Lone Star Outdoor News 061325

June 13, 2025

Texas’ Largest Hunting and Fishing Newspaper Since 2004

Volume 21, Issue 20

Calm seas in federal snapper opener

By Nate Skinner

For Lone Star Outdoor News

Bigger red snapper have been striking large jigs, while anglers said it has been tough to keep the smaller red snapper away from chunks of squid and sardines. Photo by Nate Skinner, for Lone Star Outdoor News.

The recreational red snapper season opened June 1 in federal waters, and for the first time in many years, it occurred during a weather window that produced calm seas

and light winds.

Hoards of anglers ran offshore to catch their two fish each in everything from flats boats to large, sportfishing yachts. More consistent limits of larger snapper were caught by those running offshore out of the Coastal Bend, while up-

per coast anglers were plagued by numbers of undersized fish.

Trey Thumann and Josh Wrenn ran offshore about 15 miles in an easterly direction out of Packery Channel in Thumann’s bay boat, and caught quick limits of red

snapper in the 10-15-pound range on Spanish sardines on opening day.

“It’s not often that the opening day of the recreational red snapper season in federal waters occurs during calm conditions, and we weren’t going to pass up the Please turn to page 19

Getaway Invitational

You’re reading LSON’s

Lone Star Outdoor News On Aug. 27, 2004, Lone Star Outdoor News published its first issue with a goal of producing the best source for actual news about the outdoors in the state. The current issue, more than 20 years later, is its 500th.

The last 20 years has seen big changes in the outdoor and media industries. Outdoor columns and writers in newspapers across the state faded away, and several publications went the digital route or closed.

“We always felt good content would prevail,” LSON’s founder David J. Sams said. “We never thought print was dead like so many people claimed.”

Coverage over the years provided readers with up-to-date information on fishing and hunting across the state, along with industry and fair and balanced coverage of legislative and regulatory issues.

The years included several news highlights, like a world-record bass caught in Japan; speckled Please turn to page 6

David J. Sams fights a speckled trout near Port Mansfield. He won Grand Champion in the REEL Lifesaver Invitational June 7.

Photo by Nate Skinner, for Lone Star Outdoor News.

By Nate Skinner

For Lone Star Outdoor News Twenty anglers competed in the fifth annual REEL Lifesaver Invita-

tional fishing tournament put on by Getaway Lodge at Port Mansfield. The anglers were paired up with 10 different Lower Laguna Madre guides and set out to try to catch and release the

longest total stringer of one speckled trout and two redfish.

It’s not often a field of that many skilled anglers struggles to find and catch quality reds and trout, especially Please turn to page 15

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID DALLAS, TX PERMIT 3814

Public riverbed summer buck

By Nate Skinner

Streams and riverbeds across the Lone Star State with an average width of 30 feet or more from their mouth up, are considered navigable, and can therefore be hunted as public land. It is only legal to hunt these waterways with a shotgun loaded with shotshells — shotgun slugs are not allowed.

Miguel Morales was well aware of

these regulations, and knew of a riverbed in the Texas Hill Country that met the requirements and had frequent traffic from axis herds. He had been wanting to try his hand at pursuing axis in the waterway with a shotgun.

On a whim, Morales gave his idea a shot with a buddy, and he ended up harvesting a mature axis buck at 23 yards with 12 gauge #00 buckshot.

“I was hunting with my buddy, Bryson Catlett, and we actually called

Miguel Morales harvested this mature axis buck with a shotgun while hunting in a riverbed in the Texas Hill Country. Photo by Bryson Catlett.

Please turn to page 6 Freshwater Fishing Report . . Page 10 Outdoor Blotter . . . . . . . . Page 12 Grip & Grin . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14 Sun, Moon & Tides . . . . . . Page 16 Saltwater Fishing Report . . . Page 19 Datebook . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 22 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . Page 22

INSIDE

CONTENTS

Time Sensitive Material • Deliver ASAP

For Lone Star Outdoor News

HUNTING

FISHING

Aoudad from above (P. 4)

Watch the skies (P. 8)

Helicopter hunting approved.

Birds showing white bass hotspots.

Remembering the outbreak (P. 4)

More current, more flounder (P. 8)

Longtime rancher recalls screwworm impacts.

Water movement is key.

Page 2

June 13, 2025

LoneOStar Outdoor News

LSONews.com

Join Us for the Inaugural DSC Summer Expo & Foundation Gala!

JULY 17-19, 2025 GAYLORD TEXAN RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER

1501 GAYLORD TRAIL, GRAPEVINE, TX 76051 (MINUTES FROM DFW AIRPORT)

COME EXPLORE 450+ EXHIBITORS ON OUR SHOW FLOOR AND ATTEND SPECIAL EVENTS: DSC Foundation Gala & Auction | Ladies Brunch & Auction Life Member Breakfast | Smoke & Spurs: DSC’s Summer Kickoff EXHIBIT HALL HOURS Thursday, July 17th 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Friday, July 18th 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Saturday, July 19th 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS TODAY AT BIGGAME.ORG DAY PASSES 1-Day: $25 2-Day: $45 3-Day: $60 First Responders & Military: FREE (with valid ID) Minors (16 & under): FREE

FOR MORE INFO: 972-980-9800 | info@BigGame.org

LSONews.com

LoneOStar Outdoor News

June 13, 2025

Page 3

FROM WORK TO PLAY WHATEVER YOUR ADVENTURE IS, WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED.

FIND YOUR NEW RIDE AT HOFFPAUIR

2114 US-84 GOLDTHWAITE, TX 76844

(855) 648-3341

Page 4

June 13, 2025

LoneOStar Outdoor News

LSONews.com

HUNTING

Living through New World screwworm outbreak

No Risk, No Reward Hunter completes second turkey slam

By Meghan Jackson

For Lone Star Outdoor News “When they say you can’t do it, do it twice — and take pics,” is the advice Lauren Brown shared after achieving her second single-season turkey Grand Slam.

Last season, Brown accomplished a royal slam which is four harvested turkeys in the United States and one in Mexico. After being content with this achievement, a new season arrived and she was instantly challenged.

“I began this season wanting to focus on hunting in Texas and then in Virginia on my family’s property, but then one thing led to another,” Brown said. “I was encouraged by friends and I decided to try again, but this time focus on a grand slam which is based in the United States only.”

Brown started this journey strong and on the first day of her Florida and Texas hunts, earned immediate success. With osceola and Rio Grande turkeys down and two more hunts to go, Brown felt on top of the world.

“It was in Virginia at my own family’s property where I was challenged,” Brown said. “I knew it would be difficult since it rarely gets hunted, but I scouted a bird for 12 days and never even had an opportunity.”

Brown then drove to South Carolina and encountered the same result after spending four days there. Despite the devastation, she was more motivated than ever.

“My flight to New Mexico got canceled, so I decided to drive in the middle of a snowstorm,” Brown said. “This was not ideal hunting weather and after trying for two days, we did not get anything.”

Nothing was going to stop her, though, and she made the decision to give Colorado a try in

By Craig Nyhus

Lone Star Outdoor News Few Texans under the age of 75 remember the impact of the New World screwworm on livestock and wildlife, but those who lived it remember it well.

James Smith began working cattle along the Rio Grande between Laredo and Eagle Pass, and said the little fly has the potential to not only change the livestock industry — but also crush the South Texas wildlife industry.

The 82-year-old said during the outbreak in the 1950s and 1960s, the springtime work with calves was the most challenging.

“You would work the calves, and you had to watch until every one of them got well,” he said. “They were dehorned and castrated, which opened sores where the flies could get in and lay eggs. Even then it was expensive and labor intense. And we still lost some.”

It became more difficult once the calves were in the pasture.

“If they had an open sore or injury, you had to go and catch them,” Smith said.

“And the flies could get in their navel, too.

Because you had to treat them with a mineral oil and sulphur smear to keep the flies off of them more than once, we would tie the calves up to a tree where they could still feed off of their mama, and then go back and doctor them again. It was tough on them and it was a long, drawn-out deal.”

The wildlife industry wasn’t as developed back then, Smith said.

“We didn’t really worry about the deer as much as we do now. Not many people were leasing their land for hunting back then,” he said. “We did find dead bucks and does with large sores and big-old chunks eaten out of them.”

Smith said today’s solution could be better, thanks to medications available, many used to treat for fever ticks in South Texas.

“Ivermectin has kept the parasites off of the cattle and the deer in treating for the fever tick,” he said. “There are no ticks and flies on them. The deer’s body condition was better, they were heavier, and their hides were slick as a whistle. Hopefully that’s a way to help prevent them. Mixing for the deer in protein feed would help solve the problem, I think.”

Another outbreak could be disastrous, the long-time rancher said.

“It would have a major impact on the ranching industry down here if you lose the deer,” Smith said. “Some of these ranches would go broke — the deer are big business now.”

Following the outbreak, ranches had few wild big game animals to hunt for nearly 20 years.

Once the screwworm was eradicated, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department restocked whitetail deer using deer living along the Texas Gulf Coast because those areas were too windy for the fly to have much overall impact. After that, it was illegal to shoot a whitetail doe for nearly 20 years. Only in the 1980s did buck harvest rates increase to two buck counties and doe permits were issued more liberally.

Cary Sims is the County Extension Agent for agriculture and natural resources for Angelina County, and he provided local ranchers with information on the screwworm.

“Deer, particularly white-tailed deer in the U.S., were frequent victims,” he said.

“Infestations often occurred in wounds caused by fights or during the shedding of Please turn to page 22

Please turn to page 21

Lauren Brown took her Rio Grande, top, osceola, left, Merriam’s, middle and eastern, right, to complete her turkey slam in 2025. Photos from Lauren Brown.

Paid helicopter hunting of aoudad approved

By Craig Nyhus

Lone Star Outdoor News The Texas Legislature passed SB 1245, allowing Trans-Pecos landowners to conduct helicopter-based hunting of aoudad with the appropriate permit, beginning Sept. 1.

Chris Atkinson, a helicopter pilot who flies an R44 in the area surrounding Van Horn, said helicopter hunting for aoudad has been going on for years, mostly in an effort to protect desert bighorn sheep.

“We have been able to shoot aoudad for years, and TPWD has been paying for it,” he said.

Other landowners have, with a permit, removed aoudad via helicopter hunting at their own expense.

Why the need for the legislation?

Louis Harveson, a member of the desert bighorn sheep advisory committee, said the bill “allows landowners the ability to recoup costs by selling hunts.”

“Otherwise it can be very costly to manage aoudad at the levels needed,” Harveson said.

The legislation adds aoudad to what was previously known as the “Porkchopper bill” which allowed the hunting of feral hogs and coyotes from a helicopter.

The West Texas aoudad population has exploded to what some estimate at 30,000 animals. The aoudad compete directly with native species for critical resources like food and Please turn to page 18

Hunting aoudad from a helicopter will be possible after Sept. 1, thanks to new legislation that will allow land owners the ability to sell hunts. Photo by Scott Hohensee.

LSONews.com

LoneOStar Outdoor News

June 13, 2025

1 0 0 % M A D E I N I TA LY

SCAN QR CODE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE RS SPORTING

INVASIVE SPECIES...

Like the Lionfish, Burmese Python, Snakehead and the lovable Murder Hornet this new shotgun is here to disrupt the status quo. At FABARM we continue to push the evolution of sporting clays guns. The new Elos N2 RS Sporting offers unprecedented technical features at a price that is truly ground breaking. You can’t buy more performance regardless of the amount you spend. If your goal is to show how important you are by the amount you paid for your fancy gun, please buy someone else’s shotgun. If you are interested in grinding up targets, the new RS is your gun. Like the much maligned Murder Hornet the new RS is not for cuddling, it means business.

FABARMUSA.COM AVAILABLE AT THESE AUTHORIZED AREA DEALERS Abilene Gun Works Abilene, TX 79601 325-704-5174

Baker Outdoors Lubbock, TX 79424 806-516-5700

Cole Gunsmithing San Antonio, TX 78253 210-906-0857

Gordy & Sons Outfitters Houston, TX 77007 713-333-3474

Lone Star Guns Weatherford, TX 76087 817-599-9275

Sharp Shooters Lubbock, TX 79407 806-791-1231

Able Sporting, Inc. Huntsville, TX 77320 936-295-5786

Berg’s Outdoors Broussard, LA 70518 504-610-4319

Clay Shooters Supply San Antonio, TX 78253 210-610-2999

Gray’s Shotgun Cache Amarillo, TX 79118 806-622-8142

Mumme’s Inc. Hondo, TX 78861 830-426-3313

Superior Outfitters Tyler, TX 75703 903-617-6141

Ally Outdoors Midland, TX 79705 432-203-3661

BPS Outfitters Sherman, TX 75090 903-892-2227

Defender Outdoors Fort Worth, TX 76107 817-935-8377

Jeff’s Gun Shop Wichita Falls, TX 76310 940-631-2314

Past & Blast Whitesboro, TX 76273 903-564-5444

Texas Ranch Outfitters Yantis, TX 75497 903-383-2800

Alpine Shooting Range Fort Worth, TX 76140 817-478-6613

Briley Manufacturing Houston, TX 77043 800-331-5718

Dury’s Gun Shop San Antonio, TX 78223 210-533-5431

Joshua Creek Ranch Boerne, TX 78006 830-537-5090

Rocky Creek Outdoors Texarkana, AR 71854 903-278-8780

Windwalker Farms Stanton, TX 79782 432-458-3324

August M. Crocker Austin, TX 78727 512-567-7855

Cajun Gun & Gear Lafayette, LA 70508 337-999-0373

Elite Shotguns San Antonio, TX 78253 210-741-9940

KB House of Guns Boswell, OK 74727 580-566-1400

Scheels (The Colony) The Colony, TX 75056 469-854-7500

Wilkerson’s Gun Shop Boerne, TX 78006 830-388-7205

Page 5

Page 6

June 13, 2025

LoneOStar Outdoor News

NEW ZEALAND HUNTING TRIPS & FISHING ADVENTURES

Enquire bookings@glendenehunting.com

Stay at our privately owned property located in the South Island of New Zealand and whatever journey with us you choose, you’ll enjoy spectacular views and an adventure that becomes a memory of a lifetime.

www.glendenehunting.com

Big Country Blinds ALVARADO HICO BROWNWOOD CROSS PLAINS PEARSALL ALBANY VIDALIA, LA

LSONews.com

Halfway to 1,000 Continued from page 1

trout limit changes from 10 to five and eventually three fish; the exploding numbers of white-winged dove moving north and Eurasian-collared dove establishing statewide; the dropping numbers of snow geese in the state; desert bighorn successes and recent struggles, along with the related explosion of aoudad numbers; and the never-ending struggles for the bird everything wants to eat — the bobwhite quail.

