A CELEBRATION WITH Heart & Horns
The evolution of Seguin's Buck Fever tradition of community and camouflage.
FEATURES IN THIS ISSUE OCTOBER 2025
10 A CELEBRATION WITH HEART AND HORNS
The evolution of Seguin's Buck Fever tradition of community and camouflage.
18 MEAT DONE RIGHT SINCE 1972
The hands behind your homegrown steaks
24 SMALL-TOWN TAXIDERMY
Each mount marks a moment that carries family stories, first shots and lifelong traditions.
30 WHEN THE ONLY THING YOU BAG IS THE SNACK YOU PACKED
It might not have antlers, but it does have chocolate and protein.
AROUND TOWN
34 ARTIST ALLEY
Your front-row seat to Seguin’s art scene
36 FACES OF SEGUIN
Submitted photos from our readers
38 SAVE THE DATE
See what events are coming up
ON THE COVER
That's not just a deer head; that's braggin' rights. It's a proud reminder of skill, tradition and the stories that come with a clean shot and a good taxidermist.
Photo by Victoria Gaytan
Vol. 12, No. 5
SEGUIN MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED TWELVE TIMES A YEAR BY THE SEGUIN GAZETTE.
PUBLISHER
Elizabeth Engelhardt
MAGAZINE EDITOR / CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Desiree Gerland
CONTRIBUTORS
Felicia Frazar
Victoria Gaytan
Grim Gilbreath
Alex Lowe
Sydney Seidel
Danny Story
ADVERTISING
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TO ADVERTISE IN SEGUIN MAGAZINE CALL 830-463-0766
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Idon’t hunt. I’ve never worn camo in the woods or waited in a deer blind at sunrise. I don’t eat venison, pork or beef. But taxidermy? I weirdly love it. Maybe shamefully so. There’s something about the stillness in preserved things that has always fascinated me. The delicate structure of a skull, the shimmer of an iridescent beetle wing, the softness of a fox tail. (And, yes, if you know me in real life, two fox tails do occasionally hang from my side like some kind of goth prairie witch starter pack.) So, no, I may not be into hunting, but I’ve always been drawn to the beauty of what’s left behind. The artistry in preservation. The way something once wild can be remembered with reverence, weirdness and a little sparkle of science.
That said, I do love how serious people get about prepping their gear, telling stories around processing tables and trading jerky like currency. I love watching people connect over the parts of life that feel rooted in tradition and in family.
I think about my boys a lot this time of year. Not because they hunt (they don’t), but because fall has always been the season where I see them growing up the most. They’re working jobs, learning how to take care of the people around them, and slowly figuring out who they are and how they want to move through the world. They’re learning to provide in their own quiet, modern ways, not through harvests or hides, but through effort, empathy and showing up.
So while this issue explores the more classic fall themes — Buck Fever, meat processing and taxidermy — I’m leaning into the softer side of the season. The storytelling. The rituals. The reasons behind it all. Because even if I’m never going to be the one in camo, I do understand the pride, the care and the connection.
Desiree Gerland
Magazine Editor
desiree.gerland@seguingazette.com
A CELEBRATION WITH Heart AND HORNS
THE EVOLUTION OF SEGUIN’S BUCK FEVER TRADITION OF COMMUNITY AND CAMOUFLAGE.
What started in 1985 as a simple gathering of local hunters swapping stories and comparing their trophies has grown into one of Seguin’s most anticipated fall traditions.
From the beginning, Buck Fever was about education as much as celebration. Born from a shared love of the outdoors, the event was built on a vision to inspire the community, especially young people, to discover pursuits like hunting, fishing, photography and more, cultivating a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.
STORY BY SYDNEY SEIDEL PHOTOS BY DALONDO MOULTRIE
That same vision tied closely to the work of Irma Lewis, a local educator and conservationist who founded the Seguin Outdoor Learning Center. Buck Fever quickly became one of her strongest supporters, with the proceeds of early events going directly toward her mission. Those funds helped build and sustain the facility that eventually allowed generations of children to experience and learn about the outdoors firsthand.
After their first event, the founders of Buck Fever were able to give Lewis $150.
Now, 40 years later, Kenneth Rab, co-chairman of the raffle committee and Casino Night, says the proceeds from the annual event have grown substantially, supporting education programs, scholarships and leadership classes for kids.
“This year, we were able to give every kid who showed up [to the Guadalupe County Youth Show], whether they placed or not, $100,” Rab said. “Most organizations just send a check in the mail, but with us, it stays local. We actually get to see the kids we’re helping.”
