Lone Star Outdoor News Hunting Annual 2023

HUNTING texas

Here it comes again

LIGHTWEIGHT FEATURES AT A COMPETITIVE PRICE

APACHE RIFLE WORKS COMFORT, TX

BUCKS & DOES SAN ANTONIO, TX

CARTERS COUNTRY SPRING, TX HOUSTON, TX PASADENA, TX

FIELD AND STREAM SAN ANGELO, TX

GLICK TWINS PHARR, TX

RIDGE CARBON WILDERNESS

NEW FOR 2023

The Wilderness Series® Ridge is designed for the serious hunter. Those who brave the elements and need an accurate rifle that can keep up, without the extravagant price tag. Now, we’ve added a carbon fiber barrel. We can tell you the weight savings will gain you a few extra miles on foot. Or that the increased accuracy will add to your confidence. But, there’s also nothing wrong with simply one-upping your buddies.

HOFFPAUIR FARM & RANCH LAMPASAS, TX

LOS CAZADORES STONEWALL, TX PEARSALL, TX

MCBRIDES AUSTIN, TX

NAGELS GUN SHOP SAN ANTONIO, TX

NATIVE OUTDOORS HEATH, TX

PORTERS FLINT, TX

PRACO PAWN WACO, TX

SHARP SHOOTERS LUBBOCK, TX

SUPERIOR PAWN LONGVIEW, TX

TEXAS GUN EXPERIENCE GRAPEVINE, TX

THE OUTDOORSMAN SAN ANGELO, TX

VICTIORIA ALL SPORTS VICTORIA, TX

WILKERSONS GUNS BOERNE, TX

FROM WORK TO PLAY

WHATEVER YOUR ADVENTURE IS, WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED.

LEADING THE WAY IN THERMAL OPTICS

For more than a decade, predator hunters have been adopting thermal optics and using the cover of darkness to their advantage. Producing a real-time image based on heat (instead of light), thermal imaging is one of the most powerful technologies in the optics industry. Until recently, high prices made thermal unattainable for many hunters, but today, most of us know someone who owns a thermal weapon sight.

As pricing in the thermal optics category becomes more approachable, InfiRay Outdoor is leading the way by improving product quality and enriching the user experience, providing a hardto-ignore combination of value and performance with their full line of products.

InfiRay Outdoor is a new name to hunters in the United States, but a global leader in the production of thermal imaging sensors. The company holds more than 100 patents and is vertically integrated so it can control every step of design and production, unlike its competitors.

iRayUSA, the Texas-based U.S. distributor of InfiRay Outdoor, takes product support one step further with an industry-best five-year warranty and a five-day promise on any service that may be required.

Whether you need to snuff out coyotes that are hurting your game population, you want to be a more effective hog hunter or you just want the superhuman ability to see in the dark on the ranch, InfiRay Outdoor has a thermal optic for you. Check out irayusa.com to learn more about their wide range of thermal scopes and handheld monocular products.

INFIRAY OUTDOOR

☎ (800) 769-7125

IRAYUSA.COM

YEAR WARRANTY DAY TURNAROUND

With industry-leading technology, the strongest warranty in thermal optics, and years of field experience, we develop, build, and sell the best thermal products on the market—the products we use personally. We’re night hunters ourselves. When we’re not developing new products or pulling orders, we’re out pulling triggers.

We’ve all pondered what Heaven might look like. But Al Johnson is pretty sure he knows. It’s a place without concrete and traffic and commotion. A place that helps you find balance and peace.

When Al told us he’d found just such a place for sale, all of us here at Heritage Land Bank moved quickly to find him the perfect loan A loan that worked within his budget, so the Johnson family could make this little bit of heaven their own

So now, when Al wants to meet, we ’ re inclined to talk at his place rather than the office. Because, as Al told us, being out on the land is good for the soul.

A LEVER-ACTION SAFARI

Blake Barnett, host of Trailing the Hunter’s Moon, just returned from a Namibian safari using the Marlin 1895 Guide Model rifle, chambered in .4570.

“We hunted the Nyae Nyae Conservancy, the home of the Sand Tribe, which is the original indigenous people of the area,” Barnett said. “It was about 2 million acres.”

Barnett hunted Cape buffalo and plains game with Dzombo Hunting Safaris, all using the Marlin 1895, although Hornady developed a special .45-70 load for buffalo hunting.