There were some controversial issues as well over the years, including the decade-long battles over chronic wasting disease and how to deal with it, and a pre-season dove hunt to test the effectiveness of nontoxic shot gone awry, not because of the test but because officials forgot to tell anyone about it.

And there were some tragedies, from hunting and boating accidents to the murder of Game Warden Justin Hurst and the drowning of Game Warden Ty Patterson, along with the losses of numerous outdoor icons.

Lee Hoffpauir has advertised in LSON since the early years. The owner of the top Polaris dealership in the U.S. several times, out of tiny Goldwaithe, said he was proud to be with LSON for nearly all 500 editions.

“I still remember picking up my first copy and thinking, ‘This publication is a perfect fit for us and we need to be in it,” he said. “We have been in ever since. One of the best decisions I’ve ever made — thanks for the many years of helping us sell our products.”

Executive Editor Craig Nyhus has been with the publication since 2006.

“It’s been rewarding to establish relationships with people from wildlife and fisheries biologists, game wardens, researchers, ranch managers, outfitters and readers who help us with stories and feel free to call if there is something they like or don’t like,” he said.

LSON also has produced the DSC Show Program for 19 years, and has supported and maintained long relationships with conservation groups like Park Cities Quail, Quail Coalition and the Rolling Plains Quail Research Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl, the Texas Bighorn Society and Wild Sheep Foundation, the Exotic Wildlife Association, Texas Dove Hunters Association, Texas Deer Association, Safari Club International and Texas Coastal Conservation Association’s STAR Tournament.

Slaton L. White is the former editor of Field & Stream and worked with Sams during his photography career.

“I remember when he decided to strike out on his own with Lone Star Outdoor News,” Slaton said. “Start-up publications are perilous enterprises, and the media world is littered with failed ventures. So, for Lone Star Outdoor News to celebrate its 500th issue is a real accomplishment, testimony to his vision and tenacity. And, I would add, the ability to connect with readers, who obviously see the value the paper provides.”

Kunz receives professional of the year honors Daniel Kunz, a senior biologist in South Texas, is the 2025 recipient of the James “Randy” Fugate Memorial Wildlife Division Professional of the Year Award.

Established in 2021, the award honors a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Wildlife Division staff member who exemplifies a positive attitude in all aspects of their work, delivers exceptional customer service, builds trusting relationships and consistently exceeds expectations in advancing the agency’s mission.

After receiving a master’s degree through the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kunz joined the Wildlife Division in October 2002 as a natural resource specialist and district biologist covering Aransas, Duval, Jim Wells, Nueces and San Patricio counties. In 2010, Kunz was promoted to technical guidance biologist, and rode with many South Texas ranchers to provide information on plant diversity and white-tailed deer carrying capacity.

Kunz has played a pivotal role in training both new and experienced biologists in resource management and field techniques. He develops publications for staff and landowners, coordinates new biologist training and is a member of multiple technical committees. Kunz also represents TPWD on the Ocelot Translocation Committee, guides research efforts in South Texas, and has been instrumental in securing wild turkey trap sites for restoration projects in Texas and Utah.

—TPWD

Axis in rivers Continued from page 1

Universal Tower

The Corn Feeder

a game warden the day before we went out just to make sure that we understood the regulations correctly and our actions would be legal,” Morales said.

They could hear axis bucks roaring nearby the next morning when they began their spot-and-stalk adventure along a dry section of the riverbed at dawn.

“Before we covered much ground, we decided to glass the section of the riverbed where we were standing,” Morales said.

“We immediately laid eyes on a herd of axis crossing the river.”

Morales and Catlett began to move stealthily through the riverbed, stopping to rattle every few hundred yards.

“We were working a section of the riverbed from one river crossing to another,” Morales said “It was about a 1.5-mile stretch. We came across some axis does at one point, and could have probably stalked within range of them, but we were dead set on waiting for a chance at a buck.”

They came across a pocket of water in the riverbed at one point, and sat over it for about an hour, but nothing showed up.

“Once we got to the next river crossing, we decided to turn around and hunt our way back,” Morales said. “We had made it about halfway back down that stretch of the riverbed when we heard a buck start roaring on private land.”

The pair of hunters hunkered down by a small bush in the middle of the riverbed and started rattling. A few seconds later, they could hear two axis bucks fighting not far from them, just out of the riverbed in the brush.

“They were probably about 100 yards away,” Morales said. “We could see the brush moving around where they were sparring, but we couldn’t see them.”

Then one of the bucks appeared at the edge of the riverbed and seemed to be the one that had lost the fight. The buck was breathing hard, looked worn out, and started trotting away along the edge of the river.

“I was facing one direction, and Catlett was facing a different angle,” Morales explained. “All of a sudden, the other buck came charging into the riverbed straight at me, almost as if he was looking for the other buck that had just run off. He stopped and was facing me head on, at 23 yards. I picked up my shotgun, took a shot, and he dropped right where he was standing. I honestly couldn’t believe it.”

The buck’s main beams measured 31.25 and 31.5 inches, respectively.

“I never would have thought were were going to have a hunt like this,” Morales said.

“I just wanted to try it, and it worked out.”

LSONews.com

LoneOStar Outdoor News

Bob Harper dies at 88 Lone Star Outdoor News

Robert R. “Bob” Harper Jr., 88, of Dallas, passed away on May 30 in Tyler.

A lifelong sportsman and avid hunter, Harper traveled the world with his wife in search of big game animals. Harper also founded Outdoor Visions, an early internet retailer of worldwide hunting videos and books and a regular exhibitor at the DSC convention and other shows.

Harper was an original charter member of Dallas Safari Club and board member of Operation Game Thief.

Harper was born and raised in Dallas and was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and Southern Methodist University and a Charter member of Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church in Richardson. He found his calling as a salesman early and eventually rose to Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Fox & Jacobs, where he worked for 29 years.

Study to target turkey release sites The National Wild Turkey Federation is helping fund research involving translocated and surviving eastern wild turkey across East Texas. Researchers are using GPS data and state-specific breeding, nesting and roosting information to provide habitat management recommendations at a scale that can support Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Eastern Wild Turkey Super Stocking Project.

“Across the southeastern United States, we are seeing a decline in wild turkeys, especially in this zone of eastern Texas,” said Nicholas Bakner, post-doctoral researcher at the Tennessee Technological University. “For the past few years, Texas has been reintroducing birds from other states to reestablish populations in these areas.”

Bakner and his team want to see how translocated female birds from other states are responding to existing habitat conditions, which will help identify suitable release areas. Through this work, they will be able to identify critical habitats, their availability and the potential for habitat restoration to increase turkey distribution and abundance in the region. This project will also be identifying areas where habitat limitations exist, enabling researchers to implement more effective habitat management strategies.

Using data collected over the past decade, researchers can develop a comprehensive habitat suitability model for wild turkey in East Texas. When wild turkey were captured and processed using rocket nets baited with cracked corn between January and March of 2016 through 2024, all individuals, regardless of age or sex, were given a leg band and a GPS transmitter that recorded one location nightly at midnight, and hourly locations between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m. until the battery died or the unit was recovered.

Researchers also conducted nest and brood surveys of any banded females suspected to have had brood success to gather survey data that will be used, along with other relevant variable data, to evaluate habitat suitability.

“We know from GPS data from across the southeastern United States, that there is a limitation in brooding habitat,” Bakner said. Only about 7 percent of hens are successfully producing a brood, and we’re seeing as low as 10 percent nesting success in some of these areas. If we could use this model to identify areas of improved nesting habitat, this would help our efforts in recruiting new birds into the population.”

The research for this project is being conducted on both private and public lands.

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, Mossy Oak and NWTF state chapters supported the research.

—NWTF

June 13, 2025

Page 7

Page 8

June 13, 2025

LoneOStar Outdoor News

LSONews.com

FISHING

Main lake sandies feeding

Anglers are finding schools of white bass under birds on many Texas lakes during the morning hours. Photo by Nate Skinner, for Lone Star Outdoor News.

By Nate Skinner

For Lone Star Outdoor News White bass are staging along main lake waters in most lakes. The sandies can be found in schools and feeding aggressively in a variety of water depths. Points, flats, drop-offs and main lake humps are all worth checking out.

Slabs and swimbaits have been drawing the most strikes, but spinners can work well, especially in shallow water. Numbers have been good, and many folks have been

finding half-limits to limits of fish.

According to Lavon Lake guide Carey Thorn, schools of white bass are chasing shad during the morning hours, and can be found under flocks of working birds.

“There’s also good numbers of white bass in the shallows in anywhere from 1 to 10 feet of water,” Thorn said. “Main lake points and the backs of coves have been loaded with sandies recently.”

The majority of the fish have been from 12-14 inches, with some larger fish mixed in.

“When the sandies are up on top or in the shallows, paddletail swimbaits have been the ticket,” Thorn said. “There are some fish feeding over main lake humps in 15 to 30 feet of water, especially during the midday to early afternoon hours.”

The best results in deeper water have come using 1-ounce slabs.

On Lake Livingston, Michael Richardson said that the white bass bite has been about as good as it gets.

“We literally have fish all over

Water movement key for flounder

the lake right now,” he said. “The most consistent action has been taking place in 6 to 15 feet of water over windblown points and along ledges.”

Chartreuse slabs have been catching the most fish.

Cedar Creek Reservoir guide Brent Herbeck said white bass have made a full recovery from the spawn, and are now back in main lake waters feeding aggressively.

“There has been a lot of bird activity across the lake over flats and near the dam along the edges

Kayak anglers measure good bags

By Cory Byrnes

By Cory Byrnes

In the Rockport and Corpus Christi areas, anglers, including kayakers, have had success pursuing flounder, especially in areas with moving water.

“The outgoing tide has been the best,” said guide Fil Spencer. “We’re fishing primarily knee- and waist-deep water to target a lot of the flounder down here.”

Spencer said moving water is key.

“Target a cut or gut, many of those have mud or sand bottoms,” he said. “The flounder like being on the edge of those when the water is moving.”

Spencer’s clients also have been catching flounder on the edges of grass in the sand pockets, using paddletails.

“You want to set the hook pretty good on them,” he said.

The best colors have been natural shades and red during the day, and white with chartreuse in the evening and night.

“At night I have seen them hit a top-water,” Spencer said. “That doesn’t happen often.”

The best fishing had occurred just before the sun rises in shallow water, and then moving deeper as the day warms.

“It gets slower in the heat of summer, and the fish are smaller,” Spencer said.

On the south side of Bolivar Island south of the Texas City Dike, Chris Gillman has been landing flounder, as well as speckled trout and redfish. He has been finding them in shallow

Kayak fishing tournaments tend to pick up as summer approaches, when other events are slowing down. The Texas B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Division held a trio of tournaments in May. On May 5, the kayakers battled on Lake LBJ under perfect weather conditions.

JR Mocaby has fished a few other local tournament trails, but in his first year fishing the Texas B.A.S.S. Nation events, he came out on top at LBJ with 101.5 inches of largemouth.

“If you’re wanting to fish with the top anglers, this is right up your alley,” he said. “I was looking for a shad spawn and the early morning bite, and the magic started happening at my second spot.”

Mocaby caught most of his fish on a Whopper Plopper, and he also took home the big bass with a 23.75-inch fish.

Jake Maenius finished second with 95.5 inches, followed by Matthew Scotch, with 93.5 inches.

Later in the month, Russell Truitt took home back-to-back wins on O.H. Ivie and Stillhouse Hollow.

After a rough couple of days prefishing O.H. Ivie, Russell found some fish back in pockets with clear water.

For Lone Star Outdoor News

For Lone Star Outdoor News

Please turn to page 15

Wade-fishermen and kayakers are finding flounder in areas where there is water movement. Photo by Fil Spencer.

of drop-offs, especially on cloudy and overcast days,” Herbeck said.

“Working slabs over drop-offs and along seawalls during the morning hours in 5 to 14 feet of water has been productive.”

Silver or white slabs, as well as spinners bounced off the bottom in deeper stretches of water in 1726 feet have been producing plenty of bites.

“On my second cast on a secondary point I hooked into a 24-inch fish,” Truitt said. “I was very excited I caught one. I had very little hope of doing well. I had been fishing a natural green/pumpkin color and topwaters. Then I switched to a black and blue Senko because I was seeing a lot of bluegill.”

The color change made the difference, as he caught all five of his fish on Texas-rigged Senkos.

Truitt finished with 91.75 inches, followed by Luke Roberson with 88 inches and Matthew Murphy with 87 inches.

On Stillhouse Hollow, Truitt was more experienced.

“I have some history on that lake,” he said.

During pre-fishing, he fished his normal spots, finding success using moving baits, but again the Senko produced during the tournament held May 31.

“I caught one on a glide bait, a small one,” Truitt said. “I knew they were there so I switched to a Senko.” he said.

His successful color was green/ pumpkin with red and black flakes.

Truitt finished with 100.75 inches for his five fish, followed by Cristian Astorga with 90.75 inches and Tyler Howell with 90.25 inches.

LoneOStar Outdoor News

Page 9

.

. .

FISHING DOLPHIN WATCH FUEL ICE BAIT TACKLE

.

Feagan tops 1,600 at Skeeter Owners’ Tournament

June 13, 2025

.

LSONews.com

By Vivian Leopold

For Lone Star Outdoor News A 10.04-pound largemouth bass caught

by Michael Feagan, of Wimberly, on day 1 of the Skeeter Owners’ Tournament held up for the heaviest over-the-slot Lake Fork fish.

Feagan used a green pumpkin Chatterbait in shallow water to entice the fish. Earlier in the week, he had gone out with a guide to better learn the lake, even though he had fished Lake Fork previously.

