No drone for you
TPWD rules drones illegal for surf fishing
By Conor Harrison
Star outdoor newS
Surf anglers who use drones to fly baits past the breakers away from shore will have to find a new approach to targeting sharks and other big fish.
According to a press release, “due to technological advancements with Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), also known as drones, now widely available, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has noticed an increase in questions connected to their use in relation to fishing and wildlife. Some of the most frequent questions have been about the legality of using drones for deploying bait by surf or bank fisherman.”
To address this, TPWD staff reviewed Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 19.11, also known as the Federal Airborne Hunting Act (AHA), which was first enacted in 1956. Staff also sought guidance from the Office of Law Enforcement within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The result of that analysis and discussion is the determination that 50 CFR § 19.11 (b) (2) prohibits the use of aircraft, which includes UAS or drones, to take or attempt to take wildlife, or aid in the act of fishing.
Definitions as defined in 50 CFR§10.12 that apply to 50 CFR § 19.11:
• Aircraft means any contrivance (device) used for flight in the air.
• Fish or wildlife means any wild animal, whether alive or dead, including without limitation any wild mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, fish, mollusk, crustacean, arthropod, coelenter-
By Cory Byrnes For Lone Star outdoor newS
Cold fronts have finally started coming to Texas, and the crappie are transitioning to more late fall, winter patterns.
On Lake Conroe, avid fisherman Mike Bolen reports the fishing has been excellent.
“They’re feeding pretty
Starting up
Rutting activity gains momentum down south
By Nate Skinner
For Lone Star outdoor newS
Deer hunters in the southern portion of the state are beginning to see more bucks cover ground and stake claim of their territory as rutting activity gains momentum. Some of the best action has taken place during cold snaps, and many have been enjoying exciting sits from their stands and blinds.
Jake Fuller has been spending quite a bit of time on his in-law’s ranch in the Charlotte area lately and has seen young and middle-aged bucks getting into full blown brawls and bumping just about every doe they come across.
“The mature bucks have swollen necks, and look to be following suit any day now,” Fuller said.
Other hunters from the Charlotte area reported that bucks have started chasing pretty hard. Rattling has produced consistent action, more so from young to middle class bucks, rather than from mature bucks.
Russell Ernst hunted several days in Goliad County and said rutting activity was starting to kick off.
“Bucks were chasing does, covering a lot of ground, and fighting,” he said. “They were on their feet most of the day, it seemed.”
Wilson and Karnes County hunters have been reporting full blown rut activity. Many are observing bucks they have never seen before, cruising through open fields and senderos, looking for hot does.
Devin Leissner has been hunting on a property he leases in the Freer area, where he said he has observed many mature bucks searching steadily for receptive does.
“Rutting activity seemed to really kick
Crappie descending
heavy, getting ready for the cold weather and spawning in February,” Bolen said.
He has been targeting brush piles in 10 to 20 feet of water around the lake.
“They’re usually there,” he said. “We will give it 10 to 15 minutes, and if they’re not biting, we will go find another pile.”
Most of his success has come on jigs and soft plas-
tics.
“We’re just using jigs and hand ties,” Bolen said. “On an overcast day, the darker colors like black and chartreuse work well.”
“Don’t be afraid to look for them on the bottom; they have been really tight to the bottom lately,” Bolen added.
On Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Alton Jones with Jonesn4crappie says the
Bucks are starting to square off in South Texas as the traditional rut dates approach. Photo by Nate Skinner, for Lone Star Outdoor News.
Lone
Anglers should target brush piles and quickly move to cover more water for big crappie. Photo by David. J. Sams, for Lone Star Outdoor News.
FRIDAY 10 A.M. – 6 P.M.
10 A.M. – 6 P.M. SUNDAY 10 A.M. – 5 P.M.
JOIN US FOR THE 2026 DALLAS SAFARI CLUB CONVENTION & SPORTING EXPO IN ATLANTA!
Experience one of the largest conservation fundraising events in the U.S. at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia! Explore a massive expo featuring top outfitters, gear manufacturers, and conservation partners, plus thrilling banquets and auctions.
REGISTER NOW and be part of this extraordinary event that celebrates the future of hunting and conservation!
DAY PASSES:
BANQUET & SPECIAL EVENTS PRICING:
Thursday Evening Banquet & Auction – $250 | Table of 10: $2,250
Friday Evening Banquet & Auction – $250 | Table of 10: $2,250
Saturday Evening Banquet & Auction – $250 | Table of 10: $2,250
Combo Banquet Ticket (Thu, Fri, & Sat) – $625 | Table of 10: $5,750
Conservation Champions Breakfast & Auction – $125
Ladies Luncheon & Auction – $150 | Table of 10: $1,500
First Responders & Military: FREE (with valid ID) | Minors (16 & under): FREE Scan for Ticket Registration 1-DAY: $25 2-DAY: $45 3-DAY: $60
Nomadic wingshooter
Alaska-based dog trainer comes to Texas
By Nate Skinner
For Lone Star outdoor newS
Elijah Barbour owns and operates Folded Wing Kennels, which is based in Alaska and focuses on producing versatile and well-rounded hunting dogs through quality and effective training.
But during the fall he travels to Texas to guide upland bird hunts at Greystone Castle and Sporting Club. This hunting season marks his third in Texas, as he has truly become captivated with the history, rich tradition, and diverse hunting opportunities that Texas has to offer.
Barbour grew up hunting and training Labrador retrievers in Montana with his father. Upon graduating from college, he initially began a career in the medical field, and ended up moving to Alaska with his wife, Bri. From there, he started training dogs on the side and fell in love with a breed of hunting dog called Deutsch Drathaars, similar to a German Wirehaired Pointer.
“We were going hunting in Alaska every chance we got, and I really wanted to find a breed of dog I could take along on just about any type of hunt,” Barbour said. “I wanted a companion that could always go with me and one I could rely on, and I discovered a Drathaar would be the perfect fit. This breed of hunting dog is extremely versatile, and can effectively be used for blood trailing, tracking fur, hunting, and pointing upland game birds, retrieving waterfowl and a variety of game birds.”
Taking ownership of his first Drathaar motivated Barbour to focus his dog training business on developing versatile hunting dogs that could thrive in a variety of scenarios and hunting applications, regardless of their breed. After working in the medical field for about 7 years, and training dogs on the side for the final two of those, he decided to end his medical career and become a fulltime dog trainer. That was the beginning of Folded Wing Kennels, and he hasn’t looked back ever since.
Barbour enjoys pursuing big game, but his passion is hunting upland birds. This passion was instilled in him at a young age by his father, and it’s that same passion that brings him to Texas each year. Starting in August, he begins hunting ptarmigan in Alaska and works his way down to Texas to guide upland hunts at Greystone Castle.
“I start training dogs around mid-April to the beginning of May in Alaska, and that lasts until about the first or second week of August,” Barbour said. “I accept and train all versatile breeds of hunting
HUNTING
After 43 years
LSON Foundation revives a lost family legacy
By Conor Harrison Lone Star outdoor newS
Scott Fowler did not grow up a deer hunter.
But the Louisiana native, who currently works for Dallas Safari Club as their Convention Services Coordinator, had heard enough stories from people around his office that he knew it was something he had to experience for himself.
When the Lone Star Outdoor News Foundation heard Fowler had an interest, the plan was quickly set in motion for an early November deer hunt on a ranch north of Abilene.
“It was early November, but it was chilly,” Fowler said. “I think we caught the first cold front of the year. The moon was just past
full, so it was bright at night.”
The group departed from Dallas and arrived Friday morning to the ranch, where Fowler said another hunter had just taken his first deer when they arrived.
“He had shot his first buck earlier that morning and everyone was gathered around the skinning shed,” he said. “I’d never shot a rifle, so we went to the range after lunch and I got shown the ropes. I hit the target 10 out of 10 times, and we were ready to head out.”
The first evening sit saw lots of action, with many younger bucks chasing does around the feeder. Nothing mature enough was spotted to consider taking a shot, so Fowler sat back and enjoyed the show.
“We saw tons of deer,” he said. “I’d never seen so many deer.”
The next morning, the group again had lots of deer around, and one wide 8-pointer came in later in the morning that caught the group’s attention.
“The buck came in and we just weren’t
Perfect fit
Bergara B-14 HMR
great for youth and adult hunters
By Nate Skinner For Lone Star outdoor newS
When searching for a rifle for their son or daughter, many hunters may be inclined to go with a youth model version of a firearm to better fit the smaller stature of their child. While this is a perfectly good route to take, it inevitably leads to a future hurdle, as the youth hunter will eventually outgrow the rifle. Bergara offers a solution for that with their B-14 HMR series of rifles.
My 8-year-old son has been shooting and hunting with the Bergara B-14 Wilderness HMR CF rifle chambered in 6.5 Creed-
moor this season.
The stock of this rifle features length of pull spacers, that can be removed or added. We initially removed some spacers to shorten the length of pull to accommodate for his small frame. However, as he grows in the future, the firearm will be able to grow with him, as we can add spacers to the stock to increase the length of pull.
sure if he was old enough,” Fowler said. “He was really wide, so we thought he might be younger.”
Fowler got to experience other aspects of the hunt during the midday lull, when he helped fill feeders and take care of some ranch work that needed to be done. Then it was back to the blind for another sit, hoping a mature deer would appear before dark.
The stock of this rifle also features an adjustable cheekpiece. Adjusting the height of the cheekpiece is simple, and can be done quickly by hand, by turning the regulation screw located on the side of the buttstock of the gun.
The adjustability of the length of pull and the adjustable cheekpiece make the B-14 Wilderness HMR CF rifle a firearm that anyone, regardless of their size and stature, can comfortably and accurately shoot. This versatility is a key factor to consider, when it comes to spending your hardearned money on a new hunting rifle.
Perhaps the most impressive feature on the rifle is the trigger. It comes light and smooth right out of the box. Having added aftermarket triggers to other rifles in the past, I see no need to do
This big, wide 8-point taken by Scott Fowler was the first deer taken in his family in over four decades. Photos by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.
