September 25, 2026
Texas’ Hunting and Fishing Newspaper Since 2004
Volume 23, Issue 3
Consistent catches By Nate Skinner This black drum was feeding in a school when it struck a hard plastic lure. Photo by Nate Skinner, for Lone Star Outdoor News.
For Lone Star Outdoor News Schools of black drum are being found along the edges of flats, near drop-offs leading to deeper stretches of water, and oversized drum are being caught from many popular fishing piers up and down the Texas coast. Both slot-sized and
oversized redfish have been in the mix as well. Corpus Christi area fishing guide Capt. Liam Qureshi said schools of black drum have been concentrating along drop-offs, guts, channels, and deeper areas adjacent to shallow flats. In the areas he and his anglers have been fishing south of Baffin Bay, Qureshi said he’s been
targeting these deeper stretches that contain muddy streaks of water. The ideal water depth has been between 3 and 4 feet. “Anywhere mud streaks have been present in 3- to 4-feet of water has been producing a consistent black drum bite on live or fresh dead shrimp rigged on a light jig head,” Qureshi said. “Sometimes Please turn to page 11
MLDP opening soon Quality deer expected By Nate Skinner
For Lone Star Outdoor News The TPWD Managed Lands Deer Program (MLDP) season for white-tailed deer will kick off October 3. Temperatures are finally trending downward, but most deer activity will likely be during the periods of time around sunrise and sunset. Ranch managers across the state are reporting high quality body conditions and excellent antler production across their deer herds, with most having a positive outlook on the upcoming season. Alex Meadows manages a private ranch in Goliad County where he said the deer activity during the daylight hours has been very limited to the early morning and late evening hours. According to Meadows, he just started seeing bucks shed their velvet around the middle of the month, and most could be found in bachelor groups still hitting protein feeders. “The deer have really been hammering the feed lately, since most of our available native browse Hunters and ranch managers are getting ready for the opening of the Texas deer season on many MLDP ranches, and corning roads on a schedule is an important job. Photos by Nate Skinner, for Lone Star Outdoor News.
Rough road for bighorns
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID DALLAS, TX PERMIT 3814
Desert sheep tags jump from five to nine By Conor Harrison Texas desert bighorn sheep numbers have been on the decline, and hunting opportunities for this iconic species have followed suit the past 10 years. TPWD bases their tag al-
ber of Class 4 rams,” said Jose Etchart, TPWD’s bighorn sheep program leader. “So, if you have 100, Class 4 rams, we would try and offer 20 permits.” The tags are broken up with several being used for public hunts and the others going to private landowners. Landowners receive tags based on their ownership percentage of good sheep habitat. Ten years ago, close to 25 Please turn to page 19
CONTENTS
Time Sensitive Material • Deliver ASAP
Lone Star Outdoor News
location numbers each year according to how many Class 4 rams they see when conducting aerial surveys. The surveys begin in October and are finalized in November each season. Class 4 rams are rams that have a full curl or have broomed the tips of their horns off. Most of these rams are 8 years or older and signify a fully mature ram. “We try and issue 20% tags based off of the num-
Fishing reports . . . . . . . . . Page 12 Outdoor Blotter . . . . . . . . Page 13 Grip & Grin . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14 Sun, Moon & Tides . . . . . . Page 16 Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . Page 18 Datebook . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 26 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . Page 26
INSIDE
Please turn to page 23
Hunting opportunities for Texas bighorn sheep remain elusive as several herds are seeing slow improvement in overall numbers, including of older rams. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.
HUNTING
FISHING
Season started (P. 4)
Finding cats (P. 8)
West Texas elk season rolling.
Forward-facing sonar working for big flatheads.
Interesting turn (P. 4)
Winner, winner (P. 8)
Dove hunt yields strange find.
Beeville angler to get new truck and boat.
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September 25, 2026
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September 25, 2026
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HUNTING
After opening day Payoff for persistent hunters By Conor Harrison Lone Star Outdoor News
The vast majority of Texas dove hunters treat the Sept. 1 opening day as a one-day season, never again getting afield to chase the millions of Texas dove after the opener. But those who put away the shotguns for bows and rifles are missing out on some great wing-shooting action occurring after Sept. 1. Good reports from crop fields in East and West Texas have come into the LSON offices, with hunters adding afternoon shoots near water were also producing. Online reports told of many good hunts the past few days. “Easy limits at a small pond near San Angelo Monday evening,” reported one hunter on Texas Bow Hunter Forum. “Only 20 Tuesday morning but we got there late and weren’t shooting as good. Pastures are full of croton and birds are everywhere.” “Still lots of birds up and down the North Bosque River,” according to one hunter. “Thick in Brown County,” reported another. Reports from Young County online by hunters said birds were piling into ponds in the later afternoons, allowing good, quick shoots. Many hunters said they left the ponds before dark so the birds could drink and not be pressured too badly. Mark Katzfew reported on social media his hunters were harvesting lots of birds in sunflowers and milo fields around George West. “Clouds of birds around Cotulla and Freer near the river,” added one hunter. However, not all reports were positive. Hunter Jim Guyer reported very few birds where he hunts south of San Antonio in Bexar County, and he’s also finding a lack of birds where he hunts in northern Atascosa County, as well. Hunters near Hamilton also reported a lack of birds around ponds and tanks that traditionally see afternoon traffic from dove. One hunter in Shackleford County said it’s either feast or famine in the area and this year has not been good, so far. Many hunters were left praying for a cool front to move new birds in and give hunters some relief from the persistent heat. Texas hunters who continue to pursue dove after opening day are often rewarded with unpressured birds and plenty of good shooting. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.
Beginning to bugle Texas elk hunting off to fast start By Cory Byrnes
For Lone Star Outdoor News Antler growth was impressive for elk throughout the spring and summer months across Texas, and hunters are taking advantage during the early portion of the Texas elk season. September marks the beginning of the rut for Texas elk, and bulls are bugling already. Ashley Reagan with West Kerr Ranch reported the bulls are talking but, “we need cooler weather to get these elk moving,” Reagan said. “They’re bugling, but not a whole lot, and they’re not responding well to calls right now,” she added. She and her clients have been successful despite this, but they have had their work cut out for them on the Edwards Plateau as high heat persists and shuts down daytime movement. A positive sign for this season was the early This big West Texas bull was taken the first week of the traditional elk season in the Trans-Pecos region. Photo from season rains throughout the spring. Wildlife Systems. “The amount of rain that we got this past spring and summer, the antler growth is pretty awesome,” Reagan said. “This is probably the best year you can hunt a bull. As far as antler growth, they got plenty of food. There’s going to be some awesome bulls taken this year.” Greg Simons, with Wildlife Systems Inc. said his clients have gone two-for-two so far on big bulls. “Both of them were 7x7’s,” Simons recalled. While preparing for the season, Simons reported the number of elk continue to climb. “They’re seeing a good number of elk when they’re out scouting right now, which you know is pretty reflective of what our elk numbers have been doing the last several years,” he said. He attributes the continued growth to the rain they received at the right time this year, along with several years of high calf recruitment and survival rates. “It’s kind of the pre-rut. It’s still a little early,” Simons said. “The majority of the cows won’t be cycling into estrus until the next week or so.” Simons said the elk have responded. “We did catch some rains at the right time this year to where they’ll have good groceries, good nutrition during their antler growth period, and consequently had a good growth performance this year. I’m expecting us to have as good of a year as we’ve had,” he said.
Dove hunt takes a turn By Tony Vindell
Oxford, a junior at Texas A&M University where he is pursuing a degree in agriculture system management, It’s not very common to head out said he picked up the little male anteon a dove hunt and end up finding a lope and figured it weighed about 25 nilgai. But that is what happened to pounds. He told his buddy, Rick Callier, to take a picture of the three. Felix Oxford on a recent bird hunt. He and Callier took advantage of On a dove hunt on family property along the traditional flyway near the the new shooting hours, which now start 30 minutes towns of Combes before sunrise. and Sebastian, Oxford said the 21-year-old the dove hunt hunter got the was a little slow, surprise of his though between life. himself and his After downbuddy they maning a bird or two, aged to harvest a Oxford noticed limit-and-a-half his dog, Dos, a of birds between German shortthe two of them. haired pointer, The nilgai doing what it encounter hapgenerally does pened at about 9 out in the field a.m. — pointing its The two huntnose toward the ers started lookbrush waiting on ing for the nilOxford to come gai mom or for flush a bird. But a second baby as Oxford got beas these antehind Dos, a baby lope are known nilgai came out to give birth to of the brush and Dove hunter Felix Oxford holds the baby nilgai started walking he found while hunting a very different species. twins or even Photo by Rick Callier. triplets. toward him as if Oxford said it knew what was they walked and drove around the going on. “It came right at us,” he said, as Dos property but found no sign of the mom. The week-old nilgai emitted a stood by. “I could not believe it.”
For Lone Star Outdoor News
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Rooted in family Sharing the outdoors a passion for Crim family By Nate Skinner
For Lone Star Outdoor News Tanner Crim started 4 Bar C Outdoors with the goal of helping others create lifelong memories in the outdoors. With a passion rooted in family tradition, the name of his outfit represents the Crim family of four, including he and his wife, Emily, their daughter, Collyns, and their son, Cameron. Crim hit the ground running with 4 Bar C and got serious about the endeavor about three years ago, when he brought on his business partner, Zach Montalvo, to help him run and expand the operation. Montalvo is a seasoned and experienced hunting guide, the friends have been hunting together since they were kids. Based in Medina County, they now offer a variety of hunts out of multiple lodges, across 250,000 acres The Crim family started 4 Bar C Outdoors and now offers hunts all over in Texas. The hunting op- the state in a family atmosphere. Photo from Tanner Crim. portunities they provide include dove, deer, turkey, hog, aoudad, and exotics. This year they have plans to add waterfowl hunts to their repertoire. “We take a lot of pride in providing families with the opportunity to bring their kids to make memories in the outdoors,” Crim said. “A child will never remember their best day of watching television, but they will forever cherish the times they spent outdoors with their family and friends.” Please turn to page 27
September 25, 2026
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TDA holds 26th annual convention in San Antonio By Nate Skinner
For Lone Star Outdoor News The 2026 annual Texas Deer Association Convention took place last month at the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio. The event brought deer breeders, wildlife management experts, landowners, and hunting enthusiasts together under one roof for two days of industry insights, networking opportunities, and advocacy. Day one of the convention’s agenda included opening sessions and various exhibit hall activities, while the signature Superior Auction capped off the evening. Day two’s agenda featured advanced wildlife discussions, along with legislative and educational panels, followed by the Grand Auction. Online bidding for consignments and donation lots were also facilitated during the Grand Auction via the DVAuction platform. The event also included many featured raffles and giveaways. Two of the major prizes consisted of a Polaris Ranger Crew 1000 Premium, and an MVP Residence Trip to Cabo San Lucas. Some of the major discussion topics and panels during the event included a New World Screwworm Update, which was jointly presented by USDA-APHIS and TPWD. Dr. Chris Seabury led a presentation focused on successes at the Ox Ranch. There were also discussions and panels about genetics and health, focused on the topic of, “Can a blood test change the game for Texas deer?” Discussions and presentations based on wildlife and fisheries topics were led by a panel of expert biologists, and sessions covering constitutional and legal rights for Texas landowners were held alongside discussions titled, “How our game agencies are using our own money against us.” A dedicated legislative panel held discussions entitled, “Sportsmen United: Turning Passion into Political Power,” and “Protecting our Hunting Heritage: The Fight for the Future.” There was also a session held on disease management that provided a datadriven look at chronic wasting disease. It was titled, “CWD Beyond the Blame: What the Data Reality Shows.”
