HSCF Hunter's Horn Summer 2021 by Houston Safari Club Foundation

T H E O F F I CIA L PU B LIC ATION OF HO US T ON S AFARI CLUB F OUND AT I ON • S UMMER 2021

Look no further than the

Texas Hill Country for a World-Class Wingshooting Adventure! Extraordinary outdoor sporting experiences year-round at Joshua

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Creek Ranch.

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Renowned for its wingshooting since 1990, Joshua Creek Ranch is located just 45 minutes northwest of San Antonio along the pristine banks of the Guadalupe River. With plenty of sunshine and pleasant temperatures during wingshooting season, hunters enjoy spending most of their time outdoors when visiting this Texas Hill Country paradise. Open daily to the public, with Memberships available, JCR offers custom itineraries and exceptional outdoor sporting experiences complemented by luxury resort amenities and warm Texas hospitality. Enjoy... • Migratory Dove Hunting • Upland Bird Hunting for Quail, Pheasant & Chukar • European-Style Driven Pheasant Shoots • Decoyed Mallard Duck Hunting • Trophy Axis Deer Hunting • Fly-Fishing for Rainbow Trout, Bluegill & Bass • Whitetail Deer & Turkey Hunting • Sporting Clays (20 Stations) • Simulated Driven Pheasant & Grouse Clays Shooting • Handgun & Long Range Rifle Shooting

J oshua Creek Ranch 132 Cravey Road , Boerne, TX 78006 | (830) 537-5090 | joshuacreek.com ii HUNTER'S HORN™ SUMMER 2021

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SUMMER 2021 HUNTER’S HORN™ 3

TABLE of

CONTENTS

SUMMER 2021

FEATURES 9 REMEMBERING

EARLE FREEMAN

20 HUNTERS AND ANGLERS

ARE KEY TO BIODIVERSITY

By Jeff Crane

22 8 GREAT WAYS TO PREP FOR FALL HUNTING SEASON

By Global Rescue

26 WARM WEATHER FAVORITES By Scott Leysath

32 BAGGING THE BIG

ONE: FORLOH SETS ITS SIGHTS ON TEXAS

40 SPRING IN THE SIERRA MADRES By Tim Herald

48 GOLD LEVEL IMPALA? By M. Arnold

54 FIGHTING BACK AGAINST HOG ATTACKS

By Chester Moore, Jr.

60 CONROE TAXIDERMY By Gayne C. Young

66 TAKING THE SCENIC ROUTE By Esplanade Travel

76 THE NHAMARUZA LEOPARD By John Wootters

82 THE ANATOMY OF A GREAT HUNT

By Carly Brasseux

88 HSCF MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

5 Minutes With HSCF Member Chase Schaefer

102

89 LOOKING BACK

By Tommy Morrison

90 HSCF PH SPOTLIGHT

Meet Ashley Hobson of Eastcape & Karoo Safaris

92 HSCF CRAWFISH BOIL & FUN SHOOT

By Joe Betar | Photos by Rachel MiQuel Photography

4 HUNTER'S HORN™ SUMMER 2021

96 BLAST AND CAST FOR WELLNESS 2021

By Danielle de Leon

102 DRUMS OF THE MORNING By Jay Rohfritch

106 2020 DAN L. DUNCAN

SCHOLARSHIP UPDATE

48 60

SUMMER 2021 HUNTER’S HORN™ 5

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 625 scholarships totaling $2.8 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. 6 HUNTER'S HORN™ SUMMER 2021

2020-2021 HOUSTON SAFARI CLUB FOUNDATION OFFICERS Matt Pyle –President Jeff Birmingham –President-Elect JD Burrows –Immediate Past President Will Perry–Vice President Jamison Smith –Vice President Mark King–Treasurer Monica Mills–Secretary HOUSTON SAFARI CLUB FOUNDATION DIRECTORS 2019-2021 Jeff Birmingham Hunter Comiskey Bryan Ray Travis Simpson Kevin Ormston 2020-2022 Ross Melinchuk Trey White Jody Simpson James Lofton

2020 Gold MarCom Award for Nonprofit Print Magazine

2020 Folio Ozzie Honorable Mention for Association Magazine Design

2020 & 2019 American Graphic Design Award for Publication Design

HISTORIAN Jerry Henderson HEADQUARTERS STAFF Joe Betar, Executive Director Angi McCarthy, Director of Administrative Services Carla Nielsen, Marketing & Publications Manager Nancy Oka, Director, Events & Membership

2021, 2020 & 2018 Communicator Award for Print Distinction

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 2021 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 author 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.

U PCOMING EV EN TS SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

Opening Day Dove Hunt with WGO

OCTOBER 23, 2021

HSCF Clay Crushing for Youth at GHSC

DECEMBER 9, 2021

Christmas Party at House of Blues

SUMMER 2021 HUNTER’S HORN™ 7

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE MATT PYLE, HSCF PRESIDENT

irst, I hope you and our entire Houston Safari Club Foundation family are healthy and safe. Not only are we still fighting this pandemic…but “the freeze” in February put even more stress on our community. My family has been fortunate to have resumed somewhat of a normal life. The kids are back at college and in school full time. However, Susie is still having to office at home for at least another quarter. We do all have our health, so we are blessed with that. While sitting here in my office writing this, I cannot believe we are halfway through year number two of COVID. The good news is that things are slowly returning to some sort of normalcy. Talking with many of our guide & PH friends around the world, bookings and hunts are starting resume. This is great news not only for their livelihoods and their families but also for the ecosystem and our conservation efforts. Many people think of hunting as a luxury, I see it as a necessity for conservation. I am happy to see HSCF and our members are continuing to do our part to promote conservation and help wildlife around the world. The staff and the Board of Directors have done a fantastic job over the past year demonstrating what HSCF can do for conservation. The HSCF staff has returned to the office and never missed a beat. They have already reached out to our exhibitors and begun confirming their booths and registrations for the 2022 convention. Through social media, word of mouth and frequent communications with our worldwide exhibitors, we encouraged hunters to reschedule trips. This past quarter we have continued with our conservation grants. Under the leadership of Grants Chairman, James Lofton, and the guidance of our Treasurer, Mark King, we have continued to fund all our major conservation, youth, and hunting programs. Over the past fiscal year, we funded 11 grants and will meet our budgeted goal, but more importantly we have invested in the future. In closing, I have enjoyed getting back together with everyone. Being able to go shoot, have a drink and catch up has been wonderful. I am looking forward to much more of that in the second half of the year. Be sure to attend the monthly meetings,

8 HUNTER'S HORN™ SUMMER 2021

sign-up for the shoots and stay involved with the club. This is the only way we can continue our mission. Preserving the sport of hunting through education, conservation and the promotion of our hunting heritage remain at our core. The efforts for the 2022 Convention are well underway and are more important now than ever. In your service,

Matt Pyle HSCF President

REMEMBERING

EARLE FREEMAN 1927-2021

James Earle Freeman, Jr. passed away peacefully at home in Houston on Wednesday, the 14th of April 2021. He was 93 years of age. He was the son of a pioneer oilman, James Earle Freeman, Sr. and Mary Louis Tooke Freeman. He was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, on the 9th of August 1927, and moved to Houston at an early age. Earle attended Lamar High School where he was a Colonel of Cadets with the ROTC program and graduated from Allen Military Academy in Bryan, Texas as First Captain. He attended the University of Texas in Austin then, after a short enlistment in the United States Army as a paratrooper with the 11th Airborne Division, he received a hardship discharge to return home to care for his mother and sister and attended the University of Houston and entered into the oil and gas industry where he spent the rest of his career. His adventures took him on numerous trips

including Africa where he took several world-class trophies. He was a former director of the Houston Safari Club and member for over 30 years. In 1950 he married Margie Morrow. They were married for 71 years and had four children, James Earle Freeman III (preceded in death), Edward Morrow Freeman, Michael Lee Freeman (wife Karen), Christina Freeman Vossman; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Earle was our very dear friend and dedicated to Houston Safari Club. He took Byron under his arm, gave him a job to bring exhibitors in and the rest is history as far as our love of and involvement with HSCF. We have many of our leaders who have gone on, but Earle was very special to many of us. We send our love to his family. He will not be forgotten. —SANDRA AND BYRON SADLER

SUMMER 2021 HUNTER’S HORN™ 9

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR‘S

MESSAGE

JOE BETAR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

appy Summer everyone! It is that time of year again! The seasonal heat will be bearing down upon us as we seek refuge on our favorite fishing lake, swimming hole or simply taking a sprint through the sprinkler. Some of you will be fortunate enough to make international expeditions into foreign lands, after postponing previously scheduled trips due to travel bans. I encourage you to check with your outfitter, host country website and the U.S. Department of State website for testing and vaccination requirements as you plan travel. We are hearing reports from those who have already traveled to expect delays related to screenings. The good news is that, while some have experienced delays, once they reached their destination, they had magnificent experiences. We continue to hold monthly in-person HSCF events with great success. The recent HSCF Crawfish Boil & Fun Shoot was a great occasion, with over 100 people in attendance. Be sure to check our website under the ‘Membership’ tab for monthly events. Sign up and bring a friend. We always welcome new guests and hope you will encourage them to be members of HSCF. On October 23rd, we will host our annual Sporting Clays Tournament. I would like to welcome Derek Ham as the 2021 tournament chairman. Derek is an HSCF member and an Agent/Land specialist for Whitetail Properties Real Estate, LLC, serving East Central Texas. The tournament will now have more of a youth education focus and will be rebranded as ‘Clay Crushing For Youth’ with proceeds benefitting HSCF youth hunting, fishing, firearms safety and outdoor education programs. I encourage everyone to sign up and participate in this event to support the future of hunting. Planning for the annual HSCF Worldwide Hunting Expo and Convention is in full swing as the various Committee Chairs are hard at work. The 2022 theme is ‘Seek The Wild’. We are greatly looking forward to seeing all of you February 4-6, 2022. Keep up to date with details on the website (wehuntwegive.org) under the ‘Convention’ tab. Your assistance for this event would be greatly appreciated-sign up to be a volunteer today by calling the office at 713.623.8844 or sign up on the website under Membership>Volunteer. Sponsorships are now available. Call me to discuss as HSCF needs your support to make this a fantastic event. For those of you wishing to enter the annual HSCF Hunting Awards competition, here is the

10 HUNTER'S HORN™ SUMMER 2021

news- due to travel restrictions, most of you were unable to participate in your usual hunting adventures. Therefore, entries for the 2022 hunting awards will be accepted from both the 2020 & 2021 hunting seasons. I am also incredibly pleased to announce Gunwerks as our 2022 Convention Title Sponsor! Look for more upcoming announcements. A big welcome to our newly elected HSCF Board members: Monica Mills, Kevin Ormston, Bryan Ray, Jeff Garrett and Chris Ruhman. You will learn more about our Board members in an upcoming issue of Hunter’s Horn and on our website. The ‘Guardians of Hunting’ program has been relaunched! Under its new structure, the program recognizes HSCF supporters for annual contributions and consecutive years of contribution. Go to wehuntwegive.org/guardians-of-hunting/ to learn more. The HSCF Stag & Dove Society, our young professionals’ group, has been incredibly busy. They held a well-attended social hour in May and are planning an archery event in June. If you are between the ages of 21-39, sign up today to join their growing crowd. Learn more at wehuntwegive.org/membership/ stag-dove-society/. A quick reminder to listen to ‘Hunting Matters’, our weekly radio program and podcast. The program airs each Saturday, 6am-7am CST on KPRC AM 950 and the podcast may be found on the KPRC 950 website, Apple/iTunes, iHeartMedia, Google, Overcast, and Spreaker! We have hosted some incredible guest and have more planned in the weeks ahead. Listen, subscribe, rate us and share with your friends. You may have noticed we have a few new HSCF advertisers and sponsors. These people do more than just purchase an advertisement in our magazine or sponsor an event or our convention. They are present because they believe in the mission of HSCF. Many of the principles of these companies have also become members of HSCF. We ask that you support them, and their businesses, as they continue to support our organization. In support of hunting and conservation,

Joe Betar Executive Director, Houston Safari Club Foundation

SUMMER 2021 HUNTER’S HORN™ 11

HSCF LIFE MEMBERS Bob Abernathy John Abraham Charlotte Alexander Richard Alexander Crystal Allison Shannon Alston Michael Ambrose Anne Avara Jacob Avara Skip Avara Paul Babaz Camp Bailey Cope Bailey Freddie Bailey Kenneth Bailey Frank Baird Jo Baird Mike Baird Jack Barksdale L. Irvin Barnhart* Wendy Barnhart-Lamplough Steven Beatte James Bell Lyndel Berry Tony Bessette Charlotte Betar Joe Betar James Biggerstaff Jeff Birmingham Craig Boddington Werner Boeer Jay Bonano E. Bond Greg Bond Pete Bonora Jeri Booth Frederick (Tony) Box Luanne Bozeman W. Steven Bozeman James Braus John Bridgwater Jack Brittingham Elizabeth Brueggeman Mark Brueggeman Joe Bruno Aaron Bulkley Matt Burke Robert Burke Byron Burris Grady Burris

12 HUNTER'S HORN™ SUMMER 2021

Quint Burris Angela Burrows JD Burrows Prentiss Burt Daniel Butler Turner Butts Don Byrne C. Cagle Dennis Cain Thomas Cain Rick Callison Alex Campbell Bill Carter* Ivan Carter Paul Carter Ben Case Barbara Cavender-Lewis Preston Cavner Chris Caywood Tracey Cearley Alan Cegielski Doug Centilli Christopher Clark James Clark Steve Clark Craig Clendenin Michael S. Clifford Stephen Coale Keith Coleman Randall Coleman* Russell Coleman Joe Collett Dwayne Collier Frank Comiskey Hunter Comiskey Kevin Comiskey Alan “Bink” Cooke Dian Cooper Rocky Cooper George Councill Steve Crawford Steve Crawford Kenneth Crockett Gary Crouch Deb Cunningham Ford Cunningham Linda Cunningham Ralph Cunningham* Ralph Daigle Joe Davis Laurent Delagrange

Armando DeLeon Charlie Desautels Elliot Desautels Jen Desautels Perry Dillon Randy Donato Barry Donoho Tim Doucet Megan Doyel James (Red) Duke* Dannine Duncan Jan Duncan Scott Duncan Bruce Edwards Robert Elkins Walton Eller Susan Ellerbeck* Gary Ellison Will Ellison Shaun Essery Travis Findley Charlene Floyd Tommy Fogle Randy Fowler Nathan Foyil* Michael Franklin Bobby Frederick Aaron Freeman Nichol Freeman Donald French Warren Gallant Jeff Garrett Randal Garrett Scott Garrett Tanya Garrett Zachary Garrett Paul Geiger Frank Giacalone Salvatore Giannetti Gary Glesby Carl Godfrey Russell Gordy Jeff Gorski William Gouldin Sandra Green Kevin Gregory Edward Guinn Dodd Hackman Clayton Hagerman Cory Hall James Halley

Greg Harvey Vickie Hayes Charles Head Jerry Henderson Mark Herfort Heinert Hertling Robert Hibbert Greg Hill Loren Hill Steven Hill Nicholas Hinze Suzanne Hixson Edward Hoffman William Holder Bill Honza Toby Huerta Gene Human Tanya Hurlburt Terry Hurlburt Harold Inman* Justin Itzel Keith Itzel John Jackson Jack Jensen W.A. “Bill” Jentsch Clay Johnson Todd Johnson Robert Jones Harris Junell Darrell Kainer David Kalich Susan Kalich Kirk Kanady Michelle Kangas Gaye Kelsey John Kelsey William Kelsey Julianne King Mark King Rick Kirk Jim Klentzman Robert Kneppler Dustin Knutson Philip Koehne George Kollitides Tommy Kolwes Phil Koonce George Kopecky Keith Lake Fred Lamas Wayne LaPierre

HSCF LIFE MEMBERS Joel Latham Kyle Lehne Richard Leibman John Lindholm Eric Lipar Tom Lipar Bryant Littlefield Mark Livesay Ricardo Longoria Cody Loverin Doug Luger David Mafrige Shane Mahoney Paige Manard D Martin John Martin James Masten Chad Matherne Wyatt McBride Mitzy McCorvey Tony McCorvey Ed McCrory Travis McWilliams Gerald Meinecke Chris Metz Lewis Metzger Greg Mills Brook Minx Howard Monsour Forrest Montealegre Paul Montealegre G.L. Moore Reed Morian Tommy Morrison Ron Mostyn Dustin Mykyte Jason Nash Shannon Nash Bob Neese Rob Neilson Scott Nelson Shaun Nelson William B. Newlin Rudy Nix K. Nunnally Carol O’Day Kerry O’Day Charles Onstead Kevin Ormston Neal Overstreet John Painter Gus Pankonien

