Deer Hunting Annual 2013

RUGER AMERICAN RIFLE

PAGE 2

STEALTH CAM

PAGE 6

BERETTA TRIDENT PAGE 12

GREYSTONE CASTLE SPORTING CLUB

PAGE 26

NIKON SPORT OPTICS

PAGE 30

SUNRISE-SUNSET

PAGE 22

DEER SEASON DATES

PAGE 22

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS ✯ DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2013

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THE RUGER AMERICAN RIFLE is a 100-percent American-made rifle with innovative features that deliver performance that rivals far more expensive firearms.

Offered in short- and long-action calibers, the Ruger American Rifle sets a new standard among value-priced, bolt-action rifles and combines the rugged reliability of Ruger’s past with the ingenuity featured in so many of Ruger’s new products.

The Ruger American Rifle features the Ruger Marksman Adjustable™ trigger that offers a crisp release with a pull weight that is user-adjustable between three and five pounds. Ruger's patent-pending Power Bedding system utilizes stainless-steel bedding blocks insert-molded into the stock to positively locate the receiver and free-float the barrel. The barrel’s rifling is cold hammer forged to exacting toler-

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ances, providing sub-MOA accuracy and an easy to clean mirrorsmooth finish.

The Ruger American Rifle’s three-lug, 70-degree bolt utilizes a full diameter bolt body and dual cocking cams for smooth, easy cycling. The reliable 4-round, rotary magazine fits flush with the stock and offers the smooth feed of Ruger rotary magazines. The receiver is drilled and tapped for mounting the included scope bases.

The easily accessible tang safety, which can be placed “on safe” while the bolt is cycled, is complemented by the passive, trigger-mounted safety, which positively locks the trigger.

The full size rifle weighs approximately 6.25 pounds, features 22-inch barrels and 13.73inch length of pull and is currently available in .30-06 Sprg., .270 Win., .308 Win., .22-250

Rem., 7mm-08 and .243 Win. The six pound 18-inch barrel compact Ruger American Rifle offers a 12.5-inch length of pull and is chambered in .308 Win., 7mm-08 and .243 Win. Small bore shooters can now enjoy many of the same innovative features in the new Ruger American Rimfire bolt-action rifles in either .22 LR or .22 Magnum. With many of the standard Ruger American Rifle features, this new line also combines several design innovations from the popular 10/22 rimfire rifle. This combination, along with the rifle’s adaptability, will appeal to all bolt-action enthusiasts — young or old, novice or experienced. The new line consists of four models — fullsized (22-inch barrel/13.75inch length of pull) and compact (18-inch/12.5-inch length of pull) models.

Each Ruger American Rimfire model includes two interchangeable stock modules that provide comb height options for scope or iron sight use. Standard models come with long length of pull modules, while compact models come with short length of pull modules. By simply removing the rear sling swivel stud, stock modules can be changed in seconds.

All four stock modules are completely interchangeable across all models and are available at ShopRuger.com.

Models chambered in .22 LR feature the detachable, flushmounted 10/22 BX-1 10-round rotary magazine and accept all 10/22 magazines, including the BX-25 and BX-25x2. Models chambered in .22 Magnum use the detachable, flush-mounted JMX-1 9-round rotary magazine.

The easy-to-use 10/22-style

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS ✯ DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2013

extended magazine release provides smooth, no-fuss magazine removal. The 60-degree bolt provides ample scope clearance, while an easy-to-use, receivermounted bolt release allows the bolt to be readily removed without requiring a pull of the trigger, a unique safety feature among rimfire, bolt-action rifles.

Additional features include a satin blued, target-crowned, hammer-forged barrel that results in ultra-precise rifling for exceptional accuracy, longevity and easy cleaning and Williams fiber optic front sight and 10/22style adjustable, “V” slot, folding-leaf rear sight. A 3/8-inch rimfire scope base is machined into the receiver, and is drilled and tapped for Weaver #12 bases (not included).

RUGER FIREARMS RUGER.COM

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS ✯ DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2013

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I LEARNED TO SKIN A deer at a young age.

I killed my first deer when I was seven, and my dad bluntly told me that night at the skinning shed that, “If I was old enough to shoot a deer, I was old enough to clean a deer.”

Like many jobs I inherited in my youth — carrying luggage to the car, washing the dog and cleaning up the moss in the yard after a bad Florida storm — from that day forth, I was the designated official skinner of the Harrison family.

This season is taking me back to my youth.

