2019 South Texas Hunting Guide

2019 SOUTH TEXAS

H UNTING GUIDE Frio-Nueces Current

FRIO-NUECES CURRENT SPECIAL PUBLICATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2019

2 Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide

Contents

Frio-Nueces Current

H UNTING GUIDE

4 6 8 10

HOOKING MEMORIES: Fishing in South Texas

BILL RUMFIELD: Tales of August

DOVE HUNTING:

Prime conditions this year

CAITLIN WOODS: Wilson Whitetail

Current FRIO-NUECES

12 14 16 20

KEVIN FRAZIER: Obey the laws

JAMES NEWPORT:

Taxidermy and inflation

SHOPPING BAG: This years must-haves

FERAL HOGS:

No license needed

Combining the Cotulla Record, Dilley Herald and Pearsall Leader USPS 424560

2019 SOUTH TEXAS

Publisher/Owner Craig Garnett................................................(cgarnett@ulnnow.com) Chief Staff Writer Breyana Segura ............................................(bsegura@fncnow.com) Production Manager Lonnie Herrera .....................................(lherrera@fncnow.com) Advertising Sales Tony Perez ...........................................................(tperez@fncnow.com) Managing Editor/Photographer Manuel Azocar III.......(mazocar@fncnow.com) Classified Sales Kasie Gonzales ................................................(kgonzales@fncnow.com) General Manager/Bookkeeping Rocky Alcala.......................(ralcala@fncnow.com)

BRUSH COUNTRY HUNTING GUIDE IS A PRODUCTION OF FRIO-NUECES CURRENT

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Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide

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4 Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide

Reeling in memories...

Hooking quality family time BREYANA SEGURA

The morning hunt is over, breakfast has been served and cleaned-up, and to your disbelief your child is not ready for a nap even after that 4 a.m. wake-up call to get situated in the blind.

What do you do?

During the day South Texas temperatures have a reputation of warming up making for a beautiful day to enjoy outside activities.

Maybe the hunting camp you’re staying at offers some stock filled tanks.

But if they don’t, no worries, Frio and La Salle counties offer two major rivers that flow through South Texas offering prime fishing sites, especially after some good rain.

In the Pearsall area?

The Frio County Community Fishing Pond is located right outside the city (See HOOKING, Page 5)

A family in South Texas enjoys a nice Friday evening along the banks of a local fishing hole.

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Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide

5

(Continued from Page 4)

limits on Gilliam Road and is stocked by Texas Parks and Wildlife with largemouth bass and channel catfish.

The pond offers a number of covered picnic areas complete with barbecue pits. Don’t forget to bring some bread for the flocks of free range ducks roaming the area.

Some 15 miles south of Pearsall one can access the Frio River - for free!

According to TPWD, the river offers a variety of fish that include bass, catfish, drum, gar, sunfish and trout.

Following a good rain the gar population produces alligator gar in an upwards of 200-pounds and over 7-feet long. Despite summer drought conditions this year that have left low water levels in South Texas, anglers have found the alligator gar thrive in the murky depths of the river.

La Salle County offers a number of free places to cast your rod and reel with a variety of fish that include bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, warmouth, trout, bullhead and carp. Locals in the area enjoy casting a line at Holland Dam. Follow Highway 624 a few miles outside of Cotulla, turn right near a vacated, windowless, brick building and follow the ranch road until you reach the park area. Like the Pearsall pond, Holland Dam offers picnic tables and some barbecue pits.

Remember all anglers must have a valid Texas fishing license!

A day on the lake or river can establish a bond that has the potential to draw a family closer together and reel in future memories. So grab a chair, some bait, a rod and reel and enjoy a nice day in South Texas.

A group of anglers reeled in three alligator gar this summer off the banks of the Frio River just south of Pearsall.

Welcome Hunters To La Salle County!

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6 Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide

New mandatory harvest reporting required for antlerless deer harvest

Expectations high for Archery-Only Hunting Season The hot, dry conditions that have been gripping most of Texas could make the archery-only white-tailed deer season opener a challenge for bowhunters, yet those who know how to work the conditions can still find good hunting.

For the first time this fall, hunters are required to report all antlerless deer harvested in 21 south-central Texas counties—see details below.

“Although dry conditions should encourage deer to frequent feeders more consistently and more often, the hot temperatures may curtail movement during much of the day except for the periods around dawn and dusk,” said Alan Cain, TPWD whitetailed deer program leader. “Until cooler temperatures arrive and deer movement picks up hunters may consider using game cameras to narrow down peak deer movement near their favorite hunting location and increase chances of success.”

Texas boasts a robust white-tailed deer population of about 5.3 million deer which should contribute to hunter success this season. Despite the deterioration in range conditions over the last several months with the 100-degree weather and wind, Cain notes “Hunters should expect an excellent deer season with above average antler quality and fawn recruitment.” Cain explained that good rains early in the fall of 2018 that set the stage for an excellent crop of winter weeds lasting well into the spring. The

excellent habitat conditions continued into early July and were critical in providing the nutrition bucks needed to maximize antler growth.

