 302 chapungu-kambako.com

Outfitter-Africa

Cheetah Safaris

BOOTH: 1008 www.cheetahsafaris.co.za Outfitter-Africa

Columbia Pressworks BOOTH: 2003 www.columbiapressworks.com Artwork

Conroe Taxidermy BOOTH: 507 www.conroetaxidermy.com Taxidermy

Copendero Indoor Archery, Pistol & Rifle Range BOOTH: 416 www.copendero.com Firearms/Firearms Accessories,Gun Safes,Hunting Gear,Shooting Instruction Coppersmith Global Logistics BOOTH: 323 Trophy Shipper

Cotton Mesa Trophy Whitetail BOOTH: 506 cottonmesawhitetail.com Outfitter-North America

Crocodile Bay, Costa Rica BOOTH: 908 www.crocodilebay.com Outfitter-Central America

Crown Precision Arms BOOTH: 1013 www.crownprecisionarms.com Firearms/Firearms Accessories

Custom Night Vision BOOTH: 103 www.customnightvision.com Firearms & Firearms Accessories

Dave Freeburn Safaris BOOTH: 913 www.davefreeburn.com Outfitter-Africa

DB Outfitting BOOTH: 316 www.dboutfitting.com Outfitter-North America

DEA Ranch BOOTH: 503 dearanch.com Outfitter-North America

Deer Camp Digital BOOTH: 28 deercampdigital.com Websites/Social Media/Marketing Defense Hearing BOOTH: 214 www.defensehearing.com Hunting Gear

Detail Company Adventures BOOTH: 806 Booking Agent

Divide Gun Company BOOTH: 404 dividegun.com Firearms/Firearms Accessories

Doornrivier Safaris BOOTH: 2000 www.doornriviersafaris.com Outfitter-Africa

Double Diamond Outfitters BOOTH: 2009 www.huntdoublediamond.com Outfitter- North America

Dries Visser BOOTH: 1005 driesvissersafaris.com Outfitter-Africa

Dubula Hunting Safaris BOOTH: 1111 dubulahuntingsafaris.com/wp Outfitter-Africa

Eastcape & Karoo Safaris BOOTH: 324 www.hunteasterncape.com Outfitter-Africa

Elite Ranch Solutions & Elite Ranch Construction

BOOTH: 525 www.alloutranchimprovements.com

Miscellaneous

Endres Exotic Leatherworks BOOTH: 17 endresleather.com

Clothing/Jewelry/Footwear

Epic Hunting Safaris South Africa

BOOTH: 215 Epichuntingsafari.com Outfitter-Africa

Estancia Las Palomas BOOTH: 2016 www.estancialaspalomas.com Outfitter-South America

Exclusive Adventures

New Zealand BOOTH: 624 www.exclusiveadventuresnz.com Outfitter-New Zealand

Fable Lake Outfitters BOOTH: 1010 fablelakeoutfitters.ca Outfitter-North America

Field Fancy BOOTH: 5 fieldfancy.com

Clothing/Jewelry/Footwear

Flint & Flame USA LLC BOOTH: 2018 www.flintandflameusa.com Knives

FN Hunting BOOTH: 224 www.fnhunting.com Outfitter-Europe

FORLOH

BOOTH: 301

Clothing/Jewelry/Footwear

Four Seasons Safaris BOOTH: 412 www.fourseasons.co.nz Outfitter-New Zealand

Frontera Wingshooting BOOTH: 501 www.fronterawingshooting.com Outfitter-South America

Frosch BOOTH: 605 Travel Agent

FTW/SAAM BOOTH: 704 www.ftwsaam.com Outfitter-North America,Shooting Instruction

Game Hunting Ireland BOOTH: 1201 www.GameHuntingIreland.com Outfitter-Europe

Game Trackers Africa (Hunting Company) BOOTH: 414 www.gametrackersafrica.com Outfitter-Africa

Giuseppe Carrizosa- Spain

BOOTH: 417 bowhunteurope.com Outfitter-Europe

Glacier Bay Eagles Nest Lodge

BOOTH: 1113 www.glacierbayfishing.com Outfitter-North America

Glen Dene Hunting & Fishing

BOOTH: 2 Outfitter-New Zealand

Greystone Castle Sporting Club

BOOTH: 518

Greystonecastle.com Outfitter-North America

Gunwerks LLC

BOOTH: 309 Firearms & Firearms Accessories

Hawkeye Hunting Club BOOTH: 702 www.hawkeyehunting.com Outfitter-North America

Heritage Safaris

BOOTH: 318 tanzania.heritage-safaris.com Outfitter-Africa

HEYMUSA/Double Gun Imports

BOOTH: 1204 www.heymusa.com Firearms/Firearms Accessories

HomeLand Properties, Inc.

BOOTH: 13 www.homelandproperties.com

Real Estate/Credit/Property Lending

Horseshoe Creek Outfitters

BOOTH: 114 www.horseshoecreekoutfitters.com Outfitter-North America

Hunt Trip Spain

BOOTH: 712 www.hunttripspain.com

Outfitter-Europe

Infinito Safaris

BOOTH: 1100 www.Infinito-Safaris.com

Outfitter-Africa

Inkulu Adventures

BOOTH: 1203 www.inkuluadventures.com Outfitter-Africa

Intrepid Safaris

BOOTH: 900 Outfitter-Africa

John Tolmay Bronze Africa

BOOTH: 122 www.bronzeafrica.com

Artwork

John X Safaris

BOOTH: 110 www.johnxsafaris.com Outfitter-Africa

Joshua Creek Ranch

BOOTH: 313 www.joshuacreek.com Outfitter-North America

Kaiwhai Safaris BOOTH: 1112 www.kaiwhaisafaris.com Outfitter-Africa

Kalahari Safari

BOOTH: 2019 www.kalahari-safari.com Outfitter-Africa

Kelly Jay Jewellery BOOTH: 14 www.kellyjayjewellery.com Clothing/Jewelry/Footwear

Khangela African Safaris BOOTH: 524 www.khangelasafari.co.za Outfitter-Africa

Kiowa Hunting Service

BOOTH: 912 www.kiowahunting.com

Outfitter-North America

Kuche Safari

BOOTH: 115 kuche.co.za

Outfitter-Africa

Kwalata Safaris PTY (LTD) BOOTH: 109 www.kwalata.com Outfitter-Africa

Lategan Safaris BOOTH: 401 Outfitter-Africa

Leather Ranch Supply Company BOOTH: 19 www.leatheranch.com Furniture

Leeuwkop Hunting Safari’s BOOTH: 4 www.leeuwkophuntingsafaris.co.za Outfitter-Africa

Limcroma Safaris

BOOTH: 800 limcroma.com Outfitter-Africa

Lloyd Safaris BOOTH: 916 www.lloyd-safaris.co.za Outfitter-Africa

Lochow Ranch Pond & Lake Management LLC BOOTH: 521 lochowranch.com

Miscellaneous

Lonesome Coyote Ranch BOOTH: 816 www.LonesomeCoyoteRanch.com Outfitter-North America

Mabula Pro Safaris BOOTH: 1212 www.mabulaprosafaris.co.za Outfitter-Africa

Mandujano Boot Company

BOOTH: 917 www.mandujanobootmakers.com Artwork,Clothing/Jewelry/Footwear

Marromeu Safaris

BOOTH: 2010 www.marromeusafaris.com Outfitter-Africa

Mashambanzou Safaris

BOOTH: 112 www.mashambanzousafaris.com Outfitter-Africa

Mayo Oldiri Group

BOOTH: 322

www.mayoldiri.com

Outfitter-Africa

MEC Outdoors

BOOTH: 915 www.mecoutdoors.com

Miscellaneous

MG Arms

BOOTH: 601 www.mgarmsinc.com Firearms/Firearms Accessories

Michel Mantheakis Safaris Ltd

BOOTH: 807 www.mm-safaris.co.tz

Outfitter-Africa

Midwest Custom Hunts

BOOTH: 904 www.midwestcustomhunts.com

Outfitter-North America

Milton Lake Lodge BOOTH: 921 www.miltonlakelodge.com

Outfitter-North America

Moore Security BOOTH: 422 Gun Safes

Motsomi Safaris

BOOTH: 722 www.motsomi.com Outfitter-Africa

Mountain Monarchs of Alaska LLC

BOOTH: 1213 www.mountainmonarchs.com Outfitter-North America

Ndloti Safari Adventures

BOOTH: 922 www.ndlotisafariadventures.com

Outfitter-Africa

New Zealand Hunting Adventures

BOOTH: 1108 www.newzealandhuntingadventures.com Outfitter-New Zealand

New Zealand Safaris

BOOTH: 923 newzealandsafaris.com Outfitter-New Zealand

Nighthawk Custom

BOOTH: 101 www.nighthawkcustom.com Firearms

Novagrade

BOOTH: 919 novagrade.com Optics

Outdoor Texas Camps

BOOTH: 11 www.OutdoorTexasCamps.com Association/Nonprofit

Outpost Original LLC

BOOTH: 1004 outpostoriginal.com Artwork,Furniture

Paradise Fishing Lodge & Marina Panama

BOOTH: 1109 paradisefishinglodge.com Outfitter-Central America

Parker Boot Co.

BOOTH: 7

www.parkerbootcompany.com

Clothing/Jewelry/Footwear

Phenix Knives/ Cowboy Szymanski

BOOTH: 906 www.phenixknives.com Knives

PJ Hunting Safaris

BOOTH: 2017 www.pjsafaris.com

Outfitter-Africa

Powder Ridge Outfitters

BOOTH: 824 www.powderridgeoutfitters.com

Outfitter-North America

Presidio Game Reserve

BOOTH: 108 www.presidiogame.com

Outfitter-North America

Pro Cargo USA

BOOTH: 804 www.procargo.com

Trophy Shipper

Purina

BOOTH: 911

Wildlife Supply

Quagga Safaris

BOOTH: 517

Quagga Safaris

Outfitter-Africa

R&R Outfitters Australia Pty Ltd

BOOTH: 203

Outfitter-Australia

RC Cartridges USA

BOOTH: 617 rccartridgesusa.com

Firearms & Firearms Accessories

RecordBuck Ranch

BOOTH: 113 recordbuck.com

Outfitter-North America

Red Desert Rifles

BOOTH: 905 reddesertrifles.com

Firearms/Firearms Accessories

Red Horse Vintage Co.

BOOTH: 1000 www.redhorsevintageco.com

Clothing/Jewelry/Footwear

Reserve Ranch

BOOTH: 8 www.reserveranch.com

Outfitter-North America

Rhinoland Safaris

BOOTH: 222 www.rhinoland.co.za

Outfitter-Africa

River Plate Outfitters

BOOTH: 1003 www.riverplateoutfitters.com

Outfitter-South America

Rosedale Safaris

BOOTH: 27 www.rosedalesafaris.com

Outfitter-Africa

Ruple Ranch & Land

BOOTH: 513

rupleproperties.com

Real Estate/Credit/Property Lending

Sable + Roan

BOOTH: 2015 www.sableandroan.com

Booking Agent,Miscellaneous

Sable Custom Knives

BOOTH: 1104 sableusa.com Knives

Sabudawn Safaris

BOOTH: 1211

Outfitter-Africa

Sadaka Safaris

BOOTH: 714 www.sadakasafaris.co.za

Outfitter-Africa

Safari International Macedonia

BOOTH: 701 www.interhunts.com

Outfitter-Europe

Safari Specialists Group

BOOTH: 2012 safarispecialistsgroup.com

Outfitter-North America

Satterwhite Log Homes

BOOTH: 26 www.Satterwhite-log-homes.com

Miscellaneous

SB Hunting Safaris

BOOTH: 1105 www.sbhuntingsafaris.com

Outfitter-Africa

ShineNyx

BOOTH: 1101 www.shinenyx.com Optics

Sierra Brava Lodge LLC

BOOTH: 319

www.sierrabrava.com

Outfitter-South America

Silencer Central BOOTH: 522 www.SilencerCentral.com

Firearms/Firearms Accessories

Slow Glow

BOOTH: 2001 www.slowglow.com

Hunting Gear

Somerby Safaris

BOOTH: 315 www.somerbysafaris.com

Outfitter-Africa

South Texas Tripods and Feeders Inc

BOOTH: 901

Wildlife Supply

South Texas White Wing Hunts

BOOTH: 2014

www.southtexaswhitewinghunts.com

Outfitter-North America

Spey Creek Trophy Hunting

BOOTH: 707

sctrophyhunting.com

Outfitter-New Zealand

Spiral Horn Safaris

BOOTH: 504 www.spiralhornsafaris.com

Outfitter-Africa

Stefan Joubert Safaris

BOOTH: 2005 stefanjoubertsafaris.com

Outfitter-Africa

Stone Ranch / Hunters Heartbeat

BOOTH: 2007 stoneranchtx.com, heartbeatofahunter. com, huntersheartbeat.com

Outfitter-North America

Taylor TR Ranch

BOOTH: 1210 www.taylortrranch.com

Outfitter-North America

Team Mancuso Powersports 59

BOOTH: Outside www.tmp59.com Vehicle/Vehicle Accessories

Tejas Ranch & Game Fence

BOOTH: 1207 www.TejasRanchFence.com

Miscellaneous

Texas Ag Realty LLC

BOOTH: 801 www.texasagrealty.com Real Estate/Credit/Property Lending

Texas Hunt Lodge

BOOTH: 516 texashuntlodge.com Outfitter-North America

Thaba Mmoyo Safaris

BOOTH: 1 www.thabammoyo.co.za Outfitter-Africa

The Arrangement

BOOTH: 100 thearrangement.com Furniture

Thormahlen & Cochran Safaris BOOTH: 703 Outfitter-Africa

TPWD- Bighorn Sheep BOOTH: 403 www.tpwd.texas.gov Association/Non-Profit

TRACT Optics

BOOTH: 519 tractoptics.com Optics

Tri-State Taxidermy

BOOTH: 201 tri-statetaxidermy.com Taxidermy

Trompettersfontein Safaris & Hunting Lodge

BOOTH: 16 www.tromettersfontein.com Outfitter-Africa

Trophy Hunting Spain BOOTH: 612 trophyhuntingspain.com Outfitter-Europe

Twisted Tine Outfitters

BOOTH: 914

twistedtineoutfittersco.com Outfitter-North America

Ultimate Top Drives

BOOTH: 3013 www.ultimatetopdrives.com Vehicles/Vehicle Accessories

Umtopi LLC BOOTH: 18 Umtopi.com Artwork

V.D. Uberhutte Deutsch Drathaar BOOTH: 106 Miscellaneous

Vara Ranch BOOTH: 803 vararanch.com Outfitter-North America

Venator BOOTH: 1012 www.venator.co Outfitter-New Zealand,Outfitter-North America

Wanganui Safaris BOOTH: 613 Outfitter-New Zealand

Whitetail Properties LLC BOOTH: 107 www.whitetailproperties.com

Real Estate/Credit/Property Lending

Wildcro Ltd Osijek / Croatia BOOTH: 1208 wildcro.com/en Outfitter-Europe

Wildlife Partners BOOTH: 607 wildlifepartners.com

Miscellaneous

WLH Sonora BOOTH: 29 www.wadelemonhunting.com Outfitter-North America

Woods & Water Taxidermy BOOTH: 405 Taxidermy

XFactor Whitetails of Indiana BOOTH: 219 Outfitter-North America

Y.O. Ranch Headquarters BOOTH: 604 yoranchheadquarters.com Outfitter-North America

Zambeze Delta Safaris BOOTH: 116 www.zambezedeltasafaris.com & www.gamehuntersafrica.com Outfitter-Africa

Zander Osmers Safaris BOOTH: 200 www.zanderosmerssafaris.com Outfitter-Africa

Ninth Annual Workshop

By Susan Kalich, Co-Chair YWCE

The Houston Safari Club Foundation’s Annual Expo and Convention continuously surprises, entertains and informs attendees. The upcoming 2025 event is no exception. Friday morning, January 17, HSC’s 5th Annual Youth Wildlife/ Conservation Experience (YWCE), as part of the expo and convention, will introduce area high school students to the many possibilities their love of the outdoors can hold, whether participating in our honorable sport, as a career or in community service.

Workshop topics include Art of Taxidermy, Wildlife Law Enforcement – Lone Star Law, Wildlife Biology and Management, Sustainable Hunting as a Conservation Tool, So You Think You Know Texas Wildlife? and Hunting Opportunities for Texas Youth. Outstanding Professional presenters in each of these respective fields have graciously volunteered their time and will discuss how their personal love of the outdoors brought them to their respective fields of endeavor. They will educate in the areas of community awareness, safe and sportsmanlike use of firearms, hunting ethics, and conservation of wildlife and its habitat. Participants will be honored with a presentation by our General Session speaker, Staff Sgt. Kisha MacKerney, Retired. Kisha describes herself as an Army Combat Veteran, Outdoorswoman, Hunter, and Pilot. She will share her life story, and in particular, how hunting with her grandfather gave her the love of hunting and marksmanship, which shaped much of who she would become.

HSC sincerely thanks our YWCE sponsor, Midway U.S.A. We are appreciative of their interest in our endeavor and grateful for their support. It is through the collaboration of the hunting and wildlife businesses, organizations and community that will assure that this Experience will continue to gain momentum and achieve success.

HSCF members agree that this hunting and fishing life has given us a passion for the sport that extends into wildlife and habitat conservation, hunter education, and the desire to pass on our hunting and fishing heritage to the future. The Youth Wildlife/Conservation Experience allows us to extend our reach into the community, have a presence and an influence. This is our journey – our legacy. ★

YWCE SPONSORS

PRESENTiNG SPONSORS

Ann and Randy Fowler | MidwayUSA Foundation

GRANT RECOGNiTiON

The Ed Rachel Foundation | Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s

MENTOR

FTW Ranch | WildCro

WORKSHOP SPEAKERS

Art Of Taxidermy Jay Wrobliske, Taxidermist

Hunting Opportunities For Texas Youth

Heidi Rao, Hunter Education Specialist, Texas Parks and Wildlife

Sustainable Hunting As A Conservation Tool

Briana Nicklow, Field Operations Coordinator, Texas Youth Hunting Program

Wildlife Law Enforcement

Warden Jeff Putnam, Texas Parks and Wildlife

Wildlife Biology And Management

Gary Rose, Wildlife Biologist

So, You Think You Know Texas Wildlife?

