HUNTING texas Annual 2018
When you're
away
from the blind
Advertising Section
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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©2017 Texas Armament & Technology LLC
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
Lone Star Outdoor News
COMANCHE CREST RANCH $13,500,000 | 10,298± acres THROCKMORTON COUNTY, TEXAS
For the avid hunter & outdoor sportsman, home to trophy deer, turkey, quail & hogs.
IG
ICON GLOBAL group REAL ESTATE SALES•MARKETING•MANAGEMENT
www.icon.global HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
Lone Star Outdoor News
info@icon.global 214.855.4000 |3
CIRCLE J&B RANCH $12,500,000 | 3,266± acres SEYMOUR, TEXAS
A World-Class Quail & Deer Breeding/Hunting Ranch.
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IG
ICON GLOBAL group REAL ESTATE SALES•MARKETING•MANAGEMENT
www.icon.global HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
Lone Star Outdoor News
info@icon.global 214.855.4000
Circle J&B Ranch
Comanche Crest Ranch Nestled amongst the gently rolling rangeland broken by streams and draws of Texas’ Rolling Plains, Comanche Crest Ranch is where hunting and ranching meet. The expansive property is 16 sections in a perfect square. The ranch is situated on Highway 380 in Throckmorton County — just over two hours west of Fort Worth or three hours from Dallas. Comanche Crest Ranch is home to trophy deer, turkey, quail and hogs. Flourishing from an abundance of natural foliage, ample water and limited pressure, wildlife proliferates throughout this property and offers year-round hunting opportunities. Five large fenced pastures are watered via the 25-plus surface water stock tanks, and there are two interior traps connected by a fenced lane. Fencing is in good to excellent condition throughout the ranch. There have been no significant modifications to the property beyond the road system and fencing, which offers the new owner a rare opportunity to place their thumbprint on a new legacy ranch.
IG
This is one of the most celebrated quail ranches and prominent typical white-tailed deer ranches in the state of Texas and has never been presented for sale on the market. Situated on 3,266± acres of topography-rich land just south of Seymour, this highly improved sporting paradise is being offered turnkey and has great cattle potential as well. Boasting superb water features for the area, coupled with nearly two decades of intense land and wildlife management, the ranch doubles as both a revenuegenerating asset and a recreational haven. The custom-built 8,000-square-foot main residence overlooks a natural rock bottom swimming pool, which spills into a spring-fed trophy fishing lake stocked with bass and hybrid striper. The highest point in Baylor County is located on the property and provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding land and the Salt Fork of the Brazos River below. Approximately 1,600 acres is under high fence and has been meticulously managed for trophy whitetailed deer. A world-class Texas Animal Health Commission certified white-tailed deer breeding operation is in place. Custom breeding facilities were designed and built on site including 62 acres of 16 individual pens. The breeding program has been in existence for 17 years and has never strayed from its goal to produce giant typical antler growth. This unwavering dedication has yielded consistent typical scores in the 200-300-inch range. The ranch offers renowned quail hunting and is a recipient of the T. Boone Pickens Award. Late outdoor legends such as Ray Sasser and Ray Murski were regular guests of the ranch in pursuit of some of the finest quail hunting in the state of Texas. There are 82 quail feeders and ample water stations in place. An annual supplemented release program of 4,000 quail on average has been in place for many years. These consist of bobwhites, Gambel’s and Tennessee red quail. Approximately 2,000 bushels of wheat are used to enhance the quail food source per year. This unique property was created with extreme attention to detail, has been meticulously maintained and is a rare find.
ICON GLOBAL group REAL ESTATE SALES•MARKETING•MANAGEMENT
www.icon.global Founded by Bernard Uechtritz
Selling Iconic Real Estate #1 Leading R anch Team In Tex as # 1 S O T H E B Y ’ S I N T E R N AT I O N A L R E A LT Y W O R L D W I D E R A N C H T E A M
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SELECT SALES BROUGHT TO MARKET BY ICON GLOBAL GROUP $725 M
$17.1 M
W.T. W A G G O N E R R A N C H | T X
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$59.5 M
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BAREFOOT RANCH | TX
RED RIVER RANCH | TX
$45 M
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RIO BONITO RANCH | TX
PANTHER CREEK RANCH | TX
$34.2 M
$3.9 M
BROSECO RANCH | TX
LO ST A N T L E R R A N C H | T X
$21.5 M
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DODGE RANCH | WY
BAIRDSTOWN FARM | TX
I N F O @ I C O N .G LO B A L | 2 1 4 . 8 5 5 . 4 0 0 0 | W W W. I C O N .G LO B A L HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
Lone Star Outdoor News
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HUNTING texas
HUNTING texas We proudly partner with TPWF to help conserve our wild things and wild places. WeWillNotBeTamed.org
Annual 2018
When you're
away
from the blind
Advertising Section
Annual 2018
We carefully craft TX Whiskey for all the storytellers out there. Join friends around camp and share stories about the time you bagged the limit, the day your son downed his first white wing, or the moment you were dubbed the “wingman.” TX Whiskey is made for sharing stories— because every bottle of TX has a story, too.
About the Cover:
Each day away from the deer blind raises questions in the deer hunter's mind. (See story on page 30) David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News
Advertisers: ADVANTAGE HUNTING…………… 36
MCKENNA QUINN………………… 14
AGUILA AMMUNITION……………… 2
MODERN OUTFITTERS…………… 19
ALL SEASONS FEEDERS………… 22
NIKON……………………………… 44
AMERICAN SHOOTING CENTERS…………………………… 32
ORIGINAL DEER WINDOW COMPANY, THE……………………… 26
B&S GUNS…………………………… 32
OUTDOOR SOLUTIONS…………… 31
BAIT CORN COMPANY, THE……… 34
POND KING/LAKE PRO GUIDES…
BERETTA GALLERY………………… 37
PYRAMYD AIR……………………… 21
BLUE RANCH……………………… 34
QUAIL FOREVER……………………… 8
BRUSH COUNTRY CAMO………… 39
RAYNIOR PROPERTIES…………… 12
BTI HUNTING PRODUCTS AND FIREPITS……………………… 18
REDNECK BLINDS………………… 29
34
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RUDY’S COUNTRY STORE & BBQ………………………………… 16
COAST………………………………… 7
RUSSELL MOCCASIN……………… 12
CROSSBOW WILDLIFE PRESERVE…………………………… 26
STEALTH CAM………………………… 9
DEER LEASE MOVING……………… 12 ESP/ELECTRONIC SHOOTING PROTECTION…………… 6 FORMEX……………………………… 21 FREER DEER CAMP………………… 13 GAME TRACKERS AFRICA…………… 8 GREYSTONE CASTLE……………… 27 GUN & KNIFE ASSOCIATION, TEXAS………………………………… 38 HECKLER & KOCH………………… 43 HOFFPAUIR POLARIS……………… 41 ICON GLOBAL……………………… 3-5 JOSHUA CREEK RANCH…………… 35 KT COOLERS………………………… 34 LEICA………………………………… 33 LEUPOLD & STEVENS……………… 15
AWARD-WINNING. TEXAS-MADE. PROUDLY PRODUCED IN FORT WORTH.
Just as we care about the craft of our whiskey, we care even more about the good folks who enjoy it. NEVER DRINK AND HUNT.
