By Reis Ladd For Lone Star outdoor newS
Montana brothers head south for javelina
Brothers David and Paul Lautner, 75 and 72 years young, hail from the prairies north of Billings, Montana, where cold temps are typical and collared peccaries are not. The brothers made the two-day drive to hunt javelina with Texas Hunting Resources in the Trans Pecos region and escape the cold February Montana temperatures.
A trout stream feel
All types of anglers head to the Brazos River below Possum Kingdom Reservoir for a chance at rainbow trout in a scenic setting.
Here, Walker Kirk fishes below the Highway 16 bridge under the bridge arches. Anglers reported good catches using both conventional and fly-fishing equipment, but one learned if you leave a trout on the bank, a great blue heron may come and take it. More trout were scheduled to be stocked in the river on Feb. 28.
Photo by Erich Schlegel, for Lone Star Outdoor News.
Ironically, their hunt ended up coinciding with the harshest cold front Texas has seen in a while, with lows around 12 degrees and highs seldom above freezing.
The Lautner brothers live to hunt and booked the trip to bridge the gap from the end of fall hunting season and start of spring turkey season. They love to hunt so much they moved to Alaska together in their early 20s for the sole purpose of increasing their hunting opportunities.
“We lived in Alaska for about 30 years,” David said.
While some locals of the southwest may question the desire of others to travel long distances to hunt a 60-pound critter, David and Paul are certainly not alone in their endearment for javelina hunting. With the Boone and Crockett club announcing the javelina as their newest big-game trophy category in December of 2024 the species could continue to grow in popularity and appreciation among
By Nate Skinner For Lone Star outdoor newS
Hefty blue catfish have been providing anglers with exciting memories. The fish have been moving back and forth between shallow and deep water as they follow concentrations of baitfish in varying water temperatures.
Cole Thompson guides on Lake Ray Roberts and said areas with deep timber along creek channel ledges in 25-50 feet of water have been holding good
numbers of trophy-sized blue cats during cold conditions. Cut gizzard shad has been producing the best action. Most of the blues have been in the 20- to 30-pound range, with some pushing 40 pounds or more.
“Some days the catfish want bigger baits and some days they want smaller baits,” Thompson said. “The same can be said about the length of the leader we are using. Some days longer leaders catch more fish, and some days shorter leaders work better. I like
to change it up with the bait presentation and rigging until I figure out what works best on any given day.”
On warm days, shallower timber in 10 feet or less has been the ticket for locating the cats. Along with trophy-sized fish, blue cats have started concentrating around shallow timber during stretches of warm weather.
“Windblown banks adjacent to mud flats also are good areas to find solid numbers of blue cats in the 2- to 10-pound range
Cole Thompson has been finding big blue catfish over deep timber on Lake Ray Roberts. Photo from Cole Thompson.
Brothers Paul, left, and David Lautner came to Texas from Montana to pursue javelina. Photo by Reis Ladd, for Lone Star Outdoor News.
FOR THE FIELD OR BACKCOUNTRY
WHATEVER YOUR ADVENTURE IS, WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED.
HUNTING
Quail hunters upbeat as season ends
Lone Star outdoor newS
Quail hunters may have been sad to see the 2024-2025 season end Feb. 23, but they weren’t left in mourning like in some past seasons. Many hunters and dog owners exited the season with a smile.
While not all news was good, numbers of hunters reported moving more birds this year, and they were hopeful the rains keep coming, although
La Niña predictions may bring a dry spring to the southwestern part of the country, at least according to meteorologist Greg Souje of This Week in Agribusiness.
At the Matador Wildlife Management Area, near Paducah, public hunters got in on some improved quail action.
“We wrapped up our 2024-25 quail season Feb. 1,” the WMA reported.
“We had 996 hunters spend 1,717 days
afield harvesting 3,247 quail.”
Steve Barkley hunted the WMA, saying there were quite a few birds this year.
“But most were sporty,” he said.
At the Chaparral WMA, near Cotulla, bird hunters had far less success.
“We had a total of 39 hunters harvest 14 bobwhites and three scaled quail,” the WMA posted on social media. “Overall success was 0.43 birds per person.”
An increase in quail numbers in many areas improved the reflections on the 2024-2025 season for
Desert bighorn hunt for raffle winner
By Tony Vindell
For Lone Star outdoor newS
Hunting in Mexico’s Sonoran desert for bighorn sheep and mule deer is not for those who aren’t prepared for it.
It involves riding atop high racks attached to pickup trucks, driving endless hours on some of the most rugged roads one has seen, as well as walking steep hills dotted with rocks and a variety of cacti, such as the menacing cholla with its sticky and large needles.
Other times are spent glancing over hilltops with spotting scopes to detect the slightest movements or unusual shades of colors.
If a desert bighorn sheep is what a hunter is going after, he or she must be ready to shoot and hit the target anywhere from 200 yards to up to 500 yards.
On a recent hunting trip about three hours from the capitol city of Hermosillo, in Mexico’s Sonora state, Primera resident Antonio Vindell III harvested his first desert bighorn sheep on the second day of a 10day trip.
The sheep was spotted by the eagle eye of Freddy Medina, a 49-yearold whose right eye was out of commission and covered with a Bandaid.
With the help of a spotting scope, Medina saw the sheep at about 1,000 yards, just below the top of a hill, called a “cerro.”
“There is one over there,” he said almost instantly, “Let’s go.”
Vindell, David Artee (owner of David Artee Outfitting) and Medina walked about 500 yards closer to the sheep.
A pop, followed by a second one, rang out.
“It got hit,” said Juan Carlos Garcia, the vehicle’s driver as he watched the ram with another scope. “It’s down.”
Vindell hit the ram twice at 456 yards, using a Seekins Precision Ha vak PH2 7mm mag.
After that, the three climbed up to retrieve the sheep and it took them a while to find it, as it laid next to a bush about the same color of the animal.
Minutes later, they could be seen dragging the sheep toward the
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Elusive bucks show themselves
By Nate Skinner For Lone Star outdoor newS
Hunting white-tailed deer in late February on properties enrolled in the Managed Lands Deer Program can be tough, especially if hunters are targeting a specific buck.
Bucks often have changed their patterns at this point in the year, with the rut coming to an end and the emergence of winter weeds and forbs providing them with new forage opportunities. Hunting buddies Russell Ernst and Tyler Sekula put in many hours recently to tag the last two management bucks on a Karnes County ranch.
“Both of these bucks had eluded us for most of the season,” Ernst said. “When they did make an appearance while one of us was in the stand, they would somehow slip away
before we could get a shot.”
The duo made a point to hunt hard during a trip to the property, hoping for one last chance at the two deer.
Sekula was after a 10-pointer that hadn’t been showing up very regularly on any game cameras across the ranch over the last month.
“We actually had a buddy hunting with his son in the pasture where the buck frequented earlier in the season, in the hope that his son would have an opportunity to take the deer,” Sekula said. “I was hunting from a blind on the opposite end of the ranch, and the buck showed up. We had never seen him from that blind before.”
Sekula felt bad, and texted his buddy to tell him that the deer showed up on the opposite end of the ranch.
“My friend told me that if our goal was to
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hunters. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.
Antonio Vindell III, right, shown with his father, hunted desert bighorn sheep in Mexico’s Sonoran Desert after winning a raffle. Photo by Tony Vindell, for Lone Star Outdoor News.
Tyler Sekula harvested this 10-point buck on a ranch in Karnes County, after the buck had eluded hunters the entire season. Photo by Nate Skinner, for Lone Star Outdoor News.
By Reis Ladd
For Lone Star outdoor newS
Jack
1/16/2018 - 1/28/2025
Everyone needs a dog in their 20s.
No one tells the university educated and recently graduated 22-year-old of the difficulties he or she is about to ensue. Not of the body or even the mind as much, but the spirit. Struggling with finding one’s way in the world and a generous dose of selfentitlement, a young man’s 20s can be tough.
That’s where I found myself, having done everything I was supposed to but being greeted with a cavern of emptiness. Living for the weekends and chasing waterfowl all over the state was my only reprieve from the monotony of the 9 to 5. Having recently gone through a breakup, I was in the dumps. I doubled down on duck hunting and the logical next step was the duck dog.
My research was thorough, and I knew what I wanted. Male labrador, darker yellow, small-medium size, great hunter but not super-hot, good with kids, good with other dogs, and a good off switch. You know, not much. He was going to be 90 percent duck dog and 10 percent pet. The plan was to train him myself and be as strict as possible. To drive home obedience and give him a job. I reserved a pup in two different litters across the state from champion bloodlines, but neither felt right. Then, the runt of a no-name litter came available from a breeder out of East Texas and I trusted my gut.
I picked up Jack on March 16, 2018. Training commenced immediately and he was catching on faster than I could have ever imagined.
After the initial ridiculing from my recently retired parents, their house became doggy day care while I was at work. I dropped him off and picked him up every day for the next three years. He was their first grandkid.
As Jack grew, his personality shined through. He was a goofy, joyful, loving, loyal dog. His instinct in the field was something I had never seen before, and it got to the point that I wouldn’t hunt without him. As much as he loved to hunt, his true favorite thing to do was whatever I was doing.
He slept in his kennel until I was the one who needed him. He slept with me every night we were together from that point forward.
He watched girlfriends and professions come and go. Watched my mom fight and beat cancer and comforted me when my grandpa passed. My only unconditional requirement for my wedding was that he was in it.
Jack had thousands of retrieves in his life, and yes that part I will miss. Though what I have come to find I will miss most is just him. His joyful presence and unwavering ability to make you smile. The look in his eyes that said, “I don’t know what we are about to do but I’m in!”
