HUNTING texas Annual 2017
Guide for your hunts
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
Lone Star Outdoor News 8/3/17 3:49 PM
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
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Today, Ducks Unlimited has conserved over 14 Million acres of wetland habitat. Purchase a ticket and take wetland conservation to the next level. Attend an event. Volunteer. Visit ducks.org /events.
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
Lone Star Outdoor News
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
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HUNTING texas About the Cover: Annual 2017
During a winter dove hunt, the action was fast and furious, and a hunter returned to the truck with a triple. (See story on page 26) Lili Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News
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REALBARK HUNTING SYSTEMS… 17
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LONE STAR PREDATOR CALLING CLASSIC……………………………… 45
Lone Star Outdoor News, ISSN 2162-8300, a publication of Lone Star Outdoor News, LLC, publishes twice a month. A mailed subscription is $30 for 24 issues. Newsstand copies are $2, in certain markets copies are free, one per person. Copyright 2017 with all rights reserved. Reproduction and/or use of any photographic or written material without written permission by the publisher is prohibited. Subscribers may send address changes to: Lone Star Outdoor News, P.O. Box 551695, Dallas, TX 75355 or email them to news@lonestaroutdoornews.com.
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
Lone Star Outdoor News
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TAKE YOUR TRAIL CAMERAS TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Stealth Cam, continuing their innovative dominance on the trail camera market, is now shipping the first trail camera featuring 30MP resolution and Ultra HD, 4K Video technology. Stealth Cam is committed to producing products capable of providing the clearest images and the DS4K has every feature to help deliver these expectations. It is loaded with premium features, which include dual-image sensors for optimal day and night high-resolution images, 42 NO GLO IR emitters for 100FT true invisible nighttime illumination, split-second trigger speed, adjustable IR range, and many more. New for Stealth Cam, the DS4K also features a PIR combo mode, featuring the best of both worlds with a high-resolution image followed by a HD video in the same triggering. The 30 megapixel high-resolution game camera has a 16:9 wide image ratio, manual shot capability and an SD card slot up to 64GB to house multiple images and videos when needed most. The DS4K uses Matrix Advanced Blur Reduction and Retina low-light sensitivity improving the quality of low-light pictures. Stealth Cam delivers yet another product to set market standards that will give users the most realistic images and videos available. The MSRP for the DS4K is $299.99. It’s the next big achievement in Stealth Cam’s proven technology.
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
Lone Star Outdoor News
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
Lone Star Outdoor News
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Opening Day
Mistakes
By Ray Sasser
By Ray Sasser
For Lone Star Outdoor News Most Texas dove hunters go afield about three times a season, usually in September. It’s been awhile since last September, and here are some tips from dove hunting pros on how to have a better opening day hunt. Mike Hopkins advises dove hunters to dress for success. Hopkins’ business, Hopkins Outdoors LLC, has dove leases surrounding DFW and he observes hundreds of hunters each season. Hopkins said he’s even seen a trend the last few seasons of more hunters dressing in blaze orange. “Safety is of the utmost importance,” Hopkins said, “but you should stay safe by staying beyond shotgun range of other hunters in the field, knowing where other hunters are located and not shooting at low-flying birds. Wear camouflage or at least a drab color that blends in with your surroundings. Find some shade to stand in. You’ll be more comfortable and it’s harder for birds to see you in the shade.” Hopkins is convinced that doves shy away from hunters dressed in bright colors. The birds have extraordinary eyesight and a lofty vantage point from which to use it. Doves also key on movement said Keith Boone. He manages Dallas businessman Boone Pickens’ Mesa Vista Ranch in the Panhandle. Pickens entertains hundreds of friends and business associates during dove season. His legendary dove hunts are as organized as a military expedition and Keith Boone is in charge of every hunt. Boone loads hunters onto the Mesa Vista bus and puts them out at predetermined hunting positions. Each spot has a dovehunting bucket containing extra shells and drinking water. The buckets have swivel tops and are designed to sit on. Each hunter also has one or two spinning-wing dove decoys placed nearby. Boone’s crew plants a variety of food to attract doves. Some of it grows in stalks 6 feet high. Before hunting season, he mows strips in the fields, creating a virtual banquet for birds. The strips are about 20 yards wide, thus any bird flying over the strip is within shotgun range.
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
“The best thing any hunter can do is keep a low profile by placing a bucket back a little ways into the cover and sit on it,” Boone said. “Don’t even move until a bird is close enough to shoot. Only then do you mount your gun and take the shot.” Speaking of shot, most dove hunters favor No. 8 for the dense patterns this size produces, though No. 7 1/2 shot works better for larger white-winged doves or Eurasian collared doves. Whichever shot size you choose, Roy Wilson advises that you don’t try to save money with bargain basement shells. Wilson’s Texas Best Outfitters has put thousands of hunters on limits in more than 30 years of hunting dove. “There’s a reason those shells are cheap,” Wilson said. “If you shoot an autoloader, you need a shotgun shell with enough power to cycle the action and load another shell in the barrel. Otherwise, you’re hunting with an expensive single shot. Doves are hard enough to hit without complicating it by wondering whether you shotgun will shoot more than once. “When one of my hunters asks me for a cleaning kit and says his autoloader is not working, he invariably is shooting cheap shells. For most hunters, shotgun shells are the cheapest part of the hunt.” According to Shaun Oldenburger, dove program leader for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the average Texas mourning dove hunters bagged about 22 doves during the 2015-2016 season. Mourning doves are among the most difficult game birds to shoot. Studies have concluded that it takes the average hunter five shots per bird bagged. That’s just over four boxes of shells per season, on the average. Buying cheap shells will save about $8 per season. Also, said Wilson, don’t put too much pressure on a productive field. Doves will relocate when they’re not allowed to feed. Wilson tells his hunters to hunt the edges and shoot the doves as they come and go from the field. Leave the middle of the field for birds to feed in peace and they’re more likely to return the next day. If there are multiple fields available, he said, avoid hunting the same field on consecutive days. Spread the hunting pressure around.
Lone Star Outdoor News
GROWING THE NEXT GENERATION Texas Dove Hunters Association has developed a presence throughout Texas with the introduction of a new habitat improvement program and the First Flight Youth Programs that are popping up all around the state. The first TDHA Youth Day will be in San Antonio on Aug. 19 from 10 a.m.4 p.m. Kids ages 5-16 are welcome when accompanied by a parent. There will be opportunities to shoot BB guns, pellet guns, shotguns and rifles in a free, safe and secure environment with the emphasis on gun safety. There will also have field safety activities, gun dog demonstrations and much more. Volunteers from all around the state have been trained and will be hosting DOVE 101 classes from Dallas to the Rio Grande Valley. These four-to five-hour seminars teach youth about safety in the field, ethical hunting, how to identify dove, field etiquette and how to field
dress a dove. This year, TDHA awarded 10 more scholarships to high school seniors bringing the total to 38 since 2013. TDHA’S habitat program has taken off. TDHA representatives are scheduling appointments to visit your field/property and assist you in evaluating your current habitat and your desired goals. TDHA has already assisted with many properties and many landowners have general questions about planting that, in many cases, can be answered over the phone. The future of the land in our state will one day be in the hands of our youth. TDHA strives to educate them not only in the sport of hunting, but also in conservation and respect for wildlife by continuing to grow the next generation of hunters and wildlife ambassadors.
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
Lone Star Outdoor News
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Beretta Gallery marks 20 years in Dallas
The Beretta Gallery in Dallas is celebrating 20 years at its Highland Park Village location. In the book, “The World of Beretta: An International Legend” by R. L. Wilson, the Dallas gallery opened following the success of the gallery in New York City. Highland Park Village was chosen in part because of its European style with its handsome stucco façade, and in part because of its high-end neighboring retailers. The gala launch of the gallery took place on Oct. 3, 1997, and was attended by members of the Beretta family, executives from the New York gallery and celebrities. The Dallas customers were found to be different from those in New York. Rather than dealing with relatively new shooters and converts to firearms, the Texas staff found experienced customers interested in better grades of guns. Wilson wrote that about half of America’s African safari hunters come from Texas. The Dallas gallery took off. In one year, the gallery broke even, according to the book. The Dallas opening is described as another landmark event
By Tim Sharp
in the modern history of Beretta, and the store is a top seller of Beretta’s fine products. The gallery hosts many special events for organizations, including the Lone Star Outdoor News Wild Game Supper each October. Beretta Gallery in Dallas includes a beautiful, well-stocked gunroom featuring Beretta’s full line of firearms, from pistols to shotguns to premium side-by-side Express rifles. The fine clothing for men and women is designed specifically for Texans and includes both sportswear and hunting clothing, all sorts of high-end gun accessories and gear line the gallery’s walls, and sporting art and fine accessories bring in people from across the state and beyond.