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Banding season begins By Meghan Jackson
For Lone Star Outdoor News Did you know that there are graduate students from Sul Ross State University dedicated to the research of game bird studies? The Borderlands Research Institute in Alpine provides land managers with the most current scientific information on the management of natural resources of the area. According to the Borderlands Research Institute Instagram, Will Quarles and Hayley Shultz joined Delta Waterfowl at Delta Beach in Manitoba, Canada to begin their waterfowl banding season. Quarles is studying migratory movements of sandhill cranes throughout North America and Shultz is researching year-round scaled quail movement patterns in the TransPecos region of Texas. Alongside other graduate students and wildlife experts, Shultz said duck banding starts with checking the traps first thing in the morning. For this trapping and banding operation, they used pre-baited, swim-in traps which are large wire enclosures secured in the water with a funnel that ducks can swim into but can't easily escape. "We provided a floating wooden platform for the ducks to rest on if they get fatigued and they were corralled from the trap into a covered catch cage to keep them calm and secure while other ducks are being handled," Shultz said. "We used barley to bait the traps and once the ducks were banded, they were released at the trap site where they were caught. In two weeks, the team banded 1,005 ducks including species such as blue-winged teal, green-winged teal, mallard, wood duck, American black duck, northern pintail, northern shoveler, gadwall, and redhead, according to social media posts. Schultz said they collected the species, sex, and age and can check this information either by physical characteristics based on the species (e.g., wing patterns, feather notches or bill color) or by gently opening the duck's cloaca to check for the presence of absence of a male's phallus. "For adult female mallards, we took measurements of her tarsus, wing length, head and bill length, weight, and whether she was molting or in pre- or post-molt," Shultz said. "These metrics create a body condition index and is important to researchers because it allows them to understand how certain morphometric differences can affect the survival of mallard hens." Quarles wishes more hunters understood the time and effort put into ensuring that populations remain healthy for future generations. "As a lifelong hunter, I did not understand for many years the dedication behind the conservation that gave me the opportunity to spend weekends in the marsh with my dad," Quarles said. "I want to be able to pass down the same experiences to my kids, and I now realize without the people behind the scenes, that may not be possible." A student at Borderlands Research Institute helps band a duck for research while checking the species, sex, and age. Photo from BRI.
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September 25, 2026
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FISHING
Scoping for catfish
Trinity River alligator gar anglers can now apply for an oversized tag. Photo by Conor Harrison, Lone Star Outdoor News.
Drawing open for oversized gar tags By Cory Byrnes
For Lone Star Outdoor News In 2020, a tag draw for oversized alligator gar was implemented to protect the resource from overfishing. This year, Texas Parks and WIldlife Department plans on issuing 150 tags, which is consistent with previous years. On average, anywhere from 400- to 500-plus people apply for the tags. The valid area for these tags runs from Dallas to Interstate 10 along the Trinity River. The Trinity has numerous public access points along that stretch. If you want to take one home, your chance to put your name in the hat ends September 30. If you draw a tag, it is valid throughout the license year. “The fishing this summer has been great. We’ve caught probably close to 30 over 6 feet,” said Aaron Standridge with Gar Reapers Guide Service. He and his clients have been fishing stretches of the Trinity River. “We look for calm spots in the river out of the current,” he said. “Generally, you find them around bends.” He and his clients use big chunks of carp, tilapia, buffalo, and mullet. “They all work. Just where we are at, common carp seems to be the best for us,” Standridge said. The fishing should remain consistent while the water temperatures are in the 80s and 90s. Standridge said the bite will drop off through winter. If landing a fish that can weigh as much as 300 pounds on conventional tackle doesn’t sound challenging enough, you can attempt it with a fly rod. Danny Scarborough, with Fly Fishing with Danny, and his clients routinely target and catch alligator gar on the Trinity and Brazos rivers on the fly. And the fishing has been good this summer. “You just have to put in your time, put in your cast, and you know hopefully you hook up,” Scarborough said. Scarborough and his clients have been targeting areas where alligator gar surface to gulp air. There are sight fishing opportunities, but he and his clients are mostly blind casting to likely areas like bends and eddies. Anglers should think of the alligator gar as a southern musky. You will have to put the time in, and moving Please turn to page 20
Ten-year-old Landon Mclendon caught this flathead while fishing on Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Photo from Blake Oestreich.
Trophy flatheads hitting live bait By Nate Skinner
For Lone Star Outdoor News Catfish across most of the state’s inland lakes are in a postspawn pattern, with many being caught in depths ranging from 10- to 35-feet of water. Cut shad and live bait have
been producing strikes from larger blue cats and flatheads, while keeper-sized fish have been biting a variety of punchand cheese-type baits. Sam Rayburn Reservoir fishing guide Blake Oestreich has been targeting large flathead catfish using forward-facing sonar and live bait in 10- to 20-feet of water. He said 3- to 5-inch perch or bream have been his
go-to bait of choice lately. “The key to honing in on big flatheads has been finding concentrations of bream near timber, lay downs, and brush,” Oestreich said. “Areas with concentrations of crappie have been productive, too.” After finding the flatheads on his electronics, Oestreich has been using his trolling motor to position his boat where his an-
glers can vertically drop a live bait down to the fish. “A lot of times, you really have put the bait right in front of a flathead’s nose in order to get it to eat,” Oestreich said. “Boat control plays a huge role in this. You have to position the boat in a way that allows you to be extremely accurate and precise as you drop a live bait down to a fish you have spotted Please turn to page 13
All it took was one cast Beeville angler wins new truck and boat By Nate Skinner
For Lone Star Outdoor News Matthew Silvas of Beeville became the first Reg Tag Division winner in the 2026 CCA STAR Tournament, earning him a brand-new truck, boat, motor, and trailer prize package. He said his goal for 2026 was to get a newer and bigger boat for he and his family to spend time fishing together; however, he had no idea he would be able to accomplish that goal by simply catching one fish. Silvas said the day he caught the tagged redfish was the first time he and his wife had taken their boat out in sev-
eral months. “After being slammed with work and our catering business, we finally had a Sunday free and an opportunity to take our aluminum boat out and hit the water,” Silvas said. “It just so happened to be the second day of the STAR Tournament.” That morning Silvas said he got up and asked his wife, Nicole, what she wanted to do since they had the day off. He admitted that if she didn’t feel like heading out to fish, he was going to make plans to go golfing with his buddies. After some back and forth discussion, they finally decided they were going to take their boat out to go fishing. “On our way to the boat ramp, Nicole told me the STAR Tournament had just Please turn to page 25
Matthew Silvas double checks the tag on the redfish he caught on a recent outing that won him a new boat and trailer package in the CCA STAR Tournament. Photo from Nicole Silvas.
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Beachside mahi
Hannah Hill caught this mahi-mahi trolling inshore on a recent trip. Photo from Tony Vindell, for Lone Star Outdoor News.
By Tony Vindell
For Lone Star Outdoor News Catching a mahi-mahi usually takes place 30 or more miles from any beach along the Texas Gulf Coast. But on a recent fishing trip for red snapper and amberjack, this fighting fish was caught less than four miles from South Padre Island. The fish surprised the anglers aboard an Island-based headboat that took about 25 people in the middle of the month-long amberjack season. “Fish on,” a man yelled as one of the four reels set up for trolling bent downward. A deck man called a woman and told her to grab the fishing rod as the boat slowed down. “A mahi-mahi,” said one angler as blue and yellow colors began to show up along the suface. “Dorado?” asked another. The woman, Hannah Hill, fought the fish for several minutes as everyone on the boat gathered around as she flexed to get the fish to the deck. As the fish got closer to the boat, the deckhand hooked the fish with a gaff and landed it on the boat deck. The nearly 40-inch mahi-mahi was the only fish caught while trolling on the roundtrip, but the interesting thing was the fish took the plastic lure just miles from the beach. In fact, the tips of the jetties did not seem very far away. But for Hill, an Iowa angler accustomed to catching smaller freshwater fish back home, the trip was something else. “It was amazing,” she said. “This is by far the biggest fish I have ever caught.” She said the fish felt heavy and it fought hard. Later in the trip, there were plenty of red snapper caught and every angler had their twoPlease turn to page 27
A mixed bag Rayburn and Toledo Bend good when you find fish By Cory Byrnes
For Lone Star Outdoor News A heavier-than-normal hydrilla bloom on Toledo Bend has anglers excited. From the dam up past the Pendleton Bridge, “there is a phenomenal amount of hydrilla on the Texas side,” said Ross Jewell with Attoyac Outfitters. “There aren’t many opportunities to have Toledo Bend setting up the way it is right now, and so that’s why I’ve been trying to take advantage of the flipping bite.” Even with all the cover, you will have to keep on the move. “You may flip for five miles and not get a bite, but when you get around them, you can catch 30. I mean, 30 pounds in five flips,” Jewell added. “Do not get married to a spot; you will have a lot of ground Jesse McClelland and Christina Wilkerson hold up a trio of nice crappie. Photo from Jesse McClelland. to cover.” He and his clients have been targeting the hydrilla where it runs along a main channel. “Somewhere where they can pull out real quick if they want to get on bait, and then slide right back up to it,” Jewell said. “You could stay on them all day flipping or you could go offshore. The bite has been just as good. Offshore has also been especially productive midday to late afternoon.” “It’s been good. Middays really good and late afternoon,” said angler Mike Nugent. He has been targeting main lake points in 18- to 24-feet of water with a mix of crankbaits and slow finesse presentations. “Just an 8XD Strike King or 10XD,” Nugent said. “Or you can slow it down with a dropshot and Carolina rig. The crankbaits in natural colors have produced better, while redbug Please turn to page 20
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Tags of Texas Division • Alejandro Gonzalez, Bay City • Riley Kutach, Hallettsville • Andres Garcia, Port Arthur • Karem Garza, La Marque • Elwin Tejada, Houston • David Dury, San Antonio • Marcos Hernandez, Houston INSHORE DIVISION Sheepshead 1. Ramon Zapata, Baytown, 9 lbs., 15 ozs. 2. Luis Ibarra, Baytown, 9 lbs., 6 ozs. 3. Aaron Serrano, Texas City, 7 lbs., 8 ozs. Gafftop 1. Roselyn Biano, Sour Lake, 6 lbs., 2 ozs. 2. Orrin Ellis, Jr., Houston, 5 lbs., 15 ozs. 3. Brad Smelley, Livingston, 5 lbs., 12 ozs. Black drum 1. Mark Martin, Kirbyville, 15 lbs., 6 ozs. 2. Colt North, Kountze, 15 lbs., 4 ozs. 3. Becky Gary, Deer Park, 14 lbs., 0 ozs.
3.
Reid Jones, Bandera, 37 lbs., 0 ozs.
Ling 1. Ruben Hinojosa Jr., Mission, 68 lbs., 6 ozs. 2. Chase Starling, El Campo, 64 lbs., 2 ozs. 3. Katelyn Stone, Bay City, 57 lbs., 0 ozs. Red snapper 1. Dale Bragg III, Bacliff, 23 lbs., 4 ozs. 2. Robert Bage, Texas City, 22 lbs., 0 ozs. 3. Liz Christensen, Galveston, 21 lbs., 10 ozs. STAR Kids Scholarship Division Sheepshead 1. Faith Lavender, 6, Alvin, 5 lbs., 11 ozs. Gafftop 1. Jake Tortorice, 10, Sour Lake, 6 lbs., 0 ozs. STAR Teens Scholarship Division Sheepshead 1. Zoey DuBois, 17, Montgomery, LA, 8 lbs., 14 ozs. Gafftop 1. Madelyn Smith, 17, Sour Lake, 5 lbs., 15 ozs.
HOFFPAUIR OFFSHORE DIVISION Kingfish 1. Daniel Rowe, Corpus Christi, 43 lbs., 5 ozs. 2. Vincent Oliver, Rio Medina, 34 lbs., 14 ozs. Dorado 1. Tate Schuster, McAllen, 41 lbs., 10 ozs. 2. Alec Eaton, Manchaca, 38 lbs., 6 ozs.
Continued from page 1
these muddy streaks of deeper water have been producing redfish, as well.” North of Baffin in the Upper Laguna Madre, Qureshi said the black drum have been schooling along the surface near the edges of deeper holes, drop-offs, and channels. Areas where shallow grass flats transition to a siltier bottom have been the ticket. “I’ve been finding schools of drum in these areas that consist of pods of 15 to 20 fish, on up to hundreds of fish, depending on the day and the conditions,” Qureshi said. “If the boat traffic is light and there’s not a lot of Redfish of all sizes have been in the mix for anglers fishing along the pressure on these schools, they edges of shallow flats and drop-offs. Photo by Nate Skinner, for Lone Star Outdoor News. tend to stay more concentrated and are easier to catch. When boats start running all over the areas where the fish are stacking up, the schools tend to break up and the drum become much more finicky.” Qureshi said sight casting to schools of black drum in the Upper Laguna Madre with live or dead shrimp has been producing fish in the 15- to 26-inch range. “There also have been plenty of reds schooling along the edges of sand and grass flats, adjacent to deeper water,” Qureshi said. “These schools have either been full of fish in the midto lower-slot size range, or they have consisted of nothing but oversized redfish. Some have been willing to strike spoons and soft plastics, while others will only react to natural baits.” According to Capt. Larry Bell, there have been consistent numbers of both black drum and redfish feeding over shallow muddy bottoms with shell near the mouths of channels leading to back lakes on the north end of Mesquite and Sundown bays. Bell said most of the reds and drum are in small pods and can be found tailing and mudding in 1- to 3-feet of water. Sam Townsend posted on the Corpus Christi Fishing Facebook page that he recently caught and landed his personal best bull red while fishing from the Kaufer-Hubert Memorial Park fishing pier in Riviera at night. The oversized redfish measured 49 inches and was released safely back into the brine. Townsend said it was an eventful nighttime trip, to say the least. “On my way home, I hit a cow at 50 mph,” he wrote in his post. “I’ll trade a car anytime for a bull red.” The 75-year-old commented that he was just glad both he and the cow were alright. “At my age, I’m just thankful to still get out and go fishing,” Townsend commented. “My car was old and about ready for the junkyard, anyways.” Cody Humphrey reported on the Port Aransas Fishing Facebook page that he has been catching a few oversized black drum from the Horace Caldwell Pier at night on fresh dead shrimp. Eleazar Barboza also posted that his son recently caught an oversized black drum from Robert’s Point Pier.