Tracy Prothro, Supt. Natural Resource Programs, City of Baytown, Texas

GENERAL SESSION SPEAKER

Kisha Mackerney

Army Staff Sgt. Retired

LIFE is an ADVENTURE

By Angela Burrows, HSCF Gazelles Chairperson

Ladies & gentlemen, the 2025 Annual Gazelles Luncheon is quickly approaching. This year we are celebrating with “Life is an Adventure.” The Luncheon will be held on Saturday, January 18th, 2025, from about 10:30 am to 1:30 pm in the ballroom of the Waterway Marriott Hotel, The Woodlands, TX.

Last year, we returned to The Woodlands with a fun-filled event, and I expect this year to be even better. I fondly remember the amazing past Gazelles luncheons and this year will not disappoint. We will be looking forward to all of the great adventures to come. This party is always a great opportunity to get dressed up and celebrate with friends. Our theme will be bright and exciting; imagine Spring in January: bright colors, big beautiful flowers, and atypically colorful animal prints.

The Gazelles Luncheon has a history of gathering and presenting unique items from all around the world to be displayed in our Silent Auction. This year, committee members have been traveling the world and picking up items that I am excited for you to see.

The Gazelles committee always does so much for the Houston Safari Club Foundation, and in turn, our members do so much for the Gazelles. Please consider becoming a Gazelles sponsor. Levels range from $350 - $5000, we always welcome donations. Your money goes directly to support the mission of the Houston Safari Club Foundation, so dig deep and support our luncheon.

The Silent Auction will be open during cocktails and lunch. We will begin our Live Auction at the close of the Silent Auction. We have exciting hunting opportunities, relaxing vacations, firearms, and many more surprise items waiting for you.

We would like to thank our exhibitors for donating auction items, as most donations are 100%. A huge thank you goes to all of our sponsors and committee members for their continued generosity and dedication to the Gazelles and our mission to support conservation and exploring the outdoors. ★

GAZELLES SPONSORS

PRESENTiNG SPONSOR

Ann & Marc Laird

BRONZE SPONSORS

Frank Comiskey Insurance

MaryAnn and Gerald Russell

Umtopi LLC/Suzanne Hixson

PEWTER SPONSORS

Monica Williamson

Arlette and Fred Lamas

Helen and Prentiss Burt

Debra and Jeff Garrett

ADDiTiONAL SPONSOR

Diane and Bill Tasto

ALASKA PROFESSIONAL HUNTERS ASSOCIATION

CARMEN ISLAND ALL EXPENSE PAID HUNT RAFFLE

Only 850 Total Tickets Sold!

1 for $200, 3 for $500, 7 for $1,000 For tickets scan QR or call 907.929.0619, or go to: alaskaprohunter.org

Carmen Island is the best place in Mexico for hunting South Baja Desert Bighorn Sheep, according to the SCI Record Book, Mexico Hunts has 6 of the top 10 trophies registered in this category. With first class accommodation, Carmen Island is a true paradise for bow or rifle hunting.

Drawing to be held in Juneau, Alaska on February 16, 2024. Need not be present to win.

Permit Holder: Alaska Professional Hunters Association, #103040

Included: Boat and ground transportation to/from Loreto International Airport-Carmen Island. First class lodging, Mexican gourmet food and drinks. Guides, exclusive use of the Island during scheduled days. 1 non-hunter companion, boat transportation during the hunt, caping and salt drying.

Dates are for 2025-2026 Season: October 19-26, 2025 or Nov 24 - Dec 1, 2025 January 12-19, 2026 or December 12-19,2025 March 7-14, 2026 or January 21-28, 2026

DAN L DUNCAN 2024 Scholarship Recipients

Kennedy Bailey

Rangeland, Wildlife, and Fisheries Management

Texas A&M University College Station

I am a senior at Texas A&M University studying Rangeland, Wildlife, and Fisheries Management. As a fifth-generation Texan, I’ve spent my whole life hunting on my family’s ranches in Webb and Kendall counties. From an early age, my father taught me the meaning of land stewardship, making me the passionate outdoorswoman I am today. Last year, as I became the Vice President for the A&M student chapter of The Wildlife Society, I coordinated a student-mentored hunt with the Texas Wildlife Association and wildlife students. This allowed students to harvest their first deer and gain a deeper understanding of conservation - leading me to become a certified Huntmaster. As I wrap up my senior year at Texas A&M, I am grateful for the many enriching experiences I’ve had while interning at the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute and the East Foundation. After graduation, I hope to start my Master’s studying a game species. Ultimately, I want to make a positive impact on conservation and work to strengthen the hunting heritage in Texas.

Kendall Bancroft

M.S. Range and Wildlife Management

Texas A&M University Kingsville

T. Gondii Prevalence, Physiological Impacts, and Disease-Mediated Movement in White-Tailed Deer

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, my lifelong interest in wildlife was fostered by being surrounded by avid outdoorsmen and enjoying natural resources. After attending the University of Idaho and learning about the opportunities in the wildlife field, I knew that it was the perfect intersection of my personal and professional interests. I am now excited to be pursuing my master’s degree in Texas. My project explores the prevalence and impacts of Toxoplasma gondii in white-tailed deer populations in South Texas. This widespread zoonotic parasite affects all warm-blooded species, so understanding these effects has important implications for human and livestock health, particularly for rural communities near wildland-urban interfaces. The objectives of this project are to: 1) assess the prevalence of T. gondii in five distinct white-tailed deer populations in South Texas, and 2) investigate the effects of T. gondii infection on the behavior, physiology and demography of white-tailed deer. This study will leverage more than 14 years of biological samples and four years of movement and survival data to address stated objectives. Understanding the prevalence of T. gondii in game species will provide a better understanding of contact risk for both humans and livestock.

SCHOLARSHIP SPONSORS

Ann and Randy Fowler DOCTORAL

Diane and Bill Tasto Supporting

DAN L DUNCAN

Houston Safari Club Foundation is home to one of the largest scholarship programs of its kind. Every year HSCF proudly awards scholarships to the students currently involved in the study of Wildlife Management and/ or Range Management. Since the program’s inception in 1999, HSCF has awarded 697 scholarships totaling $3.2 million dollars. Your sponsorship is crucial to raise the funds needed to support this program. For more information, contact the HSCF office at 713.623.8844, or visit the HSCF website at WeHuntWeGive.org.

Marlin Dart

PhD in Wildlife Science

Texas A&M University Kingsville

Movement and Spatial Ecology of Pronghorn in the Southern Shortgrass Prairie

I spent my early years in a small town near Las Vegas, NV, but I also spent some time in Arizona, Oregon, Montana, and North Dakota. These different environments sparked my interest in nature and its connection to people. I earned my B.S. in Zoology from North Dakota State University and then worked on a variety of research opportunities across the country, including studying prairie dog behavior in New Mexico to exploring disease ecology in Hawaii and predator dynamics in South Dakota. I continued my academic journey with an M.S. in Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences at South Dakota State University, where I studied the spatial and temporal patterns of bobcats and coyotes in an agricultural landscape. Now, I am a Ph.D. candidate at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University – Kingsville. My current research focuses on understanding the movement and spatial ecology of pronghorn, with the goal of informing management and conservation in the southern shortgrass prairie.

Nicole Dickan

Graduate Research Assistant at Borderlands Research institute/ Range and Wildlife Management/ Conservation Biology program

Sul Ross State University - Alpine

Fine-Scale Behavioral Patterns and Denning Ecology of the Newly Recolonizing West Texas Black Bear Population

I was born and raised in New York, where I spent much of my time backpacking, climbing, and exploring nature. I received a B.S. in Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation from Canisius College in Buffalo, NY, in 2020, where I developed a passion for wildlife biology and field research. I then worked as a wildlife technician in South Dakota, Oklahoma, and Idaho, studying bobcats, black bears, grizzlies, bighorn sheep, and various nongame species. These experiences led me to my current master’s thesis project on black bears in West Texas.

For my project, I have captured and collared 27 black bears to study their finescale behavioral patterns and denning ecology. I will be comparing behaviors identified during field investigations of cluster sites (foraging, resting, scavenging, etc.) to statistical models to determine if we can accurately predict bear behaviors remotely based on GPS collar data alone. These models can then be used to determine if their habitat selection varies depending on which behavior they are exhibiting. I will also be investigating their denning ecology to provide a better understanding of den site selection and chronology.

Andrew Dotray

Graduate Research Assistant at Borderlands Research institute in Range and Wildlife Management

Sul Ross State University - Alpine

Space Use of Sympatric Aoudad and Mule Deer in the Trans-Pecos

I was born and raised in Lubbock, Texas. I grew up with a family that was always outdoors, where I found my love of nature while camping every year in Minnesota and throughout Texas. I was raised a Red Raider, leading me to follow my passion in wildlife biology, and I received my bachelor’s degree in NRM from Texas Tech University. As an undergrad, I assisted and researched coyote population dynamics in the Mojave Desert. Following graduation, I remained in Texas, working with endangered bird species off the Gulf Coast and in the panhandle with various big game species.

Aoudad management is a growing cause for concern in Texas, including hunting economics, ecological issues, and rate of population growth. My project is investigating the differences in movement behavior and potential interactions with mule deer when aoudad removal is introduced. We captured and collared aoudad and mule deer in the Chinati and Quitman Mountain ranges located in West Texas. Space use patterns, daily activity cycles, and social activity will be monitored and quantified in both ranges pre- and post-aoudad removal via aerial gunning. Focusing on potential spatial changes will provide a valuable understanding of invasive species management in Texas.

Duston Duffie

Welder Wildlife Foundation Fellow/ Doctorate of Philosophy in Wildlife and Rangeland Sciences

Texas A&M University Kingsville

Influence of Invasive Vegetation on Mammalian and Herpetofauna Populations and Communities Across a South Texas Landscape

I grew up on a small family farm in Alabama, so I spent many of my early years outside, hunting, and fishing. These childhood experiences gave me a respect for nature and an interest in pursuing a career as a wildlife ecologist. I began my career path at Auburn University, majoring in wildlife ecology and management. After completing my undergraduate degree, I worked for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. I continued my education at Mississippi State University where I received my master’s in wildlife, fisheries, and aquaculture. For my master’s research, I evaluated the impacts of forest management on gopher tortoises, a federally listed species, on private, working forest landscapes.

For my PhD research, I am evaluating the impacts of nonnative and invasive vegetation on mammalian, amphibian, and reptile species abundance, habitat use, and community structure. My research goals are to determine how invasive vegetation impacts these populations and communities to provide managers with recommendations to conserve native ecosystems and species. In the future, I plan to continue my career in academia and conduct research that aids in the conservation of wildlife and natural resources on working landscapes.

Forrest Fay

Graduate Research Assistant, Rangeland and Wildlife Management, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research institute

Texas A&M University Kingsville

Effects of Patch Burning on NearestNeighbor Relationships and Species Composition in Grazed South Texas’ Coastal Prairies

For many, hunting is a traditional pastime, a seasonal hobby, or simply a fun reason to be outside. That is not and never has been me. Since a young age, hunting has been my way of life, a drive that never runs out of gas, and I have been fortunate enough to find a career that allows me to follow that passion every day. Growing up hunting on my family’s farm in northern Illinois, I developed a deep connection to the land, which guided my academic and professional journey. I earned my B.S. in Wildlife Ecology and Management from Auburn University in 2018, solidifying my lifelong commitment to land stewardship. I’m pursuing an M.S. in Rangeland and Wildlife Management at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute. My research focuses on the effects of prescribed fire on Texas’ coastal prairies, specifically examining nearest-neighbor relationships in herbaceous plants. I’m driven by a desire to manage land sustainably, ensuring it thrives for future generations. My ultimate goal is to become a Texas ranch manager, where I can apply my passion for land management to maintain the integrity of the land for the future, just as I learned to do growing up.

Ricky Garibay

Graduate Researcher/M.S., Department of Wildlife and Natural Recourses

Tarleton State University - Stephenville

Feral Pig Activity Patterns in Palo Pinto Mountains State Park

As an outdoorsman, wildlife biologist, and graduate researcher, I have always remained true to my core values of compassion, commitment, and tradition while following the stewardship and management of wildlife. Growing up hunting and ranching, I saw firsthand what happens if species are not managed, like feral pigs. Those experiences made me want to become more involved in active management, which led me to study wildlife and natural resources.

My current research project is based in Palo Pinto Mountains State Park near Strawn, Texas. It investigates the abundance, habitat use, and interspecific interactions of feral pigs, white-tailed deer, and coyotes. Using game camera surveys, we aim to provide insights into the ecological impacts of invasive feral pigs on native ecosystems and their interactions with other vital species. Our results will help park managers understand species activity over time, aiding in future management decisions.

Shanna Gleason

Ph.D. Research Assistant, Department of Rangeland, Wildlife, and Fisheries Management

Texas A&M University College Station

Quantifying Chinese Tallow and Macartney Rose Invasions on Southeast Texas Rangelands Using Drones

One of the most important issues facing wildlife management is the threat of invasive species with respect to wildlife habitat. My project will address this issue by establishing a methodology for detecting and mapping Chinese Tallow and Macartney Rose using drones and satellite imagery. I will also evaluate herbicide use on Chinese tallow and map invasive susceptibility on Texas coastal prairies. In addition to my dissertation project, I have also been working on a manuscript quantifying the heterogeneity of a South Texas landscape for bobwhite quail habitat using drone imagery. Outside of my research, I coach the TAMU Plant Identification and the Undergraduate Range Management Exam Teams and enjoy traveling and hunting with my friends and family.

Gage Grantham

Graduate Teaching Assistant, Master of Science in Forestry

Stephen F. Austin State University

Evaluation Of Forest Restoration Strategies On Small Mammals In Southern Pine Ecosystems

From an early age, I was always fascinated by the “whys” of life. Growing up outdoors—whether in a deer blind, on the water, or riding my bike—I developed a deep connection with nature, constantly observing and wondering about the reasons behind everything’s place in the environment. This curiosity has shaped my path, and now, as a Master’s student, I can delve deeper into understanding the factors that drive wildlife distribution.

My thesis project, “Evaluation of Forest Restoration Strategies on Small Mammals in Southern Pine Ecosystems,” allows me to explore these questions in a scientific context. Small mammals are key indicators of ecosystem health, playing vital roles in energy cycles and seed dispersal. My research examines how different timber regeneration practices, such as prescribed burning and selective thinning, affect small mammal populations.

Using field surveys and camera trapping, I aim to assess how these restoration methods impact biodiversity and habitat quality. The goal is to provide valuable insights for land managers and conservationists to enhance wildlife conservation and promote sustainable land use. This project not only fulfills my lifelong curiosity about the natural world but also contributes to the broader mission of preserving our ecosystems.

Carsten Groos

Graduate Teaching Assistant/ M.S. Wildlife, Wildlands, and Aquatic Science Management / TTU Natural Resources Management

Texas Tech University

Population Densities and Habitat Associations of White-tailed Deer, Axis Deer, and Aoudad in the Edwards Plateau Region of Texas

I am originally from Austin, Texas. Growing up, I was lucky to spend most of my free time hunting and fishing in South Texas and the Hill Country. Early exposure to the outdoors spurred my curiosity for wildlife and inspired me to pursue a career in conservation. My athletic aspirations led me to the University of Oklahoma for college, where I played football and graduated with a B.S. in Environmental Studies in December 2023. After graduation, I enrolled in the Natural Resources Management graduate program at Texas Tech University. Today, I am researching population densities and habitat associations of big game in the Hill Country. From an economic and conservation perspective, no region is more important for Texas’s big game than the Edwards Plateau. My research will focus on developing cover-type-specific population density estimates of our focal species by utilizing geospatially explicit techniques and nocturnal spotlight surveys in a distance sampling framework. Secondarily, I will use remote sensing to develop estimates of land cover change regionally. Finally, I will combine land cover change and cover-type-specific density estimates to develop retrospective and prospective estimates of our focal species abundances and distributions regionally.

Trey Johnson

Graduate Research Assistant/ PhD in Wildlife, Aquatic, and Wildlands Science and Management/Department of Natural Resources Management

Texas Tech University

Restoring Northern Bobwhite Populations in the Pineywoods Ecoregion of Texas

I grew up in a small town northwest of Fort Worth, Texas. I have earned a B.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences from Texas A&M University (2017) and an M.S. in Range and Wildlife Management from Sul Ross State University (2020). I am pursuing a Ph.D. in Wildlife, Aquatic, and Wildlands Science and Management at Texas Tech University. My dissertation research focuses on restoring northern bobwhite populations to a private property in the Pineywoods Ecoregion of eastern Texas. Specifically, following the property owner’s intensive habitat restoration efforts, we translocated wild bobwhite from northern Florida to the site. At that point, I began collecting data on survival, reproduction, resource selection, and site occupancy to determine what management actions effect those parameters to better inform future restoration efforts. We have seen early signs of restoration success through the first two years of the study; survival and reproduction have been better than the source sites and are comparable to a growing population.

Brier Klossing

Master’s of Science, Population and Conservation Biology

Texas State University

Ecological and Evolutionary Implications of Diel Temporal Niche Conservatism in Afrotropical Euungulates

My project explores how different factors, like body size and feeding habits, affect when and how wildlife is active during a 24-hour period. Specifically, I’m studying African ungulates such as African buffalo and impala. By looking at patterns of activity, we can better understand how these animals interact with their environment and how consistent their behaviors are, even in different countries/locations. I’ll analyze data from trail cameras, which capture images of wildlife at different times of the day, to see if species stick to the same activity patterns regardless of changes in their surroundings. This can tell us whether their behavior is more influenced by their inherited traits or by local environmental conditions. In addition, I’ll utilize data from game ranches or wildlife reserves, where some of these African species have been introduced, to see if their activity patterns stay the same in a new environment. This work has broader implications for wildlife management, especially for game ranching and conservation biology, as it highlights how inherited traits interact with environmental conditions.

Kevin Lovasik

Graduate Research Assistant/ Master of Science, Range and Wildlife Management, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research institute

Texas A&M University Kingsville

Survival of White-Tailed Deer Fawns in South Texas

Growing up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I found an appreciation for the outdoors. Family and friends fueled my love for hunting, fishing, hiking, and the outdoors. This passion was further developed during my undergraduate career at Pennsylvania State University. I graduated with a bachelor’s in Wildlife and Fisheries Science and a minor in Forest Ecosystems. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate enough to work with white-tailed deer populations in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Texas. My project focuses on white-tailed deer fawn survival and cause-specific mortality. Survival rates determine how populations fluctuate through time and can vary through time and space. This work aims to identify survival rates and major sources of mortality to better understand deer populations in South Texas. The results of this research will hopefully inform managers on how to best practice management in the future. My project also focuses on predator-prey dynamics. Specifically, we will use coyote movement data to determine how coyotes respond when there is a pulse in resources of white-tailed deer fawns on the landscape. This work will highlight the response of predators to an abundant resource.