TEXAS DOVE HUNTERS ASSOCIATION……………………… 23 TEXAS M3 RANCH………………… 42 TRINITY OAKS……………………… 25 TRINITY RANCH LAND…………… 28 TRIPLE L QUAIL…………………… 38 TROPHY BLINDS/TW TANKS……… 31 TRUGLO……………………………… 11 TWISTERS RANCH………………… 32 TX WHISKEY ………………………… 6 WALKER’S…………………………… 13 WEATHERBY FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL…………………… 16 WILDPOINT WHITETAILS…… 18, 26 WINTERS DOVE FEST……………… 26 YOUR TARGET……………………… 16 ZEISS………………………………… 17
LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS/ LONE START OUTDOOR NEWS FOUNDATION……………………… 40
Lone Star Outdoor News, ISSN 2162-8300, a publication of Lone Star Outdoor News, LLC, publishes twice a month. A mailed subscription is $35 for 24 issues. Newsstand copies are $2, in certain markets copies are free, one per person. Copyright 2018 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 2018
Lone Star Outdoor News
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DOUBLE DOWN ON CELLULAR WITH NEW WXV AND WXA CAMERAS Stealth Cam ups the ante on wireless image transmission and expands its coverage with the introduction new WX Series cellular cameras with options for both AT&T or Verizon networks. Users have complete control of their cameras via the updated Stealth Cam Remote APP 3.0. The app’s new streamlined interface allows the user to configure all camera settings as well as manage the transmission schedule and remotely erase the memory card. New features for 2018 include Take Test Photo, providing the ability to send a command to the camera to take and transmit a photo on demand. Enhanced location function plots cameras on Google maps within the app supplying the user a visual reference as to where their cameras are placed. The WX not only incorporates the latest in high-speed modems for fast 4G/LTE wireless image and video transmission, but is also a full-featured 22 Megapixel No Glo camera capable of recording high definition video with Stealth Cam’s new Smart Illumination Technology, where the camera automatically adjusts IR output based on changing lighting conditions. This is essential for clear, detailed images during the critical transition periods of dusk and dawn. Stay ahead of the game with wireless image transmission from Stealth Cam. FEATURES: WXV - VERIZON WXA – AT&T • 22 megapixel (22mp/16mp/8mp/4mp) • HD video recording 5-180 seconds w/ audio • Time lapse with PIR Override • Smart Illumination Technology • 42 NO GLO IR emitters • Range control - adjustable PIR • Security mode (rewrite SD memory) • Intuitive backlit menu programming • Matrix Advanced Blur Reduction • Retina Low Light sensitivity • 16:9 wide image ratio • Burst Mode 1-9 images per triggering • Time/Date/Moon Phase/Temperature/Name Stamp • GEO-TAG GPS Tagging • Manual shot capability • Secure Lock password protection • SD card slot up to 512GB • Test mode • Video & USB output • Operates on 8 AA batteries • External power jack for 12V battery box • Multilingual • Preset Time & Date
STEALTH CAM
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
Lone Star Outdoor News
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
Lone Star Outdoor News
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Dakota’s first full year By Craig Nyhus Everywhere he goes, he seems to get invited back. Dakota’s first full hunting season began opening weekend of dove season at the DSC Dove Hunt at the Hailey Ranch in Abilene. After retrieving a limit of birds, plus a few shot by other hunters, the season was underway. On the second day, when his master wandered off to take some photographs, Dakota followed, then ducked into some brush, coming out with a dove another group had been unable to find. Then, he decided he would sit with a father and two young sons and hunt for a while. There were a few more dove hunts, including a trip to the Lone Star Ag Credit hunt. That hunt got off to a rough start, as Dakota scented a jackrabbit while in the truck bed and, when the kennel door opened, he was off to the races. The rabbit won the race and it was back to retrieving birds. After another dove trip to Sammy Nooner’s Valdina Ranch, where he brought back birds for a number of busy hunters, it was time to switch to the water. The duck hunting, mostly in Central Texas, was spotty and sometimes boring for the young dog, who would prefer pulling cattails out of the mud after the early morning volleys, rather than sitting quietly when nothing was in the air. Over the Thanksgiving holiday, Dakota returned to West Texas where he sniffed his first dead whitetail, not really sure what to think. With everyone from the office tied up during the DSC Convention in January, Dakota didn’t have to stay at the kennel. Instead, he went on his first pheasant hunt in Liberal, Kansas with his trainer, Jeff from Landmark Retrievers. On the trip, he got the hang of getting your paws wrapped with tape due to the abundant grass burrs, as well as retrieving rooster pheasants. But it was later in January when the dog got busy, starting in South Texas and ending with another Kansas trip. He spent the last afternoon of dove season in Karnes County, but the only bird retrieved was the one shot while walking back to the truck after a quiet hunt. The next day was Dakota’s first quail hunt, thanks to an invitation from Phil Lamb and Dale Rollins at the Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch. Dakota dutifully stayed with the hunters as the English setters did their work, then darted to retrieve bobwhites after the hunters’ shots. Riding in Lloyd LaCoste’s truck in the 15-degree day, LaCoste was impressed with Dakota’s calm nature. “He can come back here and hunt whenever he wants to,” LaCoste said. From there, Dakota headed south of Wichita Falls, where he attended his first goose hunt with Justin Hill, retrieving his birds after the hunt was over. Then, Dakota headed north again, back to Kansas, where he retrieved dozens of rooster pheasants, got the hang of getting out front to flush them, and made friends with the outfitter and other hunters. Finally, a March trip to Wildcat Creek Quail Hunting Resort, where Dakota tagged along with the last group of hunters for the season, gave Dakota another quail hunt, where he was a hit at the lodge. “You can’t take him home,” said manager Courtney Parker. “We’re going to keep him.” Dakota did go home, but thanks to an invitation from Nick Parker, he plans to spend a week or more hunting there next spring. “He can stay with us and hunt as long as he wants,” Nick said.
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David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
Lone Star Outdoor News
GET READY FOR THE SEASON WITH AGUILA It’s that time of year — and time to load up on shotgun shells and other ammo. Aguila Ammunition’s game loads are on the shelves now and ready for your hunting and shooting adventure. And with Aguila’s hollow point Rimfire and Minishell additions, you’ll be ready for almost anything.
INTERCEPT YOUR PREY
SHOTSHELLS Aguila’s standard velocity game loads are engineered to knock birds out of the sky, offering high quality and dependability at an affordable price. Available in 1 1/8-ounce loads in 6, 7.5, 8 and 9 shot with a velocity of 1,200 feet per second for shotguns from .410 to 12 gauge, Aguila fits your need for dove, quail or pheasant hunting, competition, sporting clays or home defense. Some dove hunters prefer a lighter load for their 7.5 shotshells. Aguila’s 1-ounce, 1,300 fps Game & Target shells deliver. Aguila is a fully integrated shotshell manufacturer, producing primers, shotshells, lead shot and components.
INTERCEPT SERIES ™
3-9×42MM AND 4-12×44MM HUNTING SCOPES
MINISHELLS A favorite for shooters, the Aguila Minishell is now on the shelves in buckshot and slug. The 1 3/4-inch-long buckshot shells contain 4B (7p) 1B (4p) pellets, and travel at 1,200 fps. Aguila is the only manufacturer offering the Minishell buckshot for hunting or defense purposes. The Minishell Slug sends a 25-gram slug at 1,250 fps, delivering less recoil for faster target acquisition, while the 12-gauge Minishell, produced in 7 1/2, 8 or 9 shot, is a favorite of competition shooters, with less recoil and a quiet report. RIMFIRE Varmint hunters and target shooters will appreciate the new hollow point offerings in Aguila’s Rimfire cartridges. Available since June, the hollow point line is manufactured in .22 Interceptor, copper-plated in 40 grain, .22 Subsonic lead bullet in 38 grain, .22 Super Extra, copper-plated in 38 grain, .22 Supermaximum, copper-plated in 40 grain and .22 Super Extra, nickel-plated in 38 grain. Aguila is one of the largest rimfire manufacturers in the world, keeping up with an ever-increasing customer demand. Manufactured using Aguila Prime technology, which is engineered and tested to Olympic shooting standards, Aguila’s Rimfire cartridges are meticulously formed for performance and perfection. Texas Armament & Technology is the exclusive distributor of Aguila Ammunition. Give yourself the Aguila advantage.
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
WWW.TRUGLO.COM Lone Star Outdoor News
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THE PERFECT PROPERTY
Let’s dream together about the perfect hunting reserve and experience for a moment. What if you had access to more than 706 acres of a trophy buck hunter’s perfect playground? What if that playground were roaming with the finest trophy whitetails in Texas? Who would you invite to join you on your hunts — friends, clients, both? So that you can accommodate everyone, let’s extend the hunting season of that land past the regular season with no repercussions. Also, since we’re dreaming, let’s add in year-round access to that land. Land that includes a high fence around the perimeter, has been managed for the perfect hunting experience and comes complete with hunting blinds and installed feeders. Go anytime you get a wild hair to be in the woods! If you are starting to get “that itch,” one that hunters know well when the air begins to smell like fall, then what Rayonier Hunting and Recreation is offering will fulfill that dream. Located within 1.5 hours from the Houston metro area in Camden, Texas, this property is 20 minutes from Livingston and one hour from The Woodlands. Rayonier is offering exclusive 1-year rights to hunting acreage that meets all the criteria of that dream and more. This private land is perfect for a hunt club, corporation, or individual starting with the 2018-2019 hunting season. Rayonier partnered with a leading whitetail breeder at Sierra Mesa Ranch in Hico, Texas to introduce world-class genetics to the property. Trophy bucks have the potential to be in the 180-250-inch class at full maturity. The current herd has been managed to ensure an equal number of harvestable bucks annually to the maximum allowable number of hunters. The benefits of enrollment include extended harvest opportunities from September to late February and enhanced bag limits. Managed as a timber tract, the property was sustainably harvested five years ago. While timber was removed in many areas, mature stands of loblolly pine were left untouched, providing excellent wooded sanctuaries and bedding for whitetail deer. The turnkey property has all the characteristics of an ideal hunting retreat with its gently rolling hills and river bottoms. Two creeks ebb and flow throughout the year continuously offering water sources for wildlife, even during midsummer. The property has varmint-proofed, high fencing around 644 acres. A network of roadways was constructed throughout to provide easy access to elevated blinds, feeders, property boundaries and vehicle accessible entrance and exits. As part of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Managed Lands Deer Program, the property is intended to foster and support management and stewardship of native wildlife and habitats on private lands. It is Rayonier’s expectation that the property will be managed correctly. Many of the does are pregnant to nurture complete sustainability in three years. Therefore, Rayonier is looking for customers who are conservationminded so that smart hunting practices and sound land management remain. If so, you’ll have the first right to renew this privilege each year. The annual price for this private turnkey operation is $84,000, a drop in the bucket when compared to individual hunts of this nature. Other wildlife may be hunted as well, such as turkey, dove, varmints, hogs, and wild hare. The land is also perfect for hiking, off-roading, target shooting, corporate team building, or camping, although there are no existing amenities or lodging. If you have read this far, then it may be time to back away from the keyboard, put down your writing pen, and explore this further. Do more than dream! Tame the wild hair telling you to get out of the city so you can check out the exquisite deer and the beautiful nature at this Rayonier property!
