DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

deer hunting texas ANNUAL 201 8

At the skinning shed Advice comes from all directions

Advertising Section

NOT JUST BRIGHTER… BETTER

SLIDE FOCUS

FRONT SWITCH

DUAL POWER

RECHARGEABLE or CR123

RECHARGEABLE ALWAYS READY HX5R ULTRA COMPACT RECHARGEABLE FOCUSING FLASHLIGHT PURE BEAM FOCUS FLOOD & SPOT

340

LUMENS BRIGHT

583

FOOT RANGE

IPX4

WEATHER PROOF

LIFE TIME WARRANTY C OA STPORTL AND.C OM

2|

COAST 18-703v01Z 1810A Lone Star - full page - HX5R.indd 1

DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

Lone Star Outdoor News

10/11/18 3:34 PM

inspiring the dreams of hunters and shooters HOFFPAUIR’S HOFFPAUIR’S Lampasas Lampasas (512) 556-5444

SPORTSMANS FINEST SPORTSMANS Bee CaveFINEST Austin (512) 263-1888

ALPINE RANGE

BAILEYS HOUSE OF GUNS

ARENA GUN CLUB

R&M FIREARMS

(512) 263-1888

ALPINE RANGE Fort Worth Fort Worth (817) 484-0775 (817) 484-0775

BAILEYS HOUSE OF GUNS (713) 433-2475 Houston (713) 433-2475

ARENA Laredo GUN CLUB Laredo (956) 723-1911 (956) 723-1911

R&M ElCampo FIREARMS El Campo (979) 543-6948 (979) 543-6948

KEITH KEITHACE ACE Hewitt Hewitt (254)666-2520 666-2520 (254)

STAR STAR ARMS ARMS Stephenville Stephenville (254) 965-9099 (254)

RIVERFIELDS RIVERFIELDS Amarillo Amarillo (806) (806) 351-0980 351-0980

BURDETT & SON College Station College Station (979) 695-2807 (979) 695-2807

MODERNPAWN PAWN MODERN CorpusChristi Christi Corpus (361) (361)993-9390 993-9390

SMITHSGUNS GUNS SMITHS CorpusChristi Christi Corpus (361) (361)991-0272 991-0272

SHARPSHOOTERS SHARPSHOOTERS Lubbock Lubbock (806) 791-1231 (806) 791-1231

MCBRIDES MCBRIDES Austin Austin (512) 472-3532 (512) 472-3532

FIELD AND FIELD AND STREAMS STREAMS SPORTING SPORTING GOODS GOODS San SamAngelo Angelo (325) 944-7094 (325) 944-7094

CHAMPION FIREARMS CollegeStation Station College (979)693-9948 693-9948 (979)

THE THESHARP SHARPSHOOTER SHOOTER Corpus Christi Corpus Christi (361) 980-1190

WEBER’S GUNS WEBER’S GUNS Temple (254) 791-4867 Temple

RAYS SPORTING GOODS RAYS SPORTING Dallas GOODS (214)Dallas 747-7916

DANNY’S DANNY’SPAWN PAWN McAllen McAllen (956) 687-4692

(254) 791-4867

(214) 747-7916

CARTERS COUNTRY CARTERS Katy (713)COUNTRY 461-1844 Katy (713) Spring (281)461-1844 443-8373 Houston (281) 443-8373 879-1466 Spring (281) Pasadena (713) 879-1466 475-2222 Houston (281)

MR. ME MONEY MONEY PAWN/ PAWN/ FULL AUTO FIREARMS FULL AUTO FIREARMS El Campo El543-0114 Campo (979)

(512) 556-5444

ALLY OUTDOORS Midland ALLY OUTDOORS (432) 203-3661

Midland (432) 203-3661

TESKEYS Weatherford TESKEYS (817) 599-3400

Pasadena (713) 475-2222 ABLE AMMO Huntsville ABLE720-3275 AMMO (800)

Weatherford (817) 599-3400

BURDETT & SON

CHAMPION FIREARMS

(956) 687-4692

GLICK TWINS Glick Twins Pharr Pharr (956) 787-4291

(956) 787-4291

(979) 543-0114

NAGELS SanNAGELS Antonio (210) San342-5420 Antonio

(210) 342-5420

OUTDOOR COUNTRY Bishop OUTDOOR COUNTRY (361) 584-2562

Bishop (361) 584-2562

Huntsville (800) 720-3275

(361) 980-1190

TRINITY ARMORY TRINITY ARMORY Cleveland (281)Cleveland 659-2800

(281) 659-2800

VICTORIA ALL SPORTS Victoria VICTORIA ALL SPORTS (361) 575-0655

Victoria (361) 575-0655

www.weatherby.com DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

Lone Star Outdoor News

|3

Joshua Creek Ranch is the 2018 Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Lodge of the Year. As a finalist for the prestigious award for the past three years, plus featuring an Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Guide of the Year winner in 2017 and finalist in 2018, there is little wonder to why Joshua Creek Ranch has been delighting guests from all over the world for nearly three decades. The sporting lifestyle meets luxury resort amenities at this Texas Hill Country paradise. A custom itinerary and extraordinary experience awaits guests seeking an unforgettable adventure surrounded by warm Texas hospitality. m Migratory Dove Hunting m Upland Bird Hunting for Quail, Pheasant and Chukar m European-Style Driven Pheasant Shoots m Decoyed Mallard Duck Hunting m Fly-Fishing for Rainbow Trout, Bluegill and Bass m Seasonal Whitetail Deer & Turkey Hunting m Trophy Axis Deer Hunting m Sporting Clays Shooting

www.joshuacreek.com m (830) 537-5090 m info@joshuacreek.com

4|

DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

Lone Star Outdoor News

DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

Lone Star Outdoor News

|5

deer hunting texas A N N UA L 2 0 1 8

About the Cover:

deer hunting texas ANNUAL 2018

At the skinning shed

There is no better place for story telling and receiving advice than at the skinning shed. (See story on Page 14)

Advice comes from all directions

David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News

Advertising Section

Advertisers: 5E RANCH PRODUCTS…………… 33

LEUPOLD…………………………… 17

ADVANTAGE HUNTING……………… 8

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS FOUNDATION……………………… 30

ALL SEASONS FEEDERS………… 12 B&S GUNS…………………………… 32 BAIT CORN COMPANY, THE……… 11 BIG BUCKS PLUS………………… 15 BTI HUNTING PRODUCTS………… 34 CHAS. S. MIDDLETON & SON…… 21 CHICKEN EXPRESS………………… 26 COAST………………………………… 2 COLA BLANCA BUCK CONTEST…

27

DEER BREEDERS CORP…………… 25 DEER LEASE MOVING……………… 13 ESP/ELECTRONIC SHOOTING PROTECTION……………………… 18 FIOCCHI………………………………… 5 FIRMINATOR, THE………………… 32 FORMEX……………………………… 20 FREER DEER CAMP………………… 22 GUN AND KNIFE SHOW, TEXAS…

32

GREYSTONE CASTLE……………… 35 HECKLER & KOCH………………… 19 HOFFPAUIR ………………………… 29 JOSHUA CREEK RANCH……………… 4 KT COOLERS………………………… 11 LEICA………………………………… 15

MOULTRIE…………………………… 14 MUSTANG CREEK RANCH………… 23 NIKON……………………………… 36 PYRAMYD AIR……………………… 22 RHODES BROS. TAXIDERMY……… 18 ROCKY MOUNTAIN TIMBERLANDS… ……………………………………… 32 RUSSELL MOCCASIN……………… 13 SDH OUTDOORS…………………… 28 SIBERIAN COOLERS……………… 33 SILVER SPUR TRADE SHOWS…… 26 STAY TUFF FENCE………………… 23 STEALTH CAM………………………… 7 STILL WATERS RANCH…………… 25 TRIJICON…………………………… 31 TRINITY RANCH LAND…………… 16 TROPHY BLINDS/TW TANKS……… 33 VORTEX OPTICS……………………… 9 WALKER’S…………………………… 13 WEATHERBY…………………………… 3 WESTERN HILL COUNTRY REALTY… ……………………………………… 28 WILDPOINT WHITETAILS………… 34 ZEISS………………………………… 11

Bringing

&Credible

THE MOST TIMELY

HUNTING AND FISHING

news

Texans

to

DOUBLE DOWN ON CELLULAR WITH NEW WXV AND WXA CAMERAS Stealth Cam ups the ante on wireless image transmission and expands its coverage with the introduction new WX Series cellular cameras with options for both AT&T or Verizon networks.