I thought I got that dog to pick up ducks. What I actually got was a purpose found through a companion. I made better decisions in his interest because I knew he counted on me. I lived a more genuine life in part because I wanted to do that for him. He taught me responsibility and the virtue to serve and provide. He taught me how to grow up.
Yes, everyone needs a dog in their 20s.
Photos from Reis Ladd
NEW ZEALAND HUNTING TRIPS & FISHING ADVENTURES
HSCF award winners
At its annual Worldwide Hunting Expo & Convention, the Houston Safari Club Foundation presented awards honoring the service of several individuals to the conservation and hunting lifestyle.
Male Outstanding Achievement in Hunting Award
Lance W. Lester has been involved with HSCF since 1993, beginning as a youth member and currently serving as Vice President. His hunting career spans six continents and 17 countries, and Lester has successfully taken 128 distinct species. His achievements have earned him numerous accolades from Safari Club International, including five Grand Slam awards and the Zenith Award, and the African Big Five Award from Dallas Safari Club.
Outfitter of the Year
Leo Martinez of DEA Ranch (Dancing Elk Alexander Ranch) was named the recipient of the 2025 HSCF Outfitter of the Year Award for his dedication to conservation, ethical hunting and excellence in outfitting services.
With nearly four decades of experience in the ranching and hunting industry, Martinez has built a reputation as a leader in conservation and sustainable natural resource management. Since 1986, he has managed multiple ranch operations, shaping both the land and the communities he serves with his deep commitment to ethical hunting and wildlife stewardship.
Frank Green Award
Mitzy McCorvey received the 2025 Frank Green Award, one of HSCF’s highest honors, given to individuals who have dedicated extraordinary time and effort to the betterment of Houston Safari Club Foundation over many years.
McCorvey has been a dedicated member of HSCF since 2002, becoming a Life Member in 2010. Over the years, she has served in key leadership roles, including President of HSCF (2018-2019), Vice President (2014-2015), Board of Directors (2015-2017), Convention Chairman (2016), Gazelles Luncheon Co-Chair (2008, 2014, 2015, 2017), and Co-Chair of the Convention Decorating Committee (2022-Present).
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Hunting the world in 50 reads
By Craig Nyhus Lone Star outdoor newS
Many big game hunters know about and have either read stories by or seen television shows starring hunter Craig Boddington. His new book, “50 Great Stalks, Hunting the World’s Greatest Game Up Close,” encapsulates and celebrates decades of hunting adventures — some written about previously, others not.
The book, organized by habitat type, covers hunts from the 1970s to the 2020s. While he ob viously had to refer back to prior stories to recall details of specific hunts, the book is anything but a cut-and-paste effort. Each hunt is captured in an easy-to-read recap that’s more like a fireside chat, along with current thoughts on the adven ture.
There are hunts involving danger, physical en durance over mountains and through swamps, and missteps. Like any lifelong shooter and hunter, he’s had some misses, and admits them heartily, including a clean miss on a Columbian whitetail hunt for television in Oregon, possibly due to his rifle slipping on his favorite rest, his pack. That was followed by a great, down-the-mountain shot — only to learn the battery on the video camera had died. The book also takes you to each place and introduces you to the people.
Fifty great hunts in 30 countries on five continents, over a period of five decades, the 270page book, including plenty of photographs, can be read in one shot or, maybe better, one at a time in your favorite sitting-spot.
Boddington began his writing career in college, and it extended through his 31 years in the Marines. He has written 30 books and produced and hosted several television shows and documentaries.
Lance Lester was recognized by HSCF for its Male Outstanding Achievement in Hunting Award. Photo from HSCF.
Photo courtesy of BuxtoN loNghorNs
Big bass from a yak
By Nate Skinner
For Lone Star outdoor newS
Bass anglers can spend thousands of dollars on equipment and electronics in a hurry. While new technology can help folks become more successful on the water, some anglers prefer to keep things simple. Immanuel Barela pursues bass from a kayak rigged with a trolling motor. His current craft does not have any electronics or graphs installed on it, and he recently landed a 9.15-pound largemouth while fishing on Lake LBJ.
“That fish was gorging herself,” Barela said. “Her belly was plum full, and she had another shad in her throat when I landed her.”
Barela caught the hefty bass on an Alabama rig, fished along the edge of a drop-off in about 8 feet of water adjacent to a dock. He had been catching buck bass from 1-3 pounds on nearly every cast when the fish hit.
“I kept thinking I had a chance to run into a bigger fish, but I just kept catching small ones,” Barela said. “I was on the phone with my buddy when I felt her strike. The end of my rod jolted while I was retrieving the Alabama Rig, and I immediately set the hook.”
The fish pulled drag and then rolled at the surface before diving down under Barela’s kayak and doubling his rod.
“I caught a glimpse of her wide back and knew she was going to be large,” he said “That fish was extremely wide. She had to be one of the fattest fish I’ve ever caught.”
After an exciting battle, Barela was able to land the fish, get some measurements, snap some photos and release her safely back into the water.
“That was the only big bass that I caught that trip, and she definitely made my day,” he said.
Barela said he feels fishing from a kayak allows him to approach areas in a stealthier manner than if he was in a traditional bass boat.
“A lot of times I’m able to position myself in certain areas in a way that wouldn’t be possible in a boat,” he said. “This allows me to put my lure in the strike zone and catch fish I might not have been able to catch from a boat.”
As far as electronics, Barela said he’s not against them.
“I have just learned to fish without using electronics,” he said. I have wasted a lot of time figuring out different lakes, but this has also helped me really key in on what the fish are doing in different areas. I feel like the trial-anderror process has helped me become a better angler.”
FISHING
Changing with the tides, winds, temps
By Nate Skinner utdoor newS
It’s the time of year when coastal anglers combat a variety of conditions in order to successfully stay hooked up with speckled trout and redfish, with fluctuating tide levels, water temperatures, and varying winds from all directions. Anglers able to time their trips on the water with favorable weather windows have been rewarded.
Trey Thumann and Riley Freese fished East Matagorda Bay during the passage of a cold front. They opted to wade along the northern portion of the estuary in order to find protection from strong northeast winds.
“The conditions were less than ideal, and to be honest, we weren’t sure that we would catch many fish at all,” Thumann said. “However, I ended up catching a redfish soon after I got out of the boat, and the bite stayed pretty steady until the wind started blowing even harder later in the day.”
They focused on oyster shell reefs in thigh- to waist-deep water in the Chinquapin area. He and Freese ended up catching about 40 fish throughout the day. The majority of the fish were speckled trout, with a handful of slot redfish mixed in.
“We did catch one trout that weighed about 4 pounds,” Thumann said. “All of the fish that we caught hit soft plastics and Corkys. They were stacked up along the edges of reefs in some areas, and more spread out across stretches with scattered Rockport guide, Capt. Matthew Valadez, said the action from redfish has been pretty steady on live shrimp fished along the bottom near the drains and mouths leading to the back lakes. When the tide has been low, the reds have been stacking up in deeper areas and drop-offs near the edges of main bay flats.
“On cooler days, stretches with mud and oyster shell have been holding more fish,” Valadez said. “When it’s been warm, the reds have been feeding along flats with hard, sandy bottoms. The fish are in a transition stage and are moving around a lot according to the tide levels and weather conditions.”
Most of the redfish have been from 21-24 inches.
Bass Champs winners propelled by
By Vivian Leopold For Lone Star outdoor newS
Cold temperatures, rain and wind didn’t hamper Nolan Jackson, of Royse City, and Drew Sloan, of Scurry, from taking home $26,600 for a five-bass total weight of 18.92 pounds on Lake Fork. A 12.77-pound over-the-slot beauty helped tip the scales for the team. Lake Fork was the site of the second stop on Bass Champs Tournament Trail Feb. 15.
With water temperatures at 47 to 50 degrees, Jackson found some grass and used a red Rat-L-Trap. He thought the grass helped make the water temp a bit warmer. The big fish was caught about 9:30 a.m. in the one-day tournament, but the weigh-in didn’t begin until 3 p.m.
A total of 216 two-person teams fished the tournament. There were 381 total fish brought in. Money was paid for the top 28 spots.
Second place went to Charles Fisher, of Bridgeport, and Chris Albritton, of Millsap, with an over-the-slot bass weighing 9.62 pounds and a total weight of 15.32 pounds. They won $10,600. Wendell Moon and Curtis Daniels, both of Emory, got $5,000 for their 9.97-pound total.
Even though they came in fourth, Cody Ross, of Jeffries, and River Lee, of Diboll, won $14,500 for their 9.55-pound total, thanks to contingency monies. The team won $10,000 of the total because they were fishing in a Skeeter boat less than 3 years old, plus using Garmin-only electronics.
The lake was off-limits Monday–Thursday prior to the tournament. An even colder and wetter day on Friday was the allowed practice day, but only for pre-registered and paid entrants. Anglers could bring in one fish that day and the heaviest won $1,000. That went to Mark Biondi Jr., of Burleson, for a
Lake Fork is a slot limit lake. Any bass between 16- 24 inches does not qualify and has to be released.
Immanuel Barela landed this 9.15-pound largemouth while fishing from his kayak on Lake LBJ. Photo from Immanuel Barela.
While wade-fishing for speckled trout, Capt. Joseph Prado caught this flounder that tipped the scales at more than 5 pounds. The fish was caught on a soft plastic. Photo from Joseph Prado.
Nolan Jackson, left, and Drew Sloan won the Bass Champs event on Lake Fork, largely thanks to a 12.77-pounder landed by Jackson. Photo by Vivian Leopold, for Lone Star Outdoor News.
Same angler, same spot, same lunker
Lone Star outdoor newS
Nearly two years to the day after reeling in ShareLunker 641 from Lake Alan Henry, angler Ross Gomez caught a 14.78-pound bass only to discover it was the same fish.