RAYONIER PROPERTIES WILDHAREBYRAYONIER.COM
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
Lone Star Outdoor News
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
Lone Star Outdoor News
| 13
A scope for every need Hunters nationwide have similar needs when it comes to riflescopes — outstanding low-light performance and rugged reliability in a lightweight package are typically among the first requests. Featuring dual spring precision adjustments, the Twilight Max Light Management System, and a legendary reputation for durability, Leupold's VX-3i line firmly fits the bill. A 3:1 zoom ratio means the VX-3i line comes in a wide variety of magnification ranges — available in 1.55, 2.5-8, 3.5-10, 4.5-14, and 6.5-20 power models, with varying objective lens diameters. The line is also available with a Duplex, Illuminated Duplex, Heavy Duplex, Fine Duplex, Wind-Plex, Boone & Crockett, German 4, Illuminated German 4 or Varmint Hunter reticle. Illuminated reticles feature Leupold's Motion Sensor Technology, which puts the FireDot into a battery-saving standby mode after five minutes of inactivity. When the MST detects motion, it instantly activates the sight, so it's ready when you are. With the VX-3i you’re getting a feature-packed riflescope, complete with Leupold’s well-known rugged reliability standards, at a price point that won’t blow your budget — VX-3i’s start as low as $450. SUPERIOR LOW-LIGHT PERFORMANCE Get behind a VX-3i and you’ll see what makes it a step better than its competition. Every scope in the line offers superior edge-to-edge clarity and extreme low-light performance. Leupold’s Twilight Max Light Management System delivers the perfect balance of image color and contrast, light transmission and glare management. Most scopes only focus on transmitting
high percentages of midday light, while the VX-3i gives you maximum transmission of the entire visible spectrum. Why does that matter? The human eye is most sensitive to colors outside the middle of the spectrum during dawn and dusk, when game is moving. This system literally helps you see more in less light. CUSTOM DIAL SYSTEM Select VX-3i models can be equipped with Leupold's one-of-a-kind Custom Dial System. Never heard of it? Then pay attention, because the CDS system makes accurate, long-range shooting this simple: Range your target, turn your CDS dial to match the range, aim dead-on, and then squeeze the trigger. With a CDS dial and some practice, you can shoot farther and more accurately than ever before. Here's how it works: Leupold customizes your scope's elevation dial to match your exact load, velocity, and even the average atmospheric conditions where you hunt for unprecedented precision. With your CSD dial, you'll easily compensate for bullet drop and make ultra-quick adjustments on the fly. The CDS feature is available on all VX-6HD and VX-6 models, and select VX-5HD, VX-3i, VX-R, and VX-Freedom models. CDS dials are excellent when paired with a Leupold rangefinder, thanks to the company's exclusive True Ballistic Range technology. Use True Ballistic Range to get the most accurate ballistic range to your target, and then set your CDS to the correct number — it's already matched to the ballistics.
BUILT TO LAST Like every riflescope offered by Leupold, the VX-3i is designed, machined, and assembled in Beaverton, Oregon, and it’s built to withstand a lifetime of abuse. Exterior lens surfaces are treated with DiamondCoat 2, an ion-assist lens coating, for higher light transmission and an amazing level of abrasion resistance. Every Leupold riflescope model is “punisher” tested and capable of withstanding whatever you might be able to throw at it. That said, if you do ever have a problem, know that the VX-3i is backed by Leupold’s legendary Full Lifetime Guarantee.
LEUPOLD LEUPOLD.COM
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
Lone Star Outdoor News
We’re 700 American craftsmen making optics for the world’s most resilient hunters and shooters. We’re relentless because you’re relentless, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
#BERELENTLESS
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
Lone Star Outdoor News
LEUPOLD.COM
| 15
Not the cheapest, but the best
real texa s hunt ing , real texa s fis hin g
Did you know that steel foundries produce two different grades of what is commonly known as AR500. There is AR500 — which on a hardness scale can be at 451-500, and Certified AR 500 is 501-550. C-AR500 costs more, but it is worth every dollar. Your Target designs and manufactures high quality, durable high-caliber rifle steel targets from C-AR500 steel. Target frames are also made from strong thicker steel to withstand the rugged outdoors. We make frame systems for all levels of shooters, from self-defense and sports shooters to the hunter of small and big game. All the steel shooting targets vary in shape and size, including the silhouette hog, coyote, deer, blackbuck, aoudad and others. All are made in San Antonio. Why steel targets? “Steel targets provide instant feedback,” said Bill Black, owner/ fabricator of Y-T. “The sound of a bullet striking a steel target leaves no doubt that you hit your mark. Plus, since you don’t have to stop shooting to check the accuracy of each shot, you can acquire the next target quicker.” And what is more fun than shooting at steel targets that clang, spin, jump and move around? “It’s a whole lot more fun than shooting at paper targets that just get filled up with holes,” Black said. Your Target offers highly durable and
versatile frames: Quick Shot Frame, Stacker Frame, and Monster Frame. And, if you want to challenge your fellow shooter to a dual; or want practice multiple threat shooting drills, the Dueling Tree steel target frame is just what you need. Be sure to see our latest new products in the next insert for “KYL” or “Know Your Limit” targets made for .22LR @ 50 yards. KYL can be found on YouTube. Whether for hunting your lease or for a backyard range of your own, explore the Your Target family of steel shooting targets and steel animal silhouette targets. Buy them for life. WARNING: Shooting steel targets is known to be addictive!
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rudys.com 16 |
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
Lone Star Outdoor News
LonestarOutdoorNews_5.1x6.9.indd 1
7/26/18 10:57 AM
2018-19 hunting season dates ALLIGATOR
GOOSE
22 Counties & special properties All Other Counties
East Zone Early Canada goose Light & dark geese Light goose conservation order West Zone Light & dark geese Light goose conservation order
Sept. 10 - 30 Apr. 1 - June 30
CHACHALACA Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr & Nov. 3 - Feb. 24 Willacy Counties
DOVE Sept. 1 - Nov. 4 Dec. 21 - Jan. 14 Sept. 1 - Nov. 4 Dec. 21 - Jan. 14 Sept. 14 - Oct. 30 Dec. 14 - Jan. 21
North Zone Central Zone South Zone Additional days for Special White-winged Dove season
Sept. 1, 2, 8, 9
DUCK North Zone Regular Season Dusky duck Youth-Only South Zone Regular Season Dusky duck Youth-Only
Nov. 10 - 25 Dec. 1- Jan. 27 Nov. 15 - 25 Dec. 1 - Jan. 27 Nov. 3 - 4 Nov. 3 - 25 Dec. 8 - Jan. 27 Nov. 8 - 25 Dec. 8 - Jan. 27 Oct. 27 - 28
HIGH PLAINS MALLARD MANAGEMENT UNIT (HPMMU) Regular Season Dusky duck Youth-Only
GALLINULE, RAIL, MOORHEN
Oct. 27 - 28 Nov. 2 - Jan. 27 Nov. 5 - Jan. 27 Oct. 20 - 21 Sept. 15 – 30; Nov. 3 - Dec. 26
Sept. 15 - 30 Nov. 3 - Jan. 27 Jan. 28 - Mar. 17 Nov. 3 - Feb. 3 Feb. 4 - Mar. 17
JAVELINA North Zone South Zone
Oct. 1 - Feb. 24 Sept. 1 - Aug. 31
MULE DEER General Season Panhandle SW Panhandle Trans-Pecos Archery Season
Nov. 17 - Dec. 2 Nov. 17 - 25 Nov. 23 - Dec. 9 Sept. 29 - Nov. 2
Managed Lands Deer Permit
Nov. 3 - Jan. 27
PHEASANT Panhandle
Dec. 1 - 30
PRONGHORN ANTELOPE Sept. 29 - Oct. 7 QUAIL Statewide
RABBITS & HARES SANDHILL CRANE Zone A Zone B Zone C
Oct. 27 - Feb. 24 No closed season Oct. 27 - Jan. 27 Nov. 23 - Jan. 27 Dec. 15 - Jan. 20
SQUIRREL East Texas Other Open Counties Special Youth Season
SNIPE
Oct. 1 - Feb. 24 & May 1 - 31 Sept. 1 - Aug. 31 Sept. 29 - 30 Oct. 27 - Feb. 10
TEAL TURKEY Rio Grande Turkey Fall Season North Zone South Zone Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg & Willacy counties Archery-Only Fall Youth-Only North Zone South Zone Spring Season North Zone South Zone One-turkey counties Spring Youth-Only North Zone South Zone Eastern Turkey Spring Season East Texas
Sept. 15 - 30
Nov. 3 - Jan. 6 Nov. 3 - Jan. 20 Nov. 3 - Feb. 24 Sept. 29 - Nov. 2 Oct. 27 - 28; Jan. 7 - 20 Oct. 27 - 28; Jan. 21 - Feb. 3 Mar. 30 - May 12 Mar. 16 - Apr. 28 April 1 - April 30 Mar. 23 - 24; May 18 - 19 Mar. 9 - 10; May 4 - 5
Apr. 22 - May 14
WHITE-TAILED DEER General Season North Zone South Zone Special Late Season North Zone South Zone Youth-Only Seasons Early Season Late Season Archery Season Muzzleloader-Only Managed Lands Deer Permit
WOODCOCK
Nov. 3 - Jan. 6 Nov. 3 - Jan. 20 Jan. 7 - 20 Jan. 21 - Feb. 3 Oct. 27 - 28 Jan. 7 - 20 Sept. 29 - Nov. 2 Jan. 7 - 20
Sept. 29 - Feb. 28 Dec. 18 - Jan. 31 *Check TPWD for information, bag limits
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BTI HUNTING PRODUCTS & FIREPITS 10495 North Freeway, Fort Worth, TX 76177 th Wor za Fort agan trav x E ter’s 1! Hun h FF boot
866-232-8030
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All firepits include adjustable swivel grate, pin and poker. Available sizes: 24”, 30”, 36”, 40” and 48”od. Shelf, foot rest and designs are optional.