Users have complete control of their cameras via the updated Stealth Cam Remote APP 3.0. The app’s new streamlined interface allows the user to configure all camera settings as well as manage the transmission schedule and remotely erase the memory card.

New features for 2018 include Take Test Photo, providing the ability to send a command to the camera to take and transmit a photo on demand. Enhanced location function plots cameras on Google maps within the app supplying the user a visual reference as to where their cameras are placed.

The WX not only incorporates the latest in high-speed modems for fast 4G/LTE wireless image and video transmission, but is also a full-featured 22 Megapixel No Glo camera capable of recording high definition video with Stealth Cam’s new Smart Illumination Technology, where the camera automatically adjusts IR output based on changing lighting conditions.

This is essential for clear, detailed images during the critical transition periods of dusk and dawn.

Stay ahead of the game with wireless image transmission from Stealth Cam. FEATURES: WXV - VERIZON WXA – AT&T • 22 megapixel (22mp/16mp/8mp/4mp) • HD video recording 5-180 seconds w/ audio • Time lapse with PIR Override • Smart Illumination Technology • 42 NO GLO IR emitters • Range control - adjustable PIR • Security mode (rewrite SD memory) • Intuitive backlit menu programming • Matrix Advanced Blur Reduction • Retina Low Light sensitivity • 16:9 wide image ratio • Burst Mode 1-9 images per triggering • Time/Date/Moon Phase/Temperature/Name Stamp • GEO-TAG GPS Tagging • Manual shot capability • Secure Lock password protection • SD card slot up to 512GB • Test mode • Video & USB output • Operates on 8 AA batteries • External power jack for 12V battery box • Multilingual • Preset Time & Date

SINCE 2004

STEALTH CAM

☎ (877) 269-8490 STEALTHCAM.COM

Lone Star Outdoor News, ISSN 2162-8300, a publication of Lone Star Outdoor News, LLC, publishes twice a month.

A mailed subscription is $35 for 24 issues. Newsstand copies are $3, in certain markets copies are free, one per person. Copyright 2018 with all rights reserved. Reproduction and/or use of any photographic or written material without written permission by the publisher is prohibited. Subscribers may send address changes to: Lone Star Outdoor News, P.O. Box 551695, Dallas, TX 75355 or email them to news@lonestaroutdoornews.com.

6|

DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

Lone Star Outdoor News

DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

Lone Star Outdoor News

|7

Fiocchi, Swift Bullets create the Scirocco II

DON’T SACRIFICE QUALITY FOR AFFORDABILTY

YOU CAN HAVE

BOTH DUAL THREAT

Other features: • Easy to identify Signature Black Tip. The polymer tip initiates expansion and is precisely shaped to reduce frontal air resistance • Advanced Secant Ogive nose profile allows for high ballistic coefficient • Pure copper jacket is progressively tapered to control expansion development throughout a wide range of velocities • Jacket and core are joined together using proven Swift bonding technology • Long driving band for rotational stability • Boat tail base profile reduces drag and eases seating. Thick base prevents bullet deformation in high velocity magnum calibers

360º VIEWS & X-LARGE BOW WINDOWS

BOW/GUN COMBO BLIND

• • • •

DURABLE LIGHTWEIGHT NOISE REDUCING POLYETHYLENE SHELL

What do you get when you combine two of the best ammunition manufacturers in the world? The best hunting bullet ever made.

Fiocchi has partnered with Swift Bullets to create the Swift Scirocco II Bonded Boat Tail Spitzer bullets loaded to the world-renowned Fiocchi standard for precision and performance.

The Scirocco II, with its Signature Black Tip, is a superbly accurate hunting bullet designed for long-range efficiency. It carries velocity and energy better than any of its competitors, and its sleek design and high ballistic coefficient produces the flattest trajectory in downrange hunting, making it a perfect match for long-range cartridges.

The Scirocco II produces positive expansion at minimal velocities as well as controlled expansion and high weight retention at close range. No other tipped bullet offers the terminal range of Scirocco II. Extrema hunting calibers loaded with Swift Scirocco II projectiles will include the following in 2018: • 270 Win. 130 grain • 6.5 Creedmoor • 7mm Rem. Mag. 150 grain • 308 Win. 150 grain • 30-06 Sprg. 165 grain • 300 Win. Mag. 180 grain

EASY TO ELEVATE & RELOCATE

MULTIPLE DOOR SETUPS

FIOCCHI OF AMERICA FIOCCHIUSA.COM

FOR DETAILS: 800.772.7679 I ADVANTAGEHUNTING.COM

8|

- Advantage - Lone Star Outdoor Ad.indd 1

DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

Lone Star Outdoor News

7/20/18 12:18 PM

DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

Lone Star Outdoor News

|9

Ground venison

By Larry Weishuhn

For Lone Star Outdoor News “He’s avoiding all the areas where we have established blinds. And we haven’t seen him on trail camera pictures. He’s only been seen after dark on our drive back to camp. He’s distinctive, has one really good side and the other is messed up. He’s impressive and worthy of hunting. I think you should go after him,” spoke the ranch foreman.

I love a challenge, especially when it involves mature whitetail bucks. Years earlier, I had often picked out one buck to hunt to the exclusion of others. Sometimes I came out on top, but most of the time the buck did.

I learned much from those hunts, including that often primarily nocturnal bucks tend to move during midday when hunters are back in camp. This seemed to especially be the case when there was no moon at night or a nighttime full moon. I learned too, such bucks tend to have small home ranges and are intimately knowledgeable of their surroundings.

That the buck avoided areas where there were permanent blinds did not surprise me. Ground blinds work perfect for such bucks. I dearly love hunting on the ground, eye-to-eye with deer.

Hunting on the ground, I can quickly set up natural ground blinds using logs, tall grass and existing brush to hide behind, making certain to have something behind me so I am not silhouetted.

In the past, I was always concerned about scent betraying my presence, but since using my Ozonics HR 300 unit, I no longer worry about being smelled. With their backpack setup, I have it with me whenever I hunt, whether I am sitting on the ground or walking to the area I plan

10 |

on hunting, or, while still-hunting.

I occasionally use commercially made “popup” blinds, which can be further camouflaged by laying limbs or brush around and on the blind. I primarily hunt from these if it is raining or there is a threat of rain. Pop-up blinds can quickly be set up and moved without much effort. The first of these mobile ground blinds I used was one I made to resemble a round hay bale. The first afternoon I sat in it, I shot the buck I was after with my Ruger M77 in 7x57 at a grand distance of 37 yards.

Back at the ranch, I found a place where I could watch a pinch-point in the vicinity of where the nocturnal buck had frequently been seen. I built my ground blind, using oak and cedar limbs cut some distance away. I arranged them around the base of an ancient oak so I would have some back support while sitting on the ground and a solid background. By the time I was happy with my eye-level blind, it was a bit after nine o’clock. Thirty minutes later I was hunting.

Prior to getting “on stand” I checked the solunar chart. Peak movement should occur near straight-up noon.

I started seeing deer movement at 11, young bucks, some does and fawns. Then at nearly high noon, I spotted a buck headed my way. It was him! I peered through my Trijicon scope, pushed safety to fire and prepared to send my 200-grain Hornady ELD-X on a mission.

I love it when a plan comes together.

Are you ready to accept the “ground venison” challenge?

DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

Lone Star Outdoor News

Larry Weishuhn

Bring in the deer away from the feeder A new flavor, a new product and a host of new dealers are bringing The Bait Corn Company to the top of deer hunters’ minds. And spots away from the feeder are often the best places to use it.