Michael Park Michael Parr Steve Pate Trevor Penny John Pepper Melanie Pepper Grant Perry Stephanie Perry Will Perry Justin Peter Timothy Peter Bryce Phillips Carson Phillips Dusty Phillips Wilson (Woody) Phillips Thomas Powell Kevin Poynter Andrew Pratt Kymberly Pratt Charles Prince Sharon Propes Matt Pyle Carlos Ramirez Bryan Ray Christina Ray Lawrence Rearick William Reed Gayle Rettig Tim Richardson Keith Riggs Theresa Riggs David Ristau John Robberson Eric Robinson Larry Robinson Mike Robinson* Chuck Rod Robert Rod* Stephen Rogers William Rohrbach William Roosevelt Gary Rose Mark Rose Jerry Rubenstein Chris Ruhman John Rulon Gerald Russell Byron Sadler Sandra Sadler Michael Sample William Sample Michael Sandeen

Joseph Sayers Corey Schaefer Scott Scheinin Robert Scherer Wade Schindewolf Adam Schindler George Severence Wayne Sheets John Shelby Richard Shepherd Jason Shrieve William Simmons Austin Simpson Autumn Simpson Barret Simpson Becky Simpson Dawn Simpson Jacob Simpson Jody Simpson Michael Simpson Mike Simpson Travis Simpson Tristan Simpson Weston Simpson Charles Sitomer Sam Skipper Aurelia Skipwith Carter Smith Cooper Smith Jason Smith Mandy Smith Steve Smith* Tom Snyder Norman Speer James Stacy Kaylee Stacy Mary Edith Stacy Larry Stifflemire Mark Stouse Randy Strickland H. Stuart Greg Stube David Swan Dr. Lloyd Swiedom Sally Swiedom Leah Symens Tyler Symens Peter Tam Stephen Tam Larry Tatom Terry Taylor Mark Terpstra

Robert Thomas Heidi Thomas-Kersh J.B. Tinney John Tobin Pete Trammell Ted Trout* Hal Tryon Don Turner Aart Van Den Brink Jason Vanderbrink Phillip Veale Thom Venus Amanda Vick William Vick Juan Villaveces Glenn Vincent Jeffery Vinson Pierre Vorster Joshua Walker Greg Walla Rob Walsh John Waltz Dana Weber Rick Weber Larry Weishuhn Brian Welker Denise Welker Robert Wells Brian Welsh Lawrence West Matt West James Whaley Bruce Whitmire Bill Wilkinson* Ron Willenborg Steve Willenborg Gregory Williamson Alan Winslette Robby Winstead Kurt Wiseman John Wood Bill Woodall J.D. Woods Patricia Woods Debi Young Preston Young Brian Zaitz

* Deceased SUMMER 2021 HUNTER’S HORN™ 13

HOUS T ON S A FA R I C L U B F OU N DAT ION

COR POR ATE MEMBER S TH A NK YOU F OR SU PPORTING HSCF

Brush Country Studios / Prairie Mountain Wildlife Studios brushcountrystudios.com

Alaska Skookum Guides alaskaskookumguides.com

Capital Farm Credit capitalfarmcredit.com

Champion Ranch huntchampionranch.com

Forloh forloh.com

Gsell’s Whitetails gsellswhitetails.com

HomeLand Properties homelandprop.com

HuntersInc.com LLC

miltonlakelodge.com

Royal Outfitters royaloutfittersuk.com

Savé Valley Conservancy savevalleyconservancy.org

TEMPER A S E M P E R A T U R E C O N TA T U RO E XW . T E X A S T L. C

R EO M

Hawkeye Hunting Club hawkeyehunting.com

SilencerCo silencerco.com

14 HUNTER'S HORN™ SUMMER 2021

L SERVICES

, I

Texas Temperature Control texastemperaturecontrol.com

WildLife Partners wildlifepartners.com

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS James Aiken

Jonathan Franklin

Brandon Nimtz

Glendon Allwood

Ryan Frierson

Jon Novotney

Daniel Amore

Ryan Frierson

Lawson Olson

Brandon Baker

Len Frketich

Lila Ontiveros

Porter Baker

Carter Gappa

Billie-Jo Pearl

Marko Bartolac

Andrew Garay

Justin Peden

Walter Beard

Debra Garrett

James Pinson

Steven Beatte

Collin Garrett

Doug Porter

Susan Beatte

Jesse Georgio

Julie Price

Ken Beer

Nicholas Graham

Carl Prichard

Joshua Beutler

Justin Green

John Riddle

Jeremiah Black

Jason Hale

Sonja Boshoff

Brian Hay

David Ristau

Aric Brooks

Joe Healy

Brock Campbell

Joe Heller

Clifford Cheadle

Miriam Hernandez

Jordan Clark

Colton Hester

Mike Clemons

Patricia Hoffmaster

Brody Comer

Russell Hope

James Cooper

Marsha Howard

Paul Craven

Christa Imbriale

James Crownover

Jaja Jaimah

Daniel Crumrine

Serena Juchnowski

Jimmy Daniels

Shannon Kettunen

Jacob Davis

Dustin Knutson

Darcy Delligatti

Jacquelyn Koch

David Dennewitz

Kely Labor

Douglas Derr

Scott Lagasse

Neil Dimmitt

Harold Lee

Carl Drechsel

Eric Lipar

Jacob Dunlap

Caleb Lofton

Sean Eaton

Jacob Lofton

Mark Thomas

John Eckhoff

Gerald Mathis

Cole Thompson

Tom Egelhoff

John McClain

Hector Villareal

Brandon Ellerby

Blake McClard

Cameron Warden

Jeffrey Elliott

Wes Merck

Kendall Welfel

Monica Fabre

Alex Miller

Nolan Wieber

Jason Fabre

Carl Mozeleski

Trevor Williams

Jonathan Ferguson

Mychal Murray

Elliott Winn

Elijah Finley

Jeffrey Nations

Jason Wojciechowicz

Connor Fleming

Ryan Nauer

Ludo Wurfbain

Dustin Robinett Eston Rogers Ryan Rose Ty Sager Tracy Sauer Kenneth Schauss Axel Sezer Brian Shive Jerad Simmons Charles Sitomer Eric Skrok Joseph Spinelli Rebecca Spring Lucas Svartoien Ross Symens Matt Taylor Gerrie Theron Matthew Thimgan

Chad Flores

Jack Newman

Naomi Yates

Joel Franck

Sheldon Nicolle

Jared Zerbini

SUMMER 2021 HUNTER’S HORN™ 15

SCT CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE DEREK HAM, SPORTING CLAYS TOURNAMENT CHAIRMAN

ummer is upon us! And while I like summer and what it brings, it’s also a prelude to the cooler months, fall hunting seasons and the best Sporting Clays Event of the year - the HSCF Sporting Clays Tournament! This longstanding traditional event will be held this year on Saturday October 23rd at the Greater Houston Gun Club and registration will start at 10:00 and the event will end at 3:30. The shooting will be fun and fast with awards given out to prove your bragging rights in several categories including team and individual awards. And of course there will be raffles and door prizes as well! Food trucks and coffee will be available in the morning and we will end in the afternoon with food trucks and have available beer, water and sodas. The focus and proceeds of this year’s event will be on youth hunting, fishing and outdoor education so we’re calling the event “Clay Crushing for Youth.” I hope you’ll join me in supporting HSCF and, most

16 HUNTER'S HORN™ SUMMER 2021

importantly the future of hunting and the outdoors— our youth! The HSCF Sporting Clay Tournament is not only famous for having fun, catching up with friends and networking but also provides many sponsorship and marketing opportunities as well. We’ve got several sponsorship opportunities still available to fit your budget and would appreciate your support. This is a 501c(3) event and, again, proceeds will benefit youth hunting, fishing and outdoor education. By participating or sponsoring this HSCF event, you will directly impact the future of hunting and the outdoors—our youth! So circle that date of October 23rd and be ready to have a great time and help our fundraising effort by “Clay Crushing for Youth!” I know it will be a wonderful and worthwhile event and look forward to seeing you all there! Derek Ham 2021 Sporting Clays Tournament Chairman

SUMMER 2021 HUNTER’S HORN™ 17

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SUMMER 2021 HUNTER’S HORN

Hunters and Anglers Are Key To Biodiversity

BY JEFF CRANE, PRESIDENT OF THE CONGRESSIONAL SPORTSMEN’S FOUNDATION

anglers to get involved in conversations about 30 by 30 the Hunt Fish 30 by 30 coalition’s perspective was formally acknowledged in the Biden Administration’s (administration) recently released report on 30 by 30 framework recommendations. f you were to ask most sporting conservation groups about their In May, the Secretaries of the Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, thoughts on the “Thirty by Thirty Initiative” (30 by 30), you’d and the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality laid out likely get a range of answers ranging from “land grab” to “cauthe Biden Administration’s long-awaited plan for the 30 by 30 tiouasly optimistic.” This global initiative, which seeks to protect Initiative in a report titled, “Conserving and Restoring America 30% of the world’s lands and waters by the year 2030, has received the Beautiful.” As a result of our direct engagement with the adsignificant attention lately. Environmental organizations frame 30 ministration, the report contained many of the priorities previously by 30 as a solution to a biodiversity crisis that is linked to, among outlined by the Hunt Fish 30 by 30 coalition, setting the stage other things, the effects of climate change. In January, President for future efforts to determine specific goals of the Initiative, and Biden issued an Executive Order proposing to pursue the 30 by what opportunities exist to build upon existing conservation pro30 goal in the United States. The goal of conserving biodiversity grams. The report even quoted the Hunt Fish 30 by 30 preamble, is admirable, but with 30 by 30 being little more than a catchy an indication that the interests of sportsmen and women are, so slogan at this point, hunters, anglers and others have raised some far, being recognized and considered in approaches to pursuing important questions, including, “What does this mean for sports30 by 30 goals. men and women, the original conservationists?” Throughout the report, the Administration references the role In addition to supporting conservation efforts through the of the hunting and angling community in the United States’ hisAmerican System of Conservation Funding, sportsmen and women tory of conservation successes, specifically calling for stakeholder have been largely responsible for many of the on-the-ground conengagement, including engagement from the hunting and fishing servation successes that we have seen in the community that is laser focused on advancUnited States for nearly a century. For us, the ing science-based practices and programs that Hunters, anglers, passion for conservation does not end when we maintain and enhance outdoor recreational achang up the bow, rifle, or fishing rod for the cess for all Americans side-by-side with locally and our allies are year. Instead, many sportsmen and women carry developed conservation projects. Engagement standing together this passion into the offseason as they work to from the hunting and angling community is conserve the diverse ecosystems of which we are crucial to any 30 by 30 policy when the goal offering productive a part of. It is through these very pursuits that is to conserve and restore our natural places. solutions so others sportsmen and women, farmers, ranchers, and Additionally, the report highlights the impordon’t have an landowners lead when it comes to stewardship tance of voluntary conservation on our nation’s of our nation’s natural resources. working lands and forests, recognizing that priopportunity to Given this history, it is obvious that sportsvate landowners are essential to maintaining the define the future of men and women should be steering the ship health and proper functioning of wildlife and conservation for us. when it comes to decisions related to 30 by 30 associated local economies. policies or any conservation initiative. That’s Hunters and anglers should also be pleased why the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation to see the distinction made between conserva(CSF) led an effort to establish the “Hunt Fish 30 by 30” Coalition. tion and preservation in the report’s recommendations, a primary This coalition, which includes the Houston Safari Club (HSC), was consideration of the Hunt Fish 30 by 30 coalition. officially launched last fall and has since grown to include dozens of “Notably, the President’s challenge specifically emphasizes the notion hunting and fishing groups. The coalition’s website, huntfish3030. of “conservation” of the nation’s natural resources (rather than the related com, is an educational resource where the public can learn about but different concept of “protection” or “preservation”) recognizing that 30 by 30 and the leading role that sportsmen and women clearly many uses of our lands and waters, including of working lands, can play in supporting biodiversity conservation. The Hunt Fish 30 be consistent with the long-term health and sustainability of natural by 30 website can also be used by policy makers as a resource to systems,” the report states. understand how hunting and fishing organizations view 30 by 30. Using 30 by 30 to advance a preservation agenda would be detWhen environmental groups started using 30 by 30 as a smokerimental to the viability of healthy fish and wildlife populations, screen for anti-sustainable-use policies, the options were pretty outdoor recreational access, and the vitality of rural America. That’s clear; either stand on the sidelines or get into game and put forward why it is critical that America’s hunters and anglers stand firm and a clear set of principles needed to form the basis of any workable remain engaged to ensure that the policy proposals that are sure 30 by 30 policies. As a united front to encourage hunters and to come after the report live up to the distinctions outlined in the

20 HUNTER'S HORN™ SUMMER 2021

America the Beautiful framework. Finally, the report stresses the importance of policies that will support on-the-ground efforts to enhance at-risk species and their habitats in collaboration with state wildlife agencies by implementing State Wildlife Action Plans—a primary objective in the recently introduced Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA), legislation that enjoys broad support from hunting and fishing groups. The report also emphasizes the importance of the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act—a priority piece of legislation CSF helped guide through Congress—to address environmental concerns while providing increased access for sportsmen and women. Hunt Fish 30 by 30 highlights the importance of coordination and cooperation with a variety of stakeholders to ensure that programs and practices carried out in the name of 30 by 30 reflect the needs of hunters and anglers. This includes clear recognition that the ability to work in partnership with private landowners on a voluntary basis is essential to any biodiversity conservation effort that expects support from the sportsmen’s community. Similar to our unmovable position that 30 by 30 must not restrict hunting and fishing access or opportunity, this is non-negotiable. Through our community’s united engagement, we have taken

an important first step in making sure decision makers understand our priorities. But while the America the Beautiful report reflects the hunting and angling community’s voices, the true viability of a 30 by 30 initiative that our community can support, remains, as always, in the details. CSF, alongside HSC and our Hunt Fish 30 by 30 partners, will continue to engage with the Biden Administration and Congress to ensure our questions are answered, refine the initiative to address our concerns, and ensure hunters, anglers, landowners, and agricultural producers remain a cornerstone of our nation’s conservation legacy beyond the report. Hunters, anglers, and our allies are standing together offering productive solutions so others don’t have an opportunity to define the future of conservation for us. You can do your part by signing the petition on huntfish3030.com that demands recognition of hunting and fishing in 30 by 30 policy discussions, and encourages lawmakers to support the historic and ongoing contributions to biodiversity conservation that are made by sportsmen and women, while also protecting access to our lands and waters. Our conservation legacy is derived from the profound appreciation we have for healthy fish and wildlife habitats that benefit all Americans. If we stand by and let others define this narrative for us, we’ll not only lose our seat at the table, we’ll end up on the menu. ★ SUMMER 2021 HUNTER’S HORN™ 21

Study the environment.

8 Great Ways to Prep for Fall Hunting Season

fter a summer of fishing, are you ready for fall in the field? Global Rescue experts and Safe Travel partners offer 10 essential tips to help you prep for the fall hunting season.

1: Prep Your Equipment You probably have the basics down, like cleaning your weapon, but here are a few to-do items that might be forgotten: • Make sure new batteries are placed in anything that requires them. Replace last season’s extra batteries. • Sharpen and oil your knives. • Refresh your first aid and survival kit. Check expiration dates and replace any used or missing items. • Repair or replace clothing or gear that has rips, tears or broken zippers that might have occurred last season or while sitting in storage. “Pull new gear out of the packaging. Make sure it works and you know how to use it,” said Larry Reeves, operations supervisor at Global Rescue. 22 HUNTER'S HORN™ SUMMER 2021

Contributed by www.globalrescue.com/hscf

• Practice with new equipment at the range or during nonhunting hikes before taking the gear on a hunt.

2: Test Your Skills Shooting is a perishable skill. If it’s been a while, you need practice-go to the range. “Confirm the functionality and accuracy of your weapons and optics,” said Harding Bush, operations manager at Global Rescue. “It is always good to confirm accuracy with the same lot of ammunition you’ll be using during the hunting season.” Weapons proficiency goes a long way in enhancing the enjoyment and safety of the hunt.

3: Review License Requirements, Laws and Hunting Safety

Hunting laws change from season to season. Are you planning to hunt somewhere new this season, perhaps in a state or

Test your skills.

country where you have not hunted before? Research those laws and safety requirements as well as the international customs regulations around bringing your weapons into another state or country. If you’re hunting on a national wildlife refuge, some require their own permits, in addition to a license.

4: Study the Environment Reeves recommends front-loading some significant work before the hunt to “save you a ton of pain and uncertainty during the actual hunt. Study and understand the environment the hunt will be conducted in, specifically, at the exact time you will be on the hunt. Be very familiar with the prey you are hunting, migration habits, sleep/bed down patterns, and the animal’s optimal kill zone.”

5: Have a Communications Plan Chris du Plooy, the owner of Chris du Plooy Safaris, suggests having an effective communications plan in the field. “Accidents happen quickly,” he said. Global Rescue suggests having two forms of communication available in the backcountry: cellular and satellite. “If you are hunting in a foreign country ensure you know the specific dialing instructions for that country — how to call back home and how to call within the country,” Bush said. “Ensure you write down all important numbers especially local emergency services.” The most important aspect of a communication plan is informing someone back at home where and when you are going and how to get in touch with you. This plan must include what to do and who to contact if you don’t return as planned. Always

inform this person if your plans change.

