Red snapper limits come easy
What’s that on the bag of corn?
By Craig Nyhus Lone Star outdoor newS
The stamp on a bag of deer corn caught the eye of a hunter stopping by a feed store. From the State Chemist Office, the stamp had a six-digit number and included “One Sample Strategy.”
The stamp has been there for a while, possibly going unnoticed, said Cord Mumme, of Mumme’s in Hondo.
“It’s part of the state program to limit aflatoxin,” Mumme said. “Any load that comes in after harvest, we test for aflatoxin. It has to be under 20 parts per billion. We don’t bag it if it’s more than that. The sixdigit number is our lab number.”
On bulk loads, the stamp is included on the outgoing grain ticket.
“Then the people will know the corn has been tested,” Mumme said.
Mumme’s requires all corn producers it contracts with apply Afla-Guard, a natural biocontrol agent, to reduce aflatoxin contamination levels.
“It’s become part of the farming practice now,” said Mumme’s Wildlife Specialist Lance Cote. “Producers have to apply it on all acreage, it helps a ton on keeping the aflatoxin down. That’s why they all spray it.”
The One Sample Strategy is a voluntary
By Nate Skinner For Lone Star outdoor newS
Limits of red snapper have been coming fairly easily from anglers running offshore out of Port Aransas and up the coast out of Galveston. Most, though, have been disappointed in the quality of snapper they have been catching.
Reports have consisted mostly of fish just larger than the minimum size limit of 16 inches, with few fish 10-15 pounds or larger being caught.
Some anglers are contemplating whether or not this is a result of commercial fishing vessels har vesting large numbers of bigger fish before the rec reational red snapper season commenced.
Jesse Drewa recently targeted red snapper while fishing offshore aboard the Pelican, a charter vessel out of Deep Sea Headquarters in Port Aransas. Dre wa said the 28 anglers on the boat were all able to box their limit of snapper. Of the 56 snapper that were retained, only a handful were pushing 10-15 pounds. The rest measured just above the mini mum size limit of 16 inches.
“We ran north out of Port Aransas, and were only about 15 miles or so out off of the beach, according to the captain of the boat,” Drewa said. “We fished three different spots in 120 to 130 feet of water. There were five or six fish caught that weighed 10 pounds or more.”
Drewa ended up catching the largest red snapper on the boat during his trip. The fish was just shy of 15 pounds. Most of the snapper were caught on whole or cut menhaden.
David Blackwell ran offshore out of Galveston with some buddies, and they ended up as far as 87 miles east of the jetties. They fished 15 different spots, including wrecks and rock piles in 70 to 80 feet of water, to catch their limit.
“We had three snapper that weighed about 14 pounds, and the rest were smaller,” he said. “In total, we probably caught about 150 fish just to be able to retain our limit. There were a ton of undersized fish.”
Blackwell said the largest snapper that they caught hit Snapper Slapper jigs.
“We are used to catching red snapper in the 18-
Spring rains promising for deer
By Nate Skinner For Lone Star outdoor newS
Spring rainfall is the largest factor influencing fawn crops, antler growth and the overall health and population of deer herds across the state. This year, the news is good for deer.
“Much-needed rain from March through early June of this year has led to over 50 percent of the state experiencing
no drought conditions, and an additional 23 percent considered to be only abnormally dry during this time period,” said Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s White-tailed Deer Program Leader Blaise Korzekwa. “The Edwards Plateau has been the unfortunate bullseye of drought conditions this year. Areas spanning from southwest Texas to the Trans-Pecos have also struck
A wet spring is good news for deer antler growth and fawn survival in most areas of the state.
Photo by Joe Richards.
A stamp on a bag of corn, also used on receipts for purchases of bulk corn, informs buyers that the corn has been approved as containing acceptable levels of aflatoxin. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.
Red snapper have been abundant offshore, but sizeable fish have been more difficult to locate.
Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.