Gomez, of Post, caught the fish in the same location he first caught the fish, then recorded as ShareLunker 641, on Feb. 10, 2023.
“I was actually standing in the same exact spot on the dock where I caught the first fish,” said Gomez. “I had a little paddletail swim shad type bait and said you know what, I’m just going to toss this thing and let it sink deep. I threw it three or four times and she hit the bait. I figured it was something good and when she started taking line, I knew it was a big fish. I had a 5-foot pole with a small reel and 8-pound test line, and the pressure was mounting, so I started adjusting the drag. I just kept working her and eventually she tired out and I was able to bring her up.”
Gomez, an avid crappie angler, wasn’t even targeting a largemouth bass when he caught the fish the first time.
Not only did the fish thrive since it’s return to the lake in 2023, but it grew from 13.22 to 14.78 pounds. The fish spawned 33,649 fingerlings on its first trip to the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center. The fish was released at a location approximately 3.3 miles from the dock and made her way back to the same spot.
Gomez had initially thought about going out on a kayak, but the cold and windy weather conditions made him decide to stay on the docks to fish.
Bridge, channel trout
By Tony Vindell Lone Star outdoor newS
The persistent cold snaps hitting the Lone Star State this month has resulted in a variety of fish species in bays, channels and jetty waters.
One week red drum were biting, the next, black drum, particularly in Port Mansfield and at the mouth of the Arroyo Colorado in Arroyo City. The week of Feb. 24 it was speckled trout.
Following the past weekend’s cold snap, anglers Chris Garza, Bryant McNamara and Tony Romeo fished the waters around the Gayman Bridge off Texas Highway 48. Dozens of others did the same, and many caught their limits of speckled trout, plus a few sheepshead and flounder.
“I am here whenever I can, time permit ting,” Torres said.
The 29-year-old said he uses lures for fish ing, whether for red drum, trout or his favorite fish — snook.
Torres uses 10- to 15-pound braided line and a 20-pound leader. His favorite lures are called Casting by Faith on a Locked Up jig head. He prefers a V-Lock hook.
“Once it is hooked, a fish has a hard time shaking it off because of the way they are made,” he said.
Torres began fishing following a bout with cancer.
“I went to MD Anderson in Houston,” Torres, who works as a barber, said. “I am now in remission.”
A co-worker suggested he take up fishing to keep his mind off his unfortunate experiences. Torres said fishing has helped him turn his life around, and he does so wherever he finds a good spot.
Torres fishes the channel off the bridge, around the old causeway in Port Isabel and
sometimes off the jetties.
On Monday, he hit the channel and got four trout, each measuring from 17-19 inches, and let some smaller ones go. Then, he had to go home to work the afternoon.
“I am happy with my catch,” he said. “I am going to make some ceviche tonight.” Meanwhile, dozens of other anglers could be seen reeling in trout after trout. Some said they showed up for redfish and they waited for the outgoing tide to turn around.
But for Romero, that was it.
“I got my limit,” he said, holding his three specks before heading out of the wet and muddy ground. ”We are going to fix them up. Eating fresh-caught fish is hard to beat.”
Ross Gomez caught the same lunker twice, first in 2023 and again this year, fishing the same location. Photo by TPWD.
Chris Torres shows his three-fish speckled trout limit caught off the Gayman Bridge on Feb. 24.
Photo by Tony Vindell, for Lone Star Outdoor News.
TEXAS FRESHWATER FISHING REPORT
ALAN HENRY: Water clear; 43 degrees; 0.98’ low. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows.
AMISTAD: Water stained; 62 degrees; 65.75’ low. Largemouth bass are good on minnow presentations, Texas-rigged soft plastics and jerkbaits. Crappie are fair on jigs. White bass are good on spoons and trolling crankbaits. Catfish are good on nightcrawlers and live bait.
ARLINGTON: Water stained; 50 degrees; 0.08’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on soft plastics.
ARROWHEAD: Water lightly stained; 40 degrees; 5.84’ low. Catfish are fair on fresh cut shad.
AUSTIN: Water stained; 55 degrees; 0.43’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on jerkbaits, swimbaits, Alabama rigs and Texas-rigged worms.
B A STEINHAGEN: Water stained; 52 degrees; 0.18’ low. Largemouth bass are slow.
BASTROP: Water stained; 63 degrees. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits, jigs and Carolina-rigged finesse worms.
BELTON: Water stained; 50 degrees; 2.35’ low. White bass are fair on jigs and slabs. Catfish are fair on cut bait and punch bait.
BENBROOK: Water stained; 50 degrees; 2.32’ low. Largemouth bass are slow.
BOB SANDLIN: Water stained; 50 degrees; 0.42’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on jigs and drop shots.
BOIS D’ARC: Water stained; 47 degrees; 2.87’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on suspending jerkbaits, Texas rigs and jigs. Crappie are slow.
BRAUNIG: Water stained; 60 degrees. Largemouth bass are slow. Redfish are slow. Catfish are good on cheese bait.
BROWNWOOD: Water stained; 51 degrees; 0.09’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on sonar minnows, jigs, and square-billed crankbaits. White bass are slow. Catfish are slow.
BUCHANAN: Water lightly stained; 60 degrees; 17.63’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits, shaky heads and creature baits. Stripers are good on live bait. White bass are fair on jigging spoons. Hybrids are good on live bait or dead-sticking. Crappie are good on jigs.
CADDO: Water stained; 67 degrees; 1.79’ high. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are slow.
CALAVERAS: Water slightly stained; 60 degrees. Largemouth bass are slow. Redfish are slow. Catfish are fair on cut bait, cheese bait and shrimp.
CANYON: Water lightly stained; 49 degrees; 29.19’ low. Largemouth bass are good on soft plastics, lipless crankbaits and Alabama rigs. White bass are good on Alabama rigs and jigging spoons.
CEDAR CREEK: Water stained; 48 degrees; 0.10’ high. Hybrids and white bass are good on flukes. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. Catfish are good on cut shad or rough fish.
COMANCHE CREEK: 55 degrees; 0.01’ high. Largemouth bass are good on soft plastics. Catfish are good on liver and punch bait.
CONROE: Water stained; 57 degrees; 0.13’ low. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Hybrids are fair on soft plastics. Catfish are good on liver, worms, Catfish Bubblegum and punch bait.
COOPER: Water stained; 50 degrees; 2.00’ low. Crappie are slow. Catfish are slow.
CORPUS CHRISTI: 55 degrees; 13.22’ low. Drum are fair on worms. Catfish are fair on stink bait.
CYPRESS SPRINGS: Water stained; 50 degrees; 1.41’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on jigs and drop shots.
EAGLE MOUNTAIN: Water stained; 49 degrees; 4.31’ low. White bass are fair on slabs and minnows. Crappie are fair on jigs. Catfish are good on cut bait and punch bait.
FALCON: Water stained; 53 degrees; 45.31’ low. Largemouth bass are good on soft plastics and crankbaits. Crappie are slow. Catfish are good on fresh cut bait and stink bait.
FAY-
FT PHANTOM HILL: Water stained; 53 degrees; 7.33’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. Hybrids are slow.
GRANBURY: Water stained; 50 degrees; 0.02’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on soft plastics. White bass and striped bass are good on soft plastics. Crappie are good on jigs. Catfish are good on cut bait.
GRANGER: Water lightly stained; 50 degrees; 0.09’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on jigs. Crappie are fair on jigs. White bass are good on slabs. Catfish are good on juglines.
GRAPEVINE: Water lightly stained; 51 degrees; 0.78’ high. White bass are slow. Catfish are fair on cut bait.
HOUSTON COUNTY: Water stained; 55 degrees; 0.42’ high. Largemouth bass are slow.
HUBBARD CREEK: Water stained; 50 degrees; 13.55’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie are slow.
JACKSONVILLE: Water stained; 55 degrees; 0.22’ high. Largemouth bass are good on chatter baits and lipless crankbaits.
JOE POOL: Water stained; 55 degrees; 0.47’ high. Largemouth bass are slow.
LAKE O’ THE PINES: Water lightly stained; 50 degrees; 1.94’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on jigs and drop shots.
LAVON: Water lightly stained; 45 degrees; 0.46’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on Texas rigs and jigs. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. White bass are fair on slabs and flukes. Catfish are good on cut baits.
LBJ: Water stained; 59 degrees; 0.31’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on jerkbaits, drop shots and Alabama rigs. Crappie are fair on minnows.
ETTE: Water lightly stained; 58 degrees. Largemouth bass are fair on shaky heads, Carolina rigs, chatter baits and lipless crankbaits.
FORK: Water stained; 50 degrees; 0.11’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on lipless crankbaits, chatter baits, shaky heads and dropshots. Crappie are good on jigs.
LEWISVILLE: Water stained; 47 degrees; 1.31’ low. White bass are fair on jigs, slabs and live bait. Hybrid stripers are fair on slabs and jigs. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair on cut shad.
LIMESTONE: Water stained; 52 degrees; 1.38’ low. Largemouth bass are good on Texas rigs and chatter baits. Crappie are fair on minnows. White bass are good on jigging spoons
and square-billed or lipless crankbaits. Catfish are fair on cut bait and fresh shad.
LIVINGSTON: Water stained; 55 degrees; 0.58’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on soft plastics. White bass are good on jigs and spinners. Catfish are fair on cut bait.
MARTIN CREEK: Water lightly stained; 59 degrees; 0.09’ high. Largemouth bass are good on underspin swimbaits, lipless crankbaits and weightless senkos. Crappie are fair on minnows. White bass are good on slabs. Catfish are good on cut bait.