“The rifle performed excellently, I shot animals out to 200 yards,” he said. The Model 1895 is definitely an MOA gun — dead on at 100 yards, and the lever-action is one of the fastest reloading rifles ever. It’s great for follow-up shots.”

For the hunt, Barnett used a Trijicon Accupoint 1-6x24 riflescope.

“The entire area had real thick cover,” he said. “Low power was a necessity. I shot the buffalo at 20 yards.”

Projects for the Sand Tribe members were another reason for the hunt.

“Dzombo has a number of projects for the local people, including new schools and humanitarian projects,” Barnett said. “They are all funded by hunters. And it was important to see the Sand culture and learn about it — many of them still lead a nomadic life.”

Ruger purchased the Marlin brand in 2020, and makes the Marlin 1895 in three models. The Guide Model has a blue finish and a wood stock, while the others models are stainless steel. It utilizes the same time-honored design as the traditional 1895, combined with Ruger’s modern manufacturing methods and reputation for producing high-quality, reliable firearms.

All of the hunts were filmed, to be aired in 2024 in a multi-part series on Trailing the Hunter’s Moon, on the Pursuit Channel.

An American Legend

The Ruger American ® Rifle is a 100% American-Made firearm that offers outstanding performance at an affordable price. It combines Ruger’s famous rugged reliability with all of the award-winning ingenuity featured in so many Ruger products. With seven different model variations and 19 calibers, you’re sure to find the perfect Ruger American® Rifle for your next hunt.

The acquisition, ownership, possession and use of firearms are heavily regulated. Some models may not be legally available in your state or locale. Whatever your purpose for lawfully acquiring a firearm – know the law, get trained and shoot safely.

Here it comes again

By Craig Nyhus Lone Star outdoor newS

The day is coming soon. You envision taking the shot and it’s true. Then, you send your dog to do what he or she is trained to do. When he or she brings the bird back to you — maybe without you even having to get up from your chair — it brings a feeling of both pride and gratitude, whether the dog is sprinting or lumbering back to you.

Bringing the dog on the opening-day dove hunt is the goal, but it’s not without its challenges. Everything points to another hot opener, and concerns of keeping the dog cool, and more importantly, alive, have to be considered.

For many hunters, the opener is spent at a site where the hunter hasn’t been, whether with an outfitter or with friends. You might find yourself looking at a wide-open field, with no trees for shade and no ponds where the dog can take a dip.

There are plenty of attempted solutions, but a large, separate cooler filled with water (some add ice) will have most dogs willing to jump in during a break in the action. Hunting early or late helps. Some hunters set up a canopy for artificial shade. Finally, when it’s super hot, and the dog may be getting up in years, is somewhat out of shape and even a little bit overweight, some leave the dog at home, recognizing later in the month may be a better time for the dog to spend hours in the sun.

Dove numbers look great for the season, and the hunters and their dogs can’t wait. But watch for excessive panting or a glassy-eyed look from your best friend, and be ready to get to the cool truck quickly — even if the birds are still flying.

David J. Sams

OUTDOOR CELEBRATION AT DEER CAPITAL OF TEXAS

An outdoor expo is coming to Llano as part of a weekend-long celebration. The Hill Country Expo will take place Sept. 29-Oct. 1 as part of LlanoMusicFest. com.

Organizer Alan Powers said the JLK Center will be full of activities, including the Tyler Magnus Team Roping and Ranch Rodeo and its 2,500 participants, which will take place under the same roof.

The JLK Center includes a 25,000-square-foot exhibit center, which will host the Expo. The best news? All of the events at the JLK Center are free, while concertgoer tickets begin at $35.

Across the street and along the Llano River at Robinson City Park is the home of the Music Fest, which will showcase Roger Creager, ShinyRibs, Kin Faux, Thomas Michael Riley, The Wilder Blue, Tejas Brothers, Davin James, Nathan Colt Young, Calamity Janes and Joe Forlini.

“The Outdoor Expo will be everything outdoors, including hunting, fishing and western exhibits,” Powers said. “All of the events are tied together to bring people to Llano to experience what the outdoors and the Hill Country has to offer.”

