Texas Dove Hunters Magazine - Spring 2020

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TEXAS

TexasDoveHuntersMagazine.com

DOVE HUNTERS

Official Publication of the Texas Dove Hunters Association

MAGAZINE SPRING 2020

CHOOSING BIRD DOGS

THE RIGHT ONE FOR YOU

ED WHITACRE

TRADING THE BOARDROOM FOR THE RANCH

MATT TUMLINSON TELLING STORIES WITH BULLETS & SHOTGUN SHELLS

Growing the next generation of hunters and wildlife ambassadors

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CONTENTS ALSO IN  THIS ISSUE:

TEXAS

DOVE HUNTERS MAGAZINE

Official Publication of the Texas Dove Hunters Association

6 FOUNDERS LETTER

14 TEXAS BB CHALLENGE 24 HUNTER SAFETY

10

Ed Whitacre

Enjoying the slower pace of life

26 TEXAS OUTFITTERS

28 LADIES IN THE FIELD 30 HUNT WITH HEART

32 IN THE OFF SEASON

34 FAMILIES IN THE FIELD 35 DOVE RECIPE

36 FIRST FLIGHT YOUTH DAY 38 PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD

19

Man’s Best Friend Advice from trainers

42 TEXAS YOUTH HUNTING PROGRAM 46 HABITAT

48 TDHA STORE

TexasDoveHuntersMagazine.com Publisher J. MICHAEL GAFFNEY Editor SUSAN THORNTON Assistant Editor ANA GIBBS Graphic Design TAMARA HOOKS Contributing Photographers ATAGIRL PHOTOGRAPHY SOPHIE BAUER JONI HUWE JANET ROGERS JAY SCHWISOW Contributors SOPHIE BAUER OWEN FITZSIMMONS STEVE HALL AMBER HAYNES TREVOR LASSMAN SAM WELLS Advertising Sales CINDY JENNINGS PATRICIA MCGRATH Administration & Customer Service NANCY A. GAFFNEY Printing Shweiki Media, San Antonio, TX

40

An Artist Finds His Niche

Through empty casings and hulls

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FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION CALL 210.826.5375

email: info@TexasDoveHuntersMagazine.com

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LETTER FROM THE FOUNDER

Many of you may recognize the man on the front cover. Ed Whitacre has been a powerhouse in corporate America. But you’d never hear about it from him because he’s so humble. After years of hard work, his love for dove and duck hunting has taken him from the hustle and bustle of the corporate world to the mesquite and white brush of Pearsall, and it is there where he likes to spend the bulk of his time.

TDHA completed the second year of the “Texas Banded Bird Challenge” and had some impressive results as we tripled the number of winners from 2018 and more than doubled the number of entries. The challenge ran from September 1 through January 23. 800 more banded birds were released all over the state.

Collection of data on the Eurasian Collared Dove is building with each year as this research program continues. We have already begun working on the 20202021 Texas BB Challenge. Early bird registration opens on June 1 with even more chances to win.

We completed our 3rd annual Youth Day in San Antonio where, once again, we had an amazing turnout. The kids who attended and had a great day shooting slingshots, BB guns, shotguns, pellet guns, archery and .22s. Thank you to all those volunteers who came out to help make this such a successful day.

Texas Dove Hunters Association was founded in 2012 for the purpose bringing hunters and outfitters together with an online database. There are many incredible outfitters in Texas. They offer different experiences from an afternoon dove hunt to three day dove hunts with lodging, meals and entertainment and everything in between. If you’ve never hunted with an outfitter before, I encourage you to look through our outfitter’s pages and at the outfitter’s ads in the magazine. Check out their websites and see what they have to offer.

Looking back to this past dove season, the rain- fall in the spring set us up with some great dove habitat. It was an excellent opening for the first two weeks in almost all parts of the state. The lack of rain later during the mid-season caused the dove populations to thin out and cold fronts were late, and not nearly as cold as expected. Overall, the north zone had the most consistent birds throughout both seasons.

The 2020-2021 season dates should be out soon. The minute we get them we will send them out to all of our members via email. So be on the lookout.

Best Regards,

Bobby Thornton

MISSION STATEMENT: Texas Dove Hunters Association promotes strong family unity through hunting and youth programs. We are committed to research, education and habitat conservation.

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TEXAS DOVE HUNTERS ASSOCIATION CORPORATE OFFICE

900 N.E. Loop 410 Suite D300 San Antonio, TX 78209 Off: (210) 764-1189 Fax: (866) 233-0507 email: info@texasdovehunters.com texasdovehunters.com

FOUNDER

Bobby Thornton

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Susan Thornton

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Myrna Hassfield

YOUTH ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR Jeff McMillan

PHOTOGRAPHER Jay Schwisow

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Chris Sykes Tony Rodriguez

SUSAN THORNTON

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

JEFF MCMILLAN

YOUTH ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR

TONY RODRIGUEZ

DESIGN CONSULTANT

MYRNA HASSFIELD

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

JAY SCHWISOW

PHOTOGRAPHER

CHRIS SYKES

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Texas Dove Hunters Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is funded through membership, fundraisers and donations. All donations are tax deductible. TDHA serves as a voice for the dove industry and as a liaison between hunters, outfitters and property owners.

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TEXAS DOVE HUNTERS ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Anthony V. Bass, O.D. - Amarillo, TX Tim Garcia – Houston TX David Heflin, D.V.M. – Mission, TX Don Jones - Corpus Christi, TX Bobby Thornton – San Antonio, TX JB Kolodzey – Ex-Officio Board Member

ANTHONY V. BASS O.D.

AMARILLO , TEXAS

DAVID HEFLIN, D.V.M

MISSION, TEXAS

BOBBY THORNTON SAN ANTONIO , TEXAS

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TIM GARCIA

HOUSTON , TEXAS

DON JONES

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS

JB KOLODZEY

EX- OFFICIO BOARD MEMBER

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FEATURE

ED WHITACRE Humbly Powerful: Opening up about business, hunting, and enjoying the outdoors

By Christie Cuthbert Photography By Ata Girl Photography

When Ed Whitacre was a young man, attending Texas Tech University, a friend of his asked him for a favor.

He was about to make the long drive from school to his hometown of Ennis, Texas, and there was a young lady on campus who needed a lift home to Forth Worth.

"A friend called and said that she had a late final and no ride home, and would I take her," he said. "That was basically it. We hit it off on the drive and talked the entire four hours to Forth Worth.”

Fifty-five years later, that young woman from the car ride, his now-wife Linda, still rides along with him from San 10 | SPRING 2020

Antonio and up the picturesque dirt road to their ranch in Pearsall, carrying on the same conversations they’ve connected over for five decades.

These days, their time is divided between San Antonio and Pearsall, but their story that has taken them from young college kids in love to now is a tale of adventure, helping to shape the nation and building a tight-knit family.

Ed’s rise to success all began when he realized he was more of a business leader than an engineer. Right out of college, he took a job with Southwestern Bell as an engineer but quickly realized where he really wanted to be in the company.

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"I majored in engineering mainly because I knew I could get a job right out of college, but I quickly learned that I liked working with people, and I was fortunate to be working for a large company that had a lot of different career tracks," he said.

Throughout the next two decades, Whitacre would rise up through Southwestern Bell, eventually becoming the Chief Financial Officer, then President, chairman, and CEO. It was then that he brought the company to San Antonio, continuing growth by buying up companies such as Pacific Bell, AmeriTech, and Bell South. Whitacre was also at the helm when Southwestern Bell started up cellular service companies, acquiring AT&T Wireless when it bought out AT&T. "Our goal was to make AT&T the best telecommunications company in the world," he said. "When Apple was preparing to release the iPhone, we struck a 5-year exclusive deal with them, and we sold the hell out of them."

The ability to lead and put together teams that work well together is a natural talent for Whitacre, something that proved successful with AT&T, but also in other, unique endeavors.