MEREDITH: Water stained; 41 degrees; 47.53’ low. Largemouth bass are good on artificial grubs and minnows. White bass are good on minnows. Walleye are fair on minnows and artificial grubs. Catfish are good on chicken liver and frozen shad.
MILLERS CREEK: Water stained; 53 degrees; 2.72’ low. Catfish are fair on juglines.
NACOGDOCHES: Water stained; 53 degrees; 0.63’ high. Largemouth bass are good on bladed jigs and lipless crankbaits. Crappie are slow. Catfish are slow.
stained; 50 degrees; 0.89’ high. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are slow.
PINKSTON: Water stained; 51 degrees. Largemouth bass are good on swimbaits and Carolina rigs. Crappie are fair on jigs. Catfish are slow.
POSSUM KINGDOM: Water stained; 48 degrees; 0.18’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. Stripers are fair on live bait and flukes. White bass are fair on live shad. Catfish are fair on cut shad.
PROCTOR: Water stained; 45 degrees; 0.14’ high. Hybrid striped bass are good on swimbaits. Catfish are good on cut bait.
RAVEN: Water lightly stained; 50 degrees. Largemouth bass are slow.
RAY HUBBARD: Water stained; 45 degrees; 0.13’ high. White bass are fair on slabs and jigs. Hybrids are fair on flukes. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are good on cut bait.
NACONICHE: Water stained; 52 degrees; 0.50’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on deep-diving crankbaits, jerkbaits and Alabama rigs. Crappie are good on jigs. Catfish are slow.
NASWORTHY: Water lightly stained; 50 degrees; 0.42’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on soft plastics. Crappie are fair on jigs. Catfish were fair on cut bait and stink bait.
NAVARRO MILLS: Water lightly stained; 48 degrees; 0.15’ high. Crappie are slow. Catfish are good on cut bait. White bass are fair on minnows.
O H IVIE: Water lightly stained; 48 degrees; 23.07’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on jerkbaits, Alabama rigs and deep-diving crankbaits. White bass are good on slabs and spoons. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are fair on stink bait and punch bait.
OAK CREEK: Water lightly stained; 45 degrees; 18.46’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on swimbaits and Alabama rigs.
PALESTINE: Water lightly
RAY ROBERTS: Water lightly stained; 50 degrees; 0.54’ low. White bass are fair on live bait and slabs. Catfish are fair on cut bait.
RICHLAND CHAMBERS: Water stained; 48 degrees; 0.12’ high. White bass and hybrid stripers are fair on slabs. Catfish are fair on punch bait and cut bait.
SAM RAYBURN: Water stained; 55 degrees; 0.11’ high. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are slow. White bass are fair on lipless crankbaits and road runners. Catfish are fair on noodles.
SOMERVILLE: Water stained; 55 degrees; 1.95’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on soft plastics. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. White bass are slow. Hybrids are slow. Catfish are fair on cut shad and punch bait.
SPENCE: Water stained; 50 degrees; 46.50’ low. White bass are fair on jigs.
STILLHOUSE: Water stained; 50 degrees; 2.92’ low. White bass are fair on jigs and slabs.
TAWAKONI: Water lightly stained; 46 degrees; 0.85’ high. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are slow. Hybrid stripers and white bass are slow. Catfish are good on fresh cut shad and drum.
TEXOMA: Water stained; 48 degrees; 2.81’ low. Large-
mouth bass are slow. Striped bass are fair on flukes and swimbaits. Crappie are slow. Catfish are fair on cut shad and whole gizzard shad.
TOLEDO BEND: Water stained; 53 degrees; 0.61’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on senkos and wacky worms. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows.
TRAVIS: Water lightly stained; 59 degrees; 43.59’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on creature baits, crankbaits and jerkbaits.
TWIN BUTTES: Water stained; 51 degrees; 39.51’ low. Crappie are slow. White bass are slow. Catfish are fair on punch bait, live bait, and fresh cut bait.
TYLER: Water stained; 50 degrees; 0.24’ high. Largemouth bass are slow.
WACO: Water stained; 50 degrees; 1.75’ low. White bass are fair on jigs and spinners.
WALTER E LONG: Water lightly stained; 55 degrees. Largemouth bass are fair on swimbaits, jerkbaits, chatter baits and lipless crankbaits.
WHITE RIVER: Water stained; 42 degrees; 23.04’ low. Crappie are good on jigs. Catfish are slow.
WHITNEY: Water stained; 55 degrees; 0.13’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on soft plastics. Striped bass are fair on flukes and live bait. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. White bass are fair on flukes and slabs.
WORTH: Water stained; 49 degrees; 2.42’ low. White bass are fair on slabs. Crappie are fair on jigs. Catfish are good on cut bait and punch bait.
WRIGHT PATMAN: Water stained; 50 degrees; 6.42’ high. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are slow. Catfish are fair on cut bait.
Javelina adventure
hunters.
Having previously taken javelina in Arizona, the Lautner brothers were eager to compare skull sizes of adults from the two different regions. However, after day one, the bitter cold was proving to be a factor in locating the typically prevalent javelinas of the region.
“It wasn’t until about 1 p.m. on the first full day of hunting that we got our first opportunity,” Paul said. “They weren’t wanting to move around and feed until it warmed up a bit.”
At the midway point of the hunt, older brother David had harvested one adult female, but with temperatures forecasted to rise the group had high hopes for the remainder of the hunt.
Day three began like day two, with beautiful views from high glassing knobs but the cold temps kept their quarry out of sight. As the group transitioned from one area to another something caught Paul’s eye.
“At first, I wasn’t sure what I was looking at because they weren’t moving, just stand-
ing with their heads in a bush at the crest of a knob,” Paul said. “Then right as we were about to leave, I saw one’s legs move.”
The hunting party made a loop to get the wind right and got within 30 yards. David and Paul both managed to take exceptional boars out of the herd that showcased exceptional tooth wear, indicating they were far past their prime. A few hours later, Paul harvested the fourth and final javelina of the trip, the heaviest and most impressive one yet.
In measuring the skulls of the larger males all three were within 3/8 inch of each other, almost identical to the brothers’ Arizona boars.
The Lautner brothers traveled to Texas in search of warmer temps and a javelina hunting adventure. They missed out on the former, but eventually the javelina got active and made the trip.
“This hunt was everything we could have asked for and we learned a lot,” David said. “I can see this continuing to grow in popularity.”
Raffle
prize
Continued from page 4
bottom at the hunter’s request — something that doesn’t happen often here.
After several high fives and loading the trophy on the back of the pickup, they headed to camp where everybody seemed excited to see the sheep as they admired its horns.
Hunting such a valued trophy is not guaranteed as many hunters know, and some go home empty-handed but promising to come back.
The cost to hunt this sheep starts here in Sonora at $6 plus four zeros, whereas for a mule deer it’s $12 plus three zeros.
Vindell’s hunt was the result of luck — as he bought a raffle ticket online at a fraction of that and was notified of his win early last year by a member of the Alaskan Outdoor Council.
The desert bighorn is one of four species of North American wild sheep. The other three are the dall, stone and Rocky Mountain bighorn.
The Sonora hunting trip Vindell made took place on land belonging to a number of communal farms, known as “ejidos.”
These ejidos were created by an agrar-
HSCF
Continued from page 6
ian law following the Mexican Revolution of 1910, which gave land owned by the elites to the landless.
Besides Vindell’s sheep, two other hunters harvested a mule deer, while a fourth one missed the opportunity.
Del Rio resident Don Zimmerman downed a “bura” buck in the morning of his second hunt.
“I got it at about 7:30,” he said. “It took me several shots as I was standing with no rest.”
Zimmerman said one of the guides used a mouth call to lure the deer out of the brush, and it worked.
“We heard him coming out of the brush,” he said. “He was about 200 yards when we saw him.”
The deer went down after the fourth shot from a .270 Vanguard Weatherby rifle.
“I am pretty happy,” he said. “This is my first mule deer.”
Zimmerman said the Sonora trip was superb.
“Here, the hospitality and the camaraderie were something else,” he said.
honors
President’s Award
Monica Williamson was honored with the 2025 HSCF President’s Award, recognizing outstanding HSCF members whose dedication and service go above and beyond in support of HSCF’s mission.
Since joining HSCF in 2007, Williamson has dedicated countless hours to the organization, holding numerous leadership positions, including HSCF Vice President (2014-2015), Gazelles Committee Member (2010-Present), Chair of the Convention Merchandising Booth (2016), HSCF Membership Committee (2009-2011), Board of Directors (2016-2018, 2018-2020), Co-Chair of YWCE (2019), HSC/HSCF Secretary (2019-2022), and HSCF Director (2021-2023).
A collared peccary moves through the West Texas brush. Photo by Lone Star Outdoor News.
HOG HUNTERS RESCUED IN NATIONAL FOREST
Around 3 a.m. on Feb. 17, Houston County game wardens responded to a distress call from a hog hunter, reporting that he and two friends were stranded in the Big Slough Wilderness Area of the Davy Crockett National Forest.
Wardens coordinated with Houston County Search and Rescue and found one hunter had self-rescued and returned to his vehicle, showing signs of hypothermia. Game wardens provided blankets and advised him to stay inside his heated truck while they searched for the remaining two hunters.
Hiking more than a mile through the woods, the wardens and two SAR personnel located one hunter safely on land, while the other was stranded 100 yards across a flooded creek, wet and suffering from hypothermia due to below freezing temperatures. The crew devised a rescue plan using life jackets and throw ropes. A warden, fitted with a life jacket, swam across the creek to the stranded hunter. The remaining warden and SAR personnel were able to tow both the men back to safety. Meanwhile, the self-rescued hunter had built a fire and the remaining stranded hunters and rescue personnel were quickly warmed by it and a self-heating emergency blanket. The hunters were transferred to EMS personnel for treatment.
