THE ULTIMATE WINGSHOOTING DESTINATION SINCE
Joshua Creek Ranch
Texas Hill Country
“Driven shooting at Joshua Creek Ranch is a gem. The elevation changes and cliffs make for great flyers. I’ve been blessed to shoot over the world and there’s nowhere better!”
– Ron
A DAY IN THE HILL COUNTRY WITH KYLE PARK
Writer and photographer Nate Skinner interviews Texas country music singer Kyle Park.
ANATOMY OF A SHOTGUN
SHELL
What’s in them? What makes them work? Which is the best option for dove?
Publisher
TEXAS DOVE HUNTERS, LLC
Editor
CHARLOTTE SCHUSTER
Graphic Design STUDIO SYKES
Contributing Photographers
LAUREN CRAWFORD
ALEXIS GREENE
HOLLY HEARN
CHASE PHILLIPS
MARIA ROGERS
JAY SCHWISOW
WESTERN WING OUTFITTERS
Contributors
AUSTIN COLLINS
HOLLY HEARN
MEREDITH KAY
JIM KINSER
REIS LADD
NATE SKINNER
GARY WIATREK
Advertising Sales
TDHA STAFF
Printing
SHWEIKI MEDIA, SAN ANTONIO, TX On the Cover: Kyle Park Photo by Lauren Crawford FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION CALL 210-764-1189 EMAIL info@texasdovehunters.com
TEXAS DOVE HUNTERS MAGAZINE is published bi-annually by Texas Dove Hunters, LLC (Publisher). Reproduction in any manner in whole or part is prohibited without the express written consent of the Publisher. Material contained herein does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher or its staff. TEXAS DOVE HUNTERS MAGAZINE reserves the right to edit materials for clarity and space and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors or omissions. TEXAS DOVE HUNTERS MAGAZINE does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertisements or editorial, nor does the Publisher assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Articles and photographs are welcome and may be submitted to our office to be used subject to the discretion and review of the publisher. Printed in the U.S.A. © 2025 Texas Dove Hunters, LLC. 2395 Bulverde Rd., Suite 104 | Bulverde, TX 78163 210-764-1189 | texasdovehunters.com
LETTER FROM THE FOUNDER
It gives me great pleasure to be able to share some of my thoughts with you on the one love we all have in common, hunting and the great outdoors. As Charlotte and Cameron near their one-year anniversary at the helm, I look at their passion and hearts for the industry and know that Texas Dove Hunters Association (TDHA) is going to continue to flourish. This past year has been a tough time for many outdoor industries, hunting and fishing alike. The economy has forced consumers to think twice about our recreational purchases and has put a strain on many related businesses. Regardless of which side of the fence you fall, a new administration that will bring new economic policies will hopefully bring a more solid and reliable feel to your pocketbook and your investment portfolio. Our economy is simple, creating jobs and lowering unemployment means more expendable cash in the economy. If used for recreation, industry spending goes up and the economy advances on more money changing hands.
As most of you who have read the Founder’s Letters in the past know, I am a huge fan and advocate for our state police (Game Wardens) and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). This year has been no exception as to the importance in the role they fulfill. In my dealings with TPWD, I believe that one of the most important positions within the agency is the Wildlife Division Director. This past year TPWD welcomed Alan Cain to the position. Though I have not had the pleasure of meeting Alan, his experience precedes him and more than qualifies him to fill this role. Since David Yoskowitz has taken over as Executive Director, he has clearly begun surrounding himself with some very qualified people.
Speaking of TPWD, one of the big issues facing Texas hunters is the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza or more commonly known as Bird Flu. There have been many reports of birds of all sizes, dove to ducks and geese hitting the ground or found dead. HPAI is found not only in wild game birds but in domestic birds as well. The risk of transmission from infected birds to humans is very low but still nothing to ignore. Please report any finds to your local TPWD office or biologist.
In closing, you’ve seen “Take a Kid Hunting” on my letters for the past ten years. The purpose was to encourage you to help grow and maintain the way of life we all love by growing the next generation of hunters and wildlife ambassadors. If you don’t have kids, look for a friend with kids. The lessons learned in a field with a gun in hand beside someone else hunting far outweigh anything they could learn sitting on an iPad playing games. Get your kids outside. You can always tell if someone has farming, ranching, hunting, gardening or even just exploring the outdoors in their lives. “Kids raised with dirt in their lives are more likely to be rooted in values as they grow.” You can quote me on that; my grandfather instilled that principle in my life, and I firmly believe it to be true.
Take a kid hunting, Bobby Thornton
info@texasdovehunters.com texasdovehunters.com
2024 was a big year for the Texas Dove Hunters Association as we hit the ground running under new ownership, though the mission remained the same. We had a blast meeting many of you at trade shows, hunts, talking on the phone and via email and getting our hands dirty in the best business there is.
This Spring 2025 issue of Texas Dove Hunters Magazine marks the 11th year of the publication. We were excited and humbled to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the magazine last fall, and we’re thrilled to continue sharing stories about dove hunting, conservation, and hunters with you – our members, industry partners, and fellow dove hunters.
The majority of the state experienced an extremely successful dove season last fall. Texas Parks and Wildlife predicted in their 2024 Dove Outlook Report to expect record numbers of white wings and increased numbers of mourning doves, and those reports proved to be correct. Across the state, hunters and outfitters experienced record-breaking dove harvest numbers, hunters in the field, and consistent birds in the sky.
It has been tough to keep the cover story to ourselves. Kyle Park is a talented and down-toearth Texas country music singer who embodies what TDHA stands for. He grew up hunting and listening to 80s and 90s country music right here in Central Texas. Now he’s raising the generation to do the same while still singing his iconic tunes across the country.
To me, spring has always been synonymous with turkey season. Maybe it’s that we’re missing dove season, or maybe it’s that chasing and calling tom turkeys across the Hill Country is unlike any other hunting experience out there. Reis Ladd shares his stories of chasing spring turkeys through the field.
Also, in this issue, you can read about the latest Texas Banded Bird Challenge field study findings and winners. Experience prime South Dakota pheasant hunting and go back to the basics with shotgun shell 101, plus, so much more.
I can’t tell y’all how excited I am about 2025 and the future of Texas Dove Hunters. Thank you to our members, readers, sponsors, advertisers, friends, family, and fellow outdoor enthusiasts for helping us continue to increase dove hunting education and spread excitement about the sport across the state. We’re lucky to live here, hunt here, work here, and know great folks like you.
Take the shot,
Charlotte Schuster
Experience an upland bird hunt for quail and pheasant located in the Huntsville, TX area of Bedias. Our professional guides and pointing and flush dogs will take you on a fun adventure in our diverse terrain that includes open pasture and wooded areas. Selfguided hunts are available, and you are welcome to bring your own hunting dog. We offer day hunts and overnight lodging is an option in the area as well. As a preserve, our season runs October-March.
KYLE PARK
Texas country, Texas hunting, Texas roots.
By Nate Skinner
Photography by L auren Crawford
Texas country singer-songwriter and music producer Kyle Park is a true Texan to the core. He loves his family, the outdoors, and of course, good country music. Above all things, he attributes much of his success to his upbringing and his passion for hunting, which was instilled in him from a very young age. With his roots grounded in the outdoors, Park said that his 20-year (and counting) music career would not be the same without having spent a lifetime hunting with family and friends.
Park currently resides in the Hill Country, and grew up north of Austin in the town of Leander on about nine acres. His childhood was spent in the outdoors, and he enjoyed going hunting and fishing as much as he could.