FROM WORK TO PLAY
WHATEVER YOUR ADVENTURE IS, WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED.
HUNTING
New owners at TDHA
By Craig Nyhus Lone Star outdoor newS
After 12 years of founding and operating the Texas Dove Hunters Association, Bobby and Susan Thornton announced new leaders will be at the helm of the organization.
The new owners, Charlotte and Cameron Schuster, are no strangers to hunting and shooting.
“Cameron and I both grew up hunting and in the outdoors from when we could walk,” Charlotte said. “Hunting, nature and conservation
Safari scams
Mozambique ‘outfitter’ deceives hunters
By Helena Hernandez For Lone Star outdoor newS
Scams aren’t just limited to emails saying you have won a big prize, as long as you provide your bank ac count information. Scams now have extended into international hunting.
On June 1, Montana hunters Jes sica Pignanelli and her fiancé, Dylan Lencioni, had finally landed in Africa after 39.5 hours of flight.
“We were standing in front of the one-room airport expecting to be picked up, and we texted Charoline Wepener (the purported owner of Mozambique Senga Senga Hunting Safari), but we found ourselves im mediately blocked,” Pignanelli said. “This is a Muslim country and hardly anyone speaks English.”
On what was to be her first interna tional hunting trip, the couple had won the $10,000 leopard hunt at an online auction at a SCI Great Falls Chapter event in Montana. “We were on a three-way call with her,” Pig nanelli said. “We added a kudu and a nyala, so we wired an extra $7,500. Unfortunately, we lost all that mon ey.”
Pignanelli and Lencioni were re
Texas, eventually guiding himself. He also is a competitive sporting clays and skeet shooter, and the 2012 high overall world NSSA champion. I grew up hunting with my dad, sister and family.”
The new owners plans for the organization are both simple and complex, Charlotte said.
“We want to keep it running as it is now, as Bobby and Susan ran a great organization,” she said. “At the same time, we want to grow and expand. We want TDHA to be a name in every hunter’s household across the state.”
“Dove hunting is the quintessential hunting pastime in Texas,” she said. “We will continue to push the banded bird program and also plan to get out across the state more with events.”
Bobby Thornton said founding and running the organization has been extremely rewarding, and they are happy to turn it over to another couple who will keep the family friendly atmosphere.
“Susan and I have agreed that the best part of the last 12 years has been the people we’ve met and relationships we have made,” he said.
Deboning deer permitted at harvest site
Lone Star outdoor newS
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved statewide deer carcass disposal regulations which will take effect during the upcoming hunting season.
The changes will allow hunters to debone a carcass at the site of harvest, provided proof of sex and tags are maintained until the hunter reaches his or her final destination. Meat from each deboned carcass must remain in whole muscle groups (i.e. not chopped, sliced or ground) and maintained in a separate bag, package or container.
Carcass disposal measures apply to unused carcass parts from native deer (i.e. white-tailed deer and mule deer) harvested in Texas that are being transported
from the property of harvest. If carcass parts from native deer species are not being transported from the property of harvest, these carcass disposal rules would not apply.
Since many hunters take their harvest to a commercial processor, it will be the processor who then properly disposes unused parts for them. For hunters processing deer at home, disposal in a commercial trash service is preferred, but other options are available.
Acceptable disposal options include:
• Directly or indirectly disposing of the remains at a landfill permitted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to receive such wastes.
• Burying the carcass at a depth of
no less than 3 feet below the natural surface of the ground and covered with at least 3 feet of earthen material.
• Returned to the property where the animal was harvested.
Maintaining proof of sex is simple for a buck deer, and includes one of the following:
• The head (skinned or unskinned) of a buck deer with antlers attached, or the tail and unskinned skull cap with antlers attached;
• A completed Managed Lands Deer Program (MLDP) Tag, CWD Check Station Receipt, or TPWD Drawn Hunt Legal Deer Tag.