“It’s one thing to fill a feeder, but Bait Corn was designed as an attractant,” said developer Robert Champion. “It’s perfect to use on ranch roads, stopping points, tree lines, near hay bales, or anywhere you want the deer to stop in your line of sight.”

Now in its third year of production of the popular flavored corn in 40-pound bags, Vanilla Bean has been added to the list of flavors, joining Red Delicious Apple, Persimmon, Peanut Butter and White Oak Acorn.

“If you’re a Bait Corn ranch, you’ll see more deer than your neighbors,” Champion said. “The deer will come over to your property.”

Each flavor now comes in its own bag, making it easier to identify the flavor on the pallet in the store. And distribution in North and West Texas is increasing.

Another new product has been under development and testing for years, and will be ready to introduce soon.

The company’s Bait Powder can be

added to protein, cottonseed or used as a stand-along attractor.

“You can make your own Bait Corn,” Champion said.

The key to the Bait Corn products is the making of the attractant.

“We use an oil-based coating at proper concentrates,” Champion said.

“Most of the other flavored corn on the market uses less expensive waterbased or powder coatings.”

All of the Bait Corn is processed in Texas at its El Campo facility.

“We only use the best ingredients,” Champion said. “Bait Corn takes corn to a whole new level.”

NOWBLE A AVAIL

THE BAIT CORN COMPANY

☎ (844) 367-3836 BAITCORN.COM

T H E N E W V I C TO R Y R F

DREAM BIGGER

THE NEW VICTORY RF WITH BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY IS THE DREAM OF HARDCORE HUNTERS AND GUIDES QUICK AND ACCURATE RANGE AND REAL-TIME BALLISTIC DATA FROM 16-2500 YARDS

CONNECT TO THE ZEISS HUNTING APP ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICE VIA BLUETOOTH – NO SD CARD NEEDED

STORE UP TO NINE CUSTOM BALLISTIC PROFILES

LEARN MORE AT ZEISS.COM/VICTORYRF

DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

Lone Star Outdoor News

| 11

sunrise/sunset 2018-2019 OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

JANUARY

Deer Season Dates

FEBRUARY

DAY

RISE

SET

RISE

SET

RISE

SET

RISE

SET

RISE

SET

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

7:20 7:20 7:21 7:22 7:22 7:23 7:24 7:24 7:25 7:26 7:26 7:27 7:28 7:29 7:29 7:30 7:31 7:32 7:32 7:33 7:34 7:35 7:36 7:36 7:37 7:38 7:39 7:40 7:41 7:42 7:42

7:12 7:11 7:09 7:08 7:07 7:06 7:04 7:03 7:02 7:00 6:59 6:58 6:57 6:56 6:54 6:53 6:52 6:51 6:50 6:48 6:47 6:46 6:45 6:44 6:43 6:42 6:41 6:40 6:39 6:38 6:37

7:43 7:44 7:45 6:46 6:47 6:48 6:49 6:50 6:51 6:51 6:52 6:53 6:54 6:55 6:56 6:57 6:58 6:59 7:00 7:01 7:02 7:03 7:04 7:05 7:05 7:06 7:07 7:08 7:09 7:10

6:36 6:35 6:34 5:33 5:33 5:32 5:31 5:30 5:29 5:29 5:28 5:27 5:27 5:26 5:26 5:25 5:24 5:24 5:23 5:23 5:23 5:22 5:22 5:21 5:21 5:21 5:21 5:20 5:20 5:20

7:11 7:12 7:12 7:13 7:14 7:15 7:16 7:16 7:17 7:18 7:19 7:19 7:20 7:21 7:21 7:22 7:23 7:23 7:24 7:24 7:25 7:25 7:26 7:26 7:27 7:27 7:27 7:28 7:28 7:28 7:28

5:20 5:20 5:20 5:20 5:20 5:20 5:20 5:20 5:20 5:20 5:20 5:20 5:21 5:21 5:21 5:21 5:22 5:22 5:23 5:23 5:23 5:24 5:24 5:25 5:25 5:26 5:27 5:27 5:28 5:28 5:29

7:29 7:29 7:29 7:29 7:29 7:29 7:29 7:29 7:29 7:29 7:29 7:29 7:29 7:29 7:29 7:29 7:28 7:28 7:28 7:28 7:27 7:27 7:26 7:26 7:25 7:25 7:24 7:24 7:23 7:23 7:22

5:30 5:31 5:31 5:32 5:33 5:34 5:34 5:35 5:36 5:37 5:38 5:39 5:40 5:40 5:41 5:42 5:43 5:44 5:45 5:46 5:47 5:48 5:49 5:50 5:51 5:52 5:53 5:54 5:55 5:56 5:57

7:21 7:21 7:20 7:19 7:19 7:18 7:17 7:16 7:15 7:15 7:14 7:13 7:12 7:11 7:10 7:09 7:08 7:07 7:06 7:05 7:04 7:03 7:02 7:01 6:59 6:58 6:57 6:56

5:58 5:59 6:00 6:01 6:02 6:03 6:04 6:04 6:05 6:06 6:07 6:08 6:09 6:10 6:11 6:12 6:13 6:14 6:15 6:15 6:16 6:17 6:18 6:19 6:20 6:21 6:21 6:22

Times given above are for Dallas.

For other locations, subtract 1 minute per 12 miles east of Dallas, and add 1 minute per 12 miles west of Dallas. The table below gives adjustments for some Texas cities. Information provided is the longitudinal distance from Dallas and the time adjustment for sunrise and sunset.

Abilene / 165 miles west / + 14 minutes Alpine / 405 miles west / + 24 minutes Beaumont / 160 miles east / - 13 minutes Corpus Christi / 35 miles west / + 3 minutes Austin / 55 miles west / + 5 minutes Del Rio / 235 miles west / + 20 minutes El Paso / 555 miles west / - 23 minutes Houston / 170 miles east / - 5 minutes Laredo / 160 miles west / + 14 minutes Lubbock / 280 miles west / + 24 minutes San Angelo / 215 miles west / + 18 minutes San Antonio / 95 miles west / + 8 minutes Tyler / 75 miles east / - 6 minutes

WHITE-TAILED DEER General Season North Zone South Zone Special Late Season North Zone South Zone Youth-Only Seasons Early Season Late Season Muzzleloader-Only

Nov. 3 - Jan. 6 Nov. 3 - Jan. 20 Jan. 7 - 20 Jan. 21 - Feb. 3 Oct. 27 - 28 Jan. 7 - 20 Jan. 7 - 20

MULE DEER Archery Only Statewide General Season Panhandle Southwestern Panhandle Trans-Pecos Brewster, Pecos, Terrell Counties

Sept. 29 - Nov. 2 Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov.

17 17 23 23

-

Dec. 2 25 Dec. 9 Dec. 9

*Check TPWD for additional seasons, bag limits

Feedsync TIMER

C o n t r o l y o u r f e e d e r, t r o u b l e s h o o t i s s u e s , a n d s e t f e e d s c h e d u l e s - a l l f r o m y o u r p h o n e !

No cell service or wifi needed!

W i t h A S F F e e d l i n k Te c h n o l o g y y o u r p h o n e c o n n e c t s w i r e l e s s l y f r o m u p t o 1 5 0 y a r d s a w a y !

www.allseasonsfeeders.com 12 |

DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

Lone Star Outdoor News

DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

Lone Star Outdoor News

| 13

AT THE SKINNING SHED

By Craig Nyhus

Lone Star Outdoor News After the mule deer was brought back to camp, the guide took over, not allowing the hunter to gut and skin the animal.

“Get out of the way, I’m the guide,” he said. “Get yourself a cold drink.”

Another guide chimed in.

“If it takes you longer than three minutes to gut him, you have to gut all the deer the rest of the season,” he said.

Whether it’s a guide or a hunter doing the work, there is sure to be people in the background telling him or her how to do it and what not to do.

“Don’t puncture the gut.”

“I hang them from the legs.”

“I hang it from the antlers, then switch to hanging from the legs when it’s time to skin it.”

“I gut them on the ground and then hang them.”