Alaska based dog trainer, Elijah Barbour, and his wife, Bri, travel from Alaska every fall to Texas for Barbour to guide hunts. Photo from Elijah Barbour.
Youth and adult shooters will love the simplicity and power of the new Bergara B-14 HMR.
Photo by Nate Skinner, for Lone Star Outdoor News.
RPQRR seeks samples
The Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch is again asking for hunters to submit quail samples to be included in a research project looking at the prevalence of eye worms and cecal worms in quail. Last year almost 400 hunter harvested birds were examined.
RPQRR are especially looking for birds from properties that are feeding the medicated feed, QuailGuard, last year only 45 birds came from properties that were feeding the medicated feed, ROQRR is hoping to increase its sample size this year. The ranch needs birds from both fed and non-fed properties.
Have questions or need more info, contact: roshaughnessy@quailresearch.org, dwright@quailresearch.org.
—RPQRR
DSC adds Coastal Bend chapter
Dallas Safari Club has announced the launch of its newest chapter, the DSC Coastal Bend Chapter, serving the greater Corpus Christi and Coastal Bend region of Texas.
The new chapter will be led by Chapter President Brooke Lowry, along with a dedicated group of local conservation-minded volunteers. DSC Coastal Bend will focus on building community engagement, supporting wildlife conservation initiatives, and strengthening the connection between ethical hunting and responsible stewardship of natural resources.
In describing the chapter’s purpose, Lowry said, “At DSC Coastal Bend, we are dedicated to promoting a deeper understanding of the vital connection between conservation and ethical hunting. Through education and outreach, we aim to highlight how responsible hunting practices support wildlife management, protect habitats, and fund critical conservation efforts around the world. By engaging individuals of all ages, including the next generation, we foster a lasting respect for nature and ensure the future of our wild resources remains strong and sustainable.”
The DSC Coastal Bend Chapter will host educational programs, conservation fundraisers, community outreach events, youth engagement activities, and networking opportunities for hunters and conservation supporters throughout the region. Its formation strengthens DSC’s growing network of chapters that work year-round to protect wildlife, defend hunting heritage, and invest in future conservation leaders.
— DSC
Graphic by RPQRR
AK to TX
dogs, including retrievers; how ever, I prefer to train Drathaars.”
From about August 10th through the end of October, Bar bour chases wild upland game birds from Alaska to Montana with his personal dogs. He then begins guiding at Greystone at the end of October to the begin ning of November, and guides upland bird hunts there through mid-March, before making his way back to Alaska.
It’s also a family affair. Barbo ur’s wife travels alongside him, and is passionate about hunting and hunting dogs as well. She does contract work in the medi cal field while they travel back and forth between Texas and Alaska. While they both love Drahthaars, they also appreciate all breeds of hunting dogs, such as retrievers, pointers, and jag dterriers.
“Texas is definitely a different animal than what I’m used to because of how privatized it is in terms of land,” Barbour said. “My favorite thing about hunting on private land in Texas is the history that has been preserved in the soil, because it hasn’t been bombarded by the public. For example, you can be on a hunt somewhere and stumble across an arrowhead or an artifact. To me, that is something that’s really special about land in the Lone Star state.”
Barbour said he also loves the diverse hunting opportunities that Texas offers.
“I feel like so many Texans get caught up in jumping in their buggy or ATV, sitting in a blind, and hunting over a feeder during fall hunting seasons,” Barbour said. “There’s nothing wrong with that, but there are legitimate year-round hunting opportunities here if you just put boots on the ground and take advantage of them. From quail and other birds, to varmints, hogs, predators, and small game, there’s always something to pursue and different strategies to try.”
Anytime Barbour has free time between guiding hunts while he is here in Texas, he enjoys calling and hunting predators and varmints, hunting waterfowl, hunting small game, and pursuing wild upland game birds on public land.
Bergara rifle
so with this gun. The trigger is ready to hunt, as is.
This rifle has a Carbon Fiber barrel, which not only makes it lighter, but also allows it to maintain precise accuracy in harsh and extreme conditions and environments. The barrel is also equipped with a threaded 5/8-24 Omni muzzle bake.
The action of the B-14 Wilderness HMR CF rifle by Bergara is extremely smooth and produces super clean feeding and extraction of cartridges. It also features a Cerakote finish, for advanced protection in inclement weather.
This rifle weighs in at 7.9 pounds and has an overall length of 40 inches. It comes with a detachable five round magazine, and the stock features QD flush cups for easy attachment and detachment of slings.
I have been extremely impressed with this rifle from the moment we took it out of the box. It is accurate, versatile, and an excellent firearm to hunt with. Simply add your preferred optic of choice, sight it in, and get out there.
Alaska based dog trainer, Elijah Barbour, travels to Texas each year to guide upland game birds hunts. In his free time, he enjoys all types of hunting with dogs, including pursuing small game. Photo from Elijah Barbour
The Bergara B-14 HMR is great for young shooters because of its versatility. Photo by Nate Skinner, for Lone Star Outdoor News.
Based in Texas and in Africa, LONE STAR AFRICA offers traveling hunters a unique service. With partners in Africa, yet based in Texas, we bring you Africa with absolute peace of mind. Based on our media knowledge, understanding of every element of the safari, it is time to take care of hunters, from A-Z.
How it works
• A unique ‘End-to-End’ service, where traveling is about enjoying the safari and us taking care of every detail. We take care of:
• Booking flights through an agent who specialises in this.
• Arranging the Joburg airport meet and greet, gun permits if you need, overnight accommodation with Afton Safari Lodge.
• Transfers to and from the game lodge.
• On the ground, 24/7 contact, while in Africa, giving you ‘in-country’ peace of mind.
• Offering the most affordable ALL-IN safari pricing using trusted and qualified outfitters.
• Ensuring the taxidermy & trophy shipping - of your trophies is efficient, superior quality and the most affordable solution. From the salt on the game farm to your trophy room, finished and processed, this turnkey A-Z, one point of contact service; is what we call taking care ‘after the hunt.’
FISHING
Tarpon by the roadside
By Tony Vindell For Lone Star outdoor newS
Has anyone heard the saying, “some things will never happen until they happen?”
That is exactly what took place recently at the popular Gayman Bridge on Texas Highway 48 between Brownsville and Port Isabel.
The span runs on top of a small canal that flows from the Brownsville Ship Channel to the Bahia Grande, a large body of water within a unit of the Lagu-
All about nymphing
Rainbow stockings spur Hill Country anglers
By Cory Byrnes For Lone Star outdoor newS
On the Guadalupe River south of Canyon Lake, Justin Janavaris with Guadalupe River Outfitters reports that with the first few stockings done, fishing has started to pick up.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department trout stocking has started for the 20252026 season. Local fishermen are coming out to enjoy the once-a-year opportunity to catch trout in Texas.
“It’s been good. Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited just stocked the river about a week ago, and the fish are finally getting acclimated,” Janavaris said. “When they stock, in my experience, it fires up the holdovers.”
Janavaris and his clients target both stockers and holdovers — fish released in previous years that made it through the summer — with nymphs during their floats.
“It’s all about nymphing and getting those good drifts,” Janavaris said. San Juan worms, Hares’ ear, pheasant tail, and egg patterns have been very productive. You can catch them on streamers, but dry flies or top water haven’t been productive. We don’t really get any dry fly action until later in the year, around March.”
Janavaris has been targeting the slower, deeper sections where the fish can get away from the pressures of the shallow water wade anglers.
“When you slow it down and get into that deeper, more technical stuff, those bites are really subtle. It can be tough but
great,” Janavaris said.
What is typically viewed as trout water for area wade anglers has been productive, as well. Wade anglers should look for riffles with boulders or a nice drop-off. TPWD will begin their stocking of the Guadalupe next week and continue to do so every Friday through the end of January.
“We are in prime fishing time,” Janavaris said.
Closer to major metro areas, anglers can catch trout at any of the many lakes stocked in the winter by TPWD.
“My goal this year is to catch a trout on a Tenkara rod,” said Sunny Lee, a fisherman in the north Dallas area. “Though I expect that’s going to be hard at the ponds since people are usually shoulder to shoulder.”
Lee was using bead-head nymphs that will sink to the trout’s level. When he uses conventional tackle, he likes to rig a dropshot with power worm.
“The power worm floats, so slight twitches make big movements,” Lee said. “You can’t go wrong with chartreuse garlic-scented PowerBait or corn.”
Other anglers are finding success with small rooster tails and spoons. Being mobile on the water helps, but can be difficult in crowds.
“I would only move around if it’s not packed with people. Otherwise, I stay in place,” Lee said. “Trout fishing for stockers requires patience, not for catching the fish but for the people around you.”
Recently stocked trout will stay bunched up for a couple of days after they are placed. After about 72 hours, the fish will spread out, and anglers will need to move around more to find them in the bigger ponds.
na Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.
The canal is a gathering spot for local anglers for a variety of fish, including red and black drum, speckled trout, mangrove snapper, snook and sheepshead.
On more than one occasion, anglers have spotted sharks swimming back and forth, but no attacks have ever been reported.
But on Dec. 3, one angler was left “happier than a mackerel” after he caught a fish that had not been seen there until now. It was a 30-inch long
juvenile tarpon.
“I can’t still believe it,” said Seth Rodriguez, minutes after he brought the fish to show it off to the other dozen fishermen on the north bank of the canal. “It took the drag as I have never experienced before.”
He thought he hooked a bull red by the way it felt, but little did he know the fish was one of the hardest fighting saltwater fish in the world.
“I saw it jumping out of the water,” he said. “It was tarpon.”
Rodriguez said his heart was pound-
Remembering John Hale
John Hale, 82, from Lufkin, beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away on November 29. He was born in Hosston, Louisiana to Gethra and James Hale and grew up with a strong sense of duty and a passion for adventure.
