Hunting Texas Annual 2014 by Lone Star Outdoor News

INSIDE:

18| SEASON DATES

28| LOS LAURELES

4| NEMO ARMS

20| GREYSTONE CASTLE

30| RIO AMMUNITION

6| GSM OUTDOORS

22| MOSSBERG

34| LEUPOLD

8| BERETTA TRIDENT

24| DUCKS UNLIMITED

36| SEASON PREVIEWS

26| DARK HORSE ARMS

38| NIKON SPORT OPTICS

12| SUNRISE-SUNSET

LONE LONE STARSTAR OUTDOOR OUTDOORNEWS NEWS O OHunting Hunting Texas Texas 2014 2014 AnnualAnnual

A special advertising supplement of Lone Star Outdoor News

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LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS O Hunting Texas 2014 Annual

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World’s first .300 Win Mag AR in four models from NEMO Arms NEMO Arms set the standard earlier this year with the first .300 Win Mag ever featured on an AR platform with its Omen Series including the Match 2.0 .300 Win Mag AR, Recon .300 Carbine and Watchman .300 Win Mag. Now, a new model has been added to the .300 Win Mag line for the Kalispell, Montana manufacturer, the Pratka .300 Win Mag. All built to be long-range guns, each has its place depending on the preference of the customer. “The Pratka and the Recon seem to be our most popular models,” said NEMO CEO Adyn Sonju. “The all-black Pratka model is the lightest of the .300 Win Mags. It’s the ranch rifle of the series and is the most cost-effective.” The Recon .300 Win Mag sports an 18-inch barrel and its popularity is driven by its size. “It’s the same size as an AR .308,” Sonju said. “It’s the shortest gun of the Omen series, and the easiest to get out of a deer stand or a Jeep.” The NEMO Omen Match 2.0 is a military-grade AR, and Lone Star Outdoor News’ Founder David J. Sams had the chance to shoot a prototype earlier this year. “It had a very low recoil,” he said. “I could look through the Nikon Monarch 3 4-16×50

BDC Scope during each shot and not lose sight of the deer.” The NEMO Watchman .300 Win Mag has the longest barrel and is built more for the stationary, bench-rest long-range shooter. “It’s the long-range member of the family, rated to shoot one mile,” Sonju said. The rifles are heavy, starting at 9.5 pounds, but are extremely accurate. The recoil is surprisingly low, thanks to an extra buffer and the rifle’s weight. Jason Phillips of Owens Outdoor Sales has experience shooting the rifles, and compares the recoil to rifles much smaller. “It kicks more like a .243 bolt-action,” he said. Phillips credits the people who build the guns for their popularity. “Most of them are ex-special forces guys and they have incredible attention to detail,” he said. “They started finding favor with the military because of their ability to develop mission-specific platforms. The Owen rifles can do things at longer ranges than the .308.” Features and specifications for each of the rifles may be viewed and/or downloaded at nemoarms.com, and dealers in Texas and nationwide are listed at the site.

NEMO ARMS NEMOARMS.COM (406) 752-NEMO

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Scout better, easier with new Stealth Cam G Series Stealth Cam has been a household name for deer hunters and guides for years, and this year’s most anticipated new trail camera has arrived — with even more features and the ease of operation, fast trigger speeds and efficient battery life that makes the Stealth Cam so popular. The entirely new G-Series from Stealth Cam includes two advanced scouting cams — the G42NG and the G30. The G42NG is Stealth Cam’s most technologically advanced, state-of-the-art, 10.0 Megapixel camera with four resolutions: 10 mp, 8 mp, 4 mp and 2 mp. It incorporates 42 ‘No Glo’ IR emitters with a 100-foot range. The G30 is an 8.0 Megapixel camera with 3 resolutions: 8 mp, 4 mp and 2 mp and has 30 IR emitters with an 80-foot range. The G Series is engineered in the US and incorporates Stealth Cam’s new look, encompassing their all-new software innovations and rugged, compact body housing, letting hunters know when they purchase Stealth Cam, they have the latest technology available on the market. The new G Series compact scouting cameras embody Retina Advanced Low-Light Sensitivity, Matrix Blur Reduction Technology, Reflex Sub 1-Second Trigger, Multi-Zone Detection, Geo-Tag, Secure Lock Digital Protection, and Energy Efficient Design. Those are all in addition to their current pioneering technology portfolio of TRIAD 3-in-1 Technology, HD Video, Quick Set and Burst Rapid-Fire Mode. The G Series includes HD Video with data time code stamping, a great tool for editing footage plus time-lapse with PIR Override mode, giving you virtually three cameras in one complete package. Still, Video and Time-Lapse! The PIR Override will still capture an image if the subject walks by while in time-lapse, ensuring nothing is overlooked in the woods. The Retina and Matrix technologies work cohesively to evenly illuminate the subject area, which captures clearer images up to 100 feet, while the Multi-Zone Detection feature captures subjects on the perimeters. And programming is easier than ever before as the G Series boasts a Quick Set feature with three Preset modes, along with a customizable manual set-up mode, utilizing a new backlit menu programming, saving frustration as you get your gear into the field. Hunters and scouters can now appreciate Stealth Cam’s next level of scouting technology and can rest assured with the Secure Lock password protected system that proves the camera useless if someone steals it. The Geo-Tag GPS tagging feature is optional and will work in conjunction with your GPS device to program latitude and longitude — a great feature for hunters with multiple cameras to determine which part of the property that big buck inhabits. What matters most is inside! The MSRP for the G42NG, in camo is $189.99 and for the G30 in Treebark is $159.99.

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STEALTH CAM GSMOUTDOORS.COM/STEALTH-CAM (877) 269-8490

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Joshua Creek Ranch meets Beretta’s standards — and yours 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 5 percent of lodges worldwide fall into the Trident category,” said Ian Harrison, director of the Beretta Trident Program. “We 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 shooting can round out the experience for the whole family. And it has deer — good white-tailed 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. This year, Joshua Creek Ranch took home the first place gold medal for 2013-2014 exotic at the Trophy Hunters of the World awards banquet for a 35-inch axis harvested earlier this year by youth hunter Jack Watson of Austin. “We have more than 30 trophy axis taken every year,” said Ann Kerchville of Joshua Creek Ranch. “We were so happy this young man was able to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience at Joshua Creek Ranch.” Hunters will notice the difference 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.

