2016 Mills County Hunting Guide

2016 MILLS COUNTY

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4 - 2016 Mills County Hunting Guide

Chamber Plans Hunter Appreciation Lunch

By Brian Whitt After many years of Wild Game Suppers in Mills County, the Chamber of Commerce is taking the annual event in a direction Chamber directors hope will become a hit with hunters and other attendees alike.

"We noticed a downward trend in attendance at the supper," Chamber President Dario Martinez said, and that was not the only issue the Chamber discovered.

"It's just gotten increasingly more difficult to be able to provide a wide variety of different types of wild game," Martinez said.

After considerable discussion, the directors decided a change was necessary.

"The idea was brought up that maybe we should just do something different overall," Martinez said.

That something different will come in the form of a new midday event to be held at Legacy Plaza's new pavilion.

HUNTER LUNCH AT LEGACY PLAZA "What we're doing this year is an annual Hunters Appreciation Chili Lunch," he continued. "It will be from 11-3 on November 5th."

"We'll be providing chili and fixings.

It's going to be $5 a plate," Martinez said.

"It's shifting from the evening event to a midday event," Martinez stated, "We do think that this will be a great opportunity for our hunters in the area to come in the daytime. Then...they can go back to hunting.

Popular features of the Wild Game Supper will be incorporated into the new event.

"We plan to raffle off our guns. We have seven guns this year. It will be the same as last year, but this year we do have two pistols. And we will have a night vision scope that we'll be selling raffle tickets for."

There will be two types of raffle tickets available.

"The guns will be $1 apiece, and the night vision scope will be $5 apiece.

And for that specific item, you have to be present to win this scope."

OPENING DAY BIG BUCK & DOE EVENT The event will also feature two new hunting contests.

"We have a couple of interesting things going on. We have a biggest buck contest, and a biggest doe contest. Hunters will need to turn in by noon, at 12 o'clock," Martinez said. "It's

just a one day contest. If they want to enter this contest, they need to bring it to the pavilion and we'll do all the weigh-ins and everything like that."

RAFFLES, AUCTIONS & ENTERTAINMENT There will also be vendors, a silent auction and entertainment. Tickets for the raffles are expected to go on sale around town in mid-August.

Chamber directors understand the new event will take some getting used to.

"This is a big change. The Wild Game Supper has been going on for years and years, and sometimes these changes are necessary.

"We're really hoping the community supports this decision for the Chamber," Martinez said.

"I think this is going to be a good thing, I really do."

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8 - 2016 Mills County Hunting Guide

Mayor McMahan Welcomes Hunters, Visitors

By Mayor Mike McMahan I want to wish all our hunters/visitors a big Texas Hill Country welcome and I know you will enjoy your visit to Goldthwaite, the Gateway to the Hill Country. Goldthwaite is conveniently located in the center of Texas and stands at the entrance to what Texans call the “Hill Country.”

Goldthwaite, with a population of 1,878, is the county seat for Mills County and our newly-restored courthouse stands proudly on the town square. It is a lasting reminder of our industrious community and “can do” spirit.

Our rural roots run deep and now have grown to include many family-owned businesses. Our business community takes pride in offering you competitive goods and services, many unique to Goldthwaite and the surrounding Hill Country area.

A good starting point when you visit Goldthwaite Mayor Mike McMahan would be to stop at the new Welcome Center. It is the new home to the Chamber of Commerce and has numerous informational and historic resources. While you are there, you can tour the Texas Botanical Gardens.

Recreational opportunities abound for those seeking to get out of the hustle and bustle of the “big city.” You can tour area attractions, hunt, fish, hike, bird watch, horseback ride or just enjoy the views along the scenic Colorado River.

A trip to Goldthwaite would not be complete without spending some time at our Mills County Historical Museum, touring the Texas Botanical Gardens, or crossing over the Regency Swinging Bridge. We also offer other recreational activities including golf at our local municipal course located just outside of town on Highway 16 South. The city swimming pool provides welcome relief from the summer heat and is conveniently located in the Goldthwaite City Park. You can stop by the Jennie Trent Dew Library, now located in the heart of

our business district, and get caught up on your reading or check your e-mail.

Goldthwaite is home to a 3,200-foot runway. The Goldthwaite Airport has a beautiful terminal building available for pilots that can be rented for family reunions, weddings, or social gatherings. It also serves as the headquarters for the golf course. New cart sheds and a putting green have been added at the terminal.

We have an active Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors family oriented events all year long. Goldthwaite hosts a sanctioned Official Texas State Championship Goat & Barbecue Cook-Off. This event is held the fourth Saturday in April of every year. Cookers compete for the right to be named the Texas Champion and to represent Texas at national competitions. And you won’t want to miss Goldthwaite at Christmas! We are part of the “Trail of Lights” and host the annual Christmas Parade of Lights the first Saturday in December. Fireworks on the Fourth of July, an egg hunt at Easter and the annual Hunters Appreciation Lunch November 5th are all events you won’t want to miss.

Goldthwaite is a progressive community that seeks a balance between a pro-business environment while preserving our rural land and agricultural heritage. The Economic Development Council focuses on assisting business and job creation for our area. The city does not collect property tax and sells competitively-priced utility services.

Goldthwaite CISD provides a quality learning environment in a small school setting. Academic and athletic opportunities abound for our students. In addition to FFA, 4-H, Scouting, band, art and UIL academic competitions, Goldthwaite student athletes have achieved a reputation for being winners with a tradition of consistent playoff appearances in both girls’ and boys’ athletics.

Earning the 2009 1A State Football Championship, Goldthwaite is now home to four high school state championship football titles. GCISD art projects have also been recognized at the state level, having earned several state awards and titles.

Goldthwaite is a great place to hunt, visit, live, work or retire. I know your stay will be enjoyable. Come see us in Goldthwaite, America.

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10 - 2016 Mills County Hunting Guide

Passing the Torch to the Next Generation

By Jim Hamm buck. Undetermined re I always thought chassult. Please help. ” ing whitetailed deer with Well, I loaded up my a handmade wooden Blue Lacy tracking dog bow was the zenith of and held my breath all hunting, that it couldn’t the way to their location, possibly get any bethoping he made a good ter than pulling the rug shot. But no worries, for out from under a mature by the time I arrived they buck with an arrow at ten had already found Coit’s yards. buck, a fine eight point Boy, was I wrong. which had expired from My granddaughter, a very precise hole in his Kaylie, started whitetail heart.

As we field dressed hunting when she was the deer, Coit and Craig eight years old. She becouldn’t stop grinning. gan shooting with a .22 Neither could I. single shot when she was Then we heard a shot five, and progressed to a that could only have .223, which she shot well come from nine year in practice.

With the drought in full old Kaylie. I immedieffect then, she was reately started holding stricted to does when she my breath again, wantstarted hunting with her ing more than anything dad, Reed. An opportufor her to have made an nity presented itself that accurate shot and have first year. good memories of her The first time she tried Coit and Kaylie pose with their fine Mills County Whitetail bucks. first deer. to squeeze off a shot she By the time we loaded started shaking. Reed Coit’s buck and reached whispered for her to take some deep breaths and try again. Same result. the wheat field where Kaylie and Reed were hunting, it was dark and we After a third try, and so much adrenalin-induced shaking she opted not to could see flashlight beams probing the ground. Reed reported that upon shoot, she said to Reed, “This is a lot harder than it looks. ” the shot at the edge of the field, the buck had darted into the brush and When later she related her experience, we all laughed, but we were quick disappeared. They were on a scattered blood trail, but asked me to see to point out that we weren’t laughing at her, but with her, because we had what our tracking dog could do. all been in her shoes at one time or another. She resolved to do better the With nose down, our Blue Lacy took off for Bulls Creek which bordered next year. the wheat field. But instead of crossing it as I expected, he took a hard left.

That same season, our friends Craig and Carrie Merritt brought their sons Within twenty yards, he found the buck piled up in tall grass. The deer, shot for a first hunt. Their oldest, Coit, was ten years old and shooting a 22-250. squarely through the heart, had gone less than eighty yards.

When he got a chance at a doe, he made a nice shot and took home his first “Here he is,” I called, and Kaylie and her dad came at a trot. venison.

Holding up the fine ten point’s antlers, she stroked his hide and exam The kids practiced shooting for months afterwards, and the next season ined the shot placement. She suddenly stood and spun around and around were eager to try again. Best of all, the drought had ended and the deer in a circle, her arms upraised, a grin threatening to split her face. where in good shape, so they had the green light for a buck if they chose. Along about that time I had to get something out of my eye…

They were again hunting with their dads, and over a couple of days I’ve decided that as far as hunting goes, nothing could possibly be better passed on several bucks. On the evening of Dec. 5th, 2015, they sat out than two young hunters getting their first bucks with perfect shots under once more. pressure.

Coit was then eleven years old, and was sitting with his dad on a clearing That day was the highlight of my fifty years of hunting, and I never fired along a power line. About 5:30 I got a text from Craig. “Coit shot at a nice a shot.

2016 Mills County Hunting Guide - 11

Local Author Pens Traditional Bowyer’s Bible “If these bows weren’t highly effective, none of our ancestors could have lived and none of us would be here.” He notes that today traditional archers hunt on every continent, and take game as diverse as moose, leopards, and whitetails.

Jim and his wife, Donna, started Bois d’Arc Press in 1988 to publish Jim’s first book, Bows and Arrows of the Native Americans. That was followed up with co-writing and editing the first of

four groundbreaking Traditional Bowyer’s Bible volumes in 1992.

Today his books have become perennial best-sellers among archers worldwide, having been translated into German, French, and Italian, and kindled an international resurgence of the ancient art of bowmaking.

Hamm’s book are available through Amazon.com, both in print versions and as Kindle ebooks.

Mills County author Jim Hamm

Mills County resident Jim Hamm has a rather unusual occupation. Sure, he runs his ranch, gardens, hunts, drives a pickup, and like every other resident scans the sky for any sign of rain.

But his official day job is as a writer and publisher, having written ten books and dozens of magazine articles. His specialty is traditional archery, bows and arrows made from wood like they have been made for the past ten thousand years. As Hamm states,

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12 - 2016 Mills County Hunting Guide

Spring is Antler ‘Shed’ Season

By Randy Hoyer It should go without saying, deer hunting is a yearlong activity! Eagerly, we begin setting up blinds, planting food plots and filling feeders in August and September each year in preparation for opening day. Over the next few months, we monitor and check game cameras, rubs, scrapes, and trails, shoot our rifles and bows, and wait patiently for the season to arrive. Finally, it’s opening day and we relish the next four months, hunting as often as we can.

After the season ends, we clean gear, process venison, recount the season and talk about what we might expect next year! Yet, how many individuals take advantage of shed horn hunting season?

Shed horn hunting season, according to me, begins after Valentine’s Day and runs through the end of March. I don’t need a license, just the time and patience to go out into the woods and fields and walk, and look, and walk, and look.

As most whitetail deer hunters know, the allusive white tail buck deer will shed or drop its antlers each year. This annual phenomenon occurs in the early spring.

Shortly after dropping the antlers, the cycle starts over and the buck deer begins growing a new set of antlers. This amazing process begins in the spring, and by the end of September, the buck deer will be sporting a new set of antlers.

There is no true skill or secret to finding shed antlers, maybe just a little luck.

The key is just spending time in the woods or fields and covering as much ground as possible. Most successful shed antler hunters spend their time looking around major food sources for deer, especially in late winter and early spring.

Winter food plots such as oats, wheat or rye grass fields are great areas to search, but don’t just look there, really spend some time in the tall grass or brush area that encircles the food plot. If one supplements feed year round, such as corn or protein, I would spend significant time around these areas as well.

Other prime areas to search are along fence lines, creek beds, or steep ditches. As an antler loosens, any jump or bump in the bucks walking/running path could jar loose the antler and cause it to fall to the ground. Another area to search is the deer bedding areas where some of my best finds have been and where I have fortunately found both sets of antlers. These bedding areas might be a little tougher to find or I should say harder to get to. They are generally the best since they are located deep in the woods or heavy vegetated areas that require significant effort to search.