6: Pack Strategically Stock a first aid kit with a tourniquet, quick clot and pressure dressings and pack survival kit items, such as fire-starting devices, emergency signaling devices. Your pack and equipment should be packed with the most used or critical items — such as rain gear, a compass and water — being the most accessible. Always be prepared for darkness – even if you intend to be back at camp for nightfall.

7: Plan the Entire Hunt Variables include “being prepared to stalk a wounded animal, field dressing the animal, transporting the animal out of the hunting area, and planning your movement home. This would typically be your initial movement in reverse but things happen, so have a plan,” Reeves said.

8: Stay Safe in Any Emergency Prepared hunters include a Global Rescue membership card with their hunting gear. Global Rescue has expanded their field rescue service to include areas within 100 miles of home. Now Global Rescue is there, at home and away from home, if you are ill or injured, and you’re unable to get to safety on your own. ★ Purchase a Global Rescue membership prior to your next trip. 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. SUMMER 2021 HUNTER’S HORN™ 23

24 HUNTER'S HORN™ SUMMER 2021

Taxidermy at its finest

CAPTURE EVERY DETAIL

As A hunter you follow your dreams in pursuit of an experience that no man has ever seen, as a Taxidermist our pursuit is to re-create the experience of your dreams

SUMMER 2021 HUNTER’S HORN™ 25

Warm Weather Favorites SCOTT WITH ARMADILLO

BY SCOTT LEYSATH

WHEN THE TEMPERATURE RISES, I PREFER LIGHTER, less complicated dishes that require minimal time in the kitchen. Most of what I cook in the summer is done on a grill or another outdoor cooker. Keep it cool indoors and take advantage of local in-season fruits and vegetables. Just because you can buy peaches in January doesn’t mean you should. They are likely from South America and were harvested long before fully ripened, so they won’t get banged up on the long trip to the U.S.

FISH MARKET

There are many benefits to eating ripe seasonal produce. The flavor is fresher tasting than those winter peaches from Chile. The nutritional value is better when fruits and vegetables ripen naturally. They are also more affordable when they only must travel a short distance to get to you. Sourcing locally harvested fish is better than buying cheap, unregulated foreign fish that was raised in questionable waters and traveled thousands of miles to get to the America. Support our U.S. commercial fishermen, farmers and ranchers! For those of us who have a freezer loaded with game from year’s past, summer is a good time to use up the inventory and make room for the upcoming season. Random packages of game can be ground together, along with some fat, to make burgers, tacos, meatballs, meatloaf and much more. If you are headed to the wilderness for a night or two, take along a batch of homemade burgers that have been frozen and packed for transport. Experienced campers know that it’s best to do most of the prep work at home so that more time can be spent doing fun things like hiking, fishing or just hanging around camp with a cool beverage.

WARM VENISON AND MUSHROOM SALAD

Mushrooms and venison are a great match, especially if you know your way around the woods and can forage, rather than shop, for local shrooms. High-dollar mushrooms such as morels and chanterelles can be gathered by the buckets in some parts of the country, but it’s critically important that you can tell the difference between the edibles and the ones that will make you really sick. When in doubt, don’t eat them. I use trimmed venison backstrap, tenderloin or hindquarter muscles for this dish. 10 mins—4 servings

• • • • •

1/2 cup pecan pieces 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 dash Tabasco 1 1/2 cups rare to medium-rare cooked venison, sliced across the grain • 1/3 cup olive oil

• • • • • • • • •

4 cups mushrooms, thinly sliced 2 garlic cloves, minced 3 lemons, juice only 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard 4 handfuls arugula 1/3 cup Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced 1 cup diced tomato

1. Toss pecans with 1 tablespoon olive oil, kosher salt and Tabasco. Place on a baking sheet, and place sheet in a preheated 325-degree oven. Toast pecans until darker brown, but not burnt. Remove from oven and cool. 2. Heat one-third cup olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and garlic and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes. Mushrooms should still be a little firm. Stir in basil, mustard, and sliced cooked venison. Heat to warm, and blend ingredients. 3. For each serving, mound arugula on plates. Spoon mushroom and venison mixture over. Top with cheese, onion, and tomato. Drizzle any remaining dressing over.

GRILLED FISH WITH TOMATO AND BASIL

One of my all-time favorite foods is “real” vine-ripened tomatoes that are at their peak in the summer. There’s just no comparison between store-bought tomatoes and homegrown or those from a good vendor at a farmer’s market. While you’re at the market, grab a bunch of basil and anything else that is in season. You’re not only supporting local growers but your friends and family will thank you for an exceptional meal. One of the challenges for home cooks is to figure out how to keep fish from sticking to the grill. There are non-stick mats or wire baskets that can be placed on the grill to prevent sticking. Keeping the grill grates clean and well-oiled will greatly reduce the potential for fish to get stuck on the grill. Make sure that the grill is hot before adding the fish. Start by placing the side of the fish that is most presentable, usually the top side, on the grill. This is the side people will see when the fish lands on the plate. You should hear the sound of searing fish immediately. SUMMER 2021 HUNTER’S HORN™ 27

WARM VENISON AND MUSHROOM SALAD

GRILLED FISH WITH TOMATO AND BASIL

28 HUNTER'S HORN™ SUMMER 2021

As tempting as it might be to move the fish to keep it from sticking, don’t. If it’s “stuck” to the grill, let it be. Once it’s well-marked and seared, it will move more easily. Give it a quarter turn to make a classic diamond pattern with the grill marks. Once marked, carefully give it a flip and cook for another minute or two. Just before serving, add a big squeeze of lemon or lime to make the flavors come alive. 4 servings

• • • • • • • •

4 6 to 8-ounce fish fillets olive oil salt and pepper 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 cups vine-ripened tomatoes, any size, diced (or halved if cherry tomato-sized) • 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped • 2 cloves garlic, minced

MIXED SEAFOOD GRILL

1. Rub fish on both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place on a whitehot grill and cook on both sides (see grilling instructions above). 2. While the fish is grilling, combine lemon juice and remaining ingredients in a bowl and gently toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. 3. Spoon tomato mixture over fish.

hot grill, hit them again with another pinch or two of seasoning. I always give cooked fish and shellfish a liberal squeeze from a fresh lemon or lime just before serving. The acidic citrus juices will stimulate the taste buds and make the flavors come alive.

MIXED SEAFOOD GRILL

PLANK COOKED FISH

We all have choices when it comes to seafood. There are those folks who have decided long ago that they don’t like fish. They’re “fishy.” Mishandled fish can be fishy, really fishy. As a general rule, I don’t eat fish, or anything else, that smells fishy. There’s a reason it has an unpleasant aroma and funky taste. Somewhere along the way the fish hasn’t been cared for properly. Just-caught fish from clean waters don’t smell or taste bad. If you stick them on a stringer and let them soak in ninety-degree water for hours, they will taste much worse than if they were bled and iced immediately. When you get your catch home, don’t stick them in zipper-lock bags or containers where they float around in their own fishy juices. Instead, keep whole and filleted fish wrapped in two-ply paper towels so that it wicks any exterior moisture away from the fish. When the paper towels get wet, rewrap them in dry paper towels. Your fish will last twice as long in the fridge and, when it’s time to cook, the wine, butter, and lemon that you add to the pan will be readily absorbed by the fish for a cleaner-tasting meal. When choosing which fish to cook on the grill, choose firmerfleshed fish like salmon, tuna, and redfish. One of my favorite fish to cook is whole snapper and rockfish. Gutted and scaled, they can be rubbed with olive oil, salt, and pepper and grilled on a medium-heat grill until the flesh is flaky and moist. The flesh can be removed with a fork, fingers or pulled and loaded into a tortilla for a delicious fish taco. Wild-caught Gulf shrimp, lobster, and bacon-wrapped scallops are also great for grilling. Just like the snapper, season with olive oil, salt, pepper, and anything else you like on your fish. After they are well-marked from the

Cooking foods on an untreated wood plank is just a bit retro, but it’s still a great way to cook fish and game. Culinary planks come in cedar, alder, maple, and hickory. Make sure that your planks are designed to be used for cooking, not roofing. Soak a plank in water for 30 minutes so that it won’t catch on fire as quickly. The smoldering wood adds flavor to the meat or fish. If you’ve struggled with fish that sticks to the grill, that won’t happen when it’s being cooked on a plank. Fish is most commonly cooked on a wood plank, but game and domestic meats, as well as vegetables also can be plank cooked. After soaking in water, rub fish with olive oil and season fish with salt, pepper, and any other seasoning that you like with fish. Place on the plank and then place the plank on a white-hot grill. It’s best to close the lid on the grill or place a foil pan over the plank so that the fish cooks quicker from the top and bottom. There’s no need to flip the fish and I like to top it with butter, fresh herbs, diced tomato, and a big squeeze of lemon just a few minutes before it’s ready to remove from the grill.

BRAISED AND GRILLED DUCK LEGS

Many waterfowl hunters waste much of their ducks and geese. They’ll remove the breast fillets and discard the rest. The carcasses make great stock and the legs from larger birds are great on the grill, but they need a two- or three-hour head start before grilling. Legs and thighs are sinewy and need to be slowly cooked to make them fall off-the-bone tender. Once cooked, they can be cooled, re-seasoned, or sauced and grilled for just a couple of minutes. Your friends will want to know how in the SUMMER 2021 HUNTER’S HORN™ 29

heck you made them so tender. Skin-on duck legs work best, but skinless legs will work, too. 1. Season legs liberally with salt and pepper. Place in a lightly greased pan and place in a preheated 375-degree oven and brown evenly on both sides. The browning part is important because it will add flavor to the cooked legs and, especially if the skin is intact, it will make the skin crispy, not rubbery. Once browned, add a handful or two of rough-cut onion, celery, and carrots. The trim ends and skins of the vegetables are fine. Place the pan back in the oven to lightly brown the vegetables. Once browned, add 1 to 2 inches of broth, beer, wine, or a combination of liquids. You don’t want to cover the contents of the pan in liquid, just add enough to cover the bottom three-fourths. Reduce oven heat to 325, cover, and place the pan in the oven. 2. After 1 hour, check the pan to make sure that there is sufficient liquid. Add more if needed. Return pan to oven and after another hour start checking for doneness about every 20 minutes. When done, the meat should pull away from the bone with minimal pressure. Remove legs when tender and allow to cool. 3. The braised legs are a great appetizer when the grill is fired up. Baste with your favorite sauce and grill for 2 to 3 minutes. They can also be served alongside grilled duck breasts.

VENISON BURGER WITH ONION AND BACON JAM

I prefer to save my antlered game for burgers in large chunks. When it’s burger time, I thaw it and grind it fresh. It just seems to taste better than making a bunch of patties and freezing them for grilling a few months down the road. If the meat hasn’t been properly aged and is still dripping with blood-colored liquid, place it in a colander to drain before forming into patties. They will stick together much better while cooking. Antlered game meats are much leaner than beef. Some folks are just fine with a one-hundred percent venison burger, but

I like to add about twenty percent fatty pork or beef to the mix. It makes for a juicier burger. You can also add sautéed onions, mushrooms, peppers, and garlic or cheese to add flavor and moisture. This jam recipe is borrowed from my friend, Stacy Lyn Harris, a regular on The Sporting Chef TV show on Sportsman Channel. She’s a pro at cooking everything, including fish and game. I first had her jam on boar burgers that she prepared for the TV show. I’ve since made it several times and it’s as good on other grilled meats as it is on a venison burger. 4 servings

• 4 6 to 8-ounce venison burgers, seasoned with salt and pepper • 10 to 12 strips thick-cut bacon, diced • 2 cups onion, diced • 1 1/2 cups brown sugar • 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard • 1/2 cup bourbon (see instructions below) • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar 1. Prior to grilling the burgers, prepare the jam. In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, add bacon and cook until evenly browned. Once cooked, remove bacon and reserve. Leave bacon grease in the skillet. Add onions and sauté until golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in brown sugar and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove pan from heat and stir in whole grain mustard, bourbon, and cider vinegar. NOTE: Keep flammable liquids like bourbon away from open flames or high heat until the liquid has been incorporated into the dish. 2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes or until the jam is dark to medium brown and thickened. Jam can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks. 3. Once burgers are cooked to desired doneness, place in buns and top with jam. ★

FISH ON CEDAR PLANK

30 HUNTER'S HORN™ SUMMER 2021

BRAISED AND GRILLED DUCK LEGS

VENISON BURGER WITH BACON JAM

SUMMER 2021 HUNTER’S HORN™ 31

FORLOH founder Andy Techmanski and the UK’s most prominent game chef Mike Robinson in a blind near Cirencester, UK.

32 HUNTER'S HORN™ SUMMER 2021

BAGGING THE BIG ONE FORLOH sets its sights on Texas “The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it.”

—GENERAL NORMAN SCHWARZKOPF

AUNCHING AN APPAREL COMPANY is never an easy feat, with most failing in their first year. So when in June 2020, Andy Techmanski announced plans to introduce a technical hunt brand, it raised a few eyebrows. Andy and the team at FORLOH have a notso-secret weapon - exclusively manufacturing everything in the USA. They’re showing it’s not only possible but, as the pandemic has proven, it’s the path to success for the future. And they want other manufacturers to follow suit.

WHY MADE IN AMERICA, A CHALLENGE WORTH TACKLING

‘Made in America’ is a catch-phrase of sorts. Brands that manufacture in the U.S. often fly the flag that it’s about creating American jobs. As much as it’s about providing jobs in the U.S., it’s also about changing the overall manufacturing process for a larger positive

gain. Done right, manufacturing in the U.S. can lead to better innovation, and it can help shorten the standard timelines for building products so they arrive to the market faster. Ultimately, that means more jobs in America as well as customers getting the latest technologies faster. When building a hunting, fishing, and outdoor apparel brand from the ground up, made in America was one aspect that FORLOH was not willing to cut corners on. But that unwillingness to compromise doesn’t come without its challenges. The manufacturing of specialized products like high-end technical apparel moved overseas decades ago as companies followed the lower labor and material costs. So while committed to doing things differently, FORLOH set out to create a greater role of US manufacturing of technical apparel, and inviting competitors to join them. “We were not prepared to accept that manufacturing had to be done overseas, so we’re using FORLOH to help create the change that we want to see,” said Robert Yturri, who heads the company’s product development efforts. “We don’t see ourselves

SUMMER 2021 HUNTER’S HORN™ 33

as just a hunting apparel company. We want to offer a premium product made in the USA that really does come from the heart of systematic change.”

CHASING CHEAP: THE EXODUS OVERSEAS

Yturri would know. He has seen a lot in his 30-plus years in the outdoor and hunting apparel industries. He’s worked with brands as varied as The North Face, Black Diamond, KUIU, Spyder, and Obermeyer, creating cutting-edge products for a wide range of outdoor activities – skiing, hunting, hiking, climbing, and more. He had a front-row seat through the late 1980’s and 1990’s as the vast majority of the technical apparel industry in the U.S. shifted production from American factories to overseas production. At the time it was largely for cost reasons, namely the availability of less-expensive labor in other parts of the world. As more work was being done overseas, these factories soon became the de facto source of advancements for apparel technologies and manufacturing processes. Overseas production also means longer timelines for products to get to market: typically 18 months or more for technical apparel to go from conception to consumers. This accounts for shipping prototypes back and forth, receiving finished products, and securing manufacturing capacity. And with outsourcing comes the reality that production will often take place in the same facilities as your competitors. Once manufactured, products imported into North America,

whether the USA, Canada or Mexico, are then subject to tariffs and duties, a cost that is usually passed along to the customer. The cost is driven even higher if those products are imported into the USA and then distributed across the northern and southern borders. By the time customers get their hands on products, the technology and fashion are about 18 months out of date. Moreover, brands working on these long production cycles have to take their best guess at the amount of products they need to have available to meet demand. If demand is less than the amount of product they made - common in all aspects of the apparel business – that creates waste. Along with the factories themselves, many of the fabric and technology manufacturers are also scattered across the globe. Yturri says apparel brands often come to those manufacturers and tell them what they are looking to achieve in a particular end product. They are then presented a range of options they can choose from. Limiting themselves to a selection of pre-made options wasn’t the path for FORLOH and so the team started to look at bringing in technologies and capabilities from other companies, also located in the US, that didn’t operate in the traditional apparel industry. Companies that knew how to work with things like waterproof membranes or fabrics, but perhaps with industrial uses or other applications. The team also took inspiration, and sourced technologies, from the automotive and aerospace sectors.

Insect Shield® treated warm weather SolAir Collection being tested in Wyoming this past Spring.

34 HUNTER'S HORN™ SUMMER 2021

Chief Product Officer, Robert Yturri with over 30 years in the industry, inspects FORLOH’s Antimicrobial treated fabric.

