A Shot of Texas Magazine #2 by Omar Cabrera

Gun Control A letter to Congress

THE THREE

BEARS

PLUS

• Accident Prevention • Industrial Networking • Clothing For Construction • Industry News - Hoist Safety Like us on Facebook

Autumn

ANTLERS The Long Prairie Buck

March 2013

Over 400 Whitetails! Grown and Raised Here.

Cleburne, Texas

/AutumnAntlersLodge

276” White Tail Deer

FIVE-STAR ACCOMMODATIONS

268” White Tail Deer WORLD CLASS TROPHY HUNTS

324” White Tail Deer

1-866-4BIGBUCKS Fax: 320-547-2201 www.autumnantlers.com 1280 180th Street Long Prairie, MN 56347

A Shot of Texas Magazine™ IN MARCH

STAFF Robert & Teffany Kahn Founders

Robert Kahn

Co Editor/Marketing & Events

Teffany Kahn

Co Editor/Contents & Photography

Chris Hermes

Art Director/Design

Kendall Kahn Camo Girl

Rodd Daigle

Industrial Content Consultant

Butch Ramirez

Wild Life Photographer

Jim Baines

OUTDOORS 4. Long Prarie Buck

Industry-leader-turned-professionalhunter tells his tale of the Long Prarie Buck

8. The Three Bears

Not the traditional Fairy Tale

14. HBR Clay Shoot

Think you can shoot? Prove it! Sign up your team for the HBR Clay Shoot

Travel Adventure Writer/Contributor

Frank Giacalone Hunting Adventure Writer/Contributor

Same rules apply at the plant and the hunting camp

16. Industrial Networking A Shot of TX’s Networking Event

24. Don’t Ask 29. Clothing for Construction Dress for success

23. Gun Control

Frank Giacalone sights in on the issues

RECREATION & ENTERTAINMENT

25. Wild Alaska

12. Guys & Grills

A walk in the woods gets exciting

Wild Life Photographer

Barbara Giacalone

10. Hoist Safety

Recipes to impress

19. Under the Feeder

INDUSTRY 7. Accident Prevention Jobsite safety 101

By Seymore Bucks

20. Chasing Pirates in the Cayman Islands

Stories of early Privateering to current financial world of investments

Long Prairie Buck By Frank Giacalone

he day was sunny and cool...a steady 7 mile per hour wind was blowing...leaves were bright yellow and orange, many of which had already fallen. Fall colors in the north are beautiful this time of year and we were headed to a blind. Sounds of antlers cracking...they winded us just as we spotted them...two big bucks sparring for some unseen doe...one was huge by my standards. They didn’t give us any time at all...breaking contact with each other and sprinting off into cover in different directions. The next time we saw that whitetail he was coming up out of a swamp

Frank Giacalone Frank is the principle owner of Navasota Energy, and its affiliates, Muskie Oil & Gas, both headquartered in Magnolia, TX. He has been hunting with family and friends his entire life. Frank joined forces with Huntin’ With The Judge and World Wild Adventures as stakeholder and executive producer. Frank now has 6 years of Professional Hunting experience under his belt. Big game, up close, is his specialty.

from behind us...one hour and 10 minutes after we first spotted him. We were hunting at Autumn Antlers in Long Prairie, MN, arriving Sunday afternoon after a 1,400 mile drive across the heartland of America. Texas to Kansas City, then Kansas City to Long Prairie, Minnesota. 93 degrees to 30 degrees in two days... what a change. We drove this year since we expected to be transporting meat, horns and hides. I drove with my friend Alex Campbell and our cameraman Alan Lee for an episode shoot for the outdoor adventure series World Wild Adventures. Driving my big Ford F350 gave us room for coolers, gear, guns and space enough to get comfortable on the long ride. We hunted at Autumn Antlers in 2011 and harvested some impressive deer and elk. Good hunting together with a comfortable lodge with great staff compelled us to come back this year. Add to that the prospect of taking a large whitetail... larger than any I had taken. Denny Neis and Jim Gerchy, run the show at Autumn Antlers, and promised some great hunting. They spiced it up with some trail cam pictures of bucks seen on the ranch. So the hunt was on. Back in the

A Shot of Texas Magazine™

March 2013

blind we had just settled in for some glassing, prepping our gear in case we got lucky and getting the cameraman flexibly set up to pick up the action. I was hunting with a pistol. Not just any pistol but a single shot pistol made by Magnum Research Lone Eagle...more of an antique since it’s been out of production for a while. My Lone Eagle was special still since it is chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum...making it a true hand cannon...and I was very confident out to 100 yards...so we were ready for some buck action. The bucks that we saw fighting were originally about 250 yards south from the blind we were in. Quarters were tight...we had 4 big guys sitting in this blind...our guide Jim, Alex, Alan the cameraman and me. We saw a steady stream of animal activity but few bucks of merit. Jim was glassing off in a different direction than the rest of us and was the first to spot this big whitetail. We all turned slowly and silently to put binoculars on him. Yes, for sure it must be that

Long Prairie Buck, Continued big deer we saw earlier but he managed to get way around behind us. Jim spotted him on the edge of the field below the blind north of us. By the time we had binoculars on him he had moved about 100 yards out into the field along its back edge... distance about 220 yards. Long for my pistol... no point getting too excited. But without warning the buck stopped and turned, facing directly at the stand. He put his head down like he was on a scent and started walking right towards us. Things were changing and maybe he would get close enough for a shot...I got a round into the Lone Eagle, made sure the Aimpoint sight was on and cocked the pistol. Again the buck stopped, head up testing the wind...he was now in the middle of the old corn field but a frontal shot would be difficult at this range. He turned again this time giving me a good broadside...distance I guessed at about 90 yards. Maybe he saw another buck or got wind of a doe...but he stood in that position for what felt like minutes. I put the red dot on his shoulder and squeezed...click! What, a misfire! I recocked the pistol and aimed again, certain he wouldn’t stay there much longer...but he did... long enough to squeeze of a solid shot into the vitals...down he went. When we got to the deer the horns were huge. We counted 36 scoreable points and later that day rough scored him at over 303 points. I’ll need to get an SCI master scorer to do an official measurement but this buck may be record book material especially with a handgun. All this adventure occurred on the first day of our hunt. Later, Alex took his whitetail plus a real nice elk and Judge Julie, the host of World Wild Adventures, took a nice, heavy horned buck several days later using my single-shot handgun. A successful hunt and great times at Autumn Antlers...a great destination for the North American hunter. Now for the long drive back to Texas with 800 pounds of elk and deer meat...in one day! ¨