“I grew up going fishing on Lake Travis quite a bit, and going deer hunting as much as possible,” Park said. “I can remember being in kindergarten, and my dad coming to pick me up on Fridays at nap time to pull me out of school early to head to the deer lease for the weekend.”
Park said that his dad and older brother were the ones that instilled a passion for the outdoors in him at a young age. His family was on a deer lease near Comstock and Del Rio for years and he remembers going every weekend as a kid during hunting season.
“We hunted in West Texas until the mid-nineties, and then we shifted to hunting on a properties in the Hill Country, which gave us a shorter drive from home,” Park said. “We also hunted on leases in old Mexico, just across the border. Hunting and the outdoors have always been a staple in my life for as long as I can remember.”
Park lost his father at the young age of 12, while they were on a hunting trip together. His uncle, mother, older brother, and other family members stepped up to continue to help provide him with opportunities to pursue his outdoor passions and grow as an outdoorsman.
Park said he still makes a point to go hunting every year but admitted his music career has kept him so busy that he hasn’t been able to go hunting as much as he would like.
“If I wasn’t traveling to play music for a living, I am confident that I would be living the deer lease family lifestyle and dragging my family to the deer lease every weekend, the same way I grew up.”
Hunting and the outdoors have always been a means for Park to sort of unplug and relax.
“Hunting is so much more than harvesting animals for me,” Park said. “I love the connection with nature, and I love the family atmosphere around a campfire. It’s the entire experience that really consumes me and who I am. I can’t get enough of it.”
In addition to deer hunting, Park also grew up dove hunting. He can recall retrieving birds on family hunts, before he started wing shooting on his own with a youth model 20 gauge at age 12 or 13. In fact, Park said that dove hunting is currently his favorite type of hunting and his preferred pastime in the outdoors.
“Honestly, I enjoy dove hunting more than deer hunting these days, because it is such a social activity,” Park admitted. “I also really enjoy the challenge of wing shooting. There’s just something special about shouldering a shotgun, instinctively swinging on a bird, and then making a great shot. It’s addicting, and most of all, it’s fun. When the birds are flying and your shotgun barrel is hot to the touch, there’s nothing more exciting than that.”
Park said that he has hunted doves across the state, and that he can recall specific hunts that were absolutely fantastic.
“I can’t say that there is one specific place that is my favorite to hunt over others,” Park said. “Anywhere I can shoot a few birds and enjoy the fellowship with my friends and family is perfect for me.”
Park’s wife, Brandi, also loves the outdoors. She grew up hunting with her family and enjoys hunting alongside him. They have two children a four-year-old daughter and two-year-old son. Park is looking forward to getting his kids more involved in hunts in the near future and is confident that the outdoors will play a large role in their lives just like they have his and Brandi’s.
“The outdoors have meant everything to me, and have definitely molded me into the man I am today,” Park said. “Because I lost my dad at such a young age, I had to embrace independence early on in my life. I learned so many lessons while hunting with him before he passed that have helped me throughout my life. I wouldn’t be the family man and the person I am today if it wasn’t for the love and passion for the outdoors that my dad instilled in me when I was a kid. And that’s exactly what I want for my family and my kids.”
The memories made on hunts with his family and friends are what Park cherishes the most about his experiences in the outdoors. He said that the tough or unsuccessful hunts over the years have produced some of his fondest memories.
“It’s funny to look back on the tough hunts, when nothing went our way,” he admitted. “Memories of those hunts often included bad weather that flooded camp or some other hardship that we had to endure. Those are moments I’ll never forget. Those are the things that make time spent in the outdoors with family and friends so special.”
Park remembers picking up the guitar at about age 9 or 10. He took one lesson, didn’t like it, and put it back down. At age 14, after his dad
The outdoors have meant everything to me, and have definitely molded me into the man I am today.
passed, he picked up the same guitar, which had become an ornament in his house, and started playing on his own.
“I grew up on country music,” Park said. “Artists like Chris LeDoux, Clint Black, George Strait, Mark Chesnutt, Alan Jackson, and Joe Diffie were staples in my life. Nineties country music was my jam, and those artists highly influenced my own music.”
Park said that his cousin actually made a bet with him when he was 14, that he couldn’t learn to play the song, Seventeen, by Chris LeDoux. He taught himself to play the song by ear, and there began his days of playing music.
“Playing the guitar quickly became an addiction,” Park admitted. “I must’ve played 55 minutes of every hour for months when I was 14 years old.”
At the time, Park said he was only playing the guitar. He was not singing along to the songs he was playing, at least not in front of anyone else.
“I loved to sing,” he admitted. “In my early teens, I was always bee-bopping around the house singing some sort of song, and I had this fear that if I sang in front of other people, that they might think I wasn’t very good. I loved to sing so much, that I knew if people didn’t like the way I sang, it would absolutely crush me.”
Park said that his love for music and singing had nothing to do with a career choice back then. It was just part of who he was. It wasn’t long before Park met some other kids in high school who played music, too. They found out that he played the guitar and wanted to get together and have jam sessions.
“I wasn’t the singer for our little band,” Park said. “I was just the
Photo courtesy of Western Wing Outfitters
rhythm guitar player, still sort of figuring out how to learn the guitar.”
One day, Park and his crew of musician buddies met to practice at his house, and the guy who typically did the singing for the group was sick.
“So they asked me to fill in and sing that day, and everybody thought I did well,” Park said. “They encouraged me to keep singing. I think we were playing a Chris Knight or a Robert Earl Keen song. The next thing I know, we are halfway through the song, and my brother and cousin show up to the house from a bass fishing trip.”
Park said that he immediately became nervous, because this would be the first time that his brother and cousin were going to hear him really sing.
“They stopped and listened and even clapped a little bit at the end of the song,” Park explained. “That gave me just enough confidence to want to keep on singing in front of people. The more I played and sang in front of others, the more my confidence grew.”
At age 15, Park got a job as a DJ at a popular club called Outlaws in Liberty Hill.
“I knew the owner and basically worked for free,” Park said. “I just wanted to meet the bands and listen to music. It was mostly cover bands that played the venue at the time. The first star I met there was Johnny Lee.”
Park said that he would ask almost all of the bands that played at the venue if he could sing with them on stage, to help him continue to get over his nerves of singing in front of a crowd.
“When I met Johnny Lee, I asked him if I could sing for him in his dressing room after the show,” Park elaborated. “I just wanted to be able to say that I sang in front of a famous singer, and I wanted to see what he thought of my voice. Instead, he brought me on stage with him during his show.”
Park sang The Fireman by George Strait. Afterwards, Johnny Lee said, “Go ahead and sing one more, boy, I’m getting paid for this!”
“So, I sang one more, and when I was done he called me over and handed me twenty bucks,” Park said. “Then he told me that I did a good job, and that nobody plays for him for free.”
When the show was over, Park met up with Johnny Lee to get the twenty-dollar bill that he had given him signed, along with a guitar pick and other items.
“Lee asked me if I wrote my own songs,” Park said. “I told him that I had tried, but at age 15 it was just too hard. He then told me that writing songs was like working out — the more I did it, the stronger I would get. I thought that was good advice.”
From then on, Park tried to write a song every single day. He gradually got the hang of it and his songs just got better and better.
“That whole experience working as a DJ and singing on stage with different bands is what really gave me the desire to strive to become as good of a singer-songwriter as I could be,” Park said. “Then at about age 19 I decided that music was what I wanted to focus on for a career.”
Park was going to college at Texas State University in San Marcos.