When you find a shed, spend some time in that area looking for the other antler from the same buck. Once an antler is shed, a buck will feel the unbalance and sometimes shake its head to remove the new sensation it is feeling.

Numerous times, I have found both sets of antlers from a buck within a few feet or several yards from each other. As we also know, bucks will “bachelor up” in

the spring, so it’s not uncommon to find several sheds in a general area, especially if one can find a good bedding area.

To walk or ride? Ah, that is a tough question. Here again, I prefer to ride around in our ATV and savor a cold beverage. My wife enjoys shed horn hunting as much as I do, and we both enjoy spending time on the ATV riding the ranch.

In an ATV, I can cover twice, maybe three times as much area; however, when I walk, I see the ground much better. Obviously, walking is certainly healthier. When walking, be methodical and focused and don’t look too far out front or all over. Keep your attention on the immediate area.

Recent sheds will be brown in color making them difficult to see in taller winter dry grass. Older sheds from previous years will have weathered and be white or grey in color and be more visible than a newly dropped shed.

Competition! Hunters are not alone searching for these sheds. Critters and varmints will hunt and chew on the antlers for the mineral in them. One may find a shed from a previous year, and in addition to being weathered, the tips of the tines will be chewed or gnawed.

Whether walking or riding when looking for shed antlers, keep an eye out for poisonous snakes. After hibernating most of the winter months, rattlesnakes and copperheads will be out and active in the spring time. Be very careful reaching down to pick up a shed that might be laying near a fallen tree trunk or among rocks or boulders. These are prime areas that rattlesnakes and copperheads like to lie and wait for a scurrying field mouse.

I have heard that some people have even trained dogs to find sheds. I’ve not attempted this, but I can certainly see that it might be very effective, or would that be cheating?

What to do with all those sheds? I personally like to keep them. They become conversation pieces and can make for great yard art. I enjoy reflecting on the really big or unique ones, when and where I found them, and identifying which antlers may have come from which buck. I can generally confirm this with game cam pictures taken throughout the year. Finally, they make really nice décor, if a hunter and spouse are into rustic hunting lodge decorations.

So with all this said, come spring time, get outdoors and see what you can find! As I once heard the former president of the Colorado County Wildlife Management Association, Wayne Zimmerhanzel, say, “Shed horn hunting is like Easter egg hunting for grown-ups, and when you find a really big shed, it’s like finding the golden egg with the money in it!” If you’re a turkey hunter, coincide your shed horn hunting with turkey season. Life doesn’t get much better than stomping through the woods on a beautiful spring day during shed horn hunting season!

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14 - 2016 Mills County Hunting Guide

The

WILDLIFE FEEDERS:

All Seasons - HCR - Big Horn Remington - Hang ‘em High Diamond - J Gotcha

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BLINDS - BLINDS - BLINDS Feed & Fertilizer BLI Feed & Fertilizer Atascosa Blinds WILDLIFE FEEDERS: 2016 Hunting Season Is Here!

PURINA ANTLERMAX

Wide Selection of Superior Fiberglass All Seasons - HCR - Big Horn Wide Selection of ATTRACTANTS: Hunting Supplies PURINA ANTLERMAX Remington Hang ‘em High ATTRACTANTS: Ranch King Hunting Supplies waite Eagle has printed Mills Coun- best Hunting Guide to date. publication filled with trophy game Beast Feast Camo &a Ammo!

Diamond -inJ Gotcha ty Hunting Guide. Our 2015 MillsBeast Mills CountyDeer

by Cocaine When deer season ended last year, animals harvested I Feast encourage everyone mail, eCamo &to Ammo!

Recleaned FEEDER ACCESSORIES: Guide won Special hunters. YouCorn will also find won- County Hunting I thought the 2016 season was so local mail or bring pictures and stories of Deer Cocaine Buck Grub Recleaned Corn FEEDER ACCESSORIES: Section of the Year Awards at Texas stories written by local writers very far away. It seemed the new sea- derful locally harvested deer and other wild Batteries Timers Funnels Horn Corn - Milo Buck Grub Buck Bran State and Corn Regional Press Convenson would never get here. Now that of hunts that took place right here in game by for The Eagle-to publish in Batteries Timers Funnels Horn Milo Lids Spinner Plates Solar Country Acres Deer Blocks Buck Bran Feeder Fire tions again this year.

Our 2014 edithe season is upon us, I can’t help but Mills County. the newspaper’s Trophy Room that is Lids Spinner Plates - Solar Cages Country AcresPanels Deer Varmit Blocks Feeder Fire Trophy Rock get excited. of the season.

Of course, local advertisements are tion racked up just as many awards featured every week Panels Varmit Cages

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Now is the time to gear up and also featured throughout the Hunt- and more The best of theseRoad photos and stoFeeders get going on preparations for the ing Guide. Please shop with our local We are honored to be recognized ries are chosen to be included in next hunting season. Goldthwaite offers advertisers. by our peers in the industry. However, year’s Mills County Hunting Guide. many places to get feed, seed, deer I’d like to thank all those who ad- we are just as proud of the exposure stands, guns, people food, camo and vertised and submitted photos and we are able to provide to our local ammo. These businesses are featured articles for this year’s Hunting Guide. advertisers. And even more proud of throughout the pages of the 2016 Dove, deer, hogs, turkey and small the thousands who read the Hunting Edition of the Mills County Hunting game are all in abundance in Mills Guide.

Guide.

County. Hunters from across Texas It is music to my ears when a ca Hunters are encouraged to shop and farther descend on Mills Coun- mo-clad hunter sticks his head in the locally for their hunting supplies. ty each fall to chase various game. door of The Eagle and asks me, “What FOOD PLOT No Available!

You’ll get great prices, selection and Hunting is vital to our local economy, day is IT coming out this year?”

Delivery personalized service that only our as well as our outdoor way of life in award can replace that feeling.

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2016 Mills County Hunting Guide - 15

Sharing Memories One Mount at Time

By Steven Bridges Firefighter Brit Berry, 2000 GHS Graduate, is opening a taxidermy showroom in Goldthwaite this fall.

The newly remodeled 500 square foot showroom will display Britt’s work for the public to view in downtown Goldthwaite.

Located just south of the courthouse square at 804 Fisher Street, the showroom and workshop will feature many examples of taxidermy Britt has personally completed.

Brit has been a firefighter and emergency medi-

cal technician in Hewitt for over 10 years. But, his taxidermy business is the way he remains connected to Mills County. “When I retire from fighting fires, I plan to continue to service local hunters with Mills County Mounts,” Berry said.

Brit has a special place in his heart for Central Texas whitetail bucks. “My favorite product in taxidermy is making whitetail shoulder mounts,” said Brit. “Each one of them is a handmade work of art.”

Brit spends extra time on each mount, making it special with competi-

tion style details. “I have watched deer in the wild so long around Mills County that I can envision how live bucks stand and hold their heads,” said Brit.

“I like to put a little special effort into each mount because I know it will be displayed by the hunters for years to come. I want to do the trophy justice.”

As a special service, Brit will pick up any trophy for mounting at any area processor free of charge.

He will also remount any antlers from a deteriorating mount. He can even mount pairs of sheds for display.

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16 - 2016 Mills County Hunting Guide

Visitors Enjoy Mills County Man Camp

By Steven Bridges This Spring I organized a trip to Mills County for the Dossey Family from San Francisco, California.

I went to school with Doug at the University of Illinois over 20 years ago and we have stayed friends.

Doug and I wanted to give his two boys and his wife a taste of Mills County living. Doug especially wanted to have his two boys go through my “Man Camp.”

Over the phone, I went over a checklist of activities that the boys might enjoy. I mentioned things like building a fire, fishing, driving off-road vehicles, feeding livestock, and shooting guns, etc.

Doug, however, pulled me up short when I mentioned that their trip was to happen during turkey hunting season. “I’m not sure about the boys and hunting,” said Doug.

“They have been raised as San Francisco pacifists. They think chicken comes from a store.” We had a good laugh.

Well, Doug was certainly surprised by his sons’ reactions to going hunting and I was delighted. As most of you know it is absolutely the highlight of my day to take kids out and teach them hunting techniques.

The following stories were written by each of Doug’s kids which tell the story better than anyone could.

insulated pants, thick jackets, boots and half ghillie suits. I put it all on just to find myself on the verge of melting in the heated garage. After everyone was in full camo, we got in the truck. Thirty minutes later we arrived at XTC Ranch.

After opening a series of gates, we got to the cabin by the lake. Steven parked the truck and grabbed his shotgun and some ammo. I zipped up my jacket and squeezed into the Polaris between Steven and my dad with the gun in my lap.

We drove around a few fences and gates and finally parked in a field of bluegrass. Steven gave us camo face masks with eyeholes so that our faces didn’t stand out against the bush. We walked three hundred meters listening to Steven’s turkey calls, then we looked and saw a big tom disappear behind a bush.

Steven said that the turkey saw us walking and got scared so it ran away. Steven found a dead tree and we crouched down and waited as still as possible while Steven called.

Then we saw one come up the hill, then two, and finally three. We all sat and watched in awe, but then the first one saw us and walked off the hill and the second one followed. The third one was caught Pictured left to right are Bode, Doug and Finn Dossey with their big Mills looking around and then my dad County gobbler taken last spring on the XTC Ranch during “Man Camp”. shot it through the fence. We all jumped up in joy and I ran over in my oversized camo trousers and peered over the fence to see that the shot was perfect - right in the chest.

Steven jumped the fence and handed the turkey over. It was twitching and flapping uncontrollably.

by Finn Dossey When it finally stopped twitching we took a lot of pictures. The funniest Last night Steven Bridges asked me if I wanted to go hunting for turkeys picture was when Steven was in the middle, my brother Bode and I on each in the morning, and within a second I said “yes.” He asked me if I was sure be- side. We were opening its feathers when it suddenly started flapping and cause I’d have to wake up at 6 am, but I was already up the stairs wanting to my brother jumped three feet into the air. Then we all laughed. We carried get a good sleep. At 5:51 am my dad woke me up and I put on the warmest the surprisingly heavy turkey back to the rover where we put it in the back clothing I had brought. Then I hurried downstairs to find Steven in the ga- with Bode. rage standing in a pile of camo of all sizes (more than in the Walmart hunt- We drove the bumpy stretch back to the cabin and took off our camo ing section I think). As soon as he saw me, he dove into the pile pulling out

Do I want to go Hunting?

Continued next page

2016 Mills County Hunting Guide - 17

Visitors, continued from page 16 jackets (I was getting so hot). We put the turkey on the deck and put breakfast, an egg, cheese and sausage casserole, into the small oven. My brother wanted to look at Steven’s military gun so we gathered around the bed where he took it out of its case and showed us how to use the scopes. Then he asked us if we wanted to shoot them at the targets, and of course we said yes. So we went outside and strapped the gun to the shooting table. I hit the target first try. We moved it to the farthest target and shot a few. At last he asked us if we wanted to shoot clay pigeons. We went around the back and hooked up the thrower and let Steven shoot the first pair and he hit them on the first shit, then let me try. I missed completely, surprised by the kick, I gave the gun back to Steven to let him do it again. My dad released two neon clay discs at once and Steven shot them both before they hit the water (don’t worry, they’re biodegradable!). Then he let my brother try. He was scared in the first place but mastered his fear and shot. The next second he was on the ground clutching his shoulder and laughing at the same time. He got up again and was fine but had to sit down. By that time breakfast was ready and we went inside to eat.

I want to thank Steven and Debra Bridges for letting us sleep in their house, for feeding us and for letting us use their ranch and to Flint for always giving me passionate hugs. To Amber for taking my fish off the hooks even if they were all bloody. Thank you also to my parents and grandparents for taking us to Texas for spring break and showing us around Austin.