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The new normal: Buying a ready-to-hunt rifle setup Not too long ago, a hunter might buy a rifle with plans to gradually piece together a rig with whatever optics and accessories that were currently going unused in the garage. Or, he might even have purchased a rifle with plans to pair it with a scope he’d bought on impulse six months prior. And though there are certainly folks that still shop in such a manner, it’s no longer necessarily the norm. Instead, hunters and shooters are buying ready-to-rock setups from specialty retailers — it’s a paradigm shift that’s showing no signs of slowing, and for good reason. Simply put, it’s just more efficient. Putting your rig together piece by piece can be an arduous process with a lot of trial and error. Working with experts to buy a setup that’s already been designed to succeed from the ground up helps maximize efficiency and, most importantly, performance. Dallas-based Modern Outfitters offers such solutions with its ready-to-hunt carbines and bolt rifles, which deliver top-shelf quality, craftsmanship and performance. Modern’s rifles come out of the shop ready for Texas hunting season, whether you’re looking for a truck gun or a long-range hunting platform. A wide range of calibers and configurations are available, with carbines designed for both AR-15 and AR-10 style platforms. Modern also offers precision bolt guns and chassis. No matter which platform you choose, performance is always the No. 1 goal. Modern Outfitters is dedicated to precision manufacturing the best components for their rifles, and the result is a highly customizable platform that outperforms factory-made rifles. Fittingly, Modern Outfitters matches these made-in-the-USA rifles with optics from Leupold & Stevens, Inc., which designs, machines and assembles its scopes in Beaverton, Oregon. Modern’s lightweight, accurate rifles pair excellently with Leupold’s one-of-a-kind Custom Dial system. The CDS makes accurate long-range shooting this simple: Range your target, turn your CDS dial to match the range, aim dead-on, and then squeeze the trigger. With a CDS dial and some practice, you can shoot farther and more accurately than ever before. With your CDS dial, you'll easily compensate for bullet drop and make ultra-quick adjustments on the fly. With the CDS working in sync with Modern’s 1-MOA accuracy guarantee for carbines and 1/2-MOA for bolt rifles, no critter should be beyond your reach — or means — this season. Many of Leupold’s CDS-ready optics are available with illuminated reticles, too, all of which feature the company’s Motion Sensor Technology, which puts the reticle into a battery-saving standby mode after five minutes of inactivity. Modern has an array of rifles and Leupold optics in stock, but also specializes in custom orders — and their sales associates are happy to help you build the perfect ready-to-roll setup for your desired application. Modern’s manufacturing, Custom Shop, and showroom are locally owned and operated in Dallas. Modern Outfitter rifles and Leupold riflescopes are both backed by their respective full lifetime guarantees.
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MODERN OUTFITTERS
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☎ (469) 248-3626 1632 S. Irving Blvd., Dallas 75207
Contact Chris 972-922-4225
wildpointwhitetails@hughes.net DELIVERY AVAILABLE 18 |
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TRUSTED AMERICAN CRAFTSMANSHIP Elite firearms demand elite optics. That’s why Modern Outfitters completes every custom build with a Leupold scope. Designed for accuracy. Built to last. Guaranteed to perform forever. Modern Outfitters and Leupold Optics are the perfect combination of American craftsmanship and relentless performance.
VISIT MODERN-OUTFITTERS.COM 1632 S. Irving Blvd. | Dallas, TX | 75207 PH: 469.248.3626
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
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| 19
Keep the
FUN
in hunting By Keith Warren Justifying hunting by telling people that we kill so that we can feed our families is not a good strategy in my opinion. Let’s face it. Hunting does cost money and, in most cases, even when you hunt something that is free like a bullfrog or rabbit, there are some expenses associated with that. Even if it’s only a tank full of gasoline, the expenses almost all the time would purchase more food than the animal taken provides. So justifying feeding the family is really not a good strategy in order to convince nonhunters why we hunt. I believe a better strategy is to convince nonhunters why we hunt is that it is fun and that it provides a sense of being connected to nature and that for us hunters, it’s in our DNA. We can’t help but hunt, as we love every aspect of it. And yes, we do love eating what we kill. Fun is the main reason I hunt. It’s fun to wake up early and try to outwit a turkey or properly read the wind and down a big buck or send an arrow through a wild boar before they have a chance to smell your presence. It’s fun to challenge yourself to becoming a better marksman so you can make an accurate shot, which dispatches your quarry in a humane way. I’m like most hunters seeking fun. We are always on the lookout for new products that will elevate the hunting experience and challenging ourselves at the same time. It’s for that reason that hunters have embraced new forms of hunting over the years. It wasn’t that long ago that the crossbow was not considered legal to be used to harvest big game in Texas. But, thanks to a small group of progressive hunters, they helped make hunting big game animals in Texas using crossbows a reality. And today, thousands of hunters are now in the field taking deer and turkey in Texas using the crossbow. Why? Because it’s fun and yes, it dispatches the animals ethically. As a fun-seeking hunter, I was introduced to big bore air rifles a couple of years ago and it has added a new level of fun to my hunting experiences. Big bore air rifles are incredibly accurate and they are capable of dispatching big game animals just as the crossbow does or maybe even better. These big bore air rifles shoot projectiles that would be fired out of modern day muzzleloaders and they deliver a punch that is surprising. As far as the accuracy and distance a hunter can expect to kill with the big bore air rifles, I am very confident in saying that 100 yards is a chip shot for all the different brands I’ve used. At 100 yards, they will shoot as good as many center fire rifles do out of the box. These big bore air rifles operate on compressed air that charges the rifles from an outside source. I use a tank similar to a scuba tank and can get hundreds of shots from just one tank of air. After becoming familiar with the big bore air rifles, I started to hunt bigger animals using them. I’ve taken deer, hogs and bear with no problem at
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
Keith Warren
all. Many of the times, the animals die in their tracks and seldom do they run off more than 50 yards. After gaining confidence in the big bore air rifles on North American game, I traveled to Africa to use them on an air gun safari. I took lots of small animals with it but some of the larger ones I took were a sable, eland and even the world's first Cape buffalo using an air rifle. After taking the Cape buffalo and seeing him fall to his knees within 30 yards of my shot, I realized that big bore air rifles simply don’t get the respect they deserve in the hunting community. I don’t know why this is. But, it is likely due to people simply not having enough knowledge or experience with them. Just like crossbows were misunderstood years ago, big bore air rifles seem to be misunderstood today. Missouri allows deer to be hunted with big bore air rifles. Florida has now legalized hunting with big bore air rifles for deer and Texas is considering making them legal as well. Opening up big game hunting for big bore air rifles creates more opportunity for hunters and will help participation in the hunting arena. And yes, it will help hunters have more fun as they take to the field. If you are looking to increase the level of fun in your hunting experience, I’d strongly suggest you finding a place to shoot big bore air rifles. They are safe, accurate, pack a heck of a lethal punch, and did I say FUN?
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Born and raised deep in the heart of Texas, the AirForce Texan is the world’s most powerful production air rifle on the market. Coming in hot with 1,000 fps and 500 ft. lbs of energy in .45 caliber, you can take your hunting to the next level with the power of air.
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
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Banded bird challenge in time for dove season This fall, the Eurasian collared dove could be more than a bonus bird. The Texas Dove Hunters Association banded a minimum of 300 Eurasian collared dove across Texas. The 2018 Texas BB Challenge is a challenge to all dove hunters with a Texas hunting license to harvest a Eurasian collared dove with a band on its leg from September 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019. Each entrant in the BB Challenge will have the chance to win one of many fantastic prizes: Polaris Ranger UTV from Hoffpauir Outdoors, CZ-USA shotguns, Frio ice chests, Chippewa snake boots, a TDHA lifetime membership and 3-year memberships as well as annual memberships. Also, there is a high school division for a $1,000 scholarship, a youth division for a guided dove hunt and an outfitters division for a guided trophy trout fishing trip at Baffin Bay. The birds are being released now, and more will likely be released during the season, according to TDHA director Bob Thornton. Every band could be a winner. TDHA members with active memberships who harvest a banded Eurasian collared dove will be entered into a drawing for the top prizes as well as a TDHA member category to win a CZ-USA shotgun. Every band reported will be contributing to a research program by TDHA to study Eurasian collared dove. Data is collected from the day the bird is banded to the day it is harvested. Valuable information can be collected from the compilation of data over time to help study traits such as migration habits, climate preferences, aging and more. “The data we’re collecting is structured on how the U.S. Fish and Wildlife collects information,” Thornton said. “We’ll especially learn much more about their migration patterns and preferred habitat. We will share the information with Texas Parks and Wildlife for them to share with the feds.” You must be entered to win, and, of course, you must be entered before you harvested a banded bird. The entry fee is $20, and the final drawings, after all the bands are reported, will be in February.