READY WHEN THE FIELD GOES DARK RattlerV3 LRF 35-384 Advanced thermal built for hunters after sundown, with 1,000m ranging and sub-15mK performance in one compact platform.
AGMGlobalVision.com © 2026 AGM Global Vision. All Rights Reserved.
Page 11
Beating the drum
CCA STAR Final Leaderboard Texas Ford Dealers Red Tag Division • Matthew Silvas, Sr., Beeville • Michael King, League City • Conner Stevens of Richmond • Bradley Suttin, San Leon
September 25, 2026
Page 12
September 25, 2026
LoneOStar Outdoor News
LSONews.com
LONE STAR FISHING REPORTS SALTWATER FISHING
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For Lone Star Outdoor News
•
By Chuck Uzzle
SABINE LAKE •
• • •
• •
Trout continue to come from the deeper water in the channels and near the jetty system Swim baits, natural-colored soft plastics, and top-water plugs Live shrimp producing redfish, black drum and sheepshead at the jetty Flounder steady along the east shoreline on soft plastics and shrimp fished on an 1/8- or 3/16-ounce jig head Water conditions are good Water temps 84-86 degrees
GALVESTON
• •
MATAGORDA BAY • •
• •
•
Redfish steady in the back lakes and shallow mud flats Cut mullet working best as the tides and east winds push more water into the bay system Trout have been difficult to pattern consistently Some fish caught on live shrimp under popping corks in 4 to 6 feet of water on open bay reefs and shell Water temps still high with surface temp readings in the 86- to 88-degree range
• • • • • •
•
• •
BAFFIN BAY •
• •
Higher tides and cooler water temps improved the top-water bite on speckled trout Extra water over the grass has the fish up tight to the shorelines early Fish retreating to deeper water as temps climb
• • •
•
• •
• • •
•
• • •
For Lone Star Outdoor News
Water level is 1.15 feet below pool at 96.7% full Water temps 81 degrees, good water clarity The lake is fishing fairly well, with the best action coming early and late in the day as water temps remain warm and baitfish stay active Largemouth bass holding on main-lake points, rocky banks, creek-channel edges and submerged structure Early morning, top-waters, walking baits, buzzbaits and shallow swimbaits After sunrise, target 10– to 25-feet deep with Texas-rigged worms, drop shots, football jigs and deep-diving crankbaits; shad-colored best White bass activity consistent Look for birds working over schools of baitfish, especially at dawn Slabs, jigging spoons, small swimbaits and white/chartreuse jigs producing fish Crappie holding on brush piles, standing timber and bridge structure in roughly 15- to 25-feet of water Small jigs and minnows fished vertically around cover most consistent Minnows still outproducing jigs Blue and channel catfish providing good action; fresh cut shad on flats adjacent to creek channels and ledges in 10 to 25 feet
OAK CREEK •
ROCKPORT
• •
BELTON
By Vivian Leopold
•
•
Fishing is improving with higher tides and water levels Both redfish and trout showing up in good numbers in the back lakes Anglers in the ICW are doing well on live bait Fish Bites working when live bait is unavailable Waders catching numbers of small trout with an occasional solid fish Soft plastics like the Bart’s Sand Ninja on an 1/8-ounce KWiggler jig head have been top producers Top-water bite is good early when the floating grass is not an issue
FRESHWATER FISHING
• •
Overall fishing for speckled trout has slowed down with heat Best catches coming from deeper water Both early and late in the day best bets Redfish action good on both artificial and live bait High tides have the fish bunched up against the grass Good reports of flounder coming from anglers fishing live bait
Overall fishing remains consistent Ranging from fair to very good, especially for oversized trout Shallow sand early, then moving to deeper grass beds mid-morning Top-waters have been productive, then plastic tails or live shrimp later Redfish and drum beginning to school well on the flats, in the ICW and the jetties Cut mullet has been predictable, but artificials producing good fish, as well
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND
•
•
• •
• • •
•
•
•
•
•
•
• •
•
Catfish best using cut shad, stink bait/ dough bait for channel cats Use live bait if targeting larger predators White bass try 1/2-ounce silver or white spoon, 1/8- 1/4ounce white/chartreuse jig, small lipless crankbait or small swimbait
•
•
Speckled trout bite is good in East Bay and Trinity Deeper water over shell has been best Light colored soft plastics best as water clarity continues to improve Redfish good in the back lakes and out along the ICW Live or cut bait producing strikes Beachfront continues to produce quality fish early when the winds allow
•
PORT MANSFIELD
•
•
Darker-colored soft plastics fished on the bottom have been producing both quality trout and redfish Overall conditions are good with water temps between 80-82
•
Lowest level in years due to prolonged low inflows and limited rainfall Water level is 26.13 feet below pool at 14.3% full; Temp 83 degrees Largemouth bass are fair Concentrate on creek channels, rock, timber and any deeper available water Try 3- to 5-inch Texas-rigged worms in green pumpkin, watermelon or black/ blue; small creature bait on a Texas or Carolina rig; suspend jerkbait around rocky banks early/late; compact spinnerbait if there’s wind or stained water Early morning, try top-water walking bait or buzzbait
•
•
• • • • • •
• • • • • • •
• • •
•
•
Water level is 5.13 feet below pool at 100% full Water temps are about 80 degrees, stained Heat has pushed most fish into deeper water and shortened the feeding windows Largemouth bass good early morning; fish top-waters along points, timber edges and shallow flats After sunrise, move to brush piles, creek channels and timber in 12 to 25 feet Carolina rigs, Texas-rigged worms, drop shots and deep-diving crankbaits producing in green pumpkin, watermelon red, black/blue, Sexy Shad or Tennessee Shad crankbaits and bone-colored top-waters at daylight
Water level is 1.27 feet below pool at 96.7% full Water temps are about 81 degrees, mostly clear Best fishing is occurring right after sunrise and again near sunset Striped bass and white bass remain the lake’s strongest fishery Stripers caught trolling over deep water and river-channel structure Top-water schooling activity increasing White bass schooling over humps and channel breaks and can often be located by watching for diving birds Largemouth bass bite fair Early morning fish are relating to rocky points, seawalls and shallow structure After sunrise, bass moving to brush piles, points and ledges in 12 to 25 feet Crappie are slow Catfish bite good Fish holding in 20 to 30 feet around channels and baited areas Best baits fresh cut shad, punch bait and prepared stink bait
LAVON
•
•
Catfish, crappie and white bass reported good Crappie best on small 1/8- 1/16-ounce in chartreuse/white, white or black/ chartreuse Also small marabou or tube jigs or live minnows under a slip bobber
•
• • •
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•
BUCHANAN
•
WRIGHT PATMAN
Crappie best bet is around standing timber, brush piles and channel edges in 9 to18 feet, with some deeper fish in 15 to 25 feet Vertical fishing is outperforming casting Best baits/colors include live minnows, black/chartreuse hair jigs, Monkey Milk, blue/white tube jigs and chartreuse/pearl plastics White bass schooling activity early around humps and creek channels Silver slabs and spoons have been productive in chrome/silver, white and white/chartreuse Catfishing is excellent
•
• •
•
• • • •
Water level is 3.53 feet below pool at 82.8% full Water temps around 79 degrees Bite generally slow overall White bass & hybrid stripers best option Schools are showing up at first light over main-lake humps and channel edges For lures, use 3/4-ounce slab spoons, tail spinners, white paddle-tail swimbaits, small jigging spoons and live shad in white, white/chartreuse, chrome/silver Largemouth bass fair on brush piles and timber in 12 to 25 feet Use bone-colored walking top-waters, Carolina-rigged worms, drop shots, deep-diving crankbaits and football jigs Best colors are green pumpkin, watermelon red, bone, Sexy Shad and black/ blue in stained water Crappie bite is slow to fair Catfish bite is good 20 to 30 feet around channels and bait concentrations Blue and channel cats both being caught on fresh cut shad, punch bait, stink bait and shrimp
LSONews.com
LoneOStar Outdoor News
September 25, 2026
Page 13
Catfish Continued from page 8
OUTDOOR BLOTTER BOAT THIEF CAUGHT In July, Clear Lake Shores Police Department, with the help of the Gulf Coast Auto Crimes Task Force, located a vehicle used to steal a 2022 Cape Horn 31 Tournament boat from True North Marine in Galveston County. Through surveillance footage and investigative work, detectives identified the suspect vehicle and uncovered connections to multiple boat and trailer thefts. A search warrant executed on August 24 recovered: Two stolen boats Three stolen trailers One stolen side-by-side The items had an estimated value of $300,000. Detectives arrested Lucas Rodriguez, 20, of Sugar Land and charged him with theft of property greater than $150,000 but less than $300,000 with a $100,000 bond. The investigation also uncovered multiple license plates, GPS devices, and boat titles not belonging to the suspect. The investigation remains active. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact Detective A. Rodriguez at (409) 766-4500.
ALLIGATOR POACHER SOUGHT On September 7 at approximately 6:17 a.m., Cameron County Game Wardens received information about a dead alligator on Camp Rd near Old Port Rd in Bayview/Los Fresnos, TX. The wardens located the dead alligator with its mouth taped shut with black electrical tape and a fresh hole on the top of its head. There were also lacerations to its stomach area. Jonathan Flores landed this 30-pound blue cat while fishing Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Photo by Blake Oestreich.
OVER THE LIMIT Earlier this month, Texas Game Wardens in Matagorda County conducted a water safety inspection on two personal watercraft returning from the Gulf. During the inspection, wardens discovered 41 undersized red snapper between the two vessels. The individuals were cited for exceeding the daily bag limit and possessing undersized red snapper. In Texas state waters, the daily bag limit for red snapper is four fish per person with a 15-inch minimum length. In federal waters, the daily bag limit is two fish per person with a 16-inch minimum length.
on the screen. Most of the time, they are not going to chase a bait, so you have to bring the bait to them.” The technique Oestreich has been using to pursue flatheads has been producing fish in the 15to 40-pound range consistently, with some larger specimens mixed in. He said a lot of the flatheads have been suspended in the water column around baitfish, while others have been holding tight to structure. Oestreich said he’s also been finding some hefty blue catfish on forward facing sonar out a little deeper amongst timber in 20- to 30-feet of water. Fresh cut shad has been the ticket for the blues. “The blue cats have been less finicky than the flatheads,” Oestreich said. “They’ve been willing to strike a piece of cut shad, as long as it’s brought within 2 or 3 feet of where they have been staging to feed. Some of them have even been striking the bait on the fall as we drop it down. That has been pretty fun to watch on the forward-facing sonar.” Oestreich said most of the blue catfish he and
—Staff report
his anglers have been catching in deeper water have been in the 10- to 30-pound range. Lake Fork guide Russell Rollins said eating-sized channel catfish have been piled up over baited holes in 20- to 25-feet of water. The bite has been on fire on Fork for anglers using a variety of punch baits, and Rollins said many of his groups have been catching more than 100 catfish in a single day. Calaveras Lake has also been producing numbers of blue cats for anglers using punch bait in deep water. Fishing guide TJ Whitworth reported great action from blues in the 3- to 15-pound range in 20- to 30-feet of water. Lake Conroe fishing guide Todd Rhodes said limits of blue and channel catfish have been pretty easy to come by near main lake drop-offs in 20- to 35-feet of water. Some fish have been found up shallower along stretches of bulk heads where there are concentrations of shad during the early morning hours.