Rab, who was first invited by a neighbor to help with Buck Fever, says that once he got involved, he never looked back.
They have also expanded the variety of events they offer. Each October, Buck Fever hosts a two-day, family-friendly celebration featuring a horns contest and exhibit, vendors, games, raffles and more. For many in Seguin, the event is more than just a fundraiser — it’s a reunion, bringing the community together while giving young people opportunities to learn new skills and explore nature.
Raffles remain one of the biggest draws, offering guns, gear and other prizes. Over the years, the raffle has grown from a single four-wheeler prize to an expansive gun raffle sponsored by local businesses and community members.
In addition, Buck Fever hosts Casino Night each spring, an adult-focused fundraiser that includes dinner, casino games and a live raffle. The
event, which will be at the Seguin Coliseum this year, is expected to have 500 attendees.
Funds raised at both events provide crucial support for the youth programs and activities that Buck Fever sponsors, ensuring the organization’s impact reaches the next generation.
Daniel Boenig, Rab’s co-chairman and the second vice president of Buck Fever, feels their mission has come full circle, noting that many of the younger directors involved today are the very students who once benefited from the organization. Boenig recalls meeting someone who shared a piece of advice with him, which he now sees as a motto for what Buck Fever strives to accomplish.
“When you get your kids hooked on the outdoors, such as hunting and fishing, you won’t ever have to go out looking for them,” Boenig said. “You know that they are out there having a good time and not getting into trouble.”
Learning to hunt and fish alongside his father at a young age, and then passing that passion down to his own child, he understands that sentiment personally.
Buck Fever, in addition to their mission, also contributes to organizations like Blue Santa, Seguin Little League and Guadalupe County 4-H Shooting Sports, among others. The group also supports outdoor education programs at Seguin, Marion and Navarro ISDs and offers scholarships for graduating seniors at each school.
Both Rab and Boenig believe that it is the community around Buck Fever that keeps them going. Every year, as more local businesses and residents lend their support, Buck Fever is able to grow and help even more people.
“There are a lot of other nonprofits in this area besides Buck Fever that are very successful,” Boenig said. “It’s the business and the individuals and everyone in the community that makes it all possible.”
When current president Rodney Bargfrede first got involved with Buck Fever, after years of attending as a guest, he didn’t realize the full scope of what it took to make the event happen. It wasn’t until
he stepped into his leadership role that he saw just how many directors, associate directors and volunteers come together each year to keep the tradition alive.
One of his most memorable moments came when Buck Fever officially surpassed $1 million in donations, a milestone that felt worlds away from the modest amount first raised nearly 40 years ago. For Bargfrede, what makes these moments so rewarding is seeing familiar faces, like the founding members, alongside new ones, including his own sons and grandson, sharing in the experience.
When asked how Buck Fever balances honoring its history while continuing to grow, Bargfrede put it simply: “We’ve got a bunch of old hardheaded Germans. Everybody that’s involved has the same mission — giving back to the youth. That’s what drives us all and that won’t be forgotten.”
As Buck Fever nears its anniversary, it continues to stand as a highlight of Seguin’s fall season. This year, the event falls on Oct. 22–23 and will feature family-friendly activities, community gatherings and, above all, opportunities for youth to discover and grow in their love for the outdoors.
SILVER CENTER FUNDRAISER
FRIDAY NIGHT Dances
Chalk
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Furniture Repair
Interior Design Consultation
Custom Window Treatments
New Years Eve Dance
Meat DONE RIGHT • SINCE 1972
THE HANDS BEHIND YOUR HOMEGROWN STEAKS.
Penshorn’s Meat Market has stood in the middle of Marion as the place to go for meat processing since 1972. Leroy and Leona Penshorn purchased the building that had formerly housed Huebinger’s Meat Market, an equally iconic staple in Marion. Penshorn’s Meat Market quickly developed a reputation for high-quality service and processing of wild game and boxed meat.
“We bought the building in September of 1972,” said family matriarch Leona Penshorn. “We opened in December. It was my husband Leroy’s idea to start this business. The building had been sitting vacant for two years before we bought it. The location was a meat market and has been for one owner or another for nearly a hundred years. My husband started working for James Huebinger when he was in high school.”
STORY BY ALEX LOWE
PHOTOS BY ALEX LOWE AND COURTESY OF PENSHORN'S MEAT MARKET
In the beginning, the work was hard and the days were long for Leona and Leroy.
“I remember we used to come in at 7 in the morning, work straight through until lunch then come back and stay until midnight. We had all the kids from the football team come through here and work for us,” she said. “My husband always wanted a meat market. He was looking to start another one in Wimberly but I wouldn’t let him. I said one is enough.”