Join Us At Our Upcoming Events Executive Networking Event

April 25

Sundance Grill 2 • Live Music • Rifle Give-A-Way • Silent Auction • Drinks & Hors d’oeuvres

May 30

HBR / A Shot of Texas Clay Shoot

American Shooting Center Reserve your spot now! Reservations and Sponsorships available, see Clay Shoot Flyer on page 14.

Coming in June

Fired Up and Wild

September

Dove Hunt

Wild Game Cookoff & Archery Competition Location and Date TBD. More information coming soon.

Sawing Comes Natural to Some...

... of course, concrete is a little tougher

Our patented concrete pile cutting machines have cut up to 200 14” piles in one day! EMR is .80 and TRIR is 0.0.

• Pile Cutting • Wire Sawing • Robotic Hammering • Core Drilling • GPR Scanning

ATI puts safety first! • Industrial • Marine • Oil & Gas

877-SLABSAW (752.2729) www.AggregateTechnologies.com March 2013

A Shot of Texas Magazine™

When it Comes to

ON-SITE MEDICAL SERVICES

WE STAND ALONE.

ince 1991, our focus has been on the changing needs of the industrial community. Helping Client Companies save time and consequently money. The foundation of our program is built on the strength of our professional staff and long-term commitment to industrial health care and quality customer service. Medical Surveillance, Customized Medical Programs to include but not be limited too, asbestos, lead, noise, and hazardous chemical environments. Audiometric - Chest X-Ray - History & Physical Examinations - Phlebotomy - Pulmonary Function Testing - Respirator Fit Testing - Annual Influenza immunization - Wellness - Drug Screening There are advantages to using a “Mobile” Occupational Medical Provider: • Complete specialized physicals on site with a multiphase mobile unit or in an appropriate area at your own facility • Flexible timetable to accommodate changing shift schedules • Eliminates liability traveling to offsite testing facilities • Time saving and cost effective • Reduces employees’ time away from the job

Medical Plaza Mobile Surveillance 1009 S. Broadway La Porte, TX 77571

281-470-8770 www.medicalplazamobile.com

As a construction worker you are part of a team of skilled professional craft workers, and accident prevention is part of your job. It takes everyone’s effort to keep a jobsite safe. There are many things you can do to help prevent accidents. Come to work fully rested; wear proper clothing and sturdy footwear; jewelry, watches and rings must be left at home. Use the correct personal protective equipment when the task requires it, and keep this safety gear in good condition and replace it as necessary. Damaged or lost equipment should be reported to your supervisor. Keep your work area cean and neat. Don’t let your housekeeping get out of hand. Follow the warnings written on labels. Observe signs, regulations and procedures; ask your supervisor about any you don’t understand. Never bypass safety valves or devices. Follow lock out - tag out practices where required to do so. Remove protruding nails or bend them over. Wipe up spills of oil, water, or grease. Keep walkways, aisles, traffic lanes and fire exits clear of debris and other materials.

“It takes everyone’s effort to keep a jobsite safe”

When working in new areas of the jobsite take a few minutes to look around to locate obvious hazards. Don’t leave any floor openings unprotected. Cover floor holes securely or guard with standard guardrails. Make sure you have the right type and size of ladder. Climb it facing the rungs and be sure your hands are free to hold onto the ladder. Check your electrical tools prior to use. Whenever

possible plug into electrical outlets that are protected with GFCI’S. Do not use tools with split, broken, or loose handles. Watch out for overhead power lines. Store flammable liquids in approved containers. Shut off engines and let them cool down prior to refueling; and never smoke around flammables. Report any accidents to your supervisor. If you get injured get proper first aid and seek medical assistance if necessary. Keep your mind on your work. Drugs and alcohol don’t have a place on the job. Horseplay and practical jokes cause accidents so keep them off the job. Practice accident prevention. Try your best to follow these guidelines and all of us will have a safer place to work. ¨

Give your undivided attention to safety. Preventing your accident depends mostly on you! March 2013

A Shot of Texas Magazine™

THE THREE

BEARS By Rob Kahn

I realize that this title has been used before, but what can I say? Last September a couple of my buddies, Rod Daigle and Benny Dunn from Lake Jackson, invited me to go along on a bow hunt for Black bear near Bathurst, Canada. For those of you not familiar with Bathurst, it’s only about one hour flight north of New York City. My first thought was that it would be a big jump from regular white tail deer to black bear. My second thought was that deer don’t climb trees and they certainly don’t have sharp teeth and claws. Regardless, I accepted the invitation and next thing you know I was getting off the plane in Bathurst . Our guides, Pierre and Ron, of P&R outfitters met us at the airport. The lodge was about 40 minutes away by car and we enjoyed the scenery along the way. Its amazing how tall and straight the tress are, especially if you compare them to my home town of Laredo. Anyway I digress. The town itself was quite small and the kind of place that you can easily forget still exists today. It is located directly on the coast. The small frame homes were bright and colorful and tidy and every one of them has huge stacks of firewood nearby. It only took a couple minutes to reach the outskirts where the pavement ended and logging roads took their place. The trees were extremely tall and the forest was incredibly thick and lush. Pierre was going on and on about how many bear they had been seeing over the last few days. “They’re tearing up the baits” he was saying. We all listened intently. I was just hoping to see a bear and frankly I just didn’t see it happening. After all, just to get an opportunity to draw on an animal that can outweigh a grown man by 200 pounds and out run an Olympic sprinter would be an accomplishment all by itself.