“I chose San Marcos because I wanted to be a musician,” Park admitted. “It wasn’t my goal to drop out of college, but my goal was never to get a degree and get a job. My goal was to go to school and take classes that would help me become a successful musician. I skipped my basics and started taking business-oriented classes so that I could learn how to run my own business.”
While he was going to college, Park was also playing at local venues in San Marcos for $100 per night.
“At the time, I was playing by myself and mostly cover songs,” Park said. “I’d mix in a handful of my own songs from time to time.”
Then Park started putting a band together and decided to pursue his music passion full-time, leaving college behind. In 2005 at age 20, he released his first album, Big Time, which he funded from money he had left in a college fund that his dad had started for him before he died.
“I told my mom that I was going to try my hand at music for a while,” Park admitted. “I promised her that if I couldn’t make it a successful career by age 25, that I would go back to college and have a normal day job type career. My mom didn’t have the heart to tell me no, and she encouraged me to follow my dream. I ended up buying my first tour bus at age 25, and I haven’t looked back since.”
Park said that his second album was funded by a few guys he’d met when he was a teenager.
“They were essentially friends-turned-investors that loved my new music and wanted to help me succeed,” Park explained. “I was able
to pay them back the value that they invested in about a year and a half, and I have owned and funded all of my records ever since as an independent artist.”
The Texas Hall of Fame, a former dance hall and concert venue in College Station, was the first place where Park performed for a soldout crowd.
“The crowd was probably 1,500-1,600 people,” Park said. “College Station was such a pivotal place early on in my career. There was always just so much support for my music there. I was a kid in my early 20’s just chasing a dream, and those Aggies always made me feel at home.”
Park said that old dance halls like the Texas Hall of Fame have always been some of his favorite venues to play.
“Places like that just don’t exist anymore like they used to,” Park explained. “Nowadays it’s beer gardens, open fields, or large arenas. Don’t get me wrong, I love all of my shows. But old dance halls where everyone is just dancing the entire time to my own songs, will always hold a special place in my heart.”
When asked to choose a favorite song of his, Park said that it’s hard to pick just one.
“So many of my songs have meaningful back stories to them,” Park said. “The song, Yours and Mine, off my very first record is definitely one of them. I’ve played it at so many weddings and made so many friends because of that song; it just reminds me of all the relationships and friendships that I am blessed to have.”
Park said that his song, Don’t Forget Where You Come From, is another favorite of his because it reminds him of his dad.
As far as venues are concerned, Park said that picking a favorite place to perform is also hard to do. In his opinion, the crowd makes any show, and the more attentive they are, the better.
“I’ve had so many great and memorable shows at countless venues,” Park said. “By far my favorite performances have always taken place in intimate settings around a campfire, often at a hunting camp. Talk about a captive audience. All you hear is the fire crackling, or maybe the ice shifting in someone’s styrofoam cup. No one’s talking, and no one claps. They just comment at the end of a song and are ready to listen to the next one. In those settings, you know the audience is really listening to the music.”
Park is also a member of a western swing band called The Texas Trio. The band formed in 2020 and consists of Park, Jason Roberts, and John Michael Whitby. They currently have one self-titled album.
Some of Park’s earliest memories of singing and performing in front of others like his family, revolved around the outdoors and hunting.
“I literally taught myself and learned to play the guitar around the campfire at the deer lease,” Park admitted.
Hunting and the outdoors have influenced just about everything for Kyle Park. From his roles as a son, brother, husband, friend and father, to his career as a singer-songwriter and music producer, the core values and lessons he learned through his passion for the outdoors have helped him achieve success. And he’ll tell you, that these same values and passions will forever shape his future endeavors for the rest of his life.
Photo by Maria Rogers
PERFORMANCE WINGSHOOTING APPAREL
THE KINGS OF SPRING Chasing toms across Texas
By Reis Ladd
Photography by Chase Phillips
Spring can be a tough, idle time of year for an outdoorsman. Seemingly stuck between the fading memory of the recent rutting bucks of late fall and the looming sweltering dove opener of the coming September. We can get stagnant and stiff in those long months between seasons. Fortunately, with the coming of fragrant mountain laurel blossoms, vibrant Indian paintbrushes, and the sea of bluebonnets is the audible cue of springtime: the echoing gobble of a tom turkey.
A year or so after my grandfather passed my sweet grandmother, or “Gran,” asked if I would come make my usual trip to her house to retrieve Christmas decorations from her attic. As I picked my way through the rafters—being sure to avoid the fresh patch from where I stepped through the ceiling the year prior—I noticed a dull green fabric slid into a corner of the attic. It was an old gun case, and the amount of dust collected on top suggested it had been there quite a while. In the dusty case was an old single shot break over Winchester model 37-Steelbilt 20 gauge with a non-threaded full choke barrel. It was a relic at least triple my age. I hollered down to Gran as to what I had found and beamed with a nostalgic pride when she replied back, “Do you want it?!”
Growing up, my family hardly ever hunted spring turkeys. In fact, the majority of turkeys I had harvested up to that point were all in the fall and with a rifle. We didn’t consider ourselves avid turkey hunters and never made much of an effort to chase the kings of spring. In my high school years, though, I started venturing into the spring turkey woods more and more, in attempts to satiate my year-round hunting appetite. The more I got out there, the more I started to realize it was like nothing I had ever experienced before in the outdoors. Turkey hunting is unique because of its intimate and engaging audible dialogue between you and a wild animal. The calling dance and walk-and-stalk style of hunting turkeys intrigued me, and hooked me pretty quickly. I helped friends and family members take birds at mere feet away and played chess with many toms over the years. Throughout my adult guiding career, I have been part of countless turkey hunts and been fortunate enough to learn from hunters measurably more talented in the turkey woods than myself. Through these experiences I began to truly understand the adoration and borderline addiction that hunting a gobbling tom can be.
One of these hunters is Tas Gardner, who has harvested nearly 400 turkeys across 49 states in his 55 years. If there were turkeys in Alaska, he would hunt them there too. I asked Tas what drives that passion for the strutting toms and he said, “In 1979, when I was 10 years old, I missed the first tom I ever shot at and he just flew across the holler and started walking away. I can still see him walking away every year before turkey season and I think that’s what drives me. That memory and getting to call to a turkey and play chess with him. No two situations are the same and it’s a true test of woodsmanship to read the turkey and figure out what makes him tick. Even then the most memorable birds are the ones you match wits with for a few days, and sometimes never kill. No matter how old you get, some memories never fade,” Tas explained.
Chase Phillips is a native Texan and outdoor photographer. Even more so he is a self-proclaimed turkey nut. Like Tas, Chase has
made it a personal mission to hunt turkeys wherever they exist. From the hardwoods of Wisconsin to the jungles of the Yucatan, Chase has accomplished nearly every turkey slam out there. Almost as impressive as his dedication to turkey hunting is Chase’s ability to capture their majesty through photos.
“Turkey hunting is the poor man’s elk hunt! For me, their gobble is similar to the elk bugle and that interaction is why I do it. Heck, I get the same level of adrenaline rush from shooting them with the camera as I do with the gun,” Chase said.
In all my time in the turkey woods I had never been the one behind the shotgun, oddly enough. Truthfully, I had never really even tried or given it too much thought before finding that old dusty shotgun. But in that moment and holding my “new to me” Ladd family heirloom, I vowed a quest. My first gobbler harvested with a shotgun would be with my Papa’s old gun, my gun.
