HUNTING texas A N N UA L 2 02 0
September
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2020
Lone Star Outdoor News
HUNTING texas
HUNTING texas A N N UA L 2 02 0
September
magic
AN N UA L 2 02 0
About the Cover:
There’s nothing quite like the memory of that first dove. Even for hunters who have hunted and traveled the world for decades, the anticipation of sitting in a dove field on opening day, and especially seeing a bird headed your way, is at or near the top of the list. See story on page 12.
Advertising Section
David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News
Advertisers: AMERICAN SHOOTING CENTERS… 23
PNUMA OUTDOORS……………… 30
BERETTA GALLERY ……………… 13
REBECCA CREEK DISTILLERY…… 29
BOSS BUCK-GSM…………………… 17
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BROWN COUNTY HUNTERS AND ANGLERS RETREAT………………… 28
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CHICKEN EXPRESS………………… 26 COAST………………………………… 2 COUNTRY CONNECTION – BRIAN SMITH……………………… 26 CYPRESS ENGINE ACCESSORIES… 22
SANTA ANNA HUNTING AREA…… 28 SHOW ME BIRDS HUNTING RESORT……………………………… 20 SIBERIAN COOLERS……………… 20 STEALTH CAM-GSM………………… 32
DEER LEASE MOVING………………… 7
STOCKERBUCK.COM – DEER FOR SALE…………………………………… 3
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TEXAS DOVE HUNTERS ASSOCIATION……………………… 21
DULLNIG RANCH SALES…………… 8 FAMILY TRADITION TREESTANDS ……………………………………… 20 G AND G FIBERGLASS/POT BELLY BLINDS……………………………… 24 GREYSTONE CASTLE ……………… 27 HAYDEN OUTDOORS REAL ESTATE……………………… 17
TEXAS HUNTER PRODUCTS……… 19 TEXAS M3 RANCH………………… 23 TEXAS RANCH BROKERS………… 14 TIPPS RANCH OUTFITTERS……… 16 TRIJICON…………………………… 15 TRINITY RANCH LAND…………… 22
HECKLER & KOCH………………… 31
TRIPLE L QUAIL……………………… 7
HOFFPAUIR …………………………… 5
TRUGLO…………………………… 7,11
JOSHUA CREEK RANCH…………… 25
TWISTERS RANCH………………… 26
KENT CARTRIDGE………………… 18
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KT COOLERS………………………… 24
WEATHERBY FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL…………………… 14
MB RANCH KING…………………… 10 MUDDY-GSM………………………… 16
WILDPOINT WHITETAILS………… 29
PARK CITIES QUAIL COALITION…… 4
Bringing
&Credible
THE MOST TIMELY
HUNTING AND FISHING
news
Texans
to
SINCE 2004
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 $3, in certain markets copies are free, one per person. Copyright 2020 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 editor@lonestaroutdoornews.com.
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2020
Lone Star Outdoor News
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2020
Lone Star Outdoor News
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What began as a frustration with the quality and construction of hunting clothing quickly evolved into the development of a brand that seeks to understand the dove hunter and modern outdoorsman. We talk about Duck Camp, but it could just as easily be called Quail Ranch or Fish Camp. It's just as much a place to go as it is a feeling. From the moment we put a kennel in the back of the truck, check the weather, or sort through last year's shells, a feeling grows around that time in the wild. It doesn't matter if you hunt 40 days a season or three, if you kill hundreds of birds or none, we all share the same feeling. And it isn't just the time in the field we crave; it's seeing family and friends. It's the first cold drink, it's the fire, it's the early start. It's the food, the dogs, the work. The cold, the rain, the wind, the retrieve. The stories, the laughs, the sounds that can only be heard in that special place. It's even the clean-up. The birds, the bunks, the bikes. Everything, until the locking up and leaving. Austin-based Duck Camp is devoted to improving your hunting season. They have created the modern hunting shirt for the modern hunter. You'll literally feel the difference in their lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight hunting shirts, or bamboo hoodies and crews. It feels different and we're all about it. New this year, Duck Camp has launched a Midland 2.0 camo pattern that is perfect for the dove field or any brush environment. It blends in perfectly in cut sunflower fields or any scrubby type of environment. The guys at Duck Camp developed this pattern and named it Midland because it's perfect for hunting in their home state of Texas. It's available across their Lightweight Hunting Shirts, Brush Pants, Bamboo Hoodies and more. Duck Camp's Early Season Wetland pattern is also great for dove season and early teal. The Duck Camp camouflage patterns blend old-school look and feel with new-school technology. Whether you're sitting in a hot dove field on opening day or a deer blind later in the season when it cools down, Duck Camp has you covered with their game-changing products for Texas hunters and anglers. With Duck Camp’s complete guarantee, free exchanges and returns and free shipping on orders over $98, it’s time to join Duck Camp.