Feagan won a 2025 Skeeter FXR20 Apex edition with Yamaha VMAX SHO 250, plus $700 for top weight of the hour.

More than 1,600 anglers from 25 states competed in the 31st annual event, and 17 over-the-slot fish were brought to the scales.

Fishing with his family, Lyle Potter, of Ore City, took the prize for the heaviest bass under the 16-24-inch slot on day 2 with a 2.86-pound fish. He measured it five times to ensure it was just under 16 inches in length. Those anglers who brought in a bass within the slot got to meet the local game warden and pay a fine.

Potter’s lure of choice was a watermeloncolored fluke, also in shallow water. He took home a 2025 Yamaha Viking VI ES Ranch side-by-side plus $700 as the top weight of the hour.

The Lady Angler Champion trophy went to Megan Medlin, of Sterlington, Louisiana,

Michael Feagan’s 10.04-pound largemouth took top honors at the Skeeter Owners’ Tournament on Lake Fork. Photo by Vivian Leopold, for Lone Star Outdoor News.

with a 2.51-pound bass. Robert Hebert, of Opelousas, Louisiana, won the Senior Division trophy with his 2.6-pounder.

Skeeter encouraged helping the community with its Boat Load of Toys drive. This year, nonperishable food items were also collected, and anyone making donations received entries into a drawing for a 2025 Yamaha Kodiak 450 ATV.

Big earnings at final Bass Champs event Lone Star Outdoor News Jake McWhirter, of Burleson, and Trevor Easter, of Morgan, won the final regular season Bass Champs event May 31 on Lake Tawakoni with a five-fish total of 26.73 pounds.

To top it off, the team took full advantage of the available bonuses to take their winnings from the event to $37,500, earning $25,000 for the win, plus a $10,000 Skeeter bonus, along with TH Marine Atlas, Fun and Sun and SureLife bonuses.

The team primarily slow-rolled 1/2-ounce War Eagle spinner baits to imitate the gizzard shad in the lake.

“We tried crankbaits but the hybrids and stripers moved in,” McWhirter said. “There were so many shad, you couldn’t get away from the hybrids. You could reel the spin-

ner bait slower and keep it down.”

Hunter Mayo, of Stephenville, finished in a tie for second with 21.93 pounds, winning $6,500 plus $750 for the big bass at 7.08 pounds, but that wasn’t his biggest win from the event. He also won the Angler of the Year award from Bass Champs.

“I practiced hard, probably idling around the lake for 15 hours,” Mayo said. “I was looking for high-percentage spots, but had trouble pinning down a pattern.”

Tying for second with 21.93 pounds, Landon Edwards, of Springdale, Arkansas, and Cody Ellison, of Fordland, Missouri, were fishing in their first Bass Champs event, signing up at the last minute after a local event was rescheduled.

Chad Cannon, of Royse City, and Jonathon Weber, of Caddo Mills, finished fourth with 21.92 pounds, winning $4,000.

900 TARPON ST. PORT ARANSAS, TX 78373

. 361-749-5448

WWW.FISHERMANSWHARFPORTA.COM

SIGN UP TODAY!

ReAl PeOpLe ReEl PrIzEs! MaY 24-SePt 1

$2,000,000 In PrIzEs & ScHoLaRsHiPs 18 BoAtS • 5 TrUcKs • 5 UtVS StArToUrNaMeNt.OrG

Throngs of kids at WCYF tournament

By Tony Vindell

CCA

S RS AGE MEMBE R A T S H 6-17 FIS

For Lone Star Outdoor News Young anglers in the 2025 Willacy County Young Farmers fishing tournament broke records of the 40-plus year event. But it wasn’t because of the biggest fish caught in the piggy perch division.

It was actually due to the number of contestants from 2-12 years of age. A total of 107 kids were registered for the tournament, making it the biggest in its history.

FREE!

Please turn to page 15 Daniella Delgado shows a piggy perch she caught as her dad holds the rod during the Willacy County Young Farmers fishing tournament. Photo by Tony Vindell, for Lone Star Outdoor News.

BY ENTERING THE CCA TEXAS STAR YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN A 2025 FORD F-150 XLT SUPERCREW, BOATS, PRIZES, SCHOLARSHIPS AND MORE!

PHOTO COURTESY OF MAC ELLIOTT PHOTOS FOR REPRESENTATION ONLY

Page 10

June 13, 2025

LoneOStar Outdoor News

LSONews.com

TEXAS FRESHWATER FISHING REPORT ALAN HENRY: Water clear; 77 degrees; 1.62’ low.

Crappie are good on jigs and minnows.

AMISTAD: Water stained; 84 degrees; 68.34’ low.

Largemouth bass are fair on top-waters and soft plastics. White bass are good on swimbaits, jigs and spoons.

Crappie are good on minnows and jigs.

ARLINGTON: Water stained; 78 degrees; 0.41’ low. Largemouth bass are good on top-waters and soft plastics.

ARROWHEAD: Water stained; 75 degrees; 0.49’ low. Catfish are fair on shad and punch bait.

ATHENS: Water stained; 76 degrees; 0.82’ high.

Largemouth bass are good on Texas-rigged worms, wackyrigged senkos and crankbaits.

Crappie are slow.

AUSTIN: Water stained; 78 degrees; 0.38’ low. Largemouth bass are good on top-waters, swimbaits, Texasrigged worms and shaky heads.

BASTROP: Water stained; 80 degrees. Largemouth bass are fair on top-waters, square-billed crankbaits and Alabama rigs.

BELTON: Water stained; 77 degrees; 1.98’ low. Largemouth bass are good on swimbaits, crankbaits and jigging spoons.

White bass are good on slabs. Catfish are good on cut bait and punch bait.

BENBROOK: Water stained; 74 degrees; 1.07’ low. Largemouth bass are good on soft plastics and crankbaits. Hybrid stripers are good on live bait. Catfish are good on cut and stink bait.

BOB SANDLIN: Water stained; 73 degrees; 0.43’ high. Largemouth bass are good on spinner baits and soft plastics. White bass are good on slabs. Crappie are fair on jigs. Catfish are fair on stink bait.

BOIS D’ARC: Water stained; 76 degrees; 0.57’ high. Largemouth bass are good on square-billed crankbaits, chatter baits and soft plastics. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows.

BRAUNIG: Water stained; 88 degrees. Redfish are fair on spoons and trolling soft plastics. Catfish are slow.

BROWNWOOD: Water lightly stained; 78 degrees; 0.56’ high. Largemouth bass are good on wacky-rigged worms, top-waters and spinner baits. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. White bass are good on crankbaits.

Catfish are slow.

BUCHANAN: Water lightly stained; 76 degrees; 19.13’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on swimbaits, crankbaits and soft plastics. White bass and stripers are good on top-waters, slabs, soft plastics and live shad.

CADDO: Water stained; 67 degrees; 1.44’ high.

Largemouth bass are fair on spinner baits, crankbaits, top-waters and soft plastics.

CALAVERAS: Water stained; 89 degrees. Redfish are good trolling soft plastics and on jigs, shrimp and tilapia. Catfish are good on stink bait and perch.

CANYON: Water lightly stained; 78 degrees; 31.96’ low. Largemouth bass are good on top-waters and soft plastics. Striped bass and white bass are good on swimbaits and jigging spoons.

CEDAR CREEK: Water stained; 77 degrees; 0.24’ high. Hybrid striped bass and white bass are good on slabs.

Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on fresh shad.

COLETO CREEK: Water stained; 87 degrees; 2.10’ low. Largemouth bass are good on soft plastic worms, craw worms and lizards.

CONROE: Water stained; 82 degrees; 0.02’ low.

Largemouth bass are good on moving baits and soft plastics. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Hybrids and white bass are fair on slabs. Catfish are good on punch bait and cut bait.

COOPER: Water stained; 75 degrees: 2.00’ low. Crappie are fair on jigs. Catfish are fair on shad.

EAGLE MOUNTAIN: Water stained; 77 degrees; 0.46’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on soft plastics. Crappie and white bass are slow.

Catfish are good on punch bait and cut bait.

FALCON: Water stained; 80 degrees; 46.50’ low.

Largemouth bass are good on crankbaits, senkos and power worms. Crappie are slow. Catfish are good on stink bait, shrimp and cut bait.

FAYETTE: Water lightly stained; 85 degrees. Largemouth bass are good on underspins, lipless crankbaits, spinner baits, shaky heads and Carolina rigs. Catfish are fair on nightcrawlers.

FORK: Water stained;

73 degrees; 0.32’ high.

Largemouth bass are fair on square-billed crankbaits, chatter baits, soft plastics and top-waters. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs.

FT. PHANTOM HILL: Water stained; 75 degrees; 5.39’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on creature baits and soft plastics. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs.

GRANBURY: Water stained; 80 degrees; 0.13’ low. Largemouth bass are good on soft plastics and lipless crankbaits. Striped bass and white bass are fair on slabs and live shad. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on cut shad.

GRANGER: Water lightly stained; 80 degrees; 0.65’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on spinner baits. Crappie are good on jigs. White bass are fair on slabs. Catfish are good on shad, perch and goldfish.

GRAPEVINE: Water stained; 75 degrees; 5.82’ high. White bass are good on spinner baits and slabs.

HOUSTON COUNTY: Water stained; 78 degrees; 0.53’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on Carolina rigs. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows.

HUBBARD CREEK: Water stained; 75 degrees; 12.06’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on spinner baits and chatter baits. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs.

INKS: Water stained; 80 degrees; 0.85’ low. Largemouth bass are good on worms and flukes.

JACKSONVILLE: Water stained; 78 degrees; 0.52’ high. Largemouth bass are good on soft plastics and swimbaits.

JOE POOL: Water stained; 80 degrees; 1.02’ high.

Largemouth bass are slow.

Crappie are fair on minnows.

LAKE O’ THE PINES: Water stained; 80 degrees; 2.51’ high. Largemouth bass are good on crankbaits and swimbaits.

Crappie are good on slip cork jigs.

LAVON: Water lightly stained; 65 degrees; 1.83’ high. Crappie are good on jigs. White bass are good on swimbaits and slabs.

Catfish are fair on punch bait, chicken liver and cut shad.

LBJ: Water stained; 75 degrees; 0.34’ low. Largemouth bass are good on Texas-rigged soft plastics.

Crappie are good on jigs and

minnows. Catfish are good on punch bait.

LEWISVILLE: Water stained; 76 degrees; 1.91’ high. White bass are fair on jigs, slabs, and live bait. Hybrid stripers are fair on slabs and live bait. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on cut shad.

LIMESTONE: Water stained; 77 degrees; 0.25’ high. Largemouth bass are good on Texas rigs, chatter baits and top-water frogs.

Crappie are fair on minnows.

White bass are fair on jigging spoons. Catfish are fair on cut bait.

LIVINGSTON: Water stained; 76 degrees; 0.39’ high. White bass are good on slabs. Catfish are fair on cut bait.

MARTIN CREEK: Water lightly stained; 86 degrees; 0.10’ high. Largemouth bass are good on swimbaits and Texas-rigged worms. Crappie are fair on minnows.

White bass are fair on jigging spoons. Catfish are good on dip bait and nightcrawlers.

MEREDITH: Water stained; 68 degrees; 46.14’ low.

White bass are good on spoons and artificial grubs.

Crappie are good on minnows. Walleye are good on minnows, bottom bouncers and floating worm harnesses.

Catfish are good on cut bait and frozen shad.

MILLERS CREEK: Water stained; 70 degrees; 1.43’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. White bass are fair on slabs. Catfish are slow..

NACOGDOCHES: Water stained; 78 degrees; 0.13’ low. Largemouth bass are good on swim jigs and crankbaits. Crappie are good on jigs. Catfish are fair on cut bait.

NACONICHE: Water stained; 82 degrees; 0.50’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on jerkbaits, crankbaits, Alabama rigs and top-waters.

Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. Catfish are slow.

NASWORTHY: Water lightly stained; 79 degrees. 0.44’ low. Largemouth bass are good on soft plastics. Crappie are fair on jigs. Catfish are fair on cut bait and stink bait.

NAVARRO MILLS: Water stained; 75 degrees; 3.08’ high. Sand bass are good on spoons. Crappie are fair on

jigs and minnows. Catfish are fair on cut perch and cut carp.

O.H. IVIE: Water lightly stained; 75 degrees; 22.87’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on Texas-rigged worms. White bass are fair on crankbaits.

Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are good on chicken liver, cut shad and cheese bait.

OAK CREEK: Water lightly stained; 75 degrees; 18.72’ low. Largemouth bass are good on large top-water baits, frogs and crankbaits. Crappie and white bass are good on jigs and minnows.

PALESTINE: Water stained; 74 degrees; 0.84’ high.

Largemouth bass are fair on soft plastics. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on shad.

POSSUM KINGDOM: Water stained; 78 degrees; 0.19’ high. Stripers are slow.

White bass are fair on slabs.

Catfish are good on cut shad and punch bait.

PROCTOR: Water stained; 76 degrees; 1.22’ high.

White bass are fair trolling crankbaits.

Crappie are slow.

RAVEN: Water lightly stained; 70 degrees. Largemouth bass are good on weedless soft plastics.

RAY HUBBARD: Water stained; 75 degrees; 0.36’ high. White bass are good on swimbaits, tail spinners and lipless crankbaits. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows.

Catfish are good on punch bait.

RAY ROBERTS: Water lightly stained; 70 degrees; 1.62’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on top-waters, crankbaits and jigs. White bass are on good on live bait and slabs. Catfish are fair on cut bait.

RICHLAND CHAMBERS: Water stained; 78 degrees; 0.36’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on top-waters, swim jigs, chatter baits and square bills. White bass are fair on slabs and jigs. Hybrid striper are good on live bait and jigs.

Catfish are fair on cut bait and shad.

SAM RAYBURN: Water stained; 77 degrees; 0.45’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on plastics and jigs. Crappie are fair on jigs. Catfish are good on cut bait.

SOMERVILLE: Water stained; 77 degrees; 0.16’ low. Largemouth bass are good on crankbaits and shiny

n Saltwater reports Page 19

spinner baits. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. Catfish are good on cut shad and punch bait.

STILLHOUSE: Water stained; 77 degrees; 2.61’ low. White bass are good on slabs.