For four years I dedicated at least one weekend in the spring to chasing a tom for myself. I listened to many gobbles and had my fair share of encounters with a strutting tom, but what I found myself looking forward to most was the chance ... and the chase. Spring turkey season was no longer just about knocking off the rust but it was a time of year I eagerly awaited, like a destination and not just a stop along the way. I noticed a sense of serenity that only comes while leaned up against a live oak, covered in camo from head to toe because those old birds are smart, working a mouth or slate call. I craved the long walks through the dew-covered grass while the sounds of spring played like background music in a movie.
Then finally, one mid-morning March day while walking an old sandy road in Duval County, I happened upon some fresh lone gobbler tracks. No decoys, just myself, a diaphragm call, and Papa’s old 20 gauge. One five-note yelp and the tom gobbled quickly and thunderously before I could get the last note out. I moved another 20 yards
closer when he gobbled again and had cut the distance in half. My heart was racing, blood was pumping ... and if you’ve turkey hunted, you know exactly what I mean. I dove off in the brush hoping he would come back down his same trail. His next gobble was so close I could hear what sounded like an inhale before he broke the silence of that spring morning. I could feel that gobble in my chest. When he made the corner the contrast between his bright red head and the dark iridescent feathers of his breast were striking, and I was trying to steady my hands. We were a mere 10 yards apart and I knew in that moment, that with just two more steps I would accomplish what I set out to do four years prior.
For some, spring turkey season in Texas is a perfectly timed off-season interruption to hold over the anticipation of the fall. Yet for others, the song and dance of calling in gobbling toms occupies the mind year-round. I guess you could say I’ve been fully “converted” because nowadays, I eagerly await the spring turkey opener each year. Rest assured, me and my Papa’s old 20 gauge will be taking a walk down a sandy road in Duval County with the sound of a distant gobble compelling us onward for many springs to come.
T2024 BANDED BIRD CHALLENGE
he 8th year of the Texas Banded Bird Challenge was a busy and exciting one! We had the second highest number of reported banded Eurasian Collared doves with 59. This number was second only to 62 reported bands in 2021. The increasing number of reported bands is great for our field study, yielding more extensive data on this invasive species in Texas.
Interestingly enough, out of the 59 bands reported, only four of those hunters who harvested the birds were entered in the BB Challenge, and therefore eligible to win one of the amazing prizes donated by our sponsors. We had among the same, if not a little more, entries last year than we have received in the last few years, reiterating the unpredictability of the data sampling and numbers reported each year.
Aside from the prize winners, a highlight of this year’s challenge was that a hunter harvested a bird with a 2018 band. Harvested in Alice, Texas, this bird is our new record for days a banded bird has been afield at 2,260 days! This was one of our original bands that looks a lot different than the current ones do. The hunter wasn’t entered in the TBBC, but he was still excited to have harvested such an old bird and be our current record-holder. The previous record for days afield was 1,225 days on a 2020 banded bird that was harvested in 2023.
Daniel Fike - Edinburg, TX
Polaris Ranger Donated by Hoffpauir
It’s always exciting when we get prior year bands called in, as they generally yield more data and time afield. Of the 59 bands reported, five were 2023 birds and three were 2022 birds. There was one 2021 and one 2018 bird, with the other 49 being 2024 birds.
Daniel Fike, our lucky Polaris Ranger winner, harvested a 2022 bird in Edinburg. The interesting thing about this bird was that even though it was in the field 748 days, it only traveled 13.98 miles in a two year timeframe. His bird was banded and released in Weslaco on August 16, 2022, and Daniel harvested it on Opening Day of 2024 season.
While the data continues to show these birds having more of a homing instinct than true migratory habits and making their way back to the general location they were trapped, this year’s patterns in particular showed another recurring theme. These birds are also largely staying near their release locations.
Bryer Belk of Hondo harvested a 2021 banded bird in Pearsall. That bird was released in Devine three years prior and only traveled 15 miles in 1,098 days. Another bird harvested by Caden Smitley of Sealy, was released in 2022 and traveled only 7.14 miles in 779 days.
The Texas Banded Bird Challenge is a field study on this invasive species that continues coming to Texas in huge numbers. We have built a database tracking where they are trapped, banded, and released compared to where they are found or harvested. We study habitat in all three locations, looking at directional travel, age, and distance over time. Each year TDHA gathers more data about the Eurasian Collared dove, their travel habits and how they interact with federally mandated migratory dove species. The furthest travel by a reported TDHA banded bird remains at 647 miles. Nine birds have been re-captured since 2017, and six of those were trapped and banded in 2023.
Since their introduction into Florida in the early 1980s, Eurasian Collared doves have spread rapidly and their population has grown over 13% per year, according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey. Each year our Release Team traps, bands, and releases 800
PHOTOS BY JAY SCHWISOW
Eurasian Collared doves across Texas. As of 2024, approximately 5,600 birds have been released, and that number will grow to 6,400 this summer. Our orange TDHA bands do not expire from one year to the next, increasing the odds of winning and growing the program’s reach each year.
This year’s Early Bird Contest opens April 1 and runs through July 15. Everyone who enters the TBBC between April 1 - May 31 will double their chances of winning a shotgun in the Early Bird Contest. The
contest runs from Sept. 1 - Dec. 31, and you must be entered by Aug. 31. Every person who calls in a banded bird will receive an official certificate with information about their bird, along with a year membership to TDHA.
Each season, we get hunters who call in banded birds who were not entered in the TBBC, and therefore ineligible to win one of the prizes. Don’t let that be you this season! Make sure you have your $20 BB Challenge entry before you go to the dove field.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2024 BANDED BIRD CHALLENGE WINNERS
Carlos Rojas- Porter, TX Argentina Dove Hunt Donated by David
Landon Lancaster - Uvalde, TX
Hybrid Sheep Hunt Donated by G2 Ranch
Brandon Holt - Highlands, TX Scimitar Horned Oryx Hunt
Randall Harred - Pleasanton, TX
Early Bird Shotgun Prize: Rizzini BR110 Sporter
FROM FIELD TO TABLE: And How to Handle the In-Between
By Chef Holly Hearn of Game Girl Gourmet
Ithink it’s something we can all relate to—that perfect dove hunting afternoon in the field, a few Lone Stars, and the hot September sun. The last thing we’re usually thinking about is what’s going on under the feathers of those beautiful doves we just shot. But if you’ve ever left them in a pile all day or on a strap for hours, only to get home and think the meat is a little gamey—well, that’s no accident.
Sometimes we get so into the hunt and enjoying our time in the field with friends or family (and rightfully so), we forget how long the harvested doves have been sitting or hanging idle in that hot Texas weather.
One of my favorite questions to ask people when they tell me their game meat tastes ‘off’ is, “Have you ever bought steaks from the grocery store and then thrown them in the back of your truck for six hours? No? Because you know better. So why do that with your doves?”
For the same reasons you wouldn’t leave a ribeye baking in the sun, you shouldn’t just toss your doves in a bucket and deal with them when you get home. It is tempting to take the easy route, especially when you’re busy trying to finish your limit. But trust me, a little extra care in the field makes a massive difference in flavor, texture, and food safety.
With dove season a few months away, now is the perfect time to get ahead of the game, literally. Here are my top tips for better meat care from the field to the table.
The Impact of Field Practices on Meat Quality
The way you handle your birds during the hunt directly impacts their taste, texture, and how long they last. Poor field care can lead to flavors that are a little off, shorter shelf life, and, worst of all, unsafe meat. Simply put, there are two types of hunters.
1. The meticulous hunter – Drops a bird, retrieves it, and puts it directly in a cooler or on a dove storing tool out of the sun and in a cooler as soon as possible. This hunter keeps their game clean, cool, and in prime condition while they’re out there hunting, more often than not, in extremely hot settings.
