HSCF Hunter's Horn Fall 2023

Sometimes, to understand what’s going on inside it takes getting outside. Connecting to the outdoors and enjoying what it provides is good for the soul. It’s why Capital Farm Credit is here for you when you’re looking for land to go hunting, fishing, four-wheeling or for any other outdoor activity. We have expertise in acquiring recreational land with loans that have competitive rates and terms. Which is helpful, because finding yourself sometimes takes losing yourself in nature.

To learn more, visit CapitalFarmCredit.com.

Jeff Crane

The Impact of Your Support

64

Stewards of the Wild hunting events provide a fitting venue to learn challenges in Texas. Going beyond hands-on instruction, events are hunters have a duty to participate in and support conservation. From biologists among both outside the blinds and during hunts day experience explore what it means to be places Houston Safari possible.

Thank you for your 2023 M and in years to come, it is critical to provide educational opportunities young Texans to conserve our natural resources, not only for the health wildlife, but for the well We are grateful cultivating the next generation of conservation leaders in Texas.

18 44

About Houston Safari Club Foundation

Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the sport of hunting through education, conservation, and the promotion of our hunting heritage.

HSCF has awarded 646 scholarships totaling $2.92 million. HSCF conducts youth outdoor education programs, career training, hunter education and field experiences for hundreds of students each year.

HSCF has provided over $4 million in grants for hunter-funded wildlife, habitat, and various conservation initiatives.

HSCF is an independent organization, is not affiliated with Safari Club International (SCI) or its affiliates and is not a chapter or affiliate of any other organization. Visit our website at wehuntwegive.org or call 713.623.8844 for more information.

HSCF. We Hunt. We Give.

2023-2024 HOUSTON SAFARI CLUB FOUNDATION OFFICERS

Monica Williamson, President

James Lofton, President-Elect

Shaun Nelson, Immediate Past President

Bryan Ray, Vice President

Trey White, Vice President

JD Burrows, Treasurer

Carl Cramm, Secretary

HOUSTON SAFARI CLUB FOUNDATION DIRECTORS

2022-2024

James Lofton

Prentiss Burt

Jody Simpson

Suzanne Hixson

2023-2025

Jeff Garrett

Derek Ham

David Koch

Matt Pyle

Chris Ruhman

HEADQUARTERS STAFF

Joe Betar, Executive Director

Angi McCarthy, Director of Administrative Services

Carla Nielsen, Marketing & Publications Manager

Nancy Oka, Director, Events & Membership

Nate Silva, Design Consultant

Alliance Printing and Graphics

Hunter’s Horn™ is published quarterly by Houston Safari Club Foundation 14811 St. Mary’s Lane, Suite 265 Houston, Texas 77079 713.623.8844 (p) 713.623.8866 (f) info@wehuntwegive.org wehuntwegive.org

© Copyright 2023 Houston Safari Club Foundation

Houston Safari Club Foundation welcomes contributing articles, photos and research. Houston Safari Club Foundation reserves the right to edit submissions for spelling, grammar, clarity, organization and punctuation and to abridge length. Houston Safari Club Foundation reserves the right not to publish submissions. Content may not be repurposed without the express written consent of the author and publisher. Please submit materials with a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you wish materials to be returned. Houston Safari Club Foundation is not responsible for lost or unsolicited submissions. Digital submissions are preferred. The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to Houston Safari Club Foundation, its members, employees or affiliates. Houston Safari Club Foundation reserves the right to refuse any advertisement believed to be incompatible with our mission or deemed competitive or contrary to the best interests of Houston Safari Club Foundation.

2021, 2020 & 2019 American Graphic Design Awards for Publication Design

2021 Best Outdoor Publication, Texas Outdoor Writers Association

2023, 2022 Silver; 2021, 2020 Gold NYX/MarCom Awards, Publication/Cover

2022, 2021, 2020 & 2018 Communicator Awards for Print Distinction

2021 Gold Davey Award, Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts

for Association Magazine Design

OCTOBER 5

Annual Sporting Clays Tournament at GHSC

NOVEMBER 8

First Aid for Gunshot Victims Workshop with US LawShield

DECEMBER 7

Christmas Party at The Barn in Cypress

JANUARY 19-21, 2024

2024 Worldwide Hunting Expo & Convention at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott & Convention Center

FEBRUARY 17

European Style Tower Pheasant Shoot with WGO

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

MONICA WILLIAMSON, HSCF PRESIDENT

Iwould like to thank you, the HSCF membership, for placing your confidence and trust in me to serve as your President. I accept this important role of President for the 2023-2024 term. This is a responsibility that I do not take lightly and will endeavor to represent HSCF’s best interest.

A wonderful year has passed and before we progress onto the next, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Shaun Nelson, our past President, and outstanding Board of Directors, Officers, and HSCF staff. Knowing I get to work with this extremely talented and professional group of individuals gives me complete confidence in what an influential force HSCF has become and will continue to be! Our membership has grown by focusing on our mission to help preserve the sport of hunting through education, conservation, and the protection of hunters’ rights.

My goal for HSCF for this year is to encourage the membership to make a difference. I want to be someone who gives back, someone who inspires our members to be more involved or to take on leadership roles. Or for those of you who are already in leadership, to reach out and encourage and mentor those who have a passion to move forward and increase member engagement! I want to see YOU at our monthly meetings, Annual Sporting Clays Shoot, happy hour/networking events, Christmas party, Convention, and Awards Banquet! Better yet, YOU show up and bring a friend!

There is always the “what’s in it for me” question and I know through years of being involved in many organizations, that the ones you get the most satisfaction from are the ones that you become involved and actively participate in! Being involved is where you step out of your comfort zone and extend that hand to meet a new friend or ask the question you need help with on your next hunt booking. HSCF has available, at your fingertips, members and experts that can help you learn about hunting at home or abroad.

All HSCF members should be proud that we have provided over $2.92 million in scholarships, and over $4 million in support of conservation, anti-poaching,

youth education, hunters’ safety, youth sporting clays, and more. We annually host over 200 area high school students for a day of career introductions to outdoor-related professions, at our annual Convention. In addition, we host almost 100 students for hunting and fishing experiences each year on the benefits of hunting as a conservation tool!

Our younger (at least younger than me!) Stag & Dove Society is a leadership group made up of young professionals, between the ages of 21 and 39 years old, who are rising leaders across a range of industries. Members, through their time, talent, and resources, help expand the capacity and advance the mission of HSCF. The Stag & Dove Society helps cultivate the next generation of leaders and supporters of HSCF.

The Stag & Dove Society is a gateway to engage talented volunteers, connect with other young professionals and other HSCF members, and raise awareness among a younger generation to ensure the longevity and support of our organization. If you have children or grandchildren within this age group, please encourage them to be part of this fun group of members at HSCF!

HSCF has lots to offer our membership and I truly hope that you’ll engage and take advantage of seeing old friends and making new friends! I look forward to seeing YOU at the upcoming events, sharing a drink (or two!), and hearing about your latest hunting adventure!

Monica Williamson HSCF President

“In a civilized and cultivated country wild animals only continue to exist at all when preserved by sportsmen. The excellent people who protest against all hunting, and consider sportsmen as enemies of wildlife, are ignorant of the fact that in reality the genuine sportsman is by all odds the most important factor in keeping the larger and more valuable wild creatures from total extermination.” —Teddy Roosevelt

Trophy Bonded ® Bear Claw ® | Swift ® A-Frame ®

Trophy Bonded ® Sledgehammer ® Solid | Woodleigh™ Hydro Solid

ONLY THING STANDING BETWEEN HIM AND YOU IS WHAT’S STANDING HERE

There’s no room for doubt when you’re toe-to-toe with the planet’s most deadly animals. That’s why Federal Premium® Safari is the only ammunition to combine the exclusive Gold Medal® primer with the hardest-hitting bullets, to create the most powerful, reliable loads available for dangerous game. Choose from the complete range of big bore cartridges.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR‘S MESSAGE

JOE BETAR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Happy fall everyone! Please join me in welcoming our new HSCF/HSC President, Monica Williamson and the new members of our HSCF and HSC Board of Directors: James Lofton (HSCF/HSC President-Elect), Bryan Ray (HSCF Vice President), Trey White (HSCF Vice President), Carl Cramm (HSCF/HSC Secretary), Matt Pyle (HSCF Director), Derek Ham (HSCF Director), David Koch (HSCF Director) and Jamison Smith (HSC Director). You can learn about all of our Board members on our website at hscfdn.org/about-us/ board-members and hscfdn.org/houston-safari-club-2

As you may have heard, the HSCF Worldwide Hunting Expo & Convention is moving back to The Woodlands in 2024. Look for more information from Convention Chairperson James Lofton in this issue. We will be bringing you live entertainment and offering free seminars from various speakers on various topics—booking your first African safari, prepping for a bow hunt, optics selection for hunting and long-range shooting, and more. We encourage you to sign up as a volunteer for the convention. One of the things our exhibitors comment on each year is the support and energy of our volunteers. Putting on this event is a lot of work and a lot of fun. Call the office or email Nancy Oka at nancy@ wehuntwegive.org to learn more.

The annual HSCF Sporting Clays Tournament returns on Thursday, October 5th. We will be moving to an afternoon start time and new this year—registration includes ammunition, mulligans, and a free raffle ticket. Sign up today and let’s make this year’s event our biggest ever! To learn more: hscfdn.org/events/sporting-clays-tournament

In July, HSCF awarded twenty-two scholarships to students majoring in the fields of wildlife management and range management. That brings our scholarship numbers to 671 scholarships totaling $3.07 million dollars. You will learn more about these future leaders in upcoming issues of Hunter’s Horn. Thank you to our scholarship committee members for all of their arduous work and dedication in vetting the applicants—Gary Rose, Darrell Kainer, Mark Herfort, Rudy Nix, Keith Lake and the team at the San Antonio Area Foundation. You can be proud of what your organization is doing to support the future of hunting and conservation.

The HSCF grants program is stronger than ever. During the previous fiscal year, HSCF awarded $140,500 in grants to organizations and individuals doing great works in the areas of hunting, shooting sports, conservation and youth education. Recipients included Texas A&M University Veterinary Program, the HSCF Veterans Program, Katy & Royal 4-H Marksmen Shooting Team, Zambeze Delta Conservation, Texas RICE, Children’s Kingdom Ministries, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation, the USA Shooting Team, Coastal Prairie Conservancy, Operation Game Thief, Texas Wildlife Association Foundation, Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, Waller County 4H Sharpshooters, The

Water4Wildlife Trust, Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation, and Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. We look forward to growing the HSCF grants program, overseen by HSCF Grants Committee Chairperson, Jeff Garrett, as he takes the lead this year. Jeff is also the HSCF Membership Chairperson. If you would like to help out in this area, please contact me at joe@wehuntwegive.org and I will connect you with Jeff.

Susan and David Kalich are busy preparing for the upcoming HSCF Youth Education Program and convention YWCE (Youth Wildlife Conservation Experience) program. Susan, David, and our youth chaperones will be hosting thirty-two high school students for eight hunts and several fishing trips over the coming year.

HSCF’s magazine and podcast continue to receive recognition of excellence for publishing and broadcasting. Hunter’s Horn™ magazine picked up two NYX/Marcom Awards for Magazine Publications and Magazine Cover Design and the Hunting Matters radio program and podcast received an NYX/Marcom Award for Non-Profit Audio & Podcasts.

You may have noticed the upgrades to the HSCF Membership Portal. If you haven’t visited in a while, check it out for educational materials, event registration, the HSCF member directory and more at hscf.memberclicks.net/login#/ login

I hope each of you have a safe and successful fall hunting season. I look forward to seeing you at the upcoming monthly events and convention!

In support of hunting and conservation,

Joe Betar Executive Director, Houston Safari Club Foundation, Houston Safari Club

HOUSTON SAFARI CLUB FOUNDATION

CORPORATE MEMBERS

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING HSCF

Capital Farm Credit capitalfarmcredit.com

Champion Ranch championranch.com

Hawkeye Hunting Club hawkeyehunting.com

Racks and Rifles Outdoors LLC racksandrifles.com

Ruple Properties southtexasranches.com

Trophy Shippers trophyshippers.com

HomeLand Properties homelandprop.com

Hutchinson Rack Attack huntrackattack.com

Umarex USA umarexusa.com

Vara Ranch vararanch.com

WildLife Partners wildlifepartners.com

Alaska Skookum Guides alaskaskookumguides.com

Brush Country Studios / Prairie Mountain Wildlife Studios brushcountrystudios.com

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Pierce Adams

Alejandro Bazaldua

Steve Beck

Paul Bender

Shawn Bentley

Paul Boardman

Glenn Borchardt

Peter Briggs

Lucian Bukowski

Thomas Busalacchi

Cidney Cardenas

Murray Chapman

Robert Clemans

Steve Cobb

Dane Conge

Michael Core

Gary Darnell

Marlin Dart

Nicole Dickan

Michael Dunleavy

Georgina Eccles

Trey Echols

Calvin Ellis

Christen Everly

Forrest Fay

Andy Flack

William Gabbard

Jacob Garner

Shanna Gleason

Greg Goodman

Mark Gough

Gage Grantham

Daniel Haines

Remi Hansen

Patrick Haren

Nicolas Haun

Thomas Haun

Virginia Haun

Devan Henley

Suzanne Hohensee

David Hughes

Jacob Knight

Parker Knutson

Chelsea Knutson

Veronica Kosich

Mark Lachendro

Mason Lampton, Jr.