TAWAKONI: Water lightly stained; 80 degrees; 0.48’ high. Striped and white bass are fair on slab spoons and swimbaits. Catfish are fair on cheese bait.

TEXANA: Water stained; 80 degrees; 4.44’ low. Catfish are good on trotlines.

TEXOMA: Water stained; 74 degrees; 13.23’ high.

Stripers are fair on top-waters and swimbaits. Catfish are good on punch bait and prepared baits.

TOLEDO BEND: Water stained; 81 degrees; 0.61’ low. Largemouth bass are good on top-waters, swim jigs and frogs. Crappie are fair on jigs.

TRAVIS: Water stained; 81 degrees; 45.05’ low.

Largemouth bass are good on creature baits, swimbaits and flukes.

TYLER: Water stained; 75 degrees; 0.83’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on worms, spinner baits and top-waters.

Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair on stink bait and nightcrawlers.

WACO: Water stained; 78 degrees; 0.34’ low.

Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits and spoons.

Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows.

WALTER E. LONG: Water stained; 80 degrees. Largemouth bass are good on moving baits and Texasrigged soft plastics.

WHITE RIVER: Water stained; 72 degrees; 19.86’ low. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. Catfish are slow.

WHITNEY: Water lightly stained; 76 degrees; 0.28’ high. Largemouth bass are good on soft plastics. Striped bass are fair on live bait.

White bass are good on slabs.

Catfish are good on cut bait.

WRIGHT PATMAN: Water stained; 79 degrees; 7.99’ high. Crappie are good on jigs.

Catfish are good on stink bait.

—TPWD

LSONews.com

LoneOStar Outdoor News

June 13, 2025

Page 11

FEEDYour PASSION

TM

DIRECTIONAL FISH FEEDERS THREE CAPACITIES AVAILABLE 7 0 lb. • 175 17 5 lb. • 250 25 0 lb.

KEY FEATURES: Premium Digital Timer with 5 Year Warranty Dual motors and a high velocity air blower system projects feed in a large 45’ x 20’ pattern Your Choice of Straight or Adjustable Legs Optional Solar Charger mounts on any side 100% Varmint Proof

Made in America

3350 IH 35 N, San Antonio, TX 78219 • 800.969.3337 www.TexasHunter.com

For More Details & Videos

Request a Catalog

Page 12

June 13, 2025

LoneOStar Outdoor News

LSONews.com

OUTDOOR BLOTTER LIFESAVING MISSION DURING SNAPPER OPENER While patrolling federal waters off the coast during the just-opened red snapper season aboard the Captain Muchison patrol vessel, Texas game wardens heard a call for medical help coming from a recreational fishing vessel just 8.5 miles away. They coordinated with the Coast Guard, which was working on getting a helicopter to the fisherman. Wardens boarded the fishing vessel, began administering basic medical care and brought the fisherman and his wife onboard the patrol vessel. They were about 32 miles offshore when the USCG helicopter met them for the medical evacuation.

The Coast Guard deployed a rescue swimmer onto the patrol vessel deck to hoist the fisherman into their helicopter. The fisherman was transferred to a local hospital and is recovering.

KAYAKER KILLED AFTER BEING HIT BY PWC Texas game wardens are continuing the investigation into the death of Ava Moore, 18, at Lake Grapevine, which occurred the evening of May 25 during the Memorial Day weekend.

Preliminary details indicate a personal watercraft with two female occupants struck and killed Moore, who was in a kayak. The passenger remained on scene to be interviewed by first responders, while the operator fled with an adult male. The operator of the personal watercraft, Daikerlyn Alejan-

dra Gonzalez Gonzalez, 21, fled the scene with Maikel Coello Perozo, 21.

Gonzalez and Perozo then struck two vehicles while leaving the area. Gonzalez was later arrested May 27 and has been charged with second-degree felony manslaughter. Perozo also was arrested and charged with hindering apprehension.

TWO HUNDRED POUNDS OF SNAPPER SEIZED The Coast Guard interdicted and detained four Mexican fishermen engaged in illegal fishing and seized approximately 200 pounds of fish in federal waters. A boat crew took the fishermen into custody, brought them ashore, and transferred them to U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel for processing. Coast Guard personnel seized approximately 200 pounds of red snapper, along with fishing gear and equipment found on board the vessels.

CHILD RESCUED AFTER DRIFTING AWAY IN TUBE Texas game wardens patrolling the Falcon International Reservoir on Memorial Day weekend rescued a 5-year-old girl who was drifting away on an inflatable tube as 30+ mph winds pushed her away from shore. Her family flagged the wardens for help and the wardens intercepted the youngster, who was brought onboard the patrol vessel and given a life jacket.

NEW CLASS OF WARDENS The 67th Texas Game Warden and Texas State Parks Police cadet class graduated May 30.

The 28 game wardens and five state park police officers completed eight months of intensive training and will soon begin their assignments at duty stations across the state.

Texas game wardens are the primary enforcement officers focusing on hunting, fishing and water safety regulations and play a critical role in conserving the state’s natural resources.

Texas State Park Police Officers provide law enforcement services within state parks and support public safety efforts in the surrounding communities.

Game Wardens Lilly Baird – Starr County Raegan Carson – Dallas County Donald Cosgrove – Jackson County Joshua De La Cerda – Hudspeth County Collin Dew – Hardin County Kalyn Dryman – Brewster and Presidio Counties Jacob Fleshman – Pecos County Hector Garcia – Zapata County Stephanie Gfroerer – Fort Bend County Joseph Guy – Liberty County

Logan Hammonds – Jefferson County Brock Hargens – Webb County Jackson Harris – Terrell County James Hemphill – Dallas County Cody Hicks – Brewster and Presidio Counties Angel Iduarte – Webb County Darian Kelley – Bailey and Lamb Counties Andrew Kincaid – Harris County Macee Krpec – Dimmit County Allison McGehee – Val Verde County Wesley Mitchell – Dallas County Garrett Nutt – Pecos County Jeremy Reece – Hays County Jayden Rollins – Castro, Deaf Smith and Parmer counties Riley Sheridan – El Paso County Garrett Stapleton – El Paso County Mikayla Whitus – Cochran and Hockley Counties Hunter Witcher – Travis County State Park Police Morgan Harbison – Sheldon Lake State Park Randi Miller – Cedar Hill State Park Jesse Ogden – Big Bend Ranch State Park Kyle Vyers – Cedar Hill State Park Courtney Wright – Brazos Bend State Park

LSONews.com

LoneOStar Outdoor News

June 13, 2025

Page 13

Info@G2Ranch.com

Page 14

June 13, 2025

LoneOStar Outdoor News

LSONews.com

GRIP & GRIN

Tiffany Harding caught this redfish near Rockport.

Tim Hawkins, of Anna, caught his new personal best largemouth bass, at 8 pounds, 10 ounces, on Bois d’Arc Reservoir. The fish was released.

Zach Garfield, 19, shot this aoudad ewe at 120 yards on his first rifle hunt at the Double S Adventures Ranch, in Brady.

SHARE AN ADVENTURE n Want to share hunting and fishing photos with other Lone Star Outdoor News readers?

Email them with contact and caption information to editor@lonestaroutdoornews.com. High-resolution original jpegs only. Mail prints to Grip & Grin, Lone Star Outdoor News, P.O. Box 551695, Dallas, TX 75355.

Amanda Tirodo caught this red drum near Rockport, held by Capt. Jeremy Griffis.

Waylan Owens caught 13 roosterfish in one day on a 10 wt. fly rod in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

LSONews.com

LoneOStar Outdoor News

Finding flatfish Continued from page 8

water from 6 inches to 3.5 feet.

“Look for bait and water flow,” Gillman said. “In the channels, you need to have tidal movement with water flowing through.”

Whether he’s fishing in high or low tides doesn’t seem to matter as much.

“I like the high tide because we can get into the channel,” Gillman said.

On an outgoing tide he recommends you fish from outside the channel, whereas on an incoming tide you can go back into the channel and catch them.

Gillman has had success on both live and artificial baits.

“We’re utilizing finger mullet on a 1/4-ounce sinker and let that fish swim while slowly working it back in,” he said.

“Chicken Boy or Down South Lures with jig heads have been his favorite artificial lures, and color hasn’t seemed to matter.

“I am just bouncing them off the bottom,” Gillman said.

June 13, 2025

Page 15

CALL ANYTIME TO TALK TO A LIVE EXPERT

832-827-4574

Wave Infrared ATRIS 650 LRF Advanced Thermal

Fun fishing for kids Continued from page 9

The unusually higher number of contestants even surprised some of the members of the organization’s tournament held May 24 in Port Mansfield.

“One hundred and seven?” exclaimed John Butler, a long time WCYF association member. “Wow! That is great!”

The youngsters, some barely 2 years old, fished off the deck of the local chamber of commerce building while others were taken to secret spots by their parents.

Each angler was given a fishing rod and bait shrimp, and were treated to a breakfast snack and lunch. They all were thrilled to hook a fish, although some had a little trouble trying to hold one for a picture.

“This is my first fish I have ever caught,” said Isaiah Nieto, a 9-year-old from Lasara. “I can’t believe it. This is the first time I’ve fished in my whole life.”

Several feet away, Daniella Delgado, of Raymondville, struggled to get a small perch by the end of the deck. Her father, Mark, said this is her second year fishing in the tournament.

“This is great for the kids,” Mark said. “I hope they keep fishing for years to come.”

Gabriel Olivares, 9, caught several perch and said he was keeping the big one for the weigh-in.

After fishing ended, most of the piggy perchers took their fish where two WCYF members measured and weighed each fish.

Isla Contreras took the top spot, followed by Paislee Caraker and Colten Caraker.

And during the ceremony, each angler was given a trophy as a reward.

In the offshore and bay divisions, fishing was tough due to the higher-than-expected swells and stronger winds.

Morgan Butler, of Kingsville, took first place in the red snapper and shark categories.

The tournament Grand Champion spot went to Rick Espinoza, a fishing guide from Raymondville.

“This is a first one for me,” said the 43-year-old. “I have been fishing since I was eight.”

Espinoza said he has fished the tournament on and off since he was a young boy.

“I finally put my name on the board,” he said. “I do like this tournament because this is about helping the community.”

A total of $9,000 in scholarships was distributed among six graduating high school seniors.

Also, the tournament gives money to a number of nonprofit organizations and to students who enter show animals during the annual Willacy County Livestock Show.

Getting that one bite Continued from page 1

under the direction of experienced guides.

Strong southerly winds, gusting up to 30 mph, prevailed, and the fish seemed to have lockjaw. In fact, LSON’s own David J. Sams was the only angler who was able to land a three-fish stringer while fishing under the guidance of Capt. Ruben Garza Jr. The pair of redfish and a 15.25-inch trout he caught and released, accounted for a total of 59.75 inches, making him the Grand Champion of the tournament.

Sams also won Getaway Lodge’s “Sweet Heat Challenge,” in which they awarded a prize for the angler who caught the longest speckled trout on their signature, custom Mansfield Knockers top-water lure called Sweet Heat. The plug boasts a vivid, orange color profile, and was named after the lodge’s famous, Sweet Heat hot wings sauce.

“I caught all three of the fish I submitted during our first wade of the morning on the Sweet Heat,” Sams said. “Shortly after landing the trout and two redfish, the bite came to a screeching halt. The rest of the day was void of any action, other than bites from small, undersized specks.”

Christina Sauceda won the 2nd place stringer under the guidance of Capt. David Garza, with just two fish that included a 27.75-inch redfish and a 16-inch speckled trout for a total of 43.75 inches. She also caught her fish during the early morning.

“We had a little flurry of action during our first stop of the morning, and that was

really about it,” Sauceda said. “I caught both fish on soft plastics by PavLures while wading south of the Port Mansfield harbor.

The trout came first, and then the redfish bit shortly after.”

Sauceda said they bounced around from spot to spot, but the fish just wouldn’t eat.

“I was a little disappointed that I wasn’t able to catch another redfish to fill out my stringer,” she admitted. “So I was completely surprised when I ended up winning the second place stringer with only two fish.

That just tells you how tough the bite really was.”

Cory Hamman came in third with his two-fish stringer that measured 41.5 inches.

“This was one of the toughest days I’ve had fishing out of Port Mansfield,” Hamman said. “Usually you can grind out some solid fish, even if they aren’t feeding aggressively, but the fish just really weren’t active at all during the tournament.”

Jeff Roberts won the longest speckled trout category with a 25.25-inch speck, followed by Ken McKeown’s 22.5-inch trout.

Sauceda’s 27.75-inch redfish won the longest redfish category. Alex Sessums caught a 25.5-inch redfish that put him in 2nd place, and Sams’ 23.25-inch redfish followed.

Cynthia Cortinas won the One Lure Challenge, in which everyone was given one soft plastic lure to fish with. All of the anglers lined up and began fishing, and she caught the first gamefish, a redfish, to win the challenge.