2. The sloppy hunter – Drops a bird, tosses it in a bucket or worse—the bare ground where ants can access, leaves it in the sun, and finally gets around to cleaning it hours later. That same person may also be dissatisfied with how their game tastes, while gnawing on a dried-out, tough bird that sat in a sweat-soaked hunting vest all day.
If you want to enjoy your doves, treat them with the respect they deserve. It starts the moment they hit the ground.
Field Tips for High-Quality Meat
Cooling the Meat
If you plan to wait and clean your birds at home, that’s okay. But don’t just throw them in the back of your truck or leave them clumped in the bucket or shell bag for hours on end. Not only is the heat a factor in the field, but you also have to think about the gnats, ants, flies, and any other pesty critter that may be attracted to dead birds. I’d recommend placing them breast side up, un-plucked and whole, in a cooler with adequate ice. Layer ice between the stacks of birds. The feathers act as a natural barrier and help maintain temperature without letting the meat soak in water.
If you’ve packed all the necessary cleaning and storage tools and plan on cleaning your birds in the field: pluck them, remove the organs, and place them in a plastic bag surrounded with ice to keep them cool. If you’re breasting them out, do the same thing. Put the breasts in a bag surrounded with ice but avoid direct contact with standing water.
Cleanliness in the Field
Dirt, feathers, and debris are the enemy. The more contaminants on your meat, the higher the chances of bacteria growth and flavor discrepancies. Do your best to keep birds off the ground completely. When you think about it, there’s no reason for downed birds to sit in piles on the ground or even in the back of a pickup truck. Use a breathable game bag, bird tote or ground holder, or store them in a cooler immediately. Wipe off excess blood and feathers with a damp cloth or paper towel. If you have a particularly messy shot (it happens, let’s be honest), it’s best to clean the bird right then and there instead of waiting until later.
Safety Concerns
Leaving meat in warm temperatures for too long is a recipe for disaster, literally. Bacteria love that 40–140°F “danger zone,” and dove meat, being small and delicate, heats up fast.
• Time Limit: Get your birds on ice within 30 minutes to an hour of harvesting them. If you leave them any longer, you’re rolling the dice.
• Temperature Matters: Meat sitting at 70°F+ for hours is a one-way ticket to, “Why does this taste funky?” Worse yet, it could leave you with questionable digestion issues.
Proper Storage Techniques
Initial Cleaning and Storage
If a bird is badly shot up and the red breast meat is visible through the shot, it’s best to go ahead and clean it in the field to prevent bacteria from setting in through those open wounds. You should also decide if you want to store your dove whole, filleted, or as bone-in breasts. All are great options, but it depends on how you plan to cook them.
Freezer Storage
There are a few different schools of thought when it comes to storing your dove meat in the freezer, however, the most important thing to remember is that air is your enemy. Follow these simple steps to avoid freezer burn and keep your dove tasting fresh for months.
• Vacuum seal whenever possible – It keeps the air out, locks in freshness, and prevents freezer burn.
• If using Ziploc© bags – Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bags. If filling the bag with water or any other liquid, be careful not to fill it too full or when frozen, the bag can bust and lose the seal, harming your meat’s safety and quality.
• Label everything – This simple task is often the most forgotten. Be sure to write the date, type of meat, and how many birds are in each package. Future you will thank you when digging through the freezer.
• Portion wisely – Freeze doves in meal-sized portions. There’s nothing worse than thawing a massive bag only to realize you don’t need all of it.
Why It Matters
So why go through all this trouble? Simply put, better meat equals better meals. Proper handling gives you:
• Cleaner flavor – No “gamey” or off-putting taste
• Juicier texture – No dried-out, tough meat
• Longer shelf life – Good storage means doves stay fresh for months, not weeks
Respect for the Harvest
Dove hunting isn’t just about shooting, it’s about making the most of what we harvest. When you take care of your birds, you’re honoring the time, effort, and skill it took to bring them home. And let’s be real, there’s something incredibly satisfying about feeding your family and friends properly handled wild game. Dove poppers hit different when they’ve been cared for the right way.
Dove season is one of the best times of the year in Texas, but what you do after the shot matters just as much as the shot itself. Treat your birds with care, keep them cool, and store them properly. I promise you’ll taste the difference.
So next time you’re in the field, ask yourself, “Would I do this to a ribeye?” If the answer is no, it’s time to step up your meat care game.
Now, go put these tips to work, and get ready to enjoy the best doves you’ve ever eaten.
PHEASANT HUNTING HEAVEN ON THE COTEAU DES PRAIRIES
By Charlotte Schuster
Photography by Alexis Greene
Prior to November 2024, I had never gone pheasant hunting. I had never joined a ladies group hunting trip before either. So when an email from Amber Haynes at McKenna Quinn came through my inbox about a hunting trip to the pheasant hunting mecca of the U.S., I said, “Why the heck not?” Turns out, putting myself in a new situation without my trusty hunting partners, my husband or my father, showed me saying yes to new things is something I should do a lot more of.
Most folks think of South Dakota when they think of pheasant hunting, and for good reason. Pheasant hunting is a big business in South Dakota, bringing in millions of dollars annually and representing about one-third of the state’s economy. This was evident the second you stepped foot off the plane and into the Sioux Falls Regional Airport, a scene that felt oddly welcoming for wing shooters. Hunters from all areas of the world flooded the baggage claim areas donned in camouflage and hunter orange, toting their checked firearms. Everyone was excited to head to the rooster fields soon.
This hunt was with eight other ladies from across Texas, Kentucky, and Tennessee—most of us meeting one another for the first time when we arrived in South Dakota. Amber has a special knack for bringing strangers together based on their mutual love for the outdoors and setting the atmosphere for lifetime friendships and hunting memories to be made.
We hunted at Double P Ranch in Clark and could not have been more impressed with the outfitter. From expert guides and dogs who put us on birds and took care of us every step of the way, to down-home friendly
staff and 5-star meals and accommodations, I left South Dakota knowing one thing was for sure—I’d be going back to Double P.
Double P Ranch straddles the western edge of the Coteau des Prairies, a geographic ridge which delineates the flatland region (James River Valley) from the Glacial Lakes, often referred to as the prairie pothole region of South Dakota. The ranch is located in the heart of the North America Central Flyway.
Being a first-time pheasant hunter, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but knew I was in good hands. That first evening, after a gourmet chef-prepared meal, our guides met with us in the lodge and went over basic safety rules and pheasant hunting how-to’s. The next morning, we got our upland orange on and warmed up for our hunt with a little 5-stand shooting.
Then the moment I’d been waiting for with great anticipation finally arrived. Standing in a South Dakota grain field with anxious dogs, cold breath in the air, and the excitement that I’d soon harvest one of those beautiful birds was almost more than I could stand. And I won’t lie, it doesn’t matter if the animal has wings instead of antlers. When you’re
hunting a species for the first time, in a new setting with new hunting companions beside you, that is an adrenaline rush like no other. It is the kind that we hunters thrive on. The first time a rooster flushed and took the sky mere feet from me; my heart and blood were racing so fast you would’ve thought I was aiming at the largest trophy deer I had ever seen. I missed the first one or two I shot at, probably due to nerves or just plain poor shots, but once I connected with a rooster, I knew what to do. And I wanted to keep doing it. I was hooked.
I think one of the neatest takeaways for me was the hunting style, and how different it was than hunting migratory birds like dove and waterfowl. For dove hunting, you set up in your spot in the field and wait for them to fly close enough to shoot. It’s not that it doesn’t involve work, but it doesn’t inherently allow you to flush or find birds if there aren’t any flying that day.