After graduating from high school, John pursued higher education at Louisiana Polytechnic University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He proudly served in the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of Captain. During his service, he flew UH-1 Huey helicopters in Vietnam with the 281st Attack Helicop-
ter Company, known as “Ratpack,” and the 176th Attack Helicopter Company.
Following his military service, John embarked on a diverse career, working in various fields, from shipping yards in New Jersey to a liquor representative in Houston. He eventually settled in Lufkin, where he dedicated over 40 years to Stanley Jigs, culminating in his role as CEO of Stanley Jigs and Hale Lure for the last 14 years. His passion for designing fishing baits was a labor of love, shared with his brothers.
An avid fisherman, John com-
peted professionally on the B.A.S.S. tournament trail, showcasing his skills and dedication. He qualified for the prestigious Bassmasters Classic in Richmond, Virginia, finishing an impressive 5th overall. Locally, he participated in tournaments with Red Man, Lone Star Bass, Anglers Choice, and the Bass Champs Team Circuit.
“I fished with John many times on both private and public waters in East Texas,” said David J. Sams, LSON Owner. “He was constantly teaching me about fishing and the lures he built and sold. One day on
Seth Rodriguez holds the 30-inch tarpon he pulled from a roadside bridge near Highway 48. Photo by Tony Vindell, for Lone Star Outdoor News.
Ryan and Justin Janavaris with a big holdover rainbow trout from the Guadalupe River. Photo by Justin Janavaris, Guadalupe River Outfitters.
John Hale was a legend in the bass industry. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.
Easier to predict
Trout action turning on
By Nate Skinner
For Lone Star outdoor newS
The strongest cold fronts of the year recently passed over the Texas coast, producing the one thing that most speckled trout fanatics have been anticipating the entire fall — cooler water temperatures. Anglers and fishing guides have been taking advantage of the recent cool down to better predict speckled trout movements and behaviors, as the fish are finally beginning to settle into their fall patterns.
According to one of the latest social media reports from Capt. Jay Watkins, the water temperature in the Rockport area dropped about 22 degrees over the course of a few days as a result of the passage of recent strong cold fronts. Watkins said he’s been anxiously awaiting this cooler weather and decrease in water temperatures to be able to pattern and target bigger speckled trout more effectively.
Esteban Vela has been pursuing specks in Baffin Bay, where he said he’s been catching quite a few fish in the 20- to 23-inch range over grass flats in about 1.5 feet of water while wade fishing.
“Most of these trout have been feeding alongside upper slot and oversized redfish,” Vela said. “Soft plastics and top-water baits have been drawing plenty of strikes. Most of the action has come from stretches of water where I’ve been seeing mullet nervously cruising along the surface.”
Vela said he’s also been finding some larger trout while wade fishing in about waist deep water along the edges of grass beds adjacent to drop-offs. He caught and released a 27-inch trout during a recent trip after moving out a little deeper, away from the knee- to thigh-deep flat where he had
been catching some smaller fish.
“I saw some bait working out deeper off the edge of the grass flat near a drop-off,” Vela said. “I worked my way towards it and made a cast, and it paid off.”
Avid Sabine area angler Logan Mitchell said the recent drop in air and water tem peratures finally has speckled trout truly settling into their typical fall patterns.
“Salinity levels are currently stable in both the Neches and Sabine rivers, and good numbers of solid trout can be found in both watersheds, south of Interstate 10, along points where bayous meet the main section of the rivers,” Mitchell said. “The fish are feeding on schools of shrimp and baitfish that are making their way down the rivers and bayous towards the north end of Sabine Lake.”
Mitchell said there are also plenty of specks concentrated along marsh drains and bayous on the eastern bank of Sabine Lake. During a low tide, the fish have been staging in the deepest portions of these drains and bayous. When water levels have been up, Mitchell said the trout have been feeding along the edges of the flats near the mouths of these drains and bayous. He’s been finding a steady bite in these areas during both incoming and outgoing tides.
Flats along drop-offs and ledges on the northern end of Sabine Lake have also been producing decent catches of speckled trout for anglers willing to wade fish, according to Mitchell. The key has been focusing on areas adjacent to deep water.
“Speckled trout in the 4- to 5-pound range are starting to be caught more consistently in a variety of areas across Sabine Lake, as well as in the Neches and Sabine rivers,” Mitchell said. “The most consistent bite from these larger class fish has been taking place in areas with high concentrations of finger mullet and needlefish.”
Mitchell has been having the most success when targeting trout while chunking soft plastics made by Down South Lures and Corky Fat Boys in bone and silver color patterns.
Anglers targeting speckled trout while wade fishing in Port Mansfield reported lots of fish in the 20- to 24-inch range coming from knee to waist deep water over potholes on top-waters, soft plastics, and slow sinking mullet imitation twitch baits. Some larger specks have been in the mix more frequently, as water temperatures have continued to cool down.
Lake Nasworthy surveys consistent
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department wrapped up their 2025 electrofishing season the week before Thanksgiving on Lake Nasworthy in San Angelo.
Results were consistent with past surveys. Prey species populations, bluegill, and gizzard shad looked good. Most of the bluegill sampled were 3 to 5 inches long and total bluegill numbers matched previous surveys. Gizzard shad numbers were also similar to past surveys with the majority this year ranging from 4 to 9 inches in length.
In total, TPWD sampled 106 largemouth bass, similar to last year and higher than the 2023 survey. Bass sampled went up to 22 inches in length with the heaviest fish weighing 8.8 pounds. Largemouth bass weights were average for smaller-size classes and high for larger-size classes. Thirteen fish were retained for age analysis; fish are reaching legal length in 3.8 years, consistent with previous Lake Nasworthy surveys. Though present, TPWD do not typically see many big largemouth bass in their electrofishing surveys; however, several fish over 6 pounds were sampled in the Lake Nasworthy survey this year.
— TPWD Inland Fisheries San Angelo
Photo by TPWD.
Anglers are beginning to catch more larger-class speckled trout while wade fishing with mullet imitation baits, as the fish are finally starting to settle into their typical fall patterns. Photo by Nate Skinner, for Lone Star Outdoor News.
TEXAS FRESHWATER FISHING REPORT
ALAN HENRY: 56 degrees; 4.58’ low. Crappie are good on minnows.
AMISTAD: Water stained; 59 degrees; 60.78’ low. Crappie are good on jigs. Catfish are good on cut bait.
AQUILLA: Water stained; 62 degrees; 0.97’ low. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Largemouth bass are good on spinnerbaits. Sand bass are fair on jigging spoons. Catfish are good on prepared baits.
ARLINGTON: Water slightly stained; 66 degrees; 0.14’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on soft plastics and crankbaits. Sand bass are fair on slabs. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs.
ARROWHEAD: Water stained; 55 degrees; 2.40’ low. Catfish are good on fresh cut shad.
ATHENS: Water stained; 66 degrees; 0.56’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on umbrella rigs, soft plastics and jigs. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows.
AUSTIN: Water clarity good; 60 degrees; 0.63’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on jerkbaits and weightless senkos.
BASTROP: Water stained; 65 degrees. Largemouth bass are fair on Texas rigs, and squarebilled crankbaits.
BELTON: Water stained; 64 degrees; 0.33’ high. White bass and hybrids are fair on slabs. Catfish are good on fresh cut shad and punch bait.
BENBROOK: Water stained; 62 degrees; 1.87’ low. Hybrids are fair on minnows and jigs. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are good on cut bait and stink bait.
BOB SANDLIN: Water stained; 65 degrees; 1.21’ low. Crappie are good on minnows.
BOIS D’ARC: Water stained; 57 degrees; 1.97’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, and swim jigs. Crappie are slow.
BRADY: Water stained; 60 degrees; 0.06’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie are slow.
BRAUNIG: Water stained; 66 degrees; Redfish are fair on soft plastics, spoons, and dead shrimp.
BRIDGEPORT: Water clear; 57 degrees; 4.43’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits and swimbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. White bass and hybrids are fair on slabs and trolling deep crankbaits. Catfish are good on cut bait and chicken liver.
BROWNWOOD: Water stained; 65 degrees; 2.42’ low. Largemouth bass are good on Alabama rigs, bladed jigs, crankbaits, and jigs. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. White bass are slow. Catfish are fair on cut shad.
BRYAN: Water stained; 65 degrees. Largemouth bass are slow.
BUCHANAN: Water stained; 65 degrees; 0.85’ low. Stripers are good on slab spoons. White bass are good on jigging spoons and live shad.
CADDO: Water stained; 58 degrees; Largemouth bass are good on rattle traps, crankbaits, chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, flukes, and ploppers.
White bass are good on rooster tails.
CALAVERAS: Water stained; 69 degrees; Redfish are good on soft plastics, spoons, and dead shrimp. Catfish are good on punch bait.
CANYON LAKE: Water stained; 72 degrees; 19.72’ low. Largemouth bass are good on soft plastics. Stripers are good on umbrella rigs, 3/4-ounce spoons, and big topwater baits. Crappie are slow.
CEDAR CREEK: Water slightly stained; 63 degrees; 3.03’ low. Hybrid striped bass and white bass are fair on spinnerbaits and slabs. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. Catfish are good on fresh gizzard shad and cut rough fish.
CISCO: Water stained; 72 degrees; 16.09’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on spinnerbaits and square-billed crankbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are good on cut shad and punch bait.
COLEMAN: Water stained; 62 degrees; 2.82’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on finesse worms. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows.
COLETO CREEK: Water stained; 78 degrees; 2.91’ high. Largemouth bass are slow.
COMANCHE CREEK: 80 degrees; 0.29’ high. Largemouth bass are good on soft plastics. Catfish are good on cut bait and punch bait.
CONROE: Water stained; 68 degrees; 0.93’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits and creature baits. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on liver, worms, punch bait, and cut bait.
COOPER: Water stained; 60 degrees; 3.56’ low. Crappie are slow.