Fusion Thermal Boatmaster 40 Pro

NightRide 360 High-Res Telephoto 640-35

ThirdCoastThermal.com Most all brands available

Celebrating 27 Years Pearsall, Texas Craig@wilsonwhitetails.com www.wilsonwhitetails.com 210.602.4531

Wild or Liberated Bobwhite Quail Mourning & White-winged Dove Pasture-Raised Whitetail & Exotic Species Bass & Catfish Sporting Clays OOering Quality Experiences: No crowds Private hunts - No mixing of groups Entertainment patio Top Drive Safari Tours

South Texas Farm & Ranch Land Specialist Coastal Vacation HomesNorth Padre Island Craig@TexasRanchesForSale.com www.texasranchesforsale.com/team/craig-wilson 210.602.4531

Page 16

June 13, 2025

LoneOStar Outdoor News

LSONews.com

TEXAS SUN, MOON AND TIDES Moon Phases Houston

Last

New

First

Full

Jun 18

Jun 25

Jul 2

Jul 10

Solunar Sun times Moon times Dallas

2025 Jun

A.M. Minor Major

P.M. Minor Major

SUN Rises Sets

MOON Rises Sets

2025 Jun

A.M. P.M. SUN MOON Minor Major Minor Major Rises Sets Rises Sets

13 Fri 14 Sat 15 Sun 16 Mon 17 Tue 18 Wed 19 Thu 20 Fri 21 Sat 22 Sun 23 Mon 24 Tue 25 Wed 26 Thu 27 Fri

7:39 1:26 8:36 2:24 9:33 3:21 10:28 4:16 11:19 5:07 ----- 5:56 12:30 6:42 1:15 7:27 2:00 8:14 2:49 9:04 3:42 9:58 4:41 10:57 5:43 11:59 6:48 12:32 7:51 1:37

8:06 1:52 9:02 2:49 9:58 3:46 10:51 4:40 11:42 5:31 12:08 6:19 12:54 7:06 1:40 7:53 2:27 8:41 3:18 9:33 4:14 10:29 5:13 11:29 6:15 12:31 7:18 1:03 8:18 2:04

06:20 08:22 06:20 08:22 06:20 08:22 06:20 08:23 06:20 08:23 06:20 08:23 06:20 08:23 06:20 08:24 06:21 08:24 06:21 08:24 06:21 08:24 06:21 08:24 06:22 08:25 06:22 08:25 06:22 08:25

10:50p 8:06a 11:30p 9:08a NoMoon 10:12a 12:06a 11:15a 12:38a 12:17p 1:09a 1:19p 1:39a 2:23p 2:11a 3:29p 2:46a 4:40p 3:27a 5:53p 4:15a 7:06p 5:11a 8:14p 6:14a 9:14p 7:22a 10:05p 8:32a 10:47p

13 Fri 14 Sat 15 Sun 16 Mon 17 Tue 18 Wed 19 Thu 20 Fri 21 Sat 22 Sun 23 Mon 24 Tue 25 Wed 26 Thu 27 Fri

7:45 1:31 8:42 2:29 9:39 3:26 10:33 4:21 11:25 5:13 ----- 6:02 12:36 6:48 1:21 7:33 2:06 8:20 2:55 9:09 3:48 10:04 4:47 11:03 5:49 ----6:53 12:38 7:56 1:42

8:11 1:58 9:08 2:55 10:04 3:51 10:57 4:45 11:48 5:36 12:13 6:25 1:00 7:12 1:46 7:58 2:33 8:47 3:24 9:39 4:19 10:35 5:19 11:35 6:21 12:37 7:24 1:08 8:24 2:10

06:18 08:35 06:18 08:35 06:18 08:35 06:19 08:36 06:19 08:36 06:19 08:36 06:19 08:36 06:19 08:37 06:19 08:37 06:19 08:37 06:20 08:37 06:20 08:37 06:20 08:37 06:20 08:38 06:21 08:38

11:04p 8:03a 11:43p 9:06a NoMoon 10:12a 12:17a 11:17a 12:47a 12:21p 1:16a 1:25p 1:44a 2:31p 2:14a 3:39p 2:48a 4:52p 3:26a 6:07p 4:12a 7:21p 5:07a 8:30p 6:11a 9:29p 7:20a 10:19p 8:30a 10:59p

San Antonio

Amarillo

2025 Jun

A.M. Minor Major

P.M. SUN MOON Minor Major Rises Sets Rises Sets

2025 Jun

A.M. Minor Major

P.M. Minor Major

SUN Rises Sets

MOON Rises Sets

13 Fri 14 Sat 15 Sun 16 Mon 17 Tue 18 Wed 19 Thu 20 Fri 21 Sat 22 Sun 23 Mon 24 Tue 25 Wed 26 Thu 27 Fri

7:51 1:38 8:49 2:36 9:46 3:33 10:40 4:28 11:32 5:20 ----- 6:09 12:43 6:55 1:27 7:40 2:13 8:26 3:01 9:16 3:55 10:10 4:53 11:09 5:56 ----7:00 12:45 8:03 1:49

8:18 2:05 9:15 3:02 10:11 3:58 11:04 4:52 11:55 5:43 12:20 6:32 1:07 7:18 1:52 8:05 2:40 8:54 3:31 9:46 4:26 10:42 5:26 11:42 6:28 12:44 7:30 1:15 8:31 2:17

13 Fri 14 Sat 15 Sun 16 Mon 17 Tue 18 Wed 19 Thu 20 Fri 21 Sat 22 Sun 23 Mon 24 Tue 25 Wed 26 Thu 27 Fri

8:05 1:52 9:02 2:50 9:59 3:47 10:54 4:42 11:45 5:33 12:10 6:22 12:56 7:08 1:41 7:53 2:26 8:40 3:15 9:30 4:08 10:24 5:07 11:23 6:09 ----7:14 12:58 8:16 2:03

8:31 2:18 9:28 3:15 10:24 4:12 11:17 5:05 ----- 5:57 12:34 6:45 1:20 7:32 2:06 8:19 2:53 9:07 3:44 9:59 4:40 10:55 5:39 11:55 6:41 12:57 7:44 1:29 8:44 2:30

06:32 09:01 06:32 09:01 06:32 09:02 06:32 09:02 06:32 09:02 06:32 09:03 06:33 09:03 06:33 09:03 06:33 09:03 06:33 09:04 06:33 09:04 06:34 09:04 06:34 09:04 06:34 09:04 06:35 09:04

11:32p 8:16a NoMoon 9:21a 12:09a 10:27a 12:41a 11:34a 1:10a 12:40p 1:37a 1:46p 2:04a 2:53p 2:33a 4:04p 3:04a 5:19p 3:41a 6:35p 4:26a 7:51p 5:20a 8:59p 6:23a 9:58p 7:33a 10:46p 8:45a 11:25p

06:33 08:33 06:33 08:33 06:33 08:34 06:33 08:34 06:34 08:34 06:34 08:35 06:34 08:35 06:34 08:35 06:34 08:35 06:34 08:35 06:35 08:36 06:35 08:36 06:35 08:36 06:35 08:36 06:36 08:36

11:02p 8:21a 11:42p 9:22a NoMoon 10:25a 12:18a 11:28a 12:50a 12:30p 1:21a 1:32p 1:52a 2:35p 2:24a 3:42p 3:00a 4:52p 3:41a 6:05p 4:29a 7:18p 5:25a 8:25p 6:29a 9:25p 7:37a 10:16p 8:46a 10:59p

Legend: Major=2 hours. Minor=1 hour. Times centered on the major-minor window. For other locations, subtract 1 minute per 12 miles east of a location, and add 1 minute per 12 miles west of a location.

Sabine Pass, north Date Jun 13 Jun 14 Jun 15 Jun 16 Jun 17 Jun 18 Jun 19 Jun 20 Jun 21 Jun 22 Jun 23 Jun 24 Jun 25 Jun 26 Jun 27

Time 6:52 AM 7:42 AM 12:03 AM 12:49 AM 1:43 AM 2:43 AM 3:51 AM 12:24 AM 1:41 AM 2:48 AM 3:48 AM 4:39 AM 5:25 AM 6:11 AM 6:58 AM

Height 2.04H 1.99H -0.16L 0.02L 0.27L 0.56L 0.89L 1.63H 1.92H 2.16H 2.32H 2.38H 2.33H 2.22H 2.06H

Time 11:33 AM 12:11 PM 8:28 AM 9:06 AM 9:36 AM 9:59 AM 10:18 AM 5:22 AM 6:50 AM 8:02 AM 9:08 AM 9:55 AM 10:28 AM 10:59 AM 11:33 AM

Time 1:55 PM 2:27 PM

Height 1.77H 1.74H

Time 11:22 PM

Height -0.27L

3:57 PM 4:38 PM 5:20 PM 10:34 AM 10:51 AM 11:16 AM 11:53 AM 12:38 PM 1:25 PM 2:16 PM 3:11 PM

1.15L 0.78L 0.37L 1.67H 1.67H 1.72H 1.78H 1.85H 1.89H 1.88H 1.81H

8:16 PM 10:35 PM

1.29H 1.38H

6:02 PM 6:46 PM 7:31 PM 8:20 PM 9:10 PM 10:00 PM 10:48 PM 11:35 PM

-0.05L -0.42L -0.71L -0.89L -0.95L -0.90L -0.74L -0.49L

Time

Height

Time

Height

5:23 PM 5:25 PM 5:47 PM 10:40 AM 10:42 AM

1.04L 0.74L 0.37L 1.46H 1.48H

8:37 PM 10:47 PM

1.13H 1.21H

6:22 PM 7:02 PM

-0.02L -0.37L

Time

Height

Time

Height

5:14 PM 4:56 PM 5:09 PM 10:13 AM

0.75L 0.48L 0.14L 1.10H

7:52 PM 10:46 PM

0.78H 0.91H

5:41 PM

-0.21L

Galveston Bay entrance, north jetty Date Jun 13 Jun 14 Jun 15 Jun 16 Jun 17 Jun 18 Jun 19 Jun 20 Jun 21 Jun 22 Jun 23 Jun 24 Jun 25 Jun 26 Jun 27

Time 8:16 AM 8:58 AM 12:20 AM 1:02 AM 1:51 AM 2:49 AM 3:55 AM 12:56 AM 2:26 AM 3:38 AM 4:39 AM 5:30 AM 6:16 AM 7:02 AM 7:51 AM

Height 1.94H 1.89H -0.19L -0.03L 0.20L 0.49L 0.82L 1.42H 1.70H 1.96H 2.13H 2.20H 2.17H 2.06H 1.91H

Time 11:41 PM

Height -0.28L

9:31 AM 9:55 AM 10:12 AM 10:25 AM 10:33 AM 5:49 AM 7:58 AM 7:45 PM 8:32 PM 9:23 PM 10:17 PM 11:11 PM

1.83H 1.75H 1.66H 1.56H 1.49H 1.16L 1.40L -0.64L -0.80L -0.84L -0.78L -0.62L

Height 1.83H 1.78H 1.70H -0.24L -0.00L 0.30L 0.64L 1.21H 1.54H 1.83H 2.03H 2.12H 2.10H 1.99H 1.83H

Time 11:06 PM 11:49 PM

Height -0.47L -0.39L

Time 7:44 AM 8:32 AM 9:09 AM 12:34 AM 1:27 AM 2:32 AM 3:48 AM 12:55 AM 2:17 AM 3:27 AM 4:31 AM 5:24 AM 6:11 AM 6:57 AM 7:44 AM

9:32 AM 9:46 AM 9:57 AM 10:07 AM 6:41 AM 6:24 PM 7:11 PM 7:58 PM 8:47 PM 9:39 PM 10:32 PM 11:23 PM

1.59H 1.45H 1.31H 1.18H 0.96L -0.54L -0.81L -0.98L -1.04L -1.00L -0.86L -0.65L

Height -0.24L -0.24L -0.21L -0.13L -0.01L 0.15L 0.48H 0.57H 0.70H 0.82H 0.89H 0.91H 0.90H -0.46L -0.42L

Time 2:17 PM 3:08 PM 3:37 PM 3:15 PM 1:57 PM 12:34 PM 7:50 PM 8:20 PM 9:03 PM 9:54 PM 10:52 PM 11:51 PM

Height 0.87H 0.84H 0.78H 0.68H 0.56H 0.47H 0.09L -0.10L -0.26L -0.36L -0.43L -0.46

1:38 PM 2:53 PM

0.86H 0.81

Height -0.32L -0.34L -0.32L -0.25L -0.13L 0.02L 0.19L 0.60H 0.07L -0.05L -0.14L -0.21L -0.27L -0.32L -0.35L

Time 5:41 PM 6:18 PM 6:40 PM 5:58 PM 5:12 PM 4:37 PM 3:52 PM

Height 0.90H 0.88H 0.82H 0.73H 0.65H 0.59H 0.57H

2:51 PM 2:49 PM 3:04 PM 3:35 PM 4:15 PM 5:01 PM 5:48 PM

0.68H 0.76H 0.84H 0.89H 0.91H 0.90H 0.84H

Port O’Connor Date Jun 13 Jun 14 Jun 15 Jun 16 Jun 17 Jun 18 Jun 19 Jun 20 Jun 21 Jun 22 Jun 23 Jun 24 Jun 25 Jun 26 Jun 27

Time 01:32 AM 02:12 AM 02:50 AM 03:25 AM 03:58 AM 04:19 AM 10:58 AM 09:56 AM 08:42 AM 08:56 AM 09:44 AM 10:43 AM 11:57 AM 12:47 AM 1:38 AM

Time 5:05 AM 5:47 AM 6:27 AM 7:05 AM 7:39 AM 8:06 AM 8:14 AM 3:12 PM 12:02 AM 12:37 AM 1:22 AM 2:15 AM 3:16 AM 4:17 AM 5:13 AM

Time 3:13 AM 3:59 AM 4:46 AM 5:38 AM 6:27 AM 12:04 AM 4:12 AM 9:17 AM 9:10 AM 9:37 AM 10:14 AM 12:44 AM 1:39 AM 2:34 AM 3:23 AM

San Luis Pass Date Jun 13 Jun 14 Jun 15 Jun 16 Jun 17 Jun 18 Jun 19 Jun 20 Jun 21 Jun 22 Jun 23 Jun 24 Jun 25 Jun 26 Jun 27

Time 9:46 AM 10:34 AM 12:38 AM 1:29 AM 2:22 AM 3:22 AM 4:41 AM 1:51 AM 3:24 AM 4:35 AM 5:35 AM 6:31 AM 7:28 AM 8:29 AM 9:26 AM

Height -0.23L -0.19L -0.11L 0.03L 0.23L 0.78H 0.83H 1.07H 1.32H 1.50H 1.59H -0.53L -0.56L -0.53L -0.45L

Time 1:56 PM 3:36 PM 3:27 PM 2:53 PM 2:11 PM 7:06 AM 7:37 AM 11:33 AM 11:12 PM 11:54 PM

Height 1.41H 1.38H 1.33H 1.25H 1.17H 0.49L 0.78L 1.05L -0.29L -0.45L

11:12 AM 12:38 PM 1:49 PM 2:56 PM

1.60H 1.56H 1.50H 1.41H

Height 1.42H 1.39H -0.13L -0.01L 0.16L 0.38L 0.64L 1.01H 1.23H 1.42H 1.54H 1.58H 1.55H 1.46H 1.35H