Josh Lillegard

Kevin Lovasik

Richard Marceau

Alejandra Martinez

Philip Massaro

Jacqueline McBride

Joseph McGovern

Paul McNamara

Gregory McNelly

DJ Meyer

Luke Micek

Dakota Moberg

John Moore

Jerome Moore

Heather Mountain

Courtney Newcomb

Devon Oberman

David Peterson

Drake Potts

Joshua Powell

Catherine Rennell

Lawrence Rennell

Elaine Sarlo Barraco

Tony Silva

Leif Small

Cameron Starnes

Jamie Suchy

Elle Sutherland

Kimberly Tanguma

Tony Tenyson

Linda Tracey

John Vaclavik

Leonard Valerio

James Wade

Robert Watanabe

Irvin Welch

Jeffrey Wright

Abram Zoschg

FROM THE CONVENTION CHAIR

JAMES LOFTON, 2024 HSCF CONVENTION CHAIRMAN

Howdy HSCF family! As you are making your plans for the 2023-2024 hunting season, make sure you set aside January 19-21, 2024 to attend the Houston Safari Club Foundation Worldwide Hunting Expo and Convention at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott in The Woodlands, TX.

To those who have attended our annual conference and expos in the past, thank you for your contribution to our great success over the years. If you haven’t yet attended, don’t miss out! With hundreds of exhibitors from the USA, North America, and all around the world, fulfill your goals and dreams to hunt and explore wild places. In addition to hunting outfitters, you will see world-class taxidermists, gun manufacturers, gear, and for you ladies, jewelry, furs, and more.

In addition to the exhibit hall, we have three fantastic banquet events. Come celebrate with us, catch up with old friends, and make new ones. We will have great entertainment this year, including the Season 11 winner of The Voice, Sundance Head performing at our Friday evening dinner and auction. The ladies host the hugely popular Gazelles Luncheon

and auction mid-day on Saturday with drinks, food, and both a silent and live auction. We cap off the parties with our black-tie gala on Saturday night, where we will laugh along with Texas comedian and former member of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, William Lee Martin before beginning the premier auction event of our Convention. There is something for everyone at each auction including hunts in North America, Africa, Europe, and South America, firearms, the always popular one-of-a-kind President’s Rifle, vacation getaways, deer stands, and more!

This event is our largest fundraiser each year and is critical to the HSCF efforts of funding scholarships, conservation, youth education, and preservation of our hunting heritage. Call the office, or go online to get your tickets and reserve your hotel rooms ASAP to take advantage of our special discounted rates. I encourage you, don’t just attend, get involved!

I’m honored to serve as the 2024 Convention Chairman and look forward to seeing each of you at our 2024 Convention and Expo.

James Lofton 2024 Convention Chairman

SCT CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

GIB SURLES, SPORTING CLAYS TOURNAMENT CHAIRMAN

SPORTING CLAYS SPONSORS

CORPORATE SPONSORS

Capital Farm Credit

Wildlife Partners

UNDERWRiTiNG SPONSORS

Rancho Bellas Rocas

COKINOS

The Forrest Group LLC

Y Bar Ranch

Alief Ultra Mechanical

Athena Gun Club

STATiON SPONSORS

Capital Farm Credit

WildLife Partners

COKINOS

Osprey Jets

Taste of Texas

LJA Engineering

Join us in celebrating our shared passion for the outdoors and hunting sports while making a positive impact on our community. At the Houston Safari Club Foundation, we take great pride in who we are and what we do: We Hunt. We Give. This phrase resonates deeply, reflecting our commitment to both preserving wildlife and upholding our Second Amendment rights, which have been increasingly challenged in recent times.

As responsible stewards of the wildlife we pursue, we recognize the importance of proactive conservation efforts. And that’s why we invite you to our annual Sporting Clays Shoot, taking place on October 5, 2023, at Greater Houston Sports Club. This event not only brings together old friends and new ones but also allows us to raise funds and awareness for these important causes.

Through your participation, you’ll be supporting initiatives like providing underprivileged children with unforgettable experiences during their first deer hunt, scholarships for future leaders in outdoor/wildlife

management, and offering wounded warriors the chance to partake in hunts. By uniting in this endeavor, we collectively safeguard what we cherish most—the joy of hunting and the great outdoors.

Mark your calendars for October 5th and join us for an enjoyable day filled with good company, delicious food, and an exciting round of sporting clays. Beyond the festivities, your participation will help shape the future of hunting and ensure the preservation of our beloved outdoor lifestyle for generations to come.

At the Houston Safari Club Foundation, We Hunt. We Give, and we invite you to stand alongside us in making a meaningful difference. Your support means you care, and together, we can foster a brighter and more responsible future for hunting enthusiasts everywhere. We sincerely hope to see you there, standing united in our shared vision.

Gib Surles, Sporting Clays Tournament Chairman

HOUSTON SAFARI CLUB FOUNDATION SPORTING CLAYS TOURNAMENT TM

OFFICERS

HOUSTON SAFARI CLUB FOUNDATION

HOUSTON SAFARI CLUB

Monica Williamson, President

Trey White, Vice President

Monica Williamson, President

James Lofton, President-Elect

JD Burrows, Treasurer

JD Burrows, Treasurer

Shaun Nelson, Immediate Past President

Carl Cramm, Secretary

Carl Cramm, Secretary

Bryan Ray, Vice President

DIRECTORS

HOUSTON SAFARI CLUB FOUNDATION

HOUSTON SAFARI CLUB

Ross Melinchuk, 2022-2024

James Lofton, 2022-2024

Suzanne Hixson, 2022-2024

David Koch, 2023-2025

Jamison Smith, 2023-2024

Prentiss Burt, 2022-2024

Jeff Garrett, 2023-2025

Matt Pyle, 2023-2025

Jody Simpson, 2022-2024

Derek Ham, 2023-2025

Chris Ruhman, 2023-2025

Dead Lead: How Lead Ammunition and Tackle Bans Threaten Our Time-Honored Traditions

BY JEFF CRANE CSF PRESiDENT, AND CEO

As the trusted voice for America’s 55 million sportsmen and women, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) works to protect and promote our time-honored traditions. Our team of passionate sportsmen and women work at both the federal and state level, going above and beyond to advance our ability to do what we are all passionate about—getting outdoors. The unique and collective force of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus, and the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses, working closely with CSF, and with the support of major hunting, fishing, recreational shooting, and trapping organizations, serves as an unprecedented network of pro-sportsmen elected officials and advocates. As hunters and anglers continue to face increasing challenges that could hinder our ability to pursue our passions, sportsmen and women’s voices need to be heard now more than ever.

The use of lead ammunition and lead fishing tackle in hunting and angling has become an unnecessarily contentious issue in recent decades. Over the years, legislators, sportsmen, and the outdoor industry continue to be faced with a number of bills directed at limiting or eliminating their use in our outdoor pursuits. For hunters and anglers across the country, the growing movement to ban the use of lead ammunition and tackle is something we all need to be cognizant of. Lead ammunition and tackle bans often seek to address potential negative effects on wildlife, a goal that would normally be widely supported by sportsmen and women. The problem? These bans are frequently driven by an overreaction to individual cases of lead toxicity in specific animals rather than being based on population-level data, which is a foundational element of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. America’s original conservationists, hunters, and anglers, are the first to self-impose limitations on their pastimes when it comes to protecting wildlife and our other natural resources. However, to this date, there have been no verified and repeatable studies that show sportsmen’s use of lead has had significant deleterious impacts on wildlife at the population level in the United States. In fact, populations of species of concern continue to grow throughout much of their ranges, despite the ongoing use of lead ammunition and fishing tackle since Europeans arrived in North America. The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, unique to the United States and celebrated for its effectiveness and innovation, relies heavily on population-level data rather than individual cases. While data does showcase the effects of lead toxicity in specific or concentrated cases, it is

important to look at the bigger picture and the scope of the science when formulating wildlife policy. When we begin to make widespread wildlife management decisions based on individual cases, we are undermining a very important principle of wildlife conservation in America.

If lead ammunition or fishing tackle were to be banned today in their entirety, manufacturers would be required to retool their facilities all at once, which is a costly and time–consuming process. In addition, the raw materials to make non-lead ammunition or fishing tackle are less common and more expensive, substantially more so with some elements. This could not only cause an increase in consumer prices but also a shortage. Unfortunately, sportsmen and women are already no strangers to ammo and tackle shortages, as well as the significant increase in prices seen in recent years. Technology may be advancing, and the availability of non-lead alternatives has been increasing. However, many alternative metals do not perform as well as lead. Both the financial impact and the potential of an even bigger shortage of ammo and fishing tackle could create a barrier for many, stalling or even ending their participation in hunting and fishing. As the world becomes further disconnected with our outdoor traditions, limiting sportsmen and women’s ability and access to tools needed to hunt and fish would have devastating effects on more than just our favorite pastimes.

The negative side effects of lead bans don’t stop at sportsmen, though. State fish and wildlife agencies could also see a reduction in conservation funding—possibly resulting in negative effects on wildlife that they were seeking to avoid in the first place. Decreased hunting and fishing participation from increased costs and supply shortages could have detrimental effects. This is because approximately 60% of all state fish and wildlife agency revenue is derived from the American System of Conservation Funding through the sale of sporting licenses and excise taxes on guns, ammunition, fishing equipment and marine fuels, and other sporting items.

Some sportsmen and women shy away from lead ammo when hunting as they are concerned about the possibility of consuming lead from game meat. When so many of us hunt and fish so that we can harvest the world’s cleanest meat, the worry of lead contamination in game meat is a very understandable concern. The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a study of hunters and others that have consumed game meat, allegedly containing lead shot fragments, to determine whether they have an elevated level of lead in their blood that can be attributed to the ammunition used to harvest the game. Indications of the CDC study released by the North Dakota Department of Health (DOH), which is participating in the study, show none

“The use of lead ammunition and lead fishing tackle in hunting and angling has become an unnecessarily contentious issue in recent decades.”

of those tested had unsafe blood lead levels. The readings were far below the level considered elevated for a child; let alone the level for an adult. While the concern is rational, lead ammunition has been used for hundreds of years and continues to be an invaluable tool for hunters and anglers.

In 2010 and 2012, a petition was submitted to the EPA to ban the production and sale of lead-based ammunition and fishing tackle which argued that they both should be regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act. Both petitions were denied. In 2013, California became the first state in the nation to pass legislation banning the use of lead ammunition for all hunting purposes, which was fully implemented in July 2019. In recent years, Minnesota, New York, Maine, Washington, and Oregon have either proposed an outright ban on the sale of lead ammunition and tackle or have introduced legislation to prohibit the use of lead ammunition for hunting purposes or in certain areas.

Concerns about lead often revolve around potential concerns for wildlife species. In particular, the loon is often at the forefront of many arguments moving to ban lead. In 2000, New Hampshire became the first state to implement a ban on lead tackle. The concern with loons is that they often ingest whole pebbles, or inadvertently, small lead sinkers, to aid in the digestion of their food. Although there have been individual loon deaths linked to lead fishing sinkers, there has been no documented evidence that lead fishing sinkers, of any size, have a detrimental impact on local or regional loon populations. In fact, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, loon populations are either stable or are increasing across the nation. With similar concerns about lead, other northern states are attempting to or already have followed suit, including New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Maine.

Last year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) entered into settlement negotiations with activist anti-hunting litigants over a lawsuit regard ing the use of traditional ammunition and lead on more than 3 million acres of federal land. CSF was disappointed to see USFWS enter into settlement discussions with an anti-hunting organization re garding the use of lead ammunition, especially because the lawsuit was based on purely technical issues. Following this settlement, earlier this year, FWS announced the proposed 2023—2024 Hunt Fish Rule, which puts in motion the effort to phase out the use of lead ammunition and tackle on 8 different National Wildlife Refuge System units by 2026. CSF is strongly opposed to this phase-out that does not appear to be rooted in any sound scientific process.