While the archery-only season kicked off September 28 and runs through November 1, the general gun season opener is on November 2. The general season runs through January 5, 2020 in North Texas and January 19, 2020 in South Texas. A late youthonly season is also slated for January 6-19, 2020. For additional late season deer hunting opportunities and county specific regulations, consult the 2019-2020 Outdoor Annual of hunting and fishing regulations.

New this fall, hunters in parts of south-central Texas will be required to report all antlerless deer harvest in Austin, Bastrop, Caldwell, Colorado, Dewitt, Fayette, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Karnes, Lavaca, Lee, Waller, Washington, and Wilson. Counties also included in that change are Goliad, Jackson, Victoria, and Wharton counties north of US Highway 59 and Comal, Hays, and Travis east of IH35.

Any antlerless deer harvested during the archery, youth-only, muzzleloader, and the 4 doe-days during the general season is required to be reported to the department within 24 hours of harvest using either the “My Texas Hunt Harvest” mobile app (for iOS and Android) or on TPWD’s (See HARVEST, Page 22)

“Throw that mutt in there too...”

H

BREYANA SEGURA

A man and his hunting dog

e sat at the kitchen table, coffee in hand, smiling as he reminisced about the good ‘ol days of hunting with

friends.

“You know I’m 81-years-old,” Bill Rumfield chuckled. “I still hunt, well I try, let’s put it that way.”

Through the years Bill has complied a number of memories from his hunting days-some good and some not-so-good. However, the avid hunter has learned a lesson from each one.

He’s hunted just about everything you can in south Texas and it seems each hunt he has rescued a dog, his wife, Alecia, jokes.

His first hunting tale involves August, whose full name is Augustino DeLeon.

“All my dogs are of Hispanic descent,” he said as he explained the decision to name the

pound dog he had become so partial to. “I even had Shorty Munoz.”

It was a hot July day when Bill told the tale of August.

About three or four years ago Bill and Alecia were running low short on hunting dogs which was rare for the hunter as he always had hunting and watch dogs.

“I’m gonna go up to the Dilley dog pound because Mr. Lozano told me he had a real nice grulla colored female that is about a year old.”

Alecia just nodded and said, “You go on Billy,” cause she knew there was no changing her husband’s mind, especially when it came to hunting dogs.

He recalls Mr. Lozano showing him the dog he originally went to rescue and he was content with her, naming her Annie.

As he was loading her up in the truck, the worker called his attention to a twomonth-old puppy.

(See AUGUST, Page 18)

Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide

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Wild turkey...

Tips for hunting turkeys in South Texas...

BREYANA SEGURA

*Find roost areas, likely turkey travel routes this gives a hunter the chance to call and work birds. *Wear the right color camo. South Texas is dry, brown and dusty, so light-colored “brush” or “western” patterns are called for. *Be aware of snakes. Snake boots are a good weapon to have. *Have a variety of calls available. Texas is a good place for loud calling as the terrain is wide open. *Have a GPS available. Charting unfamiliar territory can get confusing. *Be prepared for the heat. South Texas and heat just goes together with turkey season. Wear cool, light clothing and pack water in your hunting pack.

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Texas Dove hunting season outlook is promising:

Conditions ripe for prime Texas dove hunting

A

hot, dry landscape heading into the season can concentrate dove around feeding and watering areas, making for excellent hunting, according to wildlife biologists with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

In addition to prime conditions heading into the opener, dove populations have thrived this year thanks to the amount and timing of spring rains across most of the state that kicked habitat into high gear for dove breeding season.

“With the abundant highly-preferred dove foods available on the landscape this year, we’re seeing excellent production,” said Owen Fitzsimmons, TPWD dove program leader. “White-

taken nationwide each year winged dove production, — on average an estimated in particular, has been very 10 million birds — far more high in the southern half of the state. Plus, many of the than any other state. While states to the north had similar those statistics may appear spring habitat 2019-20 DOVE SEASON CALENDAR North Zone: Sept. 1-Nov. 12 & Dec. 20-Jan.5, 2020 Central Zone: Sept. 1-Nov. 3 & Dec. 20-Jan.14, 2020 South Zone: Sept. 14-Nov. 3 & Dec. 20-Jan. 23, 2020

conditions, which should result in a strong influx of migrant birds for Texas later in the season. I’m excited about the prospects this season, it should be fantastic.”

Dove hunting is huge in Texas, with a deep culture that spans generations. Each fall, more than 300,000 Texas hunters take to the field where they harvest nearly one third of all mourning doves

staggering, consider Texas supports breeding populations of over 34 million mourning and 10 million white-winged doves, and those numbers rise even higher during the fall when birds from northern latitudes funnel south.

The regular dove season in the North Zone runs September 1-November 12 and resumes December 20-January 5, 2020. The

regular season in the Central Zone is September 1-November 3, then resumes December 20-January 14, 2020. The regular season in the South Zone is September 14-November 3 and December 20-January 23, 2020. The Special White-Winged Dove Days in the South Zone are September 1-2 and 7-8.

South Zone hunters should also be sure to double-check their calendars this year for what is an unfamiliar Saturday start also due to calendar shift and federal restrictions on opening dates that prohibit starting the South Zone season prior to September 14.