When General Motors went into bankruptcy, the Obama administration knew Ed was the guy to call to come in and fix the situation. His keen ability to get a sense of someone’s character is a big part of his ability to lead successfully.

Among many other savvy, refined business traits, Ed has always been a good judge of character in employees.

His ability to read a person’s Emotional Quotient and Intelligence Quotient when meeting them was crucial when he arrived to step up to the challenge at GM. Upon his arrival, the company had already dismantled its human resources department, so lining up employees to bring the company back to life was like starting from scratch.

“I didn’t have any records to go on, so I just had to start the process of, ‘well who do you think a lot of ?,’ then bring them in for interviews and see if you get that feeling that this is the right person for the job,” Whitacre said. “I can’t really explain it. It’s just a feeling I get.”

One year after filing for bankruptcy and bringing in Whitacre, GM earned $1.3 billion and began paying back the government’s bailout.

His experiences of leading AT&T and GM prompted him to also add “author” to his resume when he penned the book, “American Turnaround: Reinventing AT&T and GM and the Way We Do Business in the USA.” Throughout his time in business, Whitacre’s work meant countless moves for his family. As his daughters, Jessica and Jennifer, grew up, they moved to six different schools in 12 years, which wasn’t always easy.

"You're essentially starting all over again," he said. "When the girls got to high school was when the moves were really tough, but as a family, we just always discussed that we would move where Dad's job took us. They've both turned out to be such amazing people, and I'm just beyond proud of them."

Connecting with people, whether in a professional setting or for pleasure, has always been a big part of Whitacre’s life, so much so that Business Week reported in 1999 that he didn’t even have a computer in his office because he preferred making real connections with people. His ability to connect

Whitacre enjoys jumping on his tractors and bulldozers to help work the land.

The ability to lead and put together teams that work well together is a natural talent for Whitacre, something he did successfully at both AT&T and General Motors.

But these days instead of heading into executive committee meetings he heads out in the morning to hunt. also gave him much fulfillment and happiness in the way of service to others.

Along with supporting the United Way, Salvation Army and more, Ed’s always had a special place in his heart for the Boy Scouts of America organization and has volunteered his time at the local level, and as the President of the national organization for two years.

"I feel like it's the best program for young kids in America," he said. "I got to be really good friends with those involved, and I marveled at their dedication. I got enthralled with it and just how good the programs were."

As a young boy, Ed participated in scouting himself and always loved the outdoors. His grandfather taught him how to hunt and fish around ten years old, and he got his first TexasDoveHuntersMagazine.com | 11

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shotgun, a bolt action Mossberg, for Christmas when he was 14. His love of the outdoors helped him make a lot of friends throughout his moves in life, and since hanging up his business suits for good in 2011, the ranch has become his little slice of retirement perfection.

Instead of heading into executive committee meetings or jumping on planes to discuss launching the iPhone with Steve Jobs, Whitacre now heads out in the morning to hunt, followed by his dog, Stella, a British Labrador Retriever. While he's not deer hunting anymore, he thoroughly enjoys duck and dove hunting.

He’s the proud owner of many guns, but his favorite, at the moment, is a Winchester SX3 20-gauge.

“We’ve got mourning dove and white wing here on the ranch,” he said. “I’ve planted some different fields of sunflowers here so I can hunt one field and rest it the next day but still have a place to hunt. I clean everything I shoot and take it to people who will eat it.”

Whitacre chose Pearsall for his ranch because he says the habitats in the area are excellent, with a nice mix of trees, bushes, and lakes. Throughout his 15 years of owning the ranch, he's done a lot of work to preserve the wildlife habitats and make it a superb place to hunt and fish.

“I think it’s important to take care of the land,” he said. “I built lakes here at the ranch and stocked them with bass and bluegills. I'm a freshwater fisherman.

I'm over the era of having bass boats – now I have little bitty John boat."

When he’s not catching anything, Ed may be found up on a tractor or bulldozer on the land helping out.

He loves keeping busy, and now with more time on his hands in retirement, enjoys showing his grandchildren the ways of the land on the ranch.

His daughters and their families come down to the ranch for Thanksgiving, and his 11-year-old grandson, Eli, shot his first duck with “Ba” this past year.

“He loves coming down here to hunt with me,” Ed said with pride.

While he may be spending more time doing the things he loves, Whitacre still actively mentors and gives back to the business world. He taught at Texas Lutheran University for a while and still consults and does guest speaking on leadership, relationships, and how to treat customers.

Spending his time between San Antonio and Pearsall, Whitacre said he prefers to stay local these days.

"I've been to Argentina to hunt and to Africa, but I didn't end up shooting anything because it was just too beautiful," he said. "I've been everywhere I've wanted to go. The older I get, the more I like to stick around the ranch."

While at the ranch, he's also helping the Department of the Interior, clipping duck wings, and sending them in to be assessed.

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Scouting the fields for an afternoon hunt.

What can young people who are starting in their careers learn from such a business powerhouse like Whitacre?

"When a door opens, walk through it," he said. "I came to my career with a little bit of ability, but it was all about being in the right place at the right time."

Soft-spoken and humble, Ed claims his life isn't all that exciting, which is funny coming from a man who has done tremendous things in his career. To the young person getting started in hunting, he says, "be safe and appreciative that you can hunt."

And to the young family who may have to make a move for a job, Whitacre said success in starting all over again is all about making connections with others.

"It really can be tough," he said. "It's like starting from scratch, but finding people you have things in common with can really help. I was always fortunate to be around others in my career, and we were able to meet friends through our kids and their friends as well. While spending a lot of time moving to different places like Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas, I was fortunate to meet a lot of people who hunt, and they all became friends. I just really love being outdoors, always have."

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BANDED BIRD CHALLENGE

The Texas

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The Texas Banded Bird Challenge (TBBC) completed its second year. Open to all licensed hunters, the opportunity to harvest birds with TDHA bands increased when 800 additional Eurasian Collared Doves were banded and released in August, bringing the total of banded birds in the field to 1,300.

“The bands don’t expire from one year to the next, increasing the odds each year of harvesting bird with a TDHA band,” said Bobby Thornton of Texas Dove Hunters Association.

The Texas Banded Bird Challenge was developed as a means of tracking Eurasian Collared Doves to learn more about their migration patterns, habitat preferences, age, and other information. The more data collected over the years, the more we can learn. The 1,300 birds that have been trapped and banded were released all over the state of Texas by members of the TDHA release team. Each year these banded birds are harvested and reported. “The data collected annually will give us more information about these birds that now call Texas their home” said Thornton. It is important that once these bands are recovered that they are reported to TDHA. A phone number and band number are printed on every band.

2019 TEXAS BB CHALLENGE WINNERS

Polaris Ranger: Jimmy Carter

Outfitters Division

Scimitar Horned Oryx Hunt: Michelle Davis

Donated by Baffin Bay Rod & Gun Club

Donated by Hoffpauir Outdoor Superstore Donated by Record Buck Ranch

Ultimate Dove Hunting Package: Shawn Sayers

Donated by CZ-USA,Chama Chair, Chippewa Boots, Frio Cooler, Blake Jones Bird Bag, Bird Down Brand, and Cowboys Wild Game Washer

Ultimate Gunrest, Dove Decoy TDHA Custom Fire Pit: David Machac

TDHA Custom Frio Cedar Ice Chest: Frank Messina Donated by Frio Ice Chests

TDHA Lifetime Membership: Taylor Smith

Trophy trout fishing trip in Baffin Bay: Geri Keller of Valdina Ranch Ultimate Gun Rest: Carlos Fernandez, Arnaud Guillard, Mark Etheredge, Orlan Zepeda, Marco Rangel, Edward Yim

Donated by Bird Down Brand

Early Bird Prize

TDHA logo CZ-USA Supreme Field shotgun: Cody Martin Donated by CZ-USA

Social Media Promo Prize Chama Chair: Juan Ochoa

Donated by Chama Chair

Social Media Promo Prize

Ultimate Gun Rest: Adam Glazener

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“The Texas Banded Bird Challenge was developed as a means of tracking Eurasian Collared Doves to learn more about their migration patterns, habitat preferences, and age.