Black bear is an evening hunt so after a good night’s sleep we woke up each morning and started our day by checking the baits. Our guides were very careful not to allow us too near the barrels. I was thinking that it was to keep the human smell away but that was not the case. The year prior a hunter stepped in some grease. The hunter then tracked his way back to the tree stand and all the way up Benny Dunn - President/Brazos M&E, Robert Kahn - Founder/A the ladder. He fell asleep in his blind and guess

Shot Of Texas Magazine, Rod Daigle - Manager Of Business Development/The Infinity Group 8

A Shot of Texas Magazine™

March 2013

Hang It Up!

bear bag should hang at least 10’ above the ground and 4-8’ away from the branch and tree trunk.

Someone once told me that they were going on a mountain hike in Colorado and all they were taking wa a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. “Hmm, a PB&J,” I ask, “why is that?” He replied, “So if I come across 3. Unclip throw bag from carabiner. Clip caraa bear, I can throw it on my buddy and run!” There is biner to the bear bag. a bit of truth to that, the bears WILL go for your food. Feed loose end of the The best way to keep bears out of your food is hang it rope through carabiup in a tree. Here’s how it’s done. ner and pull loose end to raise the bear bag to the top of the tree branch. You will need the following equipment: • Bear Bag (9” x 20”) • 40’ Rope • Throw/Rope Bag • Carabiner • Small Twig

4. Reach as high as you can and tie a close hitch around a small twig on the loose end of the rope, creating a toggle.

1. Add rocks to throw bag and attach the carabiner (with rope attached) to the bag’s drawstring.

5. Release the loose end of the rope. The bear bag will stop at the toggle. The loose end hangs above the ground suspending the bear bag at least 10’ from the ground.

2. Hold throw bag in hand and toss over a branch that Following these simple steps will keep your food supis 15-20’ above the ground. When properly hung, the ply, and you, safe. ¨ what was attached to his boots when he woke up? I really can’t imagine what it would be like to have a bear attached to my foot but I can tell you that it happened and that he had to use an arrow without the bow to get him to let go. We stayed away from the barrels.

The blinds were set up between trees and poles were lashed together to form a base. Tree branches were wound tight forming a perfect hideaway for the hunter. With the barrels positioned no more than

20 yards away it would have been no challenge with a rifle, but with a bow it was down right fun. Bears have an incredible sense of smell therefore it takes a couple of hours in your blind before the human scent dissipates enough to give the all clear sign to a wandering bear.

of your chest. He puts his head inside to grab a bite. With his head in the barrel you start to position yourself . First you sit up straight. Then his head goes back in the barrel and you reach for the bow. Basck in the barrel and so on and on goes the game. It is great fun and I have already booked for this year. ¨

On my first evening a young bear came into the bait and it did not take me long to figure out how the “bear on the bait” game worked. The trick was to move when the bear had his head inside the barrel. That sounds easy enough but the slightest sound or motion ends the game. So the bear comes out and heads for the bait, your Rod Daigle - Manager Of Business Development/ The Infinity Group heart starts to pound out March 2013

A Shot of Texas Magazine™

COME-A-LONGS, “COFFIN” HOISTS & CHAIN HOIST SAFETY Hand operated hoists have many applications in rigging work. Typical applications include hoisting pipe or plate into position for welding or bolting, moving machinery, fence stretching and lifting engines or equipment during repairs. These devices are simple to operate but misuse can result in sudden failure, property damage, and serious injury. Some things to keep in mind are: • Inspect the hoist to be sure it is in good condition. Do not use any hoist that appears to have been overloaded. Some things to look for include a bent handle, stretched chain links, broken ratchet teeth, stiff operation or bent hooks. Anything that is cracked, bent, distorted, deformed or broken probably indicates overloading. Don’t use it. • You must know the weight of the load you plan to lift. Never attach a load greater than the capacity of the hoist. Never use two hoists to lift a load that is heavier than the rated capacity of either. A shifting load may place the entire load on one hoist, causing failure. Also keep in mind that capacity ratings are based on a new hoist. Age, dirt, wear, and improper maintenance will reduce the lifting capacity. • Never put a “cheater bar” on the operating lever or use more than one person to pull the lever. It is a sure sign that 10

A Shot of Texas Magazine™

the hoist is overloaded if the load can’t be moved by one person using a normal pull. • Make sure that the structure your hoist is hanging from is strong enough to support the load you are lifting as well as any possible shock load. • Use these devices only in locations that will not expose you to a hazard if you lose your grip or slip; the site of use must also permit you to stand clear of the load at all times. • Never operate a hoist in a manner that causes the load chain to bend or slide around objects, such as corners or sharp edges. Do not use load chains or cables as a substitute for a sling.

Inspect hoists and other lifting equipment before use

• Apply the load evenly. Do not jerk, bounce, or allow the load to swing. Any violent motion or shock loads could easily exceed the capacity of your hoist. • Always be sure the load is centered on the hoist before lifting, to avoid a swinging load. • Never leave a suspended load unattended, and never work or walk under a suspended load or allow anyone else to do so. By keeping these things in mind, hoists can be used safely…think about it. ¨

March 2013

Site selection is critical for hoist safety

s y u G

with Pitmaster, Rob Kahn

Chicken Grilled To Perfection Grilling chicken is an art form. It is a cookby-feel type of procedure. If you follow the steps below, and trust me you can do it. It is by far the most difficult item to grill on the planet. When done properly all other methods step aside. Ingredients • One whole chicken, butterflied, wings off and excess fat removed with sharp knife • Season to Taste – Your choice of herbs or spices you cannot over season it • 4 Feet of Nylon Rope (a pretend rope is what we recommend) • 4 Bottles of Corona Beer Procedure Start a fire in your grill using only MESQUITE charcoal or real mesquite wood. Fire can take from 30 to 45 minutes to be ready for grilling and must be HOT. As soon as the flames have disappeared from your fire, and your coals are red hot and glowing, grab your 4-foot imaginary rope, tie one end in your belt loop and the other end to the grill. For liability Gotta love a grilled tomato! purposes we suggest that you use a pretend rope. This will ensure that you do not leave your chicken. If you leave it for more than 30 seconds it will burn and you loose it! I know that some of you will test me on this so be sure and have a frozen Grilled chicken wings,mmm pizza as a back up. 12