“I just skin it and take the meat, I don’t

need to gut it.”

“Don’t forget to keep the heart.”

“What’s taking you so long?”

The nervous hunter with the knife nicks the bladder before finishing, getting a smelly spray in the face. Or, he touches the stomach with the sharp knife, not realizing a small stream shot out onto his shirt — until the next day when he can’t figure out why his camo shirt smells so bad.

Another hunter takes 45 minutes to gut his deer, being ever so careful and receiving advise all the way, until the group gets bored and heads off to mix another drink.

No matter which way you choose to gut and skin the deer, it’s a group effort, bringing the campmates together to celebrate the event and harass their friends.

For a new hunter, it’s nerve-racking, but later a favorite memory of the trip.

And, next year, he can join in the fun.

David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News

Win a bull elk hunt in Texas!

Lone Star Outdoor News, in conjunction with the H3P Ranch near Cooper, is giving away a bull elk hunt!

To be eligible, all a person needs to do is subscribe to Lone Star Outdoor News, renew an existing subscription or send a postcard complying with contest rules by Oct. 31. A random drawing will be held in early November, with the winning hunter’s name to be published at lsonews. com.

The H3P Ranch provides a worldclass experience in East Texas, with some of the best deer and exotics hunting in the state. The hunt, for one hunter and one nonhunter, will include an overnight stay at the ranch’s main lodge or one of its individual cabins, with two days of hunting. All food and drinks are included, and the hunt will take place during the 2018-2019 season.

“We have a good number of elk here, and the whitetails are doing great,” said ranch owner Phil Powell. “The hunters also are likely to see scimitar-horned oryx and axis deer.”

Subscribe or renew by calling (214) 361-2276, by mail at P.O. Box 551695, Dallas, TX 75355, or online at lsonews.com.

Look for the subscription ad in Lone Star Outdoor News, where full contest rules are listed. No purchase necessary.

Learn more about the H3P Ranch and Whitetails at bucksandbirds.com, or reach Powell at (972) 741-7960.

Get a look at that buck with M-50i Moultrie’s flagship cam is the Swiss Army Knife of trail cameras — loaded with all the tools you need to capture awesome photos and video in any situation.

Buck on the move? The blazing fast .3-second trigger speed and 20-megapixel resolution will center him up for a perfectly framed, tack-sharp shot.

Deer only active at night? The Illumi-Night 2 Sensor produces bright, clear nighttime images, while the iNVISIBLE infrared LED technology boasts a flash and detection range of 80 feet.

On top of all that, the M-50i is Moultrie Mobile — compatible for flawless cellular image transmission to your phone or tablet.

The M-50i costs $149.99.

Features: • 20 megapixel resolution • Illumi-Night 2 Sensor • iNVISIBLE infrared LED technology for a flash range of up to 80 feet • .3 second trigger speed • Time lapse mode captures images at preset intervals • Moultrie Mobile compatible • Backlit controls for simple setup in low-light conditions, password protected interface • Requires eight AA batteries for up to 19,000 images; lithium batteries recommended in harsh conditions • Uses SD/SDHC class 4 cards or higher, up to 32 GB, sold separately

MOULTRIE FEEDERS

☎ (800) 653-3334 MOULTRIEFEEDERS.COM

14 |

DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

Lone Star Outdoor News

Innovate feeder design protects antlers Tom Schleichardt came up with a new feeder idea after hunting in Mexico with his friend.

“I was hunting with Mark Budzise of Rancho Cuevas down from Laredo,” Schleichardt said. “He kept complaining about the buck’s antlers being damaged by feeders and asked me to build him one that wouldn’t do that.”

After two years of development, Schleichardt, a pipefitter, patented his new product — the first single pole deer feeder — and named his company Big Bucks Plus.

“Mark has more than 50 of them now and hasn’t had any antler damage from feeders in three years,” Schleichardt said.

Big Bucks Plus makes the T-30 Gravity Feeder that holds 200 pounds of feed, the TS450 Galvanized Feeder that holds 400 pounds of protein pellets or 500 pounds of corn, and he is making The Beast T-50, an all-polymer feeder with a steel bottom that holds 500 pounds and has a latching lid.

“It’s a great feeder,” Schleichardt said. “The lid works really well and I can set two of them up on a stand so you can have 1,000 pounds at the same stand.”

The patented single-post feeder design on a single leg allows deer or elk the ability to access the feed tubes without damaging their racks — especially critical while the animals are still in velvet.

Setting the feed tube at a 40inch height, while the funnel raises the feeding barrel away from the antlers makes the deer raise their heads and move their antlers away from the feeder itself.

“And it won’t plug or leave a bunch of feed on the ground,” Schleichardt said.

Keep more of your valuable feed going to the deer you want to feed.

BIG BUCKS PLUS

☎ (308) 383-0825 BIGBUCKSPLUS.COM

Premium Performance.

Surprisingly Affordable.

NEW Rangemaster CRF 2400-R rangefinder $499 angle-compensated ranging 10-1,200 yds distance ranging to 2,400 yds

Trinovid HD 10x42 binoculars $999 field-proven to outperform much more expensive binos

Geovid-R 10x42 rangefinding binoculars $1,399 angle-compensated ranging 10-1,200 yds brilliant low-light performance

Legendary optics, absolute accuracy, and surprising affordability make Leica sport optics an exceptional value. See for yourself at your nearest Texas Leica dealer.

Able Ammo, Huntsville (800) 720-3275

DFW Shooting Sports, Bedford (817) 285-0664

McBrides, Austin (512) 472-3532

Ally Outdoors, Midland (432) 203-3661

Dury’s Gun Shop, San Antonio (210) 533-5431

Oasis Outback, Uvalde (830) 278-4000

Alpine Range, Fort Worth (817) 484-0775

Field and Streams, San Angelo (325) 944-7094

Rays Sporting Goods, Dallas (214) 747-7916

Burdett & Son, College Station (979) 695-2807

Gordy & Son Outfitters, Houston (713) 333-3474

Sharpshooters, Lubbock (806) 785-4867

Carters Country, Houston (281) 443-8393

Keith Ace Hardware, Hewitt (254) 666-2520

Weby Shops, Arlington (800) 851-9329

DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

Lone Star Outdoor News

| 15

Relentless Value The Leupold VX-Freedom You want relentless reliability? The VX-Freedom from Leupold delivers it. You want top-tier optical performance at a price you can’t ignore? Consider that box checked. You want to dominate from any tree stand or blind? The VX-Freedom’s got you covered.

The entire VX-Freedom line is designed, machined and assembled right here in the U.S.A. with one purpose in mind — to give you the freedom to put a Leupold on any long gun you own, knowing it will perform for a lifetime.

Only a company with Leupold’s history and engineering expertise can deliver an American-made optic that boasts performance and affordability like the VX-Freedom. You’re looking at bestin-class optics — crisp, clear images with unmatched edge-to-edge clarity.

It’s complete with military-spec lens coatings that provide abrasion resistance, protecting the riflescope in the most challenging of conditions.

Every scope line that comes out of the Leupold factory is “punisher tested and verified” — a relentless process of pounding the optic in a way that replicates a lifetime of abuse. On top of that, it’s engineered to disperse energy during every shot, which adds to its rugged nature. Finally, the VX-Freedom’s

16 |

new, ergonomically advanced power selector ring is low-profile but provides exceptional grip, making it easy to use even in the cold, wet, or while wearing gloves.

It's no secret that the first and last 20 minutes of any big game hunt are often the most crucial — it's when the big bucks are most likely to be up and moving and when you're most likely to get a shot. That's also when there's not much light to work with, and you can't hit what you and your optic can't see. That’s why the VX-Freedom line incorporates Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System, a proprietary lens coating system that increases the amount of usable light that reaches your eye.

The VX-Freedom is available in some of the industry's most popular magnification ranges: 1.5-4x20, 2-7x33, 3-9x40, 3-9x50, and 4-12x40 — all featuring classic 1-inch maintubes. They’re great for centerfire rifles, muzzleloaders and shotguns alike.