Cameron and Charlotte Schuster are the new owners of the Texas Dove Hunters Association.
Photo from Charlotte Schuster.
Jessica Pignanelli and Dylan Lencioni traveled from Montana to Mozambique, only to learn their purported outfitter had disappeared. Photo from Jessica Pignanelli.
Many hunters prefer to remove the meat from their deer where they hunt, and now it is not only legal, but encouraged.
Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.
Nonresident archers face changes to Colorado elk tags
Another state has taken aim at nonresident hunters. When it comes to archery hunting for elk in Colorado, many of the hunters come from Texas.
Similar to comments directed toward skiers from Texas coming to the state, hunters face much the same attitude from residents.
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission approved the final staff recommendations for limitation of over-the-counter (OTC) archery-hunting licenses.
While no changes were made to bull elk rifle licenses, including over-the-counter licenses, archery licenses saw a major change.
While agency staff recommended full limitation of OTC archery licenses for both residents and nonresidents, residents didn’t want limitations to apply to them and commented accordingly.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff then revised the recommendation, limiting OTC archery licenses and shifting to 100-percent limited draw licenses for nonresidents only, while keeping OTC archery licenses for residents.
The CPW Commission approved the change, citing an increasing trend in OTC archery license sales over the last 20 years and the fact that in 2023, nonresidents purchased more licenses than residents.
However, the Commission failed to mention the relatively low (10 percent or less) success rate of OTC archery hunters, or the loss of revenue to the department and local communities from the restrictions.
“They have been increasing fees for all types of hunting for years,” said Chris Nyhus, who travels to hunt with a group of out-of-staters each season. “We have to buy year-round fishing licenses and upland licenses to come and hunt elk each year for a few days. It’s basically a thousand-dollar trip each year. My daughter is taking hunter safety now and my son won’t be far behind. Taking the three of us at that price is past my price point.” Nonresidents often become the easy target of changes when trying to raise revenue from hunting. Until they stop coming.
Lone Star outdoor newS
Nonresidents will no longer be able to purchase over-the-counter archery elk licenses in Colorado. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.
Joshua Creek Ranch reaches 35 years
Joshua Creek Ranch, Hunting & Sporting Resort is celebrating its 35th Anniversary beginning with the upcoming 2024-2025 hunting season.
The resort in the Texas Hill Country was established in 1990 and has become one of the most visited hunting and sporting lodges in the world.
Custom itineraries, prime hunting and shooting opportunities, and exceptional outdoor sporting adventures are complemented by luxury resort amenities and warm Texas hospitality.
“We opened in 1990 with a third of the land we now hunt, so we’ve been fortunate to add contiguous acreage,” said Anne Kercheville, who founded the resort with her husband, Joe. “Also, at the end of every hunting season, we tackle a list of summer projects which include things like clearing
hunting pastures, building new accommodations, expanding the pro shop and opening a resort-style pool. That’s how we’ve grown over the last 35 years — just taking baby steps year after year.
Joshua Creek Ranch specializes in wingshooting opportunities including upland hunting for quail, pheasant and chukar, free-range white-tailed deer and axis hunting, plus outdoor activities like sporting clays, helice, fly-fishing for trout in Joshua Creek, and rifle range shooting, including long-range shooting.
“On top of that, our lodging, dining, and resort amenities and facilities are truly second to none,” said Managing Director Kevin Welborn.
Joshua Creek Ranch has received the highest honors and endorsement from the most reputable programs in the industry, including Orvis, Beretta and Federal Premium Ammunition.
Bucks on the grow
Continued from page 1
out on the rainfall lottery this spring.”
Korzekwa said the eastern half of the state and the Rolling Plains have seen excellent forb production due to spring rains. This vegetation growth is a critical component for both antler and fawn production.