A Shot of Texas Magazine™

March 2013

Place the chicken bone side down. Turn it often and gently taking care not to tear up the skin. Flames are your friends, so let them flame up to the edge of almost out of control, then use the beer to control the fire

by gently pouring it directly over the chicken and down onto the flames. It will take 55 minutes from the time the chicken touches the grill. At 55 minutes the two sides of the chicken will come apart easily. At 56 minutes it’s ruined. Go ahead and test me on this also. I like regular pepperoni. ¨

The Repcon folks sure know how to make a statement on the grill!

The Perfect Texas Margarita Needs the Perfect Texas “Tequila” RAILEAN Blue Agave spirits... although not technically “Tequila”, they sure are great for sipping and both products make a mean Texas Margarita. Railean Distillers in San Leon, TX is the first and only Texas distillery to make Blue Agave Spirits in the Lone Star State. Kelly Railean (Proprietor & Master Distiller) imports 100% Blue Agave Nectar from Mexico to make her Railean “El Perico” Silver and Reposado Blue Agave spirits.

Kelly Railean, Proprietor & Master Distiller.

The Blue Agave is first fermented, then distilled multiple times before being filtered, blended, aged and/or bottled at the Eagle Point Distillery in San Leon. While the Silver Agave spirit is not aged, Kelly ages the “El Perico”

Reposado in her double charred American Oak barrels, the same barrels that were previously used to make one of her several aged rums. Although Kelly does follow the “rules” for making Tequila and her products are made from

100% Blue Agave (Tequila must be made from at least 51% Blue Agave), she cannot call her spirits “Tequila” because Tequila must be manufactured in specific areas within Mexico. That being said, RAILEAN Blue Agave spirits should be enjoyed just like fine Tequila - sip it on the rocks and mix in your favorite cocktail, whether it be a Margarita, Tequila Sunrise or Paloma.

4 Can Margarita • Railean El Perico Agave Silver • 1 16 oz. can Limeade concentrate • 1 12 oz. can of Fresca soda pop • 1 12 oz. can of beer • Ice • Sea salt & lime wheel for garnish Pour limeade concentrate into blender. Fill the empty limeade can with Railean El Perico Blue Agave Spirits and pour into blender. Add Fresca, beer and ice. Blend until ice is crushed and margarita is smooth. Serve in a margarita glass rimmed with sea salt. Garnish with lime. Makes 4 servings.

Look for RAILEAN Blue Agave spirits at your local liquor store, and for more information check out: www.railean.com. ¨ March 2013

A Shot of Texas Magazine™

“Where Outdoors Meets Industry”

HOUSTONBUSINESSROUNDTABLE

Meet Camo Girl LIVE!

1 Annual CLAY SHOOT st

Thursday May 30th, 2013 American Shooting Centers 16500 Westheimer Pkwy. Houston, TX 77082 281-556-8199 Games & Registration 12pm-2pm Shoot Begins at 2:15pm

* Gold Sponsor - $1500.00

5 Person Teams - $150.00 Per Shooter LUNCH * DINNER * DOOR PRIZES GUN RAFFLE - HENRY .22 OR 17HMR •GIFT FOR EACH SHOOTER Benefitting Texas Adaptive Aquatics RSVP - tef@ashotoftexas.net Fax: 713.645.2812

Sponsorship Opportunities t *ODMVEFT UFBN PG t #BOOFS 3FDPHOJUJPO

* Beverage Sponsor - $250.00

t BWBJMBCMF

* Rifle Raffle Sponsor - $425.00 * Shooting Station Sponsor - $150.00ea. t BWBJMBCMF

* Door Prize Donations

REGISTRATION FORM Shooter Name Company Email Phone # -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ If you do not have a team of 5 - No Problem - We will put you with a team. 14

A Shot of Texas Magazine™

March 2013

Rio Grande Spring Turkey in Season

HBR Golf Tournament

ABC Bayou Chapter Crawfish Boil ACIT Mid Coast Outlook Breakfast

Pipeliners Golf Tournament < 7-9th - National Safety Council TX Conf. & Expo >

ACIT Golden Triangle Crawfish Boil

ACIT/TCC Chili Cook Off

TACI ot / C TC y Sho Cla

ABC PAC Clay Shoot

ABC Houston Membership Breakfast

A Shot Of Texas Magazine Networking Event

Brand Energy Charity Golf Tournament

March 2013

A Shot of Texas Magazineâ&#x201E;˘

The Networking Hunt Is On On February 28th, A Shot Of Texas Magazine “Where Outdoors Meets Industry” hosted its second of six networking events for 2013. The event was a great success; Sundance Grill 2 served plenty of drinks and outstanding hors d’oeuvres for all who attended. Kelly Railean of Railean Rum & Distillers poured margarita’s to boot made with her latest product Railean Blue Agave. Tex Leggio founder of thenetworker.biz educated and entertained guest by sharing his knowledge on the art of networking and “Being at the Right Place at the Right Time”. Attending is the first step to all networking, which brings me to the PRIZES, FREE RIFLE GIVEAWAY, AND RIFLE RAFFLE! That’s right, you must be present to win and some folks took home the goodies. From camo bags and coolers to rifles. Henry Netherland with AZZ Galvanized

Leroy Fagg with Larco Ind. entertained guest on the Bongo’s and Conga’s.