2026-2027 hunting season dates ALLIGATOR
Special Late Season
22 Counties & Special Properties
Sept. 10 - 30
All Other Counties
Apr. 1 - June 30
RABBITS & HARES No closed season JAVELINA Oct. 1 - Feb. 28
South Zone
Sept. 1 - Aug. 31
South Zone
Nov. 7 - Jan. 17
Muzzleloader-Only
Jan. 4 - 17
Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg & Willacy Counties
Nov. 7 - Feb. 28
Archery-Only
Oct. 3 - Nov. 6
Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr & Willacy Counties
QUAIL
General Panhandle
Nov. 21 - Dec. 6
Statewide
General Trans-Pecos
Nov. 27 - Dec. 13
DOVE
PRONGHORN
Oct. 3-18
Sept. 1 - Aug. 31
Youth Only East Texas
Sept. 25 - 27
WHITE-TAILED DEER General Season North Zone
Nov. 7 - Jan. 3
South Zone
Nov. 7 - Jan. 17
Youth-Only Early Season Late Season
Oct. 30 - Nov. 1 Jan. 4 - 17
Oct. 31 - Nov. 1
Oct. 3 - Nov. 6
Oct. 3 - Nov. 26
Other Open Counties
South
Archery Season
Archery Trans-Pecos
Oct. 1 - Feb. 28 May 1 - 31
Nov. 7 - 8
Nov. 7 - Jan. 3
Panhandle/South Plains
East Texas
North
North Zone
Oct. 3 - Nov. 20
General
Oct. 17 - 18
Fall Season
Jan. 18 - Jan. 31
Archery Panhandle
SQUIRREL
High Plains Mallard Management Unit
Jan. 4 - 17
South Zone
Nov. 1 - Feb. 28
PHEASANT
MULE DEER
Youth/Veterans
North Zone
CHACHALACA
North Zone
WILD TURKEY
Dec. 5 - Jan. 3 Nov. 1 - Feb. 28
Fall Youth-Only North Zone
Oct. 30 - Nov. 1 Jan. 4 - 17
South Zone
Oct. 30 - Nov. 1 Jan. 18 - 31
Spring Season North Zone
Apr. 3 - May 16
North Zone
Sept. 1 - Nov. 8 Dec. 18 - Jan. 7
South Zone
Mar. 20 - May 2
Sept. 1 - Oct. 25 Dec. 11 - Jan. 14
East Zone
Apr. 22 - May 14
Central Zone
One-turkey counties
Apr. 1 - 30
South Zone
Sept. 1 - Oct. 25 Dec. 18 - Jan. 21
Sept. 19 - 27 RAILS, GALLINULE, MOORHEN Nov. 7 - Jan. 6
SANDHILL CRANE
Spring Youth-Only North Zone
Mar. 27 - 28 May 22 - 23
South Zone
Mar. 13 - 14 May 8 - 9
DUCK
Zone A
Oct. 31 - Jan. 31
Regular Season
Zone B
Nov. 27 - Jan. 31
Zone C
Dec. 12 - Jan. 17
High Plains Mallard Management Unit
Oct. 24 -25 Oct. 30 - Jan. 31
SNIPE
Nov. 7 - Feb. 21
North Zone
TEAL
Nov. 14 - Nov. 29 Dec. 5 - Jan. 31
Sept. 19 - 27
WOODCOCK
Dec. 18 - Jan. 31
South Zone
Nov. 7 - Nov. 29 Dec. 12 - Jan. 31
GOOSE East Zone Early Canada Goose
Sept. 12 - 27
Light Geese
Nov. 7 - Feb. 19
Dark Geese
Nov. 7 - Jan. 31
West Zone Light Geese Dark Geese
Nov. 7 - Feb. 7 Nov. 7 - Feb. 7 *Check TPWD for information, bag limits
Page 14
September 25, 2026
LoneOStar Outdoor News
LSONews.com
GRIP & GRIN
Fifteen-year-old Hoss Hardin shot this aoudad while hunting with his pawpaw and dad on the HOH Ranch in Brewster County.
Russell Polk shows off a blacktip shark he caught near the Pelican Island Bridge in Galveston. Young angler Brooklyn shows off one of the many ladyfish she caught in Offatt’s Bayou.
SHARE AN ADVENTURE
n Want to share hunting and fishing photos with other Lone Star Outdoor News readers?
Sam Piland and his son Jameson, 7, harvested his first wild hog on the family ranch in Clay County.
Will Phillips and his dad, Andrew, had a great opening morning of blue-winged teal season near College Station.
Email them with contact and caption information to editor@ lonestaroutdoornews.com. Highresolution original jpegs only. Mail prints to Grip & Grin, Lone Star Outdoor News, P.O. Box 551695, Dallas, TX 75355.
LSONews.com
LoneOStar Outdoor News
September 25, 2026
Page 15
Page 16
September 25, 2026
LoneOStar Outdoor News
LSONews.com
TEXAS SUN, MOON AND TIDES Moon Phases Houston
Full
Last
New
First
Sept 26
Oct 3
Oct 10
Oct 18
Solunar Sun times Moon times Dallas
2026 Sept/Oct
A.M. Minor Major
P.M. Minor Major
SUN Rises Sets
MOON Rises Sets
2026 Sept/Oct
A.M. P.M. SUN MOON Minor Major Minor Major Rises Sets Rises Sets
25 Fri 26 Sat 27 Sun 28 Mon 29 Tue 30 Wed 01 Thu 02 Fri 03 Sat 04 Sun 05 Mon 06 Tue 07 Wed 08 Thu 09 Fri
4:35 10:46 5:17 11:29 6:04 ----6:55 12:42 7:53 1:39 8:55 2:41 10:01 3:46 11:07 4:52 ----- 5:56 12:41 6:55 1:35 7:49 2:24 8:37 3:08 9:20 3:50 10:01 4:31 10:42
4:57 11:08 5:40 11:51 6:27 12:15 7:21 1:08 8:20 2:06 9:25 3:10 10:32 4:16 11:39 5:23 12:11 6:26 1:10 7:25 2:03 8:16 2:49 9:02 3:32 9:44 4:12 10:23 4:53 11:04
07:10 07:14 07:10 07:13 07:11 07:12 07:11 07:11 07:12 07:10 07:12 07:08 07:13 07:07 07:14 07:06 07:14 07:05 07:15 07:03 07:15 07:02 07:16 07:01 07:16 07:00 07:17 06:59 07:18 06:58
6:38p 6:05a 7:08p 7:04a 7:40p 8:06a 8:16p 9:11a 8:57p 10:19a 9:46p 11:29a 10:43p 12:37p 11:46p 1:41p NoMoon 2:38p 12:55a 3:27p 2:04a 4:09p 3:12a 4:45p 4:16a 5:17p 5:18a 5:47p 6:18a 6:17p
25 Fri 26 Sat 27 Sun 28 Mon 29 Tue 30 Wed 01 Thu 02 Fri 03 Sat 04 Sun 05 Mon 06 Tue 07 Wed 08 Thu 09 Fri
4:41 10:52 5:23 11:34 6:09 ----7:01 12:48 7:58 1:45 9:01 2:46 10:07 3:52 11:13 4:58 ----- 6:02 12:47 7:01 1:41 7:55 2:30 8:43 3:14 9:26 3:55 10:07 4:36 10:47
5:03 11:14 5:46 11:57 6:33 12:21 7:26 1:14 8:26 2:12 9:30 3:16 10:38 4:22 11:44 5:29 12:17 6:32 1:16 7:30 2:08 8:22 2:55 9:08 3:38 9:49 4:18 10:29 4:58 11:10
07:16 07:20 07:16 07:19 07:17 07:17 07:18 07:16 07:18 07:15 07:19 07:13 07:20 07:12 07:20 07:11 07:21 07:09 07:22 07:08 07:22 07:07 07:23 07:05 07:24 07:04 07:24 07:03 07:25 07:02
6:44p 6:09a 7:12p 7:11a 7:42p 8:14a 8:16p 9:21a 8:56p 10:32a 9:43p 11:43a 10:39p 12:53p 11:43p 1:56p NoMoon 2:52p 12:52a 3:40p 2:03a 4:20p 3:13a 4:54p 4:20a 5:25p 5:23a 5:53p 6:25a 6:21p
San Antonio
Amarillo
2026 A.M. Sept/Oct Minor Major
P.M. SUN MOON Minor Major Rises Sets Rises Sets
2026 Sept/Oct
A.M. Minor Major
P.M. Minor Major
SUN Rises Sets
MOON Rises Sets
25 Fri 26 Sat 27 Sun 28 Mon 29 Tue 30 Wed 01 Thu 02 Fri 03 Sat 04 Sun 05 Mon 06 Tue 07 Wed 08 Thu 09 Fri
5:09 11:20 5:52 ----6:40 12:28 7:33 1:20 8:33 2:19 9:37 3:22 10:44 4:29 11:51 5:35 12:24 6:39 1:22 7:37 2:15 8:29 3:02 9:15 3:44 9:56 4:25 10:36 5:05 11:16
25 Fri 26 Sat 27 Sun 28 Mon 29 Tue 30 Wed 01 Thu 02 Fri 03 Sat 04 Sun 05 Mon 06 Tue 07 Wed 08 Thu 09 Fri
5:01 11:12 5:43 11:55 6:30 12:17 7:21 1:08 8:19 2:05 9:21 3:06 10:27 4:12 11:33 5:18 12:13 6:22 1:07 7:21 2:01 8:15 2:50 9:03 3:34 9:46 4:16 10:27 4:56 11:08
5:23 11:34 6:06 ----6:53 12:41 7:47 1:34 8:46 2:32 9:51 3:36 10:58 4:42 ----- 5:49 12:37 6:52 1:36 7:51 2:29 8:42 3:15 9:28 3:58 10:10 4:38 10:49 5:19 11:30
07:36 07:40 07:37 07:39 07:37 07:37 07:38 07:36 07:39 07:34 07:40 07:33 07:40 07:31 07:41 07:30 07:42 07:29 07:43 07:27 07:44 07:26 07:44 07:24 07:45 07:23 07:46 07:22 07:47 07:20
7:05p 6:30a 7:31p 7:33a 8:00p 8:38a 8:32p 9:47a 9:10p 10:59a 9:57p 12:12p 10:52p 1:22p 11:56p 2:26p NoMoon 3:21p 1:06a 4:07p 2:19a 4:46p 3:30a 5:18p 4:38a 5:47p 5:43a 6:14p 6:47a 6:40p
4:47 10:58 5:30 11:41 6:16 12:04 7:08 12:55 8:05 1:51 9:08 2:53 10:14 3:58 11:20 5:04 12:00 6:08 12:53 7:08 1:48 8:01 2:37 8:49 3:21 9:33 4:02 10:13 4:43 10:54
07:22 07:27 07:23 07:26 07:23 07:24 07:24 07:23 07:24 07:22 07:25 07:21 07:25 07:20 07:26 07:18 07:26 07:17 07:27 07:16 07:27 07:15 07:28 07:14 07:29 07:13 07:29 07:11 07:30 07:10
6:51p 6:18a 7:21p 7:17a 7:53p 8:18a 8:29p 9:23a 9:11p 10:31a 10:00p 11:41a 10:57p 12:49p NoMoon 1:53p 12:01a 2:49p 1:09a 3:39p 2:18a 4:21p 3:25a 4:57p 4:30a 5:30p 5:31a 6:00p 6:31a 6:30p
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 Sept 25 Sept 26 Sept 27 Sept 28 Sept 29 Sept 30 Oct 1 Oct 2 Oct 3 Oct 4 Oct 5 Oct 6 Oct 7 Oct 8 Oct 9
Time 3:48 AM 3:57 AM 4:05 AM 4:12 AM 4:19 AM 12:18 AM 1:01 AM 1:53 AM 12:05 AM 1:16 AM 1:54 AM 2:20 AM 2:41 AM 3:00 AM 3:17 AM
Height 1.78H 1.76H 1.75H 1.75H 1.79H 1.58L 1.76L 1.89L 2.01H 2.01H 1.98H 1.94H 1.88H 1.83H 1.79H
Time 9:27 AM 9:57 AM 10:31 AM 11:09 AM 11:52 AM 4:27 AM 4:36 AM 4:44 AM 3:48 PM 5:00 PM 6:09 PM 7:55 AM 8:18 AM 8:48 AM 9:20 AM
Time 3:30 PM 4:24 PM 5:19 PM 6:18 PM 7:23 PM 12:41 PM 1:36 PM 2:39 PM 5:19 PM 1:12 PM 11:08 AM 12:26 PM 1:50 PM 2:59 PM 4:00 PM
Height 1.81H 1.90H 1.98H 2.03H 2.04H -0.09L -0.11L -0.08L 1.25H 0.67L 1.73H 1.71H 1.79H 1.87H 1.94H
Time 9:38 PM 10:17 PM 10:57 PM 11:37 PM 9:19 PM 8:39 PM 10:15 PM 4:08 PM 7:47 PM 6:44 PM 7:21 PM 7:12 PM 8:08 PM 8:58 PM 9:43 PM
Height 0.70L 0.90L 1.13L 1.36L 1.76H 2.03H 2.00H -0.17L 1.20H 1.22H -0.17L 0.35L 0.54L 0.76L 0.98L
Time 3:34 PM 4:39 PM 5:39 PM 6:42 PM 11:54 AM 12:37 PM
Height 1.71H 1.82H 1.93H 2.02H 0.09L -0.06L
Time 9:47 PM 10:38 PM 11:27 PM
Height 0.81L 1.02L 1.26L
8:02 PM 9:29 PM
2.10H 2.17H
Galveston Bay entrance, north jetty Date Sept 25 Sept 26 Sept 27 Sept 28 Sept 29 Sept 30 Oct 1 Oct 2 Oct 3 Oct 4 Oct 5 Oct 6 Oct 7 Oct 8 Oct 9
Time 4:12 AM 4:15 AM 4:20 AM 4:28 AM 12:14 AM 1:15 AM 1:28 PM 2:30 PM 12:23 AM 1:37 AM 2:14 AM 2:40 AM 3:02 AM 3:21 AM 3:37 AM