Powers said the Exotic Wildlife Association will be on hand with mounts of native and exotic animals. Interested exhibitors are asked to contact Anita Hilton at anitahiltons@ gmail.com or (810) 217-4633. Booths are 12x12 and cost $250 for the entire show. For festival ticket options and further information, go to LlanoMusicFest.com

Hill Country Expo

Fri., Sept. 29 Noon-5:30 p.m.

Sat., Sept. 30 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Sun., Oct. 1 9 a.m. to Noon

Llano Texas Music Fest

Fri., Sept. 29 3 p.m.-11:30 p.m.

Sat., Sept. 30 3 p.m.-11:30 p.m.

LLANOMUSICFEST.COM

LLANOMUSICFEST.COM

INSTANT FEEDBACK WITH NO MESS

You could compare Firebird detonating targets to the difference between modern-day brass cartridges and black powder, cap and ball.

The Firebird instant hit recognition signaling device is a self-contained, waterresistant pyrotechnic target.

Just peel the sticker and fix the target to a hard, flat surface. Shoot from a minimum of 50 feet with airguns capable of 850fps, .22 subsonic or an archery arrow and receive instant feedback when your aim is true. With standard rimfire, centerfire, shotgun and crossbow bolts, an even more intense response comes in return.

Our Firebird biodegradable casings mean little to no cleanup, but plenty of noise.

• No mixing to prep

• Reliable performance

• No cleanup afterward

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with the old powder, cap and ball process — if you’re a history buff.

FIREBIRD TARGETS

☎ (844) 544-4832

FIREBIRDTARGETS.COM

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YOUR TEXAS HUNTING, SPORTING DESTINATION

Perched atop a mesa just west of Fort Worth, Greystone Castle is a sight to behold. With four turrets peeking above the tree line, this majestic sight is one to be remembered. From its awardwinning wingshooting program to trophy whitetail and exotics, world-class bass fishing and our National Champion Sporting Clays instructor, there is something for everyone at Greystone Castle.

The Gold Medal whitetail deer program offers an all-inclusive package based on the opportunity to hunt the opening weekend of season. Not restricted by score, it is an exclusive chance to hunt for the whitetail of your dreams. This year’s results include a giant 493-inch deer taken by rifle.

As evidenced by being named the Orvis 2015 Wingshooting Lodge of the Year, Greystone has mastered the art of bird hunting. The ever-popular mixed bag hunt includes quail, pheasant, chukar and Hungarian partridge. This upland walking hunt allows guests to experience great pointing dogs working over rolling terrain specially farmed for optimal bird habitat. The European pheasant hunt is a great way to get lots of shooting action and watch Labradors do what they do best — retrieve birds! The mallard hunts offer a great chance to hone your skills over water while the fast-flying dove hunts offer an adrenaline rush every hunter craves.

If you are looking for something different, you will find it in the exotic pasture full of animals from around the world. Species from Africa, Asia, South America, and Europe roam the Texas plains and thrive in the southern climate. Breeding herds of axis deer, aoudad, blackbuck antelope, sika and fallow deer mean there are plenty of trophies to be taken.

For those looking to relax and enjoy the water, Greystone offers more than 120 acres of stocked bass lakes. From small private lakes to the 80-acre Thurber Lake, every type of fishing opportunity exists. From fly-fishing to spincasters or simple hook and bobbers, there is a method for everyone. Kayaks and paddleboards let you go off on your own adventure or you can jump on a pontoon boat to sneak to the honey holes.

Two championship sporting clays courses, two 5-stands, a training course and a wobble deck challenge every level of shooter. Our new 400yard rifle and pistol range offers steel targets at a variety of distances. Hone your skills on the new archery course featuring a tri-level static range and a 3-D walking course. Or just enjoy the scenic hiking and biking trails.

What appeals to Greystone visitors is its topof-the-line accommodations and gourmet meals. Guests enjoy 26 private rooms, gourmet dining from an executive chef, conference facilities and a swimming pool with a hot tub and a steam room. Along with this is the 2,600 square-foot pavilion facility with custom bar, large seating areas, 65-inch TVs, carved limestone fireplace, Laser Shot, billiards and an overlook terrace with a custom outdoor fire pit.

The ownership and staff are dedicated to creating one of the finest sporting experiences found anywhere in the world. Long-term habitat improvements and wildlife management has made Greystone an extraordinary hunting venue.