Leona and Leroy gifted the business to their sons, Robert and Elroy, in 2010. The two brothers operated the store together until Elroy retired in 2023, transferring the market to Robert and his wife Kimberly. The market is a full-service butcher shop that also sells groceries. They specialize in processing wild game brought in by hunters.
“People just tell me what they want whether it is sausage, jerky, steaks or burgers,” Robert said. “We can do it all. Buck sticks are a pretty popular item for us.”
The Hill Country is a hunting hot spot in the state of Texas so there is high demand for game processing especially in winter time around Christmas with people looking to make gifts of deer jerky.
“When they bring in deer, and let’s say they want it for sausage, they will tell us if they want dry sausage or fresh sausage. I will go ahead and add pork to it, put the seasoning in there, grind it and mix it then it gets stuffed into natural beef casings. Then they get tied up and smoked. Once they are wrapped, they are all ready to go,” Robert said.
The Penshorns keep careful track of the game brought to them.
“Everybody gets their own basket with their name on it and it is kept track of throughout the entire processing routine,” Kim said.
In a business like this one, upkeep of machinery is the most important and costly part of the endeavor.
“We use a stuffer, a grinder and a mixer as our primary machinery in the
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1331 C H Matthies Jr • Seguin, TX 78155
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1331 C H Matthies Jr • Seguin, TX 78155
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1331 C H Matthies Jr • Seguin, TX 78155
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process,” Robert said. “Keeping the machinery running well is always the biggest challenge. The coolers are especially important. With all the moving parts, they tend to need maintenance.”
The market has developed a reputation for quality throughout the region.
“We had someone from Austin who brings all of his game to us for processing,” Robert said.
The typical turnaround time for meat that is brought into the shop varies.
“Depends on what they want done to the meat,” he said. “For example, a lot of times if a person comes in with a deer and they drop it off, if I am not too busy, I can get it back to them in half a day. Of course, if they want sausage, then a process like that takes longer to complete. Even on that, though, we are talking about a few days. When someone brings in beef, I usually let it hang a week before I cut it so it can chill out good. If you don’t do that, it will be too sloppy when you cut it.”
In 50-plus years of operation, the market has seen its share of unusual requests.
“We’ve had some strange things brought in here for processing,” Robert said. “Mountain lions, wildebeest, elk, kudu. The Hill Country has all kinds of exotics in those big game ranches. I’ve even had shark brought in here.”
“Don’t forget the alligator,” Kim said.
“That’s right, we’ve had an alligator brought in for processing too,” Robert said.
The Penshorns are humble about the secrets to their success.
“Our loyal customers are the reason for our success. Marion has a wonderful community. We are tight knit and always willing to help each other out and that means a lot,” Kim said.
Robert agreed.
“We just want to maintain the quality and service and tradition that was handed down to us and that we can give back to the customers,” he said.
Small-Town TAXIDERMY
EACH MOUNT MARKS A MOMENT THAT CARRIES FAMILY STORIES, FIRST SHOTS AND LIFELONG TRADITIONS.
What started with a BB gun in the brush outside Marion has become a decades-long pursuit of precision, patience and passion for Edgar Anglin, a small-town taxidermist who quietly built a booming business in nearby Clear Springs.
Anglin was introduced to hunting as a child, tagging along on trips and eventually taking to the outdoors with his own rifle. But it wasn’t until 1999, after harvesting an impressive buck, that the seeds of a new obsession took root.
STORY BY GRIM GILBREATH
PHOTOS BY VICTORIA GAYTAN
“I brought that deer into Vernon George’s shop, just looking to get it mounted,” Anglin recalled. “But the more I talked with Vernon, the more I found myself asking questions — not just about what he was doing, but how and why. Something about it just stuck with me.”
That spark quickly turned into a full-fledged apprenticeship under George and by 2004, Anglin had purchased the same shop where he got his start. Two decades later, the modest building in Clear Springs — with barely a sign out front — is a local landmark in Guadalupe County known mostly by word of mouth and generations of loyal customers.
From the outside, the place might not look like much. But inside, Anglin's workshop tells a different story, one of deep respect for wildlife and an uncompromising commitment to detail.
“It’s all in the details,” he said, carefully aligning a few eyelid hairs on a deer mount. “One eye slightly off and it can make the whole thing look unnatural. People might not always know what’s wrong but they’ll feel it. The animal won’t look alive.”
Though his work is praised for its realism and artistry, Anglin shied away from the label “artist.”
“I don’t think of myself that way,” he said with a chuckle. “I just like doing good work. If folks think it looks nice, that’s what matters.”