won the RIFLE GIVEWAY, taking home a Marlin .22 Semi Auto Rifle. Mary Labeff with Dockside Development won the RIFLE RAFFLE, taking home a Mossberg 12 ga Shotgun. See below for other attendee’s who came out to enjoy the fun and networking. While mingling the guest enjoyed music performed by Robert Kahn /co-founder of A Shot Of Texas Magazine, Kendall Kahn / Camo Girl & product review writer for A Shot Of Texas Magazine, Leroy Fagg of Larco Ind. played the Bongo’s and Conga’s. Rhonda Roberts sang and played the Ukelele and Bill Parish of One Man Band put on quite a show. Don’t miss our next event, April 25th from 5 til 9 at The Sundance Grill 2 in Waterford Harbor. ¨

Chris McGinnis with Stronghold Inspection Services and Rob Kahn - A Shot Of Texas Magazine

Kelly Railean of Railean Distillery poured delicious Railean Blue Agave margaritas.

Jerry and Wendy Monical with Infinity Group & UEI joining Robert Kahn - A Shot Of Texas Magazine Henry Netherland of AZZ Galvanizing won the RIFLE GIVEAWAY. Henry took home a Marlin .22 Semi Auto. 16

A Shot of Texas Magazine™

March 2013

A Shot Of Texas Magazine Networking Event February 28th at Sundance Grill 2

Shelley Leggio with Correct Electric and Tex Leggio with Aggregate Technologies celebrate the March 2013 issue.

Mike and Mary Labeff with Dockside Development enjoying great food, drinks and entertainment.

Chris Morgan with Ventech Engineering and Chris McGinnis of Stronghold Inspection. Are two businessmen allowed to have this much fun?

Barbara and Frank Giacalone receive gifts of recognition for sharing all of their travel and hunting adventures with A Shot Of Texas Magazine.

Rod Daigle with Infinity Group, Al and Lori Weaver of Limcroma Safaris planning the next big hunt!

Cindy Smedstad with Odin, Ltd. greeted by Chandler Randall of Kemah Hardware and Lumber and Camo Girl. Tex with thenetworker. biz sharing knowledge and experiences about “Being At The Right Place At The Right Time”.

Mary Labeff of Dockside Development won the Mossberg 12 ga shotgun Raffle. Tex Leggio of networker.biz & Ana Mendez with Texas Industrial Medical share networking & sales tips.

Kendall Kahn entertaining guest between Hunting Trivia and Raffle Give-away’s .

Special Thanks to the sponsors of this event:

We appreciate all the guests who attended and helped make this event a success: Steve Cessna – OGI Texas; Leroy Fagg – Larco Ind.; Matt & Kelly Railean – Railean Rum & Tequila; Al Weaver & Lori Weaver– Limcroma Safaris; Rod Daigle, Jerry Monical, Wendy Monical – Infinity Group, UEI; Tex Leggio – Aggregate Technologies; Shelley Leggio – Correct Electric; Shaun Eller – OGI Texas; Chris McGinnis – Stronghold Inspection; Ana Mendez – Texas Industrial Medical; Sandra How – Triumph Pharmacy; Fen How – Trifield Energy Services; Barbara Giacalone – A Shot Of Texas Travel Writer; Frank Giacalone - World Wild Adventures; Cindy Smedstad – Odin Ltd.; Mike Bond, Henry Netherland - AZZ Galvanized; Chris Morgan – Ventech Engineering; Mike Labeff – Dockside Development; Chad Amios – CBS Engineering; John Burroughs – Martin Tool; Chris Hermes – Solitaire Creative Services March 2013

A Shot of Texas Magazine™

KEEP THE SPORT GROWING Letters from our young hunters

the only chair Well for me it started when I got into with four in the room. It was a two person stand brother people in it my dad,my mom, and my twin re time, and shane. I had the .243 with me the enti for what seemed like hours we waited.

Shawn

r which was Now the first deer I saw was a baby dee e a while, but a doe, I think, and it was there for quit e one come then we saw a momma doe and her littl up. Then last came the two bucks. told not to Now one was a six point (which I was waited a shoot) and an eight point buck. Now we “shoot the little bit longer and my dad finally said I aimed eight point.” So, I got the .243 ready and e was a behind the shoulder and fired. Now ther to the loud bang and that buck whent straight shot it and i that ground, Now I was kinda shocked told me that nervous it was still alive until my dad s and heart. it was a perfect shot throught the lung fect shot and Now i was pretty glad that it was a per it was a great that the thing wasn’t still alive so yea, Christmas day for me.

Anali

Shawn

Cristi

Joe

Take a kid hunting. 18

A Shot of Texas Magazine™

March 2013

UNDER THE FEEDER By Seymore Bucks

Send us your best Feeder Photos. Email files to rob@ashotoftexas.net.

Advertising • Marketing

Serving Small Business Since 1990 www.SolitaireCreative.com 281-480-7622

Your Ad Here! Advertise in A Shot of Texas Magazine and reach the Industry professionals that are your target market. Call Rob at 832-922-1508 or email: rob@aShotofTexas.net March 2013

A Shot of Texas Magazine™

Welcome

to the “Blissful” Cayman Islands

These British held islands hold a vast array of stories of early Privateering or Pirating to our current Financial World of Investments. Welcome to The “Blissful” Cayman Islands.