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2020
Lone Star Outdoor News
ELEVATE YOUR DOVE & TEAL GAME THIS SEASON.
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2020
Lone Star Outdoor News
|9
Own your piece of big deer country Texas Ag Realty has listed Rancho Bayou Grande, a 1,407-acre ranch in Maverick County, in the heart of Texas’ Golden Triangle, an area known for producing big white-tailed deer. The ranch, south of El Indio, is located on a paved state highway, with frontage on the Rio Grande River, an arroyo extending 2.5 miles from the river, and irrigation water from the Rio Grande. Two lakes (7 and 14 acres when full) and six ponds are scattered across the property. High fenced on three sides, the ranch adjoins another large ranch that conducts extremely limited hunting. Wildlife is abundant on the ranch, with trophy-sized white-tailed deer, bobwhite and blue quail, mourning and white-winged dove, javelina, hogs and the occasional mountain lion. Ducks winter in the area, and duck hunting is excellent. Estimates show about one deer per 15 acres with the average mature buck scoring in the 150s with several 170-inch deer being harvested over the past 10 years. The ranch includes a 2,900-square-foot, four bedroom home served with water from the city of Eagle Pass, along with a 1,600-square foot shed, a network of wellmaintained interior roads, and 10 hunting blinds, 11 corn feeders and six protein feeders. “The ranch is a sportsman’s dream,” said Texas Ag Realty owner Steve Bilicek. “It has lots of big deer, quail, ducks, fish — all the game you would ever want. And at less than $2,000 per acre, it’s priced right.”
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2020
Lone Star Outdoor News
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Lone Star Outdoor News
| 11
September
magic
One hunter’s never-ending love affair with dove hunting By Dave Fulson
For Lone Star Outdoor News The three mourning dove came rocketing down a fenceline on a collision course with the 11-year-old version of the 60-year-old man. I can close my eyes and remember it as clearly as if it happened this morning. I was holding my very first shotgun, a single-shot Winchester .20 gauge. Hiding in a grove of mature oaks on a small farm in the then rural town of Celina, I waited as the birds streaked into range. At 20 yards I raised the gun, and the birds reacted by banking sharply to the left. I swung the bead in front of the group, not an individual bird, and jerked the trigger. By some miracle, that first shot fired from shaky hands somehow found the lead bird, which was suddenly tumbling then thumping in an explosion of feathers into the plowed field. That first dove remains an indelible memory that is cherished more than falling elephants, brown bears or countless other hunting memories that have followed in a career dedicated to the hunt. Thousands of dove have fallen to my gun since that day, but that single bird was the beginning of a love affair with dove hunting that will remain a part of my life until I can no longer raise the shotgun. Unlike many hunts, dove hunting is best enjoyed in the company of friends. It is a uniquely social hunt, where hits are cheered, and misses are followed by hoots of laughter from friends who have a front row seat to your skill, or lack of, in knocking these birds out of the sky. Dove hunting can be best described as fun. It does not
carry the pressure of expensive hunts for other game. Tape measures and record books don’t come into the conversation, and even slow days over a stock tank or sunflower field are a good excuse to enjoy a beautiful Texas sunset or sunrise. The other day, a buddy invited a friend over to tour my trophy room. As he looked over the various animals representing my hunts around the globe, he asked “Man, with all this on the wall, what’s left that gets you excited?” I am sure my answer surprised him, but it was honest to the core. “What I’m looking forward to more than anything is the chance to sit on a good dove field as soon as September gets here,” I replied. Dove hunting is available in most Texas counties if you snoop around a bit. Day leases are popular, and landowners often advertise in places like LSON, local papers, and even websites. Feed store bulletin boards are another great place to get a lead on local dove-hunting opportunities. I am living proof, as many of those reading this no doubt are, that dove hunting is a perfect start to a new hunting career. It might be a youngster, or it might be a significant other that is introduced. If you are the one introducing the new hunter, stress that having fun is more important than the hits and misses. Making the hunt enjoyable, regardless of the final bird count, is the key to making sure your new hunter will want to give it another try. No matter where I have been, or what I have been after, August will find me counting the days until September, and the next chance to renew my never-ending love affair with the gray speedsters of our Texas skies.