CYPRESS SPRINGS: Water stained; 65 degrees; 0.79’ low. Crappie are good on minnows.
DUNLAP: Water stained; 60 degrees. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are slow.
EAGLE MOUNTAIN: Water stained; 60 degrees; 1.56’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on spinnerbaits and jerkbaits. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. White bass are fair on slabs. Catfish are good on cut shad and live perch.
FALCON: Water stained; 61 degrees; 47.25’ low. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. Catfish are good on fresh cut bait, shrimp, and stink bait.
FAYETTE: Water stained; 68 degrees; full pool.
Largemouth bass are fair on rattletraps, spinnerbaits, and Carolina rigs.
bait.
GEORGETOWN: Water stained; 65 degrees; 9.19’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on shad imitation baits, topwaters and spinnerbaits.
GRAHAM: Water stained; 67 degrees; 3.68’ low. Crappie are slow. Sand bass and hybrids are fair on crankbaits trolling. Catfish are fair on cut shad.
GRANBURY: Water stained; 65 degrees; 0.14’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits and soft plastics. Sand bass are fair on slabs and spinnerbaits. Stripers are good on swimbaits and live shad. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on cut shad.
GRANGER: Water stained; 66 degrees; 0.42’ high. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are slow. White bass are fair on spinners and jigs. Catfish are good on cut shad and live bait.
GRAPEVINE: Water stained; 60 degrees; 0.73’ low. White bass are fair on slabs and small swimbaits. Crappie are fair on jigs. Catfish are fair on cut bait.
GREENBELT: Water stained; 78 degrees; 51.00’ low. Sand bass are good on minnows. Crappie are slow.
HAWKINS: Water slightly stained; 62 degrees. Largemouth bass are fair on small poppers.
HOUSTON: Water clear; 72 degrees; 0.08’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on spinnerbaits, top-waters, crankbaits, twitch baits, grubs, and Texas-rigged plastics. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. White bass are fair on pet spoons and live shad. Catfish are good on stinkbait and fresh shad.
HOUSTON COUNTY: Water stained; 52 degrees; 0.14’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on reaction baits.
HUBBARD CREEK: Water Stained; 60 degrees; 13.93’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs.
INKS: Water stained; 60 degrees; 0.88’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on Texas-rigged Senkos and finesse jigs.
JACKSONVILLE: Water stained; 60 degrees; 0.10’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on jigs, square-billed crankbaits, soft plastics, and jigs.
JOE POOL: Water stained; 60 degrees; 0.24’ low. Largemouth bass and sand bass are fair on crankbaits. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. Catfish are fair on cut bait.
FORK: Water stained; 57 degrees; 2.52’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on chatterbaits, lipless crankbaits, jerkbaits, and Carolina rigs. Sand bass are fair on slabs. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows.
FT PHANTOM HILL: Water stained; 5.05’ low; 62 degrees. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. Hybrids are fair on slabs. Catfish are fair on cut
LAKE O’ THE PINES: Water stained; 65 degrees; 0.21’ high. Largemouth bass are good on jigs and Alabama rigs. Crappie are good on jigs.
LAVON: Water stained; 60 degrees; 2.11’ low. Largemouth bass are good on square-billed crankbaits and soft plastics. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. White bass are fair on swimbaits. Catfish are fair on cut shad.
LBJ: Water stained; 68 degrees; 0.30’ low. Largemouth
bass are fair on Alabama rigs, underspins, and minnows. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are good on punch bait and cut shad.
LEWISVILLE: Water stained; 60 degrees; 0.04’ low. Hybrid striper and white bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are fair on cut shad.
LIMESTONE: Water clear; 63 degrees; 1.69’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on chatterbaits, Rattle Traps, and soft plastics. White bass are good on spoons. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish fair on shad.
LIVINGSTON: Water stained; 56 degrees; 0.20’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on top-water baits, crankbaits, and soft plastics. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. White bass are good on spoons. Catfish are fair on cut bait and punch bait.
MARBLE FALLS: Water stained; 67 degrees; 0.68’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on shad imitation baits and topwater lures.
MARTIN CREEK: Water slightly stained; 59 degrees; 1.80’ low. Largemouth bass are good on Texas-rigged worms, Senkos, lipless crankbaits, and chatter baits. Crappie are fair on minnows. Sand bass are good on slab spoons and tail spinners. Catfish are fair on cut bait.
MEREDITH: Water stained; 59 degrees; 43.60’ low. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and sand bass are good on top-waters, chatterbaits, and spinnerbaits. Crappie are slow. Bluegill and perch are good on worms and corn. Walleye are good on jigs. Catfish are fair on livers, frozen shad, and stink bait.
Largemouth bass are good on crankbaits and jigs. White bass are good on slabs and jigging spoons. Catfish are fair on cut bait and stink bait.
OAK CREEK: Water lightly stained; 60 degrees; 22.23’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on soft plastics. Crappie are slow.
PALESTINE: Water stained; 60 degrees; 0.10’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits and swim jigs. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. Hybrids are fair on slabs. Catfish are good on cut bait.
PALO PINTO: Water stained; 60 degrees; 0.14’ low. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are fair on cut bait and fresh shad.
PINKSTON: Water light stain; 61 degrees. Largemouth bass are good on flukes and top-waters. Crappie are good on jigs. Catfish are slow.
POSSUM KINGDOM: Water stained; 62 degrees; 2.21’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on soft plastics. Sand bass are good on slabs. Stripers are fair on live bait. Catfish are good on cut bait and fresh shad.
PROCTOR: Water stained; 64 degrees; 2.28’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on soft plastics. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Hybrids are fair on slabs. Catfish are fair on cut bait.
RAY HUBBARD: Water stained; 64 degrees; 1.05’ low. White bass are fair on slabs. Crappie are slow. Catfish are good on punch bait and cut bait.
MILLERS CREEK: Water stained; 70 degrees; 3.49’ low. Largemouth bass are good on spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and buzzbaits. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs.
MURVAUL: Stained; 67 degrees; 0.72’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits and square-billed crankbaits. Crappie are fair on jigs. Catfish are good on cut bait and live minnows.
NACOGDOCHES: Water stained; 59 degrees; 1.83’ low. Largemouth bass are good on Carolina rigs and crankbaits. Crappie are fair on jigs. Catfish are fair on live minnows.
NACONICHE: Water stained; 65 degrees; full pool. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits, jerkbaits, glide baits, and top-waters. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are slow.
NASWORTHY: Water slightly stained; 62 degrees; 0.90’ low. Largemouth bass are fair flipping soft plastics. Crappie are fair on jigs. Catfish are fair on cut bait and stink bait.
NAVARRO MILLS: 67 degrees; full pool. White bass are good on spoons. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are good on perch.
O H IVIE: Water stained; 57 degrees; 18.78’ low.
RAY ROBERTS: Water slightly stained; 63 degrees; 0.89’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on swim jigs. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. Sand bass are fair on live bait and slabs. Catfish are good on cut bait.
RICHLAND CHAMBERS: Water slightly stained; 67 degrees; 1.94’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on jigs, square-billed crankbaits, and chatterbaits. Hybrids are good on Alabama rigs. White bass are good on slabs and spinnerbaits. Catfish are on punch bait and cut bait.
SAM RAYBURN: Water muddy; 59 degrees; 9.03’ low. Largemouth bass are good on spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits, crankbaits, and swim jigs.
SOMERVILLE: Water stained; 66 degrees; 2.74’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on craw jigs and soft plastic baits. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. White bass are slow. Hybrids are slow. Catfish are good on cut shad and punch bait.
SPENCE: Water stained; 60 degrees; 50.83’ low. Catfish are good on fresh cut shad and punch baits.
STAMFORD: Water stained; 65 degrees; 1.23’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Catfish are fair on cut bait. Crappie are good on jigs.
STILLHOUSE: Water stained; 64 degrees; 0.81’
n Saltwater reports Page 24
high. Largemouth bass are fair on soft plastics and Alabama rigs. White bass and hybrid striped bass are good on slabs.
TAWAKONI: Water lightly stained; 57 degrees; 1.49’ low. Largemouth bass are good on square-billed crankbaits. Hybrid stripers and white bass are good on swimbaits and slabs. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. Catfish are good on punch bait and cut bait.
TEXOMA: Water stained; 63 degrees; 0.34’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on swim baits. Stripers are good on live bait and swim baits. Catfish are good on whole gizzard shad and rough fish.
TOLEDO BEND: 71 degrees; 4.33’ low. Largemouth bass are good on swim jigs, lipless crankbaits, wacky worms, Texas rigs, and crankbaits.
TRAVIS: Water stained; 68 degrees; 12.67’ low. Largemouth bass are good on Texas-rigged craws and dropshot-rigged soft plastics.
TWIN BUTTES: Water stained; 60 degrees; 35.10’ low. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on fresh cut shad and punch bait.
TYLER: Water stained; 67 degrees; 1.33’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on spinnerbaits, trick worms, and crankbaits. Crappie are slow. Catfish are slow.
WACO: Water stained; 70 degrees; 0.35’ high. Crappie are fair on minnows.
WALTER E LONG: Water stained; 67 degrees. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, soft plastics, and swimbaits.
WEATHERFORD: Water stained; 60 degrees; 5.33’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair on stinkbait, cut bait, and shad.
WELSH: Water stained. 65 degrees. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs.
WHITE RIVER: Water stained; 65 degrees; 18.60’ low. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are fair on live bait and cut shad.
WHITNEY: Water stained; 64 degrees; 1.30’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on soft plastics. Striped bass are fair on live bait. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. White bass are slow. Catfish are good on punch bait. WORTH: Water normal; 62 degrees; 1.52’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are slow. Sand bass are good on jigs and slabs. Catfish are good on shad.
WRIGHT PATMAN: Water stained; 55 degrees; 3.68’ high. Crappie are good on jigs.