The data collected on these birds will give us more information about these birds that now call Texas their home”

“Look Dad, this bird has a bracelet on his leg.”

Having completed two years of collecting data on the Eurasian Collared Dove, preliminary studies are showing a preference in habitat for these birds is driving their reason to relocate. One of the harvested birds reported traveled 286 miles from where it was released before being harvested. Another bird was harvested this past season only about one-half mile from where it had been released in 2018. TDHA will wait until after the third year of collection of data before the biologist formulates any quantitative results from the ongoing study.

The TBBC is a season-long contest open to anyone who hunts dove in Texas. This year’s challenge ran from September 1, 2019 to January 23, 2020. If a hunter harvested one of the birds with a TDHA band and was entered in the Texas BB Challenge before harvesting the bird, they were eligible to win one of many amazing prizes.

This past season, 46 banded birds were reported with 12 harvested by hunters that were entered in the contest. Last year, the first year of the program, there were 16 bands reported of which four were qualified entries including one qualifier in the Outfitter’s Division.

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The winner of the Outfitters Division receives a trophy trout fishing trip in Baffin Bay with Baffin Bay Rod and Gun Club. The First Flight Youth Division included a hunting trip for one youth and an adult as well as a First Flight High School Division for a $1,000 scholarship for a student wanting to attend college. Neither prize in the Youth division had a qualified entry this year.

All 46 hunters that reported bands received a oneyear membership to Texas Dove Hunters Association.

In preparation for the 2019 event, TDHA initiated a pilot program with the introduction of retail sales allowing select hunting and fishing supply stores to sell entries alongside their sale of hunting and fishing licenses. This year’s retailers included Hoffpauir’s Ranch & Supply in Lampasas, Oasis Outback in Uvalde, and Ranger Firearms in San Antonio. This program proved to be highly successful and plans to expand to other hunting and fishing supply stores around the state are currently in the works.

Additional prizes were introduced this year with scheduled social media promotional opportunities offering incentives to enter within designated periods of time.

This year, the chance to win a new truck provided by Hoffpauir Auto was added to the list of prizes. Unfortunately, the bird with the winning number was not harvested. Hoffpauir Outdoor Superstore is a strong supporter of TDHA and the Texas BB Challenge, donating our grand prize Polaris the last two years.

Each year more birds will be trapped, banded, and released in Texas. Bands do not expire from one year to the next, increasing the odds of winning. Hunters must enter annually in order to be eligible to win. The entry fee is $20. The 2020 Texas BB Challenge entries go on sale June 1, and can be purchased online at bandedbirdchallenge.org or by calling the office at 210-764-1189.

Don’t go to the field without your entry in the Texas BB Challenge!

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

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2020 ALL-INCLUSIVE GROUP DOVE HUNTING PACKAGE

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FEATURE

DOG BREEDS

MANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BEST FRIEND AND HUNTING BUDDY Finding the best dog for your family and for the field Photography By Jay Schwisow

Dogs are loyal members of any hunting family, serving as both loving pets and trusted sidekicks in the field. Choosing the right breed for you depends on the skills, look, personality and traits youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for. To learn the qualities of the most popular hunting dogs, we reached out to five experienced dog trainers in Texas. With this information and the proper training, you are sure to find your perfect hunting partner.

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English Cocker

Trainer: Eric Harrison Company name: Joshua Creek Ranch Years as a trainer: 13

“The cocker, said at best, fears no bird and has the heart of a lion.”

What makes this breed a good hunting dog?

The English Cocker (spaniel) has been around for the past five centuries. They aim to please and have a gentle character that could charm any outdoorsman. The only thing better than having one English Cocker is having two. A well-trained cocker will retrieve every dove you bring down.

Best qualities: They are small dogs, which make them easy to get around, take up little space in the kennel and can be picked up with one arm, great hunters and eager to please.

Most difficult thing about this breed: The terrible two’s: the dogs are hyper until they have had time to mature which happens after two years of age. They just want to be where the fun is and not miss a moment.

Temperament: The dogs have gentle temperaments.

Good with kids and families?

Excellent family pets and housedogs, good looking enough to go shopping with mom at the mall and have incredible hunting skills that keep the dads man card in the field. Great with children. Man’s best friend.

Trainability: Most are soft to train and with proper pressure can be trained to hunt in a month. The working gun dog should hup (sit), retrieve on command, hunt dead, and flush on command. I do not recommend training the dog with any type of pressure until they’re nine months old.

Versatility: The English Cocker is very versatile hunting dog. They will perform retrieving dove in a field or from a stock tank. Their small size makes them great to float the river in a kayak and bail out the bow to retrieve squirrel and ducks. They are great at retrieving but their real talent is flushing. They can also be used for blood tracking.

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German Short-haired Pointer (GSP)

Trainers: John & Susan Rabidou Company name: Uodibar Kennel & Stable Years as trainer: 53

“Most of the puppies we sell end up sleeping in someone’s bed when they go to their forever homes.”

What makes this breed a good hunting dog?

They have a strong hunting/prey drive and their trainability/biddability is exceptional. They are receptive to training while also tough enough to accept discipline.

Best qualities: Their versatility; they can hunt quail, dove, track deer, go dock diving or run with you.

Most difficult thing about this breed: Some have lost their retrieving instinct and some tend to track game rather than scent.

Temperament: They are fun loving but energetic. They have a medium temperament to excitability, most like and seek human companionship.

Good with kids and Families?

German Short-haired Pointers are great with kids and make the best family dogs. They do better with a family or otherwise close relationship with people.

Trainability: They can be trained to do almost anything, a very versatile dog that is happiest when they have a “job.” Most are readily trainable, especially when started young with minimal “pressure” training techniques.

Versatility: Good on all upland game, many are also used as for retrieving dove and duck.

Etc: There are many breeders of GSP’s who specialize in certain types of GSP’s – select a breeder who knows what you primarily seek and breeds dogs with those attributes.

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Golden Retriever

Trainer: Jay Schwisow Company name: Jay Schwisow Years as a trainer: 26

Labrador Retriever

Trainer: Tom Garza Company name: Lone Star Retrievers Years as a trainer: 12 years, 4 years full time

“My dogs start the season retrieving doves and end with geese and sandhill cranes.”

“Labradors will be your best friend and most loyal hunting companion.”

What makes this breed a good hunting dog?

Its size provides good visibility. Goldens can retrieve a variety of game and due to their instinctive love for the water – waterfowl of all sizes. They can easily be taught to work in front of hunters (quartering), find, flush and retrieve upland game.

What makes this breed a good hunting dog?

Perseverance. The drive to charge out after a crippled bird, no matter how bad the conditions are outside. They seem to be more excited about it than we are at times.

Best qualities: Tractability (easily taught and controlled), natural instinct to find game, and retrieve, physical size, temperament, great noses, calm family pets and overall looks.

Most difficult thing about this breed: It is important to find a dog that has been bred for field work.

The longer coat can trap burrs from time to time.

Best qualities: Eagerness to please, intelligence, strong work ethic, loyalty

Most difficult thing about this breed: Through no fault of their own, Labradors that have been bred irresponsibly can result in a puppy with health issues such as hip dysplasia or Exercise Induced Collapse. It is very important to do research and ask the breeder for health clearances on the parents before buying.

Temperament: Goldens have an “off” switch. When working in the field they are all business but when waiting for the next retrieve, relaxing in the truck or at home they are very calm.