Although the topic of lead tackle and ammunition bans may feel like a losing battle, there is hope for sportsmen and women. Hope comes in the form of the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act, developed with input from the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and spearheaded by Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC) Member Rep. Rob Wittman in the House and CSC Member Sen. Steve Daines in the Senate. The Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act would prohibit the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior from banning the use of lead ammunition and fishing tackle on select federal lands and waters unless certain science-based and state agency triggers are met. Specifically, the federal lands of focus include lands and waters managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Forest Service.

The Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act would ensure that restrictions concerning lead ammunition or fishing tackle are supported by sampling data that demonstrates a negative fish and wildlife population impact for a specific unit of land or water. Secondly, any restrictions on the use of lead ammo and tackle must be consistent with the regulations of the impacted state fish and wildlife agency. Lastly, any restriction on the use of lead ammunition and tackle within the federal lands of focus must have the support of the respective state fish and wildlife agency. This piece of legislation is a common-sense, reasonable approach to a contentious topic as it seeks to protect hunters and anglers and maintain state fish and wildlife agency authority. The Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act is waiting to be scheduled on the House floor for a final vote before heading to the Senate and the Senate bill awaits consideration at the committee level.

To prevent the far-reaching implications lead ammunition and tackle bans would have on conservation funding and hunters and anglers, we should encourage legislators to support common-sense legislative and/or regulatory mechanisms that ensure changes in the use of lead ammunition and fishing tackle are only implemented when valid and substantiated scientific justification is presented. Sportsmen and women should educate themselves and others about the importance of lead tackle and ammunition and the imperative need to consider the scope of data when making wildlife management decisions.

In an era of decreasing participation in our favorite outdoor pursuits, the time is now to take a stand for our time-honored traditions. To ensure future generations can partake in hunting and angling, we must understand the issues facing our community and act. Without proper action by the sportsmen’s community, misled public opinion and overreaction to hyper-specific data could come to govern decisions surrounding wildlife resources. CSF will continue to oppose lead ammunition and tackle bans that are not founded on population-level scientific evidence and that undermine the very principles of wildlife conservation in America. You can count on us to keep you informed and to keep being the unwavering voice for America’s sportsmen and women. ★

CSF President and CEO Jeff Crane

GIFT IDEAS

FOR 2023

1. BENELLI LUPO

The Lupo in AA-Grade satin walnut has been a hit with shooters who appreciate the classic look and feel of a wood stock rifle. Previously available in .300 Win. Mag. and 6.5 Creedmoor, the walnut stock Lupo is now offered in two more popular hunting calibers—.308 Winchester and .30-06 Springfield. Both rifles are available with 22-inch Crio®-treated barrels and are protected with the same Benelli Surface Treatment (BE.S.T.) as featured on many Benelli long arms, including the award-winning Super Black Eagle series shotguns. BE.S.T. offers superior protection against rust, corrosion, and abrasion and comes with a 25-year warranty.

» MSRP: $2,199

» Find out more: benelliusa.com/rifles

2. FRANCHI MOMENTUM ALL-TERRAIN

The Momentum All-Terrain Elite builds on the standard Momentum Elite rifle design with its detachable box magazine, one-piece Picatinny rail top, threaded barrel with muzzle brake, adjustable trigger, and one-piece, spiral fluted bolt with three locking lugs. The proven accuracy performance (1 MOA guarantee with premium ammo) and intelligent, ergonomic stock design of the Momentum Elite series rifles lead the class of superior hunting rifles for those who go hard and demand high performance from their equipment.

» MRSP: $1,449

» Find out more: franchiusa.com/rifles

 Benelli Lupo

 Franchi Momentum All-Terrain

3. DRYSHOD EVALUSION

The Evalusion is the first waterproof boot series to feature the Dryshod-exclusive Dureva™ outsole technology. Dureva is a lightweight and abrasion-resistant fusion compound that delivers the superior durability and traction demanded in a high-performance outsole while offering exceptional comfort, energy return, and stable footing. This means a secondary rubber outsole is no longer required. By eliminating the need for a secondary outsole, Evalusion boots are nearly one pound lighter than Dryshod’s already lightweight counterparts. Such weight reduction lets you go farther and for longer duration without the fatigue commonly associated with waterproof boots.

» MSRP: $189.95

» Find out more: dryshodusa.com

4.

WILDLIFE RESEARCH CENTER® ACTIVEBRANCH™ MOCK SCRAPE KIT

The Anywhere Mock Scrape Solution™

Scrape hunting is one of the most effective ways to hunt trophy bucks. Mock Scrapes are an effective tool, but sometimes it is hard to find the right tree in a good location at your favorite hunting spot. The Active-Branch™ Mock Scrape Kit solves this problem and allows you to create an attractive mock scrape and interaction branch set up with the perfect presentation, exactly where you want it. You can easily set up Active-Branch™ on a tree or wooden post in the perfect location for the perfect shot. If there is not a convenient place to mount it to, you can even set it up on your own post, right where you want it. Perfect for making mock scrapes in fields, by mature trees, or just about any spot at your favorite hunting location. The innovative patentpending branch holder allows you to easily mount two branches at the same time. An interaction branch at the perfect height for the perfect presentation and a second higher branch to mount your Magnum Scrape-Dripper® above. The Magnum Scrape-Dripper® drips daytime only to help condition bucks to visit during daytime hunting hours. The Active-Branch™ Mock Scrape Kit provides the tools you need to Attract, Pattern, and Condition bucks to visit during daytime hunting hours.

» MSRP: $47.99

» Find out more: wildlife.com

5. BLASER B2 RIFLESCOPE

Featuring world-class German optical performance designed to accommodate thermal clip-on devices, these all-purpose hunting scopes are made in Germany and available in 1-6x24 iC, 2-12x50 iC, and 2.5-15x56 iC models. Featuring a 6x zoom and 30mm main tube, B2 riflescopes are extremely compact, robust, and engineered to handle the additional weight and stress when shooting with a thermal unit attached. The shorter length ensures the clip-on device can be comfortably operated from the shooting position, and that the rifle’s center of gravity is not shifted too far forward. This design also requires a shorter range of motion of the zoom system’s movable lenses which results in improved mechanical precision and a more stable point of impact when changing magnification.

» Blaser B2 1-6x24 iC, MRSP: $1,700

» Blaser B2 2-12x50 iC, MRSP: $1,900

» Blaser B2 2.5-15x56 iC, MRSP: $1,900

» Find out more: blaser.de/us

 Dryshod Evalusion

 Blaser B2 Riflescope

 Wildlife Research Center® Active-Branch™

6. LIEMKE LUCHS 1

& 2

THERMAL CLIP

ON Made in Wetzlar, Germany, the Liemke Luchs (or Lynx as translated in English) incorporates the latest in thermal technology in these versatile devices that can be clipped onto any daytime riflescope or used as a handheld monocular.

Fast and quiet with a startup time of only five seconds for both Luchs models, and a standby mode for immediate activation, the Luchs-1 has a 35mm lens with heat signature detection range of up to 1,750 meters and the Luchs-2 has a 50mm lens with heat detection up to 2,500 meters.

Easy and intuitive to operate, the Luchs thermal units have an internal memory of 32 GB and a Wi-Fi function for live streaming via an app. Users can capture photos and videos of their hunt on the internal memory even while streaming live, and these can be transferred later via USB-C port. The built-in rechargeable battery has a run time of up to 9 hours and the three-position switch – On/Standby/ Off – can be used to extend battery life in the field.

» Luchs-1, MRSP: $5,554

» Luchs-2, MRSP: $6,110

» Find out more: liemke.com/uk

7. HECSTYLE™ LIGHTWEIGHT SYSTEM HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT®

HECS®’s hunting camouflage combo is lightweight, breathable, and extremely versatile for hunters. This hunting camouflage combo is made with a unique material. It features an electrically conductive carbon grid woven into the polyester base cloth. What this does is it blocks your body’s electrical radiation and allows you to get closer to animals. HECS® technology requires all 3 pieces of the suit to be worn at the same time to fully block your body’s electrical radiation. The shirt is a pullover and it features thumb holes through the sleeves, serge stitching, and an embroidered logo.

» MRSP: $199.97-$209.97

» Find out more: hecshunting.com

8. GUNWERKS NEXUS RIFLE SYSTEM The Future Of Long Range Is Here.

The NEXUS rifle system from the engineering minds at Gunwerks is the next step in the evolution of the Long Range Rifle System. We’ve shed the limitations put in place by the Rem700 platform. The result yields both luxury and technology in a future-proof platform with a world of possibilities. The result of over 2 years of research and development and massive investment in manufacturing infrastructure & technology, the NEXUS is the first fully vertically integrated rifle system coming out of Gunwerks’ state-of-the-art facility in Cody, WY. Key Features: User changeable barrel, Improved vertical grip, New NEXUS Stock Design, New NXT Action Design, New Magazine & Bottom Metal, Full Length ARCA + Picatinny bipod mount.

» MRSP: $5,975

» Find out more: gunwerks.com

 HECSTYLE™ Lightweight System Hidden in Plain Sight®

 Liemke Luchs Thermal Clip on

9. MOULTRIE EDGE PRO CAMERA

The Edge Pro will become the flagship camera in the Edge series. It provides premium performance by utilizing customer-favorite technologies found in the original Edge camera—Auto Connect Technology and built-in memory—while adding strategically enhanced features, including several industry-first technologies. It will be the first cellular trail camera to integrate False Trigger Elimination capabilities, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to power all-new features including SmartCapture, SmartTrigger, and SmartZone Technology. Additionally, the Edge Pro is built with NYXEL® NIR (near infrared) technology for enhanced low-light performance with minimized power consumption.

» MRSP: $179.99

» Find out more: moultriemobile.com/triggered

10. REMINGTON CORE-LOKT TIPPED

The Deadliest Mushroom in the Woods. Now Even Deadlier.

Remington Core-Lokt Tipped brings match-grade accuracy and unrivaled terminal performance to the deer woods. Featuring improved ballistic coefficient, rapid bullet expansion, and massive energy on game, CoreLokt Tipped is ready for your next hunt. Available in all popular big game hunting cartridges and grain weights.

» Find out more: remington.com/rifle

11. AGILITY A Modern Version of a Traditional Gunstock

The Agility™ Performance Gunstock from Boyds has the traits you recognize with features you need to enhance your accuracy.

» Find out more: boydsgunstocks.com

12. AT-ONE THUMBHOLE

Precisely adjust your gun at the push of a button for an overall, true custom fit, and further fine-tune your gun.

» Find out more: boydsgunstocks.com

 Remington Core-Lokt Tipped

 Agility

 At-One Thumbhole

 Moultrie Edge Pro Camera

13.

SPIKE CAMP THUMBHOLE

A highly functional, extremely comfortable, lightweight, essentials-only premium hardwood gunstock.

» Find out more: boydsgunstocks.com

14.

BANISH BACKCOUNTRY

The Backcountry is a fixed-length suppressor that measures 5.5” in length (5.7 with mount) and weighs just 7.8 ounces. That’s a full 1.3” shorter and 2.2 ounces lighter than the Banish 30 in its short configuration. That may not sound like much, but it makes a world of difference for backcountry adventurers who carefully pack their gear with size and weight in mind. Rated for calibers up to the .300 Remington Ultra Magnum (RUM), the Banish Backcountry is the ultimate suppressor designed specifically for hunters. This lightweight, high-performance suppressor reduces the sound level of your most popular hunting cartridges down to Hearing Safe levels without adding significant length or weight to your rifle.

» MSRP: $1,099

» Find out more: silencercentral.com

15.

BANISH 30-GOLD

The Banish 30-Gold is an 8.2-inch quick detach suppressor holding 11 baffles, and comes with two 100% titanium muzzle brakes (1/2×28 and 5/8×24). Completely user-serviceable, you can disassemble the suppressor for cleaning in a tumbler, ultrasonic cleaner, or by hand. When you’re ready to put it back together, the baffles are keyed and indexed for a hassle-free reassembly. Perfect for everything from a fun time at the range to big game hunting, the Banish 30-Gold will significantly reduce the report and recoil of large-caliber rifles (up to 45% in testing), while still being effective on rifles down to rimfire calibers.

» MSRP: $1,699

» Find out more: silencercentral.com

 Spike Camp Thumbhole Banish Backcountry 

 Banish 30-Gold

16. BANISH 30

The BANISH 30 comes as a 9-inch suppressor holding eight baffles, but if you’ll be shooting suppressed in tighter, confined spaces or hunting blinds, it can easily break down and assemble into a 7-inch configuration with six baffles. This suppressor also weighs considerably less than most suppressors of similar size. This is because the Banish 30 – like all of the other Banish suppressors in the lineup – is made from a strong titanium alloy for unmatched durability at an extremely lightweight. In the full configuration, it weighs 14 ounces; in the short configuration, it weighs just 11 ounces. You’ll be hard-pressed to even feel it on your gun!