MISTAKEN IDENTITY
A Crockett County game warden received a call from a ranch hand in Pecos County reporting two hunters illegally harvesting mule deer. The
OUTDOOR BLOTTER
GAME WARDEN IMPOSTOR
A Bowie County game warden received a call about an individual claiming to be an undercover game warden working the Wright Patman Lake Spillway. The caller said the supposed warden was checking fish and fishing licenses and commenting on the legality of fish being kept. The caller was able to provide a description of the individual and a license plate number registered in Arkansas. Before Bowie County wardens, working with Arkansas wardens, could visit the suspect’s house, the original caller reached out again to say the supposed warden was back at the spillway, making the same claims. A warden immediately headed to the spillway, where he observed the suspect in action and wearing law enforcement gear, though he was unarmed. As the suspect was heading back to his vehicle, the warden intercepted him for questioning. The man denied all claims, stating he was there because he worked for a road construction company. After getting statements from witnesses, the warden obtained an arrest warrant for the suspect who later turned himself in.
ranch in question operates under the Managed Lands Deer Program, allowing for extended seasons for white-tailed and mule deer. Hunters could legally harvest white-tailed deer by any lawful means at that time, but mule deer could only be harvested by lawful archery equipment until Nov. 2. The ranch hand reported that the two hunters, who were instructed to shoot only white-tailed deer, had shot two mule deer bucks with modern firearms. Crockett and Brewster County wardens responded the next day to interview the hunters, who admitted to shooting the bucks at last light when they saw antlers in the brush. They claimed they mistook the mule deer for white-tailed deer. The wardens seized both bucks and issued citations for unlawful means and methods, warnings for taking mule
deer out of season and the hunters were charged civil restitution for the two bucks.
TOO MANY DOVE, AND TWO TURKEY
An Atascosa County game warden was monitoring a property where illegal hunting activity was suspected. After hearing several shotgun blasts, the warden entered the property and discovered two men hunting dove over bait. It was during a special white-wing only season and only two mourning dove were allowed per hunter. The men were over their limit of mourning dove and were still actively hunting when the warden arrived. While investigating the incident, the warden looked through feed sacks in the bed of a truck. He was surprised to discover two cleaned out, untagged jake Rio
Grande turkey in an empty feed sack. One man admitted to shooting them earlier in the day and had asked the other to dispose of the carcasses, which he had not yet done. The two men were issued citations for killing turkey out of season, exceeding the daily bag limit of mourning dove and placing bait to attract and hunting over bait. The illegally taken game was seized and donated.
BALD EAGLE SHOT, HIDDEN
Texas game wardens received reports from a caller saying they witnessed a bald eagle shot in Montgomery County. The warden spoke to the landowner who admitted to shooting a hawk that had been harassing his chickens. While searching the property, the warden discovered an injured bald
eagle hidden underneath a tarp. The landowner confessed to shooting the eagle and said he planned to try to fix its wing. The game warden seized the eagle and transported it to a veterinary hospital, where it was evaluated and prepped for surgery to try to repair its broken wing and gunshot wound. Despite best efforts, the eagle ultimately had to be euthanized. The case was turned over to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
SNAKES AND MORE SNAKES
A Milam County game warden received a call on Feb. 1 from a concerned landlord about a tenant reportedly keeping several venomous snakes in an apartment near the Cameron ISD Middle School. Wardens from Travis and Williamson counties, along with the Milam County Sheriff’s Office, assisted with the investigation. Upon contact, the tenant admitted to possessing multiple snakes and allowed wardens to inspect them. The tenant admitted keeping a monocled cobra, a green bush viper, rat snakes, bull snakes and approximately 25 rattlesnakes—without the required permit or a hunting license.Wardens also observed what appeared to be methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in plain sight. Wardens obtained a search warrant, which led to the discovery of additional narcotics, drug paraphernalia and more unlawfully possessed snakes. Wardens seized the reptiles and transferred them to a licensed permit holder who is equipped to care for them.
FROM WORK TO PLAY
WHATEVER YOUR ADVENTURE IS, WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED.
HUNT THE BOBCAT RUT
By Mike Bodenchuk
For Lone Star outdoor newS
While February marks the end of conventional hunting seasons, it also marks the beginning of the breeding season for predators. Notably, gray fox, coyotes and bobcats are on the prowl for mates, and the “bobcat rut” may be the best time to target these trophy predators.
Unlike coyotes and fox, which can subsist on a wide variety of food, bobcats are obligate predators and their abundance is directly related to the number of rabbits in a given area. Bobcats are also limited by competition from coyotes, and in some cases they are limited by direct predation by coyotes. Because of this, bobcats prefer to stay in thicker cover with taller trees available for escape cover. Creek and river bottoms are the favored daytime locations for these spotted cats and predator callers should concentrate on places where the cover provides safety and rabbits for bobcats to hunt.
Bobcats hunt with their eyes, so predator callers should expect a cat to approach a call fairly well-hidden, but they will stop in a location where they can see. Daytime callers should consider using binoculars to scan the edges of brush periodically. You may be surprised to see a bobcat’s face peering out of the edge of a sendero or ranch road. Nightime callers are using thermal imaging more than spotlights, and watching the thicker brush for an advancing cat can be easier on cool February nights.
Bobcats are most prolific in South Texas, broken short grass prairies in the Panhandle and in the Trans-Pecos. Oddly, in Central Texas where sheep and goat raising requires intensive coyote control, bobcats can be locally abundant due to the lack of competition from coyotes. Wherever you find them, bobcats are often attracted to rabbit or bird distress calls. However, during the “bobcat rut” cats can be attracted to the sounds of breeding cats. E-callers with a wide variety of sounds can bring big toms running if they think an interloper is in the neighborhood.
Bobcats are classified as nongame animals in Texas, but a hunting license is required to hunt them. There is no closed season and no bag limit and you can night hunt on private land with the landowner’s permission. A trappers license is required to sell the furs and any cat offered for sale or shipped out of state must be tagged with a Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species tag by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
For decades bobcat pelts brought a high price, but the market has cooled considerably and many bobcats are now finding their way to a taxidermists shop to be mounted. Check with your taxidermist and find out if he or she sends the hides out-of-state to be tanned. If so, make sure you get the trophy tagged by TPWD before dropping it off at the taxidermist’s shop.
From early February until the middle of March, bobcats will be covering ground and looking for a mate. After the rut they tend to hold up on a very small piece of ground. If you’re looking for that trophy bobcat, now is the time to get out and call up your cat.
Dave Richards
Mike Bodenchuk
OCULAR ZOOM IN THERMAL OPTICS
Not all zoom methods are created equal. While magnification is essential in thermal optics, most thermal devices rely on digital zoom, which enlarges an image by cropping and resizing pixels. While this increases magnification, it also reduces image quality, making it harder to identify fine details at higher zoom levels.
The Nocpix ACE takes a different approach with “ocular zoom,” an optical magnification system that enhances the image without sacrificing resolution. Unlike digital zoom which degrades clarity, ocular zoom preserves full sensor resolution, ensuring targets remain crisp and well-defined.
As implied by the name, this optical magnification method is applied on the shooter’s end, enlarging the high-resolution display. The ACE’s ocular magnifier provides 1-3x optical magnification, delivering smooth, high-clarity zoom without pixelation. This also means that the reticle and target remain proportional, similar to a first-focal plane precision rifle scope.
What makes the ACE truly versatile is that both digital and ocular zoom can be used independently or together. Users can rely on ocular zoom for a high-resolution image, use digital zoom for quick magnification, or combine both for greater flexibility. Shooting at base magnification (1x) maintains the sensor’s full resolution while maximizing the field of view.
By offering ocular and digital zoom as separate, independent systems, the Nocpix ACE allows users to adapt their magnification to any scenario. Whether scanning a wide area, zooming in for identification, or fine-tuning a shot, the ACE ensures clarity and flexibility go hand-in-hand, delivering an unmatched thermal experience.
STUDYING MOUNTAIN LION BORDER MOVEMENT
By Mike Bodenchuk For Lone Star outdoor newS
Researchers from the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute are studying mountain lions along the border looking to update biological data and determine if the border wall is having an effect on lion movement.
At a wildlife research seminar at the San Antonio Livestock Show, researchers detailed the project and gave preliminary results of a study funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Dr. Lisanne Petracca told the seminar audience that the FWS funded the study because of concerns about the effects of the wall, which has been completed in some of the sections of the border. Environmentalists fear that the wall could serve as a barrier to mountain lion movement, not only from the physical barrier but from the roads and lights associated with the wall.
To study the effects, the science team has already radio collared four mountain lions. The GPS collars keep track of movements hourly, but when the cats get within 1/2 mile of the wall it gets location data every 5 minutes. This allows researchers to see what effects, if any, are associated with the barrier. Along the way, they can assess mountain lion prey, determine home range sizes, get genetic info and,
by using a grid of trail cameras, estimate population size in the affected area.
As for preliminary results, thus far three of the four mountain lions have encountered the wall, and two of the three have successfully passed through the barrier. There are small openings set into the wall to allow wildlife passage and these openings all have cameras on them. The lions have yet to discover the crossings, but Dr. Petracca showed video of lions in Arizona using the crossings.
Not unexpectedly, the collared male mountain lions have large home ranges — 109,000 acres for one and 170,000 acres for the second male. The females, by contrast, have small home ranges — 11,000 acres and 22,000 acres. One of the collared females is suspected of having kittens, but these have yet to be collared.
The camera grids are still being put in place, but the cameras have already detected other lions in the area. One uncollared female has three kittens approximately 6 months old. The issue of genetic connectivity is still to be addressed, but the researchers are hoping to get genetic samples from Mexico to look at whether or not there are genetic connections across the border.
