Largest Hunting and Fishing Newspaper in Texas
December 12, 2014
Volume 11, Issue 8
Locked in
Wellknown artist dies
By Craig Nyhus
Lone Star outdoor newS One of Texas’ most well-known wildlife artists died Dec. 5 from surgery complications following a lateNovember accident. Herb Booth, 72, of Rockport, known to hunters and fishermen who regularly attend Ducks Unlimited and Coastal Conservation Association fundraisers, was on his way to Iowa to go pheasant hunting and was travelling with 10 dogs for the hunt, according to his son, Peter MacMillan Booth’s Facebook page. Booth turned off of Interstate 35 near Bruceville-Eddy to let the dogs out for a run. He crossed the uncontrolled railroad grade and was struck on the passenger side of his Dodge pickup. “He was pulling a trailer with an ATV and he had eight dogs on the trailer and two in the truck,” said DPS Trooper D.L. Wilson. “One of the dogs was killed and a wounded dog ran away from the scene, but I think they found him and he was OK. The rest of the dogs were fine. Herb Booth This was a very rural road, almost private, with tracks across the road and a yield sign. For some reason, Mr. Booth pulled out in front of the train. “The impact pushed the truck 600 yards down the tracks — he was lucky to make it through the Please turn to page 17
GETTING TESTY: South Texas bucks are beginning to tolerate each other’s company less and less as the rut draws near. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.
December season settles in
Lone Star outdoor newS
A multi-year study to assess the difference in lethality between steel and lead shot in dove was released last week by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The findings should surprise some Texas hunters — their success afield should not change with the type of shot used, according to the results. The field collection phase of the study
Many leaves have fallen from the trees, making it difficult to stay hidden like it was during bow season. Bucks in some northern portions of the state are winding down their rut, still searching for those final does in estrus, but not throwing all caution to the wind like they did several weeks ago. If a big buck has survived this long into the
season, he usually has hunters better patterned than the other way around. Reports from the Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge public hunts were slow the weekend of Dec. 5-8, with hunters reporting high temperatures and humidity slowed deer movement. Several bucks were taken with archery gear, but none were the true monsters “the Hag” is known for. However, head to the southern reaches of Please turn to page 6
was conducted in Brown, Coleman and McCulloch counties during the 2008 and 2009 Texas dove hunting seasons. After recording more than 5,000 shots fired by Texas hunters during the two-year project, and then performing necropsies on 1,100 mourning dove, researchers determined there was no statistically significant difference in JUST FIRE ANYTHING: Based upon a major, multi-year study by harvest efficiencies between the three TPWD, it doesn’t matter much whether hunters shoot lead or nonloads tested, regardless of distance. toxic shot at dove. Both do a great job of killing birds. Photo by Please turn to page 15 David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.
CONTENTS
INSIDE
Time Sensitive Material • Deliver ASAP
Lone Star outdoor newS
Dove study says no difference between lead, steel shot By Conor Harrison
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PLANO, TX PERMIT 210
By Conor Harrison
HUNTING
New to the game
The Lone Star Outdoor News Foundation hosts a firsttime father and son duo in South Texas. Page 4
FISHING
A festive fi llet A Corpus Christi seafood market owner is using his resources to help the needy this holiday season. Page 8
Classifieds . . . . . . . . Crossword . . . . . . . . Freshwater Fishing Report For the Table . . . . . . . Game Warden Blotter . . . Heroes. . . . . . . . . . Outdoor Datebook . . . . Saltwater Fishing Report . Sun, Moon and Tide data . Prime Time . . . . . . . . Products . . . . . . . . .
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HUNTING
Learning what it’s all about Father-son duo shares LSONF hunting experience By Craig Nyhus
Lone Star outdoor newS A text message was received by 15-year-old Braeden Prejean from family friend Paul Fulton, just moments after he killed his first buck in South Texas. “You can now provide food for your family,” the text read. “Now you are a man.” The young man from Little Elm and his father didn’t know what to expect when they arrived for their first deer hunt. Little did they know Braeden would be savoring the smells of the tenderloins of his first deer, immersing himself in cleaning the animals, learning about managing a deer herd and learning how to shoot — and shoot very well. At the Wild Game Supper held by Lone Star Outdoor News in October to raise funds for Lone Star Outdoor News Foundation, hunter and LSON reader Peter Quintero approached Lone Star
ENJOYING THE SPOILS OF THE HUNT: First-time hunters Braeden Prejean and his dad, Vincent, enjoy their first taste of fried venison after Braeden harvested his first buck hours before. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.
Outdoor News’ Managing Editor Conor Harrison. “How do I nominate someone for a hunt?” he asked. “A friend of my son wants to get involved in hunting.” After some email and telephone exchanges, the problem was scheduling. The schedule had filled up, but in the
event of a cancellation, he would have his shot. Less than a month later, a soldier from San Antonio was scheduled to come and hunt before being deployed to the Middle East as a sniper. The government thought otherwise, though, and the soldier was shipped out, missing his hunt.
Posting for position
The call was made, and with little notice, Vincent and Braeden arrived in South Texas in late November. “Growing up in South Louisiana, it’s hard to believe I wasn’t a hunter,” Vincent said. “But I wasn’t — although most of my friends were. But Braeden Please turn to page 6
Slow start to the season
Facebook groups hurl words at one another over deer management
Some big muleys taken, but weather hurting rutting activity
By Conor Harrison Lone Star outdoor newS
By Conor Harrison
Two groups are going after each other over some current deer managemement practices in Texas. Chase Clark, president of the Texas Deer Association, which represents deer breeders has responded to a Facebook page started by Jenny Sanders, executive director of Texans for Saving our Hunting Heritage. Sanders said she and her group represent hunters concerned the deer breeding industry is going too far in its pursuit of big antlers and easy hunts. Clark said the breeding industry is one of the most regulated industries in the state, and the battle is really about large landowners ver-
Texas hunters found mule deer hunting tough this season, and many are blaming an unusually hot season as the main culprit, with high temperatures shutting down much of the rutting activity. “It’s been 60 degrees up here this week, which is very unusual for this time of year,” said Calvin Richardson, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s regional leader for the Panhandle. “I’ve talked to my biologist in Lubbock and he said he has seen some good bucks come out of that county this year. Overall, it has been slow. “Harvest numbers have been down a little bit, but I think that is weather-related.” Another Panhandle biologist, Chadd Malone, said he checked several processing plants in the area and the deer he saw, although few in numbers, were big and healthy. “I checked and aged several bucks,” he said. “They were
Lone Star outdoor newS
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TOUGH SEASON: Long-term drought and warm weather have conspired to make this a tough mule deer season for many hunters. Photo by Morgan Tyler.
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Warden separates locked bucks
A video posted online last week shows Comal County Game Warden Michael McCall driving his truck up to an unusual sight — two bucks held together by a rope wrapped around both buck’s antlers. The bucks had wrapped themselves around an outside clothesline and were fighting each other, the rope tangled in their antlers and the clothesline. McCall did a smart thing — instead of walking up to both excited bucks and possibly risking injury to himself or the deer, he
drove his truck to a point where he could reach down and get to the rope connecting the two deer. Crawling gingerly over the hood, he reached down with a knife, cutting through the rope and freeing both bucks, which ran off unharmed. The entire ordeal was caught on tape by McCall’s dashboard camera. Go to the Lone Star Outdoor News Facebook page to watch the video. — Staff report
DON’T WANT TO GET IN THE MIDDLE: A game warden dash cam records the moment when a brave warden reaches down to separate two tangled bucks. Photo by TPWD.
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Don’t expect much Pheasant numbers better than last season, still not good Good news for Texas pheasant hunters — more birds this year. The bad news is, when compared to long-term averages, there still aren’t many pheasants to hunt this season in the Panhandle. “It is better,” said Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologist Chadd Malone, “but better is a relative term. We did our roadside counts this year and saw about three times as many birds as last year. Last year we saw an average of 1/3 of a bird per route, and this year we averaged one bird per route. So, you could say the numbers tripled, but that still isn’t a lot of birds to hunt.” Malone said late rainfall helped habitat and he’s hoping it helps recruitment after several miserable years in the Panhandle. Please turn to page 27
LOTS OF WALKING: Pheasant hunters will have to search far and wide in the Texas Panhandle to find concentrations of birds this season. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.
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Ruts winding down, starting up Continued from page 1
the state, and bucks are just beginning to search out willing does. According to hunter reports, young bucks are starting to chase does in Dimmit and Webb counties, but older bucks haven’t yet begun their search. Reports of good bucks being taken are increasing daily down south. “I’ve talked to a lot of people and been on some ranches and the bucks are starting to sniff around in some places,” said South Texas biologist Daniel Kunz. “But there haven’t been any reports of bucks really chasing hard. I talked to a ranch owner in La Salle County the other day who told me his ranch manager saw several bucks chasing a hot doe, but I haven’t heard much beyond that.” Kunz said some pretty good deer have already hit the dirt, and he expects more to fall during the month of December. In the Hill Country, the rut is winding down, but hunters are still shooting plenty of nice bucks. “Yeah, I think the rut has slowed down,” said Gary Broach at Rhodes Brothers Taxidermy in Kerrville. “But people are still shooting plenty of bucks and plenty of deer overall. A lot of people are still seeing bucks they haven’t seen before. We are definitely still getting a lot of good deer with good antlers in good condition, but the rut has slowed. “It’s just been an absolutely crazy year — my numbers (of deer dropped off for processing) are so high I haven’t even counted. It is that way across the board down here this season.” — Staff report
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Father and son hit the hunting trail with LSONF Continued from page 4
and Pete’s son Joshua are best friends, and they are hunters.” The father and son entered the experience with open eyes. “When the opportunity came through, I thought it was going to be at a big lodge with several other kids, with not a whole lot of opportunity for Braeden to have a one-on-one learning experience or if he would get the chance to shoot a deer. “From the moment that we pulled up, I could tell this was going to be different.” Braeden was the model pupil, following to the letter instructions on firearm safety and shooting, and eager to learn all aspects of the hunter’s life. And he and his dad learned a few things along the way. “The entire weekend was a learning experience, not only in the blinds, but sitting around the fire learning why we hunt and when we should hunt,” Vincent said. “The atmosphere was relaxed and patient — I could feel the excitement when it was time to go out to the blind.” The first evening hunt didn’t involve any shooting, but the next morning, a feral hog stepped into view, and Braeden connected. “It was amazing to see how proud you were when Braeden was successful in taking an animal, as if he was your son,” Vincent told LSON. “Braeden and I were welcomed in as if we were family. I felt like I had been there before and the three of you (David Sams, LSONF intern Cole Farris, a freshman at Southwest Texas Junior College studying Wildlife Management under professor Bob Zaiglin and Craig Nyhus) were lifelong friends.”
That evening, just after sunset, the whitetail came out as a thunderstorm loomed in the horizon. Braeden’s shot was perfect. From the blind, he sent texts to five of his friends about finding a hunting lease. While dressing and skinning the animal, Vincent took blood from the deer and wiped some on Braeden’s face. Not a tradition for the LSON crew, who wondered where they picked it up. Maybe they saw it on TV? That night, the tenderloins were chicken fried and Braeden tasted his first kill. “I like it,” he said. “It’s a little chewy.” Braeden’s thank-you note showed that Texas has a new hunter for life. “Thank you for giving me the opportunity to hunt last weekend,” it read. “I learned the importance of preserving and controlling the deer population, the amount of time and dedication that goes into hunting and how to clean and skin my own animals. I never thought that hunting would be as fun as it is. I don’t think my weekend could have gone any better.” Dad will be joining in the SOUTH TEXAS SLAM: Braeden Prejean, on his first hunting weekend, took a feral hog, search for a hunting lease. white-tailed buck and javelina. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News. “I never imagined that we would have had such a great experience and that I would Before leaving, like any teen- his deer. actually say I want to be a hunter,” ager, Braeden was standing at the Lone Star Outdoor News Vincent said. open refrigerator door, staring Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable The final morning, Braeden was organization with a mission to create given a choice to go look at more inside. “Help yourself to anything you hunting and fishing opportunities, deer, sleep in or be the hunter on benefit youth education, and support Cole’s first hunt as guide to hope- want,” Sams told him. Thirty minutes later, the entire wildlife research and outdoor jourfully see a javelina. “Let’s try for a javelina,” Braeden group was sitting outside eating nalism. To donate, call (214) 361venison quesadillas, prepared by 2276 or visit lsonews.com/lson-founsaid. Braeden, with leftover meat from dation. And it worked.
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Muley season slow Continued from page 4
pretty nice bucks, and I expect the people hunting on MLDP ranches to take some good deer. The bucks had big body size and really good fat content. The rainfall we had in the late summer helped to fatten up the bucks.” Even though it was a slowerthan-normal season, some big bucks were harvested, including a 270-inch nontypical in Lubbock County that should be the #2 all-time nontypical from the state of Texas. “This season has been a little tough overall,” said outfitter Ken Burton. “I think it is the warm weather we’ve been having. The antlers are still off about 8 to 10 inches on average when it comes to Boone and Crockett score. We got late rains but it didn’t help the antlers much this season.” In the Trans-Pecos region, biologist Mike Janis said he worked a check station the opening weekend and only had four hunter-killed bucks come into the check station. “Well, the first weekend was really slow,” Janis said. “There were a few nice bucks — they were better than what I saw last season and the last couple of years.”
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Katharine Armstrong to receive T. Boone Pickens Lifetime Achievement Award Following in the footsteps of some of Texas’ most influential outdoorsmen and conservationists, Katharine Armstrong has been selected as this year’s T. Boone Pickens Lifetime Achievement Award winner presented by Park Cities Quail. Armstrong grew up hunting on the Armstrong Ranch in Kenedy County. Although she enjoyed all aspects of hunting and the outdoors, a special enthusiasm for quail shooting developed at an early age and continues to this day. “I’m really very humbled,” she said. “I almost had to sit down when I found out — I was so surprised. Anything I can do to help quail, I’m thrilled to do. I am following some lofty company and to be included in that crowd, I am deeply honored. The other thought I had (when I found out I had been chosen) was
what a lovely way to be rewarded for something that is so painless to do. “I feel very blessed.” Armstrong said growing up in Southeast Texas left her with an appreciation for all species, but most especially bobwhite quail. “I can’t think of a better way to be with friends and the people you love than being in the quail fields,” she said. “Quail hunting is the activity I have the most passion for. I love trying to outsmart those guys. I grew up on the Armstrong Ranch, which was also a great blessing, and you really get to understand (the quail’s) habits, what plants they utilize and how it all works together. “As quail hunters, there isn’t a better way to apply that knowledge.” In 1999, Armstrong was appointed to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Please turn to page 28
Katharine Armstrong
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FISHING
In the giving spirit
NEED MORE OYSTER BEDS: Thanks to money from fines as a result of the 2010 Deep Water Horizon oil spill, East Bay will see an influx of conservation projects. Photo by LSON.