TEXAS DOVE HUNTERS ASSOCIATION
☎ (210) 764-1189 TEXASDOVEHUNTERS.COM
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www.allseasonsfeeders.com 22 |
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PMS 470 c/u PMS 350 c/u
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Adopt an Acre with Trinity Oaks Trinity Oaks, a San Antonio based nonprofit, is well-known in the Texas deer hunting community for its processing and distribution of wild game meat to homeless shelters and food pantries throughout Texas — more than 9,000 pounds each month, equating to the impact of feeding 11,250 families of four every month, all free of charge to the hunter donating the meat and end recipient. The nonprofit also provides fishing trips, hunts and outdoor experiences to the less fortunate. Since 2007, they have made a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of people, who otherwise could not afford or have had access to land to enjoy the outdoor-based experiences. Each year, Trinity Oaks properties host more than 50 events supporting individuals and like-minded nonprofits, who benefit from active participation in nature. The outdoor programs support Purple Heart and combat veterans and their families, people suffering through a terminal illness, and underprivileged youth who lack proper mentorship or financial means. Now, the organization, to secure its long-term future and sustainability for program growth, is buying the Thumbtack Ranch, a 2,000-acre ranch near Batesville. “We can host a full additional 50 events more
each year at the ranch alone, completely free of charge to participants,” said Trinity Oaks’ cofounder and President Tom Snyder. “The ranch allows us to incorporate hunting, angling, shooting and outdoor recreation at one location, eliminating the cost and process of moving specialized handicapped equipment from ranch to ranch.” Snyder also plans to open the Thumbtack Ranch to other, like-minded nonprofits. “We’ll provide access so they can provide additional opportunities to people we cannot traditionally reach and thus, multiply the impact of the ranch,” he said. Trinity Oaks is introducing the “Adopt an Acre” Capital Campaign to secure the funds needed to make the Thumbtack Ranch vision a reality. “We need to raise $6 million in three years. So far we have raised $2.4 million in 2017,” Snyder said. “A person can help us by adopting an acre for $3,000 in a one-time gift or a three-year pledge that equates to $84 per month, for 36 months.” Donors who adopt an acre will be entered into a unique raffle annually! “Each year, the donor will get one chance per acre ‘adopted,’ to win a trophy hunt of their choice on the ranch,” Snyder said. “With their help, we can achieve the Trinity Oaks’ mission of using hunting, fishing and outdoor activities to give back and make a difference in the lives of others.”
Making a donation to Trinity Oaks “Adopt An Acre” Capital Campaign also creates a special lasting legacy by permanently honoring the donor, a loved one, company, or in memory of a person who loved the outdoors. The donor will select how the acre is named and recorded on a huge map that is located in the main lodge. On August 25, Trinity Oaks will holds its 6th annual Under the Oaks Gala in San Antonio, where it will award its annual Partner of the Year award honoring hunter-conservationists who have consistently given their time, talent, and treasure to Trinity Oaks. Past recipients have included Scott Gurney, Duck Dynasty executive producer, and Joe and Ann Kercheville, owners of Joshua Creek Ranch in Boerne. The annual Lt. Paul Silber Award recipient also will be recognized, given to a combat veteran dedicated to conservation and community volunteerism. Past winners have included Purple Heart recipients such as Greg Stubbe, Gary Renick, Edgar Stiteler, and Blaine Scott. Trinity Oaks is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
TRINITY OAKS
☎ (210) 447-0351 TRINITYOAKS.ORG
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7:01 7:01 7:02 7:03 7:03 7:04 7:05 7:05 7:06 7:06 7:07 7:08 7:08 7:09 7:09 7:10 7:11 7:11 7:12 7:13 7:13 7:14 7:14 7:15 7:16 7:16 7:17 7:18 7:18 7:19
7:52 7:51 7:49 7:48 7:47 7:46 7:44 7:43 7:42 7:40 7:39 7:38 7:36 7:35 7:34 7:32 7:31 7:30 7:28 7:27 7:26 7:24 7:23 7:21 7:20 7:19 7:17 7:16 7:15 7:13
7:20 7:20 7:21 7:22 7:22 7:23 7:24 7:24 7:25 7:26 7:26 7:27 7:28 7:29 7:29 7:30 7:31 7:32 7:32 7:33 7:34 7:35 7:36 7:36 7:37 7:38 7:39 7:40 7:41 7:42 7:42
7:12 7:11 7:09 7:08 7:07 7:06 7:04 7:03 7:02 7:00 6:59 6:58 6:57 6:56 6:54 6:53 6:52 6:51 6:50 6:48 6:47 6:46 6:45 6:44 6:43 6:42 6:41 6:40 6:39 6:38 6:37
7:43 7:44 7:45 6:46 6:47 6:48 6:49 6:50 6:51 6:51 6:52 6:53 6:54 6:55 6:56 6:57 6:58 6:59 7:00 7:01 7:02 7:03 7:04 7:05 7:05 7:06 7:07 7:08 7:09 7:10
6:36 6:35 6:34 5:33 5:33 5:32 5:31 5:30 5:29 5:29 5:28 5:27 5:27 5:26 5:26 5:25 5:24 5:24 5:23 5:23 5:23 5:22 5:22 5:21 5:21 5:21 5:21 5:20 5:20 5:20
7:11 7:12 7:12 7:13 7:14 7:15 7:16 7:16 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 7:28
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 5:21 5:22 5:22 5:23 5:23 5:23 5:24 5:24 5:25 5:25 5:26 5:27 5:27 5:28 5:28 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 7:28 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 5:34 5:35 5:36 5:37 5:38 5:39 5:40 5:40 5:41 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 7:19 7:18 7:17 7:16 7:15 7:15 7:14 7:13 7:12 7:11 7:10 7:09 7:08 7:07 7:06 7:05 7:04 7:03 7:02 7:01 6:59 6:58 6:57 6:56
5:58 5:59 6:00 6:01 6:02 6:03 6:04 6:04 6:05 6:06 6:07 6:08 6:09 6:10 6:11 6:12 6:13 6:14 6:15 6:15 6:16 6:17 6:18 6:19 6:20 6:21 6:21 6:22
6:55 6:54 6:52 6:51 6:50 6:49 6:47 6:46 6:45 7:44 7:42 7:41 7:40 7:39 7:37 7:36 7:35 7:33 7:32 7:31 7:29 7:28 7:27 7:26 7:24 7:23 7:22 7:20 7:19 7:18 7:16
6:23 6:24 6:25 6:25 6:26 6:27 6:28 6:28 6:29 7:30 7:31 7:31 7:32 7:33 7:34 7:34 7:35 7:36 7:36 7:37 7:38 7:39 7:39 7:40 7:41 7:41 7:42 7:43 7:43 7:44 7:45
7:15 7:14 7:13 7:11 7:10 7:09 7:07 7:06 7:05 7:04 7:02 7:01 7:00 6:59 6:58 6:56 6:55 6:54 6:53 6:52 6:51 6:49 6:48 6:47 6:46 6:45 6:44 6:43 6:42 6:41
7:45 7:46 7:47 7:48 7:48 7:49 7:50 7:50 7:51 7:52 7:52 7:53 7:54 7:55 7:55 7:56 7:57 7:57 7:58 7:59 8:00 8:00 8:01 8:02 8:02 8:03 8:04 8:05 8:05 8:06
6:40 6:39 6:38 6:37 6:36 6:35 6:35 6:34 6:33 6:32 6:31 6:31 6:30 6:29 6:28 6:28 6:27 6:26 6:26 6:25 6:25 6:24 6:24 6:23 6:23 6:22 6:22 6:21 6:21 6:21 6:20
8:07 8:08 8:08 8:09 8:10 8:11 8:11 8:12 8:13 8:14 8:14 8:15 8:16 8:17 8:17 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 8:27 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 2018
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
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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 2018
Lone Star Outdoor News
| 25
Quail, Deer, Exotics and more 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 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. This program is not restricted by score. It is an exclusive chance to hunt for the whitetail of your dreams. Last year’s results include a giant 493-inch deer taken by rifle. As the Orvis 2011 and 2015 Wingshooting Lodge of the Year, Greystone has mastered the art of bird hunting. The ever-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 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 sheep, blackbuck antelope, sika and fallow deer mean there are plenty of trophies to be taken.
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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, spin casters or simple hook and bobbers, there is a place for everyone. Kayaks and paddleboards let you go off on your own adventure or pontoon boats sneak you to the honey holes. Championship Sporting Clays courses, two 5-stands, a training course and a wobble deck challenge every level of shooter. Our 400-yard rifle and pistol range offers steel targets at a variety of ranges. Hone your skills on our archery course featuring a tri-level static range and a 3-D walking course. Or just enjoy our scenic hiking and biking trails. What appeals to all visitors to Greystone are 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 and steam room. Along with this is the 2,600-squarefoot 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 improvement and wildlife management has made Greystone an extraordinary hunting venue. This, coupled with the unique castle facility and outstanding customer service, makes Greystone Castle a destination without equal.