One such example, Trizar™ a technology originally developed by NASA to be used as a heat-shielding material on the shell of spaceships, is used in FORLOH’s baselayers as a means of capturing heat and regulating body temperature. Georgiabased brrr°, an industrial HVAC filter company with a cooling performance fiber that FORLOH is integrating into a new warm-weather apparel collection. In some cases, FORLOH found unique options that left the team scratching their heads and asking, “why isn’t anyone already using this?” “You can’t find and nurture these types of collaborative partnerships offshore,” explains Yturri. “In some cases, we’re co-inventing technology for apparel working with our manufacturing partner. So we’re able to make materials specific to our needs versus having to choose from an off-the-shelf option, and also not knowing what other contracts they may have in place and thus who else might be using that technology. I feel like we’ve unearthed this Pandora’s box.”

BACK IN THE USA

FORLOH founder Andy Techmanski doesn’t have Yturri’s background with apparel supply chains, but he shares the belief that – given all the downsides to making products overseas – bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. offers a better path forward. “When we started, Andy said to me, I want to be 100 percent made in the USA – no shortcuts,” said Yturri. “He’s from the mentality that if it’s easy, it’s probably not worth doing. He’s a great partner in that he’s uncompromising. He pushes us to do better. Andy likes to say ‘we’re not a hunting company, we are a technology company that makes hunting products.’ And that is true.” FORLOH’s unique manufacturing structure in the U.S. also means less of the red tape associated with working overseas.

FORLOH can purchase the raw materials it needs for its products, store them, and produce closer to home as demand warrants, versus having to produce and sit on a large stock of pre-made inventory. That means that FORLOH is able to be more nimble, turning around new products in the span of a couple of months versus the typical year-and-a-half development cycle. The company can respond to feedback and demands from consumers for new kinds of products much more quickly, and take advantage of new technologies as soon as they become available. The product can now go from an idea to a product sitting on shelves at the company’s flagship retail shop in Whitefish, Montana, in 10 to 12 weeks.

COVID: GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN UNDER ATTACK

In 2020 as the world reeled from lock-downs and travel restrictions from a global pandemic, the numerous vulnerabilities of the modern global supply chain were once again thrust into the spotlight. As shipping ground to a halt (whether because of a global health crisis or a ship blocking one of the world’s most important canals) a lack of inventory had consumers seeing ‘out of stock’ notices and bare shelves. While manufacturing in the USA curtails these issues, it does come at a cost - a real cost that then translates to the product’s price tag. But consumers are willing, in most cases happily, to spend the extra money to support a brand that’s committed to keeping manufacturing in the USA. As FORLOH grows, Yturri envisions working with technology providers and manufacturers in the U.S. to continue to push the level of innovation and grow the overall amount of technology available through the U.S. supply chain. To him, that will be a win for both the brand and for America. “Made in the USA is just the beginning,” he says. “I’ve seen more in this past year than I’ve seen in a long career. We’ve made the most of what is here in the U.S. today, and we’re going to SUMMER 2021 HUNTER’S HORN™ 35

FORLOH has invested in American factories from coast to coast since starting.

36 HUNTER'S HORN™ SUMMER 2021

“Robbo” a British Military Verteran guides Techmanski through a private Estate in England. He harvests thousands of deer for commercial restaurants each year.

improve on it. This is really about reinventing made in the USA. This is the next step beyond made in the USA.”

THE NEW FACE OF HUNTING

After dwindling for decades, the number of hunters actually saw a spike in 2020, according to state officials. As the pandemic drove many Americans outside, thousands of new hunters - including young, female, and first-time hunters, some of the very groups that hunting advocates have been courting for years sought out hunter safety classes for the first time. While stories of supply chain disruptions lead the nightly news and were a source of stress for businesses, the general population was suddenly aware of food security issues, leading to an increased interest in local food sourcing and sustainable agriculture. Coupled with a notable exodus from urban to rural living, it’s easy to see why local agencies have seen huge upticks in licensing applications. From New Mexico and Colorado to Indiana and Georgia, game and fish agencies have reported a spike in license sales and permit applications since the beginning of the pandemic. With grocery store shelves picked over, domestic meat processing plants closed or working at reduced capability, and job losses crunching budgets, some families turned to hunting as a way to supplement their food supply. There aren’t many hobbies that come with the payoff of being able to feed your family for an entire year. Besides the tangible reward, the therapeutic benefits of time spent outdoors can’t be overstated, and an unlikely positive to

come from the COVID-19 pandemic has been how many more of us are getting outside. The convergence between traditional hunting and fishing and the broader outdoor activities of hiking, camping, skiing, and mountain biking is paving the way for newcomers.

THE FUTURE OF FORLOH

This summer FORLOH will be introducing a new collection of warm-weather apparel perfect for summer hunting and fishing. With UPF protection and new technology with a cooling effect to reduce the temperature of the skin, the SolAir collection will have pieces for men, women, and kids. Whether fishing, hunting, or simply taking an afternoon hike, time spent outside is a perfect way to spend time with family. FORLOH also has plans to introduce a brand-new collection for design specifically for women later this fall. Beyond the US, consumers in Canada and Mexico will also reap the benefits of FORLOH’s commitment to manufacturing 100% in the USA beginning this summer. Thanks to the United States - Mexico - Canada Agreement (USMCA), a renegotiated trade agreement replacing NAFTA as of July 1, 2020, customers on both sides of the US border will waive all duty and tariffs fees. This fall the brand will also be opening doors to its second retail location, about 1900 miles away from its Whitefish, Montana headquarters, in Austin, Texas. Taking over the Yeti store in the highly desirable retail space of Domain Northside, FORLOH enters the country’s second-largest state with the nation’s best workforce. ★ SUMMER 2021 HUNTER’S HORN™ 37

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Spring in the

Sierra Madres BY TIM HERALD

40 HUNTER'S HORN™ SUMMER 2021

aking the four subspecies of wild turkeys that commonly live in the US, (Osceola, Rio Grande, Merriam’s, and eastern) is considered a grand slam. If you add on the Gould’s subspecies that is primarily found in the Mexican states of Chihuahua and Sonora, that is considered a royal slam. I have been a turkey hunting fanatic since my first turkey hunt in Florida over 30 years ago, and although I am not a box checker, my obsession with hunting turkeys has led me to hunt in about 30 states and Mexico more than once. Since my hunting focus has shifted to big game, and most often international big game, my turkey hunting travels have definitely been cut back, but I still hunt almost every day of the spring season in my home state of Kentucky, and I usually take one turkey trip out of state each year. When in my 30s, I often hunted 7 to 10 states each spring. Last spring, I went with a couple of friends to South Dakota to hunt Merriam’s. We had a fantastic trip and all took our limit within three days. What was different about that hunt was the outfitter we hunted with ran his hunts solely by utilizing homemade “reaping” decoys. Reaping is using a turkey fan or decoy with a fan to approach gobblers and confront them, oftentimes inciting them to charge in to fight, and the hunter takes his shot at very close range. It is a blast as something different, and although I would not want to hunt like that all the time and would miss the art of calling and maneuvering on birds, it is an exciting change of pace. On that trip, we didn’t even go out at daylight to make setups on roosted birds for early morning scenarios, rather we waited until good daylight, drove around, and glassed the open country for turkeys, and once we found them, we made moves to get the reaper decoys in play at 100-200 yards out. Likewise, we quit hunting at 4:00 each afternoon to give the birds a chance to go to roost without being

The author and his Gould’s

Keith Winstead and a gorgeous Gould’s gobbler

disturbed, etc. I shot my two birds at four and six yards, it was literally a blast. While on this trip, one of my friends told us she had never hunted Gould’s turkeys, and since I hadn’t hunted them in about 20 years, we decided to plan a Worldwide Trophy Adventures group trip for Gould’s in 2021. There ended up being 9 of us that went to Chihuahua in late April to hunt with my long-time friend and outfitter Manuel Enriquez at his El Halcon lodge. Manuel was one of the first outfitters to offer Gould’s hunts decades ago, and he is very established and has a well-respected operation. The lodge and food are top-notch, his guides are excellent, and he has plenty of white-tipped gobblers to hunt on hundreds of thousands of acres he has tied up. Our first hunting day was pretty rough, with windy conditions at daybreak that cranked up to 60mph winds by mid-morning. We heard a few birds on the roost, but the wind shut them down as soon as they hit the ground. The second morning dawned cold, clear, and calm, and good friend Keith Winstead and I, along with guide Carlos Enriquez found ourselves near the top of a ponderosa pinecovered mountain listening for birds on a rough gravel road. We had a bird sound off just up the hill from us that sounded very close, but when we stepped off the road into the trees, the crunchy leaves gave us away. SUMMER 2021 HUNTER’S HORN™ 41

Not much else was gobbling, so we set up below the road and called for a while. Eventually, a couple of birds came in silent, and Carlos spotted them on the road above us. We could see two red heads, but never could see their beards, and they did not strut. We could have shot them, but we didn’t want to take a chance on shooting a jake. A while later we heard some birds up in a canyon, so we moved a bit closer and set up about 400 yards below them. Gould’s are known for coming long distances to the call, and they don’t mind coming downhill. This is in contrast to eastern birds. I generally try to get 200 yards or better yet 100 yards from an eastern to call him up, and they are notorious for not wanting to come down a hill. There ended up being numerous birds in the canyon, and as they responded, it sounded like one bird met the others, and shut them down. We figured he was the dominant gobbler, and he continued to gobble and move toward us. Keith had never killed a Gould’s, so I wanted him to shoot, and when I thought the bird was around a bend from us and maybe 150 yards, I told him to shift around the tree beside me, so he would be facing the right direction. My mistake as the bird had to be closer than I thought, and our noise obviously spooked him because we never heard him again. Things were pretty rough as we spooked two vocal birds within the first hour and a half and had two more in range that we didn’t shoot. Carlos said he knew of a flat shelf above some cliffs where birds like to hang out and strut mid-morning, so we made a move there and setup. Eventually, a bird cranked up below us and to the left, and another below us and to the right. Carlos and I called off and on, and eventually, the bird to the left began cutting the distance. Keith was on that side of the tree, so it was a perfect situation. This rugged landscape is typical Gould’s country

42 HUNTER'S HORN™ SUMMER 2021

Turkey Gear In difficult situations to get a shot on a turkey, using a Trijicon RMR Type 2 reflex (red dot) type sight has made a world of difference to me. As in having to swing on this Gould’s gobbler, when that little red dot is on his head or neck, I know my shot will be true. The target acquisition is incredibly fast and aiming point is precise. It doesn’t matter what position you are in or even if your cheek is on the stock, wherever you see the dot is where your shot will hit. Likewise, with today’s super tight turkey chokes and loads, a bird at 15 yards basically has to be shot like you are using a slug, so again, a precise aiming point becomes very comfortable. Over the last two springs, I have no doubt that without the Trijicon RMR 2, there are at least half a dozen gobblers that my two sons and I would not have taken. I cannot imagine going back to turkey hunting without my Trijicon. www. trijicon.com We experienced some nasty and varied weather on this Gould’s hunt, and I had the same at home in Kentucky. We woke up one morning to three inches of snow in the Bluegrass state, and a close friend and I actually doubled on two big gobblers that strutted and gobbled right through the white stuff. As cool as that was, I prefer nice spring weather to hunt in, but that often is not the case. My KUIU layering system kept me warm, dry, and comfortable all spring. My system was zip off Ultra Merino 145 base layer leggings, that I can literally take off in 30 seconds without removing boots, and a pair of Pro pants with much appreciated knee pads overtop. On top, I wore a Peloton 118 Zip-T under a Peloton 200 ¼ zip that is much like a super high-performance sweatshirt, and a Peloton 240 Full Zip jacket as an outer layer. With this simple system, I was able to hunt all seasons in temperatures from 24 degrees to 70 degrees. What pieces I didn’t have on, I simply stuffed in the back of my turkey vest, and they weigh almost nothing. www.kuiu.com

Above: The author, packing out heavy! Left: Typical setup in sparse cover Below: WTA Client, Craig Dilbeck with another beautiful Goulds’

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Above: Last dinner of the trip did not disappoint Left: Nothing like a fiesta after a successful Gould’s hunt Below: Camaraderie after a successful hunt is one of the best parts of turkey hunting

44 HUNTER'S HORN™ SUMMER 2021

I spotted the bird strutting behind a small rise on the shelf and told Keith to get ready. The gobbler was totally committed and when he stepped up on the high spot at 50 yards, Keith said, “man look how beautiful that bird is with all the white on him.” I had forgotten how handsome Gould’s turkeys are, but with the morning sun shining down on him in full strut, I remembered why I have always told people that I think Gould’s are the prettiest of all the subspecies. The big tom gobbled five times in a row, and then broke and walked right to us. Keith squeezed the trigger when he was at 20 yards, and we heard a very loud CLICK! He quickly shucked the shell out, and the bird didn’t move until Keith pulled the trigger the second time and everything went just right. He had a magnificent Gould’s gobbler with a 10.5” beard and gorgeous colors. We sat and continued to call to the other bird, and eventually, he strutted up from the right, but he saw something he didn’t like and passed us by at about 70 yards, so we took photos of Keith’s bird and went in for lunch. That afternoon the wind blew up again and hunting was fruitless. The next morning was crazy weather, and we experienced 24-degree temperatures with snow, hail, and eventually rain and wind. That day was a wash as well. So in three days, we had basically had one good morning to hunt. The last day of our hunt again was in the high 20s but was fairly calm. Carlos took us to a big flat mesa that he said he knew held a lot of birds. As the sun broke the horizon, we heard 5-6 different gobblers off the side of the mesa in different places, but none were close at all. We did hear a jake and some hens below us, so we sat down under some trees about 30 yards from where the mesa dropped off and began to call. After 15-20 minutes we could tell the birds were on the ground, and some gobblers sounded like Carlos Enriquez glassing the mountains they were moving down the mountain while one or two were up on the mesa but 500+ yards away and definitely not answering our calls. We did have a hen pop a safe shooting location, and walked behind some sparse brush, I out of the brush and walk straight into our decoy. She got fired made my move, swinging my gun as far as I physically could to up and mouthy, and Carlos and I kept her calling as much as the right. An eastern wild turkey would have flown to the next possible for teen minutes. mountain, but the lightly hunted Gould’s gobbler stepped out Every time she would start to feed away, we would call aginto the clear and hadn’t even noticed me. I took quick aim and gressively to her, she would fire back up, and come back to us. rolled him backward. I think Carlos and I both felt great relief. This went on for over half an hour, and then Keith whispered, I am convinced us calling back and forth with that aggressive “there is a gobbler straight out to your right at 120 yards struthen is what called the big Tom’s group of hens in our direction ting.” My problem was Carlos was straight to my right, and he and sealed the deal. It was a fun hunt, and one I won’t soon forget. was directly between me and the bird. That afternoon we had a bit of a fiesta with margaritas, a tastEventually, we saw that the gobbler was trailing four hens, and ing of some fine tequilas, and a dinner of rib eyes, portabella they were making a beeline for us. We had crossed a barbed-wire mushrooms, and some authentic Mexican dishes that were to die fence that was only about 20 yards from Carlos, and when they for. It was a great way to celebrate a wonderful trip and honor got to that, they turned further to our right which was basically all the beautiful Gould’s gobblers that our group was able to behind us. Being a right-handed shooter, this was all going very take on the trip. badly for me as by the time the gobbler passed Carlos and got It had been about twenty years since I lasted hunted Gould’s, into a safe shooting position, I was going to have to get my gun but I can guarantee it won’t be another twenty before I do it turned about 145 degrees to my right and behind. again. I love hunting those white-tipped mountain birds of the The big gobbler kept coming in half strut, passed Carlos, got to Sierra Madre. ★ SUMMER 2021 HUNTER’S HORN™ 45

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Gold Level Impala?

By M. Arnold

48 HUNTER'S HORN™ SUMMER 2021

“T

HAT IS AN ENORMOUS IMPALA RAM!” exclaimed my PH, Arnold Claassen. I responded, “I’m really not excited about taking an Impala.” This interaction occurred split seconds after an apparently ‘enormous’ male Impala launched himself over the fence in front of us as we drove down one of the side roads on the Blaauwkrantz Safaris ‘farm’. Later, I understood that my apathy was misplaced, but I have to admit that the photos of Southern Impala rams I had seen seemed to show horns that were so…well…small and unimposing compared to those worn by animals from further to the north. As a biologist, and a hunter, I understood that it was unfair to compare apples with oranges. The Impala further north and those I was currently around obviously had different genetic and ecological constraints that caused the difference in horn size, but honestly I was flat unimpressed by the southern form. I didn’t yawn exactly when my PH made his exclamation, but it was a close thing. Arnold responded to my disdainful remark and attitude by turning his head slightly, giving me a stink-eye and growling, “If we see that ram again, you better shoot him, or I’ll shoot him myself.” Arnold played competitive Rugby when he was younger so, better part of valor in mind, I held back the smart-alecky comments that were circulating in my brain.