The VX-Freedom series is everything you’ve come to expect from a Leupold optic. It's tested to the very same ruggedness standards as the company's top-tier riflescopes. It’s also backed by the Leupold Full Lifetime Guarantee.

DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

LEUPOLD LEUPOLD.COM

Lone Star Outdoor News

VX-FREEDOM

VX-FREEDOM TWILIGHT LIGHT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM SCRATCH-RESISTANT LENSES EASY-TO-READ ADJUSTMENTS WATERPROOF, FOGPROOF, AND GUARANTEED FOR LIFE

#BERELENTLESS

DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

Lone Star Outdoor News

LEUPOLD.COM

| 17

The VP9-B joins the HK VP Product Line

Introducing the newest option on the most ergonomic striker fired handgun available, the VP9-B in 9mm.

Retail priced at $719, the VP9-B offers a new US-style reversible push button and utilizes the same magazines as the other VP9 Series. The new push-button style mag release option from HK means the VP doesn’t just fit your hand, it fits your shooting style as well.

In any firearm, especially a handgun, the many “touchpoints” between the shooter and the firearm are critical to consistent, repeatable performance. Now, no matter how you are built or how you shoot, the VP series just fits.

•

• •

Depending on your shooting style, you can choose between a European-style ambidextrous paddle mag release or the new USstyle reversible button. This determination must be made at time of purchase, as the two models are not convertible.

The most ergonomic, adaptable grip frame available allows you to interchange both backstraps and grip panels in 27 unique configurations to fit your hand.

The VP trigger is a real upgrade over the industry standard of many years. It has a short, light take-up with a solid, clean break; followed by a short, positive reset.

VP9-B models are made in HK’s Oberndorf factory in southwest Germany using all of the company’s advanced barrel manufacturing technologies and high level production of their machined steel slides, polymer frames, and all internal components. HK VP pistols are competitively priced and covered by Heckler & Koch’s lifetime warranty.

HECKLER & KOCH

☎ (703) 450-1900 HK-USA.COM

18 |

DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

Lone Star Outdoor News

YOU CARRY, JUST IN CASE SHOULDN’T IT BE AN HK ... JUST IN CASE? Preparation is about attention to detail – like forging the short, 3-inch barrel of the HK VP9SK from the same steel we require in the HK416 carbine used by the world’s most elite fighting units. To those who dismiss this as unneeded “over-engineering,” our response is simple: So what?

VP9SK (9 mm) with extended 10 round magazine

VP9SK (9 mm) with flat floorplate 10 round magazine

www.hk-usa.com • 706-568-1906

Visit Your Local Texas HK Premium Dealer to Learn More!

A Place to Shoot San Antonio, 210-628-1888 Abilene Indoor Gun Range Abilene, 325-698-4224 Able Ammo Huntsville, 936-295-5786 AJC Sports Clute, 979-265-4867 Alpha Armory Houston, 888-932-7660 Alpine Industries Ft Worth, 817-478-6613 Athena Gun Club Houston, 713-461-5900 Caroline Colt Company LLC Abilene, 325-232-7501 Carter's Shooting Center Spring, 281-443-8393 DFW Shooting Sports Bedford, 817-285-0664

CDNN Investments Abilene, 800-588-9500 Champion Firearms College Station, 979-693-9948 CMC Government Supply Dallas, 214-773-0129 Collectors Firearms Houston, 713-781-5812 Crazy Gun Dealer Alvarado, 817-790-0235 Danny's, Inc. McAllen, 956-687-4692 Defender Outdoors, LLC Aubrey, 817-935-8377 DFW Gun Club Dallas, 214-630-4866 DSG Arms Fort Worth, 800-382-7571 Dury's Gun Shop San Antonio, 210-533-5431

Field & Stream Sporting Goods San Angelo, 325-944-7094 Forza Armory, LLC Edinburg, 956-533-5371 Fun Guns Waco, 254-755-0080 Glick Twins Pharr, 956-787-429 Guns Warehouse LLC Cedar Park, 512-986-7330 Hoffpauir's Ranch & Supply Lampasas, 512-556-5444 Hunter's Equipment & Supply Midland, 432-686-2500 Jackson Armory Dallas, 214-363-2767 Jess Briley Manufacturing Houston, 713-932-6995 John Doe Investigations, LLC Lewisville, 214-773-0129

Kirkpatrick Gun & Ammo Laredo, 956-723-6338 Lonestar Guns Gallery & Gear Weatherford, 817-599-9275 Longview Class III Arms Longview, 903-918-0140 McBride's Guns Austin, 512-472-3532 Hoss Arms, LLC New Braunfels, 830-609-8891 Mister Guns LLC Plano, 214-901-7429 Modern Pawn & Guns Corpus Christi, 361-993-9390 Nagel's Gun Shop, Inc. San Antonio, 210-342-5420 Nytex Firearms Coppell, 888-895-0266 Omaha Outdoors Missouri City, 713-703-4648

DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

Ranger Firearms of Texas Inc. San Antonio, 210-822-4867 Ray's Hardware & Sporting Goods Dallas, 214-747-7916 RifleGear.com Plano, 949-292-7678 S & K Arms Company, LLC Midland, 432-704-5127 Saddle River Range Conroe, 936-271-2620 SAWS Sunnyvale, 972-226-3200 Sharp Shooters Knife & Gun Inc Lubbock, 806-791-1231 Sheridan Outfitters Corpus Christi, 361-980-1190 Southwestern Firearms, Inc. Midlothian, 972-617-7056 Sportsman's Finest Austin, 512-263-1888

Lone Star Outdoor News

Bayou Arms, Inc. Spring, 281-288-7000 Spring Guns & Ammo II Spring, 832-299-1950 Superior Pawn & Gun Tyler, 903-592-4006 Tejas Shooting Sports Odessa, 432-332-7358 Teskey's Circle T Saddlery Weatherford, 817-599-3400 Webyshops.com Arlington, 800-851-9329 Wheeler Feed & Outfitters Boerne, 830-249-2656 Xtreme Guns & Ammo Richmond, 832-363-3783 VISIT WWW.HK-USA.COM for more inforamtion on HK’s full product line.

| 19

Established in 1920, Chas. S. Middleton and Son has been involved in the cattle business, farm and ranch sales and land appraisals for four generations. With arguably the best team of ranch real estate brokers and appraisers in the industry, we are prepared to offer you outstanding service in the farm and ranch brokerage/appraisal business.

Our team of salesmen has the knowledge and the connections to get properties properly marketed, handle inspections, negotiate deals and help with the process of obtaining financing when required. We work with many trust departments, law firms, CPA’s and handle complex deals from start to finish. With a sales team in key locations we are able to serve a broad area and have a better understanding of local aspects other brokerage firms may not understand. Besides having nine brokers/salesmen, we have five well qualified appraisers, including four ARA’s (Accredited Rural Appraisers) to serve your needs. Four of our salesmen first had succesful careers with Farm Credit Banks as lenders/appraisers prior to joining our company.

We spend time in the field. We love to see a good bird dog point a covey and the majestic bugle of a bull elk still gives us chills. A tight line with a largemouth bass or a beautiful rainbow trout on the other end gets our blood pumping. We are outdoorsmen and we love every aspect of the ranching lifestyle. We understand your passion and how you long for opening day.

We strive to earn your business, and with 100 years of service, we must be doing something right.

20 |

DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

Lone Star Outdoor News

Chas. S. Middleton AND SON

LLC

FARM - RANCH SALES AND APPRAISALS

Cross L Ranch

28,019.76± Acres

Twin Rivers Ranch - Offered “Turn Key”

2,139± Acres $3,400,000 Motley County, TX 2 Beautiful Furnished Homes/Blinds & Feeders/Barns/Minerals

$22,275,709

Union County, NM

Based out of Lubbock, TX

Salesmen in Dallas, Albuquerque, Lampasas & Silverton

30+ Ranches For Sale Currently in TX/NM

From $250M - $250K

Adams Family Ranch

22,375.6± Acres Terrell & Val Verde County, TX

12,524.79± Acres

$325/ACRE

Prospect Ranch $21,229,519

Schleicher County, TX

Hunting - Cattle Ranches For Sale in Texas & New Mexico www.chassmiddleton.com (806) 763-5331 DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

Lone Star Outdoor News

| 21

Embrace the fun with big bore air rifles

By Keith Warren

For Lone Star Outdoor News I’m like most hunters — seeking fun.