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
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GREYSTONE CASTLE
☎ (800) 399-3006 GREYSTONECASTLE.COM
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
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| 27
BOWHUNTING FROM BLINDS MADE EASY In the last decade, more bowhunters are realizing there are many benefits to hunting deer from a blind. The tricky thing about hunting from a blind, though, is outsmarting the deer. Bill Winke from Midwest Whitetail TV spends more than 70 days a year chasing big bucks and, although he enjoys hunting out of a treestand, he believes every hunter should have a blind or two on their property. “There are times when hunting from a tower blind or bale blind makes sense,” he said. “As long as the blinds are set up properly and in the right location, bucks can be killed from a stationary blind like a tower blind.” Winke spends a fair amount of time in Redneck tower blinds, and said blind placement is crucial when bowhunting. “It is difficult to kill a buck with a bow in a tower blind if you are hunting a large food plot or crop field because the deer have too many places they can come and go out of a field,” Winke said. “I like placing my tower blinds on food plots that are an acre in size or smaller. With a smaller plot, deer can typically only enter the field in a few places and, if a bowhunter knows where those places are, that is where you set the blind.” Another option is to put the blind in a central location in the food plot where the deer typically pass by. The downside of this is that eventually deer will get downwind of you.
“When hunting in a location where I know the deer are going to come down wind of me, I take every precaution I can to stay scent-free,” Winke said. I keep all the windows closed until it is time to shoot, I use an Ozonics machine to help reduce odor, and I wear scent-eliminating clothing. By doing everything I can to stay scent-free most of the time, the blind contains enough of my odor that the deer don’t wind me. A Redneck Blind has gaskets on the door and windows so they work well at containing human odor.” Tower blinds also offer options not available for a treestand. “Some farms have deep valleys where the wind is always swirling,” Winke said. “These places are perfect for a Redneck because of the amount of human odor the blind contains.” Of course, one of the greatest benefits of using a tower blind is the comfort factor. “I can stay warm and dry regardless of what the weather outside is doing,” Winke said. “My kids love hunting out of them as well. They can play on an iPad, move around and when a buck comes in, they get serious and hunt. When you are comfortable, you can hunt harder and longer and the more hours you spend in the woods, the better odds you have of success.” Not all blinds are created equal. The Redneck Blinds have long, vertical
102 Acres, Callahan Co.
4BR/2B 2966 sq ft main house and 713 guest house, Large shop with complete butcher shop, barn, roping arena, pipe pens $549,000
225 Acres, Coleman Co
Prime hunting area, diverse ranch, 3 ponds, enjoy hunting or fishing, beautiful views $562,500
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windows that make drawing and shooting with a bow a piece of cake. Gaskets around the door and windows contain human odor and reduce insect issues. Winke also hunts out of a Redneck Bale Blind. “The bale blind is fairly easy to move,” Winke said. “Sometimes we put them on trailers and move them from one farm to another. Because they look like a hay bale, deer don’t pay much attention to them. Even when I put a bale blind in
150 Acres, Callahan Co.
Custom built home, inviting pool, outdoor kitchen, Hunt, fish or graze on this property $1,190,000
317 Acres, Brown Co.
Hunt & fish, camp area, hills, 5 ponds, near Lake Brownwood, working pens $1,033,013
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
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a field that is wide-open and hasn’t had crops in it for awhile, the deer get used to it fairly quickly because the blinds are made of natural material and look like a bale of hay.”
REDNECK BLINDS
☎ (877) 523-9986 REDNECKBLINDS.COM
171 Acres, Eastland Co.
Triple R high fenced game ranch, Hunting Lodge, guest house, 7:1 buck to doe ratio $1,390,000
319 Acres, Brown Co.
High fenced, 2 ponds, food plots, blinds & feeders, genetically superior deer $999,900
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
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| 29
When you're
away
from the blind
By Craig Nyhus You’re at the office working on a project, but your mind wanders to the deer lease and the buck you saw on the trail camera. Is he there now? The nice buck has been a regular in the field below the blind you named the “Success Blind,” but the season is yet to start. Finally, hunting season starts, but you’re at a lengthy dance recital, watching your daughter and dozens of her friends. What time does he come by the blind? The next weekend, it’s your son’s soccer tournament that keeps you away. Is someone else sitting in the blind and has my chance been missed? Finally, you get to the lease and it’s time to hunt, but there’s no sign of the buck on recent Stealth Cam pics. Has he been going by the other blind? He was coming by like clockwork, now he’s disappeared. Which one should I choose? The buck is becoming an obsession. Then, the holidays come, with the season’s end not far behind. This time, the grade school Christmas program keeps you away from the blind. I know he’s going to come by when I’m not there. One of the other guys will get him. Finally, you’re headed to hunt the closing weekend. The deer hasn’t appeared for any of the other hunters. He has disappeared. Surely this is my weekend. He’s going to come right to that spot, just for me. Right?
David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
Lone Star Outdoor News
Build confidence with long-range shooting school Come check out Texas’ newest, full-service, longrange shooting and hunting school, just north of Abilene. After spending hard-earned money for a Western big game hunt, the last thing you want is to have a trophy of a lifetime walk away because you were not comfortable with the shot, or, worse yet, taking the shot and missing or ending up with a wounded animal. Outdoor Solutions’ longrange classes not only reconfirm shooting basics, but teach the fundamentals of proper shooting techniques at extended distances in various shooting positions. More importantly, our long-range class exposes a shooter’s limitations and the limitations of his or her equipment in the field where it counts, in turn making them a more confident and ethical hunter. Classes are two full days of instruction and include three nights lodging, meals, rifles (students can bring their own if they meet our specifications) optics and ammo. Call us or see the website for full details and the class schedule.
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OUR SCHOOLS INCLUDE: • • • •
All gear provided including rifles, optics, and ammo 4 Star lodging and all meals provided on site Small class size with 1 instructor for every 2 students Range 1: 1000 yard known distance range with 8 bay shoot house • Range 2: Hunting scenario and positional shooting ranges from 100 to 900 yards
Reserve your spot today by calling (918) 258-7817 or at www.outdoorsolutionscorp.com! HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
Lone Star Outdoor News
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Texas’ largest shooting playground
HUNT Free Range
AOUDAD
American Shooting Centers, conveniently located in Houston, Texas on 563 acres in the beautiful George Bush Park, has been Texas’ largest outdoor firearms playground since 1989. We are looking forward to breaking ground on our new Rifle and Pistol Pro Shop and expanded retail center this fall. August is National Shooting Sports Month and the beginning of our busy season. We will be celebrating this month with multiple specials, including first-time shooter specials at rifle and pistol and sporting clays with donated instruction from our professional instructors. We will have target specials for both shotgun shooters and rifle and pistol shooters. Visit our Facebook page to enter our photo contest and learn more about our upcoming fall 5-stand league, which is offering a discount to all new league members. Our Events Team still has some space on the calendar if you would like to come out to celebrate a bachelor or bachelorette party, host a team-building event, or have a fundraiser. Our monthly National Sporting Clays Association events continue to grow, and our guest target setters have become a fan favorite. You can check our calendar to find out when the next NSCA or public fundraiser shoot will be held. As the only public outdoor shooting facility in Houston, we encourage shooters of all abilities to come out and enjoy the fun here at American Shooting Centers.
in Llano County
AMERICAN SHOOTING CENTERS
☎ (281) 556-8199
Sept. - Oct. 2018
30” – Oct. 2017
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AMERICANSHOOTINGCENTERS.COM
For more information on 2018 hunts email darrellsteffek@gmail.com
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
Lone Star Outdoor News
Whitewing numbers up, mourning dove steady Dove hunters have reason to expect a good, or even great, season. “We analyze all of the data and look at precipitation information,” said Owen Fitzsimmons, the webless migratory game program leader with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “We received some good rain in key parts of the state in April and May, which really helped.” In much of the state, it dried out quickly over the summer. “That may affect the late dove hatch,” Fitzsimmons said.
Mourning dove numbers and production were average for the state. “Average is good for mourning dove,” Fitzsimmons said. The white-winged dove numbers continue to rise in Texas and the birds, once only seen in far South Texas, have moved into the neighboring states to the north. “The whitewing numbers are better than average,” Fitzsimmons said. Fitzsimmons paid close attention to areas that were affected by Hurricane Harvey last year.
“From what we’re seeing, there are no carryover issues in the areas along the coast and inland,” he said. Harvey did have an effect on the number of hunters last dove season, though. “The total number of hunters was down about 100,000 last year and that corresponded with fewer birds harvested,” Fitzsimmons said. “I’m pretty sure that’s due to Harvey — hunting was the last thing on people’s minds.” The Rio Grande Valley was the hotspot last year, Fitzsimmons said.
“The Valley had some of the highest numbers we’ve seen,” he said. “And overall, areas that weren’t directly hit by the hurricane did well. It’s always kind of an educated guess, but, hopefully, we’ll get a repeat of that.” Based on the number of photos of fields and birds on forums and social media, the excitement for the opener has already arrived.