Wake Up Bode!

by Bode Dossey It all starts like this, zzzzzzz, wake up Bode. I look at the clock and it’s 6 am. Oh yeah we’re going hunting, so I get dressed and head down the stairs to find Steven getting out the camo gear - pants, mask, jackets, ghillie suit.

Once we’re outfitted, we load the truck and head to the ranch. Once we’re there, we grab a shot gun, jump into the Ranger and drive for 15 minutes, then stop near a tree and hop out. It was still dawn and the sun was just peeking over the hills as we walked through the grass, stopping every once in a while to call. Then we hear something from the east as we walk through the grass. We see a turkey that saw us and realized that we were not turkeys and ran away. Then Steven said let’s sit down and wait a little after we call some more. We hear gobble, gobble, gobble and three turkeys come walking up the hill. By this time its 7:30 and I’m ready for breakfast. The turkeys were showing off their tail feathers. On the other side, we were waiting to shoot the bigger turkey who was right behind a fence post. When it moves, Bang! goes the gun only two fly away. One danced a little and then fell down and became still. So Steven hopped the fence, grabbed the still half alive animal and jumped back. Then we take a bunch of photos in the middle of one of the photos, the turkey started flapping its wings. I jumped back and everybody laughed. Then we started walking back. We passed a place where a bull had got struck by lightning and died. Now there is a big super healthy piece of grass because of the fertilizer from the bull. About five minutes later we get back to the ranger and I get to ride in the back with the Turkey. It was around 8:00 so we headed back and turned on the stove and put the egg dish on. Then Steven grabbed another gun and put it on the gun stand and we shot the 50 meter target and the 150 meter target. Breakfast is ready, finally!

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18 - 2016 Mills County Hunting Guide

Donahoo’s ‘Bucket List’ Big Horn Submitted by Mickey Donahoo hunt to end so quickly.

Heading up Mickey’s bucket list However, before sun up on the ever since he was about 6 was the second day, they had a lone ram Desert Bighorn Sheep. Reading spotted high up on the mounmagazine articles and other writtain. A stalk was planned, but it ings only served to heighten his dehad to wait until the ram bedded sire to hunt this trophy; however, in down during the heat of the day.

Mickey’s mind, hunting the desert The climb started at 10:00 and the sheep was never really a viable posteam – Mickey and two guides – sibility. The fact that it is one of the were in place four hours later. Now North American Grand Slam was not the wait began for the air to cool even in the consideration. It was just and the ram to move. the hunt of this sheep!

About 4:00, the ram got up and Even though he had taken three fed into view and it was the time North American sheep -- the Dall, Mickey had waited for. The ram Rocky Mountain Bighorn and the was confirmed to be very good and quite old, and Mickey made Stone Sheep, Mickey decided his dream of sheep was complete; the shot that brought down the however, the Desert Bighorn still ram. The team was able to reach haunted him. Then came the call the sheep after an hour’s climb. that a cancellation might just bring Meanwhile, the rest of the team at the foot of the mountain began the ram within reach and the dream was on again. Plans began for a trip their climb to the ram for pictures, field dressing and to pack it out. to Mexico to hunt the mountains for Mills County hunter and taxidermist Mickey Donahoo is pictured above on The team at the bottom of the the Bighorn.

The Desert Bighorn is one of four the left with his ‘Bucket List’ Desert Bighorn ram. mountain had watched the entire hunt, including the stalk and takNorth American sheep that make up the North American Grand Slam. ing the ram, through binoculars.

Two are known as thin horned sheep – the Stone and the Dall – and the The ram was packed out, Mickey prepared the hide for mounting and the other two are known as big horned sheep – The Rocky Mountain and the cape and horns were taken to the Mexican wildlife authorities for recordDesert. The Desert Bighorn lives in the rugged mountains of Mexico and ing, testing and tagging. The CITIES permit to import into the U.S. has been several of the southwestern states of the U.S. All of the desert sheep hunts applied for and the trophy will be shipped to Mickey as soon as all requirein the U.S. are by drawing only and Mickey applied for years before finally ments are in order. giving up. The permits are still on a drawing basis today but with a point Following the successful return to the vehicles and unknown to Mickey, system. Mickey would not live long enough to accrue enough points for a the guides spoke to Doris with a comment about Mickey – “He walks just hunt in the U.S. like us in the mountains.” I know in Mickey’s mind that the success of the Mickey would have preferred to hunt the sheep in 2016-2017, but when hunt is measured by the following criteria – not necessarily in the order the notification of a cancellation came, it was too good to pass up. His big- presented: gest concern was his ability to still climb the sheep mountains at age 73 • The taking of the sought after trophy – he still remembers the sheep mountains in Canada. Mickey was given • Proof to himself that he can still do what it takes (on the hunt he comthe choice to hunt a free ranging sheep in the mountains or take an easier petes with no one else, only himself ) hunt in the flatter land under high fence. He chose to hunt the sheep in its • For the guides to indicate it was a pleasure to hunt with him and would natural habitat, on its own terms. like to do it again A ten day hunt was scheduled to begin in mid-February in the state of • To take the trophy on its own terms.

Sonora, Mexico, just 60 miles from the Gulf of Baja in the Chinos Moun- Mickey isn’t sure what major event is still in his bucket, but I’ll bet he tains. The plan was to drive close to the base of the mountains and glass finds one as soon as he sorts through it. His philosophy is that your bucket for sheep. Eight rams were seen on the first day but none were the quality list is never exhausted as long as you are alive. desired. Mickey was relieved because he didn’t want his long anticipated

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22 - 2016 Mills County Hunting Guide

I Now Believe in Snake Boots

By Steven Bridges The first day of Mills County dove hunting is seldom a day I bag my limit of doves. Most years, the big waves of northern doves have not yet migrated into Mills County. There are always a few local birds around, but the action is usually pretty slow.

It is a good time to get my hunting gear out and dusted off. If I know the hunting is going to be really slow, I take clay pigeons and a thrower along on the hunt. That way, I know I’ll get some shooting one way or another.

I also make sure I have my fishing rod and tackle box ready for the hunt.

As a last resort, I can always throw a line in the water. The weather sometimes feels more like fishing weather than hunting anyway.

I had quite a bit of excitement on opening day a few years ago, and it had little to do with doves, clays or fishing.

I had been hunting all afternoon in the shade of a big oak tree next to a stock tank on the XTC Ranch located in northeast Mills County near the community of Caradan. The hunting was normal for opening day. . . slow.

I had a few birds in my bag, but nothing to brag about.

I was dozing in the shade when I heard the wee-wee-wee of a dove landing in the tree above me. I looked up and the bird took off straight away from me. Even for a rusty bird hunter like me, it was an easy shot for the top barrel of my little Browning over/under 20 gauge shotgun.

The bird tumbled about twenty yards from me in the tall grass. Never taking my eyes off the spot where the bird went down, I got up and walked directly to the downed dove. I did not want to take a chance of losing the bird in the tall grass.

The dove was right where I had marked it. So, patting myself on the back, I picked the bird up, put it in my game bag and began walking back

Steve Bridges and Dr. Tom Cody Graves measure the rattlesnake. to my seat. I stopped ten feet short of my chair as something didn’t look right in the grass.

My eyes bulged as I looked down to see the biggest rattlesnake I had ever laid eyes on directly in my path. I said !@#$%^&* and jumped what seemed 10 feet in the air. As I landed, I pulled the trigger on the lower barrel of my 20 gauge.

Having already shot the top barrel, I only had the bottom barrel of my 20 gauge left loaded. Lucky for me, my aim was true. The head of the big rattler exploded before my eyes.

It all happened so fast, I didn’t even have time to get too scared until after I had already dispatched the snake.

It took me a few moments to calm down and take in the size of the big reptile. The snake was in big “S” curls that seemed to intertwine and go on and on. In the middle, he was as big around as my forearm. His head would have been as big as a snuff can if it had still been there.

Then, I remembered my path to retrieve that last dove. My path went right over where to snake had been.

I walked directly out and back, only taking maybe 30 seconds for the round trip. The snake never rattled a warning.

How did I not step on the snake on the way out? Only God knows. I just hope God put his hands over his ears when I yelled !@#$%^&* in surprise at the snake.

HOW BIG WAS IT? For the record, the snake was 57 inches long and was over nine inches around in the middle.

NOTE: Tall, leather hunting boots provide much better protection against snakes and cactus than tennis shoes. Tall snake-proof boots are even better. Better safe than bitten!

Prime time for doves is also prime time for snakes. After sunrise, they will most often be found in the shade of rocks or near the base of vegetation. Look before reaching under bushes or between rocks for downed birds.

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24 - 2016 Mills County Hunting Guide

Improve Your Dove Shooting this Season Texas Parks & Wildlife LESS IS MORE The best way to improve your dove shooting is to stuff only one round into your pet smoothbore rather than filling it to the gills.

With no supporting fire and no chance for a double, you will find that making the first one count is not as tough as it might have seemed before. If you hear a shooter bang three times whenever birds come by, you can bet that the total of downed doves versus spent shells is an ever-widening inverse proportion.

No matter how many targets are in the air, make yourself lock onto one and stay there. When it gets within range, bring the gun up naturally and concentrate on the basics such as lead, swing and follow-through. When you begin to score regularly, add ammo and try for some multiple successes.

LIGHTEN UP: As a kid, I used to approach a dove hunt like a soldier preparing for battle. I would insist on cramming my dove vest with three or four boxes of shells. I always kept my autoloader full of ammunition better suited for decoying ducks back in the good old lead-shot days. Shooting 3 3/4 dram, 1 1/4-ounce loads of No. 6 shot through a full choke recoiloperated smoothbore would cause Godzilla to develop a flinch, which I did. I also developed a shoulder that began to look like modern art in a couple of days.

Doves are not hard to kill, and adequate pattern density delivered by small shot such as No. 7 1/2s or 8s will pluck them cleanly from the sky without pummeling your shoulder in the process.

OPEN UP: If pattern density is adequate at the shooting distances involved, you will be successful. A big wad of pellets inside a 30-inch circle may be sweetbreads and circuses to the turkey hunting crowd, but in a field where gray darters are the quarry, I want the biggest spread I can get, provided the pattern has no holes.

Tight chokes and early-season doves go together like hogs and church socials.

There is only one realistic way to check this out for yourself, and that is to pattern your gun. The advent of screw-in choke tubes has been a definite boon to shooters, and since you very likely have these types of chokes, let

me suggest something: Select the one that is more open than what you commonly use and pattern the thing at the outside edge of what you consider legitimate shooting range. For opening day, I will bet that you can get by just fine with improved cylinder or quite possibly a skeet choke.

TERRAIN: Assuming that you know where you are going to hunt when the shooting starts, you can do yourself a major favor well before it’s time to load up. Spend some time watching the field, waterhole or whatever that will receive your serious attention later.

In most cases you will find that doves have definite travel routes that they follow. Terrain features like power transmission lines and trees with bare limbs draw birds every time. Roosting and watering areas also orient flight paths into and out of the field.

Even when you see a field for the first time, take a moment to really look it over rather than simply walking out and looking for a vacant shooting spot. Will you be looking into the sun? Will most birds come from in front, across or from behind you? Those that come unannounced from the back are guaranteed to run up your ammo bill. They also make for some lessthan-graceful shooting positions.

If there are few telltale indications of where the birds might prefer to travel or to sit prior to entering the field, at least try to stick to higher ground when possible.

PRACTICE: Last summer a couple of friends and I agreed to get together for a round of sporting clays prior to opening day. We had a ball going through the course, and no doubt this type of thing is beneficial, since any shooting is better than no shooting.

Just remember to carry the same shotgun with the same type of ammunition you’ll be using for doves.

For those who prefer do-it-yourself practice (as I do), figure out a way to safely shoot incoming, outgoing and crossing targets. Doves hardly ever jump off the ground in front of you at a known distance once the shotguns begin to bellow.

Also, forget about calling “Pull” and having a target delivered immediately. Announce that you are ready, then let a sneaky friend handle the rest for you.

