2024 May/June_TTHA Issue

May, June Great For Texotics

ell, we are in the middle of spring, which has been the wettest in several years. El Niño has provided rainfall to some rather parched areas of Texas, making life easier for all manner of wildlife. You might say that the wilds of Texas are cooling down, while the Presidential race of 2024 is heating up. As usual in a Presidential race, a lot of promises will be made that are forgotten after Nov. 5.

The spring turkey season is about over, and hunters have enjoyed another good season. Reports say the season has been about normal, with hunters taking some 50,000 gobblers and bearded hens. When the first spring turkey season occurred in 1969 in Kerr County, very few hunters knew how to hunt turkey in the spring. Now, 55 years later, Texas has a seasoned cadre of more than 100,000 turkey hunters who, more or less, understand the ways of strutting gobblers, and what it takes to tote one to the pickup.

A select group of TTHA members met with TPWD Wildlife Division personnel back in January to discuss the pros and cons of the state agency’s control program for chronic wasting disease. The San Antonio roundtable meeting gave all in attendance more explicit knowledge of the problems at hand. Current disease control methods have been a problem for deer hunters and breeders, while being the bestknown ways of controlling the rare cervid disease to date.

The months of May and June are very good for chasing several species of Texotics—big game from other countries—that can be hunted year-round. Axis deer, nilgai antelope, and aoudads are the top three that occur in the Hill Country (axis), West Texas and the Panhandle (aoudad) and the South Texas Plains (nilgai). Hunters who want to keep their rifles handy have an exciting adventure waiting, and the three Texotics mentioned will give them a good run for the money. And they’re also good eating!

A wide variety of Texas snakes are beginning to crawl, but 95% are harmless. The other 5% are rattlesnakes, cottonmouth moccasins, copperheads, and the rare and petite coral snake. All coil and strike their victims, except for the small, colorful coral snake that must grab and chew to cause a toxic injury. You will be safe from these venomous reptiles if you wear high boots where needed, and watch where you put your hands. Reports of snake bites are rare, but it pays to be cautious.

There is a lot to do in the outdoors during a Texas spring, so gather the kids to go fishing, bird watching, shed antler hunting, clean the camp house and the deer blinds, thumb through the camera cards to look at next year’s bucks, or just get out and smell the flowers.

The Old Hunter reminds you to keep ’em running, swimming and flying by being good sports. I’ll see you down the road.

LETTER

Horace Gore

Founder Jerry Johnston

Publisher Texas Trophy Hunters Association

President and Chief Executive Officer Christina Pittman • christina@ttha.com

Editor Horace Gore • editor@ttha.com

Executive Editor Deborah Keene

Associate/Online Editor Martin

North Texas Field Editor Brandon Ray

East Texas Field Editor Dr. James C. Kroll

Hill Country Field Editor Gary Roberson

South Texas Field Editor Jason Shipman

Coastal Plains Field Editor Will Leschper

Southwest Field Editor Jim Heffelfinger

Graphic Designers Faith Peña Dust Devil Publishing/Todd & Tracey Woodard

Contributing Writers

Matt Fox, John Goodspeed, Travis Haikenwaelder, Judy Jurek, Lee Leschper, Mahlon Marhofer, Ron Payne, Garland Spivey, Paul Stafford, Eric Stanosheck

Sales Representative Emily Lilie 713-389-0706 emily@ttha.com

Advertising Production Deborah Keene 210-288-9491 deborah@ttha.com

Membership Manager Kirby Monroe 210-809-6060 kirby@ttha.com

Assistant Manager of Events Jennifer Beaman 210-640-9554 jenn@ttha.com

Administrative Assistant Courtney Carabajal 210-485-1386

courtney@ttha.com

To carry our magazine in your store, please call 210-288-9491 • deborah@ttha.com

The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters, 1982 ISSN-08941602, is published bimonthly (a total of 6 issues) by The Texas Trophy Hunters Association Ltd. 700 E. Sonterra Blvd., Suite 1206, San Antonio, TX 78258, Phone (210) 523-8500. All rights reserved. Periodical postage paid in San Antonio, Texas, and Additional Mailing Offices. Subscriptions: $35 per year includes membership in TTHA. Phone (210) 523-8500. Advertising: For information on rates, deadlines, mechanical requirements, etc., call (210) 523-8500. Insertion of advertising in this publication is a service to the readers and no endorsement or guarantees by the publisher are expressed or implied. Published material reflects the views of individual authors and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the association. Contributions: should be sent via email to editor@ttha.com, or mailed to the Editor, Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters, 700 E. Sonterra Blvd., Suite 1206, San Antonio, TX 78258. They must be accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope or return postage, and the publisher assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to unsolicited materials. Any material accepted is subject to revision as is necessary in our

TTHA and SCI Announce Outdoors Extravaganza 2025

TTHA and SCI announce the expansion of our Hunters Extravaganza series to include the new Outdoors Extravaganza, set to debut in Dallas on Jan. 10-12, 2025, at the Kay Bailey

Hutchison Convention Center. This show offers hunting, fishing, and camping experiences and features guides and outfitters from around the globe. Save the date!

True Texas Hunting Heritage Family

Brian and Denise Welker, both TTHA Platinum Life Members, have won many prestigious awards through their extensive international hunting experience and their lifetime commitment to wildlife conservation and outdoor education. They’re also serious about “Passing the Torch” of our hunting heritage down to their children and grandchildren. And they were gracious enough to share these great photos of their family with us.

The Welker family goes above and beyond when it comes to handing down hunting heritage to the next generations.

PHIL HUNTER

By Jason Shipman

Phil Hunter is a pioneer of our hunting heritage. He’s also a friend to many, including the Texas hunting industry and Texas Trophy Hunters Association. The hunting community has undoubtedly grown from the efforts and generosity of Phil and his family.

Phil and his wife Jackie reside in Cibolo, a small town-turned big city, located on the northeast side of San Antonio. Phil has been a part of the construction industry most of his life. “Starting out, I worked as a general contractor building custom homes and smaller commercial projects,” Phil recalled. “One day, I gave away my tool belt and tools to my friends, and decided to work as a concrete contractor with my head instead of my hands!”

In 1996, Phil created PHI Concrete, Inc., focused on residential and commercial foundations. The rest, as they say, is history. The business is now operated by three generations of the Hunter family, and as such, Phil considers himself semi-retired. “After so many years, you can never completely get away from what you’ve built, but the kids grew up in the middle of it and are doing a great job running things,” he said.

The success of the business made many things possible for the family. “For many years, I leased ranches for cattle grazing and hunting. I liked the brush country, and we hunted around Batesville, Pearsall, Tilden,

and Mexico. The drought was always tough on hunting, and some years I found myself paying for grazing leases just to grow grass,” Phil said.

He added, “In 2000, I figured it made more sense for us to buy a place. I drew a circle on a map that roughly encompassed the Golden Triangle, and we started looking. Early on, I knew I’d like to be close to Cotulla.” The family looked at many places before finally settling on “the one” in La Salle County, not far from Cotulla.

The ranch, known as Charco Marrano, has been a special place for Phil and the family. “It was a dream come true when we bought the ranch,” Phil said. “It wasn’t easy though. The ranch was worn out and abused when we got it and needed a little TLC. I’ve only flown in one helicopter survey, and it was the very first one we did in 2000. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. We saw more hogs than deer.”

After the survey, Phil didn’t say a word. He just got out of the helicopter, got in his truck, and drove off. There was no need to talk about it. He knew he needed to get to work. After investing a generous amount of time, money, and a lot of hard work, the ranch began to realize success and the wildlife management program gained notoriety for producing huge, low-fenced deer.

Charco Marrano is now a consis -

Phil Hunter, an industrious man, has a passion for whitetail hunting.

tent producer of trophy-class bucks and has been featured in numerous issues of The Journal, as well as many episodes of past TTHA television shows. Throughout the years the ranch has produced several deer qualifying for the Boone and Crockett record book.

“Harvesting a book deer is the pinnacle of whitetail hunting, and we have been blessed to take several,” Phil said. “Passion is what brought the Charco Marrano back to life. Passion for the land, the wildlife, and the desire to make it better.” Perhaps even more important than the success of the business, the ranch, and the wildlife management program has been Phil’s desire to share it with others.

“The experiences shared, and the people make it better,” Phil added. “It would be very difficult to put a number on the many guests we have had on the ranch. The number of first-time hunters and guests, both young and old, has been tremendous. I can’t help but think we’ve made an impact, even on a small level,” Phil noted.

The ranch has hosted hunts for charities and a variety of causes over the years including some in partnership with TTHA. People from all walks of life have visited the ranch. In addition to a list of returning commercial hunters, other guests have included some of the construction industry’s finest, the executive director of TPWD, and even former Gov. Rick Perry.

The future remains bright for Phil and the rest of the Hunter family. “The time goes fast! This will be our 25th year at the ranch and we’ll continue working on our wildlife program and running our hunts,” he said. “Everything is always a work in progress. I’ve got eight grandkids that I’m working on turning into hunting guides and camp cooks.”

Phil is a larger-than-life Texan who’s always willing to share a good story or a different spin on life in general. “I love the ranch and spend as much time here as possible, but when it warms up, I enjoy spending a little time fishing with the kids down on the coast. The Good Lord has blessed us!”

Pass the Torch

Do your part to preserve our hunting heritage. Share your passion with the next generation. Pass the torch.

How do you pass the torch? Share your photos with us. Send them to editor@ttha. com. Make sure they’re 1-5 MB in file size.

Photos Courtesy of Charco Marrano Ranch

FENCE POSTS

NEWS ABOUT HUNTING, GUN RIGHTS, AND LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

SCI Celebrates 2024 Annual Convention in Music City

Safari Club International (SCI) hosted its 2024 Annual Convention and the Ultimate Sportsmen’s Market, celebrating 52 years of protecting the freedom to hunt. This monumental event, held for the second time at Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee, boasted tens of thousands of visits from 114 countries. SCI was pleased to gather with fellow hunters and outdoorsmen and women to celebrate SCI’s ongoing efforts to advocate for and enact sustainable-use wildlife conservation around the globe. What’s more, SCI Convention attendees spent $9 million at restaurants, hotels, and other businesses in Nashville during one week, according to Governor Bill Lee.

More than 800 exhibitors set up booths in the convention hall, providing attendees with unparalleled options and opportunities to book hunting trips across the U.S. and worldwide. Some of the outdoor industry’s most recognizable companies showcased cutting-edge products, including firearms, accessories, optics, ammunition, archery, gear, and other tactical and hunting goods. Other notable vendors sold exquisite luxury goods like fur, furnishings, clothing, and jewelry.

Attendees who sought educational and informational sessions could attend presentations about hunting, fishing, shooting, and various additional outdoor activities. Seminars took place each day of the convention, including the USA Olympic Shooting Team Meet & Greet and Navigating USFWS & USDA Regulations for Importing Hunted Wildlife. Hunting celebrities like Jim Shockey and

other influencer content ambassadors attended events and enjoyed the show floor. There was truly something for everyone!

Each evening, SCI held recordbreaking dinners and live auctions that featured gourmet wild game meat meals, which sold out on Friday and Saturday nights, raising more than $20 million for SCI Foundation advocacy and conservation efforts. Convention attendees were able to listen to speakers, including Johnny Morris, founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s, and NASCAR legend Richard Childress. Following these functions, entertainers including Foreigner, Big & Rich, 38 Special, and Jason Aldean performed for enthused audiences every night. Barstool Outdoors’ host Sydnie Wells also attended for the second year in a row and stressed the importance of introducing hunting to younger generations. Each day and night, the camaraderie was unmatched as like-minded hunters gathered from every corner of the globe at the greatest celebration of hunting.

Commons, who was given this year’s International Legislator of the Year award and U.S. Congressman Richard Hudson (R-North Carolina), who received the prestigious Federal Legislator of the Year award. Additionally, Shane Black was awarded the CJ McElroy award, and SCI and Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s honored Richard Childress with the Morris Family Legacy award.

What’s more, SCI leadership presented prestigious awards to distinguished international guests and legislators in Washington, D.C., who are at the forefront of fighting for hunters’ rights abroad and here in the U.S. Especially notable honorees included MP Blaine Calkins, a member of the Canadian House of

“The entire SCI organization extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to all who attended this year’s Convention and once again led to record-breaking success,” said SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin. “Your presence and support of SCI at our hallmark event contribute enormously to year-round advocacy efforts for hunting rights and wildlife conservation at every level of government. We can’t wait to see everyone again next year for another top-notch SCI Convention, and for ten more years here at Music City Center!”

TTHA staff attend the SCI convention in Nashville.

HUNTING NEWS

SCI will have its 2025 Convention again in Nashville from Jan. 22-25. You won’t want to miss out—see you there!

—courtesy SCI

Panhandle Fire Takes Toll on Gene Howe WMA

The Smokehouse Creek Fire in Hutchinson County during late February took its toll on over 1 million acres in the Texas Panhandle, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. The service stated powerlines in rough terrain and unfavorable weather conditions started the fire, which devastated cattle and property in the area. The Gene Howe Wildlife Management area also got caught up in that fire. According to its Facebook page, about 98% of the WMA burned due to that fire.

“Major infrastructure made it through relatively unscathed. We have been assessing other infrastructure damage and several miles of fencing will need to be replaced,” the Facebook post said. “Wildlife such as deer, turkey, and quail were seen moving about within burned areas the day after the fire. Most wildlife can escape the flames by running, flying, or getting underground. Although the country looks bleak right now, the plants and wildlife of the Great Plains evolved with periodic fires, and with spring and summer rains the rangeland will recover and improve.

“Nesting cover for ground nesting birds (quail/turkey) may be limited this spring but, depending on rainfall, should improve by early to mid-summer. With

spring right around the corner, coolseason grasses and forbs have begun to emerge and woody plants such as sand sagebrush will soon begin to resprout, which will provide forage for deer and other wildlife.”

—Martin Malacara

CSC Members Introduce Keep Public Lands in Public Hands Act

On February 20, the Public Lands in Public Hands Act was introduced in a bipartisan fashion by Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC) member Rep. Ryan Zinke and CSC member Rep. Gabe Vasquez. This legislation will establish an important emphasis on the recreational value of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) parcels identified for disposal.

The Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) is an overarching law that governs how our nation’s public lands are managed and governed. FLPMA requires that federal agencies, including the BLM and USFS, must periodically review their land holdings and identify lands that are appropriate for disposal or exchange. Historically, lands identified for disposal under FLPMA were often focused on small parcels that were viewed as low priority for access purposes or because resource value was low, among other factors. However, with GPS technologies and other technological advancements that have changed how sportsmen and women navigate public lands, historically low priority lands have become more valuable for recreational purposes.

Specifically, the Act requires Congressional approval for the sale or transfer of publicly accessible lands that are greater than 300 acres and water accessible lands that are greater than five acres. Under current law, Congress does not need to provide oversight over

the sale or transfer of parcels of FLPMA identified parcels regardless of size. This legislation establishes an important threshold to maintain public access for sportsmen and women while recognizing that smaller, less recreationally important lands are suitable for disposal. This legislation does not prevent or prohibit the transfer or sale of public lands. Nor does this legislation undermine important land transaction programs that help increase access such as the Federal Lands Transaction Facilitation Act. Rather, this legislation establishes an important threshold to ensure that important recreational lands and water are scrutinized and approved by Congress before being sold or transferred. — courtesy Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation

Louisiana Federal Court Upholds 2016 Delisting of State’s Black Bear

In late January, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana dismissed the plaintiffs’ challenge to the removal of Louisiana black bear from the Endangered Species Act (ESA) list of threatened species. Safari Club International proudly supports this decision, as it further confirms that the black bears are a recovered species that should be managed through sustainable use conservation.

The decision comes as the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission is in the final stages of considering whether to open a limited black bear hunting season to begin in December 2024. The Commission would issue a maximum of ten permits to hunt the Tensas River subpopulation of black bears. This is the largest and healthiest black bear subpopulation and has experienced significant growth and expansion beyond its core habitat area.

The fight is not over, and SCI strongly encourages its members in Louisiana and nationwide to stay engaged on this issue and support science-based wildlife management.

“We are pleased with the court’s ruling in favor of SCI, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries,” said Richard

Gene Howe Facebook photo of fire damage to the WMA.

Kennedy, President of SCI’s Acadiana Chapter and an attorney involved in the case. “The science supports the delisting and the court’s confirmation that the Louisiana black bear population has recovered and is healthy and sustainable. We look forward to the LDWF opening a hunting season to appropriately manage this increasing bear population.”

— courtesy SCI

SCI Supports FWS Decision to Deny Gray Wolf Listing Petitions

Safari Club International supports the decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to deny two petitions to list wolves in the Western United States under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). After a thorough scientific review, the FWS found that these wolves are not at risk of extinction, now or in the foreseeable future. That decision was published on February 7, 2024.

“SCI has supported and defended in court the down-listing and delisting of gray wolves for over 20 years,” said SCI Executive Vice President for International Government and Public Affairs Ben Cassidy. “As the FWS found, the science is clear that wolf populations are not endangered or threatened. Animal rights groups file these petitions to fundraise and deceive their supporters about the sustainability of gray wolves. But what wolves really need is responsible management through hunting and conflict mitigation to increase social tolerance and facilitate natural range expansion into appropriate habitat.”

While SCI supports the denial of these petitions, SCI questions the FWS’ intent to develop a nationwide recovery plan for gray wolves. The FWS has repeatedly found that gray wolves have exceeded recovery goals beginning in 2003.

Since 2003, SCI has been involved in numerous lawsuits related to down-listing or delisting gray wolves in the Lower 48 States. SCI’s efforts aim to recognize the successful recovery of gray wolves, return wolves to state management, and clear the way for regulated hunting to manage growing wolf populations. In the

HUNTING NEWS

most recent case in 2022, a California federal court found that state management plans and regulations do not threaten the survival of gray wolves but still overturned the FWS’ nationwide delisting for technical reasons. The court’s decision underscores the fact that state management can be more responsive to the negative effects that gray wolves impose on those who live within their range.

“States are the best managers for gray wolves,” Cassidy said. “Even a California judge has found this. The FWS has no business dedicating its scarce resources to a recovered species that can and should be conserved under state law.”

SCI is currently in court defending the 2020 delisting of gray wolves in the Lower 48 States. An appeal of the decision to overturn the 2020 delisting rule is currently before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. SCI remains committed to defending the delisting of the recovered gray wolf in court and in Congress. courtesy SCI

Yoskowitz Appointed to Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council

The Secretaries of Interior and Commerce recently appointed Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Executive Director, David Yoskowitz, Ph.D., to serve on the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council.

The committee advises the U.S. Secretary of the Interior and the U.S. Secretary of Commerce on aquatic conservation and restoration endeavors to benefit fishery resources and enhance recreational boating.

The council comprises individuals from coastal fish and wildlife resource management agencies, fishing and boating industries, and education or outreach organizations to address recreational angling, boating and aquatic resource conservation issues. The council not only advises the secretaries but also encourages partnerships among industry, the public, and government to advance conservation needs.

Yoskowitz was named executive director of TPWD in 2022 after previously

serving in many roles at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. He served as chief economist of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (2014 – 2015) where he helped develop the agency’s first Social Science Vision and Strategy. He also served on the National Research Council Committee on the Effects of the Deepwater Horizon Mississippi Canyon-252 Oil Spill on Ecosystem Services in the Gulf of Mexico.

Yoskowitz previously sat on the Socioeconomic Scientific and Statistical Committee for the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council and currently serves on the Board of Directors of Indifly, an organization dedicated to using recreational fisheries to create sustainable livelihoods for indigenous peoples around the world.

“I am honored to have been appointed to this committee that focuses not only on the core values of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department but conservation issues across the United States,” Yoskowitz said. “Working together with industry partners, outdoor enthusiast organizations, other fish and wildlife agencies, and various stakeholder groups helps us make well-rounded recommendations to the Secretaries.” courtesy TPWD

David Yoskowitz, Ph.D.

What is a WhiteTailed Deer Worth?

True value of deer hunting is priceless

By Dr. James C. Kroll

Iwas a professor of wildlife management for 50-plus years, teaching and training hundreds of young people about wildlife management. It was the joy of my life; however, nothing upset me more than to show my students some animal or plant, and have one of them ask, “What good is it?” My response always was “What good are you?” Yet, I am making an exception with this column, because it is important for you to learn the true values of our favorite big game animal.

“So, simplistically, the average whitetail deer harvested in Texas during the 2022-23 season cost a whopping $5,194. If we are more generous and calculate it based on the entire

I have spent decades on research projects dealing with the economics of everything from deer to timber to even wild turkeys, yet I have been stymied many times trying to place an economic value on the noun, value. Some attempts by economists involve trying to use what amount it takes for someone to give up something, say their hunting license, as a measure of value. So, let’s begin with the easiest topic, the economic value.

deer

population of some 5.5 million; it drops to $782. At any valuation, it suggests that a high value is placed on whitetails in Texas. And this does not include the cost of acquiring land with a primary use of wildlife management.”

To borrow from Sesame Street, “Today is brought to you by the letter V, for Value.” That word lies at the heart of the answer to the question, “What is a white-tailed deer worth?” The dictionary defines “value” as: (noun) the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something; or (verb) to estimate the monetary worth of something. Seems like everything revolves today around the economic value of something.

It’s tempting to conduct a review of trophy whitetail outfitters’ prices for their bucks. However, the average price being charged for an elite and small group of animals would be worthless, in my opinion. It does not reflect the vast majority of deer killed in Texas or the U.S.

Here’s another idea. Let’s use the values placed on poached deer by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for restitution. The latest information for Texas, starts with a “base” value of $881.50, plus cost based on the buck’s B&C score, which can be as much as $10,000. According to B&C, the formula for calculating restitution for a poached

buck in Texas is $881.50 + ((gross score - 100)² x $1.65). The last value I found for poaching a doe was $273.50. I have no idea where these numbers came from, so again we are getting nowhere.

Now we turn to the approach used by Texas A&M researchers on the worth of hunting to Texas. According to the 2023 report, “Economic Values of White-tailed Deer in Texas, Part 1,” here are the facts:

• 84% of hunters were deer hunters

• The average deer hunter spent $3,348

• The average lease fee was $2,904

• The average landowner spent $18,812 on hunting and habitat management

• The average spent on supplemental feeding was $3,593

• The actual total annual expenditures was estimated to be $4.3 billion

• There were 827,928 deer harvested during the 2022-23 season

So, simplistically, the average whitetail deer harvested in Texas during the 2022-23 season cost a whopping $5,194. If we are more generous and calculate it based on the entire deer population of some 5.5 million; it drops to $782. At any

valuation, it suggests that a high value is placed on whitetails in Texas. And this does not include the cost of acquiring land with a primary use of wildlife management.

Twenty years ago, we did a study here in East Texas, which used the average lease fee and harvest rate, finding that hunters on a lease actually paid more for their buck than they would have at a per animal trophy operation.

Because I know of no research on what the average deer hunter would take for his or her license, I think it best to move to the noun for value: “The regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something.” I can only speak from my own experiences growing up deer hunting. In those days, most hunting was done either on family property or leased property. The commonly used term was “on our lease.” Membership either was a group of families or single men, who were friends and family members.

Who among you does not think back nostalgically to those days at the lease or hunting camp, including that bottomless pot of pinto beans, the campfire talk, the pile of beer cans, skinning bucks and cutting off the shirttail of the guy who missed? And, what about that first buck little Tommy shot when he was 12?

At any valuation, a high value gets placed on whitetails in Texas, according to the author. But this does not include the cost of acquiring land with a primary use of wildlife management.

How much did each of you spend over the years on corn, feed, food, and to build or refurbish that old shack everyone slept in? Can you still hear the snoring? How many miles did you drive each year to and from the lease or family land? It boils down to this: When you think of those times, what would you take in cash for those collective memories?

Unfortunately, times have changed and there are fewer of those kinds of leases. The modern deer hunting lease is a highdollar affair, with mostly men who are there for only one thing: a trophy buck. Lease rates have ballooned along with land and housing prices. I hazard to say that what we learned for East Texas years ago, still holds true today. You could have spent less at a per animal trophy ranch. Then again, you would lose the same priceless memories.

So, what is a Texas whitetail worth? This all depends on the purpose for asking the question. If it is being asked by those interested in economic development or the total economic impact, you certainly would answer using the language of the Texas A&M study: “Why deer hunting is a $4.3 billion industry in the Lone Star state.”

A good businessman would dissect the data further to see where the money goes, and tailor marketing strategies appropriately. A special interest group would go to the legislature with these data to pressure agencies to do their bidding. Or, as we have seen with the recent Texas A&M publication, to scare folks about some threat to the “deer industry.”

This column was a difficult challenge to write. There does not seem to be a reliable answer, so I will give you just my opinion. After more than 50 years of living and working with whitetails, as well as 60 years of hunting them, the true value of a whitetail is priceless. This is because it is not limited to what someone spends on deer hunting or managing deer on their land; the real value lies in what we get back from the experiences; what we do for the land; what we do for the next generation; and, what we do for the white-tailed deer. Again, it’s priceless. You can finish this column knowing that the current per animal worth of a whitetail harvested in Texas is probably about $5,000. But I hope you agree that this is not the true cost. You, and what you get from deer hunting, are the truly valuable commodity.

Texas is known far and wide as America’s deer hunting capital. Around 800,000 licensed deer hunters hunt in the state during deer season and enjoy more than 10 million hunter days.