GREYSTONE CASTLE

☎ (800) 399-3006

GREYSTONECASTLE.COM

LN Ranch

2,118± acres | $9,520,410 | Brown County, Texas

An extraordinary offering, complete with exceptional water features, fantastic improvements, including guest accommodations, outstanding scenery, and four-season recreation opportunities. Improvements include a beautiful two-story home, three well-built guest cabins, an equipment shop, and a storage barn. Multiple large ponds are dispersed throughout the ranch and Turkey Creek winds its way through the eastern portions of the property.

This region has bountiful populations of wildlife which include whitetail deer, feral hogs, some exotics, and plenty of turkey. The LN Ranch is well set up for deer hunting with seven hunting blinds strategically located with fifteen wildlife feeders. The larger ponds are stocked and fishing is reported to be very good.

Burrow Guadalupe River Ranch

797.5± acres | $15,112,625 | Gonzales & DeWitt Counties, Texas

This nearly 800± acre ranch is an outstanding property with almost two full miles of Guadalupe River Frontage. This one-of-a-kind property has improved grass pastures, outstanding river bottom land that is lined with mature pecan and oak trees, and a well developed pecan orchard. Highly improved with a two story main house with an attached apartment, a pool, a matching main barn, a small horse barn with a tack room and six outdoor stalls, and a greenhouse. The ranch has excellent water features including almost 2 miles of Guadalupe River Frontage, three ponds, five windmills, six wells, and 13 rain collection tanks of various sizes. Perfect for horseback riding, ATVs, hunting, and the river can be floated at certain times of the year.

South Arrow Ranch

200± acres | $6,250,000 | Blanco County, Texas

A very unique property located in the highly desirable northwest portion of Blanco County near Fredericksburg, Lake LBJ, and Horseshoe Bay. Ranch improvements include a 7,500 sq. ft. insulated barn/shop with concrete floors, electricity, and water. The barn also has a 3,500 sq. ft. awning with horse stalls under it. A 1-bedroom, 1-bath hunter’s cabin is located nearby. Water features include two ponds and an excellent water well that provides water to the barn/shop and several water troughs scattered throughout the ranch. The South Arrow Ranch is an excellent hunting property for white-tail deer, turkey, dove, quail, and wild hogs.

Red Mud Creek North Ranch

4,309.52± acres | $4,675,830 | Dickens amd Kent Counties, Texas

A very desirable ranch offering livestock and hunting/recreation opportunities. The terrain on the ranch is described as gently rolling to level over much of the property. The Little Red Mud Creek traverses the property offering topographic relief and exceptional wildlife habitat. Several fingers of the creek extend outwards into the ranch. Well watered for livestock and wildlife with 2 electric water wells being used to pipe water to drinking troughs throughout the property. Several dams have been constructed on the ranch and there are five or six nice ponds. This area produces quality whitetail. $1,085 per acre

Crooked Tree Ranch

9,400± acres | $28,153,000 | Shackelford Co., TX

A one-of-a-kind property with great turf, water, minerals, immaculate improvements, convenient location, and unequaled hunting. The property is considered to be very well watered with scattered ponds throughout the ranch. Located in one of the top hunting counties in Texas. There is a 200-acre high-fenced pasture stocked with deer. $2,995 per acre.

Bull Run Ranch

9,871.26± Total acres | $9,250,000 | Catron Co., NM

6,628.91± Deeded • 2,882.35± NM St. Lease • 360 BLM

A stunning west-central New Mexico property with a rich history, well-conserved land, and quality improvements. Well watered with 7 wells (1 shared), 14 dirt ponds, 19 drinkers, 9 storage tanks, and a 2-acre pond. Amazing hunting opportunities for elk, mule deer, pronghorn, bear and turkey.

West Stephens Ranch

688.2± acres | $3,165,720 | Stephens County, Texas

The topography is level to rolling. The property is drained by several seasonal tributaries and drainages of nearby Battle Creek. The ranch has an excellent turf of native grasses with live oak, hackberry, and other hardwoods scattered throughout. The ranch represents a tremendous opportunity to acquire a quality recreational property with upside potential.