“Over the years, TPWD has worked very hard to open up more of September to (See CONDITIONS, Page 20)

Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide

9

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Cover Story:

“We spend time with ya..”

Wilson Whitetail: Working Woman Woods BREYANA SEGURA

Nestled in the southeast corner of the county, on 1,100 acres of south Texas brush country, sits a meticulous whitetail outfit suited to accommodate both the seasoned and novice hunters.

After selling their ranch in Sabinal, Wilson Whitetail and Wing Shooting Ranch owners, Craig and Christin Wilson purchased the Frio County land 12 years ago.

The ranch was transformed into a haven for those who want to get away from it all but who still demand a level of comfort hitherto unheard of in the open country.

“It was a blank slate,” Caitlin Woods, hunting operations manager said. “All the improvements and buildings were done by the Wilsons.”

The Wilsons developed a plan that would bring an outdated piece of hunting

Caitlin and her dogs, Bear and Christy.

property into modern times, beginning with a lodge that would accommodate visitors and provide for their every need in recreation, cooking, outdoor gathering, entertainment, bed and bath, and above all relaxation.

Boasting a unique variety of south Texas brush, red sand and rolling hill terrain, the ranch ensures a quality hunting experience.

Woods, who was originally hired in the sales and marketing department, offers a wealth of knowledge of not only the land and animals, but she makes it her top priority to ensure each hunter is catered too.

“We specialize in personalized hunts that are unique in the fact besides hunting a lot of business is completed out here.”

In addition to prime opportunities for harvesting whitetail, the ranch offers exotics, dove and quail. Just a short distance from the lodge, nestled under the mesquite, was a kudu. The large animal remain calmed enjoying the brisk air as to not be distrubed by the passerbys. Along with kudu the ranch is home to fallow, black buck, axis, sika, scimitar horned yourks, addax, gemsbok, and red stag.

Woods, who wears many hats at the outfit, has hit the ground running since the beginning of September when dove season opened.

“We are known for our dove hunts and have hosted almost a thousand hunters this year.”

Although the tropical weather caused white wings to leave the area sooner this season, the only non-inclusive hunt the ranch offers, managed to attract hunters from across the state.

Simply put, the ranch is home to South Texas white tail deer.

Last season a hunter bagged a buck

that scored a 260 on the Safari Club International (SCI) scale; each year the outfit harvests 15 to 20 bucks scoring anywhere from 140 to 220.

“We take a lot of pride in our white tail population,” Woods said as she pointed to the mounts carefully placed throughout the lodge.

The lodge, which sits on top of a glistening pond, features a large, open great room, a full-size commercial kitchen, a game room and beds to accommodate 14 is considered the hub of the ranch.

Hunters are treated like royalty at the lodge, as Caitlin and the Wilson’s make it their priority to accommodate all needs of their guests.

The trio will listen to stories, help sight in guns, go over safety protocols all before heading to the custom built blinds scattered across the 1,100 acres.

During prime hunting season, a few people who are knowledgeable with the ins-and-outs of the ranch and can help guide the hunts assist Caitlin.

The evenings are a time to share stories, enjoy appetizers and cocktails, followed by a dinner prepared by a professional chef.

Although dove season has ended, Caitlin has not slowed down one bit. The Panhandle native has been busy preparing for quail and white tail hunts.

“This year was a record year for quail; there are a lot of bob whites.”

Throughout the year, Caitlin maintains the white tail population by ensuring the feeders are full of protein, cottonseed, corn and the food plots are secure from unwanted guests.

“Craig (See WILSON, Page 11) loves

“He shows up, does the hard work, he started this and did it right...”

Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide

that tractor,” she laughed as she drove passed a sunflower field.

“I have a lot of respect for my boss. He shows up, does the hard work, he started this and did it right.”

Craig’s hard work is evidenced in not only the maintenance of the land but the facilities.

Since purchasing the ranch the Del Rio owners high-fenced the entire property, placing underwire and snares under the fence in an effort to keep out feral hogs and coyotes.

The extra thought and time has deterred coyotes and the

11

ranch has not one hog on the property.

That is right –no nuisance feral hogs.

“The bottom line is, if you want to be successful it is important to be a part of it, and the Wilson’s do just that.”

Managing a lucrative ranch that lures in hunters from across the state is not an easy job; however, the Wilson’s and Caitlin have managed to do just that. Their diligence and hospitality is evidenced in the ranch’s ability to attract the same cliental year after year.

12 Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide

Don’t end up with a ticket...

Obey the law this season

BY KEVIN FRAZIER, TPW GAME WARDEN

Deer Season is finally here. Much like hunters, Game Wardens look forward to this season all year long. Most deer hunters comply and follow the laws. However, every hunting season some individuals unwittingly or knowingly violate game laws.

Here are some of the most common deer hunting violations:

Hunter Education Violation: One of the most common hunting violations is hunting without proper hunter education.

Texas requires hunters born on or after Sept. 2, 1971 to have passed a stateapproved Hunter Education Training course. Texas allows those falling under the hunter education requirement to purchase, for $10, a one-time, one-year deferral of the requirement. Effective September 1, 2017, Peace officers, state and federal military, and retirees are exempt from Hunter Ed requirements.