Mills County Hunting Guide - 25 Page 40 - 2012 Mills County Hunting2016 Guide

Yes, You Do Need Real Firearm Training

By Bob Rich Delta Red Training Group, LLC You may have been shooting all your life so why should you take a defensive firearms training class?

• My dad taught me to shoot, or • My husband taught me to shoot, or • I shot cans with my dad when I was young, or • My friend took me to the range and showed me some things about shooting.

As instructors, we hear these comments regularly when the subject of defensive firearms training, or any formal firearms training, comes up.

In life, there are three categories of knowledge: 1. There are the things we know.

2. There are the things we know we don’t know.

3. There are the things we don’t know that we don’t know.

The largest category of knowledge is made up of the last classification and sadly, it often applies to the use of firearms. Unfortunately, many individuals who have handled and shot firearms all their life, and many who carry a firearm for selfdefense, are lacking in the training necessary to use the firearm properly, safely, and effectively. For example, they may not know how to return their firearm to an operational status should it stop functioning at a critical time.

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These skills will enhance your ability to use a firearm for self-defense and enjoyment. All of the training at Delta Red is conducted while observing the four universally accepted firearms safety rules.

The title of this article is “Defensive Firearms Training: Who Needs It?” The answer is that anyone who owns a firearm. Every firearms owner should acquire these skills through proper and professional training. Delta Red Training Group, LLC provides this type of training.

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26 - 2016 Mills County Hunting Guide

Local Game Warden Vance Flowers Offers Tips officer: - the nature of the violation - the location of the violation - the name and/or description of the violator - a description of any vehicle or boat involved in the violation - any other important information which will assist in apprehending the violator If you wish to remain anonymous, a code number will be assigned to you. You do not have to give your name if you do not want to. The more information you can provide at the earliest opportunity will increase the probability of arrest and conviction.

Vance Flowers, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Game Warden for Mills County 325-203-1525.

Call Before Spotlighting Hunters doing night surveys or varmint shooting should contact the local sheriff’s department at 325-6482245 to notify the dispatcher of his or her intent. The call will be recorded in a log, which helps reduce misunderstandings about why people may be spotlighting at night, he said.

Operation Game Thief Help stop the illegal hunting and fishing in Texas. If you have information which will assist game wardens in apprehending persons who are violating the hunting and fishing regulations of this state, Operation Game Thief needs your help!

Call immediately! Dial toll-free, 1-800-792-GAME (4263), any time, day or night and provide the following information to the Texas Parks and Wildlife police communications

Landowner Relations Count Landowners who have deer leases are encouraged to post a copy of the lease documents at their camps or give a copy to the hunters using the land so the documents can be accessed quickly.

Lessors should make an effort to talk with neighbors in case a wounded deer jumps the fence. Always gain permission to follow a deer into a neighboring place BEFORE you follow it.

Lessors and landowners should also work with neighbors on hunting stand location, especially when placing a stand near a perimeter fence.

NOTE: If your bullet crosses the fence, it is a criminal offense.

Hunter Safety Certification Options In addition to a hunting license, anyone born after Sept. 1, 1971, must successfully complete a hunter education training course or purchase a one-time deferral good for one license year in order to hunt legally in Texas. The certification is valid for life and is honored in all other states and provinces.

Hunters who need hunter education certification now have expanded contemporary options including a streamlined, one-day basic course and an option for anyone 17 years of age or older to take the hunting safety training completely online.

A combination online home study and 4 to 5 hour skills field day course is also offered. More information on hunter education certification is available online at www.tpwd.state. tx.us/outdoor-learning/hunter-education .

Local Game Donation Program Hunters who take a deer and decide they do not want to keep the meat can donate the animal to the local Ministerial Association, which has a program to get the meat processed and to needy families locally.

Hunters who wish to donate an animal are asked to field dress it before taking it to the Mills County Meat Co. or to contact the Game Warden to pick it up.

13 Inch Rule in Fourth Year This marks the fourth year of the 13-inch antler restriction and each year has shown a decrease in the number of illegal bucks harvested. I think this has also improved the overall condition of the deer herds. Along with this antler restriction, please keep in mind that the doe population needs to be managed as well.

Tags & Hunter Ed Hunters may only hunt with their own tags. Hunters should keep their hunter education cards with them or have that status indicated on their licenses.

Dove Rules During dove season, hunters may

NOT hunt from any vehicle (trucks, cars, UTVs, ATVs, etc.)

Hunting over placed bait (grain, rock salt, etc.) is NOT permitted.

The dove aggregate limit is 15 and the total possession limit is 45 for the 2016 season. Ring neck or Eurasian doves are not considered as part of that daily limit and in fact are not controlled by us since they are an exotic species of dove. There is no limit or a closed season on those.

Turkeys Still on the Rise Here A personal observation I have made is that in the spring of 2015 and 2016, there was a considerable increase in the local turkey population with much larger than average numbers seen and harvested.

New This Year: Hunting Effective September 1, 2016 Longest dove seasons in all zones in over 80 years, an increase from 70 days to 90 days.

Season dates in North and South Duck Zones and West Goose Zones changed.

Potential additional areas added for mandatory Chronic Wasting Disease testing of hunter killed whitetailed deer and mule deer. For details see the CWD informational page.

“Special Late Antlerless and Spikebuck Season” replaced with a “Special Late Season” for antlerless deer and “unbranched antlered bucks.”

Youth may harvest antlerless deer without a permit on U.S. Forest Service Lands during youth-only seasons.

White-tailed deer general and special archery-only seasons in 14 additional Panhandle counties.

Continued Next Page

Game Warden tips, continued Additional “doe days” in 26 East Texas counties.

Muzzleloader-only late season in 32 additional counties.

Effective September 1, 2016 Eastern turkey season is closed in 11 counties and on national forest lands in Jasper County.

Eastern turkeys now reported electronically.

Mandatory harvest reporting will no longer be required in Wharton and Matagorda Counties during the 30-day spring turkey season, which opens there April 1.

Youth-only late turkey season is expanded by 12 days in counties having a fall Rio Grande turkey season, to run 14 days concurrently with late youth-only white-tailed deer season.

Most Common Hunting Violations The most common hunting viola-

tion in Mills County is improper tagging or failure to update the hunter’s log. Keep that in mind. Failing to have Hunters Education Certification is also another common violation.

Another common hunting violation is shooting from a public road or road shoulder. It is not legal even if you are shooting into your own place.

Thank You Mills County Thanks to the landowners and lease hunters I have dealt with over the last four years. I hope to continue that positive relationship with the community in the future. Happy hunting.

Flowers took over as the Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden for Mills County in 2009. Originally from the San Angelo area, Flowers grew up traveling between San Angelo and Early, where he had family, and as such, was already very familiar with Mills County before moving here.

Local Ranch Hosts Many Youth Hunters Goldthwaite High School senior and standout football player Zac Gaspar took this 13 inch, eight point buck while hunting on Saturday evening of the Special Youth Deer Weekend at the Casa Dilapidato Ranch just southeast of Goldthwaite in Mills County.

Zac was guided by local hunter and taxidermist Mickey Donahoo. Zac is the 5th youth weekend hunter to kill a first deer (buck) at the Casa Diliapidato Ranch since the Special Youth Weekend Hunt was established in Texas.

2016 Mills County Hunting Guide - 27

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2016 Mills County Hunting Guide - 29

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32 - 2016 Mills County Hunting Guide

‘Must Have’ Mills County Outdoor Gear

All These Items and More Available at Mills County General Store

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STRYKA S7 Series Riflescopes feature STRYKA’s proprietary SXL-MAX multi-coating for increased light transmission throughout the entire optical system and across the entire visible spectrum. SLX-MAX also enhances contract and resolution for sharper, more detailed images with natural color. STRYKA S7 riflescopes are constructed of one-piece, 30mm aircraft-grade aluminum for long-lasting durability.

Ideal for those who prefer lower magnification with a 6x zoom ratio and the ability to adjust for parallax (illuminated reticle version available).

Provides more magnification than a standard 3-9x and the ability to adjust for parallax (illumianted reticle version available).

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2016 Mills County Hunting Guide - 33

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34 - 2016 Mills County Hunting Guide

Matt Tumminia of Cedar Park bagged this big nine point buck on opening weekend of rifle season on his family’s ranch owned by his parents Don and Pam Tumminia about ten miles north of GoldthJerry Smith of Georgetown killed this big buck on waite just off Highway 16. Matt shot the buck at the Sleepy Hollow Ranch west of Goldthwaite on around 200 yards with his .30-06 rifle one Sunday opening day with his 7mm Magnum rifle. just after sunrise last season.

Steve Zorn, with his first archery kill, taken the last evening of last year’s Mills County bow season. His big eight point measured 136 B&C inches. Zorn is an 82nd Airborne veteran and was hunting on the Hamm ranch a few miles south of Goldthwaite in Mills County.

Lane Gray bagged this wide nine point buck in Mills County southeast of Goldthwaite on opening Saturday of youth weekend last season. Lane is the son of Chad Gray (his guide on this hunt) and Kim Hall.

This is Lane’s first deer, and a really good one too.

The buck scored 125-7/8 with 17-7/8 inch inside spread. Lane took the buck with a Ruger .204.

Kim Cantrell poses with her step-daughter Kylee and husband Todd at the Mills County General Store. Kim bagged this big 10 point buck just east of Goldthwaite in Mills County at 7:15 in the rain on opening day with her .220 Swift at about 80 yards.

2016 Mills County Hunting Guide - 35

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Malachi Thomas bagged this huge eight point buck in Mills County last season.

Malachi is a third grade student this year at Goldthwaite Elementary School.

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36 - 2015 Mills County Hunting Guide

Gun Safety Rules for Everyone at Deer Camp You love to hunt and your kids are starting to get to the age where they would like to try hunting. You appreciate their interest and have enrolled them in the appropriate education course to obtain a license. You also plan to teach them the ropes yourself, starting first with gun safety.

To ensure you don't forget anything, familiarize yourself with these dos and don'ts of gun safety.

DO...

• Treat every gun as though it were loaded.

• Read the owner's manual for your gun and learn how to operate it properly.

• Use the correct ammunition for your gun.

• Carry your gun with the muzzle pointing toward the ground.

• Keep your finger off the trigger until shooting.

• Look at the target and the area beyond it before pulling the trigger.

• Keep your gun unloaded when not in use.

• Store ammunition away from your gun and out of the reach of young children.

• Clean your gun and keep it free of obstructions.

• Make sure your gun is unloaded before cleaning it.

DON'T...

• Point your gun at anyone.

• Modify your gun.

• Run with your gun.

• Climb with your gun.

• Jump with your gun.

• Shoot at a hard, flat surface. The bullet will ricochet.

• Shoot at water. The bullet will deflect and travel a few inches above the water.

• Go hunting when you are overly tired.

• Drink alcohol when hunting.

• Do drugs when hunting.

After you have familiarized yourself with these rules, find a time to discuss them with your kids. Stress to them the importance of following the rules of gun safety and the consequences of ignoring them. Point out, for example, how many people are killed each year in accidents involving guns that were

stored loaded. Rent a video or take your kids to a demonstration on gun safety.

Kids learn best by example, so make sure you follow the rules of gun safety.

More importantly, make sure you enforce the rules. Should a situation arise in which your kids forget or abandon a safety rule, take the steps necessary to correct the situation immediately. It could mean the difference between life and death.

Do your kids a favor. Teach them the rules of gun safety, enforce the rules when necessary and help your kids mature into safe, responsible hunters.

Also, go over these gun safety rules with anyone at your hunting camp that you do not know. It NEVER hurts to review gun safety rules.

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Mills County Medical Clinic is located at 1510 Hannah Valley Road across from the Goldthwaite High School. In addition to the renovated building, the clinic has digital x-ray equipment that allows for higher quality scans and quicker results.