Primera resident Antonio Vindell shot this 10-point buck on Sunday, Nov. 15, on the second day of the 11-day Missouri white-tailed deer season.
Dalton Jones, 14, of Bedford, harvested this beautiful 10-point during youth weekend in the guided by his father at their family ranch in Clay County.
Mark Kruzel took this 344-inch elk near Montpelier, Idaho on Oct. 7, at 180 yards.
Thirteen-year-old McCrae Marin took this great buck in Throckmorton County on the family ranch.
Ron Kiffe and son Cooper Kiffe caught a 69-inch ling out of South Padre Island using dead pinfish on 20-pound braid along with cousins Eddie and Ethan Maciel
Chasing slabs
Continued from page 1
crappie are scattered around the lake at the moment.
“It won’t be long though, and they will be back in full swing. About another month, and it will be really good,” Jones said.
He and his clients have been finding the crappie on brush piles and just roaming around in 7 to 15 feet of water.
“The fish have been pretty spooky right now,” Jones said. “I have had to use a pretty long pole, a 13- or 14-foot pole with a LiveScope, kind of sneaking up on them.”
Most of his clients’ success has come from jigs and with a natural color soft plastic.
“We’re finally getting cold weather,” Jones said. “As we get a couple more cold fronts, the fish will start to stack up on the brush piles. Being mobile is key on Sam Rayburn this time of year.”
On Lake LBJ, the fishing has been good, according to Jess Rotherham with Texas Crappie Fishing Service.
The fish are transiting to winter patterns. He reports the crappie have been moving from the shallow brush piles to the deeper ones as the water temperatures continue to drop.
“They’re slowly moving to the deeper piles. The piles around 25 to 27 feet are producing better fish,” Rotherham said.
He and his clients have been using plastics and hair jigs.
“It really doesn’t matter which one you use, but I have been using smaller jigs,” Rotherham said.
Bone color jigs with white soft plastics have been the most productive color combo for Rotherham and his clients. For the hair jigs, his go-to colors have been orange and chartreuse. He has had to be mobile, however, to catch his limit.
“They’re just not really bunched up yet,” Rotherham said. “You’ll catch a few off of each pile, then you will need to move on. We need colder water to move a bit deeper, and then I think it will be better.”
Crappie traditionally will hold to the bottom better in cold weather, following the bait will move deeper.
Public access for Guadalupe trout fishing
Texas anglers have access to a new location for rainbow trout fishing during the peak of the winter stocking season thanks to a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department “no fee” access lease on the Guadalupe River.
Camp Huaco Springs, located between New Braunfels and Sattler, features nearly a half mile of bank access along alternating pools and riffles on the Guadalupe River. Anglers can use the bank, which is gently sloped and rocky, or wade fish both upstream and downstream to take advantage of a low-water dam at the upper end of the property or a deep pool at the lower end. They can also launch non-motorized boats, canoes, kayaks or other floatable devices for the purpose of fishing.
“This lease location provides great bank angler access to river trout fishing coupled with gorgeous Guadalupe River scenery,” said Patrick Ireland, San Marcos and Austin District Supervisor for TPWD’s Inland Fisheries Division.
Public access opens Dec. 5 and is available through March 7 from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
TPWD will stock this and other sections of the Canyon Tailrace (Guadalupe River downstream of Canyon Reservoir) with close to 20,000 rainbow trout during weekly stockings from early December through late January. This total includes 5,050 trout provided by the Water-Oriented Recreation District of Comal County to supplement TPWD’s efforts. Stocking locations include Guadalupe Park below Canyon Dam, the third and fourth river crossings on River Road and Camp Huaco Springs.
—TPWD
Anglers, like Vinny Vegas, are catching big crappie from deeper brush piles this month. Photo by Alton Jones.
South Texas rut
Continued from page 1
off on cooler days with the passage of cold fronts,” Leissner said. “Bucks have been raking tree branches and bushes, and overall feeder activity isn’t near what it was earlier in the season.”
Leissner said areas with scrapes and rub lines have seen more consistent activity from bucks.
“I’ve been seeing a lot of bucks cruising downwind boundaries like wooded edges and fence lines, in search of does,” Leissner said. “They are cruising by areas with feeders and checking for recent doe activity, but they aren’t sticking around and stopping to eat corn for very long.”
Leissner said he’s also been observing quite a bit of buck activity over water troughs during the mid to late morning hours.
According to David Sunderland at the Trinity Ranch in Batesville, rutting activity started earlier and has seemed to hit harder this season than it has years past.
“We’ve already counted several large, mature bucks that are significantly busted up,” Sunderland said. “I’m not talking about a couple of broken tines. We’re seeing broken main beams and bucks with racks that are halfway missing. So far, none of them have gotten locked up and perished. However, with the way the bucks are fighting this year, I wouldn’t be surprised if it happened before too long.”
Sunderland said pasture conditions are still extremely dry in their corner of South Texas.
“I can’t help but wonder if the drought has changed the deer herd’s diet enough to possibly weaken their antlers, causing them to break easier,” he said. “It’s hard to say for certain, but whatever the cause is, the rut is definitely hitting different this season.”
Two arrested for hunting on Baylor property
A Waco man was arrested Sunday, Nov. 28 after a game camera captured him hunting without permission on Baylor University property, according to a report from KWTX News in Waco.
Game wardens received an image from a game camera on Baylor property and found William Strasser, who admitted to hunting deer without permission on Baylor property and offered to show officers where he hid his rifle, investigators said.
Strasser was booked into McLennan County Jail on charges of hunting without landowner consent and criminal trespass with a firearm.
The investigation also involved an additional occurrence of hunting without consent Nov. 28 involving Caleb Donaldson, who had shot a doe on the property with a .30-30 rifle, according to the affidavit.
Donaldson was also arrested.
Game wardens accepting applications
Texas game wardens are seeking new applicants.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department began accepting applications Dec. 1 for the 69th Texas Game Warden and State Park Police cadet class. The application period will close Dec. 31.
The cadet class is open to those interested in enforcing conservation laws, public safety and joining the next generation of elite state law enforcement officers.
As fully commissioned peace officers, game wardens and park police officers are tasked with enforcing all Texas criminal laws and must enforce the Penal Code, Transportation Code and Health and Safety Codes much like their law enforcement colleagues in neighboring communities. Additionally, their responsibilities extend beyond the pavement as they patrol some of the most remote regions of the state, protecting Texas’ natural resources by enforcing hunting and fishing regulations, patrolling waterways, and keeping millions of residents and visitors safe while they enjoy the outdoors.
“Since 1895, Texas Game Wardens have been an elite branch of law enforcement that is critical to protecting our communities and Texas’ natural heritage,” said Col. Ron A. VanderRoest, TPWD Law Enforcement Director. “Honor, commitment and service guide our wardens every day as they focus on conservation enforcement, connect with the public and respond to emergencies and natural disasters across the state.”
Sparring is headed to full-blown combat this month in South Texas. Photo by Nate Skinner, for Lone Star Outdoor News.
Family legacy
Continued from page 4
Along with shooting a big buck, Fowler and friends hung out in a proper Texas deer camp for several days with
The afternoon sit was slow for the first hour or so, before the wide 8-point once again made an appearance.
“My guide, David Sweet, took another good look at him and said, ‘We just held a board meeting and we declare that deer is old enough.’ I got the gun ready and made a good shot. I wasn’t nervous when I got him in the scope, but it was pretty surreal — almost an out of body experience,” Fowler said. “I took the shot and thought it might be a little far back, but the buck fell right where he was standing and we could see his white belly.”
Walking up to the deer, Fowler said the buck kept getting wider.
“He was wide. He just caught your eye because he was so wide,” he said. “In the truck on the way to the skinning shed, I just kept thinking, I can’t believe that just happened.” Fowler said he noticed something else when he got back to his office at DSC headquarters in Dallas.
“I have a buck on my wall that my grandfather shot,” he said. “It had been 43 years since anyone in the family had shot a deer. And I had shot mine almost to the day that he shot his. That is pretty cool.”
Fowler added, “I am incredibly grateful to the Lone Star Outdoor News Foundation for the chance to experience my first hunt and harvest my first buck, marking the first buck in my family in 43 years. It’s a memory I’ll carry for the rest of my life and a story I can’t wait to pass down to my future kids.”
John Hale
Continued from page 8
Toledo Bend, I had to beg him to go in to get a hamburger. It was pushing close to 4 o’clock. He never wanted to stop.”
John was a devoted member of Harmony Hill Baptist Church in Lufkin, where he found community and fellowship.
John is preceded in death by his parents, James and Gethra Hale; his brothers, Robert and Jerry Hale; and his sister, Eleanor Hale Berkley. He is survived by his loving wife Nancy; his son Hunter, partner Kristin, and her children Ryleigh and Asher, all from San Antonio; his daughter Kalin from Houston; his brother William Hale and wife Peggy; sister Jeanette Edwards; and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his childhood best friend, Bill Cook.
John will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, dedication to family, and passion for fishing. He touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
In Memoriam
Lloyd Holder Cage passed away recently. Cage was a one-of-a-kind leader, mentor, and friend whose impact on his family, his community, and SCI will be felt, for generations.
A proud Texan, outdoorsman, and devoted family man, Lloyd’s greatest joy was introducing his grandchildren and countless others to hunting and the outdoors, passing along not just skills, but values of stewardship, camaraderie, and respect for wildlife. Alongside his wife Jane, Lloyd also found a deep love for Africa, particularly Namibia, and for the people and landscapes that shaped those unforgettable experiences.
Sixteen years ago, Lloyd, Jane, and Jeff Sizemore helped establish the Texas Brush Country Chapter of SCI. Under their leadership and example, the chapter has grown into an advocate for hunting, conservation, and youth involvement in the outdoors—work that stands as a lasting part of Lloyd’s legacy.
Lloyd never met a stranger, listened with intention, led with humility, and lived with humor and heart. We are all better for having known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jane and the entire Cage family during this time.