BERETTA TRIDENT PROGRAM BERETTATRIDENT.COM (888) 881-9818

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LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS O Hunting Texas 2014 Annual

Beretta Trident

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Control feeders and lights remotely with Inhawgnito Setting up at the one feeder still holding corn at the ranch, LSON Operations Manager Mike Hughs and Executive Editor Craig Nyhus got into place an hour or so before dark, hoping to get Mike a shot at a hog. The feeder, about 100 yards away, went off on time and a variety of critters came — just no hogs. Sunset came with no hogs in sight. “Let’s give them some more corn,” Craig said, hitting the button on the remote control that works the Inhawgnito. The remote activates the feeder and turns on either red or green LED lights from up to 200 yards. “We have hogs!” Mike said as darkness approached. His excitement level was high — probably too high. “How many are there?” Craig asked. “I see three, I think,” Mike replied. “There’s one under the feeder.” “Take a few breaths, take your time and pick the one you want,” Craig said. The shot was true and as the pair walked up, the downed hog was visible beneath the feeder, illuminated by the green light of the Inhawgnito. At LSON, we tested the Inhawgnito, distributed by All Seasons Feeders, and found it simple and easy to operate without a bunch of extra features that aren’t needed. When setting up the system, the instructions were easy to read and the unit went together as described. It took about 25 minutes and assembling the next one will be even quicker. “I installed it on a tall feeder to give as much light cone as possible,” said LSON Founder David J. Sams. “You can install it on any feeder with a timer, but the wires are set up for The Timer system. The lights run off of the feeder battery.” The hogs don’t mind either light when feeding, but when approaching the feeder, they don’t seem to like the red light while ignoring the green. The green light seemed brighter looking through the scope. “It stays on about 30 minutes — just punch the key pad and it comes back on,” Sams said. “You can turn it on and off, but it might scare off the hogs.” Experimenting with locations on set-up, spots near some brush seemed best. “Closer to brush, the light will bounce off the brush and it will look like a wall when it is dark,” Sams said. “Out in the open, the hogs could be harder to see at night.”

Briley Guns

ALL SEASONS FEEDERS INHAWGNITO.COM (800) 841-1720

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Those wonderful 30 minutes Dawn, dusk make for a memorable hunt Most hunters know the best times to pursue game in the woods is the first 30 minutes after sunrise and the final 30 minutes before sundown. Although good hunting may be found throughout the day in many places, especially during the white-tailed deer rut, those times when the light is strengthening and fading are usually the best — and not just because it affords the best opportunity. It’s in those early, pre-dawn moments when the woods begin to come alive that are the most reflective for me. It always seems to be a struggle to roll out of bed before 5 a.m., but once I’m in the field, sitting in a deer stand or listening to whistling wings in the dark of an early morning duck blind, it all seems so worth it. Sometimes I think about past hunts, other times I think about family and friends that have come and gone. Once in a while, I’ll focus on issues going on in life and how to

solve the dilemmas of the real world I’ll inevitably return to once the hunt is over. Numerous times, I’ve been snapped to attention from a trance to see a deer in the field or a duck dive-bombing into a decoy spread. The solitude of sitting on a mountain as the sun rises over a far-away ridge is one of the strongest emotional connections with nature I feel when hunting. To see the woods waking up to another day is one of the privileges many hunters know and understand. For me, it’s on par with harvesting a big buck or making a good shot on a passing teal. And just like that, it’s over. The soft light fades to a harsher hue and the day is upon us. I give thanks and ask for another chance to see it again tomorrow. — By Conor Harrison Lone Star Outdoor News

Photo by Lili Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News

<— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —— — — — Clip for your camp ✄ — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — >

September 2014 to May 2015 September

October

November

December

January

February

March

April

May

Date-Day Rise Set

1 Mon 7:01 7:52 2 Tue 7:01 7:51 3 Wed 7:02 7:49 4 Thu 7:03 7:48 5 Fri 7:03 7:47 6 Sat 7:04 7:46 7 Sun 7:05 7:44 8 Mon 7:05 7:43 9 Tue 7:06 7:42 10 Wed 7:06 7:40 11 Thu 7:07 7:39 12 Fri 7:08 7:38 13 Sat 7:08 7:36 14 Sun 7:09 7:35 15 Mon 7:09 7:34 16 Tue 7:10 7:32 17 Wed 7:11 7:31 18 Wed 7:11 7:30 19 Fri 7:12 7:28 20 Sat 7:13 7:27 21 Sun 7:13 7:26 22 Mon 7:14 7:24 23 Tue 7:14 7:23 24 Wed 7:15 7:22 25 Thu 7:16 7:20 26 Fri 7:16 7:19 27 Sat 7:17 7:17 28 Sun 7:18 7:16 29 Mon 7:18 7:15 30 Tue 7:19 7:13

1 Wed 7:20 7:12 2 Thu 7:20 7:11 3 Fri 7:21 7:10 4 Sat 7:22 7:08 5 Sun 7:22 7:07 6 Mon 7:23 7:06 7 Tue 7:24 7:04 8 Wed 7:24 7:03 9 Thu 7:25 7:02 10 Fri 7:26 7:01 11 Sat 7:26 6:59 12 Sun 7:27 6:58 13 Mon 7:28 6:57 14 Tue 7:29 6:56 15 Wed 7:29 6:54 16 Thu 7:30 6:53 17 Fri 7:31 6:52 18 Sat 7:32 6:51 19 Sun 7:32 6:50 20 Mon 7:33 6:49 21 Tue 7:34 6:47 22 Wed 7:35 6:46 23 Thu 7:36 6:45 24 Fri 7:36 6:44 25 Sat 7:37 6:43 26 Sun 7:38 6:42 27 Mon 7:39 6:41 28 Tue 7:40 6:40 29 Wed 7:41 6:39 30 Thu 7:41 6:38 31 Fri 7:42 6:37

1 Sat 7:43 6:36 2 Sun 6:44 5:35 3 Mon 6:45 5:34 4 Tue 6:46 5:34 5 Wed 6:47 5:33 6 Thu 6:48 5:32 7 Fri 6:49 5:31 8 Sat 6:50 5:30 9 Sun 6:50 5:30 10 Mon 6:51 5:29 11 Tue 6:52 5:28 12 Wed 6:53 5:27 13 Thu 6:54 5:27 14 Fri 6:55 5:26 15 Sat 6:56 5:26 16 Sun 6:57 5:25 17 Mon 6:58 5:24 18 Tue 6:59 5:24 19 Wed 7:00 5:23 20 Thu 7:01 5:23 21 Fri 7:02 5:23 22 Sat 7:03 5:22 23 Sun 7:04 5:22 24 Mon 7:04 5:21 25 Tue 7:05 5:21 26 Wed 7:06 5:21 27 Thu 7:07 5:21 28 Fri 7:08 5:20 29 Sat 7:09 5:20 30 Sun 7:10 5:20

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

1 Thu 7:29 5:30 2 Fri 7:29 5:31 3 Sat 7:29 5:31 4 Sun 7:29 5:32 5 Mon 7:29 5:33 6 Tue 7:29 5:34 7 Wed 7:29 5:34 8 Thu 7:29 5:35 9 Fri 7:29 5:36 10 Sat 7:29 5:37 11 Sun 7:29 5:38 12 Mon 7:29 5:39 13 Tue 7:29 5:40 14 Wed 7:29 5:40 15 Thu 7:29 5:41 16 Fri 7:29 5:42 17 Sat 7:28 5:43 18 Sun 7:28 5:44 19 Mon 7:28 5:45 20 Tue 7:27 5:46 21 Wed 7:27 5:47 22 Thu 7:27 5:48 23 Fri 7:26 5:49 24 Sat 7:26 5:50 25 Sun 7:25 5:51 26 Mon 7:25 5:52 27 Tue 7:24 5:53 28 Wed 7:24 5:54 29 Thu 7:23 5:55 30 Fri 7:23 5:56 31 Sat 7:22 5:57