Pheasant hunting is the complete opposite. You work; you walk. They prefer to stay on the ground and walk or run over flying. It reminded me somewhat of turkey hunting. We located, stalked, let the dogs work, and waited with absolutely no expectation, at times, that our efforts would be met with a bird in the end. And it was all so strategic, rhythmic, and coordinated with the other hunters in the group, the guide(s), and the dogs. As soon as our group got the rectangular formation-style hunt down, I was hooked. It was so cool and so unlike any
other hunt I was used to. I loved how during each given dog push, any position in that formation has the same level of opportunity to have a bird flush in their purview.
My other favorite part of the “Rooster Rush” was watching the dogs work. And man, were they good at their jobs. Watching them weave in and out of the grain field rows, nose-down on a mission, was almost just as fun as connecting with a mature bird.
The other—probably obvious—aspect of the hunt that will forever remain engrained in my brain is the raw beauty of those roosters. It’s unlike any other bird you can hunt. Some turkeys and maybe wood ducks get close but can’t hold a candle to the true rooster. The deep purples, blues, yellows, greens, and the different black patterns on each feather grouping is truly something to be appreciated and admired. Pair an evening limit with a primetime South Dakota field sunset and the occasional pop of post-hunt champagne and you have yourself the perfect hunt in what a lot of folks would label as God’s Country.
In addition to hunting a new animal and visiting a new area of the U.S., I equally enjoyed hunting with different talented and nice ladies from across our state. This hunt showed me we should venture out of our comfort zones every now and then and try new things with new people.
Amber Haynes started her elegant-yet-functional-ladies’ outdoor apparel company in 2017, with the mission of motivating female hunters and shooters to feel confident, comfortable, and look good, in the outdoors. In addition to running a successful women’s outdoor clothing line (made proudly right here in Texas), Amber has recently upped the stakes yet again and become passionate about offering hunting trips across the globe for her McKenna Quinn subscribers. From cast and blast hunts on the Texas coast to quail hunts in Alabama, to fishing trips in Belize and Alaska, you name it, McKenna Quinn offers superior ladies and co-ed hunts. If you’re an avid hunter, you’ll want to check them out. You, too, will be hooked.
FAMILIES IN THE FIELD
ANATOMY OF A SHOTGUN SHELL
By Jim Kinser
Many hunters don’t think about how a shotgun shell works and don’t spend much time considering what to look for when buying shells. Every hunting season, new hunters, both young and old alike, are introduced to dove hunting. They may be looking at a shelf full of ammo at a hunting store for the first time, unsure of exactly which box and load is the right one for their hunt.
So, what’s on the inside?
A shotgun shell is comprised of a few main ‘ingredients’ – the hull, primer, powder, wad, and shot. Once a trigger is pulled, the firing pins strike the primer, igniting the powder and creating the combustion and expanding gases to force the wad and shot pellets down the barrel. The wad creates a seal within the hull to effectively transfer energy to the shot and cushions the shot to minimize pellet deformation as the charge pushes the wad and shot out of the shell and down the barrel. Nothing to it, right? Avid shooters who reload their shells know the components better than anyone, but hunters who have never reloaded before may not always stop to think about all the parts that make the boom effective and safe.
Selecting the right shell
There are many different options on the shelves. So what should hunters pay close attention to on the boxes, and how do those numbers translate to performance in the field? The first two things to look for are shot size and muzzle velocity. Shot comes in a wide variety of sizes and compositions. The higher the shot size number the smaller the diameter of the shot and vice versa.
Most dove hunters use 7 ½ or 8 shot, while a few may use 6 or 9 shot. So why wouldn’t most hunters use 9 shot, which has the largest number of shot pellets and the densest pattern? The answer involves physics. For simplicity’s sake, we will use momentum as a proxy for the range and effective penetration (lethality) of the pellets in the bird. Mass x velocity = momentum. The bigger the shot size the more each pellet weighs (mass), coupled with the faster it travels (velocity), the more momentum the pellets have, which results in a more effective pellet penetration and greater kill range. For example, 6 shot at the same velocity as 8 shot, the 6
Photos courtesy of Federal Ammunition
shot can kill a bird at a greater range and more effectively, because each pellet has greater mass and therefore more momentum.
After choosing a shot size we think is most appropriate for the game we are hunting, what other variables can we look at to make our ammo choice something we are confident in shooting? We can choose shells with higher muzzle velocity to help increase the momentum of any given shot size. The momentum lost with the lower mass of a smaller pellet used for dove can be replaced with higher velocity.
Another thing to consider is the weight of the entire shot load. For example, 12-gauge loads are typically 1 or 1-1/8 ounce (oz). The 1-1/8 oz load will have a denser pattern, but don’t forget to compare the velocity between the two loads. If you find high-velocity loads (1,300+ feet per second (fps)) with 1-1/8 oz of shot, try a box of them at the range before buying a whole flat. You might not like the increase in recoil and end up flinching more than you typically do. When using a 12 gauge for doves, I shoot 1 oz instead of 1-1/8 oz, 7½ shot, and the highest velocity I can find. High velocity is typically between 1,250 and 1,350 fps and you should try to avoid anything slower than 1,200 fps. Reducing the weight of the shot load reduces recoil more than reducing the velocity with readily available loads. I would rather shoot a higher velocity load coupled with a lighter shot load, than a low-velocity shell with a heavier shot payload. Your shooting may improve because of decreased recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots, and the increased velocity increases momentum, clean-kill percentage, and range.
Chokes: Perfecting your pattern
The last couple of things to consider are gauges and chokes. Shoot the shotgun and gauge you like and that fits you well.
Chokes are an important part of your shooting and hunting planning and should not be overlooked. If shooting around water and the shots will be relatively close, it is best to shoot a skeet or improved cylinder choke. If the birds are flying high and pass shooting is the order of the day, a modified, improved modified, or full choke will maintain the pattern density at greater distances.
Chokes are designed to control the pattern (diameter) of the swarm of pellets leaving the barrel of the shotgun. They can either restrict or widen the cone of pellets, creating different pattern sizes which affect your shot’s margin of error and lethality. The ideal “cone” size pattern should be large enough that you hit what you’re shooting at, but dense enough for an effective, clean kill.
Know what you’re shooting
Remember, there are a number of things to consider when choosing shells. If this is common sense to you, that’s good. Help educate a beginner hunter who may find the different choices and components of shotgun ammunition confusing.
Take a little time to make the best choice for your particular shooting and hunting situation. Try shooting a few different boxes at a patterning board at various ranges and chokes with the different shells and look at the pattern density. Then shoot some clay targets and see if you like one load more than the others. Don’t be afraid to try new ammo brands and loads.
The bottom line? Practice is more important than shotgun shell ballistics and science but optimizing the attributes of the load you shoot can improve your shooting results and shouldn’t be left to chance.
Pristine sunflower fields free of weeds— creating the
The property is surrounded by water and brush drawing in high quantities of birds year after year We believe in quality over quantity and prioritize safety vs. overbooking
From Dove Fields to Big Game: A JOURNEY OF PASSION AND CONSERVATION
By Meredith Kay
“Out of nowhere, a lone dove took flight in the rain. I shouldered my shotgun, tracked the bird, and fired. It fell to the ground, and as I walked over to pick it up, my heart was pounding out of my chest,” said Austin Collins. “It was the first dove I had ever shot.”
What began as a casual skeet shooting lesson with friends quickly evolved into a life-changing passion—a journey that has taken Austin Collins across the world and deep into the heart of conservation.