Fund boosts Galveston’s East Bay oyster restoration By Brandon Schuler
For Lone Star outdoor newS The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation recently announced awards from the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourism Opportunities, and Revived Communities of the Gulf States (RESTORE) Act for projects aimed at restoring the health of the Texas coast. As part of plea agreements between the U.S. Department of Justice, British Petroleum and Transocean stemming from criminal charges and fines incurred as a result of the 2010 Deep Water Horizon Oil Spill, the NFWF will administer $2.55 billion over the next five years to support projects that remedy natural resource harm dealt to the Gulf of Mexico. In this round of $99.2 million in awards, Galveston’s East Bay Middle Reef, Pepper Grove, and Hanna’s Reef and their anglers and marine resources will receive an award of $840,000 earmarked to add 30 acres of cultch material to recruit oysters to the bay’s historical reef complex. Over the years, Galveston Bay lost roughly 5,000 acres of its historical oyster reef complex due to environmental degradation and commercial oyster harvest. Following the Deep Water Horizon tragedy, commercial oyster harvest in Texas has increased to make up for the lost opportunities in the Louisiana Delta and portions of the Gulf most drastically affected by the spill. Compounded by these human stressors, the bay system lost an additional 50 percent of its oyster reefs from 2008’s Hurricane Ike, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department estimates. The loss of water-filtering oysters places a heavy burden on the bay’s health. “Oyster reefs are an important part of a healthy ecosystem. The typical oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day,” said Bill Rodney, TPWD Oyster Restoration biologist. “On the typical oyster reef, every square meter supports roughly 10 oysters. That’s a lot of filtering capacity.” Current estimates suggest Galveston’s lost oyster reefs Please turn to page 11
Seafood market owner takes and cleans fish, gives to needy By David Sikes
For Lone Star outdoor newS After reading an article about the Hunters for the Hungry program, Charlie Alegria of Corpus Christi felt a desire to broaden the menu. Alegria, the owner of Morgan Street Seafood Market, a business started by his father 55 years ago, was taught to be good to his customers and to give back to the community that supports his family. “Awhile back a guy came into the shop with more tuna and snapper than he could use,” Alegria said. “He wanted to know if I knew someone who could use it. I called Sister Rose at one of the local churches and she was thrilled. It felt good.” For years, the popular seafood DOING GOOD: Charlie Alegria works to cut flounder fillets for needy families along the Texas coast. Photo by David shop has provided fish heads and Sikes, for LSON. Please turn to page 15
Oft overlooked
Smaller lakes can provide great winter bass fishing By Conor Harrison Lone Star outdoor newS
Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Falcon International Reservoir, Amistad International Reservoir, Lake Fork, the list of Texas’ best and most-fished bass lakes goes on and on. But anglers also have many options when it comes to largemouth bass fishing in Texas, and smaller, less pressured lakes often can hold the key. Good luck getting many anglers to talk about a hidden lake — they are not well-known for a reason, although biologists did weigh in on a few.
maximum depth is 30 feet. “Coffee Mill Lake has some big bass,” Hysmith said. “The lake has a consistent gizzard
shad population and they only get to about 4 inches, which is on the small side for gizzard shad. They are small and don’t
Davy Crockett Lake, Fannin County — Located in northeast
Fannin County 20 miles northeast of Bonham, the 355-acre lake has good numbers of bass, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologist Bruce Hysmith. “Crockett probably has really good numbers, but average size is down compared to other lakes,” he said. The current lake record was caught in 2007 by Chad Richardson on a chatterbait. The bass weighed 12.50 pounds.
Coffee Mill Lake — This 650acre lake is located 15 miles northeast of Bonham in the Caddo National Grassland Wildlife Management Area. The
DON’T HEAR ABOUT THESE MUCH: Sleeper bass lakes are considered sleepers for a reason — many anglers don’t know how good they can be. Photo by LSON.
suffer a winter kill, so they are the ideal forage for largemouth bass. There aren’t as many as in Crockett, but the size is great.”
Lake Nocona — The 1,323-acre lake near the city of Nocona has a maximum depth of 80 feet. Hysmith said biologists would actually rather see less pressure on the lake because the drought has water levels down to where the fish are concentrated. “I’m not sure how to do it, but we’d like to see decreased pressure on some of these smaller lakes like Nocona or Amon Carter,” he said. “I know many anglers practice catch and release, but the hook mortality is higher than anglers think, based on our studies. When you hook and play a fish to the boat and release that fish, it might be a day or two before he floats to the surface.” Many anglers were reluctant to talk about small lakes because they didn’t want more pressure, something Hysmith said was typical. “They are sleeper lakes for a reason,” he said. Other lakes that hold good numbers of bass and might be worth anglers checking out include: Lake Nacinoche, Mill Creek Reservoir, Alvarado Park Lake and Bonham City Lake.
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Amped-up border efforts paying off Texas game wardens conducting an enhanced marine patrol of the lower Rio Grande near Boca Chica along the Texas– Mexico border recently seized roughly 8,000 feet of illegal gill nets. Though no arrests were made, the gill nets are believed to have belonged to commercial fishermen from Mexico. Fishing with a gill net in Texas waters is a violation of state law. Game wardens found hundreds of fish trapped in the netting, including red drum, snook, black drum, sheepshead, tarpon, mullet, jack crevalle and gizzard shad. In addition to
590 pounds of red snapper poached The Coast Guard intercepted a Mexican fishing crew poaching in South Texas Dec. 3 with 197 red snapper totaling almost 600 pounds. A crew from Mobile, Alabama was on a routine patrol and sighted two Mexican fishing boats, also known as lanchas, 42 miles offshore and 8 miles north of the United States/ Mexico maritime border. The aircrew notified Sector Corpus Christi watchstanders, who then diverted a Station South Padre boatcrew aboard a 33-foot boat. The aircrew vectored in the boatcrew, who stopped one lancha with four people aboard, while the second lancha proceeded south of the maritime border. The lancha had fishing gear aboard without a legal permit
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fish, the gill net contained blue crabs, as well as cormorants and brown pelicans. Game wardens were able to save two of the brown pelicans, but the other birds had died. Using a gill net in state waters is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $2,000, confinement in jail not to exceed 180 days or both. Taking the fish, crabs, and protected birds would bring additional charges. “Illegal commercial fishing activity from Mexico poses a significant threat towards the natural resources of Texas and we take the threat extremely seriously,” said Maj. Malcom Wilkes. — TPWD
and 197 red snapper totaling 590 pounds, which had been caught in U.S. waters. The lancha was towed back to Station South Padre Island and the four crewmembers were turned over to Customs and Border Protection. Since Oct. 1, the Coast Guard has detected 41 lanchas, all of which were suspected of poaching in U.S. waters, and interdicted five of them. “We have a close partnership with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to combat illegal fishing along the United States/ Mexico maritime border. Our coordinated law enforcement efforts to stop illegal fishing include retrieving illegally set fishing gear and pursuing the fishing vessels conducting illicit activity,” said Lt. Cmdr. Nathan Allen, chief of law enforcement for Sector Corpus Christi. — USCGS
JUST A FEW HOURS AWAY: Just about anywhere in Texas there is a stellar winter trout fi shery just a few hours away. Trout bites have been excellent in the Hill Country, according to fl y shops, as well as on the Lower Mountain Fork River near Broken Bow, Oklahoma. Photo by Steve Schwartz, Lone Star Outdoor News.
Scratch the trout itch Area fisheries peaking for fly-anglers
By Steve Schwartz Lone Star outdoor newS
For Texans looking to satiate their appetite for trout this winter season, there are a few go-to areas — but those hot spots seem to be peaking at the right time for fly-anglers looking to hit the river. “It’s about as good as it’s ever
going to get around here,” said Dave Smith, with Action Anglers in New Braunfels, of the fishing on the Guadalupe River. “With the stockings, there are just a lot of fish in the river right now. We’ve had good reports up and down recently.” While finding an open spot along with Guadalupe may be difficult during the weekends that comprise
trout season, Smith said he’s heard of several fly-fishermen bringing in as many as 20 to 30 trout over the course of a day. Water temperatures are prime — in the 50s at the beginning of the day — but simply having a lot of fish doesn’t guarantee a catch, and Please turn to page 11
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TEXAS FRESHWATER FISHING REPORT Whiteout LAKE LIVINGSTON — The guys from Lake Livingston Adventures have been on the white bass the past few days. Limits of white bass in the main lake are coming on small jigheads in a variety of colors. Water temperatures have been between 64 and 68 degrees. Along with solid catches of white bass over main lake humps in about 35 feet of water, the largemouth bass bite has been decent on spinner baits, buzzbaits and soft plastics. The crappie bite is good on small minnows and jigs and the blue catfish bite is picking up on shad. To contact Lake Livingston Adventures, call (903) 286-4872.
Quantity and quality RICHLAND CHAMBERS RESERVOIR — According to guide Royce Simmons with Gone Fishin’ Guide Service, the catfish bite has been picking up on Richland Chambers in both quantity and quality. “While the white bass get difficult to find, the catfish make up for their
ALAN HENRY: Water stained; 48–55 degrees; 9.79’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on Texas rigs, jigs and flutter spoons. Crappie are fair on live minnows. ATHENS: Water clear; 47–51 degrees; 1.68’ low. Largemouth bass are slow on weightless Senkos and shaky heads and suspending jerkbaits. BASTROP: Water stained; 64–68 degrees. Largemouth bass are good on watermelon finesse worms and lipless crankbaits. BELTON: Water murky; 62–66 degrees; 12.11’ low. Largemouth bass are good on tequila sunrise spinner baits and top-waters. BOB SANDLIN: Water clear; 48–51 degrees; 2.85’ low. Largemouth bass are slow on soft jerkbaits and lipless crankbaits. BONHAM: Water stained, 47–50 degrees; 3.32’ low. Largemouth bass are slow near cattails, boat docks and points. Creek channel swings are producing as well. BRAUNIG: Water stained. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits and dark soft plastic worms in reeds and near the jetty and dam. Striped bass are good on silver and gold spoons and marble spinner baits near the jetty and dam. BRIDGEPORT: Water lightly stained, 46–50 degrees; 23.68’ low. Largemouth bass are slow on jerkbaits in pro blue. BROWNWOOD: Water clear; 60–64 degrees; 12.27’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on buzzbaits, crankbaits and pumpkinseed soft plastic worms over brush piles in 10–20 feet.
BUCHANAN: Water murky; 62–66 degrees; 33.59’ low. Largemouth bass are good on white spinner baits, Bleeding Shad lipless crankbaits, and 3” shad Flukes in larger creeks. CADDO: Water stained; 49–52 degrees; 0.50 high. Largemouth bass are good on lipless crankbaits, bladed jigs and flipping jigs. CALAVERAS: Water stained. Largemouth bass are fair on chartreuse lipless crankbaits and crankbaits near the dam. CANYON LAKE: Water murky; 65–69 degrees; 12.00’ low. Largemouth bass are good on Fat Free Shads, white spinner baits, and watermelon Flukes on secondary points in 4–12 feet. CEDAR CREEK: Water clear; 47–51 degrees; 6.06’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on spinner baits and bladed jigs. White bass are fair on slabs. Hybrid striper are fair on slabs and minnows. CHOKE CANYON: Water stained; 67–71 degrees; 27.96’ low. Largemouth bass are good on watermelon red and tequila sunrise soft plastics in 15–25 feet. White bass are slow. Crappie are good on minnows and blue tube jigs. COLEMAN: Water clear; 64–68 degrees; 18.95’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on white spinner baits, crankbaits and lipless crankbaits. COLETO CREEK: Water murky; 57 degrees in main lake, 79 degrees at hot water discharge; 4.71’ low. Largemouth bass to 4 pounds are fair on perch-colored soft plastics and spinner baits near the hot water discharge in 4–8 feet. CONROE: Water murky;
62–66 degrees; 0.41’ low. Largemouth bass are good on green pumpkin soft plastics, lipless crankbaits and crankbaits in 10–25 feet. FALCON: Water murky; 60–64 degrees; 29.30’ low. Largemouth bass are good but mostly small on spinner baits and large Brush Hogs in 5–10 feet. FAYETTE: Water stained. Largemouth bass are fair on chartreuse Carolina-rigged soft plastics over grass in 6–10 feet. FORK: Water clear; 46–50 degrees; 7.24’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on bladed jigs with shad trailers. Jerkbaits in threadfin shad are effective as well. FT. PHANTOM HILL: Water clear; 47–55 degrees; 17.35’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on jigs and Texas rigs. Crappie are fair on live minnows. GIBBONS CREEK: Water clear. Largemouth bass are fair on perch-colored spinner baits and crankbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows. GRANBURY: Water murky; 62–66 degrees; 10.29’ low. Largemouth bass are good on green pumpkin soft plastic worms and lizards. Striped bass are good on green striper jigs. GRANGER: Water clear; 63–67 degrees; 1.66’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on chartreuse lipless crankbaits and spinner baits. GRAPEVINE: Water clear; 47–50 degrees; 12.51’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on shaky heads and drop-shot worms in California 420 near floating docks. HOUSTON COUNTY: Water stained; 62–66 degrees; 0.25’ high. Largemouth bass
absence,” Simmons said. “There’s quantity and quality, in that we often catch a box full of eater-size blues and channels and almost always a slot fish, which is a blue cat measuring between 30 and 45 inches. These slot fish are returned to the lake, but before doing so we get a picture. All fish were caught in the timber on the Richland Arm of the lake on Danny King’s Punch Bait.” To contact Royce Simmons, call (903) 389-4117.
Getting better AMISTAD INTERNATIONAL RESERVOIR — The lake is fishing better and finally has some hydrilla growing in places, according to guide Ray Hanselman. Although isolated, the grass is scattering to many parts of the lake and the fishing is good for winter largemouths, with fish being caught in a variety of ways. “The typical Lake Amistad winter fishing patterns will prevail,” he said. “Targeting the center of the drains and creeks with crankbaits, suspending jerkbaits, swim jigs, and squarebills will always be a strong pattern. The swimbait bite fished different ways, like in the drains and creeks and/or over ledges and channels can trigger some big fish that wouldn’t otherwise be seen. Don’t forget to look at some offshore river ledges and channel swings, with jigs and Carolina rigs, as this technique will also produce fish.” To contact Ray Hanselman, call (830) 3179942. — Conor Harrison
are slow. HUBBARD CREEK: Water off-color; 48–53 degrees; 29.35’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on jigs, JOE POOL: Water clear; 46–51 degrees; 2.03’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on weightless Senkos, weightless flukes and soft plastic jerkbaits. LAKE O’ THE PINES: Water lightly stained; 47–51; degrees; 0.04’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on lipless crankbaits, bladed jigs and flipping jigs. LAVON: Water lightly stained; 48–52 degrees; 12.85’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on lipless crankbaits and suspending jerkbaits. LBJ: Water stained; 62–66 degrees; 0.24’ low. Largemouth bass are very good on Bleeding Shad lipless crankbaits, buzzbaits and weightless watermelon red Whacky Sticks along laydowns and stumps on creek points. LEWISVILLE: Water lightly stained; 47–50 degrees; 7.47’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on chartreuse and black shallow to medium crankbaits. MARTIN CREEK: Water clear; 70–83 degrees; 1.90’ low. Largemouth bass are good on Texas-rigged worms and creature baits. MONTICELLO: Water clear; 52–55 degrees; 0.35’ low. Largemouth bass are slow on Texas rigs and finesse jigs. NAVARRO MILLS: Water stained; 62–66 degrees; 1.95’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on watermelon lipless crankbaits, crankbaits and soft plastics. O.H. IVIE: Water stained; 46–51 degrees; 42.32’ low.