Height 1.74H 1.71H 1.71H 1.72H 1.51L 1.75L -0.13L -0.11L 2.23H 2.20H 2.12H 2.00H 1.88H 1.79H 1.72H
Time 9:52 AM 10:14 AM 10:43 AM 11:16 AM 4:37 AM 4:38 AM 10:49 PM
Height 1.10L 0.85L 0.58L 0.31L 1.75H 1.81H 2.21H
3:39 PM 4:55 PM 6:18 PM 8:20 AM 8:35 AM 8:59 AM 9:30 AM
-0.03L 0.10L 0.25L 1.61L 1.37L 1.10L 0.83L
Height 1.82H 1.74H 1.68H 1.65H 1.60L 0.15L 0.07L 0.07L 2.52H 2.50H 2.40H 2.24 2.05H 1.87H 1.73H
Time 9:18 AM 9:30 AM 9:53 AM 10:26 AM 4:01 AM 9:24 PM 10:55 PM
Height 1.24L 1.00L 0.74L 0.50L 1.66H 2.39H 2.47H
3:06 PM 4:17 PM 5:39 PM 8:46 AM 8:49 AM 8:59 AM 9:13 AM
0.11L 0.22L 0.38L 1.64L 1.45L 1.21L 0.95L
Height 0.95H 0.78L 0.92L 0.46L 0.37L 1.29H 1.37H 1.42H 1.43H 1.41H 1.35H 1.25H 1.13H 1.01H 0.95H
Time 11:49 AM 5:24 AM 4:05 AM 11:37 PM
Height 0.87L 0.92H 0.96H 1.21H
2:34 PM 3:37 PM 4:56 PM 6:20 PM 7:32 PM 8:34 PM 9:29 PM 10:21 PM 11:04 AM 11:33 AM
0.32L 0.31L 0.32L 0.33L 0.35L 0.41L 0.52L 0.65L 0.93L 0.76L
11:43 AM 1:43 PM 3:06 PM 4:17 PM
1.74H 1.80H 1.90H 2.00H
7:28 PM 8:26 PM 9:25 PM 10:28 PM
0.43L 0.65L 0.90L 1.13L
Time 3:00 PM 4:11 PM 5:16 PM 6:18 PM 11:06 AM
Height 1.82H 1.95H 2.10H 2.22H 0.29L
Time 9:35 PM 10:35 PM 11:46 PM
Height 0.93L 1.15L 1.38L
Time 3:36 AM 3:40 AM 3:48 AM 3:57 AM 1:21 AM 11:53 AM 12:47 PM 1:54 PM 12:12 AM 1:10 AM 1:51 AM 2:21 AM 2:40 AM 2:50 AM 2:54 AM
7:34 PM
2.30H
11:18 AM 1:05 PM 2:28 PM 3:45 PM
1.72H 1.81H 1.94H 2.06H
7:06 PM 8:12 PM 9:14 PM 10:27 PM
0.57L 0.79L 1.04L 1.29L
Time 4:48 PM 12:03 PM 12:30 PM
Height 0.95H 0.73L 0.58L
Time
Height
8:17 PM 10:07 PM
1.01H 1.11H
Port O’Connor Date Sept 25 Sept 26 Sept 27 Sept 28 Sept 29 Sept 30 Oct 1 Oct 2 Oct 3 Oct 4 Oct 5 Oct 6 Oct 7 Oct 8 Oct 9
Time 7:01 AM 12:04 AM 12:51 AM 1:04 PM 1:45 PM 2:57 AM 4:00 AM 4:56 AM 5:53 AM 6:48 AM 7:37 AM 7:55 AM 7:23 AM 6:46 AM 5:02 AM
Time 2:02 AM 2:42 AM 3:39 AM 3:08 PM 2:39 AM 4:29 AM 5:56 AM 7:17 AM 8:25 AM 9:31 AM 12:59 PM 12:00 AM 12:45 AM 1:29 AM 2:17 AM
Time 1:22 AM 2:03 AM 2:44 AM 3:23 AM 4:00 AM 4:38 PM 5:24 AM 6:12 AM 7:12 AM 8:10 AM 8:47 AM 9:01 AM 7:43 AM 12:42 AM 1:37 AM
San Luis Pass Date Sept 25 Sept 26 Sept 27 Sept 28 Sept 29 Sept 30 Oct 1 Oct 2 Oct 3 Oct 4 Oct 5 Oct 6 Oct 7 Oct 8 Oct 9
Time 4:17 AM 4:11 AM 4:10 AM 4:13 AM 1:29 AM 12:36 PM 1:32 PM 12:45 AM 1:50 AM 2:39 AM 3:12 AM 3:28 AM 3:33 AM 3:32 AM 3:28 AM
Height 0.72L 0.91L 1.13L 1.35L 1.55L 0.23L 1.84H 1.92H 1.96H 1.96H 1.91H 1.78H 1.63H 0.66L 0.91L
Time 8:05 AM 7:37 AM 7:31 AM 7:33 AM 7:30 AM
Height 1.53H 1.49H 1.50H 1.53H 1.59H
Time 2:21 PM 2:32 PM 2:51 PM 3:16 PM 3:50 PM
Height 1.07L 0.83L 0.60L 0.41L 0.28L
Time 7:07 PM 8:33 PM 9:37 PM 10:36 PM 11:52 PM
Height 1.46H 1.55H 1.66H 1.74H 1.77H
5:49 PM 7:05 PM 8:15 PM 9:33 PM 10:47 PM 11:48 PM 1:42 PM 7:02 AM 6:56 AM
0.21L 0.21L 0.21L 0.25L 0.32L 0.45L 1.33L 1.55H 1.51H
5:06 PM 1:55 PM 2:12 PM
1.50H 1.09L 0.83L
6:32 PM 8:07 PM
1.51H 1.57H
Height 1.43H 1.41H 1.41H 1.44H 1.44L 0.21L 0.17L 1.94H 1.97H 1.94H 1.86H 1.74H 1.61H 1.50H 1.45H
Time 9:34 AM 9:55 AM 10:26 AM 11:04 AM 4:14 AM 11:10 PM
Height 1.09L 0.89L 0.67L 0.48L 1.49H 1.86H
Time 3:28 PM 4:42 PM 5:53 PM 7:10 PM 11:47 AM
Height 1.49H 1.56H 1.64H 1.71H 0.32L
Time 10:06 PM 10:55 PM 11:58 PM
Height 0.85L 1.04L 1.25L
8:55 PM
1.77H
2:36 PM 3:47 PM 5:06 PM 6:28 PM 8:47 AM 8:57 AM 9:16 AM 9:40 AM
0.18L 0.24L 0.33L 0.45L 1.47L 1.29L 1.08L 0.86L
11:35 AM 1:25 PM 3:00 PM 4:20 PM
1.54H 1.56H 1.62H 1.69H
7:41 PM 8:45 PM 9:44 PM 10:44 PM
0.58L 0.76L 0.96L 1.16L
Date Sept 25 Sept 26 Sept 27 Sept 28 Sept 29 Sept 30 Oct 1 Oct 2 Oct 3 Oct 4 Oct 5 Oct 6 Oct 7 Oct 8 Oct 9
Time 5:18 AM 12:01 AM 12:41 AM 1:16 AM 1:38 AM 4:17 AM 4:33 AM 5:04 AM 5:44 AM 6:25 AM 6:59 AM 11:54 AM 6:52 AM 4:36 AM 3:41 AM
Height 0.75H 0.65L 0.75L 0.84L 0.93L 1.00H 1.05H 1.08H 1.10H 1.09H 1.06H 1.02H 0.95H 0.89H 0.89H
Time 11:05 AM 4:50 AM 4:33 AM 4:22 AM 4:17 AM 2:29 PM 3:30 PM 4:51 PM 6:16 PM 7:27 PM 8:27 PM 9:22 PM 9:45 AM 10:31 AM 11:13 AM
Height 0.69L 0.78H 0.82H 0.88H 0.95H 0.56L 0.58L 0.60L 0.61L 0.62L 0.64L 0.67L 0.93L 0.84L 0.74L
Time 4:36 PM 11:45 AM 12:23 PM 1:00 PM 1:41 PM
Height 0.81H 0.64L 0.59L 0.56L 0.55L
2:17 PM 3:55 PM 5:19 PM
Height 1.25H 1.26H 1.29H 1.34H 1.36L 0.32L 1.66H 1.73H 1.76H 1.74H 1.66H 1.53H 1.38H 1.29H 1.29H
Time 8:35 AM 9:09 AM 9:49 AM 10:33 AM 3:27 AM
Height 1.05L 0.88L 0.71L 0.55L 1.41H
1:10 PM 2:09 PM 3:13 PM 4:29 PM 5:54 PM 8:21 AM 8:20 AM 8:36 AM 8:59 AM
0.27L 0.28L 0.33L 0.42L 0.52L 1.44L 1.28L 1.09L 0.90L
Height 1.60H 1.56H 1.55H 1.57H 0.32L 0.15L 0.05L 2.18H 2.21H 2.18H 2.09H 1.94H 1.78H 1.65H 1.61H
Time 8:46 AM 9:08 AM 9:38 AM 10:15 AM 8:38 PM 10:58 PM
Height 1.28L 1.06L 0.80L 0.55L 2.00H 2.10H
1:48 PM 2:56 PM 4:09 PM 5:25 PM 6:39 PM 8:22 AM 8:23 AM 8:42 AM
0.03L 0.10L 0.23L 0.41L 0.64L 1.53L 1.30L 1.05L
Time
Height
5:51 PM 9:46 PM 11:27 PM
0.83H 0.88H 0.94H
0.99H 0.97H 0.95H
10:17 PM 11:11 PM
0.73L 0.79L
Time 2:29 PM 3:42 PM 4:48 PM 5:57 PM 11:22 AM
Height 1.39H 1.43H 1.48H 1.51H 0.41L
Time 9:33 PM 10:22 PM 11:26 PM
Height 0.86L 1.02L 1.20L
10:39 PM
1.55H
10:46 AM 12:27 PM 1:58 PM 3:21 PM
1.48H 1.48H 1.50H 1.53H
7:09 PM 8:11 PM 9:06 PM 10:01 PM
0.64L 0.78L 0.95L 1.12L
Time 2:40 PM 3:54 PM 5:07 PM 6:28 PM
Height 1.71H 1.81H 1.89H 1.95H
Time 9:25 PM 10:19 PM 11:26 PM
Height 1.03L 1.25L 1.46L
12:31 PM 2:07 PM 3:32 PM
1.73H 1.82H 1.93H
7:45 PM 8:45 PM 9:45 PM
0.90L 1.16L 1.41L
Port Aransas
4:24 PM 7:30 PM
1.02H 1.06H
11:13 PM
0.81L
Nueces Bay Date Sept 25 Sept 26 Sept 27 Sept 28 Sept 29 Sept 30 Oct 1 Oct 2 Oct 3 Oct 4 Oct 5 Oct 6 Oct 7 Oct 8 Oct 9
Date Sept 25 Sept 26 Sept 27 Sept 28 Sept 29 Sept 30 Oct 1 Oct 2 Oct 3 Oct 4 Oct 5 Oct 6 Oct 7 Oct 8 Oct 9
East Matagorda
Freeport Harbor Date Sept 25 Sept 26 Sept 27 Sept 28 Sept 29 Sept 30 Oct 1 Oct 2 Oct 3 Oct 4 Oct 5 Oct 6 Oct 7 Oct 8 Oct 9
High Island
Date Sept 25 Sept 26 Sept 27 Sept 28 Sept 29 Sept 30 Oct 1 Oct 2 Oct 3 Oct 4 Oct 5 Oct 6 Oct 7 Oct 8 Oct 9
Time 3:15 AM 3:12 AM 3:17 AM 03:24 AM 12:46 AM 12:15 PM 12:09 AM 1:32 AM 2:50 AM 3:44 AM 4:23 AM 4:46 AM 4:33 AM 2:27 AM 2:16 AM
South Padre Island Height 0.53L 0.66L 0.81L 0.55L 1.09H 1.18H 1.24H 1.27H 1.28H 1.27H 1.23H 0.55L 0.61L 0.71L 0.82L
Time 9:32 AM 8:00 AM 6:32 AM
Height 0.76H 0.76H 0.83H
4:29 PM 5:52 PM 7:17 PM 8:47 PM 10:07 PM 11:09 PM
0.53L 0.53L 0.54L 0.54L 0.53L 0.53L
3:09 PM 4:43 PM 6:25 PM 6:17 AM
1.23H 1.20H 1.18H 0.88H
Time 11:41 AM 12:51 PM 1:55 PM
12:15 PM
Height 0.75L 0.67L 0.60L
0.77L
Time 6:53 PM 8:37 PM 10:28 PM
8:05 PM
Height 0.99H 1.01H 1.03H
1.16H
Date Sept 25 Sept 26 Sept 27 Sept 28 Sept 29 Sept 30 Oct 1 Oct 2 Oct 3 Oct 4 Oct 5 Oct 6 Oct 7 Oct 8 Oct 9
Time 3:29 AM 3:20 AM 3:14 AM 2:59 AM 10:59 AM 11:49 AM 12:46 PM 12:20 AM 1:27 AM 2:22 AM 3:04 AM 3:28 AM 3:26 AM 2:48 AM 2:22 AM
Texas Coast Tides
Height 0.94L 0.68L 0.42L 0.19L 0.02L 1.85H 1.91H 1.95H -0.01L 0.09L 0.21L 1.46L 1.20L 0.91L 0.64L
LSONews.com
LoneOStar Outdoor News
Fish camp for women
September 25, 2026
Page 17
Nominations sought The Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame committee is accepting nominations for next year’s induction through Nov. 1. Nominees can be either individuals or organizations who’ve made important contributions to fishing in Texas. “The Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame honors a growing list of 41 individuals and organizations who have made a significant impact on freshwater fishing in the state,” said Kelly Jordon, Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame selection committee chairman. “Whether it’s an outdoor writer, accomplished angler, conservationist, fishing club or industry leader, we look forward to continuing to honor and recognize everyone helping to make Texas fishing the best it can be.” The nominees will be evaluated by the hall of fame committee, which is made up of industry professionals comprising anglers, fisheries biologists and organizations involved in Texas freshwater fishing. The committee will choose the inductee(s) based on the following criteria: ethics, leadership and commitment, unselfish contributions to the sport, scope of impact on freshwater fishing, fishing/fisheries management expertise and overall impact. The honoree(s) will be announced in Spring 2027 and officially inducted during a special ceremony and banquet in the fall. “We are excited to review all of this year’s nominations and welcome the newest inductee(s) into this prestigious group of individuals and organizations who have contributed so much to the world-class fishing that Texas offers,” Jordon added. —TPWD
Photo from Michelle Jung Frazier.