Editor’s Note: In the March-April issue, we discussed fawn recruitment, habitat variations as they affect whitetail herds, hunting practices, and high vs. low fences. The following is the continuation of factors that determine the status of white-tailed deer in Texas.

Texas Whitetails Today

Here are some factors that determine the quantity and quality of white-tailed deer herds in Texas, and sustain all losses to keep deer at carrying capacity of the various habitats:

• Habitats: Pineywoods, Cross Timbers, Edwards Plateau, Lower Plains, South Texas Plains, Coastal Plains

• Deer sex and reproduction

• High-fenced or open range

• Supplemental or natural nutrition

• Survival and recruitment of fawns

• Home range for yearling bucks

• Habitat quality of high-fence property

• Hunting

• Natural and man-made losses

Fawn Survival And Recruitment

Scenario: Two fawns (male and female) are born to a whitetail doe in each of the habitat types listed above. The future of the two deer depends on all nine factors, which determine the life expectancy of a whitetail deer.

Both fawns endure the same perils of living to recruitment into the herd. Major mortality factors for fawns up to three months age are abandonment at birth, nutrition, and predation. These three factors are the most probable causes of death in 50% of fawns.

Fawns that reach six months of age are somewhat protected by their ability to escape predation, but are subject to other natural and man-made losses until they reach about eight months of age and are recruited into the herd, normally the following spring. Fawn loss up to recruitment (50% or more) depends on herd density, habitat, man-made loss, and predation.

Fawns that survive to 18 months (yearling does breed; bucks have hardened antlers) are subject to natural changes in lifestyle. The yearling does recruit into the female segment of the herd and remain in close proximity to the mother doe for a year in her home range. Yearling does breed and have one fawn, and look to their mother for food,

cover, escape, and territory.

Male fawns that reach the yearling age and their first set of antlers are subject to harassment by older bucks, and most will retreat into the habitat until they are no longer harassed. This new safe haven becomes their home range for the rest of their lives. Although they may range in and out of outlying habitats during shortage of food or water, the only other thing that causes them to leave their home range is breeding.

When deer reach 18 months of age, their habitat becomes important with regard to fencing. Low fences allow the deer to create their own natural home range, whereas high fence controls their habitat choices within the confines of the fence.

Habitat Vs Deer Herds

Variations in regional habitats have both seasonal and lingering effects on white-tailed deer herds. Some habitats have drastic seasonal changes in nutrition; seasonal infestation of parasites; maximum fawn predation, and viruses/disease. Deer habitats can have all of the above, or none of the above.

An example of “all” would be East Texas and the Gulf Coast. An example of “none” would be the Edwards Plateau. Intermediate examples would be South Texas, Lower Plains, and Cross Timbers.

Habitat quality controls deer numbers. These habitat controls determine the number of deer that can be legally hunted, so that the habitat carrying capacity can be replenished each year by breeding and fawn recruitment.

East Texas and the Gulf Coast have high losses from parasites, predation, food shortage, and hunting. South Texas has high losses from predation, drought, and hunting. The Edwards Plateau (Hill Country) has high losses from deer density (abandonment), and hunting. The Lower Plains and Cross Timbers have moderate losses from viruses/disease, predation, man-made losses, illegal and legal hunting, and some seasonal food shortages.

All of these situations determine the harvest rates that the deer herds can sustain, based on all natural and man-made losses, including hunting. Fawn recruitment is the basic source that replenishes deer losses from all mortalities, and no single cause of mortality (including hunting and disease) is enough to distract from the carrying capacity of the habitat.

Effect Of Diseases/Viruses

Except for limited anthrax losses in specific areas of West Texas, diseases and viruses are common to deer, and losses are replaced annually by fawn recruitment. At no time in history has any disease controlled cervid herds: deer, elk, moose, reindeer, etc. Recruitment of offspring always off-sets disease/virus losses, and returns the habitat to carrying capacity.

Occasionally, a new disease/virus will present itself. These minor disease/viruses must be taken on their merits, and how they affect the biological life of a deer. Most are controlled by biological buffers such as “herd turnover” where deer are replaced by fawn recruitment every 3-5 years. Other buffers are the genetic makeup of certain deer and the clinical expediency of the disease.

Any declines in whitetail numbers are annually replenished by additional fawn recruitment to fill voids caused by losses from hunting, disease/viruses, and other declines in deer num-

bers. The natural actions of nature are to keep the habitat filled to carrying capacity.

Texas Deer Habitat Carrying Capacity

As stated, habitat carrying capacity determines the volume of deer herds. The Edwards Plateau has everything a deer needs to survive, with hardly any factors that hamper adequate fawn survival and recruitment. The result is a vast deer population approaching two million whitetails inhabiting a 27-county area known as the Hill Country, a white-tailed deer mecca.

Half of the state’s deer harvest comes from the Hill Country where 40% of the state’s whitetails reside. Land ownerships average close to 500 acres, and deer densities average about 64 deer per section. As in all deer habitats, the size of the ownership determines the density of hunters—even more than the density of deer. The Hill Country annually sustains hunting pressure of as much as 8-10 hunters per section, and a harvest rate of near 100%. The average age of harvested bucks is 3 years, and either-sex hunting is common.

Goats and sheep once reigned supreme in the Hill Country, and now the whitetail dominates the hilly terrain, providing outdoor recreation to some 400,000 deer hunters, and seasonal cash income to landowners and rural communities.

South Texas has a deer density and hunting pressure on large ownerships that allows for older-age bucks in the bag. Therefore, the better bucks in quality and volume come from an area west of I-37 and south of I-10. Other areas of the state produce good bucks, but not in the volume that is found in the South Texas brush.

The majority of high-fenced properties occur in south Texas, where about 15% of landowners practice intensive deer management and another 20% practice pseudo-management. The majority of deer contests are held in South Texas, and rightly so. Hunters from all over the world bring their rifles and money to hunt trophy white-tailed bucks on leases and package hunts in South Texas.

Texas Deer Herds Are Thriving

Since the 1960s, when trapping and transplanting of whitetails reached a peak, every nook and cranny in Texas that will support deer have varying densities of whitetails. About two-thirds of the state’s 254 counties have a deer season, where a total of 900,000 deer (16%) are harvested annually. Another 6% are lost to natural and man-made causes, making the total loss of whitetails per annum at 22%, which are replaced by fawn recruitment.

Texas is known far and wide as the America’s deer hunting capital. Some 800,000 licensed deer hunters converge on the timber and brush of the Lone Star state each fall and winter, enjoying over 10 million hunter days, and taking an average of slightly over one deer per hunter. This is the highest success rate in the nation, making the Texas deer industry worth $4 billion annually. Let’s keep it that way!

Diseases and viruses are common to deer, but losses are replaced annually by fawn recruitment.

Not wanting to be outdone by her husband and son, Ruth Spahn decided to take her own big trophy buck.

The Spahn family loves to hunt, and more specifically, for big bucks. They enjoy spending time at their ranch regardless of whether they’re working or having fun. At the ranch, every day is a good day. The Spahn’s ranch, known as Riata, is ideally situated in La Salle County in an area historically known for producing trophy deer. Not exactly a coincidence, as the family did their homework when they set out to find a family hunting property years ago.

After landing in the right spot on a good property, what they did next was paramount. They set out to manage the ranch to its full potential and implemented a sound wildlife management program. Their goal was to produce the best native deer possible. As of late, Rex Spahn, along with his wife, Ruth, and their son, Ryan, have been reaping the rewards, along with the rest of the family and good friends.

The hunting season of 2022-2023 was a great year for the ranch. Ryan started the season off by taking a huge non-typical buck that gross scored 196 4⁄8 for the new ranch record high score. A few weeks later, Rex took a beautiful typical buck that gross scored 1961⁄8 . These great bucks were featured in the November/December issue of The Journal. Overjoyed for the success of Ryan and Rex but not wanting to be outdone, Ruth set her focus on the 2023-2024 season.

Early in October of 2023, with MLDP hunting season barely getting started, Ruth had her eye on a giant buck. “We had been watching this buck, and he was always a big, clean 10-point. Every year he just kept getting bigger and bigger,” Ruth said. “We knew he was special, and it was time to take him. Lucky for me, both Rex and Ryan had taken good bucks the past season, and it was my turn to hunt a big deer.”

Ruth hunted hard for about three weeks without any sightings of the buck. Despite her best efforts, the old buck just wouldn’t cooperate. “I really wanted to get him before he broke his antlers fighting,” Ruth said. The last weekend of October was warm, but a cold front was on the way. “I was hopeful the change in weather would get the deer moving and my luck would improve,” Ruth said.

On Saturday, Oct. 28, a ranch guest spotted Ruth’s buck while sitting in one of the stands. Ruth had been hunting a different area, and the guest sighting of the big buck was just the break she needed. The next morning, Oct. 29, Ruth was in the stand where the buck had been spotted. “I got to the blind well before daylight and sat there in the darkness, hoping and praying he was patterned and would be back,” Ruth said.

“As it began to get light, I could make out the shapes of deer feeding in the road. One of them was a big-bodied deer and

Ruth caught a break when a ranch guest spotted Ruth’s buck. Ruth had been hunting in a different area at the time. She relocated her hunt the following day.

after quite some time, I finally had enough light to identify him,” Ruth said. “It was the buck I was after. He was pretty close, maybe about 80 yards, and feeding in the sendero along with another nice buck and several does and fawns.”

Ruth watched the deer as they fed away from her. “He was BIG and looked so pretty walking away,” she exclaimed. “I watched him for a while as I waited for better light and a clear shot. Waiting and not rushing the shot actually helped, by giving me time to calm down and relax.”

The deer continued feeding away and after 20 minutes, they were some distance from the blind. A shot rang out from another hunter across the ranch and broke the morning silence. “All of the deer threw their heads up and became nervous. I prayed they would not bolt, and thankfully after a while, they went back to eating,” she said.

Realizing she didn’t want the opportunity to slip away, determination took over as Ruth prepared for a shot. “It was probably the longest shot I’ve ever taken, but it really didn’t register at the time,” she explained. “I was focused and waiting for a good broadside target.”

Finally, the big buck turned to his right and was clear of the other deer. “I had a solid rest and squeezed off a shot

with my 6.5 Grendel,” she said. Commotion erupted as deer ran everywhere. “I felt good about the shot, but the buck spun around and made it back into the brush. I texted Ryan and waited for him to arrive,” she added.

Ryan showed up about 30 minutes later and together they walked down the sendero to have a look. “My dog Lizzie quickly took up the trail and was at my buck in no time,” she said. Ruth’s aim had been true, and the big buck only made it about 20 yards before piling up in the thick brush. “As we walked up to him, I remember thinking he was so much bigger than I expected,” she said. “He was huge, and his beautiful chocolate antlers far exceeded my expectations.”

Ruth and Ryan were quickly joined in the field by Rex and the balance of guests staying at the ranch. The moment was enjoyed by all as they took plenty of photos. Everyone was all smiles as they shared in the success of the hunt. Afterwards, the buck was measured with a gross score of 1994⁄8

The bar just keeps getting higher and the Spahn family will keep working hard to best themselves and their management program. For the time being, Ruth’s buck will hold the title of Ranch Record.

For the time being, Ruth hold the title of Ranch Record for her buck.

Garland took full advantage of his chance at hunting his ultimate trophy buck. He made his dream come true.

I’ve been deer hunting since the age of 15. My brothers and I would go deer hunting with our dad. My dad was an exceptional deer hunter, and other wild game, too. He taught us the value of harvesting wild game. During his lifetime, he didn’t believe in wasting anything. He taught us the routine movement of whitetail deer, and their patterns of behavior, throughout the year.

Several of my brothers and I are now avid deer hunters. As I began hunting on my own, I would routinely kill deer. My brothers and I would hunt on our family-owned property in Riverside, Texas. Spikes or does were a typical harvest during the season. Occasionally, I would kill an eight-point buck.

I’ve hunted on Wes Wieder’s ranch in Walker County for the past 15 years. We have always killed great whitetail deer on this ranch. Wes is very knowledgeable when it comes to game management.

He has a wealth of information to share, concerning the nature and habits of whitetails. Wes always answers my multiple questions I’ve had concerning whitetails. He takes time to educate and inform me on whitetail deer, their feeding habits, vegetation preferences, their congregating behavior, rut season, post rut routines, and more.

Wes’ ranch is very beautiful. It sits on several hundred acres, with several ponds, and one huge lake. The ranch is set up as a natural habitat for whitetail deer. There are several blinds located throughout the property, with several food plots, corn feeders and protein feeders.

As the 2023 hunting season was fast approaching, Wes asked if I wanted to shoot my ultimate trophy buck this season. I wasn’t sure as to what size buck would be considered an ultimate trophy buck, so I asked him to send me some pics of the buck. When I saw the pics of the buck, I began to experience a “hunter’s rush.” This 61/2-year-old buck was massive!

Wes sent me several more pics of the ultimate trophy buck as the hunt got closer. Each time I looked at the pics of that deer, I was in awe. I only imagined myself taking down a deer of this magnitude.

Wes scheduled me to come out to his ranch on opening day of the MLDP permit season to shoot the ultimate trophy buck. I informed my brother Jimmy that I would go to Wes’ ranch to shoot my ultimate trophy buck on opening day of the season. Jimmy killed his massive dream buck in 2017.

Wes informed me about the routine of the ultimate trophy buck. And, as we all know, just as you think you know exactly

Garland has been deer hunting since he was 15. He never thought he’d ever get to hunt such a buck as this one.

what a buck will do, he will change his entire pattern. All I could do was hope and pray he would give me a chance at a shot.

Opening day finally came for MLDP permits. As I gathered my gear for the deer hunt of a lifetime, I became nervous and in a state of disbelief as this day had finally come. I wasn’t sure how I was going to react once I saw this buck in person. I’ve never seen a buck of this magnitude. I’m certainly not accustomed to hunting such a whitetail deer.

As I approached Wes’ ranch, the “hunter’s rush” intensified. I met with Wes, and we loaded into the UTV and headed to the blind. As we were on our way to the blind, Wes told me this trophy buck had continued to show up at the same feeders

at daybreak. He would eat at the corn feeder for several minutes, then he would migrate to the protein feeder. He would remain at the protein feeder for several minutes, before drifting back into the woods.

We finally made it to the area where the deer blind is located, and as we approached the blind in the UTV, we hoped to see the buck. So, we stopped the UTV and shut it off. I then

looked through my binoculars and spotted the buck. He was so huge!

His body mass and rack were unbelievable! I would finally get the chance to take down my ultimate trophy buck. He was the only deer at the protein feeder at the time. Wes reached for his rangefinder to check the distance this buck was from us. He said the buck was approximately 140 yards away.

I knew I was in luck because it was a comfortable shooting distance for me. We watched him for a few minutes as he continued to eat at the protein feeder. Then, the moment came.

I inserted my ear plugs, and reached for my .30-06 rifle. As I located the buck in my 4-9X scope, he had turned his body parallel to me. So, I waited patiently for him to turn broadside, as I wanted to get a perfect shot on him. After several minutes, he turned broadside towards me.

I then took my rifle off of safety, and placed the crosshairs at my desired location. As I held my breath, I slowly squeezed the trigger until the shot went off. He dropped right in his tracks! Yes, he didn’t advance one step. I made the perfect shot, right above the buck’s front right shoulder area.

As I sat there in disbelief, I was silently thanking God for this blessing. We sat in the UTV for a few minutes, as we watched the buck laying on the ground. Then we drove over to where my ultimate trophy buck fell. He looked even greater as I examined him close up.

After we loaded the huge buck, we took him over to the lake to take pics. We then took the buck to the harvesting area of the ranch. Wes is very knowledgeable of deer processing, from start to finish. He also has many years of experience in the Hill Country where he grew up.

My buck weighed, before being field dressed, a total of 239.8 pounds. Wow, what a massive buck! He had a total of 57 points and measured 430 6⁄8 inches. I never imagined after hunting for 45 years that I would kill a massive buck of this magnitude. This is truly the

ultimate trophy buck.

I want to thank Wes for giving me such an exciting experience with this hunt. Wes has certainly been a true and honest friend of mine, without reservation. For 15 years he has shown me the utmost respect, and has created the most memorable whitetail deer hunts. After this hunt, I’m not sure if I need to hang up my deer rifle for good, or not.

Flounder In Decline

The Texas flounder fishery has certainly seen better days and it’s uncertain if we’ll ever see the “good-old days” again.

By Will Leschper

As a result of a longtime downward trend in population estimates, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Commission, at the behest of fisheries officials, moved to shut down flounder fishing for both recreational and commercial anglers during the month of November and through Dec. 14. During that timeframe, no flounder may be kept, no matter the means or methods.

Public meetings in 2019 began the process to again alter southern flounder regulations after data indicated long-term declining populations as indicated in spring and fall gillnet surveys conducted coastwide. 2021 was the first year for the closure after a 2020 approval granted by the Commission.

The Commission in May 2020 also adopted a regulation change to the legal size limit for flounder, bumping it from 14 inches to 15 inches, with no maximum length. That move became effective Sept. 1, 2020, and remains in place today. Again, the move was made based on what was deemed declining population estimates, with TPWD fisheries officials noting that the only factor they can control is related to the harvest and adoption of more stringent bag and size limits, in addition to the number of days available to fish.

The timing of the past and present regulations coincides with the peak of the annual fall flounder run, which has been targeted historically by giggers and rod and

Longtime fishing guide Don Hand hoists a hefty flounder during an outing to the Landcut.

reel anglers alike as flounder congregate at entrances to the Gulf of Mexico. Biologists have opined that by allowing more fish to spawn that more hatchlings will return to the bays and flounder will become more abundant.

Previous modeling suggested the regulations limiting the bag limit and means and methods would result in an increase of spawning stock biomass of slightly more than 80% over a six-year period, with the majority of that recovery taking place in the first several years, TPWD fisheries officials have said.

While Texas has seen its flounder biomass continue to decline despite the moves made by fisheries managers, the issue isn’t solely confined to the Lone Star state.

The southern flounder decline has proven to be an issue across the Gulf of Mexico and up the Eastern Seaboard, with other states also enacting closed seasons for flatfish as a conservation measure. Louisiana, which has a much more liberal flounder fishery—10-fish daily bag with no size limit—has a shutdown on flounder fishing each year during peak spawning times (Oct. 15-Nov. 30). Louisiana fisheries officials have noted the closure is projected to create a 50% reduction in mature female southern flounder harvest.

Florida also has gone to a flounder closure with the same dates as Louisiana though its regular daily bag limit is five fish during the rest of the year with a 14-inch minimum.

Alabama, which has a similar flounder size and bag limit to Texas, also has a flatfish closure for recreational and commercial anglers that runs Nov. 1-30. Fisheries officials there have echoed the sentiments of others across the saltwater states, citing the alteration of season frameworks and bag and length limits as the only ways they can control the ongoing flounder decline from a legal standpoint.

As with speckled trout and redfish, the flounder fishery along the Texas coast has seen many ups and many downs with ebbs and flows in between. As a result, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has enacted numerous alterations to flounder bag and size limits and season frameworks during the past 20 years.

In 2006, the possession limit for both recreational and commercial anglers was made equal to the bag limit. That move was aimed at the practice of “double dipping,” in which an angler could catch a limit of flounder in the hours preceding midnight and then catch another in the hours right after the start of a new day. That had been a practice for some anglers who fished by gigging, a highly efficient way of targeting flounder at night using lights and a multi-pronged long pole.

In 2009, TPWD lowered the daily bag limit for flounder for recreational anglers to five, with a two-fish bag during

Texas and other Gulf states close their flounder fisheries each fall during the peak spawning runs to try and protect female populations.

November. The commercial bag limit also was lowered to 30 with a two-fish bag during November. Gigging was also banned during November. At the time, TPWD cited data showing the relative abundance of flounder had fallen by about 50% since the early 1980s.

In 2014, TPWD moved to extend the two-fish bag limit for recreational and commercial fishermen from Nov. 1 through Dec. 14, a period at the height of the annual flounder spawning period.

TPWD data collected during creel surveys during the past two decades also has shown an interesting long-term trend that highlights just how much the flounder fishery has been affected by declining stocks. During the part of the year with a fivefish bag limit, roughly 90% of anglers keep only a single fish, according to TPWD’s surveys, while less than 2% of anglers keep their full five-fish bag limit. During the part of the year with a two-fish bag limit previously during the fall and winter flounder run, about half of anglers kept one fish on average, while about 42% kept their two-fish bag limit.

TPWD creel survey data also has shown an interesting trend on the flounder hot spots, which should come as no surprise. According to the figures collected by biologists, about threefourths of the recreational flounder harvested come from Sabine Lake and Galveston Bay, with other bays accounting for less than 6% each. On the commercial side, Matagorda Bay accounts for 24% of landings with Corpus Christi Bay at 23%, Aransas Bay at 20%, and Galveston Bay at 17%, according to TPWD reports.

Another round of studies conducted in the early 1990s and mid-2000s by TPWD also points to the fact that gigging remains the prime way to fill flounder limits, a phenomenon that’s currently being researched further by scientists at the Harte Research Center in Corpus Christi. According to the TPWD studies, nighttime landings could account for up to 90% of all flounder landings in some regions during the spring and fall months.

Big Eights Are Great

By Horace Gore

Most deer hunters have a penchant for a particular kind of buck. I hunted for years with three compadres who were specific about the buck they wanted. Al Brothers wanted the biggest buck he could find. For Tommy Kaye, it was a 10-point or nothing. Jimmy Gallagher, our host, preferred antlers that were unusual. I always preferred a big eight-point with long tines.

Then, there are hunters who are instructed to kill “culls” or management deer—whatever that means—which usually includes seven-, eight-, and nine-point bucks over 3 years old. Some folks consider an eight-point a cull or management buck, and that has suited me just fine. Marty Berry put me on a 30-inch-wide eight-point that grossed 163—a pretty good cull!

My daughter Donna has been a deadly deer hunter with her Winchester Model 70 in .243 and 7mm-08. I kept Al Brothers’ in corn at his Berclair place so Donna could hunt big eight-points. She got about seven bucks in Goliad County. Her longest shot with the .243 was at 287 yards, according to Al’s distance chart on the blind wall, in a misty rain.

When I lived on the Kokernot Ranch in Gonzales County, Donna was permitted to hunt eight-point bucks. Over the years, she killed some nice bucks, including a big trophy eightpoint that hangs in her office.

For about 20 years, I hunted nothing but eight-points, and I killed my share of 130s to 160s B&C. For years, I killed most of my bucks on Jimmy Gallagher’s ranch in Webb County and on Marty Berry’s ranches in San Patricio and Live Oak counties. Of all the eight-points I have taken, a 30-inch, 163 gross with Marty was my biggest.

My longest shot at a big eight was with Jimmy Gallagher, Al Brothers, and Tommy Kaye on Jimmy’s ranch in Webb County. The buck stood at 275 yards—by fence post count—and fell to a 75-grain Amax from my .224 TTH. The guys congratulated me on the shot, and I just smiled.

Most of my big eights were taken with a .224 TTH, .243 Custom, and a custom Sako .25-284. My last buck was an outstanding eight on Marty’s Gloriosa Ranch. Marty, Jason Shipman and I were hunting together safari-style, and I was after an enormous eight-point with my new Jack O’Connor Commemorative .270. I downed the buck, and we discovered two short kickers on the base of the left antler, but we just called it a big eight. The buck grossed 160 B&C, which was appropriate for my last whitetail.

The Hunters Extravaganzas held annually in Houston, Fort Worth, and San Antonio have a deer contest for whitetails and mule deer. There are several categories for whitetails, one of which is Perfect Eight Point. Each year, someone wins with an eight-point that’s usually less than 140 net B&C, and there are seldom over two or three in each contest. Perfect eightpoint bucks are seldom over 135 gross. But, if you hunt long enough—and hard enough—you may bag a buck with eight long points that scores big, like my 163 gross, and Al Brothers’ 158.

So, if someone offers you a “management” hunt for a big eight point, don’t turn it down. You will find, as I have, that a big eight is a tremendously satisfying hunt. After all, you may have a bigger eight than any of your friends, and one that might be a winner at the Hunters Extravaganza.

STORY

Despite

achy knees, Bubba managed to take a fine Kansas whitetail.

The sun was making its rapid retreat through the trees on Nov. 30, 2022, when I heard them. Three muffled sounds milliseconds apart—puff, puff, puff—that confused me. The southwest wind was slapping the left side of my face, and I was wondering if my old ears had heard anything at all.

Three days prior, I had pulled out of my Magnolia, Texas, driveway for the 10-hour drive to Kansas. I’d made that annual drive 21 times before, but this one was special because my youngest grandson, Miles, would meet me for his first Kansas deer hunt. He had graduated from the University of Houston in May and was in the final stages of his six-month management training program for his new job with the railroad. It had been five years since we last hunted together and we both held non-resident, either sex, whitetail tags. To say we were stoked would be an understatement. Miles was 4 years old when he made his first deer hunt with me and all of his hunting experience had been in South Texas so this would be his first experience hunting whitetail, Kansas style.

Earlier in October had found us on top of a small ridge overlooking two large draws where we planned to set cameras on each side of the ridge a half-mile apart. The country on this section of the ranch is mostly open and has three transition corridors from bedding areas to food and water sources. I’ve hunted this area many times over the years with some measure of success. We also scouted timbered areas with creek bottoms and set a camera or two there as well.