First, a successful pronghorn hunt in Dallam County produced a great goat for LSON Executive Editor Craig Nyhus. Craig is an avid bird hunter, and has taken a dozen or so deer, but none this season — yet.

After we checked the buck at the TPWD station, the sun was dropping and we needed to clean the buck in a hurry. Craig does not have as much experience skinning big game,

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so I happily volunteered to do the dirty work and teach him a few tricks.

We had the buck skinned in no time, and it was a great end to a fantastic hunt.

Two weeks later, I found myself the guest of a good friend on his deer lease near Albany. A cold front pushed in as we drove around the ranch Saturday morning looking for bucks, which were up and moving with the stiff north wind.

After locating a big deer at a feeder around 8 a.m., we watched him for 20 minutes trying to age and score the buck. After he had disappeared back into the brush, my friend debated if he had made a mistake letting the big 12-point walk.

That night at dinner, we decided to sneak back into the same area on foot the next morning, and if the buck showed up, we would be in position with a rifle and a choice to make.

The hunt went perfectly and my friend and I were

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS ✯ DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2013

standing over a 155-class, 6-year-old buck at 8 a.m.

This was a buck that was going on the wall, so my friend asked me if I had any experience caping deer for a mount?

Why, yes, as a matter of fact I do.

Again, I had the enjoyable chore of cleaning a good friend’s trophy animal after a successful hunt.

The Lone Star Outdoor News Foundation will be hosting a youth hunt on our new South Texas deer lease this weekend. Guess who has become the official LSONF skinner?

To their delight, I have been christened “Gut Boy” in the office.

I’m not sure I like where this is headed.

If karma in the form of a trophy buck when I’m holding the rifle comes from helping others clean their trophy bucks, I think I might be headed for a special season.

CONOR HARRISON

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS ✯ DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2013

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STEALTH CAM, THE LEADER IN SCOUTING camera innovation, integrates its new ZX7 microprocessor into the line of game scouting cameras, creating a new breed of technologically-advanced cameras for hunters demanding higher performance, longer run time and more features for their hard-earned dollar.

Stealth Cam’s ZX7 processor was incorporated into its full lineup for 2013 (except the Core 8). The performance upgrades in their new processor creates faster trigger speeds to help capture those fast-moving bucks chasing does through your favorite hunting spot. Third-party test results have consistently performed at sub-second trigger speeds.

With less time available for scouting, hunters rely heavily on their cameras to aid in this time-intensive activity. Hunters who have experienced the frustration of checking their game cameras only to find the bat-

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STEALTH CAM’S NEW ZX7 PROCESSOR — THE NEXT LEVEL teries dead will be pleased to learn of the increased image count per battery life. The ZX7 is pushing the envelope with improved energy-efficient circuitry, resulting in up to 20,000 images per set of batteries!

Beyond the fast trigger speeds and efficient battery life, the ZX7 has even more features being offered as part of this new

technology, such as 720P High-Definition Video with data time code stamping, a great tool for editing footage, plus time-lapse hybrid mode, giving you virtually three cameras in one complete package. Still, Video and Time-Lapse!

With the onset of high-capacity SD memory cards, the external image counter on the ZX7 processor can now display up to 99,999 frames. And programming Stealth Cam’s cameras is easier than ever before as the ZX7 boasts a Quick Set feature with three Preset modes, along with the manual setup mode, saving frustration as you get your gear into the field.

Hunters and scouters can now appreciate Stealth Cam’s next level of scouting technology with the ZX7 processor. What matters most is inside!

STEALTH CAM

(877) 269-8490 GSMOUTDOORS.COM

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS ✯ DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2013

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS ✯ DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2013

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WHEN THE BOX ARRIVED AT THE LONE STAR Outdoor News’ office, we weren’t sure what we were looking at.

Long, narrow and fairly light, the durable black panels were quickly removed and construction on Snap Lock’s Formex blind began in the warehouse.

At a total weight of 75 pounds, the blind’s walls quickly snapped together forming a stronger bond than we were expecting.

All four walls went up almost as fast as a portable ground blind. But that is where the differences ended.

According to the Snap Lock website, the double wall design achieves greater strength to weight ration than a single wall design, keeping the hunter warmer in winter and cooler in summer by providing a barrier of insulation.

Set-up was a snap (literally), as all four walls were easily attached before the roof snapped into place.

Ample height inside allowed for multiple hunters to stand up. The dimensions of the blind measured 48 by 48 by 78 inches — plenty of room for two people.