“These nutrient-rich plants allow bucks to utilize excess nutrients in antler development and allow does to create fat reserves to aid in fawn production and lactation demands,” Korzekwa said. “During the summer months, woody browse plants become the most stable component of a deer’s diet, because these deep-rooted plants can withstand drought conditions and are often the only abundant supply of nutrients for whitetails during our recurring heat waves.”
Korzekwa said remaining areas of the state should expect above-average fawn recruitment and antler production this season.
“After missing out on substantial spring rainfall, southwest Texas is expected to have average to below-average antler production and fawn crops, while portions of the Edwards Plateau are expected to be below-average as well,” he explained. “Even in these select ecoregions, landowners that practice proper grazing and habitat management can reduce the severity of impacts and still have a successful season.”
Reports of fawns hitting the ground have been prevalent. Although it is too early to tell just exactly how successful fawn crops have been in specific geographic areas, Korzekwa said that there are already good numbers of fawns thriving across the landscape, especially east of the I-35 corridor, as well as north of the Edwards Plateau. He said that fawn crops are just now being seen in South Texas.
“Overall, the 2024-25 season is expected to be good in terms of harvest numbers and opportunities for quality bucks,” Korzekwa said.
Stamping out toxins
Continued from page 1
public-private partnership administered by the Office of the Texas State Chemist that extends the benefits and responsibilities of official testing to commercial grain operations, including grain elevators, feed mills and commercial laboratories. Field staff from OTSC regularly visit approved labs to monitor results, check records and collect file samples for verification testing.
Aflatoxins are toxic chemicals produced by certain fungal species that can cause liver damage and harm to deer, turkey, dove and quail.
Lone Star outdoor newS
Joshua Creek Ranch is celebrating its 35th year in business this season. Photo from Joshua Creek Ranch.
FISHING
Warsaw grouper wins the battles
Alberto soaks Rockport, Corpus
By Craig Nyhus Lone Star outdoor newS
By Tony Vindell
For Lone Star outdoor newS
Sometimes the big ones do really get away. On a recent offshore trip aboard the South Padre Island-based Salt Walker, a group of six anglers ventured out shortly after 4 a.m. in search of a gargantuan-sized Warsaw grouper.
A couple of hours later, the boat reached its destination at a secret spot some 50 miles away. Deckhand Dustin Davis hooked a piece of a bonito at the end of a conventional rod and on a smaller electric one.
The pieces of fish, caught while trolling, were dropped down more than 500 feet.
While talking, joking and munching on snacks, the end of the larger pole made a quick tug and Davis immediately told an angler to grab it.
The heavy fish, estimated at 200 pounds by the way it behaved, went deeper and deeper as the angler fought it for nearly a half-hour.
Later, a second angler took over the rod for another half-hour, as Capt. Michael Walker maneuvered the boat. Walker backed it up, pulled it for-
ward and kept going around over what he said was a sunken vessel lying on the bottom of the sea.
Apparently, the fish tangled itself around some metal structure and did not budge.
Davis then grabbed a piece of wood, tied several rounds of lines around it and grabbed both ends in an attempt to dislodge the fish.
Unfortunately, the line snapped like the flick of two fingers.
“The big one got away,” said one angler. “It’s gone.”
Minutes later, the reel of the electric rod took off. But within a couple of minutes, the second line ended up in the same fashion as the first.
No bites came over the next few hours, but the 16-hour trip was not in vain. At the last stop, everyone got their two red snapper, each weighing about 10 pounds. Also, while trolling, Tommy McClung, of Houston, got a consolation prize — a nice-sized wahoo.
Once that fish was on the deck, sometime around 10 p.m., everybody began making plans for the next venture in September.
When Tropical Storm Alberto arrived at the Texas coast on June 19, many residents were concerned. While some significant damage took place, for most, the damage turned out to be less than feared.
Corpus Christi was hit with up to 6 inches of rain and water and wind damage resulted. The biggest impact may have been high water and strong currents in canals, which caused damage and left people with boats on lifts wondering if the boat might float away. Piers in the area were damaged, and boat ramps were temporarily closed.