The study is scheduled to go for another year or more. In addition to Dr. Petracca, there are two graduate students and one field technician working on the project.
THE VALUE OF FUR
By Craig Nyhus Lone Star outdoor newS
For years, fur prices have been dropping. Overseas markets held them up for a while, but even that market has diminished. Gone are they days when high schoolers paid for college through trapping. Texas wildlife managers, though, know the value of decreasing predation on fawns, quail and turkey, including their eggs.
While you may not see the value of fur in the pocketbook, there are still some things you can do, while at the same time helping your wildlife numbers. Maybe it’s a bobcat vest, a coyote jacket, a raccoon hat or a display item, furmakers and taxidermists can help you create the items you and your family will enjoy for years.
If you skin and tan the hides yourself, a hanging display can bring personal “value” to a wall in your home or garage.
A check of current prices, compared with those in 2015, is below. These prices are for Texas representative animals. For example, prices for winter animals in northern states or Canada are significantly higher.
The Nevada Trappers Association’s Average Price Report showed higher prices, though, for high-quality furs. Bobcats brought an average of $546, while coyotes brought only $11.98 and gray fox $17.86. Red fox brought $16.22, and even striped skunks brought $24.18.
At an Alaskan fur auction Feb. 22, a beaver sold for $120, a silver fox brought $245, two ermine brought $135 and lynx and wolverine $500.
Current Texas fur prices Pelt
Lone Star Outdoor News
Stunning results: double the stand success, more aggressive responses, fewer hang ups/warning barks
You’ve no doubt noticed that predators and game animals are often very cautious when coming to a call and often hang up at a safe distance. This is not just their wary nature, it’s also because of the limitations of your e-caller.
Ordinary e-callers produce sound recorded on equipment designed for the frequencies that humans can hear (up to 20 kHz), and peak out at 12 to 18 kHz. The revolutionary new FREQ™ Ultrasonic Game Call produces ultrasonic sound up to 50 kHz which corresponds to the range at which coyotes (44 kHz) and bobcats (64kHz) can hear. And which rabbits emit (50kHz).
FREQ™ inventor, Gary Roberson, has tested these ultrasonic game calls and the results are nothing short of astonishing.
His stand success has doubled and the responses he gets are extremely aggressive. And, he gets far fewer hang-ups and virtually never hears an alarm bark! Why? Because FREQ™ produces never-before-achieved, full spectrum sound!
This revolutionary technology did not previously exist. Roberson discovered that you cannot simply transform existing recorded call sounds into full spectrum, ultrasonic call sounds. This meant developing ultrasonic recording equipment and recording all of the needed sounds. And, then, building a speaker capable of playing ultrasonic sound. Essentially it meant totally reinventing electronic game calls. Which is exactly what Gary did!
FREQ SOUND RANGE CHART
“On a ranch where attracting coyotes had been challenging for a couple of years due to night hunting pressure, we achieved remarkable success with the FREQ. We called up 11 coyotes and killed 10, all within a 100-yard range.”
Coyote, Fox, Bobcat, Deer, Elk, Moose, Turkey, Waterfowl, Bear, Mountain Lion, Raccoon, Crow, Quail
Phil Lyne Cotulla, TX
FREQ™ produces ultrasonic sound that reaches 50 kHz. Ordinary e-calls produce sound that reaches just 12-18 kHz.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING WITH COYOTE CONTROL
Managing predation on livestock is somewhat of a simple formula — keep the coyotes away from the goats or sheep. But for most Texas landowners and hunters, preventing predators from eating deer fawns and turkey is a critical consideration.
Managing predation on wildlife is complex. In a recent wildlife seminar in Nashville, Tennessee, Lone Star Outdoor News contributor and wildlife biologist Mike Bodenchuk outlined predator/prey relationships and described effective predator management programs to protect big game, turkeys and quail.
In the seminar, Bodenchuk described several predator/prey relationships and noted that 18 different factors affect predation rates. When multiple predators start working on a single prey species (such as coyotes and mountain lions both killing mule deer), the impacts are cumulative or “additive predation” in biologist-speak.
One of the factors affecting predation rates is the “breeding synchrony” which addresses does being bred on their first heat cycle. If all the does are bred in a narrow window, the coyotes can’t possibly get all the fawns. But if buck:doe ratios get too low, does may not be bred until later in the year and the fawn drop is extended over two or more months, allowing the same number of coyotes to remove a bigger proportion of the fawns. Managing for a higher buck:doe ratio, Bodenchuk said something in the 30-40 bucks per 100 does will reduce predation on fawns.
However, removing coyotes after the pair bonds have been established in January, but before the female coyotes whelp in mid-April, can significantly reduce predation on newborn deer and pronghorn fawns.
“As an easy way to remember dates, the peak of coyote breeding is Valentine’s Day and the peak of whelping is mid-April, or Tax Day,” Bodenchuk said.
Removing coyotes after the pair bonds are established will protect fawns born later in June and July.
GUN MOUNTED LIGHTS
“If you wait until May or June, the female is not moving much, staying at the den hole and is difficult to target,” Bodenchuk said. “Removing the pair before whelping will assure that there isn’t a breeding pair in that territory raising pups. Breeding coyotes represent only about 20 percent of the spring population, but they kill something in the neighborhood of 80 percent of the fawns that die from predation.”
Bodenchuk talked about how to effectively target the right coyotes.
“Breeding pairs are defending a territory this time of year,” he said. “They mark the territory boundaries with droppings and kick-back marks to tell other coyotes that this territory is occupied. Trapping around these territorial boundaries can be effective.”
Coyotes announce their territories through howling.
“Group howling is done by last years’ pups when assembling for a group hunt,” Bodenchuk said. “A territorial pair howls differently — long, drawn-out howls that sound aggressive. These are the coyotes you want to target.”
Even after the pups are born, coyote calling can be an effective way to target breeders — the ones that kill the most fawns.
“Change from rabbit calls and howling to pup in distress calls,” Bodenchuk said. “In thick cover, like the Texas Hill Country, use a shotgun as the coyotes will be close and will come in fast. In open country, expect the pair to show up at a distance and bark and challenge howl 200300 yards away. In these cases, you’ll need an accurate rifle and a pair of shooting sticks to be stable.”
Bodenchuk observed that coyote numbers fluctuate widely each year, with the annual high point right after whelping and the annual low point right beforehand.
“Calling coyotes this time of year is a low percentage game,” he said. “But each one you remove will likely be more important to your fawn crop than a half-dozen October pups.”
David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News
When the sun goes down, the hunt doesn’t stop — it just gets better. The AGM Adder V2 is built for the guys who work hard all day and chase hogs, coyotes and predators all night. It takes everything hunters loved about the original Adder Series and dials it up to 11 with a pile of upgrades designed for serious thermal users.
Right out of the gate, the Adder V2 brings the cleanest, crispest image yet with improved thermal sensitivity ratings and a giant 2560x2560 round display. Translation? You’ll pick up heat signatures faster and see them with ridiculous clarity. And for those long-range shots, AGM pulled off something no one else has done: a fully integrated 1,000-yard laser rangefinder built right into the front lens on the 50mm and 60mm models. No clunky add-ons, no messing with Bluetooth, no extra bulk — just seamless integration.
But AGM didn’t stop there. They packed the Adder V2 with features that every night hunter will truly appreciate: an internal rechargeable battery system combined with a swappable, rechargeable 18650 battery, multiple color palettes including red & green monochrome, a built-in ballistic calculator, full 0.5X incremental zoom control, throughdevice playback, and much more.
All Adder V2 Thermal Scopes are designed to be compatible with the included 30mm American Defense Manufacturing QD or any of your favorite 30mm scope rings. Within the Adder V2 line, You can choose between five different models optimized for your budget, hunting style, and terrain:
AGM Adder V2 35-384
AGM Adder V2 LRF 35-384
AGM Adder V2 LRF 35-640
AGM Adder V2 LRF 50-640
AGM Adder V2 LRF 60-1280
If you’re serious about night hunting, the Adder V2 isn’t just an upgrade — it’s the thermal scope you’ve been waiting for.
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BIG BOBCATS
TOP 30 POUNDS
The country’s biggest predator contest keeps producing. The West Texas Big Bobcat Contest paid out $186,760 in prize money Feb. 22-23. The 24-hour contest had 812 teams competing and weighed 57 qualified bobcats.
Big Bobcat
1. 30 lbs., 10 ozs. $56,740 Colby Bobbitt, Mike Gilder, Garrett Gonsalves
The January contest had 763 teams and weighed 67 quailifed bobcats, paying out $175,490 in prize money.