Joseph McGovern

Graduate Research Assistant/ M.S. Student, Thermal Ecology of Migration in Northern Pintail, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research institute

Texas A&M University Kingsville

I grew up hunting, fishing, and birding with my family in the state of Iowa, which gave me a deep love and reverence for nature and the outdoors. I have also always been very curious about the natural world. In pursuit of this, I studied Animal Ecology (Wildlife Emphasis) at Iowa State University, where I had the opportunity to work on several projects studying wildlife in a predominantly agricultural landscape. Even in such a heavily altered landscape, wildlife can persist if people are committed to protecting it. Shortly after graduating from ISU in 2022, I started my M.S. under Dr. Bart Ballard and Dr. Evan Tanner, studying the migration ecology of northern pintails. My thesis research, which I plan to defend in the spring, focuses on how northern pintails expend energy during spring migration in response to the local climate. Preliminarily, we’ve observed a lot of flexibility in the activity of these birds. We expect our results to provide valuable information for waterfowl management under climate change. After defending, I plan to continue my education as a PhD student under Dr. Ballard and Dr. Jordan Giese, studying the movement ecology of waterbirds along the Texas Coast.

Luke Micek

Graduate Research

Assistant/ M.S. in Forestry/ Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture

Stephen F. Austin State University

Demography of Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) Along a Fishing Pressure Gradient

I grew up in North Dakota and Nebraska, where I spent my childhood hunting, fishing, and catching any critter I could get my hands on. I continued my passion for the outdoors by obtaining my degree in Fisheries and Wildlife from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Working field technician jobs around the U.S. gave me a broader understanding of wildlife management and narrowed my path to Stephen F. Austin State University, where I am now pursuing a Master of Science in Forestry.

My thesis is on the demographic structure of Texas alligator snapping turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) in habitats of varying intensities of passive fishing pressure. Alligator snapping turtles are the largest freshwater turtles in North America and are being considered for listing as Federally Threatened under the Endangered Species Act. A prominent threat this species faces is passive fishing gear (trotlines, juglines, etc.), which has yet to be quantified in Texas. From June 2023 – August 2024, I surveyed for alligator snapping turtles and measured the intensity of fishing pressure at my study sites in east Texas. By examining the population structure of this species and its threats, I hope to provide needed information to improve upon the conservation plan for alligator snapping turtles at the state and federal levels.

Dakota Moberg

Ph.D., Wildlife and Rangeland Sciences

Texas A&M University Kingsville

Ashe Juniper Management in the Texas Hill Country

I grew up in Smithville, Texas, and was raised to appreciate and conserve the outdoors and wildlife that inhabits it. This included helping manage year-round and prepare for hunting season on the property I grew up on, attending Texas Brigades and the Texas Youth Hunting Program, and participating in spot-light surveys with our county’s wildlife biologist. I received my B.S. and M.S. in Range and Wildlife Management from Texas A&M University - Kingsville and have continued into my Ph.D. program with Texas A&M University - Kingsville. My dissertation research includes identifying how management practices such as mechanical removal or prescribed burning of ashe juniper in the Texas Hill Country have impacted ecosystem multi-functionality. I will also research plant-soil feedback relationships of soil dominated by ashe juniper and how this may affect the growth of other woody species in the region, such as escarpment live oak. The results of this research will hopefully allow landowners and managers alike to make management decisions to better achieve their property goals and objectives. Outside of my research, I also fly thermal drone missions to detect white-tailed deer and assist in teaching new FAA pilots. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, camping, photography (especially film), traveling, and hunting. I also spend much time in West Texas, where I help my parents manage their small ranch.

Courtney Newcomb

Master of Science in Wildlife, Aquatic, and Wildlands

Science and Management

Texas Tech University

A Distribution-Level Health Assessment of Rio Grande Wild Turkeys

I grew up in Azle, Texas, but my second home has always been my family’s ranch in Crossplains, Texas. There, I found my passion for hunting, and my interest in wildlife biology began. I completed my Bachelor of Science Degree in Natural Resources Management at Texas Tech University (TTU), where I graduated summa cum laude in May 2024. Recently, I was accepted to the Wildlife, Aquatic, and Wildlands Science Management MS program at TTU.

My deep passion for Spring turkey hunting season has always been a driving force. The captivating courtship displays put on by Toms during each breeding season have left an indelible impression on me. I am honored and thrilled to study these magnificent creatures as part of my graduate studies. I aim to ensure that both seasoned and novice hunters continue to experience the same sense of wonder I have felt every spring. My project aims to conduct a comprehensive health assessment of Rio Grande Wild Turkeys (RGWT) across their entire range. I will conduct a parasitological and infectious disease survey of RGWTs to establish health baselines among studies located in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska. Data found from my project will be contributed to ongoing assessments for greater inferences, less uncertainty, and unique management implications to ensure harvestable populations of RGWT continue across its range.

I am eager to be a part of a cause that is truly bigger than myself, to protect all things natural, wild, and free. I thank the Houston Safari Club Foundation and its members for their support in making this journey possible.

David Pearce

Rangeland, Wildlife, and Fisheries Management

Texas A&M University College Station

Survey and Statistical Methods to Estimate Wildlife Abundance in the South Texas Plains

My research project is taking place on the La Copita Ranch, which is a 2,700-acre ranch in the South Texas Plains owned and managed by Texas A&M AgriLife and the Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management. The overarching goal of La Copita is for it to function as a typical ranch in southern Texas, having a cattle operation and leasing hunts. To develop the hunting leases, I am determining survey methods to gain accurate estimates of abundance to inform whitetail deer and northern bobwhite quail harvest quotas for the ranch and improved survey methodology throughout south Texas and beyond. To do this, I am evaluating the accuracy of camera traps, helicopter, and unmanned aerial vehicle surveys to estimate abundance, sex ratios, and age classes for white-tailed deer and developing a methodology to estimate northern bobwhite quail abundance from autonomous recording units.

Maggie Rector

Range and Wildlife Management

Texas A&M University Kingsville

My name is Maggie Rector, and I am pursuing a Range and Wildlife Management degree at Texas A&M University - Kingsville. During my time at TAMUK, I have been able to get involved in many great opportunities, including being active in the Wildlife Society and assisting with various research projects. Wildlife has always been a passion of mine, and I have always known that I wanted a career in this field. My love for the outdoors began very young as I grew up hunting, fishing, camping, and doing all things outdoors. Because of this, I have always appreciated and connected with nature. I have always known that I want to be a Wildlife Biologist, and my continued dedication and enthusiasm for wildlife have solidified my decision. I believe that becoming a Wildlife Biologist will allow me to do my part in giving back to wildlife and the outdoors.

Joseph Richards

M.S. thesis in Wildlife, Aquatic, and Wildlands Science and Management

Texas Tech University

Terrestrial Invertebrate Communities Associated with Rio Grande Wild Turkey Habitat in the Edwards Plateau Ecoregion of Texas

I am in my second year of graduate school pursuing an M.S. thesis in Wildlife, Aquatic, and Wildlands Science and Management at Texas Tech University. I received my B.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences and a double major in Entomology from Texas A&M University.

My graduate research investigates the role of invertebrates in wild turkey diets to inform land managers on implementing habitat management practices best suited for enhancing the presence of invertebrate species.

During my undergraduate degree, I worked several seasonal internships to gain relevant experience and insight into the wildlife profession. I have worked on multiple research projects, including bobwhite quail in Texas, elk in Colorado, and wild turkeys in Oklahoma. While at Texas A&M, I also served as President of the student chapter of The Wildlife Society and volunteered my time on white-tailed deer captures, bird banding stations, and chronic wasting disease checkpoints with Texas Parks & Wildlife.

From an early age, I enjoyed spending all available time in the outdoors with my family - hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and photographing. I am an award-winning outdoor photographer and writer, and my published work has been recognized by the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society, Texas Outdoor Writers Association, and North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA). I am also an Eagle Scout, a former docent for the San Antonio Zoo, and an accredited Associate Biologist of The Wildlife Society.

Celine Rickels

M.S. in Range and Wildlife Management, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research institute

Texas A&M University Kingsville

Pronghorn Population Dynamics

I was born and raised in Iowa, where I developed a passion for the outdoors through horse riding, camping, riding ATVs, and hunting. This love of nature led me to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Ecology at Iowa State University. After graduating, I traveled to various states to work as a wildlife technician for universities and state agencies. I gained the incredible opportunity to work with various animals, including moose, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, mule deer, grizzly bears, mountain lions, wolves, and greater sage grouse. In January 2024, I joined Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute as a master’s student, where my research focuses on pronghorn population dynamics in the Southern Great Plains of Oklahoma.

Dylan Stewart

Graduate Research Assistant, Ph.D. in Rangeland, Wildlife, and Fisheries Management

Texas A&M University College Station

Spatial Ecology of Translocated Desert Bighorn Sheep in Sonora, Mexico

I was born and raised in southwestern Arizona, where my family instilled in me a love for outdoor recreation, hunting, and fishing. At the age of 10, I harvested my first mature mule deer buck in upper Arizona. My passion for conserving the wildlife I hunted led me down the wildlife research career path. Along the way, I received my B.S. in Natural Resources from the University of Arizona and my M.S. from Auburn University. I was a Research Biologist II for the Washington Fish & Wildlife and the Idaho Fish & Game. I have continued to make time for hunting, and I recently harvested a mature mule deer buck in Arizona and aoudad in Texas. My doctoral research investigates the selection, movement, group dynamics, connectivity, and survival of translocated desert bighorn sheep in Sonora, Mexico. My current focus has been on investigating the short-term effects of translocation on bighorn sheep. Specifically, how resident conspecific density affects the settlement, group dynamics, and survival of translocated bighorn sheep. My overarching goal is to inform management of desert bighorn sheep in Mexico and throughout their range.

Elle Sutherland

Graduate Research Assistant |Range and Wildlife Management, Borderlands Research institute

Sul Ross State University - Alpine

Investigating Niche Plasticity of Desert Bighorn Sheep in the Trans-Pecos Region, Texas

I grew up hunting, fishing, and backpacking with my family in northern Idaho; these experiences led me to pursue a degree in Wildlife Management at the University of Idaho. After working as a research technician on bighorn sheep research projects in Montana and Wyoming, I ended up in Texas pursuing my master’s degree studying niche plasticity in desert bighorn sheep. Management of desert bighorn populations of the TransPecos region is complex as they co-occur with invasive aoudad (Ammotragus lervia), which carry and transmit diseases to desert bighorn and occupy similar terrain. Previous research has demonstrated that aoudad and desert bighorn niches overlap in optimal habitat. Spatial overlap indicates potential for competition, which could result in changing strategies as desert bighorn seek to avoid competition with aoudad. Understanding how desert bighorn niches may shift in the face of competition is essential, particularly for populations in a disease landscape. I am exploring variation in niche among populations in the Trans-Pecos to determine whether desert bighorn exhibit niche plasticity. By focusing on niche plasticity, I intend to lay the groundwork for future targeted management actions for desert bighorn in landscapes co-occupied by aoudad.

Kimberly Tanguma

M.S. Range and Wildlife Management, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research institute

Texas A&M University Kingsville

The Impact of Soil Moisture on Reflectance Values from Very High Fine Scale Remote Sensing Imagery

I’m pursuing an M.S. at Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute. My research employs drones with multispectral imaging and NIR spectroscopy to link soil moisture and photosynthetic activity in South Texas rangelands. Monthly flights over native grass monocultures assess vegetation health, forage quality, and spatial-temporal variability in semi-arid ecosystems.

My passion extends beyond the lab to wildlife education and conservation. As a Texas Brigades volunteer, I guide youth through white-tailed deer ecology, livestock management, and resource stewardship. I also volunteer with the Texas Youth Hunting Program, teaching safety, ethics, and wildlife tracking to future conservation-minded hunters. This hands-on experience complemented my lab work at the Grazingland Animal Nutrition Laboratory, where I developed skills in forage quality analysis using near-infrared spectroscopy. These combined experiences enhance my research on rangeland vegetation and ecosystem health.

My varied experiences and multidisciplinary background in animal science, range and wildlife management, and remote sensing have equipped me with a comprehensive perspective on rangeland ecosystems. I aim to apply this diverse knowledge to develop effective strategies for sustainable land use and wildlife conservation in semi-arid regions.

Conner Ties

M.S. Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management

Texas A&M University College Station

Mapping Texas Mammals: Ecological Niche Modeling of Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu) and Swift Fox ( Vulpes velox )

Due to a lack of recent research, little is known about the distribution and habitat preferences of both collared peccary and swift foxes in Texas. Collared peccaries are essential as a game species, prey, and seed disperser, while swift foxes have faced drastic range declines due to land-use changes and predation. Using community science data from iNaturalist and Maxent modeling, I generated species distribution maps for peccaries in the South Texas Plains and Trans-Pecos ecoregions, revealing temperature, open foraging areas, and woody cover as critical factors. Similarly, I produced a habitat suitability map for swift foxes to guide conservation efforts in Texas, where their range has shrunk to just two counties. These findings will support conservation planning by helping landowners and decision-makers prioritize critical environmental factors and habitats.

Originally from Iowa, I had a long path to Texas. I spent my undergraduate years in Wisconsin and worked multiple field jobs across the Midwest. I enjoy birding, adding species to my life list/iNaturalist, hunting, and fishing in my free time. As I finish my last semester at Texas A&M, I look forward to continuing my path in wildlife ecology. I am currently pursuing jobs with the federal government.

Not All Art is Framed

Premier Auction

Highly Attractive Pair of Factory

P.Chung Signed and Engraved

J.Purdey & Sons Sidelock Over/ Under Shotguns

Outside the Divide

The Mountains and Marshes that Can Bring Us Back Together

BY JEFF CRANE CSF PRESiDENT, AND CEO

Have you ever seen another hunter in the field and wondered what political party they identify with? Or wondered who the couple fishing at the lake with their children voted for? Me neither.

When I see others in the field or on the water, my mind will often wonder if they saw a big buck or if they’re catching any fish. I am glad to see others enjoying the outdoors, especially in a world that seems to grow further withdrawn from our outdoor traditions every year. I identify with them because I know that they love what I love. Right away, I can see our similarities, and quite frankly, I don’t focus on what our differences may be – although there are likely many.

While we all have our differences as sportsmen and women, our time-honored traditions can bring us together like nothing else. Don’t get me wrong, I definitely have my opinions on our sporting pursuits like everyone else, including a special affinity for dry flies over nymphs and a more random goose decoy spread vs the traditional ‘X-layout.’ Despite these minuscule differences that some of us will argue to our dying breath, outdoors people are my people, even if you choose to cast a different fly than I. In a world that is constantly seeking to divide us, I truly believe that the outdoors is the glue holding us all together.

Whether it be the community rallying behind a youth hunter harvesting their first deer, sharing stories at the fishing dock about the one that got away, or coming together at events and trade shows to celebrate what we love, like Houston Safari Club Foundation’s Annual Convention, the outdoor community is truly a community -- a diverse collective of people of all different backgrounds and beliefs. I have made countless friends with sportsmen and women, all vastly different from each other, and I have never had a bad day afield with someone just because they have a different opinion than I do. From hunting-stickered Subarus to souped-up diesels at the fishing trailhead or glassing point, the water and the mountains do not discriminate on who can participate. Our time-honored pursuits unite friends, families, and countrymen and provide us all the opportunity to be more than spectators in our nation’s great outdoors. Hunting, fishing, recreational shooting, and trapping pursuits are privileges granted to all Americans. When it comes to the outdoors, there is no room for the great divide that often exists in the policy arena.

It’s easy to see that the divide between political parties and ideologies in America has never been deeper. It feels like everywhere you look and everything you read focuses on our differences. Particularly during an election year like 2024, it can feel like this divide is around every corner. It’s easy to feel like working together is simply not possible. Yet, despite what you see in the headlines, I am here to tell you that that is not the truth when it comes to issues facing sportsmen and women. America’s unique conservation legacy knows no political labels, and – to keep protecting the pursuits, habitats, and fish and wildlife that we all love – that needs to continue to be the case. At the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), we know the importance of overcoming the great divide and a polarized political climate to get real work done, and we do it through bipartisanship.

Oxford Dictionary defines bipartisanship as “agreement or cooperation between two political parties that usually oppose each other’s policies.” For many of us, this seems like common sense. We should be able and willing to work together. Especially when it comes to conservation and our time-honored traditions (two inevitably intertwined topics), bipartisanship is a must.

CSF’s bipartisan nature has delivered continuous wins for the sporting-conservation community for 35 years, and in the last 6 years alone, CSF’s advocacy has helped secure more than 1,350 policy victories. Our staff of dedicated outdoorsmen and women work at both the state and federal levels to monitor legislation, speak out on behalf of sportsmen and women, educate lawmakers, and serve as a trusted, credible voice among those whose decisions ultimately determine the fate of our outdoor heritage. What sets CSF apart from other organizations within our community is the 200+ years of combined policy expertise of our staff, who work directly with over 2,500 elected officials spanning three influential caucuses across all 50 states. This unique network of bipartisan caucuses, with the support and guidance of CSF, leads the charge to protect hunting, angling, trapping, and recreational shooting in the halls of government. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC), the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus (GSC), and the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC), with members from both sides of the aisle and all over the country, work past the divide to advance meaningful policies for sportsmen and women.

Made up of nearly 250 members of the House and Senate from the United States Congress, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC) is the largest, most active bipartisan caucus on

Jeff Crane, President and CEO of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation

Capitol Hill and is renowned for its unparalleled effectiveness and dedication to advancing the interests of America’s 55 million sportsmen and women. CSF works with the CSC by providing advice, support, and information on behalf of the sportsmen’s community to CSC members. CSF also hosts an annual bipartisan sporting clays competition where Members of Congress, regardless of political affiliation, come together to celebrate our time-honored traditions with some healthy competition. The relationship between CSC and CSF gives CSF a unique niche on Capitol Hill that is unparalleled by any other sportsmen’s organization. In 2024, the CSC helped secure several major victories for sportsmen and women, including the Fix Our Forests Act, a bill to streamline and modernize the management of our nation’s forest to prevent wildfire and bolster fish and wildlife habitat, the House passage of the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act, a bill to allow sportsmen and women to personally choose what type of ammo and fishing tackle they prefer while afield, among many others. Through the leadership of the CSC and the engagement of CSF, success was also celebrated in 2023 on Capitol Hill, with the President signing TWO significant pieces of bipartisan legislation into law that are critical to conservation and today’s youth after passing both the House and Senate; the Duck Stamp Modernization Act (S. 788) and the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act (H.R. 5110). These bills made up 7.4% of the federal bills signed into law in 2023, regardless of issue area – showing what can be achieved when we work beyond the political divide. What this demonstrates is that at a time when politics and government appear to be more divided than ever, CSF, working with the CSC, transcends the political gridlock to advance priorities for sportsmen and women. The CSC is re nowned for its effectiveness and steadfast dedication to protecting and advancing sportsmen’s traditions and science-based fish and wildlife conservation policies on Capitol Hill, and their unique ability to work across the aisle has paid huge dividends to the sporting community.