Premium Performance. Surprisingly Affordable.
Wild Game Supper
approaching
fast
Mark your calendar for Oct. 3. That’s when Lone Star Outdoor News will hold its popular Wild Game Supper at the Beretta Gallery in Dallas. The event, in its 10th year, will again include wild game prepared by Cinnamon Creek Wild Game Processing, free beer and wine, door prizes, and raffle and auction items including hunts, gear and a Beretta shotgun. Emceed by the host of Big Billy Kinder Outdoors, Bill Kinder, with live entertainment from local artist Ole G (Grant Braudrick), an avid fisherman with a growing following, the event is held both indoors and out. Last year’s event drew more than 300 friends, raising more than $15,000 for the Lone Star Outdoor News Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides hunting and fishing opportunities for those who have the passion but lack the opportunity, creating hunters and fishermen for a lifetime. Since 2012, the foundation has provided opportunities for dozens of new hunters, with most continuing on their hunting journey by obtaining hunting leases, volunteering in conservation organizations and inviting others to join them. Stories of each hunt and fishing trip may be viewed at lsonews. com/lson-foundation. Lone Star Outdoor News is currently gathering donations and event underwriters. If interested, contact Executive Director Mimi Sams at (214) 668-0154.
NEW Rangemaster CRF 2400-R rangefinder $499 angle-compensated ranging 10-1,200 yds distance ranging to 2,400 yds
Trinovid HD 10x42 binoculars $999 field-proven to outperform much more expensive binos
Geovid-R 10x42 rangefinding binoculars $1,399 angle-compensated ranging 10-1,200 yds brilliant low-light performance
Legendary optics, absolute accuracy, and surprising affordability make Leica sport optics an exceptional value. See for yourself at your nearest Texas Leica dealer. Able Ammo, Huntsville (800) 720-3275
DFW Shooting Sports, Bedford (817) 285-0664
McBrides, Austin (512) 472-3532
Ally Outdoors, Midland (432) 203-3661
Dury’s Gun Shop, San Antonio (210) 533-5431
Oasis Outback, Uvalde (830) 278-4000
Alpine Range, Fort Worth (817) 484-0775
Field and Streams, San Angelo (325) 944-7094
Rays Sporting Goods, Dallas (214) 747-7916
Burdett & Son, College Station (979) 695-2807
Gordy & Son Outfitters, Houston (713) 333-3474
Sharpshooters, Lubbock (806) 785-4867
Carters Country, Houston (281) 443-8393
Keith Ace Hardware, Hewitt (254) 666-2520
Weby Shops, Arlington (800) 851-9329
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
Lone Star Outdoor News
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THE NEXT GENERATION OF DEER CORN A new flavor, a new product and a host of new dealers are bringing The Bait Corn Company to the top of deer hunters’ minds. Now in its third year of production of the popular flavored corn in 40-pound bags, Vanilla Bean has been added to the list of flavors, joining Red Delicious Apple, Persimmon, Peanut Butter and White Oak Acorn. “The Vanilla Bean will be ready in September,” said Bait Corn developer Robert Champion. “We’ve been testing it for two years and it outperformed the Green Apple, so we’re going to replace that.” Another new product has been under development and testing for years, and will be ready to introduce soon. The company’s Bait Powder can be added to protein, cottonseed or used as a stand-alone attractor. Champion said the flavored powder will help when introducing a new food source, like cottonseed or roasted soybeans, to deer. “When you lay the Bait Powder on the ground, it does change their behavior and they look for food,” he said. “With a new food source, it helps get them to start eating it.” The key to the Bait Corn products is the making of the attractant. “We use an oil-based coating at proper concentrates,” Champion said. “Most of the other flavored corn on the market uses less expensive water-based
HISTORIC RANCH AVAILABLE FOR LEASE QUAIL, DEER AND WILDLIFE MECCA ON 19,500 ACRES
or powder coatings.” All of the Bait Corn is processed in Texas at its El Campo facility, and new, 40-pound bags will help customers make their choice. “I get the cleanest, healthiest corn I can find then spray on the attractant. We only use the best ingredients,” Champion said. “Bait Corn takes corn to a whole new level.” The company has more than doubled the number of its dealerships statewide, and a list of dealers in your area are available at Bait Corn’s website. Each 40-pound bag costs $8.99.
Are you a quail hunter who likes to mix in a mule deer, whitetail or turkey hunt? Or vice versa? The Blue Ranch in the Texas Panhandle is just what you’re looking for and it is now available for the first time in a year-round lease. 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 20 birds.” “We are interested in quality, ethical hunters who are conservation-minded,” Turner said. “We’re looking for a long-term 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 five to six people comfortably. Access by air is a snap, with the Dumas Airport, with a runway that easily accommodates Lear Jets, just 20 minutes away. Your dream hunting lease awaits! Call Mike Turner for details.
BLUE RANCH
☎ (979) 595-6872
THE BAIT CORN COMPANY
☎ (844) 367-3836
MIKEBRONC1@HOTMAIL.COM
BAITCORN.COM
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
Lone Star Outdoor News
Joshua Creek Ranch is the 2018 Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Lodge of the Year. As a finalist for the prestigious award for the past three years, plus featuring an Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Guide of the Year winner in 2017 and finalist in 2018, 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
www.joshuacreek.com m (830) 537-5090 m info@joshuacreek.com
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
Lone Star Outdoor News
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Win a bull elk hunt in Texas! Lone Star Outdoor News, in conjunction with the H3P Ranch near Cooper, is giving away a bull elk hunt! To be eligible, all a person needs to do is subscribe to Lone Star Outdoor News, renew an existing subscription or send a postcard complying with contest rules by Oct. 31. A random drawing will be held in early November, with the winning hunter’s name to be published at lsonews.com. The H3P Ranch provides a world-class experience in East Texas, with some of the best deer and exotics hunting in the state. The hunt, for one hunter and one nonhunter, will include an overnight stay at the ranch’s main lodge or one of its individual cabins, with two days of hunting. All food and drinks
are included, and the hunt will take place during the 2018-2019 season. “We have a good number of elk here, and the whitetails are doing great,” said ranch owner Phil Powell. “The hunters also are likely to see scimitarhorned oryx and axis deer.” Subscribe or renew by calling (214) 361-2276, by mail at P.O. Box 551695, Dallas, TX 75355, or online at lsonews.com. Look for the subscription ad in Lone Star Outdoor News, where full contest rules are listed. No purchase necessary. Learn more about the H3P Ranch and Whitetails at bucksandbirds.com, or reach Powell at (972) 7417960.
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Whitetail outlook promising, but mixed
Texas is a big state, with a number of different ecoregions. While many areas in West Texas have dealt with drought conditions this year, others to the east have dealt with flooding, both of which impact deer populations. “It’s probably going to be an average year for most hunters,” said Alan Cain, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s deer program leader. “But there are pockets across the state that will be above average. It just depends who got the rain.” The rains that did arrive came at different times in different areas of the state this year. “From one end of the state to the other, there are areas that look like little oases of green spots with decent forage,” Cain said. “Overall, we came through the winter in decent shape, but places started to dry up early.” Cain expressed concern about the excessive heat in much of the state, beginning in July. “The long stretch of 100-degree days may have impacted the fawn crop,” he said. “It won’t matter this season, but it might matter down the road.” Whitetails are resilient animals, though, and Cain expects there will be plenty of deer for hunters to see come October and November. “There has been a mix of conditions, but if you weren’t dry the whole time, you’ll have at least an average year,” he said. “And there are good deer in every ecoregion of the state. And our total deer population is still growing.” Texas deer statistics: White-tailed deer: 4.6 million White-tailed deer hunters: 837,805 Annual harvest: 918,805 Success rate: 60.57 percent Deer killed per hunter: 1.1 Buck harvest ratio: 55.2 percent Doe harvest ratio: 44.8 percent Age of majority of bucks harvested: 3.5-4.5 years Time in field per hunter: 12.2 days Days per kill per hunter: 11.2 Hunter density: 7.39 hunters/1,000 acres
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FOR DETAILS: 800.772.7679 I ADVANTAGEHUNTING.COM
*Estimated numbers from TPWD
- Lone Star Outdoor Ad.indd 36- Advantage |
1
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
Lone Star Outdoor News
7/20/18 12:18 PM
BERETTAGALLERY.COM
HEAD BACK TO THE FIELD WITH A TIMELESS CL ASSIC The 690 Field I brings together the best of Beretta’s hunting and sporting over and unders. The elegant and sleek lines of this new model are accentuated by the upgraded wood and the beautiful contemporary scroll engraving. Add to that, the accuracy and reliability of competition grade Steelium barrels, and performance of the 690 Field 1 is unbeatable. Available in 12 and 20 gauge.