1 Sun 7:21 5:58 2 Mon 7:21 5:59 3 Tue 7:20 6:00 4 Wed 7:19 6:01 5 Thu 7:19 6:02 6 Fri 7:18 6:03 7 Sat 7:17 6:04 8 Sun 7:16 6:04 9 Mon 7:15 6:05 10 Tue 7:15 6:06 11 Wed 7:14 6:07 12 Thu 7:13 6:08 13 Fri 7:12 6:09 14 Sat 7:11 6:10 15 Sun 7:10 6:11 16 Mon 7:09 6:12 17 Tue 7:08 6:13 18 Wed 7:07 6:14 19 Thu 7:06 6:15 20 Fri 7:05 6:15 21 Sat 7:04 6:16 22 Sun 7:03 6:17 23 Mon 7:02 6:18 24 Tue 7:01 6:19 25 Wed 6:59 6:20 26 Thu 6:58 6:21 27 Fri 6:57 6:21 28 Sat 6:56 6:22

1 Sun 7:55 7:23 2 Mon 7:54 7:24 3 Tue 7:52 7:25 4 Wed 7:51 7:25 5 Thu 7:50 7:26 6 Fri 7:49 7:27 7 Sat 7:47 7:28 8 Sun 8:46 8:28 9 Mon 8:45 8:29 10 Tue 8:44 8:30 11 Wed 8:42 8:31 12 Thu 8:41 8:31 13 Fri 8:40 8:32 14 Sat 8:39 8:33 15 Sun 8:37 8:34 16 Mon 8:36 8:34 17 Tue 8:35 8:35 18 Wed 8:33 8:36 19 Thu 8:32 8:36 20 Fri 8:31 8:37 21 Sat 8:30 8:38 22 Sun 8:28 8:39 23 Mon 8:27 8:39 24 Tue 8:26 8:40 25 Wed 8:24 8:41 26 Thu 8:23 8:41 27 Fri 8:22 8:42 28 Sat 8:20 8:43 29 Sun 8:19 8:43 30 Mon 8:18 8:44 31 Tue 8:16 8:45

1 Wed 7:15 7:45 2 Thu 7:14 7:46 3 Fri 7:12 7:47 4 Sat 7:11 7:47 5 Sun 7:10 7:48 6 Mon 7:09 7:49 7 Tue 7:07 7:49 8 Wed 7:06 7:50 9 Thu 7:05 7:51 10 Fri 7:04 7:51 11 Sat 7:02 7:52 12 Sun 7:01 7:53 13 Mon 7:00 7:54 14 Tue 6:59 7:54 15 Wed 6:57 7:55 16 Thu 6:56 7:56 17 Fri 6:55 7:56 18 Sat 6:54 7:57 19 Sun 6:53 7:58 20 Mon 6:52 7:59 21 Tue 6:51 7:59 22 Wed 6:49 8:00 23 Thu 6:48 8:01 24 Fri 6:47 8:01 25 Sat 6:46 8:02 26 Sun 6:45 8:03 27 Mon 6:44 8:04 28 Tue 6:43 8:04 29 Wed 6:42 8:05 30 Thu 6:41 8:06

1 Fri 6:40 8:07 2 Sat 6:39 8:07 3 Sun 6:38 8:08 4 Mon 6:37 8:09 5 Tue 6:36 8:10 6 Wed 6:35 8:10 7 Thu 6:35 8:11 8 Fri 6:34 8:12 9 Sat 6:33 8:13 10 Sun 6:32 8:13 11 Mon 6:31 8:14 12 Tue 6:31 8:15 13 Wed 6:30 8:16 14 Thu 6:29 8:16 15 Fri 6:28 8:17 16 Sat 6:28 8:18 17 Sun 6:27 8:18 18 Mon 6:26 8:19 19 Tue 6:26 8:20 20 Wed 6:25 8:21 21 Thu 6:25 8:21 22 Fri 6:24 8:22 23 Sat 6:24 8:23 24 Sun 6:23 8:23 25 Mon 6:23 8:24 26 Tue 6:22 8:25 27 Wed 6:22 8:25 28 Thu 6:21 8:26 29 Fri 6:21 8:26 30 Sat 6:21 8:27 31 Sun 6:20 8:28

Abilene . . . . . . . . . . Alpine . . . . . . . . . . . Beaumont . . . . . . . . . Corpus Christi. . . . . . Austin . . . . . . . . . . . Del Rio . . . . . . . . . . . El Paso*. . . . . . . . . .

165 miles west . . . . 405 miles west . . . . 160 miles east . . . . 35 miles west . . . . . 55 miles west . . . . . 235 miles west . . . . 555 miles west . . . .

Times given above are for Dallas. For other locations, subtract 1 minute per 12 miles east of Dallas, and add 1 minute per 12 miles west of Dallas. The table below gives adjustments for some Texas cities. Information provided is the longitudinal distance from Dallas and the time adjustment for sunrise and sunset.

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add 14 minutes add 24 minutes subtract 13 minutes add 3 minutes add 5 minutes add 20 minutes subtract 23 minutes

Houston . . . . . . . . . . 170 miles east . . . . Laredo . . . . . . . . . . . 160 miles west . . . . Lubbock . . . . . . . . . . 280 miles west . . . . San Angelo. . . . . . . . 215 miles west . . . . San Antonio . . . . . . . 95 miles west . . . . . Tyler . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 miles east . . . . . *El Paso is in Mountain Time Zone.

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS O Hunting Texas 2014 Annual

subtract 5 minutes add 14 minutes add 24 minutes add 18 minutes add 8 minutes subtract 6 minutes

Red stag, tahr and more with South Pacific Safaris What could be better than hunting trophy red stag in New Zealand while staying at a lodge overlooking the Pacific Ocean and bush-clad gullies? South Pacific Safaris New Zealand is family owned and operated by Mike and Deborah Wilks. Mike, a 20-year veteran outfitter, has guided a number of world-class trophy red stag hunts, with the animals scoring more than 600 inches SCI. On the 4,000-acre ranch, hunters pursue more than just red stag. Elk, fallow bucks, wild boar, rams and trophy goats also roam the property. The luxury hunting lodge and chalets each overlook the sea and surrounding mountains, and after the hunt, guests gather around the open fire with a glass of New Zealand’s award-winning wine from the region and dine on fresh, local seafood, lobster and venison cooked by the in-house chef. Bull tahr and chamois hunting may be accomplished with the assistance of a helicopter to gain access to the rugged peaks of the Southern Alps, or, if you are up to the physical challenge of an alpine hunt, hike the mountains in what is regarded as some of New Zealand’s best tahr and chamois country. There is much more to do at South Pacific Safaris New Zealand for both hunters and nonhunters alike. Excellent sea and river fishing is right out the back door of the lodge. The ranch is near the seaside town of Kaikoura, New Zealand’s marine capital. Whale watching, dolphin swimming, ocean and bush walks are just a few of the options available. Hunting New Zealand is an adventure you won’t soon forget.