BERETTA GALLERY
☎ (214) 559-9800 beretta.com
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
Lone Star Outdoor News
BERETTA.COM
A TIMELESS CL ASSIC THAT WILL ENDURE FOR GENER ATIONS Now available in 12 & 20 gauge Visit the Beretta Dallas Gallery to see our full line of firearms, clothing & accessories.
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Lone Star Outdoor News
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AGUILA AMMUNITION SHOTSHELLS NOW AT ACADEMY BIG GAME HUNTING BOOKS Africa, Asia, North America New & Old In Print & Out of Print
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us for our big free list or visit our website. Aguila Ammunition and Texas Armament & Technology are pleased to announce that Aguila’s line of shotshells is now available in all Academy locations throughout the Southeastern United States. Aguila’s standard velocity game loads are engineered to knock birds out of the sky. They offer high quality, dependability and an affordable price. Available in 1 1/8-ounce loads in 7.5 shot with velocity of 1,200 fps. “Academy Sports + Outdoors is the outdoor leader in Texas and throughout the Southeast,” said Patrick Thomas, director of sales for Aguila Ammunition. “We’ve had a longstanding relationship with Academy and we’re happy to see our shotshell product within their store locations.” Industrias Tecnos, manufacturer of the Aguila brand of shotshells, utilizes a lead shot tower 74 meters in height, with a drop of 56 meters between the shot-forming metering pans to the chilling bath at the bottom of the tower. Shot towers provide the most spherical lead shot achievable utilizing a historical process that is rarely available today. Tecnos is a fully integrated shotshell manufacturer producing primers, shotshells, lead shot and components. Aguila shotgun shells are redefining the genre. Aguila’s extensive shotshell line has something for everyone — whether the application is hunting, competition, clays or home defense — .410 to 12 gauge and everything in between. ABOUT AGUILA AMMUNITION Aguila Ammunition, founded in 1961, is manufactured in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico by Industrias Tecnos, S.A. de C.V. As one of the largest rimfire manufacturers in the world, Aguila utilizes cutting-edge technology to manufacture quality rimfire, centerfire and shotshell ammunition. Texas Armament & Technology is the exclusive North American distributor for Aguila Ammunition.
AGUILA AMMUNITION
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
Lone Star Outdoor News
ENGINEERED FOR OPTIMAL CONSISTENCY. Aguila® field loads are created using state-of-the-art technology and superior components. Our strict quality assurance program and ballistic evaluations ensure high performance and dependability, giving bird hunters that competitive edge.
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
Lone Star Outdoor News
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2017-18 hunting season dates ALLIGATOR
GOOSE
22 Counties & special properties All Other Counties
East Zone Early Canada goose: Light goose Light goose conservation order White-fronted goose West Zone Light & dark geese Light goose conservation order
Sep. 10 - 30 Apr. 1 - June 30
CHACHALACA Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr & Nov. 4 - Feb. 25 Willacy Counties
DOVE North Zone Central Zone South Zone Additional days for Special White-winged Dove season
Sep. Dec. Sep. Dec. Sep. Dec.
1 - Nov. 12 & 15 - Dec. 31 1 - Nov. 5 & 15 - Jan. 7 22 - Nov. 8; 15 - Jan. 21
Sep. 2, 3, 9, 10
DUCK North Zone Regular Season Dusky duck Youth-Only South Zone Regular Season Dusky duck Youth-Only
Nov. 11 - 26 & Dec. 2 - Jan. 28 Nov. 16 - 26 & Dec. 2 - Jan. 28 Nov. 4 - 5 Nov. 4 - 26 & Dec. 9 - Jan. 28 Nov. 9 - 26 & Dec. 9 - Jan. 28 Oct. 28 - 29
HIGH PLAINS MALLARD MANAGEMENT UNIT (HPMMU) Regular Season Dusky duck Youth-Only
GALLINULE, RAIL, MOORHEN
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Oct. 28 - 29 & Nov. 3 - Jan. 28 Nov. 6 - Jan. 28 Oct. 21 - 22 Sep. 9 - 24 & Nov. 4 - Dec. 27
Sep. 9 - 24 Nov. 4 - Jan. 28 Jan. 29 - Mar. 18 Nov. 4 - Jan. 28 Nov. 4 - Feb. 4 Feb. 5 - Mar. 18
JAVELINA North Zone South Zone
Oct. 1 - Feb. 25 Sep. 1 – Aug. 31
MULE DEER General Season Panhandle SW Panhandle Trans-Pecos Archery Season
Nov. 18 - Dec. 3 Nov. 18 - 26 Nov. 24 - Dec. 10 Sep. 30 - Nov. 3
PHEASANT Panhandle
PRONGHORN ANTELOPE QUAIL Statewide
RABBITS & HARES SANDHILL CRANE Zone A Zone B Zone C
Dec. 2 - 31 Sep. 30 - Oct. 8
Other Open Counties Special Youth Season
SNIPE
Sep. 9 - 24
Rio Grande Turkey Fall Season North Zone South Zone Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg & Willacy counties Archery-Only Fall Youth-Only Early Late Spring Season North Zone South Zone One-turkey counties Spring Youth-Only
Nov. 4 - Jan. 7 Nov. 4 - Jan. 21 Nov. 4 - Feb. 25 Sep. 30 - Nov. 3 Oct. 28 - 29 Jan. 8 - 21 Mar. 31 - May 13 Mar. 17 - Apr. 29 April 1 - April 30 Mar. 24 - 25 & May 19 - 20 Mar. 10 - 11 & May 5 - 6
North Zone South Zone Eastern Turkey Spring Season East Texas
Apr. 15 - May 14
WHITE-TAILED DEER Oct. 28 - Feb. 25 No closed season Oct. 28 - Jan. 28 Nov. 24 - Jan. 28 Dec. 16 - Jan. 21
SQUIRREL East Texas
TEAL TURKEY
Oct. 1 - Feb. 25 & May 1 - 31 Sep. 1 - Aug. 31 Sep. 23 - 24 Oct. 28 - Feb. 11
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
Lone Star Outdoor News
General Season North Zone South Zone Special Late Season North Zone South Zone Youth-Only Seasons Early Season Late Season Archery Season Muzzleloader-Only
WOODCOCK
Nov. 4 - Jan. 7 Nov. 4 - Jan. 21 Jan. 8 - 21 Jan. 22 - Feb. 4 Oct. 28 - 29 Jan. 8 - 21 Sep. 30 - Nov. 3 Jan. 8 - 21 Dec. 18 - Jan. 31 *Check TPWD for additional seasons, bag limits
LEASE A QUAIL, DEER AND WILDLIFE MECCA Are you a quail hunter who likes to mix in a mule deer, whitetail or turkey hunt? Or vise versa? The Blue Ranch in the Texas Panhandle is just what you’re looking for. Covering 19,500 acres in Moore County, the ranch is named after Big Blue Creek that runs through the ranch for 3.5 miles, with constant live water from artesian wells. The ranch is hundreds of years old, previously the historic Coon Ranch, and has never been commercially hunted. “We have mule deer, whitetail, pronghorn and turkey,” said ranch manager Mike Turner. “It is range country, not farmland, with plenty of natural resources.” The ranch is rugged, but not too rough to get around. Mature cottonwood stands and miles of scenic, open country are roaming grounds for wildlife. “There are the sand hills and canyons where mule deer hang out and riparian areas for the whitetails,” Turner said. “And the turkey are all over the ranch.” Quail hunters will have plenty of property for both hunters and dogs. The birds have been phenomenal since 2015,” Turner said. “There are more blues than bobwhites, and the covey sizes are ranging from 10 to 35 birds.”
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Deluxe flip up window The ranch is now available for the first time in a year-round lease. “We are interested in quality, ethical hunters who are conservation minded,” Turner said. “We’re looking for a longterm relationship that is pleasurable for the hunters and for the ranch owners.” Lodging consists of a remodeled, century-old, historic home, with a view of Big Blue Creek, that sleeps eight comfortably. Access by air is a snap, with the Dumas Airport, with a runway that easily accommodates Learjets, just 20 minutes away. Your dream hunting lease awaits! Call Turner for details.