In spite of my dismissive attitude, I began to notice that many of the rams on the Blaauwkrantz property actually had beautifully shaped horns that looked larger than what I had expected from Southern Impala. Obviously, given this was my first African safari, it was arrogant of me to think I had an opinion of what an animal should or shouldn’t carry in the way of horns; the rams we were constantly running across were chipping away at my lessthan-humble attitude. The problem was that by the time I woke up to the trophy quality of the Impalas I was seeing, I had collected a number of my primary animals, and had added to my wish list a number of pygmy antelope. So, frankly, my budget was being challenged (read: “torn asunder”) already. This resulted in the following deal being struck with Arnold. I agreed to shoot an Impala, but only if he knew with certainty that it was at least as large as the huge ram we had seen on Day 2. I was really comfortable with the above plan because I assumed that it gave me an excellent chance of not having to add yet another trophy fee. Unfortunately, my smugness reflected a serious load of…naïveté. You see, I did not take into account that, apparently, Impala rams tend to hang about in the same area, especially when their minds are filled with the sweet refrains of love songs. We were in the middle of the rut. Arnold knew this, and he knew

Previously apathetic hunter doesn’t seem apathetic any longer.

SUMMER 2021 HUNTER’S HORN™ 49

where we were likely to find the ram tending his ewes. So, daybreak of Day 5 found us glassing a distant slope that was almost completely covered with the dense vegetation of the Eastern Cape lowlands. Though mostly hidden, we were watching the head and shoulders of a group of Impala that included several ewes and one enormous ram, probably the same monster seen three days before. We were able to approach to within 250 yards – as determined by Arnold’s rangefinder – and get me set up on a sturdy rest. While waiting for the ram to present an opening for a shot, I had a wonderful, if a bit tense, experience of watching the ram and ewes stretching their necks and using their tongues to browse on the succulent leaves located all around them. Our vigil seemed to last for hours, but it actually only took up some 30 minutes. The ewes continued to slowly eat their way up the slope, with the ram concentrating on browse that kept him on the same level, moving slightly away from his females. In the midst of his feeding, he suddenly took notice of the group of humans staring intently at his harem and himself. He stood for a moment with his ears and eyes focused on our position and then began to walk right-to-left across the slope. Arnold stopped him with a bleat just as he entered one of the very few openings in the vegetation. Expecting the 175 grain Nosler Partition from my 7mm Remington Magnum to drop a few inches, I held high on the ram’s shoulder. We found later that the bullet had indeed dropped, taking out both shoulders and wrecking his heart in the process. As usual, I lost the animal in the recoil, and by the time I was able to focus again on where the ram had been, he had disappeared. I looked to Arnold and Neville, our tracker, and the former said, “Your shot looked good.” Though encouraged, unless I can see the animal down, I always worry. Neville headed up the slope, carrying one of the radios. Arnold and I stayed where we were, with Arnold using his radio to provide directions to Neville. I realize that the search for the Impala didn’t take as long as even the short wait I had endured for the shot presentation, but once again I was in serious anxiety by the time Neville radioed that he had located our trophy. When Arnold and I finally reached Neville and the Impala, I had to admit that I had been very, very wrong about the Southern Impala lacking the beauty of its northern cousin. Our ram had an outstanding shape and, as an unlooked-for bonus, we would find that his horn length would result in a gold level award from Safari Club International. I thought to myself as I stroked the horns and smooth coat of this animal that, “in reality, the trophy fee is trivial compared with the opportunity to hunt such an outstanding animal, and for the dream-making it provided.” And, yes, I was practicing for ‘the talk’ with my long-suffering, but also very understanding, wife. ★ 50 HUNTER'S HORN™ SUMMER 2021

Below right: It is very, very useful to have a PH who used to play rugby, especially when you want a trophy animal carried to a place that is more photogenic. Below center: Impala aren’t just beautiful, they’re tasty too—an Impala roast and birthday cake ready for a celebration dinner at Blaauwkrantz Safaris.

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The author took out this young boar with an air rifle. Modern air rifles are powerful and in Texas as well as other states are legal for hog hunting. This hog was living just outside a city limit area and was part of a sounder moving in and out of a neighborhood. (Photo by Lisa Moore)

54 HUNTER'S HORN™ SUMMER 2021

FIGHTING BACK AGAINST HOG ATTACKS “I BY CHESTER MOORE, JR.

know what death looks like, and it’s big, black and hairy, and has tusks.” Ricky Morgan spoke those words a few days after a feral boar slammed him to the ground and viciously attacked him on a dirt road near Lake Sam Rayburn last March. Morgan was walking his Great Pyrenees mix “Ace” when the boar, which he estimates at about 150 pounds, walked out in the road in front of them. “At first, I thought it was just going to walk back into the woods, but then my dog started barking. The next thing I knew, the hog was on top of me, and I was on the ground,” Morgan said. While Morgan fought to keep the hog from slashing his face or neck, the dog was pulling on the backside of the hog’s head. Eventually, the hog gave up and retreated into the woods. “There’s no doubt if I didn’t have ‘Ace’ with me, I might not be alive today,” he said. Morgan only got cuts on his knees where the boar’s hooves dug into his flesh, but not all of the scars were the visible kind. “I had nightmares for about a week after the attack. I know it could’ve ended much worse. I never carried a gun while on my walks around our camp. Now I never leave without one,” he said. Christine Rollins of Anahuac, TX, was not so fortunate. Hogs killed the 59-year-old outside a home near Highway 61 in Anahuac November 2019. Despite animal apologists’ outcry on social media stating that hogs likely took the blame for a human killer, Chambers County Sheriff ’s Department officials were adamant hogs were to blame. In this particular case, Chambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne said there is “no doubt in my mind or that of my criminal investigator Captain John Miller that multiple animals were responsible for the attack.” While researching for my book, Hog Wild, a decade ago, I came upon a disturbing trend of significantly rising hog numbers and soaring human populations in the same areas. As I predicted, the mix would mean more attacks, and unfortunately, that has been the case. SUMMER 2021 HUNTER’S HORN™ 55

As hunter-conservationists, there are some trends with hogs we need to be aware of not only to stay safe but to make an impact for the good of the wildlife, habitat, and people feral hogs are harming in many ways.

URBAN INVASION

Feral hogs are the new coyote. In other words, they have become the latest sizable wild creature living quite cozily within the city limits of urban centers. Their numbers are rising from Houston to Tampa, Florida where a 400-pound boar was trapped where elementary-age kids saw it a few yards from a school bus stop. I believe what we are about to see is cities harboring some monster-sized hogs. In the past, I have written and lectured on what I call “Monster Hogs,” which weigh more than 500 pounds. Such animals are few and far between, but some of our cities offer all of the right ingredients to make it happen. There is adequate habitat, food, and cover and large boars in particular, which tend to be solitary, are excellent at remaining hidden. They may possess more “intelligence” than any wild animal in North America. Add to this a lack of hunting pressure. The fact that firing guns in city limits is a no-no will give hogs with monster genes the opportunity to live to maximum potential. I have been fielding increasing reports from shocked citizens seeing normal-sized hogs in greenbelts and suburbs, but how will the public react to seeing a boar just shy of average grizzly proportions (600 pounds) strolling down Main Street? I’ll never forget opening the door for my then-girlfriend (now wife) on a date to a seafood restaurant back in 1993. Visions of shrimp and sausage gumbo danced in my head. Then as Lisa stepped out of the car, I heard something move in the tall cane behind us. As we fixed our eyes toward the racket, a huge mud-covered animal emerged. At first, in the dim light at the back end of the parking lot, I thought it was a young steer as cattle are common in any pasture, woodlot, or the woods next to the restaurant. But it was no steer. This was a hog, one that weighed well beyond 500 pounds. It grunted heavily when it saw us (we were only ten steps away)

and then went on about its business of rooting up the ground. The animal’s area is a piece of wild land, probably in the 300-acre range, and industrial buildings surrounded it. That huge hog, perhaps the offspring of a domestic set free to graze as used to be common in Texas was wild at this point. It does not take hogs long to go back to their wild origins and integrate into purely feral populations. Interestingly just a few miles from that location, hogs have invaded several neighborhoods, and I have been able to photograph them. Nearly half of them were white, which is relatively uncommon in feral hogs. One of the white boars slipped onto a friend’s property just outside the city limits, and I took it with a .357 air rifle. Do the genes of the giant hog I saw years ago still exist in the area? One of the white ones I photographed recently would easily go over 300 pounds.

MISJUDGING MOMMA

Few things in nature are cuter than feral hog piglets. And in my opinion, the only creature more savage than a feral sow defending her young would be a grizzly doing the same thing. This is where I believe we will see some problems. As hog numbers increase everywhere, from the deep woods to walking trails in Houston, people will encounter baby pigs and quite likely approach them or even try to “rescue” them and meet an outraged mother. Hunter Dru Bishop was bowhunting the Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge in South Texas when he saw a hog near the water’s edge. Moving behind an elevated bank to stalk toward the pig, he lost visual contact. “As I hit the edge of the patch of thick trees and cover, I slowed way down and continued to move around a bend in the bank, but the hog’s last location was not yet in view,” he said. “When I was within 50 yards of my target location, I suddenly heard a tremendous commotion coming from roughly 20 feet away from me but upon the cut bank in the trees. After a second or two, it registered with me that I was hearing piglets screaming, and I was right on top of them!” Bishop immediately drew back and, at the exact moment, began to hear their mother approaching fast and grunting and snarling.

Below: The author photographed these sows at a construction site in the city limits near his home. The hog numbers in many urban and suburban areas are skyrocketing. Sows with piglets are super dangerous and the author is concerned about unsuspecting people seeing baby pigs in parks and approaching them. (Photo by Chester Moore)

56 HUNTER'S HORN™ SUMMER 2021

A few seconds later, she appeared and was coming straight at him from her elevated position on the bank. “As soon as she cleared the brush, I let the arrow fly. It hit her in the face just above her left eye and buried to the fletching. She was three yards away and pretty much dropped right there. Within a few moments, her snarling gradually slowed as she passed, leaving me with just the sound of my heartbeat booming in my temples and the still screaming piglets dashing about,” he said. Bishop had a bow with him. Most people won’t have a weapon, so education will be the key to keeping people out of trouble, especially in urban areas.

HOGS IN UNLIKELY HABITAT

Feral hog numbers are rising in Texas, the Mike Ray took this massive boar by bow in Northeast Texas. Bowhunting is a fun way Deep South, and around cities in these areas to get involved with hog hunting and is an alternative in some jurisdictions where rifle and the Mountain West. hunting is not allowed. Hunters should not hesitate on killing large boars as they are Hogs are now in Montana, with populations statistically the most likely to attack and kill people. (Photo Courtesy Mike Ray) moving south from Canada, where populations are established and rising in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Colorado has increasing hog numbers with no hesitation. They are often alone, so you can’t use the in certain areas, as do New Mexico, Oregon, and Nevada. Hunters excuse you didn’t know which one to shoot. in many of these states have no experience with hogs and therefore • Shoot sows first. If you have a group of hogs coming in with may not heed signs of danger. the typical size structure of hogs 150 pounds and below, shoot State wildlife officials are doing their best to eliminate the hog sows, then boars. The more sows we take out, the fewer hogs threat in these areas. The good news is hunting can be impactful areas will produce. on this front, and I believe tackling the hog issue with an educa• Trap. Trap. Trap. If you have a deer lease, pool resources with tion and eradication-based mindset is critical. other lease members and get hog traps going. Mature hogs will become trap-shy, but you will catch younger hogs along with A SENSIBLE STRATEGY others. Keep the pressure on year-round. No mercy. Here are basic tenets I believe everyone needs to know to begin • Turn in hog traffickers. If you know of people releasing feral making progress on the hog issue. The first of these tenets will be hogs into open range for hunting purposes, turn them in. It’s common sense for those reading Hunter’s Horn, but they are here illegal. Very few people do this anymore, but this is the crucial to share with others in our communities. reason hog numbers have spread so far. A handful of hunters • Hogs are dangerous. They can attack and kill. Never aphave released them into different areas. proach them. • Never approach even cute piglets. Baby feral hogs are adorable, THE ONLY APPROACH IS LOCAL but their mothers (sows) will go to any length to protect them. There is no dealing with feral hogs on a statewide or national The sow may be out of the line of sight if you see tiny pigs, but scale. That day is over. she is nearby and will respond. The only impact we can make is on our ranches, in our com• Do not feed hogs. Unless hogs are baited in a wild location in munities, and in other localized zones. preparation for hunting them, please do not feed them. Never This is a golden opportunity for hunters to positively impact othfeed around houses or in parks. In areas like urban centers ers in a way that will get some much-needed good public relations. where hogs receive no hunting pressure, they can seem tame. I have worked with the City of Orange, TX, to create a series of Do not make them accustomed to seeing people as a food social media videos about hog safety and taking the opportunity source. Additionally, do not throw scraps outside. That can to weave in that hunting is a viable way of localized hog populaalso attract hogs. tion control. The videos have received very positive feedback from • Be especially mindful of large, solitary boars. If you see such an hunters and non-hunters alike. animal on a hiking trail, for example, give it a wide berth and Even people who may not like hunting change their tune when report to officials. That animal certainly needs to be targeted a raging boar eats their pampered poodle in the front yard. for removal and elimination. Hog hunting is a fun way to contribute to wildlife manage• From a hunting standpoint, there are some things we can do ment and help safeguard our communities from further tragedies. to at least help stop the overall growth of hog numbers in the It’s simple math. areas we hunt and manage. Fewer hogs mean less property damage and fewer opportuni• Shoot big boars. Many hunters don’t like killing big boars due ties for people to get hurt. to the smell and taste of meat, but statistics show most fatal Let’s put the crosshairs on some hogs and show the good huntattacks (nearly 90 percent) are large lone boars. Kill these hogs ers can do when motivated by a cause. ★ SUMMER 2021 HUNTER’S HORN™ 57

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SUMMER 2021 HUNTER’S HORN™ 59

MEM

CONROE TAXIDERMY By Gayne C. Young

ESTABLISHED IN 1972 BY LEGENDARY ARTIST MIKE SIMPSON, Conroe Taxidermy is the largest taxidermy facility in the southern U.S., one of the biggest in the nation, and is rightly considered one of the premier taxidermy facilities in the world. I spoke with Mike’s son, and current General Manager Barrett Simpson about his role in the company, its future, and all things hunting.

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HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE FAMILY BUSINESS?

Obviously, I was born into it but there was a time in my life when I was unsure [if that’s what I wanted to do]. I tried to do a few other things, but I just always loved the big game hunting side of it. So, it was never just taxidermy and the love of the art. It was the allure of traveling and hunting and living that lifestyle in the outdoors. I mean, I would guide and hunt, and built big habitat scenes... In the days before these foam rock products were available, we were building our own rock mountains and trees in big projects. So those were always fun. I didn’t like sitting at the desk per se and mounting head after head.

HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU STARTED DOING THAT?

Man, 16. I don’t know. I was skinning when I was a kid. I mean, the company’s right beside my home. So as a teenager, I was doing deliveries all across the nation. When I got my driver’s license, the day after Christmas, I was going on a delivery at 16 to New Mexico to a client’s house. It was my first delivery on my own with my buddy, but I’d been on a bunch of deliveries with the older people in the shop. And then as I got a little bit older, I looked at doing different jobs, and [my father] would always come to me and say, “So and so company wants to pay you to guide in Colorado. You’re going to bring all the mounts back here for us to mount

and then deliver to all the clients, and we’re going to pay you as well.” So, I just thought, well, that’s not really a bad business model for me, you know? And then I would work at the taxidermy job and one of our other clients was traveling to Russia or Canada, and it was, “Hey Barret, these guys are going to pay to have you go along to skin all the animals. And by the way, they’re going to buy an animal for you to hunt. And you’re going to bring everything back here on the job, and I’m going to pay you as well the whole time you’re doing it.” So before long, I’m hiring more people, we’re doing bigger dioramas, bigger deliveries, bigger trophy rooms. And my father and my brother Travis really led in the actual mounting of the animals in the artistic side there. And I started at a very young age, really dealing with all the clients. So, you dealt more in the trophy room aspect of the business? I had installed so many trophy rooms that clients would call the shop, and they would want to talk to me to figure out how to integrate the animals in the trophy room, and how to turn the animals and position the animals. “Barrett, what do you think?” I would show up to someone’s trophy room and I would rehang everything that they had on the wall and bring the animals that we had just mounted and hang them, and tell them, “Well, you’ve got too many rights. Let’s do some lefts. Or here’s a few thoughts.”

AND YOU’D USE THAT KNOWLEDGE TO HELP GUIDE THEM TOWARD ANOTHER HUNT?