With the success of the CSC in Washington, CSF set out to create a network of state legislative sports men’s caucuses, and in 2004, the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses was launched. Currently, there are over 2,400 state legislators who are members of indi vidual state legislative sportsmen’s caucuses in all 50 states, all united under the NASC umbrella. By fostering communication and interaction between and among state legislators, sportsmen’s groups, industry, and media, the NASC and state sportsmen’s caucuses are the core of the legislative front protecting and advancing hunting, angling, recreational shooting and trapping, and professional fish and wildlife management in state legislatures. NASC is guided by the Executive Council, which is comprised of state legislators elected by their peers to provide advice and counsel to the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and NASC. The bipartisan Council assists with the establishment and promotion of pro-sportsmen ideas and facilitates the sharing of information between state caucuses, conservation partners, and allied industries. Working with the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses, CSF celebrated many victories in 2024, such as Delaware’s Governor singing a top CSF priority Sunday Hunting Bill into law, significantly

expanding hunting opportunities for sportsmen and women of the First State and the defeat of commission restructuring bills that could have had detrimental effects on sportsmen and women in Kentucky, New Hampshire, and Vermont. In multiple states, conservation funding was protected, including Nebraska, where $37 million in conservation funding was protected in the first half of 2024.

In 2009, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation also formed the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus. Now, with 30 members, the bipartisan Caucus has worked to protect and advance the interests of sportsmen and women while shaping policy that is designed to enhance professional fish and wildlife management. The GSC is in place to improve communication between its participating offices and between GSC members and their respective state legislative sportsmen’s caucuses in the NASC program, and the bipartisan GSC serves as a compliment to the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus and the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses. CSF also works with the GSC to ensure that National Hunting and Fishing Day is formally recognized. In 2024, 44 states issued National Hunting and Fishing Day proclamations, recognizing September 28, 2024, as a day to celebrate the immense contributions to conservation and the economy provided by sportsmen and women.

CSF also hosts caucus events that bring individuals of all backgrounds together for our sporting pursuits, helping cement relationships that fill in the divide with a shared passion for hunting, angling, trapping, and recreational shooting. If you’re reading this, you obviously know that these pursuits are something special and that there is truly nothing better than bonding over day-busting clay or some healthy competition on the water. Each member of these caucuses has a unique appreciation and passion for conservation and our sporting pursuits, and the huge accomplishments made for sportsmen and women by the CSC, GSC, and NASC would not be possible without the caucuses’ and CSF’s ability to work across and beyond party lines. Whether Republican, Democrat, or Independent, caucus members unite to fight the important battles federally and in each state on behalf of America’s 55 million sportsmen and women. As we face a national decline in the public acceptance of hunting and a world that seems to turn further away from the outdoors every year, working across the aisle isn’t just helpful; it’s necessary. At CSF, that’s what we do best.

For 35 years, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation has been the nation’s leading authority in protecting and advancing our time-honored traditions, and our bipartisan nature is really what sets us apart. When CSF was founded in 1989, we had a vision of uniting elected officials to help ensure that America’s rich sporting history is protected and advanced, regardless of how the political landscape looks. While we cannot keep the world from changing, we can continue to work together to make a difference for the things we love the most. We know that conservation knows no political label, and we intend to keep it that way. When it feels like we will never be able to work together again, CSF and our network of Caucuses are able to continue to make progress, no matter how complex an issue may be. I wish we could put everyone on a boat or take them afield to again find our similarities, but I’m afraid that cannot be the only fix

to things. When it comes to legislation that affects our ability to do what we love, we need entities like CSF and the CSC, GSC, and NASC to lead the charge towards a common sense, bipartisan policy outcome. When we work together, we get work done.

I have spent days in a duck blind with those who view the world differently than me. I have been out fished by someone with different opinions. I have never regretted sharing my day with them. Listening to those different opinions has helped

make me well-rounded, and I believe in a future for America where we can truly hear each other again without quarrel. In the meantime, you can find me in the woods or on the water when I’m not on Capitol Hill, sharing with others the mountains and marshes that can bring us all back together again. That is where we can truly get things done, here outside the divide.

For more information on CSF and our Caucuses, please visit www.congressionalsportsmen.org ★

PROUD PARTNER OF NEW

Cabela’s® Instinct™ Defense Performance Apparel

Insect Shield® repels mosquitos, ticks, ants, fleas, chiggers 92% polyester/ 8% spandex

Advanced odor-fighting treatment keeps clothes fresher, longer

basspro.com

Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops, and Cabela’s are proud to stand alongside our customers in partnership with the Houston Safari Club Foundation. A shared passion for the outdoors and a commitment to the management of natural resources will ensure that we will be able to connect new audiences to the outdoors, conserve wildlife and habitat, and advocate for sportsmen and women’s rights.

WOMEN MAKE THE BEST HUNTING MENTORS

Heidi teaching a young shooter how to break clays.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY HEIDI LYN RAO

As women, we have great responsibilities. Women usually take on the role of teaching our sons, daughters, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. It is only natural that we also take on the role of hunting mentors. As hunters, we have a duty to introduce others, especially the youth, to our sport and ensure that our hunting heritage continues with future generations.

By introducing new stakeholders to hunting, we are investing in the future of our sport. We are creating a future voting base with the young boys and girls we teach. Additionally, by mentoring our youth, we have the unique opportunity to intercept and correct the misinformation being disseminated by the liberal anti-hunting factions. It should be our goal to help correct the misinformation being taught to our youth so they can be educated and spread the truth about hunting to their peers.

Anytime we can introduce others to hunting is a good thing. There are many benefits to increasing the number of hunters. First, it is hunters who pay for conservation. In 1937, the Pittman-Robertson Act was signed into law, imposing an 11% federal excise tax on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment to be redistributed back to the states and earmarked for wildlife restoration and conservation projects. Today, hunters pay more than $1.6 billion a year for conservation programs. These dollars generated are the reason we have an abundance of wildlife numbers today, thanks to the vision of hunters so many years ago.

There is also a benefit to 2nd Amendment organizations. Many new hunters join organizations such as the National Rifle Association (NRA) and their state and local groups to ensure that their rights are protected. Hopefully, these new voters will safeguard these same rights for their children, grandchildren, and future generations. Lastly, many new hunters join national and local hunting clubs. Organizations such as the Houston Safari Club Foundation spend a lot of money on conservation efforts through memberships and fundraising efforts.

Every hunter should make it his or her goal to mentor and recruit as many new hunters as they can reach. The key to mentoring is that it is done correctly. There is a right way and a wrong way to mentoring and recruiting. Unfortunately, many individuals and organizations make the same mistakes when mentoring new hunters. Despite best intentions, hunts are often poorly planned within a restrictive timeframe, or the age and skill of the participant are not taken into consideration.

Mentored hunts that are poorly conducted can have the opposite effect intended and can quickly turn an individual away from hunting. If we are going to take the time to seek out, recruit, and mentor new hunters, it must be done correctly. Sometimes, an organization gets complacent, and a

youth hunting program turns into a “Feel-Good” program for the organization as they pump as many kids through it as quickly as they can. Mentoring new hunters is not a “numbers game” with the end goal of seeing who or which organization “introduces” the most first-time individuals to hunting. A mentor is a teacher. He or she is there to teach an individual how to hunt safely and correctly while answering questions with accurate and proper knowledge. This is not an opportunity for the mentor to show off his or her skills or brag about their own personal experiences. All this does is make the new hunter try to measure up to the mentor instead of focusing on the experience of their own hunt.

To properly mentor a new hunter, the mentor must be properly trained. Proper mentorship takes time, investment, and commitment. This training can be formal or informal. Examples of informal ways of getting trained include internet searches on the flora and fauna of the area, contacting your state wildlife conservation agency, and talking with the Hunting Department and, specifically, the Hunter

Heidi and her 2 sons, Matthew (left) and Dominic (right) on a dove hunt.

Above: Heidi teaching a young lady rifle fundamentals before a youth hunt.

Below: Heidi guiding her 2 sons (Dominic (left) and Matthew (right) on a deer hunt.

Education Program for ideas introducing individuals to hunting and techniques for mentors. Some formal training opportunities include becoming a certified National Rifle Association (NRA) Rifle, Pistol, and/or Shotgun Instructor, which can help mentors introduce new hunters and teach the proper shooting fundamentals and techniques for success. There are many wildlife classes and workshops offered through state conservation agencies available to the public. These opportunities increase knowledge of hunting topics, wildlife species, laws, and a variety of hunting methods, which ultimately benefit mentors.

There are three groups that have hunting mentors who reach new hunters. These three groups are (1) Personal Relationship Mentors, (2) Organizational Guides and Mentors, and (3) Landowners or their Agents. It is very important that all these individuals understand their roles and limitations as hunting mentors.

PERSONAL RELATiONSHiP MENTORS

Parents, other relatives, and close friends are mentors formed by blood or personal relationships. These personal relationship mentors are often responsible for purchasing the new hunter’s first firearm or at least advising him or her on their purchase. For example, a parent will usually purchase their child their first deer rifle, or a close friend may help a buddy pick out a rifle at the local sporting goods store. It is human nature to look for bargains, but quality rifles that will last a lifetime and are known for dependability and accuracy seldom come in combo packages. As a mentor, make sure your new hunter’s first firearm is of good quality. While it is natural that hunters may experience doubts or concerns about their first hunt, their main piece of equipment should not be one of them.

Just as important as the rifle is the optics, or scope, which connects the shooter’s eye, bullet, and target. How well a scope performs is crucial, though a quality scope can cost as much, if not more, than the rifle. The quality of the glass determines the clarity of the image, and prices will reflect that.

As far as objective lenses go, pick the largest one you can. This will let in more light, which translates into a better sight picture when hunting in low-light conditions. Game species are oftentimes most active at sunup and sunset. A new hunter needs all the help he or she can get in target identification, acquisition, and shot placement.

Lastly, and equally important as the rifle and scope, is the ammunition. The most common problem seen while on youth hunts that have resulted in wounded or lost deer is the use of cheap and inexpensive ammunition. Parents, other mentors, organizations, and their guides may have adequate firearms and optics, but many purchase the cheapest ammunition they can find. There are several reasons for this. First, many mentors do not understand the difference between different types of bullets and how they perform. Look for maximum expansion and penetration, even at an added cost. All the rifle does is deliver the bullet to the target. You want the bullet to do its job when it gets there. Second, some organizations buy in bulk and purchase cheap ammunition for cost savings.

Before the hunt, it is the responsibility of a good personal relationship mentor to take the new hunter to the range as many times as necessary to sight in the rifle and ensure the hunter is comfortable with the firearm. Range time is not a one-and-done-time event. Practice with the same ammunition you will use on the hunt. With shotguns, frequently visit a range until the hunter is consistently breaking clay birds while shooting trap,

skeet, or sporting clays. When practicing at the range, try to shoot in conditions similar to when you might be hunting. For example, if you are mentoring a deer hunt, your hunter may be shooting at sunrise or late evening before sunset, when it is usually cooler and damper. These conditions can affect the flight of the bullet as well as the shooter. Visiting an outdoor range early in the morning or when the sun is setting will better prepare the hunter, rather than taking them in the middle of the day when the sun is bright and the day is warmer.

Put yourself in their shoes and remember how you felt on your first hunt. Hopefully, you have done your duty and helped them pick out a good rifle, quality scope, and proper ammunition and brought them to the range several times ahead of hunting season. You have introduced them to their first hunt, positioned them on a game animal, and NOW, the rest of the moment is up to them!

ORGANiZATiONAL GUiDES AND MENTORS

Organizational guides and their mentors are members of hunting or conservation clubs, state wildlife agencies, or youth hunting organizations, many of whom are volunteering their time to do so. If an organization commits to recruiting new hunters and has established youth and/or adult hunting programs, the organization should also commit to purchasing the appropriate equipment and gear, including quality ammunition. Organizations should also vet their members who serve as guides and mentors. These individuals need to undergo a criminal history background check and believe in the mission of the organization.

It is highly recommended that these guides and mentors become certified NRA firearm instructors to learn the proper shooting fundamentals and techniques and how to be effective communicators as they teach new hunters and shooters. It

Heidi's successful youth hunter

is also advisable they become a state-certified Hunter Education Instructor to properly educate those they are mentoring about wildlife conservation, habitat, hunting rules, game laws, and regulations.

As women, we should take a leading role in these opportunities. Ladies need to volunteer and become mentors in an organization’s youth hunting program. More and more young girls are showing an interest in hunting and shooting sports. It is of great benefit to have women as role models for these young girls to look up to and relate to.

If possible, an organization’s guide or mentor should be assigned to a hunter long before a hunt is scheduled. It takes planning to match mentors to hunters who live close to each other. This enables the mentor to accompany the hunter and his or her parents to a range and begin a relationship so the hunter feels comfortable asking questions and calming any pre-hunt anxiety. There is a big benefit to the mentor taking the hunter to the range again, just prior to the hunt, verifying the rifle is sighted in and that the hunter can hit the target. Once the hunt begins, the mentor and hunter should already know each other and be comfortable working together since a connection has been made. After the hunt, the mentor should be available for guidance on processing, meat preparation, and cooking or any other questions the hunter may have.

LANDOWNERS CAN BE MENTORS TOO

Today, there is a growing number of women who are landowners, especially in Texas. Landowners and their agents are private parties who oftentimes allow individuals or program coordinators to conduct hunts for beginners on their property. Many landowners look forward to hosting first-time hunters, especially youth hunts. Ladies-only hunts are becoming more popular, and it is an added benefit to have women guiding and mentoring these hunters. Landowners frequently partner with hunting organizations or state conservation agencies.

Landowners and their agents know their land and the game animals that roam on the property. Sometimes, if a first-time hunter does not have any luck, the landowner or agent can step in and help the hunter find certain animals. It is all about the first taste of success. We want these new hunters to reap the rewards for their hard work preparing for this hunt while at the same time letting them know that one is not always successful. There can always be another trip to learn the lesson of coming up empty-handed, but not on this hunt! Many landowners will make it their weekend’s mission to locate the perfect game animal on property and encourage the new hunter to make that perfect shot!

One thing that really makes an impression on first-time hunters is when the landowner participates and interacts with the hunters. This makes an impact on the hunters, especially when the landowner listens to their experiences and shares stories and memories while on his or her property. Most first-time and novice hunters remember those hunts in which the landowner was involved.

KNOW YOUR LiMiTATiONS

Limitations are not necessarily a bad thing. Depending on the individual, limitations can be opportunities to learn new skills and increase knowledge. The problem occurs when a mentor does not recognize his or her limited, or in some cases, nonexistent, skills and/or knowledge. A mentor can have all the good intentions in the world, all the desire to promote the heritage of hunting or help a youngster take his or her first deer, but if the mentor has not properly prepared, the mentor can actually turn a new hunter away from hunting or in a worst-case scenario, turn this youngster into an anti-hunter!

One of the most common and most easily recognizable limitations that many mentors have is the ability to sit quietly in a blind, stand, or other type of concealment for extended periods. This is a problem that is frequently attributed to new hunters, especially young hunters. Often, it is the mentors themselves who cannot sit for extended periods. Some examples include not whispering while in a blind, taking phone calls and/or messaging while “mentoring,” not paying attention to the details of the hunt, opening candy and snacks by loudly crinkling the wrappers, and even taking numerous “stretch breaks” outside of the blind. As a result, a new hunter may feel that their hunt was not taken seriously, and these events may ultimately turn them away from hunting altogether.

Of course, these examples are not representative of most mentors. Many can sit motionless for hours, riveted, waiting for a “trophy” to emerge and present itself with the perfect shot for a new hunter. If,

Heidi, John, and their 4 sons on a youth hunt. Matthew (standing), JohnJohn (left), Luke (sitting on ram), and Dominic with his Black Hawaiian Ram.

as a mentor, you recognize that you cannot sit still and quietly for extended periods of time, there are other duties during a mentored hunt that can be done that do not include sitting in a stand. Organizations need to recognize which of their members cannot sit for extended periods and give them other duties. Leaders can determine this by having the new hunters fill out surveys at the end of the hunt or by simply keeping a record of success rates of their guides and mentors. This limitation could turn out to be a benefit to a mentor who is self-aware and puts the program and the new hunter first. This could open the opportunity for the mentor to try new tasks that contribute to making the hunt a success. For example, a mentor who cannot sit for extended periods may discover that he or she is a great camp cook, an effective firearms instructor, or knowledgeable about wildlife identification.

Speaking of firearms, another limitation that many mentors refuse to recognize as problematic is the proper handling of firearms and techniques for success. In an ideal scenario, a mentor should be available well before the scheduled hunt to frequently practice at the range, so confidence is gained and proficiency is increased. Both benefits fall back on the instruction by the mentor. There is a right way and a wrong way to teach someone how to shoot a firearm. There is also a right way and a wrong way to shoot a firearm. If a mentor teaches a new hunter bad techniques, the new hunter is going to become frustrated at the range when they are not successful at the target. This frustration will follow him or her to the hunt and affect their confidence.

It is a mentor’s responsibility to get credible and reputable firearms training in safety and proper techniques. One of the best places to get firearms training is from an NRA firearms course. Courses are available in Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun, and Muzzleloading. Organizations that promote mentoring programs, youth hunting programs, first-time hunter programs, ladies’ hunts, etc., should seek out and recruit certified NRA firearms instructors to assist in training.

Another common limitation some mentors fail to recognize or refuse to admit is that they do not know everything there is to know about hunting. In other words, they refuse to admit that they are not experts on all things hunting! If you are an expert, GREAT. If you want to share that knowledge, GREAT. If you educate the masses, including other mentors and new hunters alike, GREAT. But if you are giving bad information, NOT SO GREAT!

There is no shortage of camp “Know-It-Alls” in the world of hunting. In the best-case scenario, this individual is good to have around for comic relief, but most of the time, this individual is just an annoyance. In the worst-case scenario, misinformation could be spread to new hunters, and they leave the hunt with bad information, techniques, and/or opinions of seasoned hunters.