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HUNTING SYSTEMS
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654 Acres Brown Co. $1,631,730
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
Lonestar_W5.1xH14_special_insert.indd Lone Star Outdoor News 1
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Absolute Accuracy Geovid HD-B Edition 2200 Rangefinding Binoculars Precise distance measurement and razor-sharp optical performance: hallmarks of Leica Geovid rangefinding binoculars for the past 25 years. See what more they can do now. __ Onboard ballistics system for holdover, angle-compensated horizontal distance, and click adjustments __ Accurate ranging to 2,200 yards __ Brilliant, natural images early dawn to twilight
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
Lone Star Outdoor News
Absolute Accuracy. Magnus i Riflescopes Pin-sharp, crystal clear images and flawless mechanical precision make Leica Magnus i riflescopes exceptional in every way. See why for yourself at your Leica dealer. __ High ratio zoom plus wide field of view __ Day-night illuminated reticle __ Brilliant Leica optical performance Leica-sportoptics.com Join us on Facebook: /LeicaHunting
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
Lone Star Outdoor News
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MOVING FORWARD By Larry Weishuhn
For Lone Star Outdoor News “Adjust your elevation turret for 500 yards, based on the range card we prepared for your rifle, scope and ammo combination.” Before I could respond, Tim Fallon, my hunting partner added, “What do you think the wind call should be?” I cranked my Trijicon 2.5-12.5x scope’s elevation turret up 34 clicks which allowed for the 31-inches in drop of my Hornady Precision Hunter, 200-grain ELD-X load for my Ruger Model 77, FTW/SAAM Hunter chambered in .300 Win Mag based on a “zero” at 250 yards. “I think it’s a 1-minute wind, left to right based on the mirage between here and the target, about a 5-inch wind drift,” I said. “I’ll hold just inside the left edge of the plate.” I saw Tim nod approvingly. I was shooting at a 14-inch steel plate. From a prone shooting position, I held center target allowing for wind drift then pushed the rifle’s safety to fire. After releasing all the air in my lungs I gently squeezed the trigger and pinned it to the rear. Thanks to the rifle’s muzzle break I saw the bullet strike the plate about an inch to the left of dead center. “Good shot, do it again,” Fallon said. Moments later I hit the plate a second time, this time about an inch low of dead center. A third shot made a less than 2-inch group. While I waited for the barrel to cool, preparing for a 700 yard shot, I reflected upon how things had changed when it comes to hunting. Years ago, shooting at targets at those distances in preparation for hunting season would not have happened because I did not have the means to accurately assess long-range targets. The riflescope I used back then did have external turrets to easily facilitate elevation adjustments. And even though my rifles had the accuracy potential at long distances, the available hunting ammo did not necessarily produce long accuracy. External adjustable turret scopes, and Hornady’s Precision Hunter ammo changed all that. Before heading back to my Hoffpauir Chevrolet pickup I put five shots into the steel plate at 700 yards. Back at camp, Tim said, “I know you are not an advocate of long-range shooting at big game and, as you know, we are definitely against it. However, I think it’s important to learn to shoot long range. It’s the hunter’s responsibility to kill the animal with one shot, not hope to simply hit it. If you can place your shots into the vital zone, 8- to 12-inches depending upon the species, and you practice at 500 to 700 yards, then at 200 yards, you should be able to precisely place the bullet, to put the animal down quickly and humanely. “I love shooting long-distance targets; getting to know my rifle, scope and ammo, learning that combination’s capabilities and mine with it. And even though I know I can hit a steel plate at 1,000 yards, to me the challenge and fun of hunting comes in getting as close to the animal as possible before squeezing the trigger, not shooting at game at extremely long distances.” A few days after shooting on the FTW Ranch’s S.A.A.M. ranges, I was crawling over the OX Ranch’s rugged rocks trying to get close of a majestic red sheep. At a ranged 250 yards, we ran out of any kind of stalking cover. There I got into prone position, cranked the scope’s elevation turret up 10 clicks to be dead-on at that distance, then settled in. After having repeatedly hit 8-inch steel plate out to 700 yards, the 250 yard shot seemed like a chip shot. I saw the bullet strike the ram and watched it pitch forward. My time spent shooting at long range had paid off handsomely!
From Larry Weishuhn
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
Lone Star Outdoor News
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g n i h s i f s a x e t l a e r , g n i t n u h s a x e r ea l t
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
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THE ALL-NEW VX-5HD FROM LEUPOLD New for 2017, Leupold is proud to introduce the VX-5HD, with generations of optical design and manufacturing experience rolled into one of our most versatile scopes to date. This game-changing optic is rugged, lightweight, has everything you need and nothing you don’t, and will allow you to have longer days in the field. The VX-5HD is built around Leupold’s Twilight Max Light Management System that balances all available light wavelengths, eliminates glare and pushes resolution to the limit. What does this mean to you? It means at dawn and dusk, you will get a crisp image, which will make everything seem brighter when looking through the scope. You will be able to tell the difference between antlers and branches, fur and grass. And when looking into a rising or setting sun, lesser optics will make it appear as though you are looking through a smoky haze. Not the VX-5HD. The image will be just as clear at this time as it will be at midday. Leupold VX-5HD riflescopes are equipped with two types of dial systems, both of which have 1/4 MOA adjustment increments. The first, the Pop-Up Rezero dial, is for people that like to set it and forget it. These dials can be adjusted with your fingertips, and once zeroed, can be reset by merely pulling the dial out, setting it to zero, and pushing it back into place. The second dial system is for those of us
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that like to dial in our elevation holdovers. It is called the CDS-ZL2 with Pop-Up Rezero windage. Once zeroed, a mere press of the lock button will unlock the dial and deliver 38 MOA of elevation adjustment, ample enough for some very long-distance shooting. All Leupold VX-5HD riflescopes with the CDS-ZL2 elevation dial are eligible for one free custom ballistic dial through the Leupold Custom Shop. The CDS uses your unique ballistics and environmental conditions to calculate true custom drop values that are laser engraved onto the dial. The VX-5HD’s are available in three magnification ranges, 1-5x, 2-10x, and 3-15x, with either illuminated (with Leupold’s FireDot illumination system with eight settings and Motion Sensor Technology (MST) that turns off the illumination after five minutes of inactivity and instantly reactivates it as soon as movement is detected, saving battery life) or non-illuminated reticles. The final step in completing the VX-5HD riflescope is to purge it of its internal oxygen and replace it with Leupold’s exclusive Argon/ Krypton gas blend, ensuring the scope remains 100-percent waterproof and fogproof for the life of the product. Which is forever, since the VX-5HD is covered by the Leupold Full Lifetime Guarantee. If you are searching for the perfect riflescope, stop by your local Leupold retailer and check out the Leupold VX-5HD today.
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
Lone Star Outdoor News
LEUPOLD leupold.com
T H E V X® -3i L R P P U T S L ONG -R A NGE P R E CISION I N R E ACH . Distant game, poor light, rain, snow, heat, terrain…we built the VX®-3i Long Range Precision riflescope to push limits and conquer extremes. First or second focal plane reticles with adjustments in MOA or MILs put you dead on at even the most extreme hunting distances. Low light is no problem, with the Twilight Max® Light Management System. The controls — from the elevation turret to the throw lever — are easy to use when you’re cold, wet, and dialing in for a make-or-break shot. Because it’s a Leupold®, your VX-3i LRP is guaranteed for life. See what else sets the VX-3i LRP apart at Leupold.com. LEUPOLD FULL LIFETIME GUARANTEE
LEUPOLD | AMERICAN TO THE CORE
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
Lone Star Outdoor News
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HEAD TO KARNES COUNTY OPENING WEEKEND During the opening weekend of Texas’ South Zone dove hunting, the Lonesome Dove Fest is the place to be. The annual fundraising event is held at the Karnes County Youth Show Barn located between Karnes City and Kenedy, just off Hwy. 181 on County Road 345. This year’s event, to be held Sept. 21-23, kicks off with the Black Gold Corporate Teams Shoot-Off, where oil and gas company workers compete in shooting events. On the 22nd, Youth Education Day for area school students takes place until 4 p.m., and then the grounds are open to the public with exhibits, food vendors, shooting events and live entertainment by Brad Jenschke and Neon Ranch until 11 p.m. Before Saturday’s hunt, be sure to take in the parade in downtown Karnes City followed by an entire day of fun and activities for the whole family, including a petting zoo, pig races, stick horse rodeo, bounce house, train rides, ballet and polka dancers, cook-off, team shooting contest and washer tournament. At 4 p.m. on Saturday, the real fun begins. The winners of the shooting events and washer tournament are announced, followed by a live auction, gun raffle and live entertainment from the Natalie Rose Band. The Lonesome Dove Fest is sponsored by the Karnes County Rotary Club, and all proceeds go toward youth scholarships and community projects.
LONESOME DOVE FEST
☎ (830) 583-6330 lonesomedovefest.com
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
Lone Star Outdoor News
Turns your knife into the best gutting tool
HUNT CHOCTAW’S HUNTING GROUNDS The Choctaw Hunting Lodge welcomes you to our exclusive hunting grounds! Situated on 44,000 privately owned acres in remote southeastern Oklahoma, The Choctaw Hunting Lodge is one of the largest contiguous hunting properties in the central U.S. and some of the most undeveloped wilderness left in this part of the country. Wild native deer herd management within a working cattle operation is the focus on the western section of the property. Intense trophy deer production is the primary emphasis at our Reserve Management Area on the eastern portion. The programs in both areas are directed by a professional deer biologist with a track record of growing big bucks. The Choctaws have a proud history dating back to 1832 in Southeast Oklahoma. On their path to becoming a revered sovereign nation, the Choctaws assembled large tracts of land that now support conventional land uses and preserve cultural tradition. Natural habitat protection and promotion get primary attention on all Choctaw lands. The nutrient-rich convergence of the Arkansas Valley, Cross Timbers and Ouachita Mountains eco-regions support an abundance of game.