Hunt without Valid Hunting License Violation: The definition of “hunt” is to capture, trap, take, kill, and includes any attempt to capture, trap, take or kill. Anybody engaged in deer hunting is obligated to obtain a valid hunting license.

Hunt in Closed Season Violation: The Closed Season is the period of time when hunting that species is not permitted. Note: There is no open season for any wild animal, wild bird, or exotic animal on public roads or the right-of-way of public roads.

Untagged Deer Violation: After a deer is killed and before the deer is field dressed or moved, the appropriate hunting license tag or permit must be immediately filled out and dates cut out. Except for deer killed by MLD permit, LAMPS permit, TPWD Special Drawn Legal Deer Tag, U.S. Forest Service antlerless permit, or Big Time Texas Hunt, all deer must be tagged immediately upon kill in a secure manner anywhere on the deer, with an appropriate license tag with the month and date cut out.

Improperly Tagged Deer Violation: If required, the tag from the hunting license of the person who killed the deer must be correctly and legibly completed (including name of property and county) and must: * be used on a specific type of deer (for example, buck tags must be used only on buck deer, antlerless tags on antlerless deer, etc.). * have the month and date of kill CUT OUT * It is against the law to use: * a tag taken from the license of another person or allow your tag to be used by another person. * a tag more than one time (or on more than one deer). * an incorrect tag on a deer (example: mule deer tag used on a white-tailed deer, etc.)

Harvest Log Violation: if a hunting license tag is used, then the Hunting License Harvest Log must be legibly completed.

Immediately upon kill of a white-tailed deer the hunter must complete the log, in ink, on the back of the hunting license.

Completion of the log is not required for mule deer, or for white-tailed deer lawfully taken under an MLD permit.

Illegal Dumping: a person commits an offense if the person disposes or allows or permits the disposal of a dead animal at a place that is not an approved solid waste site, including a place on or within 300 feet of a public highway, on a right-of-way, on other public or private property. If the carcass weighs more than five pounds the violation is a Class B misdemeanor, and is punishable by up to 180 days in jail, a fine of up to 2,000, or both.

Unplugged Shotgun Violation: If you plan to hunt migratory birds make sure that your shotgun has a plug in it. Federal and state regulations limit shotguns used to hunt migratory game birds to holding no more than three shotshells. In most pump-action and semi-automatic shotguns, this requires a wooden or plastic plug be secured inside the firearm’s magazine to limit that magazine to holding no more than two shotshells.

Exceeding the Daily Bag Limit Violation: The daily bag limit on doves is 15. That’s a daily bag limit, not a trip limit. Each year, hunters are caught “double-dipping” – meaning, taking a limit of doves in a morning hunt, and then returning to the field for an afternoon hunt.

Hunting over a Baited Area Violation: A baited area is an area where bait has been directly or indirectly placed, exposed, scattered or distributed to serve as a lure or attraction for harvesting migratory birds. A hunter may be cited for hunting over bait, which can include salt, grain or other feed, even if they didn’t know it was there. A baited area is considered to be baited until 10 days after all the bait has been removed. However, a hunter may hunt migratory game birds over standing crops, standing flooded crops, flooded harvested crops, and at any time over natural vegetation that has been manipulated, where seeds or grains have been scattered as a result of normal agricultural planting, harvesting or post-harvest manipulation.

Most of these violations are Class C misdemeanors, punishable by a fine of from $25 to $500 plus court costs. Also, when resources are seized, the department can seek civil restitution for the value of any game confiscated.

Game Wardens urge hunters to review an Outdoor Annual of rules and regulations to ensure they act within the law and that they recognize when others violate the hunting regulations and related laws. Outdoor Annuals are available where licenses are sold. Texas Parks and Wildlife encourages hunters to protect the future of their sport by hunting responsibly and reporting hunting violations to their local Game Warden.

Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide

13

2019-20 Hunting Season Dates DOVE North Zone: Sep. 1 - Nov. 12, 2019 & Dec. 20, 2019 Jan. 5, 2020 Central Zone: Sep. 1 - Nov. 3, 2019 & Dec. 20, 2019 - Jan. 14, 2020 South Zone: Regular season: Sep. 14 - Nov. 3, 2019; Dec. 20, 2019 - Jan. 23, 2020 Additional days for Special White-winged Dove season: Sep. 1, 2, 7, 8 (special regulations apply) JAVELINA North Zone: Oct. 1, 2019 - Feb. 23, 2020 South Zone: Sep. 1, 2019 – Aug. 31, 2020 MULE DEER General Season Panhandle: Nov. 23 - Dec. 8, 2019 SW Panhandle: Nov. 23 - Dec. 1, 2019 Trans-Pecos: Nov. 29 - Dec. 15, 2019 Archery Season Sep. 28 - Nov. 1, 2019

QUAIL Statewide: Oct. 26, 2019 - Feb. 23, 2020

South Zone: Mar. 14 - 15, 2020 & May 9 10, 2020

TURKEY Rio Grande Turkey

Eastern Turkey

Fall Season North Zone: Nov. 2, 2019 - Jan. 5, 2020 South Zone: Nov. 2, 2019 - Jan. 19, 2020 Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg & Willacy counties: Nov. 2, 2019 - Feb. 23, 2020 Archery-Only: Sep. 28 - Nov. 1, 2019 Fall Youth-Only North Zone: Oct. 26 - 27, 2019 & Jan. 6 - 19, 2020 South Zone: Oct. 26 - 27, 2019 & Jan. 20 Feb. 2, 2020 Spring Season North Zone: Apr. 4 - May 17, 2020 South Zone: Mar. 21 - May 3, 2020 One-turkey counties: April 1 - April 30, 2020 Spring Youth-Only North Zone: Mar. 28 - 29, 2020 & May 23 24, 2020

GO HUNTING WITH A CAULK GUN.