BACKCOUNTRY HUNTS Elk Cow Hunts
Group offers hands-on instruction
Only 10 spots available All free range
By Meghan Jackson
For Lone Star Outdoor News Imagine having the opportunity to attend an all-women's fishing camp focused on education, hands-on experience, and building your confidence. Well, that dream can turn into a reality through the Texas Women Anglers founded by Wayne Davis. Fish camp instructor Michelle Jung Frazier has been fishing all her life and with her husband over the last 30 years. She became part of the KWigglers ProTeam and said after she earned her captain's license, Davis asked her to become a mentor. "Participants learn practical skills such as tying their own knots, selecting and attaching artificial lures, handling fishing equipment, and making decisions on the water," Frazier said. "We also give them a lesson on trailer backing, boat ramp etiquette, and unloading and loading the boat off the trailer." This year's camp took place during the second weekend of September and Frazier said the goal was for women to develop the knowledge and confidence to fish independently. Most importantly, Texas Women Anglers create a strong sense of community that will last even when the camp is over. According to their Instagram page, @texaswomenanglers, the camp has various sponsors and participants receive numerous items. Frazier said they take six ladies into the 3-day allinclusive camp every year that includes lodging, meals and over $1,500 worth of fishing swag. "Day one consists of trailering and classroom instruction and day two is on the water instruction including how to change a prop on the water," Frazier said. "Day three is a "Fun Fish" where the ladies put the skills they have learned over the past two days to use." Frazier credits their social media platforms for the camp's growth over the years. Photos and videos are posted throughout the camp, and women are celebrated for their hard work and of course, the many fish they catch. "Fishing is more than catching fish ... it's a chance to slow down, unplug, and connect with the outdoors," Frazier said. "Whether you are spending time with friends, enjoying the quiet, or simply waiting for that first bite, fishing offers a simple escape from the everyday." Visit Texas Women Anglers on their social media platforms and learn how you can get involved or participate in their camp next year. Like Frazier said, sometimes, the best part isn't what you catch, but what you discover along the way.
Aoudad and Scimitar Oryx Hunts available Contact information: Steve Jones: 575-361-1053 BackCountryHunts.com SteveJones@BackCountryHunts.com
New buoys offer better monitoring The University of Texas Marine Science Institute has expanded its coastal observing network with the deployment of a suite of offshore monitoring buoys that provide real-time environmental and oceanographic data to researchers, mariners, coastal managers, emergency planners, and the public. The network consists of three buoys strategically positioned from the nearshore environment to the continental shelf, giving researchers a more complete picture of conditions along the Texas coast. Two buoys are located approximately 2.5 miles offshore of Port Aransas, north of the jetties, in about 40 feet of water. One buoy continuously measures environmental conditions, including waves, weather, and water quality. A second buoy combines environmental monitoring with a hydrophone, an underwater microphone that records ocean sounds. A third buoy is located approximately 30 miles offshore in 130 feet of water and collects the same environmental measurements as the nearshore environmental buoy. Together, the nearshore and offshore stations allow researchers to compare conditions closer to shore with those farther offshore and monitor how waves, winds, and water properties change across the coastal environment. Data are publicly available and updated every 30 minutes through the UTMSI website and associated dashboards. Measurements include wave height, wave period, wave direction, wind speed and direction, barometric pressure, water temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen. The buoy system also measures water temperature at three depths, salinity near the surface and seafloor, and dissolved oxygen within the water column, providing a more complete picture of conditions in Texas coastal waters. "Real-time observations of our nearshore and offshore conditions are essential for understanding and managing our coastal environment," said Dr. Sharon Herzka, associate professor and director of The University of Texas Marine Science Institute. "These buoys provide valuable information for everyone from scientists and emergency managers to fishermen, boaters, and coastal residents. By making the data publicly available, we're creating a resource that supports research, safety, and resilience along the Texas coast." —UTMSI
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Page 18
September 25, 2026
LoneOStar Outdoor News
LSONews.com
FOR THE TABLE *email LSON your favorite recipe to editor@lonestaroutdoornews.com.
Antelope stroganoff Meatball Ingredients 1 lb. ground antelope 1 tsp. dried oregano 1 tsp. onion powder 1 tsp. garlic powder 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 1/2 tsp. nutmeg 1/4 cup onion, finely minced 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs 1 egg Stroganoff Ingredients 2 Tbsps. unsalted butter 2 cups mushrooms, sliced 1/2 onion, sliced 1-2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups beef broth 1 cup sour cream 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 Tbsp. creamy horseradish (optional) salt, to taste chopped flat leaf parsley, for garnish
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Shape the mixture into small meatballs and arrange on a nonstick baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add onions, mushrooms, and garlic; sauté until the onions are soft and the mushrooms are tender. Carefully pour in the beef broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and stir in sour cream, Worcestershire sauce and horseradish until smooth and creamy. Add the baked meatballs to the creamy sauce, stirring gently to coat. Simmer briefly to allow flavors to meld. Enjoy alone or over buttered egg noodles. —Nevadafoodies.com
Fried crappie casserole Crappie fillets (enough to cover flat 2-quart casserole) Enough milk to cover fish 1 stick butter or oleo 1 small bell pepper, chopped 2 cans shrimp soup 1 small can sliced mushrooms Juice of 1 lemon 1/2 cup sherry Salt and pepper to taste 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
Soak crappie in milk 2 to 3 hours. Dip the crappie in flour. Brown in butter and place into dish. Brown pepper and onions in butter. Add shrimp soup, mushrooms and 1/2 mushroom juice, lemon juice, shrimp and season to taste. Pour over crappie fillets and bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes. —Staff report
LONE STAR OUTDOOR PUZZLER Solution on Page 26
Puzzle by Conor Harrison, Lone Star Outdoor News
ACROSS 1. Moving with the seasons 5. Buck's primary antler tine 6. Deer meat 8. Shallow water or sandbar 12. Breeding season behavior 14. Freshwater fish known for distinctive markings 18. Coastal angling destination 21. Male hog 23. DFW hasn't seen any in months 24. Legal harvest maximum 26. The bigger of the B&C scores 28. Aquatic plant that waterfowlers love 29. Multi-hook rig for catching bait 30. Region of West Texas 31. Water below a dam 32. Fish reproduction phase 33. Flat land beside a river 34. GPS marked spot 35. Fishing with a motionless bait 36. Rising air currents DOWN 2. Small duck 3. Called ribeye of the bay 4. Recently rising STX body of water 5. Acorns and other deer food 7. Striped saltwater fish found near pilings 9. Base of antler 10. Deer's woody plant food 11. Fast offshore game fish 13. Prime deer month 15. Wildlife killed by another animal 16. East Texas bass reservoir 17. Popular Sept. game bird 19. Texas mule deer spot 20. Used for locating fish 21. Wildlife expert 22. Population limit of the land 24. Classic Texas game bird 25. A must have for big deer 27. Casting technique 29. Used for keeping multiple fish
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LoneOStar Outdoor News
September 25, 2026
Page 19
Bighorn Continued from page 1
Department of Transportation - State of Texas endorsed, a certified Small Business Enterprise and licensed for commercial herbicide application.
THE ORIGINAL DEER BLIND WINDOW CO.
(flip open)
Rams from Elephant Mountain WMA have been transplanted to start herds in the Franklin Mountains. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News. statewide tags were given out. That number dwindled to 5 or 6 tags several years ago, with 9 tags being issued for the upcoming season — 4 publicly drawn or auctioned and 5 private landowner tags. This year, TPWD cut the bighorn sheep drawn hunt at Elephant Mountain WMA, although the Texas Grand Slam Hunts will still draw a bighorn permit to be hunted at Black Gap WMA. The Elephant Mountain herd is one of the strongest in the state, and sheep are regularly trapped on the mountain and transplanted to other WMAs, like Franklin Mountains. In 2024, 77 sheep were removed from Elephant Mountain and taken to Franklin Mountains. The Elephant Mountain herd did not have enough class 4 rams to issue a publicly drawn permit this year. TPWD receives funds from drawn and publicly auctioned hunts but does not receive anything from private tags. This year’s Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation desert bighorn sheep hunt was auctioned to one hunter who bid a record $225,000 for a chance to shoot a sheep on Robert L. “Bobby” Patton, Jr., Texas Parks and Wildlife Commissioner, property. Patton Jr. donated the money raised back to TPWD to be split among sheep conservation efforts and game warden funds. “We have several mountain ranges where private landowners have significant holdings, and tags are issued based on the ownership percentages of the suitable habitat in those mountains,” Etchart said. “If a landowner owns 50% of the suitable habitat, they will get 50% of those tags.” Etchart said the habitat measurements are done according to the 60% habitat slope and suitable, rugged terrain that sheep prefer. TPWD does analysis on the land and determines the percentages. The department does not release which landowners received tags on an annual basis. Etchart said the nine tags this season is up over the past few years because several herds are showing signs of improved numbers and better age-classes for the rams. Corey Mason, COO and executive vice president of Wild Sheep Foundation, said Texas faces some unique challenges when it comes to keeping desert bighorn numbers rising. “You have such a resource competition in a lot of places in West Texas due to 100,000plus exotic aoudad running around,” Mason said. “In a desert environment especially, those numbers put a strain on the resource, and the aoudad often directly compete with the bighorn. Disease is also a very real threat. It has an immediate impact, but also a longerterm impact with lamb recruitment.” Etchart said since a 2019 disease outbreak, the desert bighorn have slowly been building numbers, which should lead to more hunting opportunities in the near future. Mason said the fragmentation of Texas bighorn herds is also a concern, and it takes very dedicated landowners to insure survival and population growth. “There are landowners who have put desert bighorns at the top of the resource food chain and it’s not a one-year type of deal,” Mason said. “Once you start, it is management for life a lot of times. Predator management, exotic management and habitat management are all huge.” Mason said the short-term loss in public hunting opportunities is a sacrifice he hopes hunters are willing to make as other viable herds develop. “To get a new herd in the Franklin Mountains, and to have the public engagement and interest in that herd was huge,” Mason said. “Hopefully in the very near future, someone will be able to take a very special ram in the Franklin Mountains.” WSF will be auctioning off a Texas desert bighorn permit at their next convention. Etchart is also optimistic about the future of bighorn hunting in Texas. “I am excited,” Etchart said. “Our range conditions were outstanding out here this year and I’m seeing a lot of lambs. We did increase the permits available this year and hopefully will be able to continue that for Texas sheep hunters.”