EZ Gut
Ti Valley‘s special Reserve Management Area has achieved Commercial Big Game Preserve status, which gives us a generous hunting season. Today’s record whitetail bucks result from the intersection of super genetics and super nutrition. Our native whitetail genetics are exceptional, closely monitored and respond very well to supplemental feeding. Historically, Oklahoma’s largest bucks have been taken from this area. Dedicated management is paramount to our program. Your stay will be at a comfortable seven-bedroom lodge, and includes target shooting and fishing. Make your reservation today!
Faster
Easier
Cleaner
DEVELOPED AND MANUFACTURED IN TEXAS CONTACT INFO: Jason Maurer 830-456-2325 Email: caoproducts@gmail.com
Website: caoproducts.com
PATTEN PENDING
CHOCTAW HUNTING LODGE
☎ (580) 740-0040 choctawhuntinglodge.com
FOR THE ULTIMATE OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE ON NATIVE AMERICAN SOIL, COME HUNT GIANT WHITETAILS WITH THE CHOCTAWS OF OKLAHOMA. PREMIUM RESERVE MANAGEMENT AREA DEER HUNT Booked anytime from September 1st to January 1st, but early bookings are strongly encouraged due to fighting injuries and antler damage Target: Mature bucks in the 200 inch B&C class (gross score) Typical Visit: 3-4 day hunts with special meals & snacks WILD NATIVE TROPHY DEER HUNT Must be during regular Oklahoma deer seasons Target: Mature bucks (> 4.5 yrs) in the 150 inch B&C class (gross score) Typical Visit: 4-5 day hunts with basic meals Ask for current pricing and custom packages. Harvest quotas are determined by annual census and availability will be limited. Bookings taken on a first come basis.
To Book Contact Travis Benes Cell 580.740.0040 Email tbenes@choctawnation.com www.ChoctawHuntingLodge.com HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
Lone Star Outdoor News
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When you shoot
a
Triple
By Craig Nyhus
Lone Star Outdoor News “I got a triple!” It’s a favorite phrase for dove hunters, and one that isn’t uttered often. For those with autoloaders, it’s a little more common, especially when the birds are flying in big groups, giving time for three shots. Pump shotgunners are next in line, and watching some of them, they work the action so quickly it’s difficult to notice they are shooting a pump. Still, getting back on the next bird after working the pump is an acquired skill. Flock shooters miss more often than not, but occasionally get lucky when a tightly grouped bunch of birds buzzes overhead. Over-and-under shotgunners may have the top bragging rights when they drop three birds in two shot. As a small group of birds passes by, one of the shots requires timing the lead and shot as By Lili Sams
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
Lone Star Outdoor News
two birds are tight to each other, then following it up with another successful shot on a single. This scenario happened to me years ago in Comanche County. Three birds came by, and one was gaining on another. As they got close, the shot dropped two, and the third bird dropped with the second shot. Unfortunately, I was alone at the time, so I’m not sure my friends really believed me. While most hunters end the opening day of dove season with a large pile of empty shotshell casings at their feet, hopefully headed for the trash bag, others hope to bag their 15-bird limit in a single box of shells. Regardless, the dove opener is all about the fun with friends, getting some shooting, celebrating the beginning of another hunting season and cooking some dove breasts on the grill. And maybe, just maybe, this year you’ll get a triple.
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
Lone Star Outdoor News
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TEXAS HILL COUNTRY SPORTING PARADISE As a finalist for Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Lodge of the Year in 2016 and 2017, plus featuring the 2017 Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Guide of the Year, there is little wonder to why Joshua Creek Ranch has been delighting guests from all over the world for nearly three decades. “We try very hard to offer an exceptional customer experience — from guided hunts and habitat management best practices to luxury lodging, meals and amenities, we always keep the Orvis commitment to partnership top-of-mind,” said Kevin Welborn, Joshua Creek Ranch director of marketing. “We have received more than 500 five-star customer reviews on our Orvis profile in just the last two years which suggests we’re doing a pretty good job. It’s nice to be recognized.” The sporting lifestyle meets luxury resort amenities at this Texas Hill Country paradise. A custom itinerary and extraordinary experience await guests seeking an unforgettable outdoor adventure surrounded by warm Texas hospitality. “There are so many things that make Joshua Creek Ranch special,” Welborn said. “In addition to our ideal location in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, attentive customer service and top-shelf amenities, the combination of hunting and sporting activities we offer is truly unique.” Beginning in September with migratory dove hunting, followed by a quick, early-fall transition into prime upland bird hunting for quail, pheasant and chukar, European-style driven pheasant shoots and even decoyed mallard duck hunting, guests have the opportunity to get their fill of wingshooting. For big game hunting, Joshua Creek Ranch offers seasonal white-tailed deer & Rio Grande turkey hunting, but the main attraction is trophy axis deer hunting.
SAN ANTONIO
2625 Broadway St San Antonio, TX 78215 210.227.5187
IRVING
1039 N Loop 12 Irving, TX 75061 972.438.4447 28 |
“It’s truly amazing that we harvest 35-40 trophy axis bucks every year. …and we are 100-percent free-range with low fences,” Welborn said. We have several worldclass axis bucks in the SCI record books.” Non-hunters are also welcome to enjoy resort-like accommodations, fine dining and a wide range of outdoor sporting activities like fly-fishing for rainbow trout, bass and bluegill, sporting clays shooting on one of two scenic courses or kayaking float trips along the renowned Guadalupe River that serves as the ranch’s northern boundary. Joshua Creek Ranch offers the perfect setting
CEDAR PARK
609 N Bell Blvd Cedar Park, TX 78613 512.258.1625
BOERNE
32954 IH 10 West Boerne, TX 78006 830.249.5600
HOUSTON
10717 FM 1960 West Houston, TX 77070 281.807.6468 MORE INFORMATION AT
TRUCKFITTERS.COM
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
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for hosting corporate conferences, retreats, special occasions, group events, weekend getaways and even destination weddings. Joshua Creek Ranch is among a select few lodges worldwide that are recognized as a Beretta Trident Lodge for Excellence in Upland Bird Hunting and an Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Lodge.
JOSHUA CREEK RANCH
☎ (830) 537-5090 joshuacreek.com
A
s a finalist for Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Lodge of theYear in 2016 and 2017, plus featuring the 2017 Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Guide of the Year, there is little wonder to why Joshua Creek Ranch has been delighting guests from all over the world for nearly three decades. The sporting lifestyle meets luxury resort amenities at this Texas Hill Country paradise. A custom itinerary and extraordinary experience awaits guests seeking an unforgettable adventure surrounded by warm Texas hospitality. m Migratory Dove Hunting
m Upland Bird Hunting for Quail, Pheasant and Chukar m European-Style Driven Pheasant Shoots m Decoyed Mallard Duck Hunting m Fly-Fishing for Rainbow Trout, Bluegill and Bass m Seasonal Whitetail Deer & Turkey Hunting m Trophy Axis Deer Hunting m Sporting Clays Shooting Joshua Creek Ranch is among a select few lodges worldwide that is recognized as a Beretta Trident Lodge for Excellence in Upland Bird Hunting and an Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Lodge.