Time 11:50 PM

Height -0.20L

10:56 AM 11:03 AM 10:59 AM 10:50 AM 10:44 AM 6:47 AM 7:09 PM 7:52 PM 8:39 PM 9:28 PM 10:19 PM 11:12 PM

1.33H 1.24H 1.15H 1.06H 1.02H 0.87L -0.31L -0.51L -0.63L -0.67L -0.62L -0.51L

Height -0.12L -0.10L -0.07L -0.02L 0.06L 0.15L 0.25L 0.40H 0.45H 0.49H 0.52H 0.53H 0.51H -0.13L -0.13L

Time 3:44 PM 4:23 PM 4:57 PM 5:21 PM 2:03 PM 11:45 AM 11:17 AM 8:11 PM 8:54 PM 9:46 PM 10:44 PM 11:45 PM

Height 0.45H 0.45H 0.44H 0.39H 0.34H 0.33H 0.36H 0.05L -0.02L -0.07L -0.10L -0.12L

3:15 PM 4:04 PM

0.50H 0.47H

Height 1.11H 1.08H -0.22L -0.12L 0.02L 0.21L 0.43L 0.79H 0.89H 1.06H 1.17H 1.20H 1.19H 1.14H 1.05H

Time 11:30 PM

Height -0.27L

11:49 AM 11:34 AM 10:20 AM 9:54 AM 9:52 AM 6:00 PM 6:43 PM 7:28 PM 8:14 PM 9:03 PM 9:55 PM 10:50 PM 11:45 PM

1.01H 0.91H 0.81H 0.76H 0.76H -0.09L -0.33L -0.53L -0.64L -0.68L -0.64L -0.54L -0.40L

Height 1.47H 1.46H 1.41H -0.28L -0.04L 0.26L 0.60L 0.99H 1.27H 1.49H 1.62H 1.67H 1.63H 1.55H 1.44H

Time 11:03 PM 11:49 PM

Height -0.56L -0.46L

10:27 AM 10:08 AM 9:56 AM 9:47 AM 5:17 AM 6:12 PM 6:59 PM 7:49 PM 8:41 PM 9:33 PM 10:26 PM 11:18 PM

1.32H 1.20H 1.10H 1.03H 0.92L -0.52L -0.80L -0.99L -1.07L -1.04L -0.90L -0.69L

Time

Height

Time

Height

9:38 PM 1:55 PM 1:52 PM 1:40 PM

0.75L 1.11H 1.08H 1.08H

9:45 PM 10:07 PM 10:36 PM

0.48L 0.20L -0.07L

Time

Height

Time

Height

5:46 PM 6:00 PM 10:45 AM

0.55L 0.26L 1.02H

11:36 PM

0.82H

6:30 PM

-0.04L

Date Jun 13 Jun 14 Jun 15 Jun 16 Jun 17 Jun 18 Jun 19 Jun 20 Jun 21 Jun 22 Jun 23 Jun 24 Jun 25 Jun 26 Jun 27

Time 1:41 AM 2:24 AM 3:06 AM 3:45 AM 4:23 AM 4:58 AM 2:11 AM 11:07 AM 10:54 AM 9:37 AM 9:58 AM 10:49 AM 1:47 PM 12:42 AM 1:35 AM

Time

Height

Time

Height

7:03 PM 7:33 PM

0.23L 0.14L

10:47 PM

0.26H

Time

Height

Time

Height

4:48 PM 5:19 PM

0.45L 0.18L

9:44 PM

0.56H

Time

Height

Time

Height

4:36 PM 4:55 PM 9:22 AM

0.55L 0.21L 1.02H

10:17 PM

0.77H

5:30 PM

-0.17L

Port Aransas Time

Height

8:11 PM

0.29L

Time

Height

Time

Height

Nueces Bay Date Jun 13 Jun 14 Jun 15 Jun 16 Jun 17 Jun 18 Jun 19 Jun 20 Jun 21 Jun 22 Jun 23 Jun 24 Jun 25 Jun 26 Jun 27

Date Jun 13 Jun 14 Jun 15 Jun 16 Jun 17 Jun 18 Jun 19 Jun 20 Jun 21 Jun 22 Jun 23 Jun 24 Jun 25 Jun 26 Jun 27

East Matagorda

Freeport Harbor Date Jun 13 Jun 14 Jun 15 Jun 16 Jun 17 Jun 18 Jun 19 Jun 20 Jun 21 Jun 22 Jun 23 Jun 24 Jun 25 Jun 26 Jun 27

High Island

Date Jun 13 Jun 14 Jun 15 Jun 16 Jun 17 Jun 18 Jun 19 Jun 20 Jun 21 Jun 22 Jun 23 Jun 24 Jun 25 Jun 26 Jun 27

Time 10:59 AM 11:31 AM 12:17 AM 1:02 AM 1:44 AM 2:23 AM 2:52 AM 9:54 AM 5:03 AM 5:42 AM 6:34 AM 7:41 AM 8:56 AM 10:01 AM 10:50 AM

South Padre Island

11:37 PM

0.21L

Time

Height

Date Jun 13 Jun 14 Jun 15 Jun 16 Jun 17 Jun 18 Jun 19 Jun 20 Jun 21 Jun 22 Jun 23 Jun 24 Jun 25 Jun 26 Jun 27

Time 9:26 AM 10:04 AM 10:27 AM 12:37 AM 1:27 AM 2:21 AM 3:28 AM 1:20 AM 3:26 AM 4:37 AM 5:38 AM 6:38 AM 7:38 AM 8:36 AM 9:25 AM

Texas Coast Tides

Height 1.72L 1.71L 1.94H 1.89H 1.83H 1.76H 1.70H 1.20L 1.43L 1.59L 1.70L 1.75L 1.75L 1.71L 1.64L

LSONews.com

LoneOStar Outdoor News

June 13, 2025

Page 17

2025 TEXAS BANDED BIRD CHALLENGE

!

Shoot & Win

WIN BIG! A truck, Polaris Ranger, trophy hunts, trout fishing trip, Argentina hunt, gun, and MORE! Find out more at texasdovehunters.com

Enter by July 15 for automatic entry in the Early Bird drawing of a Rizzini BR110 Sporter.

210-764-1189

info@texasdovehunters.com

Convention Center July 18, 19, 20, 2025 McAllen McAllen, Texas SHOW HOURS:

FRIDAY 5PM-10PM | SATURDAY 10AM-7PM | SUNDAY 11AM-6PM

Admission includes wristbands good for the entire weekend!

All military, law enforcement & first responders receive $5 discount compliments of L&F Distributors.

DIAMOND/TITLE SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSORS

Valley Outdoor Power Equipment

GOLD SPONSORS

@txhunterexpo

Page 18

June 13, 2025

LoneOStar Outdoor News

LONE STAR OUTDOOR PUZZLER Solution on Page 20

LSONews.com

INDUSTRY Agency for WOOX

Jester promoted

WOOX LLC retained Elite Outdoor Sports as its sales representative agency.

Iron Valley Supply promoted Jeremy Jester to director of sales strategy.

Promotions at Savage Arms

Chambers joins Media Lodge

Savage Arms promoted Robert Gates to senior vice president, Beth Shimanski to vice president of marketing and Steve Colaluca to vice president of operations (firearms).

Media Lodge hired Owen Chambers as campaign operations manager.

New SCI chapters

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is seeking a regional director in northern Wyoming.

SCI announced the formation of five new chapters in Hartford, Alabama, Biloxi, Mississippi, Timmons, Ontario, Canada and Romania.

Positions at S&W Smith & Wesson is seeking a district sales manager in the New England area and a regional sales manager.

RD position at RMEF Tackle distribution acquisition Fishing tackle distributor Pitman Creek Wholesale, entered into an agreement to purchase Sports Specialists of Milwaukee, Inc.

Former Rapala president dies Tom Mackin, the former President of Rapala VMC USA, died in early June. Mackin spent more than 30 years with the company.

Chopper shoot Continued from page 4

ACROSS 2) Sulphur Springs’ county 4) One of the cats 6) Concan’s river 8) Used to scratch the turkey call surface 9) Culberson County’s seat (two words) 11) Tyler’s county 13) Collin County lake 15) Minnow species 16) Port Mansfield’s county 17) Org. for exotics owners, hunters 19) A trap type 20) Coleman’s team name 22) Floydada’s county 25) Duck call brand 27) Rockport’s county 28) The collared peccary 29) Fishing knot 31) Former name of Lady Bird Lake 32) Decatur’s county 36) Deer capital of Texas 39) The main fin on a fish 40) A deer favorite 41) Coastal bay 42) Sinker type 43) One of the spaniels 44) Hill Country lake 45) Type of spinner bait

DOWN 1) Fishing TV host 3) A turkey sound 4) Italian shotgun brand 5) Exotic in Texas 6) Jig type 7) Hill Country lake 10) Good white bass river 12) A duck favorite 14) Fishing wader brand 18) Sheep hunters’ org.

19) Brazos County’s seat 21) Three-legged shooting rest 23) The male duck 24) A dabbler 26) Border lake 30) Crankbait type 33) Ammo brand 34) Back of the boat 35) Fort Worth’s river 36) Trout species 37) Montgomery County’s seat 38) An African antelope 39) Bass ambush spots

water, and their grazing habits degrade vegetation, threatening the delicate balance of desert and mountain habitats.

Aoudad also are carriers of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae, a bacteria responsible for causing pneumonia in susceptible species, including desert bighorn and commercial sheep and goats.

West Texas outfitter Wes Mundy supports the effort.

“You have to manage the aoudad,” he said. “They will eat all the grass and everything else, affecting bighorns, mule deer, elk and destroying food for cattle, sheep and goat operations.

Mundy said many landowners would severely limit helicopter hunting on their land.

“They are making money on aoudad and don’t want them gone,” he said. “But just like a place that’s overrun with hogs, you better shoot them from the air to control them. You can’t do it from the ground.”

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is tasked with creating regulations to govern the aerial hunts.

Atkinson said he isn’t likely to fly commercial hunts in his area.

“I only want to shoot with experienced shooters,” he said. “The mountains are dangerous for flying.”

Even with the aerial hunting, Atkinson

doesn’t believe the impact on the aoudad population will be substantial.

“Some landowners like aoudad and the animals will find the pockets of protected land and stay there and repopulate,” he said.

Those who prefer to have mule deer will be more likely to use the aerial hunts.

“Feeding protein is a large problem,” Atkinson said. “Aoudad will eat almost triple the amount of protein feed as mule deer.”

In past captures, mule deer were in poor condition due to drought conditions, while aoudad were “fat and healthy,” according to Sean Gray, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Mule Deer Program leader. “It looked like the aoudad had been living on a fed ranch.”

In one aerial survey of the Chinati Mountains, biologists counted 7,881 aoudad, roughly one for every 40 acres, compared to just 508 mule deer. After an aerial gunning operation removed 5,773 aoudad there, the population rebounded to 3,420 within 5 months, primarily through prolific lambing.

“Aoudad ewes are baby-making machines,” said Froylan Hernandez, TPWD’s Desert Bighorn Sheep Program leader.

“They can have twins, breed twice a year, and start young and bighorn ewes, which have a lamb a year, can’t keep up with that.”

Puzzle by Craig Nyhus, Lone Star Outdoor News

FOR THE TABLE *email LSON your favorite recipe to editor@lonestaroutdoornews.com.

Dove and eggs with maple Benedict 6 dove breasts 1 tsp. seasoned salt 4 thick slices of French bread 3 minced garlic cloves 2 tbsps. minced mint Lemon zest 4 tbsps. butter 2 tbsps. flour 1 minced shallot 1 shot apple juice 2 cups chicken stock 1/4 cup real maple syrup 2 eggs Place dove breasts at room temperature for 15 minutes and add seasoned salt.

Make mint topping by mixing garlic, mint and lemon zest. Pour chicken stock into a

small saucepan and simmer. Heat 3 tbsps. of butter in a medium frying pan over medium-high heat and add the dove breasts to sear on each side. In the same pan, add the shallot and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add in the flour and butter and stir continuously making a roux for 1-2 minutes. Add in the stock, stirring constantly. Bring sauce to a boil then add in maple syrup and apple juice. Reduce down at a slow boil until it is the consistency of gravy.

Toast bread slices and cook egg over-easy.

Place bread on plate, place gravy on top of toast, add one egg and two dove breasts and sprinkle mint topping over the dove and egg.

—Indiana DNR

Bass over angel hair pasta 5 tbsps. olive oil, divided 1 tbsp. finely chopped scallions 3 thinly sliced shallots 1 clove minced garlic 1/2 cup dry white wine 8 ounces bottled clam juice 1/2 cup orange juice 1 tbsp. lime juice 2 tbsps. diced sun-dried tomatoes 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon each basil and thyme 1 tsp. orange zest 1/2 tsp. lime zest 1 cup heavy cream 8 ounces angel hair pasta 8 small bass fillets All-purpose flour Salt and black pepper Cayenne pepper

Orange zest and chives for garnish.

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add scallions, shallots, and garlic. Cook for a minute until vegetables begin to soften. Add wine, clam juice, orange juice, and lime juice. Stir in tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, and zest. Add cream and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until sauce is reduced by half. Cook and drain pasta. Lightly season fillets with salt, black pepper and light sprinkle of cayenne pepper. Dredge in flour and shake to remove excess. Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown fish on both sides. Toss pasta with half the sauce.

Add fish and top with the remaining sauce.

Garnish with orange zest and chives.

—Oklahoma Wildlife Department

LSONews.com

LoneOStar Outdoor News

June 13, 2025

THE ORIGINAL DEER BLIND WINDOW CO.

TEXAS SALTWATER FISHING REPORT SABINE LAKE: 78 degrees. Speckled trout are good on live shrimp on a Carolina rig. Redfish are good on live shrimp under a popping cork. Black drum are fair on live and dead shrimp. Flounder are good on live shrimp, mullet and soft plastics.

BOLIVAR: 78 degrees. Speckled trout are fair on croaker, live shrimp and soft plastics.

Redfish are good on live shrimp and soft plastics. Flounder are good on live mullet, live shrimp and soft plastics. Black drum are fair on cracked crab and cut bait.

TRINITY BAY: 76 degrees. Speckled trout are fair on live shrimp under a popping cork.