Largemouth bass are fair on Texas rigs, jigs and shaky heads. OAK CREEK: Water stained; 47–53 degrees; 25.29’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on Texas rigs, drop-shot rigs and jigs. PALESTINE: Water clear; 48–51 degrees; 0.72’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on shaky heads and drop shots around docks. POSSUM KINGDOM: Water fairly clear; 48–55 degrees; 14.81’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on drop-shot rigs, Texas rigs and jigs. PROCTOR: Water murky; 62–66 degrees; 12.54’ low. Largemouth bass are good on purple, black/yellow, and chartreuse soft plastic worms. RAY HUBBARD: Water clear; 49–52 degrees; 10.42’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits and suspending jerkbaits. RAY ROBERTS: Water clear; 46–49 degrees; 7.93’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on umbrella rigs and shaky heads. SAM RAYBURN: Water murky; 64–68 degrees; 2.94’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on pumpkinseed soft plastic worms and lipless crankbaits in 20–30 feet. SOMERVILLE: Water murky; 63–67 degrees; 0.67’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. Hybrid striper are slow. White bass are good on pet spoons and Charlie slabs. STILLHOUSE: Water murky; 63–67 degrees; 13.69’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on green pumpkin soft plastics and crankbaits. SWEETWATER: Water murky; 43–52 degrees; 28.17’ low. Largemouth bass
n n Saltwater reports: Please turn to
Page 14 are fair on flutter spoons, Texas rigs and jigs. TEXOMA: Water clear; 47–50 degrees; 6.08’ low. Largemouth bass are good on suspending jerkbaits and shaky head worms in green pumpkin. TOLEDO BEND: Water murky; 63–67 degrees; 3.70’ low. Largemouth bass are good on pumpkin green, watermelon and redbug soft plastic worms in 20 feet. TRAVIS: Water murky; 62–66 degrees; 57.40’ low. Largemouth bass are good on bone top-waters and green pumpkin worms in 5–25 feet. WALTER E. LONG: Water lightly stained. Largemouth bass are good on dark soft plastic worms near the dam at night. Hybrid striper are good on silver striper jigs. WHITNEY: Water murky; 62–66 degrees; 10.58’ low. Largemouth bass are good on watermelon red spinner baits, crankbaits and topwaters early and late. WRIGHT PATMAN: Water lightly stained; 49–53 degrees; 3.42’ high. Largemouth bass are slow on flipping tubes and flipping jigs near shallow cover. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on trotlines and cut shad. — TPWD
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Time to get out the fly rod Continued from page 9
water conditions aren’t making it much easier. “Some people say the water is clearer than they’ve ever seen it, and it does change things,” Smith said. “You’ve got to be pretty stealthy, especially in the shallower water. It’s probably better to use fluorocarbon instead of mono(filament), too.” Ashley Forshey, with ReelFly Fishing Adventures on Canyon Lake, said anglers have been seeing good size fish, as well as some fish that are most likely left over from last season’s stockings — uncommon, but not exactly rare in the Guadalupe River. “We are seeing really good numbers overall,” she said. “Some of them are holding over from last year, and we are seeing some spawning fish, which is really cool.” Recently stocked fish are pairing up and moving to the “reds” (spawning beds in shallow, clear water along the river). Fish during this cycle will feed heavily, but also need to be approached with care if an angler wants a chance at a bite. “Some of those bigger fish paired up almost immediately after stocking, which will happen
every few years,” Smith said. “You’ll find them the low and clear water, so maybe try stepping back before casting to them.” Patterns are diverse as well across the Guadalupe. In either slow water, or along the riffles, streamers like wooly buggers have been picking up bigger fish. Egg patterns and San Juan worms are a go-to for stocked fish as well. As for nymphs, Smith said small is the name of the game. Patterns like zebra midges, RS2s, rainbow warriors and WD-40s have all been bringing in good numbers of fish. “This year the bite started heavy right off the bat, which is nice,” Smith said. Forshey said Trout Unlimited access points, as well as rafting access points along the Guadalupe, are an angler’s best bet to get started. Days during the week are much more accessible as well, she said. Another good option for Texans looking to whet their trout appetite may be just north of the border in Oklahoma’s Lower Mountain Fork River — less than a 30-minute drive from the state line.
December 12, 2014
“The past 14 days have been phenomenal up here,” Beavers Bend Fly Shop owner Eddie Brister said. “The fishing pressure is going to be minimal until February. It’s just really hot right now.” Brister said hatches have cooled off during December (though some small caddis hatches are making the dry-fly anglers happy), leaving most of the fishing to the very small nymphs. “I’m talking really small nymphs,” Brister emphasized. “Some of our guys are killing it right now. In the deeper runs, you’ve got to keep it pretty close to the bottom. We had some guys in yesterday (Dec. 7) that pulled in three fish over 23 inches.” There are plenty of midsize fish in the mix as well, and after the Thanksgiving holiday, crowds have dwindled enough to make the fishing pressure manageable, which Brister attributes in no small way to the success on the river as of late. While not traditionally known as a trout state, Texans have options within just a few hours — no matter where they live in the state. Beavers Bend Fly Shop, (580) 494-6071 Action Angler, (830) 708-3474 ReelFly Fishing Adventures, (830) 964-4823
GO SMALL FOR BIG ONES: Whether you’re in southeast Oklahoma or the Texas Hill Country, fl y shops are recommending small nymphs during the cooler months, especially weighted fl ies fi shed near the bottom in riffl es. Photo by Lone Star Outdoor News.
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Galveston oysters get some help Continued from page 8
account for a 97-percent loss of the system’s water-filtering capacity. Without its historical filtering capacity, East Bay faces greater threats from higher nutrient concentrations and turbidity that harms seagrasses and the marine life that depends upon the clean waters that the oyster reefs provide. “Current science suggests that restored oyster reefs may increase the spawning stock biomass of important gamefish, like trout and redfish, by attracting the little fish that attract sports fish that stay to breed,” Rodney said. “That’s a huge benefit.” This is good news for Texas anglers, according to Coastal Conservation Association. “This project benefits anglers by simply putting bottom habitat back into the areas it once was before,” says long-time Rockport guide and CCA-Texas Assistant Executive Director John Blaha. “We are all about increasing opportunities for Gulf anglers.” The awarded NFWF funds will be leveraged with an additional $2 million from the Coastal Impact Assistance Program and $500,000 donated by the Coastal Conservation Association of Texas’s Habitat for Today Fish for Tomorrow program. The funded project will eventually restore 130 acres of East Bay’s lost oyster habitat.
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GAME WARDEN BLOTTER ROADRUNNER KILLER POSTS VIDEO FEEDING IT TO CATS Starr County Game Warden Mark Anderson received a call regarding a local hunter who shot a roadrunner, fed it to his cats and posted a video on Facebook. Anderson located the subject, who confessed to killing the protected bird and appropriate charges were filed. KILLER OF POPULAR SUBDIVISION DEER CAUGHT Bell County Game Warden Brandt Bernstein received several anonymous tips the day after a buck was killed on October 12 at a subdivision in Harker Heights. Bernstein conducted several interviews with two suspects and obtained confessions from both. One suspect had multiple charges, and civil restitution on two poached deer is pending. BEFORE SEASON, DEER SHOT AND MEAT PACKED OUT OF NATIONAL FOREST San Augustine County Game Warden Jeff Cox received information about possible illegal hunting. After a short investigation and interview, a man admitted to killing a spike buck in the national forest with a rifle. The quartered deer was found at his residence and the head in the national forest. Charges and civil restitution were filed for taking deer in a closed season. PARENTS FINALLY GIVE UP DEFENDING SON FOR SHOOTING DEER IN YARD DURING CLOSED SEASON Lampasas County Game Wardens Shaun Bayless and Ray Milloway received a call from a landowner advising that his neighbors just shot something with a rifle. The
THREE STORIES AND YOU’RE OUT A caller found images of two persons on his game camera, along with photos of a deer eating corn and later a dead deer on the ground. The last image was of a person moving the camera. Comal County Game Warden Michael McCall responded and found blood and a noticeable drag on the ground. Following the drag, McCall ended up at a nearby residence, where he found the severed head of an 8-point buck hanging in a tree from an electrical cord. The deer’s hide was found in a separate tree. While interviewing the resident, McCall observed blood on a pair of shoes on the porch. When confronted, the man said a friend wardens were unable to locate anyone at the suspected neighbor’s property or in the neighboring subdivision. They returned to the neighbor’s property to get a vantage point into the backyard of several of the houses in the subdivision, and using night-vision optics, observed several individuals; one left on a 4-wheeler, the second in an SUV, while the third went into the residence. The wardens went back to the subdivision to speak with the residents. As Bayless went to the front door, Milloway went to the backyard where the three individuals were previously seen. Bayless spoke with the wife and then the husband, who both stated that no one was hunting nor had they heard gunshots. While Bayless was speaking with the residents, Milloway advised that he found blood on the grass in the backyard. When the owner of the house saw the blood in the yard, he admitted that his son shot a deer and took the deer to his house. The wardens went to the son’s house and noticed the SUV parked in the driveway and a 4-wheeler in the backyard by the
at work gave him the deer, but he couldn’t remember the friend’s name. Next, he said that he hit the deer with his truck and cut the deer’s throat to put it down before he loaded it in his truck to take home. McCall looked in the bed of the truck and found no signs of blood. Finally, the resident said he found the deer dead on the neighbor’s land and dragged it to his home for processing. The resident maintained that he had not killed the deer and only took it home because he didn’t want it to go to waste. The man was cited for possession of an untagged deer and warned about trespassing.
shop. Two men were inside the shop cleaning a doe. The son admitted to shooting the doe and received a citation for hunting white-tailed deer in a closed season. The deer and rifle were seized. JAVELINA DUMPED IN BRUSH, SHOOTERS CITED FOR WASTE OF GAME A group of dove hunters were contacted by Jim Hogg County Game Warden Carlos Maldonado when he heard shotgun shots in the distance. Maldonado made contact with hunters riding in a utility vehicle who admitted to shooting a javelina with semi-automatic rifles. When the hunters were asked for their hunting licenses, one of them asked about bag limits of javelina. The hunters then admitted to dumping the javelina in the brush. The hunters who harvested the javelina received citations and were educated on waste of game laws. The javelina was retrieved from the brush and donated to a needy family. Civil restitution and cases pending.
SHOOTING SMALL BUCK FROM ROAD BRINGS TRIP TO JAIL A tip of a possible buck being shot off a roadway was received by Shelby County Game Warden Anthony King. King contacted Capt. Thomas Jenkins, who was nearby. At the location, both wardens found the suspected truck with fresh blood all over the tailgate. They then found an 8-point buck with a 10-inch spread hanging. The subject had a .30-06 rifle in the truck and it had a spent brass in the chamber. An arrest warrant was issued and the subject was taken to jail. Multiple charges and restitution are pending. CAMP FULL OF CITATIONS Houston County Game Warden Eddie Lehr cited a man at a hunting camp for hunting white-tailed deer in a closed season, taking white-tailed deer by illegal means or methods, and gave him warnings for an untagged deer. Lehr cited another camp member for hunting without a license. Lehr then discovered a couple of deer hairs on
a skinning gambrel and a couple of old blood spots on a 4-wheeler. When two of the hunters arrived back at the camp, Lehr asked them if they had killed any deer this season. One of the subjects replied “No, only hogs.” When Lehr pulled a deer hair from the skinning gambrel and showed it to him, the subject began to shake and said, “Yes, that’s a deer hair, but I don’t know who killed it.” After a short interview, the man said his dad had killed a young doe. Lehr asked the father if he had killed any deer this season and he replied, “No.” After a short interview, he admitted to killing a young doe with a rifle. Cases pending. MEN ‘CLEARING AREA TO HUNT’ ACTUALLY STEALING COPPER WIRE Harris County Game Warden Ross Sidman was investigating a call regarding possible poaching. A caller reported seeing a man with feed and a rifle on the property clearing an area of the woods with a piece of construction equipment. When approached, the man said he was setting up an area to hunt. While out on the property investigating, Sidman heard the sound of a machine coming from the property next door. Sidman observed two subjects using an old 4X4 truck and a trencher to dig up and pull out tons of bundled copper wire. The truck bed was already full of copper wire when the warden made contact with the individuals and placed both into handcuffs. Sidman found a loaded .22 rifle and a meth pipe. A total of 14 grams of methamphetamine and numerous possible stolen tools were found. One of the individuals was a convicted felon and both subjects were arrested. — TPWD
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TEXAS SALTWATER FISHING REPORT Limits up GALVESTON BAY — Flounder limits go back to five fish per person on Monday, Dec. 15, and flounder gigging guides like Capt. Greg Verm are already scouting for big flatfish. Verm ran several trips the week before the limit change, and said good numbers of flounder are around, and the best time to gig a real trophy is around Christmas. “Great trip,” he said on 2coolfishing.com. “We saw 18 flounder in 1 1/2 hours. (We) did get some real nice ones and a couple that were 16-17 inches. We could have hunted longer for more big ones, but figured we’d get them quick and let the kids have some fun. There are still plenty flounder left in Galveston Bay — last year, our best weeks of gigging giant fish were the first two weeks before Christmas and the two weeks after.” To contact Capt. Greg Verm, call (409) 739-8526.
Trout on top
EAST MATAGORDA BAY — The top-water speckled trout bite has been solid in the
NORTH SABINE: Trout are fair to good under the birds when the wind allows. Redfish are good in the marsh on plastics tipped with shrimp. Trout and redfish are good while drifting shell and mud on plastics. SOUTH SABINE: Sheepshead and black drum are good at the jetty on live shrimp. Trout are fair around the Reef on live shrimp. Trout are good for waders working slow–sinkers on the Louisiana shoreline. BOLIVAR: Trout are fair to good on the south shoreline on soft plastics and plugs. Black drum and redfish are good at Rollover Pass. TRINITY BAY: Trout are good for drifters working pods of shad and mullet on soft plastics and scented plastics. Redfish are good at the spillway on crabs and mullet. Trout are good over deep shell and shad. EAST GALVESTON BAY: Trout are fair to good on the south shoreline on top-waters and soft plastics. Whiting and sand trout are good on
the edge of the Intracoastal on fresh shrimp. WEST GALVESTON BAY: Trout are fair to good in the mud and shell on MirrOlures and Corkies. Sheepshead, redfish and black drum are good at the jetty on shrimp and crabs. TEXAS CITY: Sand trout and croakers are good from the piers on fresh shrimp. Redfish are good in the holes in Moses Lake. FREEPORT: Sand trout and sheepshead are good on live shrimp on the reefs. Redfish and black drum are fair to good in Cold Pass and San Luis pass on cracked blue crabs. EAST MATAGORDA BAY: Trout are fair for drifters on live shrimp over humps and scattered shell. Redfish are good on the edge of the Intracoastal on crabs and mullet. Flounder are fair on Brown Cedar Flats on jigs tipped with shrimp. WEST MATAGORDA BAY: Redfish are fair to good on the south shoreline in the guts and bayous. Redfish are good in the holes on the
Cecil, Castledine take fi rst PTT event on Sam Rayburn Another start to a season and teams fishing the Platinum Team Trail are already chasing two familiar names atop the leaderboard. Anglers Russell Cecil and Todd Castledine won the PTT Sam Rayburn Open Dec. 7 with a total weight of 36.03 pounds, besting the secondplace team of Charles Bebber and Kris Wilson by almost 10 pounds. Cecil and Castledine also caught the tournament’s big bass — a 10.27-pound bass. The next PTT event is scheduled for June on Lake Ray Roberts. — Staff report
In the surf
BEACHES OF FREEPORT — The beachside bite along the Upper Coast has been decent this month, according to surf angler reports. The best bite for big redfish has been on the back half of an incoming tide. A light wind, along with moving tidal water, has been key to find biting fish. Along with big redfish, some trout, flounder and sharks have also been caught using cut bait such as squid and mullet, dead and live shrimp and Fishbites. — Conor Harrison
north shoreline. Trout are fair on shell on soft plastics. PORT O’CONNOR: Trout and redfish are fair on Corkies over soft mud in waist–deep water in San Antonio Bay. Trout and redfish are fair for drifters working the back lakes and the mouths of drains with live shrimp. ROCKPORT: Redfish are fair to good at California Hole on shrimp. Trout are fair on the edge of the channel on glow DOA Shrimp and scented plastics. Redfish are fair to good in the holes along the Estes Flats on mullet and shrimp. PORT ARANSAS: Redfish are fair to good on the East Flats on scented plastics and mullet. Sand trout are good on shrimp in the channel. CORPUS CHRISTI: Redfish are good in the Humble Channel on crabs and table shrimp. Trout are best on the edge of the flats on live and DOA Shrimp.