David J. Sams
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2020
Lone Star Outdoor News
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2020
Lone Star Outdoor News
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BIG, PASTURE-BORN TYPICALS AT TIPPS RANCH OUTFITTERS Would you like an opportunity at a big, wide, typical Texas whitetail buck? At Tipps Ranch Outfitters, located halfway between Corpus Christi and San Antonio near Beeville, that opportunity could become a reality. The 1,750-acre ranch has been managed for big bucks for more than 10 years, focusing on genetics, nutrition and water. And while the bucks you’ll be seeing have top-quality genetics, they were born and reached maturity in the pasture. “Right now, they are super-wild,” said owner Steven Tipps. “There are so many nice bucks there. Nice, big, typical-looking deer. The helicopter pilot said he’s never seen so many nice typicals.” Tipps said the hunting isn’t easy, as the deer have plenty of places to hide. “This is thick, South Texas brush country,” he said. “But you can expect to see several bucks on each hunt.”
16 |
Tipps Ranch Outfitters is offering trophy whitetail hunt packages this fall. “You’ll have an excellent harvest opportunity,” he said. “There are lots of 170s, 180s and even bigger deer.” The hunts are guided and take place from blinds or top-drive vehicles, and bow hunts also are available. “I’ve never seen this many big bucks that were born in the pasture,” Tipps said. Just a two-hunter minimum reserves the lodge for just your group, so call Steven Tipps today to book your hunt for that big, Texas whitetail.
TIPPS RANCH OUTFITTERS
☎ (361) 319-6535 ✉ tippsranchoutfitters@yahoo.com
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2020
Lone Star Outdoor News
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2020-2021 hunting season dates ALLIGATOR 22 Counties & special properties All Other Counties
Sept. 10 - 30 Apr. 1 - June 30
CHACHALACA Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr & Oct. 31 - Feb. 28 Willacy Counties
DOVE North Zone Central Zone South Zone Additional days for Special White-winged Dove season
Sept. 1 - Nov. 12 Dec. 18 - Jan. 3 Sept. 1 - Nov. 1 Dec. 18 - Jan. 14 Sept. 14 - Nov. 1 Dec. 18 - Jan. 23 Sep. 5, 6, 12, 13
North Zone Youth-Only South Zone
Nov. 14 - 29 Dec. 5- Jan. 31 Nov. 7 - 8
Nov. 7 - 29 Regular Season Dec. 12 - Jan. 31 Youth-Only Oct. 31 - Nov. 1 High Plains Mallard Management Unit (HPMMU) Oct. 31 - Nov. 1 Regular Season Nov. 6 - Jan. 31 Youth-Only Oct. 24 - 25 Sept. 12 – 27 GALLINULE, RAIL, Nov. 7 - Dec. 30 MOORHEN
GOOSE
East Zone Early Canada goose Light & dark geese
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Sept. 12 - 27 Nov. 7 - Jan. 31
Feb. 1 - Mar. 14 Nov. 14 - Feb. 14 Feb. 15 - Mar. 14
JAVELINA North Zone South Zone
Oct. 1 - Feb. 28 Sept. 1 - Aug. 31
MULE DEER General Season Panhandle SW Panhandle Trans-Pecos Archery Season
Nov. 21 - Dec. 6 Nov. 21 - 29 Nov. 27 - Dec. 13 Oct. 3 - Nov. 6
PHEASANT Panhandle
DUCK Regular Season
Light goose conservation order West Zone Light & dark geese Light goose conservation order
PRONGHORN QUAIL Statewide
RABBITS & HARES SANDHILL CRANE Zone A Zone B Zone C
Dec. 5 - Jan. 3 Oct. 3 - 11 Oct. 31 - Feb. 28 No closed season Oct. 31 - Jan. 31 Nov. 27 - Jan. 31 Dec. 19 - Jan. 24
SQUIRREL East Texas Other Open Counties Special Youth Season
SNIPE TEAL TURKEY Rio Grande Turkey Fall Season North Zone
Oct. 1 - Feb. 28 & May 1 - 31 Sept. 1 - Aug. 31 Sept. 26 - 27 Nov. 7 - Feb.21 Sept. 12 - 27
Nov. 7 - Jan. 3
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2020
Lone Star Outdoor News
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
Nov. 7 - Jan. 17 Nov. 7 - Feb. 28 Oct. 3 - Nov. 6 Oct. 31 - Nov. 1; Jan. 4 - 17 Oct. 31 - Nov. 1; Jan. 18 - 31 Apr. 3 - May 16 Mar. 20 - May 2 April 1 - April 30 Mar. 27 - 28; May 22 - 23 Mar. 13 - 14; May 8 - 9
Apr. 22 - May 14
WHITE-TAILED DEER General Season North Zone South Zone Special Late Season North Zone South Zone Archery Season Muzzleloader-Only
WOODCOCK
Nov. 7 - Jan. 3 Nov. 7 - Jan. 17 Jan. 4 - 17 Jan. 18 - 31 Oct. 3 - Nov. 6 Jan. 4 - 17 Dec. 18 - Jan. 31
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2020
Lone Star Outdoor News
| 19