We hunters are always on the lookout for new products that will elevate the hunting experience and challenging ourselves at the same time.

It wasn’t that long ago that the crossbow was not considered legal to be used to Keith Warren harvest big game in Texas. But, thanks to a small group of hunters, they helped make hunting big game animals in Texas using crossbows a reality.

I was introduced to big bore air rifles a couple of years ago and it has added a new level of fun to my hunting experiences. Big bore air rifles are incredibly accurate and capable of dispatching big game animals. These big bore air rifles shoot projectiles that would be fired out of modern day muzzleloaders and they deliver a punch that is surprising.

As far as accuracy and distance a hunter can expect to kill with the big bore air rifles, I am confident in saying that 100 yards is a chip shot for all the different brands I’ve used, shooting as well as many centerfire rifles.

After becoming familiar with the big bore air rifles, I started to hunt bigger animals using them. I’ve taken deer, hogs and bear with no problem at all, then traveled to Africa where I took were a sable, eland and even the world’s first cape buffalo using an air rifle.

After taking the cape buffalo and seeing him fall to his knees within 30 yards of my shot, I realized that big bore air rifles simply don’t get the respect they deserve in the hunting community.

If you are looking to increase the level of fun in your hunting experience, I’d strongly suggest you finding a place to shoot big bore air rifles, now legal for hunting big game in Texas. They are safe, accurate, pack a heck of a lethal punch.

And did I say, FUN?

Born and raised deep in the heart of Texas, the AirForce Texan is the world’s most powerful production air rifle on the market. Coming in hot with 1,000 fps and 500 ft. lbs of energy in .45 caliber, you can take your hunting to the next level with the power of air.

EVERYTHING’ S BIGGER

AND BADDER inTEXAS 22 |

DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

...........................

Shop our full line of AirForce Airguns: pyramydair.com/airforce • 855-367-7508

AIRFORCE TEXAN

BIG BORE AIR RIFLE • Available in .257, .308, .357 & .45 calibers • Velocities up to 1,100 fps • 500+ ft. lbs. of energy in .45 caliber • Lightweight, easy to handle • Proudly made in Fort Worth, Texas

Lone Star Outdoor News

Mustang Creek Ranch excellence in hunting since 1992 Mustang Creek Ranch, in Salado, has been dedicated to improving whitetail genetics since 1992, and is passionate about cultivating the genetic potential of whitetail deer in Texas and preserving the beauty and natural diversity of Mustang Creek Ranch. In honoring the tradition of hunting, they love to share the joy of experiencing a successful hunt.

In 1994, Dr. James “Dr. Deer” Kroll agreed to become the head biologist of Mustang Creek Ranch. Under this partnership, Mustang Creek Ranch was the first whitetail deer breeder operator to commercially perform artificial insemination in the species. As a pioneer in the industry, the herd has been managed to reflect their respect for the deer. This is exhibited in a laser focus on providing wide, typical, longtined deer with amazing mass.

Each guest is promised to “go home a happy hunter,” as Mustang Creek Ranch takes great pride in providing a superior hunting experience for all.

Mustang Creek Ranch hunts are guided, one-on-one adventures specializing in corporate and family-style hunts. Firsttime hunters are always welcome. The comfortable accommodations, home-cooked meals, and dedicated, knowledgeable guides are the perfect combination for making unforgettable memories.

Fishing, hog hunting and wildlife

exploring will fill hunter’s downtime after the hunt. The lodge includes comfortable sleeping arrangements for up to six guests and the extensive deck overlooks a tank teeming with catfish and bass.

Mustang Creek Ranch features whitetail hunts that can exceed 200 inches and exotic hunts that include gold medal quality trophy blackbuck, aoudad, axis and fallow.

Mustang Creek Ranch is located 50 miles north of Austin and 50 miles south of Waco just west of IH 35, at the edge of Texas Hill Country.

Prices and details are available at the website below, or call owner/operator Bill Grace for booking or information.

MUSTANG CREEK RANCH

☎ (254) 718-5084 MUSTANGCREEK.COM

DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

Lone Star Outdoor News

| 23

Summer sweat = fall success

Dave Fulson

By Dave Fulson

For Lone Star Outdoor News A life spent hunting whitetails from my native Texas to Canada, and many points in between, has taught me many lessons. Perhaps the most definitive is that the hunter who works hard and smart in the pre-season is generally the hunter who is considered the luckiest by the guy that shows up at the lease the day before the season opener.

Of course, luck does play a role in the downfall of big bucks everywhere they are found, but I am talking about consistent success, not showing up for the hunt with just a rifle and hope.

Pre-season work comes in many forms. It could be hours on a tractor preparing and planting food plots. It can be sitting in a hot stand (especially in Texas) glassing for both deer movement and trophy potential in the local deer herd.

And, of course, there is shed hunting, where you can hold in your hands the most tangible proof that a quality buck is in the neighborhood — and that he survived the previous season.

Trail cameras are without a doubt the biggest game changer in the scouting game. Used correctly, they give the hunter a 24-7 picture of deer activity on your property. Although they are not to be considered a complete alternative to other traditional scouting methods, well placed trail cameras are my top priority on properties where I know I will be spending serious time hunting.

Two photos showed a big whitetail found in my scouting, and finally taken during the rifle season. The first time I saw this buck, he and another big buck were buddied up in a summer food plot. A long lens Nikon was my weapon that day, but I knew that the buck on the left would be my target deer unless something bigger showed up.

Something seemed familiar about this big guy, so I started looking at old trail cam images, and boom, there he was from two years before.

He was older now, and would actually gross less than the year before.

He had also added a split G-2. But there was no doubt, he was the same buck.

From that summer food plot until I caught him working a scrape line in the second week of November, I never saw him once. But typical of his clan, the rut found him covering a lot more ground than his normal range, and I was in the right spot at the right time.

One week or even one day of scouting is better than none, but the more time you invest, the better your odds. And scouting does not necessarily have to take place in the pre-season. I have taken a lot of big whitetail in the last week of the season that I actually found (but was unable to shoot for any number of reasons) early or mid-way through the season. If you are in the field with or without a bow or rifle, walking, sitting glassing from a stand, looking for sheds, or monitoring trail cameras, you are scouting.

And anywhere in whitetail country, you can bet that smart scouting will result in more mature deer than blind luck.

Feeling lucky? Head for Vegas.

Feel like taking a big whitetail? Get to work!

24 |

DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

Lone Star Outdoor News

Still Waters Ranch open for business The grand opening for the Still Waters Ranch Hunting Lease Program is underway.

Participants have full privileges — equal to owning your own lease — except Still Waters Ranch will stock the deer and provide HB combo deer bow hunting blinds, Ranch King feeders, deer feed and housing during the open deer season while you are stalking your trophy buck.

You have full use of the hunter’s lodge (reservation basis, with use limited to the members and their guests) as often as you want with preference given to those program participants who have not taken their trophy.

Prices are $10,000 for a WORLD CLASS TROPHY, $7500 for a BOOK CLASS TROPHY and $4000 for a CULL CLASS TROPHY. WORLD CLASS TROPHY participation entitles you to take any buck up to 250” SCI. BOOK CLASS TROPHY participation entitles you to take any buck up to 200” SCI. CULL CLASS TROPHY participation entitles you to take any buck over 3 years old under 150” SCI, or a younger spike. Deer taken that exceed your class participation will incur an additional charge of $100 per inch below 250 SCI and $150 per inch above 250 SCI. Any of these memberships will entitle you to a preferred position in the following year’s participation class.

One lucky WORLD CLASS TROPHY lottery winner will have a chance to take any deer

up to 350” SCI at no additional charge. All WORLD CLASS and BOOK CLASS TROPHY members also will be entitled to one untagged doe and one Rio Grande turkey, as well as unlimited dove, ducks coyotes, hogs and varmints. There were more than 20 bucks released between 150” and 350” SCI and averaged in excess of 200” SCI, in addition to previously released and native deer.