—SCI
the LSON Foundation. Photo by David J. Sams, for Lone Star Outdoor News.
25
TEXAS SUN, MOON AND TIDES
B.A.S.S High School All Americans
The Bassmaster High School All-American Fishing Team is welcoming its 12 newest members, and two Texas anglers made the cut.
Nearly 200 students in grades 10-12 applied for the prestigious honor. A panel of judges consisting of representatives from the sportfishing industry carefully considered the tournament resumes and extracurricular efforts of the young applicants to determine the Top 12 high school anglers in the country.
Dylan Sorrells, Dallas
As a senior at Highland Park High School, Dylan Sorrells won five tournaments across the state of Texas, each with a field size of 125 teams or more. Each win came at a different fishery, including Texas High School Bass Association (THSBA) events at Richland-Chambers Reservoir and Eagle Mountain Lake in 2025. Included in his five Top 5 finishes are a third-place finish at the THSBA State Championship at Lake Conroe against 186 teams and a second-place finish at a THSBA event at Lake Ray Roberts against 142 teams. He added nine Top 20 finishes to the resume as well, including a ninth place showing at the 2024 MLF High School National Championship. During his time fishing THSBA events, he won four consecutive Angler of the Year titles for the Metro Division.
“His work ethic, moral integrity and unshakable commitment to excellence make him not only a phenomenal angler, but a role model in every sense of the word,” Highland Park High School Bass Team school administrator Michelle Altom said. “Dylan is the kind of angler every coach dreams of — disciplined, humble and relentless in pursuit of excellence.” Hayden Ross, Spring
A self-taught angler, Grand Oaks High School’s Hayden Ross has grown into a formidable angler in his home state of Texas, which he showcased during his junior year. In 2024, Ross won the Texas A&M Open against 50 other teams. Between local tournaments and high school tournaments, Ross accumulated two Top 5 finishes and seven Top 20 finishes, including a seventh-place finish at Sam Rayburn Reservoir in the 2024 Student Angler Federation State Championship.
“Hayden’s success as an angler is entirely self-made. Unlike many of his peers who benefit from multi-generational family experience, including professional angling backgrounds, Hayden’s skill is the sole product of his relentless research, self-discipline and hard work,” former Grand Oaks High School principal James Bush said. “He has achieved elite competitive status without the benefit of a family background in the sport, demonstrating that passion and personal grit are his greatest captains.”
No drones
Continued from page 1
ate, or other invertebrate, whether or not bred, hatched, or born in captivity, and including any part, product, egg, or offspring thereof.
The law as interpreted has confused surf anglers who use drones, who say there was no issue with using drones to fly baits out to the surf, so why the new regulation?
“This has kind of come out of nowhere,” said Matagorda County surf angler David Cain. “We were not aware of anything in the works. Nobody knows where it came from or why now? It’s not a good interpretation of the rules. Nothing in the old law was intended to keep you from using a drone.”
Cain, a retiree, said he fishes for sharks more than 100 days annually, where he records measurements and tags them for the Harte Research Institute. He said his drones are all federally registered with the FAA. He also said banning drones makes surf fishing for himself and others like him much more dangerous.
“It’s more of a safety issue with me,” he said. “I’m retired now but I used to kayak a lot. I can’t get out there and get beat up in the surf like I used to, stepping on stingrays and getting pounded by waves. I tag sharks for the Harte Institute, and the drones made that so much more feasible.”
While the use of drones for fishing has been banned at federally-owned properties like Padre Island National Seashore, they were allowed on up to 80 percent of the Texas coastlines for fishing.
Although hunters currently need special permits to shoot animals like hogs from the air, as the law is written, it seems this interpretation would make aerial hunting of such wildlife illegal. And if a federal law was cited by TPWD for the language to ban drone fishing, why do other neighboring states such as Louisiana and Florida not have the same regulations in place?
As of press time, TPWD had not responded to LSON’s request for clarification to the new regulations.
Online the reaction from surf anglers was overwhelmingly negative to the new interpretation.
“It’s all about the permit, right? How long until a “UAS Tax” is instituted? As long as the government gets paid it’s ok,” posted Austin Cavazos on the TPWD Game Warden Facebook page.
“What problem are they trying to solve by prohibiting bait drops?” asked Matthew Akers.
“Just go to bait cannons. Problem solved,” said Kenneth Foster. Check back with LSON as we cover this developing story.
Continued from page 8
ing as he tried to reel the fish in shortly after 9:25 a.m.
“It was a fight,” he said. “But I finally got it.” Rodriguez said he went to the canal to take advantage of the first cold snap of the year, hoping to catch specks, a redfish or a black drum.
The fishing hole is known to catch fire and become one the best spots in this whole region of the Rio Grande Valley whenever a cold front arrives.
For many anglers, it’s the spot to be at the right time.
On the day before, Monday Dec. 2, some anglers said it was a day for black drum, as they were catching them left and right on crabs.
The next day, others like Jonas Serna, Samuel Montejo and Fabian Martinez caught more than 20 specks but only kept seven to take home.
But for Rodriguez, the 21-year Harlingen resident, nothing can beat catching a tarpon in a placed nobody has seen or caught one before.
Tarpon are usually caught toward the tip of the two jetties here, off the Port Mansfield Cut and in Gulf waters offshore as they migrate north and south along the Texas coast. But one caught from a canal off a main road?
“I have been fishing since I was seven,” Rodriguez said, and repeated what he had said earlier. “I can’t still believe it.”
UTAH
Updates to bison hunts
The Utah Wildlife Board approved some updates for bison hunting and a few other rule changes during a public meeting held Dec. 4.
The wildlife board approved adjustments to some of the existing bison hunts, as well as the creation of a new cow bison hunt that would be held during the 2026 and 2027 hunting seasons. As part of the hunting season changes, the board also confirmed that the bison archery hunt would continue to be the final hunt of each season, ending on Jan. 31.
The board also approved modifications to the hunt boundary for the 2026-27 West Cache elk extended archery hunt and the extension of the season to Jan. 31. (Previously, it ended on Dec. 15.) These changes will help reduce depredation concerns in the areas that see property damage and safety concerns, which have been increasing in recent years. The changes will also provide hunters with additional hunting opportunities, particularly in areas where rifle hunting would be unsafe.
—UDNR
Bear hunt updates
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is recommending a few minor changes for bear hunting in Utah, along with other rule amendments.
The first year of the current three-year bear recommendation cycle recently ended. The DWR is recommending a few changes for the 2026 bear seasons, including:
Creating a new bear hunt for the new Dolores Triangle hunting unit — and separating it from the La Sal hunting unit — in order to match the current boundaries of big game hunting units.
Allocating 10 bear permits for the new Dolores Triangle unit, including two spring permits, six summer permits and two fall permits. Keeping the La Sal unit bear permit numbers the same.
Bear and cougar populations in Utah have declined over the last few years, but remain stable.
—UDNR
MONTANA
Public hunts mixed
In South-Central Montana, throughout the season, a total of 4,203 hunters visited the 4 check stations in the region with 487 total harvested mule deer, 384 white-tailed deer, 284 elk and 58 antelope. The general antelope season closed Nov. 9. Season totals for mule deer, elk and antelope were all above totals observed in 2024; total white-tailed deer harvest this year was slightly below the total from 2024.
At the North-Central check station, at the close of the 2025 general rifle hunting season on Nov. 30, just over 2,800 hunters had passed through the check station operated by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks in Augusta, representing a 10 percent increase over the 5-year average but a 9 percent decline from the 10-year average.
For much of the season, white-tailed deer harvest trended towards near or slightly above average levels. White-tailed deer harvest finished with a total of 303 deer checked, amounting to 4 to 9 percent above short- and longer-term average levels.
Mule deer harvest finished at 9 percent and 19 percent above the 5- and 10-year respective averages, with 236 deer checked. Eighty-two percent were bucks.
MFWP
CALIFORNIA
KUIU sold to private investor group
Hunting gear and apparel brand KUIU Ultralight Hunting has announced it has been acquired by an investor group comprising of
conservation-driven families and businesses, including Cox Enterprises.
CEO Melissa Woolf will continue leading the company under its new ownership, and the current operational structure will remain intact.
“Shared values are at the heart of this investment decision, and we couldn’t ask for a better outcome for our people and the KUIU nation,” stated Woolf. “By partnering with investors who have a passion for KUIU, hunting, and conservation, the company ensures its culture and legacy will continue to thrive for generations to come.”
KUIU has five retail stores: one in Dixon, California; three in Texas — Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio; and a pop-up store at Molly’s Place in Easton, Maryland. The investment will support KUIU’s expansion of its brick-and-mortar retail presence, offering more in-person shopping experiences for its customers across the U.S., according to a press release.
—KUIU
MISSOURI
Winchester opens new office
Winchester Ammunition has officially opened a modern new office in Clayton, Missouri. The location accommodates nearly 70 full-time staff from the Winchester division, in addition to corporate support staff, including finance, technology, and human resources.
Brett Flaugher, President of Winchester Ammunition, expressed enthusiasm for the new office, stating, “Winchester recognized opportunities with a new division office that will benefit its employees and corporate culture for years to come. Winchester is a brand with 159 years of history and a strong legacy as an industry leader, and we are excited about operating our business in this new environment. The ongoing support of Missouri’s congressional leaders like Congressman Sam
Graves, Senator Josh Hawley, and Senator Eric Schmitt, and their commitment to fostering business growth and supporting our industry, is vital to the company’s growth and this important milestone.”
—Winchester
INTERNATIONAL CITES rejects Namibian rhino, elephant proposals
The 20th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP20) to CITES has rejected a set of proposals by Namibia seeking to overturn the long-standing international bans on commercial trade in elephant ivory and rhino horn.
Namibia had tabled three proposals that, if approved, would have permitted the country to sell its stockpiles of white rhino horn, black rhino horn and African savanna elephant ivory.