Rockport/Fulton received 8-10 inches of rain and winds approached 50 miles per hour, falling just short of tropical storm strength. A flurry of tornado warnings popped up, with one coming in and causing damage at Rockport’s Key Allegro neighborhood.
At the Aransas County District Marina, Capt. Cady’s Bait flooded and refrigerators were lost, according to owner Niki Nguyen.
For anglers, after a few days off, the biggest problem was high tides. Even in Galveston, which received little rainfall, tides were above jetty rocks, according to fishermen in a redfish tournament.
The fishing was still good, though, as one team reported catching more than 20 reds, although the size of the fish was less than hoped.
Areas inland received heavy rainfall, but the rains waned to the west and north, as the rain clouds appeared to stall. While areas around George West, Freer and Falfurrias received 4-5 inches, the total dropped to closer to 2 inches from Pearsall to Cotulla, and Uvalde received only .61 inches. Lake levels at Choke Canyon Reservoir improved, but not greatly.
The storm proved deadly when it moved ashore in Mexico on June 20, killing four people, three of them children.
Guide focuses on multiple species
By Nate Skinner For Lone Star outdoor newS
Clendon Taylor fell in love with fishing at an early age while making trips to the coast with his dad. He now owns and operates C&C Guide Service as a multi-species guide based out of San Antonio.
“I remember my first fishing trip like it was yesterday,” Taylor said. “I was about 5 years old, and I was fishing off an old pier in Rockport. We didn’t catch much that day, but I had a blast. Then shortly after that, we went on an offshore trip and caught
a mahi-mahi. I’ve been hooked on all types of fishing since.”
Born and raised in San Antonio, Taylor spent his childhood watching hunting and fishing shows and reading fishing and outdoor magazines.
“I couldn’t get enough of it,” he said. “When I was in school, anytime we had to go to the library for an English or reading class, I would always pick out some sort of outdoor or survival themed book.”
When he was in about the third grade, Taylor began fishing on local lakes, like Braunig and Calaveras, with his grand-
pa.
“We’d mix in some coastal trips here and there, but Braunig and Calaveras is where I really cut my teeth as an angler,” Taylor said. “From learning to throw a cast net, to perfecting working artificial lures, and just about everything in between, I learned and developed the basics of fishing on those lakes.”
Throughout his grade school and teenage years, Taylor spent all of his free time fishing with a close friend of his.
“We would cast a line anywhere we could get access,” he said. “We did a lot of pond-hop-
ping, just trying to catch fish as often as we could.”
At age 15, Taylor joined some local bass clubs and began fishing tournaments.
“Seeing other anglers be more successful than me really motivated me to learn how to become a better angler,” he said. “That was my drive.”
Taylor was successful in the bass clubs, and continued fishing club tournaments after high school while working a full-time job. As time went on, he realized that he enjoyed taking others fishing for fun more than the competitive aspect of
Top, Troy Wright fights a grouper as deckman Justin Davis holds the rod in an attempt to bring in a large Warsaw grouper. Below, Tommy McClung brought in a wahoo on the trip. Photos by Tony Vindell, for Lone Star Outdoor News.
Capt Cady’s Bait, located in the Aransas County District Marina, flooded after heavy rains from Tropical Storm Alberto. Photo from Niki Nguyen.
Clendon Taylor, of C&C Guide Service, is a multispecies fishing guide based out of San Antonio. Photo from Clendon Taylor.
Guide’s quest for gold
By Tony Vindell
For Lone Star outdoor newS
Catching fish with flies and lures is a way of life for an angler from Brownsville. But going after a fish only found in the remote jungles of South America is a one-of-a-kind venture the 61-year-old Ernest Cisneros said he will always cherish.
To prepare for the week-long trip, Cisneros spent 12 weeks in a gym readying himself for the adventure that involved traveling 70 miles each of the three days with three others to find the ideal spot for this fish.