The window sizes on each wall measured 10 by 33 inches, giving rifle and bow hunters room to shoot.

Once assembly was completed, we disassembled the blind, which proved to be just as easy. We loaded it into the back of Operation Manager Mike Hughs’ truck before he headed south to his family ranch to reassemble the blind in a grove of oak trees.

“Snap Lock is known for the ease of putting the blind together,” Hughs said. “It took about 15 minutes to set up and 15 minutes

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to take down. You can’t really beat that convenience, especially at that price point.”

Once the blind was set up in the brush, Hughs spent some time brushing the blind in.

“The black color blended well under the shaded oak canopy,” Hughs said. “The tan-colored roof did stand out, so I am planning on covering that with a quick coat of paint to hide it better.”

Hughs said staking the blind down was quick and made the blind very steady.

“It is really dark inside,” he said. “I don’t think there is any chance a buck is going to bust me moving around inside.”

Hughs also praised the additional window kit, which costs an additional $100.

“That was also easy to install and will help with keeping scent inside the blind,” Hughs said.

“The windows were also very quiet, which has not always been the case with ground blinds.”

The blind also comes with straps, which allows a hunter to easily attach the blind to a platform.

The suggested retail price is $450.

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS ✯ DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2013

FORMEX

(800) 310-3867 SNAPLOCKHUNTINGBLINDS.COM

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS ✯ DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2013

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FOR QUAIL AND PHEASANT HUNTERS, IT’S never too early to start preparing for the season. And Wildcat Creek Quail Hunting Resort has birds at the ready — where a memorable hunting adventure awaits.

WCR, a family affair and the vision of Ron and Evonne Parker and their sons, Nick, David and Nathan, sports a new lodge and an atmosphere that is truly family oriented.

“We want the experience to be first-class, but yet not stuffy,” said Ron Parker.

Located in Red River County near Detroit, the property consists of 1,200-plus acres of well-managed land that will take hunters back in time.

The habitat, birds and dogs are first-rate, with fields cleared out of the thick woods by the Parkers, who also own a construction business.

“And we have cleared saplings in two areas to offer hunters a true Georgia-style quail hunt with tough shots through the trees,” Ron said.

“We have been hunting a lot more in the

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woods this year,” Nick said. “Our customers love it.”

Several flight pens allow flight training for the pen-raised birds, and the birds are released before the beginning of the season.

“We want the birds to be as wild as possible and explode out of the grass,” Ron said.

And it’s working.

“All of our raised birds are banded,” Nick said. “We are shooting more and more unbanded birds, so some are making it and nesting. And the neighbors are seeing some banded birds, so some are surviving.”

After the hunt, the food served at WCR may be even more memorable, prepared by son David, a trained chef who has worked at top restaurants.

WCR also offers pheasant and duck hunts and has added a five-stand sporting clays station for parties and corporate events.

WILDCAT CREEK QUAIL HUNTING RESORT

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS ✯ DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2013

(903) 674-2000 WCRQUAILHUNTING.COM

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS ✯ DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2013

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THE BERETTA TRIDENT PROGRAM currently lists 16 lodges that meet its strict criteria in rating the very best sporting venues around the world. And one of them is in Texas.

Joshua Creek Ranch near Boerne, a Trident lodge in the Upland category, sports world-class hunting for quail, pheasant and chukar, with incredible scenery, lodging and gourmet meals.

“Only five percent of lodges worldwide fall into the Trident category,” said Ian Harrison, director of the Beretta Trident Program. “We

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are focused more on the hunting than anything else — the hunting has to be world class.”

Joshua Creek is not all about upland bird hunting, though.

Rio Grande turkeys roost in the forested acreage and along the Guadalupe River banks. From late October until May, fly fishermen catch and release rainbow trout from the crystal clear waters of the spring-fed Joshua Creek. Kayaking, tubing and sporting clays can round out the experience for the whole family.

And it has deer — good whitetailed deer, and even better axis, where a free-ranging herd of about 400 animals roam the 1,250-acre property. Axis bucks with 30-inch beams are not uncommon, and more than 20 blinds and feeders are maintained year-round.

Lone Star Outdoor News CEO David J. Sams booked his first axis hunt at Joshua Creek after purchasing the hunt at the Dallas Safari Club convention. He and his guide, Richard Allen, looked at a lot of bucks but the older ones

were very cautious and outsmarted them.

Finally, on day two of the hunt, a loud roar came from the thick cedars near the blind.