By Barbara Giacalone

I first ventured to the island of Grand Cayman many years ago when the capital Georgetown was just a quaint and lovely city filled with British and Jamaican influences. The Cayman Islands consist of the three islands, Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. These islands are located south of Cuba and Northwest of Jamaica. Interesting enough these islands were originally named “Los Tortugas” by Columbus, due to the numerous sea turtles swimming in the surrounding waters. These islands are also well known around the world for world-class diving as the deepest point is the Cayman Trough that measures 25,200 Ft below sea level. Sting Ray City and the Cayman Turtle Farm are other wellknown attractions on Grand Cayman…but if you just want to relax then by all means take a stroll along Seven Mile Beach. If you have an opportunity to visit Cayman Brac they host Keith Tibbetts Shipwreck Adventures and Little Cayman hosts the Bloody Bay Marine Park. In researching the early history of the islands, I associated the myth and fact of pirates with their mystical escapades. We can now describe some of the most “colorful” figures in our history books; Buccaneers - specific to the Caribbean these individuals escaped from colonies, forced to survive with little support, they had to be skilled in boat construction, sailing, and hunting to survive. 20

A Shot of Texas Magazine™

March 2013

Pirating - These original buccaneers were chased off Caribbean islands by colonial powers and had to seek life at sea. They created lucrative but illegitimate opportunities to attack European merchant ships beginning in the 16th century Privateers - In the 16th & 17th century Privateering was the “legal” form of piracy. These private vessels would be commissioned into the “Navy” with a letter of marque, or royal seal of their governments. Subsequently ships were paid with a substantial share of what they captured from enemy ships, and the rest bequeathed to the crown. As stories were shared with me by a 10th generation Caymanian, the Cayman Islands once had magnificent hidden caverns providing pirates an excellent hidden water access to evaluate their prey. Over the many years of hurricanes and natural disasters these caves have been slowly washed away leaving only the rocky and beautiful coastline’s of the Cayman Islands. Here are just a few of the famous Pirates that captured my attention: Captain Bartholomew “Black Bart” Roberts Black Bart was one of the most famous lucrative pirates of all times, as legend has it he was estimated to have captured over 470 vessels during his reign as a pirate sea captain. His history gives way as a meager beginning as just the third mate on a slave ship off Africa when it was captured by pirates. Both he and the pirate captain

were of Welsh decent and they struck up a friendship. Sometime later when the captain was killed in a battle the remainder of the ships mates elevated him to captain and so the saga begins, he viewed his legend as follows; “In honest work the food is bad, the wages low and the work hard. In piracy there is plenty of loot, it’s fun and easy, and we are free and powerful … I will have a merry life and a short one …that will be my motto.” Captain “Calico Jack” Rackman Well known for his colorful calico clothing “Calico Jack” was his derived nickname. His design of The Jolly Roger flag, skull with crossed swords. Calico Jack was born in Cuba and spent most of his 38 years cruising Caribbean. But he sailed into Nassau in 1719 to take advantage of the general amnesty for pirates and to obtain a royal pardon. Whilst in port he met a then married Anne Bonny and their affair began… but her husband James Bonny found out he brought her in front of the local governor “he worked for” and she was to be whipped on charges of adultery. That’s when Captain Rackman offered to buy Anne by “divorce by purchase”, but she refused to be sold like an animal. They escaped by stealing a sloop and

sailed into the Caribbean overtaking other pirate ships. He was eventually captured by pirate hunter Jonathan Barnet before being hanged in Port Royale, Jamaica, Anne Bonny said the following; “I am sorry to see you here but if you had fought like a man you needn’t be hanged like a dog.” Anne Bonny and Mary Read Undoubtedly the two most famous pirates were female, both holding the position of Captain. Both spent their sea-roving careers under the command of “Calico Jack” Rackman. But they gained further ruthlessness when Calico Jacks ship was captured and they spoke of murdering observers in the governing counsel – and they retaliated and resisted far more fiercely than their male crewmates. The two women Bonny and Read alone escaped the gallows, when at trial before the judge that sentenced them to death, he asked if they had anything to say, Bonny stated: “Milord, we plead our bellies.” They were both pregnant and the judge stayed his order as no English court had the authority to kill an unborn child. Reed died in jail of a fever … there is no record of Bonny being executed but it is rumored that her wealthy father paid a ransom and took her home. ¨

Texas’ Own Bourbon Bottling Bash You have got to try this. It may be the best time you have ever had with a bottle. A huntin’ buddy of mine, Kevin Barnes with Infinity Construction Services Coatings Division, and his wife Sissy raved about the experience. Naturally, my wife and Co-Editor just had to go and take a look and see what all the hub bub was all about. At the end of September 2012, Garrison Brothers finished bottling their largest bourbon release to date — more than 9,000 bottles of heavenly ambrosia were lovingly packed by an enthusiastic group of volunteers. By October 15, Garrison Brothers Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey was finally available everywhere in The Great State of Texas. Dallas to Brownsville and El Paso to Beaumont it had finally arrived. The volunteers help make this all possible and having met many past volunteers I can tell you that they report that they never worked so hard and had so much fun at the same time. The distillery itself is beautiful, sits high on a hill overlooking a breathtaking Texas countryside. Tef and I never miss stopping in whenever we get a chance. Its easy to find too, just turn left at Hye Texas about half way between Fredricksburg and Johnson City. I promised Dan that I would paint an accurate portrait of his bottling events so here goes. A note to volunteers: Bottling at Garrison Brothers is not for the faint of heart! It means hard work,

attention to detail, reliable, consistent help, and above all else, patience. Every finished bottle has to get past Dan Garrison himself.

No need to travel to Kentuky to bottle (and sample) quality bourbon Garrison Brothers Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey is distilled in the Texas Hill Country.

Heres how it goes: Bottling starts every morning at 9am and wraps up around 4pm. Breakfast, lunch, entertainment, and an occasional shot of courage to keep everyone creative and motivated is provided to each volunteer. Now don’t get excited they know folks are driving so a taste means a taste. If you’d like to take part, you would need to commit to two full days, 9-4. At the end of your two-day shift you will get your own bottle to take home. Trust me it’s worth 4 days work So c’mon all y’all non faint of heart bourbonites. Email Laurel Hoekstra, Bottling Coordinator at laurel@garrisonbros.com and she will fix you right up. ¨

Strength in Numbers

Join fellow gun owners - write your congressmen

The Gun Control Debate Frank Giacalone’s Letter to Congress

I write to express my views regarding the tragedy that occurred on December 15th in Newtown, Connecticut and to respectfully request that you to consider a direction for the State of Texas and our Nation that may be markedly different from proposals coming from President Obama and some of your colleagues at all levels of government and the mainstream news media. I concur that we must do something to prevent more tragedies such as the school shooting that killed so many children but I do not agree with the direction the President or the anti-gun advocates plan to move. Responsible gun owners might have been able to stop or limit some of the carnage from such mass shootings as the Dec. 14 killings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., in which 20 children and six adults died. On December 15th “Evil visited this community today,” Connecticut Gov. Dan Malloy said of Friday’s massacre.