Still, few who’ve seen his mounts would deny the craftsmanship. Anglin’s background in construction — a trade he worked in before turning full-time to taxidermy — plays a key role in his ability to shape natural looking landscaped stands, work with materials and build structurally sound mounts that last decades and beyond.
“That construction work taught me a lot about tools, measurements and materials and believe it or not, it helps every single day in here.”
Beyond his technical skills, Anglin is known for the way he treats people. Walk into his shop and you’re more
Seguin-East • 1539 E. Court St. • 830-401-1170
Seguin-Main • 200 N. Austin St. • 830-401-1100
Seguin-West • 901 N. State Hwy 46 • 830-401-1175
Seguin-East • 1539 E. Court St. • 830-401-1170
likely to be greeted like a longtime friend than a customer. His easygoing nature and genuine interest in people have become as much a part of his reputation as his lifelike mounts.
Despite the increasing demand and packed schedule, Anglin isn’t slowing down anytime soon. But he is beginning to think about the future and the role in the business that might be played by his nephew, who recently has shown interest in learning the trade.
For now, Anglin continues to work quietly, day after day, in the same shop where he got his start. And though there’s still barely a sign out front, no one in Guadalupe County needs one to know exactly where to go, for the reputation of that little shop shines brighter than any mile-high neon sign.
WHEN THE ONLY THING YOU BAG IS THE SNACK YOU PACKED
IT MIGHT NOT HAVE ANTLERS, BUT IT DOES HAVE CHOCOLATE AND PROTEIN.
STORY AND
PHOTOS BY DANNY STORY
It is and will always be my absolute favorite time of year. I know it’s not like we really get one in Texas, but the little we do get is almost magical. We finally get a break from the insane Texas summer, get to break out the long-sleeve clothing occasionally, start the family holiday season and, for those of us who hunt, deer season comes. There’s just something special about sitting in a deer blind.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that I don’t really hunt for the venison anymore. In fact, I haven’t actually harvested in years. For me, it comes down to enjoying the experience. Sitting in the blind is almost an escape. I’ll often just bring a thermos of coffee, a snack
and some binoculars so I can enjoy the scenery and wildlife. I promise, if you’ve never seen a flock of quail run at the slightest noise, you’re missing out. Which brings us to our recipe for the month. How many of you thought I might be showing off an amazing way to cook venison? While definitely tempting, especially for the hunting issue of the magazine, I’ve decided to share my recipe for what holds me over in the deer blind: my awesome peanut butter protein bars. I love these. It’s almost like having a candy bar. They travel great in a bag, taste awesome, go great with coffee and, with the amount of protein, will hold you over for those long stints in the blind. Enjoy!
- INGREDIENTS -
1 ½ cups protein powder
2 cups peanut butter
½ cup almond or coconut flour
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 cup chocolate chips for inside
3 cups chocolate chips for melting
- INSTRUCTIONS -
1: In a large mixing bowl, mix together all of the ingredients except for the melting chocolate. Don’t be afraid to mix with your hands if it gets too hard otherwise. Once mixed thoroughly, it should have a consistency similar to cookie dough.
2: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll your “dough” out and shape it on the sheet until you’ve formed a large square or rectangle about half an inch thick. Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes until set.
3: In a bowl, place the melting chocolate. Microwave on high for 15 second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.
4: Cut the large “dough” square into candy bar-sized rectangles and dip into the chocolate. Place the dipped bars back onto the baking sheet and place back into the fridge to set.
Once set, I take the bars and wrap them individually in plastic wrap so they’re easier to transport. The cool thing about this recipe is it’s highly customizable, too. Use your favorite flavor of protein powder, favorite nut butter, nut pieces or dates. The possibilities are endless.
MADELINE MENCHACA
Madeline Menchaca, a 16-year-old student at Seguin High School, is turning heads in the local art scene after receiving an award for her sculpture of an orangutan, which was recently featured at the downtown Seguin Art Gallery.
Menchaca, a rising talent with a growing portfolio, said her creative journey began in middle school as a way to express herself. Since then, her work has expanded beyond sketching to include sculpting, jewelry-making and, most recently, wood burning.
“I like to try new things,” Menchaca said. “Art is how I express
myself, and I’ve always enjoyed experimenting with different materials.”
Her award-winning orangutan sculpture earned praise from local artists and teachers for its attention to detail and originality. The piece was one of several student works featured during the gallery's annual youth art showcase.
Menchaca credits her success to the support of her family and art teachers.
Enveloped and surrounded by encouragement from her family and teachers, she said: “They’ve always encouraged me to keep creating and to challenge myself.”