Next time you attend any form of a mentored hunt, sit back and observe the interactions between mentors and participants. Often it will be apparent that the new hunter did his or her homework and researched the techniques and methods associated with the hunt. If a mentor is talking to the new hunter in terms like he or she found during the research, you will see expressions of agreement. If the mentor is talking about “unconventional” methods, you will usually see looks of confusion.

There is an abundance of classes, workshops, and seminars available from the various state and federal wildlife agencies as well as various hunting organizations to be misinformed. Many of these classes and workshops are free to attend or have a very minimal fee. Organizations should ensure that all their members are educated in the species that they are introducing new hunters to and the types of firearms that will be used to do so. This is the hunt they will remember for a lifetime.

WOMEN MAKE GREAT MENTORS

Women are the fastest-growing demographic in hunting. More women have shown an interest in hunting, which has led to increased participation. The rise of female participation in hunting has created a supportive network of like-minded individuals who all have a passion to continue our hunting heritage. Hunting brings people together while strengthening bonds through shared experiences. Younger generations, which include millennials and Gen Z, are also showing an increased interest in hunting.

Since women are the largest registered voting base in the United States, it makes sense for these empowered and confident huntresses to answer the call to mentor our next generation of young hunters and conservationists. By teaching proper knowledge, skills, and facts about hunting, these new hunters will grow up conservation-minded and better educated about firearm safety, marksmanship, wildlife, and the natural world around them. These are our future voters. It is our responsibility to teach them so they grow up as informed voters, especially on issues related to hunting and firearms.

To capture our future generations and to make a lasting hunter, it takes a mentor who is willing to ensure the student is properly prepared before the hunt, taken care of during the hunt, and followed up with after the hunt. Are you on board to be the best hunting mentor? ★

Heidi teaching two sisters shooting fundamentals before a youth hunt.

MOOSE

IN NEVADA

BY

CODY MCKEE AND MARCUS BLUM

When asked, “Where might I find a moose in North America?” The most common response is likely somewhere in the Rocky Mountains, Alaska, or much of Canada. For many, Nevada is not often labeled as a moose country. To the outsider, the Silver State is known for sweeping views, barren landscapes, and extreme aridity. Nestled within Nevada’s northeast boundary, however, lives a healthy population of the world’s largest deer species: Shiras moose. Unlike many big game species, which were once common throughout North America prior to European settlement, nearly extirpated, and subsequently restored across much of their range through the diligent efforts of conservation-minded individuals and organizations, moose were probably not historical occupants of Nevada. Since they are relatively new to the lower 48 states, especially within their southwest distribution, it’s likely Nevada is experiencing natural range expansion in real-time. This makes the expansion into Nevada even more fascinating since we are witnessing the establishment and growth of a species with a strong preference for riparian areas and cool climates in the driest state of the nation.

Historical sightings of moose in Nevada date back to the 1950s, coinciding with growing moose populations in neighboring states. Since the early 2000s, the frequency and distribution of moose sightings in Nevada have increased substantially, and in 2023 alone, reported sightings increased by over 150% compared to the previous 5-year average. While the increase in observations is undoubtedly due to a growing moose population, increased public awareness and a targeted campaign by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) requesting sightings from hunters all contributed to repeated moose

While the quota for the inaugural moose hunt was conservative (2 tags), both hunters harvested exceptional mature bulls.

Hunter, Craig Santos, with the first legal harvest of a bull moose in Nevada in September 2024.

Photo credit: Craig Santos

observations occurring throughout the year. Nonetheless, these citizen science efforts have greatly contributed to NDOW’s growing knowledge of the expansion and abundance of moose.

The recent increase in moose observations led NDOW to devote more resources to understanding the abundance and population trajectory of this naturally-establishing cervid species. During recent aerial surveys for big game species, NDOW biologists opportunistically recorded moose observations. Unlike the 2023-2024 survey season, less emphasis was placed on locating moose, and a smaller sample was obtained. These surveys resulted in the classification of 29 moose with observed sex and age ratios of 100 bulls:100 cows:42 calves. Based on those survey results, biologists estimate the moose population to be approximately 105 adults. It’s important to note that even in regions with large populations, moose are notoriously difficult to locate during these aerial surveys. Even though moose are the largest cervid species in the world, they tend to occupy thick, riparian habitats that can conceal even the largest of the deer species. As a result, the estimated population is likely conservative compared to the true abundance of moose in Nevada.

A heat map of reported moose sightings in Nevada dating back to the 1950s. Darker colors represent a greater frequency of observations with more moose reported. Earlier observations were near the Idaho border and have since began to shift southward towards Wells and into the Ruby Mountains south of Elko. Map courtesy of the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

To learn more about the habitat use, movement, and reproductive success of moose in Nevada, NDOW captured and placed a GPS collar on its first moose ever in 2020. Since that first collared female, 9 cows and 6 bull moose have been captured and fit with GPS collars during winter captures. In May 2023, one cow’s collar emitted a mortality signal, and subsequent investigation determined that she had succumbed to complications from calving. Collared individuals have allowed NDOW biologists to quantify that annual survival for adult moose ranges from 94100% since 2020, which is well above the minimum thresholds needed for population growth. Additionally, collared cows have been strategically observed from the ground to determine calving status during each year of the project. These efforts indicate that annual recruitment for GPS-collared cows has averaged 63 calves and 100 cows since 2020. These recruitment estimates are indicative of a population well below carrying capacity that is on an upward growth trajectory. Throughout their range, moose populations are strongly influenced by adult survival due to a long life span. Given the high adult survival and recruitment observed, the Nevada moose population is predicted to grow by about 20% each year.

Moose have been documented in a variety of habitats in Elko County, primarily north of Interstate 80. During summer, moose generally prefer intact riparian systems dominated by willows, as well as dense fir and aspen stands. In contrast, during winter, moose can be found in patches of mahogany, aspen, and Ceanothus. Additionally, Nevada moose can occupy elevations that are higher than most other game species during winter due to long forelimbs and hind limbs, which are adapted to navigate through deep snow. Most observations

reported to the NDOW occur during fall and winter, coinciding with the annual rut, cooler weather, when moose may utilize lower elevations to access feed and various big game hunting seasons.

In 2023, NDOW partnered with the Natural Resources Institute at Texas A&M University (NRI) to analyze existing movement data collected during monitoring efforts through 2020. The goal of this partnership was to produce a map of available moose habitat in Nevada and evaluate habitat suitability under various scenarios of climate change. Key findings included the overall importance of riparian habitats during all seasons of the year, ambient temperatures that could cause heat stress in moose are likely to increase by about 2 weeks by the year 2050, and habitats in Nevada may currently be able to support around 200 adult moose. However, the potential abundance of 200 adults is based on several assumptions and likely represents a minimum supportable population rather than a true carrying capacity.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF), NDOW and NRI began the opportunistic deployment of 3 camera-enabled GPS collars on cow moose and 3 GPS collars on cow and bull moose in 2024. These camera collars are configured to collect 15-second high-definition video clips concurrent with the collection of a GPS fix and will be stored on the collar until it drops from the moose in 2 years. Footage will reveal subtle details about birth site selection, calf production and recruitment, and interactions with other moose that are difficult to obtain through other monitoring techniques. Furthermore, these collars will help inform how moose are using habitat to minimize heat stress as well as their preferred forage choices in this novel environment. During the 2024 capture season, one camera collar and one GPS collar were deployed, while the remaining four collars are expected to be deployed during the upcoming winter. While biologists eagerly await the results,

NDOW owes HSCF and its members a debt of gratitude for their contributions towards the acquisition and deployment of this cutting-edge technology. These collars will further assist NDOW with the management of this newly acquired big game species and help biologists promote further population growth. Moose sightings in Nevada were still just a novelty only a decade ago. Through the diligent efforts and contributions made by biologists, hunters, and partners like HSCF, NRI, and many others, NDOW has closely tracked their range expansion and proliferation in the Silver State. These partnerships have assisted in the identification of crucial habitats, informed an understanding of baseline demographics, and helped to project population growth into the future. As a testament to those diligent efforts, NDOW offered the first-ever hunting season for moose beginning in fall 2024. Over 25,000 Nevadans either applied or purchased bonus points for an opportunity to draw one of 2 moose tags. Both lucky hunters harvested exceptional mature bulls, and their success greatly exceeded NDOW expectations. While the hunt provided a unique opportunity to a lucky few, it also furnished NDOW with biological information related to age structure, body condition, and parasites that can be difficult to collect from live animals. The ongoing support of partners like HSCF will help continue to help NDOW chart a path forward for moose conservation in a region that is most likely the warmest and driest portion of their range. ★

Left: Wildlife biologists with the Nevada Department of Wildlife collect biological data and fit a radio-collar on one of the first moose captured in Nevada in January 2020. Photo courtesy of the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

Below: A radio-collared cow and her calf using a riparian area in Nevada during summer 2021. These habitat types provide important thermal refuge for Nevada moose during the summer by furnishing a reliable water source and are often several degrees cooler than surrounding areas. Photo courtesy of the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

Above: A young bull moose photographed in Elko County, Nevada, in fall 2023. Photo credit: Morgan Edwards

ABOUT COPENDERO

Family-owned and family-run, Copendero's doors are open to everyone from first-timers to seasoned pros.

At Copendero, you’ll find 32,000 square feet of a gun-enthusiast’s dreams -- a modern, bright, clean, and inviting space for you to spend time with your family, friends, and colleagues.

7-lane 25-yard firearm range

5-lane 25-yard firearm training range

5-lane 100-yard rifle range

10-lane 25-yard archery range

Full-scale retail store

Gunsmith/Bowtech service department

In-house cafe that serves Black Rifle Coffee and delicious bites

A Conversation with Chris Gilroy of WildLife Partners

BY JOE BETAR, HSCF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Addax at sundown at WildLife Partners’ Pettus ranch.

WildLife Partners has been a Corporate Partner of Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) since they were founded in 2016. Each year, they have been an exhibitor at HSCF’s annual Worldwide Hunting Expo and Convention and regularly attend HSCF monthly events. To say they are a staunch supporter of HSCF’s mission is an understatement. Brothers Brian and Chris Gilroy founded WildLife Partners based on an architecture that promotes the proliferation of vulnerable species facing extinction but also allows economic incentives for investmentminded individuals.

WildLife Partners currently serves over five hundred private landowners in Texas and more than three hundred conservation-minded investors. Their unique economic model helps landowners’ own wildlife, become wildlife breeders, and turn their property into revenue generators. WildLife Partners has expanded their operation to include four properties covering more than 11,000 acres to include ranches and breeding facilities in Mountain Home, Pettus, Pearsall and Carrizo Springs,

Texas. On these properties, more than fifty species of exotic wildlife are bred and cared for under the watchful eye of a group of dedicated staff that includes wildlife biologists, veterinarians, and others committed to the future of conservation.

HSCF President James Lofton and I were invited to visit their Pettus ranch to participate in an animal capture for Addax and Sambar. The Texas sun was just beginning to creep over the horizon as we exited the lodge to find a flurry of activity already taking place. The staff of WildLife Partners was hard at work preparing transport trailers, and prepping doses of tranquilizers and medications as a helicopter to be used for darting and transport was already in the air. Following the morning capture, I had an opportunity to sit down with Chris Gilroy and learn more about their operation.

HSCF: You guys founded the company how long ago?

Chris Gilroy: It was founded in March of 2016.

HSCF: I have visited your first property in Mountain Home, and I know you have several other properties. How do they differ from one another?

Chris Gilroy: We now have four properties all within, you know, a couple of hours of each other and they’re all different. Pettus is my favorite because of the viewing and here we have the newest, nicest lodge. Pearsall has a lot of red dirt, much more cactus, and lots of Mesquite brush. The brush here is thicker but shorter than Pearsall. Carrizo, which is our fourth property, is southwest desert with Buffel grass all over the place. All our ranches have wells, including some very large irrigation wells we use for pivots to grow our own feed. My guess is combined we have over thirty miles of water lines on the four ranches.

HSCF: Do you differentiate your species by property? How do you decide what goes where?

Chris Gilroy: We have twenty-four partnerships, so it’s like twenty-four individual companies. Each property has its own inventory. They are all segregated by pens and/or species. We never have animals of the same species in the same pen, that are owned by two different entities. The animals are always segregated for tracking purposes.

HSCF: What species are you most interested in working with?

Chris Gilroy: We really like to work with the hard-to-find stuff—Sable, Kudu, Nyala, Bongo, Grévy’s zebra, Grant’s gazelle, Thomson’s gazelle.

HSCF: So, do you guys lean more towards species that are in decline in their natural habitat or is it based on market demand?

Chris Gilroy: Some animals we breed purely for the conservation value, like Indian hog deer. Some we breed to meet market demand. Kenyan Mountain Bongo is an example where we breed to both meet market demand and for the preservation of the species. And they’re just cool animals and most people have no idea there are less than 50 left in the wild. We always want to keep an eye on returning the best profit for our investors while also doing our part for wildlife conservation.

HSCF: Does the demand by species change from year to year?

Chris Gilroy: We have seen a slowdown this year on some species which we believe is tied to the election cycle and bonus depreciation being unknown. We are unsure what bonus depreciation is going to do after January, but we still sell every day. In fact, our Fall auction week was a new record with animal sales over $4,500,000 in that week alone.

HSCF: What dictates how much a landowner will spend on animals?

Chris Gilroy: Some people need to spend a certain amount of money each year for tax purposes. That’s where we can really help people out. And we provide ranch consulting services so we can both provide the animals and educate our clients on how to best manage them.

Chris Gilroy of WildLife Partners with HSCF President James Lofton touring the Pettus Ranch.

HSCF: What do you say to those who question what you guys are doing and how you do it?

Chris Gilroy: Look, if you are one of the first to create a unique model or do something different than the way it’s aways been done, there are going to be naysayers and skeptics. It’s been like that for us since we started the business. I get it. We have had people who question what we are doing and then turn around and buy animals from us the next month. That’s a pretty telling thing.

HSCF: Can you describe what your customer base looks like?

Chris Gilroy: We get a mixed bag. Some people want animals on their property just for viewing. Others want animals to hunt. Those who don’t know assume that our industry is nothing but people raising animals so that somebody can go hunt them. It is an assumption that happens every time and my response to them always is we support the hell out of hunting but that is not our primary business. We’re sponsors of the biggest hunting organizations in America and have been since before we started. The role that hunting plays in wildlife conservation is substantial and there is no denying that. Some ranches buy animals on Tuesday so someone can shoot it on Thursday. We don’t play in that space. We do business with several big hunting ranches that purchase excess males we buy in our normal course of business. We have actually bought more animals from hunting ranches than they

have ever bought from us, mainly because they were overstocked and we needed animals. The estimate for ranches that have exotics is now probably close to 6,000. I recently read a report that says 38% of the people that own exotics responded that they did zero hunting on their land and had exotics strictly for conservation and for aesthetics. Some people have these animals because they know other landowners have them. It’s kind of like a “keeping up with the Jones” type of situation. Also, there’s a component of this industry that some people don’t know about. For example, we work with one guy that has over a hundred Sable, but he rarely sells any of them. We get to come to his ranch every year, once it cools off, and we get to buy whatever he’s willing to sell that year and it’s generally less than 10 total animals. He doesn’t hunt them. They are only there for aesthetics, and he needs help preventing overpopulation. The single largest factor that defines our customer base is tax deductions. When Mr. Trump passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2018, we aggressively educated landowners in Texas how they could convert their vacation properties (their ranches) into a revenue generating, tax deductible businesses. To us, that has played a significant role in the incredible growth the industry has seen over the last 10 years.

HSCF: So, you guys you have clients all over the US. You don’t do anything international at this point, do you?

Helicopter in the air for the first animal capture the morning.

HSCF

prepares to tag an Addax.

President James Lofton

Chris Gilroy: We have groups that we’re probably going to start working with to help repatriate animals in their native lands. We just met with the Sahara Conservation Group this last week about trying to help put Dama gazelle back in northern Africa, in Chad. That’s only going to happen from folks like us and others than have these amazing animals on their ranches in wild environments. We also just started discussions with a group that is trying to do the same thing with the Kenyan Mountain Bongo. Both of these are very early in the process, but we are hopeful there is a path to getting something meaningful done.

HSCF: What is one of the biggest challenges you face?

Chris Gilroy: One of the hardest problems we have is getting people to sell us animals, especially with the guys that have been around for a while. They’ve had so many bad dealings over the years with animal traders. It takes time and patience, proving and showing how we work. There was a big void in the industry when it came to the service and what I mean by that is prior to us, there were no warranties. People didn’t cover capture costs, and they didn’t cover death loss in most cases. It was the wild west and most of the time the only one losing was the landowners who were buying and selling. So, one of the things we did when we started was we marketed aggressively that we were going to change this industry. We were going to provide warranties for animals that you buy from us. We are going to cover capture costs. We’re also going to cover death loss if an animal dies during capture or transport. What we did is we took the risk off the landowner.

HSCF: So how did that change the industry?

Chris Gilroy: It forced people to change. Some people now offer warranties. People now have to pay for capture costs. People now must cover death loss. This is better for the industry and while I could never take credit or have WildLife Partners take credit for what the industry has become in the last eight or nine years, I firmly believe that this improves the overall buying and selling experience for the customers. Safer practices and being more transparent are some of the reasons why we’ve seen this absurd growth in the industry.

HSCF: Is it only that or is the change in tandem with an increase in the cost of living and demand?

Chris Gilroy: It’s that plus the demand combined with the lack of supply. Also, a lot of money got put into land. And when you have people that are now buying land, they also have the capital to improve the land. So, a lot of this land has been there, been available, but the owners, you know in the past they may have been land rich and cash poor you know so they couldn’t afford to you know build fence and stock animals. Now we are seeing people buy land and they have the capital for improvements. They want animals and they find us.

HSCF: How do you forecast the future of this industry?

Chris Gilroy: Through research and asking questions. For example, in the past we spoke with some of the bigger players in this industry and asked them to tell us, based on movements, how many animals do you think exist in the state? That’s all you really can do is guess based on how many animals change hands, specifically the total number for super exotics. So, you eliminate Fallow, Axis, and Blackbuck. Just the super exotics were estimated at about 100,000 animals. That’s it. And I think that number is

Transporting a Barasingha back to camp.

probably approaching 200,000 now after six years. You have 6,000 ranches that have exotics and there’s more high fencing every single day by people who want exotics. So, I think its demand driven. I think even right now the little slowdown that we’re seeing it’s not because of lack of demand, it’s just the fact that election years always slow things down especially when there are some of the uncertainties that exist with this one.

HSCF: How often do you conduct wildlife actions?