You know, at a young age, I was able to go into a trophy room and realize where the clients had and hadn’t hunted before. And I got to talk to them because I had been on those adventures and trying to get them interested. They had done a bit of Africa, but they hadn’t branched up north and done some of the big concession areas or they never thought about going to Europe, but they needed Spanish ibex. And I’d see New Zealand in their trophy room, but they didn’t have Australia. And I would just know those species from being educated in it. And I would go in, so not only were we or are we still just a taxidermy shop. We do a lot of hunt consulting. And of course, now, it’s all the way up to trophy room consulting, even design, where we go in and take your addition to your home or your trophy room from the ground level all the way up. A lot of clients come to us, and they’re 25 to 50 animals into it. And they realize that they’re out of room, and they need our services. And we look at all the possibilities and kind of interview them to determine what size room a guy might need. Then I would visit with the clients, and that’s what I do today.

YOUR BROTHERS WORK WITH YOU AS WELL.

My brother Travis executes all that with the taxidermists to actually getting the mounting done and deciding who’s mounting what. My other brother, Michael, runs the tannery. So, we all kind of really have our own niches within the company.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST HUNTS.

My first safari, I was 14. My first animal, I must have been six or seven. I shot a whitetail and then went on to shooting other Texas native and exotic game. But yeah, my first safari was in 1986. I went to Zimbabwe.

SUMMER 2021 HUNTER’S HORN™ 61

SO, HUNTING AND TAXIDERMY HAS PRETTY MUCH ALWAYS BEEN A PART OF YOUR LIFE?

Oh yeah. A hundred percent. I mean, I got off the school bus and went to work, then we shut the shop down and maybe did one or two pages of homework if I had to, and then played and went to sleep. I mean, I was, I remember skinning during the busy season, as you know, as young as 14, I was skinning animals.

WHEN DID YOUR FATHER MIKE SIMPSON RETIRE?

I’m going to tell you, it’s only been about four or five years. He’s in his 70’s now. He slowed down, but he mounted heads all the way up until he was 70 years old. He was in there mounting. Now he didn’t mount what he had mounted before, but he was selectively mounting, but he was mounting away.

WHEN DID YOU MORE OR LESS TAKEOVER, YOU AND YOUR BROTHERS?

Oh, he [dad] was still here. You know, maybe I can tell you probably by the time I was 30, I no longer built anything in the shop. I was in the, I’ve been in the office for the last two, almost two decades, just on the phone with clients, and then still traveling to trophy rooms before and even after. And of course, I do all of the conventions and the PR and all of that, and still organize hunts today. I’m still traveling with groups of hunters as often as I can.

WHAT CHANGES HAVE YOU MADE SINCE YOU’VE TAKEN OVER NOW?

I had a very smart client tell us one time, ‘What’s the number one complaint of the taxidermy shop?’ And he, of course, he’s complaining about mine at the time, but his observation for all shops, and the number one complaint is turnaround time. And General Manager Barrett Simpson (left) with his father Mike Simpson.

he wanted to know why. Of course, the number one complaint always relates back to the tannery. You know, the taxidermist can literally mount an animal, almost two a day, if it’s a simple whitetail. There’s a little drying time and paint time, and base work but it’s not that long. But as a tannery gets swamped under, well, he can’t get the skins back to us in time. So regardless on if we could staff up enough with quality taxidermists, we didn’t have the skins. So really it was my brothers and I that came up with having the tannery. And we have purchased a tannery about 20 years ago now. And that’s made all the difference in the world. It’s an onsite tannery. And for a long time, we have had the reputation of a six-month turnaround time. I’m going to tell you that’s half of the industry standards. Industry standard for taxidermy is a year turnaround, 10 to 14 months is what it is. And we, if a client pays the deposit and knows how he wants it mounted and communicates with us, he’s got it in six months. In some cases, less than that. And then there’s specialty cases and ranges that we do it for faster than six months.

HOW HAS TECHNOLOGY CHANGED THINGS IN YOUR INDUSTRY?

A lot. We’re doing fiber optic star ceilings. We’re doing, instead of the old rainforest cafe style, concrete trees, we’re building synthetic foam trees and foam mountains. We’re definitely doing all of the lighting, accent lighting, LED lighting, and then spotlighting throughout the trophy room. We’re hiding speakers in diorama scenes. And there’s a lot of interactive stuff nowadays. So yeah, the technology has helped immensely over the years. And then technology with the sculpting, the tanning, and even the mannequins. So the skeletal work for any good taxidermy shop is the mannequins that they’ve purchased. And then for a whitetail I’m going to tell you there’s hundreds upon hundreds of available mannequins to choose from. But for just a handful of mannequins for some of the rare antelopes of Africa. But just like a whitetail, that African antelope comes in all different sizes. Fat ones, tall ones, skinny ones, short ones, squatty. Animals are as diverse as humans are in body types and sizes. So, you really have to be qualified artists. And the mannequins have come a long way, and there are more and more on the market that really help us with that base work to start with.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS PROBABLY THE BIGGEST SURPRISE PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO OR WHAT CONROE TAXIDERMY DOES?

Well, I’m guessing that people always are surprised when I talk to someone about us, how long we’ve been here, we help you get it [your trophies] in the country, our tannery’s on site. They’re happy with all of that. The turnaround is fabulous. They’re happy we deliver it and install it for you. That seems to be the one that gets more 62 HUNTER'S HORN™ SUMMER 2021

than any of them. That one usually gets us an, “Oh, you deliver and install?” They love it. Because there’s outside services to do that. And then there’s a lot of taxidermy shops, they’re fabulous artists, but they might not necessarily be great businessmen. I mean, we’re the second largest in the nation basically, by far the largest in Texas as the way of taxidermy shops go. And you can’t do that and just be a great taxidermist setting behind a desk and just mounting heads.

TELL US ABOUT CONROE TAXIDERMY GIVING BACK TO THE INDUSTRY AND TO CONSERVATION.

We always donate to the safari clubs. We volunteer on multiple levels within multiple different clubs, between all three of us. My brothers and I are very active, and that’s where the majority of that conservation comes back. But I would say that Houston Safari Club carries a very special place with all three of us because we grew up in that club. Mike Simpson [Barrett’s father] helped found that club and I’ve never known life without it. I’ve made absolutely every single convention since I was a child. And we’ve all served at different levels. Director, vicepresident, my brother Travis is a director right now. So, I’ve been a volunteer on the convention side for, I don’t know, maybe 30 years. It’s a ridiculously long time. And yeah, giving your time is as important and almost more passionate than giving your money. And I think that giving your time is a great thing to do. And then of course we do all types of other stuff. I mean, we give mounts away to the Wounded Warrior program. You know, we give all kinds of other discounts and work on all types of projects. We have a 400-acre ranch at College Station that was where my father retired to. And we give away hunts - we

give away hunts and we give away all types of stuff there. So yeah, you got to give back, especially to something that you’re passionate about. And you know, there’s nothing better than introducing young people to the outdoors. We love doing that. Just make some future hunters and it’s great.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR CONROE TAXIDERMY?

I’m going to tell you that Conroe Taxidermy is concerned for the future of hunting. Our organizations need to reach deeper on the political side to ensure the big game side of hunting. I think always going to be deer hunting, but some people cried over a lion named Cecil, and they closed the importation of lions down right after that. And we have to battle Fish and Wildlife on the permitting side to get particular animals in. So, I think that the big game hunter loves his lion, his polar bear, and his elephant, just as much as a whitetail hunter loves his whitetail. And there’s no difference. And all of those species are out there and they age and they become old and they die. And there’s nothing wrong with harvesting any of them, a big old whitetail or a big old elephant. But we’re constantly concerned that our way of life will slowly be diminished because it’s a talking point for politicians to stay in power, and Cecil’s proof of that. And right now today, I have clients that tell me, well, my company doesn’t want me to shoot a lion because of Cecil the lion and how bad it was. And what a horrible thing for a person to be able to do. The legalities for harvesting an African lion are stricter than a whitetail deer. The legalities for shooting a rhinoceros in South Africa is stricter by far than shooting a bear in the United States. ★ SUMMER 2021 HUNTER’S HORN™ 63

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DE LUXE SUITE, THE BLUE TRAIN

TAKING THE

SCENIC ROUTE with Esplanade Travel BY JACKY KEITH, PRESIDENT

JKEITH@ESPLANADETRAVEL.COM

fter a year (or longer) of staying close to home, it’s time to bring back the Golden Age of travel! Picture the 1920s and 30s: travel was a special event in one’s life; leisure time was valued and essential; people still wore their best even on the longest of journeys. It was the time of Hercule Poirot and Jay Gatsby, Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn, the Jazz Age, and Hollywood. Nothing better encapsulates that era of wonder and glamour quite like a luxurious train journey. Sit quietly in a well-appointed cabin, watching the world’s most beautiful scenery pass you by, or head to the lounge car to mingle and imbibe. Explore on foot at stops along the way, sleep peacefully each night lulled by the low rumble of the engine, and learn to appreciate the journey as much as the destination.

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HEX RIVER VALLEY, SOUTH AFRICA

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SOUTH AFRICA

There are two train journeys that dominate the scene in South Africa – Rovos Rail and Blue Train. Travel in style from Cape Town to Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, and appreciate all the beauty this region has to offer. A train journey is the perfect complement to an exciting safari in any of the nearby countries – South Africa, Botswana, or Zimbabwe.

Rovos Rail

Rohan Vos ran a successful auto spares business before realizing his passion for trains. Restoring Victorian coaches and making them into one of the most luxurious trains in the world has resulted in a fabulous series of journeys across Southern Africa and even up to East Africa. Since its founding in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned a well-deserved reputation for world-class travel experiences. In a series of train journeys lasting from 48 hours to 15 days, Rovos Rail links great destinations with many off-train excursions such as the famous Kimberly Big Hole. Step aboard vintage wood-paneled coaches and sit back as some of the most varied scenery unfolds beyond the windows. Discreet and friendly service, top cuisine, and a selection of South Africa’s finest wines take you back to a simpler, more elegant era of African exploration. The beautifully rebuilt trains carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites.

The Blue Train

In the easy-living heyday of the 1920s, a train with royal blue and cream colors became the famous Blue Train – a true Palace on Wheels, riding the rails to legend. Extensively refurbished and modernized after World War II, the 24-hour journey from Pretoria

THE GHAN LEAVING ALICE SPRINGS, NORTHERN TERRITORY, AUSTRALIA

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to Cape Town became the preferred way to travel. Switching from steam to electric and diesel, it now links Pretoria with Victoria Falls and extends into the famous Kruger National Park for game viewing and Port Elizabeth at the end of South Africa’s Garden Route. The suites become a spacious lounge by day and private bathrooms are marble with gold fittings. There is a writing desk next to the window where you can enjoy the view in style along with a link to the driver’s eye view camera. The dining car has two sittings for lunch and dinner, and each meal is accompanied by tasteful background music like the mellow tones of the Soweto String Quartet. Everything is included in your journey and the lounge and club cars offer drinks, high tea and an array of board games.

AUSTRALIA

When making the trip to the other side of the world, give yourself a little extra time “down under” to experience one of these magnificent train rides. Australia is a huge continent, only slightly smaller in size than the continental United States, so a train journey is the perfect way to see Australia’s remote beauty and hidden gems without wasting travel days.

The Ghan

The Ghan Expedition takes you through the heart of Australia, offering the ultimate outback experience with the perfect balance of comfort and adventure. Originally dubbed “The Afghan Express,” The Ghan was named in honor of the Afghan cameleers who helped explore the continent’s remote interior more than 150 years ago. The all-inclusive four day/three-night journey begins in Darwin in the Northern Territory and takes you south via Australia’s famous Red Centre to Adelaide in South Australia. The Gold Service cabins

TRANZALPINE OPEN-AIR VIEWING CARRIAGE, SOUTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND

or Platinum Service suites serve as your private oasis onboard, offering all the creature comforts. Choose from a variety of off-train experiences, such as a scenic cruise, a camel ride through the desert and a visit to an underground mining town. Don’t miss a scenic helicopter flight over Uluru for a bird’s eye view of the enormous sandstone monolith that is so sacred in Aboriginal culture. Meal highlights off board include a traditional barbecue dinner under a million stars in the outback town of Alice Springs and a gourmet lunch in an underground opal mine in Coober Pedy. After finishing the journey in Adelaide, we suggest taking the ferry over to Kangaroo Island for some of the best native wildlife viewing opportunities in the country.

Indian-Pacific

Named for the two oceans it links, the Indian-Pacific takes you on an epic 4352km transcontinental journey between Australia’s two coasts. Follow in the footsteps of bush pioneers and gold rush prospectors as you cross the entire continent from Perth in the west to Sydney in the east (or vice versa) in just four days. Pass through the otherworldly, barren landscape of Nullarbor, which directly translated from Latin means “no trees” and stop in the once thriving railway town of Cook, now a living ghost town. Explore Adelaide’s city treasures, including the famous Adelaide Oval. Journey through New South Wales’s picturesque Blue Mountains and be sure to be on the lookout for kangaroos and emus along the way! Don’t forget to include extra time to explore both Perth and Sydney. Nature and urban life exist in perfect harmony in Perth, Australia’s sunniest city, and no visit is complete without a day trip to Rottnest Island for the ultimate quokka selfie. In Sydney, let Esplanade book you a BridgeClimb on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, a harbor cruise, a show at the famous Opera House or a surfing lesson at Bondi Beach.

NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand, home to Fiordland National Park and Maori culture, offers two rail daytrips that will take you through some of the most stunning scenery of the South Island. Board the TranzAlpine or the Coastal Pacific in Christchurch and enjoy postcard views at every turn. Tired of sitting? The open-air viewing carriage on both trains allows you the unique opportunity to stand outside while snapping the perfect, unobstructed photo.

TranzAlpine

Soak up the striking vistas between Christchurch and Greymouth aboard the TranzAlpine. Leaving Christchurch, from your carriage you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps, traveling through the majestic Arthurs Pass National Park before descending through lush beech forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth. This rail trip is 224 kilometers long and takes just four and a half hours. There are 19 tunnels and 4 viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing at 73 meters. The Scenic Plus Class carriage brings you delicious food, informative commentary, friendly hosting and spectacular views, all delivered right to your seat while you ease back and enjoy the journey. Huge panoramic windows, glass shelves and skylights help immerse you further into the dramatic landscapes outside. Deboard in Greymouth and pick up a rental car to drive south down the wild West Coast, stopping in the glacier region for a glacier heli-hike and then continuing down to Queenstown. Alternatively, travel up the West Coast to board the train in Greymouth, finish in Christchurch and then hop onto the Coastal Pacific for a different rail adventure. SUMMER 2021 HUNTER’S HORN™ 69

Coastal Pacific

Board the Coastal Pacific in Christchurch and journey up the Pacific Coast of the South Island. This journey is a scenic feast of New Zealand, with the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side of your train and the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline on the other. There are 22 tunnels and 175 bridges. Along the way you’ll travel through some of New Zealand’s finest horticultural and farmland areas. Passing though the seaside village of Kaikoura, you can often see amazing wildlife such as dolphins, seals and penguins from the comfort of your train carriage. If you choose to end your trip in Kaikoura, be sure to hop on a whale watch cruise. Deboard at the next stop in Blenheim and spend your afternoon among the vines of Marlborough’s sunny vineyards, sampling its world-famous Sauvignon Blanc. Finish the trip in the small port town of Picton and connect to the afternoon Interislander ferry across Cook Strait to Wellington, New Zealand’s coolest little capital.

travels between Cusco, the outpost to reach Machu Picchu, and Arequipa, a historical city framed by three volcanoes. This lovely offering scoops around so you also see Lake Titicaca and the picturesque village of Puno. The train has just 16 carriages, ensuring you’ll have an intimate and luxurious experience, with décor inspired by Peruvian textiles. Carriages include a lounge car with live music, an outdoor viewing deck, two dining carriages, a library and boutique, and a spa car. We suggest taking this train ride after visiting Machu Picchu – you’ll surely arrive in country excited to see the famous ruins, and the various hikes in the area will warrant being followed by a comfortable train journey. While on the Andean Explorer, you’ll visit Raqch’I archaeological site, watch the sunset over the La Raya Mountains, wake up to sparkling Lake Titicaca, ride a boat to the floating Uros and Taquile Islands, explore Lake Lagunillas and Sumbay Cave, and end in Arequipa. Work with Esplanade to include Colca Canyon to see the Andean Condor as well.

PERU

Hiram Bingham

Peru and Machu Picchu are practically synonymous – but there is so much more this diverse country has to offer. Exploring the country by train is a new and unique offering in Peru, but absolutely worth the added time in-country. Rather than focusing just on the Cusco region with ruins, take your time and see more of the scenery, culture, and wonder that Peru has to offer.

Andean Explorer

The Andean Explorer is South America’s first luxury sleeper train and one of the highest train routes in the world. Its path

TRANZALPINE, SOUTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND 70 HUNTER'S HORN™ SUMMER 2021

Board the Hiram Bingham and be transported back in time on this luxurious and elegant train ride. The three and a half hour journey, from Cusco to Machu Picchu, takes you through the heart of the Inca Empire, allowing you to soak in the fertile farmlands and the soaring Andes mountains from the comfort of your seat. Choose from the sophisticated dining car, the bar car or the observatory and find yourself in carriages that are decorated in a classic 1920s Pullman style with vibrant Peruvian colors. Enjoy a complimentary welcome cocktail and relax (or dance) to the live traditional Peruvian music!