Head to America’s largest pheasant resort In today’s world, there is no better place to be than in an open field with a couple of hunting buddies. And Show Me Birds, America’s largest pheasant resort, is the perfect choice to get away. Show Me Birds hunting resort is starting its 30th year of pheasant hunting in October. As America’s largest pheasant resort, up to 70,000 birds and 5,000 hunters will head to southeast Kansas, a mere 5.5-hour drive from Dallas. Part of the resort’s success is due to affordable hunting packages, starting at only $196 per half day. This fully guided field hunt is behind amazing gundogs on one of six hunting farms. In your hunt package you get a guide, farm, dogs, refreshment break, lunch, clubhouse, bird cleaning, four pheasants stocked per hunter, plus all hunts are NO bag limit. And, Show Me Birds is open for hunters from October to mid-March. “We go up from that to five, six, seven, eight or even 16 pheasants per hunter,” said resort owner Kim Shira. “Hunters come here for action, not long walks in birdless fields.” A nonresident hunting license for a year is only $27.50. The resort’s hotel in Joplin, Missouri is only $44.00 per person with two in a room. For those who want even more
20 |
shooting, Show Me Birds also offers European shoots with up to 1,000 birds, an Olympic Skeet range, wobble trap and pheasant fury clay shoots, along with four fishing ponds loaded with fish. Show Me Birds has spent years developing the genetics in its pheasants. Genetics and a special feed ration makes the bird fly like rockets. And with all the packages and options offered, it's the perfect place for a group of hunting buddies or corporate group to make memories. “It’s one of many reasons so many hunters come here from all over the county each year,” Shira said.
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2020
844-782-COLD (2653)
Lone Star Outdoor News
Sept. 1, 2020 THRU Jan. 23, 2021
Open to all hunters with a Texas hunting license to harvest a Eurasian Collared Dove with a TDHA band on its leg. Every band reported provides data for the TDHA Eurasian Collared Dove research project.
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2020
Lone Star Outdoor News
| 21
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Lone Star Outdoor News
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HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2020
Lone Star Outdoor News
| 23
A heart-pumping search for
spots
By Lili Sams
Lone Star Outdoor News A small herd of axis ran across the road, shortly after driving onto the property of Joshua Creek Ranch. I could feel my heart pumping. It was on. “The axis rut is about to start here any day,” Eric Harrison said. You could feel his excitement in his delivery. Harrison has worked for Joshua Creek for over a decade and has a contagious passion for axis deer. A few years ago, Harrison was cleaning out his “gear closet” to prepare for the birth of his first born. In the midst of organizing, he started playing around with various calls he found. “I picked up this one and blew it and thought to myself, ‘Wow this sounds like an axis buck,’” he remembered. He tinkered with the calls and ultimately created the Ezy-Axis deer call. The call creates the sound of axis buck screaming. At first, it sounds similar to those bazookas you would find in a gift bag at a kids birthday party. The scream is meant to represent a buck’s dominance, location and willingness to fight or breed. It works on trophy bucks as well as doe. The mouth-blowing diaphragm call works best paired with rattling horns and a cow call. Before the sun came up, we were cruising the winding roads of the ranch. Two screams came from the left and one a little farther away. It felt as if we were surrounded by bucks as we got out of the truck, with each one marking their territory and letting the others know where they were. As dense fog started to lift on the Hill Country, we settled into place against an oak tree. “Are you ready? Because when I use this call they are going to come running,” he said. Harrison let off three screams, a rattle of horns and a quick cow squeak. Within seconds, the herd started moving in our direction. The call sounded just like the bucks we had heard earlier.