BAFFIN BAY: Trout are fair to good in mud and grass on Corkies and Gamblers. Redfish are good in the Land Cut and on the edge of the channel on shrimp and scented plastics. PORT MANSFIELD: Trout are fair to good on DOA Shrimp under a popping cork around grass holes. Redfish are fair to good while drifting potholes. Trout are fair on muddy shorelines and on the edge of the channel on Corkies and MirrOlures. SOUTH PADRE: Trout and redfish are fair to good on the edge of the Intracoastal on DOA Shrimp and scented plastics. Redfish, black drum and mangrove snapper are fair to good in the channel on shrimp. PORT ISABEL: Trout are good over mud bottoms around the bars and drop–offs on scented plastics and shrimp. Redfish are fair to good around the Drum Boats and Mexiquita Flats. — TPWD
Good up and down the coast
Austin offi cials want to ban boardwalk fi shing Austin officials have proposed banning fishing from the city’s $28.1 million boardwalk along Lady Bird Lake and fining violators up to $500. The parks department is pushing for a fishing ban on the wooden boardwalk, because officials fear anglers might hook passers-by while casting. Assistant Director Kim McNeeley told the Austin American-Statesman the department doesn’t have figures on how many people might be fishing from the boardwalk. No complaints or reports of injuries have been filed since the boardwalk opened in June. But officials believe the measure is a necessary precaution, she said. The fishing ban proposal will be the subject of a public hearing before the City Council later this month. — Staff report
guts along East Matagorda Bay, according to multiple angler reports. Lots of smaller trout are being caught on bone- and silver-colored top-waters, with some bigger fish being picked up, as well. When the top-water bite falls off as the water temperatures rise during the day, anglers have switched to soft plastics such as Manic Mullets. Search for working birds above bait to find trout. Depths between 3 and 6 feet are offering the best bite. The bite seems to shut off on a hard north wind.
Mild December creates diverse bite across the board By Steve Schwartz
Aransas bays. Mike Bohac, a guide out of Port O’Connor, said the trout bite has Based on reports from north to south along the Texas Coast, anglers been good and redfish activity in the slot size is picking up in the shalare sure to have success with one species or another. low water. From Port Mansfield to the Texas-Louisiana border at Sabine Pass, “I’ve been going out to the Victoria Barge Canal and doing very guides are reporting solid bites, just from different species in differ- well,” Bohac said. “The fishing has really picked up after the cold ent areas. fronts settled in — we’ve been Chad Kinney, in the Lower seeing a lot of trout in about 14 Laguna Madre, said the trout feet of water. Redfish are biting bite has picked up following along the reeds in Guadalupe cold fronts on his end of the Bay, too.” lower coast. He said water temperatures “Lately, we’ve been having a have stabilized in the high 50s, lot of luck on trout in about 4 making tactics to entice a bite feet of water,” Kinney said. “It’s more predictable for anglers been good from Arroyo City to along the midcoast. the Land Cut in my area.” “The bays are really Kinney attributed the cooler pretty right now,” he said. water (now in the low 60s) to “Conditions are looking good.” the better trout bite, as well On the north end of the as the lack of pressure from coast, the flounder run is still anglers during December. Soft hanging around — though not paddletails have been the most for long, according to Sabine productive lure on his charters. Lake guide Mike Cacciotti. Up to the north, guide Steven “We are averaging about 10 Simanek has been targeting flounder per person on the sheepshead and black drum, Louisiana side,” Cacciotti said. and having a lot of success. Caciotti said the warm con“We are seeing the sheepsditions have moved the trout head in really good numbers a bit shallow, into the muddier right now, and we’ve also been areas and the redfish are keepseeing good amounts of black ing shallow in the reeds. Bites drum,” Simanek said. across the board at Sabine have Simanek said he’s been soakbeen consistent. Flounder are ing mullet and live shrimp generally being caught off of across the board, which have drop-offs in about 8 to 10 feet been producing well. The TAKE YOUR PICK: Redfi sh are just one of the many species having a productive bite during sheepshead are holding deeper our mild December. From Port Mansfi eld all the way up to Sabine Lake, anglers are bringing of water, and high salinity levels are making the estuaries betin the bays, and the black and in good catches. Photo by Lone Star Outdoor News. ter than normal for this time of red drum are tending to hold year. shallower in Corpus Christi and
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EITHER SHOT WORTH A SHOT: According to the new study, a shotgun barrel’s choke is much more of a variable than the type of shot used. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.
Study reveals lead, steel shot are comparable Continued from page 1
Recent dove hunter surveys indicate that some hunters still believe nontoxic shot to be inferior to lead. “Our findings address the efficiency of lead and nontoxic shot on mourning dove,” said Corey Mason, a TPWD wildlife biologist and one of the authors of the report. “There continues to be a spirited national discussion on the use of lead and other types of shot and these results help inform one aspect of the conversation.” Several states have already banned the use of lead shot. When asked if Texas had any future plans to begin discussions on possibly banning lead shot, Mason said they view this study as one point of clarification, along with hunters’ attitude, costs, etc. “This is just one data point that we will look at,” Mason said. TPWD officials believe the research findings may be useful to Texas hunters as they make decisions on the type of loads they choose for dove hunting. “We absolutely believe in hunter choice and we also want hunters to be as informed as possible on matters affecting their outdoor pursuits,” said Carter Smith, TPWD executive director. “Dove are a shared international resource, and the question about whether or not lead shot should be banned for dove hunting is not something Texas is prepared to make independent of other jurisdictions and based solely on the findings of this study. This research offers an important data point in the larger discussion, but there are many other factors to consider.” The necropsy analyses included birds being weighed, defeathered by hand
and orientated to match an X-ray. Radiographs were used to locate embedded pellets, identify broken bones and to verify penetration depths for those pellets that had not passed through the bird. Wound channel depth and angle were calculated. An internationally recognized shotgun ballistics expert, who has authored more than a dozen similar studies involving waterfowl and upland game birds, designed the study. The study examined three 12-gauge, 2 3/4-inch loads designed and manufactured to mirror loads that are used most often by dove hunters. The different load types included: 1 1/8 ounce of No. 7 1/2 lead shot, 1 ounce of No. 6 steel shot, and 1 ounce of No. 7 steel shot. The study ammunition was provided by Polywad, Inc. — a shotgun shell developer and manufacturer located in Georgia. They were the only company to respond to a TPWD request for proposal asking shell manufactures to provide ammo. The shot outcomes did not differ overall, nor within either of the distance categories. The biggest variable, according to the study, was hunter aim and shooting ability. However, the study found very little difference in number of pellets in each bird, although pattern density did change depending on different chokes used. “Based on our results, changes in ammunition use should not alter population harvests, and therefore should not impact mourning dove bag limits or season lengths,” the study said. The study cost $500,000. Go to LSONews.com to read the complete study.
Market owner gives the gift of fish to needy Continued from page 8
other discards to a local order of Korean nuns, who make seafood soup for the convent. Like many game processors, Alegria wanted to help feed the needy on a grander scale. But most programs that encourage hunters to donate excess game do not accept seafood, according to Lee Pipkin, the food resources director for Feeding Texas, an oversight group that coordinates hunters, processors, landowners, state agencies and organizations that distribute game. There was a time when local food banks and homeless kitchens accepted venison, wild pork and even waterfowl and fish directly from hunters and anglers.
But most programs today encourage or demand donations go through government-inspected and certified processors. Alegria contacted the newspaper where the article was published and, in turn, got in touch with the Food Bank of Corpus Christi. He offered to accept donated fish from anglers, fillet, package, freeze and store the fillets, with no processing fee attached. James Burnett, the food bank’s operations manager, readily accepted the offer, saying seafood would be a special treat for the folks he serves. Alegria believes his father would be proud.
WINTER DOVE HUNTING Starting Dec. 19. Over Sesame Seed Fields in Uvalde County. Contact Mark Roberts. www.MarkRoberts DoveHunting.com (830) 261-9467
TROPHY BASS AND BIRD HUNTING Fish famous Lake Guerrero. Hunt Dove, Quail, Ducks. Please contact Lago Vista Lodge today! dickyn@ lagovistalodge.com (713) 376-3938 or (281) 495-9296
PROFESSIONAL GUIDE SERVICE CEDAR BAYOU OUTFITTERS Capt. Jeff Sims (361) 403-7510
SOUTH PADRE FISHING Reds, Trout, Flounder, Snook. Everything supplied but food and licenses. Multiple trip discounts. Call Capt. Thomas for details or CDCT12005@aol.com. CustomSportsAnglers.com (956) 551-1965
HUNTING EXOTICS $100/DAY GUIDE FEE, Plus trophy fee. Non-trophy $250-$350. Whitetail — High Fence $1,000-$1,500. Near Junction. Owner. (325) 475-2100
TROPHY WHITETAIL BUCK HUNTS Intensive Management Program. Lodging included. (940) 362-4219
TDHA - JOIN TODAY TEXAS DOVE HUNTERS ASSOC. TexasDoveHunters.com (210) 764-1189
BRING MORE DEER TO YOUR FEEDER CALL ‘EM IN FEEDER PLATES – THE DINNER BELL FOR DEER Take advantage of the deer season special — 3 plates with universal u-bolts only $32.50. Go to BuckCanyonWelding.com Call (575) 390-6200
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS & MAPPING RANCH & HUNTING, AGRICULTURE, ENVIRONMENTAL, BalboaMapCompany.com (806) 777-8840
ARROWHEADS AND ARTIFACTS I buy and sell authentic Texas artifacts. Please call Nick. (210) 557-9478
POETRY SHOOTING CLUB 700-yard range, range target camera, quail hunting preserve, dog training, shooting classes, day leases Dove, duck & deer Poetryshootingclub.com (214) 728-2755
COMPLETE TEXAS DUCK STAMP PRINT COLLECTION Signed and numbered. Call Steve. (817) 832-8078
DECOYS WANTED WOODEN Duck and Goose. Top prices paid. Ask for David. (214) 361-2276
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LSONews.com
NATIONAL Professional hunters pay tribute to rhino pioneer The Professional Hunters’ Association of South Africa paid tribute to the contribution of internationally acclaimed South African conservationist Dr. Ian Player to the development of South Africa’s wildlife industry. Player, who passed away Dec. 2, is largely credited for bringing the southern white rhino back from the brink of extinction in the ’50s through his work as senior ranger for the then Natal Parks Board (today KZN wildlife). A survey of the white rhino population in the Umfolozi Game Reserve at the time, then the last stronghold of the white rhino, established that there were fewer than 400 left. Player had the foresight to realize the dangers of keeping the last remaining rhino in one area. He quickly moved to first relocate some of these rhinos to the rest of South Africa’s state parks and then to promote their inclusion on the hunting list to encourage landowners to keep them on their property, signaling the start of the country’s multi-billion (dollar) wildlife industry. Today, South Africa has some 20,000 rhino, representing 80 percent of the world’s total population, most of which are privately owned. “Dr. Ian Player is without a doubt the grandfather of conservation in South Africa today. It is because of his work with the white rhino that this iconic species has become the symbol of South Africa’s conservation success,” said Adri Kitshoff, PHASA chief executive. — PHASA
USFWS completes evaluation for Mexican wolves After reviewing extensive public comments, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has completed its evaluation of proposed changes to its Mexican wolf reintroduction program in Arizona and New Mexico. In releasing its final Environmental Impact Statement on new provisions proposed under the Endangered Species Act in 2013 and revised last summer, the Service sets the stage for a final decision on the changes in the program in January 2015. “We have received and analyzed more than 40,000 comments on the proposed changes as part of developing the Environmental Impact Statement, as well as consulted with state agencies, tribes, and other stakeholders,” said Benjamin Tuggle, the Service’s Southwest regional director. “We believe the preferred alternative strikes the best balance in terms of what is needed to reestablish a genetically diverse wolf population while supporting the interests of other stakeholders on a working landscape.” In the final EIS, the Service evaluates four alternatives for proposed revisions to the regulations for the nonessential experimental population of the Mexican wolf including a preferred alternative that would include: • Expanding the areas within which Mexican wolves can be released and translocated to disperse and occupy. • Extending the Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area’s southern boundary from I-40 to the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona and New Mexico to provide for a larger area where management flexibility applies. • Clarifying definitions in the rule, including provisions for take of Mexican wolves when attacking livestock and non-feral dogs, or as needed to manage wild ungulate populations (particularly elk and deer), and • Providing for a population objective of 300-325 Mexican wolves in the MWEPA. — USFWS
Wired Arrow Outdoors owners, pro-staff charged An Illinois Conservation Police investigation into the Wired Arrow Outdoors television show has resulted in the company’s owners, David T. Brugger and Ryan Ederer, pro-staff members Nathan Fahndrich, Jospeh Cater, Wade Childs and Jeremy Howard, and guests Michael Porter and Susan Porter, being charged with 134 wildlife violations, including the taking of 18 deer illegally in Illinois. After viewing videos of hunts that aired
or were uploaded to Youtube, Conservation Police determined that hunting and filming were conducted on properties in the Chicago region without permission from landowners making hunting permits invalid. Hunting and filming allegedly took place on properties owned by several private companies, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and the Village of Lansing. During the investigation, it was determined the pro-staff members had unlawfully harvested a total of 18 white-tailed deer, including 10 bucks and eight does, nearly all of which were aired on television. — Illinois DNR
Idaho poacher receives jail time What started out as a deer spotlighting case eventually resulted in exposing a poaching spree that lasted for three months and was responsible for the illegal killing of at least 8 deer, one elk, and a moose. At sentencing that concluded on November 14, District Judge Dane Watkins Jr. sentenced Adam Harris of Archer, Idaho and Brandon Harris of Ririe, Idaho with lifetime license revocations, jail time and combined fines over $100,000. In October of 2011, Madison County Sheriff’s deputies observed a vehicle spotlighting on the fields above Cress Creek Trail. A deputy attempted to stop the vehicle, and after a short chase the vehicle became stuck in the snow, and the suspects fled on foot. Conservation Officers from Idaho Fish and Game, with assistance from Idaho Bureau of Probation and Parole, and Madison County Sheriff’s Office began investigating. This was an especially egregious case of poaching, because the animals were killed at a time of the year when they are very vulnerable and concentrated on the winter range. The investigation showed that several more animals were wounded and never recovered. — IFGD
House hearing looks at red snapper A hearing was held by the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs on the Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Conservation Act. Introduced by Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus members Congressman Jeff Miller (Fla.) and Congressman Cedric Richmond (La.), H.R. 3099 would give the states, under a cooperative management plan developed through the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, the authority to manage the red snapper fishery in the Gulf of Mexico. Currently, recreational anglers and state management agencies in the Gulf of Mexico have low confidence in the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management Council’s ability to manage the red snapper fishery. Robert Barham, secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, testified at the hearing. “We have tried to work through the council process, but the council process is not working,” said Barham. “If it was [working], there would be no reason for this bill and I would not be standing before you today. NMFS itself even recognizes that new and innovative solutions are needed to manage the Gulf red snapper fishery. The Gulf states are that solution.” While the red snapper population rapidly rebuilds, management of the fishery has grown increasingly contentious, as recreational anglers are given fewer and fewer days to fish. — Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation
Blue marlin caught with Gatorade bottle Rather than toss his empty Gatorade bottles into the trash or recycling bin, Jeff Rogers reuses them in a most imaginative way. The fishing captain from Hawaii’s Kona Coast fashions them into big-game fishing lures, dresses them up with vinyl strips, and has found this invention — he names each lure “Gator”— to outperform many of his pricey store-bought models. That became evident when a client with Rogers, who skippers the Aloha Kai, landed a 671-pound blue marlin while fishing with one of the Gatorade bottle lures. — Pete Thomas Outdoors
LSONews.com
LoneOStar Outdoor News
A BAD SCENE: Department of Public Safety troopers pulled Herb Booth from his mangled truck 600 yards from the crossing. Photo by DPS.