Late November found us back in Kansas reviewing hundreds of photos and identifying a couple of bucks as shooters if we saw them during daylight hours. One of them, a big bodied eight-point, had a recent 6-inch lateral wound on his left shoulder and a 2-inch lateral wound on his left rear quarter. My guess was they might be wounds from a single broadhead arrow because there had been two bowhunters on the ranch and few weeks earlier.

Opening morning came and went with little activity. That afternoon brought the fast-setting sun, southwest wind and three distant, confusing puffs. Miles was hunting a draw on the back side of the ridge I was hunting. Less than 5 minutes earlier he had sent me an excited text: “Buck, BIG buck” then a few seconds later, “Headed my way.”

I was wondering if I was projecting the scenario I hoped was occurring, or if the three faint puffs were a figment of my imagination. The more I thought about it, I decided I was projecting. After all, I’d never seen Miles pull the trigger more than once on any game animal. I waited for a follow up text, but it never came so I texted him and queried, “Did you shoot?”

I didn’t get a response, so I waited until dark and

watched the faint beam of Miles’ headlamp emerge from the back side of the ridge more than a half-mile away. I made my way down the draw to my truck and by the time I drove through the gate onto the county road, Miles was at his truck so I drove up the road and pulled in behind him. I stepped out of my truck and his wide-eyed pacing back and forth told me I didn’t need to ask if he had pulled the trigger. The three distant puffs I’d heard earlier were from his

Bubba’s grandson, Miles, also took a Kansas buck. It was Miles’ first time hunting there.

excited volley as the buck approached then suddenly turned broadside at 120 yards out and quickened his departure.

After an hour of headlamp searching, Miles was pretty amped up and punishing himself for letting buck fever have its way with him. But, we had the buck, loaded him up and headed back to camp. After mandatory pictures, in low light, and hearing Miles’ version of the afternoon’s excitement for the umpteenth time, we had his buck cleaned up and cooling out in the barn. On day two, the truck thermometer read 18 degrees when Miles and I stepped out of the truck.

Because he was tagged out, Miles wanted to hunt with me as he did when he was a kid. It took me all of three seconds to think about that and agree. Based on my previous experiences hunting the draw we would hunt, I decided to delay hiking in before daylight. On occasion, in the past, I had inadvertently blown deer out of the drainage on my way to my blind location.

We had a 7-mph northeast wind, which meant we had the wind in our faces as we made our ascent around and up toward the head of the draw. Yeah, I know, standard operating procedure would be to climb the backside of the ridge and approach the head of the draw from an elevated position, but then we wouldn’t have the wind in our favor. Besides I’ve walked that rocky ridge many times over the years and my old knees have cautioned me, more than once, about stumbling around on an elevated climb over rocks in the dark. Believe me I pay attention to my knees so, with the wind in our face, we climbed to the second shelf of the ridge and waited for the dawn of a new day.

As the rising sun spilled over into the canyon, we were sitting in knee high grass watching two does and a buck feeding at the edge of the drainage in the draw. Correction, one doe was feeding while the older, larger doe had sentry duty and the buck was paying very close attention to her. It was the tail end of the rut and the buck was like a duck on a June bug. Wherever she went, he went.

I looked at Miles and whispered the buck was a mature 10-point and from that point on we were hunting the doe. If we spooked her, the buck would be gone. Even with the wind in our faces we couldn’t crest the rise enough to get above the grass for a clear shot without spooking the doe. So, I decided we would back out, backtrack a couple hundred yards and climb the rocky ridge and approach the deer from the top of the ridge. My knees were not happy about that decision.

After climbing to the top, Miles stayed behind me, creating one silhouette as we approached the edge of the draw. Close enough, Miles stayed behind while I crawled, buttscooted, and crab walked closer to the edge to be able to see the deer from a sitting position. As I scooted into position I could just see the doe and she was at full alert. She just didn’t know what or where her perceived danger was.

The buck noticed she was antsy and was

ready to rock if she made the decision to vacate the draw. Lucky for me, she decided on a slow retreat down into the drainage and up the other side of the draw, with the buck in tow 30 yards behind her. Elbows on my knees at the ready, I lost sight of the buck as he descended into the drainage. As usual, time seemed to slow to a crawl waiting on the buck to emerge from the drainage.

Knowing he wouldn’t leave her, I kept an eye on the doe as she progressed up the opposite side. I caught him in the 3-9X gold ring as he stepped out of the drainage and started up the opposite side quartering away now some 100 yards behind and to the right of his sweetheart. He was now 160 yards out and every step took him farther away. A few more steps up and he turned left, broadside and paused just long enough for me to apply pressure to the Kimber trigger.

At the shot, the buck crumbled where he stood. The doe turned, looked at him, and calmly continued on her way. Honestly, I think Miles was more excited than I was about what had just happened. Little did I know when I’d left him 10 minutes earlier, he had pulled out his phone and recorded my slow, awkward crawl, scoot and crabwalk to the edge of the draw and the application of the coup de grace to the 10-point.

At the end of the day, there was no yellow brick road up the rocky ridge, and we certainly didn’t meet the wizard, but Kansas was definitely the land of Oz for these two grateful hunters.

THE CHALLENGE SPRING TURKEY HUNTING OF

By Gary Roberson

The author advises when a turkey turns his head sideways as if looking right or left, he’s really doing this to put his dominant eye on you. That’s because they have their eyes in the sides of their heads so they can detect predators approaching from any direction. If you move or even blink when the bird is standing there with his head erect, chances are, you will spook the turkey.

Inever seriously hunted turkeys in the spring until I moved to Menard County in 1986. It was then when Murry Burnham introduced me to Bruce Brady from Brookhaven, Mississippi.

At that time, Bruce was a field editor for Outdoor Life magazine and a sculptor. While Bruce traveled the country hunting most all game animals, he was quick to tell you that his love for hunting turkeys in the spring was his favorite.

Like most guys or gals, if they love a particular game, they work to get better at it and Bruce had been practicing a long time when I met him. While I have hunted with many of the world-champion turkey callers and other great turkey hunters, I considered Bruce to be the very best.

When Bruce started hunting here, I was president of Menard National Bank and would go with him a few afternoons and weekends. After resigning from the bank at the end of 1991, I had more time to hunt turkeys in the spring, and this extra time gave my good friend Bruce the excuse to stay longer.

The first time Bruce, his wife, Miss Peggy, and Murry Burnham came to Menard, they hunted three days and every year after, they stayed longer. By the late ’90s, Bruce was staying the whole season and helping guide turkey hunters. When we didn’t have hunters, we hunted anyway.

While I am known more for calling predators, hunting with Bruce Brady made me a fair spring turkey hunter. Here are a few things I learned from Bruce that might keep you from making the common mistakes that most hunters make.

The most important advice I can give a beginning hunter is to find roosting areas. You can do this by listening for toms gobbling about dark, as they generally vocalize after flying up

Author and field editor of Outdoor Life magaizne, Bruce Brady was also a sculptor, and taught Gary about turkey hunting.

into the roost trees. Every bit as important as knowing where the birds are roosting, is to know which direction the birds prefer to go after flying down at first light. Bruce taught me being in front of birds leaving the roost will make you a much more successful hunter.

If you are hunting an area where predators such as bobcats are prevalent, you’ll find that the birds will not hang around the roosting area very long because that’s where the predators will be hunting. For this reason, I like to set up 300-400 yards away from the roost in the direction that the birds want to go.

When hunting in the evenings, I set up a couple hundred yards away from the roost in the path of the returning birds. This path is most likely not the same path that the turkeys used to leave the roost, as they generally make a circle covering several miles a day before returning.

Don’t call to a tom when he’s looking at you. This is a mistake I made several times when I first started turkey hunting. Remember, you are the hen if you are talking like one, but chances are you don’t look like one. If the gobbler has his head up looking for “the love of his life” and you call to him, he is going to know EXACTLY where the sound came from. He may study you for a minute, but chances are he is going to fold his wings and walk away.

When a turkey turns his head sideways as if looking right or left, he is really doing this to put his dominant eye on you. Remember that turkeys are prey animals and God set their eyes in the sides of their heads so they can see predators approaching from any direction. They will turn their heads, so they get a really good look at what they perceive as danger. If you move or even blink when the bird is standing there with his head erect, chances are, you will spook the turkey. Less is more. Most turkey hunters think they sound more like a turkey and love to listen to themselves work a bird. The truth is, overcalling to a gobbler is a pretty good way not to get him into gun range. When we call turkeys, we attempt to mimic the sound of a lovesick hen and draw the gobbler to the gun. This goes against the way that gobblers, especially older birds, are programmed. The natural order of things is for the gobbler to strut and vocalize, calling the hens to him, not for him to go to a yelping hen.

Many times, when a hunter overcalls to a tom, the bird will answer the hunter’s calls as he attempts to draw the hen to him. His answering your calls works as it should and it will draw a real hen to him, leaving you wondering. This is what happens when a gobbler responds to you every time you make a call and then shuts up, never to be heard from again.

To avoid this from happening to you, call only after the tom has gobbled. If you answer the gobbler for two or three times

and he doesn’t appear to be moving closer, give him the silent treatment and make him come look for you. If the bird simply will not leave his strutting area and you’re hunting with a friend, leave the shooter set up and the person doing the calling move away from the tom, calling off and on. Occasionally, this will cause the gobbler to stop strutting and follow the hen that he thinks is moving away. This tactic is risky and can only be attempted if hunting in fairly dense cover, as a hunter moving through the woods while calling will attract a lot of attention. Ironically, as I stepped out of the house this morning on Jan. 30, I could hear the hens calling as they climbed up the bluff leaving the San Saba River bottom where they roost. It’s the first time I have heard them this spring.

If God continues to bless us with more rain, we should have a beautiful spring. There’s no better way to enjoy it than spending time in the turkey woods meeting the challenge of an old strutting gobbler.

Bruce Brady and Gary after a successful turkey hunt.

Brandon

this

in late November

an estimated 300 pounds.

shot

big Panhandle boar

of 2023 while deer hunting. The big boar had 3-inch bottom tusks and weighed

It was a sunny day in March, with not much to do, so I volunteered to take young Thomas Armbruster to a rugged canyon in search of hogs for the afternoon. It sounded better than raking leaves in the yard. A trip to Whataburger on the way to the ranch sweetened the deal. What teenage boy wouldn’t want to eat French fries and hunt wild hogs?

From a high vantage point using 10X binoculars, we spied a single boar wandering down the creek. Using the cover of rolling terrain and a few bushy cedars, we cut the distance quickly. Finally, crawling over a rocky point, we found the lone boar 50 yards away. Thomas waited for a broadside target, then settled the crosshairs of his Browning .243, delivering a wellplaced bullet through the ribs. The boar was dead as disco by the time we got to him. Thank goodness for wild hogs when there is nothing else to do in the offseason, right Thomas?

Texas tuskers

According to current data on the TPWD website, Texas is home to an estimated three million wild hogs. Some would compare the spread of wild swine across the Texas landscape to a biblical plague of locusts in the fields. That might be a little dramatic, but it is fact that feral hogs do millions of dollars’ worth of damage to crops each year. Wheat, corn, milo and peanuts are a few of their favorite snacks. They also eat expensive feed intended for livestock or supplemental feed purchased to benefit deer. They muddy water holes, root up golf courses and do damage to cars in nighttime collisions. Ever try to swerve to avoid a black hog at night standing in the middle of the road? I have, and the hog won.

In Texas, you can hunt wild hogs yearround with permission from a landowner. It is legal to hunt them day and night. There is no bag limit. Despite such loose regulations, the statewide population continues to grow.

South Texas, East Texas, and parts of central and North Texas used to be the primary territory of the invasive hog. Today,

however, their range has expanded to the west and north. In fact, of the 254 counties in Texas, 253 have wild hogs. Only El Paso County in West Texas has yet to confirm a wild hog population.

A close-up of a 100-grain broadhead and bottom tusk of Brandon’s big boar taken in November 2023.

Where I do most of my hunting in the central Panhandle, feral hogs are constant raiders of milo and wheat fields. Most of this activity is after dark. Despite heavy hunting efforts by a few local sharp shooters using gear like top-notch thermal optics and AR rifles, the population only briefly declines. The hogs never get wiped out.

Find the sign

Wondering if you have feral hogs on your land? Look for blunt-toed tracks near fence crossings and waterholes. Hogs

need water not only to drink, but also to cool their bodies. Especially in times of drought, focus hunting efforts near water. Hogs will roll and wallow in the mud on the edge of creeks and ponds. A wallow might be as small as a car tire or as big as a bathtub depending on the size of the hog. At fence crossings, look for wiry hairs snagged in the lowest strand. Hog droppings are tubular, not pelleted like a deer. Hogs will rub their bodies

on trees, fence posts and telephone poles. The height of the rub on a tree or post will indicate the size of the pig.

Wild hogs will eat almost anything. I’ve tried all kinds of attractants and baits, but nothing I’ve tried works better than whole corn. A wild hog’s vision and hearing are decent, but their sense of smell is incredible. Closely monitor the wind when executing a stalk or planning a sit at a blind. Multiple times I’ve had deer walk downwind of me at less than 100 yards when using an Ozonics unit and come right in without alarm. I’ve seen wild hogs walk the same trail, stop cold when they hit the downwind flow and snort and spin, grunting and running the other way. Nothing fools the nose of a wild pig!

Gear for hogs

Lots can be written about the ideal gun and bullet for wild hogs. For the big boars, I can see the argument for heavy bullets and large calibers. However, my experience has been even on large boars, shot placement and a bullet that penetrates deep is more important than the caliber. I’ve bagged feral hogs with everything from a .223 and .243, to larger calibers like .25-06, .270, .30-06, .300 WSM and .300 Win. Mag. Of all these, I’ve killed the most hogs with a bolt action rifle topped with a 3-10X40 scope chambered in .243 and loaded with 85-grain Nosler Partition bullets. Mostly because that is the gun I have in the truck when I randomly encounter hogs any month of the year.

Bowhunters are well-advised to pay close attention to shot angles. Broadside and slight quartering away are best. Be careful to avoid the heavily muscled, thick hide of the front shoulder or “shield” on mature boars. The average 100-pound sow or young boar is not so hard to penetrate with an arrow, but big boars are different.

I prefer fixed blade broadheads and micro diameter shafts with added front-of-center (FOC) to increase odds of deep penetration. In recent years I’ve bagged hogs while deer hunting with arrows sporting a finished weight of 425-450 grains. I would consider that a minimum weight for large 200to 300-pound boars. Arrows weighing 450-550 grains would be even better for deep penetration. I’ve had good luck with broadheads like the Iron Will Single Bevel, Iron Will Wide, Silver Flame, Wasp Dart and Slick Trick standard. For stickbow

A close-up of the hoof of Brandon’s November 2023 wild boar. Big hogs have big feet and leave blunt-toed tracks, not pointed like the hoof of a deer.

shooters, consider classic cut to the tip designs like the Bear Razorhead or Zwickey Eskimo.

On a recent hunt, I measured the hide and fat around the chest of a large boar. The matted, curly hair of his hide was 1-inch thick and crusted with mud. Next, there was a 1-inch layer of white fat before reaching the ribcage. To achieve twohole penetration, an arrow would have to punch through the two inches of hair and fat on the entry side, punch though the ribs to puncture both lungs, then punch through the opposite side ribs, fat and hair again to leave an exit hole!

I recall a large boar I arrowed several years ago. When I rolled the beast over for photos, something poked my hand. Stuck in the boar’s side was a 3-inch piece of broken carbon arrow and a 3-blade replacement blade broadhead that only penetrated the hide and fat, stopping against the ribs. Who knows where the big boar received the wound, but obviously it did not penetrate deep and did not impede his ability to travel. Think about that before you use just any arrow and broadhead for hogs.

Bonus boar

It was late November and prime time for a big buck. Several worthy whitetails were visiting my feeder near the cottonwoods. Late in the afternoon, the deer started to appear. I was ready.

At 4:45 p.m., the doe 60 yards north of my blind started stomping her feet, staring wild-eyed at the creek. She started to snort and blow. For 10 minutes this went on until finally she

turned and ran, white flag waving. What was that all about, I thought to myself. Just then the source of her anxiety appeared. A dark brown hog, slowly weaving through tall grass, was coming from the creek. When he cleared the brush, I could see white tusks shining like pearls.

Thankfully, the wind was in my favor. There’s no fooling a wild hog’s nose at less than 20 steps. The big boar stopped in my shooting lane, broadside at 15 yards. My 61-pound Mathews was waiting at full draw. My arrow tipped with an Iron Will broadhead hit him just behind the shoulder on his right side, angling slightly forward and downward. The big hog turned quickly; my arrow visible sticking out of both sides. He spun around two more times, bucking like a rodeo bull, then tipped over. The scary-sharp broadhead sliced through thick hide and fat and pierced both lungs for a quick kill.

That big boar had red mud and cockle burrs tangled in his hide and tail. His bottom tusks were about 3-inches out of the gumline. Given the constant day and night, year-round hunting pressure in the nearby ag fields, a big boar like that taken in daylight is a rare trophy. I did not get him on a scale, but I’ve weighed others of similar size. I would estimate he was close to 300 pounds. A nice bonus until the right buck wears my tag.

Whether you hunt specifically for wild hogs in the offseason or take one by chance on a deer hunt, they are here to stay. I can remember not that long ago when just the sighting of a wild hog was reason for swapping stories at the feedstore. Today, they are everywhere. Wild hogs are as much a part of Texas hunting culture as deer and turkeys.

Wild hogs do lots of damage to crops like this milo field in the Panhandle.

The author’s father with his trophy buck he shot on a special father-son hunt in November.

My dad, Ronald David Payne, and I have been blessed to hunt in some pretty amazing areas of Texas such as Llano, Comstock, Coleman, East Texas and Hondo, to name a few, but we were never able to pull together the father-son dream hunt we had been discussing since my teenage years in the mid ’90s. Of course, each year we had high hopes of a nilgai hunt on the King Ranch or an elk hunt in Colorado and life kept directing us down other roads, but we always held out hope the timing would work out.

You see I started my life as a father at young age—I’m a father to three daughters—and as such I began my working career and life as a daughter dad. Meanwhile, my dad had the opportunity to hunt in some of Earth’s most amazing places such as Alaska for caribou, Colorado for elk, and of course, two safaris in South Africa for some amazingly gorgeous plains animals. While he was able to experience these places, I knew in his heart, he wanted his namesake to see some of those things, just as he had.

All of this planning and dreaming almost came to a crashing halt in 2020. Dad had a medical emergency that seemed to cause everything else to just fade away for a while. His body basically began to attack itself and his platelet counts dropped down to single digits (a healthy count is around 100-150). As you can imagine, not only did this scare our entire family, it also put things such as hunting on the back burner and that type of activity seemed a distant hope and memory. Thankfully, and prayerfully, Dad made a full recovery, given the ordeal he had and was able to resume most of his daily activities, including possibly hunting again.

Once the medical crisis was mitigated to the point of a return to normalcy, we began our pondering again on the “what if” hunts and still prepared our season lease, as we always had. Dad fixated on a possible nilgai hunt down south, I had my eyes on a pronghorn hunt out West and yet, as it always seems to do, something amazing materialized that neither of us even considered: a trophy whitetail hunt.

I am blessed to work for a wonderful company, Ariat International, and through this job, I have been introduced to many amazing companies, including Texas Trophy Hunters. One such company is LHR Safety in Houston Texas. LHR is also one of my Ariat Work Distributors, which sells our safety related products. The owner of LHR, Mr. Mike, owns a high fence

The author (left) with his father and his father’s 30-point non-typical.

ranch just outside of Junction called Triple L Trophy Hunting and was gracious enough to extend an offer to allow Dad and me to hunt his ranch in November 2023 on a father-son hunt.

So, I confirmed the details with Mike, then Dad and I circled the second week in November for our father-son adventure. As a crow flies, this ranch is only about 2-2.5 hours south of our season lease in Coleman County around Grosvenor, so the area is pretty familiar to me, but neither of us could have anticipated the amazing beauty we would encounter once we pulled in the front gate. Traveling for work I have seen most of Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Louisiana and Colorado, and have seen some of God’s most amazing handywork, but this ranch would rank right up there with any place I’ve been in person.

As you pull in the gate and ascend the main hill, you’re drawn to the sheer ruggedness of the rocky outcroppings, cedar covered hill tops and sheer drop offs, and an abundance of wildlife. This part of Texas has a high deer density but also has a large population of free-range exotics such as axis deer, fallow deer and aoudad to name a few and this ranch has several of

these exotics in and around the hunting areas.

The owners, Mike and Tara, are extremely hospitable and run a top tier, professional lodging and hunting service. They are both very accomplished hunters in their own right, having just returned from a two-week African safari, yet have an amazing understanding and appreciation of their native whitetail herd on their ranch. The genetics at Triple L rival any I have ever seen, and have a great buck-to-doe ratio.

Once we arrived at the lodge, we unpacked and got settled in. We began our plan for the first evening sit and the next day, weather permitting, because weather in Texas in November is iffy at best. Dad didn’t arrive in time to hunt the first evening, but I was fortunate enough to get to hunt with Mike and enjoyed his insight on his ranch, his approach towards herd management, and the type of bucks he was looking for, for Dad and me. We weren’t able to get on the right buck that night but did see some dandies.

Upon arriving back at the lodge, we enjoyed a wonderful supper and caught up with the other hunters: a group from Michigan that included another father-son duo, a professional hunting guide and even an Army Ranger, and had some play time with Kass (a black Lab), and Nala and Fan Belt (African serval cats).

The next morning came with some light rain and a decent temperature drop, so we were hopeful for good deer movement. Dad would set up to sit with Mike and I would hunt with Landon (LHR Staff) and so we set off. Landon and I had a nice Bachelorette Party/Mother’s Day out at our setup with probably 15-20 does and yearlings. I saw nothing I wanted to shoot, but it was super cool to see.

After years of hunting with Dad, I know the sound of his .300 Win. Mag. and I heard his shot around 7:45-8 a.m. and just knew he had his buck of a lifetime down on the ground. Landon texted Mike and said, “We will load up and head over to help with retrieval and tracking, if needed.” With a .300, it rarely is.

As we pulled up, I saw Dad a bit shaken up, which given his medical past, gave me great pause. But I was mistaken. He was on the verge of tears of joy! You see, Dad had just shot a monster South Texas non-typical 30-point, 192-inch buck, and Dad’s namesake—me—was there to hear it and see it!

I would like to thank the entire LHR Safety Team, Triple L Trophy Ranch, and most of all Mike and Tara for the opportunity for Dad and me to finally share the hunt of a lifetime, fatherson moment. And to Dad, it’s my life’s honor to carry on your name and I thank you for all you have passed on to me over the years. Congrats on a well-deserved buck of a lifetime.

Each year during the month of August, deer hunters of all ages from Texas, Mexico, and out-of-state, bring their bucks to the Hunters Extravaganza Annual Deer Competition in Houston, Fort Worth and San Antonio. Young hunters proudly enter their trophy—sometimes their first buck—hoping to win a prize. TTHA is proud to recognize some of these young hunters and their trophy bucks.

Macey with her first place buck, youth female, in the Modern Arms Open Range category at last year’s Fort Worth Hunters Extravaganza.

Macey Leichliter of Decatur is a Trophy Hunter of Tomorrow. The 17-year-old is already a seasoned deer hunter, having taken 10 whitetails, three mule deer, and a blackbuck antelope since her first hunt at age 6. Macey’s family nickname is “Sniper,” which reflects on her ability with a rifle.

Macey has been a hunter all her life, having taken a whitetail doe at an early age. Through the years, Macey has taken about a half dozen good whitetail bucks, along with several fat does for the table. From Decatur, she has hunted whitetails close to home.

Macey attends Virtual Academy at Hallsville (Texas) and spends a lot of time on her computer. While not studying, she loves to hunt with both gun and bow, and her deer hunts have resulted in some prize-winning trophies. Macey has entered five bucks in the Hunters Extravaganza Annual Deer Competition at Fort Worth, placing four times in the Youth Open Range Division.

Macey presently hunts deer in Denton and Wise counties—with a gun and bow. She has hunted with both compound and crossbow but leans toward using the Parker compound bow. Her crossbow is also a Parker, and she does quite well with “string and feather.”

For taking deer with a gun, Macey has used several rifles but presently shoots a 6.5 Creedmoor. One of her previous rifles was a .30-30, but Macey thought it was too loud, and she didn’t like the recoil. The Creedmoor has been her “goto” rifle for taking deer and exotics during the last few years.

All of Macey’s mule deer came from Colorado, and the blackbuck was taken in Montague County. One of her better whitetail bucks made her a winner in the Youth Open Range Division of the Fort Worth Hunters Extravaganza Deer Contest and gave her an additional Hill Country whitetail hunt.

Macey was drawn for a Youth Hunt on the Rabke Diamond R Ranch in Gillespie County, where she and Sandi (Mom) and Justin (Dad) spent a weekend enjoying the historic ranch with the Rabke family. The Rabkes gave Texas Trophy Hunters a special Youth Hunt for 15 years, and Macey was selected by drawing. On her hunt, she shot a good whitetail buck while hunting with Stan Rabke.

Although Macey likes hunting any animal that gives her a challenge, she has other interests in church and with 4-H. She’s learning to make jewelry, and likes spending time with her dog, “Cocoa.”