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Spring Season East Texas: Apr. 22 - May 14, 2020 WHITE-TAILED DEER General Season North Zone: Nov. 2, 2019 - Jan. 5, 2020 South Zone: Nov. 2, 2019 - Jan. 19, 2020 Special Late Season North Zone: Jan. 6 - 19, 2020 South Zone: Jan. 20 - Feb. 2, 2020 Youth-Only Seasons Early Season: Oct. 26 - 27, 2019 Late Season: Jan. 6 - 19, 2020 Archery Season Sep. 28 - Nov. 1, 2019 Muzzleloader-Only Season Jan. 6 - 19, 2020

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14 Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide 3 Factors that Should Affect your Decision

Inflation’s relevance to taxidermy W

JAMES NEWPORT

hen choosing a taxidermy studio there are three major factors that should affect your decision, and each factor will affect different consumers differently, these factors are Quality, Pricing and Business Performance.

A consumer must apply their thresholds for each of these factors and determine whom they will trade with. Great quality with unacceptable turnaround time, or quick turnarounds with poor quality are extremes that dictate return clientele. These scenarios are often overshadowed by the

fiscally relevant factor that is pricing. Decisions are often made emotionally when pricing is involved and the other two factors become less relevant.

A factor that is rarely considered within pricing is inflation.

In economics, simply put inflation is a sustained general increase in the cost of goods and services and a reduction in purchasing power of the dollar bill.

Meaning as prices rise each dollar you have purchases less goods and or services than it did in the past.

This is one of the contributing factors explaining why your dads’

new pickup in the olden days was only a fraction of the one you bought last year!

Inflation is measured by the inflation rate; usually calculated as a percentage of increase on a yearly basis. As per the website “in2013dollars.com” the average inflation rate since the year 2000 is 2.95% per year.

What relevance does inflation have on taxidermy?

For this example if a taxidermist charged $500 for a Whitetail shoulder mount last year, to maintain the same pay rate (regardless of additional cost increases) this year with an inflation rate of 2.95% they will need to charge $514.75 just to prevent a loss in pay from last year. ($500 X .0295=$14.75 +$500=$514.75).

This does not include cost increases irrelevant to inflation by his vendors/shippers etc. Therefore if the studio does not (See TAXIDERMY, Page 15)

Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide

Taxidermy

15

(Continued from Page 14)

increase rates at a minimum of the inflation rate they will unintentionally be taking a $15 pay cut per deer. When this data is extrapolated over many years it often becomes apparent that the studio has taken a pay decrease due to inadequate rate calculations. Original Rate X

Inflation Rate X Number of Years added to the original rate. This is unfortunately a sobering moment for many taxidermists as they look at these numbers and determine they are making less money than they did 10 years ago!

Let’s say Joe Taxi charged

$500 in the year 2000.

To determine whether he is making more, less or the same as he did in 2000 we will calculate. $500 X 2.95% X 18 Years.

(500 X .0295=$14.75 X 18=$265.50). This means if Joe charged $500 in the year 2000, a very

respectable rate at the time he must now demand $765.50 merely to earn the same rate he did 18 years ago.

Rate X .0295 (2.95%) X #Years + original rate = the minimum amount the studio needs to charge to (See TAXIDERMY, Page 22)

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16 Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide

New products, practical goods for the hunter...

What’s in your bag?

BREYANA SEGURA

H

unting and outdoor pursuits are pastimes that call for practicality and value for money, and in today’s market there is no shortage of useful goods that help increase the enjoyment and comfort of an outing for all the family.

Whether it’s a birthday gift or a thoughtful addition to a hunter’s gear, a gadget or accessory that makes heading into the Great Outdoors trouble-free can do much to enhance the experience. Innovations in design and adaptation of new materials have brought a wealth of products to the fore, and among them are several that benefit the outdoor sports enthusiast.

We have selected some goods for their usefulness to the hunter, among them items that include modern adaptations of tried-and-tested favorites in the field...

MAGNETIC GUN MOUNT:

Hey guys, you or your wife have your concealed carry license and don’t want to leave your pistol in the console

Location 581 Saloon 1108 S. Oak  Pearsall, Texas

hunters welcome Steak Night

Wednesdays Beginning at 6 p.m. til it’s All Gone!

Pizza & Wings Every Night!

1108 S. Oak St. Pearsall, Tx Open 4 p.m.; closed sun. & Mon.

or glove compartment? Want easier access to your firearm?