Unlike many hunters who are introduced to the sport at a young age through family traditions, Austin had no hunting background. About five years ago, her exposure to shotgun shooting began with a few skeet outings with some friends. She enjoyed it so much that she joined a skeet league to hone her skills, which paid off during that first dove hunt. The guys would always talk about their yearly dove hunts, but it wasn’t until Austin spoke up and expressed interest that she was invited by one of the guys, Sebastian, to join him and his brother on a hunt. It was the door opening into a man’s hunting world.
That season, she joined Sebastian and the other guys for that first dove hunt, and it didn’t take long before she developed a new passion for duck hunting – though not without its challenges. She almost missed her first duck hunt when her dog suddenly fell ill and ended up at the vet hospital the night before opening day. “I was so excited for my first duck hunt and thought for sure I’d have to miss,” she recalled. After hearing that her dog would be stable, she rushed to meet up for the
hunt, despite not knowing the land or what to expect. “I had no idea where I was going—all Sebastian could do was drop me a pin—but I wasn’t going to miss opening day.”
After an hour’s drive and a mile-long trek through mud and tall grass, Austin finally reached the pond where her friends were hunting. Though the hunt was nearly over, she arrived with a deep sense
of determination and accomplishment—especially after the moments during the hike when she thought, “What am I doing? Can I even do this?”
Having the mindset to push through challenges like this exemplified Austin’s self-driven approach to hunting. She actively sought opportunities to expand her experience, calling outfitters across the country while traveling for work to inquire if she could join any hunting groups as a solo female hunter. Becoming enamored with waterfowl hunting, she honed her skills and constantly strives to improve while learning about the sport, firearms, and wild game she pursued. “As a hunter, you have a responsibility to learn about the game you hunt since you are ultimately taking that animal’s life,” Austin said.
Just like the winding North Platte River, Austin’s journey as a waterfowl hunter found itself flowing into a new direction: dog training. In her search for a hunting companion, she ultimately found her soulmate in a beautiful black British Labrador named Birdie. Initially trained in Wisconsin for foundational duck dog retrieving, Austin has since dedicated countless hours to completing Birdie’s advanced retriever training through an at-home program, Retriever Roadmap.
As their bond grew, Austin’s connection to hunting deepened. “It’s extremely rewarding to train your dog,” she reflected. “What started with me becoming a duck hunter has now turned into me becoming a dog handler. The game has changed. When we miss a duck, it’s not just one less duck for food, but one less retrieve for Birdie. Like many hunting dogs, she lives for this, and I love seeing her happy!” With Birdie by her side, Austin now travels cross-country in what she affectionately calls “Birdie’s truck”— an off-road rig specially outfitted for their hunting and fishing adventures.
Determined to live a life of adventure—and ducks—Austin embraced the trip of a lifetime: chasing waterfowl on the other side of the world in South Africa. The experience would forever change her perspective on hunting. She joined a two-week excursion with Ramsey Russell, one of the foremost authorities on waterfowl around the world, and she lit up when she described the trip.
While in South Africa, Austin hunted a variety of ducks and birds, including Egyptian geese and the Spur-winged goose, the world’s largest goose. These birds are a major problem for African farmers, as their grazing devastates crops and causes significant losses. Hunting helps control the burgeoning, destructive population while also providing much-needed food to local farmers to feed their workers. Austin’s group donated their goose harvest to villagers who greeted them with a wheelbarrow, smiling faces and heartfelt gratitude. Reflecting on the experience, Austin said, “It’s a win-win for both the hunter and the farmers.”
Austin’s African adventure took another exciting turn when she shot a rare, banded Hottentot teal duck—a first for the outfitter with over 60 years of experience. As the trip unfolded, a spur-of-the-moment decision shifted the focus from bird hunting to big game hunting. Though Austin had never hunted big game or used a rifle before, her determination and natural hunting instincts kicked in. She successfully harvested a Nyala, a spiral-horned antelope native to South Africa, and a zebra. Witnessing true conservation in action, she saw that none of the meat was wasted—her group either consumed or donated it, including zebra meat sent to a wild cat sanctuary to
support rehabilitation efforts. “Experiencing the world this way changed me as a hunter,” she said.” I came back with a deeper understanding of conservation.”
Bitten by the safari bug, Austin has another African adventure planned for later this year—this time to Namibia. Once again, she finds herself a beginner, stepping into unfamiliar territory learning about rifles, optics, big-game calibers, windage and more. It’s a full-circle moment, echoing the excitement and uncertainty of her early hunting days.
Her experiences taught in the field also taught her the importance of fostering support for women in a male-dominated space. This led her to create the NewHER duck hunt initiative, where new female duck hunters can learn, hunt and build confidence together. “I want to share what I’ve learned and encourage other women to get out there too,” she said. Through these trips, she teaches valuable skills while emphasizing conservation, responsibility, and camaraderie.
Reflecting on her hunting journey, Austin sees hunting as more than just the pursuit—it’s about the experience, relationships, and the impact we have on the world around us. “It has truly changed me. I’m no longer the same person I was five years ago.” Avidly chasing multiple game birds throughout the season—dove, duck, geese, cranes, pheasant, and quail—she fills her calendar with outdoor adventures.
Today, Austin’s influence stretches beyond the fields and forests. Through her Instagram, (@henandhunt), she connects with hunters worldwide, sharing her experiences, promoting responsible hunting, and building a community. Whether sharing dog training or advocating for sustainable practices, she’s committed to supporting fellow hunters—especially women who are venturing into the outdoors for the first time.
From wing-shooting around the world to training Birdie as the ultimate hunting companion, Austin’s passion shows no signs of slowing down. With every challenge, she is is determined to inspire others and share her love of the hunt—one duck at a time.
9th Annual HUNT WI TH HEART HUNT
The 9th annual Texas Dove Hunters Association and Hunt with Heart dove hunt was one for the books and had a record high number of hunters. We hunted down in the South Zone on the last weekend in October before the season split. Double H still had a good number of birds flying, and we had a great time meeting new Hunt with Heart (HwH) kids, young adults, and their parents, as well as seeing familiar faces that have attended prior hunts.
The day began with everyone joining together at Double H’s brand new lodge in Lytle. They treated us to a wonderful lunch and refreshments while TDHA founder Bobby Thornton gave an educational briefing to the hunters—including basic shooting and shotgun safety, Dove 101 information, and a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all the different parties, volunteers, and companies involved.
One of the special things about this hunt is witnessing new relationships being formed and new skills learned. Each of the HwH hunters is paired with a guide that stays with them in the field to help answer any questions, ensure the hunt goes smoothly and safely, and get to know them a little better. It was fun walking up and down the fence line that we were hunting and listening to all the conversations, laughs, and stories being shared between the kids and these guides – some who knew each other and some who had never met but were becoming fast friends in the dove field.
Some areas of the pasture we hunted had more birds flying over it than others, but each kid got to practice aiming and firing at doves, and everyone had a great attitude about the whole experience.
“My favorite part of the hunt was at the very end, when it was time to clean the birds,” said Charlotte Schuster, TDHA president. “It was neat to be reminded just how many first-time hunters we had in the field that day,
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and to see them so eager to get their hands dirty and learn how to properly clean the birds we harvested. That was just fun to be a part of.”
Bobby did a fantastic demo for the kids, showing them two efficient ways to clean the birds and then, and then the hunters got to try their hand at it. “I think this hunt is special because of the all-encompassing way it shows the kids the dove hunting process—from the education portion beforehand, to the in-the-field guides and coaching, to
the cleaning and packaging of the meat. It’s the whole deal,” Schuster said.