With her high school accreditations coming close to fruition, Macey has her eye on West Texas A&M University at Canyon, Texas. From what I hear, she’s likely to major in agribusiness. Of course, Macey will take her 6.5 Creedmoor and Parker compound bow along, just in case she finds something to hunt.

A&M at Canyon is a good place for a young huntress to be when she gets the urge to roam the wilds of the Lower Plains or even the Palo Duro Canyon area, with numerous whitetails, mule deer, Rio Grande turkey, and an occasional wild hog. Who knows—she might even hunt for a good mule deer or turkey gobbler and do a journalism story for The Journal. A big aoudad ram might be on her bucket list, or maybe a High Plains pronghorn.

I suspect that as a Trophy Hunter of Tomorrow, Macey will take advantage of all the local hunting—as she has done from her home in Decatur. I doubt that Macey will ever be without a gun or bow when hunting seasons roll around!

Macey also took third place, youth female, at last year’s show in the Archery Open Range category.

A younger Macey with her impressive buck.

In my decades of working for a southwestern state wildlife agency, we would sometimes field a phone call from someone looking for the Gaming Commission rather than the Game and Fish Commission. We had to explain we were not in charge of that kind of game. The term “game” has a long history with roots in the middle ages to denote “sport, pleasure, or merriment” and was used to describe animals that were pursued for sport in the earliest years of the conservation movement.

In the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, the environment is harsher and animals have adapted to

these conditions in a way that resulted in southwestern versions of hunted animals that are more common elsewhere. These serve as iconic symbols of the Southwest, and have become desired and sought-after by hunters from all over North America and beyond. Everyone has favorite types, or categories, of pets and wild animals. Biologists sometimes use confusing animal categories with Latin names based on scientific characteristics, but the rest of the world sees animals in a more basic way. For now, we can ignore scientific categories and think about our favorites in terms of more obvious animal groupings.

Desert bighorn sheep are often used to symbolize the arid southwestern landscape.

Feathers

I’m really more of a fur than a feather kind of person, but it’s hard to not love a few species that are edible and fun to pursue with a firearm in hand. The Gould’s turkey is one such southwestern subspecies native to Mexico and the American Southwest. It’s the largest of the turkey subspecies and adorned with brilliant white bars on the ends of the tail and rump feathers. The Gould’s is pursued enthusiastically by hunters from all over the continent and is one of five turkey types that make up the “Royal Slam” recognized by the National Wild Turkey Federation.

For those interested in something smaller and more abundant to provide more action afield, we have several kinds of quail. The bobwhite is a popular favorite throughout the southeastern U.S. and Texas, providing more than 141,000 days of quail hunting each year in Texas alone. Gambel’s quail are such an iconic game bird of the Desert Southwest, they were adopted by Arizona Game and Fish Department as the logo for all uniforms and truck doors. These birds are evolution’s answer to the question, “Can a quail live in the desert?” Gambel’s draw upland bird hunters from all over to partake in some of the best wing shooting in the country. Bird hunters can mix it up with some scaled quail in desert scrub or grasslands or Mearns’ quail in the higher elevation oaks that

are found from West Texas to Arizona along the borderlands. Mearns’ quail are a unique bird in many ways and hunters tend to get a little crazy about them.

Hooves

What’s not to like about large animals wrapped in valuable leather and full of delicious meat? This group of animals fed and clothed our growing nation, but we soon realized we were

An assortment of southwestern quail species, with Gambel’s (left), Mearns’ (center), and scaled (right).

Coatimundis (Coatis) are members of the raccoon family that travel in troops and are often reported as monkeys.

running out of them and the modern conservation movement—with all its game laws—was born. In the Southwest there are several interesting forms that are uniquely southwestern. My favorite group of hooved animals is the deer family. Texas has its famous South Texas trophies and, farther west, the tiny Coues’ whitetail has a large fan base and even larger marketing campaign. They are incredibly attractive, wily, and smarter than all of us combined. Coues’ whitetails live in the oaks with the Mearns’ quail and leave the desert grasslands below to the also amazing desert mule deer. These lightercolored southwestern mulies, when allowed to get old enough, can produce incredibly large racks on what seem to be minimal groceries.

Desert bighorn leave the grasslands and brush to the others and hang out among the cliffs and rocky crags of desert mountains and river corridors. They use their eyesight and climbing ability to avoid predators. This works well, even against the few lucky hunters who draw a permit to hunt them. They are a favorite southwestern icon and one of the four types of wild sheep in North America that make up a Grand Slam. The Southwest is even home to two endangered pronghorn subspecies that can’t be hunted, but might be someday if restoration efforts continue to be successful. The javelina is well-known by most residents in the region, but not admired and respected by all. They are relatively new arrivals in the U.S., with no archaeological evidence of their presence until the mid-1700s. These pigs—officially peccaries—are not really true pigs, but they’re wrapped in valuable leather and less-valuable, but still edible, meat. Their hide is so tough that, before game laws protected them, train cars full of javelina hides were shipped to Europe to make gloves.

Smaller than a breadbox

Two of my favorite southwestern critters have neither hooves nor feathers and are smaller than a breadbox—a standard scientific unit of measure. I have eaten both the coatimundi and many jackrabbits. The coati, as he likes to be called, is a member of the racoon family with a long, useful tail and the habit of hanging out in large groups called troops. The group name is no doubt because of their similarity to monkeys, and this accounts for the frequent report of monkeys in the desert. Jackrabbits like to be called jacks and make surprisingly good table fare if you treat the meat as valuable and cook it as a beef substitute. Their cousin, the jackalope, is much less abundant and females greatly outnumber males because of poaching rings and unscrupulous taxidermists. Both kinds of jacks are so closely associated with this region, it is hard to find artwork depicting the Southwest without finding a jack hanging out in the illustration somewhere.

Each region has a group of animals that define it. The Southwest has the best collection of iconic animals that live among the equally iconic plant communities dominated by mesquite, saguaros, and prickly pear cactus. Other than our children, it’s alright to have favorites and we’re lucky to be surrounded by the coolest in the animal kingdom.

Coues’ whitetails are small and highly sought after by hunters with their own Boone & Crockett scoring category.

Muzzleloader Rifles: Then and Now

by Eric Stanosheck

Muzzleloader hunting has changed dramatically since the 1800s, but you can still get a taste of the past, if you’re up for the challenge. My first muzzleloader was a Cabela’s Hawken in .50 cal. It’s a gorgeous rifle that I still take occasionally on hunts, usually in dry climates where I expect the shots to be close. It was my first muzzleloader because it was inexpensive, simple, and it allowed me to hunt a special late season in Nebraska with my dad and uncles. Loading a muzzleloader was simple: Measure out some loose powder and pour it in the barrel, seat a round ball on a patch and snuggly stuff it down. Slide a cap on the nipple, cock the hammer, and I was ready for action. Missed shots with iron sights were common, as were hang-fires due to the powders, small, No. 10 caps and cold winter weather.

I tagged a nice eight-point whitetail buck with my muzzleloader that season, and just like the hammer striking the cap to start the explosion of powder, the harvest of that deer with my simple octagon barreled rifle ignited my passion for muzzleloaders. I took that same rifle on a mountain lion hunt in Nevada a few years later and shot a massive tom.

The challenges of shooting a primative muzzleloader are what drew Eric into using one for hunting.

The limitations with that rifle were many. Weather played a huge part in the gun even firing. The target animal needed to be inside 100 yards and preferably standing completely still, as the patched lead round ball didn’t travel very fast with only 75 grains of powder.

The nipple for the cap and all the moving pieces of the gun needed extra clean, dry care so they would fire. The challenges of shooting a primitive muzzleloader were also the things that drew me in. If you are up to the challenge, I encourage you to find a Hawken and get out to the shooting range and the woods.

Where are we now in the world of muzzleloaders? Modern guns have taken most of the limitations of the old-style guns and improved them. The birth of the “inline” muzzleloader changed everything. Most modern inlines can shoot 150-200 yards with accuracy, and are much simpler to clean, shoot, and maintain.

Riflescopes are generally mounted on inline muzzleloaders, which improves accuracy dramatically. There are endless combinations of synthetic powders and bullets, some with plastic sabots, that can really help the accuracy and the reliability

of these guns. Even with the advancements, you don’t miss out on the key components that makes muzzleloaders special. You still get ONLY one shot, the range is STILL far less than a high-powered rifle, and the white smoke cloud and smell of burning powder follows every trigger pull.

The muzzleloader that I hunt with most often is a Thompson Center Omega inline with a 3-9X scope. I’ve taken that gun on big game hunts from Alaska to Mexico and everywhere between. My latest hunt in Mexico for a desert bighorn sheep stretched the capabilities of that muzzleloader and me, personally.

We had spent 81/2 days trying to locate and get in range of the oldest ram they knew of in those mountains. After a 31/2hour stalk after locating the big ram at 7 a.m., we were able to watch him paw out his bed for the day. The old ram was 500 yards away—an eternity with my muzzleloader. The next hour my guide and I closed the shot to 166 yards but the ram somehow knew the script and was on his feet and moving as I got set up to shoot. Jose continued reading off the yards until the ram reached 290 and paused to look

back before disappearing. My calculated hold over was roughly 50 inches, and as I squeezed the trigger I said a prayer and watched the billowing white cloud of smoke completely block my view.

When the smoke cleared, the ram had stopped and found a cactus for his final resting place. That was the farthest killshot I’ve ever made with a muzzleloader, and I hope I’m never in the position to do that again, even though the gun and bullet are capable of it. The entry and exit holes were a 45-degree angle from top to bottom exiting on the opposite side.

With muzzleloader hunting, just because you can, doesn’t mean you should! I had practiced out to 300 yards just to test the limits of my rig. Overall, with either traditional or inline muzzleloaders, I’ve taken 88 big game animals and my average shot is still only 105 yards.

With enough practice time, you can be proficient with any type of muzzleloader, from flint lock to cap and ball to modern inline. But never forget why you picked up a true “smoke pole” in the first place. Embrace the one-shot challenge and the romance of enjoying your rustic muzzleloader in the hunt.

Eric took a ram with his modern muzzleloader at 290 yards, his longest shot to date with such a firearm. His advice: embrace the one-shot challenge.

Stadium seat turkey vest

MUST-HAVES

Clay flyer cart

Do All Outdoors’ Flyway 4x4 is designed to make moving the trap effortless while keeping everything in one place. It features a 60-Clay Auto Trap, Wobbler Kit, Wireless Remote, and convenient “Tray Bay” for keeping clays, shells, battery and anything else you need for an exciting trap session. It can easily be towed by an ATV/UTV, truck, or by hand with the easy “Hitch and Stow Handle.” Equipped with off-road tires, it can be transported through most terrain and wheel chalks to keep it in place while in use. Visit DoAllOutdoors.com.

The Impact Pro turkey vest has a stadium seat design made of a highdensity, molded foam bottom cushion and backrest to minimize bulk while ensuring maximum comfort and protection from cold, wet ground. Merged with this is a cut-out, breathable shoulder harness design and a sternum strap for optimal load management. To deploy, simply drop the seat cushion and sit.

Molded front pockets keep diaphragm calls from being crushed or damaged, while removable and adjustable box call and ThermaCELL pockets ensure you have everything you need within reach.

It integrates an oversized game bag, and a large cargo pocket with adjustable strap-and-buckle closures. MOLLE webbing allows for further customization. Visit alpsoutdoorz.com/turkey-gear/vests.html.

GPS series shotguns

Now ready to take afield, Mossberg’s line of optic-ready 500 Turkey pump-action shotguns come in convenient combo packages, equipped with a receiver-mounted olive green Holosun HS407K micro dot sight. Two full size versions are available in 20-gauge and .410 bore and a compact Super Bantam 20-gauge offering with an adjustable length-of-pull stock. All models feature Mossy Oak Greenleaf full camo coverage and compact 20-inch barrels. Other standard features include extended choke tubes; fiber optic front sight; drilled and tapped receiver for added versatility; sling swivel studs; 5+1 shell capacity; and cover plate should the mounted optic be removed. Visit mossberg.com.

WE ARE TTHA MUST-HAVES

Leica Rangemaster CRF R

Leica’s third generation Rangemaster CRF R features an intuitive user interface for easy and rapid handling, all within a streamlined housing unit. It provides precise distance measurements within 0.3 seconds, with an accuracy of +/- 0.5 yards at distances ranging from 10 to 219 yards. Maximum range is 2,000 yards. Weighing in at around six ounces, it fits comfortably in your pocket or attaches to your belt via a lightweight Cordura pouch belt.

It has a straightforward user interface with two easy-grip buttons while the optics provide massive reduction of stray light and reflections to produce a crystal-clear image. It offers speedy measurements within a fraction of a second, and ensures accuracy even in challenging conditions, such as rainy weather. It displays the actual measured range or the equivalent horizontal range (EHR).

Visit leica-sportoptics.com.

G10 pocketknife

The Bear Edge 41/2" G10 Serrated Sideliner with Trigger boasts a sleek and ergonomic design and features a 33⁄8 -inch serrated blade, Torx screw construction, minimalist, snag-free shape, and ambidextrous pocket clip. It comes with a 440 stainless steel blade noted for its excellent resistance to corrosion, high edge retention, and a toughness suitable for everyday cutting activities. With a simple flip of the trigger, the blade deploys smoothly and swiftly.

This new pocketknife includes G10 handles, which provide a comfortable and secure grip even in the most challenging conditions. The handle is designed to minimize fatigue during extended use, making it the perfect companion for outdoor adventures and everyday tasks.

Visit bearandsoncutlery.com.

Turkey shotshells

APEX’s new 28-gauge Mossy Oak Green Leaf Turkey TSS Blend turkey shotshells are available in 2¾", 11/2 oz. loads. These premium “duplex” stacked loads feature a combination of No. 9 and No. 10 Tungsten Super Shot delivering an unrivaled payload of 665 ultra-dense 18.1 g/cc pellets in a 28-gauge shell. Handloaded for ultimate quality control and performance, this sub-gauge turkey round delivers a devastatingly dense pattern that hits with exceptional energy and knockdown power. Each shell features clean burning powder and APEX’s Tungsten Propulsion Wad System engineered to deliver the tightest patterns possible and maximum barrel protection. Designed for maximum penetration at extended ranges, They’re currently available in multiple gauges—10-, 12-, 16-, 20-, 28-gauge, and .410 bore—and a variety of shot sizes, shell lengths and blends. Visit ApexAmmunition.com.

Power Station

The PINNACLE 1600 provides 1600 watts of off-grid power and 12-way device charging. Its rugged design, sturdy anchor points, protective port covers, and solar capability allow versatility and portability for any outdoor experience. It’s AC, DC and solar rechargeable while offering two USB-A, two bi-directional USB-C, Wireless, four AC and three DC charging options. It uses pass-through charging with Swift Charge Technology. It also employs NEBO Overdrive and Pure Sine Wave Technology, offering an uninterrupted power supply with Smart Battery Protection. It uses Smart Charge Technology while offering a broad range of device compatibility. It also has a floodlight with four settings and a color LCD screen for easy use. Visit nebo.acgbrands.com.

Waterproof Rifle Case

The Waterproof Rifle Case is constructed of a waterproof 500D welded PVC outer shell, and integrates high-density closed-cell flotation foam to protect your rifle from the inevitable bumps and dings, but also ensures your rifle stays dry. The dry bag-style roll-top closure system provides a tight seal to keep water out and offers an adjustable fit for rifles up to 53 inches long and up to 10.5 inches in height.

It includes three external compression straps on the side to further secure the rifle in the case for a snug, protective fit. These straps can also secure a tripod or other shooting support system. It comes with an integrated top carry handle and a padded and adjustable removable shoulder strap. A D-ring is at the end of the case for hanging it to dry or for storage. Visit alpsoutdoorz.com.

Hunter Series bipods

Swagger Bipods’ Hunter Series bipods enhance precision and accuracy, particularly at extended ranges where precision is crucial in predator hunting. With the stability and adaptability of Swagger’s Quick Adapt Technology, hunters can wait patiently for the perfect shot opportunity in any weather condition without sacrificing comfort or control. Hunters can fasten the Hunter Series to most rifles with the included standard adaptor. The secured connection of the bipod allows hunters to keep their hands free to operate electronic caller remotes or hand calls.

The bipods enable hunters to maintain a safe shooting position while calling coyotes into close range and the bipods adapt to any hunter’s shooting position. The removable rubber foot reveals a spiked foot to help shooters dig into the terrain for increased traction and control. Visit swaggerbipods.com.

WE ARE TTHA MUST-HAVES

TWEEZERTOOL+

The 7-in-1 TWEEZERTOOL+ boasts full-size tweezers and a 1.5-inch drop-point blade. It also features a bottle opener, cutter, nail cleaner, file, and a flat screwdriver, all elegantly finished in solid black oxide for superior abrasion resistance during daily use. Its minimalistic design is easy to carry, and it’s always within reach with an integrated quick detach keychain clip. When folded away, the entire tool measures a mere 3¾ inches, ensuring maximum portability, convenience, and ease of use in minimal space.

It’s crafted from 3Cr13 stainless steel with a titanium nitride treatment and black oxide finish. Its angled points provide remarkable precision. The titanium nitride treatment goes deep to enhance the strength and durability of the steel. Visit true. acgbrands.com/tweezer-tool.html.

tickmitt.com

Tick Mitt

Tick Mitt is designed to brush ticks right off your clothes, gear and pets. Black-legged ticks carry the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi that can cause Lyme. Nymphs begin to get active at the beginning of April and through July when they start looking for hosts. Adult ticks are active in early spring and into fall seasons until temperatures drop below freezing. Transmission rates increase the longer the tick is attached (36-48 hours). The Tick Mitt brushes ticks off before they migrate to those areas. Immediately contact a doctor or healthcare professional in the event of tick contact. Visit tickmitt.com.

Gun maintenance kit

The Master Bench Block Pro-Kit combines a modified Master Bench Block Pro with a removable magnetic pin-catching tray and storage unit containing a Real Avid Accu-Punch Hammer with interchangeable heads, a nine-piece standard pin and nine-piece roll pin punch set. The two components latch together when not in use so it’s easily transportable and stowable.

The standard pin and roll pin punches stow conveniently in their own friction tray to keep them organized. The punches feature hex-profile handles with dual rubber O-rings for precision control and a solid purchase in the hand. A pin alignment tool is also included to help hold and align small pins for insertion. Two adjustable Smart-Block Clamps help keep the work piece firmly in place, freeing both hands for pin-driving operations. Visit realavid.com.

Devils River

Exploring the Devils River has always been a bucket list item for me. It’s so remote and so much of it is private, it was hard for me to imagine how I could possibly access some of the coolest country in all of the Desert Southwest. The canyon is full of life as the water makes its way through the desert landscape providing the food and life for all that range through this area. I can only imagine all the people who have roamed the area as they hunted, gathered, and cooled off in the river during the hot summer months. And when it would get cold, they could shelter down in the breaks of the canyons to block the extremely cold West Texas wind.

The crystal-clear water and big blue holes are an incredible fishery for bass, perch, catfish, and gar. The fish people like to target while kayaking the river is the smallmouth bass.

Elizabeth Campbell with a perch.

Pound for pound, they’re a lot of fun on light tackle, with very little quit in them. They’re super strong and put up an incredible fight. Just like any other types of fishing, when it’s good, it’s some of the best fun fishing you can do. From midMarch through the end of the summer, it can be outstanding recreational times on the water. If you’re not catching fish, you can certainly relax in the rapids or swim in some the most amazing clear water spots you have ever seen.

The Devils River Conservancy has this to say about the river:

“The Devils River, an intermittent stream, rises in southwestern Sutton County at the gathering of six watercourses: Dry Devils River, Granger Draw, House Draw, Jackson Draw, Flat Rock Draw, and Rough Canyon, and runs southwest for 94 miles to its mouth on the northeastern shore of Amistad Reservoir in southern Val Verde County. On its long route, 32 tributaries disembogue into it, including Dolan Creek, where Dolan Falls is formed, Dark Canyon, Dead Man’s Creek, and Satan Canyon. The path of Devils River sharply dissects massive limestone and traverses wash deposits of sand, gravel, and mud on flat terrain. The area’s generally dark, calcareous, stony clays and clay loams support oak, juniper, grasses, mesquite, and water-tolerant hardwoods and conifers.

traveled along the river and called it Laxas, meaning “slack” or “feeble.” Later travelers and settlers called the river San Pedro. The stream was well known to early travelers because it allowed access from north to south through rugged canyonland, and it offered water. Eastwest expeditions followed its banks as far as possible before striking out into the desert.”

“In 1590, Gaspar Castaño de Sosa, a Spanish explorer,

How did the Devils River get its name? Some say when it rises with the heavy rains, it becomes so treacherous that it becomes evil, hence the name. According to the Devils River Conservancy, “In the fall of 1848, former Texas Ranger Capt. Jack Hays led a party westward to explore a good route from San Antonio to El Paso. When Hays and his 70-plus men reached the river, not an easy trip then and not much easier even today, he supposedly reined his horse and surveyed the river and the rough terrain on either side of it before famously pronouncing, ‘St. Pete, Hell.

Laura Conner with her smallmouth.

The Devils River provides fun and adventure.

Tommy Conner with his smallmouth bass.

Dempster Campbell with his Devils River smallmouth bass.

This is the Devil’s River;’ suggesting the river belonged to the devil.”

The smallmouth bass was introduced in Lake Amistad in the mid 1970s for recreational fishing activities The smallmouth moved upstream and made their way into the Devils River by the 1980s. The rocky and cool temps of the river made a great home for smallmouth bass and they have flourished in this area. Along with their cousin the largemouth bass, the two make for some really fun fishing.

The other animals that frequent the river bottom are white-tailed deer, turkeys, aoudad, hogs, and lots of different predators. Not to mention all of the bird species that traverse the landscape and call it home. While spending a few days on the water I had witnessed all these animals gathering around the shoreline looking for a cool drink or browsing on the green stuff that grows along the river’s edge. Making our way up and down the river with a kayak is my favorite choice.

A kayak is very quiet and you can move through the water with very little noise. When we do have to port through the shallows, it’s very easy to pull or push the kayak along. Because of the ease with which we traverse

the twists and turns of the river, we’re able to see lots of wildlife, all the while soaking up the beauty of this wonderful location.

The canopy along the river provides all kinds of shade and the gentle breeze makes it very comfortable even in the 100 plus degree days of this part of the Texas desert. With very little communication to the outside world, a getaway on the river is very peaceful and remote. It takes some planning to get ready for a trip on the river, but it’s well worth the effort, as this part of the world is pure outdoor therapy.

I do know one thing for sure: it’s a super fun place for families to go and enjoy. It’s especially a great place for kids to explore and learn the wonders of God’s great outdoors. If you get the chance, you need to go for a visit and drive through this magnificent area, and if the mood strikes you, then it would also make for a really fun adventure. Visit tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/devils-river.

Michael Marbach is the CEO of the Christian Outdoor Alliance: www.mycoa.org; 210-827-9802. COA’s mission is to guide youth and outdoorsmen to a relationship with Jesus Christ through experience in God’s great outdoors.

DEER CONTESTS

RESULTS 2023-2024

The past deer seasons went off without a hitch! Texas got some rain during the fall and winter, but not enough to keep deer hunters away from the pastures and blinds. I would call it a “normal” season, with the usual suspects taking a lot of big bucks in South Texas, while the rest of the state brought in a wide variety of whitetails.

Texas A&M did a research project on the economics of deer hunting that raised a few eyebrows. The reports showed deer hunting to be worth $4 billion to the Texas economy, and some 800,000 hunters spent over 10 million recreational days, and harvested about one deer per hunter. Texas hunting families consume about 15 million pounds of deer meat each year.

The past season deer contests results are from Muy Grande, Freer; Freer Deer Camp, Freer; Los Cazadores, Pearsall; Angadi (Nuevo Laredo, Mexico), Cola Blanca, Laredo; and Trophy Game Records, Ingram. From all accounts, hunters participated heartily in each contest.

What makes deer contests so popular in Texas? Well, for one thing, Texas has the best deer hunting in the nation. Additionally, deer hunters like to show off their bucks. Third, deer hunters take a lot of big bucks, which accounts for the many deer contests. Taxidermy shops across Texas are filled to capacity with antlers and capes still waiting to be mounted.

To add to the many state contests, Texas Trophy Hunters has the three big Hunters Extravaganzas in Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio. Each August, hundreds of hunters bring their trophy bucks (whitetail and mule deer) to these big shows, where adult and youth hunters take home exciting prizes from a variety of categories.

So, bring your bucks and participate in three of the biggest shows in the Southwest. Our Annual Deer Competition has a long history of being a top attraction at the Hunters Extravaganzas, among a variety of events that will please the whole family.