Booth leaves a legacy of art Continued from page 1
impact.” Booth underwent neck surgery at Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple on November 28. Peter Booth said after the surgery, his father suffered a heart attack and became unresponsive. Friends of the artist were saddened hear of his passing. “I knew him and knew him well for a long time,” said Bubba Wood of Collectors Covey in Dallas. “He was a terrific artist and an even better person. Of all of the hunting and fishing artists in Texas, nobody fished or hunted more than Herb.”
Wood recalled debates about bird dogs with Booth, and said he was a dyed-in-the-wool German shorthair man. “His dogs were as good as any English pointers,” he said. “He had some really good dogs. “He died doing what he loved to do. Pulling a trailer-full of dogs to go pheasant hunting. It was like going to heaven right there.” Booth became famous in the Texas art world in the 1970s when he exhibited his Texas coastal hunting and fishing watercolors. He frequently donated his original art, valued in the thousands of dollars, to organizations like DU and CCA.
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DUCKS ON A POND: Hunting has been hit or miss for duck hunters through the first split, but many hunters were happy with the variety of ducks shot. Photo by Lone Star Outdoor News.
Chuckle and chatter
Lots of ducks in the area, but many becoming call shy By Conor Harrison Lone Star Outdoor News
Divers, puddle ducks and even some mallards! Duck hunters are reporting a good first split to the season, which ended Dec. 7 in the North Zone and Nov. 30 in the South Zone. “The first split went awesome,” said Reed Foster of Cut ’Em Down Outfitters, based in Crandall. “We shot limits with five hunters almost every time out with good numbers
of gadwall, teal, wigeon and pintails. The mallards started showing up these last two weeks and we had some great hunts.” Foster said there are also a lot of divers in the area, but he has been trying not to shoot those with so many puddle ducks also around. Hunters can be choosy when the birds are flying so well. “We’ve been able to pull puddle ducks all day long,” he said. “The geese started showing up about three weeks ago and we’ve also Please turn to page 23
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HEROES
Billy Gerke found the big reds in late September fishing in the Upper Laguna Madre.
Dustin Rogers took his first bow buck on Oct. 12 in Coke County.
Leithan Abbott, 8, took this nice pronghorn at 150 yards with his dad’s .243 — the same gun his dad used on his first pronghorn.
Victoria hunter Clayton Perry took his first buck on Nov. 1.
SHARE AN ADVENTURE
n Want to share hunting and fishing photos with other Lone Star Outdoor News readers? Email them with contact and caption information to editor@lonestaroutdoornews.com. High-resolution original jpegs only. Mail prints to Heroes, Lone Star Outdoor News, P.O. Box 551695, Dallas, TX 75355.
Tyler Moores, 11, along with his mom, Gayla, enjoyed a dove hunt in Palo Pinto where Tyler shot his first dove.
Heather Downes was fishing in Copano Bay when she caught this 30-inch black drum.
LSONews.com
LoneOStar Outdoor News
December 12, 2014
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Matching big brother 10-year-old hunter having a great season By Robert Clark
For Lone Star Outdoor News My daughter Alyssa Clark loves to be outdoors hunting and fishing when she is not involved in school or sports. She is very competitive, and when she found out her 12-year-old brother would start bow hunting this year, she wanted to participate as well. Unfortunately, Alyssa is not quite strong enough to shoot a compound bow that would be sufficient to take a deer, even though she practices with her Mathew’s Genesis regularly. Alyssa asked me what she could do so that she could participate in bow season, as well. Earlier this summer, we bought a crossbow for Alyssa to use hunting. Alyssa spent all summer shooting both her Genesis and the crossbow to become proficient at different distances. She also studied trail camera photos of deer where she intended to hunt to try and learn their patterns. On October 11, her practice and patience paid off. Alyssa got into her stand early on Saturday morning at her grandfather’s ranch in Lavaca County. She likes to get to the stand early in case she spooks deer while going to her stand, so the deer have time to return. Perched high in a two-person ladder stand, Alyssa spotted a doe coming. Alyssa waited for the deer to offer a good broadside shot before taking aim. We called Alyssa’s mom and brother to see if they wanted to come help us follow the blood trail. After waiting what seemed like forever to Alyssa, her mom reached the stand and the tracking began. Alyssa carefully followed the blood trail, making sure to keep mom and dad behind her to allow her to find the deer on her own. Once the deer was found, Alyssa also thought it was important to drag the deer herself. Earlier this year, her brother shot a nice 10-pointer on our small family ranch in Caldwell County. Alyssa, not to be outdone, began studying trail camera photos carefully trying to find another mature buck. Alyssa found a few bucks that appeared to be mature, but no matter which stand she chose to sit at with
dad, the buck she was after would never show. Eventually, she decided she should try something different to change her luck. On Saturday, Nov. 8, she decided she should ask her mom to sit with her. While sitting for an evening hunt with her mother, a buck showed himself just as legal shooting hours were ending. Unfortunately, the buck never presented a good shot opportunity. Because Alyssa had seen a deer sitting with mom the evening before, she decided it was a good idea to sit with mom one more time in an area she thought the buck may have been headed to the night before. On Sunday, Nov. 9, her patience paid off. The deer she was after crossed a trail around 8 a.m. with his nose to the ground. Unfortunately, again the buck did not offer a good shot before dis-
appearing into the thick brush. Lucky for Alyssa, only a few seconds later the deer came back down the trail headed the other direction. This time, the deer offered a broadside shot. Having seen the buck just a few minutes earlier, Alyssa was already in shooting position. When the deer stopped for a moment, Alyssa clicked the safety off and asked her mom if she was ready. After the shot, the deer kicked and made a half-circle before quickly expiring in sight. My phone immediately began vibrating from a call. It was Alyssa on the other line telling me the big one was down and to come quick. By the time I arrived, Alyssa and her mother were already taking photos.
LITTLE GIRL, BIG DEER: After numerous attempts with no success, Alyssa Clark proudly shows her buck taken on a small family ranch in Caldwell County. Photo by Robert Clark.
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TEXAS SUN, MOON AND TIDES Moon Phases Houston 2014 Dec.
A.M. Minor Major
P.M. Minor Major
12Fri 13Sat 14Sun 15Mon 16Tue 17Wed 18Thu 19Fri 20Sat 21Sun 22Mon 23Tue 24Wed 25Thu 26Fri 27Sat 28Sun 29Mon 30Tue 31Wed
10:45 4:34 11:31 5:20 ----- 6:03 12:34 6:45 1:15 7:26 1:55 8:07 2:37 8:50 3:22 9:35 4:11 10:24 5:03 11:18 6:01 ----7:02 12:47 8:04 1:50 9:07 2:53 10:08 3:55 11:06 4:53 ----- 5:48 12:26 6:39 1:14 7:27 2:00 8:13
11:06 4:56 11:52 5:41 12:14 6:25 12:56 7:07 1:37 7:49 2:19 8:31 3:02 9:15 3:49 10:02 4:38 10:52 5:32 11:47 6:30 12:45 7:31 1:16 8:33 2:19 9:35 3:21 10:35 4:22 11:32 5:19 12:01 6:13 12:51 7:04 1:40 7:53 2:26 8:39
Last
First
New
Dec. 14
Full
Dec. 28
Dec. 22
Jan. 5
Solunar Sun times Moon times SUN Rises Sets
8:06 8:07 8:07 8:08 8:09 8:09 8:10 8:10 8:11 8:11 8:12 8:12 8:13 8:13 8:14 8:14 8:14 8:15 8:15 8:15
6:22 6:22 6:22 6:23 6:23 6:23 6:24 6:24 6:25 6:25 6:26 6:26 6:27 6:27 6:28 6:28 6:29 6:29 6:30 6:31
MOON Rises Sets
NoMoon 12:19p 12:10a 12:53p 1:01a 1:27p 1:53a 2:01p 2:46a 2:36p 3:40a 3:15p 4:37a 3:56p 5:35a 4:42p 6:35a 5:33p 7:34a 6:30p 8:31a 7:30p 9:25a 8:34p 10:15a 9:39p 11:02a10:45p 11:46a11:49p 12:28p NoMoon 1:09p 12:52a 1:50p 1:54a 2:32p 2:55a 3:16p 3:55a
Dallas 2014 Dec.
A.M. Minor Major
P.M. Minor Major
12Fri 13Sat 14Sun 15Mon 16Tue 17Wed 18Thu 19Fri 20Sat 21Sun 22Mon 23Tue 24Wed 25Thu 26Fri 27Sat 28Sun 29Mon 30Tue 31Wed
10:51 4:40 11:36 5:26 ----- 6:09 12:40 6:51 1:21 7:32 2:01 8:13 2:43 8:56 3:28 9:41 4:16 10:30 5:09 11:24 6:07 ----7:07 12:53 8:10 1:56 9:13 2:59 10:14 4:01 11:12 4:59 ----- 5:53 12:32 6:44 1:20 7:33 2:06 8:19
11:12 5:01 11:58 5:47 12:20 6:30 1:02 7:13 1:43 7:54 2:25 8:37 3:08 9:21 3:54 10:08 4:44 10:58 5:38 11:52 6:36 12:50 7:36 1:22 8:39 2:24 9:41 3:27 10:41 4:27 11:38 5:25 12:06 6:19 12:57 7:10 1:45 7:58 2:32 8:45
SUN Rises Sets
8:19 8:20 8:21 8:21 8:22 8:22 8:23 8:24 8:24 8:25 8:25 8:26 8:26 8:26 8:27 8:27 8:28 8:28 8:28 8:28
6:20 6:21 6:21 6:21 6:22 6:22 6:22 6:23 6:23 6:23 6:24 6:24 6:25 6:25 6:26 6:27 6:27 6:28 6:29 6:29
MOON Rises Sets
NoMoon 12:27p 12:14a 1:00p 1:07a 1:33p 2:00a 2:06p 2:53a 2:40p 3:49a 3:17p 4:47a 3:58p 5:46a 4:43p 6:46a 5:34p 7:46a 6:30p 8:43a 7:31p 9:36a 8:35p 10:26a 9:42p 11:11a 10:48p 11:54a 11:54p 12:34p NoMoon 1:14p 12:59a 1:54p 2:02a 2:35p 3:04a 3:17p 4:05a
San Antonio 2014 A.M. Dec. Minor
12Fri 13Sat 14Sun 15Mon 16Tue 17Wed 18Thu 19Fri 20Sat 21Sun 22Mon 23Tue 24Wed 25Thu 26Fri 27Sat 28Sun 29Mon 30Tue 31Wed
Major
10:57 4:47 11:43 5:32 12:03 6:16 12:47 6:58 1:27 7:39 2:08 8:20 2:50 9:02 3:35 9:48 4:23 10:37 5:16 11:30 6:13 ----7:14 12:59 8:17 2:03 9:20 3:06 10:21 4:07 11:19 5:06 ----- 6:00 12:38 6:52 1:26 7:39 2:13 8:26
P.M. Minor Major
11:19 5:08 ----- 5:54 12:27 6:37 1:08 7:19 1:50 8:01 2:32 8:43 3:15 9:27 4:01 10:14 4:51 11:05 5:45 11:59 6:42 12:57 7:43 1:29 8:45 2:31 9:47 3:33 10:48 4:34 11:45 5:32 12:13 6:26 11:04 7:17 1:52 8:05 2:39 8:52
SUN Rises Sets
8:18 8:18 8:19 8:20 8:20 8:21 8:21 8:22 8:23 8:23 8:24 8:24 8:24 8:25 8:25 8:26 8:26 8:26 8:27 8:27
6:35 6:35 6:36 6:36 6:36 6:37 6:37 6:37 6:38 6:38 6:39 6:39 6:40 6:40 6:41 6:41 6:42 6:43 6:43 6:44
MOON Rises Sets
NoMoon 12:32p 12:23a 1:06p 1:14a 1:40p 2:06a 2:14p 2:59a 2:50p 3:53a 3:28p 4:49a 4:10p 5:48a 4:56p 6:47a 5:47p 7:46a 6:43p 8:43a 7:44p 9:37a 8:48p 10:28a 9:53p 11:15a 10:58p 11:59a NoMoon 12:41p 12:02a 1:22p 1:05a 2:03p 2:07a 2:45p 3:08a 3:29p 4:08a
Amarillo 2014 Dec.
A.M. Minor Major
P.M. Minor Major
SUN Rises Sets
12Fri 13Sat 14Sun 15Mon 16Tue 17Wed 18Thu 19Fri 20Sat 21Sun 22Mon 23Tue 24Wed 25Thu 26Fri 27Sat 28Sun 29Mon 30Tue 31Wed
11:11 5:00 11:56 5:46 12:16 6:29 1:00 7:11 1:41 7:52 2:21 8:33 3:03 9:16 3:48 10:01 4:36 10:50 5:29 11:44 6:27 ----7:27 1:13 8:30 2:16 9:33 3:19 10:34 4:21 11:32 5:19 12:02 6:13 12:52 7:04 1:40 7:53 2:26 8:39
11:32 5:21 ----- 6:07 12:40 6:50 1:22 7:33 2:03 8:14 2:45 8:57 3:28 9:41 4:14 10:28 5:04 11:18 5:58 12:12 6:56 13:10 7:56 1:42 8:59 2:44 10:01 3:47 11:01 4:47 11:58 5:45 12:26 6:39 1:17 7:30 2:06 8:18 2:52 9:05
8:46 8:46 8:47 8:48 8:48 8:49 8:49 8:50 8:51 8:51 8:52 8:52 8:52 8:53 8:53 8:54 8:54 8:54 8:55 8:55
6:34 6:34 6:34 6:35 6:35 6:35 6:36 6:36 6:36 6:37 6:37 6:38 6:38 6:39 6:40 6:40 6:41 6:41 6:42 6:43
MOON Rises Sets
NoMoon12:50p 12:34a 1:22p 1:27a 1:53p 2:21a 2:25p 3:16a 2:59p 4:12a 3:35p 5:11a 4:15p 6:11a 4:59p 7:12a 5:49p 8:12a 6:45p 9:09a 7:47p 10:02a 8:52p 10:50a 9:59p 11:34a 11:07p 12:16p NoMoon 12:55p 12:14a 1:34p 1:20a 2:12p 2:24a 2:52p 3:28a 3:34p 4:30a
Legend: Major=2 hours. Minor=1 hour. Times centered on the major-minor window. For other locations, subtract 1 minute per 12 miles east of a location, and add 1 minute per 12 miles west of a location.