Temperament: The temperament can range from very calm to extremely high-strung. When doing breeding research, you can have the best of both worlds, which would be an “off switch” in the house and “on switch” in the field

Trainability: One of the easiest sporting breeds to train – highly trainable, tractable. Goldens excel in the obedience needed for field work, other obedience or service dog needs.

Trainability: Of the 10+ different breeds we have trained, Labradors have been the easiest for obedience and for our Gun Dog Programs. Labradors with a good genetic background are always the most compliant, and fastest learners.

Good with kids and families?

Goldens make outstanding family dogs and thrive in the home. They are easily socialized to different people and surroundings. They get along well with other dogs and pets.

Versatility: They are very versatile. A Golden’s intuition and nose makes them great pheasant hunters or even working those hard to get Texas blue quail.

Etc.: When looking for a breeder make sure their dogs have proven experience in the field and proper health clearances. Goldens can vary in color from crème/white to almost red/auburn.

Expect most field bred goldens to be medium golden to red.

Good with kids and families?

Absolutely. According to the AKC, the Labrador Retriever has ranked #1 since 1991.

Versatility: Highly versatile. Ducks, Geese, Dove and quail may be the most common retrieved game. However, Labradors have the ability to retrieve, flush, hunt, track, or search for whatever you teach and train them for.

Etc. Labs will give you everything they have.

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Standard Poodle

Trainer: Amy Dittus-Sterner Company name: Simply Southern Retrievers, LLC Years as a trainer: 8 years

DOG BREEDS AT A GLANCE Labradors

Sheds: Yes Full Grown Weight: 55 to 85 pounds Family Dog: Yes Inherent Retrieving: Dove, Duck, Upland

English Cockers

Sheds: Yes Full Grown Weight: 20-30 pounds Family Dog: Yes Inherent Retrieving: Dove, Duck, Upland

Golden Retrievers

Sheds: Yes Full Grown Weight: 50-75 pounds Family Dog: Yes Inherent Retrieving: Dove, Duck, Upland

Poodles

Sheds: Yes Full Grown Weight: 40-60 pounds Family Dog: Yes Inherent Retrieving: Dove, Duck, Upland

“Poodles were the original hunting dog!”

What makes this breed a good hunting dog?

I think we tend to forget that they were the original hunting dogs when we see them as beauty queens as well. I love the focus I get from my dogs, and how easily they catch onto anything new we are hunting.

German Shorthaired Pointers Sheds: Yes, minimal Full Grown Weight: 40-60 pounds Family Dog: Yes Inherent Retrieving: Dove, Upland

Best Qualities: My poodles are both pets and hunting dogs. The fact that they don’t shed or smell like other breeds is a huge plus as well.

Most difficult thing about this breed: Grooming does take a little more time than most breeds. For myself living and hunting all over Texas, I keep my poodles clipped shorter to deal with the heat.

Temperament: They are happy and always ready for something new. They have true motivation to please their owners.

Good with kids and families?

Standard poodles make excellent family dogs, and they are extremely patient and gentle with children of all ages.

Trainability: They excel in obedience training and are extremely easy to train. Just like any hunting breed if it’s bred right they have a lot of natural drive to hunt and retrieve. I think a lot of people have gotten away from the breed’s original purpose. I am definitely trying to bring back the true instinct in the breed.

Versatility: We hunt absolutely everything possible with our poodlesguided dove, duck, and upland hunting.

22 | SPRING 2020

Lone Star Retrievers Tom Garza recommends, “Do yourself and your future hunting pal a favor by doing some research before purchasing a pup. Ask several trainers where some quality breeders can be located. Trainers see dogs from all over! The initial purchase price of a pup is the least expensive part over a dogs’ lifetime. Make sure you get a good, healthy pup. They will cost a little more initially, but they will save you money in the long run.

We love seeing Texas hunting dogs in action, tag us in your pictures on Instagram @texasdovehunters for a chance to feature your pup on our page.

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FEATURE

HUNTER SAFETY

HUNTING SAFETY

A rifle with a split barrel caused by an obstruction in the barrel.

Stick to Your Safe Zone-of-Fire!

By By Steve Hall, Texas Parks & Wildlife Hunter Education Coordinator

“Hunting is safe — and getting safer” is an adage used in hunter education safety programs, due mainly to their success in reducing hunting accidents throughout North America. In the '60s and '70s, Texans were involved in over 100 injuries and 30 fatalities each year. Today, the annual average is under 20 injuries and between 1 and 3 fatalities, over 2/3 of which were caused by hunters who hadn’t attended the training.

Either they were accompanied or exempt — born prior to September 2, 1971 – or they were in violation of the hunter education regulation, the number one citation written by Texas game wardens.

Of the injuries reported today, the most common involve dove hunters swinging on game outside of the safe zone of fire. Simply put, some dove hunters shoot towards their hunting companions while swinging their shotguns on fastflying doves, many coming down to land in the field or near a water source. Swinging on game outside of a safe zone is 24 | SPRING 2020

The area directly in front of you that you can visibly see while not moving your head is the area where it is safe to take a shot.

considered a lapse in hunter judgment. In addition to the shooter’s error, others may be at fault, such as companions not communicating their locations to one another or otherwise moving into unwise positions when changing spots or retrieving downed birds. Restraint is, perhaps, the biggest factor. The hunter is so eager to get or take the shot, he or she extends the swing way beyond the normal field of view. Some call it target fixation — focused only on the bird and not what is beyond, to the side or in front of the target. And since dove hunters do not typically wear hunter orange clothing like quail and pheasant hunters, communicating safe zones with each other prior to shooting is a necessary safety strategy.

In the 2019 fall season, Texas dove hunters enjoyed good weather and a good harvest. The opener also produced the

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Photos courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

injurious pellets. Another son standing five yards behind the dad also was struck by a few pellets, collectively, in the forearm, abdomen, and leg. One factor that may have led to the accident was that the 12-year-old was exempt from hunter education as long as he was accompanied by the father.

Accompanied means within reasonable voice control, so one can surmise that 20 yards was too far for the father to be able to assist with safety and judgment factors of his young son.

This last dove season also showed a spike in faulty equipment incidents.

Usually, we might see one of these incidents every three to four years; however, in 2019, four incidents occurred. Of the four, the one typically covered in the hunter education course Victim of a typical dove hunting incident. Both were 19 years of age, and the is the classic "20/12" barrel blowup. It shooter was in violation of the hunter education requirement. involves a hunter, in this case, exempted from taking hunter education because he had a military ID, putting a 20 gauge shell into the shotgun most dove hunting incidents in two weeks than there were in and upon failure to discharge, loading a 12 gauge in behind each of the previous ten years — an anomaly of sorts. Almost the 20 gauge shell. These errors almost always cause a severe half of the incidents involved multiple shooters in a field split in the barrel upon discharge — some causing injury to firing on doves when one hunter was struck with pellets. the shooter.

Upon investigation, it was difficult to ascertain who actually Following the most important rule of hunting safety — fired the shell that caused injury. However, it points to the Always point the muzzle in a safe direction would reduce fact that dove hunting is a very social affair for most hunters, incidents to single digits in Texas, with only faulty equipment, and determining safe zones and especially communicating mistaken for game and a few other accident types occurring them with one another is a more difficult task. beyond careless handling.

For more information, visit Texas Parks and Wildlife web site at: tpwd.texas.gov/education/ Of the injuries reported today, the most

common involve dove hunters swinging on game outside of the safe zone of fire.

Simply put, some dove hunters shoot towards their hunting companions while swinging their shotguns on fast-flying doves.

In such cases, it is imperative that hunters line themselves up to shoot only in front of the line and not to the sides or behind the line — similar to groups of pheasant hunters marching down a field and keeping in a straight line and sticking to safe zones in front of the line. It is also wise only to take shots into "blue sky" and not towards the landscape or ground. Many guides get upset whenever their dogs get close to being shot, so the blue sky rule is strictly enforced. This should be the same for dove hunters.