Page 20
September 25, 2026
LoneOStar Outdoor News
Freshwater fun
LSONews.com
Gar
Continued from page 9
Continued from page 8
and plum apple have been more productive when finesse fishing.” The largemouth bass bite on Sam Rayburn Reservoir has been good overall, though the fish are scattered. “The better fish are all chasing gizzard shad right now,” Jewell said. He and his clients have been targeting between 8- and 15-feet of water. “They’re basically going to be anywhere the bait is,” he said. “A glide bait or crankbait are your best options here. When targeting timber, you will have to convince the fish to bite. I throw a 10-inch old monster and a worm around brush piles.” Jewell said Sam Rayburn has a consistent bite around grass and hydrilla, although the amount of hydrilla is much less than on Toledo Bend. “You can throw a top-water around the grass. You can go throw a swim jig or buzzbait. The problem is there’s not much grass, but there are fish around the grass on Rayburn,” he said. Again, the key to success here is to keep moving. Sam Rayburn’s low water is a consistent pain point for anglers. Despite being nearly 10 feet lower than normal, the fishing has remained steady. “It’s been kind of tough,” Jesse McClelland with McClelland’s Guide SerAngler Chris Mayes and his grandsons show off their day’s vice said. catch. Photo by Jesse McCelland. He and his clients have been targeting crappie in 15- to 20-feet of water on brush piles. “I’m having to go deeper, a little bit further out to find more depth of water,” McClelland said. “Some of my piles I’m unable to fish right now.” He and his clients have been using a combination of live and artificial baits. “Sometimes they’ll come out and they’ll run up to it [bait], and they’ll turn around and go the other way,” McClelland said about finding the right bite. Natural colors have been key when using artificial baits. Toledo Bend has been following much the same pattern for crappie, Nugent reported. He has been targeting timber in 16- to 22-feet of water with a mix of live and soft plastics. When the bite gets slow, downsizing the plastic has helped getting them to commit. For Nugent, white has been a standout producer. Each spot will produce a handful of fish before needing to find another active brush pile.
Danny Scarborough holds an alligator gar from the Trinity River. Photo from Danny Scarborough.
isn’t always the answer. Scarborough and his clients are using big flies and a 10- or 12-weight rod in order to manage the fly and the fish. If that doesn’t work, they upsize even more. “Like a game changer, where it’s 6 to 10 inches,” he said.
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at Wildpoint Ranch
SINCE 1960
BUYING, SELLING AND TRADING GUNS
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LoneOStar Outdoor News
September 25, 2026
Page 21
RECRUITING HUNTERS AND ANGLERS FOR A LIFETIME
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September 25, 2026
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Trump signs hunting and fishing executive order President Donald J. Trump announced the “Restoring American Saltwater Angling and Recreation” Executive Order in the White House Rose Garden Sept. 17. The order establishes a national policy to elevate marine recreational fishing in federal fisheries management and directs federal agencies to pursue better data and more modern management approaches, strengthen state-federal partnerships, remove unnecessary barriers to access and advance innovative solutions for American anglers. “This Executive Order is a historic recognition of what millions of American anglers and coastal communities have known for decades: marine recreational fishing deserves a management system built for the way Americans fish,” said Jeff Angers, president of the Center for Sportfishing Policy. “By prioritizing better data, stronger state partnerships and modern management approaches, President Trump’s order builds on our conservation gains creating a path to more reliable access and opportunity in America’s oceans.” Under the Executive Order, federal agencies are directed, consistent with existing law, to: • Modernize recreational fisheries data collection by evaluating outdated survey methods, expanding electronic and mobile reporting and incorporating real-time catch, effort and observational data into federal fisheries management • Strengthen State-Federal partnerships and improve the use of state data, including consideration of more precise state recreational catch-and-effort data in federal management decisions • Improve recreational fisheries economic data so the economic value of recreational fishing, for-hire fisheries and shoreside businesses is more fully considered in federal fisheries management decisions • Advance technology-based approaches to marine mammal avoidance, including directing NOAA to work with the private sector to integrate new technologies that can improve marine mammal detection and avoidance • Fast-track artificial reef and habitat creation, including establishing a federal Reef-in-Place Program for eligible offshore structures and streamlining permitting for qualifying artificial reef projects • Address shark and pinniped depredation and their impacts on recreational fishing by improving research and coordination among federal and state fisheries managers, anglers and the recreational fishing community and advancing management strategies to reduce harmful interactions. The order also directs federal agencies to streamline permitting, remove administrative barriers to recreational fishing and habitat projects, improve the delivery of Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration funds, and strengthen coordination of habitat restoration efforts. “We’re grateful the Administration has taken this opportunity to emphasize the social and economic importance of recreational fishing,” said Pat Murray, president and CEO of Coastal Conservation Association. “State-based management has never been more important for our federal fisheries, and we applaud this critical need being highlighted in this Executive Order.” Texas-based organizations such as Dallas Safari Club and Safari Club International were on hand and contributed to the new rules. “Dallas Safari Club was honored to join President Trump and fellow conservation leaders at the White House this week in recognition of hunting's role in wildlife conservation. DSC CEO Russell Stacy represented members and the broader hunting-conservation community as the President signed the Reinvigorating America's Hunting Heritage Executive Order,” said Erica Tergeson, DSC’s director of Government Affairs. “The order expands hunting access on public lands, directs federal agencies to cultivate the hunting tradition among America's youth and veterans, and encourages donation of wild game to schools, food banks and the Emergency Food Assistance Program.” “SCI applauds President Trump’s new executive orders to expand access and opportunity for hunters and anglers on America’s public lands and waters. The directives call for improving access, reducing unnecessary barriers, supporting skilled wildlife management, and ensuring sportsmen and women have a stronger voice in federal land and water decisions.” —Staff report
INDUSTRY Swarts receives award
Mark appointed
Morris Swarts of Professional Marketing Inc. received ZeroTech Optics' 2026 Sports Inc. Rep of the Year award for his 30+ years in the shooting sports industry and dedication to dealer relationships. The recognition was presented at ZeroTech's Dealer Appreciation Party in Nashville, where Pine City Outdoors of Jackson, Alabama was also honored as Dealer of the Year.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin appointed Hunter Nation Founder and CEO Keith Mark as Chair of the National Environmental Education Advisory Council (NEEAC). Mark will lead the federal advisory body in advancing President Trump's "Make America Beautiful Again" conservation agenda and environmental education initiatives across the country.
Timbo appointed VP
TriStar Arms celebrates
Angled Spade Technologies announced Joe Timbo as Vice President of Sales. Timbo brings 15 years of technology and firearms sales experience and will lead AST's commercial strategy across direct-to-consumer channels and dealer networks for suppressors, muzzle devices, and complete pistols.
TriStar Arms celebrates its 30th anniversary as a leading firearms manufacturer. Under CEO Gus Bader and President Ryan Bader, the company has expanded sales twentyfold and grown its workforce fivefold while maintaining its commitment to quality, reliability, and affordability for hunters and recreational shooters.
PROOF hires Murphy
Garmin expanding
PROOF Research hired Sean Murphy as director of sales and marketing. Murphy brings 15 years of firearms industry experience from roles at Sons of Liberty Gunwerks, Nightforce Optics, and KGM Suppressors, plus 20 years as a competitive shooter and decade-long member of PROOF Research's Shooting Team.
Garmin Ltd. has acquired Applied Ballistics, a provider of ballistic research and projectile data for long-range shooting. The acquisition extends Garmin's tactical, shooting sports and hunting market capabilities.
NATIONAL WASHINGTON DC
FTC takes action in Beretta, Ruger deal The Federal Trade Commission took action to resolve antitrust concerns arising from a stock purchase agreement between two of the largest firearm manufacturers, Beretta Holding S.A. (Beretta) and Sturm, Ruger & Co. Inc. (Ruger), by accepting a proposed consent order that prevents anticompetitive entanglements between the two companies. Under the terms of the FTC's proposed consent order, Beretta, a subsidiary of Upifra S.A., will be prohibited from appointing or nominating anyone to serve on Ruger's board of directors unless that person is independent of Beretta. The order settles allegations that Beretta and Ruger's proposed stock purchase deal would create an illegal interlocking directorate arrangement in violation of Section 8 of the Clayton Act, which generally prohibits directors and officers from serving simultaneously on the boards of competitors. —FTC
ALABAMA
New reef sites The decommissioned Spirit VK 780A natural gas rig located approximately 60 nautical miles south of the Sand Island Lighthouse has been repurposed to create two new sites in the largest artificial reef program in the country just off Alabama's coast thanks to an agreement between the rig's previous owner and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). The top portion of the rig, listed as VK 780-T on Marine Resource Division's offshore reef zone map, is a large rectangular artificial reef structure that measures 85 feet by 77 feet and extends upward 107 feet from the seafloor. The base of the rig, listed as VK 780-B on MRD's offshore reef zone map, remains in 722 feet of water 59.6 nautical miles south of the Sand Island Lighthouse and 67.6 nautical miles southwest of the Perdido Pass farewell buoy. —ADCNR
OKLAHOMA
Quail numbers up The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) has conducted annual roadside quail surveys every August and October since 1990 to index annual population fluctuations. The number of quail observed is reported to measure quail abundance and reproductive success. The August 2026 survey shows statewide quail numbers remain strong and above both the 10-year and long-term averages. Oklahoma's quail season opens Nov. 14 and closes Feb. 15, 2027. The daily bag limit remains 10 quail. Nonresidents hunting on WMAs must purchase a Game Bird Permit and check in and out of the WMA. —ODWC
New license rules for nonresident hunters This fall, nonresident deer licenses purchased after the corresponding season has opened will be subject to a two-day validation period before being activated. This is part of an effort to discourage unlicensed deer hunting in Oklahoma and is in effect now. In Oklahoma, hunters must possess a valid, active deer license in order to hunt; not just to harvest or check in a deer. However, recent data indicates that 34 percent of nonresident deer licenses purchased in 2024-25 in Oklahoma were bought within one hour of checking in a harvested deer, an indication that these hunters – and possibly others – are only purchasing the required license if they check in a deer.