Chris Gilroy: We do one in the spring and one in the fall.

HSCF: So, do you tend to see that your prices at the auction are better than your normal sell price, a little less, or about the same?

Chris Gilroy: It’s a mixed bag. We see stuff go lower than we wanted, and we see stuff go higher. So, when I do my valuations for our partnerships, I never use that auction price unless that’s

what I believe it is. We always use six month running averages.

HSCF: Texas is a leader in exotic game species. Are you starting to see more people in other states starting to want to breed and stock exotics?

Chris Gilroy: Yes, but based on weather and temperature you can only go so far north unless you’re willing to build some indoor enclosures. The southeast is most favorable, but its climate based. We have sold animals to landowners in California, Arizona, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina.

HSCF: I think the broader question is how many people out of the state out of Texas are building more high fence operations, right?

Chris Gilroy: I’m not sure but you have a lot of 1,000-acre high fence operations running whitetail hunting operations in other states. Most of those are too far north to house most of the species that we breed. I think as time goes on, we will see more ranches popping up across the Southeast.

HSCF: How does the hunting of these animals affect the market?

Chris Gilroy: Look, people who love to hunt are going to hunt.

And it’s great because it helps drive value on males. There’s this symbiosis. Even though we’re not directly tied to the hunting world, the hunting world is a part of our world. The demand and the money paid to hunt these animals allows them to not just be a commodity. If all you do is hold on to an animal and it dies, the value chain ends. So, I think it’s a critical part of continuing to keep that value and demand up.

HSCF: What else about your industry could you tell me that may surprise people?

Chris Gilroy: I think the most surprising thing about our industry to someone not from Texas is that less than 10% of the ranches in Texas are commercial hunting operations. It’s more driven by conservation, aesthetics, cool factor, and the biggest factor of all is tax savings. I will give my brother all the credit in the world for this. When the Tax Cuts and JOBS act was passed it increased bonus depreciation to 100% with no limits. Once that happened, we started aggressively marketing the tax side of things. We showed and continue to show landowners how they can convert their ranch into a revenue generating therefore tax-deductible business. Even

Grévy’s zebra.

with bonus depreciation currently being 60% we are still seeing more and more people entering the industry simply because of the tax benefits.

HSCF: Since you guys handle so much wildlife and have been doing this for several years now, are you involved in any scientific studies or research?

Chris Gilroy: So that is probably the biggest leap that we’ve made in the last 18 months. We hired a wildlife veterinarian, Dr. Pam Barker. We’re doing some of our own research but we’re also starting to engage with institutions. We have been in conversations with Texas Tach University about developing a program in their veterinary school just for exotics, because there is a big deficit in the number of large animal veterinarians today. Most just graduate and deal with pets.

HSCF: So, I don’t know if you’re aware, but one of the grants that we’ve been giving the last several years is to the veterinary program at Texas A&M specifically training students to work with exotics.

Chris Gilroy: We’ve worked directly with the same group. They came here to the ranch and did an experiment here on Cape buffalo. We are also looking at internships and research with AI embryo transfer for some higher valued, critically endangered species. On the research front, I would say we are doing more than ever. We are really looking at pharmacology for safe captures and mortality reduction.

HSCF: So, to wrap up our discussion, how would you explain to others your focus on conservation?

Chris Gilroy: There are a lot of different ways to go about promoting and supporting conservation. We make donations to groups like HSCF. You can go to Africa and hunt and support local economies and help ensure those animals will be around for generations to come. I am of the opinion that our staff as well as the customers that we deal with do as much if not more than others. I can promise that we do more in a day for wildlife conservations than all of the animal activist groups combined do in a lifetime. These animals we breed and raise have tremendous value. While we are doing this for profit, the benefit that comes from our operation is that we are going to make sure these animals are here forever. We have animals in Texas that no longer exist in Africa. There are numerous species of animals where the numbers in Texas are far greater than what is in Africa such as the Dama Gazelle, Mountain Bongo, Addax, Scimitar, Nile Lechwe, and the Arabian Oryx. To me, that is our role and what we do for wildlife conservation. The best example I can personally give is the Kenyan Mountain Bongo. It’s estimated there are less than 50 left in Kenya, but we have nearly one hundred on our ranches. As far as hunting goes, I’ve had conversations with potential investors who are not in favor of hunting. And I always tell them this about hunters and hunting: It’s not going to sound pretty to you, but it’s a very simple, realistic principle—people who hunt like to kill ****. Hunters are always going to make sure that they never kill so many animals that they don’t have anything else to hunt. I tell them that nobody saves more animals than the hunting community. They are confused by this but when I explain it that bluntly, it seems to resonate. I tell them that all they are doing is looking at this from one perspective. I tell them to go out to a deer camp and watch how much time and effort and money people spend creating better habitats and watching animals. That’s called conservation and the purest definition of conservation, in its basic state, is to conserve something for the future. ★

Above: Taking photos of a Barasingha for the records. Below: A curious young observer.

Now how are we going to load him in the boat?

John’s massive alligator.

12 ft. Twins THE

BY JAMES LOFTON

FOR YEARS, MY FRIEND JOHN MCCLAIN AND I HAD TALKED ABOUT

HUNTING ALLIGATORS.

It was an adventure that had long intrigued us, and after more than a decade of applying for the Texas alligator draw hunt—11 years for me, 10 for John—we were finally selected for the 2024 Guadalupe Delta Wildlife Management Area alligator hunt.

The morning of the first day of the hunt, we arrived at the Guadalupe Delta Wildlife Management Area, joining seven other hunters who had also been lucky enough to secure a spot in this draw hunt from more than 1700 applicants. As we gathered for the orientation, the WMA manager informed us that the area was home to a healthy population of alligators, making it one of the prime spots along the Texas Gulf Coast, and that, on average, alligators harvested in the area measured 8-9 feet long. While we knew we would be happy just to fill each of our tags, there was also an unspoken hope that maybe, just maybe, we could surpass that average.

Now John and I being good southern boys, have watched numerous episodes of Swamp People over the years and felt confident that gave us an upper hand over the big lizards. But just in case the boys in Louisiana didn’t reveal all we needed to know, I consulted friends in HSCF who had successfully hunted alligators in the past, and they provided us with essential tips on what to look for and how to set our lines. One key strategy stood out: if you want a big gator, focus on deep water and hang your baited hooks 18-24 inches above the surface—just high enough that only a large alligator can reach it.

Armed with that advice, along with the invaluable tool of satellite imagery and a hunter’s intuition, John and I began exploring the winding bayous within the WMA. The anticipation was high, and less than an hour into our search, our preparation and game plan paid off. As we eased up a narrow but deep finger of a bayou, John quietly said: “Look at that alligator on your left.”

Laying on a bed of matted-down reeds, the creature lay basking in the sun, motionless, staring at us as we slowly floated past him less than 20 feet away. It was our first alligator sighting of the trip, and our hearts raced with excitement. But being novices, and with the whole hunt still ahead of us, we asked ourselves, “Is he big enough?” and weren’t sure if we should try to take him or press on in search of more. I decided that an alligator in the boat was better than an unfilled tag, so I picked up the bowfishing setup and told John to circle back around. We estimated him to be at least 9 feet, and it would be an easy shot if he continued to hold tight.

As we came back down the bayou, just before I could see him clearly, he crawled back into the dark water and disappeared. While we somewhat regretted the lost opportunity with the bow, that moment of hesitation turned out to be a blessing from above.

Knowing there was a good-sized alligator in this area, we decided to place John’s hook and line in this section of bayou. We found a tree with a big limb extending over the water that looked perfect. Taking a length of 900 lb. test line, we tied it off to the tree, then on the serious end put a 10/0 hook with a chicken quarter that had sat in the sun just the proper amount of time. We then secured a bamboo pole to the limb to extend the baited line away from the edge of the bayou and suspend the bait at the perfect height with a clothes pin.

One line set, it was time to keep exploring. I’ve always loved boating up creeks and rivers and the feeling of adventure, not knowing what you would see around the next bend, encountering animals and fish. Speaking of fish – one thing we had noticed was that this area was full of gar. Big gar! But we were there to hunt alligators, not to bowfish for gar (but maybe another time).

We had not gone far when we spotted a small alligator, probably 6-7ft. We knew he was not one we wanted to take so we just enjoyed the encounter with him. He approached the boat and eerily stared at us. I tossed him a piece of beef lung and, at first, ignored it. Finally, however, he grabbed it, swimming around and looking like a proud dog with a big bone in its mouth.

We moved on to other areas, pushing our way through several more bayous, at times laying down flat in the boat avoiding overhanging limbs, pushing the boat over submerged logs, and knowing that if we got stranded back here, it wouldn’t be good. We passed a few of the other hunters as we explored the bayous

and decided we needed to head towards areas further away from the boat launch.

Looking at the map, I picked the furthest boundary of the refuge, and off we went. This bayou appeared to be one of the major watersheds coming into Mission Lake. It was by far the largest bayou so far. We explored up it as far as we could go. Checking out each fork that carved into the WMA. We spotted lots of birds and one wild hog, but no more alligators.

We went back to the main bayou, a few hundred yards from where it entered Mission Lake. I saw a tree that would be a good anchor point to mount a line and told John that I had a good feeling about this spot, and it reminded me of numerous scenes from Swamp People where they were pulling up gators. So, we proceeded to set my hook and line up, however I was going to use beef spleen as my bait.

The sun was setting as we made our way out of the swampy delta that first evening, leaving two lines hanging in what we felt were perfect locations. We were eager to see what the next morning would bring.

As the morning sun crept over the horizon, we returned to the WMA brimming with confidence. We just knew that by the end of the day, we’d be putting at least one alligator in the boat. While we were making our way toward John’s line, I reached back to check the fuel tank. Now, most of you don’t know about the many adventures John and I have shared over the decades of hunting together, but if you did, you’d understand that while we each have

Alligator laying on ground: James brings in another 12’1” giant!

more than 40 years of experience boating, fishing, and hunting, there’s always some sort of “challenge” that presents itself, usually self-inflicted. This time, that challenge came in the form of a rookie mistake—realizing we hadn’t checked the fuel level the night before when we left. To our dismay, we only had a couple of gallons of fuel left in the tank. A little anxious, we calculated that we could at least make it to John’s line and back to the launch before going to town for more fuel. Just a minor snag in the day’s plans, but we weren’t going to let it spoil the morning.

We entered the bayou where John’s line was set, and as we came around a bend in the bayou, our spirits lifted when we saw that John’s bait was down and the line was tight. We just knew we had the gator we had spotted the day before. With growing excitement, I eased the boat up to the overhanging limb where the line was tied. John grabbed the rope and began pulling slowly, each tug bringing us closer to our prize.

into the depths of the bayou.

We regrouped, John put on the gloves we had brought for just such an occasion, and after several intense sessions of tugof-war with this giant, John finally managed to pull the beast’s head up to the surface where I was finally able to see him. My eyes grew wide with excitement at the sight. But before I could get a shot into him, the gator splashed away, once again jerking the line right out of John’s hand. I turned to John with a big Texas grin and said, “That beast is not yesterday’s alligator. This one is huge!”

“The raw, explosive power of an alligator, even while in water, is something you must experience to believe.”

That’s when John discovered something neither of us had truly anticipated—the raw, explosive power of an alligator, even while in water, is something you must experience to believe. As he brought the gator close to the surface, it saw the boat and reacted with a burst of speed that left us both in awe. The gator took off, thrashing with such force that John, gripping tightly to the line, was left with a serious rope burn as it shot back

With a whole new level of excitement, I pulled the boat around again and up to the line, and John—showing his characteristic  Never Quit attitude— pulled and pulled, bringing the gator’s head back to the surface. This time, I was ready. With the gator in clear view, I quickly put a .410 slug just behind the head, taking the fight out of him once and for all. The smile on our faces couldn’t have been bigger as we realized we’d just harvested a true giant.

I’m sure all the other hunters in the refuge heard our yells of victory and high-fives echoing through the bayou as we celebrated this unbelievable gator. But after the excitement died down, reality set in—how in the world were we going to get this massive gator into the boat? The question hung heavily in the air as we looked down at the enormous creature, knowing we had our work cut out for us.

With much grunting, groaning, and some creative problemsolving, we finally managed to wrestle the gator into our 16-foot boat. That’s when the sheer size of this beast really hit us. He stretched across most of the boat, filling the bottom completely. It had taken about 45 minutes from when we grabbed the line until we finally had our first alligator in the boat. Exhausted, exhilarated, and grinning from ear to ear, we knew this was a moment we’d never forget.

Having to head back to town for gas was no longer going to be a wasted time. As we headed towards the boat launch with John’s alligator, we passed some of the other hunters. Everyone marveled at the size of the big reptile in the boat. When we stopped at the WMA office to check in our harvest, they gave it the official measurement. 12 ft 1 inch and an estimated weight of 500 pounds!!! It surpassed the largest taken the previous year by 7 inches and, by all accounts, was a HUGE alligator. We took lots of pictures then headed to Taylors Taxidermy in Port Lavaca to skin and process this animal.

With a full tank of fuel, we headed back to the Guadalupe Delta WMA, hoping my line would also have an alligator on it. We quickly launched the boat, throwing the supplies in it again and headed for the far side of the WMA. As we entered Mission Lake, we saw one of the other hunters several hundred yards away waving at us. Thinking he was having boat problems, we turned his direction. He looked absolutely exhausted, and we could see he was holding onto something in the water. As we got closer, we could see he, too, had an alligator. Being by himself and in a smaller boat, he had been unable to pull it in and had been dragging it as he drove the boat. John and I helped him get the 9.5 ft alligator into the boat, much to his relief. Turns out, he caught this alligator in the fork of the bayou just down from where we caught John’s. It was likely the one we saw the first day. While a nice gator, we were much happier with the one we caught.

Look at the size of his mouth and teeth! Awesome and Intimidating!

Back on our way again, the sun now shining brightly, we approached the bayou where my line was placed. I pointed out an alligator swimming in the open water. Then another near the mouth of the bayou. Over the next 200 yards we counted 7 alligators that we estimated were 8-10 ft long. We had not seen a single alligator here the day before, but it was beginning to look like we certainly were in a good spot. As we neared the location of my line, I excitedly said, “My bait is down!”.

We slowly approached the tree and saw the line pulled up towards the bank, which was covered in reeds and brush. There, glinting in a ray of sunlight through the brush, I could see the scaly shoulder of an alligator. I pointed it out to John, saying I think this one is pretty big, too. He then was able to see the belly and said, “James – that’s another giant!” As I started to grab the line, I told John to grab the shotgun. Then it hit me. Remember I said John and I always have some “challenges” on our adventures. I looked frantically around the boat and asked John – “did you load the shotgun?” He replied, “No, didn’t you?”. I couldn’t believe it. Here we go again. When we headed to town the first time, we loaded all the gear in the bed of the truck, but being careful with my weapons, I had put the shotgun in the back seat. Neither of us even thought about it till now. We have another giant gator and no way to dispatch it once we fought it to submission. Neither of us was eager to try to do so with our pocketknives, so off we went, back to the boat launch. At least we knew we had one on the line.

The round trip took an hour. When we made it back to my line, we saw that it was still pulled tight towards the bank, but he had gone back into the water with the line wrapped around a tree on the bank. Because of all the brush in and near the water, there was only a small opening barely big enough to get the front of the boat into. John navigated the boat into the small area; I laid down across the front of the boat and, while pushing the brush out of the way, reached down and grabbed the line. When I pulled up – the water under the boat exploded, and the front of the boat shook violently as the alligator smacked it so hard I was certain it had dented the boat. We had a problem. Almost all the slack in the line had been taken up when he went onto the bank and back in around the tree. I had almost no slack to work him up, and due to all the brush, there was no room to pull him up on the side of the boat, leaving him trapped under the boat, which was getting him very agitated. I attempted to pull him up several more times with no luck. We backed off to figure out a better plan.

line, we would be out of luck, but hopefully, we would be faster than him. I nodded at John, he cut the line, and I quickly took out the slack tying it off about 10 ft closer to the bank. The alligator had started to pull the slack but, fortunately did so slowly, giving us time to get it tied off again.

Once again – I laid down on the front of the boat and pushed through the brush to grab the line. Thankfully, we now had enough room to get away from the brush. It was my turn to play the same tug-of-war game that I watched John participate in earlier. After much give and take, I lifted the old gator’s head to the surface, where John was able to deliver a knockout punch with the 410 slug. I let out a good Texas Aggie “Whoooooop!”, gave John a high five, and sit down to take a break. We had done it. Taking not just one but two giant alligators!

Before we started reaching all over a potential man-eater to wrestle him into the boat, we wanted that mouth of massive teeth taped shut. Remember earlier when I said that small gator gave us an eerie look? It was nothing compared to looking into the eyes of a giant that could literally rip an arm off. Now, taping the mouth shut on a really big gator requires sticking your body right next to his head in order to reach around it. It’s a little unnerving, and when we saw his eyes move to stare at us, we quickly agreed another slug to the back of the head for insurance was a good idea.

“Reflecting on the hunt, it wasn’t just about the thrill of the harvest. The preparation, the camaraderie, and the respect for the wild are what made this adventure so memorable.”

Seeing as how we were now experts, having brought in one of the biggest alligators taken on the WMA, the loading of the second one went a little easier, but regardless of how many times you do it, loading a 500 lb alligator is tough. We just stared at him and at each other in disbelief. Our guess was that this one might be a bit smaller, but not by much.

We stopped at the WMA headquarters to check him in. A couple of others had been brought in, but nothing like the two John and I had taken. The WMA manager put the tape on him as we made our guesses. Amazingly – this second alligator was also exactly 12 feet 1 inch! The experience was surreal. These two gators were nearly carbon copies of each other, both perfect specimens with no missing limbs or toes, which is a rarity in alligators this size.

For two first-time gator hunters, it was an achievement that surpassed all expectations.

We had a buoy for the bowfishing rig. We could cut the line where it’s anchored, tie on the buoy, and hope it didn’t get tangled in the brush as it went around the tree - too risky. We could cut the tree and lift the line over it, getting the slack we need – no saw or machete. We knew from the last one that cutting the line and trying to just hold on was not a good plan with the strength of these animals. The only option I could see was cut the line where it was tied to the tree and quickly, very quickly, retie it much closer to the bank to give more slack and get him into open water where we could work him.

We positioned ourselves, reviewed the plan several times, and decided to give it a go. If he felt the slack and began to pull the

Reflecting on the hunt, it wasn’t just about the thrill of the harvest. The preparation, the camaraderie, and the respect for the wild are what made this adventure so memorable. The advice from experienced friends, our own instincts, and a bit of luck came together to create a day we’ll never forget.