Look no more, magnetic gun mount and holsters for your vehicle are here. The rubber coated mounts will firmly hold your firearm wihout scratching them and can be used in the vehicle are your home. The price tag isn’t so bad either, coming in anywhere from $15 to $25.

ODOR ELIMINATING FIELD SPRAY

Have a bow hunter in the family? A must have item that needs to make its way into your bow hunting gear list is an odor eliminating field spray. These sprays are critical at any time of whitetail season. There are countless sprays offered, even do-it-yourself formulas. A hunter can purchase a stick of antiperspirant for as little as $3 or a kit that includes lip balm, soap, detergent, bascially everything you can think of, for an upwards of $230.

SCOPE’N IT OUT

Sig Sauer Sierra3BDX rifle scopes are the hot commodity on the market this season. The scope provides the hunter an illuminated auto-holdover dot on targets when coupled with a BDX capable rangefinder. The gun accessory features exceptional spectra coat lenses, level plex digital anti-cant, and kinetic energy transfer indicator.

Don’t forget the rings to mount it!

SKINNING KNIFE

Your hunter has bagged that buck he has been eyeing all season; now is the time to skin it. The best skinning knife will have a sharp-edge blade with a curve. The knife will also feature a long-lasting blade edge, eliminating the need to sharpen regularly, and should be made with the top-quality steel materials for longevity and to avoid damage or rust when used in rain or other outdoor conditions. A sturdy handle is also something to consider.

MOJO MAGENETIC PICK STICK

For all those hunters out there, picking up spent shell casings is a hassle. Most hunters have a trusty retriever to retrieve the birds, but the hunter is left to retrieve the empty shell hulls.

The MOJO magnetic pick stick is a perfect gift, as it relives the hunter from having to bend over and pick up the empty shells.

The stick uses a specially designed magnet which mounted into an easy-to-use adjustable shaft. The device is lightweight and can adjust to the hunter’s height.

The hunter can attach the strap to his wrist and use the magnetic stick in water or on dry land.

Coming in just shy of $35, this is a perfect gift for your fowl hunter.

Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide

The 10 Commandments of Shooting Safety 1. Treat every gun with the respect due a loaded gun. This is the cardinal rule of gun safety.

2. Guns carried into camp or home must always be unloaded, taken down, or have actions open; guns always should be encased until reaching the shooting area.

3. Always be sure that the barrel and action are clear of obstructions.

4. Always carry your gun so that you can control the direction of the muzzle, even if you stumble. Keep the safety on until you are ready to shoot.

5. Be sure of your target before you pull the trigger.

6. Never point a gun at anything you do not want to shoot.

7. Unattended guns should be unloaded; guns and ammunition should be stored safely beyond reach of children and careless adults.

8. Never climb a tree or a fence with a loaded gun.

9. Never shoot at a flat, hard surface, or the surface of water.

10. Do not mix gunpowder and alcohol.

Home Health Our Office Hours of Operation are: M-F 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Our nursing staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including all holidays for referrals and patient care.

830-334-2058 or 1-800-610-2058

200 IH 35 South Pearsall, TX 78061

830-334-3617

www.FrioRegionalHospital.com

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18 Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide

August

(Continued from Page 6)

Bill couldn’t resist the red-colored dog who was standing at the fence with his big paws and wide head.

“I told him, throw that mutt in too!”

Meet August.

Annie was a natural hunter and right away she was ready to work.

It was 2015, August just turned sixmonths old and Annie took the pup on a wounded deer hunt.

“August just kept growing; he got bigger than I expected and was learning from Annie.”

August’s trusty leader and mentor soon died a short time later after catching chagas disease leaving her protégé to fend for himself at just a year old.

Bill remembers being filled with sorrow and grief at the loss of Annie. His son’s dog had just had a litter of pups so he took a white mixed breed female, Ruby, to help out August.

The trusty-old pup took to Ruby and taught her all the skills Annie had taught him. At six-months old the duo went on a wounded deer hunt and within ten minutes were able to bay up the whitetail.

“Then my luck seemed to be running bad. Ruby got heart disease and died leaving August alone again.”

By now August was a big, strong dog and started working alone. The vet in Carrizo Springs, Dr. Taylor, gave Bill a beautiful, female, half Catahoula and half

Black Mouth Cur that was about four months old.

Suzy has been a great addition to the Rumfield household and she and August are inseparable.

Bill and Alecia never know what they are going to walk outside to find; August has earned his keep and become an allaround everything dog.

“He has treed 11 bobcats, 14 coons, found 3 wounded deer, bayed 3 hogs, found 5 rattlesnakes. And Suzy is learning fast from August making a beautiful dog.

You never know what a pound dog may become; I’ve always had hog dogs but August is the best all-around dog I’ve ever had.”

“The ones that got away...”

Bill holds onto many vivid memories of hog hunting with dear friends over the years. Perhaps his quest to capture a monster feral hog roaming the fields in the coastal bend area was his most memorable.

He had written down the story on a white notepad as to not forget a detail of that night some 50 years ago.

“Being a hog hunter since I was 11 years old, there were very few hogs in this country during the drought of the ‘50’s my dad always had cow dogs but they would run hogs if they ran across one.