On opening day of the 2019 dove season, several incidents occurred that exemplify the typical accident scenarios. In one, a dad and two of his sons were in a position some 20 yards from his third son, a 12-year old swinging on a dove that was headed straight towards them. He fired as his muzzle aligned with the dad's lower leg, which received approximately 20

This hunting dog was peppered by a hunter, causing permanent blindness TexasDoveHuntersMagazine.com | 25

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TEXAS OUTFITTERS

OUTFITTERS IN TEXAS

NORTH ZONE CENTRAL ZONE SOUTH ZONE

• A major flyway for doves • Morning and afternoon hunts available

STONE YARD DOVE HUNT 484 18th St. E., Hondo, Texas 78861 (Corner of Hwy 90 and Hwy 173) (210) 415-4731 info@stoneyarddovehunt.com www.StoneYardDoveHunt.com

CASA MONTE LODGE Robert Rogers 830-854-0810

RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW Three-day dove hunt includes all meals, lodging, beverages, and hunt. $900 per hunter $450 deposit

casamontelodge.com

Y BAR RANCH Tilden, Texas 830-373-4452 Call today to book your hunt

Our lodges are located in Lytle, Big Foot and Pearsall.

DOUBLE H OUTFITTERS La Coste, Texas 78039 210-535-2739

www.hhoutfitters.net

Corporate Hunts and Family Hunts

www.ybarranch.com

Dove hunts for large and small groups on 4000-5000 acres of good managed dove habitat in and around Live Oak County. We find the birds for you and your job is to bring them down.

Lodging Available.

We provide day hunts and lodging packages.

Fields are planted in black oil sunflowers and wheat.

• Dove • Quail • Deer • Hogs • Turkey

KATZFEY RANCHES Co Rd 440 & Co Rd 409, George West, Texas 78022 Contact: Mark@katzfeyranches.com 361-362-8334 www.katzfeyranches.com

Nueces River Lodge, Uvalde TX

• • • •

Upscale Wing Shooting Uvalde Dove Mecca Central and South Zones Mourning and White Wing

• • • •

Corporate Retreat Rustic Elegance/40 Beds Fine Dining Impeccable Service

830-317-0456 • joeelder@sbcglobal.net

26 | SPRING 2020

• • • •

2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Sleeps 8 25 Acre Field Planted for Dove Deep Blue Spring Fed Swim Holes

Elderado.net 830-317-0456

• joeelder@sbcglobal.net

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• White-Winged & Mourning Dove Hunts • Hunting in Uvalde, Medina & Zavala counties • Lodging in Concan • Day, Corporate and Package Hunts • Black Oil Sunflowers, Milo, Tanks, Fly ways.

Jason Schneemann D’Hanis, Texas 78851 (830) 741-1717

www.DownSouthAdventures.com

Ethan Stool 210-287-3375 Rio Medina, Texas

Dove - Axis - Whitetail Deer Milo - Sesame - Native Sunflowers

Ethanstool@gmail.com

Wing shooting North Texas - shooting ranches located in Young, Archer and Clay county & Metroplex Graham, TX

Most feilds located within 90 minutes of Fort Worth

Dove - Multiple fields (sunflowers/Croton) Day Hunts Quail - (Wild Liberated) - Pheasant - Duck

WING SPORT DEPOT Ed Micaletti Graham, Texas 214-663-1832

•Corporate outing 10-50+ guns •Custom Coporates Hunts •Optional Catering BBQ Field Lunch/Dinners •Optional Five Stand •Meeting Rooms •Bird Cleaning Service

www.wingsportdepot.com

DOVE | DUCKS | SPRING TURKEY

24 OUTFITTERS Ryan Gardner Winters, Texas 903-787-2889

• Small Groups and Corporate Outings • Black Oil Sunflowers, Milo Millet, Winter Wheat and Wild Sunflowers • Friday, Saturday and Sunday Hunts • Meal Packages Available

COCHINA HUNTING CLUB John C. Austin 210-215-1837

Dilley and Pearsall Area 20,000 Acres of Prime Hunting Mexico Style: all Inclusive Food/Drinks, Lodging, Guide Groups of 2 to 30

CAST & BLAST

WHITE WING DOVE HUNTS & BAY FISHING NO CATCH, NO KILL, NO PAY • Cast & Blast • White Wing Dove Hunts • Lodge accommodates up to 25 guests • Lower Laguna Madre, Arroyo City, TX Rio Grande Valley

Doug Dunkin 956-873-3850 dunkinguide@gmail.com

dunkinguide.com casaarroyosportinglodge.com

MARK ROBERTS DOVE HUNTING

Offering guided dove hunting tours for family and/or corporate hunts in the grain fields and pastures of Uvalde.

Located near the famous Garner State Park and crystal clear Frio River.

9631 N. US Hwy. 83, Uvalde, Texas 78801 830-261.9467 www.markrobertsdovehunting.com

Joshua Creek Ranch is the only Beretta Trident Lodge and Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Lodge in Texas.

Located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, JCR is a true sportsman’s paradise where guests will experience some of the best hunting in the world complimented by luxury lodging, fine dining and warm Texas hospitality.

JOSHUA CREEK RANCH 132 Cravey Road, Boerne Texas 78006 830-537-5090 www.joshuacreek.com info@joshuacreek.com

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FEATURE

LADIES IN THE FIELD

ANNUAL LADIES DOVE HUNT Spending Time With People You Enjoy

By Amber Haynes, McKenna Quinn

September marks the end of summer and school. Homework, and busy weeks return, but more importantly...dove season begins! Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m fortunate to have a father who took me hunting often as a child. I grew up playing in dove fields and later hunting alongside him. To me, dove hunting has always been an opportunity to spend time with people you enjoy. A few years ago, I had the chance to begin hosting my own dove hunt.

Through my business, McKenna Quinn, I have had the privilege of meeting women who share a love and understanding of the outdoors and for the bonds that hunting together forms. I deeply love bird hunting, the pride behind a good shot, when my dog retrieves my birds, and how bird hunting is in its nature social.

Time spent together in the field has created some of my strongest friendships. Given this opportunity to host a hunt, I knew I wanted to host a ladies' dove hunt. A hunt designed for women

28 | SPRING 2020

to hunt and meet other likeminded women.

My goal when hosting is to create an experience where the newest hunter feels just as comfortable as the seasoned hunter. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve learned that some ladies feel more comfortable bringing their significant other, so men are welcome to attend. I also was privileged to have a few dads bring their daughters to the hunts.

I, of course, brought my dad.

The first year the dove hunt filled within four weeks of being announced so I reached out to Outfitter Steve Wilson to help me find a good location to hunt. Having hunted with Steve for many years, I knew he would find a great spot with plenty of birds.

Steve put us in one of his fields in Pearsall with tons of birds.

Ladies from Austin, Houston, and San Antonio came out that day, one brought her two children along with her. They had driven in from football practice for the hunt, and her son could not be more excited to go hunting with his mom. He was the first person that day to shoot his limit; in fact, I don't think there was a bird that flew by that he didn't hit. Later, he was asked who taught him to shoot so well; he didn't hesitate to answer, "my mom taught me." The daughter equally comfortable in the field brought her camera, and took the most beautiful photos of our hunt, ones that I still treasure. Another couple from Austin; the wife was actively involved in a gun dog training club brought her dog to the hunt. Her beautiful golden retriever, Bravo, was

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not only a treat to watch work, but he also diligently retrieved for several of our hunters. Although some of the ladies knew each other before the hunt, most did not, and it didn't take long for everyone to meet and start connecting. The birds were plentiful, and many ladies limited out quickly. A perfectly timed light rain shower ended the hunt, followed by a cooler temperature. Grateful for the weather change we all sat down to eat a catered dinner in the field, which provided a terrific opportunity to visit and connect even more.