Big Bobcat
1. 30 lbs. 4 ozs. $53,310
Travis McCracken, Dane Carter
2. 28 lbs. 13 ozs. $30,420 Jeff Ridings, Brett Ridings, Ryan Lawhon, Kash Ousley
3. 27 lbs. 9 ozs. $22,790
Justin Brown, Tom Cawley
2. 28 lbs., 5 ozs. $32,380
Ryder Wilkins, Jack Nail, Will Lemay, Laithe Leach
3. 28 lbs., 1 oz. $24,260
Wayne Sutton, Danny Weant
4. 27 lbs., 5 ozs. $16,600 West Neinast, Clay Hannsz, Dustin Barker, Aaron Carlisle
5. 26 lbs., 11 ozs. $8,020
Randy Parrish, Katlyn Horwood, Seth Havlak, Bryan Davis
Most Cats
11
$8,120 Justin Thomas, Dylan Knapp, Brandon Garza, Dustin Chaney
Most Gray Fox
94 $8,120 David Bjork, Ben Bjork, Robert Harder, Charles Hanchey
Most Coyotes
64 $8,120 Nathan Elliot, Keith Bowles, Gunnar Bowles, Bruce Williams
4. 27 lbs. 6 ozs. $15,160
Jim Bob Phillips, Matt Ritchey, Keith Bagnell
5. 26 lbs. 7 ozs. $7,530 Lane Jones, Rocky Gomez
Heaviest Gray Fox
13 lbs. 6 ozs. $22,890
Ross Moore, Matt Hudson
Most Cats
10 $7,630 Greg Tompkins, Dustin Durham, Derek Deharde
Most Gray Fox
103 $7,630 Beau Jacoby, Brice Daniels, Austin Frey, Doug Meyer
Most Coyotes
40 $7,630 Jacob Livoni, Skyler Greer, Jeremy Brown, James Lawrence
Dave Richards retiring from one career
By Craig Nyhus Lone Star outdoor newS
Dave Richards is known to many Texans for his book, “Observing and Evaluating Whitetails,” which first published in 2003 and is considered the top authority on aging bucks on the hoof in South Texas. He also has been in the outdoor industry as a sales representative for 40 years, representing many companies, including Leupold and Weatherby. On Feb. 28, he will officially be retired from that lengthy career.
“It’s been a great career,” he said. “Everything kind of meshed together — I was able to do the photography and get some hunting and fishing in.”
Richards has a few more books in the early stages, expanding on his white-tailed deer hunting and life and faith lessons learned from it, and will continue to hold his popular photography workshops.
“There are other things I enjoy and plan to do. I’ll do the wildlife photography workshops, some outdoor writing and we’re active in our church,” he said. “And we’ll (with
Dave Richards is retiring from his manufacturer’s representative career, but will continue to focus on photography and books.
his wife, Beth) travel a little bit.”
Richards’ two sons, James and Joe, are both accomplished photographers and live in the state.
Two photography workshops, held at the Hindes Ranch, near Charlotte, will take place April 24-26 and May 1-3. There is still some availability and people can register at richardsoutdoorphotography.com.
“They are similar to the white-tailed deer workshops we do in the fall, but will focus more on wild birds and wildlife,” Richards said. “From the native species like turkey, deer, javelina, bobcat, coyotes to insects, bees and other invertebrates, it will cover all the stuff you can see in South Texas.”
Richards said the Hindes Ranch has embraced others seeing the beauty of South Texas on their property.
“They worked so hard to steward the property, grow great whitetails, and all these other things,” he said. “It’s wonderful for more people to see the efforts of your labor. Now, ranch manager (Quatro) and his kids are all carrying cameras as they go through the ranch.”
Photo by James Richards.
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GRIP & GRIN
Andrew Howard came from Missouri with his son, Otto, and took this
County.
Andy Reid caught this striped bass at Possum Kingdom Lake.
Nate Skinner bagged this coyote in Stonewall County.
Rylee Reid shows a largemouth bass at the marina on Lake Granbury.
Dean Meyer took this old buck while hunting with his father-in-law.
TEXAS SUN, MOON AND TIDES
TEXAS SALTWATER FISHING REPORT
SABINE LAKE: 60 degrees. Redfish and black drum are good on Carolina-rigged live shrimp. Speckled trout are fair on live shrimp under a popping cork, suspended baits and soft plastics.
BOLIVAR: 67 degrees. Redfish are good on live shrimp. Speckled trout, sand trout, black drum and sheepshead are fair on live shrimp. Flounder are fair on live shrimp and live mullet.
TRINITY BAY: 61 degrees. Speckled trout, black drum, redfish and sheepshead are fair on live shrimp.
EAST GALVESTON BAY: 60 degrees. Speckled trout, black drum and redfish are fair on live shrimp and finger mullet.
GALVESTON BAY: 57 degrees. Black drum are fair on live shrimp. Speckled trout and redfish are slow.
WEST GALVESTON BAY: 62 degrees. Speckled trout are good on suspending baits and soft plastics. Redfish are fair on live shrimp.
TEXAS CITY: 59 degrees. Oversized black drum are fair on live halved crab. Redfish are fair on finger mullet.
FREEPORT: 60 degrees. Speckled trout, redfish and flounder are fair on soft plastics. Black drum and sheepshead are fair on live shrimp.
EAST MATAGORDA BAY: 60 degrees. Redfish are fair on mullet, shrimp and soft plastics. Speckled trout are fair on soft plastics and suspending baits.
WEST MATAGORDA BAY: 60 degrees. Speckled trout are fair on soft plastics and suspending baits. Redfish are fair on shrimp, mullet and soft plastics.
Big time cat
Continued from page 1
PORT O’CONNOR: 61 degrees. Redfish are fair on blue crab and Spanish sardines. Speckled trout are fair on live shrimp. Bull redfish are fair on blue crab.
SAN ANTONIO BAY: 60 degrees. Redfish are fair on shrimp. Speckled trout are slow.
ROCKPORT: 65 degrees. Speckled trout are fair on live shrimp and soft plastics. Red fish are good on shrimp and cut mullet. Black drum are good on live or dead shrimp and fish bites.
REDFISH BAY: 64 degrees. Redfish are good on mud minnows. Black drum are fair on dead shrimp.
PORT ARANSAS: 65 degrees. Redfish are good on live shrimp. Oversized redfish are good on cut crab and mullet. Speckled trout are fair on live shrimp. Black drum are good on shrimp and cut crab.
CORPUS CHRISTI: 64 degrees. Redfish are good on mud minnows. Black drum are fair on dead shrimp.
BAFFIN BAY: 55 degrees. Speckled trout and redfish are fair on soft plastics and sus pending baits.
PORT MANSFIELD: 60 degrees. Speckled trout and redfish are fair on soft plastics and suspending baits.
SOUTH PADRE: 60 degrees. Speckled trout are fair on soft plastics. Redfish are fair on cut mullet. Black drum and sheepshead are fair on shrimp.
during warm, spring-like conditions,” Thompson said.
Guide Richard Hernandez has been targeting trophy blue cats on Lewisville Lake, Lake Lavon and Lake Ray Hubbard. He said the pattern on all of these lakes has been similar, with the large blues concentrating in the warmest water they can find in about 20 feet or less.
“I’ve been anchoring up along channels or pinch points leading into coves the fish use as travel corridors between shallow and deep water,” Hernandez said. “Having a good variety of bait has been key. Cut shad, carp, drum, bluegill and chicken have all been catching fish. I’ve been casting out big and small chunks of bait each trip to see what the fish prefer on that particular day.”
The guide’s anglers have been catching quite a few blue catfish from 30-40 pounds with a few heavier fish in the mix.
Richland Chambers guide Chris Moody has been chasing trophy blue cats along openwater flats in 30-35 feet of water near creek channels.
“The fish have been stacking up in areas holding the most baitfish,” he said. “I’ve been locating swarms of baitfish on my electronics and then drifting over those areas with cut bait.”
Large chunks of gizzard shad and drum have been producing blue catfish from 20-50 pounds for Moody’s anglers.
“On a recent trip, we boated nearly 400 total pounds of catfish over about a 4-hour timespan,” Moody said. “We landed lots of fish in the 20- and 30-pound range, and the largest was about 40 pounds.”
An angler on Lewisville Lake caught this blue cat on cut bait.
Photo by Richard Hernandez.
LONE STAR OUTDOOR PUZZLER
ACROSS
1) Where the turkey sleeps
5) Sinker type
7) Clifton’s river
9) Travis County’s seat
11) Mule deer hunters’ org.
12) Comal County creek and whiskey name
13) Organ eaten by deer hunters
14) They usually fly in V-formation
19) Huntsville’s county
20) A soft plastic lure
23) West Texas lake, J.B. ____
24) San Marcos’ county
25) A goose favorite
29) Pintail limit next season
30) Coastal bay
33) Celebrity wild game chef
34) A deer favorite
35) MeatEater host
37) Bass Pro Shops founder
39) The young turkey
40) A Great Lake
42) Lake near Gainesville
43) One of the hawks, red-___
44) An African antelope
45) A spaniel
DOWN
2) One of the quail
3) Ammo brand
4) One of the falcons
6) Hunting boot brand
8) Wear on the turkey hunt
10) Bass ambush spots
15) The fallen antlers
16) Good white bass river
17) The tom’s best sense
18) A deer’s warning signal
21) Matagorda County’s seat (two words)
22) Where the prairie dogs live
26) Big Spring’s county
27) Young County’s seat
28) A duck favorite
30) Rifle brand
31) One of the other bass on Lake Fork
32) The dangling flap from a tom’s forehead
36) Hill Country lake
38) Bass favorite
41) Duck call brand
Derr named marketing manager
Hawke Optics hired Cameron Derr as marketing manager.
President at Yamaha Canada
James Matthews was named the new president of Yamaha Motor Canada, Ltd.
Cavender’s signs on as Classic sponsor
Tyler-based Cavender’s Boot City was added as a sponsor of the Bassmaster Classic Kickoff Party in Fort Worth.
Customer awards for Skeeter, Yamaha
Skeeter and Yamaha Marine were both repeat recipients of the National Marine Manufacturers Association CSI Award for excellence in customer satisfaction.
New distributor for SDS
Country Wide Sports is now a distributor of all five firearm brands under the SDS Arms umbrella, including Tisas USA, Tokarev USA, MAC, Inglis and Spandau Arms.
New directors named
Katadyn Group hired Brook Hopper as director of marketing for North America and Jeff Pratt as director of sales.
Sales position at Davidson’s Firearms distributor Davidson’s is seeking a sales account executive.
Sales execs at Wiley X
Wiley X named Seth Quackenbush as director of sales for the outdoor division, Jack Schindler as national sales manager for the outdoor division, and Johnathan Weikum as director of sales for the optical division.