Nonresident deer licenses bought up to the day before the start of the corresponding season do not have a two-day waiting period. For example, a nonresident hunter could purchase a nonresident deer archery license at 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 30 and legally hunt opening morning. But if that same deer license is purchased at midnight or later on Oct. 1, the license will not be valid until October 3. —ODWC
COLORADO
USA Shooting team dominated by Beretta Team Beretta athletes earned spots on the USA Shooting Open National Teams following strong performances at the 2026 Shotgun Fall Selection Match in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Competing against the nation's top shotgun athletes, Team Beretta's Vincent Hancock, Conner Prince, Brian Burrows and Kim Rhode secured positions on the USA Shooting Open National Teams in International Skeet and Trap. All four Team Beretta athletes competed with the Beretta DT11 throughout the selection process. Hancock led the way in International Skeet, taking second place in the men's competition. Hancock and Prince both earned spots on the Men's Open National Skeet Team, alongside Rhode, who earned a spot on the Women's Open National Skeet Team. In International Trap, Brian Burrows earned a position on the Men's Open National Trap Team. —Beretta
ARIZONA
Spring draw now open The Arizona Game and Fish Department is accepting applications for 2027 hunt permittags issued through the draw process for spring turkey, javelina, bison, bear and raptor capture. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026. Draw reminders: • Have a valid license—both at the time of application entry and on deadline day • Know your Customer ID • Protect your Bonus Points by purchasing a PointGuard product • Sign up to receive a hunter questionnaire via text message • Open an AZGFD portal account • Make sure your info is up to date. Log in to your portal account —AZGFD
UTAH
Waterfowl hunting reminders With the exception of tundra swans (which require a permit from the hunt drawing that ended July 14), the rest of the waterfowl hunts in Utah are open to anyone with a hunting or combination license. However, you are also required to have a Harvest Information Program (HIP) number to hunt any waterfowl or migratory game bird species. You can register for a free HIP number on the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website. If you're 16 years old or older, you must also obtain a federal migratory bird hunting and conservation stamp (duck stamp) annually to hunt ducks, geese and tundra swans. You can choose to purchase either a printed or electronic duck stamp before you go into the field to hunt. Duck stamps are valid July 1 through June 30 each hunting season. —UDWR
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September 25, 2026
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Hunting season Continued from page 1
disappeared with as dry as it’s been the past couple of months,” Meadows said. “However, we had excellent range conditions during the late spring and early summer. Things are looking great as we get ready to head into another hunting season.” Meadows said bucks are looking quite well in terms of both antler growth and body condition. He recently just started taking a hard look at game cameras to sort through the different age classes and calibers of bucks they will have available this season. “Our does are looking excellent, too, coming out of fawning season,” Meadows said. “It looks like we had a very productive fawn crop, as well.” With as dry as it is, Meadows expects there to be a lot of activity from bucks and does around blinds overlooking both corn and protein feeders when the MLDP season kicks off. “If hunters are able to handle sitting in a blind with how warm it is likely going to be when the season opens, they should enjoy some exciting hunts during the early morning and late evening hours,” Meadows said. Down near Batesville, Brian Dart manages the Trinity Ranch and a neighboring private ranch where he said the deer are slowly starting to become more visible during daylight hours after sunrise and before sunset. “Bucks started to lose their velvet back around the second week of month, and have been milling around in bachelor groups, hitting both protein feeders and native browse,” Dart said. “Our fawn crops are looking great this year. Timely rains, tall grass and vegetation growth, and plenty of cover have definitely played a major role with that.” Dart said bucks and does on both ranches are looking very healthy as far as body condition is concerned. He also said antler production looks to have been fantastic this year, as well. “We’ve had a lot of native vegetation make
tremendous rebounds due to the timely rains that we received throughout the late spring and summer, and things are looking really good as the season draws near,” Dart said. “The pasture is drying out some now, and I think we will be seeing plenty of activity around feeders when we start hunting.” Tim Young said things are awfully dry on the family-owned ranch he manages in Coryell County. He said the deer are hitting protein and corn feeders consistently due to the lack of native browse. “Even though it’s dry now, our deer herd is looking great,” Young said. “Plenty of timely rains throughout the spring and early summer combined with habitat management and supplemental feeding efforts, seem to have produced extremely positive results.” Young said the bucks are running around in bachelor groups and most have shed their velvet. “We don’t have much mast on the landscape in terms of acorns right now, so I expect to see a lot of deer around the feeders when we start hunting,” Young said. “Last year we had a huge crop of acorns, and it was honestly hard to even see a deer at a feeder at times during the early part of the season.” According to Young, fawn crops are looking good, and the quality of bucks across the property he manages seems to be tremendous, as well. “Our deer are looking awesome this year,” Young said. “Some of the does are so fat they look pregnant even though they aren’t. Antler wise, across the board, things are looking as good as they’ve ever been on the ranch. This is definitely one of the best September’s I’ve ever seen while managing this property in terms of the quality of our deer herd.”
QUIETLY.COMPACT
Thanks to good spring rains that fell at the right time across much of the state, bucks are in good condition despite a late-summer drought. Photo by Nate Skinner, for Lone Star Outdoor News.
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Hog hunting productive before acorns drop By Cory Byrnes
For Lone Star Outdoor News Hog hunting remains productive across East Texas, but it could become more challenging for hunters as acorns begin dropping, pulling hogs off their normal routine. At Boar Creek Ranch in Tennessee Colony, Bill Stypicks reports the hunts have been good this summer. Stypicks and his clients have a number of options when hunting hogs. They often hunt over corn, but also spot and stalk hogs, making for an exciting hunt with thermal optics. “We do a slow creep along the trails and check popular honey holes,” Stypicks said. He and his clients get plenty of opportunity doing that while avoiding the heat. “Most of our harvests on the thermal hunts are within 20 yards. So, yeah, it gets kind of exciting,” he said. During the heat of summer, it's a good way to hunt and remain comfortable. Stypicks said a big acorn drop would impact hunting over corn, but spot and stalk hunting would pick up. Bruce Honeycutt with White Oak Outfitters reports the hogs have been steady coming in for him and his clients northeast of Dallas. “We’ve done fairly well,” Honeycutt said. He and his clients primarily hunt over corn out of blinds. For Honeycutt and his clients, the evening hunts have been the most productive. “I've learned that if you go out there and try to hunt them in the mornings, then they don't hang around for the evenings, and the evenings are the best time,” he said. “The hunting will be good. Whether it turns on or not will depend on the acorn crop. If the acorns fall like they did last year, it will get tough.”
Late-summer hogs are still being taken in the afternoon around feeders and on nighttime hunts with thermals. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.
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September 25, 2026
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Big winner Continued from page 8
started the day before,” Silvas said. “She looked up our status with CCA and the tournament just to double check that our membership was current and we were for sure entered. Sure enough, we were good to go.” Silvas said they launched the boat and spent the morning fishing various areas around Mission Bay. “We bounced around from spot to spot, and really weren’t catching much of anything at all,” Silvas said. “After catching some small drum and moving around trying to find some bigger fish, I noticed a kayak angler come around a point. I wanted to go around and past him, but I didn’t want to disturb the area he was fishing. I decided to leave him to that stretch of water and give him plenty of room.” Silvas said the kayak angler fished in that spot for about an hour before leaving. Once the kayaker paddled off, he made a move toward the area he had been wanting to try. “By this time, it was about 1:30 in the afternoon,” Silvas said. “We trolled around for a bit and decided to make one more stop before heading in for the day. We ended up dropping our Power Pole down close to where the kayak angler had been fishing earlier.” Silvas threw out a dead shrimp on a bottom-fishing rig and placed his rod in the rod holder. “I had never fished that spot before, but I just had a feeling there might be a fish right there,” he said. All of a sudden, his rod bent over and he picked it up and set the hook. He knew it was a heavier fish, and at first thought it was bigger black drum. “Then we saw the fish turn on the surface, and we could see it was a redfish,” Silvas said. “I quickly asked Nicole to hand me the net.” Silvas said he landed the fish and got it on the deck of the boat. He said the fish didn’t look real
big, so he started reaching for his pliers in order to quickly release the red in case it wasn’t long enough to keep. All of a sudden, Nicole started yelling, “It’s tagged, it’s tagged, Matthew!” “I looked down and I saw the tag,” Silvas said. “When I looked back up at Nicole, she had tears in her eyes. Tears of joy, of course!” Silvas said his wife pulled out her phone, and she filmed him clip the tag and safely and successfully release the redfish. They then headed back into the boat ramp before taking the tag to Roy’s Bait and Tackle in Corpus Christi to officially enter the tagged redfish in the STAR tournament. About a week later, Silvas took a polygraph test to confirm he followed the rules of the tournament. “Talk about not sleeping for an entire week,” he said. “It seemed like that week went on forever.” The test results of the polygraph showed that Silvas was truthful and confirmed he was the first Red Tag Division winner of the 2026 CCA STAR Tournament. “My wife and I shed some tears of relief and joy after completing the polygraph test,” Silvas said. “That’s when it all really hit us. We couldn’t believe it. One cast, one bite, and one fish helped me reach my goal of getting a new boat for my family. It’s been an unbelievable and remarkable experience.” Silvas said he is scheduled to receive his truck, boat, motor, and trailer prize package later this fall. “Every time I tell my story to somebody about catching this tagged redfish, I always conclude it with the fact that I’m definitely going to listen to my wife more often,” Silvas said. “Because if she wouldn’t have said she wanted to go fishing that day, I would’ve gone golfing with my buddies instead.” Matthew Silvas fills out the paperwork to make his tagged redfish official. Photo by Nicole Silvas.
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Delmar Smith dies
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World-renowned dog trainer Delmar Smith passed away several weeks after his 100th birthday. According to his obituary, Delmar Smith was not merely a dog trainer; he was a legend. Widely regarded as the greatest dog trainer of all time, his innovative techniques and profound understanding of animal behavior revolutionized the field. His contributions are so significant that they have earned him a permanent place in the Bird Dog Hall of Fame at the National Bird Dog Museum. This is a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to the partnership between humans and their canine companions. The impact of Delmar’s life extends far beyond the accolades. He touched countless lives, both human and animal, with his unique blend of wisdom, patience, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every dog. His approach was always about building trust and fostering a positive relationship, a philosophy that resonated deeply with those fortunate enough to learn from him. Quail Coalition wrote a tribute to Smith. “We were saddened to learn of the passing of Delmar Smith yesterday. Delmar reached the age of 100 earlier this year and was still as sharp as ever. He was widely regarded as the greatest bird dog trainer of all time and has a permanent place in the Bird Dog Hall of Fame at the National Bird Dog Museum.” —Staff report
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Red tide found along Texas coast On Sept. 8, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists began receiving reports of a red tide bloom off of the coast of Galveston. Staff with TPWD Kills and Spills Team (KAST), who investigate fish and wildlife kills resulting from pollution or natural events, continue to monitor this occurrence. TPWD staff have been monitoring fish kills and taking water samples from Crystal Beach on Bolivar Peninsula south to the north jetty at Bolivar Roads. Additional areas being monitored include southern Galveston Island from the south jetty for about 12 miles, including in the vicinity of Steward Beach and Pleasure Island Pier. Water samples indicate moderate to high concentrations of red tide cells, and beachgoers are reporting mild to severe respiratory irritation resulting from the bloom. As of Sept. 14, fish kills are primarily composed of Gulf menhaden and striped mullet, though other common species are being observed in smaller numbers. KAST is continuing to monitor the extent and composition of this event. —TPWD
Mahi
September 25, 2026
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Nilgai Continued from page 4
sound, but nothing came to look for the baby. Oxford said he likes to hunt nilgai because the meat is so tasty, but finding a baby in a pasture alone? “It was pretty weird and crazy. It actually walked toward me. Maybe it thought I was his mom.” As to Dos the pointer? “Well, he didn’t disappoint,” Oxford said.
4 Bar C
Continued from page 9
Continued from page 5
Hannah Hill and a deckhand show off the unusual inshore catch. Photo by Tony Vindell, for Lone Star Outdoor News.
fish Federal water limit. Steve Franks, who lives near Marble Falls, and Randy Schroeder, of Port Mansfield, said they had a good time going offshore. “We both got our two snapper,” Franks said. “It was a good trip.” Roy Cagle, the boat captain, said anglers caught three amberjack and many red snapper the day before. But catching a mahi mahi so close to the beach was pretty rare and the highlight of the trip.
Crim said he and Montalvo really try to focus their efforts on the entire experience of the hunt. “We really enjoy the hustle it takes to find and stay on the animals we are pursuing with our hunters,” Crim said. “That’s the fun part. That’s where the adventure lies. The harvest is just the icing on the cake, and we strive to make the journey and experience of the hunt as memorable as possible for our hunters.” At the end of the day, Crim said their goal is for a hunter to have enjoyed the experience of the hunt so much that no matter whether they successfully harvested an animal or not, they want to come back and do it again. “That’s the feeling that we are chasing,” Crim said. “That’s what keeps us coming back for more, and that’s the feeling we hope our hunters walk away with after a hunt with us. And hopefully, throughout that process we create some lifelong friendships along the way.” Crim has been working in the outdoor industry since he was a young teen. At age 13, he started helping some family friends with their upland game bird business and began running hunts with them at age 16. As he grew older, he started to help other friends that had large ranches focused on managing white-tailed deer. Montalvo joined in on the fun during his high school years. “What we love most about outfitting and guiding is the people,” Crim said. “There is something special about a person that enjoys the outdoors. Even more so, a parent bringing a child, teenager, or young adult along with them, whether it’s for their first hunt or their hundredth hunt. Sharing the passion for the animals we pursue and the landscape we get to enjoy is one of the greatest gifts in life. That’s why we do what we do.”
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