Quail Ridge Ranch

4,000± acres | $12,600,000 | Shackelford, Co., TX

A very well manicured and managed ranch centrally located in Shackelford Co., Texas. One of the finest quail hunting properties in the county along with pastures that have been cleared to maximize cattle carrying capacity. Scattered ponds along with seasonal creeks provide ample water. This area provides some of the finest deer hunting in the county with very little hunting pressure. $3,150 per acre.

King County Big Pasture Ranch

2,582± acres | $4,518,500 | King County, Texas

The property is accessed off of U.S. Highway 83 which borders the property’s west fence line for 1.4 miles. The 6666 Ranch borders the south fence line for 3.2 miles. The terrain exhibits good relief defined by a rolling topography while a portion of the southeast corner is a picturesque broken country. $1,750 per acre.

Flat Top Mountain Ranch

1,920± acres | $9,504,000 | Shackelford, Co., TX

Exceptional offering with level to rolling terrain, several shallow seasonal drainages and an excellent turf of native grasses, primarily of bluestem. Includes two game food plots. Improvements include a limestone ranch house and an adjacent 30x50 metal barn with a 20-foot overhang. Excellent hunting with quality white-tail, hogs, waterfowl, quail, and dove.

Hedrick-River Ranch

3,034± acres | $4,020,076 | Hall County, Texas

Located about 12 miles northeast of Turkey, Texas. With its variety of terrain characteristics, ranging from river and creek bottoms, to upland cultivation, and a desirable mix of vegetation and aesthetic appeal, this ranch is the ideal blend of production agriculture and recreation. $1,325 per acre.

Turkey Creek Ranch

135± acres | $1,925,000 | Montague County, Texas

Beautiful recreational and livestock property featuring rolling terrain with hardwood trees and open areas of grass throughout. Very well watered with a good well, 5 ponds that provide excellent fishing, Turkey Creek, and a second all-weather creek that provides water holes in the dry season. Excellent hunting with quality white-tail deer, hogs, turkey, and dove.

$4 Billion+ Total Sales since 2016

Willoughby Ranch

640± acres | $992,000 | Cottle County, Texas

The majority of the ranch remains in native pasture; however, there are approximately 130 acres located on the west side of the property that are in cultivation and operated on a dryland basis. Level to broken terrain with two large tributaries to the North Wichita River extending through the native pasture of the ranch. $1,550 per acre.

Largest Contiguous Sale in the U.S. in 2016 (535,000 acres)

IN HONOR OF HEMINGWAY’S BERETTA

In 1949, Ernest Hemingway, who may be America’s most renowned author and a well-known hunter, purchased a Beretta shotgun — an SO3, serial number 5991 — which was Beretta’s top-of-the-line over-and-under at the time.

Hemingway bought the 12-gauge shotgun to shoot ducks in the Venice, Italy, area. The gun’s journey included a trip to Africa where Hemingway hunted guinea fowl and to Cuba where he hunted pigeon.

In 1963, a few years after Hemingway’s death and after spending years in Africa, the S03 was sold at auction by Abercrombie & Fitch. Beretta acquired the shotgun years later and it is currently on display at the Beretta Gallery on New York’s Madison Avenue.

Ian Harrison, Beretta’s director of premium gun sales and the former manager of the Dallas Beretta Gallery, has designed a new shotgun in homage to Hemingway and his original Beretta gun.

“It’s an historic-type piece,” Harrison said. “Last year, I designed and built a shotgun in what is now Beretta’s top-of-theline over-and-under, the SO10. In the 1940s, the 12-gauge was the all-purpose gun used for wingshooters, but now it leans more toward the 20-gauge. The new gun is in 20 gauge with a 28-inch barrel, and it has a modernized version of the original engraving, including roses, little faces, and the historic Pietro Beretta logo

PERFORMANCE BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED

The SL3 is a distinctive shotgun within Beretta’s premium portfolio, in which design elegance meets superior Beretta technology. Beautifully crafted in Gardone Val Trompia by master gunsmiths, the SL3 features a superior locking system, an exceptional firing mechanism, and a beautiful design. Discover how craftsmanship, passion, and the pursuit of perfection lead to outstanding performance in the field.

For more information contact one of our Premium Dealers or the Beretta Galleries

Dove prospects good

Both mourning dove and white-winged dove numbers increased significantly this year. Owen Fitzsimmons, the webless migratory game bird program leader at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, issued a report Aug. 2 after the completion of annual rural and urban dove surveys.