Also included in your membership: • Use of the Bar and Billiard building • Use of the Dining Pavilion with gas grill and indoor fireplace • Use of game cleaning station • Transportation to and from the San Antonio airport For an additional fee, the following may be arranged: • Breakfast, lunch and dinner • Game processing and transportation of your animal to taxidermist/meat processor • Extra nights at the Hunt Lodge with family and guests Still Waters Ranch is a high-fenced 360acre cattle ranch in Bulverde, Texas, 30 minutes north of the San Antonio Airport.

Corporate memberships are available.

Call or email for details and to apply for membership.

Website, stillwatersranchtx.com coming soon.

STILL WATERS RANCH

☎ (210) 722-4472 SWR.WHITETAILS@YAHOO.COM

䈀䤀䐀⸀⸀⸀䈀唀夀⸀⸀⸀䈀刀䔀䔀䐀

㠀㘀㘀ⴀ㤀㜀㈀ⴀ㔀 ㄀

㈀㄀ 圀⸀ 䐀愀瘀椀猀Ⰰ 匀甀椀琀攀 ㄀ 㘀 䴀攀猀焀甀椀琀攀Ⰰ 吀堀 㜀㔀㄀㐀㤀

㄀㄀琀栀 䄀渀渀甀愀氀 一攀眀 夀攀愀爀ᤠ猀 䄀甀挀琀椀漀渀

䨀䄀一唀䄀刀夀 ㄀㠀 ⴀ ㄀㤀琀栀 ㈀ ㄀㤀

DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

Lone Star Outdoor News

| 25

COLA BLANCA BIG BUCK CONTEST

South Texas hunting in Laredo’s own Webb County is a world-renowned activity. Every season, the prize bucks inspire hunters from far and wide to seek out and beat a personal record. In Webb County, acres upon acres of private ranch land and an abundance of white-tailed deer help boost the local economy by attracting a record number of registered hunters from all over the country and Mexico.

Webb County is known for being at the center of the Golden Triangle, meaning big bucks, heavy brush and deer hunting, with Webb County right in the middle of it. Actually, Webb is recognized as the all-time number one and one of the two record book-producing counties throughout the United States, according to the Boone and Crockett Club.

The Cola Blanca Big Buck Contest was founded in 1986 and included seven categories. The contest has grown tremendously ever since to include more than 35 categories for women, men, youth, archery and more. This year, we are excited to announce our new “Open” division with 4 categories for this upcoming 2018-2019 hunting season! The new categories for the Open Division will be Men, Women, Youth, and 200+ Open Trophy Buck.

Celebrating its 32nd anniversary, the Cola Blanca Big Buck Contest has risen to become one of the state’s best recognized hunting contests, gathering hunters from all over the U.S. and Mexico, becoming one of the premier hunting contests in South Texas. Registration is now open.

COLA BLANCA BIG BUCK CONTEST

☎ (956) 722-9895 COLABLANCA.COM

26 |

DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

Lone Star Outdoor News

DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

Lone Star Outdoor News

| 27

Equip yourself with SDH Outdoors Established by an avid hunter and fisherman of more than 40 years, SDH Outdoors is a Dallas/Fort Worth-based reseller of premier hunting and fishing equipment. In business since 2000, the company provides outdoorsmen across North Texas and South Central Oklahoma with reliable quality hunting stands manufactured by Dillon Manufacturing. Through collaboration with innovative brands such as Dillon Manufacturing deer blinds, SDH Outdoors is the go-to supplier for all of your hunting stand needs.

SDH Outdoors has stocking locations in Dallas as well as Haltom City, just outside of Ft. Worth, and is supported by a staff of knowledgeable and passionate hunters.

Dillon stands are personally backed by the owner, Shane D. Howell, and his father, Billy Don, who have been hunting and fishing together for more than 40 years. The Howells, who own and operate an 8,000-acre ranch in Stonewall, Oklahoma, Wildcat Springs Ranch Hunting and Fishing Resort, LLC, equip the premier hunting destination with nothing but Dillon deer stands to hunt its herds of deer, buffalo, elk and other exotics.

The Howell’s operate with a simple philosophy. “We don’t sell it unless we use it. We don’t use it unless we trust it.”

Express Products, Inc., dba Dillon Manufacturing, is owned and operated by Janice Loden Vaughn, and is conveniently located just 75 miles southeast of Dallas in Athens. Designed by hunters, and made by an experienced team of fiberglass specialists, Dillon produces rugged, high-quality fiberglass hunting blinds, towers and feeders for the hunting industry. Dillon products cater to the hunter and withstand the harshest elements. If you want a deer stand that lasts, these are the stands for you.

Please remember the SDH motto...”Hunt with your kids, not for your kids.

Anytime spent in the outdoors with family is irreplaceable.”

SDH OUTDOORS

☎ (214) 748-5791 (Dallas)

(817) 838-5791 (Fort Worth) SDHOUTDOORS.COM

28 |

DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

Lone Star Outdoor News

DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

Lone Star Outdoor News

| 29

NEW LIFETIME HUNTERS SUPPORT HUNTING INDUSTRY Kelsy Bauchmann, who went on her first deer hunt with Lone Star Outdoor News Foundation last season, described her hunt, as well as her plans to continue hunting in the future, to the crowd at the Lone Star Outdoor News Wild Game Supper on Oct. 3 at the Beretta Gallery in Dallas.

“They definitely got me hooked and I am very thankful,” she said.

During his foundation hunt, Chance Morse kept asking how he could find a deer lease. At the event, he proudly told his new friends he had found one, purchased blinds and feeders, and was looking forward to the season.

The foundation is excited to introduce more people to the outdoors after this year's event. In past years, foundation hunters have purchased hunting leases and equipment that has conservatively put more than $350,000 back into the hunting industry.

“And one of them has plans to buy a ranch,” said Lone Star Outdoor News Foundation Executive Director Mimi Sams.

At the event, Cinnamon Creek Wild Game Processing had the grill fired up with wild game offerings; Big Bend Brewing Co. provided the beer; and Ole G played live music while the crowd kept busy checking out the items available, including hunts for African plains game, deer, duck and dove, along with a fishing trips to Marco Island, Florida, and many other items.

A Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus 12-gauge was up for grabs, and was won by James Jeanes, and Dustin McKnight won an African safari with Ubathi Global Safaris and is already planning his trip.

Thanks to all that came out, more than $20,000 was raised to help support the mission of “creating hunters for a lifetime” by providing hunting and fishing opportunities to people who have the desire but have lacked the opportunity.

Thank you from Lone Star Outdoor News to all who supported and attended the event! We’ll see you next year!

Tim Sharp

30 |

DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

Lone Star Outdoor News

WHETHER YOU’RE DEFENDING FREEDOM OR ENJOYING IT,

©2018 Trijicon, Inc. | Wixom, MI USA | 1-800-338-0563 | 18TRIJ12998 | trijicon.com

OUR OPTICS ARE READY FOR ANYTHING.

Trijicon AccuPoint

®

What we’ve learned from decades of deployment with the world’s greatest fighting forces, we’ve put back into our technology for the world’s greatest hunters. For example, battery-free illumination.

See the technology at Trijicon.com/AccuPoint.

AccuPoint

®

Fiber/Tritium Illumination

4321_18TRIJ12998AccuPoint_LON.indd 1

DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

Lone Star Outdoor News

| 31

9/12/18 9:35 AM

Farming with firminator

OCT. 27-28 - FREDERICKSBURG FAIR GROUNDS NOV. 17-18 - KERRVILLE EVENT CENTER

If you are a good steward of your hunting land, you can’t sit in a deer blind and not daydream of how to improve your habitat.

Hunters with a farming gene might dream of plowing and planting crops. Deer love plowed land and new growth, no matter what time of year it is.

But how do you get this done with the limited time you have in the field? You need the right equipment.