1/2 cup canned pineapple chunks
1/2 cup canned apricot halves
1/3 cup apricot preserves
Prepare a food processor or blender. Add 1/2
cup of drained canned pineapple bits, 1/2 cup of drained canned apricot halves and 1/3 cup of apricot preserves to food processor or blender. Pulse blend the mixture until desired consistency is reached.
Fish
1 1/2 pounds mangrove snapper fillets
1 box panko breadcrumbs
2 cups flour
1 cup milk
2 eggs
2-3 cups canola or vegetable oil
Salt
Pour 1-2 cups of flour into a mixing bowl or container. Crack 2 eggs into another mixing bowl, add 1 cup of milk and mix. Pour panko breadcrumbs into another mixing bowl or container. Toss a few pieces of the snapper into the flour and coat each piece. Remove the fish pieces and place into the egg/milk mixture. Let drip before placing them into the panko breadcrumb container. Prepare/preheat your oiled pan or deep fryer. If you’re using a pan, fill the container with oil to a height that is slightly less than half the thickness of the fillet. Fry fish until a goldenbrown color. Remove fried fish and place them on a plate with a layer of paper towels. Salt or season to taste. Pour sauce over fish or use as a dipping sauce.
—U of Florida
1 or 2 wild turkey breasts
Peanut oil
4 cups flour
1 tbsp. paprika
3 tbsps. cayenne pepper
1 tbsp. kosher salt
1 tbsp. black pepper
2 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup hot sauce
2 eggs
Sauce
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup peanut oil
3 tbsps. cayenne pepper
2 tbsps. brown sugar
1 tsp. chili powder
2 tsps. garlic powder
2 tsps. onion powder
2 tsps. salt
2 tsps. pepper
Mix sauce ingredients and set aside. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. Dip the turkey in the flour, egg/buttermilk mixture and again in flour. Fry 3-6 minutes, until golden brown. Coat turkey with the sauce and serve with pickles and/or pickled onions.
—Virginia DWR
Puzzle by Craig Nyhus, Lone Star Outdoor News
OKLAHOMA Gray fox study
Researchers at Oklahoma State University working in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation are seeking tissue samples from gray foxes harvested in Oklahoma. Sample options include portions of the tongue, muscle, toepad, nose, or a clump of hair from the rump.
The project will assess the status of the prairie gray fox population in Oklahoma and identify factors influencing the population to inform management. Trapper-harvested gray fox samples will be used to determine population sex ratio, effective population size, and genetic diversity, and will be used to identify the western boundary of the prairie gray fox subspecies.
the bottom of the creek in about 15 feet of water with a two-hook sabiki rig and small cut pieces of gizzard shad.
Confair reclaimed the record he once held. He had held the record with a 17.9-pound gar in 2019, which was broken in 2020.
—MDNR
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Marco Polo sheep permits resume
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has resumed issuing federal import permits for Marco Polo sheep, covering trophies from 2021-2024, according to The Hunting Consortium.
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Samples also will provide genetic information which will be used to help inform management.
—ODWC
WYOMING Nesvik to head USFWS
Former Wyoming Game and Fish Department Director Brian Nesvik was nominated by the Trump administration to be the next U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director. The nomination was announced Feb. 12.
3 Day Hunt for $1,450 /Two Gobblers/ One Hog
Nesvik retired from Game and Fish in 2024 after more than 29 years with the agency. He worked his way up the ranks, from a game warden in the Laramie and Pinedale areas, the title of Cody Regional Wildlife Supervisor in 2010, and Chief Game Warden and Wildlife Division Chief in 2011. Nesvik was appointed as Game and Fish Director by Gov. Matt Mead in 2019. During his tenure as director, Nesvik tackled issues such as grizzly management and aquatic invasive species, as well as the ongoing challenges in managing healthy mule deer populations.
The resumption follows the government of Tajikistan organizing and leading the Tajikistan Marco Polo Sheep Management and Action Plan 2025-2035 Validation Workshop that established a structured, long-term plan for Marco Polo sheep conservation and sustainable use.
The resulting management strategy directly addressed USFWS concerns regarding population health, conservation funding, and local community benefits. With an estimated 27,000-29,000 Marco Polo sheep in Tajikistan, the workshop demonstrated that regulated hunting is not only sustainable but essential for species conservation and local economic support.
Hunting Consortium, alongside IPHA, Conservation Force, and Grand Slam Club/Ovis were at the forefront of the efforts.
—Hunting Consortium
ARKANSAS Squirrel challenge breaks record
Nesvik served in the Wyoming Army National Guard for 35 years and retired as a brigadier general in 2021.
—WGFC
MARYLAND Record yellow perch, longnose gar
Thomas Dembeck Jr., of Hydes, is the new state record holder for yellow perch in the Chesapeake division.
Dembeck caught the 2.3-pound, 16-inch fish on Feb. 7 while fishing in the tidal waters of the lower Susquehanna River. He was deep jigging in about 50 feet of water using a double-jig rig. Dembeck’s catch bested the long-standing record of 2.2 pounds, caught by Niles Pethel on Nov. 21, 1979.
David Confair, of Secretary, became the record holder for longnose gar with a 20.5-pound fish caught on Feb. 8 while fishing on Marshyhope Creek. He was fishing
For the second straight year, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Umarex Big Squirrel Challenge broke attendance records with 186 teams weighing squirrels at one of 12 weigh-in stations across the state.
The team of Justin Wright and Jason Weatherford claimed top honors in the adult fox squirrel category, bringing in 2,379 grams of squirrel, and Hunter Moore took the top prize in the adult mixed bag category with two fox squirrels and a gray weighing 1,995 grams.
In the Youth categories, Syler Villines, mentored by his father, Kurtis, brought in the best-ever score in any category, dropping three large fox squirrels that weighed 2,429 grams. Not only did they win the all-around youth category for fox squirrels, they had enough squirrels left in their daily bag limits to enter three others (this time including one gray squirrel) to take first place in the state in the youth mixed bag category with a score of 1,916 grams.
—AGFC
Cagey bucks
Continued from page 4
take the deer, that I should go ahead and take the shot,” Sekula said. “He said that there was no guarantee that the deer would give anyone another opportunity before the MLD season came to an end, and I knew he was right.”
Then, before Sekula could get his rifle up to take a shot, the buck walked off into the brush.
“I was certain the buck would disappear and that we wouldn’t see him again before the season closed,” Sekula said.
About 30 minutes later, the 10-pointer appeared further down the brush line. Sekula didn’t hesitate this time and took the shot. The buck ran into the brush and fell about 25 yards away.
Ernst had been chasing an 8-point that had virtually disappeared after a guest at the ranch had shot and missed it a month or so prior.
“The buck had been showing up to the same spot on the ranch prior to being shot at,” Ernst said. “I knew there had been a good amount of deer feeding in a particular field in the evenings that had newly sprouted weeds and other vegetation. These deer had not been going to the feeder several hundred yards away, so I decided to hide in the brush at the edge of that field and see what might show up.”
Not long before sunset, Ernst spotted the buck enter the field. He was too far away to take a shot, so he stalked in closer.
“I was able to get within about 220 yards of the deer, and felt confident I could make a good shot,” Ernst said. “I steadied my rifle on my tripod and squeezed the trigger.”
The buck fell immediately.
“Even though these were management bucks for this ranch, they provided a challenging and rewarding hunt for us,” Ernst said. “It was a great way to end the season.”
Adjusting for action
Continued from page 8
Capt. Joseph Prado, in the Lower Laguna Madre, has been running out of Port Mansfield to find good numbers of solid trout in the 18-25 inch range. Some specks pushing 7 pounds or more have been in the mix, along with scattered redfish.
“The bite has been extremely dependent upon the weather conditions,” Prado said. “When the water temperatures have been warm in between cold fronts, the fish have been aggressive and willing to strike top-water baits fairly consistently. During colder conditions, the trout and redfish have been hunkered down on the bottom and pretty lethargic. The best action has occurred right before a cold front arrives, or several days after the passage of a front
when temperatures start to warm up.”
Soft plastics and slow-sinking or suspending baits have been best when colder conditions have prevailed. Prado has been finding fish just about anywhere there has been concentrations of baitfish.
“Most of the trout and reds have been in thigh- to waist-deep water, but on the coldest days, they will push out even deeper,” he said.
Prado also caught a hefty flounder on a soft plastic that tipped the scales to a little over 5 pounds.
“We were catching trout when that flatfish smoked my lure,” he said. “I actually thought I had a stingray at first, until it came to the surface.”
Goodbye quail season
Continued from page 4
Private land hunters were hopeful in West Texas.
Chip Martin said it was “not the best quail season in my experience but certainly one of the most gratifying. Pray for rain in West Texas.”
Rolling Plains hunters, some on ranches treated with QuailGuard to combat eyeworms and cecal worms, had some positive results.
Developer Ronald Kendall Jr. said it wasn’t all in the numbers of birds seen, though.
“Hunted another treated property and moved 11 coveys with similar covey sizes,” he said. “Compared to my non-treated
properties I’m moving more coveys, but the biggest difference is covey sizes are much larger on treated properties.”
South Texas hunters wrapped up their hunts with their jackets, gloves and stocking caps on.
Jon Moss called his last two hunting days “frigid.”
“We’re still finding lots of birds and think we’re set up to have a bumper crop next year,” he said.
One group of hunters near Hebbronville reported seeing 40 coveys on a morning hunt in an area described as maybe the hot spot for South Texas quail this season.
MARCH 1-2
KIMBLE COUNTY CHAMBER
Predator Calling Contest
Junction (325) 446-3190 junctiontexas.com
MARCH 1
ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION
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MARCH 6
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MARCH 13
DALLAS SAFARI CLUB
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