Redfish are fair on life shrimp and soft plastics. Flounder are fair on soft plastics and live shrimp.

EAST GALVESTON BAY: 83 degrees.

Speckled trout are good on live shrimp, croaker and soft plastics. Black drum are fair on live shrimp under popping corks. Redfish are good on live shrimp and soft plastics.

GALVESTON BAY: 80 degrees. Speckled trout are good on live shrimp, croaker and soft plastics. Black drum are good on live shrimp under a popping cork. Redfish are good on live shrimp and soft plastics.

WEST GALVESTON BAY: 80 degrees.

Speckled trout are good on live shrimp, croaker and soft plastics. Black drum are

good on live shrimp under a popping cork.

Redfish are good on live shrimp and soft plastics.

TEXAS CITY: 75 degrees. Speckled trout are good on live shrimp, croaker and soft plastics. Redfish are good on live shrimp and soft plastics. Black drum, sand trout and gafftop are fair on live and dead shrimp.

FREEPORT: 81 degrees. Speckled trout are good on live shrimp and soft plastics. Redfish are good on live shrimp and soft plastics under a popping cork. Flounder and black drum are fair on live shrimp and live finger mullet.

EAST MATAGORDA BAY: 78 degrees.

Redfish and trout are fair on live croaker, live shrimp and soft plastics.

WEST MATAGORDA BAY: 78 degrees.

Redfish and trout are fair on live croaker, live shrimp and soft plastics.

PORT O’CONNOR: 78 degrees. Speckled trout are good on live croaker. Jack crevalle and bull redfish are good on blue crab and

Spanish sardines. Slot redfish are fair on blue crab and Spanish sardines.

SAN ANTONIO BAY: 80 degrees. Speckled trout are good on live croaker and live shrimp.

Redfish are slow.

ROCKPORT: 80 degrees. Speckled trout are good on live shrimp, piggy perch and croaker. Redfish are good on shrimp, mullet, pin perch and menhaden. Black drum are fair on live and dead shrimp, and fish bites.

REDFISH BAY: 80 degrees. Speckled trout are good on live shrimp and soft plastics.

Redfish are good on shrimp and cut mullet.

Black drum are good on live and dead shrimp and fish bites.

PORT ARANSAS: 80 degrees. Redfish are good on live shrimp, finger mullet and shad.

Speckled trout are good on free-lined shrimp.

Sharks are fair on mullet, jacks and stingray.

CORPUS CHRISTI: 80 degrees. Speckled trout are good on croaker. Redfish are fair on live shrimp under a popping cork.

BAFFIN BAY: 83 degrees. Speckled trout and redfish are fair on soft plastics and topwaters.

PORT MANSFIELD: 78 degrees. Redfish and speckled trout are good on soft plastics and top-water lures.

SOUTH PADRE: 85 degrees. Speckled trout are fair on live shrimp and soft plastics.

Redfish are fair on live shrimp and cut mullet.

Mangrove snapper are good on live shrimp.

—TPWD

(flip open)

SINCE 1960

BUYING, SELLING AND TRADING GUNS

Used and new firearms, ammunition, knives, and optics for all of your hunting, shooting and personal protection needs.

123 Carroll Rd, Wharton, TX 77488 F o l l o w us

(979) 532-3175

c a r r o ll s _ h u n t i n g _ f i s h i n g

howdy@carrollsgunshop.com C a r r o ll ' s G u n S h o p

ARE YOU FED UP WITH

DEERLESS DEER HUNTS? DON’T HAVE ANOTHER DISAPPOINTING HUNTING SEASON!

Settled seas Continued from page 1

opportunity to be able to run out offshore to catch ‘em,” Thumann said. “Once we got to our spot, it didn’t take long to catch our limits.”

They were fishing in about 90 feet of water, but most of the red snapper were suspended about 50-60 feet below the surface.

“It looked like lots of folks took advantage of the calm seas and did well,” he said.

“There were plenty of bay boats and larger vessels running the Gulf.”

The folks at Port Aransas Fisherman’s Wharf reported full limits of red snapper caught by their anglers on opening day. The fish ranged from about 18 inches in length on up to some weighing in at 20 pounds or more.

Tim Young ran offshore out of Galveston with a crew of buddies. The six anglers fished a number of spots with structure anywhere from 30 miles east of the Galveston Jetties to 56 miles south of the Galveston jetties, but only managed to land seven keeper-sized red snapper in the 18 inch range. Most of the fish that they found were in about 127-130 feet of water.

“The amount of undersized red snapper we caught was unreal,” Young said. “I’m not sure how many we caught in the 12- to 15.5inch range, but it was a bunch.”

Young’s group came across quite a few other recreational fishing boats in the areas that they targeted, and none of them seemed to

Page 19

be catching quality fish.

“You can tell whether the bite is on when you come across another boat, just by what the anglers are doing,” Young said. “If everybody is sitting down, seemingly waiting on a bite, then the action is probably pretty slow.

That was the case just about everywhere we went.”

Young heard reports from other anglers who ran offshore southwest of Freeport who caught more fish of better quality.

“The undersized snapper were so thick in places, we were foul-hooking them on bladed jigs,” Young said “All of our keeper fish bit large, soft plastic jigs. If you dropped a piece of cut bait or squid down, you were guaranteed to catch an undersized snapper.”

Christina Skinner went on her first offshore fishing trip on opening day with her husband and father-in-law out of Galveston with Galveston Party Boats, Inc. The 44 anglers aboard the boat she was on caught full limits of red snapper. The boat’s entire catch included 88 red snapper, six vermilion snapper, two mangrove snapper and two almaco jacks.

Skinner said they were fishing about 60 miles out in 140-165 feet of water.

“Everyone caught their limit, but there was also a ton of undersized fish caught,” she said. “A handful of the snapper were from 15-20 pounds.”

AOUDAD - BLACKBUCK - FOLLOW HUNTS

NOW OFFERING BUNKHOUSE & GUN RANGE RENTAL

Page 20

June 13, 2025

LoneOStar Outdoor News

LSONews.com

NATIONAL MISSISSIPPI

Phil Robertson dies Phil Robertson, the business mogul and reality show star who rose from poverty to create the Duck Commander and “Duck Dynasty” empires, died May 25 at the age of 79 after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Robertson grew up in rural Louisiana without electricity or toilets in his home, often living off the land. His high school athleticism helped him earn his way into Louisiana Tech University, where he played football alongside future Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw.

In the early 1970s, Robertson invented the Duck Commander duck call, which better mimicked the actual sound of ducks than earlier models. The Duck Commander became a huge success, eventually leading to the A&E reality show “Duck Dynasty,” which ran for 11 seasons. Additionally, his expressions of faith and outspoken views also made him popular among conservative Christian audiences.

—Staff report

ARKANSAS

HOF inductees named The Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation will recognize three individuals and one organization with induction into the Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame.

Steve Arrison is the driving force behind Visit Hot Springs, and leveraged the region’s lakes to attract major professional bass fishing tournaments.

Sherrel Johnson: Her impactful leadership in forming and collaborating with the Union County Water Conservation Board enabled Johnson and a coalition of state and local leaders to address the critical groundwater decline in the Sparta Aquifer, then the county’s only source of drinking and industrial water. This solution-driven initiative led to an alternative source of industrial water from the Ouachita River, significantly reducing reliance on the rapidly declining Sparta and leading to its documented recovery.

Tom Kennon has shaped Arkansas’s paddling community with his influential guidebooks, safety training initiatives with the Arkansas Canoe Club, support for river cleanup efforts, and landscape photography.

The Arkansas Master Naturalists is a network of volunteers who actively contribute to

For home or office delivery, go to LSONews.com, or call (214) 361-2276, or send a check or money order to the address below. 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 2025 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 editor@lonestaroutdoornews.com.

the preservation and appreciation of Arkansas’s natural environment through education, community outreach, habitat restoration, citizen science and trail maintenance.

—AGFC

VIRGINIA

Zhao receives Richard M. Hart award Wildlife Forever named Tim Zhao, founder of the National Youth Visionaries Association and Virginia state host for the Art of Conservation Fish Art Contest, as the 2025 Richard M. Hart Educator of the Year. Through devoted leadership, Zhao connects students to conservation by linking classroom creativity with real-world nature experiences.

“We are incredibly fortunate to work with educators like Tim Zhao, whose passion and artistic talent create meaningful experiences for young students,” said Veronica Mangio, Marketing & Communications Manager, Wildlife Forever.

—Wildlife Forever

MARYLAND

Turkey harvest dips slightly Maryland hunters harvested a total of 4,851 wild turkey during the 2025 spring regular and junior turkey seasons. While this year’s harvest was slightly lower than the 2024 season total of 4,959, it remained well above the 10-year average of 4,350.

—MDNR

OHIO

Good year for turkey hunters Ohio’s wild turkey hunters checked 16,014 birds during the spring 2025 season which concluded on June 1. The total statewide harvest represents all turkey checked from April 19 to June 1, along with the 1,740 birds taken during the two-day youth season, April 12-13.

During the 2024 spring season, the total number of turkey checked was 15,535. The three-year average for the spring season (2022, 2023, and 2024) is 14,361.

—ODNR

Executive Editor

Craig Nyhus

Design Editor

C2-Studios, Inc.

Copy Editor

Carl Ellis

Reporters

Cory Byrnes Meghan Jackson Nate Skinner Tony Vindell

Operations Manager Mike Hughs Accounting

Lea Marsh

Website

Bruce Solieu Lane Moczygemba

National Advertising Mike Nelson Founder & CEO Advertising: Call (214) 361-2276 or email editor@lonestaroutdoornews.com to request a media kit.

David J. Sams For home delivery subscriptions www.LSONews.com (214) 361-2276

Puzzle solution from Page 18

LSONews.com

LoneOStar Outdoor News

New additions for public hunts New properties have been added to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Public Hunting Program for the 2025-2026 hunting season.

The newest additions of acreage added to the program in Texas State Parks include 1,650 acres at Dinosaur Valley State Park; 1,400 acres at Ray Roberts Lake State Park– Isle du Bois Unit; 3,100 acres at Post Oak Ridge State Park; 3,100 acres at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and 1,000 acres at Government Canyon State Natural Area.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission authorized 2025-26 hunting season dates for public hunting lands and Texas State Parks that will offer 140 different public hunts in 52 State Park and State Natural Areas, totaling more than 521,000 acres of publicly accessible land.

“We are excited to be able to continue to grow the public hunting opportunities within state parks and natural areas every year, including on some of the newest park properties,” said Greg Creacy, Texas State Parks Natural Resources program director. “The number of hunted parks has increased from 45 to 52 in the past five years. The addition of some of our newest sites, including the recent acquisitions at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and Post Oak Ridge State Park, gives hunters a special opportunity to help the department with land management on these unique properties.”

—TPWD

June 13, 2025

Reclaim Your Land Today!

Call or Text 210-381-1467

For all your mulching and land clearing needs TREE & BRANCH REMOVAL

DRILLING & FULL SKID STEER SERVICE AVAILABLE

Financing available No credit check MasterCard/Visa Insured for your protection

Journey for toms

www.ripitoutmulching.com

Continued from page 4

hopes of harvesting her Merriam’s turkey.

“After one full day’s attempt, I came back the next morning and finally got my third turkey, a Merriam’s,” Brown said. “I was on a mission for my final turkey and knew Michigan was next on my list.”

The hardships continued, as Brown was challenged again by an unexpected sandstorm, something unheard of in Michigan.

“We dealt with the bad weather and stayed for three days,” she said. “On the third morning, I officially achieved my 2025 single season grand slam number two with my final turkey — an eastern.”

The journey represented both determination and resilience, as Brown’s first trip began on March 17 and her last was at the beginning of May. “Overall, turkey hunting is extremely fun,” she said. “When you are sitting out there early in the morning and hear that

gobble, it is a complete adrenaline rush.”

Brown’s most physically difficult hunts have been the most rewarding.

“From hiking 13 miles in Montana to adjusting to the weather conditions, being able to execute your plan successfully is the best feeling,” Brown said.

From hunting all over the U.S. and in Africa, Brown believes the true conservationists are hunters.

“The money that goes into tags and hunting, that is what goes towards protecting habitat and wildlife and growing populations,” Brown said. “As a hunter, I prioritize hunting what I love to eat and wild turkey is by far my favorite.”

Brown said her hunting experiences have allowed her to learn about herself and what she is capable of, keeping with her motto, ‘with no risk, there is no reward.’

ONLINE HUNTING AUCTIONS Big Game & Wingshooting Trips Minimum Bids Starting as low as $747

Argentina, New Zealand & South Africa Hunting Trips

Page 21

5 to 8 Days Safaris for 4-6 Hunters Values from $12,000 to $30,000 www.hunting.auction

Raise More Money for your Fundraising Event Available to all 501(c)3 Non-Profits

Request your hunts at (970) 852-1708 Questions? Call Rick at (970) 852-1708 or send an email to rick@charitysafaris.com www.charitysafaris.com

Page 22

June 13, 2025

LoneOStar Outdoor News

DATEBOOK JUNE 14-15

TEXAS GUN & KNIFE SHOWS Abilene Convention Center (830) 285-0575 texasgunandknifeshows.com

JUNE 14

MULE DEER FOUNDATION North Texas Banquet Knights of Columbus Hall, Keller (325) 277-6770 muledeer.org ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION Top of Texas Banquet The Barn on Willow Creek Amarillo (254) 707-0081 rmef.org

JULY 10-12

TEXAS WILDLIFE ASSOCIATION WildLife 2025 Annual Convention J.W. Marriott Hill Country Resort San Antonio (210) 826-4933 texas-wildlife.org

JULY 11-13

GOD & THE GREAT OUTDOORS EXPO The Oil Palace, Tyler godandthegreatoutdoors.com

JULY 12-13

TEXAS GUN & KNIFE SHOWS Kerrville Expo Hall (830) 285-0575 texasgunandknifeshows.com

JULY 17-19

JUNE 20-21

DUCKS UNLIMITED State Convention Courtyard at Allen Event Center ducks.org NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION Montgomery County Banquet Lone Star Convention Center Conroe (417) 540-6034 wtf.org TEXAS BIGHORN SOCIETY 36th Annual Roundup Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort Boerne (806) 745-7783 texasbighornsociety.org

DALLAS SAFARI CLUB Summer Expo & Foundation Gala Gaylord Texan Resort, Grapevine (972) 980-9800 biggame.org

JULY 18-20

TEXAS HUNTERS & SPORTSMAN’S EXPO McAllen Convention Center (956) 789-1456 texashunterassociation.com

JULY 26

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION Gulf Coast Banquet Knights of Columbus Hall, Pearland (281) 245-9723 rmef.org

LSONews.com

Remembering when Continued from page 4

antlers. Screwworm infestations had devastating effects on white-tailed deer, with reports indicating up to 80 percent death rates in newborn fawns in some areas.”