24 |
HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2020
Lone Star Outdoor News
Lili Sams
What looked like only a few, quickly turned into a sea of thousands of spots and about 20 sets of eyes staring at us. The call worked just like Harrison said it would. It was exhilarating. It felt like raw and natural hunting. They were right there —curious while maintaining caution. The spots became a moving collage. I was confused as to which one to pick; there were so many choices. “If you are going to make a shot you need to shoot now,” Harrison told me. I became fixated on one of the spots and taking the shot was a blur. All but one of the deer scattered and we sat relishing in the moment we had just been a part of. “Go relax and I’ll get the animal skinned and packaged for you,” Harrison said. As I waited for the fresh axis meat, I listened to multiple bobwhite quail sing to their mates and I rocked back and forth in a rocking chair in front of the luxury ranch style room. Joshua Creek is known for upland bird hunting, sporting clays and its five-star accommodations.
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T WO S C E N I C S P O RT I N G C L AY S C O U R S E S
Y E A R - RO U N D F LY - F I S H I N G
Renowned for its wingshooting since 1990, Joshua Creek Ranch is located just 45 minutes northwest of San Antonio along the pristine banks of the Guadalupe River. With plenty of sunshine and pleasant temperatures during wingshooting season, hunters enjoy spending most of their time outdoors when visiting this Texas Hill Country paradise. Open daily to the public, with Memberships available, JCR offers custom itineraries and exceptional outdoor sporting experiences complemented by luxury resort amenities and warm Texas hospitality. Enjoy... • Migratory Dove Hunting • Upland Bird Hunting for Quail, Pheasant & Chukar • European-Style Driven Pheasant Shoots • Decoyed Mallard Duck Hunting • Trophy Axis Deer Hunting • Fly-Fishing for Rainbow Trout, Bluegill & Bass • Whitetail Deer & Turkey Hunting • Sporting Clays (20 Stations) • Simulated Driven Pheasant & Grouse Clays Shooting • Handgun & Long Range Rifle Shooting
PREMIER CONFERENCE & E V E N T FAC I L I T I E S
LU X U RY LO D G I N G & R E S O RT A M E N I T I E S
T RO P H Y A X I S DEER HUNTING
J oshua Creek Ranch 132 Cravey Road , Boerne, TX 78006 | (830) 537-5090 | joshuacreek.com HUNTING TEXAS ANNUAL 2020
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Royal hunting right here in texas Perched atop a mesa just west of Fort Worth, Greystone Castle is a sight to behold. With four turrets peeking above the tree line, this majestic sight is one to be remembered. From its 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. Not restricted by score, it is an exclusive chance to hunt for the whitetail of your dreams. This year’s results include a giant 493-inch deer taken by rifle. As the Orvis 2015 Wingshooting Lodge of the Year, Greystone has mastered the art of bird hunting. The ever-popular mixed bag hunt includes quail, pheasant, chukar and Hungarian partridge. This upland walking hunt allows guests to experience great pointing dogs working over rolling terrain specially farmed for optimal bird habitat. The European pheasant hunt is a great way to get lots of shooting action and watch Labradors do what they do best, retrieve birds! The mallard hunts offer a great chance to hone your skills over water while the fastflying Dove hunts offer an adrenaline rush every hunter craves. If you are looking for something
different, you will find it in the exotic pasture full of animals from around the world. Species from Africa, Asia, South America, and Europe roam the Texas plains and thrive in the southern climate. Breeding herds of axis deer, aoudad, blackbuck antelope, sika and fallow deer mean there are plenty of trophies to be taken. For those looking to relax and enjoy the water, Greystone offers more than 120 acres of stocked bass lakes. From small private lakes to the 80-acre Thurber Lake, every type of fishing opportunity exists. From fly-fishing, 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. Two championship Sporting Clays courses, two 5-stands, a training course and a wobble deck challenge every level of shooter. Our new 400-yard rifle and pistol range offers steel targets at a variety of ranges. Hone your skills on our new 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
HUNT FREE RANGE AOUDAD
Llano County • September - October 2020
For more information on 2020 hunts email darrellsteffek@gmail.com
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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.