This tragedy occurred in a state with some of the most restrictive gun laws in the nation. I have listened to all sides of the debate as I have for years, and this debate has gone on for most of my lifetime, as none of this is new. In my view we need to do a far better job of protecting our children and ourselves that we do from the evil-minded and the deranged. But I am sick and tired of hearing that acts of criminals and madmen are the fault of this Nation’s lawful firearms owners. For years now I have listened to the rhetoric related to “reasonable” gun laws and how they will lead to a safer society. In short, that legislation failed with resulting unintended consequences. In 1994, President Clinton and Congress passed laws restricting “assault weapons” which included a broad list of firearms and their accessories, choosing a mass murder in California as reason for action. A deranged man armedwithsemiautomatic

weapons had gone on a rampage, slaughtering eight people at an office building in downtown San Francisco. This tragic event became the focal point that sparked historic legislation blaming legitimate American firearms owners and at the expense of the Second Amendment to our Constitution. The law did little to crime, since these banned weapons are typically not used in significant amounts of crime. Congress chose to let this foolish legislation to expire in 2004.

March 2013

In the years since 1994 may states including Texas have passed concealed carry laws. Since the 1994 “assault weapons” ban ended the crime rate has been steadily decreasing. This decline took place in an era where gun sales increased and carry permit laws were liberalized. From local news in San Antonio, Texas. Two days after the CT massacre, a man went to a restaurant in San Antonio, TX to kill his ex-girlfriend. After he shot her, most of the people in the restaurant A Shot of Texas Magazine™

Don’t Ask Second in a series of Networking Tips from Rob Kahn Ask not, “What my networking organization can do for me?” Ask, “What can I do for my networking organization?” That’s right folks it is the other way around. Last issue we talked about working a trade show booth and I am happy to report that someone actually listened. As I was walking a trade show at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston recently I came across a very enthusiastic young lady. She stepped up, looked me in the eye and said, “Well? How am I doing?” In her hand she held the January/February issue of A Shot of Texas Magazine. “Very well,” I replied and thus my teaching abilities were recognized. I don’t understand how a company can pay for a membership in an organization and then not be an integral part of that same organization. ABC Houston is one of those organizations that experiences member companies dropping out. The membership committee will then make a call to ask them why. Unbelievably, the answer is most often cited is that “we never got much business from being members.” Joining up is one thing and being a part of is another. Here are my dos and don’ts of networking organizations. Do join only if you plan to attend most functions. 24

A Shot of Texas Magazine™

March 2013

Don’t join if you think that you are going to get business by simply being listed in the directory. Do become active and get on every committee that they have going. I say all because you don’t know if being on that committee will benefit both the organization and yourself until you join. Don’t sign up for a committee and then not show. It takes five times for one person to remember you. This is a proven fact. Do keep track of who you meet, when and where you met and how many times you have met. The magic number is five. ¨

Wild

Alaska

“My right to carry my pistol saved my life and could save yours.”

Just Outside Soldotna, Alaska – King season is over, and since I had a day off before silvers start, I thought I would go for a walk. This occurred at 11:16 am, just 2/10 of a mile from my house – on our road – while walking my dogs (ironically trying to get in shape for hunting season!). This is in a residential area-not back in the woods. No bow hunting. No stealth. I heard a twig snap. And looked back. Full on charge-a huge brownie, ears back, head low and motorin’ full speed! Came with zero warning; no “woof”, no popping of the teeth, no standing up, nothing like what you think or see on TV! It charged from less than 20 yards and was on me in about onesecond! Totally surreal. I just started shooting in the general direction. And praise God that my second shot (or was it my third?) rolled him at five feet and he skidded to a stop ten feet BEYOND

where I was shooting my position. I actually sidestepped him and fell over backwards on the last shot. And his momentum carried him to a stop past where I fired my first shot! It was a prehistoric old boar. No teeth. No fat. It weighed between 900 and 1000 pounds and took five men to DRAG it onto a tilt-bed trailer! Big bear. Its paw measured out at about a 9-1/2 footer!  Never ever thought it would happen to me! Well, no bull. I am still high on adrenaline. With my gut in a knot (it felt like I had done 10,000 crunches) puked for an hour after. Had the burps and couldn’t even stand up as the troopers conducted their investigation! Totally wiped me out. Can’t put that feeling into words. By far the most emotion I have ever felt at once.

when I decided to bring my Ruger .454 Casull and some “hot” 350 grain solids just for the heck of it. on my morning walk. And when I managed to draw and snap shoot (pointed, never even aimed!) from the hip. Total luck shot! All I can say is praise God for my safety and for choosing to leave the wife and kids at home on this walk! Now, if either Hillary, or Barry Hussein or anyone else in this administration starts making noises about taking away your right to protect yourself with a gun, we need to let them know where we stand. Very quickly! ¨

No doubt that God was with me, March 2013

A Shot of Texas Magazine™

fled next door to a theater. This insane gunman followed them and entered the theater so he could shoot more people. He started shooting and people in the theater started running and screaming. It’s like the Aurora, CO theater story plus a restaurant!

er in America that schools are the safest place to inflict maximum mayhem with minimum risk.” said Wayne LaPierre of the NRA.