Last year I hosted the second annual McKenna Quinn Ladies Dove Hunt, and again with Steve's help, we secured another great spot, this time in Hondo. The hunt sold out quickly, and I was thrilled to have several repeat hunters from the previous year. This time I opened up more hunting spots than the previous year and was incredibly excited to have close friends and several new faces join in. Two sweet sisters signed up for the hunt early on. Having grown up hunting, they were excited for a ladies' only hunting weekend.

Another young lady drove in from Houston and brought her beautiful English Cocker, Bella. She quickly shot a limit of dove with her 28 gauge over and under with Bella working

obediently by her side. We also had several father-daughter teams, one dad who brought his twelve-year-old daughter for her first ever dove hunt. Another mom brought her sons.. This time we had freshly baked pizzas delivered to the hunters while they waited for the birds to come in.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had a wonderful time hosting these hunts. I deeply admire the ladies I get to meet and love seeing mothers and fathers bring their children. These are the moments that remind me of my childhood and represent how I hope to raise my daughters. I also admire the ladies that come out together or alone and confidently and capably hunt. I praise their willingness to take that risk and enjoy themselves in the outdoors. I treasure the couples that enjoy the field together. I look forward to the next ladies dove hunt all year long, and for the people I get to meet through this annual event.

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FEATURE

HUNT WITH HEART

HUNT WITH HEART

TDHA, Hunt with Heart and Double H Outfitters teamed up for another successful dove hunt last Fall. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hunt brought out eight kids who have congenital heart defects. Each brought a parent or sibling with them to enjoy the hunt. The day began at Triple C Steakhouse in Devine where everyone enjoyed a hearty lunch while learning the basics of gun safety and dove hunting. After lunch, it was time to go to the field, go over safe zone of fire and hunting behind a hay bale. A TDHA volunteer was assigned to each hunter to ensure safety. The birds were plentiful giving everyone the opportunity to leave with a limit of birds. Special thanks to Daniel and Valerie Hernandez of Double H Outfitters for sponsoring the hunt and meal again this year.

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IN THE OFF SEASON

IN THE OFF SEASON The Bar Ditch Gobbler

By Sam Wells - Chama Chair

Opening day of turkey season is always a highly anticipated day for many sportsmen. It signifies a new beginning; the earth comes back to life after a long winter and so does the burning in our soul that calls us to be outside. The poison ivy, ticks, and chiggers all pale in comparison to the feeling of excitement you get when you hear that first gobble cut through the early morning air.

This opening day was going to be special regardless of the outcome. I was going to be hunting with a college buddy of mine. Collin and I used to burn up the roads when we lived together at The University of North Texas. Circumstances in life often change, but a friendship forged in the woods and on the water rarely does. On the eve of the opener, we loaded up the truck and headed out to his grandparent’s farm north of Decatur, Texas. We planned to scout a few places on the farm to put ourselves under the roost tree of a big gobbler come opening morning. Much to our surprise, we located a tom with a dozen or so hens with him. He was the man and he knew it. He strutted 32 | SPRING 2020

Photo By Levi Glines

FEATURE

in the evening sun, letting out a gobble every few minutes.

Collin and I watched as he and his raft of hens made their way into a big live oak tree to settle in for the night.

The morning came quick as it always does when you are full of anticipation and fear that somehow you might oversleep. From our sleeping bags, we discussed how we thought the morning would go. “He’s going to fly right down into the decoys. We will be at the cafe eating breakfast by eight!” Collin exclaimed. I was a little less optimistic. We packed our bags, grabbed our weapons and stumbled through the darkness into the tree line across from where the birds had roosted the night before.

The morning fog rose along with the sound of gobbles ringing out just seventy-five yards away. Collin looked at me and gave a nod from his tree. I could only see the whites of his eyes, but under his facemask I knew he was smiling with anticipation.

Turkeys are big, clumsy birds and the sound of them flapping down from their tree is unmistakable. I looked at my watch and confirmed legal shooting light.

Finally, the gobbler made his way to the ground. He floated down from the tree in a way that looked more like a WWII glider plane than a bird. I let out a few notes from my diaphragm call.

The bird puffed his chest and started strutting right away.

Suspiciously the hens looked over our decoys, trying to figure out just who these two additions to their field were. The gobbler,

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however, never came into range. He eventually made his way off into the treeline taking his hens and my hopes of hot biscuits and gravy with him.

Game plan revised, we headed to a new spot. Just as we got there, we heard several gobbles ring out. We stopped in our tracks and quickly hit a knee. Soon we realized that the gobbles were coming from a large meadow across the road on the neighbors property. Again, I let out a few notes from my call and quickly received an answer, then another and a third. Our spirits were lifted, but we realized there were a few problems with our current scenario. First, we were in the middle of a hay field with little to no cover. Second, the birds were across the road on the neighbors property. Last, but not least, if they did decide to come investigate, they would have to cross two deep bar ditches, a county road and come through a row of thick cedars that paralleled the road. “What do you…” Collin said before he was cut off by a gobble that was closer than any before.

The time for talking was over. Collin made quick work of setting up a blind against the barren fence row. He set up our CHAMA Chairs and a six-foot section of camo netting on wooden dowels. I placed the hen decoy on the ground to simulate a breeding posture and the jake decoy close behind. I hustled to the blind and let out another series of calls. Instead of

Collin being cut off this time it was me. The gobbler was getting closer, there was no doubt about it. A few minutes went by with no action. A few minutes turned into ten. We were beginning to think the bird was deterred by all the obstacles between he and us.

All doubt faded, when a big red head rose just like the morning fog out of the bar ditch. He stopped for a moment and peered under the barbed wire like a soldier scanning the field of battle. A few seconds later he fluttered clumsily over the fence. After gathering himself, he let out a gobble that made the hair on our necks stand up. The gobbler came waddling over to the decoys in full strut illuminated by the early morning sun. He quickly got to work beating up the decoy. He hopped and flapped at it, scratching it with his spurs. I heard the audible “click” come from the safety on Collin’s shotgun. I knew the shot would ring out soon. I was right and the bird was down in seconds with a well-placed shot from Collin. Collin stood up from his chair and eagerly made his way to the bird. I ran after him and was greeted with a big high hive and a solid “bro hug.”

We cleaned and plucked the bird and discussed our plans of what we might do with the flesh. We settled on frying it whole for Friendsgiving in November.

Later that year, in September we sat along that same fence line pass shooting doves. I looked across the field towards the fence where the gobbler came through. I smiled and thought fondly of the events that unfolded in the field that spring morning with one of my best friends. I doubt we will ever have another hunt like that one, but I have no doubt there will be more memorable mornings spent in the woods with Collin. I encourage you to get out in the field this spring, you just never know what might happen!

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FAMILIES IN THE FIELD

SEND YOUR DOVE HUNTING PHOTOS TO:

photos@txdove.org

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Dove Tamales WILD ABOUT DOVE RECIPE

Submitted By Darrell Dullnig

INGREDIENTS:

• Breast meat from 60 doves • 2-3 Tablespoons salt • 8 garlic cloves • 1-2 Tablespoons ground cumin • 8 Guajillo peppers • 1 cup vegetable oil

DIRECTIONS

1. Place dove, salt, 4 garlic cloves, and 15 cups of water in a large pot and boil for one hour. Let the dove breasts cool, then shred by hand.

2. In a blender, combineground cumin, Guajillo peppers, 4 garlic cloves, and 1 cup of water. Blend until smooth. Add the shredded dove to this mixture to coat.

3. Add 1 pound of corn masa, 2 teaspoons of salt and 2 cups of lard in large mixing bowl and knead until combined.

4. Soak cornhusks in water for 15 minutes, then rinse and trim.

5. Place 2 tablespoons of masa onto the center of each husk.

Spread into a thin layer, covering most of the husk, but leaving room at the narrow end so the filling doesn’t come out while the tamale is cooking. Add 2 tablespoons of the dove filling to the

center of the masa and spread into a line.