COASTAL PACIFIC, SOUTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND

BELMOND ANDEAN EXPLORER, PERU

INDIA

Once travel to India is possible, there is no better way to see the country than on one of the luxury trains. Usually operating between October and March or April these trains bring back the fantasy of traveling back in time. Managed by Indian Railways, there are a total of 7 luxury trains to choose from– the Maharajas’ Express, Palace of Wheels, the Deccan Odyssey, Gold Chariot, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, Royal Orient Train and the Fairy Queen Express.

Maharajas’ Express

Best among all Indian luxury trains, the Maharajas’ Express is a half mile long train with professionals prepared to meet the highest quality of hospitality, fully stocked bars, lavish suites, butler services and more. Starting in Mumbai, you can travel north to the caves of Ajanta, on to the royal cities of Udaipur and Jaipur, see tigers at Ranthambore and visit the Taj Mahal in Agra.

Deccan Odyssey

Inspired by the traveling style of the kings and rulers during different royal eras of ancient India, Deccan Odyssey is a 5-star hotel on wheels that takes you to fascinating destinations in India. Royal treatment includes palace-like interiors of the cabins, multi-cuisine restaurants, lounges, a conference car, an onboard spa and other state-of-the-art amenities. Choose from six different routes across all of northern India on 7 night/8-day journeys as you rediscover the art of elegant train travel.

The Palace on Wheels

Palace on Wheels is India’s original luxury train, voted 4th best luxury train in the world. The interiors of the spacious guest cabins, accented with hues of ruby, turquoise, and pearl, immerse you in the pomp and elegance of a bygone era. You will feel like a king or queen thanks to your own dedicated butler, catering MAHARAJAS’ EXPRESS DINING CAR, INDIA

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to all your needs. Operating on a similar route to the Maharajas’ Express, this journey is the perfect way to see beautiful Rajasthan. Depart New Delhi and visit a tiger reserve, the city of lakes, an oasis within the desert, the Taj Mahal, and be back in New Delhi in just over a week.

EUROPE Orient Express

The Belmond Venice-Simplon Orient Express conjures images of luxury travel from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and with good reason. An undeniable icon of the rails, this train has long captured the imaginations of glamorous guests. You will feel as if you have entered the scene of an Agatha Christie novel as you dine in elegance in one of the three dining carriages. These exude a true sophistication, as each space has been recreated by craftspeople to an exacting standard from the Art Deco era. The food is gourmet and the service is white glove and impeccable. Settle into your cabin surrounded by polished cherry wood, comfortable upholstery, and large windows – all spaces filled with beautiful details to make your stay the most comfortable possible. The Venice Simplon Orient Express has routes that have been expanded over the years to include not just the classic Venice to London itinerary, but other departure or arrival points such as Paris, Verona, Brussels and Amsterdam, even offering an extended trip from Paris to Istanbul. Belmond offers similarly elegant train experiences in Scotland with the Flying Scotsman. The décor is much more Scottishthemed, and the cuisine showcases local delicacies, including smoked salmon and Scotch whisky tastings if you are so inclined.

Trans-Siberian

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from Moscow over the Urals, across the magnificent and endless steppe and alongside the shore of the world’s deepest freshwater lake, Lake Baikal. It is the longest train journey in the world. This 15-day journey will bring you from Moscow to Vladivostok with many stops to visit small cities, museums and the beautiful countryside. The trip covers the Mongolian region of Russia as well, including Ulaan Baatar, the capital city that was once the center of the enormous empire led by Genghis Khan.

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VENICE SIMPLON ORIENT EXPRESS CABIN

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The

Nhamaruza Leopard MEM

From baiting to bag, this magnificent game animal provides action and suspense second to none. BY JOHN WOOTTERS— ORIGINALLY PRINTED IN PETERSEN’S HUNTING, 1974

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Above: Waterholes are good spots to search for signs of previous night’s activity from this magnificent cat.

Left: Author Wootters is justifiably proud of his prize trophy. The huge old male measured seven feet, four inches long, a cinch for Rowland Ward’s book of African records.

KNOW HOW IT FEELS TO BE THE TARGET of automatic weapons fire in infantry combat. I have seen the eyes of a drunken man, armed with a machete, bent on taking my life. I’ve looked a wounded Cape buffalo bull in the teeth at just 15 yards. I’ve endured the stunning silence after a light airplane’s one engine quit without warning. I once had the reserve air valve of a scuba tank jam and leave me literally breathless 85 feet below the surface of the Caribbean. Altogether, I can recall a lot of times when the seconds seemed to drag by like a convict’s weeks … but the longest ten minutes I’ve ever lived through were in a blind in an African dusk, listening to a leopard feeding just 45 steps away! There was more to it than just the knowledge that I was in the presence of the animal I’d dreamed of since boyhood and traveled 12,000 miles to meet. There was more to it than my white hunter’s admonition that more hunters miss shots on leopards than on any other species, or his warning that I might have no more than 10 seconds to fire, once I raised the rifle. Nor was it that I knew this was my last chance to legally import a leopard trophy into the United States, or that I knew I was very lucky to have this once chance, at the worst of all possible seasons to hunt leopard in Mozambique. What bothered me, I believe, was the knowledge that baiting and bringing a leopard under the gun is a fine art and a team effort involving a dozen people. Each of them had done his job expertly, and now it would be up to me; all I had to do was shoot straight, but if I failed when the chips were down, three days and nights of cunning, hard work by the crew would go down the drain. The four of us sat there in the blind, motionless, listening as the big male leopard slashed huge mouthfuls from the stinking waterbuck ham. It was the only time I could remember when the aroma of rotten meat was like perfume to my nostrils; it meant, of course, that the faint evening breeze was still holding steady,

from the cat to us. At last, when Mario judged that the leopard had settled down to his meal with his attention focused on filling his belly, the professional hunter handed me the loaded rifle, gave me a searching glance, and gestured for me to stand up and shoot. Mine was the last move in an intricate and prolonged drama which had begun on the first day of the safari when the first shot I fired at game in Africa killed a bush pig (which more or less accidentally turned out to be a Rowland Ward record) for the express purpose of leopard bait. On that day and the next, my companion, Houston businessman Jack Carter, and I had collected a number of baits, mostly warthogs and chacma baboons, and a couple of the safari boys took over Operation Leopard while Jack and I went after some of the glamorous antelope. The boys consulted with local natives for word on a leopard, and scouted the sandy hunting tracks in the region. When they found sign of a leopard crossing, they drove away, rigged a bait as a scent drag behind the truck, and dragged it up to a carefully selected tree, where they hung the meat too high for hyenas or lions. Not just any old tree would serve. Each bait tree was chosen for its size, location, and conformation. It had to have a limb, big enough but not too big, at such an angle that a blind could be built downwind to blend with the surrounding brush, and the ideal limb would show me the leopard, if one came, skylighted and broadside. When each bait was hung, the boots brushed away the leaves around the base of the trunk so that any animal would leave clear tracks in coming and going. From such tracks, it turned out, they were able to predict both the sex and size of the cat with astonishing accuracy. We were in Mozambique in October, which is a bad time to bait leopards. The grass is dead, the antelope are concentrated around the waterholes, and the living is too easy for a leopard to be very interested in a bait. The previous season, some Texas acquaintances had hunted this same area with the same safari SUMMER 2021 HUNTER’S HORN™ 77

company, Safarique of Beira, and had several leopards walk right under hanging baits without bothering to climb for them. But recent laws passed in the U.S. meant that if I didn’t get my leopard on this safari, while the trophy could still be imported lawfully, I was out of luck. It was my first and last chance, and the boys responded by tripling their efforts and maintaining ten baits, rather than the usual three or four. This meat that every day at dawn, the crew was up and away from camp, making their miles-long circuit of the baited trees to see what the night had brought. All but one day, that is, when their truck stalled in a dry wash, and they spent the night there afraid to try to walk back to camp unarmed. We found them early next morning, and they reported that when they had approached one particular tree that day, the meat was swinging from the hurried departure of a leopard! The cat had not fed, apparently having been disturbed by their arrival, and no one could say whether he might come back. But he did. He returned and fed heavily. The boys then replaced the bait with a fresh one, wiring it firmly to the limb with heavy iron baling wire. That night the cat came back and actually tore the wire away, stealing the whole ham of a waterbuck. When this fact was reported to our professional hunter, one Mario Damiāo, he issued orders for another bait to be placed in the same tree, making certain that the leopard couldn’t take it away. At this point, an agreement between Jack Carter and me, reached days earlier, was beginning to take on new importance. Since lion were scarce in our coutada, or hunting concession, and it was the wrong season for leopard, we’d taken out only one license for each cat. Jack preferred the lion, and my choice was the leopard, so we’d agreed that he would get a lion and I any leopard we might be fortunate enough to encounter, regardless of whose turn it might be to shoot when that chance came to pass. This was why my heart sank at a remark made by Mario when we went to look over the situation at the bait tree. After careful examination of the big pug marks in the brushed sand, Mario said, with a very straight face, “This is not a leopard; this is a lion!” It was his way of emphasizing the huge size of the leopard we were dealing with, but for a moment I took him literally. At this point, Mario personally took command of the operation, supervising construction of the blind and certain modifications of the tree. The blind was large enough for four men to sit in folding armchairs, not for comfort so much as because cramped men cannot remain absolutely still. It was quite sturdy, with a limb lashed horizontally across the front at just the right height to serve as a gun rest for a six-footer like myself. There were no peepholes; we would do all our hunting by ear. Every leaf was removed from the sandy floor of the structure, and every twig and blade which protruded on the inside was snipped off, lest it scratch on a sleeve as one of us moved. The blind was, of course, down the prevailing evening wind from the bait tree, and was four-sided, with a narrow door in the rear. The tree itself stood on the edge of a clearing in the forest, exactly 45 long paces from the blind One large limb was hacked off to force the leopard to use another, about six inches in diameter,

to reach the meat, and the bait was hung so that he could not easily get at it but would have to reach down, hook the heavy ham with his claws, and pull it up to get a bite. The object was to force the cat to concentrate on his feeding, hopefully blunting the edge of his incredible alertness and wariness long enough for me to get my shot in. All other limbs on the bait tree and on a couple of trees standing behind it which might confuse the animal’s outline against the sky were trimmed. When Mario and his expert crew were finished, it would be physically impossible for the leopard to present anything but a perfect, broadside shot...provided he came again to the bait at all. I stepped into the blind, laid my rifle in position, and aimed at the limb, bare in the African sunlight, and tried to imagine 150 pounds of spotted cat in my crosshairs. The suspense was already building in my guts. When Mario was satisfied with every detail, we went back to camp and enjoyed a leisurely lunch. It was then that the professional hunter told us that leopards are the most commonly missed animals in all Africa, even though the shots at them are invariably simple. “We will have to be absolutely still,” Mario coached us. “A leopard can hear anything, even a sigh. He will become aware of you the instant you put up your rifle. He can see the slightest movement, and sometimes it seems he can even see through the wall of the blind. When he sees you, he may jump from the tree instantly, but usually, he will hesitate, maybe five seconds, maybe ten seconds at most. You must shoot as quick as you can, but you must kill him with that shot. A wounded leopard is one of the most dangerous animals in the world. Which rifle will you use?” “The .45-70 single-shot,” I replied, pointing to the Ruger No. 1 standing in the corner with its 3X Leupold scope. “Why the single-shot?” Mario asked, seriously. “Why not?” I replied. “You say I Will have only one chance anyway. Besides, I know and like the rifle well, and I shoot it well. I have confidence in it.” “Good,” he returned. “How is it sighted?” “It should be a trifle high at 50 yards with my hand-loaded ammunition,” I figured, “but all the same I’d like to check it now.” We paced off 45 yards and Mario put up a makeshift target. I knelt and triggered the 400-grain Barnes bullet...and obliterated the center of the bullseye. If I could do as well on the leopard, that bullet, traveling almost 2,000 feet per second, would surely be enough. Mario grunted approvingly. I Carefully cleaned the scope lenses, handed the rifle back to the tracker, and went into my bungalow for an afternoon nap. I’m sure you can imagine how much I slept on that hot afternoon, wondering if the old tom leopard was also stretched out in the shade of a thicket somewhere, lazing away the hot hours until the evening breeze sprang up to tell him it was time to feed. As I tossed and turned on my cot, I thought of all the things which could still go wrong First, the cat might not come back at all. Or he might come on a route which would bring him too close, or downwind, to us in the blind. Or all the activity in the area that

The blind was large enough for four men to sit in folding armchairs, not for comfort so much as because cramped men cannot remain absolutely still.

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Above: Our leopard camp in Mozambique, named Nhamaruza, typical of the permanent camps maintained by Safrique on government hunting concessions. The crew left camp at dawn for a check of our baited trees. Below: The big male leopard made tracks almost like a lioness. This was understandable when the prize trophy was examined—7’4” long!

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Above: The blind must be solid and large, with all debris cleared from the floor to assure silent movement. Nothing is left to chance. Below: Can you find the author with his rifle in shooting position? This is a leopard’s-eye view of the completed blind.

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day might alert him or somebody might cough, or sneeze, or… Or I might just miss the bastard! I’ve been shooting a rifle at live game of some sort for almost 4 years, and my business of freelance gun writer required me to fire something like 8,000 rounds of centerfire rifle ammo each year. I’m really not a bad shot...but an African leopard is not exactly a paper target, nor even a whitetail buck! Trying to ignore the lump in my belly, I told myself that it was preposterous that I could miss something that big and that easy at less than 50 yards. Noway, Wootters... you hope? We arrived at the blind about 5:00 p.m. Mario had admitted that there was some danger that the cat might have come earlier but said it would be unusual in such warm weather. He had not come. Jack left his cigarettes in the hunting car, and I left pipe and tobacco there, too. Mario’s penchant for detail was revealed when he produced chewing gum to soothe the pangs of nicotine denied, and cough drops, just in case. He had me load my refile and set the safety, and set it aside in a corner of the blind. When using the Ruger one-shooter on game I usually carry two rounds of ammo between the fingers of my left hand, but Mario limited me to one, to avoid the chance of clinking them together at the crucial moment. Mario, Jack, Ferreira, the chief tracker, and I settled down for the vigil. We were lucky; neither mosquitoes nor tsetse flies were bad that evening. We sat there and listened to the sounds of Africa, preparing for the coming night. Ibises croaked raucously nearby, restless on the roost. Gradually, the sounds died down and the sun slipped below the tops of trees across the clearing. We’d been there about an hour, silent as four statues in the gathering dusk, when Mario suddenly cocked his head and lifted a hand to make an unnecessary signal for quiet. Later, he said he’s heard the leopard on the ground, very near the blind. Jack and I heard nothing, at least nothing until the first mouthful of waterbuck was ripped off the bait! Mario didn’t move, and neither did I, externally. Inside, there was something, maybe my heart, swelling and throbbing and almost choking me. Then came those terrible, fantastic ten minutes, listening to the great arrogant cat feeding. And then Mario handed me the rifle. It was so dark in the blind that I was surprised when I stood up at how well I could see the leopard. I didn’t have long to admire him, alive on the limb, but I shall die with that picture vivid in my mind’s eye. They told me later that I took not more than three seconds to fire, but it seemed forever to me. Finally the Ruger bellowed and the blind turned into bedlam! Mario was pounding me on the back and shouting “Bravo! He’s dead! Bravo, BRAVO!” Ferriera was jabbering in his native Sena language, and Jack was whooping like a Comanche and sputtering with a spasm of coughing he’d been strangling himself to suppress for the past fifteen minutes. As for me, I don’t think I said anything. I only knew that cat had to be dead, because the crosshairs had been precisely right, on the point of his brawny shoulder, and the trigger had broken smoothly. He was stone dead, probably even before he started to topple off his limb. He never heard the roar of the rifle. Nevertheless, we approached with care, covering the great spotted body with

A prize leopard’s skull is measured for length and width. Length runs from the tip of the jaw to the base of the skull. Width is the distance ear to ear.

a buckshot-loaded magnum 12-gauge as well as my rifle. Then we dragged the animal out into the clear so that Mario, who was exclaiming over the leopard’s size, could measure him The rough measurement went 88 inches, seven feet, four inches, and was performed twice just to be sure. Under the old rules of Rowland Ward’s that was enough to put my trophy in the record book, but the new standards also require a skill measurement. Later, my big tom passed that test, too, with room to spare. While we were floating over the kill, the hunting car came rolling up, with the safari crew yelling and clapping with delight. They had left us at the blind and retired with the car to a distance at which they could hear the rifle’s bellow in the African night. After all the necessary photography, congratulations, reconstructions, and reveling were complete, we loaded the 175-pound carcass into the hunting car and sped toward camp, supper, and a celebratory toast of Royal Salute hoarded for just such moments in the safari. On the long road home, the boys were singing and chanting, with accompaniment on the car’s horn and the famous Mozambique lion-calling tin trumpet. Every member of the team had performed his share of the total task to perfection. They had brought this wonderful, glowing beast before my rifle muzzle as if by magic but really by hard work, skill, and consummate understanding of the animal. It was, as it turned out, the largest leopard collected by any Safrique client during the 1972 season, which includes 125 hunters, 15,000 square miles of Africa, and 7½ months of hunting. It was a boyhood dream come true for me, but this leopard was as much the safari crew’s trophy as mine; all I’d had to do was shoot straight and fast. Five days of work by a dozen people had, at last, come to hang on three seconds’ performance on my part. And I hadn’t missed! It’s off, but the memory of that is almost as important today as the life-size mount of the old leopard himself, on my den wall. ★

Then came those terrible, fantastic ten minutes, listening to the great arrogant cat feeding. And then Mario handed me the rifle.