SOUTH PACIFIC SAFARIS HUNTINGNEWZEALAND.CO.NZ + 643 319 5189

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LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS O Hunting Texas 2014 Annual

Wild game processing at its best at Cinnamon Creek

2013

As you drive up to Cinnamon Creek Wild Game Processing in Roanoke, you’ll be met by employees who quickly unload your deer, hogs or exotics and direct you inside. At the counter, you’ll check in and choose from a variety of the best deer or hog sausages, stickers, jerky, hamburger or chili meat, made with age-old recipes handed down for generations, and new products are added each year. Samples of the all of the different types of sausages are available to try and help with your selection. Don’t forget to ask for the bacon-wrapped backstrap filets. If your animal needs skinning or quartering, they’ll take care of it. If you would like a European or shoulder mount, they’ll take care of your taxidermy needs. In just a few minutes, you’ll be headed back to your truck, where you may be surprised to see the employees who unloaded your game have washed out the bed of your truck. You then head home where you can anxiously wait for the call that your wild game is ready to pick up. This type of service is only topped by the quality and taste of the products you order. Cinnamon Creek Wild Game Processing is one of the largest game processors in the country, processing an average of more than 10,000 deer per year. Cinnamon Creek Wild Game Processing uses a unique technique in which they retain the largest portion of meat possible from your prized game. That, together with the old-time recipes handed down from generation to generation in our family, Cinnamon Creek Wild Game Processing gives you “more meat for your buck!” And don’t forget to mark your calendar for October 8 and attend the free Wild Game Supper hosted by Lone Star Outdoor News Foundation. Cinnamon Creek Wild Game Processing will be there cooking some of their famous wild game treats.

CINNAMON CREEK WILD GAME PROCESSING CCRWILDGAMEPROCESSING.COM (817) 439-8008

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LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS O Hunting Texas 2014 Annual

Organize, access all of your guns with ease Revolution Safes, inspired by Pendleton, are based upon the same unique Revolution Technology premium Pendleton Safes use. Revolution Technology makes it easier than ever to organize and manage your collection with its 360-degree manual rotating shelving system. Revolution safes offer a wide variety of quality features such as fire protection, fail-safe door handles and unique inside-door handgun shelving. Along with these and other great features, Revolution Safe Company is proud to provide top-notch security and functionality at a competitive price point.

Needs Approval

• Manual revolving long gun organization helps preserve gun condition • Standard configuration holds up to 26 long guns • Functional inside-door storage holds 16 handguns • Two large storage shelves above the long gun turrets • Hassle-free access means you’re never more than one gun away • Twelve 1.5-inch lock bolts protect all sides from pry attacks • Fully carpeted interior • Manual or electronic S&G locks, the finest available • Fail-safe door handle that slips under pressure to prevent forced entry Come see us at the Texas Trophy Hunters Association Extravaganza in Fort Worth, booth 1011.

REVOLUTION SAFE CO. REVOLUTIONSAFES.COM (770) 466-6181

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More than just a hunt Labor Day Monday will be more than just a holiday to skip work and have a backyard barbecue this year. It will also mark the unofficial start to the 2014 Texas hunting season when shotguns begin to sing in the North and Central zones for the Texas dove opener. It is also one of my favorite hunting days of the year. Dove hunting in Texas is more than shooting a few birds. It often involves large numbers of friends and family members coming together for some quality time afield. My 4-year-old daughter accompanied me on her first dove hunt last season. She’s too young to shoot a shotgun, but she made a great birddog, eagerly running into the field each time I dropped a bird. She’d watch for birds flying in and out of the field from her pink chair, point them out and cheer each time one tumbled from the sky. After bringing them back to the camp chair underneath a mesquite tree, she’d ask, “When can we eat them?” No vegetarians in our family. It was one of my favorite hunts ever. And that’s the beauty of dove hunting in Texas. It is a relaxed, family-friendly hunt. This year, grab an extra chair or two and bring your family to the field. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the traditional September 1 dove season opening day

in the North and Central zones remains. However, the first segment in those zones will be shorter than last season, closing on Monday, Oct. 20. The season will reopen Friday, Dec. 19 and run through Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015 in the North and Central zones. In the South Zone and Special White-winged Dove Area, the first segment will be shortened by five days compared to last year, and those days would be added to the end of the second segment. The South Zone opens Friday, Sept. 19 and runs through Monday, Oct. 20. The second segment will run Friday, Dec. 19 through Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015. The daily bag limit for doves statewide is 15 and the possession limit is 45. The Special White-winged Dove Area will be restricted to afternoon-only (noon to sunset) hunting the first two full September weekends on Sept. 6-7 and 13-14. Hunting in this area will reopen Friday, Sept. 19 and continue through Monday, Oct. 20, and then reopen Friday, Dec. 19 through Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015. During the early two weekends, the daily bag limit is 15 birds, to include not more than two mourning doves and two white-tipped doves. Once the general season opens, the aggregate bag limit will be 15 with no more than two white-tipped doves. — By Conor Harrison Lone Star Outdoor News

2014-15 Season Dates DOVE North Zone and Central Zone Sept. 1-Oct. 20 and Dec. 19-Jan. 7 South Zone Sept. 19-Oct. 20 and Dec. 19-Jan. 25 Bag limit: 15 birds and not more than two white-tipped doves. Special White-winged Dove Area Sept. 6, 7, 13-14 Sept. 19-Oct. 20 and Dec. 19 -Jan. 21 The daily bag limit in the SWWDA during the first two weekends is 15 doves in the aggregate, to include no more than 4 mourning doves and 2 white-tipped doves. Once the general season opens, the aggregate bag limit will be 15. EARLY TEAL-ONLY

Sept. 13-28

EARLY CANADA GEESE

Sept. 13-28 (Eastern Zone Only)

ALLIGATOR 22 counties & special properties Remainder of the state

Sept. 10-30 (by permit only) Apr. 1-June 30

PRONGHORN ANTELOPE (By permit only)

Oct. 4-12

WHITE-TAILED DEER Archery-Only Season Special Youth Season* General Season Late Antlerless and Spike Muzzleloader (57 counties) MULE DEER Archery-Only Season General Season

Sept. 27-Oct. 31 Oct. 25-26, Jan. 5-18 North Texas (212 counties) South Texas (30 counties) North Texas (106 counties) South Texas (30 counties) Jan. 5-18 Sept. 27-Oct. 31 Panhandle (38 counties) SW Panhandle (12 counties) Trans Pecos (19 counties)

JAVELINA Northern (43 counties) Southern (50 counties)

Oct. 1-Feb. 22 No closed season

PHEASANT Panhandle (37 counties)

Dec. 6-Jan.4

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Nov. 1-Jan. 4 Nov. 1-Jan. 18 Jan. 5-18 Jan. 19-Feb. 1