» MSRP: $999

» Find out more: silencercentral.com

17.

CABELA’S INSTINCT BARRIER SYSTEM

Lightweight yet fully weatherproof, Cabela’s® Instinct Barrier GORE-TEX® System for Men delivers everything you need and nothing you don’t. This hunting system boasts 100% waterproof/windproof/breathable GORE-TEX protection to keep rain and splash at bay, while also deflecting frigid gusts, all while allowing excess heat and moisture to escape. 3-layer construction keeps you dry even in the nastiest conditions. The jacket’s articulated elbows and the pants’ articulated knees allow more natural movement when moving or aiming. Waterproof zipper hardware enhances watertight integrity. The jacket’s 3-way adjustable hood includes a built-in visor for custom coverage and sun protection. Leg zips on the pants with 2-way zippers provide easy on/off over layers or muddy boots while allowing you to dump excess heat. Adjustable cuffs seal out moisture. Both pant and jacket come with a breathable mesh-backed stuff sack, allowing you to store them when not in use.

» Jacket MSRP: $299.99

» Pants MSRP: $239.99

» Find out more: cabelas.com

18. CABELA’S INSTINCT HYBRID PUFFY VEST

Discover bulk-free mobility and warmth as you never expected from a puffy-style hunting vest with the Cabela’s® Instinct Hybrid Puffy Vest for Men. This uniquely hybrid-designed Cabela’s vest brings a lightweight build with heavyweight performance, thanks to 80g/sqm Primaloft Insulation and stretch fleece panels. This innovative pairing gives you serious warmth and unrestricted movement, making this Cabela’s Instinct vest the ideal layering vest to keep your core warm.

SCENTINEL Scent Control Technology powerful scent-reducing enhancement keeps your scent signature down when it matters most. The 4MOST REPEL durable water-repellent (DWR) finish beads away surface moisture to keep you dry through pop-up showers.

» MSRP: $99.99

» Find out more: cabelas.com

 Cabela’s Instinct Barrier System

 Cabela’s Instinct Hybrid Puffy Vest

 Banish 30

PROUD TO PARTNER WITH

Bass Pro Shops® and Cabela’s® is proud to support the Houston Safari Club Foundation’s mission of preserving our hunting heritage through education, conservation, and advocacy. Together with the sportsmen and women we serve, our support of HSCF’s youth education programs makes it possible for today’s youth to become the next generation of conservationists.

Learn more at basspro.com/conservation

2022-2023 Mentored Hunting Initiative

Report for Houston Safari Club Foundation

TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE FOUNDATION

(TPWF) is pleased to share the following update with Houston Safari Club Foundation on the impact your support made on the Stewards of the Wild Mentored Hunting Initiative during the 2022-2023 season.

TEXAS PARKS AND WiLDLiFE FOUNDATiON: A COMMiTTED PARTNER

Founded in 1991, Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation is the official nonprofit partner of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). The mission of TPWF is to support TPWD to ensure that all Texans, today and in the future, can enjoy the wild things and wild places of Texas. TPWF secures funding for transformational projects supported by sound science with measurable results and meaningful impact that would not be possible without the support of generous funders. Since its inception, TPWF has raised and invested more than $235 million to advance Texas’ proud outdoor traditions and conserve our state’s lands, waters, and wildlife.

HEEDiNG THE CALL

There is no place like Texas. Our proud outdoor traditions are worth protecting. To ensure that future Texans can continue to enjoy and explore our state’s precious natural wonders, we must cultivate the next generation of conservation stewards, today. Whether called by the allure of adventure, open air, or camaraderie, young adults come together with meaningful purpose as members of TPWF’s Stewards of the Wild program. Stewards of the Wild is a conservation leadership program that equips Texans aged 21 to 45 to actively participate in the stewardship of our state’s wild things and wild places by providing education, networking, and outdoor experiences. Launched in 2013, this program now has eight member-led chapters across Texas

and hosts both statewide and local events. Members participate in outdoor activities such as mentored hunting and fishing, camping, hiking, and paddling; learn about public land access; interact with conservation professionals; and gain invaluable conservation leadership skills.

Through the Mentored Hunting Initiative, Stewards of the Wild provides high-touch, low-cost experiences that both inspire and provide participants foundational skills to engage in ethical hunting. Learning about hunting in a professional and welcoming environment, these adults feel empowered to continue participating in conservation and hunting into the future.

TPWF partners with Texas Wildlife Association (TWA) to plan, organize, and implement program-driven events statewide. In coordination with TWA’s Matthew Hughes, Ph.D., a certified huntmaster, hunting mentors who are either certified huntmasters or expert hunters with years of experience and education are selected as mentors for Steward of the Wild experiences. Mentored hunt applicants are recruited by the Stewards of the Wild chapter leadership and TPWF’s Engagement Manager through personal communication, email, and social media campaigns, focusing on first-time or lapsed hunters in underrepresented groups. The mentee application process begins in July; both TPWF and TWA review applications. The candidates with the least experience, most enthusiasm, and in-depth explanation of why they would like to learn how to hunt are selected for the hunts.

2022-2023 MENTORED HUNTiNG iNiTiATiVE ACTiViTiES

Powered by your philanthropic commitment, Stewards of the Wild hosted 21 mentees at four hunts for white-tailed deer, feral hogs, dove, duck, and quail taking place in fall 2022 and January 2023 in Bosque, Hays, Kenedy, and Zavala counties.

Participants acquired (or refreshed) essential hunting skills— how to identify, age, hunt, and track animals responsibly, as well as how to safely harvest, store, and prepare game protein.

Highlighted outcomes of the season include:

• Engaged 21 young adult mentees in hunting, all of whom were first-time or extremely novice hunters

• Mentored 10 men and 11 women

• Fostered greater inclusivity for participants by recruiting both men (68%) and women (32%) as hunt leaders and mentors

Stewards of the Wild participant survey feedback underscored the value of the program. From the experience, 100% of Mentored Hunting Initiative participants responded that they:

• Developed a deeper connection with nature

• because of the experience

• Planned to get more involved in conservation

• Learned important skills that can be used in hunting

• and the outdoors

• Increased understanding of how hunting is a tool for conservation

• Gained a better understanding of how firearms are a useful tool for wildlife management

• Better understand how to properly handle firearms

cultivating the next generation of conservation leaders in Texas.

Thank you for your support of the Stewards of the Wild 2022-2023 Mentored and in years to come, it is critical to provide educational opportunities and outdoor young Texans to conserve our natural resources, not only for the health of Texas’ wildlife, but for the well-being and benefit of its people. We are grateful for your cultivating the next generation of conservation leaders in Texas.

• Felt more confident cleaning and butchering a harvested animal

Founded in 1991, Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation’s mission is to support ensure that all Texans, today and in the future, can enjoy the wild things

• Learned how to pursue hunting opportunities in the state of Texas

THE iMPACT OF YOUR SUPPORT

Stewards of the Wild hunting events provide a fitting venue to learn about conservation issues and challenges in Texas. Going beyond hands-on instruction, events are designed to emphasize how hunters have a duty to participate in and support conservation. From scheduled presentations by biologists and other conservation experts, to informal chats among hunt leaders, mentors, and mentees both outside the blinds and during hunts, the entire three-day experience offers ample opportunities to explore what it means—in philosophical and practical terms—to be a steward of Texas’ wild things and wild places. Generous philanthropic investment from Houston Safari Club Foundation makes this possible.

Thank you for your support of the Stewards of the Wild 20222023 Mentored Hunting Initiative. Today and in years to come, it is critical to provide educational opportunities and outdoor experiences to young Texans to conserve our natural resources, not only for the health of Texas’ lands, waters, and wildlife, but for the well-being and benefit of its people. We are grateful for your commitment to cultivating the next generation of conservation leaders in Texas. ★

Founded in 1991, Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation’s mission is to support Texas Parks and ensure that all Texans, today and in the future, can enjoy the wild things and wild places of Texas.

A VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS

BY CHESTER MOORE, JR.

Abeautiful mule deer buck blended into the tall grass and shadows in the small valley below. Only the slight flick of an ear revealed its presence as we methodically glassed the area.

Juno Smith and I made our way down to a rock where she could steady herself with my camera and a 400 mm lens to photograph the deer. As I watched her so enthusiastically positioning herself to get the right shot a tear rolled down my cheek. My family met Juno in 2022, 364 days before this scene played out and she was bound to a wheelchair after a tough battle with cancer. She’s now cancer-free and walking and I had the privilege of guiding her to take her first-ever wildlife photograph.

This beautiful moment was part of the Higher Calling Wildlife® 2023 “A Voice In the Wilderness Expedition” to Colorado.

Higher Calling Wildlife seeks to mentor teens facing special challenges to become wildlife conservationists through expeditions. This one was aided greatly by a grant from the Houston Safari Club Foundation.

The emphasis on this trip was working with several teens to photograph moose, bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, and other wildlife for content such as this story and a future edition of our Higher Calling Wildlife magazine. And the secondary mission was to teach about the North American Model of Conservation and how hunter-conservationists and science-based policies make the wildlife encounters we had possible.

THE CAREFREE HERD

We began our wildlife photography on Mount Evans, a gorgeous 14,265-foot mountain featuring the highest paved road in North America. About 3/4 of the way to the peak, we noticed two bighorn ewes about 75 yards up a ledge, so we pulled over to get some shots.

Amber Borel, a junior in the wildlife-forestry department of Stephen F. Austin University, and 13-year-old Delilah Hunter enthusiastically broke out their cameras to photograph the sheep as I walked up a few yards to get a better angle.

Amber served as an intern in our outreach last year and she came to help on this trip Delilah is the daughter of Kat Hunter, a friend I made covering the 2022 Women Hunt class of the Wild

WILDERNESS

Chester Moore, Higher Calling Wildlife founder, takes Juno Smith to photograph a mule deer in a small, easily accessible valley. It was her first-ever wildlife photo.

(Photo by Kat Hunter)

Sheep Foundation at the FTW Ranch near Barksdale, TX.

Just as I was adjusting my camera’s settings, the ewes started coming down very quickly, and then behind them were 30-40 more we could not see at first. The herd walked within five feet of me as I tried to stay as still as possible while marveling at their beauty.

Delilah and Amber shot photos and one ewe almost got close enough for them to touch. We didn’t approach the sheep. They came through us to get to a mineral lick below. Everyone was all smiles, especially Delilah who came as part of this wildlife mentoring experience.

And she got some great photos.

BLONDE BEAR

When we got to the Estes Park area the first animal we saw was a young blonde-phase black bear.

It kept popping its head out from behind a shack and walking in tall grass. Everyone marveled at seeing a bear so early in the trip and I told them it was a true blessing to get a color phase black bear.

This of course was a teachable moment about the color phases of black bears and bear safety as well. I told them although this was a youngster, it could still cause problems if we approached it and that their populations are soaring and must be managed by hunting.

The little bear eventually disappeared into the forest, showing how quickly and stealthily wildlife can navigate their habitat.

MOOSE!

Photographing moose was one of the primary goals of the expedition. My wife Lisa fell in love with them on our first trip to the region and was excited to lead the girls, including our daughter Faith, to get quality shots.

The first moose we found was a nice bull in a beautiful valley lake. He was beating the midday heat in the cool waters and dining on tasty aquatic plants.

Amber shot some great photos of the bull and said as a

Left: Amber Borel captured this image of two bighorn ewes before an entire herd came down to point blank range.

(Photo by Amber Borel)

Below: Amber Borel and Delilah Hunter get long distance shots of bighorn ewes with the help of telephoto lenses.

(Photo by Chester Moore)

wildlife-forestry student she’s grateful to get more experience learning about forest ungulates up close and personal.

“I’m excited to eventually work for the cause of conservation through the degree I am pursuing. Seeing the moose was really interesting because they are so much bigger than the whitetail I am used to seeing and hunting in East Texas and because they have their own unique role in the ecosystem,” she said.

We later came across a cow and a six-week-old baby moose.

This presented a more challenging situation as they were just on the edge of thick cover and we were backed up to a trail. We were well within a safe zone but I told them safety isn’t our only concern. I told everyone that in photography we never want to “push” animals and make them feel uncomfortable.

In this situation, it could lead to us getting stomped into a mud hole by momma moose but in general, it’s best to put little stress on animals, especially moms and nursing babies.

Amber helped Delilah get some great photos by pointing out some good angles and my wife Lisa and our daughter Faith took dozens of shots of the beautiful moose moving along the clear, flowing stream on the edge of the thicket.

MEETiNG KAMiLLE

An important part of our trip was connecting with 13-year-old Kamille Wood in Colorado Springs.