John and I left the delta with not only the satisfaction of success but also a deep appreciation for the landscapes and creatures that make Texas such a unique place for outdoor pursuits. I’d also like to recognize the Texas Draw Hunt program and the many WMA managers and workers who care for these places where the wild things roam, and we get to enjoy great adventures.

And PS – Did you know you can get Poison Ivy while fishing for alligators from a boat? It is a rare thing, but I assure you it can and does happen. Turns out the bushes I was pushing away while grabbing the line on the bank weren’t just bushes. It’s easy to miss that kind of thing when you are focused on alligators. ★

Chef Holly with Nilgai Cow

Notorious Nilgai

BY CHEF HOLLY HEARN of Game Girl Gourmet

WHAT DOES THE MAJESTIC NILGAI HAVE IN COMMON WITH THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G.?

Absolutely nothing! But I bet that got your attention. The truth is, I’ve had a fascination with these incredible creatures for a long time. Nilgai have topped my bucket list for years, and for good reason. They’ve become synonymous with South Texas hunting culture but didn’t start out that way.

Let’s take a quick detour through history. The word “nilgai” itself means “blue cow” in Hindustani. These majestic animals are the largest species of Asian antelope, hailing from northwest India. They’re the only species of Indian antelope still thriving today. In their native land, nilgai roam dry savannahs covered in thin woodland scrub, but they’re highly adaptable creatures that can thrive in a range of environments. »

Before the 1920s, nilgai were primarily seen in zoos across the U.S. That all changed around the 1930s when the iconic King Ranch in South Texas decided to introduce them into their sprawling landscape. Why? The ranch saw their potential for survival in the South Texas brush country and recognized the value of their lean, high-quality meat. The gamble paid off—today, nilgai are thriving, with a free-ranging population of over 30,000 animals stretching from the Texas-Mexico border.

Earlier this year, I had the incredible opportunity to go on a nilgai cow hunt at the historic El Sauz Ranch in Raymondsville, Texas, with the amazing folks at Horn, Fin, and Feather. This 60,000-acre, low-fence property is the epitome of rugged, spotand-stalk terrain, the kind of hunt that makes my heart sing!

With only two days to hunt due to the approaching end of cow season, the pressure was on. Nilgai hunting isn’t like most Texas species—they don’t come to feeders, they can’t be patterned, and they’re incredibly wary. After setting out from the lodge at 3:00 p.m., we spotted a herd about 300 yards away. Time to move!

After creeping through the brush, we closed the distance to about 100 yards. I set up my shooting sticks, locked in on a nice cow, and... we got winded! But I stayed ready. A step forward, an adjustment, a pull of the trigger—and boom! Connection! Of course, I never celebrate until recovery, but I knew it was a

clean shot. She only made it about 30 yards before going down.

Given the nilgai’s rich history in India, I wanted to honor this amazing animal with a dish that highlights its roots. Nilgai were often used in traditional Indian hunting cuisine, and one dish that stands out is Laal Maas, a fiery meat curry that originated in Rajasthan, traditionally made with wild game like deer or boar. However, when hunting was banned in India in the 1970s, the dish evolved to use mutton instead. The name changed to Laal Maas, meaning “red meat,” but the deep, spicy flavors remained intact.

Through my good friend, the corporate chef at Musaafer in Houston, I learned how the ban on hunting shaped India’s culinary history. What’s fascinating is that in Texas, you can still enjoy this dish the way it was originally intended—with wild game. This makes Texas one of the few places in the world where you can experience this unique culinary connection.

Laal Maas is known for its bold use of garlic, mathania chilies, and a rich yogurt base that creates a thick, spicy broth. It’s the perfect winter dish, warming you up with every bite. While I used nilgai from my hunt, this dish traditionally uses venison or wild boar, so feel free to adapt based on what’s in your freezer. I know stepping outside of your comfort zone can be intimidating, but trust me—this recipe is worth it!

Nilgai Laal mass cooking

LAAL

MAAS (SERVES 4-6)

• 2 lbs. mutton (or venison or nilgai)

• 1 cup mustard oil

• 2 tbsp whole garam masala (cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves)

• 2 large onions, sliced

• 10 cloves garlic, chopped

• 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

• 1 cup tomato puree

• ½ cup yogurt

• 1 tsp garam masala powder

• 4 cups mutton or beef stock

• ½ tsp fennel powder

• 1 tsp green cardamom powder

• 1 tbsp Kashmiri chili powder

• Salt to taste

• 4 Thai chilis

1. Marinate the Meat: Mix the mutton (or nilgai) with yogurt, mustard oil, and garam masala powder. Let it marinate for 1-2 hours.

2. Prepare the Masala: Heat mustard oil in a large pan. Add the whole garam masala and sauté until fragrant. Add the sliced onions and cook until golden brown.

3. Add Aromatics: Stir in the chopped garlic and ginger-garlic paste. Cook until the raw smell disappears.

4. Tomato Base: Add the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the masala.

5. Spices: Mix in the chili powder, fennel powder, and cardamom powder.

6. Simmer: Add the marinated meat, stir to coat it in the spices, and then pour in the stock. Cover and simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours until the meat is tender.

7. Finish: Adjust seasoning and add a little extra garam masala for flavor. Serve hot with rice or naan.

Laal Maas is a celebration of bold, spicy flavors and a beautiful way to honor the history of the nilgais native land.. Whether you’re cooking with nilgai, venison, or mutton, this dish brings together history, flavor, and the thrill of the hunt. Give it a try—you won’t regret it, and as always, to keep up with all of my hunting, fishing, and cooking adventures head over to gamegirlgourmet. com to sign up for my monthly newsletter. ★

Nilgai Laal Mas

BEYOND THE HUNT

Safety Strategies for Women Who Love Hunting and Travel

Contributed by

www.globalrescue.com/hsc f

These headlines balance the excitement of hunting with the importance of safety for women. America has a deep-rooted love for hunting, a tradition that spans centuries and reflects the country’s connection to nature and wildlife. Whether it’s hunting big game, predators, upland birds, or small game, hunting holds a significant place in North American culture. Many hunters pursue their passion to challenge themselves in nature as well as hunt to contribute to wildlife management and conservation efforts. For some, it’s about securing a species that represents skill and patience. Overall, hunting reflects a blend of adventure, tradition, and responsibility toward environmental stewardship in the U.S.

The Global Rescue 2024 Fall Travel Safety and Sentiment Survey highlights important insights into the existing popularity of outdoor wildlife activities, such as hunting, and underscores the

safety considerations for solo female travelers.

“As a traveler who has explored more than two dozen countries—including Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Mozambique, Zambia, Canada, Germany, and the U.K., I understand the diverse challenges that outdoor enthusiasts and solo travelers may face,” said Kelli Poole, a sales manager for Global Rescue and an avid world traveler. She emphasized the importance of preparation and awareness in outdoor and international adventures.

PARTiCiPATiON iN OUTDOOR ACTiViTiES

The survey reveals that among those who hunt, the majority pursue big game (80%), followed by wingshooting or upland game (67%). North America remains the top destination for hunting, selected by 53% of hunters, while Africa also attracts a significant portion of respondents (23%). Regions like Central Asia and the South Pacific are less popular but capture 2% of hunters who choose these locations.

HUNTiNG: THE THRiLL AND RiSKS

For avid hunters, Poole suggests a strategic and cautious approach. As someone who has traveled for big game hunting in countries like Tajikistan, she understands the importance of researching the terrain, local laws, and wildlife movement.

“Hunting in remote areas such as Central Asia or Africa is exhilarating, but it comes with its own set of challenges,” Poole explains. “Preparation is key, whether it’s ensuring you have the right gear or are physically prepared for a demanding hunt.”

In addition to personal safety precautions, Poole advises all hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to be conscious of their key role in conservation and wildlife management. “It’s not just about the thrill of one specific hunt or the catch. Hunting plays a huge role in herd health, and as sportsmen and women, we have a duty to protect our habitat and wildlife,” Poole said.

One of Kelli’s top priorities is to be prepared for all kinds of weather when big game hunting. Photo by Matt Gagnon

SOLO TRAVEL SAFETY FOR WOMEN

While hunting is a significant outdoor pursuit, the survey also delves into the experiences of solo female travelers. Poole, having traveled to multiple continents alone, stresses that solo female travelers must prioritize safety above all else.

Her number one rule: “Always trust your gut.” Poole believes that gut instinct can be a traveler’s best ally, especially in unfamiliar situations. “I’ve been in countries where I didn’t speak the language, but trusting my instincts kept me out of risky situations. That means no distractions like headphones and always being aware of your surroundings.”

The Global Rescue survey highlights some of the safest destinations for solo female travelers, with East and Southeast Asia leading the list. Countries like Japan and Taiwan are known for their low crime rates and welcoming cultures, making them ideal for women traveling alone. Nordic countries, including Finland, Iceland, and Sweden, also boast progressive values and safety for female travelers. Iceland, in particular, is regularly ranked as one of the safest countries in the world.

RiSKS AND CHALLENGES FOR SOLO FEMALE TRAVELERS

While there are many safe destinations, Poole and the survey also acknowledge the risks in specific regions. Brazil and South Africa, while rich in culture and natural beauty, have high crime rates in urban areas. Incidents of cartel-related crime and violence against women are well-documented in Mexico and India, but Poole notes that hunters are usually in remote areas, away from tourist hot spots, and rarely in metropolitan areas, except when at the airport. If you’re traveling to risky countries, it’s highly recommended to find a trusted outfitter who will often meet you upon arrival and transport you to and from hunting camps to ensure you are safe.

ESSENTiAL SAFETY GADGETS

To mitigate potential risks, Poole recommends several safety gadgets. Personal alarms, portable door locks, and smartphone apps that enable real-time location sharing are among her top choices. “Having these tools not only provides peace of mind but can also be lifesaving in an emergency,” she says.

Poole also stresses the importance of staying connected. In remote areas where cellular service may be unreliable, satellite phones or GPS trackers are essential. She adds that Global Rescue memberships offer an added layer of security, providing 24/7 access to emergency medical and security support.

“Whether you’re hunting in the wilds of Africa or exploring a new city solo, having a Global Rescue membership ensures you’re not alone in case of an emergency,” Poole explains.

THE GLOBAL RESCUE CONNECTiON

The importance of having a reliable travel safety service cannot be overstated. Global Rescue distinguishes itself from competitors through our comprehensive offerings, quick response times, and commitment to member safety. While other organizations may provide similar services, Global Rescue’s extensive resources and experience set it apart.

Louis Cairo, a seasoned hunter, was exploring the backcountry of British Columbia on horseback when his horse stumbled on steep terrain and threw him over a rocky incline. “When we received the call, we knew time was critical,” recalled Scott Hume, Global Rescue vice president of operations and former Army Ranger. “Our team mobilized quickly to reach him in that remote area.”

With diligent efforts and expertise, Global Rescue ensured Cairo received the medical attention he urgently required.

When evaluating travel safety services, consider your travel habits, the activities you plan to engage in, and your specific safety needs. A service like Global Rescue is particularly beneficial for those who travel to remote areas or participate in hunting and conservation, where the likelihood of needing emergency assistance is higher.

In a harrowing incident in Zimbabwe during a hunting expedition, a Global Rescue member was gored by a Cape buffalo. With life-threatening injuries, she required immediate trauma treatment. Through quick thinking and effective communication, Global Rescue stabilized the member’s condition and transported her to a hospital.

In Botswana, another member suffered a leopard bite to his calf, receiving multiple penetration wounds that were further complicated by the member’s history of a blood clotting disorder. He was taken to a nearby medical clinic that could perform basic wound care. Global Rescue completed a successful air ambulance medical evacuation flight transporting the member from Botswana to a Johannesburg hospital capable of a higher level of diagnostics and medical care.

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that you can travel confidently, knowing you have access to the support you need should an emergency arise. As you prepare for your next adventure, take the time to do essential research with the Houston Safari Club Foundation and choose a travel safety service that offers comprehensive traveler safety and security services tailored to your unique travel style. You can check us out here (info.globalrescue.com/hscf-magazine) or contact us by email at MemberServices@globalrescue.com or by phone at (617) 459-4200.

As Poole states, “Traveling—whether solo or for an outdoor adventure—requires preparation, awareness, and a commitment to safety. But with the right tools and mindset, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences you can have.” ★

Hunting the Axis rut in Texas has become one of Kelli Poole’s favorite summer hunts. Photo by Matt Gagnon

Christopher McCandless once wrote, “The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.”

Here at Esplanade Travel, we could not agree more. We always find ourselves getting on every plane we can, traveling to any country that will welcome us, and encountering a plethora of new experiences as we try to see a new and different sun wherever we go. As the holiday season approaches and our list of gifts and resolutions to better ourselves is long, we hope that travel, either as a gift or as a New Year’s Resolution, is on yours.

There is no greater joy than travel; it can open your eyes to experiences you have never dreamed of and land you in places that could spring out of a fairytale. Add to your list of resolutions that you would like to travel more, or better yet, give the gift of travel to yourself or someone you love for the holiday season. You will not only thank yourself, but they will thank you, too. So, let Esplanade Travel help you discover just a sliver of this vast gift of a world that will never disappoint, and we can send you anywhere worldwide.

AFRICA

Africa is a mystical place. It is a gift of a destination, and nowhere else in the world captures the magic and the wonder of life like Africa can. Africa is one of our favorite places in the world, and you would be amiss if it was not on your bucket list. It makes for a wonderfully romantic honeymoon, with sundowners overlooking the most beautiful sunset in the world, or a great place to take the whole family and experience a wonder like no other when you see a magnificent elephant step in front of you for the first time. Africa is a smorgasbord of flavors and places to see. You can visit Egypt, a destination that spoils you. You can dive into the Red Sea’s crystal blue waters and stargaze amid the vastness of the desert or float down the mighty Nile River and stand in awe before the ruins of one of the world’s most ancient civilizations. You can go to colorful Morocco, an adventure lover’s paradise where you can hike, fish, mountain

Left: Camel Trekking. Credit: BulentYILDIZ | Above: Colorful Chefchaouen, Morocco. Credit: Kyriacos Georgiou

Above: Fujiyoshida, Japan. Credit: David Edelstein

Below: Ao Nang, Thailand. Credit: Oleksandr P

bike, raft, paraglide, or even trek out in the desert on camels. If you can imagine it, you can likely do it in Morocco. It is a captivating place of exoticism and timeless charm. If wildlife is on your mind, there is no better place than Southern Africa. Combine the unique destinations of South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe for an experience you will never forget. South Africa is Africa; it is an astoundingly diverse region fused together by prolific wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and deeply rooted culture all knitted together. It is the place you do not want to miss, where the bush offers something new each day. In contrast, the Okavango Delta in Botswana is home to the largest population of elephants in the world. It is a watery paradise and one of the most extraordinary places in Africa, where the rise and fall of its gentle waters give way to dramatic wildlife encounters on both land and water. Finally, top off your trip with a visit to Zimbabwe, the epitome of African beauty. It is a myriad of laidback towns, stunning landscapes of lush mountains, and World Heritage National Parks. It is the destination to spot the Big Five (leopards, lions, rhinos, elephants, and cape buffalo) and is home to one of the most famous natural wonders in the world, “The Smoke That Thunders,” Victoria Falls. Whether you go North, South, East, or West, every part of Africa is a gift; you will experience wonder beyond your wildest dreams. Remember, you may have it as a once-in-a-lifetime trip, but once you go to Africa, you will surely be planning your next journey before the current one is through. It is just that special.

ASIA

Asia is a grand patchwork quilt of diverse landscapes, rich histories, elegant cultures, friendly people, and some of the most delicious food in the world. It is a destination that has it all; whether you are exploring Cambodia’s ancient Khmer temples, trekking through Laos’ hill tribe villages, relaxing on one of Vietnam’s, Indonesia’s, or Thailand’s many pristine white sandy beaches, or discovering the mysteries within Japan, you will be spoilt for choice when choosing where to visit in Asia. It is a place that can seamlessly blend multiple countries together in one trip, or you can take your time exploring one stand-alone country. Whatever you are looking to get out of your trip, you can find it in Asia.

majestic ancient temples. It blends charm and magic, weaving a confounding spell on all who travel there. Cambodia pairs well alongside its neighbors, Thailand and Vietnam. Vietnam will truly dazzle with its abundant World Heritage Sites, each with a distinct regional culture and a tantalizing array of culinary experiences. In comparison, Thailand offers a variety of locales bursting with adventure, ranging from trekking to cultural immersion, as well as some of the most stunning islands and beaches in the world, with spectacular diving and sailing opportunities.

If you cannot get enough beach time to warm the winter away, you must visit Indonesia, a land of unmatched diversity that yearns to be explored. Laden with billowing volcanoes, rice fields, lakes, idyllic beaches, and an abundance of wildlife, it is hard not to be in awe of this wonderful country. It is comprised of 17,000 islands spreading over 3,000 miles of beautiful tropical ocean with a vast range of experiences that will leave you breathless. No matter where you travel in Asia, with its famed hospitality and each country possessing a captivating personality, they will surely lure you to this bewitching area of the world.

EUROPE

Do you feel like you may want a sophisticated, pinkies out while sipping tea on vacation vibe? Then, anywhere in Europe should be on your radar. Europe is home to some of the world’s most renowned historical and cultural sites, comprised of ancient ruins, medieval castles, vast collections of art, and architecture for any style. Europe’s cultural heritage is unparalleled, from the Acropolis in Athens to the Colosseum in Rome, the Louvre in Paris, and the Alhambra in Spain. Europe boasts a diverse range of landscapes, with picturesque coastlines and sandy beaches, majestic mountains, rolling countryside, and pristine lakes so mysterious they may contain mythical legends. Whether you’re exploring the fjords of Norway, the mountains of Switzerland, the vineyards of France, or the beaches of Greece, there’s something for everyone spread throughout each unique country in Europe.

“Whether you are exploring Cambodia’s ancient Khmer temples, trekking through Laos’ hill tribe villages, relaxing on one of Vietnam’s, Indonesia’s, or Thailand’s many pristine white sandy beaches, or discovering the mysteries within Japan, you will be spoilt for choice when choosing where to visit in Asia.”

Discover the secrets of Japan, with its unique and rich cultural heritage spanning thousands of years. From ancient Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples to traditional tea ceremonies and kimonoclad geisha (female Japanese performing artists), Japan offers a captivating glimpse into its storied past. It boasts diverse and stunning natural landscapes of snow-capped mountains, lush forests, pristine beaches, and picturesque countryside. From the iconic peak of Mount Fuji to the serene beauty of Kyoto’s bamboo forests, there’s no shortage of breathtaking scenery to explore.