Treatment of cattle, and even humans, was difficult and time-consuming.

“Maggots were manually extracted from wounds,” Sims said. “Medical staff applied antiseptics and larvicidal ointments to wounds to kill larvae and prevent secondary infections. In advanced cases, surgery was required to remove deeply embedded maggots and repair tissue damage.”

Eradication efforts in the 1950s led to the development of the Sterile Insect Technique.

SIT involves raising and sterilizing male flies using radiation. Sterile males, when released, mated with wild females, resulting in no offspring and a sharp population decline.

Implementation was in full swing by 1960 in Texas and most southwestern states. A large facility, located in Mission, was established to produce approximately 200 million sterile flies each week.

“The results of releasing the sterile male flies were hugely successful,” Sims said.

Texas was declared free of NWS in 1964 and the entire U.S. was declared free in 1966.

Ongoing efforts through the years had pushed them south to a permanent, barrier zone in Panama, where control efforts still occur. However, late in 2024 the parasite was detected outside the barrier in southern Mexico.

By March of 2025, there were 369 con-

firmed cases, including six infected people, reported in the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Veracruz. As a result, in May of 2025, the USDA suspended imports of live cattle, horses, and bison from Mexico.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing $21 million to renovate a facility in Metapa, Mexico, which will then be able to produce 60–100 million sterile male flies weekly. These flies are being strategically released in affected areas to suppress wild populations.

If the screwworm crosses the southern border, many believe using Ivermectin and Doramectin can help stem the tide until the production of sterile flies catches up.

Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine recently hosted a New World screwworm update.

Kynan Sturgess, DVM, said if there is good news, there are some products like Ivermectin that were not available back in the 1960s.

He said there is data available showing Doramectin to be three times more effective than Ivermectin, meaning 21 days of control as opposed to seven with Ivermectin.

A South Texas workshop on New World screwworm preparedness will be held June 25, beginning at 9:30 a.m., at the Henrietta Memorial Center in Kingsville.

Smith is still hoping the flies get controlled and stay to the south.

“I would hate to have to see others deal with the things we did,” he said.

CLASSIFIEDS HUNTING MOBILE SPORTING CLAYS FOR HIRE!

Fundraisers, Corporate, Parties!

Sales/Service all Traps!

40+ Years Experience!

(817) 999-1395

SITKA IN DALLAS

RENO EQUIPMENT/ RIO GRANDE PIPE Our companies sell structural pipe in several sizes, from small pipe for gates, to standard sizes for fencing, on up to the larger sizes for H-braces, barn legs and even culverts. We stock pipe sizes from 1” to 20”, we even have heavy weight and thick wall pipe in several sizes for heavy duty projects. We also sell an assortment of other equipment, currently we have some surplus tanks (8400gal, steel, 12’w x 7’h), some tinhorn/culvert material (from 4’dia x 6’-10’L to 16’dia x 10’-20’L), 18’ & 20’ gooseneck tandem single trailers, and some cattle guards.

Contact Josh Brown at (505) 366-3428, or Cody Hudson at (575) 441-1186.

MAMMOTH ALASKA BROWN BEAR Live Aboard Boat Hunts Alaskan Safari and Trading Company (907) 491-1025

is looking for part time and full-time sales and marketing positions.

Call (469) 445-1123

4,900-ACRE STONEWALL COUNTY HUNTING LEASE: Trophy whitetail deer, dove, hogs. On historic JD Patterson Ranch in northwest TX with 20+ years in TPWD management program. Also MLD participant. $12 per acre. Low fence. One-year provisional lease. Option to extend based on responsible stewardship of native wildlife/habitats.

D E S LEA TEXANS ARCHERY CLUB Network of Archery Ranges For One Membership!

TEXASARCHERY.INFO

AUSTRALIAN WATER BUFFALO HUNTS Come see us at the DSC Summer Expo July 17-19 Grapevine, Texas Graham Williams BUFFALO577.COM BUFFALO577@HOTMAIL.COM HUNTING. EXOTICS, WHITETAIL. BEST PRICES. NO MIDDLEMAN. LETS HAVE FUN. (830) 928-0370 HUNTING RANCH FOR SALE With Unique Underground Lodge & Bunker Thomas A.C. Davis TDavis@TexasRanchSalesLLC.com (832) 977-0071 TEXAS TROPHY WHITETAILS Axis, Blackbuck, Hogs Free range whitetail and exotic hunts in Sonora, TX HuntTexasWhitetails.com (717) 512-3582

CALLING ALL DUCK HUNTERS! Prime 17-acre property on Lake Bois D Arc Perfect for your dream hunting cabin.

Over 1,240 ft. shoreline, private access to rich hunting grounds.

Coop water, electric available, no restrictions.

Secluded location on dead-end county road.

1 hour NE of Melissa, McKinney, 1.5hr NE of DFW. Invest in your hunting future today!

(903) 517-5889

ADVERTISE YOUR HUNTING LEASE HERE Only $1 per word. Email editor@lonestaroutdoornews.com or call (214) 361-2276

SOUTH AFRICAN PLAINS GAME HUNTS 5 days, 4 animals. Includes Taxidermy, shipping, meet and greet and transfers LONESTARAFRICA.COM/ HUNTING-PACKAGES/

PROFESSIONAL BOOKKEEPING SERVICES From a name, you know and trust Contact Lea Marsh Accounts payable/receivable/payroll Small business, nonprofit or personal Let me handle your numbers CALL (970) 580–8254

JOBS

$1

CLASSIFIEDS (PER WORD) ADD A PHOTO/LOGO $25 2 ISSUE MINIMUM

2 EASY OPTIONS: CALL THE OFFICE (214) 361-2276, OR EMAIL EDITOR@ LONESTAROUTDOORNEWS.COM

LSONews.com

LoneOStar Outdoor News

June 13, 2025

HUNTERS

EXTRAVAGANZA HOUSTON NRG CENTER

Aug. 1-3, 2025 FORT WORTH FORT WORTH CONVENTION CENTER

Aug. 8-10, 2025 SAN ANTONIO FREEMAN COLISEUM EXPO HALL

Aug. 15-17, 2025

•BOOK •BOOKYOUR YOURNEXT NEXT ADVENTURE ADVENTURE •GEAR •GEARUPUPFOR FOR THE THESEASON SEASON •LIVE •LIVESNAKE SNAKE& & GATOR GATORSHOWS SHOWS •FAMILY •FAMILYFUN FUNALL ALL WEEKEND WEEKEND

WWW. H UNTERS E XTRAVAGANZA.COM

-PRESENTING SPONSOR-

Page 23

Page 24

June 13, 2025

LoneOStar Outdoor News

LSONews.com

FOR ALL YOUR PURINA AQUAMAX NEEDS CALL YOUR LOCAL PURINA DEALER TODAY! ®

®

®

ALLIED AG ANGLETON FEED & SUPPLY ARCOLA FEED & HARDWARE BANDERA RANCH STORE BAR NONE COUNTRY BASTROP FEED BAY CITY FEED BEREND BROS. BEREND BROS. BEREND BROS. BEREND BROS. BERNARDO FARM & RANCH SUPPLY BLUE RIBBON COUNTRY STORE BOLES FEED BRENHAM PRODUCE CO BUNK’S FEED BARN C AND T FEED CAPPS TRUE VALUE HARDWARE AND AG CHINA SPRING COUNTRY STORE CLIFTON FEED & SERVICE CENTER CORYELL FEED CRANE COUNTY FEED AND SUPPLY D&D FEED D&D TEXAS OUTFITTERS D&L DENTON D&L FARM AND HOME DAMON FARM & RANCH DAVIS FEED AND FERTILIZER INC DEL RIO FEED AND SUPPLY DEWITT PRODUCERS E-BARR FEEDS FREDONIA PEANUT COMPANY FREE FLO FEEDS FREER DEER CAMP GANADO FEED & MORE GOLIAD FEED GROGAN’S FARM & RANCH GUADALUPE FARM RANCH AND SHOW H BRAND FEED HAMILTON FARM & RANCH HF&C FEEDS AMARILLO HF&C FEEDS LUBBOCK HILL COUNTRY FEED HOFFPAUIR’S RANCH & SUPPLY HOWARD COUNTY FEED AND SUPPLY J&N FEED JUNCTION WAREHOUSE KERRVILLE RANCH AND PET CENTER KING FEED AND HARDWARE KING FEED AND HARDWARE KOTHMAN’S COMMISSION LA VERNIA COUNTRY STORE LAREDO COUNTRY STORE LINSEISEN’S FEED & SUPPLY OF BELLVILLE LLANO FEED & SUPPLY LOCHTE FEED LUBIANSKI GRAIN LUFKIN FARM SUPPLY MARTIN FARM AND RANCH MCGREGOR GENERAL MUMME’S INC MUMME’S INC NEEDVILLE FEED AND SUPPLY NEW BRAUNFELS FEED AND SUPPLY NOONDAY FEED STORE NORTHSIDE RANCH NRS FEED NRS FEED NRS FEED NRS FEED ODIORNE FEED PECOS COUNTY FEED AND SUPPLY PRIMOS FEED LLC PRODUCER’S CO-OP PRODUCER’S CO-OP PRODUCERS COOP PRODUCERS COOP REEVES COUNTY FEED AND SUPPLY ROUND TOP FARM AND RANCH RUSSELL FEED SABINAL GRAIN SAN SABA PRODUCE SCOTT’S CROSSING FARM STORE SMITH GENERAL STORE SOMERVILLE & LAGRANGE FARM & RANCH STANDLEY FEED AND SEED INC STANDLEY FEED AND SEED INC STANDLEY FEED AND SEED INC STANDLEY FEED AND SEED INC STEINHAUSER’S STEINHAUSER’S STEINHAUSER’S STEINHAUSER’S STEINHAUSER’S STEINHAUSER’S STRUTTY’S FEED AND SUPPLY TEXAS FARM STORE TEXAS RANCH OUTFITTERS THREE RIVERS UNITED AG COOP WACO BRAZOS FEED WHARTON FEED & SUPPLY WHEELER’S FEED AND OUTFITTERS YOAKUM GRAIN, INC.

STONEWALL ANGLETON ARCOLA BANDERA WACO BASTROP BAY CITY OLNEY BOWIE WINDTHORST WICHITA FALLS CAT SPRING BEEVILLE CENTER BRENHAM HOBBS IRAAN FAIRFIELD WACO CLIFTON GATESVILLE CRANE TOMBALL SEGUIN DENTON AUBREY DAMON BUFFALO DEL RIO CUERO GONZALES, HALLETTSVILLE FREDONIA TILDEN FREER GANADO GOLIAD SAN ANGELO CARLSBAD JACKSBORO HAMILTON AMARILLO LUBBOCK LEANDER LAMPASAS BIG SPRING GRAHAM JUNCTION KERRVILLE WIMBERLEY CANYON LAKE MENARD LA VERNIA LAREDO BELLVILLE LLANO FREDERICKSBURG ST. HEDWIG LUFKIN EDINBURG MCGREGOR HONDO PEARSALL NEEDVILLE NEW BRAUNFELS FLINT VICTORIA DECATUR GRANBURY BRIDGEPORT SPRINGTOWN JOHNSON CITY FT. STOCKTON PLEASANTON NEW BRAUNFELS SEGUIN BRYAN HILLSBORO PECOS ROUND TOP FORT WORTH SABINAL SAN SABA MURCHISON CORSICANA SOMERVILLE & LAGRANGE MADISONVILLE IOLA FRANKLIN NORMANGEE SEALY MAGNOLIA HEMPSTEAD BROOKSHIRE RICHMOND ALVIN SPRING BRANCH UVALDE LOMETA THREE RIVERS EL CAMPO, EAGLE LAKE, EDNA WACO WHARTON BOERNE YOAKUM

TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX NM TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX NM TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX

830-644-2411 979-849-0019 281-431-1014 830-796-3342 254-848-9112 512-321-3700 979-245-2712 940-564-5674 940-872-5131 940-423-6223 940-723-2736 979-732-5161 361-392-3333 936-598-3061 979-836-3523 575-397-1250 432-639-2334 903-389-4504 254-752-0777 254-675-3416 254-865-6315 432-558-2225 281-351-7144 830-375-7340 940-891-0100 940-365-3129 979-742-3317 903-322-4316 830-775-5090 361-275-3441 830-672-6515 325-429-6211 361-274-3232 361-394-5586 361-771-2401 361-645-3266 325-227-6870 575-706-2750 940-567-3794 254-386-3717 806-789-2509 806-866-9801 512-259-1658 512-556-5444 432-267-6411 940-549-4631 325-446-2537 830-895-5800 512-847-2618 830-964-2205 325-396-4521 830-779-2900 956-206-7357 979-856-3602 325-247-4126 830-997-2256 210-667-1145 936-634-7414 956-383-4949 254-840-3224 830-426-3314 830-334-3323 979-793-6146 830-625-7250 903-561-5622 361-573-5000 940-627-3949 817-573-2750 940-393-7088 817-220-7656 830-868-4579 432-336-6877 830-569-0080 830-625-2381 830-379-1750 979-778-6000 254-266-7501 432-447-2149 979-249-5666 817-626-8452 830-988-2215 915-372-5181 903-469-3122 903-874-1372 979-596-2224 936-348-5272 936-348-5272 936-348-5272 936-348-5272 979-885-2967 281-356-2530 979-826-3273 281-934-2479 832-595-9500 281-388-0388 830-438-8998 800-870-4463 512-564-0303 361-786-3242 979-543-6284 254-756-6687 979-532-8533 830-249-2656 361-293-3521