Anti-hunting groups warned that lifting the bans would stimulate global demand, potentially fueling a renewed surge in poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking.
The proposals triggered intense debate among member states. Several rhino and elephant range countries — including Kenya, Senegal, Burkina Faso and Niger — strongly opposed the move, raising alarms that reopening trade could devastate already vulnerable wildlife populations. Major international blocs such as the EU, UK and US also voiced firm objections.
However, Namibia’s position received support from Japan, China, Botswana and Tanzania, which argued for controlled trade mechanisms.
—Staff report
LONE STAR OUTDOOR PUZZLER
Solution on Page 26
ACROSS
4. Home of TX Freshwater Fishing HOF
9. One of the best cuts of venison
10. Look through and find the crossairs
12. Lights up the night’s sky
13. Favorite crappie tactic
15. New Zealand has the biggest
16. Freshwater redfish found here
18. Name for a male bear
19. Elephants and elk have it
20. European exotic
23. Fast moving game bird
24. Make sure it’s in your direction
25. Houston’s baseball team
28. Duck hunters sitting area
29. TX Spring break party spot
30. Needed on cold mornings
31. River in Central TX
34. Indian exotic
35. Helps deer communicate
36. Common waterfowl hunting partner
DOWN
1. TX big bass program
2. Good rut tactic
3. Desert oryx
5. Devil’s River inhabitant
6. Anglers never have too much
7. TX coastal bay
8. Also called dog catchers
9. A deer spends most of it’s time here
11. King of ducks
14. Common in a duck hunters bag
15. Step on one and regret it
16. Makes homes in watery brush piles
17. Common trout
21. Just opened a new modern office in MO
22. Older bucks will have this
26. What to take water fowling
27. Look for these in the woods to place a stand
30. Illegal in TX waters
32. Home of Dall sheep
33. Panhandle town
NSSF names two
The National Shooting Sports Foundation has announced, effective January 1, 2026, Melissa Schilling will become Vice President, Exhibitions and Events, and John McNamara will serve as Vice President, Member Services.
Pass It On seeks leader
Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors is now accepting applications for a Regional Director, a key leadership role that will help expand fundraising efforts and deepen their mission impact across the Midwest.
Easton Archery adds to line
Easton Archery announces Easton Genesis Max Bow Case. Easton introduces the new Genesis Max Bow Case — purpose-built for NASP competition bows.
Gun purchases down
RetailBI has released the November 2025 RetailBI Firearm Sales Index, the firearm industry’s most accurate benchmark of retail performance and indicator of consumer purchasing behavior of new firearms, reporting -22.2 percent for November, with a year-todate decline of -11.9 percent.
SIGHTRON hires
SIGHTRON announced that they have selected Ian Arthur as Director of Sales. In his new role, Ian will be responsible for all domestic and global sales, rep groups, marketing, product development and training.
Armscor/RIA announce new chief
Armscor/Rock Island Armory announced that Lisa Tuason has been appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer for United States operations following the passing of President & CEO, Martin Tuason.
Radians Outdoors adds
Radians Outdoors recently hired Brett Bryan to lead its Sporting Goods Division. His work will focus on providing distributors and retailers with the tools, insights, and programs that fuel long-term partnerships and growth.
SLG2 appoints Rice
SLG2, Inc. announces the appointment of Matt Rice as director of business development.
RMEF seeks help
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is seeking a Digital Editor to help deliver engaging, high-quality storytelling across our digital platforms, social media channels and email campaigns.
Hodgdon Powder Company looking for salespeople
Hodgdon Powder Company, The Gunpowder People, announced a new career opportunity for an OEM Sales Specialist based at the company’s Miles City, Montana office.
FOR THE TABLE
*email LSON your favorite recipe to editor@lonestaroutdoornews.com.
Venison stroganoff
2 pounds cubed lean venison
3 Tbsps. all-purpose flour
3 Tbsps. canola oil
1 (8 ounce) package sliced mushrooms
1 onion, diced
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Toss venison cubes in flour to coat. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet until smoking. Add venison and cook until well browned; transfer to a plate. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet; when hot, add mushrooms and cook until softened. Stir in onion and cook until soft and translucent. Return venison to the skillet, then stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Pour into a casserole dish. Cover and bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. Stir in sour cream and continue cooking until venison is tender, about 30 minutes longer.
Black drum piccata
2 black drum fillets
1 Tbsp. olive oil 3 Tbsp. butter Flour as needed for dusting 1 Tbsp. lemon juice 1/4 cup dry white wine 1 Tbsp. capers
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter. Season the fillets with salt and pepper and dust lightly with the flour. Once the butter foams and begins to brown, add the fish fillets, turn the heat to high, and brown well, turning once, 4 to 5 minutes total. Remove the fillets to a warm resting place, and add the wine to the pan. Scrape up the browned bits and add the lemon juice along with the capers. Reduce for half a minute, then add the last tablespoon of butter.
Puzzle by Conor Harrison, Lone Star Outdoor News
Sullivan, Velasco win first trout series event
By Cory Byrnes For Lone Star outdoor newS
The West End Anglers Winter Trout Series kicked off on Dec. 6.
Ninety-seven anglers comprising 52 teams competed in the tournament. And it did not disappoint.
“There were a lot of big fish caught that day,” said Coe Parker, owner/founder of West End Anglers.
The Winter Trout Series is a catch-and-release tournament. Each team competes by weighing their three largest fish for a combined total weight.
“With the new regulations, we had to look at different ways to have a big trout event to showcase these big trout,” Parker said. “Each angler comes in during the captains’ meeting to have their tournament scale certified before the tournament. It allows them to be caught and released so they can keep reproducing for years to come.”
Anglers Blake Sullivan and Vaughn Velasco started off their day with a dead battery.
“We had about 20 minutes before we needed to launch. There was a fellow fisherman named Ryan Battistoni. We were about to pull the truck up to jump it, and he said he had a jump box,” Velasco said. “He told us to hold on to it. We need more people like that on the water.”
After the auspicious start to the day, the pair then made the big decision. Do they follow the original plan of fishing pre-transition spots or go where the trout should be?
“We had a tough decision to make, but we made it and were confident in it,” Sullivan said.
He and Velasco focused their efforts on a winter trout pattern.
“We fully committed to them already transitioning,” Sullivan said.
Th big fish for Sullivan came on an all-brown Fatboy.
“I wouldn’t have been there if it weren’t for my partner,” Sullivan recalled. “He said I think with the tide dropping so much, these fish may have pulled out a little bit.”
Sullivan fished a bit longer before catching a 6.06-pound fish that put him on the board for big trout.
“We were fortunate enough to have the right bite,” Velasco said.
Their gut and the gamble paid off. They were able to secure first place with 15.27 pounds and received a payout of $5,990.11.
Clint Barghi and his partner, Gage Fowkles, started their day with their own challenges. While getting out to wade, Clint slipped and cut open his waders. But the pair stuck it out and kept fishing.
“We fished from the boat all day,” Barghi said. “We knew where we wanted to catch them and caught our fish within the first hour.”
From there, he reported the fishing slowed down. The pair were throwing and catching their fish on soft plastics and were able to secure second place with 14.64 pounds.
“We just said ‘Hey, lets go fishing’ and that’s what we did,” Barghi said.
They received a payout of $3,695.62.
The second stop on the series, the West Bay Big Trout Tournament and Fundraiser, will be held Jan. 24, 2026. The event will raise money for the Texas Sea Center in Lake Jackson. West End anglers host numerous tournaments throughout the year. Many of their tournaments benefit non-profit organizations like Shriner’s Children Hospital, Gary J. Lynn Foundation, Fisher House, and the Texas Sea Center for restocking efforts.
Tournament Results
Blake Sullivan and Vaughn Velasco, 15.27 pounds
Clint Barghi and Gage Fowkles, 14.64 pounds
DJ Rouse and Jason Finely, 13.38 pounds
Big Trout Ethan Myers, 7.08 pounds
Hunter Saha, 6.50 pounds
Blake Sullivan, 6.06 pounds
Team of the Year Standing
Blake Sullivan and Vaughn Velasco, 15.27 pounds
DJ Rouse and Jason Finely,13.38 pounds
Hunter Saha and Brown, 12.89 pounds
When Precision Matters Most
Blake Sullivan with a nice trout. Photo by Coe Parker, West End Angler.
NWTF opens funding for Habitat for Hatch Initiative
The National Wild Turkey Federation’s Habitat for the Hatch Initiative is opening up new funding opportunities for conservation partners within the initiative’s Southeastern priority landscape, accelerating projects that directly enhance vital nesting and brood-rearing habitat for wild turkeys.
The new Habitat for the Hatch initiative-specific request for proposals invites eligible partners to apply for 2026 funding that will put more acres of critical habitat on the ground, a vital step in reversing regional population declines and ensuring the overall conservation of the iconic bird.
Eligible parties for funding in 2026 include federal, state and local agencies and entities; conservation organizations; and colleges and universities. Submitted proposals should outline the conservation outcome for wild turkeys specifically in regard to nesting and broodrearing habitat on public and/or private lands.
Proposals are due by Jan. 30, 2026. For more information, contact David Gladkowski at (803) 637-7649 or dgladkowski@nwtf.net
—NWTF
By Dave Richards & Al Brothers
TEXAS SALTWATER FISHING REPORT
REDFISH BAY: 73 degrees. Redfish and black drum are fair on dead shrimp. Speckled trout are fair on soft plastics.
SAN ANTONIO BAY: 72 degrees. Redfish and black drum are fair on dead shrimp. Speckled trout are fair on soft plastics.
SABINE LAKE: 60 degrees. Speckled trout are good on soft plastics. Redfish, sheepshead and black drum are good on live shrimp on a Carolina rig or under a popping cork.
BOLIVAR: 70 degrees. Redfish and speckled trout are fair on soft plastics, finger mullet, and mud minnows.