GREYSTONE CASTLE
☎ (800) 399-3006 GREYSTONECASTLE.COM
Texas Hospitality in an Extraordinary Setting Whether you are looking for world class Bird Hunting, Sporting Clays, Trophy Whitetail Deer or excellent Exotic opportunities, Greystone Castle combines luxurious accommodations with Texas hospitality in an extraordinary setting. Contact us today for more information regarding our rates and packages.
P.O. BOX 158
MINGUS, TX 76463
800.399.3006
Texas pheasant hunts, as good as they get Eldena Stearns is known for producing pheasants that bust out and fly like the real, wild thing. Although now, she only uses the birds at her hunting operation and sells some to landowners, the state-of-the-art hatchery was known as one of the top producers for preserves in the South. At Santa Anna Hunting Area, Stearns runs hunts for pheasant, chukar and quail over some of the best dogs around. And the prices will get your attention. Half-day hunts start at $300, although you can customize your family or corporate group’s hunt to your preference. Hunting begins in October and goes through mid-March at the preserve. The dogs, dog handlers, bird cleaning, packaging and ice are provided. All you need is your hunting license, shotgun, shells and an ice chest. Most of the dogs at Santa Anna Hunting Area are French Brittanys, although they have German shorthairs, labradoodles and the customer favorite, their standard poodle. “The French Brittanys are smaller, about 21 inches high,” Stearns said. “They are smart, and they get down and get where other dogs can’t. And our customers love hunting behind our standard poodle. He points, holds and flushes on command. We didn’t know any better than to train her like we do the German shorthairs.” Hunters who want to bring their own dogs are welcome, either for your own hunt or to add to the hunt with the preserve’s dogs. Stearns said access is easy for most Texans to come and experience a pheasant hunt, and the cover at the ranch is good, despite the recent heat wave. “Most of Texas can drive in and hunt, and go home,” she said. “Most cities are less than three hours away, and we have a little lodge available for those who want to stay a weekend.” "I have hunted pheasants from North Dakota to Texas, and Santa Anna Hunting Area has the best flushing and flying birds I have seen,” said Lone Star Outdoor News’ David J. Sams. "Eldena has an amazing way of raising and releasing her birds so you experience as close to wild bird hunting as you can get and its only a day trip away — and you are still in Texas."
Santa Anna Hunting Area also has a campsite with RV hookups available at no extra charge, near “The Oak Tree,” a 350-year old oak where groups gather after the hunt. At the family-run hunting preserve, there is no limit. “It depends on Mother Nature, dog work and your shooting ability,” Stearns said. “Sometimes you take out more than we put out, sometimes less.”
SANTA ANNA HUNTING AREA
☎ (325) 348-9267 SAHAINC.COM
HUNTERS & ANGLERS retreat in brown county A private oasis after a long day in the field & a great alternative to a hotel stay! Located on a ranch that has been family-owned since 1873, this contemporary 2bedroom, 2-bath home sleeps 6 people and offers a modern retreat to return to after a day of hunting or fishing. Bring your horses or ATVs along to explore the expansive trail system, cast a line in the stocked fishing pond, sight in your gun at the shooting range or soak up the sun lounging in the private saltwater pool. Hog hunting opportunities available on a no kill/no pay basis.
CONTACT US AT CASAMETCALFE@GMAIL.COM OR (325) 200-0231 FOR PRICING, PHOTOS, AVAILABILITY AND AMENITIES. 28 |
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IT’S TIME FOR AN UPGRADE The best-selling HK pistol just got even better. HK VP9 2020 pistols now
VP pistols have easy to change backstraps an side panels for a personalized fit. 27 custom-fited grip combinations are possible.
include the following upgrades. • 17-round magazines replace previous 15-round versions • Improved iron sights, with high-visibility front sight and clean black rear • Optional optics-ready mounting system If you’ve been thinking about upgrading to an HK, now is the time.
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www.hk-usa.com • 706-568-1906 Primary Arms Houston, 713-344-9600 Ranger Firearms of Texas Inc. San Antonio, 210-822-4867 Ray's Hardware & Sporting Goods Dallas, 214-747-7916 Red’s Indoor Range - North Pflugerville, 512-251-1022 RifleGear.com Plano, 949-292-7678 SK Arms Midland, 432-704-5127 Sharp Shooters Knife & Gun Inc Lubbock, 806-791-1231 Southwestern Firearms, Inc. Midlothian, 972-617-7056 Sportsman's Finest Austin, 512-263-1888 Sportsman Outfitters Longview, 903-759-0638 Spring Guns & Ammo Spring, 832-299-1950
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