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THE

ANATOMY OF A GREAT HUNT BY CARLY BRASSEUX

We’ve all had good hunts, bad hunts, first hunts, and great hunts that we’ll remember for a lifetime. But what separates a good hunt from a great hunt? What makes a hunt the story you want to tell over and over? What is the anatomy of a great hunt?  SUMMER 2021 HUNTER’S HORN™ 83

Left: Carly Brasseux practices to shoot at long distance with her Tikka 25-06. Below: Carly cries over an emotional harvest of a mule deer doe.

We should start a great hunt by managing our expectations for what is and is not realistic for the game we’re after. That way, we look forward to the experience as opposed to an impossible outcome because we’ve set our expectations too high. We allow ourselves space to “miss the mark” on a harvest. As I prepare for an upcoming mule deer hunt in Montana, I start with managing my own expectations. Do we all want to take a trophy of a lifetime? Of course. But how important is a rack in the grand scheme of a great hunt? The expectation for my Montana hunt is to enjoy time in a beautiful place with an inspirational team around me, to study wildlife in their natural habitat, and to experience a new adventure. What about the internal anatomy of a great hunt? How do you manage the logical, physical, and emotional anatomy of a memorable hunt?

THE BRAINS

This is our logical side that plans the details and allows us to prepare. Proper planning prevents poor execution. What gear should we bring? How will I pack out a harvest? What tags and licenses do I need? Have I practiced tough shots? Make a list and check it twice.

THE BODY

For public land and big game hunting, you need to be physically prepared for a hard hunt. Your physical preparedness can make or break a great hunt. Is your body physically ready for the effort it’ll take to pack out a trophy? It’s never too early to start training. 84 HUNTER'S HORN™ SUMMER 2021

Below: Carly takes free-range aoudad in the Texas Panhandle. It’s added to the Safari Club International’s record book at 1387/8 inches as a silver medal trophy.

Carly and husband, Will Brasseux, enjoying time together hunting and spending time outside.

THE HEART

This is our internal desire to connect with nature. As a hunter, you have a need to connect with wildlife and the outdoors. Are you hunting with a group? How will you spend time on your hunt connecting to the land? Our hearts want an intimate connection to nature.

THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

Remember that feeling when you glass up a “monster?” Have you heard of buck fever? If your nervous system starts kicking in, you’re probably on your way to a great hunt. Any great hunt can end one of two ways. 1. You take a trophy. Through luck and experience, you’ve taken a trophy you’re proud of. You get to share the story with friends and family. You take him to the taxidermist and retell the story. You have him mounted in your home to tell your story to each person who comes in your door. And more importantly, it’s a memory that lasts a lifetime. A few years back, I took a record aoudad in the Texas Panhandle. My husband, Will, glassed up a free-range bruiser and knew he was the one we’d been after for three years. We were lucky. We were at the right place, at the right time, glassing the right hillside. This monster ram just happened to be there grazing. Our hunt went the right way because we had been prepared by previous hunts and aoudad stalks that ended empty-handed. The shot went the right way because we were prepared and confident to shoot at long distance. We were physically prepared to pack him out. We had no expectation going into that hunt, but we had prepared for it with years of glassing, stalking, and shooting. All we wanted that weekend was to be out in nature and to sit on a hillside at sunrise and sunset. When we saw him, we got “big ram” fever and the nerves were real and raw. It was truly a memorable hunt because of all these

things, and due to the effort to recover and pack him out. It was the excitement back at camp when our friends saw him and we measured his horns. We allowed ourselves to be a part of the whole process. Without getting frustrated, you can allow yourself to store the small, additional details of a great hunt in your memory. The cactus all around us. Will taking his boot off for me to shoot off of. The sound of the bullet hitting the ram. The buckle and stumble the aoudad had when he fell. Or, the story can have a different ending. 2. You leave empty-handed. But you still carry home all of the parts of a great hunt. You have a story to share with friends and family. It becomes a memory you want to live again and again because you were blessed enough to experience the full anatomy of a great hunt. The unexpected gets you every time. If things go wrong, open your eyes and see where you are – there’s a pretty good chance there’s nowhere else you’d rather be. A great hunt starts with your expectations and ends with a story that is shared time and time again. This is the one you’ll remember for a lifetime. ★ Carly Brasseux is a determined and passionate business owner and social media/marketing consultant, published author, and freelance outdoor writer based in Texas. In a world where women are the fastest-growing segment of the hunting population, she is a major proponent of those women who want to learn more about the outdoors and hunting. Her handle, Miss Pursuit, is an expression of her enthusiasm for all things outdoors, from educating women through her experiences learning to hunt over the last decade, to getting out with her kids to explore the wild. Her expertise in social media and marketing, as well as her vast network of experts in the outdoor industry, have given her the influence to make an impact for lots of women. SUMMER 2021 HUNTER’S HORN™ 85

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HSCFMEMBERSPOTLIGHT MEM

Get To Know Me!

5 Minutes With HSCF Member Chase Schaefer

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A MEMBER OF HSCF?

I originally joined in 2014 but left shortly after due to work demands. I joined again at the end of 2019 and have been active ever since.

Reverse sear smoked ribeye steak-rare plus

10.

WHY SHOULD YOUNG HSCF MEMBERS JOIN THE STAG AND DOVE SOCIETY?

DID YOU BECOME INVOLVED IN HSCF?

I found that I work best with individuals that share similar interests as my own. I also wanted to be part of a community that cared about hunting as much as I do. Out of all the groups I’ve joined in the past, HSCF has made me feel most at home.

IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING AN HSCF MEMBER?

Hearing about all the exciting hunting stories from other members. The near-death experiences, the pursuits, and of course the trophies. I live for that type of stuff !

WHAT IS OR WAS YOUR CAREER FIELD?

I have a business of planning and investing my client’s financial assets.

PREFERRED HUNTING WEAPON-RIFLE, SHOTGUN OR BOW?

I would typically say rifle. However, my brother gifted me a bow recently, and have taken a great interest in that.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD?

WHAT IS THE ONE ITEM YOU WOULD HAVE IF YOU WERE SHIPWRECKED ON AN ISLAND?

Just a simple BlueCosmo Iridium Extreme Satellite Phone would do.

WHAT WAS YOUR MOST CHALLENGING HUNTING EXPERIENCE?

Duck hunting in Corpus Christi. Wading a mile in mud is no joke.

OF ALL THE SPECIES YOU HAVE HUNTED, WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE AND WHY?

Probably wild quail. You are with your friends and family, so it stays social but way more challenging than dove. The quail pop up out of nowhere and fly in any direction, so it’s all reactionary to put the bead on the birds. Plus you get to see the dogs work which is always fun.

To build relationships with other individuals, within the same age demographic, who share a passion for the outdoors. It doesn’t cost anything to join if you are already a HSCF member. We strongly encourage young professionals to join our ranks! Scheduling events for young professionals is like herding cats - time & money are always challenging during this stage in life as many of us are focused on establishing our careers, purchasing homes, or possibly starting families of our own. Stag & Dove Society’s affiliation with HSCF helps address these issues by aligning our members with experienced outdoor professionals and potentially providing opportunities for savings related to hunting gear and experiences. One of my objectives is to grow the Stag & Dove Society’s membership base so that we may seek opportunities for outdoor group experiences with volume discounts. My goal for our first year (2021) is to host a main event each quarter, one of which will be philanthropic-oriented. We will also have happy hours and other events sprinkled throughout the year. You can learn more about the HSCF Stag & Dove Society at wehuntwegive. org/membership/stag-dove-society

O’Day Family Kerry, Carol, Michael & Katie with Past President Mark Herfort

LOOKING

BACK By Tommy Morrison

Below left: Past President Ray Bailey, Gisela Houseman, Past President Tony Houseman | Below right: Past President Rick Callison

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HSCFPHSPOTLIGHT BE

Meet Ashley Hobson of Eastcape & Karoo Safaris

MEM

WHAT IS THE PRIMARY AREA AND GAME FOR WHICH YOU GUIDE?

I guide primarily in South Africa but sometimes in East Africa, where I’m also a licensed Professional Hunter. As our name suggests, we specialize in hunting the Eastern Cape and Karoo of South Africa; in what Craig Boddington referred to as “… without question one of my favorite areas, offering a unique variety of habitat, and a wonderful variety of game.” The coastal areas of the Eastern Cape offer dense bushveldt landscapes and game that are unique to the area, such as bushbuck, caracal & genet cats, blue duiker, nyala, oribi, bush pigs, and bontebok, to name a few. In the Northern Cape and high country of the Karoo, we offer 115,000 acres (180 square miles) with a 5-Star lodge amidst one of the biggest game conservancies in South Africa, with large herds of buffalo, roan, sable, eland, gemsbuck, kudu, wildebeest, waterbuck, and around 20 other species of game. It’s a very special place, with abundant game and a fascinating variety of terrain and vegetation.

HOW DID YOU CHOOSE A CAREER AS A PROFESSIONAL HUNTER?

I grew up on a farm in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, so hunting was in my blood from a very early age. As soon as I could walk, I was hunting birds in the fruit orchids with my pellet gun. Whenever I was home from school I used every opportunity to be out in the field. For me, hunting and guiding is much more than a profession. I guess you could say that I found my calling at an early age, and never looked back.

WHAT WAS YOUR MOST DANGEROUS HUNT?

I’ve been put up a tree by black rhino and Cape buffalo cows a few times! I’ve never been injured by one but have a great deal of respect for them and appreciate that they’re called “dangerous game” for good reason. As a PH, I hunt Cape buffalo with clients every year, and each time you prepare to hunt this animal it gets your heart pounding. These nearly 1-ton animals can move very fast, especially through dense bush, and

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more than a few hunters have ended up on the receiving end after quarry became hunter, with dire consequences. Cape buffalo can toss a grown lion around like it’s a toy, making them a serious opponent when pursued on their turf and terms; one that should never be underestimated. One must be mentally and physically well-prepared when taking on buff because stalking and shooting them involves a dangerous hunt … every time!

WHAT DO YOU WANT A FIRSTTIME CLIENT TO KNOW BEFORE HUNTING WITH YOU?

I like to walk … a lot … sometimes a bit too fast!

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING HUNTING AND HUNTERS TODAY?

With COVID-19 thrown into the mix, our community faces many challenges. Very little hunting took place during 2020 – resulting in a much larger selection of mature game for 2021 – but near-term funding for the protection of wildlife has suffered. Outfitters have not had the resources to protect their areas and wildlife, and poaching has increased with inevitable and irrevocable results. NGOs and animal rights groups pose an ongoing threat, with renewed calls to increase bans on the import of hunting trophies and even ban trophy hunting altogether. There is a perception out there that hunting is grotesque and morally wrong, and I feel this is negatively and unfairly influencing younger generations. When one objectively examines the broad range of issues surrounding conservation and hunting, it’s clear that wildlife has been restored in previously devastated areas, and herds are stable or increasing on game conservancies where they’re seen as renewable, natural resources and something of value that benefits Africa and all Africans. In fact, the hunting community’s efforts have made possible the reintroduction of plains game species that were previously made extinct in Africa – a win-win for people and wildlife. The Cecil incident was a major blow to the hunting community, despite that fact Cecil was taken lawfully, with a knowledgeable, reputable, and licensed PH in attendance. I do not believe the PH would have

pursued or allowed the shot had he known it was Cecil. To summarize, as hunters we must be prepared to articulate the often overlooked conservation aspects of lawful hunting and game management programs that do, in fact, preserve habitat and conserve a renewable resource – wildlife. It’s not an either/or discussion.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HUNTING WEAPON AND/OR CALIBER?

I grew up with a rifle and it is my favorite method of hunting. We do a lot of plains game hunting and as a Professional Hunter, I’m sometimes required to back up clients shooting across long distances. My trusty old .300 Win. Mag. is ideal for reaching out there … with the legs and knockdown power to get the job done.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HUNTING?

Working on other businesses, spending time with my family, river boating, fishing, or playing tennis.

FAVORITE MEAL?

I love a good steak on the “braai,” as we call it – “cut its horns off and wipe its ass” rare!

WHY DO YOU HUNT?

As soon as I drive into our hunting camp, I feel as if I’m visiting another world. At night, I love the absolute quiet and pitch dark … where the skies are so clear that you can see every star. Hearing

the animals noisily eating around the campfire … oh, and the fire … staring into it with a whiskey in hand. The camaraderie of meeting and hunting with new clients, some of whom become good friends, is unmatched. The good food – I absolutely love game meat. Bumping into a rhino on the way back to my room is always a surprise! Boots on the ground … I love the fresh air, the exercise, just seeing the game out in the wild. Searching all day for that perfect mature animal and putting a plan together to outsmart a majestic old ram or bull. Killing an animal should never be an enjoyable experience for any hunter, but this is part of the hunt. I have deep respect for the animals I hunt and the terrain they live in. As a friend once wrote, the trophy on the wall is merely the tip of the iceberg; a visible reminder of a journey, day, and stalk that led to an unforgettable moment in time.

10.

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU COULD NOT DO YOUR JOB WITHOUT?

There are so many things one could list here, but I think I have to go with my tracker. As a PH, you have a partnership with your tracker – another set of eyes, another set of ideas, physical strength to assist with carrying things, an extra driver. A tracker, who is also often your skinner, is really someone who is there to back you up.

Ashley Hobson EASTCAPE & KAROO SAFARIS

hunteasterncape.com +27 (0) 82 376 7766

SUMMER 2021 HUNTER’S HORN™ 91

BY JOE BETAR | PHOTOS BY RACHEL MIQUEL PHOTOGRAPHY

he HSCF faithful gathered together for our annual Crawfish Boil at the Kickapoo Event Center in Waller, Texas on April 10, 2021. The setting was magnificent, and the attendance was stellar. Mother Nature even looked upon us favorably as we were provided perfect weather. Over 100 HSCF members, their guests and several new faces met under the grand oaks for a great day of shooting, food, live music, fellowship, and fun! And these were not just any oak trees! The property is home to two Indian Marker trees. These trees, usually oaks, are actually living memorials to Comanche Indians. These migratory people would tie a sapling-size tree to the ground to mark specific areas of interest (camping, fishing, water crossings, meeting places, etc.). Over the next 150 years or so, these trees grow into their unique, angled shapes and form a historical reminder of our past. We were honored to welcome as our special guest, Stephen Willeford, the hero of the Sutherland Springs First Baptist Church shootings of 2017. Stephen was welcomed by the crowd, and he wholeheartedly returned their admiration, shaking hands and spending time with attendees. This year’s event included a fun shoot which consisted of a Knockout Sporting Clays contest. Keith Amos was the winner of the tournament’s championship belt. One of our venue hosts even commented about the great talent and competitiveness of the participants. There was ample opportunity to simply shoot sporting clays for fun and catch and release fishing at a nearby pond filled with bass, crappie, and catfish. It was wonderful to see numerous children playing under the shade of the grand oaks while their parents and grandparents laughed and joked with each other. It truly did our hearts good to see people getting together in person again. As the sun began to set in the western sky, the soulful strains of Kenna Danielle and her band settled over the crowd while they dined on boiled crawfish and fried catfish, engaging in friendly conversation. A few folks

92 HUNTER'S HORN™ SUMMER 2021

traveled from as far away as Fredericksburg, Texas to attend the event. A big thank you to our event sponsors: FORLOH Technical Apparel, Alliance Graphics & Printing, Third Coast Thermal, Burts Construction, Inc., and Kickapoo Event Center. ★

HSCF Hunter's Horn Summer 2021

Articles inside

DRUMS OF THE MORNING

HSCF CRAWFISH BOIL & FUN SHOOT

BLAST AND CAST FOR WELLNESS 2021

THE ANATOMY OF A GREAT HUNT

HSCF MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

HSCF PH SPOTLIGHT

THE NHAMARUZA LEOPARD

TAKING THE SCENIC ROUTE

FIGHTING BACK AGAINST HOG ATTACKS

8 GREAT WAYS TO PREP FOR FALL HUNTING SEASON

CONROE TAXIDERMY

GOLD LEVEL IMPALA?

WARM WEATHER FAVORITES

SPRING IN THE SIERRA MADRES

HUNTERS AND ANGLERS ARE KEY TO BIODIVERSITY

REMEMBERING EARLE FREEMAN