Often referred to as the river tiger, a golden dorado has become one of the world’s most highly prized sport fish. It looks like a combination trout and salmon, and most are found on the Parana River basin.
“We walked through narrow roads, went by boat, stopped at a number of banks until we found a waterfall,” Cisneros said. “We had to endure mosquito and sand fly bites, cold mornings, sweltering heat and extremely humid days.”
There was a silver lining, as the anglers saw thousands of butterflies, parrots, toucans and monkeys.
Cisneros, a fly and lure fishing guide for
nearly three decades, began doing extreme fishing in a number of places in the United States and abroad over the last six years. That included Utah, Wyoming, California, Montana, Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize, Cuba and the Bahamas.
But the trip to Bolivia where Latin America’s second largest river eventually empties into the Atlantic Ocean was one for the books.
The fish he and the others went after proved to be quite elusive. Although their goal was to catch a 20-30 pound fish, they ended up hooking 5-to 6-pounders.
“This fish is something else,” Cisneros says. “First, you have to set the hook right away. Otherwise, you will lose it. They jump like a tarpon and run like a redfish, and they have teeth like a piranha.”
Cisneros said the trip requires 12-16 hours of flying from Brownsville to the South American country, made through an outfitter that hires local people to guide the anglers through the jungles.
“It was a trip I will always remember and I am glad I did it,” he said. “But, would I do it again? No, sir. This is the hardest fish I have ever caught.”
Farmersville angler tops Skeeter tourney
Bernard Gunn of Farmersville beat out hundreds of anglers to win the overall top prize at the 30th annual Skeeter Owners Tournament on Lake Fork.
The two-day event took place at Lake Fork Marina in Alba on June 8 and June 9.
On Saturday morning, Chad McDonald of Zachary, Louisiana, brought in the first overthe-slot (24 inches) fish at 7.42 pounds.
During the 10 o’clock hour on Saturday, Jamie Ward, of Killeen, took the lead with a 8.27-pound largemouth, which held until the next day.
On Sunday morning during the 10 o’clock hour, Wendell Tucker, of Kilgore, took the lead with his 8.54-pounder. But later in the same hour, Bernard Gunn, of Farmersville, edged Tucker out with his 8.81-pound largemouth that turned out to be the event winner. Gunn took home a Skeeter FXR21 boat with a 250 Yamaha SHO outboard. Monty Sewell, of Taylor, Arkansas, won a Yamaha Viking VI ES side-by-side for the heaviest fish under the slot, at 2.91 pounds.
Hourly winners in addition to Gunn and Sewell, each winning $700:
Jamie Ward, of Killeen 8.27 pounds
Todd Jackson, of Shreveport, Louisiana 8.14 pounds
Brandon Reinke, of Clifton 7.66 pounds
Chad McDonald, of Zachary, Louisiana 7.42 pounds
Remey Reed, of Frisco 2.78 pounds
Kendra Corley, of Garvin, Oklahoma 2.75 pounds
Shea Breznik, of Borger 2.70 pounds
Cephus Minter, of Broken Bow, Oklahoma 2.70 pounds
Cliff Bradford, of Atoka, Oklahoma 2.69 pounds
Brian Robbins, of Washburn, Missouri 2.56 pounds
Caleb Wood, of Longview 2.43 pounds
Fly-fishing angler Ernest Cisneros landed a golden dorado in Bolivia’s Parana River. Photos from Ernest Cisneros.
Lone Star outdoor newS
TEXAS FRESHWATER FISHING REPORT
ALAN HENRY: Water clear; 79 degrees; 0.69’ high. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are good on minnows.
AMISTAD: Water stained; 81 degrees; 68.49’ low. Largemouth bass are good on drop shots, wacky rigs and Texasrigged senkos. White bass are good on spoons and blades. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows.