“It let loose with a mating call that sounded like a lion,” Sams said.

A good but younger buck stepped into view, but Sams decided to pass on the shot, thinking the roar might have come from an older, larger one.

Moments later, a buck with a long set of white antlers stepped out.

Hunters will notice the differ-

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS ✯ DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2013

ence at Joshua Creek and any other Beretta Trident Lodge, where the facilities and hunting are extensively examined for inclusion in the program.

At Joshua Creek, the rustic and comfortable lodge, the pristine hunting country, and the outstanding cuisine will meet the needs of the most discriminating guests.

You’ll call it paradise.

JOSHUA CREEK RANCH (830) 537-5090 JOSHUACREEK.COM

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS ✯ DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2013

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TRUE TO FORM, ROCK ISLAND AUCTION Company again offers collectors and investment buyers a world-class selection of magnificent, exceedingly rare, investment quality and historically significant firearms in our upcoming Dec. 6, 7, and 8 Premiere Firearms Auction.

The contents of the sale will include nearly 500 stunning Winchesters, more than 600 Colts and 80 Smith & Wessons, in excess of 300 German military arms, 200-plus U.S. military weapons, an abundance of impressive militaria and Civil War arms, and some 800 high-end sporting arms from manufacturers such as Remington, Browning, Holland & Holland, Purdey and many more.

Come join RIAC this December as we push to break our 2012 record of $47 million in sales. No other firearms auction house comes close!

Rock Island Auction Company is the

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LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS ✯ DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2013

world’s #1 auction company for firearms, bladed weapons and militaria. Founded in 1993 by its current Owner and President Patrick Hogan, RIAC continues to set records for sales and leads the industry with its extensive and dynamic marketing efforts. RIAC’s 86,000-square-foot facility hosts eight auctions each year. For nine consecutive years they have maintained the title of the world’s #1 auction company for firearms.

Located in the heart of the United States, and only 160 miles west of Chicago on the Mississippi River, their facility is easily accessed. They actively seek consignments, be it a single weapon or a collection of hundreds, a $1,000 item or $1 million.

ROCK ISLAND AUCTIONS COMPANY (800) 238-8022 ROCKISLANDAUCTION.COM

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS ✯ DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2013

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IF THE FIRST FEW WEEKS OF OCTOBER are any indication, the years of hard work are paying off at Bang Whitetail Ranch.

The rifle season started Sept. 28 on the MLDP property north of Fredericksburg and already a mainframe 12-point buck scoring 235 (220 typical) inches with 43 inches of mass, 29-inch beams, and weighing 250 pounds has been taken, along with a number of other quality whitetails, including a typical whitetail scoring 199 inches with brow tines exceeding 11 inches and a 32-inch axis deer.

A bowhunter made a perfect shot on a 203-inch whitetail buck with an inside spread of 21.5 inches on Oct. 8, while a rifle hunter on Oct. 7 bagged a 252-inch buck.

Owners Jerry and Carrie Bang, both avid

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hunters, wanted to create a hunting ranch with top-quality animals, but also one that is fun for the entire family. After nearly a decade of hard work and intense management, BWR became operational in 2008.

Truly a family affair, the ranch is run by its owners, with son Jason as the ranch foreman and guide, and daughter Maggie taking care of marketing duties.

“Our strict management practices have allowed us to develop a herd of mainframe typical whitetails that are allowed to reach a mature age before being harvested,” Jerry Bang said. “Our primary management goal is to raise big, typical whitetails, and BWR now consistently grows 200-plus-inch typical whitetails that weigh an average of 230 pounds at harvest.”

In addition to the world-class hunting, the Bangs consider meal times to be an important part of the day — a time when everyone can gather around and share stories about their day or times past. At BWR, a gourmet chef prepares the meals catered to your preferences. And BWR has fivestar accommodations on-site that include a fully-renovated lodge.

If you’re not busy hunting, it’s easy to get lost in a book and fine glass of wine sitting on the porches perched atop one of the prettiest views in the Texas Hill Country.

BWR looks forward to meeting you and creating a memorable experience. One hunt at a time.

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS ✯ DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2013

BANG WHITETAIL RANCH

(361) 550-2710 OR (361) 550-4670 BW-RANCH.COM

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS ✯ DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2013

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THE 57TH ANNUAL WEATHERBY Foundation International Hunting and Conservation Award Dinner will make its inaugural appearance in Dallas on Jan. 8 at the new Omni Hotel in Downtown Dallas.