Beretta Gallery Dallas • 41 Highland Park Village • Dallas • TX • (214)559-9800
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
Lone Star Outdoor News
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High quality, incredible value with P3 scopes Nikon’s new line of purpose-designed riflescopes comes just in time for hunting season. The new PROSTAFF P3 lineup of scopes includes eight new models specifically designed for muzzleloaders, slug guns, predator hunting, crossbows and rimfires/air rifles. The all-new Nikon riflescope family consists of platform-specific models bearing PROSTAFF P3 MUZZLELOADER, PROSTAFF P3 SHOTGUN, PROSTAFF P3 PREDATOR HUNTER, PROSTAFF P3 CROSSBOW and PROSTAFF P3 TARGET EFR names. Shared features throughout the line include bright, fully multicoated optics, crisp hand-turn reticle adjustments (1/4 MOA except for the crossbow model’s 1 MOA graduations) and generous consistent eye relief. Other features common through the family include rugged, all-aluminum 1-inch main body tubes, turret caps and eyepiece quickfocus adjustment rings (with rubber insert). The zoom ring on variable power models also is aluminum. Each of the P3 hunting riflescope models integrate a specialized Nikon BDC reticle designed for the specific application at hand, including the BDC 300 muzzleloader reticle, BDC 200 slug gun reticle, BDC predator reticle and BDC 60 crossbow reticle. Each of the BDC reticles can be optimized for many ballistic aiming possibilities using virtually any load. These can be calculated with the use of either the Spot On Ballistic Match Technology app or website software — both free from Nikon. The PROSTAFF P3 TARGET EFR (extended focus range) model utilizes Nikon’s Precision reticle, designed to draw the eye into the small dot at the reticle center for precise aiming at small air gun and rimfire targets. This specialty target model features an adjustable objective lens for parallaxfree focusing from 10-yards to infinity. Each of the PROSTAFF P3 riflescopes are backed by Nikon’s Lifetime Repair/ Replacement NO FAULT POLICY. The suggested retail price for the PROSTAFF P3 specialty riflescope models ranges from $159.95 to $299.95.
NIKON SPORT OPTICS
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
Lone Star Outdoor News
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
Lone Star Outdoor News
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
Lone Star Outdoor News
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
Lone Star Outdoor News
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HUNT WITH THE BEST using HK long gun lineup If your considering using a modern sporting rifle in 5.56/.223 or 7.62/.308 as your platform for hunting and other precision shooting applications, you owe it to yourself to look into the Heckler & Koch long gun lineup. Tracing their lineage to the famous HK416 and HK417 select fire rifles, the semi-automatic Heckler & Koch MR556A1 and MR762A1 are premium level commercial (civilian) firearms. Like the HK416 and HK417, the MR556A1 and MR762A1 use the acclaimed HK piston-driven system — a major improvement over the direct impingement operating system found on most “ARtype” carbines and rifles. Now produced at HK’s new Columbus, Georgia factory from German- and American-made components, the first MR rifles (MR556A1) were introduced in the USA in January 2011. The 7.62 mm MR762A1 was launched in 2012. By using the same HK-proprietary gas piston system, the MR556A1 and MR762A1 attain the same level of reliability. HK MR rifles do not introduce propellant gases and carbon fouling back into the rifle’s interior, making them the most dependable functioning of any ARtype firearms. Used with the either the HK Modular Rail System or the Free Floating Rail System, the barrel does not touch the handguard, ensuring the barrel/ handguard relationship is truly freefloating for maximum accuracy. The
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MRS handguard was added in 2015 as a standard component and has many of the features found on the FFRS handguard, but is less blocky and more ergonomic. The HK Free Floating Rail System handguard has four MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rails. Both HK rail system handguards allow accessories, sights, lights, and aimers used on AR/M4/M16type arms to be easily fitted to MR Series rifles. And they can be installed and removed with simple tools and return to zero when reinstalled. The MR series rifles use German-made barrels produced by Heckler & Koch’s famous cold hammer forging process. But unlike their full automatic counterparts, the MR556A1 and MR762A1 do not use chrome-lined barrels, as chrome lining often masks bore imperfections and negatively affects accuracy. Additionally, all semi-automatic MR rifles use a slightly swagged barrel profile with the diameter of the bore decreasing as the bullet moves closer to the muzzle. This feature also contributes to the impressive accuracy of these HK rifles. Four civilian HK rifles are currently available, two in 7.62 and two in 5.56 mm. The “standard” versions of the MR556A1 (5.56 mm) and MR762A1 (7.62 mm) come with high-quality mechanical TROY sights and a modular rail system handguard. The ultimate in a precision, long-range hunter and target rifle is the MR762A1 Long Rifle Package (LRP). Packaged
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
in a Pelican case with custom cutouts, a Leupold 3-9x40 mm VX-R Patrol scope and mount, HK G28 adjustable cheekpiece buttstock, and LaRue Tactical BRM-S bipod are the primary add-ons that make the MR762A1 LRP more than a sum of its parts. It is the “closest equivalent” of any of the HK precision rifles to the new CSASS/M110A1 that HK is making for the U.S. Army.
Lone Star Outdoor News
A 5.56 mm MR Competition Model rounds out the HK long gun lineup. It sports an easy to adjust MAGPUL CTR buttstock, an extended handguard, and an extended magazine release for quick magazine changes.
HECKLER & KOCH
☎ (703) 450-1900 HK-USA.COM
YOU CARRY, JUST IN CASE SHOULDN’T IT BE AN HK ... JUST IN CASE? Preparation is about attention to detail – like forging the short, 3-inch barrel of the HK VP9SK from the same steel we require in the HK416 carbine used by the world’s most elite fighting units. To those who dismiss this as unneeded “over-engineering,” our response is simple: So what?
VP9SK (9 mm) with extended 10 round magazine
VP9SK (9 mm) with flat floorplate 10 round magazine
Visit Your Local Texas HK Premium Dealer to Learn More! 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 Alpha Armory Houston, 888-932-7660 Alpine Industries Ft Worth, 817-478-6613 Athena Gun Club Houston, 713-461-5900 Caroline Colt Company LLC Abilene, 325-232-7501 Carter's Shooting Center Spring, 281-443-8393 DFW Shooting Sports Bedford, 817-285-0664
CDNN Investments Abilene, 800-588-9500 Champion Firearms College Station, 979-693-9948 CMC Government Supply Dallas, 214-773-0129 Collectors Firearms Houston, 713-781-5812 Crazy Gun Dealer Alvarado, 817-790-0235 Danny's, Inc. McAllen, 956-687-4692 Defender Outdoors, LLC Aubrey, 817-935-8377 DFW Gun Club Dallas, 214-630-4866 DSG Arms Fort Worth, 800-382-7571 Dury's Gun Shop San Antonio, 210-533-5431
Field & Stream Sporting Goods San Angelo, 325-944-7094 Forza Armory, LLC Edinburg, 956-533-5371 Fun Guns Waco, 254-755-0080 Glick Twins Pharr, 956-787-429 Guns Warehouse LLC Cedar Park, 512-986-7330 Hoffpauir's Ranch & Supply Lampasas, 512-556-5444 Hunter's Equipment & Supply Midland, 432-686-2500 Jackson Armory Dallas, 214-363-2767 Jess Briley Manufacturing Houston, 713-932-6995 John Doe Investigations, LLC Lewisville, 214-773-0129
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
Kirkpatrick Gun & Ammo Laredo, 956-723-6338 Lonestar Guns Gallery & Gear Weatherford, 817-599-9275 Longview Class III Arms Longview, 903-918-0140 McBride's Guns Austin, 512-472-3532 Hoss Arms, LLC New Braunfels, 830-609-8891 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 Nytex Firearms Coppell, 888-895-0266 Omaha Outdoors Missouri City, 713-703-4648
Lone Star Outdoor News
www.hk-usa.com • 706-568-1906 Ranger Firearms of Texas Inc. San Antonio, 210-822-4867 Ray's Hardware & Sporting Goods Dallas, 214-747-7916 RifleGear.com Plano, 949-292-7678 S & K Arms Company, LLC Midland, 432-704-5127 Saddle River Range Conroe, 936-271-2620 SAWS Sunnyvale, 972-226-3200 Sharp Shooters Knife & Gun Inc Lubbock, 806-791-1231 Sheridan Outfitters Corpus Christi, 361-980-1190 Southwestern Firearms, Inc. Midlothian, 972-617-7056 Sportsman's Finest Austin, 512-263-1888
Bayou Arms, Inc. Spring, 281-288-7000 Spring Guns & Ammo II Spring, 832-299-1950 Superior Pawn & Gun Tyler, 903-592-4006 Tejas Shooting Sports Odessa, 432-332-7358 Teskey's Circle T Saddlery Weatherford, 817-599-3400 Webyshops.com Arlington, 800-851-9329 Wheeler Feed & Outfitters Boerne, 830-249-2656 Xtreme Guns & Ammo Richmond, 832-363-3783 VISIT WWW.HK-USA.COM for more inforamtion on HK’s full product line.
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1055 TEXAS AVE. SO. STE 104 | COLLEGE STATION (979) 695-2807
3301 FONDREN | HOUSTON (713 ) 781-1960 105 BEDFORD ROAD | BEDFORD (817) 285-0664
(800) 486-7497
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2915 SAN GABRIEL | AUSTIN (512) 472-6613
Nagel’s Gun Shop 1701 AIRLINE ROAD | CORPUS CHRISTI (361) 993-9390
6201 SAN PEDRO AVENUE | SAN ANTONIO (210) 342-5420
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2018
601 E WHITESTONE BLVD | CEDAR PARK (512) 986-7330
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730 SINGLETON BLVD | DALLAS (214) 747-7916
357 FM 1791 NORTH | HUNTSVILLE (936) 295-5786