www.joshuacreek.com m (830) 537-5090 m info@joshuacreek.com
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
Lone Star Outdoor News
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God Bless
HUNTING IN TEXAS
From Keith Warren
By Keith Warren
For Lone Star Outdoor News When it comes to hunting methods, Texas has been progressive in adding new hunting opportunities. In comparison to many states, Texas is lenient on hunting methods and the hunters benefit. Whether it's hunting deer with a crossbow during archery season, or using suppressors for deer hunting or taking feral hogs from a helicopter, Texans enjoy a wide range of hunting opportunities. But getting these new opportunities legalized hasn't come without struggles. I remember working on crossbow legislation for at least four different legislative sessions. During each session, there were hunters who opposed them. Mostly, archers opposed crossbows because they claimed crossbows would provide an unfair advantage during the traditional archery season. Finally, with enough push and support from conservation groups, the crossbow is now legal in all Texas counties except Grayson County. Legalizing suppressors didn't come easy, either. Suppressors had been mischaracterized by Hollywood to the point that people feared them. Thanks to educational efforts aimed to inform hunters and legislatures of factual benefits suppressors provide big game hunters, and with the National Rifle Association’s support, suppressors became legal for big game hunting in Texas. Hunting in Texas is big business for not just landowners and retail outlets, but for all kinds of related businesses. Restaurants, gas stations, motels, grocery stores and tire shops are just some of the many businesses
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that benefit from hunters. Small towns all across our state see a spike in business during the long Texas deer season. The way I see it, hunters and Texas politicians should look for every possible way to attract more participants to start hunting. And let's not forget the importance of retaining seasoned hunters as they age. As far as I'm concerned, the more hunters we have, the better. It doesn't matter what species they hunt or the method they choose to hunt either. As long as we have more hunters, the future of hunting will remain strong in Texas. Every Texas hunter is required to purchase a hunting license, which, in turn, helps provide funding for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department too. Adding additional hunting methods is controversial and it takes a lot of hard work. I've been hunting in Texas for more than 50 years and I can say that I like to do it all. Crossbow, handgun, compound bows, long guns, muzzleloaders and recurves. Like most seasoned hunters, I enjoy it all as well as openly support it all, too. Recently, I have done a tremendous amount of research on air gun hunting, likely to be the next controversial hunting method to appear in the near future. Did you know that until two years ago, it was illegal to hunt squirrels in Texas with an air gun? Thank goodness that's been changed. For those that don't think modern air rifles are capable of killing big game animals, I have news for you. With firsthand experience, I've taken lots of feral hogs and all kinds of African plains game as well as even a cape buffalo using a modern day air
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
rifle. All these animals, including the buffalo went down with one well-placed shot. I do want to point out that the rifle I have been testing is a .50 caliber PCP air rifle capable of shooting either a lead slug similar to a muzzleloader bullet or an arrow that is similar to a crossbow arrow. The way I see it is that if hunting with a muzzleloader and a crossbow is legal in Texas, then why not this air rifle? I have lots of online videos demonstrating the effectiveness of this air rifle called the Dragon Claw. These can been seen on my YouTube Channel, and after watching how effective this new air rifle is, I'm pretty sure you will be impressed. Beginning the process for legalization of this rifle for deer hunting in Texas will be on my agenda for the 2019 legislative session. But I'm certain it won't be without controversy. But controversy is good. It gets people thinking, talking and engaged in a topic. All the above-mentioned hunting methods were controversial at one time. Now, they are legal. Texas hunters are not just blessed with a variety of hunting opportunities. But, they are also blessed with some hardworking committed sportsmen and women as well as conservation groups that are progressive in their thinking. They also work tirelessly to protect hunting's future. Two such organizations are Dallas Safari Club and Houston Safari Club. This hunting season as you take the field, whatever method you are hunting, realize at one time it took hard work to get that method legalized.
Lone Star Outdoor News
NEW ARCHERY EVENT CENTER AT CINNAMON CREEK Cinnamon Creek Ranch, the premier archery facility in Roanoke with indoor and outdoor ranges and a large pro shop, has been expanding since it began. A new Archery Event Center is now open for business. “We’ve built a 20,000-square-foot event center,” said Charles Yardley, Cinnamon Creek Ranch’s events and marketing manager. “We can accommodate up to 120 people shooting at the same time. In a tournament, we can do 120 people in a line, and 40 people at 45-yard targets.” The building will be more than an indoor shooting area, though. “We have an archery arcade with fun things to do, especially for the kids, ”Yardley said. “There are two Big Shot Target Systems. They look like a regular target, but they run a projection TV-type system. When an arrow hits the screen, it pauses the TV so you can see where the arrow hit and have many different games scenarios to play.” The building has a dedicated birthday room for parties that include archery instruction for new archers, an upstairs meeting room that will seat 250 people for a meeting or 160 for dinner, along with a downstairs meeting room.
“It is great to have that many people shooting at one time,” Yardley said. “Especially for the kids, once you get the young kids turned on, then look out. And we’ll be able to serve our regular archers better without all of the traffic through the Pro Shop.” The event center is already attracting large events, with the Texas State Indoor Championships scheduled there for the second time in February of 2018.
CINNAMON CREEK RANCH
☎ (817) 439-8998 cinnamoncreekranch.com
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
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sunrise/sunset 2017-2018 SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
DAY
RISE
SET
RISE
SET
RISE
SET
RISE
SET
RISE
SET
RISE
SET
RISE
SET
RISE
SET
RISE
SET
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
7:01 7:02 7:02 7:03 7:03 7:04 7:05 7:05 7:06 7:07 7:07 7:08 7:08 7:09 7:10 7:10 7:11 7:11 7:12 7:13 7:13 7:14 7:15 7:15 7:16 7:16 7:17 7:18 7:18 7:19
7:52 7:50 7:49 7:48 7:47 7:45 7:44 7:43 7:41 7:40 7:39 7:37 7:36 7:35 7:33 7:32 7:31 7:29 7:28 7:27 7:25 7:24 7:22 7:21 7:20 7:18 7:17 7:16 7:14 7:13
7:20 7:20 7:21 7:22 7:22 7:23 7:24 7:24 7:25 7:26 7:27 7:27 7:28 7:29 7:30 7:30 7:31 7:32 7:33 7:33 7:34 7:35 7:36 7:37 7:37 7:38 7:39 7:40 7:41 7:42 7:43
7:12 7:10 7:09 7:08 7:07 7:05 7:04 7:03 7:01 7:00 6:59 6:58 6:56 6:55 6:54 6:53 6:52 6:50 6:49 6:48 6:47 6:46 6:45 6:44 6:43 6:42 6:41 6:40 6:39 6:38 6:37
7:44 7:44 7:45 7:46 7:47 6:48 6:49 6:50 6:51 6:52 6:53 6:54 6:55 6:55 6:56 6:57 6:58 6:59 7:00 7:01 7:02 7:03 7:04 7:05 7:06 7:07 7:07 7:08 7:09 7:10
6:36 6:35 6:34 6:33 6:32 5:32 5:31 5:30 5:29 5:29 5:28 5:27 5:27 5:26 5:25 5:25 5:24 5:24 5:23 5:23 5:22 5:22 5:22 5:21 5:21 5:21 5:21 05:2 5:20 5:20
7:11 7:12 7:13 7:13 7:14 7:15 7:16 7:17 7:17 7:18 7:19 7:19 7:20 7:21 7:21 7:22 7:23 7:23 7:24 7:24 7:25 7:25 7:26 7:26 7:27 7:27 7:27 7:28 7:28 7:28 7:29
5:20 5:20 5:20 5:20 5:20 5:20 5:20 5:20 5:20 5:20 5:20 5:20 5:21 5:21 5:21 5:22 5:22 5:22 5:23 5:23 5:23 5:24 5:24 5:25 5:26 5:26 5:27 5:27 5:28 5:29 5:29
7:29 7:29 7:29 7:29 7:29 7:29 7:29 7:29 7:29 7:29 7:29 7:29 7:29 7:29 7:29 7:29 7:28 7:28 7:28 7:27 7:27 7:27 7:26 7:26 7:25 7:25 7:24 7:24 7:23 7:23 7:22
5:30 5:31 5:31 5:32 5:33 5:34 5:35 5:35 5:36 5:37 5:38 5:39 5:40 5:41 5:42 5:42 5:43 5:44 5:45 5:46 5:47 5:48 5:49 5:50 5:51 5:52 5:53 5:54 5:55 5:56 5:57
7:21 7:21 7:20 7:19 7:18 7:18 7:17 7:16 7:15 7:14 7:13 7:13 7:12 7:11 7:10 7:09 7:08 7:07 7:06 7:05 7:04 7:02 7:01 7:00 6:59 6:58 6:57 6:56
5:58 5:59 6:00 6:01 6:02 6:03 6:04 6:05 6:06 6:07 6:08 6:08 6:09 6:10 6:11 6:12 6:13 6:14 6:15 6:16 6:17 6:17 6:18 6:19 6:20 6:21 6:22 6:22
6:54 6:53 6:52 6:51 6:50 6:48 6:47 6:46 6:45 6:43 7:42 7:41 7:40 7:38 7:37 7:36 7:34 7:33 7:32 7:30 7:29 7:28 7:27 7:25 7:24 7:23 7:21 7:20 7:19 7:17 7:16
6:23 6:24 6:25 6:26 6:26 6:27 6:28 6:29 6:29 6:30 7:31 7:32 7:32 7:33 7:34 7:35 7:35 7:36 7:37 7:37 7:38 7:39 7:39 7:40 7:41 7:41 7:42 7:43 7:44 7:44 7:45
7:15 7:13 7:12 7:11 7:10 7:08 7:07 7:06 7:05 7:03 7:02 7:01 7:00 6:58 6:57 6:56 6:55 6:54 6:53 6:51 6:50 6:49 6:48 6:47 6:46 6:45 6:44 6:43 6:42 6:41
7:46 7:46 7:47 7:48 7:48 7:49 7:50 7:50 7:51 7:52 7:53 7:53 7:54 7:55 7:55 7:56 7:57 7:58 7:58 7:59 8:00 8:00 8:01 8:02 8:03 8:03 8:04 8:05 8:06 8:06