These laws should be reformed to provide increased mandatory penalties for violators and liberalized to encourage There was an off duty coun- citizens who are qualified ty deputy at the theater. to carry a concealed fireSHE pulled out her gun arm to be able to do so in a and shot the man 4 times school zone. Some school before he had a chance to districts in Texas do this kill anyone. San Antonio is now. No defense is not a giving her a medal for her good defense. heroism. So since this story makes The broader picture the point that the best thing includes a fact that seems to stop a bad person with paradoxical in light of a gun is a good person Newtown: There is actually with a gun then why does less gun violence today it appear that the national than there was 20 years media is treating it like it ago. The national homicide never happened? Only the rate is down to the level it local media covered it. was at in the early 1960s. I find it extraordinary that Now aren’t you wondering the locales in this country why this isn’t a lead story with the greatest firearms in the national media along violence have some with the CT school shoot- of the most restrictive ing? It does not fit the bi- firearms laws and the ases of the national news poorest enforcement media against American record. In “evidence-based gun owners but it does re- medicine”, the evidence inforce that the best first- points to the need for a very responder is an armed citi- different approach. zen. • Empower the “real” When we created “gunfirst responders; those free” zones crimes and citizens that are on mass murders in these areas the scene and lawfully skyrocketed; an unintended armed; especially in consequence of putting our schools; concealed carry first responders minutes laws now create a “first away when seconds count. line of defense” that our Laws making schools gunFounders intended. free zones have backfired: “They tell every insane kill- • Increase enforcement 26

A Shot of Texas Magazine™

March 2013

and prosecution effectiveness of our existing firearms laws including the use of “mandatory” sentences; severe penalties deter criminal activity and mandatory prosecution removes the criminal from our streets. If we must spend money in a tight budget environment let it be to remove the criminals and criminally ill. • Monitor our mentally ill providing database access to law enforcement at all levels; healthcare providers must be empowered and responsible to alert authorities of potentially dangerous individuals • In the interests of public safety do something about the misuse of public information used by an anti-gun media to drive their political agenda by publically posting private information with intent to cause harm to law-abiding citizens; reckless acts harm firearms owners and non-owners alike by providing the evilminded who prey upon the defenseless with a roadmap...another “gun-free” zone • As a consequence of reduced national and state budgets in the 1970’s, and in the interests of patient privacy, laws changed providing more

protections for the mentally ill and thereby less public information about those who could pose potential societal risk. Existing firearms law restricts lawful purchase of firearms and ammunition by criminals and the mentally ill. Criminal background checks are part of the process of lawful purchase... databases exist now and should be expanded as they relate to the mentally ill. “How many more copycats are waiting in the wings for their moment of fame from a national media machine that rewards them with wall-to-wall attention and a sense of identity that they crave, while provoking others to try to make their mark? A dozen more killers, a hundred more? How can we possibly even guess how many, given our nation’s refusal to create an active national database of the mentally ill?” Further, we must do something about the hate and take steps to alter the culture in the U.S. that glamorizes violence. We must also take steps to discourage hate; much of it is fed by the biases of our national media. We have a national media propaganda machine that distorts facts for their political end, at the expense of the American people and the US Constitution. ¨

Dress for Success Clothing for Construction

here’s one industry where today’s fashions just don’t make it. That‘s construction. Fancy duds are likely to get caught or snagged and cause you to fall or to get hurt in some other way. Your clothing should not only be appropriate, but rugged enough to stand up to the use it’ll get. KEEP YOUR SHIRT ON Always wear a heavy duty shirt, preferably long sleeved with the cuffs buttoned at the wrist. Don’t wear it loose or baggy. Keep it tucked in to avoid snagging. Your shirt will protect you from sunburn, so keep it on even when the weather is hot. It also will protect you from scrapes and from skin-irritating materials, such as concrete water and poison ivy. Don’t wear anything around your neck that can dangle and get caught in machinery. NO BAGGY PANTS Wear straight-line pants of proper length without pocket flaps or cuffs. They should not be baggy or so long that your heels get caught in them. You probably can’t keep your pants up without a belt. If your belt is too long, cut off the extra length or run it through additional belt loops. In this way it won’t get caught and pull you into machinery. LEAVE JEWELRY HOME One of the most common causes of amputated fingers is jewelry, such as rings, wrist watches and bracelets. Lt may look nice, but if it gets caught in machinery, you’re in for a painful experience. PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD Different jobs call for different kinds of foot-wear, but, generally, properly fitted, high top safety boots should be worn. They give you more support than other boots and more protection in case you drop something on your foot where steel-tip footwear should always be required. Wear rubber boots when working in wet material, especially if it’s deep. Spreading concrete is a good example. WINTER WEAR During cold weather, two light, woolen shirts are better than one heavy one for warmth. Gloves and hard hat liners are also advisable in cold weather. ¨ March 2013

A Shot of Texas Magazine™

Brand Energy & Infrastructure to Hold Charity Golf Tournament PASADENA, TX — Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services will host its Third Annual Charity Golf Tournament on Friday, April 26 at the Timber Creek Golf Club in Friendswood, TX. The tournament will benefit Combat Marine Outdoors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to aiding in the rehabilitation of Marines, Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Navy Corpsmen recovering from traumatic injuries sustained in combat. The organization provides these wounded servicemen with opportunities to go on outdoor adventures away from the confines of the hospital.

WANTED

More than 220 individuals participated in last year’s tournament, which raised $50,000 for Combat Marine Outdoors. For more information or to register, contact Michael Marta at (281) 404-5112 or email michael.marta@beis.com. ¨

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A Shot of Texas Magazine™

March 2013

The Brand Golf Tournament provides opportunities for wounded servicemen to go on outdoor adventures.

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Don’t Waste Your Ad Dollars on Those Other Turkeys! Advertise where people in Industry spend their spare time – in the outdoors. Nearly 100% of Industry enjoys the outdoors, why not consider joining a forum that we all enjoy and actually read, A Shot of Texas Magazine. • Ad rates well below standard Industry magazines • Six, no-cost networking events per year • Free catered event for a full page ad for up to 100 people

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