Since 1994, Mills County Medical Clinic has been a cornerstone of the community’s healthcare and our commitment continues. Providers at the clinic see patients of all ages and can handle a variety of healthcare needs including women’s health. Digital x-rays and basic lab tests are performed at the clinic with full spectrum lab services and medical specialties available at CMHS in Gatesville.

All insurances are accepted. MCMC is an in-network provider for Medicare, Medicaid, TriCare, Scott & White Health Plan, Blue Cross Blue Shield, FirstCare, United Healthcare, Aetna, USA Managed Care, Cigna and several others.

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am -12:00 pm & 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins are also welcome.

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38 - 2016 Mills County Hunting Guide

Five Simple Steps to Beating Buck Fever

By Steven Bridges I think it's safe to say that most of us have had to deal with Buck Fever at one time or another. But as most of us know, it's how you deal with buck fever that will decide whether or not you go home with a deer or not.

Buck Fever is the condition that comes over a Hunter when they have an opportunity to take a deer. The deer may be right beneath their tree stand or 100 yards away. For many hunters, the sight of any legal deer puts them into uncontrollable jerky convulsions.

Hitting a deer at any range under these conditions is pure luck.

1. Get out and see deer. For people who never see a deer except during deer season, the sight of a legal deer within range can send them over the edge. Get out and watch deer. Go to a game farm if you must, but get out and see deer. Not only will it help with Buck Fever, but you might also become fa-

miliar with the body characteristics of Bucks and Does.

2. Control your breathing and thoughts. When you see a legal deer, focus on controlling your breathing.

Nice deep breaths and slow exhales.

Whatever you do, don't hold your breath! Also, don't freak out and start thinking "Oh my God, there's a deer, I better shoot quick before he/she is gone". Concentrate on making the shot.

Focus on a spot. Count backwards if you have to in order to get your mind off the deer. Anything that will help you focus on making the shot.

3. Visualize yourself making a successful shot. I often sit in my stand and visualize myself making a successful shot on a deer. Even when I'm not in the stand, I'm thinking about making a good shot on a deer. See yourself remaining calm, cool and collected. Visualize yourself easing your weapon up and getting a good sight picture and

focusing on a small area. Visualization can be very important in controlling Buck Fever.

4. Practice, Practice and then Practice more. It was three years of bowhunting before I took my first deer with archery equipment. The previous two years I had many opportunities, but failed for many reasons. On year three, the second weekend of the season I had three does come through the brush near my stand. I'd spent all Summer practicing with my bow. I automatically drew, aimed and shot just like I’d practiced. Practice with your weapon until you know it intimately. Practice builds confidence. Confidence in knowing you can hit what you're aiming at goes a long ways in settling your nerves.

5. Hunt small game. For many Hunters, deer hunting may be the only time when they have an opportunity to shoot anything. Buy a .22 rifle if you don't have one or take your bow and get out in the

woods and hunt small game. Squirrels, rabbits or even varmints. It doesn't matter. The same dynamics that go into putting a deer on the ground are the same that goes into putting small game on the ground. Sight picture, control your breathing, steady aim, squeeze the trigger. When you can consistently take Squirrels at 40 and 50 yards with a .22, you'll be ahead in your deer hunting game. And who knows, you might find that deer hunting hotspot you've been looking for.

I've learned to control my Buck Fever until after the shot. That's when the shakes will hit me hard. My right leg gets short circuited and starts thumping like it has a mind all its own. There's no shame in getting Buck Fever. But you need to work at controlling it until after the shot. Then you can shake so hard that you knock all the leaves off the surrounding trees!

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40 - 2016 Mills County Hunting Guide

Mills County State Bank CEO is Avid Hunter For Robb Hemsath, coming to Goldthwaite to take over as CEO of Mills County State Bank has been like going home again.

“Coming here is going back to my roots,” Hemsath said. “I grew up in a small town, and I'm a small town guy.

I love community banking, being a part of the community, and especially being outdoors.”

Hemsath was born in Carson City, Nevada, and grew up in nearby Gardnerville. He graduated from Douglas High School in 1982. Coming to Goldthwaite has been very exciting because Goldthwaite reminds him of his hometown.

“I was sitting in a community where the air quality was poor, high crime rate, you did not get to know your neighbors, and just not the kind of environment that I wanted to spend the rest of my career in,” Hemsath said.

Hemsath said everything about MCSB and the Mills County community fit his lifestyle perfectly.

“I was looking for a community bank in a small community that is very healthy and a part of the community, and MCSB fits the bill perfectly,” Hemsath said. “We chose to come here for all of those reasons, including the big blue skies, small community atmosphere, great people, strong values, in a beautiful setting. This place fits my personality, from hunting and fishing to the outdoors. Everything just fits me really well. This is where I wanted to be.”

Guns & Outdoors Though Hemsath did not serve in the military, Robb’s grandfather and Monica’s great-grandafthers and father served. The couple has a son in the Army, a son in the Air Force, a daughter-in-law in the Army, a nephew in the Marines, and two other

Mills County State Bank CEO Robb Hemsath with his first Mills County Blackbuck taken on the RRR Ranch. nephews in the Navy.

If you see a truck on the streets of Goldthwaite sporting an array of military branch bumper stickers, odds are it’s the Hemsaths’.

“I have more than just a family connection to the military,” Hemsath said. “I cherish our freedom, and that comes at a price. Those men and women past, present and future who serve and allow us to do what we do on a daily basis need to be honored all the time. I very much appreciate the sacrifice that they make, and I try to honor that every day by enjoying that freedom, protecting that freedom, and honoring those that have served whenever I can.”

Hemsath is an unabashed firearms fan.

“I have a wide range of various weapons that I like to shoot,” Hemsath said, including bolt action hunt-

Monica Hemsath poses with her first whitetail buck taken on the RRR Ranch.

ing rifles, ARs, and the 1911 pistol.

His son in the Army taught him an appreciation for the AR platform.

“I was never really into the AR platform, but I’ve really taken a liking to it,” Hemsath said. “I like to build them and change them up. I have more parts than I have guns.”

Hemsath said he hasn’t done as much hunting in recent years as he’d like, but part of coming to Mills County is to rectify that situation.

“I’ve been out hunting here three times, and [my wife] Monica got her first animal; that was in your paper a while ago,” Hemsath said. “I got my black buck here this year at the RRR Ranch, and I’m looking forward to a couple more hunts here soon. I love to be out. Hunting to me is not just about hunting, but it’s about the camaraderie of the people you’re with, and being able to be out in nature.”

Hemsath said he enjoys great peace while out in God’s creation.

“When I’m standing in the middle of a river fishing or on my float tube in the middle of the lake when I’m fly fishing, it is very peaceful,” Hemsath said. “That’s where I can have some of my own personal time, devotion, and recharge my spirit.”

This is a lifelong thread Hemsath has followed, having spent much of his childhood out in the wilderness with his friends.

“I want to get back to that. I want to be able to spend time with my grandkids and help them have an appreciation for creation and what’s out there,” Hemsath said.

Mills County State Bank Mills County State Bank has five convenient locations including: Goldthwaite, Brownwood, Early, Hamilton and Hico.

”. t u e n -

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42 - 2016 Mills County Hunting Guide

Key Plants for Mills County Deer Health

By Tom Guthrie Mills County Ag. Extension Agent Grasses, forbs, and browse plants are all included in a deer’s diet at different levels. Deer are not big grass consumers except when grasses are young and tender. Studies have indicated that deer seem to prefer forbs whenever they are available, and as they become unavailable, deer shift their diets more to browse. Browse plants are usually key indicator plants because of their availability during drought and other stress periods.

Rangeland in Mills County has a long history of domestic livestock production. Most of the really preferred food plants have long since been depleted in quantity in some pastures. The importance of a plant is not only related to its preference by a deer but also to its abundance and availability.

Forbs are seasoned plants whose abundance is based on rainfall patterns. This is more true for annual forbs than perennial forbs. However, the key plants for deer management are the deep rooted, drought resistant browse plants. They are staple foods in a deer’s diet. Deer browse plants can be divided into summer browse and winter browse. Winter browse plants are evergreen and summer browse plants are deciduous (plants that loose their leaves in the fall). Live oak is a good indicator of winter grazing. Nutritionally, it is a poor deer food but it is important because of its abundance and that it is an evergreen. Summer browse plants are usually deciduous trees.

The real key to a deer’s plant preference is its digestive process. A deer does not readily digest plants high in lignin fiber as well as domestic animals do. Most plants in the young, tender growing stage are low in lignin fiber and as the

ally not be in a good state of health.

Poor browse plants are only eaten in extreme conditions such as overpopulation. Losses may occur due to malnutrition if deer are forced to eat these species. When evaluating your browse plants, don’t just evaluate what plants are present, but also how much growth is within the reach of a deer. This indicates a browse line.

The browse line indicates a level where a deer or another animal such as a goat has eaten the growth to where it is out of reach. If there is little growth in reach then it would indicate excessive grazing.

Key Mills County Deer Browse Plants

Mills County photographer Steven Bridges caught this buck munching on forbes near the edge of a brush thicket this summer. Because of adequate Spring rains, 2016 should be a good antler year for Mills County. plant matures it contains a greater percentage of fiber. Therefore, deer usually seek out plants low in lignin fiber. Most ruminant animals require at least a 12% protein diet for adequate growth. A 16-20% protein diet is better. Because of their less efficient digestive process as compared to domestic livestock, deer have to be more selective in their choice of foods. High protein foods are usually chosen over lower ones.

Preferred plants are those that

generally receive moderate to heavy grazing. An abundance of young plants in the preferred category indicates a low population of browsing animals. Moderately preferred species are plants that are readily eaten by deer by are not as desirable as the preferred. Low moderate species are not preferred but will be moderately grazed as overpopulation begins to deplete the more desirable species. If deer are grazing this category heavily they will usu-

Spanish Oak Elm Honeysuckle Kidneywood Greenbriar Flameleaf Sumac Skunkbush Sumac Shin Oak Redbud Mulberry Evergreen Sumac Live Oak Blackjack Oak Prickleyash Whitebrush Soapberry R. Acacia Cedar Lotebush Permission Algerita Prickly Pear Mountain Laurel

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44 - 2016 Mills County Hunting Guide

As a Matter of Fact, I Do Hunt Like a Girl Ginger Spies harvested a trophy Mills County “Did you get a doe?” Ginger said her husband buck despite the fact she had decided she really asked. didn’t want to hunt that day.

“No, I got a buck, and I think he’s pretty nice,” Ginger, who co-owns the Mills County GenGinger replied. She said when Rodney saw the eral Store with her husband Rodney, said bebuck, he exclaimed, tween running the store through the hunting “Oh my God! You don’t know what you got!” and holiday seasons, her family gets very busy They loaded Ginger’s buck and drove back and doesn’t spend much time out in the woods into town. Over the next couple of days, she hunting. Just after Christmas, however, Ginger said, several people came and asked her about relented and let Rodney get her a hunting lithe deer. They wanted to see pictures, asked cense. how much he weighed, what his spread was, She was in the deer stand with the couple’s what the score was, and asked her to tell the son, T.J., well before daybreak. They didn’t see story of how she got him. too much and by 8 a.m. or so, both she and T.J. All the questions and requests for pictures were more concerned with their cell phones reminded her of something, she said, but she than the deer. Just then, they noticed a huge, just couldn’t put her finger on it. She had nevgray buck. er hunted before, so that couldn’t be it, she “He just seemed curious,” Ginger said of the thought. Then it dawned on her, she said. buck, adding he didn’t seem interested in the “It was just like when I brought T.J. home from feed or does, but just looked around. He watched the hospital,” Ginger laughed. the deer stand carefully, she said, which meant Knowing this was a once in a lifetime trophy, they didn’t want to move to grab their guns and she asked Leon Sutherland to take a picture of take a shot. After awhile, the big buck wandered her with her buck. Many have commented “Oh, off.

I’m sure you had your hair and makeup fixed when you shot that buck.”