Nov. 22-Dec. 7 Nov. 22-30 Nov. 28-Dec. 14

SQUIRREL Special Youth Season** East Texas (51 counties) Other Open counties

Sept. 27-28 Oct. 1-Feb. 22, May 1-31 No closed season

LESSER PRAIRIE CHICKEN No open season for lesser prairie chicken. QUAIL Statewide (all counties)

Oct. 25-Feb. 22

RIO GRANDE TURKEY Archery-Only Season Fall Season Special Youth Season* North Zone (123 counties) South Zone (26 counties) Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg, & Willacy counties Spring Season North Zone (101 counties) Special Youth Season* South Zone (54 counties) Special Youth Season* 1-Turkey Bag Limit (8 counties)

Sept. 27-Oct. 31 Oct. 25-26, Jan. 17-18 Nov. 1-Jan. 4 Nov. 1-Jan. 18 Nov. 1-Feb. 22 April 4-May 17 Mar. 28-29, May 23-24 Mar. 21-May 3 Mar. 14-15, May 9-10 Apr. 1-30

EASTERN TURKEY+ Spring-Only Season East Texas (28 counties)

Apr. 15-May 14

CHACHALACA Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties

Nov. 1-Feb. 22

RABBITS and HARES No closed season. In addition to a hunting license, a migratory game bird stamp endorsement ($7) is required to hunt any migratory game bird, including mourning dove (a Federal Sandhill Crane Permit also is required to hunt sandhill crane). An upland game bird stamp endorsement ($7) is required to hunt turkey, quail, pheasant or chachalacas. See County Listings in the Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual for specific county regulations and more detailed information. *In all counties that have an open season for those species. ** In all counties that have an October 1-February 22 and May 1-31 Open Squirrel Season. + Rio Grande and Eastern Turkey may be hunted in these counties. — Check TPWD for complete season date information

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS O Hunting Texas 2014 Annual

Room for six in all-new Viking VI side-by-side Yamaha’s new Viking VI EPS is an extended cab six-person SxS combining the industry’s leading performance and durability with comfort and convenience — now with maximum headroom, legroom and shoulder room for six occupants. The new Viking VI is made for tough off-road duty boasting Yamaha’s industry-leading Ultramatic fully automatic transmission, On-Command four-wheel drive system, Electric Power Steering and Yamaha’s proven and powerful 700cc-class engine. With 600-pounds hauling and 1,500-pounds towing, Viking VI is made to be the toughest, hardest working and most off-road capable six-person SxS ever. Lone Star Outdoor News’ Founder David J. Sams test-drove the Viking VI before its launch and found ample room for his legs in the middle back seat. The EPS allowed for driving at slow speeds with a finger. “This might be as close to a crew cab pickup truck as you can get in a side-by-side vehicle,” Sams said. “The engine has more power than you might ever need and in the soft stuff, the locking differential is a great asset, as well as the full underbody skid plate.” Every Yamaha Viking and Viking VI is being assembled in the U.S.A. at Yamaha’s factory in Newnan, Georgia, for worldwide distribution.

YAMAHA YAMAHAOUTDOORS.COM

Yamaha ATV

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Greystone Castle: Texas hunting in an extraordinary setting 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 19th year in business. It is this long-term commitment that has them very appreciative of their past successes and looking forward to the 2014 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 director. “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 switch grass 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 5-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 visitors to Greystone are its top-

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of-the-line accommodations and gourmet meals. Guests enjoy 24 private rooms, gourmet dining from our 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. This coupled with the unique castle facility and outstanding customer service makes Greystone Castle a destination without equal.

GREYSTONE CASTLE SPORTING CLUB GREYSTONECASTLE.COM (800) 399-3006

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Mossberg expands Texas manufacturing facility MVP Series: Bolt-action rifles that accept AR-style magazines In July, O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. announced the completion of a major expansion at its Maverick Arms, Inc. facility in Eagle Pass. A new, 116,000-square-foot addition will allow Mossberg to increase its manufacturing and distribution capabilities in Texas. “We’re proud to be in Texas,” said Director of Media Relations Linda Powell. “The bulk of our guns have been built in Eagle Pass, and with the expansion, more than 90 percent of Mossberg guns are made in Texas.” The company is America’s oldest family owned and operated firearms manufacturer and the largest pump-action shotgun manufacturer in the world. “Investing in Texas was an easy decision,” said Mossberg CEO Iver Mossberg. “It’s a state that is not only committed to economic growth but also honors and respects the Second Amendment and the firearm freedoms it guarantees our customers.” The recent expansion, which includes a $3.4 million capital investment, will consolidate more of the company’s manufacturing in Texas and will create 50 new jobs. Mossberg may be known for its shotguns, but its new FLEX MVP Series Rifles are about to change that, bringing together the best of both worlds for a rifle hunter. Introduced in 2013, the rifles combine two highly innovative designs, a boltaction rifle engineered to accept and reliably feed from AR-style magazines and the unparalleled FLEX TLS System of modular accessories. The MVP is available in 7.62 NATO (.308 Win) with a choice of 18 1/2-inch medium bull barrel or a 20-inch standard contour barrel. A new 5.56 NATO (.223 Rem) is now available. The MVP Series patent-pending bolt designs allow 7.62mm NATO chambered rifles to accept both M1A/M14 and AR10-style magazines and the 5.56 NATO accepts AR15-style magazines. Adding the Mossberg FLEX TLS System to its family of MVP Series allows the user to remove and remount the rifle’s stock and recoil pads without tools by simply lifting or pushing the TLS latches. And with multiple FLEX accessory stocks and recoil pads available, you can adapt your rifle for fit and application. Standard features on the MVP FLEX rifles include: • Mossberg’s patented LBA (Lightning Bolt Action) Adjustable Trigger System that is user-adjustable from 2 to 7 pounds; • Fluted, button-rifled barrel with 11-degree tapered muzzle crown; • FLEX 6-position tactical stock with pistol grip; • Textured fore-end with stippling for a more positive grip; • Durable matte blue finish on exposed metalwork; • Factory-installed, receiver-mounted Picatinny rail; • Distinctive spiral-fluted bolt; • Front and rear sling swivel studs; • 10-round capacity magazine All of Mossberg’s bolt-action rifles are built in Texas, including the newest additions to the MVP Series line. To see the complete line of Mossberg MVP Series bolt-action rifles, visit Mossberg.com or see your local Mossberg dealer.