She qualifies for our program and was excited for us to spend

the day with her at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo which is literally built into a mountain. This zoo not only features incredible feeding opportunities for giraffes and African elephants which we of course participated in but a great collection of North American animals like grizzlies and mountain goats.

Kamille is absolutely one of the sweetest kids we’ve ever met and everyone on the trip instantly fell in love with her loving demeanor.

Before we even entered the zoo, an opportunity came our way.

Two mule deer were feeding in the woods on the edge of the parking lot. Remember, this zoo is made into a mountain so wildlife is abundant in the perimeter.

I guided Kamille to a close-range photo opportunity that yielded some great images and most importantly put a huge smile on her face. Post-trip I contacted her mother to let her know one of the photographs would be used in our publication and to tell Kamille this shot would help inform people about conservation efforts for mule deer in the Rocky Mountains.

I can’t possibly express how much Kamille touched my heart that day.

When we had an opportunity to feed the giraffes, I saw such a peace overcome her. When young people face challenges beyond what most people experience, it’s easy to see the world as a dark place. This moment reinforced that connecting with nature can help bring healing and a true sense of peace.

Left: Juno Smith enjoyed meeting a very friendly ground squirrel near Estes Park. (Photo by Chester Moore)

Right: Delilah Hunter points out a wildlife crossing sign. A big part of the trip was teaching the teens how to use photographs on social media to raise awareness of conservation issues like vehicle collision. (Photo by Chester Moore)

The outreach team and some of a couple of kids from the expedition capture a moment at the famous Estes Park sign.

(Photo by Chester Moore)

THE CANYON HERD

The Big Thompson Canyon is one of the most scenic places in North America. With jagged, steep cliffs and the trout-filled Big Thompson River flowing through it, this area has become one of my favorites.

We found a herd of bighorn ewes near a fishing access area so we pulled over for photographs. Immediately we smelled something rotten and noticed a dead ewe in the bushes. She had obviously been hit by a car.

Just down the road was a bighorn crossing sign and at this moment I was able to teach the youngsters about the importance of the new wildlife crossings being put in such areas to help stop vehicle-wildlife collisions.

Several of the ewes wore GPS collars so as we documented the herd, we discussed how monitoring sheep is important to track population dynamics. It’s also crucial in giving wildlife managers an idea of how close they are getting to domestic sheep herds that can transmit deadly respiratory pathogens that literally wipe out entire populations.

Another part of this trip was gift-giving. Our team put together conservation gift packages with a photo album of my wildlife photos from Colorado, a wildlife info wheel from The Wild Sheep Foundation, a plush elk, moose, or bear (depending on the bag), decals, and other info. The idea was to plant seeds of conservation with 25 kids we met during the trip with our kids doing the majority of engaging them and presenting the prizes.

The idea is to find young children and give them conservation inspiration. Several families pulled over to photograph the sheep and presented an opportunity to give them the gifts.

The best part was when one family showed up and a little girl walked out of their car carrying the plush bear from the package we gave them at a wildlife viewing area the day before.

That was a win.

THE COLORADO iCON

No trip to Colorado is complete without seeing elk.

Amber took some beautiful shots of several mothers and their calves near our lodge in Estes Park. It was interesting to see how this time of year females and males are so segregated. Most of the bulls were above 11,000 feet so we had a hard time getting up close pictures but on the day we took out Juno, we wanted to find a big bull and learned of a herd near a particular lake. Juno and Faith were able to take some incredible pictures of a massive bull that would make any hunter’s life to harvest and made two young girls very happy as they reviewed their shots that evening.

A TRULY HiGHER CALLiNG

Thanks to our partnership with the Houston Safari Club Foundation and private donors we were able to create mentoring relationships with very special young people that continue.

My measuring stick for how to impact kids is how it would have touched me at their age. I went through some challenges and to have someone take me on an expedition to Colorado or invite me into the mountains for photography would have been

life-altering in a very big way.

The outdoors industry does a good and very admirable job of connecting with kids but there are many that may never meet someone from a sporting organization. These kids are our specialty.

Young people from all backgrounds need to learn about the role hunters and anglers play in conservation and have an on-ramp to encounter that. We have found photography expeditions are an easy and effective way to make that happen.

Kat Hunter is not only Delilah’s mom but was a chaperone on the trip which she said gave her a unique perspective on this higher calling.

“It is the belief of the Higher Calling Wildlife that no one understands wildlife perils more than a young person dealing with struggles. The program is designed to ‘create a NOW generation of conservationists while providing a hands-on approach to wildlife encounters,” she said.

“This provides reasons to smile, feel loved, and escape what perils may be present in the child’s life…if even for a moment,” she said.

Kat said meeting Kamille, in particular, was her trip highlight and that the expedition reinforced the inspiration she got from the Women Hunt program to help others learn about conservation.

“It was a great time of reflection and encountering majestic wildlife,” she said.

There is nothing more precious than the smile of a child and when that comes while encountering a bighorn, elk, or moose it creates a lifelong love of wild things and wild places.

And that’s something we desperately need as challenges constantly mount against the species and places we love.

You can learn more about Higher Calling Wildlife at highercalling.net. If you know of a young person that might benefit from an expedition reach out to Chester at chester@chestermoore.com ★

Juno Smith captured this photo of a beautiful bull elk feeding along a creek bed.

(Photo by Juno Smith)

THE BLUEWATER SAFARI

Tales and Tastes from Texas Sportfishing

BY CHEF HOLLY HEARN of Game Girl Gourmet

COOKING HAS BROUGHT ME TO many incredible places and while Game Girl

Gourmet has a strong focus on land-based wild game, few are aware that my passion for hunting is only matched by my passion for fishing. I have been fortunate enough to have fished the waters of 5 different countries, 2 of them being for working purposes. This has given me the opportunity to work with a broad range of species, both salt and fresh. Despite the grandeur and beauty of fishing places like Costa Rica, Alaska, Guatemala, and New Zealand people are often surprised to learn that I have caught the most species right here in the Gulf Of Mexico. »

Holly catching a wahoo

Red Snapper pasta

Many Texans are shocked to learn about how complex and diverse the waters of the Gulf are, especially those of us who grew up in the great city of Houston with Galveston Bay only a stone’s throw away. There are over 15,000 different species of plants and animals in the Gulf, including various offshore species such as groupers, tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and several species of billfish. Additionally, the gulf is also famous for its shrimp, oyster, and inshore fish species such as speckled trout, redfish, flounder, and the lesser-known great Texas Tarpons. While I enjoy pursuing each of these species the most thrilling and exhilarating of these to me are the billfish and the tarpon

Many people are surprised to learn that chasing marlins and tarpons is more like big game hunting than anything else. It requires specialized equipment, extensive knowledge (in my case I am lucky to know people who possess this knowledge), patience, and persistence. Much like the valleys and ridges that make the South Island of New Zealand ideal for the red stag the varied topography: the continental shelf, underwater canyons, deep sea trenches, and the oil-rig structures is part of what makes bill fishing here so great. Blue marlin is the most targeted species here off the Texas coast however, the Gulf Is home to several species of billfish such as blue marlin, sailfish, swordfish, and white marlin. The blue marlin is powerful, fast, and usually puts up an incredibly powerful fight oftentimes leaping out of the water while hooked. All of this is to say that blue marlins are also incredibly large fish, the largest ever caught out of Texas was a 1,189-pound blue caught by Dean Smith out of Port Aransas

in July of 1984. Unlike big game hunting, most of the marlins caught live to fight another day. With catch and release being the predominant fishing practice when it comes to marlins it is always fun to catch a few meat fish to celebrate on the way home. While blue marlin and tarpon might be king of the fight it is much more difficult for me to tell you what the best-eating fish in the Gulf is. While it all boils down to personal preference, as we come to the close of summer I have an abundance of fresh seafood recipes featuring everything from shrimp to grouper, however, I have selected 2 of my most recent recipes featuring red snapper and redfish which you can easily find in most seafood markets if you aren’t an avid angler.

BLACKENED RED SNAPPER PASTA

One of the first things I did within 24 hours of returning from New Zealand was head offshore for a snapper trip. Would I recommend doing that after 19 hours of travel? Absolutely not. But the jet lag and exhaustion were hardly noticeable once I got my hands on some fresh Gulf red snapper. Red snapper, much like redfish, is mild in flavor and incredibly versatile. The populations have been well managed over the last few years making it an excellent eating fish for you and the environment. For this recipe, I butter poach the snapper and prepare the pasta sauce in the same pan, making it almost a one-pan meal. Truth be told I didn’t entirely plan on publishing this recipe because the photo wasn’t exactly what I had hoped for but it is such an easy, quick, and delicious recipe I felt that it would be a shame not to share

Tarpon fishing

Holly catching blue marlin

it with you simply because I am worried about the fork in the photo. I hope you enjoy it!

IngredIents

For the Fish

• 4 red snapper filets

• 4 tbsp of unsalted butter

• Blackening seasoning

For the Pasta

• 1 package of high-quality spaghetti

• ½ bunch of fresh thyme

• ½ cup of Sauvignon Blanc

• 4 tbsp of ice-cold butter

• 1/3 cup pasta water

1. Place 4 tbsp of butter in the freezer (you want it really cold but not frozen)

2. Bring salted water to a boil and prepare your pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve cooking liquid for the pasta sauce.

3. Pat your red snapper filets dry with a paper towel, DO NOT RINSE YOUR FISH IN FRESH WATER, generously season with your favorite blackening season.

4. In a skillet over medium heat melt the other 4 tbsp of butter. Once the butter has come to temperature sear your fish until cooked through, should take no more than 2-3 minutes per side.

5. Remove your fish from the pan and add your white wine, pasta water, and half a bunch of thyme. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5 minutes or until the alcohol has cooked out.

6. Once the alcohol has cooked out remove the thyme bunch and whisk in cold butter until emulsified. Add pasta to the pan and toss to coat. Place on your plate and serve with a snapper filet on top.

JAMAiCAN JERK REDFiSH OVER COCONUT RiCE

Redfish are mild in flavor and slightly sweet, often being compared to a red snapper or a grouper. These fish are incredibly abundant across the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic. Redfish populations have been well managed, making the Redfish a sustainable choice if you are purchasing your fish rather than catching it. I love preparing redfish because it is incredibly versatile and stands up to a broad range of cooking methods. My recipe of the month features a pan-seared redfish filet seasoned with Jamaican jerk and served over coconut rice with a mango pico de gallo. This recipe was recently featured in the March edition of Texas Made, a publication by the Colorado River Land Trust which promotes conservation here in Texas, and in my monthly newsletter, which you should sign up for over at gamegirlgourmet.com, if you haven’t already! This recipe is easy to make and comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal meal for those busy back-to-school days.

IngredIents

For the Fish

• 1 redfish fileted

• 1 lime

• Coconut oil

• H-E-B Jamaican Jerk Blend (Adams Brand is also great) For the Rice

• 1 cup of jasmine rice

• 1 can of coconut milk

For the Pico, See the recipe below if you aren’t close to an H-E-B

• 1 package of H-E-B fresh mango Pico + 1 honey mango diced

• ½ red onion minced

• 1 small clove of garlic minced.

• 1 lime juices

• 1-2 Roma tomatoes

• 1/3 bunch of cilantro finely chopped

• 2 honey mango

1. Pat redfish dry with a paper towel season both sides of your filet liberally with H-E-B jerk seasoning and salt to taste.

2. In a small saucepan pan bring your coconut milk to a light boil over MEDIUM heat and add rice cook for 15min.

3. Heat 3 tbsp of coconut oil over medium heat, pan sear your redfish filets until just cooked, though I typically to 2-3 min depending on the size of the fish.

4. Place your redfish filet over a bed of coconut rice, add a squeeze of lime, and spoon your mango pico on top add some cilantro, and enjoy! ★

Holly

Hearn, Owner, Private Chef 832-851-5806 | gamegirlgourmet.com

Giant blue marlin

THE

CATS

ZAMBIA OF

BY TIM HERALD

Three of us were packed into a Double Bull pop-up blind in a thick riverine area where a feeder stream fed into the larger Luangwa River in Zambia. We had elephants on three sides of us feeding, and seemingly getting closer, so professional hunter, Jason Stone, and I were getting a bit concerned that our sit for a big male leopard might get cut short.

Longtime WTA client Barb Solow was on the rifle, and I was going to attempt to video her leopard hunt. Jason and I whispered back and forth about the approaching elephants that were basically surrounding us when I peered through my blind window and saw that the leopard was standing broadside on our bait limb. We had barely been in the blind for forty-five minutes!

I looked at Jason and said very quietly, “Cat in the tree”, and he tapped Barb on the shoulder. She slid down to her rifle, moved her safety forward, and squeezed the trigger. The cat fell straight off the limb, but then we could hear him running through the dense jungle-like vegetation, straight at the blind. He ended up stopping under a huge dense bush about 10 years away, and Jason and I grabbed up our double rifles and approached where we hoped to find him.