6:40 6:39 6:38 6:37 6:36 6:35 6:34 6:34 6:33 6:32 6:31 6:30 6:30 6:29 6:28 6:28 6:27 6:26 6:26 6:25 6:25 6:24 6:23 6:23 6:23 6:22 6:22 6:21 6:21 6:21 6:20
8:07 8:08 8:09 8:09 8:10 8:11 8:12 8:12 8:13 8:14 8:15 8:15 8:16 8:17 8:18 8:18 8:19 8:20 8:20 8:21 8:22 8:22 8:23 8:24 8:24 8:25 8:26 8:26 8:27 8:28 8:28
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 to the right 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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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
Abilene / 165 miles west / + 14 minutes Alpine / 405 miles west / + 24 minutes Beaumont / 160 miles east / - 13 minutes Corpus Christi / 35 miles west / + 3 minutes Austin / 55 miles west / + 5 minutes
Lone Star Outdoor News
Del Rio / 235 miles west / + 20 minutes El Paso / 555 miles west / - 23 minutes Houston / 170 miles east / - 5 minutes Laredo / 160 miles west / + 14 minutes Lubbock / 280 miles west / + 24 minutes
San Angelo / 215 miles west / + 18 minutes San Antonio / 95 miles west / + 8 minutes Tyler / 75 miles east / - 6 minutes
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
Lone Star Outdoor News
| 33
A destination without equal
34 |
AUGUST 12-13 ABILENE Abilene Civic Center
OCTOBER 28-29 FREDERICKSBURG Gillespie County Fairgrounds
SEPTEMBER 9-10 KERRVILLE Hill Country Youth Event Center
NOVEMBER 18-19 KERRVILLE Hill Country Youth Event Center
OCTOBER 21-22 ABILENE Abilene Civic Center
DECEMBER 9-10 AMARILLO Amarillo Civic Center
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
Perched atop a mesa just west of Fort Worth, Texas, 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 award-winning wingshooting program, to trophy whitetail and exotics, world-class bass fishing, and a National Champion Sporting Clays Instructor, there is something for everyone at Greystone Castle. This year, visitors will notice several additions that enhance the experience. Two sporting clays courses over changing terrain, two 5-stand stations, a rifle range with covered awning and an archery range from elevated platforms highlight the changes. The Gold Medal whitetail deer program offers an all-inclusive package based on the opportunity to hunt the opening weekend of the season without being restricted by score. It is an exclusive chance to hunt for the whitetail of your dreams. Last year’s results include a giant 301-inch deer taken by rifle. This year Greystone is looking forward to topping last year’s average of 250 inches. As the Orvis 2015 Wingshooting Lodge of the Year, Greystone has mastered the art of bird hunting. The popular mixed bag hunt includes quail, pheasant, chukkar 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 the mallard hunts offer a great chance to hone your skills over water. If you are looking for something different, you will find it in the exotic pasture full of animals from around the world. 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. Kayaks and paddleboards let you go off on your own adventure or pontoon boats sneak you to the honeyholes. What appeals to all Greystone visitors is its top-of-the-line accommodations and gourmet meals. Guests enjoy 26 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 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.
GREYSTONE CASTLE ☎ (800) 399-3006 greystonecastle.com
Lone Star Outdoor News
Texas Hospitality in an Extraordinary Setting Texas Hospitality in an Extraordinary Setting
Whether you are looking for world class Bird Hunting, Trophy Whitetail Deer or super opportunities, Castle combines luxurious Whether youExotic are looking for world Greystone class Bird Hunting, Trophy Whitetail Deer or super Exotic opportunities, Greystonein Castle combines luxurious accommodations with Texas hospitality an extraordinary setting. accommodations with Texas hospitality in an extraordinary setting. Contact us today for more information regarding our rates and packages. Contact us today for more information regarding our rates and packages.
P.O. BOX 158
P.O. BOX 158
MINGUS, TX 76463
MINGUS, TX 76463
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
Lone Star Outdoor News
800.399.3006
800.399.3006 | 35
THE-REMOTE
• ULTRA-low Power Consumption (less than 1/3 mA) • 175+ yard range • 6 or 12 Volt Operation • Easy Installation and Connection • THE-REMOTE is designed to connect directly to THE-TIMER, but can easily connect to any 6 or 12 volt motor. THE-REMOTE PRO with 10 separate channels is NOW AVAILABLE!
SELECT JEEPS, YOUR EXCLUSIVE JEEP DEALER Hunters love Jeeps, they get them to their remote hunting spots with ease. And Jeep customers are a loyal lot — once they own one, they are hooked. The best selection of Jeep Wranglers and CJs is at Select Jeeps in League City, just south of Houston. “We’ve been in business 18 years, and we specialize in CJs and Wranglers,” said owner Marcos Bisonni. “We buy, sell, trade and build Jeeps every day and we sell and ship all over the state. A Jeep is a unique vehicle — it’s not a truck and it’s not a car — it’s in its own category.” Select Jeeps keeps between 75 and 100 Jeeps in stock at all time, from the fully customized versions to the more basic models. Each vehicle may be viewed, with details, at the Select Jeeps’ website. “We cater to the outdoor enthusiast,” Bisonni said. “We deal with a lot of hunters and off-road people.” Service is the key at Select Jeeps. “We have a fully staffed shop with Jeep technicians,” Bisonni said. “All of our Jeeps come with a 75-point inspection, regardless of miles or year.” First-time Jeep owners need not fear, Select Jeeps will help them get rolling with free off-road driving and manual shift training. And Select Jeeps delivers nationwide. For your Jeep needs, check out the complete selection and deal with an exclusive Jeep dealer that knows the ins and outs of the popular, rugged vehicles.
SELECT JEEPS
☎ (281) 338-1989 selectjeeps.com
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
Lone Star Outdoor News
BOWHUNT FOR A TEXAS ELK
Last season, Glenda Bullard took her first elk at the young age of 82 at the Reata Ranch near Glen Rose. The great-grandmother had endured two hip replacements, so a trip in the mountains wasn’t an option. Her son, Glen, and her grandson, Tyler, accompanied her on the Reata Ranch hunt. Glenda used a crossbow with a CO2 cartridge that allows it to cock automatically, and made the successful shot at 35 yards. At Reata Ranch, elk hunts are available again this season at a super special rate. The hunter may hunt the biggest bull in the herd, with a minimum of 6x6, for $4,500. Those who haven’t been to Glen
Rose will marvel at the rugged, scenic beauty. The ranch house balcony overlooks a pond with a view for miles of hilly Texas country, where wild turkeys and white-tailed deer often stroll below. The hunt will be guided by ranch owner Roy Washburn, and includes a night’s stay, lunch, dinner and bass fishing in the stocked pond. Cow hunts, using either bow are rifle, also are available. Call Roy at the number below to book your hunt!
REATA RANCH
☎ (214) 543-5069
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GO WITH THE ORIGINAL DEER BLIND WINDOW At the Original Deer Blind Window Company, our goal is to be the best in the business. We produce our patented products in a timely manner with little or no wait time. We build inventory to get our customers deer blind windows when they are needed and in time for the hunting season. Formerly Ray's Service and Sales, The Original Deer Blind Window Company was purchased in 2012 by Ron Boatright. Located in Cleburne, Texas, for the past 25 years, three of the original employees who handmake every window to ensure a quality product are still there. We offer same or next day shipping when you order a standard size window, along with onsite pickup from Cleburne. We own the U.S. patent on our windows and because our windows are such high quality, several different companies have attempted to copy our product. What makes the Original Deer Blind Windows better: • Slotted drain holes to ensure water drains outside your blind, as opposed to round holes that trap air and allow the water to run into the deer blind • All corners are caulked using a mold-resistant product • All corners line up for a tight seal so no daylight shows through • We charge your credit card when the windows are made and ready to ship • We have fast service with little or no wait time • We stand behind our product • Custom sizes are available and usually take five to seven days to build
THE ORIGINAL DEER BLIND WINDOW CO.
☎ (817) 774-1121 thedeerblindwindow.com
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
Lone Star Outdoor News
Opportunities for dove hunts NORTH ZONE
Down South Adventures Uvalde/Zavala/Medina Counties Central and South Zones Jason (830) 741-1717
Texas Dove Breckenridge Brad Mullen (214) 454-4499
Texas Dove Hunter Central and South Zone Uvalde, Knippa, Sabinal, Batesville and La Pryor Charlie (830) 279-3929
Ogallala Outdoors Lubbock Milo Ben Fournier (214) 577-4745
Are you looking for a dove hunt? The Texas dove season is longer again this year, and there are more early season opportunities in the South Zone. Thanks to our friends at the Texas Dove Hunters Association, below is a list of outfitters in each zone of Texas. Be sure to tell the outfitter you saw their name in the Lone Star Outdoor News Texas Hunting Annual. Enjoy your hunt and be safe!