MOSSBERG “BUILT RUGGED. PROUDLY AMERICAN” MOSSBERG.COM (800) 363-3555

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Texas Prairie Wetlands Project conserves tens of thousands of coastal acres Providing waterfowl habitat during a record-setting, multi-year drought is extremely challenging. With rivers and lakes at or near all-time lows, many landowners are unable to access water to flood critical agricultural and coastal prairie habitats for waterfowl. It is a dire situation for the millions of ducks and geese that migrate thousands of miles to make Texas home each year. It is during times like this that conservation programs become most essential for Texas waterfowl and waterfowl hunters. Even in the face of an unprecedented challenge, Ducks Unlimited and its partners remain dedicated to providing adequate habitat for waterfowl that call the Gulf Coast home each fall and winter. The overall health of the Central Flyway migration, and subsequent hunter harvest, is dependent on this vital work. In late 2013, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) announced five projects to restore and enhance habitats for species impacted by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Disaster. The funding is provided through the NFWF-administered Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund. One grant is for the Gulf Coast Migratory Waterfowl Enhancement Project, making waterfowl a chief beneficiary of the program. A recent $1.25 million grant provided to Ducks Unlimited will restore and enhance more than 22,000 acres of Texas coastal wetlands through the Texas Prairie Wetlands Project. The program, with its proven track record of delivering wetland projects in partnership with private landowners, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is ideal for delivering habitat to offset the impact to coastal wetlands from the on-going drought. The Texas Prairie Wetlands Project is the largest program in Texas designed to assist landowners with wetlands restoration and enhancement. Though individual project areas may be small, Texas Prairie Wetlands Project units provide 20 percent of the available waterfowl habitat on the Texas midcoast in dry years, according to a Gulf Coast Joint Venture analysis. That importance is magnified as overall rice agriculture acreage, which provides 42 percent of the available food resources for waterfowl along the Gulf Coast, has suffered greatly in the face of water restrictions. This program is critical to all Texas waterfowl hunters as the majority of ducks and geese that end their migration on the Texas coast spend a significant portion of their southern migration throughout all regions of the Lone Star State. A healthy coast is important to all Texas waterfowl hunters. Having restored and enhanced more than 67,000 acres on the Texas Gulf Coast over 23 years, the program provides engineering and design to landowners to conserve wetlands in exchange for an agreement to manage the habitat for waterfowl and other wetland-dependent species.

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Ducks Unlimited and its partners will continue to invest in the Texas Gulf Coast to guarantee habitat and water on the landscape for waterfowl and other wetlanddependant wildlife.

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS O Hunting Texas 2014 Annual

DUCKS UNLIMITED TX.DUCKS.ORG (901) 758-3825

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS O Hunting Texas 2014 Annual

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Dark Horse makes .300 Blackout Internally suppressed rifle brings silence to the field

For the past few years, customers have been asking Brent and Candys Hemphill, the owners of Dark Horse Arms, the same question. “They want a .308 that shoots multiple shots. They want the silence of a suppressor,” Brent Hemphill said. “And they want it to shoot subsonic ammunition accurately.” The questions got the couple working, and Dark Horse Arms is now introducing its brand new .300 Blackout. “We’ll have it at the summer shows,” Hemphill said. “I think everyone is going to like it.” The .300 Blackout is internally suppressed by Dark Horse Arms and is readily available on an AR platform. While the rifle is available with screw-on suppressors from other manufacturers, Hemphill doesn’t know of any others currently making the internally suppressed versions. “When it is internally suppressed, there is less noise than with a screw-on suppressor,” he said. “And since the barrel of the DPMS gun is only 10-inches long, with a screw-on suppressor it qualifies as a short rifle (shorter than 16 inches) and you would need two NFA (National Firearms Act) tax stamps. With the internally suppressed barrel that is permanently attached, it is longer and therefore not considered a short rifle, and only one tax stamp is required.” The rifle comes with a free float handguard, a collapsible stock and Picatinny rails. “We essentially build the entire upper of the gun,” Hemphill said. “A number of lowers will work and are available.” Hemphill has been shooting the gun, too. “I have shot it here with subsonic ammunition, being a .223 cartridge with a .30-caliber 220-grain Remington bullet and also handloads of 220 grains,” he said. “The subsonic bullets cycle great, and at 50 and 75 yards, my groups have been about 1 1/2 inches.” He’s not ready to recommend it for long-range shooting, though. “I wouldn’t call it a long-range gun by any means,” Hemphill said. “But it shoots a real good group for only having a 10-inch barrel. It shoots better than I was expecting.” And the gun is about as silent as they come. “About all you hear is the action,” Hemphill said. Hog hunters would agree. The .300 Blackout from Dark Horse Arms is available in black or tan, and customers will want to get their orders in right away, since the NFA tax stamp required for a suppressed rifle takes some time — up to 9 months. Candys Hemphill at Dark Horse Arms takes care of all of the permitting paperwork. Hunting game and nongame species with a suppressed rifle is legal in Texas. Dark Horse Arms has manufactured both removable and internally suppressed suppressors for both rifles and pistols since 2005. Their facility is located in rural Coleman County.

Photo by Flair Photography

DARK HORSE ARMS FULLYSUPPRESSED.COM (325) 382-4885 26 |

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS O Hunting Texas 2014 Annual

Hevishot

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Los Laureles: An Argentina wing-shooting adventure Bucket lists for most wingshooters start with Argentina, and Los Laureles provides top-notch hunting for the full variety of fowl in an unmatched setting along the famed Paraná River. The dove hunting is second to none, but what sets Los Laureles apart, and what hunters favor the most, is the proximity of the hunting areas to the lodge. “Our dove roost is inside the property,” said John John Reynal of Exciting Outdoors Argentina. “The farthest blind from the lodge is seven minutes away.” The duck, pigeon and perdiz hunting also is close by, so there’s no need for long, bumpy rides to the field. “We rarely travel more than 45 minutes for any hunt,” Reynal said. “And, if we do, we make a full day of it with a field lunch.” While 45 minutes of travel can cover some miles, all of the miles are still on the ranch. “It’s all private land hunting,”Reynal said. “The company that owns this ranch owns 300,000 acres in the province where we are located. This is especially helpful for perdiz hunting. They are 100-percent wild — you can’t raise them — and our guests are the only ones hunting the fields.” Jeff Anderson of Hastings, Nebraska made a trip to Los Laureles, and described the pigeon shoot on his first afternoon where his group of four each shot several boxes of shells at the fast-flying birds coming into the decoys, while the hunters waited behind a tree-branch blind. As they were leaving, the Brazilian teal started arriving along a narrow creek.