Mourning dove

Mourning dove numbers have ranged from a high of 37.5 million in 2016 to a low of 19.8

million in 2022. This year, the estimate is 28.3 million, a 44-percent increase from 2022 and 3 percent above the long-term average. Abundance increased in all regions of the state. White-winged dove Whitewings have continued their expansion across the state since the 1990s, and are strongly associated with urban habitat, according to the report. Estimates have ranged from a low of 6.7 million birds in 2008 to highs of 11.7 million in 2015 and this year. The estimate for 2023 represents a 20-percent increase from

last year and is 19 percent above the long-term average. About 85 percent of the birds live in urban areas.

Dove hunters, while happy with the numbers, have been around long enough to know that weather changes occurring within 10 days or so from opening day can change everything and toss any opening-weekend projections out the window. A cool front and/or a rain event tends to scatter the birds, especially the mourning dove, and can make an area expected to be a hotspot void of birds for the opener.

PERFECTING THE VISION OF HEAT

Fusion Thermal’s new optics make the complex seem simple. The new Avenger 55XR and Avenger 40 utilize the company’s T3 Three Button Control System, along with the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) menu.

“The ease of use is a big deal,” said shooter Cameron Salvaggio. “You don’t want to have to look up in the dark to see what button you’re hitting, especially when you’re hog hunting.”

What hunters will find in the new thermal series is high-end features with a “simplicity first” design.

Thermal sensors require a lot of power, and the Avenger Series has ample power with the 18650 battery design, run in parallel, providing an industry-leading, eight-hour run time.

The Avenger series utilizes aircraftgrade aluminum housing, while most other brands use plastic.

“Thermals create a lot of heat, and the aluminum housing allows it to escape,” Salvaggio said. “Plastic holds in the heat and can degrade the sensor and core over time, which negatively affects image quality and overall clarity.”

Recently at a precision rifle expo, shooters shot with all the top brands in the thermal industry. Two steel targets were set up, one at 200 yards and one at 500 yards. Both had a heating pad on the back of the target.

“Right before the night shoot started, the 500-yard target went out, so it was unheated,” Salvaggio said. “There was very little differential in heat between the air, the berm and the target.”

Each brand had their own bay to shoot, and consumers took turns going to each

bay and testing out each thermal. Out of all of the brands, the Fusion Thermal was the only brand that consumers could see and shoot the 500-yard target, Salvaggio said. All of the other brands stuck to the 200-yard target because they couldn’t see the longer, cooler target.

“One consumer, who shot an $18,000 scope, said you would think for 18K, you would be able to see the 500-yard target like you can with the Fusion Thermal,” Salvaggio said.

Angel Padilla, of Johnny’s Sport Shop in Eagle Lake, works full-time at the shop and also guides hog hunters at night with Sandy Creek Outfitters. Both sell and use the Fusion Thermal products.

“The units perform really well in humidity and fog, which a lot of other brands struggle with,” Padilla said. “You can still see the animals in high humidity. And I like the three-button system because you never have to look up to see where your fingers are.”

Hunters like to record their nighttime hog hunts, and the Avenger series includes a full media package, including photo, video and audio capabilities, along with Fusion Thermal’s HeatSync App to make connectivity a snap.

The Avenger series features both quality and affordability in elite fashion within the thermal scope world. The 55XR costs less than $6,000 and the Avenger 40 is around $4,000.

FUSION THERMAL

☎ (985) 375-1185

FUSIONTHERMAL.COM

Lone Star outdoor newS

David J. Sams

THERMAL HUNTING

AVENGER 40

WAVE12 384 Sensor

9+ Hour Runtime

MSRP: $4099

AVENGER 55XR

WAVE12 640 Sensor

7+ Hour Runtime

MSRP: $5989

Fusion Thermal Exclusive Features

Micro Click Focus Leave the Collars to the Dogs

Getting your target into focus quickly and easily is a must, and you won’t find a better system than our Micro Click Focus. Our tactile focus knob is conveniently located on top of the front lens, and unlike the dog collar design used by our competitors you won’t need to perform a circus act just to focus your scope. Plus, you’ll always get your best shot as the micro click adjustments put you on the perfect focus point every time.