Sabine Pass, north Date
Time
Height Time Height Time Height Time Height
Dec 12 1:02 PM 0.1L Dec 13 4:25 AM 0.7L Dec 14 4:35 AM 0.5L Dec 15 5:00 AM 0.3L Dec 16 5:30 AM 0.1L Dec 17 6:02 AM -0.1L Dec 18 6:36 AM -0.3L Dec 19 7:13 AM -0.6L Dec 2012:15 AM 1.2H Dec 2112:48 AM 1.3H Dec 22 1:27 AM 1.3H Dec 23 2:12 AM 1.3H Dec 24 3:03 AM 1.2H Dec 25 4:04 AM 1.1H Dec 2612:31 AM 0.6L
9:07 PM 7:09 AM 10:18 AM 11:49 AM 12:51 PM 1:38 PM 2:17 PM 2:54 PM 7:51 AM 8:32 AM 9:15 AM 10:00 AM 10:47 AM 11:36 AM 5:23 AM
1.2H 0.7H 0.7H 0.9H 1.0H 1.1H 1.3H 1.4H -0.7L -0.8L -0.9L -0.9L -0.7L -0.5L 1.0H
1:55 PM 0.3L 2:57 PM 0.5L 4:07 PM 0.6L 5:16 PM 0.7L 6:15 PM 0.8L 7:03 PM 0.9L 7:43 PM 0.9L 3:31 PM 1.4H 4:10 PM 1.4H 4:51 PM 1.4H 5:33 PM 1.4H 6:16 PM 1.3H 7:00 PM 1.3H 12:29 PM -0.3L
9:44 PM 10:15 PM 10:41 PM 11:04 PM 11:26 PM 11:49 PM
1.2H 1.1H 1.1H 1.1H 1.1H 1.2H
8:21 PM 8:59 PM 9:41 PM 10:29 PM 11:25 PM
1.0L 1.0L 0.9L 0.9L 0.8L
7:44 PM 1.2H
Galveston Bay entrance, north jetty Date
Time
Height Time Height Time Height Time Height
0.9L 0.7L 0.6L 0.4L 0.2L -0.1L -0.3L -0.4L -0.6L 1.2H 1.2H 1.2H 1.2H 0.8L 0.6L
San Luis Pass Date
Time
0.1L 0.3L 0.4L 0.3L 0.1L 0.0L -0.2L -0.4L 0.9H 1.0H 1.0H 1.0H 1.0H 0.9H 0.6L
Freeport Harbor Time
Dec 12 12:12 PM Dec 13 4:37 AM Dec 14 4:48 AM Dec 15 5:05 AM Dec 16 5:26 AM Dec 17 5:49 AM Dec 18 6:17 AM Dec 19 6:49 AM Dec 20 7:25 AM Dec 21 8:04 AM Dec 22 8:47 AM Dec 23 9:32 AM Dec 2410:20 AM Dec 2511:11 AM Dec 26 1:51 AM
Rollover Pass Date
Time
Dec 12 1:05 AM Dec 1312:43 AM Dec 1412:48 AM Dec 15 1:05 AM Dec 16 1:26 AM Dec 17 1:48 AM Dec 18 2:11 AM Dec 19 2:35 AM Dec 2012:47 AM Dec 2112:41 PM Dec 22 1:23 PM Dec 2312:08 AM Dec 2412:24 AM Dec 2512:25 AM Dec 2612:13 AM
0.9H 0.8H 0.8H 0.9H 1.1H 1.2H 1.4H 1.5H 1.6H -0.7L -0.7L -0.7L -0.6L 1.1H 0.9H
1:11 PM 1:46 PM 2:15 PM 2:52 PM 5:29 PM 6:17 PM 7:02 PM 8:02 PM 9:20 PM 4:39 PM 5:19 PM 6:06 PM 6:54 PM 11:48 AM 12:41 PM
0.2L 0.4L 0.6L 0.8L 0.9L 1.0L 1.1L 1.2L 1.2L 1.7H 1.6H 1.6H 1.5H -0.4L -0.2L
8:59 PM 9:23 PM 9:23 PM 9:18 PM 9:39 PM 10:14 PM 10:58 PM 11:41 PM
1.4 H 1.3H 1.2H 1.2H 1.2H 1.2H 1.2H 1.2H
10:02 PM 1.1L 10:41 PM 1.1L 11:25 PM 0.9L 7:34 PM 1.5H 8:06 PM 1.4H
Height Time Height Time Height Time Height
Dec 12 1:10 PM Dec 13 1:52 PM Dec 14 6:00 AM Dec 15 6:09 AM Dec 16 6:25 AM Dec 17 6:46 AM Dec 18 7:12 AM Dec 19 7:43 AM Dec 2012:09 AM Dec 2112:42 AM Dec 22 1:23 AM Dec 23 2:10 AM Dec 24 3:04 AM Dec 25 4:10 AM Dec 26 1:03 AM
Date
4:51 AM 8:12 AM 10:06 AM 11:35 AM 12:38 PM 1:43 PM 2:45 PM 3:27 PM 4:03 PM 8:43 AM 9:31 AM 10:15 AM 11:00 AM 4:19 AM 5:28 AM
9:34 PM 10:04 PM 10:10 AM 12:06 PM 1:27 PM 2:23 PM 3:08 PM 3:49 PM 8:18 AM 8:57 AM 9:39 AM 10:23 AM 11:10 AM 11:59 AM 5:39 AM
0.9H 0.9H 0.6H 0.6H 0.7H 0.9H 1.0H 1.0H -0.5L -0.6L -0.6L -0.6L -0.5L -0.4L 0.7H
2:42 PM 3:51 PM 5:23 PM 6:45 PM 7:42 PM 8:21 PM 4:30 PM 5:11 PM 5:53 PM 6:34 PM 7:15 PM 7:53 PM 12:51 PM
0.4L 0.5L 0.7L 0.7L 0.8L 0.8L 1.1H 1.1H 1.1H 1.0H 1.0H 0.9H -0.2L
10:29 PM 10:50 PM 11:09 PM 11:26 PM 11:45 PM
0.9H 0.9H 0.8H 0.9H 0.9H
8:52 PM 9:25 PM 10:03 PM 10:49 PM 11:48 PM
0.9L 0.9L 0.9L 0.8L 0.7L
8:30 PM 0.9H
Height Time Height Time Height Time Height
0.4L 0.8L 0.7L 0.5L 0.3L 0.1L -0.1L -0.3L -0.4L -0.5L -0.6L -0.6L -0.5L -0.3L 0.9L
8:28 PM 7:30 AM 9:35 AM 11:26 AM 12:46 PM 1:42 PM 2:27 PM 3:09 PM 3:50 PM 4:32 PM 5:14 PM 5:54 PM 6:34 PM 7:10 PM 5:06 AM
1.5H 0.9H 0.9H 1.0H 1.2H 1.4H 1.6H 1.7H 1.8H 1.8H 1.8H 1.8H 1.7H 1.6H 1.0H
12:55 PM 1:58 PM 4:03 PM 6:18 PM 7:56 PM
0.6L 0.8L 0.9L 1.1L 1.1L
12:06 PM 0.0L
8:56 PM 9:21 PM 9:44 PM 10:05 PM 10:20 PM
1.4H 1.3H 1.2H 1.2H 1.1H
7:44 PM 1.4H
Height Time Height Time Height Time Height
1.0H 1.0H 1.0H 1.0H 1.0H 1.0H 1.0H 1.0H 0.9L -0.5L -0.5L 1.1H 1.0H 0.9H 0.8H
3:55 PM 4:22 PM 8:54 AM 9:17 AM 9:45 AM 10:14 AM 10:47 AM 11:22 AM 2:59 AM 11:15 PM
0.1L 0.2L 0.4L 0.2L 0.1L -0.1L -0.2L -0.4L 1.0H 1.1H
2:06 PM 2:48 PM 3:31 PM 4:16 PM
-0.5L -0.4L -0.3L -0.1L
12:11 PM 0.5H 2:35 PM 0.5H
4:55 PM 0.3L 5:35 PM 0.5L
7:51 PM 0.9H 8:54 PM 1.0H 12:00 PM -0.5L
11:30 PM 0.9L 10:04 PM 1.0H
Date
Time
Dec 12 12:53 AM Dec 13 1:02 AM Dec 1412:58 AM Dec 15 7:51 AM Dec 16 7:49 AM Dec 17 8:16 AM Dec 18 8:51 AM Dec 19 9:30 AM Dec 20 10:11 AM Dec 2110:54 AM Dec 2211:38 AM Dec 2312:29 AM Dec 24 1:21 AM Dec 25 2:00 AM Dec 2612:23 AM
Rockport Date
Time
Dec 12 6:12 AM Dec 13 1:10 AM Dec 1412:20 AM Dec 1512:04 AM Dec 1612:01 AM Dec 1712:06 AM Dec 1812:16 AM Dec 1912:33 AM Dec 2012:57 AM Dec 21 1:29 AM Dec 22 2:08 AM Dec 23 2:52 AM Dec 24 3:38 AM Dec 25 4:26 AM Dec 26 5:14 AM
Port Aransas Date
Time
Dec 12 11:44 AM Dec 1312:20 PM Dec 14 4:35 AM Dec 15 5:08 AM Dec 16 5:39 AM Dec 17 6:08 AM Dec 18 6:36 AM Dec 19 7:03 AM Dec 20 7:32 AM Dec 21 8:06 AM Dec 22 8:43 AM Dec 2312:50 AM Dec 24 1:52 AM Dec 25 3:01 AM Dec 2612:07 AM
Height Time Height Time Height Time Height
0.7H 0.6H 0.5H 0.2L 0.1L 0.0L -0.1L -0.2L -0.3L -0.3L -0.4L 0.6H 0.6H 0.5H 0.4H
2:51 PM 3:25 PM 3:55 PM 11:10 PM 10:11 PM 9:55 PM 9:35 PM 9:57 PM 10:43 PM 11:35 PM
0.1L 0.1L 0.2L 0.5H 0.5H 0.5H 0.6H 0.6H 0.6H 0.6H
12:22 PM 1:06 PM 1:50 PM 2:32 PM
-0.4L -0.4L -0.3L -0.2L
11:41 PM 0.5H
Height Time Height Time Height Time Height
0.2H 0.2H 0.2H 0.2H 0.2H 0.2H 0.2H 0.2H 0.2H 0.2H 0.2H 0.2H 0.2H 0.1H 0.1H
4:04 PM 4:20 PM 4:22 PM 8:14 AM 8:48 AM 9:23 AM 10:01 AM 10:42 AM 11:26 AM 12:12 PM 12:58 PM 1:44 PM 2:26 PM 3:02 PM 3:29 PM
0.0L 0.0L 0.1L 0.1L 0.0L 0.0L -0.1L -0.1L -0.2L -0.2L -0.2L -0.2L -0.2L -0.2L -0.2L
12:19 PM 0.1H
3:50 PM 0.1L
Height Time Height Time Height Time Height
0.1L 0.2L 0.4L 0.3L 0.2L 0.0L -0.1L -0.2L -0.3L -0.4L -0.5L 0.9H 0.8H 0.7H 0.5L
7:47 PM 8:15 PM 7:46 AM 9:11 PM 3:56 PM 2:55 PM 3:34 PM 4:13 PM 4:51 PM 5:26 PM 5:55 PM 9:24 AM 10:07 AM 10:52 AM 4:22 AM
0.8H 0.8H 0.5H 0.7H 0.6H 0.7H 0.8H 0.9H 0.9H 0.9H 0.8H -0.5L -0.4L -0.3L 0.6H
12:57 PM 0.4L
8:44 PM 0.7H
6:00 PM 0.6L 7:26 PM 0.7L
9:35 PM 0.7H 9:52 PM 0.7H
8:23 PM 6:15 PM 6:26 PM 6:42 PM 11:38 AM
0.8L 0.8H 0.8H 0.7H -0.1L
9:10 PM 0.8L 10:15 PM 0.7L 7:04 PM 0.7H
South Padre Island Date
Time
Dec 12 12:12 PM Dec 1312:47 PM Dec 14 4:53 AM Dec 15 5:02 AM Dec 16 5:24 AM Dec 17 5:49 AM Dec 18 6:18 AM Dec 19 6:51 AM Dec 20 7:28 AM Dec 21 8:09 AM Dec 22 8:53 AM Dec 23 9:38 AM Dec 2410:26 AM Dec 2511:14 AM Dec 26 1:30 AM
East Matagorda Date
Time
Dec 12 12:16 AM Dec 1312:40 AM Dec 14 6:09 AM Dec 15 6:34 AM Dec 1612:08 AM Dec 1712:14 AM Dec 18 9:00 AM Dec 19 9:24 AM Dec 2012:23 AM Dec 2112:46 AM Dec 2212:12 AM Dec 2312:14 AM Dec 2412:25 AM Dec 25 1:46 PM Dec 26 3:11 AM
Height Time Height Time Height Time Height
0.3L n n 8:57 PM 0.4L 9:08 PM 0.7L 8:32 AM 0.5L 11:42 AM 0.3L 2:06 PM 0.2L 2:57 PM 0.0L 3:41 PM -0.1L 4:26 PM -0.3L 5:10 PM -0.4L 5:54 PM -0.4L 6:32 PM -0.4L 7:01 PM -0.3L 7:22 PM -0.1L 7:37 PM 1.0L 3:51 AM
1.2H 1.1H 0.7H 0.8H 1.0H 1.1H 1.2H 1.4H 1.4H 1.5H 1.4H 1.4H 1.3H 1.2H 1.0H
1:24 PM 0.6L 2:16 PM 0.8L 5:17 PM 0.9L
9:18 PM 1.0H 9:22 PM 1.0H 9:10 PM 1.0H
12:05 PM 0.1L
7:50 PM 1.1H
Height Time Height Time Height Time Height
0.4H 0.4H 0.2L 0.2L 0.4H 0.4H 0.1L 0.0L 0.5H 0.5H 0.5H 0.5H 0.5H 0.1L 0.3L
2:45 PM 3:19 PM 11:41 AM 3:23 PM 6:47 AM 6:55 AM 5:37 PM 6:57 PM 9:38 AM 10:01 AM 10:30 AM 11:05 AM 12:16 PM 11:52 PM 5:18 AM
0.1L 0.2L 0.3H 0.3H 0.2L 0.1L 0.4H 0.5H 0.0L 0.0L 0.0L 0.0L 0.0L 0.4H 0.4H
11:47 PM 5:53 PM 6:04 PM 4:08 PM 11:33 PM 9:54 PM 10:16 PM 7:44 PM
0.4H 0.2L 0.3L 0.4H 0.4H 0.4L 0.4L 0.5H
11:30 PM 0.4H 2:15 PM 0.1L
11:49 PM 0.4H 6:17 PM 0.3L 11:57 PM 0.4H 10:03 PM 0.4L
Texas Coast Tides
Dec 12 2:17 AM Dec 13 2:52 AM Dec 14 4:02 AM Dec 15 5:05 AM Dec 16 5:31 AM Dec 17 6:00 AM Dec 18 6:32 AM Dec 19 7:08 AM Dec 20 7:52 AM Dec 2112:23 AM Dec 22 1:17 AM Dec 23 2:28 AM Dec 24 3:27 AM Dec 2512:20 AM Dec 26 1:13 AM
Port O’Connor
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LoneOStar Outdoor News
Page 23
Split reports are in from duck hunters
Hunter takes first buck with antique rifle at 65
Continued from page 18
By Conor Harrison Lone Star outdoor newS
Cousins Darrell Green and James Reed have a history of hunting together the past several years. When Reed purchased property near Blue between Lexington and Elgin, the pair began to chase bucks on the property. One buck in particular caught both hunters’ eyes, although antler restrictions made them hold off. “We had been looking at an old buck,” Green said. “He had one antler that went straight up and another that went straight down next to his face. He had four total points but the game warden said we couldn’t shoot him. I’m not sure how you’d measure spread on a deer like that. He really didn’t have a spread.” Green said because the buck was off-limits, the pair were just hoping for a legal buck to appear. Reed had never killed a deer before, so Green was hoping to find him a nice buck. “James was shooting an antique, open-sighted .30-06,” Green said. “He could hit a beer can at 75 yards, so I knew he was ready. I wasn’t going to let him go out and wound something on his first deer.”