“It is hard to place a specific metric on the impact these hunts have on our kids and families,” said Joe Drescher, head HwH guide. “The fact that they can escape from their everyday health issues and forget about the daily regimens they must follow, is immeasurable. They get to do something in nature with kids and families going through similar hard situations, all while making memories that they will never forget.”
Joe says the dove hunt is not only his favorite hunt of the year but also fills up almost instantaneously when he announces it each year. “These dove hunts provide so many opportunities for the kids to shoot and gain an unparalleled level of confidence by the end of the hunt,” he said.
This hunt would not be possible year after year without our supporters. We can’t thank Daniel and Valerie Hernandez with Double H enough for their continued hospitality and support. Long-time friend and supporter of TDHA and HwH Ruben Laborde (Bird Down Brand Co.) was there and is always a favorite guide and hunting partner for the kid(s) paired with him. We had around 20 volunteers serving as guides and appreciate their help and presence each year. There was also an exciting new sponsor and partnership for this year’s event: Grady Green with 8 Gauge Outdoors donated a Dove Wrangler to each of the HwH hunters. We were happy to have Grady and his family as part of this year’s hunt, and we’re already looking forward to next year’s event!
Hunt with Heart is a non-profit organization that serves kids battling severe, life-threatening illnesses (mainly congenital heart defects) through impactful outdoor activities and experiences. You can read more about how they support young people and their families through hunting, fishing, shooting sports, archery, and monthly outdoor activities on their website: huntwithheart.org. .
PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD
DOVE SPRING ROLLS
By Chef Holly Hearn of Game Girl Gourmet
INGREDIENTS
FOR THE SPRING ROLLS:
15 whole dove breasts (raw, about 7–8 ounces total)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fish sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon brown sugar
¼ inch fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1/4 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
1/4 cup basil leaves
4 ounces vermicelli noodles, cooked and drained
6 romaine lettuce leaves, stems removed
1 carrot, julienned
8 rice paper wrappers
FOR THE SAUCE:
A splash of rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 teaspoon chili paste or finely chopped chili (adjust to taste)
2–3 tablespoons warm water
(to adjust consistency)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. In a bowl, combine minced garlic, grated ginger, fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Add the dove breasts and coat well. Let marinate for 20–30 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, fish sauce, rice wine vinegar, and chili. Gradually add warm water until the sauce reaches a smooth, dippable consistency.
3. Cook vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions, then rinse with cold water and drain well. Arrange cilantro, mint, basil, lettuce, and julienned carrot in a prep area.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the dove from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Sear for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 135°F–140°F for medium rare or 150°F for well done). Let rest for 5 minutes, then thinly slice or shred.
5. Dip a rice paper wrapper into warm water for 5–10 seconds until softened, then lay it flat on a clean surface. Place one lettuce leaf on the bottom third of the wrapper, followed by a small handful of noodles, julienned carrot, sliced dove, and a mix of herbs. Fold the bottom edge of the wrapper over the filling, tuck in the sides, and roll tightly. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
6. Arrange the spring rolls on a platter and serve with the peanut dipping sauce on the side.
• White Wing Fields is family owned and operated and provides a family friendly atmosphere (kids are welcome).
• We limit the number of hunters to ensure a safe and enjoyable hunt.
• Fields are planted with sunflowers, corn, grain and soybeans which acts as a natural magnet for the droves of dove found in our sub-tropical climate. White Wing Fields
TEXAS DOVE HUNTERS ASSOCIATION STORE
Green and Yellow Rope Hat... $28.00
Navy Blue White Rope Hat... $28.00 Khaki/Brown
Green Duck Camo Hat... $28.00 Hat... $28.00
Caramel
NEW TDHA Decals $5.00 Circle Logo or Dog
TDHA RTIC 20 oz Tumbler $27.95
TDHA logo Pnuma Shooter Shirt...$65.00 Colors available: Camoflauge, Black, Green, Olive
TDHA Dove Cords The Dove Cord brand... $25.00
TDHA Skeet Pouches
Blake Jones Designs brand... $92.00 Tan, Olive, Burgundy
CROSS TRAIL OU T FITTERS
Guiding the Next Generation to Christ Through the Outdoors
By Gary Wiatrek
Many kids today are unfamiliar with the outdoors. Cross Trail Outfitters (CTO) is changing that by providing an opportunity to get them outdoors and teach them about hunting and fishing heritage, while sharing their faith.
“The power of the outdoors is incredible, and life-changing for some,” said Gary Wiatrek, outfitter for the Wilson County Chapter of CTO. “We are grateful for the opportunity to bring these kids, who otherwise may never have had the chance, into the dove field, fishing boat, or deer blind and witness those “aha” moments when they experience hunting and sometimes, the power of faith for the very first time.”
Cross Trail Outfitters Inc. is a Christian youth hunting and fishing club under the national umbrella of Cross Trail Outfitters, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit. The organization’s many chapters and teams are passionate about building relationships with youth, their families, landowners, volunteers, and donors. Primarily, they work with youth by sowing into their lives through discipleship and mentorship, helping them to grow closer to God and seeking God first in their lives through a common interest in the outdoors.
Their prayer is for kids to know that life is different than what they see on TV or in video games. There’s a big, beautiful life out there in God’s creation, and CTO is all about “Guiding the next generation to Christ through the outdoors.” They provide hunting and fishing trips, camping excursions, and summer camps while ensuring a wholesome and fun environment in which the participants can grow in their outdoor skills, knowledge, and reverence of God.
Wiatrek said he believes God gave him and his wife a passion to serve a purpose. He explains, “Our youth today face an enormous number of challenges, things that many of us adults never faced growing up; things that turn them away from God and what His word teaches us. We have a choice as a society and community to sit back and watch or take action. Simply put, my wife, Samantha and I have chosen to act.”
Wiatrek said that CTO offers the youth of Wilson County, and across the U.S, the opportunity to spend time in God’s creation in a safe environment with
like-minded peers to gain knowledge and strength through Christ. They get to gain knowledge and understanding about hunting, fishing, outdoor skills, and most importantly, self-confidence to combat what the world teaches them.
CTO’s goal is to keep their outings open to all at no cost. Through sponsors and donors who see the importance of their work, they strive to ensure money will never be a barrier for youth or families to experience what the organization has to offer. But CTO is not solely for the under privileged. It also exists for single parents who need the support and desire those outdoor opportunities for their kids. It exists for those who want to volunteer and have a passion or skill set for the outdoors, as well as landowners and donors who want to provide an opportunity for youth to experience the outdoors and partner with CTO in leading others to Christ. “We do this for the communities we live and serve in … and for the kids that our world so desperately needs right now,” said Gary.
CTO is an independent, inter-denominational ministry. Their ministry is based on a Statement of Beliefs, and they are not formally linked with any denomination other than the Biblical Church – that is, the Body of Christ. CTO seeks to teach, mentor and disciple the youth through life circumstances while preserving the hunting and fishing heritage.
CTO GOALS: To build relationships with our youth ages 7-18 and lead them to Christ or a better understanding of Him. To equip youth to passionately pursue a lifetime of service to Jesus Christ and fellowship with Him through the outdoors.
• To mentor and disciple youth through life circumstances
• To elevate youth outdoor and leadership skills
• To preserve our outdoor heritage
• To build up and train outfitters and guides in communities throughout the U.S.
• To serve families and youth from all walks of life while seeking first His kingdom
Check out CTO’s website to learn more about their operation across Texas or become involved in their mission of guiding the next generation to Christ through the outdoors.