ARCLIGHT Ultra HD Germanium Lens High Purity for Maximum Energy

The single most expensive component of a well-crafted thermal is its germanium lens. If you skimp here, you’re not even in the game. Our high purity ArcLight Ultra HD Germanium Lens is the crowning jewel of our technology package. It perfects the task of collecting and funneling infrared energy into the thermal sensor unhindered by distortion. This clean transition results in an infrared energy dump that unleashes the full potential of our WAVE thermal sensor delivering a user experience well beyond expectations.

KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) Menu Industry’s Easiest Menu System

We think you’re really going to like our menu; it uses words, English words. Written for Americans by Americans. That’s why we called it KISS. You’ve heard the phrase, and at Fusion Thermal it’s the reason we can make the industry’s boldest statement: Our operating system is so easy to use you’ll likely never read the instructions.

T3 Control System

Don’t Let Your Fingers Get Lost in the Dark

Our highly intuitive three button control system with center tower makes using your scope simple and easy. Every command is at your fingertips, and the Center Tower evenly splits the control panel, so you’ll never be confused about what button you’re going to press. We thought this a particularly good idea since you’ll be using it in the dark most of the time.

WAVE

Thermal Sensor Same Money, Better Performance

Is it possible for one thermal scope to dramatically outperform everything else in its class? Yes, so don’t make the mistake of shopping by specifications alone or you just might get burned. Our WAVE thermal sensors push the limit of what is technically possible and set the standard for image quality, ruggedness, and long life. So, before you plop down your hard-earned cash make sure you do a side-by-side to any similarly priced competitive alternative. We think you’ll find the difference to be clearly obvious.

XGEN Alloy Housing

Plastic is for toys. Metal is for tools. It’s a fact, thermals produce heat, and heat is the enemy of all thermal devices. If you don’t get the heat out operational performance will degrade, and long-term internal damage is a certainty. Our XGEN (Next Generation Alloy Body) shields your expensive investment in a metal clad of armor, and our high-end AL6082 Conductive Structural Alloy displaces heat at an astounding 71,900% better than plastic. You don’t think of your thermal as some cheap plastic toy. Why should it be built like one?

Game-changing simplicity. Industry leading runtime. Onboard video, photo and HD audio recording. Meet the new AVENGER from Fusion Thermal.

Available at fine retailers all across the Great State of Texas

Hunting, AUGUST 2023

Leaning on decades of ballistic knowledge and proven performance, Weatherby will now load some of the industry’s most popular hunting cartridges. Initial cartridges being loaded will be 300 PRC, 7mm PRC, 6.5 PRC, 28 Nosler and 280 AI. Tested and developed to lead the industry in velocity and terminal performance, consumers can expect hand-loaded precision in commercially produced ammo. Like Weatherby’s current ammo selection, each new premium offering will feature bullets and brass known for tight tolerances and accurate groups. All new offerings will fall into Weatherby’s Select Plus line of premium ammunition.

With the handloader in mind, Weatherby will also offer premium Weatherby brass for each cartridge. The 50-count offerings will feature tight powder capacity tolerances for precision loading. These premium brass offerings are extremely consistent, which helps maintain a low standard deviation in velocity.

G. K. Paloma Ranch

A sportsman’s nirvana featuring 325 acres of enticing wingshooting for wild quail and dove is now available. Sure, big deer roam the low-fenced property, and dove and turkey hunting is absolutely first-class on this strictly managed property. But it is the quail population that creates the real buzz here.

Near Aspermont in Stonewall County, the property features lush grasses and decent surface water part time. A water well with underground piping keeps troughs full. Electricity runs to the hunting shack, and superior roads exist all the way around with decent fences and very lightly grazed grass. The property has a number of possible home sites.

A humbling array of all that is wild and beautiful in West Texas — especially quail.

This hunting realm can be yours for $2,350 per acre.

BY JAY SCHWISOW

NEW VIRTUAL BIG BUCK CONTEST

ForEverlast, a leader in both hunting and fishing products, presents the Trophy Chasers Texas Largest Whitetail contest — a totally virtual contest series. For an entry fee of $20, the hunter who brings us the largest free-range, native whitetail in Texas for the 2023-24 hunting season will receive $1,000 cash, an embroidered jacket and other prizes. With the success of the Texas Largest Trout tournament, which will conclude Sept. 4, we are excited to see who can top the leaderboard with a bruiser whitetail this season and be deemed the best in Texas.