The event is presented in conjunction with the Dallas Safari Club Annual Convention that begins Jan. 9.

The gala and award presentation will feature Weatherby Foundation’s guest speaker, National Football League Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw. Bradshaw, also a co-host of Fox NFL Sunday, is known for his entertaining and motivational speeches that even fans of the Dallas Cowboys will enjoy.

Since 1956, the Weatherby Award, officially named the Weatherby Big Game Hunting and Conservation Award, has recognized outstanding support of wildlife conservation, lifetime hunting achievement and dedication to the principles of ethical sport hunting.

This year’s recipient is J. Alain Smith, a hunter, writer, and businessman whose success has allowed him to venture around the globe in search of hunting adventures. In addition to his hunting endeavors, Smith has written several hunting books and three novels, with all the proceeds from the sales going to conservation programs and projects.

“I believe that this will be a revel evening to ‘kick off’ our Dallas event,” said Alan

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Sackman, the Foundation’s president. “I encourage all of you to bring guests to the affair for a wonderful evening.”

The ticket price for an individual will be $250 ($275 after Dec. 1), with tables of 10 for $2,500.00. Additional event sponsorships are available including a souvenir NFL football signed by Bradshaw, preferred seating and many more amenities.

Formed in 1988, the Foundation’s mission statement is “to educate youth and the non-hunting public on the beneficial role of ethical sport hunting and its contribution to wildlife conservation.” It is one of the few nonprofit organizations to focus its efforts and financial support on education outside of the industry.

The gala will begin with a cocktail party and silent auction at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner and a live auction at 7 p.m.

To register for the gala and purchase dinner tickets, call (866) 934-3976 or (480) 209-1561, or view the complete registration packet and register online at www.weatherbyfoundation.com/2014-weatherby-awarddinner.

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS ✯ DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2013

WEATHERBY FOUNDATION

(866) 934-3976 WEATHERBYFOUNDATION.COM

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS ✯ DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2013

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LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS has been putting the patent-pending design of the Foreverlast Varmint Guard Galvanized Feeder with 300pound capacity to the test.

At a hunting lease in Shackelford County, coons wreak havoc at both the protein and corn feeders, an annoyance to the hunters and their pocketbooks. LSON CEO David J. Sams was anxious to try the new feeder. Would it keep the coons at bay?

“I have been testing the corn feeder for the last several months at my deer lease.” Sams said. “It says right on the box that this feeder is varmint proof with specially-designed legs so that raccoons can’t reach the

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spin plate. Well, look what the trail camera picked up this September.

“Looks to me like it’s working!”

More trail camera photos showed six different raccoons scampering for food around this feeder.

“Most of them died of lead poisoning,” Sams said. “But I am thankful that they could not get on the feeder and spin corn out of it.”

The feeder was a snap to assemble with a little help from a friend, in 15 minutes, “We did use a batteryoperated screw gun to save our wrists,” Sams said. “It took almost as much time to unwrap all the protective plas-

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS ✯ DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2013

tic as it did to get the legs on.”

The timer and spinner also went on in a snap, and the shorter legs were chosen (there are optional longer legs) enabling one to fill the feeder without a ladder or without standing in the truck bed.

“Safer and easier,” Sams said.

Other features of the feeder include a push-button secured lid for easy on/off, the ability to convert from corn to protein in less than five minutes, sight glass for quick viewing of feed levels and a completely galvanized construction with a toggle-lock system.

FOREVERLAST

(361) 798-1530 FOREVERLAST.COM

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THE ALL-NEW VIKING EPS SIDEby-side (SxS) vehicle sets a new standard in the three-person multipurpose SxS segment. Every Yamaha Viking is being assembled in the U.S.A. at Yamaha’s factory in Newnan, Ga., for worldwide distribution.

The new Viking combines Yamaha’s most powerful four-wheel drive engine to date with a comfortable three-person cab, precision steering and class-leading handling.

The vehicle’s distinctive features make it the most off-road capable vehicle in its class and the only one with true three-person seating capacity, making it not only hard working but fun to drive on the farm as well as the trail.

The Viking’s exclusive pass-through bucket seating features an offset center position (set 5 degrees back) that improves comfort with maximum shoulder room for all three occupants, with three-point seat belts for everyone, plus headrests all around, adjustable handhold for both passengers and a textured floorboard with dedicated foot wells.