“That was a lesson learned,” Ginger said, add Ginger says that actually she was just the ing they went back several more times hoping Ginger’s “Girly” buck is now mounted and dissame but with a watch cap. to see the buck she’d come to call “the old gray played proudly along with other locally har- “I love that T-shirt that says ‘As a matter of fact guy.”

They didn’t see him again, she said, but on the vested trophies at Mills County General Store in I do hunt like a girl,’” Ginger said. last day of hunting season, she and T.J. were out downtown Goldthwaite.

While she enjoys cooking and eating venison, in the stand in the evening. They saw some does and is now quite curious about what attracts and little bucks, and then just before 6 p.m., they deer — like the old gray guy — Ginger said she saw a really nice buck come out toward the blind. It wasn’t Ginger’s old has “retired” from hunting. She’ll probably still go out with her son, but as gray guy, but he was still a nice trophy buck. far as taking another big buck, her first was a once-in-a-lifetime trophy, and Ginger said she asked T.J. if he had the buck in his sights, and T.J., using she’s quite content with that. a .223, said he did. He prepared to take his shot, pulled the trigger, and .... She went on to say, however, that she has been invited by the Texas Wild“click.” life Association to a recognition dinner in Abilene in mid-September, due “His gun wasn’t loaded,” Ginger said. By the time he could have loaded to how well her buck scored. The buck, which was scored by Warren Blesh, his gun and took a shot, the deer would likely have heard them and took was an 11-point and scored a 144 7/8 on the Boone and Crockett scale.

Ginger noted the friend that loaned her the gun she used to take her off, so Ginger decided she would take one shot at him.

“He was about 75 yards off and turned broadside,” Ginger said. “My hands buck had asked her beforehand how long she’s been hunting. were shaking, and I looked at him, and for a second, I thought ‘Do I really “About a week,” she replied. want to kill this magnificent animal?’” She quickly decided he would make “You’ve got no right to think you’re going to kill a buck this season,” the a great trophy for the store, she said, and took her shot, using a .308 she’d friend had told her. When asked about his reaction to her buck, Ginger borrowed from a friend. laughed and said the friend said simply, “nice deer.”

The buck hit his knees, then jumped up and took off over a fence. Ginger “He did tell me that the key to hunting is patience and persistence, and and T.J. then set after him on foot, finding him about 30 yards off in the that was absolutely true,” she said. direction he’d taken after being shot.

See the”Girly” Buck on display at Mills County General in downtown Gold Ginger said she excitedly went for her cell phone to call Rodney, but he’d thwaite. The store is open 7-6 Monday - Saturday and 12-4 on Sundays during heard the shot and was already on his way. the fall.

2016 Mills County Hunting Guide - 45

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46 - 2016 Mills County Hunting Guide

Goldthwaite Eagle Deer Photos Score that Big Buck!

LEFT: Any hunter can bring a buck in to be scored for a nominal charge at Mills County General Store. Scoring is free for hunters entered in THE BIG ONE Buck Contest.

Pass it On! RIGHT: Lanton Avants purchased his son Caleb his first deer rifle last season at Mills County General Store. Caleb promised to send in another photo when he bags his first deer with his new rifle. Good luck Caleb!

Cameron Koen shot this nice ten point buck Sunday, December 19 on the Koen Family Ranch in northeast Mills County near the community of Caradan. Eleven year-old Cameron shot the buck with his .243 rifle and was guided by his uncle Kyle.

Whitney Edington killed this nice 10 point buck at her grandparent’s house in Llano County on Thanksgiving Day. The buck was 5 1/2 years old. She is the granddaughter of Chuck and Sally Dalchau of Llano and Sharon Edington of Goldthwaite.

Mills County hunter David West shot this 10 point buck on October 19 in Brown County at 17 yards with his Hoyt Carbon Spyder 34, NAP KillZone Max 100, and Easton arrows. The buck only traveled 80 yards before expiring.

Kylee Cantrell, 15, of Pflugerville, Texas, bagged this nice 10-point whitetail buck the first morning of the Youth-Only Deer Season. The five year old buck was shot at 75 yards with her .220 Swift at 7:30 A.M. on Saturday, October 31, 2015, at the Cantrell Family Ranch near Goldthwaite.

Hatle Hohertz kills his first deer and it's a nine point buck.

2016 Mills County Hunting Guide - 47

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48 - 2016 Mills County Hunting Guide

The Story of “Big Buck”

By Judy Wigley They say opposites attract. To me that is an understatement. My husband and I are personally as different as night and day. I make quick decisions and he has to let them simmer for a week or more. I am a night person, and you guessed it, he is a morning person. I always thought someone who woke up ready to face the day at 5:00 a.m. or earlier, had to be crazy. Over the years he has not changed me, nor have I changed him.

Let me say, I was a town girl. I was raised living in town and had never been hunting. Not just deer hunting but hunting in general. As a young bride, I was eager to please my new husband. If he wanted me to go with him to deer hunt, I gladly jumped out of bed and went with him, whatever time it was. On some mornings it was cold and wet. I learned quick to take a rain coat and to wear warm clothes with gloves. There was no going back to the pickup for more of anything.

I also learned fast there are no bathrooms in the woods. Privacy is behind a big tree or shrubs if you can find them. He preferred that I waited until I got home. If I was in a tree stand, well forget about climbing down and then having to climb back up. I discovered after the first day of hunting he was not as nice as I had thought. He told me I had to- be- quiet- and- sit- still.

Oh yes, that is another difference. I talk rather loudly and a lot and he is quiet and only speaks when necessary.

Over the years, we had two children and I was employed full time so it was hard to find the time to continue hunting. When our son was about 4 years old, I decided to give it another try. My husband, Jimmy, took me out for target practice, and I have to say I did pretty good. The scope took some getting used to but he thought I was ready. Now this is the good part.

About 4 p.m. one afternoon he took me to a deer stand. The stand was in a tree but with his help I got into posi-

hung on display in our home for 45 years. Dust and all. We have moved five times and have taken “big buck” with us each time.

Mills County Historical Museum has a Natural History area.

Flora and Fauna shown here. Everything from cotton and pecans to fossils and rattlesnakes. Larger displays are an Alaskan Bison with cape and a shoulder mount of a small white tail deer. We also have that same white tail deer back end mount, in other words his white flag is flying. Many interesting items including a big bass caught at Lake Merritt, a large rattlesnake also from the Lake Merritt area is located in its own case. A bear head and cape, mounted fox, armadillo, and ring tail. Many other animals that you will have to came to see for yourself. A large picture and story about the last jaguar killed in Mills County. (We have tried to get the pelt from the Smithsonian but they have told us it is not in any condition to be moved. They do have it in Judy and Jimmy Wigley with “Big Buck.” This big 15–point buck was taken with a .270 storage.) A Civil War bayonet and a rifle west of Goldthwaite in 1965. He grossed over 143 Boone and Crockett points. The cap and ball pistol carried through shoulder mount has hung in the Wigley home for over 45 years. out the Civil War are displayed in a wall case. Also in the case is a Black Powder Loader. If you like the outtion. He and our son drove over the had not moved one inch. So I picked doors, we think you will enjoy your hill, and the idea was to run some- the gun back up and fired again. The stay. We also have a 1906 Cadillac that thing back in my direction. I sat and deer fell without moving a muscle. might also interest you guys. It is resat and looked and looked ... nothing. About that time my family drove up ally a beautiful automobile. We would After what seemed to be about two and my husband jumped out of the love to have you come for a visit. days of waiting I finally heard them pickup to see about me since he had We do not charge a fee to visit the coming back over the hill. About that heard two shots and now he could museum but we do still have bills to same time I saw a small buck coming see blood on my face. I was so ex- pay. Please mail or bring to the mumy direction. You know what hap- cited I had forgotten about the blood seum any contribution you would pened? My hands were shaking, I was and wanted him to see my deer. He like to make, large or small. All sweating, and I forgot everything he was excited for me and thank heav- donations are greatly appreciated. had told me. By this time the buck ens he cleaned the deer and packed was under my stand. I put the scope it back to the house where we hung Mills County Museum Hours: up to my eye and aimed my .270. Ev- it from a tree for all to come and see.

Monday, Tuesday and erything looked good, so I shot. I then Guess what? They wanted to know Wednesday felt something hot running down my about my eye. Can you believe it?

10:00AM – 2:00PM nose. I laid the gun down and felt of Jimmy killed a very impressive Thursday, Friday and Saturday my eye brow. Yep, blood. I then no- 15 point Mills County buck in 1965.

10:00AM – 4:00PM ticed the deer was still standing and Yep, you guessed right again. It has

2016 Mills County Hunting Guide - 49

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50 - 2016 Mills County Hunting Guide PRONGHORN ANTELOPE (by permit only)

‘13 Inch’ Rule

For all pronghorn harvested in Texas, a permit must be properly and completely filled out and attached anywhere on the pronghorn. Pronghorn permits are issued to the landowner or landowner’s agent in most areas where there is an open season for pronghorn (the Trans-Pecos, Permian Basin and Panhandle); however, the department is testing an experimental, BUCK ONLY season in selected areas of the 0ANHANDLE, beginning this year. On properties within the experimental areas, hunters must obtain a FREE Experimental Pronghorn Antelope permit directly from the department or a participating local merchant, not from the landowner.

Hunters must still obtain landowner consent to hunt (killing a pronghorn without LANDOWNER CONSENT Theisso-called "13-inch rule" means that (in counties where it applies) hunters can a FELONY, see pg. 24). Additionally, hunters must present the entire head (intact) of take only one buckatper countycheck with antlers 13Forinches any harvested pronghorn a designated station withinmeasuring 24 hours of take. more or more on the inside spread.

They can also takeseason one inbuck with at including least one unbranched antler per information on the experimental buck-only the Panhandle, maps of the areas, locations may be andtotal. locations of mandatory check stations, county.

The where statepermits bag limit is obtained, five deer call (800) 792-1112, or visit www.tpwd.state.tx.us/pronghorn.

HUNTING REGULATIONS

This gives more bucks an opportunity to mature into larger animals.

DESERT "We're tryingSHEEP to get a better age class on the herd," said Mills County Game WarBIGHORN den herd should hunters "a better opportunity DesertVance bighornFlowers. sheep may A be healthier hunted only by permit.

Permitsgive are issued to landowners or their agents in theto areas of West Texas where harvest a larger deer."bighorn sheep populations exist. A limited number of permits are also available the department’s hunting program at www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/public.

No person may through However, Flowerspublic acknowledged that it can be difficult to accurately determine possess a desert bighorn ram skull obtained after Sept. 1, 2003, unless the skull has been plugged by the antler spread, especially in low light conditions or from a distance. But when in department or the possessor possesses proof that the skull was legally obtained outside of Texas. Skulls doubt, letwild, it walk, they found in the provided thesay. possessor did not cause or participate in the death of the ram, the landowner property where theequals skull was better found signs an affidavit attesting to theFlowers date and place skull"the was only of the A healthier herd hunting in the future, said,the and found,we're and thegoing skull is plugged the department within hours of bucks) being found.

Individual horns and way to get by there is if we let (the48smaller walk." hornless skulls may be possessed without identification or documentation.

DEER (READ VERY CAREFULLY) • A “BUCK DEER” is a deer with a HARDENED ANTLER PROTRUDING THROUGH THE SKIN. A “SPIKE BUCK DEER” is a BUCK with no antler having more than one point. ALL OTHER DEER ARE ANTLERLESS DEER. A spike buck must be tagged with a buck deer tag from the hunter’s hunting license or applicable permit.

• 7HITE TAILED $EER – Except for deer taken under MLD permits, no person may take more than five white-tailed deer or more than three bucks (all seasons combined) in one license year. Bag limits in individual counties may be less (see County Listings).

• -ULE $EER – The annual bag limit is two mule deer with no more than one being a buck (all seasons combined). See County Listings for antlerless permit requirements.