Barb’s old lion

Sunset in the Kafuwe

The bush had limbs growing almost to ground level and it was probably over thirty feet in diameter. Jason and I began moving around it in opposite directions trying to peer under the cover and hopefully get a glimpse of a dead cat. Suddenly Jason yelled, “Tim stop!”, I did, and then I heard the report of his .470. He walked over to me, lifted some branches, and there was the leopard only a few feet away from where I had been standing. Jason said he saw the cat, and it was watching me come around toward it. When I got close, it bunched up to launch at me, and that is when Jason shot it.

That was on the fifth day of Barb’s safari, and we had three female leopards, a young male and this nice mature tom already feeding. The Luangwa Valley has one of the highest leopard densities in all of Africa, and though leopard hunts are typically fourteen days, Jason’s clients often score within a week. He produces some really nice cats in the Luangwa with an occasional giant. I had a client last year kill an absolute monster there; its head looked like a lioness.

Our hunt continued with great success as a few days later I took a brace of 40” and 42” buffalo, Barb got a very nice roan and puku. There was a lion left on quota, so we began baiting in hopes of getting one of the big-maned males that Jason knew of in the area to feed.

After a couple of days, we got a hit, and after setting up a trail camera, we learned that a very old male lion was on the bait. We kept him feeding for a few more days in hopes of one of the larger maned lions would find one of our other baits, but as we only had a few days left to hunt, Barb said she wanted to try for the ancient old male as he was the perfect lion to take out of the population anyway. That afternoon we climbed into the blind fifty-two yards from the bait, and about an hour before dark, I was shaken out of my daydream by an incredibly loud roar. The big guy was on the move and not too far away. When he got to about 200 yards, he must have lain down as he continued to roar and grunt, but he did not move for some time. Then all went quiet.

The area around the bait was thick, and I hoped that the lion’s silence meant he had gotten up and was headed for the bait. Seconds ticked by slowly as we were all on edge, and then he was there. He stepped out of the brush behind the bait, looked around for a bit, and then began to feed. He stood on his hind legs to reach up and grab the meat to eat, and his back was toward us.

Then he would spin around, and the bait would be blocking our view. The lion finally dropped off the bait, but he was sitting facing away. It seems as if he would never present Barb with a quality shot. Then he ran back into the brush, but he reappeared within a couple of minutes.

I was thoroughly enjoying the show, but I knew Barb had to be incredibly stressed having to wait so long for a shot and the fact that we were losing daylight very quickly. Finally, after twenty minutes, the big cat stood broadside, and Barb hammered him with her .375. He dashed off without so much as a snarl, which was odd, and Jason asked Barb how she felt about the shot. She said she was confident she hit him right behind the shoulder, but Jason was concerned because he said he had never seen a lion that was shot that

either didn’t drop dead or growl and make a lot of noise when it was hit.

We gave it some time and called in the truck and trackers. It was dark by then, so we loaded up on the vehicle, had flashlights and rifles at the ready, and slowly drove in the direction the lion had run. After about a hundred yards, one of the trackers pointed off to the left, and we could see Barb’s lion lying under a small tree.

He was a grand old cat that Jason estimated was over 8 years old, and though he didn’t have a huge mane, he was the trophy of a lifetime. Besides the incredible leopard density, the Luangwa Valley also has a very strong lion population.

Author with his huge Kafuwe tom.

Above: The author and Barb Solow with her beautiful Luangwa leopard.

Left: Barb, Stone, and Herald with her ancient old lion.

Jason has not failed on a leopard in over 17 years, and his lion hunts have been 100% successful for over ten years. He is my go-to cat PH when booking serious clients on leopard and lion hunts for Worldwide Trophy Adventures. On this hunt, we sat twice, and Barb took both cats on the first try.

Jason told me that isn’t unusual as he tries to make quality setups and only sits for a cat when he feels it is comfortable feeding at the bait and will almost assuredly come back.

That being said, I have always told people you must go with a good cat PH. There are some guys who just love hunting leopards and lions and can think like a cat. These PHs excel at cat hunting and have incredibly high success rates. Most of the really good cat guys also operate in high-quality cat areas, and that combination almost assures success. Jason Stone is definitely one of the top cat producers in Africa, and on his Zambia hunts, he will guarantee a client a shot at a mature leopard or lion if they stay the duration of their hunt, or they can come back free if no shot is presented. That is putting your money where your mouth is for a professional hunter.

Besides the Luangwa Valley, Jason also hunts the Kafuwe

GEAR RUNDOWN FOR LEOPARDS:

I personally like a cartridge that has a lot of velocity for hunting leopards. I think the shock value on high-velocity loads is devastating to a cat’s highly developed nervous system, and I chose a .300 Win for the job shooting ultra-accurate CEB 180grain Lazer bullets loaded at 2950FPS. A .300 obviously has plenty of power to completely pass through any leopard, and the Lazers will sheer off a few pedals inside the animal for massive trauma while the core keeps penetrating. Again, my big cat was DOA at the base of the tree.

Important on a leopard hunt is the optics you choose. Most cats are shot in the first or last minutes of daylight or under artificial lights in some areas. You need a scope with great light-gathering ability, and in my opinion, one with an illuminated aiming point of some kind. I used my tried-and-true Trijicon Accupoint 4x16x50. The scope’s 50mm objective brings in all available light and gives you an extra few minutes of shooting ability, and when the moment of truth comes, the tiny green aiming point stands out like a beacon. It is illuminated by both fiber optics and tritium, so you don’t have to worry about turning it on or off electronically, and you know it will always be visible. This setup made the shot on my Zambian leopard a simple one.

area in eastern Zambia. When we have a client that wants a big sable and leopard, we send them to the Kafuwe as 45” plus bulls are very attainable. Recently a longtime friend of mine, Tom Niederer took an incredible 49” sable bull on the first afternoon of his safari with Jason’s brother Clinton Stone.

Over the years, I have seen the photos of the leopards that Jason and Clinton have produced from the Kafuwe, and it got me considering another leopard hunt. I had taken nice mature cats in the Niassa of Mozambique and the Zambezi Valley of Zimbabwe, but those areas generally produce 7-foot cats that weigh 125-140 pounds. They are beautiful cats, but they are not giants.

There are a few places in Africa renowned for big leopards. Southern Zimbabwe, Masailand in Tanzania, South Africa (when it was open to hunting), and certain parts of Namibia come to mind for great leopard genetics. The Kafuwe region of Zambia should be added to this list. The Kafuwe has long been known for producing really big-maned lions, but the leopards there are superb as well. Jason takes a lot of cats in the Kafuwe that are over 160 pounds, and it is not unusual

Trijicon Accupoint 4x16x50 is the perfect leopard scope

for him to take a cat that tops 170. There are lots of numbers thrown around on the weights of both cougars and leopards. I see lots of people talking about leopards 180-200 pounds, and while Mr. Spots can get that big, it is a very, very rare occurrence. I recently had a hunter send me photos of his leopard that he claimed weighed 193 pounds. It was a really solid cat, but I honestly doubt that the tom weighed much more than 150 (and by the way, a 150-pound leopard is a great animal.)

So after much deliberation and talk, I jumped on an opportunity to hunt a leopard in the Kafuwe with Jason and my buddy Tom decided to hunt sable, roan, and a couple of species of lechwes with Clinton.

Much like on Barb’s hunt a few years earlier, we had three leopards on bait after only two days. There was a female that hit the first night. She came back the second night, and a young male had also eaten at another site. It was late in the afternoon on day three when we found a big track in the road headed toward our last bait to check, and we soon discovered that a large mail had smashed that sable leg we had hung the day before. It was too late to build a blind and sit that day, so we decided to put up a second camera and see if the cat came back to feed.

We had a few baits out in another area by an old bush airstrip for a big cat that Jason knew about, and he felt like that male could be a 170-pounder. The next morning, that big cat hadn’t found our baits, but the big male from the day before had fed again, and we got some better photos of him. He was thick and heavy, his ears appeared to be tiny in comparison to his head, he had a dewlap on his neck, and in some of the pictures we could see loose skin on his chest going down toward his belly. He had all the characteristics of a big male leopard, and Jason asked me what I thought. I told him that I thought it was a great-looking cat, and from what I could see, I would be very happy with him, but I am not a PH that looks at dozens of leopards every year. He told me he didn’t know if it was bigger than the airstrip cat or not, but he too felt like it was a very good leopard. That’s all I needed to hear, so we decided to put up a blind and give it a try.

That afternoon as the sun was fading out of the golden area, Jason tapped my leg, and I knew that our cat was there. When I eased forward and looked through my Trijicon Accupoint scope, I could see the spotted back of the cat leaning over the bait, and then he turned toward me. He was magnificent, and staring straight toward the blind, he looked like a thick-necked brute. I waited tensely for him to present a shot, and then like a yellow ghost, he was moving and out of the tree. I couldn’t believe it, he never settled down to really feed, and he did not present me with a quality shot. I prayed that he would come back in the next minutes before darkness overtook the bush.

Then he was simply there. I didn’t see him walk out on the branch, he was just there, and broadside. I quickly put the small green Trijicon aiming point on his shoulder, moved it one-third of the way up his body, and touched the trigger. The 180-grain Cutting Edge Bullets Lazer hit him like a

sledgehammer, and it sounded like a base drum when he hit the ground. There was one deep growl, and all went silent. I told Jason I felt really good about the shot, and he said he was sure the cat was done.

We radioed for the truck to come in, and we strapped on headlamps and got out of the blind when we heard it approaching. Cautiously we made our way the 58 yards to the bait tree, and there he was, lying motionless under the bait.

It’s a serious thing to take a leopard, and I just didn’t have any words for a few moments. I took in his beauty, rubbed his velvet-like coat, and just took in the whole experience. This was one big leopard for sure. He was even larger than I had thought, and he was old. He had broken teeth, scarred face, and ears, and was a serious heavyweight. He was a perfect leopard to me.

Jason had produced on the first sit again. I have had the privilege to sit in a blind with him three times, and that has netted two great leopards and an ancient old lion. You cannot argue with that track record.

There may be a few chosen areas around Africa that are as good for hunting cats as Zambia, but I do not think there is any better. For my money, considering population density, trophy quality, and success rates in the Luangwa and Kafuwe Valleys, if someone told me my life depended on taking a leopard or lion, I would choose to hunt with Jason in one of his Zambia areas. ★

Jason Stone setting up a leopard blind.

MORE THAN MEDEVAC

From Evacuation to Advisory, Global Rescue Has Your Back

Contributed by

www.globalrescue.com/hsc f

had no clue how expansive the operation and services of Global Rescue were,” said Joe Betar, executive director of the Houston Safari Club Foundation, during a February 2022 “Hunting Matters” podcast where he interviewed Harding Bush, operations manager at Global Rescue.

Betar was under the impression that Global Rescue only specializes in emergency medical evacuation from remote corners of the world. And that’s not his fault. Because of the unique (and sometimes extreme) medical evacuations heavily covered in the media for adventure-travel types — think mountaineers seeking to bag their next big summit to paragliders, cave divers, heli-skiers, hunters, and anglers — it’s natural to assume that’s what we do exclusively.

But there’s a lot more to Global Rescue than dramatic helicopter rescues. From enterprise travel risk management, information, destination intelligence, and emergency evacuation to general advisory services, Global Rescue’s services are broad, comprehensive, and essential.

What does Global Rescue do and how might it apply to your unique travel situation? How are our operations centers structured, and who’s answering the phone when a member calls? Here’s an overview.

NOT JUST REACTiVE, BUT PROACTiVE SERViCES

Global Rescue may be better known for our reactive services, meaning when a member experiences a serious emergency during travel, they contact us to get the life-saving help they need. Depending on the level of severity, the situation may require an evacuation or extraction of the individual.

There are two types of emergency reactive situations:

• MEDICAL EMERGENCY: When a member becomes severely injured or sick (including COVID-19), they contact our medical operations team to get the care and transport they need. “It could be from the side of a mountain to the nearest clinic or medical facility, where they will be evaluated, stabilized

and we determine what follow-on care is required,” Bush said. “Then, if additional hospitalization is required, we get them all the way home.” If necessary, Global Rescue will also deploy a paramedic, nurse, or physician bedside to help oversee the care provided and coordinate an evacuation.

• SECURITY EMERGENCY: If a member encounters an unforeseen natural disaster, civil unrest or armed conflict and cannot evacuate on their own, our security operations team helps you get home — or to a safe location and then home. Our security services are available as an upgraded membership.

“That’s the reactive part of what we do — meaning an incident happens, you call us and we help you get out of trouble,” said Bush, who served 20 years in the U.S. Special Operations forces and 12 years in international and corporate travel security. “But we don’t want you to get into trouble in the first place, so that’s why we also have all the non-emergency advisory and support services before and during your travel. This is the proactive part of what we do.”