TRINITY BAY: 70 degrees. Speckled trout are good on soft plastics, twitch baits, and live shrimp. Redfish are fair on top-waters, soft plastics, and live shrimp. Black drum and sheepshead are good on live shrimp.
EAST GALVESTON BAY: 62 degrees. Redfish are good on soft plastics, shrimp imitation baits, finger mullet and live shrimp. Speckled trout and sand trout are fair on soft plastics and live shrimp.
GALVESTON BAY: 63 degrees. Bull redfish are fair on mullet and cut bait. Sheepshead, black drum, and slot redfish are fair on live shrimp. Speckled trout are fair on live shrimp.
WEST GALVESTON BAY: 63 degrees. Redfish are fair on live shrimp and soft plastics. Speckled trout are fair on soft plastics, twitch baits, and live shrimp.
TEXAS CITY: 69 degrees. Speckled trout and redfish are fair on live shrimp and finger mullet.
FREEPORT: 69 degrees. Speckled trout are good on soft plastics, live mullet, and live shrimp. Redfish, sheepshead, black drum, and mangrove snapper are fair on mullet and live shrimp.
EAST MATAGORDA BAY: 74 degrees. Speckled trout are fair on soft plastics and
New pending record
Champion Creek Reservoir near San Angelo now has a new pending big bass sitting atop it’s record book.
Clay Butler submitted a 12.55-pound Largemouth bass for a waterbody record on Nov. 29. The bass measured 25.5 inches.
Butler’s catch surpasses the current record caught by Wendell Pinkerton on Dec. 3, 2005. That fish was 11.8 pounds and measured 26 inches in length.
—Staff report
live shrimp. Redfish and black drum are good on live shrimp.
WEST MATAGORDA BAY: 74 degrees. Speckled trout are fair on soft plastics and live shrimp. Redfish and black drum are good on live shrimp.
PORT O’CONNOR: 66 degrees. Bull redfish are fair on large shrimp or Spanish sardines. Slot redfish are fair on live shrimp and finger mullet. Sheepshead are fair on live shrimp. Black drum are fair on dead shrimp. Speckled trout are slow.
ROCKPORT: 70 degrees. Speckled trout are good on live shrimp, piggy perch, and soft plastics. Redfish are good on shrimp, mullet, and perch. Black drum are good on live and dead shrimp.
PORT ARANSAS: 70 degrees. Redfish are good on live shrimp, cut mullet, and silver spoons. Oversized redfish are good on cut crab and cut mullet. Speckled trout and pompano are fair on free lined shrimp.
CORPUS CHRISTI: 73 degrees. Redfish and black drum are fair on dead shrimp. Speckled trout are fair on soft plastics. BAFFIN BAY: 65 degrees. Speckled trout are good on soft plastics and mullet imitation twitch baits. Redfish are fair on soft plastics.
PORT MANSFIELD: 70 degrees. Speckled trout are good on top-waters, soft plastics, and slow sinking twitch baits. Redfish are fair on top-waters and soft plastics.
SOUTH PADRE: 70 degrees. Speckled trout are fair on soft plastics and topwaters. Redfish are fair on soft plastics, spoons, top-waters, and live shrimp. PORT ISABEL: 70 degrees. Speckled trout are fair on soft plastics and topwaters. Redfish are fair on soft plastics, spoons, top-waters, and live shrimp.
Photo from TPWD Facebook.
Colton Kyle Son of “American Sniper”, Chris Kyle, entrepreneur,
MOBILE SPORTING CLAYS FOR HIRE!
HILL COUNTRY DEER LEASE 2025 Llano County 3-4 Guns 280 Acres $9,000 (915) 225-9201
RURAL REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
Thomas A.C. Davis TDavis@TexasRanchSales.com (832) 977.0071
WELDER FOR SALE 1981 Lincoln SA200 Inclures Leads (830) 928-0496
Fundraisers, Corporate, Parties! Sales/Service all Traps! 40+ Years Experience! (817) 999-1395 RIO GRANDE PIPE/ RENO EQUIPMENT
BUILD EQUITY IN LAND, TEXAS LAND
GIT OUTTA TOWN
DISCOUNT TRAVEL PROGRAM
WEBSITE: FUNTRIP.BIZ TEXT: (254) 349-4688
TEXAS TROPHY WHITETAILS Axis, Blackbuck, Hogs Free range whitetail and exotic hunts in Sonora, TX HuntTexasWhitetails.com (717) 512-3582
DECEMBER 13-14
BIOLOGIST 4 HIRE, LLC. Fish & Wildlife Habitat Consulting, 1-D-1 Wildlife Agriculture Valuation, Conservation Land Assessment & Management Plans, Drone Mapping Services. Chad E. Simmons USDA NRCS TSP B-19-22936 chad@biologist4hire.com (972) 837-0392
ADVERTISE YOUR HUNTING LEASE HERE Only $1 per word. Email editor@lonestaroutdoornews.com or call (214) 361-2276
TEXANS ARCHERY CLUB Network of Archery Ranges For One Membership! TEXASARCHERY.INFO
(2) BOAT HULLS FOR FREE to a good home Kurt hughes design Strip plank epoxy composite Glass in and out 46’ length, 5’6 beam Fast cruiser racer Catamaran Text: (409) 658-6119
DATEBOOK
JANUARY 31
BAY CITY MAIN STREET
TEXAS GUN AND KNIFE ASSOCIATION Amarillo Show Amarillo Civic Center (830) 285-0575 texasgunandknifeshows.com
DECEMBER 20-21
TEXAS GUN AND KNIFE ASSOCIATION
Kerrville Show Kerrville Expo Hall (830) 285-0575 texasgunandknifeshows.com
JANUARY 9-11
SAFARI CLUB INTERNATIONAL/TTHA
First for Hunters Outdoor Extravaganza Kay Bailey Hutchison Center, Dallas (888) 486-8724 safariclub.org/convention
JANUARY 10
DALLAS SAFARI CLUB
Store Sale and Packing Party DSC Pavilion, Dallas (972) 980-9800 biggame.org
JANUARY 23-25
HOUSTON SAFARI CLUB FOUNDATION
Hunting Expo & Convention The Woodlands Waterway Marriott (713) 623-8844 hscfdn.org
JANUARY 29
DUCKS UNLIMITED Ducks, Boots & Country Music Republic Boot Company, Houston setxducks.org
10th Annual Wild Game and Wine Camofest Historic Downtown Bay City (979) 318-2575 baycitycamofest.com
FEBRUARY 6
ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION Victoria Big Game Banquet Victoria Community Center rmef.org
FEBRUARY 6-8
DALLAS SAFARI CLUB
Convention and Sporting Expo, Atlanta (972) 980-9800 biggame.org
FEBRUARY 12
DUCKS UNLIMITED 52nd Annual Huntsville Banquet Walker County Fairgrounds (936) 661-1700 ducks.org
FEBRUARY 18-21
SAFARI CLUB INTERNATIONAL Convention 2026, Nashville (888) 486-8724 convention.safariclub.org
FEBRUARY 19
DUCKS UNLIMTED Texas Tech DU Dinner National Ranching Heritage Center (940) 366-0900 ducks.org
and
Contact Josh Brown at (505)-366-3428, or Cody Hudson at (575)-441-1186
CATTLE MARKET IS HOT Cash out every Tuesday @10 am Atascosa Livestock Exchange Pleasanton Hauling Available Call (210) 289-7698
FOR SALE 1986 SUZUKI SAMURAI 4x4, Rooftop Carrier, Tow Bar, Winch (830) 928-0496
As experienced hunters, we seek the fastest-handling over-and-unders that are easy to carry all day. The ultralight ELOS D2 is the perfect companion. Its sleek action and trim stock will ensure that you have the competitive advantage over the fastest game birds. As savvy consumers we also want good value for our money. The ELOS D2 incorporates Fabarm’s proven TRIBORE HP™ tapered bore and INNER HP™ chokes to ensure lethal performance down range. Elegant engraving of traditional game scenes and scroll work by fine Italian craftsmen round out the package. All backed by an extensive five year warranty and service that is second to none. Visit an Authorized Dealer now to learn more about the ELOS D2 – and our tradition of quality firearms for over 100 years.
Abilene Gun Works Abilene, TX 79601 325-704-5174
Able Sporting, Inc. Huntsville, TX 77320 936-295-5786
Ally Outdoors
Midland, TX 79705 432-203-3661
Alpine Shooting Range Fort Worth, TX 76140 817-478-6613
August M. Crocker
Austin, TX 78727
512-567-7855
Baker Outdoors Lubbock, TX 79424
806-516-5700
Berg’s Outdoors Broussard, LA 70518 504-610-4319
BPS Outfitters Sherman, TX 75090 903-892-2227
Briley Manufacturing Houston, TX 77043 800-331-5718
Cajun Gun & Gear Lafayette, LA 70508 337-999-0373
Cole Gunsmithing San Antonio, TX 78253 210-906-0857
Clay Shooters Supply San Antonio, TX 78253 210-610-2999
Defender Outdoors Fort Worth, TX 76107 817-935-8377
Dury’s Gun Shop San Antonio, TX 78223 210-533-5431
Elite Shotguns San Antonio, TX 78253 210-741-9940
Gordy & Sons Outfitters Houston, TX 77007 713-333-3474
Gray’s Shotgun Cache Amarillo, TX 79118 806-622-8142
Jeff’s Gun Shop Wichita Falls, TX 76310 940-631-2314
Joshua Creek Ranch Boerne, TX 78006 830-537-5090
KB House of Guns Boswell, OK 74727 580-566-1400
K-5 Arms Exchange Trophy Club, TX 76262 682-237-7908
Lone Star Guns Weatherford, TX 76087 817-599-9275
Mumme’s Inc. Hondo, TX 78861 830-426-3313
Past & Blast Whitesboro, TX 76273 903-564-5444
Rocky Creek Outdoors Texarkana, AR 71854 903-278-8780
Sharp Shooters Lubbock, TX 79407 806-791-1231 Superior