“The Viking tops its competition with precise steering and superior handling, excelling in the areas of durability, reliability, ease of use, and cargo and towing capacity,” said Mike Martinez, vice president of Yamaha’s ATV/SxS Group.

Power comes from Yamaha’s strongest four-

wheel drive engine to date — a 686cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke, SOHC, single-cylinder, 4-valve fuel-injected engine that provides peak performance at maximum capacity.

Yamaha Fuel Injection delivers consistent starts and power even at elevation and in cold weather, and the 9.7-gallon fuel tank allows for long days of use.

Yamaha’s three-way On-Command system, featuring 2WD, 4WD and 4WD with differential lock, is a driver-controlled system with an automotive-type rotary dial selector, giving the driver the control and confidence to lock in all four wheels based on the terrain.

Yamaha’s Ultramatic transmission with high, low and reverse and the industry’s most natural feeling all-wheel engine braking gives the driver confidence especially on hills and in rough terrain.

The optional Electric Power Steering system provides the balance of light feeling with positive feedback from the terrain. The system reads steering wheel torque, vehicle speed, On-Command setting and negative feedback to determine the appropriate amount of assist in any given situation.

The Viking’s rear steel cargo bed is large enough to carry a fully loaded pallet, and the assisted dump bed can pack up to 600 pounds of equipment and supplies while the standard two-inch receiver hitch is rated to pull 1,500 pounds.

The chassis sports nearly 12-inches of ground clearance at the lowest point, a full steel/composite smooth skid plate front to back and side to side, and an optimized frame with upturned side rails allowing for smoother transitions over obstacles.

YAMAHA MOTOR CORP., USA YAMAHAOUTDOORS.COM

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS ✯ DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2013

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October 2013 to February 2014 October

November

December

January

February

Date-Day Rise Set

Date-Day Rise Set

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1 Tue 7:19 2 Wed 7:20 3 Thu 7:21 4 Fri 7:21 5 Sat 7:22 6 Sun 7:23 7 Mon 7:24 8 Tue 7:24 9 Wed 7:25 10 Thu 7:26 11 Fri 7:26 12 Sat 7:27 13 Sun 7:28 14 Mon 7:29 15 Tue 7:29 16 Wed 7:30 17 Thu 7:31 18 Fri 7:32 19 Sat 7:32 20 Sun 7:33 21 Mon 7:34 22 Tue 7:35 23 Wed 7:36 24 Thu 7:37 25 Fri 7:37 26 Sat 7:38 27 Sun 7:39 28 Mon 7:40 29 Tue 7:41 30 Wed 7:42 31 Thu 7:43

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1 Sun 7:11 2 Mon 7:12 3 Tue 7:13 4 Wed 7:13 5 Thu 7:14 6 Fri 7:15 7 Sat 7:16 8 Sun 7:17 9 Mon 7:17 10 Tue 7:18 11 Wed 7:19 12 Thu 7:19 13 Fri 7:20 14 Sat 7:21 15 Sun 7:21 16 Mon 7:22 17 Tue 7:23 18 Wed 7:23 19 Thu 7:24 20 Fri 7:24 21 Sat 7:25 22 Sun 7:25 23 Mon 7:26 24 Tue 7:26 25 Wed 7:27 26 Thu 7:27 27 Fri 7:27 28 Sat 7:28 29 Sun 7:28 30 Mon 7:28 30 Tue 7:29

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1 Sat 7:21 5:57 2 Sun 7:21 5:58 3 Mon 7:20 5:59 4 Tue 7:19 6:00 5 Wed 7:18 6:01 6 Thu 7:18 6:02 7 Fri 7:17 6:03 8 Sat 7:16 6:04 9 Sun 7:15 6:05 10 Mon 7:14 6:06 11 Tue 7:13 6:07 12 Wed 7:12 6:08 13 Thu 7:12 6:09 14 Fri 7:11 6:10 15 Sat 7:10 6:11 16 Sun 7:09 6:12 17 Mon 7:08 6:13 18 Tue 7:07 6:13 19 Wed 7:06 6:14 20 Thu 7:04 6:15 21 Fri 7:03 6:16 22 Sat 7:02 6:17 23 Sun 7:01 6:18 24 Mon 7:00 6:19 25 Tue 6:59 6:20 26 Wed 6:58 6:20 27 Thu 6:57 6:21 28 Fri 6:55 6:22