—Horace Gore

Trey Lester

Jake Desonier

Olivia Shumate

ANGADI LOS GIGANTES

Pablo Paramo Sierra robert DeVito

Samuel J. HiDe

troy Steele

Hector barberena KeVin KemP

Jeff carliSle

eDuarDo J.r. GalleGo JameS coDy Green

Prince boyKie murPHy

ANGADI LOS GIGANTES

YOUTH

FEMALE DIVISION

Korey

Michael

Korey WeiKum

micHael JaSinSKi

SerGio tamez cHaPa

Hector HuGo urbano

JoSe carloS ramirez

Keaton Searcy

luiS marcelo Garcia

morGan elizabet naylor

COLA BLANCA

KeitH Kelley

Julian Garcia DeniS mcclure

lorye GlaSS taylor crull nancy milam

caroline orSaK

brooKlyn boWlinG colt benSon

Kinley KnezeK Hunter Hymer

bentley brocKWay

ruSSell D. JorDan

COLA BLANCA

brian HoblicK

oScar caballero ricarDo caVazoS, Jr. ralPH SaVino

tillman StoGner Damon burriS

Jeff cobbS

DaViD SHaSHy carloS barrera

brycK DriGGerS StileS DicKSon

traViS cHilDerS felix GonzaleS

COLA BLANCA

JuStin Jacaman aiDen Greco

courtney farriS

SHane burton

meaGan GooDWin

milan GooDWin

brent DornburG

tim bienSKi

Jerry WaScom micHael WaScom

Gary WaDDell

eDelmiro moraleS

Meagan

Tom

FREER DEER CAMP

All measurements shown are gross Boone and Crockett scores.

meaGan GooDWin tom HumPHrey mattie KlecK

cHriS franK anDreW inGram tammy fuSelier

ruben laSSman iii

coDy VerStuyft riley HornbacK

lillian brenner aubrey feril

SHane burton

miKe Vail

trey reinHart

cHarlie byrD

FREER DEER CAMP

All measurements shown are gross Boone and Crockett scores.

oliVia SHumate caroline orSaK brooKlyn boWlinG

WalKer DeSPain

Hunter Kay DeSPain JoSH marSaliS

brett rHoDeS tom HumPHrey

ryan farrell luKe SWeezy Wyatt HuGHeS mcKenna WaGner

conner cantu

aVery Guerra

LOS CAZADORES

lance WelcH reGinalD albrecHt

tim littlefielD SHane burton

milan GooDWin zacH anDerSon

colton KinG

GeorGe barron

Jeff cobbS

Julian

MUY GRANDE

Julian Garcia SHelly neWman ruSH HenDerSon

Hunter Hurt

KinSley emSHoff aaron Wooten

branDon PaetzolD

DeniS mcclure Kenlee PolK

HannaH DaViSon creeD PuceK Kinley KnezeK

luKe alexanDer brooKlyn boWlinG

MUY GRANDE

cinDy HaWK

caSH Gatlin

SteVe robinSon taylor crull GraVeS Peeler

caroline orSaK

Glen tHurman coDy VerStuyft

Jeff HilDebranD

ella HaWK luKe Staley

Jerry WaScom

cHarleS DanielS

brooKe tHurmonD

TROPHY GAME RECORDS OF THE WORLD

OPEN DIVISION

Men’s Diamond Buck

Richard Hunton Jr.

Women’s Diamond Buck

Lonnie Johnson

Youth Diamond Buck

Milan Goodwin

1ST PLACE WINNERS

Men’s

Shane Burton

Women’s

Brandi Scott

Youth Cooper Fast

HIGH

FENCE DIVISION

Men’s Diamond Buck

Garland Spivey

Women’s Diamond Buck

Jennifer Webster

Youth Diamond Buck

Olivia Shumate

1ST PLACE WINNERS

Men’s

Mike Krosch

Women’s

Meagan Goodwin

Youth

Sage Sherman

LOW FENCE DIVISION

Men’s Diamond Buck

Craig Feldscheider

Women’s Diamond Buck

Sylvia Louviere

Youth Diamond Buck

Maddox Verden

ricHarD Hunton Jr. lonnie JoHnSon milan GooDWin

SHane burton

branDi Scott cooPer faSt

GarlanD SPiVey

Jennifer WebSter oliVia SHumate

miKe KroScH meaGan GooDWin SaGe SHerman

craiG felDScHeiDer SylVia louViere maDDox VerDen

TROPHY GAME RECORDS OF THE WORLD

1ST PLACE WINNERS

Men’s Brent McManus

Women’s Ann Moss

Youth Gage Roberts

HILL COUNTRY DIVISION

Men’s Division Winning Buck Bo Hale

Women’s Division Winning Buck Harper Cobb

Youth Division Winning Buck Dandi Joy

OUT OF STATE DIVISION

Men’s Division Winning Buck Preston Adkins

Women’s Division Winning Buck Janet Scruggs

Youth Division Winning Buck Lilly Simmons

Method Of Collection

Archery/Crossbow Donny Bartow

Method Of Collection

Modern Arms/Handgun Craig Scruggs

Most Points Winner Hank Wentworth

Widest Outside Spread Brody Delukie

MULE DEER DIVISION

Adult

Calan Jacoby Ahrens

Youth Jett Johns

brent mcmanuS ann moSS GaGe robertS

bo Hale HarPer cobb DanDi Joy

PreSton aDKinS

Janet ScruGGS lilly SimmonS

Donny bartoW

craiG ScruGGS HanK WentWortH

calan Jacoby aHrenS Jett JoHnS

broDy DeluKie

2024 Compound Bow Bass Pro Shops

Roundup

By John Goodspeed

This roundup of the latest compound bows illustrates that manufacturers are continuing refinements for quieter shooting, less vibration, more precise and easier tuning and more exacting draw length adjustments — several offer ¼-inch increments for exact fit.

One promises that even an errant contact of the arrow on the riser will be silent.

Some offer grip angle options for better feel.

One model is adaptable for everyone from youth to adult and features

a 63-pound draw weight range and a draw length from 15 to 31 inches.

The companies also are coming up with ways to make bows lighter without compromising shootability. The lightest bow below weighs just 3.6 pounds.

The fastest shoots arrows at 350 feet per second. The slowest is no slouch at 320 fps.

The fps speeds are the manufacturers’ ratings using the International Bowhunting Organization standards. Prices are manufacturers’ suggested retail prices.

BlackOut NV-3, $899.99

The latest from these two nationwide retailers is the next generation in the NV series of bows from BlackOut, the flagship NV-3, which promises stability and accuracy in a compact 33-inch axleto-axle design that delivers speeds up to 340 fps. The new Tri-Track cam system allows ¼-inch draw length adjustments by using a rotating module throughout the draw range of 231/2 inches to 301/2 inches. The new machined aluminum one-piece limb pockets support a wide, stable limb platform. The adjustable roller guard provides additional tuning options and a smooth draw over the rollers supported by ball bearings. With a brace height of six inches, peak weights are 60 pounds and 70 pounds with an adjustable let-off of 70 percent to 90 percent. The bow comes in black, shown here, or TrueTimber VSX.

www.beararchery.com

Persist, $1,249.99

Bear’s 2024 flagship model boasts speeds up to 340 fps and more stealth with dampeners built into the risers, a string stop with built-in dampening and a new silent shelf technology to make errant arrow contact with the riser undetectable. It measures 31 inches axle to axle. It uses a new picatinny mount for sights and the Integrate Mounting System for the rest. The wide pocket and limb design deliver the stability. A loop to the limb pocket allows quick connection of a pull rope. Draw length is adjustable from 26 to 30 inches. Brace height is 61/2 inches. Let-off is adjustable from 75 percent to 90 percent in five percent increments. It includes quick-disconnect shoulder sling attachment points and an integrated wrist sling mounting point to eliminate unnecessary added parts.

BowTech Archery

www.bowtecharchery.com Core SR, $1,399

This new high-performance bow offers a smooth draw, accuracy and speeds up to 344 fps on a 33-inch axle-to-axle design. Features include CenterMass Technology, which aligns the sight to optimize stability and accuracy, the DeadLock Cam System for repeatable accuracy and TimeLock for easy cam position adjustments with a hex key. GripLoc allows custom positioning of the grip angle to fine-tune hold. It includes the Integrate Mounting System for use with arrow rests equipped with IMS and updated badging and limb graphics. Draw lengths range from 25 to 30 inches with a draw weight of 50, 60 or 70 pounds. Brace height is six inches. It weighs 41/2 pounds. Shown here in Flat Dark Earth, the Core SR is available in a variety of colors.

This compact new model measuring 291/2 inches axle to axle features an upgraded Wide Quad Limb design, coupled with the latest version of the DualSync BBS Cam System, to provide a level of shoot-ability, performance and tune-ability not obtainable before. The cam system includes a rotational module that allows for adjusting draw length with a hex key from 26 inches to 311/2 inches in 1/2-inch increments. Draw weights are 50, 60 and 70 pounds. Let-off is adjustable from 80 percent to 87 percent. It incorporates the low-mount Bowstring Suppression Unit for additional smoothness. Speeds are rated up to 321 fps. Brace height is 71/2 inches. It weighs 4.3 pounds. Also new are the Sequel 31 and Sequel 33, so named for their axle-to-axle measurements. Both promise smooth draws, shoot up to 335 fps and cost $1,199.99.

Diamond Archery by BowTech

This limited-edition model, available only at Diamond Pro Shops, is extremely adaptable for youth to adult with a 63-pound draw weight range, from seven pounds to 70 pounds, and a draw length from 15 to 31 inches. Plus, it flings arrow up to 320 fps. It measures 32 inches axle to axle. The Synchronized Binary Cam system features two symmetrical cams slaved together for flat nock travel. Brace height is 7¼ inches, which offers more forgiveness than bows with a shorter brace height. It weighs 3.6 pounds. It comes in Black, Olive Drab Green and Mossy Oak Bottomland, shown here with the full kit that includes a quiver. The Pro 320 also is available as a bare bow for $549.

Tons of adjustability are available on this latest model, which shoots up to 340 fps. The SP cam and V3 Versa Performance Mods allow dialing in desired holding weight, draw length and back wall. The SP Cam varies draw length — from 251/2 to 31 inches — in ¼-inch increments. The V3 Mods allow a sliding let-off adjustment anywhere in the 70 percent to 90 percent range. Draw weights range from 40 to 75 pounds. S.E.T. Technology allows micro-adjusting the limb pivot angle, which changes cam lean to adjust the bow to the arrow flight. Wider limbs and a dual caged riser enhances balance. It measures 33 inches axle to axle. Brace height is 6¾ inches. It weighs 41/2 pounds and is available in right- and left-hand models.

www.hoyt.com

Alpha X 30, $1,349

Hoyt says this new model was built for a smoother draw, higher let-off, increased velocity with speeds up to 344 fps and better sound/vibration performance. It features the HBX Xact Cam, which allows ¼-inch draw length adjustments from 25 to 30 inches, 3, 2, 1 Mod system for peak performance in all draw lengths, extra-hard and hard wall options and let-off of 75 percent, 80 percent and 85 percent. Hoyt engineers say vibration was reduced by 18 percent and sound was cut by 25 percent. An integrated drop cord slot keeps the rest cable safely tucked away. The VitalPoint Grip is designed at an optimal angle covered in Versaflex material for comfort. It weighs 4.55 pounds. Also available is the Alpha X 33 ($1,449).

Martin says this compound bow that measures 33 inches axle to axle is for those who like that longer bow string angle feel. It features the new 2 Track CAM System and a weight distribution system in the riser that is adjustable. It shoots arrows at 340 fps. Draw weights are 45 to 55 pounds, 55 to 65 pounds and 65 to 75 pounds. Let-off can be adjusted up to 90 percent. Draw length ranges from 27 to 301/2 inches. Brace height is 6 inches. It weighs five pounds. It comes in 10 colors including Tac Tan shown here.

www.mathewsinc.com

Lift 33, $1,429

New for 2024, the Lift line focuses on light weight without sacrificing stability and accuracy. The Lift 33 measures 33 inches axle to axle, weighs 4.26 pounds and shoots up to 343 fps. The other model in the line is the Lift 29.5 ($1,329), which weighs 3.99 pounds and shoots up to 348 fps. The redesigned SwitchWeight X Cam is the heart of the system and provides a steady stacking draw cycle and a solid back wall. The cam for both models offers draw weights ranging from 55 to 80 pounds and draw lengths as low as 241/2 inches on the Lift 29.5 and up to 311/2 inches on the Lift 33. Draw weights for both models are 55 to 80 pounds in five-pound increments. Integrated into the grip, the Shot Sense module records shot data and provides feedback through the app.

Obsession Bows

Bone, $849

This new model is light at four pounds, fast at 350 fps and said to be dead in the hand while shooting. It measures 29¾ inches axle to axle. Draw length ranges from 27 to 291/2 inches while draw weight is from 40 to 80 pounds. Brace height is six inches. It is available with a choice of four cams — Ghost 2 Track Cam with rotating mod and up to 85 percent let-off, Hybrid HZ Cam with rotating mod and up to 80 percent left-off, Obsession M2 2 Track Modular Cam with up to 85 percent left-off and Obsession 2 Track DS Cam (draw specific up to 30 inches) and up to 85 percent let-off. The bow is available in more than four dozen colors including Last Leaf Venom shown here.

Prime Archery by G5 Outdoors

www.g5prime.com

RVX 6, $1,399 plus two more in line; this one is 36 inches

The RVX 36 is the longest axel-to-axel configuration of the three bows in the new line at 36 inches. The others are the RVX 32 and RVX 24 (both priced at $1,299). Prime says the line is its most tunable and accurate and made with industry-leading nock travel, efficiency and a smooth draw. The bows feature a center grip riser designed with Swerve Technology, which controls riser torque. The Nano-grip is made with Aero-gel that is warm to the touch. Also new is a picatinny rail that allows mounting of sights along with QAD’s Dovetail machined into the RVX that provides additional rest mounting options. The RVX 36 reaches speeds of 332 fps. Draw length ranges from 271/2 to 311/2 inches while draw weight is from 40 to 80 pounds. Brace height is 6¾ inches. It weighs 4.6 pounds.

Mach 30 DS, $1,799

PSE says the company listened to cus tomers and delivered what they wanted — a 30-inch axle-to-axle carbon-fiber bow that shoots unlike any other 30-inch bow, remains silent and delivers no aftershock. The bow’s string angle is comparable to much larger bows with more tuning and adjustability than previous models. It comes with a picatinny rail for sights or it can use standard sight and rest mounts. It shoots up tp 338 fps. The EC2 cams allow a draw length range of 241/2 to 30 inches with draw weights of 50 to 80 pounds in 10-pound increments. Let-off ranges from 80 percent to 90 percent. Brace height is 6 inches. It weighs 3.6 pounds.

www.xpeditionarchery.com Xlite 29, $1,949.99

Made from the proprietary alloy Magnite, the Xlite is stronger and more consistently manufactured than carbon, 30 percent lighter than 6061 aluminum and dead in the hand, according to Xpedition. The company says Magnite dampens vibration 20 times more than carbon and three times more than aluminum. The 29inch axle-to-axle bow weighs 3.65 pounds and shoots up to 340 fps. The XB29 cams produce higher speeds without sacrificing a comfortable draw. New adjustable 17- and 19-degree grip options provide a custom fit. Draw lengths range from 241/2 to 30 inches in 1/2-inch increments. Draw weights are 50, 60, 65 and 70 pounds. Let-off is adjustable up to 80 percent. Brace height is six inches. Xlite bows also are available in 31-, 33- and 35-inch axle-to-axle configurations and in a range of Cerakote finishes.

Day 1

No rest for the wicked—a mountain goat awaits. We were back on the plane over British Columbia and inbound to lake No. 2. Cam Graham and I had a new hunter who was a great guy who’d been around the traps and had a lot of stories. Dave Jagst wanted a good mountain goat, and we were headed to the high country.

Cam was the guide and I was his assistant and packer. He had let me know that this hunt was going to be “Hell.” He was right. Prior parties had taken 8 hours to get from the lake to camp, which was 1.6 km (0.994 miles) straight up according to our map. We completed the climb in 6 hours and we were wrecked. It was hand over fist most of the way, with heavy packs and a 7mm Mag. rifle.

In between our gasps for air and water breaks, I was able to see the far mountain top, and also a big black bear! Cam had spotted a billy cresting a far ridge top through the spotter. A good sign and something to pursue the next morning. We reached the summit right at dark, just before the rain came. Cam went ahead to set up camp as Dave and I fought the last steep pinch together.

Day 2

Expected rain from midday got us up and out early. As the hunt began, Cam again saw the mountain goat cresting in a slightly further point. We checked every nook and cranny before beginning our near vertical ascent to where we’d seen the billy. This climb wasn’t just hard, it was dangerous, as Cam would find out later.

STORY

very

Enduring

slippery slopes, the author, who’s from London, England, helped Dave Jagst get his trophy mountain goat on a hunt in British Columbia, Canada.

We were on a small saddle from the top as Cam and I chatted about our approach. As we crested, I stopped and stood frozen with my eyes locked on my first goat, with big horns and long face, staring at me. At 15 yards all I could do was focus on the horns.

The goat turned to run as I dropped the pack and unclipped the rifle to thrust it to Dave, ushering him forward hurriedly. Cam checked the goat whilst we got into position and confirmed it was a nanny with long 10–11-inch horns. She was followed by a young kid as she stopped to check us out before cresting out of sight.

We were still hot on the heels of the elusive billy. We bumped into the big bear again and tried to go around him through the trees until Cam said, “Matt load up—load up.” Cam stepped back as I went forward towards the bear with the 7 Mag. Cam had assured me earlier that older bears are smart and want nothing to do with humans. This bear turned and left without leaving a trace.

We checked everywhere for the billy, and I spotted the nanny and kid again. We planned to come back the next day for the billy and moved to another mountain, which meant retracing our steps and descending the vertical lip. “It’s slippery,” Cam said, and within seconds he was at the bottom of the lip, a near 40-foot plummet. The fall bruised his leg badly, but we checked some spots of interest before heading back to camp.

Day 3

Forecasted rain from midday saw us again moving early. We hiked up to where we’d finished glassing the night before. Goat tracks littered the hillside. Cam pulled up his face covering and peeked around ledges and over bluffs, whilst Dave and I looked through the spotting scope.

The hillsides were covered in white rocks, but one white rock held my attention, because I could tell this was a goat, some distance away. I said to Cam, “I’m 100% sure this is a billy!” We had found our goat. He was huge with hulking muscles and full white winter coat. The time was 9:10 a.m. and we knew the weather would give us until noon to make the stalk. We literally ran down the hills and across the flats, closing the distance quickly. We scaled our hardest ascents and covered the whole distance in less than 2 hours. Knowing we were after a big billy had us excited.

We waited for the billy to feed up a chute and out of sight before covering the remaining distance in double time. It was only a matter of minutes before we crossed his path. I handed the 7 Mag. rifle to our hunter Dave as I began filming. Finally, Cam signalled Dave to take the shot.

The goat was close, feeding towards us. I popped up with the camera just as Dave fired. I could only see the goat’s rear end, as the first shot looked like a clean miss. The old billy, to our amazement, didn’t run away. He just stood there like a statue. We were tucked behind a hanging rock, which gave Dave time to chamber his second round. In all the excitement, the rifle jammed. Some quick thinking from Cam rectified the situation before another shot rang out, and the billy went down.

Dave’s goat tumbled 50 meters down before sliding to a stop on a precarious rock ledge. It was cheers all around for our

Climbing the terrain proved challenging for the hunting party. They suffered bumps and bruises along the way.

lucky trio, but the hill was so steep that getting down to the white goat was difficult. As happy as we were, the imminent torture of packing Dave’s big goat out had me worried. We broke out the phones for photos, measuring tape for the horns, and the knives to begin the caping and cutting.

The big boy’s horns measured over 10 inches with 5-plus inch bases. He was old, and we tried ageing him by counting the growth rings on his horns, but they were marred from rubbing. We guessed him to be over 12 years old. Three hours later we had the goat’s horns, cape, and meat in our packs. The rain had been stinging us for a couple of hours and the fog had engulfed the whole mountain. We kept thinking positively like,

“Good thing we got him in the morning before the fog,” and “We’ll get home before dark.”

Cam took the horns and cape and I took the meat and rifle. Our packs both weighed 70-plus pounds and we still had to get off the mountain. A dangerous hand-over-fist, vertical, 200-meter rock climb, and we had crested the peak. Minutes felt like hours as our muscles burned under the weight, and extremities froze in the rain. We made it back to the steep pinch, but we could not walk the packs down safely. Cam had 30 meters of paracord in his pack, which allowed us to lower the packs and rifle down. I lost my grip on the wet and slippery branches and mirrored Cam’s fall from the day before, but I skipped over a rock and landed unscathed on wet dirt.

The second and final pinch was long, steep and dangerous. We were halfway down, when again I lost my footing whilst descending with my bag. I clipped Dave with my foot on the way past, as I barrelled towards Cam, who bore the brunt of me and my pack. A loud clank was the difference between me sliding another 50 meters and Cam using his skull as a bumper bar for my metal pack frame.

Now the ascent began, and a slow and grinding two hours brought us back to camp. The feeling I experienced was unlike any I could remember. However, we still had enough energy for smiles all around. What a day, and we got the grand prize— a trophy mountain billy!

This hunt was one of the top five things I’ve ever done. To make it even sweeter, Cam said to me after we’d had dinner and recovered, “I’ve guided and hunted with plenty of people and you’re one of the best hunting partners I’ve ever had!” Mates for life!

Day 4

Late in the afternoon there was a break in the weather, so we broke camp and with our heavy packs, began a most dangerous descent to the lake. Wet under foot, the rocks were cold and slippery. We had to lower the bags and packs down steep bluffs, and it took 45 minutes to move 100 meters (109 yards). We passed through cedar, pine and spruce, and got tangled in downed trees and stinging nettles. We fought flies and bugs, but the sun did come out towards the end of the hike, and we were reminded that the mountain is always in charge!

At the lake, we got Dave and his goat into a boat, and scurried to the landing area before starting a fire to dry out our clothes and wait for the plane to scurry in on the lake. Later, as we left the lake and took to the air, I thought hands down, this trip has been one of my fondest memories, and now I’ve got two new friends for life!

The hunting party took a bit of breather while seeking the mountain goat. The return trip would prove even more rough due to the extra weight from the mountain goat.

So, you’re thinking about hunting in Alaska. The Great Land is on most every hunter’s list, yet few ever make the trip. After living and hunting in Alaska for over 20 years, I’ve learned a few things that will help you plan an Alaskan getaway.

Alaska is big, and game can be sparse

With more than 100 million acres of public land, Alaska’s opportunities are limitless. And there are still unbelievable bears, moose, and Dall sheep taken by hunters every year. However, game animals are not everywhere, and few are taken without investment in blood, sweat, tears, money, and luck. You go and take your chances.

Do your homework

Check out any area you intend to hunt, not just on social media, but with biologists, other hunters, your guide, or your transporter. All

Alaska game herds are in flux, just like everywhere else. Brutal cold and deep snow can decimate caribou and deer herds. Predators—wolves and bears—take their share. Some caribou herds that once numbered up to 200,000 are down and closed to hunting. On the other hand, massive forest fires create new growth that’s prime for moose and other game, so hunting a few years after a major burn can be productive.

Get a guide

Even if you’re planning only one Alaska hunting trip, invest in a licensed, experienced guide. For big bears, moose, or sheep, expect to pay the equal of a new pickup. For caribou, black bear, or deer, you can have a quality hunt for a few thousand dollars, so start saving your money.

Young Gabriel Hughes took this trophy bull moose with help from his dad and granddad.

Going it alone

While guides are mandatory for brown bear, Dall sheep, and mountain goats, you can hunt moose, caribou, deer, and black bear on your own. It won’t be easy, and you need to do a lot of research before the trip. Using a transporter to get you into good country is still cheaper than most hunts in the Lower 48. You can go by boat, airboat, or float plane to good hunting grounds. After that, you go it alone.

Bears don’t want to eat you

Alaska has lots of bears, but most bears are phantoms, especially if you’re looking for them. Just be bear-aware, especially in higher risk areas—walking through thick cover, packing out meat, or wading in a salmon stream. Alaskans and hunters do get mauled every year, so be careful around bears.

Forget Texas ways

If you’ve had success with Texas hunting or fishing, it just doesn’t translate to the outdoors of Alaska. There’s a lot of public land, but game animals may be scarce. You have to really hunt, travel, spot, stalk, or call to be successful. There are no corn feeders or comfortable blinds, and as with some game animals, and salmon, migrations are brief, intense, and limited to small areas. Go too early, too late, or too far and you’re in beautiful, but empty country.

Regulations are complex

Alaska game and fish laws are complex, and vary by game unit, mountain range, or drainage. You’ve got to know where you are, what you’re hunting, and what’s legal. On interior rivers you can shoot from a boat, but not in Southeast Alaska. Bull moose must have a 50-inch spread or three brow tines on one side. Hunts can be closed without notice if harvest is higher than expected or migrations don’t materialize. ADFG keeps call-in phone updates and online postings of closures.

Technology helps

Current communication tools are very valuable in Alaska. I’ve used a Garmin InReach all over the world, as well as Alaska. It’s superb for tracking your location, but also basic communications like sending an SOS or retracing your steps back to camp. Satellite phones are also a valuable lifeline. I also carry an emergency rescue beacon, but it’s illegal to use any electronic device that aids your hunt.

Don’t miss Alaska fishing

Make time for fishing. A week of Alaska fishing is a great introductory trip to the Great Land. Big game hunts can also offer time for side trips to fish. For moose and caribou, grayling are waiting in every trickle of water in the wilderness interior, eager to hit a dry fly or small spinner. Coastal bear hunts offer a good chance for silver salmon in the fall and king salmon in the spring. Kodiak Island hunts for blacktail deer offer halibut and rockfish.