There are two types of non-emergency proactive services:

• PRIOR TO TRAVEL: We help with research for any member’s trip. For example, say you’re planning a trip to India. What kind of risks — prevalence of certain diseases, potential security

threats, or other destination details — should you be aware of before going? Global Rescue’s intelligence team maintains detailed destination reports for 215 countries and principalities, which members can access through the My Global Rescue app. “Or give us a call, and we can have a direct discussion,” Bush said. “You might be surprised to learn satellite phones are illegal in India. If you bring one, you could be arrested or fined.”

• DURING TRAVEL: What if you’re traveling and you simply have a medical question? “You might develop a rash, but it’s not something you necessarily want to go to an emergency room for in a place like Botswana,” Bush said. Contact us anytime — 24/7/365 — and get medical advice and support you know you can trust. Global Rescue can also help locate coronaviruscapable hospitals and testing facilities.

We also offer advisory services related to general travel questions: visa and passport issues, translation, legal locators, and real-time security events that may unfold during your trip.

WHO’S ON THE LiNE WHEN YOU CALL

No matter your situation — emergency or not, medical or security, prior to or during travel — you call just one number and one number only: +1 617-459-4200. This is the number you should program into your cell or satellite phone (you can also contact us via the My Global Rescue app). It’s also a good idea to have this number written down in case your phone dies or breaks. (It’s also located on your Global Rescue membership card) Your call will always be answered by an on-staff employee, specifically one of our Member Services associates, which includes former 911 operators, customer support analysts, and dispatchers. Member Services personnel will ask a few questions to transfer you to the appropriate contact in one of the following operations departments:

• MEDICAL OPERATIONS: In the case of a medical

emergency or question, you speak directly with a registered critical care paramedic, all of whom are overseen by our team of medical directors. We also work with board-certified physicians, clinicians, and specialists from Elite Medical Group and the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations. “Our doctors specialize in all sorts of things: emergency medicine, high-altitude medicine, infectious disease, and more,” Bush added. Whatever your issue, we have a doctor with the appropriate medical specialty.

• SECURITY OPERATIONS: In the case of a security emergency or question, you’ll speak directly to a team that is made up of veterans of the military special forces community, including former Navy SEALS, Green Berets, Pararescuemen, Army Rangers, and Intel Officers.

Not only does the team’s background include military experience in every major conflict from Desert Storm to the Syrian civil war, but they have enterprise-level security experience. “This is very, very important to understand and meet the needs of our corporate clients and consumer members,” Bush said.

Our member services team and integrated medical and security operations are all based in-house in Global Rescue’s international operations centers. That means there is no call center — you speak with a real medical or security expert immediately to get the care or answers you need.

GET A GLOBAL RESCUE MEMBERSHiP

Whether you’re headed out on vacation or to the backcountry to hunt, Houston Safari Club Foundation recommends you purchase a Global Rescue membership. It provides necessary travel protection services such as field rescue, medical evacuation, and advisory services in case of any emergency. Single-trip, annual, and family options are available. For more information, visit info. globalrescue.com/hscf or call 617-459-4200 and tell them you’re a Houston Safari Club Foundation member. ★

Fly Fisherman wading in water

‘GO FISH!’

BY JACKY KEITH, PRESIDENT JKEITH@ESPLANADETRAVEL.COM

English poet Ted Hughes said, “Fishing provides that connection with the whole living world. It gives you the opportunity of being totally immersed, turning back into yourself in a good way. A form of meditation, some form of communion with levels of yourself that are deeper than the ordinary self.”

Everyone has that must-happen fishing trip burning away at the back of their mind. For some, it may be a remote icy stream with nothing but the soft swish of a fly line for company. Others might imagine reels screaming under the strain of a 1,000lb monster. Whatever it is, it is the thing you spend your life working toward. The reason to keep improving your game. But among so many bucket list fishing spots, where do you start?

Woman with brown trout

Esplanade Travel is here to help you put together what we think are the ultimate bucket list adventures around the world. The spots are as varied as the target species, but they all have one thing in common, the once-in-a-lifetime catch that many anglers dream of but only a few sees come true.

Esplanade Travel can start you off in Africa. When most people think of Africa, they usually picture the beautiful vast savannahs and the extraordinary wildlife. Africa also has thousands of unique fishing destinations. These trips can be combined with other exciting activities such as photographic safaris. In no particular order here are some of the best fishing spots in Africa.

AFRICA

LAKE NASSER,

EGYPT

Located in the south of Egypt, Lake Nasser is one of the country’s legendary fishing spots. The man-made lake is one of the largest reservoirs in the world and is home to huge freshwater fish. The most popular catch on the lake is Nile Perch. Reeling one in is a challenge for the most experienced anglers because of the fish’s power and size. Nile Perch can reach over 200 pounds in size. Besides the Nile Perch, you can also target some other freshwater predators, including Tigerfish and Vundu Catfish. Most trips to the lake last for several days, so you will have plenty of time to fish and enjoy the wildlife.

As one of the oldest civilizations in the world, Egypt is home to several ancient sites, such as the great pyramids, the Sphynx, and the Abu Simbel temples. Aswan is the perfect spot to base your fishing adventure.

THE ABERDARE MOUNTAINS, KENYA

It is hard to choose only one fishing spot in Kenya. Over the past few decades, the country has gained a reputation for some of the best sportfishing in Africa. From the mountains to the Indian Ocean coastline, Kenya offers top-notch angling at every corner. The Aberdare Mountains is an angling paradise located 120 miles north of Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. Rainbow and Brown trout were introduced to Kenya’s mountain streams at the turn of the 20th century. Since then, the waterways have hosted unforgettable fly-fishing adventures. Fly Fishing is the only legal method of catching trout in Kenya. Once you are done fishing, you can view incredible wildlife and waterfalls. You might even want to see the great wildebeest migration

CAPE VERDE ISLANDS

Cape Verde Islands, also known as Cabo Verde, are home to some of the best deep-sea fishing in the Atlantic. The islands are 280 miles off the coast of Senegal. If you are looking for Blue Marlin, the islands are the go-to place to find them. Blues are some of the fastest fish in the world, making them even harder to catch. You can make the challenge even more exciting by targeting real monsters around the Cabi Verde Islands, where they reach the mythical “grander” status, fish weighing

over 1,000 pounds. The best time to catch Blues is between Late March and July.

Cape Verde is one of Africa’s fishing hotspots. Cape Verde is also known as a popular beach holiday destination, which means you will have plenty to do while you are not fishing.

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA

Durban fishing charters have a lot to offer to both amateur and experienced fishermen. The city has many nearshore fishing spots, which is a great opportunity for families and those looking for a relaxed day on the water. More seasoned anglers usually visit Durban for offshore fishing excursions.

You can expect to come across marlin and yellowfin. You can also try skipjack tuna, and maybe some bludger trevally. The fishing is great all year round, and with billfish appearing in January.

The coastal city of Durban is a popular tourist spot in South Africa. The Golden Mile beachfront is a popular destination for cyclers, runners, walkers, surfers, and water-sport enthusiasts.

From Africa, Esplanade Travel can arrange for your fishing adventure to continue in the waters around New Zealand.

NEW ZEALAND

Fishermen from all over the world look to New Zealand as a mecca of angling. Fly fishing is fantastic every month of the year and many say it is the world’s best wild trout fishery. It is a bonus to have the spectacular scenery New Zealand offers.

With snow-capped volcanoes, large lakes, and numerous lightly-fished flowing streams through fern-filled grottos, New Zealand’s North Island is a fly fisherman’s paradise. Very few places in the world, if any, grow such large wild rainbow trout. The North Island’s ability to do so comes from a temperate climate, year-round growth, and genetics that have not been tampered with by hatchery stocks. While brown trout make up a smaller proportion of the fisheries, they too benefit from the same conditions and can grow even larger. If you toss in

Fisherman with prized 26 lb. Peacock Bass

Above: Fisherman with huge Nile Perch

Below: Tuna caught in Kenya

Above: Fisherman showing his Roosterfish

Below: Sailfish caught in Pacific Ocean

the Tongariro River, where it all began over 100 years ago, you have found the perfect spot for a fly fishing getaway.

Many fly fishermen travel the world in search of opportunities to catch big wild trout. New Zealand is one of the rare places where an array of fly fishing experiences are available. The South Island contains a variety of fishing experiences with the stand-out areas of Nelson, Canterbury, and the Lower South Island.

If you like to fish big rivers crashing down mountains close to the sea, you will find all these experiences on the South Island. You will also discover spring creeks that get squeezed out of the ground at the base of large mountains and gentle streams in the southeast part of the island. No matter what kind of trout water you like best you will be able to find it in the South Island.

You can also fish for salmon in New Zealand. Salmon is generally limited to the South Island which has suitable geography and temperature for well-established populations of sea-run salmon. Between December and May, wild salmon will leave the salt water, enter the fresh water, and swim up the river to spawn.

SOUTH AMERICA AND CENTRAL AMERICA

South America is a continent entirely in the Western Hemisphere. It features a fascinating and diverse landscape. It is home to Angel Falls, the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall, the Andes, the most extended mountain range, and the Amazon the largest river by volume. South America has three essential river basins, the Amazon, Orinoco, and Paraguay/Parana. These rivers and tributaries offer fly fishermen the chance to fish some of the wildest, most exciting waters for all different species.

ARGENTINA

Argentina is well known for its fine wines, football (soccer), and the tango. Over the last twenty years, the country has emerged as one of the top fly fishing destinations in the world. Argentina is a second home to many seasoned fly fishermen due to the phenomenal sea trout fishing in Patagonia. The Rio Grande, Rio Gallegos Rio Irigoyen are world-famous for sea trout fishing with 20lb fish being common. It’s not just the average size of the fish that is impressive but also the prolific numbers that get landed, enticing anglers back year after year.

As well as sea trout fishing, Argentina is also a spectacular destination for golden dorado fishing, with the vast crystal-clear waters of the mighty Parana River. It is also a little-known fact that Argentina is home to monster Chinook salmon that travel vast distances to reach their spawning rivers.

CHILE

Chile is a small, gorgeous country located in South America beneath Peru and west of Argentina. It is nestled between the Andes mountains and 2900 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline. Chile is recognized as one of the world’s foremost destinations for freshwater fly fishing as well as an ideal spot for saltwater fishing.

Plentiful Chilean water basins, both fresh and salty, promise excellent fishing experiences. The most widespread and popular species include various kinds of trout, namely, brown, rainbow, brook, and sea trout.

BRAZIL

Brazil is the world’s top destination for peacock bass fishing. The tributaries for the immense 2 million square mile Amazon River system and more specifically the Rio Negro and its tributaries hold both the largest concentrations and the largest specimens of peacock bass or tucunaré, as they are known locally.

Peacock bass is one of the most exciting gamefish. Peacocks are aggressive and are known for their explosive strikes and tackle-busting runs. Actually, peacock bass are not bass at all but are members of the Cichlid family, which include the ultra-aggressive “Oscars” which are found in tropical fish tanks. There are multiple species of peacocks in the Amazon Basin, from the butterfly peacock which range from 3-7 pounds, to the giant speckled peacock which have gone over 27 pounds. Peacocks are not only one of the world’s most highly prized gamefish but they are as beautiful as they are tough.

COSTA RICA

With luscious rainforests and golden beaches looking out onto crystal clear waters, it is easy to see why millions of people visit Costa Rica each year. One of the main draws to Costa Rica is the fishing scene.

Like many countries in Central America, Costa Rica borders the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. However, Costa Rica is unique. It has a mixture of shallow bays, productive reefs, and deep offshore waters just a stone’s throw from shore. No matter which coast you are on or if you are inland, you are never far from a fish worth catching.

We will start with the most impressive fishery in Costa Rica, the Pacific Ocean. Fishing the shallow waters here is synonymous with targeting roosterfish, one of the coolest-looking fish anywhere. Although it is not just looks that make this creature stand out, roosters love to put up a fight and will do whatever they can to get off your line.

But, of course, most anglers come to Costa Rica for the big game bite. The sheer number of blue, black, and striped marlin along with sailfish, is enough to attract any angler.

MEXICO

On a personal fishing note, my husband and I were in Cabo San Lucas and went out hoping to catch a sailfish. I not only caught one but was just shy of catching the record sailfish off Cabo San Lucas. It was exhilarating and a great place to fish.

Let Esplanade Travel arrange your fishing trip of a lifetime. Our staff has collectively traveled to over 150 countries around the world and we sell the destinations we know best and love the most! Our primary destinations are Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Southeast Asia, Italy, France, Croatia, South America, India, the United Arab Emirates, and the islands of the South Pacific. ★

Thailand - Asia

Croatia - Europe

Get To Know Me!