6. Fold 1 side of the husk over the filling and press lightly to seal.

Then fold over the other side to cover the rest and press lightly.

With the seam side up, tuck the narrow end of husk under the tamale. Repeat for remaining tamales.

7. Line steamer pot with a layer of cornhusks and add water. Cover and steam tamales for 35 minutes.

8. Let tamales cool 15 minutes to allow them to firm up.

For an extra kick: add 4-5 finely chopped jalapenos to a block of cream cheese, mix well and add 1 tablespoon to each tamale.

Submit your favorite dove recipes with photos to info@texasdovehunters.com for a chance to be our featured recipe.

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FIRST FLIGHT YOUTH DAY

FIRST FLIGHT YOUTH DAY

More than 50 volunteers came out for TDHA’s 3rd First Flight Youth Day. With over 400 people in attendance, this year’s event was the largest yet. Once again, kids had a fun-filled day learning all about firearm safety at the slingshot, BB gun, pellet gun, shotgun, and rifle stations.

They had the opportunity to learn more about dove hunting at the Dove 101 station and were able to meet with Texas Brigades as well as volunteers from Texas Youth Hunting program (TYHP).

A new and very popular archery station was added this year.

Many thanks to Buck & Does and volunteers who ran this station.

We appreciate our TDHA, Texas Brigade, and TYHP volunteers who gave their time and knowledge to help make this year’s event a huge success. Many thanks to the 2019 Youth Day sponsors: Academy Sports + Outdoors, Buck & Does, Frost Bank, the Abbott family and Tyler Smith and to the San Antonio chapter of Quail Forever for donating ammunition for the shotgun station.

36 | SPRING 2020

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PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD

38 | SPRING 2020

SEND YOUR DOVE HUNTING PHOTOS TO:

photos@txdove.org

www.78209maga-

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MATT TUMLINSON

MATT TUMLINSON

Brass, Oil, and a True Texas Artist

By Sophie Bauer

While pursuing his undergraduate degree in History, artist Matt Tumlinson worked during the summers for his uncle at A Place to Shoot, a gun range on the Southside of San Antonio.

Although at first the work seemed like just a part-time job, the experience shaped his world in more ways than he could have ever imagined. One night while cleaning up, he took some empty casings home, lined them up, and found his unique, defining, new medium. Tumlinson’s work at the shooting range along with his upbringing in rural central Texas continue to inspire his renowned artistic endeavors, but it’s not just his own journey he is portraying, it’s yours too.

Guns are a part of our society’s cultural, historical, and political 40 | SPRING 2020

Photo By Janet Rogers

FEATURE

conversations. These three elements, Tumlinson realized, are the essence of art, a way to engage in personal and communal dialogue. With this in mind, Tumlinson created his first work, an oil painting of a Comanche Chief looking out over the spent casings. His works since include depictions of cowboys, mounts, longhorns, Willie Nelson, Abraham Lincoln, Mick Jagger, firearms, boots, and more. Each small bullet tells the story of the artist, the subject and the viewer.

When it comes to the message behind his art, Tumlinson says it depends on an individual’s perception. Art is not only a visual experience, but a reflective one as well. When viewing a work of art, every person brings their own history and understanding of the subject matter, or in this case, the canvas as well.

Tumlinson’s art engages viewers in a discussion about firearms in a way that’s not typical, reframing the conversation. Firearms can be seen as violent and destructive, but they can also be used in hunting to put food on the table, provide for the family, or to bond through generations. Traveling the nation showing his art in various galleries, Tumlinson has seen positive reactions come

Photo By Janet Rogers

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from both sides. Although he keeps his personal opinions to himself, he says, “People assume that you align with their beliefs, whether that’s pro or anti-gun.”

With his work, Tumlinson wants people from all backgrounds to draw their own conclusions based on their experiences and have meaningful discussions. To each viewer, his art represents a personal perspective. Through every piece, Tumlinson hopes to evoke understanding on both sides.

Each work is meticulously crafted on the brass bullet casings for a seamless look. This process includes long hours of sorting empty casings to find the ones of the right size and shape. The casings are then attached to a wooden board to create the setting for the oil painting. At first glance, one might not even realize the unique canvas. Tumlinson portrays each subject in a detailed, lifelike fashion. Every layer of his work conveys a different story, resonating with viewers and their journeys.

Almost half of Tumlinson’s work is commission based. He paints unique pieces you can find hanging in private homes, ranches, and more across the country. For commissioned pieces, he has painted oil derricks, individual portraits, maps and various other personal requests. His other works range in subject, but mostly contain a nod to his Texas roots, especially pieces featuring longhorns, bald eagles, country music singers, and the Texas flag.

Tumlinson’s paintings have become popular with collectors worldwide, represented in galleries such as The La Jolla Gallery (La Jolla, California), The Copper Shade Tree Gallery (Round Top, Texas), and Texas Treasures Fine Art (Boerne, Texas).

As a dynamic and ambitious artist, Tumlinson is not only known for his bullet casings. His most recent work is an iconic mural of Texas Country Music Star, George Strait. Tumlinson depicts Strait with a cowboy hat crown, a royal cape, and a

scepter. This mural is part of a special street art series on N. St. Mary’s St. in San Antonio, Texas.

Tumlinson has also paid homage to another Texas music legend, Willie Nelson, with a mural in Rankin, Texas. “Saint Willie of Texas” smiles down on visitors with his classic braids, bandana, and guitar. The mural reads “WWWD?” for “What Would Willie Do?” giving the piece historical, cultural, and religious facets. The murals are a fun way for Tumlinson to further express his creativity, and to keep him “artistically limber” as he puts it. Soon to come, he has several murals lined up, so be on the lookout for more of his work across the state.

In the coming year, Tumlinson has a lot on his plate. Of course, he will keep creating bullet casing pieces and murals, but he also has a much bigger project in the works. In March, Tumlinson and his wife, Allison, will welcome their second child, an arrival they are overjoyed for.

Eight years ago, before launching his career as a fulltime artist, Tumlinson drew the cartoons for Texas Dove Hunters Association newsletter. He also drew the beautiful map featured in every Fall issue of Texas Dove Hunters Magazine with the season dates.

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TEXAS YOUTH HUNTING PROGRAM

TEACHING THE NEXT GENERATION My Experiences in the Texas Youth Hunting Program

By Trevor Lassman

How do we get kids more involved in the outdoors and conservation? The answer to that question is harder to find than one might think, but the team at the Texas Youth Hunting Program (TYHP) has a solution. The answer involves giving kids hands-on experience in the outdoors.

The mission of TYHP is to provide kids a safe, educational, and enjoyable experience in the outdoors through hunts provided by the cooperation of THYP staff, volunteers, and private landowners. Whether it is a whitetail hunt in the South Texas brush, a hog hunt in the East Texas woods, or a dove hunt in the Central Texas fields, THYP provides hunts for anyone’s interests. For many kids, it’s their first-time hunting.

TYHP provides an excellent starting point for new hunters. Huntmasters explain that safety is the number one 42 | SPRING 2020

Safe firearm handling is paramount on TYHP hunts.

priority, stress the importance of following the landowner’s policies, and advocate the benefits of building strong relationships with family and friends. Most events last from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning with hunting times on Saturday morning/evening and Sunday morning. Depending on the ranch, accommodations vary from tent camping to premium lodging.

According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, to participate on a TYHP hunt, the child must be 9 to 17 years old, have gone through hunter’s education, have a valid hunting license, and a youth hunter account on tyhp.org. An adult guardian accompanies each TYHP hunter during the event.

My experience with TYHP has indeed been life-changing and has helped me find my passions for the outdoors, conservation, and volunteering with younger kids. My journey started on my first youth hunt when I was around 12 years old. The hunt was held on a beautiful ranch outside of Brackettville.The targeted species were whitetails, exotics, and hogs. The lead huntmaster was an experienced volunteer who had led many of these programs. Throughout the hunt, we observed many animals, including various exotic species, but I did not have the opportunity to harvest an animal. In the end, these hunts are not just about

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harvesting an animal or about the size of the rack. They are about the memories, knowledge, and respect for the outdoors the participant takes away from that experience.