Non-residents need a guide to hunt Dall sheep like this gorgeous ram this hunter took with legendary guide Sue Entsminger.

Mother Nature always bats last

Weather is writ large in Alaska. Howling winds can be dreadful, and rain is measured in inches an hour—buckets per day. Cold is just something you have to experience—when your eyes and nose start freezing—so when you pack, include rugged, dry, warm clothing and boots. An old Alaska saying: “There’s no bad weather, just bad gear.”

Learn to love airplanes

You’ll fly to get to Alaska, fly to get to base camp, and may ride a Super Cub into your hunting camp—so, pack light for the hunt. If you’re overloaded, your pilot will be chunking out extra gear. Super Cubs can get you almost anywhere in the hands of a skilled pilot, and on those giant balloon tires.

Use flying miles

An Alaskan remembers his Alaska Airlines number before his driver’s license number. Alaskans live and rely on Alaska Airlines, and Alaska Air miles are as valuable as gold. Consider using or getting an airline credit card to accumulate miles to reduce your travel costs.

Alaska can be tougher than tough

A guy or gal who’s out of shape and overweight can hunt Alaska, but they won’t have as much fun. You’ll probably travel farther on one Alaskan hunt than all of your home state outings. Expect to hike, wade, and fight alder and Devil’s club. You may deal with boggy tundra, rugged terrain, glacial silt, or ice slides, so get fit for Alaska hunting.

Your deer rifle will do

Alaska game animals are big, but just as vulnerable as deer with a well-placed, well-constructed rifle bullet. While Magnums work fine, there are far more moose, caribou and bears killed in Alaska every year with every-day deer rifles. So, take the rifle you shoot best, with well-constructed bullets for the game you’re after.

Wet kills; cotton kills

“Cotton kills” is the first thing you hear about Alaska hunting clothes. You will hunt Alaska in jeans or cotton shirt one time. Soaked through by the rain and chilled through with the wind, cotton can get you hypothermia in minutes and at risk in less than an hour. Today, modern thermals, down coats, and rugged rain gear are mandatory. A thumb-in-cheek test for your rain gear: suit up head to foot and stand in a cold shower. If you’re still dry, you’re ready for Alaska!

Just do it

The only regret about my two decades living in Alaska is that I waited too long to get here. If Alaska is on your bucket list, just load up. You can start small and work up, or you can raid your savings and take a premium trip. But as the famous John Muir once said, and I’m paraphrasing, “A man preparing to visit Alaska has to accept one of two realities—either he never leaves, or he must accept that anywhere else he goes will be something less!”

Fall fishing for giant rainbow trout on the Kenai or big silver salmon throughout Alaska are great added bonuses to a fall Alaska hunting trip.

A Kodiak brown bear track dwarfs a .30-06 cartridge, a good minimum caliber to hunt everything in Alaska.

and fishing.

The Devil’s River area offers scenic beauty in addition to water enjoyment

Texas is graced with one of the finest state park systems in the entire United States, managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Currently 89 parks, several wildlife management areas (WMA), and other natural areas are scattered across Texas’ vastness encompassing roughly 640,000 acres throughout the state.

Galveston Island and Mustang Island state parks offer surfing the Gulf of Mexico, with fishing and beachcombing, while Monahans State Park in West Texas presents surfing sand hills on disks. Parks with dense piney woods and huge lakes adorn the east. Big Bend Ranch, Davis Mountains, and Franklin Mountains State Park offer open spaces with dark skies for stargazing. The Panhandle’s Palo Duro Canyon State Park is Texas’ version of the Grand Canyon.

Lakes and rivers are the major attraction at the “too many parks to name.” Fishing, swimming, and water sports are naturally the main draw to these parks.

Scenic beauty, serenity, birds and wildlife, hiking, biking, and simply camping out away from city hustle and bustle draws nearly 10 million visitors to the Texas state parks throughout the year.

TPWD’s state park system celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023. The saying, “You’ve come a long way, baby” has tremendous meaning, for in 1923, Texas only had 100 miles of paved highway. People packed picnic food in baskets, carried metal coolers, and slept outdoors when spending the night. Camping was much more rustic than today.

Naturally, some parks are more popular than others, based on location and activities offered. Lack of rain sometimes affects river and lake levels deterring visitors when water activities may be inhibited. Too much rain may cause flooding, temporarily closing a park.

You can bring your own equine to enjoy horseback riding at several parks and natural areas. Perhaps a surprise to many, hunting is allowed in some parks during various seasons. This is to control habitat numbers as well as providing low-cost opportunities for hunters on a variety of game. Many parks offer special events throughout the year ranging from Christmas to historical presentations.

Each park has its own uniqueness. An individual park’s characteristics may be

TPWD Public Hunting

TPWD offers an Annual Public Hunting Permit on nearly one million acres including state parks, wildlife management areas, and dove and small game areas leased from private landowners. It enables hunting whitetail deer, feral hogs, turkey, waterfowl, dove, quail, rabbits, and squirrels.

Opportunities abound for adult and youth hunters with the Public Hunt Drawing System, E-postcard selection hunts, and special hunt package drawings. These occur on TPWD managed lands and specifically leased properties for exotic and native species.

Regular or daily permit hunts are for certain small game and waterfowl. These permits are issued on a first-come first-served basis at the hunt area.

For more info, check out www.tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/hunt/public and enjoy!

Youth hunting takes place at many of Texas’ state parks during hunting season.

similar to another elsewhere, yet something sets it apart. Here are some of the most popular state parks.

Ray Roberts Lake State Park near DFW’s metroplex counted over 800,000 visitors in 2022. With 3,777 acres divided into nine units, it offers water sports, hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. Tagging close behind is the immensely popular Garner State Park near Leakey, featuring the Frio River with Old Baldy overlooking it. The park’s swimming, hiking, and dancing are so well-known that songs have been written about it.

The Panhandle’s Palo Duro Canyon has its own beauty and ruggedness. Always check the weather first, as three days of dust hindered this writer from taking photos and really enjoying this park’s expansive and often colorful views.

Want to see alligators, snakes, Spanish moss draped over trees, and a variety of birds? At 26,000 acres, Caddo Lake on the Texas-Louisiana border boasts of 70 fish species and many backwater adventures for paddlers and boaters. They offer lodging in historic cabins, too.

Want more gators? Brazos Bend near Houston features 5,000 acres and often has alligator “sitters” on trails to protect the public or re-route hikers where female gators may be nesting nearby. Dating back to Stephen F. Austin, this area offers Texas history as well as the George Observatory, open year-round on Saturday nights, weather permitting.

Colorado Bend between San Saba and Lampasas is home to 70-foot Gorman Falls. An annual white bass run in the Colorado River is a huge draw as well as the hiking, natural springs, and guided cave tours. Dinosaur Valley near Glen Rose shows

dinosaur tracks left in the Paluxy riverbed with much dinosaur history.

McKinney Falls near Austin draws vast numbers of visitors as does Cedar Hill, 20 miles from Dallas. Scuba divers often enjoy Inks Lake near Burnet while Enchanted Rock outside Fredericksburg may be covered with hikers on beautiful spring and fall days when temperatures are mild.

Each park has its own busy periods, not just during the summer months when schools are out, but possibly any time of the year. TPWD encourages using their online reservations, even for day use. This writer has seen portable signs saying “Park Closed” two miles from Enchanted Rock when the park is filled to capacity, with a long line of vehicles hoping to get in as someone is leaving the park. You should cancel your reservations when you’re not going, so others can enjoy the park.

Whether for a daytrip or longer, get out and explore Texas’ impressive and extensive park system. You may discover your own favorite state park. Visit texasstateparks.org to find out more.

Alligators of all sizes may be seen at many state parks, but Brazos Bend is known for their ample population.

Watching wildlife in their natural setting can be enjoyed at TPWD parks across the state.

Paul with one of two aoudad he shot on his hunting trip.

Iwas quietly sitting in my prefab deer blind overlooking the feeder that had long ago dispensed its corn in a circle across the rocky terrain. Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye I was surprised by the sight of not one, but two aoudads: a large male following an ewe.

As I quietly positioned myself, knowing I would get at least one shot as they would surely stop to search for a solitary kernel, my mouth fell agape as they continued off to the south, down the slope and into the cedars out of sight without breaking stride.

I was stunned. I also felt disappointed because the ranch owners had issued a “be on the lookout” on the critters, as they had become unwelcome on Cherry Creek Ranch. Fence busters and feeder destroyers had suddenly become shoot on sight rather than being protected to increase the numbers of the small populace.

So I sat quietly, pondering why would they pass the corn that they would usually travel a mile or more to satisfy their appetite.

Then a plan developed in my puzzled skull: Give them a half hour or so, let them settle, devise a rout to possibly stalk them. Surely they would come to rest not far away.

After a brief spell, I departed the blind to set out in search of the pair, slipping quietly to the edge of the cedar line clearly defining the crest of the hills known as Five Fingers. Slowly, carefully pacing myself so as not to shake the cedar limbs nor start a loosened rock on the path of unwelcome noise surely to annoy and alert any wild creature.

Nowhere to be found, had I inadvertently given myself up to these magnificent creatures with the eyes of the eagle?

I began retracing my steps thinking my hunt was done. As I neared

the old blind, instinct led me to take a look some 75 yards down the north face near the old “bee cave,” a hollow on the side of the hill that has not seen a bee in 20 or more years.

The spot where the aoudad fell after the shot.

Across the canyon lying on the fourth finger of the ridge was a burnt orange spot that stood out in contrast to the bright green cedars; and yet another somewhat less visible than the first sighting. Slowly raising my Leica 10X42BA binoculars, I verified that it was, in fact the duo. The quarry I had been tracking in the wrong direction. They had, as sheep and goats will do, simply gone down the side of the hill, crossed the valley, climbed up the steep rugged slope of the far side and came to rest on the ridge protected from the cold wind.

The ewe was lying above a rock overlook in clear sight while the ram was only visible from the neck up, not a shot I would take. So to rid the ranch of an unwanted critter, I raised my FNHR auto .308, took careful aim, exhaled and squeezed off a round. I had nothing to lose except a wasted round of Federal 150-grain ammo should I miss.

Not being one to frequently take such a shot, I was pleasantly surprised as the hill came alive when the ewe jumped straight up, begin dancing on her hind legs as I watched her stumble to the edge of a 30-foot drop off, hoping and praying she would settle on the ledge. No luck; over she went.

In my disappointment I quickly observed the ram, which ran far right and out of sight at the sound of the shot had returned to look for his mate. Broadside at 276 yards I repeated the sequence which had led to my first hit. Another hit followed by a rear leg pirouette then a drop to the ground, motionless.

Somehow, I had made two consecutive shots offhand to take out the pair. Euphoric and exhausted, I made the quick decision that I would return in the morning to do the recovery.

After returning to camp and telling my story, I suddenly had a small army of volunteers to help with the recovery. After my anxious and willing fellow hunters returned from their morning hunt, we set out to recover the animals. Two vehicles loaded with younger, able-bodied friends reached what I called “four

fingers,” as it was the fourth of a series of ridge tops jutting across much of the territory.

Arriving near the site, several of the guys set out on foot while I carefully maneuvered a trail with my 4x4, eventually stopping about 200 or so yards from the recovery zone. After some brief scouting we located the ram. Seth climbed down the cliff and found the ewe. Hugh cheered us on as we returned to the vehicles with grins and high-fives for a successful hunt to be remembered for a lifetime.

The recovery team (l-r): Jeff Haas, Paul Stafford, Hugh Konigsmark, Tom LeBlanc.

David Kelly photo

Nilgai number in the tens of thousands in South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley and are suited to the native habitat.

For all of us South Texans who already knew what big things went bump in the dark down here, I apologize in advance: The cat’s out of the bag when it comes to Texas’ prime big game quarry —and by default—one of the country’s best hunts.

The primetime celebrities at some of those big-name hunting shows and brands that most anyone knows offhand by now undoubtedly aren’t to blame for shining their prodigious spotlight on the most unique species we’ve got roaming across the rugged territory previously known as the “Wild Horse Desert.” If anything, the attention has shown just how robust the population is when discussing a creature tailor-made for thriving in the rough-as-a-cob brush country that’s fit to kill almost everything else.

I’m of course talking about the nilgai antelope, a species introduced in the early part of the 1900s in and around the King Ranch that has now become our best-known “Texotic,” a species that isn’t native to these parts but has become synonymous with the far-reaching allure of South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley.

Make no mistake, South Texas deer pursuits are the king of the hunting castle—and always will be—as we’ve got the best native genetics on the planet and plenty of eyes on keeping the

status quo part of the current and future landscape. However, “blue bulls,” as mature male nilgai are dubbed, are here to stay and literally will continue to break down manmade barriers and make themselves to home wherever they may decide to roam. Literally, they decide when and where they will go through and around any fence man’s hand may erect.

A recent article published in the Dallas Morning News and authored by the good folks at Blood Origins—a staunch supporter of hunting rights in Africa and abroad, as well as longtime supporters of Safari Club International—helped shed some light on South Texas nilgai to the good folks in the Metroplex and abroad.

Here’s a sample of their text made fit for print: “The allure of nilgai hunting in Texas has led to significant economic growth across the southern region, as hunting outfitters, ranches and guides have tailored specialized packages to offer zealous outdoorsmen the trip of a lifetime. Because of the scarcity of nilgai hunting opportunities around the world, these businesses have a global reach throughout the legal hunting season, which spans from late fall to early spring.”

I will certainly echo the “zealous outdoorsmen” part as I enjoy rotund and resolute adjectives, as well as the portion noting the global scarcity of nilgai hunting anywhere other than

Tony Medina photo

Mature nilgai bulls are much larger than South Texas whitetails, weighing more than 600 pounds in many instances.

starting near the city limits of Kingsville, Texas, and heading all the way down to the Mexican border. Undoubtedly and simply put, South Texas is nilgai country for all intents and purposes both global and domestic. In all reality, I’ve also seen nilgai darn near right in the city limits of Corpus Christi, Texas, as well as right off the beach in the dunes along the Padre Island National Seashore.

I’ve also come close to nearly collecting multiple nilgai with the front bumper of the pickup while driving at night to go fishing in South Padre Island as well as coming back from obligations in the Riviera area. I’m guessing it would be similar to meeting up on the business end of a moose in Alaska when it comes right down to it, which is about the worst man vs. nature driving experience relayed to me from those who’ve been there and survived.

In regard to the published piece from the Metroplex newspaper area, I will point out the “legal hunting season” in reality spans the entire variety of seasons here in the Lone Star state, as there actually is in fact no “legal hunting season” because the hefty antelope originally from the Asian continent are classified as an exotic. You, me and anyone else can fill the freezer from sunup to sundown, 365 days of the year (366 in the lucky leap years!) if you’ve got the gumption, the guns and the good fortune of having either access or the funds that can acquire that type of precious valuable.

One thing that gives me a hefty chuckle is any discussion involving “Texas public lands nilgai.” Yes indeed, there are public lands drawn hunts for animals that may require you to buy at least one extra freezer if you’re successful and your wellintentioned shot is true. Those public outings are conducted

on national wildlife refuge lands in the Rio Grande Valley that in all reality are more fit for snakes, mosquitoes and plenty of other things that bite back. If you’re lucky enough to be drawn, consider it vital in reaching out to those who know what they’re talking about in all regards: guns, gear, tactics, lodging, etc. You may even get someone to share a GPS coordinate if you’re really persistent!

Another aspect of this outdoors pursuit that gives me a belly laugh is a simple query that always comes up across social media, articles, text messages and plain old hearsay: What’s the best caliber for nilgai?

I’ll be honest and upfront—nilgai offer a challenging hunt, plain and simple. In recent years, and due to the fact that nilgai are essentially considered in the same class as feral hogs and not a true “game animal,” the antelope originally from very different ecosystems in Asia are now being hunted at night here in South Texas using thermal setups. It’s all up to the hunter, and if I have any chance to bag an animal of a lifetime and fill the family freezer for at least the next year, I’m punching that ticket.

In terms of firepower, most guides will stress using a larger bore and stouter bullets, starting at .30 caliber and going up from there for animals that can simply be hard to knock down and can run a long way even with what will become a mortal wound. Part of that rationale, I believe, is that more sheer force and shock is one way of overcoming what could possibly be a misplaced shot, no matter the circumstance.

Regardless of what caliber you happen to tote afield, you’d best be proficient with it when you’re pursuing nilgai. You might get an 80-yard shot, or it could be three football fields

Nilgai come in different color phases, with older, more dominant males being dubbed “blue bulls” for their distinctive look.

away, or farther. That means practicing with the ammo you’ll be using at the range, and also focusing on how you’ll be shooting. Some hunters can punch paper solid all day long sitting with a rest at the range but aren’t as adept shooting prone or off a stick, which might be how your nilgai shot lines up if you’re doing a spot-andstalk through varying layers of spindly mesquite and other prickly vegetation.

Another consideration is the anatomy of the nilgai when discussing shot placement. The vitals sit farther forward in the chest cavity than those of a South Texas whitetail. If you’re sizing up the ideal broadside shot to clip the heart or lungs, it would be about a third of the way up from where the front shoulder starts.

To sum up the blue bull bonanza, here’s hoping first and fore-

most you get a shot at a nilgai, secondly that shot is true and, most importantly, you bring friends along to share the spoils of success. If nothing else, you can assign those lean sides of meat mirroring wandering beeves with those hearty individuals who helped pack out the brute!

The national wildlife refuge system in South Texas is the perfect habitat for nilgai of all shapes and sizes.

U.S.

Fish & Wildlife photo

The Hidden Gem of the Rolling Plains

By Travis Haikenwaelder

Deep in the Rolling Plains of Texas, among the basket flowers and broomweed, lies the Rolling Plains Bobwhite Brigade, a Texas Brigades program. It’s an intense, five-day leadership program with an emphasis on wildlife conservation. I attended the 30th Battalion of Rolling Plains Bobwhite Brigade, and I can say from experience that this summer camp was not only an extremely fun and exciting opportunity, but also an eye-opening and educational one.

Going into it, I had no idea what to expect. In my mind, this would be a nice educational vacation. I was heavily mistaken. Starting with day one, I arrived at around one in the afternoon.

As I was making my bed and unpacking my bags, I was already hearing excited chatter from my bunkmates, which in turn, made my excitement spike. One of the first official activities was to get organized into groups, or in this case, coveys. A covey is what a group of quail is called. Once we were sorted into our coveys, our first activity was one that really set the tone for the week. We had to dissect a quail. After all, what better way to learn anatomy, right?

In any case, our next objective was to radio mark a live quail with a necklacestyle transmitter, which we would then track down and retrieve at a later date. We also had to name our quail, and we unanimously decided to dub the beast “Feisty,” mainly because someone (me) accidentally released Feisty too early. Luckily, a camp volunteer reclaimed her for us, and we were able to give her a proper sendoff. After dinner and a couple more classroom sessions, we ended up going to bed

around 10-11 p.m., which unbeknownst to us, would be the earliest night out of the entire week.

Day two began bright and early, around six in the morning for marching practice. Now, you may be wondering right now, “Why is he marching at a wildlife camp?” Don’t worry, I did, too.

Marching helps build team cohesiveness and leadership skills, as well as communication skills, all of which are extremely important in the wildlife field. Also, marching and yelling got our limbs moving and our blood flowing, so we were prepared for what was ahead of us. And believe me, there was quite a bit. After breakfast, we received our first project for the week, which was a speech in favor for, or against, a hypothetical wildlife legislative act.

I was nominated by my covey to be the one giving the speech we prepared. I imprudently made a remark about my lack of public speaking experience, to which my covey responded, “Well, it’s the perfect time to get some!” The next activity was field work, which was the part I had extremely high expectations for. My expectations were not only met, but exceeded. I learned so much in those few hours, such as how to properly evaluate quail habitat, plants useful to quail, how to operate a GPS, and so much more.

I wasn’t sure before, but at that moment, I knew I wanted to work in this field because there always seemed to be something new. I despise monotony, and this seemed the perfect way to ensure a life free of it. The rest of the afternoon was mostly spent in the classroom, learning about habitat management tools, predators to quail, among other things. After dinner, we had until 6 a.m. the next morning to complete our assignments, which seems like a lot of time, but it goes by quicker than you think.

On the third day, it was finally time

Travis got more than he bargained for—in a good way—at his first Brigades camp.

to track down Feisty. Nets in hand, we were ready to scour all 4,000 acres of land, if that was what it took to retrieve the radio transmitter. It was rather expensive, and we didn’t want to pay for it. After a brief lesson on how to track transmitters using telemetry equipment, we were prepared for our journey, only to have it end after 20 steps.

Feisty, it turned out, was hiding under some brush a couple yards away from us. This ruined the adventure, but we were relieved because our bank accounts were safe. This day, we also received education on proper prescribed burn techniques, entomology, and the embryonic cycle.

Then came day four. Day four is infamous as the day that the lack of sleep and the workload catches up to you, and it delivered. Day four mostly consisted of work on countless competition projects, such as the poster project. For this project, we had to design a poster detailing a topic that we had learned about at camp.

The PowerPoint presentation project was a group effort, consisting of us explaining the camp experience, the Texas Brigades’ mission, and what we learned during our stay. These projects, among other competitions, would be scored to decide the Top Covey award. However, we did get a break from the desk work around 6 p.m.

A speaker came to the front to talk about gun safety. Immediately, everyone’s interest was piqued. It turned out that we, under heavy supervision, of course, would be learning to shoot shotguns. This is something I had always wanted to do.

I was abysmal at first, but as the afternoon went on, I slowly became more comfortable and performed decently in the competition. After the shooting competition, we had to finish preparations for the other competitions and projects. That night was the longest of them all, and that mattress never felt so comfortable.

On day five, we started the morning with our marching competition, which we did well. It was immediately followed by the final PowerPoint presentation, then followed by the results for the shooting competition. Finally, the overall Top Covey was revealed, and mine ended up winning. I was overjoyed!

After the announcement of awards, we said our final goodbyes to our friends and mentors and left the ranch where we had spent the week. It felt like one day and 10 years at the same time. As we pulled out of the driveway and left the Rolling Plains behind, I knew I would treasure this experience and the lifelong friends I made for the rest of my life.

Texas Brigades is a conservation-based leadership organization which organizes wildlife and natural resource-based leadership camps for participants ranging in age from 13-17. Its mission is to educate and empower youths with leadership skills and knowledge in wildlife, fisheries, and land stewardship to become conservation ambassadors for a sustained natural resource legacy. There are multiple camps scheduled in the summers, focusing on different animal species while incorporating leadership development. Summer camps include Rolling Plains and South Texas Bobwhite Brigade, South and North Texas Buckskin Brigade, Bass Brigade, Waterfowl Brigade, Coastal Brigade, and Ranch Brigade. Visit texasbrigades.org or call 210-556-1391 for more information.

Travis, and other cadets, learn by doing. This camp teaches shooting skills, radio telemetry, and species anatomy, along with public speaking and building self-confidence.

SEASON REVIEW

Reflecting on last year’s season and looking ahead

By Brandon Ray

Brandon with the 10-point whitetail he shot on Dec. 6, 2023 in a Panhandle

creek bottom. The shot distance was 18 yards.

Abusy September and October spent guiding aoudad hunters kept me away from the deer blinds until Halloween. However, on my second sit of the season, on Nov. 2, I was almost done.

As daylight lit that cottonwood-lined river bottom, a fine 10-point with a 5-inch fork on his right G-2 appeared to the north. He had his nose down, trailing does back and forth like a cutting horse. I recognized the buck from a trail camera image. His rack was 150-plus, the biggest I’d seen in years.

For 10 minutes he checked and dogged does around my ground blind, always less than 50 yards away. I drew the bow twice, but he always moved. At one point he was under 20 yards, but hidden by thick brush. Finally, he drifted away. No rush, I thought to myself. Plenty of time to see him again. On the way out of that rocky canyon, I blew a tire on my truck. The second ruined tire in a month.

Busted racks, tag filled

On Nov. 6, the same big 11-point strolled past my blind at sunrise. I peered at him through my binoculars and my heart sank. His right beam was broken, 10-inches gone and the G-4 gone. When he paused to stare at me from only 15 yards, I passed him. I saw him four more times in the season. The last time, his left beam and both brow tines were also broken.

I had other encounters in November. Fresh rubs littered the river bottom, multiple bucks were cruising the area. In mid-November, a 140-class eight-point I’d only seen on trail camera strolled by my blind. The problem was his left side was gone, only a base and part of a brow tine. A

mature 10-point, about 130-inches, came by my ground blind three different times. The first time, his left G-3 was broken. I passed. The next time, both brow tines were broken. The last time, the right side G-4 was gone.

A long-tined 10-point teased me for a month in a different Panhandle county. Almost every night in November, the long-beamed 10-point would visit my blind like a vampire, but I never once laid eyes on him. Without the trail camera images to prove it, I would have never known he was alive.

Finally, on Dec. 6, post-rut where I hunt, a 51/2-year-old 10-point showed himself at sunset. For three years I’d seen that buck randomly on trail camera, his rack almost identical year to year, but I’d never seen him in person. At 5:47 p.m., broadside at 18 yards, my arrow blasted through the 135-inch buck’s ribs. He trotted 40 yards and tipped over. I was ecstatic to find

Sometimes it seems like the only luck is bad luck. Brandon got this blowout while deer hunting rough country last November. The only thing to do is keep going until the bad luck turns around.

an unbroken, handsome buck to wear my tag after 30-plus days of hunting.