5 Minutes With HSCF Board Member JD Burrows

1: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A MEMBER OF HSCF?

I have been a member for over 11 years, joining to connect with like-minded people and get to know more about hunting.

2: WHY DiD YOU WANT TO SERVE ON THE BOARD?

I serve because I am. I serve on the Board, and have volunteered routinely, because I believe it is my God given right and obligation to serve. To help my fellow man, and the species we aim to protect.

3: WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLiSH?

As Treasurer, I hope to thrive with our limited budget, and to make the club more stable and successful than it was last year.

4: FAVORiTE PART ABOUT HSCF?

Dear friends all equally involved in our mutual missions. Investing time and money to promote HSCF missions. Serving as Pres and visiting DC was the highlight for this Servant leader.

5: CAREER FiELD? Energy marketing.

6: PREFERRED HUNTiNG EQUiPMENT? Trusty, Springfield .308 rifle.

7: SHiPWRECKED iTEM? One item—swiss army knife.

8: MOST CHALLENGiNG HUNT?

While there are several hunts that have been physically challenging, the ones that are the hardest for me are the hunts that have the most mental pressure, or heavy investment of time with little payout. Such is the life of a parent, trying to teach your son / daughter about the life experience of hunting. The most challenging having been a 2 year long process to find the exact deer my son wanted to harvest. After weekend and weekend, of passing on good deer, to end up with nothing on Sunday, then to repeat it all over again. I thought my son was disappointed in me, little did I know he loved the time in the bush, and that God would bless our patience with a great deer.

9: FAVORiTE SPECiES TO HUNT?

North American Turkey. Why? It is the only hunt where you actively use all of your senses to look for the quarry,

and you are also able to communicate with the bird. As a hunter, I love to call in the birds, interact with them, and ultimately harvest a bird.

10: TELL 18-YEAR-OLD JD?

At 18 I thought the entire world revolved around me, having traveled the world and seen so many places, I think it is still strange that as a teenager, all I cared about was me. If I could go back in time, I would find myself and tell me that the sooner I could get over my own self-importance, the better. I would probably have done more for society at an early age. I would have used that time between 18-21 for greater good, not just for fraternity parties. Mind you, once I had graduated, and started to make my own money, I had already turned the corner, and to this day I think about others first, and do what is right. ★

Carla Nielsen

Marketing & Publications Manager

WHAT ARE YOUR PRiMARY RESPONSiBiLiTiES FOR HSCF?

I handle all publications, social media, graphic design, clothing/promotional items, and other marketing material for HSC and HSCF.

WHAT iS YOUR FAVORiTE THiNG ABOUT WORKiNG FOR HSCF?

The people. I have been fortunate enough to work for HSCF for over seven years now and have met some fantastic people and learned so much.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST DiFFiCULT ASPECT OF YOUR JOB WiTH HSCF?

Social media. Rules are constantly changing, things are always being flagged, and you have to be very careful about what and how you post. The algorithm is another big issue, what is popular one day, isn’t the next.

WHAT DO YOU WANT HSCF MEMBERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I actually work remotely from Montana. My family moved here three years ago and I am fortunate enough to enjoy life here and still work for HSCF.

WHAT DO YOU CONSiDER THE BiGGEST CHALLENGE FACiNG HUNTiNG AND HUNTERS TODAY?

The stereotype that everyone is just out to hunt for the thrill of it. Few know what hunters do to give back and the economic impact they have on countries where they do go to hunt.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT WORKiNG?

When not working I rescue very old dogs and give them the best life possible for the last few months/years. I also have two very busy daughters who compete in Jiujitsu so I can be found at tournaments or enjoying the amazing weather and scenery here in Montana.

FAVORiTE MEAL AND FAVORiTE ADULT BEVERAGE?

Champagne. As far as food goes, Greek food has always been a favorite but when I go to Texas, Tex-Mex is a necessity.

WHAT iS THE ONE THiNG YOU COULD NOT DO YOUR JOB WiTHOUT?

A computer, everything I do relies on it and having access to WI-FI. ★

Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks outperform hollow, plastic stocks. Hardwood stocks are more rigid and won’t ex like plastic stocks do. Hardwood stocks will hold your set zero in all temperatures and weather conditions. Maintaining consistent accuracy is crucial for your hunting and target shooting success. Be er Accuracy, Be er Stability, “ Be er with Boyds .”

A Free-Range Cape Eland

BY M. ARNOLD

FIVE YEARS SINCE I’D BEEN IN South Africa’s Eastern Cape—the first and only trip to this complex tapestry of plants, animals, and culture. Five years since I’d heard the Bushmen-esque Xhosa language with its tonality and click consonants. Now, rapid-fire Xhosa made its way through my electronic earplugs. I understood nothing of the whispered exchanges between my Professional Hunter James (‘Quinney’) Quin and his Xhosa Trackers, Elliot and Frinda. But I was staring through my binocular/rangefinder at the topic of the

strangely beautiful conversation. Three hundred plus yards away, across a ravine and halfway up the side of the adjacent hill stood a group of elands, one of which was a beautiful bull with a thick and long ginger-colored ruff, called a kuif in Afrikaans, sprouting from his forehead. Never having hunted the second largest of the African antelope species, the first being its cousin, the Giant Eland, I was at a loss as to whether the bull was up to trophy standards, but he looked magnificent through my optics. »

Glassing the Kat River Conservancy for Cape Eland.

A day earlier, as Quinney drove us away from the East London airport and toward the Kat River Conservancy, he regaled us with facts about the area ranging from nearby Bloemfontein being the birthplace of J.R.R. Tolkien, to the University of Fort Hare, attended by Nelson Mandela. The Amathole mountains loomed larger and larger as we neared our destination. Chosen because of reputation, and because I wanted information for a new book on different methods of conservation through utilization (a.k.a. trophy hunting), the Conservancy consisted of land interrupted by only low-cattle fences, with a mixed domesticated animalsgame animals business model. The Conservancy, made up of over 15 individual farms, encompasses 70,000 hectares (i.e., approximately 170,000 acres). Over the next several days we would roam over a portion of this, crossing and recrossing barbed wire fences intended to stop the Merino sheep, Angora goats, and Beefmaster cattle, but not the game. And now my PH and Trackers were assessing the trophy quality of one of the free-roaming game animals, the ‘ginger bull’. I’d not intended a hunt for a so-called Common Eland while at the Kat River Conservancy. My wish list was short, including only a black, Eastern Cape bushbuck ram. That wish would go unmet. Such is ‘hunting’ rather than ‘shooting’. This day our lunch, served buffet-style off the Land Cruiser’s tailgate, featured bobotie. Considered by some the national dish of South Africa, and consisting of minced meat flavored with curry spices, it was delicious and filling. When we finished eating, I asked James where Elliot and Frinda had gone. “Just glassing

the area while eating their lunch” was his answer. He continued, “I’ll go collect them.” Sliding into the cab of the hunting car, I started jotting down notes from the day’s activities. In earlier conversations, Quinney demonstrated surprise at my never having hunted an eland of any stripe. I’d pointed out that their cost was the usual impediment. As he walked up, the smirk on his face accompanied the phrase “Ask the Devil and you will get an answer.” He explained that Elliot and Frinda spotted a small herd of elands feeding across the ravine opposite their lunch position.

The herd, consisting of two cows, one calf, two mature bulls, and one immature male browsed as we studied them through a screen of thorn bushes. Initially, Quinney thought we should pass on the bulls in the group, stating “I think we can do better.” But the more he studied the Ginger male, he became convinced his first impressions were very wrong. Finally, after 1½ hours, he looked at me, smiled broadly, and whispered, “That bull checks all the boxes!”. Of course, there was still one issue facing us.

Pinned down on our slope, with wary elands—especially the mature cows—keeping watch on their surroundings, there was little chance of stalking closer. I ranged the group and they all stood around 320 yards away. James asked if I thought I could make the shot. I knew the rifle (Blaser R8 Ultimate Carbon with Recoil Suppression) and fieldrest (4StableSticks Ultimate Carbon) well, having practiced repeatedly at ranges from 100-400 yards at my local shooting club. I also knew the trajectory of the Hornady, 200-grain ELDx bullets—0” at 100 yards, -2” at 200 yards, -7”

Author checks the sights after the long trip from the US to South Africa

Above: Author and PH James Quin glass distant slope while Kane looks on.

Below: Thick thornbushes were good for hiding behind during glassing, and a menace for clothes and skin.

Above: The Eland bull went 15 feet before toppling over.

Below: Taking a life is a solemn event. The author thanks the bull for his life.

at 300 yards, and -16” at 400 yards. We knew the sights to be on, having checked zero upon arrival at camp.

All the trajectory data swirled around in my head before I answered my PH. “I think I can make the shot, but I’ll need help with the hold. I have no idea how many inches there are from the backline to stomach line of an eland!” After a whispered discussion of the trajectory information, and estimating a nine-inch drop, James instructed a hold with the crosshairs positioned center of the leg and at the place where the coloration on the eland bull curved in, going from dark to light. This worked out as approximately 12 inches from the backline.

Quinney and I carried identical Vortex Binocular/Rangefinders. Now that we had a plan, I did not raise mine, but rather stayed on the sticks and followed the Ginger bull through the Blaser B2 riflescope turned up to its maximum 15x, as he walked left-to-right across the distant slope. I became a bit frantic when the bull disappeared behind a clump of trees, but James could still see his legs through the thinner vegetation at the bottom of the trees. He indicated the gap through which the bull would pass. The range to the gap was 323 yards. A few seconds after the trigger break and report of the rifle a loud slap reached us from the opposite slope. Through the riflescope I watched as the bull hunched, hesitated, and then stumbled forward 15 feet before toppling into a bushy acacia.

It took us 30 minutes to make it down the steep slope, and across the intervening ravine; the crossing made particularly difficult by the rock-strewn terrain. Another 20 minutes of searching brought us to the place where the beautiful, old bull lay. I knelt, stroked his neck, and thanked the animal and God for the life taken, the memories made, and the opportunity to simply be in the beautiful Eastern Cape surroundings.

The shot had gone exactly where predicted, the 200-grain ELDx bullet taking out the top of the heart and part of both lungs. Though sad about taking a life, I was at the same time grateful the old bull died as easily as he did. After the photographic session—with the whole crew pitching in for the rolling over and positioning of the animal weighing in at close to a ton—I was to realize the benefits of hunting a free-range eland on a working cattle/sheep/goat farm. I wondered how we would move the huge animal back to the skinning shed and meat processing area. I assumed like other large animals such as Cape Buffaloes, the PH and trackers would quarter the eland bull, using the combined muscle of the hunting crew for loading the pieces into the back of one or more Land Cruisers. I could not have been more wrong.

The heavy machinery noise announced a brand-new method of trophy recovery for me. The sound of engine acceleration and metal scraping against rocks and brush became clearer. Finally, the bucket of a front-end loader broke through a stand of thornbushes. The driver, Sharpie, showed exceptional skill navigating through the smallest openings, or scraping through the scrub. With a final surge, he pulled the vibrating machinery into the

small glade containing the Cape Eland. There followed another session of manhandling, with as many people as could fit around the front of the machine carefully positioning the animal and then rolling him into the cradling bucket. It took only two hours, from the sound of my shot resounding off the Eastern Cape hillsides to the bull disappearing down the track in the embrace of the front-end loader (a.k.a. ‘voorlaaier’ in Afrikaans).

Before heading to the waiting Land Cruiser, I looked around the now-empty glade, and the surrounding hills. I would remember this place, the mount of my eland bringing back with a rush, the redolent smells of the acacias, the shockingly blue sky framing the deep green leaves and ghostly white trunk of the Shepherd Tree, the ankle-turning rocks, the sweet smell of the bull’s kuif, the long, white, wicked, yet beautiful needles of Acacia Karoo and the Cape Buffaloes, unseen by our group of PH, Trackers and client until the rifle shot caused their explosion from the nearby, dense stand of thornbush in which they’d taken refuge.

Hunters sometimes come under attack by those not understanding our passion. I believe that is a very small price to pay for the joys we accumulate as we pursue this passion. The primary joy is the collection of memories of wild places. These memories become engrained as we contemplate our past pursuits of magnificent game animals. ★

Magnificent Ginger Brush – Kuif in Afrikaans.

DAILY ONLINE EXOTIC WILDLIFE AUCTIONS

We upload Super Exotics each day into our live daily auctions. Register to view our list.

Discover an unparalleled selection of rare high quality and hard-to-find animals.

7-day warranty on all animals, ensuring your complete satisfaction.

Great way to increase your breeding herd from the comfort of your own home. Don’t

BID DAILY

Animals are 100% deductible with 80% in the 1st year