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those in the group who had more trouble connecting with their shots. The dove hunting, though, is why most travel to Argentina, and it doesn’t disappoint at Los Laureles. “We were hunting not five minutes from the lodge,” Anderson said. Massive numbers of birds were seen heading to and from the fields from the roost located on the property, Anderson said. The numbers of birds and shells shot each numbered in the thousands. For those who like to mix in some fly-fishing with their hunting trips, the Paraná River assures a remarkable experience to fish for the golden dorado, native to South America, a fish renowned for its fighting and unequalled jumping. The lodge uses Carolina Skiffs and maintains both fly and light spinning tackle to pursue the fish. Los Laureles five-star lodge includes six bedrooms, a sitting room with fireplace, a bar, dining room and swimming pool. The food is prepared to perfection and complemented with top wines produced from vineyards owned by the lodge owners, making the lodge a true hunting and fishing paradise. “The attention to detail set the staff apart,” Anderson said. “We will be back.” “It was the best 30 minutes of teal shooting in my life, all in an unbelievable setting,” Anderson said. “They came in singles, doubles and flocks — you could see the groups coming in behind the birds we were shooting.” The perdiz hunting, behind Brittanys provided by the lodge, resulted in 16-bird limits in short order, even for

LOS LAURELES LODGE EXCITINGOUTDOORS.COM (786) 207-4532

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Rio Ammunition shotshells to be made in Texas

Target, new bismuth loads highlight product lines Dove season is right around the corner, and the early teal season isn’t far behind. Why not buy your ammunition now, before the late-August rush? Rio Ammunition loads offer top-quality shotshells, and beginning early next year, they all will be made in Texas! Rio Ammunition broke ground in April on a new state-of-the-art facility located in Marshall. This 105,000square-foot facility will be the U.S. headquarters for Rio Ammunition. All Rio products and components will be produced in this facility by early 2015. Rio is excited to make this move toward promoting the brand and providing jobs in Texas. For dove, trap and skeet, put Rio’s Elite Target Loads on your shopping list. With their cork-based, petal-free wad, Elite is producing phenomenal patterns at extended ranges. On the target field, Rio’s Elite Target Loads have been getting rave reviews. So whether in the dove field, on the trap field or the sporting clays course, Elite has been putting the old loads to shame. So, out with the old and in with the new Rio Elite. Waterfowl and upland game seasons will be here before you know it, and Rio Ammunition is equally excited to announce the release of Rio Bismuth in 16, 28 and .410 gauges, available this month. These new offerings will add to Rio’s 12- and 20-gauge Bismuth line. Rio Bismuth has near lead-like results on waterfowl and upland game and is safe for tightly choked classic guns. All Rio Bismuth is loaded at MAX Dram equivalent and come in a range of shot sizes.

RIO AMMUNITION RIOAMMO.COM (931) 729-0880

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Quail, pheasant and more at Wildcat Creek Quail and pheasant hunters need not travel far to experience a memorable hunt, luxurious facilities and fabulous food. Wildcat Creek Quail Hunting Resort has birds at the ready — where a memorable quail or pheasant hunting adventure awaits. For wingshooters who favor the pheasant, full pheasant hunts are being offered this year. 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 owner 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 Parker, who also owns 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. “Our customers love it.” Wingshooters may want to get their hunts booked, though, as the word is getting out about Wildcat Creek, where 10 weekends are already fully booked for the upcoming season. Several flight pens allow for 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. After the hunt, the new lodge and the food served at WCR may be even more memorable. The food is prepared by son David, a trained chef who has worked at top restaurants. WCR has added a 5-stand sporting clay station for parties and corporate events.

WILDCAT CREEK QUAIL HUNTING RESORT WCRQUAILHUNTING.COM (903) 674-2000

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LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS O Hunting Texas 2014 Annual

Stop at Dilley Feed & Grain for all of your hunting needs Many South Texas deer hunters know Dilley Feed & Grain Wildlife Supply because of deer corn and their brands of deer protein. Now, more are noticing the remodeled and larger store loaded with boots, including a variety of snake boots, hunting clothing and supplies, coolers, knives, trail cameras, jeans and the like. “We have been making deer protein for 33 years,” said Manager Jason Surles. “Our RHR feed is 20-percent protein and 5-percent fat — we use peanuts as a foundation for the feed. “Our second deer feed, Venado, is also 20-percent protein, and both brands are ready for delivery to South Texas ranches. Both lines have a premium mineral package built-in, one that complements the native forbs of South Texas.” “We deliver bagged or bulk product and can deliver straight to a customer’s ranch or deer lease,” Surles said. DF&G also customizes feed for those with different preferences for the deer on their ranches. They have the production capabilities to include specific ingredients in a ration depending on the customer’s needs and wants. Last year, Surles began rebranding DF&G’s deer contest, the El Monstruo del Monte Big Game Contest, now in its 15th year. A varmint calling series was also added as a way to appeal to all hunters. DF&G sells feeders and feeder parts and accessories, ammunition and about any supply a hunter would need. Located in Dilley, a few blocks off of Interstate 35 and just 70 miles south of San Antonio, it’s the perfect place to stop when headed to Texas’ big buck country. “We want people to know that we’re here, we’re growing and we’re expanding, and can meet the needs of any hunter,” Surles said.

DILLEY FEED & GRAIN WILDLIFE SUPPLY DFGWILDLIFESUPPLY.COM (830) 965-1622

Dilley Feed & Grain

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Leupold VX-2: a true optical marvel

The latest generation Leupold VX-2 riflescope, with its exclusive Quantum Optical System, redefines high performance for the best in accuracy and durability. The Quantum Optical System uses carefully selected leadfree lenses with Index Matched lens coatings that are precisely positioned with each other to deliver up to 94-percent light transmission with the highest levels of optical clarity. The addition of DiamondCoat on the exterior lens surfaces provides the utmost in abrasion resistance. The VX-2 also utilizes other updated design features including an externally threaded fast-focus eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focus. The finger adjustable 1/4 MOA dials provide quick and easy zeroing without the use of coins or tools. Some models are even available with the Custom Dial System that can be ballistically matched through the Leupold Custom Shop. To keep this scope fogproof for life, it is filled with Leupold’s industry leading second generation Argon/Krypton blend. This blend is drier and more resistant to thermal shock than the traditional nitrogen-filled scopes. How the VX-2 came to be is both a history lesson and a family success story: • Frederick Leupold came to Portland, Oregon from Germany in 1907, and established a firm to manufacture and repair surveying and hydrographic instruments. Fred’s son, Marcus, broadened the company’s focus in the late 1930s after he missed a buck when his scope fogged. Frustrated by the experience, Marcus set out to build a better riflescope. • In 1947, Leupold introduced their first riflescope, the Plainsman. A worthy scope at the time, its adjustment mechanism was not airtight and damp weather caused internal fogging. In 1949, Leupold introduced the Pioneer, the first to feature the exclusive Leupold nitrogen-filling process. 1955 brought about one of Leupold’s greatest achievements, the introduction of a waterproof scope that featured a 1-inch maintube and internal adjustments, the Mountaineer. • 1959 brought Leupold’s first variable magnification riflescope, the Vari-X 3-9, the scope that ultimately turned into the VX-2 of today.

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• Leupold introduced the world to the Duplex reticle at the end of 1962. The heavy outer posts of this crosswirestyle reticle enabled shooters to find their target quickly and aim precisely with the thin center wires. • Leupold wanted consumers to recognize a Leupold scope with a simple glance. George Schray, the plant superintendent, fashioned a thin, gold-colored ring installed between the objective housing and lock ring. Now, the Golden Ring is the first thing that a shooter looks for when shopping for a Leupold. • The VX-2 was introduced in 2002. This scope began using technology that was developed for Leupold’s higher end scopes, the Vari-X III and the LPS. Leupold started applying Multicoat 4 lens coating to the external lenses that increased light transmission to approximately 86 percent. In addition to the coating, Leupold incorporated their 1/4 MOA click adjustments. • In 2004, the entire lens system of the VX-2 was upgraded to Multicoat 4 lens coatings. Not only did this increase the image contrast and clarity but it increased the light transmission to 92 percent, a number almost unheard of in a scope at that price point. The latest generation VX-2 is available in six magnification ranges with nine reticle options. They can be used for anything from dangerous game to varmints to simple target practice. The sleek, classic lines and that iconic Golden Ring means that you will be buying a scope that is as durable as it is aesthetically pleasing. All VX-2 riflescopes are designed, machined and assembled by more than 600 highly skilled American workers in Beaverton, Oregon, and are covered by Leupold’s Golden Ring Full Lifetime Warranty.