An old friend of my dad’s named, Pedro Zepeda, was just like an Indian and always looking for hog tracks so if he found hog signs he would come get us and our dog because Pedro only had one dog.’

Bill remembers Pedro’s dog: he was big, black and tan, and together with our Catahoula we could really catch some hogs.

The avid hunter left home for Corpus Christi in 1958, and to his surprise the hog population had increased “a hundred times over.” While he was working in Corpus Christi for Reynolds Metals Company near Ingleside he met more hog hunters.

The group of men started hunting together near the Aransas Wild Life Refuge with grain fields all around it. Thousands of hogs roamed that area and some were near full blood Russian boars.

Among the hunters were James O’Neal and Perry Blackmon, both were excellent hunters with some good dogs. The trio had ventured up to the Guadalupe River where a monster hog had been unsuccesfully run by several people; the hog had killed seven dogs and escaped every time.

Perry and James had seen this hog in the day time and his back was several inches above the three-foot salt grass.

Bill and J.C. “Slim” Ardoin, a Cajun man from Louisiana, decided to give it a try at night.

The pair let their dogs out near a rice field and were walking on a dyke when they heard the dogs bay, then silence fell, the pair feared the worst for their dogs.

A noise behind Bill caused him to look back only to find the monster boar heading straight towards him.

“I tried to pull out my 44-mag pistol but I fumbled it and the hog changed lanes and ran over Slim. Slim’s flashlight went twirling about eight-feet into the air like a baton and his 410-shotgun went in the other direction. The hog stepped on Slim’s ribs before disappearing into the brush.”

The dogs were able to bay the hog one more time, however, the they were unable to keep him bayed and he made the great escape.

Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide

WELCOME HUNTERS TO FRIO COUNTY!

19

Selling Ranches In South Texas!

Dan Kinsel, III Good Luck to all Football Teams!

Vanessa Guzman Vanessa Guzman Agent 317 E. San Marcos St. Pearsall, TX

210.563.9197

vguzman@txfb-ins.com

Agent 317 E. San Marcos St. Pearsall, TX 210.563.9197

vguzman@txfb-ins.com

TEXANS SERVING TEXANS

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210-737-4786 (CELL)

Ranch Broker

WELCOME HUNTERS!

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Tank, pens & minerals!

OUTLAW BAR & GRILL Price improved on this gem on I35!

10k+sf on over 2 ac makes for great income generator or premier facility for hunters.

STEPHEN WILLIAMS AGENCY Selling Frio Co for 35 yrs!

830.334.8089

www.stephenwilliamsagency.com

20 Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide

Feral hogs: No need for a license in Texas

BREYANA SEGURA

Representatives in a 141-9 vote.

Wild boars have plagued South Texas for many years and hey’re a nuisance, leaving landowner’s no choice plain an simple, but to set traps or hire help in feral hogs are killing an effort to try and control the wildlife, uprooting hog population. crops and damaging property.

However, the dent in the They feed off wild acorns, population goes unnoticed as hazelnuts and corn left for deer. hogs breed every three months They show no respect for corn and can have litters up to 20. fields and peanut crops and In July, the La Salle County are known to tear up hay fields.

Fair Association launched Repeated wallowing and rooting a cash for ears campaign of tanks can destroy livestock in response to numerous water sources. In extreme cases, complaints from local ranchers A group of Frio County hunters returned with a number of hogs after a 24-hour hogs have been suspected of pertaining to the destructive, predator hunt in July eating wildlife eggs. aggravating and all around that a “resident landowner or any person, Earlier this year the legislation nuisance of the feral hogs. with the consent of the landowner, [the answered the pleas of landowner’s from The association paid five dollars per landowner’s agent or lessee] may take across the state and passed Senate Bill pair of wild boar ears turned in on July feral hogs [causing depredation] on the 317. resident landowner’s land without having 20.

Under the measure Governor Greg Wild hogs have multiplied in numbers acquired a hunting license.”

Abbott signed into law in July the Texas over several decades in South Texas Abbot’s signature comes after the Parks and Wildlife Code will be amended and are now accountable for millions of bill sailed through the state Senate by to allow residents in the state to kill dollars in damage to agribusiness, crops an unanimous margin earlier this year. wild boars, or feral hogs, without having and property, according to the state’s The bill was also reportedly passed acquired a hunting license.

AgriLife Extension Service. overwhelmingly by the state’s House of The legislation, Senate Bill 317, states

T

Conditions

(Continued from Page 8) with no more than two whitehunters in the southern tipped doves. part of the state,” said All of the most up-to-date Fitzsimmons. “The vast hunting regulations for the majority of our dove harvest new season can be found in occurs in September. Getting the Texas Outdoor Annual the feds to agree to a set mobile app or online at September 14 South Zone OutdoorAnnual.com. opener beginning last year Hunters are reminded ensures hunting opportunity in the south every weekend in that licenses are on sale now September when you consider for the 2019-20 hunting seasons and can be purchased the early whitewing days.” through the agency’s 28 law During the early two enforcement field offices, at weekends for the Special more than 50 state parks and White-winged Dove Days over 1,700 retailers across (in the South Zone), hunting the state. Licenses may also is allowed only from noon be purchased online through to sunset and the daily bag the TPWD website or by limit is 15 birds, to include phone at (800) 895-4248. not more than two mourning Call center hours are Monday doves and two white-tipped through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 doves. During the regular p.m. and there is a required season in the South Zone, $5 administrative fee for each the aggregate bag limit is 15

phone or online transaction.