Take notes and learn

Every year, I try to pay attention to those special days when I see the most buck activity or new bucks. Keep in mind these observations are from the Panhandle, so if you hunt farther south, the dates are probably different. Following my 2023 journal notes, this is what I found: a pattern that’s similar every year.

If you have a mature buck hitting a feeder or waterhole consistently in October, get him early. If he moves mostly in the dark, wait for a cold front, which may bring him out earlier. By the start of November, he will likely wander looking for does, breaking his pattern and making him harder to find. When he returns to his core area in December, he may be patternable at a food source like a feeder, but his rack may also be broken from fighting. In my area, buck to doe ratios are tight, 1 to 1. All that competition means lots of broken antlers by mid-November. That said, the first week of December is always a great time to see mature bucks at a feeder. Worn out from a month of chasing does, bucks want an easy meal.

When the rut shuffle occurs around Halloween or the first week in November, the local bucks may vanish for a month or so, but you’ll also likely see one or more new bucks. Those new bucks have done the same, left their core area in search of receptive does. In my experience, the best time to see those new faces is between Nov. 1-27. In low deer density, big country like the Panhandle, bucks move great distances. One big buck last year was on a trail camera at one of my blinds in the dark one night, then moving in daylight at another location two days later. The distance between the two blinds is four miles.

Last fall, I saw two big bucks on my trail cameras I’d never seen before. The first was active at midday and the following day, Nov. 21-22. The second buck was active Nov. 2426, morning and afternoons. Neither buck was ever on the camera again after those dates, just passing through in the company of a hot doe I suspect. In years past I’ve seen new bucks around Nov. 5-12.

Good gear

My fall 2023 deer gear included the following. I carried a 61-pound Mathews Phase4 29 bow. The bow was set up with

A fresh mesquite rub near one of the author’s ground blinds.

custom Gas Octane strings and cables, a QAD Integrate rest, HHA Optimizer Lite sight, and a 10-inch Flatline stabilizer. Victory VAP TKO shafts fitted with titanium outserts and

A nighttime image of a big 10-point at one of Brandon’s setups. This buck teased him for a month, visiting the area in the dark almost daily, but never in the daylight.

loaded with 100-grain, Iron Will Wide broadheads made for 425-grain finished arrows. An HR500 Ozonics unit proved effective at fooling the nose of numerous whitetails, mule deer and aoudad at close range. Sig Sauer Kilo rangefinding binoculars, in both a 10X32 and 10X42 model, were handy for ranging targets quickly. Browning Strike Force trail cameras clued me in on when my odds were best to be in a specific blind. All of it top-notch gear I would trust again. I receive nothing for mentioning these items, I just think it’s helpful to share what works.

Next year

Looking ahead to next deer season, I’m as optimistic as I’ve ever been. Several bucks I’ve tracked for multiple years should be old enough and plenty big enough. Almost every whitetail doe I saw in 2023 had a fawn and a couple had twins. I saw several mule deer fawns as well, though not as many as the whitetails. Fawn production has been very low the previous few years in the Panhandle, mostly due to drought, so those are good signs for the future.

If those special bucks from last season make it through the stress of winter and we get good spring moisture, I’m betting the 2024 deer season will be the best one in several years.

REQUIEM FOR TEXAS ROOTERS

By Horace Gore

Ican remember when feral hogs lived in the Pineywoods of East Texas, and were referred to as “Pineywoods Rooters.” These hogs were mostly spotted and showed evidence of a poor diet. They lived in the creek and river bottoms of East Texas, and were seldom hunted for sport because many were marked (tail cut; ears notched; nose clips) and the marks were registered at the county courthouse.

These feral hogs were descendants of hogs released or abandoned by farmers into the wilds of East Texas on “open range” back in the day. They ran wild, and were trapped or caught in some manner and pen-fed for food, sold at auction, or marked for future use. Prior to the ’60s, most feral hogs were east of the Brazos River.

Sometime between the ’60s and ’80s, landowners who were leasing to deer hunters wanted something else for their hunters, and released hogs on much of the deer range between the Brazos and Colorado rivers, from the Gulf to the Panhandle. Today, feral hogs range over most of Texas south of the High Plains and east of the most arid areas of West Texas.

The wild hogs of Texas come in two varieties. Feral hogs are normally spotted, with short snouts and bodies that are equal at both ends. These curly-tailed critters are most common, and could be fattened to win ribbons at the county fair.

Then, there are Eurasian (Russian) hogs brought in from southeastern states—Arkansas, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, etc.—that are “big at the shoulder and little at the hip,” with long snouts, long tusks, long hair, straight tails, and

Horace’s black Lab, Belle, with a monsterous Russian boar.

come in solid colors of red, gray or black. Russian strains are the wildest of wild hogs, and often vacate an area when shot at or chased by dogs.

Depredating hogs are killed by predator controllers (helicopters), deer hunters, and by hunters using dogs. Thousands of hogs are trapped each year and sold to hog buyers. However, most hogs reproduce faster than they are killed or caught, and hog populations continue to thrive. Predation on young pigs comes from old boars, eagles, coyotes, big ’coons, and bobcats, but adult hogs have few predators in Texas except a few mountain lions and man.

Deer feeders during fall and winter are prime areas for hog hunting. Serious hog hunters also scatter corn on ranch roads as a way of shooting hogs in early morning and late evening. Experienced hog hunters who want to retrieve hogs will shoot rifles that have a lot of killing power.

I have hunted a lot of hogs in several areas of Texas, and this treatise on hog hunting comes from experience. There are a lot of do’s and don’ts associated with hog hunting, and we will discuss several tips that will help the Nimrod hunter bring home the bacon.

Texas hogs above I-10 and east of the Colorado River will usually spend the day in riparian areas—that is, areas near creeks, rivers, lakes, or swamps. Groups of hogs (sounders) will leave these resting areas in late evening, and roam far and wide in search of food and water. Large groups of hogs can destroy an agricultural crop in a few nights, and some hogs may travel several miles every night.

Hogs have rather poor eyesight, but good hearing and scent detection. Hunters putting corn on ranch roads where hog sign—tracks, rubs, wallows, etc.—is evident will soon have hogs coming to the corn, either at night or at dusk. There is usually a short window of activity at the corn, and hunters must be prepared to shoot in dim light.

Hogs can carry off a lot of lead, so small caliber rifles like the .22 Mag., .223, .22-250 and the like should be left at home. In my opinion, all hog guns should shoot a 100-grain-plus bullet at no less than 2,800 fps into the front third of the hog. Deer hunting calibers with heavier bullets at high speed are needed to kill a big hog in its tracks, and wounded hogs seldom leave a blood trail.

Hogs shot in the shoulder or belly with small caliber rifles

are seldom found by a hunter without a dog. Mortally wounded hogs will run to the thickest cover, making them hard to find. Through 20 years, I killed hundreds of Russian hogs on the Kokernot Ranch in Gonzales County. With calibers from .243 to .30-06, my daughter and I killed very few hogs in their tracks. Many hogs we shot were found with a dog, and we hardly ever lost a hog.

Hogs can be hunted at deer feeders or on ranch roads. Longer straight stretches of road are good, where the hunter can put corn on the road about 100 yards on each side of the blind or ATV hidden in the brush. Roads corned regularly will usually pull hogs to the bait. Some hogs get wild, and may shun the corn during daylight after being shot at a few times.

Late evening is the best hog-killing time, but remember that a hunter may have only a few minutes to get a good shot at dusk. Black hogs are especially hard to see, and select, as darkness approaches, and the more hogs are hunted the later they come to bait. Hunters should pay attention to the wind. Hogs downwind of hunters may not come out until dark.

Evening hunts often require mosquito dope and flashlights, and eating hogs must be found and transported to a hanging rack. All hogs should be immediately hung by the hind legs and gutted. The inside rib cage can be carefully washed out with water, and skinning can wait if necessary. Unlike deer, hogs must be skinned by cutting every inch of skin away with a sharp knife.

If you want only the backstraps from a hog, you can turn the hog on its belly with front legs spread, and cut the skin down both sides of the backbone with a sharp 4-inch blade knife. The backstraps are then cut and pealed out from the shoulder to the rump. Hint: A pair of latex gloves and a plastic bag are good for handling hog meat. Knives dull quickly on hogs, so start with a very sharp knife.

Boars weighing less than 100 pounds and all sows are good eating. A skinning rack is needed, and the hog is hung by the back legs and skinned down to the neck, with head removed. Shoulders, backstraps, and hind quarters are usually kept for table fare, but the ribs can be sawed off and oven-baked with BBQ sauce for good eating.

Backstraps are usually sliced thin (3⁄8 of an inch), tenderized, marinated in milk and fried, with cream gravy, hot biscuits and a side. Shoulders are very good cooked in a covered roaster pan in the oven, covered half-up the meat with Classic Coke. The Pig-’n’-Coke is removed from the bone and eaten in a variety of ways.

Hind quarters can be deboned and cooked in a covered roaster pan with adequate water, a cup of apple cider vinegar, covered with sliced onions, with salt and pepper. All roaster pan cooking takes about 21/2 hours at 325 degrees. My personal choice is Pig-’n’-Coke.

NOTE: Deboned deer hams cooked in a covered roaster pan with water, apple cider vinegar, onion soup mix and salt/pepper are delicious.

Feral hogs are simply domestic hogs gone wild. One of these piglets could win first prize at the county fair.

Kingsville, TX

55 Micheal Redmon Kingwood, TX

56 Dr. Larry Redmon Overton, TX

58 Dr. Alberto “Champi” Nava Laredo, TX

59 Horacio “Bacho” Hinojosa Laredo, TX

60 Dan Offield Azle, TX

61 Ron Fash Houston, TX

62 Tracy Lee Widle McAllen, TX

63 Tod Fields Plano, TX

64 Don Keller Big Foot, TX

65 Johnny Mack Pursell Refugio, TX

66 Daniel Kutscher Staples, TX

67 Moe Bergeron Baytown, TX

68 Dr. James E. Bauerle San Antonio, TX

69 Vance W. Johnston, II San Antonio, TX

70 Jonathan W. Delmer San Antonio, TX

71 Jimmy Reeves Kirbyville, TX

72 Randall Welsh Arp, TX

73 John Brittingham Palestine, TX

74 Chris Howell Hubbard, TX

75 Randy Garrett Anthony, NM

76 George “Maverick” Wills Farmers Branch, TX

77 John D. Sloan, Jr. Longview, TX

78 Sid Terry Houston, TX

79 Tommy Hammond Wichita Falls, TX

80 Michael S. Burton Horseshoe Bay, TX

81 Petar Bubalo Franklin, NJ

82 Mark Murphy Plano, TX

83 Dodd L. Hackman Houston, TX

84 Clarence Kahlig, II San Antonio, TX

85 Alan L. Lee, II Nemo, TX

86 Alan L. Lee Hillsboro, TX

87 Harry Dugas New Iberia, LA

88 George Kostohryz, Jr./La Mansion De Sarita Fort Worth, TX

89 Roger Garcia, J.D. Houston, TX

90 Dickie Tillman Lakeway, TX 91 Wesley Kyle Pipe Creek, TX

92 Jime Hale Miller Lometa, TX

93 Gary Rose Rosanky, TX 94 Ron Snider Rosanky, TX

95 Dan L. Duncan Rosanky, TX

Bo Elizondo Kingsville, TX

Robert Scherer Houston, TX

Stewart Frederic Pascagula, MS

Carey R. Durst Fredericksburg, TX

Willie Hinz, Jr. Missouri City, TX

Ricky Ramsey Louise, TX

Bill Glendening Round Rock, TX

Anthony J. Mihalski San Antonio, TX

James P. O’Neill, Jr. Cocoa, FL

F.E. Knapp, Jr.

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122 Stan Hickey Crawford, TX

123 Robert Randal Martin Marquez, TX

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W. Matthiessen San Antonio, TX

Knape La Grange, TX

127 Robert J. Villarreal Port Aransas, TX

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130 Carl Beeler Houston, TX

131 Tommy Gillaspie Houston, TX

132 David R. Smith Cuero, TX

133 Paul Yates Winterhaven, FL

134 Dan Verrips Adkins, TX

135 Larry Grimland Dallas, TX

136 Jim C. Epps Houston, TX

137 C.D. Shackelford McLean, TX

138 Sidney Baldon, II Houston, TX

139 Jason Montague New Braunfels, TX

140 R. Vern Garling, Jr. Ovilla, TX

141 Leonard Philipp Bastrop, TX

142 Freddie H. Bailey, Sr. Houston, TX

143 Duane E. Dycus Richardson, TX

144 David Z. Mafrige Houston, TX

145 Randy Wyatt San Antonio, TX

146 Micheal Traugott San Antonio, TX

147 Andy “Tipps” Gilley Kilgore, TX

148 Doug Harrison Kennedale, TX

149 Bobby Schmidt Niederwald, TX

150 Chuck Davis Killeen, TX

151 Denis Kuchta Jamesburg, NJ

152 Michael A. Burgess San Antonio, TX

New Platinum Life Members

Brannon

San Antonio, TX

Marty Berry Corpus Christi, TX

Ray Everett Jourdanton, TX

Jeff Scrivener Jonesville, TX 192 Scott Lemke Houston, TX

Drake McLean San Antonio, TX

David Bippert San Antonio, TX

Monty Montgomery Lago Vista, TX

196 David Lee Bollmeyer Houston, TX

197 Wade Grimes Ovilla, TX

198 Rodney J. Dunn Arlington, TX

199 John S. Spencer Katy, TX

200 Tom Evans Alvin, TX

201 Joseph Bandeaux Vidor, TX

202 Steve Boone Irving, TX

203 Gib Vela-Cuellar Laredo, TX

204 David L. Merchant Alvin, TX

205 Gene Riser George West, TX

206 Randy Gortney Texarkana, TX

207 Kenneth Lewis Conroe, TX

208 Edgar G. Pereda Coronado, CA

209 Ivan D. McNab, Jr. Fair Oaks Ranch, TX

210 Mark Chesnutt Beaumont, TX

211 John Holt Deer Park, TX

212 John M. Decker Fort Worth, TX

213 David Archibald Mexia, TX

214 Bobby Weaver Warren, AR

215 Stephanie Montgomery, TX

216 Jeremy Rutenschroer Weatherford, TX

217 Kontomitras Los Angeles, CA

218 Herman Ford San Antonio, TX

219 Philip Robers Blanket, TX

220 Robert John George West, TX

221 Lt. General Leroy Sisco Boerne, TX

222 Ken Ewald Martindale, TX

223 Larry Tschirhart Castroville, TX

224 Trey Moore College Station, TX

225 Rodger Ruiz APO, AE

226 James Patrick Rockwall, TX

227 Joe Sakulenski Mission, TX

228 Ricky Howard El Campo, TX

229 Fred E. Wiedenfeld San Antonio, TX

230 H. D. Houghton Stephenville, TX

231 Larry H. Hipsh, Jr. Gulf Breeze, FL

232 Bryan Berger Flatonia, TX

233 Eddie Pierce Fort Worth, TX

234 Jason Moore Bessemer, AL

235 Christopher Wardlaw Waco, TX

236 Justin Deorsam Uvalde, TX

237 Steve Holland Conroe, TX

238 Doug Gray Pasadena, TX

239 Brad Hatcher Dallas, TX

240 Randy Lake Lampasas, TX

241 Randy White Ponchatoula, LA

242 Nick Patronis Panama City, FL

243 Warren Montague New Braunfels, TX

244 Temple Ramming Houston, TX

245 Russell Russell Houston, TX

246 Mark Saxon Adkins, TX

247 James Rodgers Sunset, TX

248 Juan J. Hernandez Floresville, TX

249 Robert Brett Smith Stafford, TX

250 Price D. Chambers Post, TX

251 Cody Hamilton College Station, TX

252 Travis Hamilton College Station, TX

253 William D. Goglas Luling, TX

254 Walter English San Antonio, TX

255 Jerry Lee Villarreal Corpus Christi, TX

256 T.J. Wills Pensacola, FL

257 Jimmy Hasslocher San Antonio, TX

258 Bill Lyons San Antonio, TX

259 Larry White Fort Worth, TX

260 Ignacio Villarreal Canyon Lake, TX

McKinney, TX

Soefje Wixon Valley, TX

Gallagher Houston, TX

Gregory Tyler, TX

Tom Whitten Texarkana, TX

Gary W. Holzhaus Castroville, TX 268 Lamar Strong Mission, TX 269 Cole Stinson Pearland, TX

Ron Garison Doyline, LA

Mike Johnson Whitehouse, TX

Kelly Chancelor Fort Worth, TX

Horace Gore Gonzales, TX

Joe Swann Lubbock, TX

Chuck Gregory Tyler, TX 276 Danny Tilson Arlington, TX 277 Randy Cupp Roanoke, TX

Chris Henry Mineral Wells, TX

Justin Rogers Dallas, TX

Billy Cowsert San Antonio, TX

William D. Bineham San Antonio, TX

Dr. Leighton Wier San Antonio, TX 283 Randy Costa Missouri City, TX 284 Hunt Allred Dallas, TX

Kenneth Crockett Friendswood, TX

Claude Sims Dawsonville, GA

Donald Cosper Burleson, TX

Dwight Conway Brenham, TX

Joe Hausberger Highlands, TX

Eric Meyers Corsicana, TX

Christopher Centafont Dothan, AL

311 Matt Mills Spring Branch, TX

312 Kyle Adkinson Garrison, TX

313 Lucas Bryant Tioga, TX

314 Daniel

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Keasling Humble, TX

Marc Manning Burton, TX

Tildon Bullard Denton, TX

Raymond Haselip Garberville, CA

CC Bar Whitetails Redwater, TX

J.H. Quinn, III Elaine, AR

Michael McGee Katy, TX

Ken Archibald Rockwall, TX

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363 J. Jones Fort Worth, TX

Abilene, TX 367 Eric Lindstrom Dayton, TX 368 Jesse Beckett Cotulla, TX

369 Dallas Munroe Houston, TX

370 Waldine Schnautz Pearsall, TX

371 Kelt Gibson Gunter, TX

372 Dan Boren Muskogee, OK

373 Raymond J Strohmeyer Gretna LA

374 Paul F Montealegre Houston, TX

375 Colton King Canyon Lake, TX

Scrivener Longview ,TX

Sarge Walters Lumberton, NC

Robert Jordan Hockley, TX

Ryan S. O’Neal Amarillo, TX

384 Paul O’Brien Corpus Christi, TX

385 Murray Touchette Houston, TX

386 Coralina Ranch San Angelo, TX

387 Ryan Bartula Granbury, TX 388 James Dorsey Conroe, TX

429 Bryan Medve Richmond, TX

430 Grayson Gieser Burleson, TX

431 Carter Smith Austin, TX

432 David Caldwell Fort Smith, AR

433 Ted Allen Trout Houston, TX

434 Syd Dyer, M.D Lake Charles, LA

435 Chris Reynolds Tomball, TX

436 Richard Smith Katy, TX 437 Don Criss Santa Fe, TX 438 Dallas F. Munroe Houston, TX 439 Rick Duff Plano, TX

440 Feddie Duke Brooks Jr. Conroe, TX 441 Danny Darwin Sanger, TX 442 Jeff Gorski Houston, TX

443 JD Woods Katy, TX

444 Cita Wardell Houston, TX

445 Bob Hood Fort Worth, TX 446 Walter Hill Corinth, TX 447 Archie T. Parker Cleburne, TX

448 Daniel B. Hastings, Jr. Laredo, TX 449 Donnie Kamp. ..Lumberton, TX

450 Jack Allen Burnet, TX

451 Byron Burris Victoria, TX

452 Gardner G. Welch Bandera, TX 453 Duane Ondruch Wharton, TX

454 Daryl Allen Pearland, TX

455 Clark Jordan Pearland, TX 456 Greg B. Vest Dayton, TX

457 Paul Brown Cypress, TX

458 Rudy Garcia Houston, TX 459 Brett Holden Richmond, TX

460 Wes Morris Madisonville, TX

461 Chris Lillis Midland, TX

462 Bill McDonald Magnolia, TX

497 Mike Lynch San Antonio, TX

498 Thad Steele El Paso, TX

499 Raymond Skelton Magnolia, TX

500 Ronnie Gibson Universal City, TX

501 Aaron Jones Austin, TX

502 William Alford Corpus Christi, TX

503 Dr. Robert Gershon Denton, TX

504 James Fahrenthold San Antonio, TX

505 Lawrence Berry Houston, TX

506 Kagan Bosworth Tomball, TX

507 Marty Logan Dallas, TX

508 Timmy Schuelke Lake Jackson, TX

509 David Krajca Ennis, TX

510 Bill George Garland, TX

511 Booger DeChaume Crawford, TX

512 Randy Bailey Garland, TX

513 Michael McFerrin Kingwood, TX

514 Tom Snyder New Braunfels, TX

515 Bruce Dugas Scottsville, TX 516 Ignacio Sauceda Houston, TX

517 Kenneth Courteau Orchard Park, TX

518 Darrell Palmer.. . Houston, TX

519 Hil Stroup. .. Austin, TX

520 Gary W. Hall Bulverde, TX

522 Terry L. Booker Shelbyville, TX 523 Mark Lee.. . Crosby, TX

524 Jim Whitley Ledbetter, TX

525 Waylan Langford ... Wylie, TX

526 Eddie Lynch San Antonio, TX

527 Alfredo Guajardo Fort Worth, TX

528 John P. Gaddis Galveston, TX

529 Joseph L. Harcrow Sr Cleveland, TX

530 Brad Barone Picayune, MS

531 Jay Treadaway Monahans, TX

565 Philip Frey Fredericksburg, TX

566 Brian Steffek Colleyville, TX

567 Kris Pavia Beaumont, TX

568 John R. Survil Argyle, TX

569 David Humphreys Fort Worth, TX

570 Daniel Copp Ewa Beach, HI

Alisa Dean Sandia, TX

Monahans, TX

Ferguson San Antonio, TX

Pleasanton, TX

Magnolia, TX 577

Frank Stegient Fort Worth, TX

Barrett San Antonio, TX 404 Timmy Latiolais Breaux City, LA 405 Misty Schnautz Devine, TX

Bob Holig Long Prairie, MN 407 John Hughes, JW Hughes Excavation Inc Hico, TX

Bradley James Humphries Decatur, TX 409 Eddie G. Mann, Jr. Fort Worth, TX

410 Matt Slape Levelland, TX

411 Bo Faber Pearland TX

412 Hip Zamora, Jr. El Campo, TX 413 Danny Webb San Antonio, TX 414 Joe Inman Stafford, TX

415 Rocky Foley Mexia, TX

416 James B. Shrieve Conroe, TX 417 Carl Smith Terrell, TX

Jon Prather Richmond, TX

Gary Lux Schulenburg, TX

Kyle Poulson Fort Worth, TX

Jason Vanderbrink Nixa, MO

Anthony Acitelli Anoka, MN

Matthew Merritt Austin, TX 424 James Alpha Conroe, TX

425 Val Cooper Lubbock, TX 426 Richard Jonas Helotes, TX

Terry Kemp Haslet, TX

Michael Halleron Anoka, MN

463 Steve Munz Wildwood, FL 464 Randy Wilson Abilene, TX

465 Kash C. Hanson San Antonio, TX

466 Danny Justice Magnolia, TX

467 Justin Knee Houston, TX 468 Peter Villarreal.. .Houston, TX

469 Luke Gorski Houston, TX

470 Ricky Burnett Livingston, TX

471 Matthew Allen Canton, TX

473 AJ Downs Conroe, TX 474 Robert Taylor Aubrey, TX

475 Randy Willmon Livingston, TX

476 James Sladecek Holland, TX

477 Travis Buckner Sherman, TX

478 Ronnie D. Cole Kilgore, TX

479 Murry Burnham Spicewood, TX

480 Ron Widup Irving, TX

481 PJ Doyle Llano, TX

482 Howard Schwerdtfeger Marfa, TX

483 Ray Homeyer... Coldspring, TX

484 Dr. James Parsons.. .Pearland, TX

485 Matthew Burke Freeport, TX

486 Chuck Scianna ... Waller, TX

487 Rick Sargent.. .Rome, GA

488 Ruthie Wagener.. . Gillett, TX

489 James Moore Port Arthur, TX

490 Daniel L. Lucas Jr. Waller, TX

491 Elton Hollis III. .. Baytown, TX

492 Jason Wheeler Lovelady, TX

493 Ronald Owens Whitewright, TX

494 Carlos Hasette. Tilden, TX

496 John Lynch. San Antonio, TX

532 Robby Winstead Sandia, TX

533 Eric Wieser, MD Dallas, TX

534 Collier Pennington Jr. Midland, TX

535 Chris Keese Liberty Hill, TX

536 Clayton Johnson Inez, TX

537 Joe R. Jones Kingwood, TX

538 Jeff Jones Kingwood, TX

539 Dare Johnson Shreveport, LA

540 Chris Solomon Cedar Park, TX

541 Kenneth Witt Midland, TX

542 Robert Bierstedt Helotes, TX

543 Jeffrey Bearden Conroe, TX

544 Perry Sooter Perryton, TX

546 Betsy Lechow Liberty Hill, TX

547 Brooks Jordan Silsbee, TX

548 Will Oliver Houston, TX

549 Mike LaMar Guymon, OK

550 Rick Shepherd La Porte, TX

551 Rocky Rakocy Loranger, LA

552 Troy Moncrief Aledo, TX

553 Joey Scott Corpus Christi, TX

554 David Smith Tomball, TX

555 Morgan S. Nalty Metarie, LA

556 Cody Lancaster Tomball, TX

557 Simmie C. DeVille Jr. Spring, TX

558 Shawn Calhoun Spring, TX

559 Jimmie West Jr. Manvel, TX

560 Rocky Pavia Beaumont, TX

561 Les Setters Jr. Pearland, TX

562 Gray Frye Bandera, TX

563 Jeremy Boltinghouse Kenedy, TX

564 J.D. Villa Rockport, TX

633 Brittain Griffith Hockley, TX

634 Shawn Scoggins North Richland Hills, TX

635 Tracy Shrader LaGrange, TX

636 James L. Hooser Granbury, TX

637 Ryan Hunter Jones Kingwood, TX

638 Rodney L. Bryant Conroe, TX

640 Darrel Gregory Tyler, TX

641 Shawn Alig Okarche, OK

642 Kari Alig Okarche, OK

643 Johnathan Wright Burleson, TX

645 William Evans Emory, TX

646 Caleb Estes Gatesville, TX

647 John F. Webre Bedford, TX

648 German Vasquez Moulton, TX

649 Nick S. Aguilar San Antonio, TX

650 John C. Husbands Conroe, TX

651 Steven Wayne Kocurek, Jr. San Antonio, TX

652 Kevin Borowski Hockley, TX

655 David Canfield Fredericksburg, TX

656 William K. Brown Spring, TX

657 Heath Bures Ganado, TX

658 Brannon Coats Wichita Falls, TX

659 Chuck Sickles Sulphur Springs, TX

660 David Miller Fair Oaks Ranch, TX

666 Michael Hodgkins Lake Charles, LA

669 Troy Lancaster Corpus Christi, TX

670 Dr. James Simpson Spring, TX

675 Charles “Butch” Thurman Bridge City, TX

676 Charles “Bubba” Thurman Rockwall, TX

689 Alvin Prause Beaumont, TX

697 Lewis G. Penrod Warren, TX

698 Merritt McMahon White Oak, TX

699 Mason McMahon White Oak, TX

700 Brant Hawkins Bridgeport, TX

701 Jimmy Paul McMahon White Oak, TX

702 Brian Lemley Mineral Wells, TX 703 Jeff Cook Houston, TX

Lance Johnson College Station, TX

Keith G. Bailey Deer Park, TX 706 Landon Wright Magnolia, TX 707 Phil Egbert Kempner, TX 708 Dave Wilcox San Antonio, TX 710 Shawn Gerlach Mission, TX 711 Tim Masek Flatonia, TX