3 Curl Outfitters South of DFW to Italy Brett Jepsen (214) 455-0940
Texas Hunting Safaris San Marcos George or Steve (512) 618-3390
DEA Ranch Mathis Jonathan (361) 249-1157
Falcon Point Ranch Seadrift (361) 785-2191
Real Outfitters Eden and Ft. McKavett Josh Pond (210) 422-6002
Executive Outfitters Coleman (325) 625-4111
Circle T Ranch Carrizo Springs (713) 576-8270
Casa Monte Lodge Carrizo Springs (830) 854-0810
InFlight Outfitters Mathis (361) 960-3556
Los Girasoles Brownsville (956) 572-1640
J3 Outfitters Medina County Jennifer (512) 225-6148
Chris Crocker Outfitting Sabinal Chris (281) 787-3783
WingSport Depot Henrietta, TX Dove - Quail - Duck Call Ed (214) 663-1832
Deer Down Outfitters Castroville, Pearsall, Carrizo Springs (210) 422-3210
Double H Outfitters La Coste (210) 535-2739
Sandy Oaks Ranch Devine Foard Houston (210) 415-4401
Katzfey Dove Ranch George West Mark Katzfey (361) 362-8334
Q2 Ranch Charlotte Clay Knipp (972) 839-5985
Picosa Paloma Ranches Floresville Charlie Ammann (512) 983-1615
777 Ranch Hondo (830) 426-3476
Honest Tom’s Guide Service Brownwood, Coleman (214) 207-8871
TC Outfitters Castroville (210) 264-8518
Bader Ranch Hondo (830) 426-6453 Lonestar Premier Outdoors New Braunfels CJ (800) 587-5756
Cochina Hunting Club San Antonio (210) 215-1837
Central Texas Dove Hunts Johnson City Kemp Elliott (512) 799-5740
Paloma Pachanga Hondo (210) 865-1423
YT Ranch Dove Hunts Andrews (432) 631-9276
4R Ranch Hondo Deryl or Jill McKinnerney (830) 426-3035
Rocking L Outfitters Waller Capt. Chris (832) 208-6244
Pan Dulce Ranch Encinal Bob Voss (830) 660-6744
Avian Skies Edna (361) 235-0100
Joshua Creek Ranch Boerne (830) 537-5090
Xtreme Outdoors Uvalde Josh Greenwalt (830) 486-5518
Woods Wildlife Metroplex to Abilene Jerry Woods (903) 816-0405
Greystone Castle Sporting Club Mingus (800) 399-3006
Coastal Prairie Outdoors, LLC. Central and South Zone Waller and Eagle Lake John Wright (979) 229-5058
Texas Hunting Headquarters Kerrville Dennis Kneese (830) 739-5484
Four Seasons Ranch Pearsall Kevin Kubeczka (713) 466-7077
Greystone Castle Mingus (800) 399-3006 Swamp Nasty Outfitters Lamar & Fannin County Jace Outlaw (903) 640-3685
Kent Outdoors Lake Texoma (903) 271-5524
Rocky Creek Retrievers Central and South Zone Brenham and El Campo (361) 785-2191
DWE Hunt Club Denton (682) 999-4693 Flying P Outdoors Hico (254) 796-4034 Ranger Creek Justin Hill (325) 260-8626 CENTRAL ZONE Mark Roberts Dove Hunting Central and South Zone Uvalde Mark Roberts (830) 261-9467
Stone Yard Dove Hunt Medina County; Hondo Bobby (210) 415-4731 The Wildlife Ranch Mason (325) 347-8808 Shirley Ranch Johnson City (830) 868-7109 NNNN (4N) Paisano Ranch San Angelo Kevin Tims (325) 716-0319
South Hills Ranch Hondo Bill Watson (830) 966-2369 ATTT Outfitters Rio Medina, Castroville & Hondo Alidor Thienpont (830) 426-6540 Action Outdoors Adventures Hondo Richard or Kevin (830) 741-0696 Indian Creek Guide Service Comanche (325) 356-2364 Triple D Guide Service Alvin and Danbury Dennis White (979) 864-6942
Mossyback Ranch Cameron Lee Kusak (979) 993-0502
May Ranch Beeville (361) 358-9977 or (361) 494-9699 Max Out Guide Service Katy Nick Kissamis (832) 964-8688 Kinney Farms Bexar, Medina, Karnes, Atascosa and Frio Counties (210) 260-3355 SOUTH ZONE Wilson Whitetail and Wing Shooting Ranch (WWR) Frio County Craig Wilson (210) 602-4531
Feathers and Sheds Unlimited Outdoors, LLC. Sealy and Kingsville Josh Hartwick (281) 658-2942 Double L Dove Hunt Knippa Larry Langer (830) 261-1921 La Media Lodge Linn Kris Kallina (956) 369-0048 Hunting Etc. Uvalde Tony Arce (830) 275-9532
Double T Outfitters Uvalde Bret Ferguson (210) 413-1597 Lone Oak Outfitters Sanger (940) 390-6287 Y Bar Ranch Tilden Steven (830) 373-4452 Topflight Hunting Preserve, Inc. Columbus (979) 732-9196
The Ultimate Outdoor Experience
in the Heart of Texas www.
ChampionRanch.com • 806-500-5878
Corporate Retreats • Family Vacations & Reunions • Trophy Whitetail Hunting Big Game Exotic Hunting • Upland Bird Hunting • Turkey & Bass Fishing Long Range Shooting & Reloading Schools • 5 Stand, skeet, trap
5 STAR ACCOMMODATIONS
with all-inclusive meals, drinks & service
Call today to book your next getaway Adventure! HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
Lone Star Outdoor News
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HUNT SMARTER, NOT HARDER The quest to consistently harvest giant bucks is not an easy accomplishment. Time, hard work, food plots, habitat management, and persistent hunting can yield good results, but if you’re ready to take your hunting trophies to the next level, supplemental feeding is the simple, scientific formula to extreme results. Ani-Logics Outdoors products are scientifically formulated for deer health with extreme attraction and palatability. The Ani-Shield TX4 technology is veterinarian formulated to provide vitamins, chelated minerals, essential oils, and probiotics designed to optimize the immune system while maximizing genetics and antler growth. Today’s deer feed market has left hunters confused as to which products to use, and at what time of year to use them. Ani-Logics Outdoors gives honest answers to your deer feeding questions. Clearly labeled products along with an easy to follow feeding schedule, simplifies the sometimes over complicated process of choosing and using deer feed. For those who eat, sleep and breathe deer hunting, the year can be broken down into four basic seasons: Winter: Supplements Winter is one of those times of year when deer do not get the adequate protein and other nutrients in their natural diet. Skeletal growth (antlers) and body mass will be limited. That’s why offering consistent supplementation like Supplement 365, Ani-Protein Block 365 and JAC becomes a crucial strategy to help your deer herd reach their peak genetic potential. Spring: Minerals Deer need key minerals at key times to achieve
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maximum antler growth. Mineral Dirt 180, and Mineral Dirt 180 Liquid, provide deer with critical bone-building minerals like copper, zinc, selenium and manganese. In the chelated form, these minerals are more easily absorbed and more readily used by white-tailed deer. Summer: Attractants Summertime is scouting and trail camera time. The attractant you choose can be even more important than the type of camera you use. Getting a fast and accurate inventory of your deer herd can be an effective tool to determine what time of day a buck might show and at which camera location. Hunting season Hunting season is the reason for all the other seasons, and the season where you see the benefit of your feeding program. What makes Ani-Logics deer feed different? With more than 70 years of experience in the animal health and nutrition industry, Ani-Logics’ proprietary Ani-Shield TX4 technology provides deer with important vitamins, minerals for antler growth, probiotics for improved digestion and gut health, laboratory researched essential oils for their anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, along with powerful attractants to pattern and hold deer. Ani-Logics also offers exclusive Invisi-Scent
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
Lone Star Outdoor News
technology designed to lure deer in with amazing long-range attraction and hold deer on your hunting ground with unbelievable palatability. Ani-Logics is a company committed to providing customers better products with superior results, and service after the sale is their top priority. Look to Ani-Logics for all your deer feeding needs.
ANI-LOGICS OUTDOORS
☎ (844) 372-3557 anilogics.com
consistently harvest a giant!
2015 MARK DRURY’S 211 4/8" IOWA WHITETAIL “BUCKTOBER”
2016 MARK DRURY’S 217 2/8" IOWA WHITETAIL “DANGER”
what can supplemental feeding do for your deer herd? “Terry and I use Ani-Logics® Supplement 365 feed to maintain a healthier herd on our farms. We both feed in bulk from seasons end in late January through the Winter and into Spring green up. We then feed again during the Summer months to help antler growth and as a useful deterrent to EHD and the secondary diseases that can accompany it. We have seen some fairly unbelievable antler growth and an increase in fawn recruitment since beginning our feeding regiment 3 years ago. Supp 365 is not only an incredible health tool for our herds, the palatability is second to none!! Give some a try, you won’t be disappointed.”