Known for her thoughtful and
intricate pieces, Menchaca has big plans for the future. She hopes to explore wood sculpting next and continue pushing her creative boundaries.
When asked what advice she would give to other young artists, she said: “Don’t focus on making it absolutely perfect — it takes away from the fun of it.”
With her talent, dedication and curiosity, Menchaca’s future in the arts looks bright. Community members and gallery organizers alike say she’s one to watch.
“Madeline is incredibly gifted,” said one local gallery volunteer. “She’s only just getting started.”
STORY BY GRIM GILBREATH | PHOTOS COURTESY OF MADELINE MENCHACA
EVENT CALENDAR
FMC SEGUIN PUMPKIN PATCH: FOURTH - THIRTY-FIRST
First Methodist Church invites you to a festive pumpkin patch full of fall color, laughter and memories waiting to be made. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sun. 12 - 7 p.m. Location: First Methodist Church, 710 N. Austin St.
GERONIMO VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL BBQ & LIVE AUCTION: FOURTH – 12 - 10 PM
Geronimo Volunteer Fire Department is hosting their annual bbq drive-thru from 12 -1:30 p.m. followed by dinner service from 5 - 8 p.m. with a live auction to start at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15.00 each. All proceeds go to help Geronimo VFD. Location: Geronimo Community Center, 260 Navarro Drive.
142ND GUADALUPE COUNTY FAIR & RODEO: TENTH
- THIRTEENTH
The 142nd Guadalupe County Fair & Rodeo is back with rodeo thrills, music, food, games and fun around every corner. The fair association is already planning new events, booking bands and more, so stay tuned.
Location: Seguin Events Complex, 950 S. Austin St.
THIRD THURSDAY IN DOWNTOWN SEGUIN: SIXTEENTH – 10 AM - 8 PM
Enjoy food, music and shopping. We’re all open until 8 p.m. and offering great deals and fun. We have shop and restaurant specials galore throughout downtown. Location: Central Park, 201 S. Austin St.
SEGUIN FALL FESTIVAL: EIGHTEENTH – 9 AM - 11 PM
Bring the whole family out for a day of fun with a kids zone, food and craft vendors, a classic car show, and live entertainment. All in support of the firefighters of Guadalupe County. Location: Central Park, 201 S. Austin St.
MEDITERRANEAN FIESTA: EIGHTEENTH – 5:30 - 8 PM
The Seguin Art League’s fall fundraiser will include an evening of music, hors d’oeuvres, dessert and beverages. An incredible show of works for sale by local artists will highlight the evening. Event admission is free. There will be a donation bar for beer and wine. All art sales from the event benefit the Seguin Art League. Location: Seguin Art League Gallery, 104 S. Austin St.
PECAN FEST: TWENTY-FIFTH – 10 AM - 4 PM & 6 - 10 PM
Celebrate Seguin’s rich heritage at Pecan Fest with downtown trade days, heritage activities at the Big Red Barn and the festive Hats Off to Juan Seguin Pub Crawl. Location: Central Park, 201 S. Austin St. GO NUTS! PECAN OLD FASHIONED CELEBRATION: TWENTY-FIFTH – 2 - 9 PM
A celebration of the pecan with a specialty cocktail made with pecan infused whiskey and have live music in our outdoor whiskey garden. Location: Johnny Pickles Distillery, 1711 N. Austin St. SAINTS ALIVE RIVERSIDE CEMETERY TOUR: TWENTY-SIXTH – 2:30 PM
Saints Alive is an annual event produced by The Affiliation for the Preservation of Shakespeare and Federated Club Rooms, and the city of Seguin. The Riverside Cemetery Tour will feature some of the great ladies who helped to establish Seguin. Tickets for $20 will be available at Gift and Gourmet, Keepers and the chamber of commerce. Location: Riverside Cemetery, 201 E. Klein St. GUADALUPE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS PECAN & VINE SOIREE: THIRTIETH – 6 P.M.
Raise a glass at the Pecan & Vine Soiree: A Toast to Crime Stoppers, complete with fine wine, cigars, a gourmet dinner and live acoustic music. Location: Seguin Elks Lodge, 1331 C H Matthies Jr. HALLOWEEN ON E. COLLEGE STREET: THIRTY-FIRST – 6 - 8 PM
The Seguin Police Department will be blocking off E. College St. from King St. to N. San Marcos St. on Halloween night from 6 - 8 p.m. for our annual community event. Our officers will be out passing out candy and celebrating with the community. Bring the family, dress up, and enjoy a safe and fun Halloween with us!