Ryan Murphy Paradise, TX

Jim Butcher San Antonio, TX

Icehole, LLC Kerville, TX

Jeffery Payne Rosharon, TX 722 Colton Payne Rosharon, TX

723 Louis J. Foght, Jr. El Paso, TX

Earnest J Houston Castroville, TX

Kevin Soto Hockley, TX

Shawn McDonald Abilene, TX

Shane England Powderly, TX 729 Nick Godkin Huntsville, TX 730 David B. Crawford Crosby, TX

731 Jerald M. Martin San Angelo, TX

732 Stephen Cunningham Tomball, TX 733 James Anthony Buna, TX

734 Denise Sanchez Gonzales, TX

735 Chris Ramsey Portland, TX

736 Wade Rieves League City, TX

737 Michael F. Joseph McQueeny, TX

738 Larry Herwig Dallas, TX

739 James McCoy Stephenville, TX

740 James Pinkston Stephenville, TX

741 Colin Lathrop Katy, TX

742 Robert Ojeda, Sr. Floresville, TX

743 Robert Ojeda, Jr. Floresville, TX

744 Michael L Gravitt Fort Worth, TX

745 Chad Swope La Porte, TX

750 George Mercer Willow Park, TX

751 Frank Santibanez Mineral Wells, TX

752 Rusty Russell Weatherford, TX

753 Tommy Wilkins Elgin, TX

754 Del Flores Helotes, TX

762 Rusty Clark Missouri City, TX

764 Harold Greer Houston, TX

765 Tom Lyne, III College Station, TX

767 James D. Autry Houston, TX

768 Ross Jackson Golden, CO

772 Anthony Ghillowe Corpus Christi, TX

777 Tommy Merritt Longview, TX

778 Michael Wieck Waupaca, WI

788 Conrad Charles Wilder San Antonio, TX

789 Preston Lee Jones San Antonio, TX

790 Paul Armstrong Houston, TX

793 Randall Palmer Orange Grove, TX

800 Kevan Fowler Spring Branch, TX

808 Christa Lynch San Antonio, TX

812 Oscar Perez San Antonio, TX

815 Atlee Parr Corpus Christi, TX

816 Michael Olien Cibolo, TX

825 Jeffrey Wayne Triplett II Pearland, TX

829 Skip Priess San Angelo, TX

831 JRANCH Lake Charles, LA

832 Trey Bonner League City, TX

833 Heith Denney Fort Worth, TX

834 Travis Hunter Marion, TX

835 Russell Harder New Braunfels, TX

836 Mark Svane Tioga, TX

863 J.L. Bearden League City, TX

865 Ronnie Hatfield Lake Jackson, TX

872 Keith Jordan Point Venture, TX

888 Baker Wardell Houston, TX

897 Brian P. Wood Schertz, TX

898 Elvin Chamorro La Porte, TX

899 Javier Olivarez Edinburg, TX

900 Jerry Burks Montgomery, TX

901 Joe Taylor Orange Grove, TX

909 Christophe Charles Clark Taft, TX

910 David L. Rumley Corpus Christi, TX

911 David H. Rude, Jr Houston, TX

912 Col. Brad Hildreth Ponder, TX

913 Carter Finnell Chesterfield, MO

914 Brian Huntley Buffalo Gap, TX

917 Joshua LaRue Decatur, TX

918 Mark Wilson Corpus Christi, TX

919 Max Kyle Omberg Benbrook, TX

920 Jeff Huckaby Humble, TX

921 Brad Hildebrand Houston, TX

922 Edgar I. Cabello Rio Grande, TX

925 Mark E. Starkey Del Rio, TX

926 Pat Sparks Katy, TX

930 Gary Lott, Jr Dayton, TX

939 Jacob Trim San Antonio, TX

950 Joseph Robbins Ingleside, TX 955 Donald Covarrubio New Caney, TX 961 Louis Bazan. ..Menard, TX 962 TSD. ..Mico, TX 965 Marcie Heidrich. ..New Braunfels, TX 966 Allen Heidrich. ..New Braunfels, TX 967 Gene Johnson. ..Hockley, TX 968 Ryan LeBlanc. ..Johnson City, TX 972 Clent Rawlinson Magnolia, TX 990 Patrick F. Taylor Houston, TX 996 Bryan K Harlan Dallas, TX 997 Hunter Oglesby Corpus Christi, TX 998 Danny Cantrell Spring, TX 999 Sean Murphy Dallas, TX

Charles Floyd Houston, TX

Larry Garza Houston, TX

Heath Payne San Antonio, TX

Bill Carter Spring, TX 1005 Robert Romero, II San Antonio, TX 1006 David Flory Azle, TX 1010 Rick Butcher Pflugerville, TX 1011 Robert Eugene Stevens, Jr. Crosby, TX 1012 Hawk Bennett Pearsall, TX 1013 Fred Johnson Spring, TX 1014 Christopher Welborn Granbury, TX 1015 David Pascal Law Washington, TX 1019 Eddie Aguilar San Antonio, TX 1020 Justin May Katy, TX 1022 Klint Myers Hamshire, TX

Javier Jimenez Houston, TX 1026 Jake Leissner. Houston, TX 1028 Joseph Trahan Alvin, TX 1029 Ted Hogan Odessa, TX 1030 Nathan Word Colleyville, TX 1043 Matthew C. Hagee Boerne, TX

Bearett Saffel Rice, TX

Aaron Alvarado San Antonio, TX

Allemond LaVernia, TX

Nicholas L. Zinsmeyer Castroville, TX

Christopher Wootton League City, TX 1064 Darin Hollis Diana, TX 1065 Damon Hills Longview, TX 1066 Gricelda Mendietta Robstown, TX 1067 Chuck Wilson Livingston, TX 1068 William Plauche Sherman, TX 1069 Sheyanne Jean Luckman Pleasanton, TX 1070 Jordan Barrett

1084

1525

A. Smith Brenham, TX

Dwayne Marcantel Magnolia, TX

Matt Hughes Hillsboro, IL 1776 Brian Gilroy San Antonio, TX 1788 Ricky Howard Rio Vista, TX 1873 Kenley Williamson Mullin, TX

1900 Louis P. Robles Kirby, TX 1901 Shawn Strouse ...Midland, TX

1911 Steven Flax Krum, TX

1925 Dennis W Robles Austin, TX

1931 Peggy “LB” Davis Cedar Park, TX

1940 G.D. Farrell, Sr Cotulla, TX 1948 Kenneth Musgrove Katy, TX

Tom Cusick Boerne, TX

Chaise Cooper Springtown, TX

Kelsey Carr New Caney, TX

Richard Salinas McAllen, TX

Clay Walker Houston, TX

Ricky Meyer Columbus, TX 1965 Brent Beck Midland, TX 1961 Britt Barnard Colleyville, TX

1964 Mike Biggs Fort Worth, TX

1967 Daryl K. Waterwall Fulshear, TX

1968 Lloyd K Perrin Brady, TX 1970 Teresa Boyer Allen, TX

1971 Lance Beckner McKinney, TX

1972 Nathan Argueta Houston, TX

1973 Brett Matthews Linden, NC 1974 Buck Boyer Allen, TX 1976 M. Brandon Smyrl Friendswood, TX 1979 Robert Pittman San Antonio, TX 1980 Jorge Luis Alvarez Jr Santa Elena, TX

Jerrod Miller Springtown, TX

Edgar

Fort Worth, TX

Mike Rizkal Prosper, TX

Jahbari Raggette Richmond, TX

Amlong Jacksboro, TX

Councill Conroe, TX

Marshall T. Hunt Dallas, TX

Alex R. Jasso Helotes, TX

2811 Joseph Temple Ponder, TX 2977 Jason Estridge Jacksonville, TX

3006 Dan H. Meeker Fort Worth, TX

3201 Dr. Scott D. Kimble Karnes City, TX

3297 Luther Bierwirth Katy, TX 3333 Stephen Gillaspie Houston, TX

3454 Bubba Reeder Dickinson, TX

3455 Rickey Redmon New Iberia, LA

3473 David B. Gill.. .Godley, TX

3484 John R. Rain Amarillo, TX

3579 Michael Seals Katy, TX

3587 Reed LeBlanc Port Neches,TX

3588 Derek M. Adams Houston,TX

3811 Gary Mobley Bryan, TX

4098 Mike Bock Montgomery, TX

4124 Rylan Campbell Aledo, TX

4242 Tony Williams, Jr Spring, TX

4304 Terry A. Porter Magnolia, TX

4343 Cory Kennedy Poolville, TX

4444 Samuel Gillaspie Houston, TX

4516 Travis Zatopek Round Rock, TX

4570 Dustin R. Haney Montgomery, TX

4603 Marvin Thornton Gilmer, TX

4747 Michel P. Wilty Birmingham, AL

5047 Brandt Wells Center, TX

5256 John T. Motes Live Oak, TX

5257 Cliff O’Rear Arlington, TX

5354 On Target Shooting Outfitters , LLC Mabank, TX

5552 Brad Sheffield Marshall, TX

5646 David Bell. Splendora, TX

5682 Lonie V. Selsor St. Martinville, LA

6169 Wayne Phillips Denison, TX

6401 Robert Glynn Underwood Houston, TX

6466 Burt Parnell Aledo, TX

6576 Hubert Guillotte Brookshire, TX

6709 Mark A. Haney Woodlands, TX

6869 Herman Molina Buda, TX

7060 Walleck Ranch Karnes City, TX

7111 John P. Thompson, Jr. Dallas, TX

7229 James Raby Cibolo, TX

7366 Reno Puente San Antonio, TX

7411 Thomas Grant Montgomery, TX

7535 Raul Dominguez, Jr Austin, TX

7565 Rio Rojo Ranch Bagwell, TX

7673 David McLamb Argyle, TX

7727 Richard Otto Allerkamp Jr. Seguin, TX

7774 Dan W. Mayes, III Hardin, TX

7777 Dale Wofford Cypress, TX

8120 Eric Hunke San Antonio, TX

8357 Matt McCallum Rockwall, TX

8570 Jasper Jones Midland, TX

8888 Marcus Barrera Corpus Christi, TX

9104 Cecil Dalton Highland Village, TX

9348 Steve Whitten Lubbock, TX

11757 William C. Shiver Pearland, TX

12911 Scott W. Kroll Corpus Christi, TX

21110 Todd Bassett Palestine, TX

22418 John Conti, Jr Texas City, TX

31274 Mindy Mayes Baytown, TX

31298 Keith Hancock, II Grand Prairie, TX

32718 David Sanchez, Jr Corpus Christi, TX

42502 J.P. Hooser Killeen, TX

62417 Tyson Johnson College Station, TX

65284 Lane Hunter McGaughey Hallettsville, TX

70315 Aaron Villarreal Cypress, TX

71511 Merced A Hernandez Laredo, TX

72011 David Sommer Brenham, TX

72816 Darren Mackie Palestine, TX

76475 Roscoe Sparks Strawn, TX

77777 Leonel Hernandez II Laredo, TX

81612 Stephen Crowley Waxahachie, TX

92113 Larry P. McDougal, Jr. Fulshear, TX

SCI Platinum Life Members

1 W. Laird Hamberlin Memphis, TN

2 Michael J. Leonard Chelsea, MI

3 John McLaurin Texas City, TX

4 Sven K. Lindquist Spring Lake Park, MN

5 Warren A. Sackman III Pagosa Springs, CO

6 Louis P. Cole Marietta, GA

7 Steve Skold West Des Moines, IA

8 Craig Kauffman Landisville, PA

9 Vicki Swan Dunlap, TN

10 Don Harter Weidman, MI

11 Lew Webb Durango, CO

12 Jeff Meyerl Mars, PA

13 Joseph R. Pedersen Twin Lake, MI

14 J. Holland Powell Tuscaloosa, AL

15 Carolyn S. Powell Tuscaloosa, AL

16 William L. Shores Longwood, FL

19 Kaylee Ann Stacy Natchitoches, LA

20 Luis L. Bacardi Miami, FL

21 Kenneth Blackwell Dry Prong, LA

724 Denise Welker Fulshear, TX

Texas A&M Platinum Life Members

0 L. Justin Gayle, M.D. College Station, TX

1 Scott W. Bugai, DVM Seguin, TX

2 Jesse Beckett Cotulla, TX

3 Ronald J. Carroll Mansfield, TX

4 Galen Pahl College Station, TX

5 Jack Allen Burnet, TX

6 Robert Moseley Palestine, TX

7 Allan G. Willis Caldwell, TX

8 Jason Fischer Seguin, TX

9 Michael Nibert College Station, TX

10 John Ellisor Kingwood, TX

11 Mike Gary Red Oak, TX

12 Joel M. “Ford” Scott Humble, TX

13 Mason E. Hale Bryan, TX

14 Cody Ulmer Dallas, TX

15 J.D. Hill Garland, TX

16 Jennifer R. Lee Katy, TX

17 Jason Watson College Station, TX

18 Micheal Doering Anna, TX

19 Gavin Saldivar Chico, TX

20 Margaret M. McDowell Montgomery, TX

21 Manuel “Manny” Sanchez DVM Missouri City, TX

22 Holly A. McDowell Montgomery, TX

23 Cliff Carroll Bedford, TX

24 Jared Cochran Tomball, TX

25 Jarrod Carroll Fort Worth, TX

26 William Smith Texarkana, AR

27 Ben Rumbaugh Tomball, TX

28 Grayson Glenn Lambert Taylor, TX

29 William R.

30

YOU

WILL NEED:

• 6 large (even sized) green bell peppers

• 1 lb. Venison hamburger

• ½ cup sweet onion

• 1-16 oz. can of diced tomatoes

• ½ cup white rice

• 1 tsp. salt

• ¼ tsp. black pepper

• 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

• 1 cup shredded American cheese (or cheese slices)

• ½ cup water

Do you have a favorite Wild Game recipe that you would like to share with our readers? If so, please type or print recipe and send to:

Texas Trophy Hunters Association, ATTN: Editor

STUFFED VENISON BELL PEPPERS

DIRECTIONS

Thinly slice tops from peppers and discard seeds and membrane. Remove stems and chop two pepper tops and set aside.

Place all peppers in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to rolling boil. Cook uncovered 5 minutes. With tongs, invert peppers to drain on paper towels. Sprinkle inside of each pepper with salt.

In a large skillet, cook venison hamburger, onion, and chopped green pepper tops until meat is brown. Add undrained tomatoes, uncooked rice, water, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.

Bring skillet mixture to a boil—reduce heat to simmer. Simmer mixture for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally until rice is tender. Mix cheese into skillet mixture until melted.

Stuff peppers with meat mixture and place upright evenly in a 10x6x2 baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake in pre-heated 350-degree oven for 40 minutes. Serves six with regular meat sides such as green beans, potatoes, or corn.

Fish and game move in search of food in cycles relative to the moon’s location to the Earth. The time spans listed are the prime or major period times to start each day and along each time zone meridian of longitude 75° (Eastern), 90° (Central), 105° (Mountain) and 120° (Pacific). To determine the feeding cycle time for fishing and hunting in the area you plan to fish or hunt, advance the sum of 4 minutes for each degree west and back up 4 minutes for each degree east. The next prime feeding cycle (not listed on the calendar) will be approximately 121⁄2 hours later. There are minor periods that occur between the prime or major periods. The moon’s phases are shown as New, First Quarter (FQ), Full and Last Quarter (LQ). The feeding times are not a cure-all. Weather and other environmental conditions affect wildlife feeding activity.

8:50A - 1:50P 9:40A - 2:40P 10:30A - 3:30P 11:20A - 4:20P 12:10A - 5:105P 1:05P - 6:05P 2:05P - 7:05P

3:10P - 8:10P 4:10P - 9:10P 4:40A - 9:40A 5:40A - 10:40A 6:30A - 11:30A 7:10A - 12:10P 7:50A - 12:50P

8:25A - 1:25P 9:00A - 2:00P 9:40A -

7:50A - 12:50P 8:30A - 1:30P 9:00A - 2:00P 9:30A - 2:30P 10:10A - 3:10P 11:00A - 4:00P 11:55A - 4:55P

- 5:55P 2:00P - 7:00P

- 12:15P 7:55A - 12:55P

AARON CHRISTIAN: whitetail eight-point taken 11/11/23 in Webb County.

GEAR: rifle

OUTFITTER: Jenna Christian (daughter).

SUTTON BOENIG: whitetail eight-point taken 11/11/23 in Refugio County.

GEAR: Barnett Ghost 360 Crossbow, Black Eagle Zombie Slayer with Bloodsport Gravedigger Extreme Chisel Tip.

OUTFITTER: Dad.

BARRETT IRWIN: whitetail 16-point taken 11/4/23 in Goliad County.

GEAR: rifle.

OUTFITTER: family ranch.

RYAN MORGAN: whitetail 12-point taken 11/4/23 in McMullen County.

GEAR: .270

OUTFITTER: self.

BRANDON HENRY: scimitar-horned oryx taken 3/10/23 in Willacy County.

GEAR: 7mm STW.

OUTFITTER: H Yturria Ranch.

RICK BUTCHER (PLM 1010): Cape buffalo taken 8/15/23 in South Africa.

GEAR: Bergara .375 H&H, 300-grain solids.

OUTFITTER: Kuche Safaris.

CHARLES WOOD, JR.: whitetail 12-point (first deer) with 18-inch inside spread taken 11/21/23 in Kinney County.

GEAR: Ruger American .300 Blackout, 150-grain Winchester ammo, Harvester 300 suppressor.

OUTFITTER: Dad.

MASON BATEY: whitetail eight-point with 15-inch inside spread taken 11/19/23 in Gonzales County.

GEAR: rifle.

OUTFITTER: Batey Ranch.

“MEMBERS ONLY” Benefit!

Don’t forget to use your free classified ad! It’s once per year and you must have an active membership in good standing. Send to:

TTHA Classified

700 E. Sonterra Blvd., Suite 1206, San Antonio, TX 78258

You may fax your ad to (210) 523-8871, Attn: Debbie Keene or e-mail to Deborah@ttha.com. Send your ad in by May 15 to run in the next issue!

FREE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING!

Available to current members of Texas Trophy Hunters Association only! Limit 25 words per ad. Each member may run 1 FREE ad in one issue per year. 25 word ads after FREE issue are $40 each. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO EDIT OR REFUSE ANY AD.

DON QUIJOTE HUNTING MX - 10 years offering excellent quality hunting in Mexico. Mule Deer, Rocky Mountain Ram, Red Stag, Axis, Aoudad, Blackbuck,Whitetail, Mountain Lion, Javelina, Bobcat & more. 210-329-2959 www.huntingoutfittersmexico.com.

RESERVE RANCH, a Sportsman’s Paradise near La Pryor, Texas offering full service hunts for Whitetail Deer, Red Stag, Dove and Quail to individuals and Corporate clients. www.reserveranch. com.

AOUDAD HUNT! Hunt free ranging aoudad in Llano County. Hunts begin in late August thru late October, 2024. Nice accommodations. For additional info, email darrellsteffek@gmail.com

DuBOSE RANCH Outfitters. Trophy hunts in South Texas for 30+ years. Website – duboseranch.com. Phone – 830-3917905.

ALASKA HUNTING – Bear, sheep, wolf, wolverine. Best Prices! Open to trade for good year-round TX deer hunting lease. TrackoftheGrizzly.com. 907-741-7161.

THE PRECISION RIFLE for the serious hunter, because accuracy matters. Check out our rifle options at blackbrushprecisionrifles.com.

VETERANS CREED OUTDOORS Team Texas. Outdoor Trips for Veterans and First Responders. Find us on Facebook on our page and group.

28 YR. OUTFITTER in search of more land to outfit and hunt in Central TX. Looking for high fence with deer from 150-200”. We are outgrowing ourselves! Will also consider So. TX. Call Dale 325642-7596 SDWhitetails.com.

VIC NIXON, REAL ESTATE BROKER for 45 years selling the Texas Hill Country. Ranches, small acreage, homes, STR’s, and other real estate in or around Fredericksburg, TX. Please call Vic Nixon 830-889-2325 or email: vic@ nixonrealestate.com.

S & M HUNTING EQUIPMENT offers new custom made insulated deer blinds, feeders, road feeders, truck blinds. Dealers wanted. 210-329-2959 www. comederos.com.mx.

RUSTY HINGE Ranch offers whitetail, hogs, squirrels, rabbits, coon, fox, duck hunting, fishing. Blinds, treestands, feeders & water year-round. 70 mi. north of Houston. $100/day or $800/year. 713823-7139.

HELP FEED THE HOMELESS – donate excess game animals to feed the homeless, orphans, and needy families. Go to www.trinityoaks.org “contact us” tab.

MEXICO RANCH: 8,500+ ac Ranch available for serious & management minded Group. Excellent WhitetailDensity & Genetics, Blinds, FeedersCorn & Protein, 4 Bdr House exclusive for Hunt Group! Protein fed for last 2 years. Exc.Ranch for 4 Hunters. 210-379-7510. email: jharlan29@gmail.com.

WILDLIFE & HABITAT Consulting. Commercial hunts available. Contact Certified Wildlife Biologist Jason Shipman 210-508-8447 or jasonashipman@gmail. com.

THE LONE STAR Bowhunters Association. Preserving and Promoting bow hunting in Texas since 1974. Join today at www.lonestarbowhunter.com. Take a kid hunting.

S & D WHITETAILS – Limited hunts avail. Booking 2021 now. All native S TX deer from 140-230 class. Deer & Dove hunts Central TX. Over 7500 ac. 24-yrs experience. 5 Star rating. 325-642-7596.

TEXAS HUNTER FISH FEEDERS create ‘feeding zones’ that make catching fish fun for the whole family. Project fish feed up to 45ft. into the water to feed fish on a regular basis which helps you grow bigger fish faster. Call 800-969-3337 or www.TexasHunter.com.

TEXANS ARCHERY CLUB wants to expand our state’s archery range infrastructure. Looking for local partners/ land to expand our network. www. TexasArchery.info 501c3.

MAP MY RANCH specializes in developing printed maps for all your outdoor needs. We can create basic boundary maps, or those with customized features - locations of deer blinds, feeders, food plots, ponds, etc. Contact today to get started! www. MapMyRanch.com or 713-302-2028.

AFRICAN SAFARI $2,995 3 animals in 1 week. Lodging, meals, open bar, guide, airport transfers and trophy fees included!! Call 956-867-4964 for details. www.matorisafaris.com.

LUXURY CABINS - Built on your lot in Hill Country area. Starting at $72,000. Visit model in Spicewood Tx. www. Selectcabin.com. Call Dave at 512-9217979.

TRAPPER FOR HIRE. High-fence or no fence. Predator management is crucial for fawn survival. Call Bob 317-326-4670 for details.

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