The boys over at Ranew’s Outdoor Equipment have dreamed this too, and perfected their Firminator just for you.

The G-3 incorporates all the necessary food plot implements into one unit, and it can be used on terrain not easily accessible by heavy implements. Think of those tight spaces that you can see from the other windows of your blind.

Though light enough to be easily pulled by a 500cc or greater ATV, “the implement works great behind the Can-Am Defender.” said Lone Star Outdoor News’ David J. Sams. “I can plant with a one-pass plan or disk over the area a few times, then open the seeder and I’m done.”

The G-3’s 800 pounds proves ample weight for the 16-inch ground turning discs to break up and dig into hard ground. Its seed box feeds into a precision delivery system and, after seeding the agricultural grade 34-inch-wide cast iron cultipacker takes care of the rest.

“The tires seemed small, I thought they might be wider and it has a 1 7/8inch ball, which was frustrating since everything else I own has a 2-inch ball,” Sams said.

The results, though, were all positive.

“I mowed shin oak and high grass, then made one pass over the area,” Sams said. “The disk and seeder did a great job in the rough ground. I can’t wait to see this sprout and bring in the bucks that are not hitting the corn feeders.”

DEC. 8-9 - AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER M A R K YO U R C A L E N D A R S F O R T H E

THE FIRMINATOR

C hristmas Gun Show

☎ (678) 544-4400 THEFIRMINATOR.COM

DECEMBER 22 & 23 - KERRVILLE EVENT CENTER

32 |

DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

Lone Star Outdoor News

All the features, half the price with BLACK FX1000

From a distance, the BLACK FX1000 will deliver your longest shots with confident precision. Competition-ready straight from the box, BLACK FX1000 integrates renowned Nikon optics into its first focal plane optical system for tack-sharp images and dialing functionality at any magnification and distance.

With great glass, first focal plane reticle and return-to-zero integral zerostop precision turrets, the FX1000 has all the quality features you want for long range at half the price of competitive scopes.

Proprietary new glass-etched tactical reticles paired with precise, highspeed turrets allow fast, repeatable distance corrections and intuitive holdoff points. And for rapid return to your zero, the FX1000 debuts Nikon’s all-new BLACK Return-to-Zero integral zero-stop in the elevation turret.

Nikon’s proprietary FX-MOA and FX-MRAD reticles were created expressly for the first focal plane optical system used in the BLACK FX1000 riflescope. Each reticle is designed to optimize the sight picture and provide the tools necessary for ranging, holdover and windage corrections.

Illuminated reticle models with side-mounted control offer 10 intensity levels of red illumination with OFF switch between each step for quick, easy brightness adjustments.

A smooth-turn aluminum ring with rubberized eye guard allows crisp reticle focus and quick target acquisition. The Side Parallax knob allows adjustment without changing your shooting position. Constant, generous eye relief keeps your brow safe and provides good sight picture for various shooting positions. It’s waterproof, fogproof, shockproof — and backed by Nikon’s No Fault Policy for return and/or replacement.

NIKON NIKONSPORTOPTICS.COM

BE THE ALPHA...OWN THE ALPHA

SIBERIANCOOLERS.COM Check out our

Fall special DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

Lone Star Outdoor News

| 33

Need quality stocker bucks for your hunting clients?

Or to improve genetics on your ranch?

A DESTINATION WITHOUT EQUAL

S A I N T J O, T E X A S

Top quality Whitetail bucks & does available All out of 200”+ genetics Our ranch has been supplying Whitetail needs for over 12 years

We are TAHC certified herd year 7 No CWD testing needed on harvested deer

Contact Chris 972-922-4225

wildpointwhitetails@hughes.net DELIVERY AVAILABLE

BTI HUNTING PRODUCTS & FIREPITS 10495 North Freeway, Fort Worth, TX 76177

866-232-8030

ZZZ EWLKXQWLQJSURGXFWV FRP

Custom Fire pits available upon request!

WE SHIP TO ANYWHERE IN THE USA! All firepits include adjustable swivel grate, pin and poker.

Snuffer lids, shelf, foot rest and designs are optional.

Available sizes: 24”, 30”, 36”, 40” and 48”od.

Your local dealer for your hunting and outdoor needs!

Perched atop a mesa just west of Fort Worth, Texas, Greystone Castle is a sight to behold. With four turrets peeking above the tree line, this majestic sight is one to be remembered. From its award-winning wingshooting program, to trophy whitetail and exotics, world-class bass fishing and our National Champion sporting clays instructor, there is something for everyone at Greystone Castle.

The Gold Medal whitetail deer program offers an all-inclusive package based on the opportunity to hunt the opening weekend of season. This program is not restricted by score. It is an exclusive chance to hunt for the whitetail of your dreams. Last year’s results include a giant 493-inch deer taken by rifle.

As the Orvis 2011 and 2015 Wingshooting Lodge of the Year, Greystone has mastered the art of bird hunting. The ever-popular mixed bag hunt includes quail, pheasant, chukar and Hungarian partridge. This upland walking hunt allows guests to experience great pointing dogs working over rolling terrain specially farmed for optimal bird habitat. The European pheasant hunt is a great way to get lots of shooting action and watch labradors do what they do best, retrieve birds!

The mallard hunts offer a great chance to hone your skills over water while the fast-flying dove hunts offer an adrenaline rush every hunter craves.

If you are looking for something different, you will find it in the exotic pasture full of animals from around the world. Species from Africa, Asia, South America, and Europe roam the Texas plains and thrive in the southern climate. Breeding herds of axis deer, aoudad sheep, blackbuck antelope, sika and fallow deer mean there are plenty of trophies to be taken.

For those looking to relax and enjoy the water, Greystone offers more than 120 acres of stocked bass lakes. From small private lakes to the 80-acre Thurber Lake, every type of fishing opportunity exists. From fly-fishing, spin casters or simple hook and bobbers, there is a place for everyone. Kayaks and paddleboards let you go off on your own adventure or pontoon boats sneak you to the honey holes.

Championship Sporting Clays courses, two 5-stands, a training course and a wobble deck challenge every level of shooter. Our 400-yard rifle and pistol range offers steel targets at a variety of ranges. Hone your skills on our archery course featuring a tri-level static range and a 3-D walking course. Or just enjoy our scenic hiking and biking trails.

What appeals to all visitors to Greystone are its top-of-the-line accommodations and gourmet meals. Guests enjoy 26 private rooms, gourmet dining from our executive chef, conference facilities, and a swimming pool with hot tub and steam room. Along with this is the 2,600-square-foot pavilion facility with custom bar, large seating areas, 65-inch TVs, carved limestone fireplace, Laser Shot, billiards and an overlook terrace with a custom outdoor fire pit.

The ownership and staff are dedicated to creating one of the finest sporting experiences found anywhere in the world. Long-term habitat improvement and wildlife management has made Greystone an extraordinary hunting venue. This, coupled with the unique castle facility and outstanding customer service makes Greystone Castle a destination without equal.

GREYSTONE CASTLE

☎ (800) 399-3006

 Deer Blinds and Towers  Corn and Protein Feeders  Shooting Targets & Table 34 |

DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

GREYSTONECASTLE.COM

Lone Star Outdoor News

DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

Lone Star Outdoor News

| 35

UNDENIABLY MATCH GRADE

All Nikon trademarks are the property of Nikon Corporation.

BLACK FX1000 brings a higher level of performance—and expectation—to the world of long-range precision. From the proprietary Nikon glass optical system to the innovative reticles and turrets, everything about BLACK FX1000 was designed to dominate.

— High speed turrets with integral zero-stop — Waterproof/Fogproof/Shockproof — Purpose-engineered, glass-etched reticles (Standard and Illuminated) — Available in six variants—4-16x50 and 6-24x50 (FX-MRAD or FX-MOA reticles)

LIFETIME REPAIR/REPLACEMENT Excludes lost or stolen products and intentionally caused damage.

Black.NikonSportOptics.com

36 | 16030_LSON_BLACK_RS_AD_10.375x14.indd

1

DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018

Lone Star Outdoor News

10/12/18 3:00 PM