• SPECIAL ANTLER RESTRICTIONS: - Antler restrictions apply only in certain counties (see County Listings, pgs. 80-103). In these counties, the bag limit is TWO LEGAL BUCKS BUT ONLY /.% may have an inside spread of 13 inches or greater. In these counties, a LEGAL BUCK DEER is defined as having: • a hardened antler protruding through the skin AND; • at least one unbranched antler; OR • an inside spread measurement between main beams of 13 inches or greater (does not apply to a buck that has an unbranched antler).

- IT IS UNLAWFUL TO TAKE MORE THAN ONE BUCK WITH AN INSIDE SPREAD OF 13 INCHES OR GREATER IN A COUNTY WHERE ANTLER RESTRICTIONS ARE IN EFFECT. - To determine if a buck has an inside spread measurement of at least 13 inches, look at the distance from ear-tip to ear-tip on a buck with ears in the alert position (see illustration, pg. 69).

The 13-inch or greater inside spread requirement does not apply to any buck that has an unbranched antler.

- Does not apply on Level 2 or 3 MLDP properties.

one inch from the edge of a main beam or another tine. The tip of the main beam is also a point.

Not a Point

By Steven Bridges The Ministerial Association and Mills County, Texas Game Warden Vance Flowers have a program where hunters can donate unwanted venison to the area’s needy families.

The Ministerial Association still needs the support of local hunters, churches, businesses and individuals to make the program a success.

Hunters willing to make a donation to have the deer processed are much appreciated. Hunters that simply want to drop off their field-dressed deer, however, are also welcome to participate.

In cases where the hunters do not pay for the processing, the Ministerial Association will cover the cost, which has been reduced for this project by the deer processing plant on Hwy 84 near the FM 2005 turnoff.

The Ministerial Association is also asking local families willing to take a whole, field-dressed deer they can process themselves to contact Pastor Stewart Farrell at 325-938-6018 so he can procure a list of persons that hunters can take the animals to directly.

The processed deer meat is collected by the Ministerial Association, and distributed — either directly to the families or individuals, or through the Goldthwaite Evangelism Center’s Food Pantry in Goldthwaite.

The Ministerial Association is appreciative of all the hunters who donate venison, and would like more hunters to donate venison this season.

We can help the habitat by harvesting the extra deer, and help feed our neighbors by donating protein rich venison.

Anyone who would like to help by donating meat, funds for processing, or even freezer storage space is asked to contact Pastor Farrell at 325-9386018 or Vance Flowers via the Sheriff’s Office, 325-648-2245.

Welcome Hunters!

• $El NITION OF A POINT A point is aAnnual projection that extends at least 68 Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor 2013-2014 REGULATIONS SUMMARY

Legal Point

Venison Donation Program Fills Pantries

Ears in alert position are approximately 13 inches apart and may be used to judge the inside spread.

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LEGAL

at least one unbranched antler

LEGAL

at least one unbranched antler

LEGAL

inside spread of 13 inches or greater

ILLEGAL

This buck meets none of the criteria

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2016 Mills County Hunting Guide - 51

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52 - 2016 Mills County Hunting Guide

Dove: Longer Season, Lots of Birds More validation that everything’s bigger and better in Texas, dove populations are soaring and the hunting season, which gets underway Sept. 1, is the longest in 80 years.

A new 90-day season this fall means hunters will have 20 more days of opportunity compared with previous years. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is integrating those additional days early in the season to take advantage of mourning dove migrating into the state, as well as at the end of the season in the Special White-winged Dove Area to offer more bird hunting opportunities.

“Hunters will now be able to take advantage of those northern birds riding early November cool fronts into Texas, without sacrificing days of opportunity early in the season,” said Dave Morrison, TPWD Small Game Program Director. “We’ve also tacked on extra days to the back end of the season in late January when South Texas prospects are still pretty solid. It’s a win-win for dove hunters.”

Roughly 10 percent of the nation’s 350 million mourning dove reside in Texas, along with about 9 million white-winged dove. Each fall, over 415,000 Texas dove hunters take to the field in pursuit of these acrobatic, fast-flying game birds. Based on field observations by TPWD wildlife biologists, prospects for the 2016-17 hunting season are good to excellent.

“During the start of breeding season (March) in Texas, habitat conditions for dove were good to fantastic, thanks to the carryover of precipitation from 2015,” said Shaun Oldenburger, TPWD Dove Program Leader. “Biologists witnessed good early production on both white-winged and mourning doves throughout the state until the May rains arrived. However, good production was witnessed Dove hunters can improve their game in June and July as more sporadic, and increase their odds of having a successisolated storm events continued ful outing by following these important tips across the state.” from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).

Based on early survey results at • Practice with a purpose: Get the gun out TPWD, mourning dove numbers well ahead of the hunt and take some “batmay be some of the highest in ting practice” swinging on birds. “Even pracmore than a decade in the Panticing leading a bird without shooting can handle with similar numbers as improve your accuracy,” according to TPWD 2015 in the rest of the state. Whitedove program leader Shaun Oldenburger.

“The average hunter takes five shots to bag winged doves continue to increase one dove; that’s three boxes of shotgun in numbers across the state, but shells to get your bag limit! Effective shootthe growth is gradually slowing. ing leads to better hunts and more birds in “Hunters should be prepared for the bag.” Shoot at least a couple boxes of good seed production across the shotshells at clay targets to get your timing, state, so there will be plenty food shooting stance, head, gun mounting and follow through in sync. available for mourning doves ex • Know your limitations: Pattern your shotcept in areas where flooding ocgun on paper targets with different chokes, curred,” said Oldenburger. “This loads and at various distances within 30 may make hunting a little more yards, where dove loads are most effective. difficult due to thick vegetation Not all guns, chokes and loads pattern the same. Practice estimating distances to spots cover, and hunters will need to spend a little more time finding

downed birds in areas due to this issue during opening day in some areas.”

Dove season in the North Zone runs Sept. 1 – Nov. 13 and Dec. 17 – Jan. 1, 2017; in the Central Zone from Sept. 1 – Nov. 6 and Dec. 17 – Jan. 8, 2017; and in the South Zone from Sept. 23 – Nov. 13 and Dec. 17 – Jan. 23, 2017. The daily bag limit for doves statewide is 15 and the possession limit 45.

In the Special White-winged Dove Area, the season runs Sept. 3-4, 10-11, Sept. 23 – Nov. 9, Dec. 17 – Jan. 23, 2017. During the early two weekends in the Special White-winged Dove Area, hunting is allowed only in the afternoon and the daily bag limit is 15 birds, to include not more than two mourning doves and two white-tipped doves. During the general season opens, the aggregate bag limit is 15 with no more than two white-tipped doves.

For novice dove hunters or those new to the sport, TPWD is offering Hunting 101 workshops this year dedicated to dove hunting. These 3-8 hour, hands-on seminars and workshops are designed for family members of all ages to learn more about the animals hunted, tools used in hunting and the shooting sports and where to go in Texas to enjoy these activities. Class schedules are available online or by contacting the TPWD Hunter Education Department at 512-389-4999.

Hunters are reminded that all current hunting licenses expire Aug. 31 and in addition to a 2016-17 hunting license, anyone born after Sept. 1, 1971, must successfully complete a hunter education training course. Those under 17 and those 17 and older who purchase a one-time deferral license may hunt legally in Texas if accompanied by a licensed hunter 17 years or older who has passed hunter education or who is otherwise exempt. Accompanied means being within normal and then verify them with a rangefinder. voice control. The TPWD Hunter You’ll better understand your distances Education certification is valid for from birds and be able to make more effeclife and is honored in all other states tive shots and reduce crippling loss.

• Know the routines: Mourning doves and provinces. More information will typically be going to fields from roost on hunter education certification is locations to feed early in the morning, but available online. there’s also good hunting opportunities

A Migratory Game Bird endorseduring mid-morning or even mid-afterment and Harvest Information Pronoon at watering holes in areas with good gram (HIP) certification are also dove concentrations. Birds won’t be flying in flocks, but it can be some great hunting required to hunt dove. HIP certificaas singles and doubles look for daily drinktion involves a brief survey of previing water. White-winged dove flocks always ous year’s migratory bird hunting seem to be flying in and out of an effective success and is conducted at the time gun range; make sure to single out individlicenses are purchased. ual birds that are lower than others when Hunting and fishing regulations shooting to be more effective.

• Be safe: Always be aware of your shootfor the new season can be found ing lanes and locations of other hunters, in the 2016-2017 Outdoor Annual, which can change constantly when birds available in print form at license reare coming in and the action gets hot. tailers; digital version online and in Shooting outside of a safe zone of fire is the free Outdoor Annual mobile app the #1 cause of hunting accidents in Texas, mostly during dove hunting. available for Apple and Android devices.

Dove Hunting Tips

2016 Mills County Hunting Guide - 53

Goldthwaite Eagle Deer Photos

ABOVE: Bob Garner harvested this buck he calls “Super Freak” at Uno Peso Ranch with his .270 rifle at about 95 yards

Twins Greg and Craig Showman stop for a photo before their Mills County Deer hunt this weekend. Craig brought his wife Mellissa to hunt with him. The trio bagged five deer on the XTC Ranch. They took all the deer back with them to process themselves. “This hunt was a blast!” said Greg after the hunt.

Local hunter Regina (Robbins) Smith bagged this big buck on the R&R Ranch in Mills County.

The buck sported several broken tines from fighting.

54 - 2016 Mills County Hunting Guide

Who’s the Best of the Best?

First annual Firearms Industry Choice Awards and 2016 Firearms Industry Team Challenge

aged to hit 5 out of 6 including the 650 yard target. This gave me a total of 11 out of 12. The temperature was about 95 degrees

By Gary Farley with 95% humidity.

July 11, 2016 was an ordinary day My goodness it was until I received a call from Mr. Anhot. We finished at 4 thony Pace of Freedom Hunters out pm. At 6:30 we were of Denver, Colorado. This changed served a delicious the “pace” of the day drastically. Mr. dinner consisting of Pace was given my name as a veta fully smoked pig eran with PTSD, and after about 30 and trimmings. minutes of conversation, I was in Saturday proved vited to come to Kentucky and comto be an easier day, pete against the “Best of the Best in Gary Farley of Goldthwaite, far right, pictured with Anthony Pace (host) and team except for the shotAmerica.” Three other veterans were members Ssgt. Scott Smith of Simla, Colorado; Msgt.Todd Rico of Clarkson, Kentucky; guns. NO running. also picked. One from South Caro- and Capt. (Ret.) Raymond Kaster of Bluffton, South Carolina.

Stages 1 through 4 lina, one from Colorado and one from Kentucky. Each of these men had been wounded on duty. This were mainly skeet, trap and what they called modified trap. We shot made up our four man team to compete at Rockcastle Shooting Center singles, report pairs, true pairs and rabbits. Man rabbits run fast. We in Park City, Kentucky. We would be competing against the best of the had one stage where we shot a Glock pistol and that was the only course that did not require shotguns on this day. We finished and were best shooting teams in America.

Shooting Industry manufacturers submitted or donated their best back at the Lodge by 11 a.m.

“Product of the Year” to be evaluated and used by all 60 teams. We The Awards Banquet and Celebration was held at the Sloan Conwere not allowed to use our own firearms. That leveled the playing vention Center, which was in the Holiday Inn, our hotel. All the firefield a little. Not enough for the four of us to think we were going to arms used on all the stages were raffled off except the Benelli shotgun win, but believe you me we had one GREAT time for two days and - it was auctioned off. The three firearms that were judged to be the best of the best were the 9 mm Sig Sauer P320 (which was a dream to three nights.

The next three days and nights were exciting and exhausting. Thurs- shoot), the Ruger Precession Rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor and the Benelli day night we met at the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Ken- auto loading shotgun.

Barbara and I have never been as welcomed or as well treated, by tucky for the welcome reception and snacks.

Friday morning we met at Rockcastle Shooting Center for our so many nice people, as we were for those three days. I cannot tell team number and instructions on where we would start. There were 8 you how much fun we had shooting someone else’s firearms and using shooting stages which were divided up into two days. Our group was their ammo. We did not win anything but we met some great shooters and veterans. A more humbling and honorable experience I have assigned stages 5 through 8.