After my first hunt, I was hooked. I was able to participate in various other TYHP hunts harvesting several animals. Harvesting an animal brought me a lot of joy, but that is not the only thing I remember from those hunts.

Spending time with family, meeting amazing people, sitting around the campfire, and learning about the outdoors are the real reasons TYHP exists. Some of my favorite memories from these hunts are the campfire nights held after the afternoon hunt on Saturday. The atmosphere produced by a glowing fire helps spur great conversations.

My experiences at campfire nights have always been profound due to the amazing groups of people gathered there. Everyone has a chance to talk about themselves and what the hunt/program has meant to them. The beauty of the night sky and those meaningful conversations are why campfire nights are my favorite time of the hunts.

As I grew up through the program, going on different hunts, my desire to give back grew as well. Eventually, I aged out of the program, but my story does not end there.

After I turned 17, I completed huntmaster training and became an official huntmaster upon turning 18 last year.

During the 2019 hunting season, I volunteered on several

Huntmasters explain that safety is the number one priority, stress the importance of following the landownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s policies, and advocate the benefits of building strong relationships with family and friends.

Most big game hunts are for antlerless deer.

Tent camping adds to the adventure and increases selection odds.

youth hunts, including a hunt run by my very first huntmaster. Looking back on my journey from new hunter to volunteer, encouraged me to share my story in the hopes of other kids being able to start their own journeys.

In todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s society, programs like THYP are extremely important.

Statistics show the number of hunters is declining, and Big Game Logic states that around 50% of hunters are over the age of 47.

Additionally, the most recent 5-year survey conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shows that about 5% of Americans who are 16 years old or more, participate in hunting with a steady decline in numbers, even as the overall population rises. Programs like TexasDoveHuntersMagazine.com | 43

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THYP are helping to recruit new hunters to keep the heritage alive. THYP has been in operation for 24 years and has influenced the lives of thousands of children and adults.

According to Chris Mitchell, the Executive Director of Texas Youth Hunting Programs, the program reached over 1,150 kids this past hunting season and over 25,000 kids in the course of the program’s history. Each one of these kids now has a story of their own to tell and hopefully a greater appreciation for the outdoors and conservation. The importance of this program cannot be stressed enough.

Why would kids protect our way of life and be stewards of our natural resources if they don’t experience it for themselves? This is the reason I’m sharing my story and helping others get involved. Many of us have had the opportunity to experience the outdoors, and now it's our responsibility to share those experiences with others. Even parents who have not gone hunting themselves have the chance to share this hunting heritage with their kids through TYHP. Many times, the parents are inspired to hunt themselves after witnessing their child participate on the hunt.

There are many ways to become involved in advancing the outdoor lifestyle through THYP. Taking a kid on a hunt is a great way to start. To me, seeing the joy of a young hunter after harvesting an animal is even better than harvesting my own. Another great way to get involved is to volunteer on a hunt. Volunteers do not have to be hunt masters to help on a hunt. The most common roles of volunteers are guides, cooks, and performing educational

44 | SPRING 2020

activities. Finally, TYHP trains huntmasters to lead hunts on the ranches. Becoming involved doesn’t have to be from a volunteer basis only. THYP requires the support and generosity of landowners who donate their time and resources as part of the program. A helpful hint to any landowners who are part of the Texas Managed Land Deer Program. Hosting THYP hunts are a great way to fill those tags and watch kids enjoy themselves at the same time.

THYP needs your support. Reaching thousands of kids requires a lot of selfless volunteers, hunt masters, and landowners to reach these young adults.

I’m giving back because I first saw what there was to give. Programs like TYHP are how we are ultimately going to raise future leaders in wildlife conservation and hunters’ rights. Trying to get the next generation to see the importance of the outdoors without showing it to them is like planting a tree without soil. The experiences those kids have are the foundation and the nutrients that help them grow to be the next preservers of this way of life, thereby furthering the hunting heritage and protecting our rights as hunters for generations to come.

If you are interested in taking a kid on a hunt, becoming a volunteer, becoming a hunt master, or supporting the program as a landowner, please visit thyp.org.

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FEATURE

HABITAT

MIGRATORY GAME BIRD STAMPS Where Do the Endorsement Funds Go?

By Owen Fitzsimmons - Webless Migratory Game Bird Program Leader, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

In 1971, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) created its first hunter-funded stamp to generate revenue for white-winged dove conservation. Today, proceeds from the TPWD Migratory Game Bird (Stamp) Endorsement are used exclusively for the conservation of all Texas migratory game birds. The Texas Legislature allowed TPWD to increase our expenditures of this fund in 2015. Since then, over 27,000 acres of wetlands, uplands, bottomlands, and other critical migratory game bird habitats across Texas have been positively impacted.

In a privately-owned state like Texas, partnership support is key to the effective use of the proceeds. From 2016-19, every dollar contributed to partnership projects was nearly 46 | SPRING 2020

TPWD biologists and members of the TPWD Migratory Gamebird Council looking over a native Sunflower field funded by the migratory stamp fund at the Roger R. Fawcett WMA.

tripled thanks to matching contributions from partners or other funding sources. By leveraging funds and working with partners, a small investment into proven programs like the Texas Prairie Wetlands Program, administered by Ducks Unlimited, can yield a much greater return on the landscape.

Newer partner-driven landowner incentive programs like the Coastal Grassland Restoration Incentive Program which enrolled over 10,000 acres of habitat in the first year; the Texas Playa Conservation Initiative, which restores critical playa functionality and integrity; and the Northeast Texas Conservation Delivery Network are shifting the tide of habitat loss by focusing on private lands in key areas for migratory game birds.

TPWD owns and operates over 50 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) comprising more than 700,000 acres. Stamp funds are helping significantly improve habitat and hunting opportunities at many of these sites. Currently, 750 total acres of publicly hunted WMA dove fields are supported with these funds, with multiple fields located in every major region of the state. The Las Palomas WMA, purchased largely with White-winged Dove Stamp funds in the 1970s, now supports over 200 acres of prime dove fields and the highest hunter success rate of any WMA, though it may soon have some

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competition. In Palo Pinto County, west of Fort Worth, over 100 acres of native sunflowers are being cultivated on the new Roger R. Fawcett WMA, which will open its gates to hunters for the first time this 2020-21 season.

In the past four years, over 2,500 acres of WMA wetland habitat have been restored and nearly 500 acres created through levee construction and repair, improved water management infrastructure, installation of solar wells and rock breakwaters, and the treatment of hundreds of acres of exotic vegetation. Projects like these not only expand management capacity, they improve public hunting and, ultimately, result in higher quality habitat for migratory game birds.

Stamp proceeds also support the Premium Private Land Dove Draw Hunt program; which gives hundreds of hunters each year a chance to win a limited access, top-quality day hunt with reputable outfitters valued at over $100 each.

Newer partner-driven landowner incentive programs are shifting the tide of habitat loss by focusing on private lands in key areas for migratory game birds.

A newly constructed levee and water control structure allow proper hydrology management, benefitting migratory game birds.

Additionally, in 2019 the funds helped support TPWDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Annual Public Hunting Program; which leases private land for walk-in hunting, primarily for dove and other small game, and can be accessed with the purchase of a $48 Annual Public Hunting Permit.

Thanks to Texas hunters, Migratory Game Bird (Stamp) Endorsement funds are helping TPWD and our partners make huge strides in the conservation of our migratory game bird resources. Ensuring the long-term sustainability of our birds and our proud hunting heritage.

Solar wells are a cost-effective way to ensure water for migratory game birds at critical times of the year.

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TDHA STORE

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