7:11 7:10 7:09 7:08 7:06 7:05 7:04 7:02 7:01 7:00 6:59 6:57 6:56 6:55 6:54 6:52 6:51 6:50 6:49 6:48 6:47 6:46 6:45 6:43 6:42 6:41 6:40 6:39 6:38 6:37 6:36

6:35 6:35 6:34 5:33 5:32 5:31 5:30 5:30 5:29 5:28 5:27 5:27 5:26 5:25 5:25 5:24 5:24 5:23 5:23 5:22 5:22 5:22 5:21 5:21 5:21 5:20 5:20 5:20 5:20 5:19

5:19 5:19 5:19 5:19 5:19 5:19 5:19 5:19 5:19 5:19 5:20 5:20 5:20 5:20 5:21 5:21 5:21 5:22 5:22 5:22 5:23 5:23 5:24 5:24 5:25 5:26 5:26 5:27 5:27 5:28 5:29

REGULAR GUN SEASON North Texas Nov. 2, 2013 - Jan. 5, 2014 South Texas Nov. 2, 2013 - Jan. 19, 2014

Youth-Only ALL COUNTIES WITH AN OPEN SEASON

Oct. 26 - 27, 2013 Jan. 6 - 19, 2014

Muzzleloader Jan. 6 - 19, 2014

Late Antlerless and Spike North Texas Jan. 6 - 19, 2014 South Texas Jan. 20 - Feb. 2, 2014

MULE DEER GENERAL SEASON Panhandle Nov. 23 - Dec. 8, 2013 Southwestern Panhandle Nov. 23 - Dec. 1, 2013 Trans-Pecos Nov. 29 - Dec. 15, 2013

MLDP Level 1 (whitetail deer) November 2, 2013 through February 28, Seasons coincide with county regulations. 2014: Any buck deer may be taken by any MLDP Level 2 lawful means.

Allows harvest of antlerless deer with any Early youth-only season October 26 lawful means, including modern firearms, through October 27: A youth hunter may from September 28, 2013 through February take a deer by any lawful means, including 28, 2014. modern firearm.

September 28, 2013 through November MLDP Level 3 2, 2013: Spike bucks may be taken with Allows harvest of antlerless and any buck any lawful means, including modern firedeer with any lawful means from September arms. Any other buck deer may be taken 28, 2013 through February 28, 2014.

Times given above are for Dallas. For other locations, subtract 1 minute per 12 miles east of Dallas, with lawful archery equipment.

Check TPWD for more information. and add 1 minute per 12 miles west of Dallas. <— — — — — — — — — — — —— — — — — — — — — — — —— — — — — — — Clip for your camp ✄— — — — —— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —— — — — — >

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LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS ✯ DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2013

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS ✯ DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2013

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“BOOM … PING; HIT.” “BOOM … PING; HIT.” “BOOM … PING; HIT.” The 500-yard steel targets were taking a beating at the Nikon Spot On Ballistics Match held at the Tac Pro Shooting Center near Mingus. Thousands of Fiocchi rounds zoomed downrange and many hit the targets at 100, 300, 400 and 500 yards during the shoot.

Retailers and factory reps came from all over the country to look through Nikon Sport Optics’ latest and greatest products.

The Owens Outdoor Sales team hosted the event and set up several shooting stations, all simulating different scenarios. It felt like a sporting clays tournament, only with rifles.

The M-223 scope saw lots of action, as well as the crossbow Bolt XR scope. For the larger guns, the Pro Staff 5 with BDC reticle pulled duty. Judges gazed through Nikon Edge spotting scopes and called out the hits and misses. Several of the 300 Blackout AR’s topped with P-300 scopes were shot so much, the Tac Pro guys had to take down and clean them at night.

To throw off all the snipers, one station had a Nikon Slug Hunter scope on a shotgun. The shooters were amazed how accurate a scoped slug gun can be.

The shooting teams competed for bragging rights and the leaders returned the next day to all-new targets with no practice shots.

So next time you are talking to the guy behind the counter and he is telling you about how nice the Nikon scopes are, ask him if he won the Spot On shoot.

DAVID J. SAMS

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS

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LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS ✯ DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2013

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS ✯ DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2013

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SINCE 1995, TRAVELERS ON I-20 have been wondering what it is they see as they approach the Thurber exit about 70 miles west of Fort Worth. They’ve noticed the big English-style castle that looms atop one of the majestic mesas, but have still questioned what it is.

However, for avid wingshooters and sportsmen across Texas and the rest of the country — they know it’s Greystone Castle Sporting Club.