December 12, 2014
A LONG, WORTHWHILE WAIT: James Reed holds the antlers of the 10-point buck, the first buck for the 65-year-old. Photo by Darrell Green.
It was about 9:45 a.m. one early December morning when a doe appeared in front of the hunters. “We were about to give up for the morning,” Green said. “The doe was acting real spooky and nervous, so I told James we needed to wait and see if a buck was following her.” When a mature 10-pointer appeared at 75 yards, Green gave Reed the green light. “This buck walked up and I got my spotting scope on him and told James I know he’s at least 13-inches wide and to shoot him,”
Green said. “I didn’t know how big the buck was until I walked up to him after James had made a perfect neck shot — dropped him like a sack of potatoes. I walked up and knew it was a great trophy.” Green said his cousin was happy, but wasn’t as excited as Green was. “I’ve been hunting a long time and this buck was bigger than anything I’ve ever killed,” he said. “He was a novice, but I was the one who was jealous. “He made me very proud and envious.”
been killing a few of them. Wood ducks and mergansers are also finally here.” Foster said loud, aggressive calling has not been the ticket during the first split. “Ducks have been very call-shy in our area this year, but they are eating up the chuckle and chatter,” he added. Farther north, outfitter JJ Kent wasn’t quite as positive about the split season. “The birds are extremely stale right now,” Kent said of the North Texas conditions. “We saw some mallards, gadwalls and pinnies, but mainly the mallards don’t even want to work.” Water conditions are near perfect, however, which Kent said makes him hopeful — but it doesn’t matter if the birds keep settling in like they have recently. “It being 75 degrees in December doesn’t help much at all,” he said. “The typical early migrators have made their push to the coast, and we have been seeing way too many spoonbills for this time of the year.” Kent said the areas his outfitters relied on last year aren’t producing birds at all, leaving them scrambling for new areas. While the birds may not be up in the air, he said they are there. It will only take a positive change in the weather conditions to bring everything together. “Some of the habitat here looks incredible,” Kent said. “We have lots of great properties and we are
ready for the birds. We just haven’t seen what we are looking for yet.” On the coastal prairies, hunters had a good first split with some unusual numbers of birds. “We had one of the better splits we’ve ever had,” said Daniel Kubecka with Run-N-Gun Outfitters. “We harvested 1,009 birds during 35 hunts for about a 29-bird average per hunt. We were hunting all private property on the coastal prairie between Palacios and El Campo.” Kubecka said the area held a lot of teal up until around Thanksgiving, before a cold front pushed those birds out. “We had a lot of gadwalls early,” he said. “We also saw a lot of early mallards after the big arctic blast. When it warmed up to normal temperatures, though, those mallards headed out. We normally don’t shoot a mallard until late in the second split, but they came early this season. We also shot a lot of pintails and spoonbills.” Kubecka said the coastal prairie is holding big numbers of geese right now, but the ducks haven’t stayed around — something he doesn’t like with the second split right around the corner. “We’ve got flooded millet fields with almost no ducks on them,” he said. “Hopefully, they will show up. The guys in the bay had a very hit-or-miss first split. It was great on some days and some days it was really rough. “Just very inconsistent for bay hunters.”
Page 24
December 12, 2014
LoneOStar Outdoor News
LSONews.com
OUTDOOR PUZZLER ACROSS 1. Main fin on a fish 4. A family of bottom fish 9. A spring bowfishing quarry 10. A bow division, ___ bow 11. A tiger’s foot 12. Oil prevents this on gun parts 16. A pheasant habitat 20. A trout food source 22. Game trail 23. A female pheasant 24. Anglers use this gauge 28. Very valuable furbearer 30. A favorite of some wingshooters 31. A shredded antler 32. A bass 33. A male elk 34. A salmon 35. A creel is a ___ basket 36. Part of a stag’s racks
FOR THE TABLE
*email LSON your favorite recipe to news@lonestaroutdoornews.com.
Honey grilled duck 5 ducks, skinned 1 large onion, finely chopped 1/2-1 cup honey, to taste 1/4 cup soy sauce Fresh garlic to taste, chopped or minced 1/4 cup butter 1/2 cup brown sugar 2 tsps. dry mustard Combine all of the ingredients, except the ducks, in a saucepan. Heat just boiling, reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes stirring occasionally. Place the ducks in a large baking dish. Pour the sauce over the ducks. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hours. Turn a couple of times while baking. — allrecipes.com
By Wilbur “Wib” Lundeen Solution on Page 33
DOWN 1. A species of the bighorn 2. The antlers 3. They come in many colors 5. A small game predator 6. A salmon 7. Good duck blinds are ___ 8. Back movement of a fly cast 13. A feature of a very large animal 14. A wounded gamebird 15. Preparing camp for rain runoff 17. Very good walleye bait 18. A gun choke adjustment 19. A trout 21. Of the weasel family 25. Another name for a bowfin 26. Pheasants that prefer not to fly 27. Blue or sage 29. Name for a certain rabbit
Venison Parmesan 1 1/2 pounds deer steaks, about 1/4-inch Garlic salt Pepper 1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 eggs 1/4 cup water 1/2 cup flour 1/4 cup olive oil 1 1/2 cups spaghetti sauce Sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese Cooked noodles Fresh parsley Pound steaks to tenderize. Season to taste with garlic salt and pepper. In a bowl, combine the bread crumbs and parmesan cheese. In another bowl, beat the eggs and
water together. Place the flour in another bowl. Dip the meat into the flour and then into the eggs. Then press each side into the crumb mixture. Place on a plate or baking dish in a single layer. Refrigerate for 20 minutes. Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the meat and brown on both sides. Place in a greased baking dish. Cover each piece with the sauce. Cover with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until tender. Serve over noodles and garnish with parsley. — backwoodsbound.com
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LoneOStar Outdoor News
December 12, 2014
Page 25
Page 26
December 12, 2014
LoneOStar Outdoor News
LSONews.com
LSONews.com
Pheasant numbers up, but not too much Continued from page 5
“Hunters have been very respectful of the low numbers,” he said. “If you can find good CRP or grain crops with roadside ditches and some cover, you’ll likely see a few birds this season. We still aren’t close to the numbers we had five years ago, but it is improving.” Malone said he would focus on areas in Roberts and Ochiltree counties that fit the above criteria for the area’s best hunting. “We’ve had a few calls from pheasant hunters asking where to go,” he said. “I ran eight routes this year and saw one bird, so it still has a long ways to go.” Other biologists said Deaf Smith County might also be a good place to search for birds. “We had a route in Deaf Smith where we saw three or four birds,” said Calvin Richardson, district leader for the Panhandle. “The next week, the biologist was going to run another route, but because of rainfall, he couldn’t make it down the road, so he went back and redrove the route he did the week before. He saw 27 or 29 birds. “We haven’t had a route that good since at least 2010. Hunters should expect a lot of walking this year.” Pheasant season runs from Dec. 6 through Jan. 4, 2015 in the 37-county Panhandle region. — Staff report
LoneOStar Outdoor News
December 12, 2014
Page 27
Waterfowl season dates
Regular Season
High Plains Mallard Management Unit Oct. 25 - 26, 2014 Oct. 31, 2014 - Jan. 25, 2015 North Zone Nov. 1 - Dec. 7, 2014 Dec. 20, 2014 - Jan. 25, 2015 South Zone Nov. 1 - 30, 2014 Dec. 13, 2014 - Jan. 25, 2015
“Dusky” Duck High Plains Mallard Management Unit Nov. 3, 2014 - Jan. 25, 2015 North Zone Nov. 6 - Dec. 7, 2014 Dec. 20, 2014 - Jan. 25, 2015 South Zone Nov. 6 - 30, 2014 Dec. 13, 2014 - Jan. 25, 2015
Canada Geese Season
East Zone Sept. 13 - 28, 2014 Nov. 1, 2014 - Jan. 25, 2015
Light and Dark Geese West Zone Nov. 1, 2014 - Feb. 1, 2015
Light Geese East Zone Nov. 1, 2014 - Jan. 25, 2015
Light Geese (Conservation Order) West Zone Feb. 2 - Mar. 22, 2015 East Zone Jan. 26 - Mar. 22, 2015
White-fronted Geese East Zone Nov. 1, 2014 - Jan. 11, 2015
*To see complete season dates, go to tpwd.texas.gov
GOOD BOY: Waterfowl retrievers should get more work in the second split of the duck season, starting soon. Photo by Lone Star Outdoor News.
Page 28
December 12, 2014
LoneOStar Outdoor News
PIERCE HOHENSEE, 6, HARVESTED THE BIG HOG WHILE HUNTING WITH HIS DAD, SCOTT, IN NOVEMBER IN GUADALUPE COUNTY. HE USED A .300 BLACKOUT AND MADE A PERFECT 100YARD SHOT.
Nikon will send your 10x42 ProStaff 7 binoculars. You can check out the entire line at the nearest dealer:
See a full selection of Nikon products at:
Nagel’s Gun Shop
6201 San Pedro Ave. San Antonio, TX, 78216 nagelsguns.net (210) 342-5420
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HUNTER’S CHOICE: Some hunters are against certain practices regarding the hunting of breeder deer, while others believe the hunter has the right to choose from different legal methods to hunt. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.
Facebook group stirs up controversy Continued from page 4
sus small landowners who can now intensely manage their wildlife. He and other breeders started the competing Facebook page, Texans for Saving our Whitetail Heritage. “I think the folks who say they represent Texans for Saving our Hunting Heritage only represent a very small portion of Texas hunters,” Clark said. “(The discussion’s tone) is disappointing, but I feel like that is exactly what they want — they are divisive. We are the unifying voice for Texas hunters.” Sanders, a Texas Wildlife Association director, said the fight isn’t against high-fence hunters, just current practices in deer breeding she thinks have gone too far. “We don’t have an issue with deer breeding — it started out to supplement populations and improve genetics,” Sanders said. “We just think what is happening now damages our reputation as hunters and there is a boundary we don’t want to cross.” Clark said deer breeders, by law, have to have an existing relationship with a certified veterinarian, and the deer are perfectly fine to hunt and consume. “I think the most important thing is all deer breeders are required to have an established relationship with a vet in Texas,” he said. “That cornerstone relationship with deer breeders and vets is the core issue — we have the most regulated wildlife industry in Texas. When their group says they want to ‘reign in’ deer breeders, I don’t know what to say.” Sanders said the aim of her group isn’t to kill deer breeding, just to make sure it is better regulated and the public is better informed. “There is middle ground,” she said. “We aren’t in this to kill deer breeding — we just want them to ID (their released bucks) and give them more time to become acclimated to
the wild.” On the Texans for Saving our Hunting Heritage page, the posts run from attacks to those questioning why one group should hold sway over another when it comes to hunting, to people supporting change. “Who are you to say what hunting is or isn’t?” asked Scott Flatt on Dec. 8 post. “Hunting and the pursuit of game need only to be justified by the person doing it. It is not up to you to say how or what or how a person hunts. It has always been a sport of individuals and friends.” In Freer on a recent afternoon, hunters Rudy Jaime and Jeff Karter were shopping for equipment at a local store. Neither had a problem with landowners who breed deer. Karter said he does both. “We have property that we hunt on or if I’m invited to go hunt on a ranch or do a paid hunt, I’ll do that,” Karter told Brian Mylar of KSAT 12 in San Antonio. “It’s more about the camaraderie.” Jaime said he understands why landowners breed deer. “It’s another way of making money,” Jaime said. “It’s a way of being able to make a living for a lot of ranchers and a way to pay taxes.” As of press time, the Texans for Saving our Hunting Heritage page had more than 10,000 “likes,” and the Texans for Saving our Whitetail Heritage page had nearly 800. Many people liked the pages to become part of the discussion, either for or against the issues presented. Several proposed bills on the issues are anticipated during the next legislative session.
Armstrong to be honored Continued from page 7
Commission by then-Gov. George W. Bush. In 2001, she became the first woman chairman. As chairman, Armstrong oversaw the development of the Land and Water Resources Conservation and Recreation Plan, a strategic plan that will guide Texas Parks and Wildlife’s conservation efforts for decades. The creation of the Texas Quail Council was among her proudest achievements. “I love the practical aspects of applying the research that is being done,” she said. “I’ve spent the last 10 to 15 years working hard to get landowners, both big and small, compensated, or at least rewarded, for doing the right things to benefit quail and other species. The challenges we face are tough, but they aren’t insurmountable. Step one is the research. Step two is getting that research on the ground and we must do a lot more in that regard.” Currently, Armstrong is the founding president of Taking Care of Texas, a statewide conservation initiative founded by former First Lady Laura Bush. She also founded
the South Texas Native Plant Restoration Project at Texas A&M Kingsville, and is chairman of the Armstrong Center for Energy & the Environment at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. She serves as president of Natural Resources Solutions, LC, an environmental consulting firm based in Austin. When asked about her favorite part of Texas to hunt quail, Armstrong said she wouldn’t fall into that trap. “I love it all,” she said. “Quail hunting in South Texas is hard to beat, but I was introduced to blue quail several years ago and that is a whole ’nother learning experience. Getting to know the new plants and animals out in West Texas. And when those quail run, they really run. “It is so different but equally as fabulous.” The award will be presented at the 2015 Park Cities Quail Dinner and Auction, March 5 in Dallas. — Staff report
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LoneOStar Outdoor News
December 12, 2014
Page 29
Snackin’ in the blind Hunters share what keeps them satisfied
Who knew hunters had so much to say about a Zebra Cake? When Lone Star Outdoor News decided to post on Instagram and Facebook, asking just what hunters like to snack on when they sit in the blind, there was a slew of opinions — some funny, some helpful — about what keeps people’s stomachs full while their waiting out their prey in the blind. There was no clear winner. Technically, Zebra Cakes won with a whopping two votes from the peanut gallery, but the camo-clad connoisseurs had plenty to say about what they munch on. Check out some of the best responses, along with the nutritional value added in. Based on the choices from our committed readers, the nutritional values won’t sway most opinions:
“Cosmic Brownies. No Competition” — twade_richburg Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies: 122 calories, 2g protein, 27g sugar “Zingers!” — ksochris
Hostess Zingers: 160 calories, 0g protein, 21g sugar
“Ruffles baby! Even though they’re quite noisy. Trick is to kill a few 1st then chow down! Haha” — RandyandRainbow Crain Ruffles: 15 chips – 160 calories, 2g protein, 2g sugar “I have to take a bag of white powdered donuts into the blind for snacks. For the kids of course.” — Chris Breeden Hostess Donettes: 4 donuts – 250 calories, 3g protein, 15g sugar “My mother-in-law’s homemade brownies and coffee!” — John Biela II Mother-in-law’s brownies: lots of brownie points “Dill pickles.” — Wall E Mrtz
Dill Pickle: 2 calories, 0g protein, 0g sugar
“Definitely Little Debbie Pecan Twirls.” — Brandon Shuler Little Debbie Pecan Spinwheels: 100 calories, 1g protein, 7g sugar
AN OFFICE FAVORITE: Lone Star Outdoor News appreciates the fi ner taste in our hunting blinds; for instance, the sophisticated, rich taste of Little Debbie Zebra Cakes (330 calories, 2g protein, 32g sugar). It may not be the healthiest option, but it can warm just about anyone up on a cold day. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.