Scores will be accepted from any Texas Big Game Awards certified scorer, B&C or P&Y official scorer or those listed as approved on TrophyChasers.net, so submitting your score and photograph will be simple and virtual. See the website for more details and to get signed up!

Sponsors for this year’s contest are: RaxMax Deer Feed, Brush to Bay Outfitters, Vortex Optics and Chuck Brown Ford.

TROPHY CHASERS ☎ (361) 798-1531

TROPHYCHASERS.NET

Guided wild quail hunts with rigs and exceptional dog work make this a rare experience. We will meet you at the border for this easy and convenient long weekend hunt. Call us to learn more.

POINTING LABS FROM ROYAL LINEAGE

If you thought there was no such thing as natural pointing Labradors, think again. Labs are winning all over the country in contests that require steadiness to birds before hand retrieve. So many Labradors live only to please their owners, but few are bred to point, flush and recover. These pups are.

Pedigrees of these pups include bloodlines consisting of more than a dozen pointing and flushing national titles against all pointing breeds. These pups share an ancestry built on that special kinship to owners and family — especially kids — like no other dogs.

My dogs, Boo, a recent national champion, and his mother, Scout, fourth last year among 160 dogs in the BHU Open Pointing division, both sleep in our bed.

We have both yellow and black pups left.

A Place to Shoot

San Antonio, 210-628-1888

Abilene Indoor Gun Range

Abilene, 325-698-4224

Able Ammo

Huntsville, 936-295-5786

AJC Sports

Clute, 979-265-4867

Ally Outdoors

Midland, 972-332-3700

Richardson, 972-332-3700

Alpha Armory

Houston, 888-932-7660

Alpine Shooting Range

Ft Worth, 817-478-6613

Americana Arms, LLC

Beeville, 361-362-3673

Athena Gun Club

Houston, 713-461-5900

BPS Outfitters

Sherman, 903-832-2227

BTO Range

Conroe, 936-588-3333

Buck & Doe’s Mercantile, LLC

San Antonio, 830-980-3637

C.A.C Tactical

Southlake, 888-211-8191

Caroline Colt Company LLC

Abilene, 325-232-7501

Carroll’s Gun Shop

Whaton, 979-532-3175

Carter’s Country

Houston, 713-461-1844

Houston, 281-879-1466

Pasadena, 713-475-2222

Spring, 281-443-8393

DFW Shooting Sports

Bedford, 817-285-0664

Champion Firearms

College Station, 979-693-9948

Collectors Firearms

Houston, 713-781-5812

Danny's, Inc.

McAllen, 956-687-4692

Defender Outdoors

Fort Worth, 817-935-8377

DFW Gun Club

Dallas, 214-630-4866

Dury's Gun Shop

San Antonio, 210-533-5431

Field & Streams Sporting Goods

San Angelo, 325-944-7094

Fun Guns Waco, 254-755-0080

Gibson’s

Weatherford, 817-594-8711

Glick Twins

Pharr, 956-787-429

GRITR Sports

N. Richland Hills, 817-200-7470

Grabagun.com

Coppell, 972-552-7246

Guard & Defend Firearms

Silsbee, 409-201-9468

Guns Warehouse LLC

Cedar Park, 512-986-7330

Hoss Arms, LLC

New Braunfels, 830-609-8891

John Doe Investigations, LLC

Lewisville, 214-773-0129

Kirkpatrick Gun & Ammo

Laredo, 956-723-6338

Marksmen Firearms

Mansfield, 817-453-8680

McBride's Guns

Austin, 512-472-3532

Misson Ridge Range & Academy

San Antonio, 210-504-9000

Mister Guns LLC

Plano, 214-901-7429

Modern Pawn & Guns

Corpus Christi, 361-993-9390

Nagel's Gun Shop, Inc.

San Antonio, 210-342-5420

Nardis Gun Club

San Antonio, 210-369-9199

Omaha Outdoors

Rosenberg, 713-703-4648

Past & Blast Antiques & Firearms

Whitesboro, 903-564-5444

Point Blank Sporting Goods

Pharr, 956-992-8799

Primary Arms

Houston, 713-344-9600

Ranger Firearms of Texas Inc.

San Antonio, 210-822-4867