You may favor the path less traveled when seeking adventure, so consider visiting Cambodia, a land of serene beaches, mighty rivers, and lush forests, all set against the backdrop of

One of my all-time favorites is Croatia. It isn’t hard to fall in love with Croatia. Dazzlingly set on the Adriatic Sea with striking mountainous backdrops, the rugged limestone features and historic port towns nestle under formidable fortresses, exuding vibrant charm and a friendly atmosphere. The time-warped old towns with narrow lanes hang with drip-drying laundry and local character that transport you to an evocative medieval landscape. The twisted back lanes of the old cities seem perfectly designed for a photo safari as arches span narrow alleys and open up into hidden courtyards dotted with signs of vibrant Croatian life. Simply put, Croatia is charming.

Pair Croatia with another stunner like Greece or Italy, and you have a holiday you will never forget. Greece is an enchanting country with a wealth of history and culture that has shaped the world as we know it. Often referred to as the cradle of Western civilization, visitors can explore ancient ruins such as

the Acropolis in Athens, the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, and the Palace of Knossos in Crete. From its awe-inspiring architecture to its vibrant food and wine scene, Greece has much to explore. And we could not talk about food without bringing up Italy. Paired with ancient architecture, romantic landscapes, and wine for every palate, the food from Italy is known as some of the most delicious in the world. You can find out for yourself when that freshly made pasta melts in your mouth and the fresh tomato bursts with basil; these are three destinations that are not to be missed.

If you cannot get enough of the glittering seas, magnificent sunsets, and the laidback charm of southern Europe, make sure to stop in Spain and Portugal. Portugal is a little slice of paradise; it is like stepping into a fairytale filled with vibrant life, culture, history, white sand beaches, an indulgent wine scene, and delicious cuisine. Portugal will fill not only your belly but also your soul, and if you want the perfect pair, add Spain to that trip. If there is one word that can embody Spain, it is passion. It oozes from the ancient chalky beige buildings, hangs heavy in the air with the scent of wine, and can even be seen in the particular way the people walk, hips leading. Their passion will seduce and embrace you with the sway of a flamenco dance and a rich rioja in hand as the fast pace of life dissipates in the fairytale-like cities. Once you visit, you will quickly see why Spain is the second most visited country in the world.

Perhaps you are more into the romantic darkness of AngloIrish castles, surrounded by quaint whitewashed thatched-roof cottages, transporting you to a more medieval time. I’m here to tell you to go to Scotland. It is a showstopper; with the rugged highlands and glass-like lochs, the country’s magic extends past the quaint thatched towns to dynamic romantic cities to snow-capped peaks, beautiful isles, and voluptuous glens teaming with extraordinary wildlife, including red stags, majestic golden eagles, humpback whales, and massive salmon. Scotland

is perfect as a stand-alone destination or can pair seamlessly with its sister across the way, Ireland. If you are looking for a country with heart, look no further than the Emerald Isle. Ireland is a symphony composed of picturesque coastal towns and villages, green pastoral fields, soaring cliffs, wild barren landscapes, the crash of the ocean, and the laugh of a local. Ireland is packed with history and tradition, and your days can be spent exploring the famous off-the-beaten-track sites of natural, cultural, and ancient interests. Ireland is not just a destination; it is an experience, and every moment is a magical story waiting to be told.

If you are seeking to extend your saga, consider visiting a land of fire and ice, majestic fjords, and where the colors of the Aurora Borealis streaking across the night sky will stun. You will find this beautiful saga crafted into the landscapes of Iceland, Sweden, and Norway. Iceland puts on one of the most dramatic natural spectacles on the planet. It is comprised of rainbowarched waterfalls and cleave mountains with snowcapped peaks just beyond its happening capital and quaint towns. Bustling cities, fairytale-like countryside villages, scenic train rides, and charming coastal cafés await you in Sweden. While Norway’s pristine nature offers excellent potential for outdoor activities, and one must explore the Fjords when they visit this majestic part of the world. Despite the different stories each destination in Europe tells, whether it is more stern and Germanic, epic and Nordic, or quaint and ruggedly Scottish, anywhere you walk within this continent is like stepping into a fairytale.

CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA

Looking for some destinations closer to home comprised of lush rainforests and beautiful beaches that teem with unique wildlife? Then, add Central America to your wish list. Some of our favorite places include Belize, Panama, and Costa Rica,

Below: Santorini, Greece. Credit: Russell Yan

Above: Ruins of Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland. Credit: Chris Clark

Below: Sealion in the Galapagos. Credit: Amy Perez

Above: Machu Picchu. Credit: Mailanmaik

Below: The Red Centre (Uluru), Australia. Credit: Alex Antropov

each full of opportunities for great adventures. If you can’t travel all the way “down under” to the Great Barrier Reef, the Belize Barrier Reef sits just miles off the coast of Belize and is part of the more extensive Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, second in size only to Australia. It is home to hundreds of species of coral and fish and is a hot spot for divers, snorkelers, and biologists worldwide.

If you want a laidback yet thrilling trip, visit Panama, a land radiating with life. It is where the Northern and Southern worlds connect, where old and new worlds coexist, and cosmopolitan landscapes live in harmony with wild, untamed rainforests. Panama’s unique location provides the experience of a lifetime. They are gifted with having a wide range of rainforests, a desert, and breathtaking beaches on both coastlines, the Caribbean and the Pacific, all within driving distance of a cosmopolitan city. You can even add more adventure and beach time in Costa Rica, a beautiful country known for stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and incredible wildlife. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Costa Rica has something for everyone. You can enjoy surfing, snorkeling, fishing, ziplining, and hiking. Costa Rica is also home to many unique and diverse animal species, such as sloths, monkeys, birds, turtles, and more.

In our last article, I introduced you to dreamy Argentina and Patagonia, but there is so much more to South America. South America boasts a rich cultural heritage shaped by indigenous civilizations, colonial influences, and modern-day diversity. It is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking natural landscapes, including the Amazon Rainforest, the Andes Mountains, the Atacama Desert, and the stunning Iguazu Falls. It provides opportunities for unique adventures and is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including unique species such as jaguars, sloths, llamas, and toucans.

One destination teeming with wildlife is the Galapagos. The marine richness of the Galapagos Islands is unique, and these species are not found anywhere else on the planet. It is also the only place to see tunas, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, and hammerhead sharks close to shore. The beaches, mangroves, salt flats, bays, shallows, coral reefs, and volcanic formations provide shelter and food for hundreds of marine species. If puffing volcanoes interest you, you must visit the slender South American country of Chile, which is set against pounding surf, sprawling salt flats, and glittering glaciers. It is also home to the unique Easter Island and the mystery of the famed giant statues. If you want more incredible history, visit Peru and Machu Picchu. Peru is a unique, multicultural, and colorful destination with a diverse culture, history, geography, biodiversity, and gastronomy. Anywhere you stop in Central or South America will give you the colorful and delightful experience you seek.

AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND & SOUTH PACIFIC ISLANDS

Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific Islands are a gift for your senses and your soul. They are perfect as stand-alone destinations or can be blended together if you have extra time. Australia is a vast land of captivating beauty, natural marvels, and unparalleled wildlife. Whether you travel through the wine-rich countryside, the awe-inspiring red center, the pristine waters of the Great Barrier Reef, or the untamed wilderness of Tasmania, Australia offers a myriad of unique experiences that cater to every traveler’s interests. Although New Zealand is small, it also offers so much. It is one of the friendliest places on Earth and home to

some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Matched with exceptional cuisine and world-class wineries, spending too much time here is impossible! From the North Island’s volcanic landscapes, black beaches, and Māori culture to the mighty Mount Cook, deep mirror lakes, Fiordland, and glaciers on the South Island, New Zealand offers incredible diversity in a relatively small geographic region. No other country in the world has so much to see – so much to do – in such a small place.

If you want to take it slow, the South Pacific is the place to go. Enjoy the beauty of the Cook Islands, Fiji, and French Polynesia, sculpted by sky-piercing green peaks and lined with vivid turquoise lagoons and the crystal-clear blue waters surrounding them. Snorkeling, diving, and spending the day on the beach are just a few of the fantastic activities available in this area of the world. Whether you dip your toes in the warm waters of Fiji or find yourself in sultry French Polynesia, there is an island here for you.

GIVE THE GIFT OF TRAVEL!

There is a destination for anyone, and everyone spread throughout this beautifully stunning gift of a world. So let Esplanade Travel help you find your perfect destination to tick off your wish list as we focus on international luxury travel and unique custom-designed trips that have been our trademark for 70 years. Our staff has collectively traveled to over 150 countries around the world, and we sell the destinations we know the best and love the most! Our primary destinations are Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, New Zealand, and South America. ★

Bora Bora, French Polynesia. Credit: Michelle Raponi

We speak your language.

[BINOCULAR + RANGEFINDER + BALLISTICS]

ACURA BLR10 b Binocular Laser Rangefinder

With advanced wind and complete ballistics the new Revic Rangefinding binoculars were built to do one thing, simplify your shot and turn seconds into success

Visit our website to learn more about the Revic Optics Ecosystem. Download the Revic Ops app on Google Play or App Store

SOMETIMES SUCCESS IS MEASURED BEST BY WHAT YOU RECEIVE

BY SUSAN KALICH

Houston Safari Club Foundation’s annual Veterans’ hunt at the Flying A Ranch turned out to be one of our most memorable. The reasons are hard to explain. How do you articulate heartfelt awe at the accomplishments of those who served our country and paid an extremely high price? How do you measure the emotional returns of this outstanding HSCF service? The HSCF website says we are “Giving Back” – and as a result, and by my way of thinking, we were the lucky ones “Receiving.”

Matt Pyle, my husband David, and I arrived at the beautiful Flying A Ranch near Bandera on Friday, September 20, in preparation for a three-day hunt with Heroes Sgt. Ryan Labrecque – U.S. Army, Staff Sgt. Joseph Ruda – U.S. Army, Master Sgt. Lorenzo Browne - U.S. Air Force (Retired) and Master Chief Ronnie Merriman – U.S. Navy (Retired). Also joining us was organizer and escort David Bradshaw of Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), along with escort Armen Gamalyan. Armen had been a hero hunter with us several years ago, and he continues to share his hunting enthusiasm by volunteering with PVA. Always happy to see Armen. We should make him our official mascot!

seeing “the right one!”

The next morning brought the anticipated success to a couple more of our hunters. Ronnie came back quickly with a beautiful fallow deer and a smile that never left his face for the rest of the day. And as much as this quiet-speaking veteran was having fun on his hunt, it was obvious he was having just as much fun swapping stories, laughing at the jokes, and enjoying the company of his fellow military brothers.

HSCF membership should take pride in the active support of these heroic warriors, providing a source of rehabilitation not found on a prescription pad and affirming that their service and sacrifice are sincerely appreciated and not forgotten.

We started that first evening by confirming that all equipment was in good order. When hunting with our servicemen, you’re pretty much guaranteed a very brief visit to the shooting range. Rifles will be “0” on, and center targets easily hit at both 100 and 200 yards – and sometimes, much further! Half the fun of this exercise is the, let’s call it, “polite” ribbing these guys give each other should a target be missed. The Army seems to be the most vigorous with their “polite” encouragement, but the Navy came in strong on this trip too!

After confirmation at the shooting range, our hunters began their individual quests. It wasn’t long before Ryan arrived at the cleaning shed with his Blackbuck trophy. And, although he was obviously excited about his prize, he was even more excited about having a freezer full of the exceptionally delicious venison we promised he’d soon enjoy. He was texting me about recipes the same day we got home!

As the sun was setting over the Texas hill country, the remaining three hunters returned with stories of missed opportunities and not

Lorenzo was next to arrive at the shed with his stellar Axis. He had been our most vocal cheerleader, sharing positive messages of faith and encouragement. We were so proud to see him achieve this goal. He couldn’t stop thanking us all, saying he just couldn’t believe there were people who cared so much as to share this amazing experience. Lorenzo couldn’t stop thanking us all.

As the morning hunt ended, there remained one hunter still in search of his trophy. Joe was obviously a man of patience, and over lunch, he assured us he was confident and looking forward to going out that afternoon for another hunt. Wanting all our hunters to not only enjoy the camaraderie, but to have successful hunts, there was a big sigh of relief when we saw the truck come back with an amazing Sika. Joe was a bit stunned by the beauty of an animal he had never heard of before this trip. We’ll look forward to seeing Joe again when we’re able to deliver his trophy!

It could be that this support is provided by those of us who lived through the Vietnam era and are motivated by the shameful treatment of the returning servicemen and women of that time. Or, it’s the empathy of those who served more recently in Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, or Afghanistan. Perhaps we have been tragically touched by the loss of a loved one who nobly served our country. Whatever the motivation, HSCF membership should take pride in the active support of these heroic warriors, providing a source of rehabilitation not found on a prescription pad and affirming that their service and sacrifice are sincerely appreciated and not forgotten. HSCF has chosen not to sit on the sidelines. We are involved. ★

Top

Right: Staff Sgt. Joseph Ruda - amazing Debowski's Sika

Below: Front Row: Matt Pyle-HSCF, Armen Gamalyan-PVA, Master Sgt. Lorenzo Browne, Sgt. Ryan Labrecque, David Bradshaw-PVA, Master Chief Ronnie Merriman, Staff Sgt. Joseph Ruda, Charlie Williams-Flying A Ranch Owner. Back Row: Keith Lake-Wildlife Biologist, Brent Trussell-Asst. Wildlife Biologist & Cattleman, Jesse Artrip-Ranch Operations/Guide, James WalkerEquipment Manager/Guide, Ranch Interns

Above: Master Chief Ronnie Merriman - beautiful Fallow Deer

right: Sgt. Ryan Labrecque - trophy Blackbuck Antelope

MEMBER

Get To Know Me!

5 Minutes With HSCF Board Member Carl Cramm

1. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A MEMBER OF HSCF?

6 years

2. WHY DiD YOU WANT TO SERVE ON THE HSCF OR HSC BOARD?

Opportunity to make a more in-depth contribution to the growth and success of the club.

3. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLiSH AS A BOARD MEMBER?

Helping to position HSCF for success in the coming years in the face of the recent pressures/competition of other organizations

4. WHAT iS YOUR FAVORiTE PART ABOUT BEiNG AN HSCF MEMBER?

Being part of the strategy and critical thinking/planning that is required to set the path for the sustainability of HSCF. There are a lot of people and organizations that rely on HSCF to contribute to their existence and success. We strive for HSCF to be positioned to support and contribute to organizations that make a difference in the future of conservation and hunting.

5. WHAT iS/WAS YOUR CAREER FiELD?

Oil & Gas Industry - Retired after 33 yr. Offshore and International Operations

6. PREFERRED HUNTiNG WEAPONRiFLE, SHOTGUN, OR BOW?

Rifle - preferred caliber .300 Win Mag (404 Jeffery for truly big game)

7. WHAT iS THE ONE iTEM YOU WOULD HAVE iF YOU WERE SHiPWRECKED ON AN iSLAND?

Satellite phone (with full battery).

8. WHAT WAS YOUR MOST CHALLENGiNG HUNTiNG EXPERiENCE?

2002 Cape Buffalo hunt in the Bushman River ValleyRSA 7 days tracking the buff through semi-mountainous terrain with extremely dense vegetation, including 850foot elevation changes.

9. OF ALL THE SPECiES YOU HAVE HUNTED, WHAT iS YOUR FAVORiTE AND WHY?

Cape Buffalo. Some hunters consider the Cape Buffalo as one of, if not the most dangerous, members of the

Big 5. Cape Buffalo possesses a unique combination of intelligence, strength, aggression, and unpredictability. Identifying a suitable trophy, tracking and setting up for the shot, while seemingly straight forward, often leads to hours if not days of not knowing if there will actually be a trophy after all the effort.

10. iF YOU COULD GO BACK iN TiME, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THE 18-YEAROLD VERSiON OF YOURSELF?

Keep pushing forward. Have patience, and do not give up. The opportunities and accomplishments that lie ahead are worth it. ★

2024 HSCF Cast & Blast

BY JOE BETAR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HOUSTON SAFARI CUB FOUNDATION

Sometimes the birds cooperate and sometimes they do not. The latter was the case for our 2024 HSCF Cast & Blast. We were hosted by the DEA Ranch (dearanch. com), an HSCF Corporate Partner, in Mathis, Texas. The property is located just south of San Antonio and north of Corpus Christi. Leo Martinez, DEA Ranch manager, did his best to put us on the doves. However, this season’s trip was marred by intermittent rain showers and heavy winds. If I am honest…the conditions for birds were as bad as it could be. The dove forecast for this year was incredibly positive. Based on a rainy spring and early summer, a good nesting season through most of the state was expected and near record high populations of mourning and white-wing doves across substantial portions of Texas were anticipated. We were looking forward to the projected increased dove populations. I guess the birds didn’t read the report. But we still had a wonderful time and made some great new friends.

There was one type of bird that we saw a lot of—Leo had two new juvenile ostriches that made their presence known on a regular basis. It got to the point that the pair would not leave me alone. They were literally inches from my face until I had to shoo them away. These birds were very curious and somewhat aggressive. At least it occupied our time for a while as we scanned the empty skies above.

On Saturday morning, we loaded up the crew and headed for the coast where we met our fishing guides in Flower Bluff. The water was extremely calm as our boats departed from the dock in the early morning darkness. We navigated a few storms a few hours later but were able to steer clear of them for the most part. The distant rains blessed us with double rainbows for most of the morning. Most of our fishing was done within a one-hour boat ride from the docks. We sought out pods of birds feeding on the water and “trout slicks”. Piggy perch was the live bait of the day. We were successful in bringing in several keeper trout and reds. One boat captain from our group decided to make the run from Corpus Christi Bay all the way to the cut near Redfish Bay at Aransas Pass. The party on his boat returned much later in the afternoon but the trip was worth it as they brought in several nice trout and some bid reds.

Leo made several calls to other ranch managers and owners as we drove back to DEA Ranch from the coast. He was curious to find out if they were seeing any birds on their property. The reports were the same—the weather had pushed their birds out of the area. Between hunts, we drove around the ranch a bit to look at wildlife. If the turkey hatch survival rate is any

indication, DEA will have many outstanding turkey seasons to come. We spotted several large groups of hens and jakes and new poults from the spring 2024 hatch. Some hens had as many as ten to twelve young birds with them. It would have been nice if the doves had cooperated but at the end of the day, it was really about the camaraderie and enjoyment of the outdoors. Here’s hoping your dove season was more productive than mine! ★