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December 12, 2014
LoneOStar Outdoor News
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>>
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R.A.P.T. 1400 E-COLLAR: D.T. Systems’ new Rapid Access Pro Trainer (R.A.P.T.) 1400 ECollar utilizes a hands-free transmitter design that allows a hunting dog trainer or owner to position the transmitter securely on a hand in a variety of positions so corrections can be made instantly, without having to fumble with the transmitter. The system has an easily accessed button located on top of the unit that can be programmed to three different correction functions. Its “Gentle Touch” stimulation feature allows for 16 levels of stimulation that can be adjusted with the easy-toturn dial. The R.A.P.T. system sells for about $220 to $230. Each additional collar costs about $130. (888) 588-8364
>>
(810) 512-4120
ACCUSHARP PULL-THROUGH SHARPENER: Fortune Products’ newest sharpener is ideal for hunting or fishing knives. This commercial-grade knife sharpener combines diamond-honed tungsten carbide sharpening blades with ceramic rods for honing. Its heavy-duty ergonomically designed soft-grip handle provides a stable and comfortable platform for sharpening knives. Available in three color combinations (white/blue, orange/green and black/gray), it sells for under $20.
ESKY COOLER: Coleman’s new line of Esky coolers are designed with outdoorsmen and women mind. These containers will hold ice 44 percent longer than its competitors, based on independent testing. The coolers also feature a cutting board for game preparation, anti-microbial lining to prevent mold and mildew and catch-free latches attached to the lid for convenience. The coolers come in 55-, 85-, 135- and 205-quart sizes and sell for $339 to $750. (888) 588-8364
>>
BLACK LIGHTNING: This odorless, nontoxic and waterproof graphite/silicone wax lubricant from Pro Release, Inc., comes in an easy-to-carry tube that bowhunters can take out to the field should they need to lubricate bow strings, servings and other parts of their equipment. This long-lasting, allpurpose product provides maximum lubrication not only for bow strings and servings but also for hard-to-fit nocks, arrow tips, and moving parts such as cams, eccentric wheels and axles. The Black Lightning penetrates and coats to reduce friction and wear on a variety of materials such as wood, metal, plastic, rubber and more. A .57-ounce tube sells for about $6.
>>
(866) 537-0384 OLYMPIAPRODUCTS.COM
>>
LSONews.com
LoneOStar Outdoor News
December 12, 2014
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December 12, 2014
LoneOStar Outdoor News
LONE STAR MARKET
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LoneOStar Outdoor News
December 12, 2014
SUNDAY
SATURDAY
FRIDAY
THURSDAY
WEDNESDAY TUESDAY
MONDAY
Prime Time | December Time 6:00 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM 8:30 PM 9:00 PM 9:30 PM 10:00 PM 10:30 PM 11:00 PM 11:30 PM Midnight Time 6:00 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM 8:30 PM 9:00 PM 9:30 PM 10:00 PM 10:30 PM 11:00 PM 11:30 PM Midnight Time 6:00 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM 8:30 PM 9:00 PM 9:30 PM 10:00 PM 10:30 PM 11:00 PM 11:30 PM Midnight Time 6:00 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM 8:30 PM 9:00 PM 9:30 PM 10:00 PM 10:30 PM 11:00 PM 11:30 PM Midnight Time 6:00 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM 8:30 PM 9:00 PM 9:30 PM 10:00 PM 10:30 PM 11:00 PM 11:30 PM Midnight Time 6:00 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM 8:30 PM 9:00 PM 9:30 PM 10:00 PM 10:30 PM 11:00 PM 11:30 PM Midnight Time 6:00 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM 8:30 PM 9:00 PM 9:30 PM 10:00 PM 10:30 PM 11:00 PM 11:30 PM Midnight
OUTDOOR CHANNEL HeadHunters TV Whitetail Freaks Legends of the Fall Gregg Ritz’s Hunt Masters Ridge Reaper Heartland Bowhunter Gregg Ritz's Hunt Masters Scentblocker’s Most Wanted Jim Shockey’s Uncharted
PURSUIT CHANNEL F&Ts Freedom Outdoors Avian X Canadian Whitetails Real Shot Outdoors Just Hunt The American Way Spook Nation Love of the Hunt Cabela’s Deer Gear TV
HeadHunters TV Heartland Bowhunter Swarovski OPTIK Quest OUTDOOR CHANNEL Inside Outdoors TV Flesh and Blood The Hit List Ted Nugent Spirit of the Wild Mossy Oak’s Hunting the Country Driven with Pat and Nicole Drury’s THIRTEEN Dream Season Eastman’s Hunting TV Shawn Michael’s MRA Primos Truth About Hunting Drury’s THIRTEEN A Fight to Survive OUTDOOR CHANNEL Shooting USA’s Impossible Shots Midway USA’s Gun Stories The Gunfather Remington Country Shooting USA
Flyway Highways TNT Outdoor Explosion Winchester & Drurys Natural Born
American Rifleman TV NRA’s All Access Midway USA’s Gun Stories The Gunfather Shooting USA Midway USA’s Gun Stories OUTDOOR CHANNEL The Fowl Life Summit’s High Places Beyond the Hunt The Hunt with Greg and Jake Realtree Roadtrips Realtree’s NASCAR Outdoors Bow Madness Jim Shockey’s Uncharted PSE’s Wild Outdoors The Jackie Bushman Show The Crush with Lee and Tiffany Ultimate Hunting OUTDOOR CHANNEL Solo Hunter Jim Shockey’s Uncharted Winchester Legends Fear No Evil Primal Instinct Razor Dobbs Alive Winchester Rack Masters Driven with Pat and Nicole Deadliest Hunts Mossy Oak’s Hunting the Country Michael Waddell’s Bone Collector Jim Shockey’s Uncharted OUTDOOR CHANNEL Under Wild Skies Shawn Michael’s MRA Best of the West Steve’s Outdoor Adventures TV Roger Raglin Outdoors Ultimate Hunting Trophy Quest Choose Your Weapon Heartland Bowhunter Fight to Survive Ted Nugent Spirit of the Wild Craig Morgan’s All Access Outdoors Live 2 Hunt OUTDOOR CHANNEL Mathews TV with Dave Watson Crush with Lee and Tiffany Jim Shockey’s Hunting Adventures Wildgame Nation Realtree Outdoors Primos Truth About Hunting The Jackie Bushman Show Michael Waddell’s Bone Collector Craig Morgan All Access Outdoors Red Arrow Jim Shockey’s Hunting Adventures Realtree Roadtrips Dream Season
PURSUIT CHANNEL Double Lung TV Hartcraft Hunting Adventures The Bear Whisperer Bucket List Hank Parker 3D Wildlife Pursuit TV Bowhunting Addiction TV Shoot Straight Bob Redfern Outdoor Magazine Bloodline Spook Nation Woods N Water PURSUIT CHANNEL DU TV Woods N Water Spiritual Outdoor Adventures Honey Brake Experience Gamekeepers of Mossy Oak Save the Habitat, Save the Hunt KT Diaries Hunt Wicked Close Open Season Sportingdog Adventures The High Road w/Keith Warren The Bear Whisperer NWTF 365 PURSUIT CHANNEL Natural Born Midwest Outdoors Struttinbucks Wallhanger TV Backland Experiences Whitetail Diaries Big Boys Adventure Where in the World is Colorado Buck Ultimate Outdoors TNT Outdoor Explosion Ducks Unlimited Boundless Hunting ATSN PURSUIT CHANNEL The Rush Radical Hunter Trigger Time American Airgunner American Trigger Sports Gun Talk TV Championship Season Guns and Gear TV 3 Gun Nation
SPORTSMAN CHANNEL Dropped: Project Alaska 2.0
WORLD FISHING NETWORK River Cottage
Guns & Ammo Davidson’s Gallery of Guns Handguns and Defensive Weapons Ruger Inside and Out Beyond the Battlefield Winchester Archery’s Whitetail Frenzy Guns & Ammo Davidson’s Gallery of Guns Handguns and Defensive Weapons Ruger Inside and Out Beyond the Battlefield SPORTSMAN CHANNEL Dropped: Project Alaska 2.0
Wheels and Reels Southbend's Lunkerville Know Fishing FLW Tour
Realtree’s Monster Bucks Major League Bowhunter Rival Wild Whitetail Properties Savage Outdoors Brad Farris’ Game Plan Realtree’s Monster Bucks Major League Bowhunter Rival Wild Whitetail Properties Savage Outdoors SPORTSMAN CHANNEL MeatEater North American Whitetail Destination Whitetail Mathews Dominant Bucks Buckventures Big Deer TV Adrenaline Junkies North American Whitetail Destination Whitetail Mathews Dominant Bucks Buckventures Big Deer TV SPORTSMAN CHANNEL Dropped: Project Alaska 2.0 Dropped: Project Alaska 2.0 MeatEater The Outfitters Fresh Tracks with Randy Newberg The Zone The Prieferts Dropped: Project Alaska 2.0 MeatEater The Outfitters Fresh Tracks The Zone SPORTSMAN CHANNEL Dropped: Project Alaska 2.0
Show of Support Where in the World is Colorado Buck Just Hunt Gun Talk TV
Bowhunter TV Relentless Pursuit Name the Game Midwest Whitetail Outback Outdoors American Rebel Bowhunter TV Relentless Pursuit Name the Game Midwest Whitetail Outback Outdoors SPORTSMAN CHANNEL Full Draw Adventures Whitetail Fix Hardcore Pursuit World of Sports Afield World of Beretta The Wildlifers Blue Collar Adventures On The Road with Rock and Aaron Hardcore Pursuit World of Sports Afield World of Beretta The Wildlifers Blue Collar Adventures
PURSUIT CHANNEL Carnivore Jason Peterson's Into the Wild Headhunter Chronicles The High Road w/Keith Warren Deer Thugs Winchester & Drury’s Natural Born NWTF 365 Bloodline Brush Country Monsters Save the Habitat, Save the Hunt Just Hunt Hunting with HECS DU TV
SPORTSMAN CHANNEL Bohning’s Whitetail Journey Whitetail Slam Pigman: The Series Gun It with Benny Spies Petersen’s Hunting Adventures Off-Grid Hunter Pure Hunting Travelin’ Hunter Pigman: The Series Gun It with Benny Spies Petersen’s Hunting Adventures Off-Grid Hunter Pure Hunting
Backland Outdoors Carnivore Americana Outdoors PURSUIT CHANNEL Honey Brake Experience Flyway Highway The Grind DU TV Avian X Sportingdog Adventure Hunting with HECS Campfire Stories
Puzzle solution from Page 24
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Bass 2 Billfish The Scott Martin Challenge Facts of Fishing Wheels and Reels Southbend's Lunkerville Know Fishing WORLD FISHING NETWORK Beyond the Cast The Next Bite TV Rod and Rucksack Sportfishing on the Fly Fishing the Flats Sportsman 360 TV Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing The Legacy Experience IGFA Saltwater Adventures Rod and Rucksack Sportfishing on the Fly WORLD FISHING NETWORK Fishing with Bill Miller The Fish Finders Pesca Westcoast Sporting Journal Lindner's Ultimate Angler In the Loop Hooked on Africa George Poveromo's Saltwater Fishing Fins N Skins IGFA Saltwater Adventures Pesca Westcoast Sporting Journal Lindner's Ultimate Angler WORLD FISHING NETWORK Big City Fishing Wild Fish Wild Places Hooked Up with Tom Colicchio Big Coast Sportfishing Reel Animals Fins N Skins Fishful Thinker Canadian Sportfishing Lost Lake IGFA Saltwater Adventures Hooked Up with Tom Colicchio Big Coast Sportfishing Reel Animals WORLD FISHING NETWORK Inside Sportfishing Guided with Mark Melnyk John Gillespie's Water and Woods Fish TV Mitch and Matt's Big Fish FlatsClass Bob Izumi's Real Fishing BC Outdoors Facts of Fishing John Gillespie's Water and Woods Fish TV Mitch and Matt's Big Fish WORLD FISHING NETWORK Fins N Skins Hooked on Africa The Fish Finders Hooked Up with Tom Colicchio South Bend's Lunkerville Fishing the Flats Sportsman 360 TV Sportfishing on the Fly Know Fishing Mitch and Matt’s Big Fish Hooked on Africa The Fish Finders Hooked Up with Tom Colicchio WORLD FISHING NETWORK Mark Berg's Fishing Addiction Wild Fish Wild Places Lindner's Ultimate Angler In the Loop Wheels and Reels Pesca Big Coast Sportfishing Rod and Rucksack Westcoast Sporting Journal Wild Fish Wild Places Lindner's Ultimate Angler World Fishing Journal
Benny Spies
Go back to your roots on Gun it With Benny Spies We all had that friend in high school or college that could fit in with most crowds. Part hunter, part redneck, part hipster, and always a good time in the field, Benny Spies is just one of those guys that we can all relate to. His show, Gun it with Benny Spies, is a lighthearted look at the hunting world with Benny and his cast of friends. Driving around the country from one spot to another in his 1973 RV, known as “The Toaster,” Spies goes on hunting trips ranging from pass-shooting waterfowl in his home state of South Dakota to chasing big whitetails in Texas. What this show lacks in clean and dried production quality, it makes up for in comedy, good hunting and a lot of fun. Like his website says, “This isn’t another one of those hunting shows where everyone is whispering in the woods while waiting for a trophy to appear. This is just a good ’ol boy out hunting with his buddies.” The narration is hilarious at times and you get what you see — an honest hunting show where everyone can relate. I really enjoy this show and it is one of the few hunting shows that I consider can’t-miss. — Conor Harrison
LSON Ratings (1-4 horns)
Production Quality: Narration: Kill Shots: Overall:
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DATEBOOK DECEMBER 13-14
Texas Gun and Knife Show Amarillo Civic Center (830) 285-2575 www.texasgunandknifeshows.com
DECEMBER 14
USA Fishing Trails Bud Light Trail NTX Fall Team Tournament Lake Texoma (469) 955-7808 usafishingtrails.com
DECEMBER 28
Texas Indoor Archery League Texas Archery Academy, Plano Indoor Range (214) 960-4088 texasarchery.info
JANUARY 2-11
Houston Boat Show NRG Center (713) 526-6361 houstonboatshows.com
JANUARY 8-11
Austin Boat and Travel Trailer Show Austin Convention Center (512) 494-1128 austinboatshow.com
JANUARY 9-11
Dallas Woods and Waters Club Youth Doe Hunt, Albany (214) 570-8700 dwwcc.org
JANUARY 14
Weatherby Foundation Awards Dinner (480) 209-1561 weatherbyfoundation.com
JANUARY 15-18
Dallas Safari Club DSC 2015 Convention Dallas Convention Center (972) 980-9800 biggame.org
JANUARY 16-17
Deer Breeders Corp. 7th Annual New Year’s Auction Horseshoe Bay Resort (972) 289-3100 dbcdeer.com
JANUARY 22
Safari Club International Brush Country Chapter 2nd Annual Banquet American Bank Center, Corpus Christi brushcountrysci.com
JANUARY 23-25
Texas Tackle, Hunting and Boat Show Big Town Event Center, Mesquite montgomeryproductions.com
JANUARY 23-28
Houston Safari Club Hunting Expo and Convention The Woodlands (713) 623-8844 houstonsafariclub.org
JANUARY 28
Ducks Unlimited Night with the San Antonio Spurs AT&T Center, San Antonio (830) 221-8046 ducks.org/texas
JANUARY 31
Texas Team Trail Sam Rayburn Tournament (210) 788-4143 texasteamtrail.com
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December 12, 2014
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