New this year, enhancements have been made to make the licensing process simpler and faster.

“Expedited checkout” speeds the process of re-purchasing the same license items bought most recently within the last three years. It’s also now easier to show proof-oflicense. Now hunters can use a digital image of their license as proof-of-license for any hunting that doesn’t require a tag, like dove hunting.

Accepted formats include: a digital photo, an emailed receipt, within the Outdoor Annual app or the My Texas Hunt Harvest app, or online purchase record.

In addition to a hunting license, anyone born after

September 1, 1971, must successfully complete a hunter education training course in order to hunt legally in Texas. The TPWD Hunter Education certification is valid for life and is honored in all other states and provinces.

More information about hunter education is available online. If you misplace your certification you can print a replacement online at no cost.

A Migratory Game Bird endorsement and Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification are also required to hunt dove. HIP certification involves a brief survey of previous year’s migratory bird hunting success and is conducted at the time licenses are purchased.

Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide

“Your One Stop Shop”

Petty Oil Farm & Supply Deer Corn - Milo - Hay -Deer Protein 1229 S. Oak ~ Pearsall, Tx. 78061

Cattle & Horse - Blinds - Feeders Deer Corn - Milo - Feed Hay -Deer Protein - Cattle Accessories - Peanuts - Cottonseed &Hunting Horse Feed - Blinds - Feeders - Hunting Accessories B U LPeanuts K F E E -DCottonseed AVA I LA B L E AVAILABLE F E E DBULK B UFEED GGY R E N TA L S

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Cell: (830) 334-7881 * Office: (830) 334-3921 Cell: 830-334-7881 Open until22p.m. p.m. on Open until onSaturdays Saturdays

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22 Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide

Taxidermy

S’MORES

(Continued from Page 15)

INGREDIENTS: 1 package fudge striped cookies 1 package of large marshmallows

merely make the same rate they did years ago. This is a very simplistic way of calculating pricing. This defines why pricing for taxidermy seems to be exponentially higher now relative to the “last time” we had a deer mounted.

This discussion is merely to determine the impact of inflation on studio’s wage, not to determine whether their rate was accurate in the beginning!

As an educated consumer one must always consider all three aspects of a taxidermy studio and not focus on only one.

Harvest

INSTRUCTIONS: Oven: Place cookies upside down (chocolate side up) on a cookie sheet and then place the marshmallows on top of the cookies. Top each marshmallow with another cookie right side up and place in the oven at 300 degrees for 5-7 minutes.

James was accorded the North American Champion Taxidermist in 2016; there to help James showcase his top honors was his wife, Carla.

(Continued from Page 6) My Texas Hunt Harvest web page.

Anyone can get the “My Texas Hunt Harvest” app at tpwd.texas.gov/myhunt.

The app works without a data signal as long as it has already been downloaded to the device. The app is also bilingual and available in Spanish to customers who use Spanish as the main language setting on

their phone or other mobile devices.

Hunters are also reminded to review the TPWD chronic wasting disease regulations for information about CWD testing requirements and carcass movement restrictions for the 2019-2020 season. Also as a reminder, Texas hunters harvesting deer, elk, moose, or other

Good Luck To All Area Hunters!

Hope you bag that trophy!

it Comm s. ces to Suc Visit us at swtjc.edu

830-334-5004

Campfire: Place a large marshmallow on a stick and get it as crisp as you want it. Stick the marshmallow between two cookies and you’re good to go.

susceptible species in other CWD-positive states must also comply with carcass movement restrictions when bringing those harvested animals back into Texas.

Additionally, the Texas Animal Health Commission has mandatory testing requirements that apply to elk, red deer, sika, moose, and reindeer.

Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide

: s r e t un

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H come see us at T&T Auto Parts AUTO PARTS

830-334-2142 or 830-334-2310 721 S. Oak St. - Pearsall, Texas Family Owned & Operated Open Mon.-Sat. 8-6, Sun. 10-2

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23

Welcome Hunters!

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24 Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide

Fast, Complete, EmERgency Care 24 Hours

200 IH 35 South | Pearall, Texas 78061 830-334-3617 | www.FrioRegionalHospital.com

Your Hospital.

Your ER.

FRIO REGIONAL HOSPITAL is a full-service hospital, providing emergency medical care around the clock, and it now partnered withMethodist Healthcare, the largest health care provider is South Texas.

SERVICES INCLUDE: A State Designated Level IV Trauma Center • Treatment for a wide range of health care issues/injuries • 24-hour Laboratory/Radiology Cover • Physicians on duty 24-hours a day • Transfer agreements for patients requiring higher level of care • Every resident of Frio County has coverage under the Methodist AirCare™ membership program, to serve those in need of advanced emergency health care and rapid medical transport Frio Regional Hospital is just off Interstate 35 South at Exit 101 and serves our surrounding communities.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.