The stages ranged from 2 feet away out to 650 yards. We shot pistols never had than the time with this team. as small as RM 380 to 12 gage shotguns to 308 rifles and several in Our team consisted of Capt. (Ret.) Raymond Kaster of Bluffton, between. All stages were timed with limited amounts of ammo. Some South Carolina; Msgt. Todd Rico of Clarkson, Kentucky, Ssgt. Scott stages we had to run back and forth to our team members (yea I said Smith of Simla, Colorado and myself, Gary Farley, Goldthwaite, Texas. run, my wife said it was more of a lope) where we shot 5 different hand- Freedom hunters paid the expenses for the hotel, food and entry guns on 70 targets. Some were in the woods, heavily shaded and we ran fee. Mr. Anthony Pace arranges hunts, sponsors fishing trips, provides out to a ladder made on an angle which we had to climb up and address land access, contributes air miles, shares time shares and sends our 6 long range targets out to 550 yards with an AR 15 in 223. I managed military families on outdoor adventures. Mr. Pace was assisted by to hit all 6. The other long range course was using a Ruger Precession Doug Lyons of Monument, Colorado and Gary Fooshee of Woodland Rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor. There were 6 targets out of 650 yards. I man- Park, Colorado.

2016 Mills County Hunting Guide - 55

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Grayson Cooksey harvested his first deer Nov. 25 from 110 yards, shot with a .204 Ruger. He was guided by his cousin Mark Cooksey on the Cooksey Ranch in Mullin. Grandpa (Bill Cooksey) pulled down a good deer the day before as well. Submitted by proud momma Jo Annette Cooksey.

Kylee Cantrell, 15, of Pflugerville, Texas, bagged this nice 10-point whitetail buck the first morning of the YouthOnly Deer Season.

The five year old buck was shot at 75 yards with her .220 Swift at 7:30 A.M. on Saturday, October 31, 2015, at the Cantrell Family Ranch near Goldthwaite.

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56 - 2016 Mills County Hunting Guide

Goldthwaite Eagle Deer Photos

Taylor Clark, 15, of China Spring, shot this awesome 140-pound, 9-point buck during Youth Rifle Weekend. She shot the deer from her blind, with her .270, at a distance of 70 yards. She spent almost six and a half hours in the stand that day, and her hard work paid off. This deer was taken on her grandparents’ ranch south of Goldthwaite. Taylor (center) pictured with her grandparents, Mick and Jo Ann Clark.

Steve Weaver bagged this eight point after sitting 10 hours one day at the RRR Ranch in Mills County. Patience pays off every time when it comes to deer hunting!

Cameron D’Albergo of New Braunfels took this nice ten point buck on the Triple 3 Ranch near Goldthwaite. Cameron was guided by his grandfather Mickey Donahoo. Cameron is the son of Stephanie and Andy D’Albergo.

Aubrey Kelley, 9, harvested this 14.5” inside spread, nine-point buck Oct. 31 during youth season. This was her first deer. She took this buck near Center City with a .243 Winchester H&R Handi Rifle at around 90 yards with one shot.

Seven year-old Walt Thompson of Goldthwaite shot his first deer with his brand new .243 Rifle at 70 yards Sunday afternoon in southeast Mills County. Walt is the Son of Terry and Jennifer Thompson. Thanks, Terry Thompson

Karen Wesson Francis of Houston harvested this buck early Nov. 25 on her lease in Western Mills County with one well-placed shot using a 100 grain soft point Winchester cartridge and her bolt action .243 M-77 Ruger rifle equipped with a 4 power Simmons scope. The buck had nine points, a wide rack and was downed at approximately 75 yards. Karen is the daughter of Ken Wesson.

2016 Mills County Hunting Guide - 57

Soldier Hunt Safe, Successful

Mills County Landowners Host Over 40 Soldiers for Special Deer Hunt

By Steven Bridges Goldthwaite Eagle Mills County Landowners hosted over 40 soldiers during the 2016 Mills County Soldier Hunt held January 9th.

Despite the howling north wind that brought windchill temperatures down into the single digits, the soldiers hosted during this year’s hunt averaged well over one deer apiece.

The soldiers bagged more than 60 Mills County deer during the one day event. While a few hunters didn’t harvest a deer during the hunt, many bagged multiple deer.

The deer hunt was held on the first Saturday afternoon of the special doe and spike season in Mills County. Taking excess deer out of the population is important for managing the deer herd in Mills County.

And, taking soldiers that might not have other hunting opportunities is a way for local landowners to support our troops.

Since the inception of the Soldier hunt in 2009, soldiers have harvested over 500 excess deer from the Mills County deer population.

Over that time more than seven tons of pure venison has gone to feed the families of the soldiers. And, many more deer have also been donated to the Mills County Ministerial Association venison donation program as a result of the soldier hunt.

I sincerely thank all the many landowners and guides who took wounded soldiers hunting this weekend.

Of course, I thank all the soldiers for their service to the United States of America.

This hunt is just one small way the citizens of Mills County show our thanks to these fine men and women of the United States Armed Forces.

This year’s hunt was helped greatly by Chris Dunshie and Kevin Wylie of Oath, Inc. They and their organization coordi-

nated providing the soldiers for this year’s hunt. Neither Chris nor Kevin are compensated for the work they do through Oath, Inc. “I feel I was put on this earth to bring smiles to wounded servicemen and women,” said Wylie during the meal at the Goldthwaite Airport Terminal Saturday night. “Helping these fine men and women find hunting opportunities with local landowners is a great way to bring those smiles out. I never get tired of it.

“I am proud everything went so smooth this year,” said Dunshie. “I hope to make the hunt better for the soldiers and landowners each year here in Mills County.”

Chris attended the 2014 Mills County Hunt and has since been practically adopted

by Buddy and Ella Ruth Morgan of Goldthwaite.

“I come to Mills County a lot now. Buddy and Ella Ruth are like parents to me here in Mills County. I want to make them proud. Helping with this hunt is one way I can do that.”

About Oath, Inc. Outdoor Association for Texas Heroes, Incorporated, or OATH, Inc., is a faith based Nonprofit Organization that utilizes various outdoors activities centered around Faith, Family, and Community to improve the quality of life of our resident Texas Veterans who have been wounded or disabled as a result of direct combat action in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Vietnam. To get involved with Oath, go to www. oathinc.org.

The Kickstarter BBQ Team cooked and served the evening meal for all the soldiers, guides and their families free of charge. The team cooked BBQ sandwiches, Cajun gumbo and all the fixings for the entire crowd. No one went away hungry for food or fellowship.

Landowners Buddy and Ella Ruth Morgan are pictured above with their soldiers Glenn and Lisa Hunter and event organizer Chris Dunshie of Oath, Inc. Glenn and Lisa bagged five deer for their freezer from the Morgan Ranch during the 2016 Mills County Soldier Hunt.

Sergeant Major Roger Heinze shows off the Mills County whitetail he harvested at a distance of around 100 yards on the XTC Ranch with his .243 rifle during the 2016 Mills County Soldier Deer Hunt Saturday, January 9th.

58 - 2016 Mills County Hunting Guide

Simple Tips to Sight in Your Rifle

For most hunters, getting a shot at a deer or other big-game animal is a difficult chore that requires a lot of time, expense and hard work. While you cannot control the movements of a wild game animal, you must make certain that your rifle shoots where it is aimed. Here are six simple rifle sight-in tips from Jim Ridings. Ridings owns a shooting range and custom ammo and rifle business near Dallas, Texas. He has literally sighted in thousands of rifles in every popular caliber.

1) Don’t rely on bore-sighting for rifle accuracy. Many gunsmiths use a mechanical device called a collimator to approximately align the crosshairs with the rifle bore. This is usually done when a scope is mounted on the rifle. The key word is “approximately.”

Bore-sighting can be very precise. More likely, it will be precise enough to place the bullet somewhere on the paper target at 25 yards. One memorable Saturday morning prior to the opening of deer season, Ridings had eight hunters fire new bore-sighted rifles on his range. The most accurate of the eight rifles placed the bullet within a foot of the bull’s-eye at 25 yards. To be certain where your rifle shoots, you must fire at paper targets from a solid rest.

2) Fire your first shots at 25 yards. After sighting-in virtually every caliber and bullet weight commonly used in biggame hunting, Ridings has found that most modern calibers sighted-in to shoot 3/10 of an inch low at 25 yards are about 2.5 inches high at 100 yards.

Since most deer hunters sight-in a little high at 100 yards, the 25-yard rule of thumb is a good one to remember. Because of image size and ease of precision aiming at short distances, bullet placement is much easier at 25 yards than at 100 yards.

3) Ridings uses sandbags to hold the rifle absolutely steady when sighting-in. He then fires his first shot. He leaves the rifle sandbagged in position. To save ammunition, Ridings does not sight-in in typical fashion by adjusting the crosshairs to move the point of aim toward the bull’s-eye. Instead, with the rifle still solidly on the sandbags, he adjusts the scope so the crosshairs are centered on the bullet hole he just punched in the

target. That means the scope is now lined up with the bore.

The second shot should be pretty near the bull’s-eye. A third shot may be required to fine-tune where the bullet strikes at 25 yards. You should then fire the rifle at 100 yards. For that matter, you should also fire the rifle at the farthest distance you expect to shoot at game, just to see where it hits at longer ranges. From a practical standpoint, long-distance shooting at paper targets emphasizes human error in precision shooting. Those 1-inch, 100-yard groups you’re so proud of open up considerably at 300 yards.

4) If your rifle gets out of whack while in the field, you can bore-sight it yourself. That’s assuming you shoot a bolt-action rifle. Set up a target at 25 yards. Remove the rifle bolt and set the rifle up on sandbags in such a position that you can look through the bore and have it centered on the target. Then, without moving the rifle, adjust the crosshairs until they’re likewise centered on the target. Again, fire the rifle to make certain of the alignment.

Gavin Sanders, 11, shot this nice 9 point buck on November 7th at his grandparents place near the community of Star in eastern Mills County.

Slayde Herndon, 7, of Burleson, took this 7-point buck on Nov. 27 around on his father’s lease in western Mills County. This was Slayde’s first deer. He was using his H&R .243 rifle and the buck was taken at approximately 90 yards with one shot.

5) When you fire repeated shots at the same target, it’s difficult to remember the sequence in which the shots were fired. Keep an identical target beside you on the shooting bench. As you fire each shot, locate the bullet strike on the downrange target. With a pen or pencil, locate and number each corresponding bullet strike on your shooting bench target. Logging each shot in sequence makes it easier to determine the effectiveness of scope adjustments. If you flinch and shoot a “flyer”, it’s easier to identify its downrange location if previous shots were logged in sequence.

6) Use the same ammunition for hunting that you use when sighting-in. Not only does the brand of ammo make a difference in rifle performance, bullet weights and bullet designs within the same brand make a difference. Ridings has found that premium factory ammunition outperforms standard ammo in most rifles. Premium ammo costs about three times as much as standard loads, but it approaches hand-loaded ammo in performance. Fine-tuning loads to suit your particular rifle is the best method of improving accuracy. If you lack the time or patience for reloading, gunsmiths such

Hesson Downs 11-Point Buck Chris Hesson of Spring, Texas took this big 11-pointer with his Hoyt Spyder compound bow Wednesday evening on a 20-acre lease south of Mills County. Hesson said he and Gary Dodd had “been playing peek-a-boo” with the buck, and that the deer disappeared for several days before showing up again at one of their feeders. “Point-wise, this is the biggest buck I’ve ever shot,” Hesson said. Hesson took his shot at 25 yards, and he said the buck ran about 50 yards before piling up in some dead cedars. Ginger Spies measured the buck at 145 1/8 points, making Hesson’s deer a strong entry in Mills County General Store’s “The Big One” Buck Contest.

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