For more than a decade, Greystone Castle has been part of the Orvis family as one of their premier wingshooting destinations. In fact, their name has become synonymous with quality in the hunting industry. With the end of last season, this 2011 Orvis Wingshooting Lodge of the Year completed its 18th year in business. It is this long-term commitment that has them very appreciative of their past successes and looking forward to the 2013 season to come.

“Over the years, we have been very fortunate to have developed such wonderful

relationships with so many clients,” said Bill Honza, marketing manager. “Each year we make new friends as well as renew old friendships.

And we get to do this while sharing our commitment to the sport of hunting and the sporting lifestyle.”

What’s both unique and compelling about Greystone is that it can be so many things to so many different sportsmen. To the upland gunner, large fields of sorghum, millet, and switchgrass bring memories of great gun dogs, flushing pheasants, bobwhite covey rises and days in the field with friends. For the big game hunter, it’s 6,000 acres that offer some of the best whitetail hunting in the country and more than 40 species of exotic game. For the clay shooter, it’s the great sporting clays and pyramid five-stand courses that will test the best of shooters. And for the avid angler, their trophy bass lakes present year-round opportunities for tight lines on largemouth and hybrid stripers.

What appeals to all visi-

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS ✯ DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2013

tors to Greystone are its topof-the-line accommodations and gourmet meals. Guests enjoy 24 private rooms, gourmet dining from an executive chef, conference facilities and a swimming pool with hot tub. Along with this is the newly constructed 2,600-square-foot pavilion facility with custom bar, large seating areas, 65-inch TV, carved limestone fireplace, Laser Shot, billiards and an overlook terrace with a custom outdoor fire pit.

The ownership and staff have been dedicated to creating one of the finest sporting experiences found anywhere in the world. Long-term habitat improvement and wildlife management has made Greystone an extraordinary hunting venue. Coupled with the unique castle facility and outstanding customer service, Greystone Castle is a destination without equal.

GREYSTONE CASTLE SPORTING CLUB

(254) 672-5927 GREYSTONECASTLE.COM

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS ✯ DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2013

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Photos by Ron Heflin

THE 3RD ANNUAL LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS FOUNdation Wild Game Supper and fundraiser was a huge success thanks to more than 200 guests who came to eat, drink and support a worthwhile cause.

The event was held at the Dallas Beretta Gallery, which has hosted the celebration since its inception.

Besides a smorgasbord of wild game prepared by Cinnamon Creek Wild Game Processing, including grilled mule deer backstrap, wild hog tenderloin, venison skewers and several varieties of wild sausage, guests were treated to a live auction and gun raffle.

The Lone Star Outdoor News Foundation will create hunting opportunities and support youth education, wildlife research and outdoor journalism.

The LSON Foundation is a 501(c)3 Charitable Organization.

To learn more about the LSON Foundation, call Executive Director Craig Nyhus at (214) 361-2276.

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LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS â&#x153;Ż DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2013

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS ✯ DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2013

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THE MONARCH 5 SERIES BINOCUlars from Nikon keep getting better and better. Three new models bring configurations in 8x56, 16x56 and 20x56. Each achieves bright images, even in dark conditions and at the lower magnification of 8x.

The 16x and 20x models provide a wide field of view so the hunter can easily spot game from a long distance.

“The 56mm objective was developed for lowlight conditions,” said David Deveny of Owens Outdoor Sales, who represent Nikon in Texas and surrounding states. “The second benefit is the larger field of view.”

Nikon’s ED (extra-low dispersion) glass, used in all of the Monarch 5 models, puts them in a class of their own for battling darkness with sharp, highcontrast views.

Brighter images and more natural colors come from the use of a high-reflective multilayer prism

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coating, while long eye relief and tripod adaptability make the Monarch 5 even more versatile.

Ideal for the most serious hunters, along with professionals engaged in nature observation and protection, the new Monarch 5 elevates its game with massive 56mm objectives and advanced low light brilliance. Lightweight, waterproof and fogfree, the binoculars sport rubber armouring for shock resistance and a firm, comfortable grip.

“The 56s are best for a stationary style of hunting where low light and a larger field of view is important,” Deveny said. “They are heavier, so for stalking we would recommend the 8x30 to be more mobile. The 56s are great for a blind and even better when overlooking a wheat field. You can see a lot of country without a lot of movement — just move your eyes.”

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS ✯ DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2013

NIKON OPTICS

NIKONHUNTING.COM

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS ✯ DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2013

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LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS ✯ DEER HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2013