-Mark Drury, Drury Outdoors
www.anilogics.com • 844-372-3557
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
Lone Star Outdoor News
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THE LONE STAR PREDATOR CALLING CLASSIC IS COMING Predator hunters, mark you calendars for Feb. 10-11, 2018. A new predator contest is coming to Lampasas, put on by Hoffpauir Group and Lone Star Outdoor News. The Lone Star Predator Calling Classic will feature some new twists. Thanks to Hornady, teams that register at one of the Hoffpauir locations (Burnet, Goldthwaite or Lampasas) will receive a free box of ammunition. Other prizes from sponsors including Convergent Hunting Solutions, Nikon and Sixsite will highlight the event. Nikon will have contingency prizes for those using Nikon products, and Lone Star Outdoor News will have prizes for winning teams who are subscribers. The contest was the brainchild of Hoffpauir’s Jason Maroney, after speaking with Joe Franks, an avid predator contest participant. The pair came up with a unique cash pot that will go to the team with the Heaviest Stringer, consisting of a coyote, gray fox, bobcat and raccoon. Teams of up to four people will pick their heaviest of each, put them on a stringer and hope for the heaviest weight, and the cash! The hunt begins Saturday at noon, and weigh-in is Sunday at noon at the Hoffpauir Expo grounds in
Lampasas, where there will be gumbo for the teams at the indoor facility. Watch the ads in future issues of Lone Star Outdoor News for more prizes and details, and read the contest rules on the ad on Page 45. If you’re traveling to a dove hunt, be sure to pick up your entry form and box of free Hornady Ammo, and get outfitted for the dove hunt, at these Hoffpauir locations. The entry fee is $250 per team. Hoffpauir Outdoor Superstore 2114 US HWY 84 Goldthwaite Hoffpauir Ranch & Suppl 1189 N Hwy 281 Lampasas Hoffy's Pawn and Guns 2001 S Water St Burnet For more information, contact Jason Maroney at (512) 748-2810 or email info@Hoffpauirexpo.com
Lone Star Predator Calling Classic February 10-11, 2018
Sponsored by Hoffpauir Group & Lone Star Outdoor News
RULES AND INFORMATION This is a 24-hour contest. The contest does not provide the land to hunt. All hunting must be done within Texas. Weigh-in Feb 11, 2018 at the Hoffpauir Expo Grounds in Lampasas, Texas • • • • • •
Up to 4-Man Team Cash Prizes Win Call Systems and other gear $250 entry Side Pots Bounty, Bonuses and Contingencies
Pick up your entry form and box of FREE Hornady Ammo upon entry completion at these Hoffpauir locations: Hoffpauir Outdoor Superstore 2114 US HWY 84 Goldthwaite, TX Hoffpauir Ranch & Supply 1189 N Hwy 281 Lampasas, TX Hoffy's Pawn and Guns 2001 S Water St Burnet, TX • • 44 |
Hunting begins at 12:00 PM on Saturday February 10, 2018. Weigh-in is the following Sunday 12:00 PM at 10296 W FM 580, in Lampasas, TX. Entry fee is $250 per team.
•
• • •
In the event of a tie, winner will be determined by the team with the most animals. Grand Prize and Jackpots will be split evenly. The $250 entry fee will be divided as follows $190 goes toward the Main contest. $60 will be divided evenly by each jackpot. All teams will be entered in Jackpots. Failure to check in with judges on Sunday by 12 noon sharp with your entire team will result in disqualification of your team - No Exceptions! Mail in entries are welcome, but must be received by the Thursday prior to contest. Mail-in entry fee must be made by Money Order or Cashier's Check. Please waive the signature requirement on any expedited shipping services. No personal checks, please!
STRINGER RULES
GENERAL RULES 1. Must follow all County, State and Federal hunting laws. If you break the law, your team will be disqualified. This includes having proper Texas hunting licenses. A Trappers license is NOT required to hunt. It is only required to sell your hides to a fur buyer. 2. 4 members maximum per team. 3. All team members must be present at weigh-in on Sunday to claim prize money. No Exceptions! 4. All team members must hunt together at all times. No splitting up. 5. All animals must be killed within this 24-hour hunting contest. HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
6. No trapped, snared, caged-raised, or frozen animals will be allowed. 7. No pooling of animals between teams. 8. No hunting in intentionally baited areas. 9. No modifying the weight of animals in any way. We will not weigh a wet animal. 10. No trolling. 11. No use of Aircraft or dogs. 12. The use of night vision of any kind and for any reason is prohibited. This includes thermal and infrared imaging. You cannot use it for spotting or finding wounded or dead animals. 13. Decisions of judges is FINAL! (Judges will be hunting in contest) 14. All cash winning teams are subject to polygraph.
Lone Star Outdoor News
1. Main pot will be determined by heavy stringer. 2. Stringer consists of one of each of the following; bobcat, coyote, gray fox and raccoon. (You don't have to have one of all four to weigh in). 3. Teams are responsible for picking their heaviest of each, we will not weigh more than one of each species! 4. Side pots will be; heavy coyote, bobcat, fox and raccoon. 5. All cash winning teams are subject to polygraph. For more information contact Jason Maroney at (512) 748-2810 or email info@Hoffpauirexpo.com.
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New Nikon BLACK tactical scope with illuminated reticle You’re sitting in the blind in a summer evening with your tactical rifle, sweating bullets from the heat and humidity. Finally, when you can barely see, the hogs come out. Unlike a deer, they are dark and backlit. Putting the crosshairs on the biggest boar, all you see is black. With the new Nikon BLACK X1000, your problem is solved. Without moving out of your shooting position, you move your hand to the left side of the scope, and, with one click on the illuminated reticle, your sight picture is now clear, and you make the shot. The BLACK X1000 is offered in a 6-24x50SF Matte Illuminated X-MOA tacticalstyle reticle synchronized to elevated windage and elevation turrets. Accurate and repeatable, the adjustments enable precise dialing of elevation come ups and wind compensation, while the new reticle design presents the shooter with a visually clean, yet highly functional and advanced tool for estimating range or maintaining holdovers. The BLACK X1000 features a Side Focus Parallax Adjustment, which allows adjustment without changing shooting position and Illuminated control with 10 intensity levels with incremental "OFF" between settings, allowing you to be at your favorite illumination setting with "OFF" rotating in either direction. For the long-range shooter, targets at long distances often are difficult to see, even when painted orange or white. The illuminated reticle gives shooters the contrast they need for a clear view of the steel plate. BLACK series riflescopes all feature a 30mm main body tube built with aircraftgrade aluminum alloy and Type 3 hard anodizing, providing exceptional ruggedness and optimum strength-to-weight ratios. Spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets provide precise, repeatable corrections. Like all Nikon riflescopes, the new BLACK series is backed by the company's No Fault policy for repair or replacement. The MSRP for the new scope is $649.95.
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
Lone Star Outdoor News
NIKON SPORT OPTICS ☎ (800) 645-6687 NIKONSPORTOPTICS.COM
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
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NEW
LONG-RANGE PRECISION Legendary optical performance, durability and mechanical precision are core values used to develop the BLACK X1000 precision riflescope.
NEW
Combined with 100 years of optics building experience and Nikon’s lifetime No Fault Policy, this is the riflescope you can trust to deliver every
6-24x50 Illuminated X-MOA
shot with confidence. Five models available. — Specialized glass-etched reticles with matched turrets for long-range dialing — Ultra-rugged, aircraft grade aluminum 30mm main body — Illuminated Reticle models feature 10 brightness levels with intermittent off
All Nikon trademarks are the property of Nikon Corporation.
BLACK X1000 Reticles
MOA
4-16x50 Illuminated X-MRAD
MRAD
BLACK X1000 MODELS 6-24x50SF Matte Illuminated Reticle X-MOA NEW! 6-24x50SF Matte Illuminated Reticle X-MRAD 4-16x50SF Matte Illuminated Reticle X-MRAD 4-16x50SF Matte Illuminated Reticle X-MOA 4-16x50SF Matte X-MOA
Use BLACK mounts for total precision.
Become Undeniable. Built and Backed for a lifetime of performance.
FIELD & STREAM FRIENDSWOOD / KATY
DFW SHOOTING SPORTS DALLAS
TMP MIDLAND
ALPINE RANGE FORT WORTH
CAROLINE COLT CO. ABILENE
DEFENDER OUTDOORS FORT WORTH
NikonSportOptics.com 1800GUNSANDAMMO.COM CARTER’S COUNTRY SPRING / HOUSTON / PASADENA EXTREME GUNS HOUSTON BURDETT AND SON COLLEGE STATION
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2017
MARBURGERS SEABROOK
ABLE’S HUNTSVILLE
VICTORIA ALL SPORT VICTORIA
WHEELERS FEED & OUTFITTERS BOERNE
AMERICAN SHOOTING CENTERS HOUSTON
OASIS OUTBACK UVALDE
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