LEUPOLD LEUPOLD.COM (800) 538-7653

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Hunters in for good seasons

Many game animals doing well after rains The days are getting shorter and hunting season in the state of Texas is fast approaching. With better rains spread over a wider area so far this year, the hunting season prospects are trending upward for many species. According to biologists, the white-tailed deer season will be average or above average in many areas, especially the central and southern portions of the state where more rain has fallen this year than in years' past. For dove hunters, the season holds a lot of promise with good crops and plenty of water for birds. “Overall, we think numbers are up, both for whitewings and mourning dove,” said Shaun Oldenburger, Texas Parks and Wildlife migratory game bird specialist. “For mourning dove, it should be very similar to last year. Overall, we are looking good, just need some more moisture.” Quail hunters are ecstatic over the amount of birds they are seeing and hearing across the range in Texas. Many hunters are hearing birds in places that haven’t had quail in years. “It scares me to death to make this statement, but our quail numbers at Encino are the best I have seen since the early ’90s — ’92 and ’93,” said hunter and ranch owner Ron Howard. “We are seeing covey after covey of young birds ranging from ‘spiders that can not yet fly’ to 2- to 3-week-old chicks that can just clear the weeds, to young birds that you can barely distinguish from the adults.

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On top of this, I see one to three pairs for every covey I see, meaning the potential for growth is still immense. “We are still hearing the ‘bobwhiting’ throughout the pasture, but this has slowed in some areas where we have not recently received showers.” Howard said the areas that continue to see moisture are still the best areas to spot birds, but the last three weeks of heat have dried some areas out. “All in all, 2014-15 could be the best quail season we have experienced at Encino in 20-plus years if the birds we have and the pairs continue to nest.” Pronghorn hunters in the Panhandle region should expect a season similar to last years. “We still have a lot of pronghorn,” said Calvin Richardson, a TPWD district leader in Lubbock. “I don’t think the bucks took a hit from the drought. The permit numbers should be about the same as last year.” Overall, duck numbers are up in the Pothole and Prairie regions of the Dakotas, which should mean good numbers for waterfowl hunters come November and December. “Total populations were estimated at 49.2 million breeding ducks in the surveyed area,” according to Ducks Unlimited. “This estimate represents an 8-percent increase from last year’s estimate of 45.6 million birds, and is 43 percent higher than the 1955-2013 longterm average. This continues a three-year trend of exceptional water conditions and population numbers for many species.” All in all, Texas hunters should have a pretty positive outlook heading into the fall season.

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS O Hunting Texas 2014 Annual

— Staff report

Joshua Creek celebrates 25 years of excellence A vision to become Texas’ premier wingshooting destination for discriminating sportsmen began in 1990 on a pristine stretch of land along Joshua Creek and the Guadalupe River in the scenic Texas Hill Country. Today, that vision and so much more has become a reality for Joshua Creek Ranch and its many guests, members, staff and owners. For the past two-and-a-half decades, Joshua Creek Ranch has been nurtured by a relentless passion and everlasting commitment to wildlife habitat stewardship and excellent service to hunters from all over the world. “With an experienced and capable staff combined with a kennel full of excellent pointing, flushing, and retrieving dogs, Joshua Creek provides the safest, most productive wingshooting experience in Texas,” said Robert L. Potter, retired president, FMC Technologies, Inc. in Houston. “That, coupled with outstanding accommodations and gourmet meals, is why I make multiple trips each year to Joshua Creek Ranch.” From quail hunts behind pointing and flushing dogs and European-style driven pheasant shoots to axis and white-tailed deer hunting, fly-fishing for rainbow trout and sporting clays shooting on a breathtaking 15-station Hill Country course, Joshua Creek Ranch just keeps getting better every year. In fact, in this 25th Anniversary year, Joshua Creek Ranch will expand its highly awarded upland bird hunting experience to include decoyed mallard duck hunting. Also, the addition of a new 10,000-plus square-foot lodge overlooking Joshua Creek with a state-of-the-art conference facility will bring ranch accommodations to an even higher level of comfort and luxury. Just 45 minutes northwest of San Antonio, Joshua Creek Ranch provides guests a world-class experience in the field plus gourmet dining and exceptional lodging with spectacular views. Recognized as one of only five Beretta Trident Lodges for Excellence in Upland Bird Hunting in the United States and the only one in Texas, an Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Lodge and recipient of the 2013 Award of Excellence from Sporting Classics Magazine for Hunting Lodge of the Year, Joshua Creek Ranch truly represents the BEST of the best.

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

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Monarch 3 riflescopes offer edge-to-edge clarity The Monarch 3 2.5-10x42 BDC riflescope is just what the hunter needs heading into deer season. And, it’s on special now at participating Nikon dealers, where customers receive $50 instant savings. The reliable and durable scope is part of the Monarch 3 line, the largest riflescope line in the Nikon family. Like all Monarch 3 scopes, the 2.5-10x42 BDC includes Nikon’s Ultra ClearCoat optical system, engineered to provide the theoretical maximum light transmission a scope can deliver — 95 percent — for edge-to-edge clarity and a clear and sharp sight picture between dawn and dusk. The 2.5-10x42 BDC features the popular BDC reticle providing various aiming points built into the reticle giving exact aiming points at

NIKON NIKONSPORTOPTICS.COM

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various yardages, and when used with Nikon’s Spot On Ballistic Match Technology, it removes the guesswork out of figuring elevation and bullet drop compensation. Spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets offer an in-field advantage by allowing shooters to easily make adjustments on the fly. The Monarch 3 Eyebox Technology keeps your brow safe, even with the heaviest recoiling cartridges and at severe shooting angles. Every model features up to 4 inches of non-critical eye relief. And the massive ocular lens delivers a large, bright and high-resolution sight picture. The Monarch 3 2.5-10x42 is bright, clear, precise and rugged, creating revolutionary capabilities for the serious hunter and providing the best hunting optics money can buy. Features: • Enhanced ring spacing allowing the scope to be mounted on virtually any rifle • Patented BDC reticle • Spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets • Ultra ClearCoat Optical System • Hand-turn 1/4 MOA windage and elevation adjustments • Monarch 3 Eyebox Technology • Rugged, one-piece body tubes • Smooth zoom control • Waterproof • Fogproof • Shockproof

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LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS O Hunting Texas 2014 Annual