ARLINGTON: Water stained; 75 degrees; 0.15’ high. Largemouth bass are good on top-waters, chatter baits, crankbaits and Texas-rigs. White bass are fair on slabs. Catfish are fair on cut bait.
ARROWHEAD: Water lightly stained; 80 degrees; 3.68’ low. Catfish are good on fresh cut shad.
ATHENS: Water stained; 82 degrees; 0.72’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on top-waters, jigs and worms. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows.
AUSTIN: Water stained; 80 degrees; 0.68’ low. Largemouth bass are good on top-waters and soft plastics.
BASTROP: Water stained; 90 degrees. Largemouth bass are good on creature baits, drop-shot rigs, swimbaits and Carolina rigs.
BELTON: Water lightly stained; 80 degrees; 13.41’ high. Catfish are good on fresh shad.
BENBROOK: Water stained; 80 degrees; 3.35’ high. Crappie are good on minnows. Yellow bass are fair on soft plastics. Catfish are fair on worms.
BOB SANDLIN: Water lightly stained; 85 degrees; 0.33’ high. Largemouth bass are good on chatter baits and creature baits. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. White bass are fair on white grubs and spinner baits. Catfish are good on stink bait and cut bait.
BOIS D’ARC: Water stained; 85 degrees; 1.28’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on buzzbaits, Texas rigs and flukes.
BRAUNIG: Water stained, 99 degrees. Largemouth bass are slow. Redfish are slow. Catfish are good on cheese bait and shad.
BROWNWOOD: Water stained; 79 degrees; 1.64’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on jigs, shaky heads, and top-waters. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. White bass are slow. Catfish are good on cut or prepared bait.
BUCHANAN: Water lightly stained; 85 degrees; 8.62’ low. Largemouth bass are good on creature baits, swimbaits and top-waters. Striped bass are good on live shad. White bass are good on jigging spoons. Crappie are fair
on jigs and minnows.
CADDO: Water stained; 80 degrees; 3.45’ high. Largemouth bass are slow.
CALAVERAS: Water lightly stained, 95 degrees. Redfish are good on soft plastics and trolling spoons. Blue catfish are good on shrimp and cut bait.
CANYON: Water stained; 82 degrees; 23.32’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on top-waters, drop shots and neko rigs. Stripers are good on swimbaits and spoons.
CEDAR CREEK: Water lightly stained; 80 degrees; 0.28’ high. Hybrids and white bass are good on spinners and slabs. Crappie are fair on jigs. Catfish are good on cut shad.
CHOKE CANYON: Water stained; 85 degrees; 29.43’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on flukes, soft plastic worms and crankbaits. Crappie are good on minnows or grubs. Catfish are good on cut bait and stink bait.
CONROE: Water stained; 82 degrees; 0.05’ high. Largemouth bass are good on big worms, Carolina rigs and crankbaits. Hybrids are good on slabs and jigs. Crappie are good on hair jigs. Catfish are good on cut bait.
COOPER: Water stained; 75 degrees: 1.00’ low. White bass are good on slabs. Catfish are good on shad.
CORPUS CHRISTI: Water stained; 80 degrees; 10.46’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. Drum are good on nightcrawlers. Alligator gar are good on cut carp. Crappie are slow. Catfish are good on nightcrawlers and cheese bait.
CYPRESS SPRINGS: Water stained; 79 degrees; 1.68’ high. Largemouth bass are good on top-waters, jigging spoons and drop shots. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. Catfish are good on stink bait.
EAGLE MOUNTAIN: Water stained; 80 degrees; 0.26’ high. White bass are good on slabs with teaser flies. Crappie are fair on jigs. Catfish are good on punch bait.
FALCON: Water stained; 75 degrees; 49.41’ low. Largemouth bass are good on crankbaits, soft plastics and dropshots. Crappie are slow. Catfish are good on fresh cut bait, stink bait, fish bites and small cuts of fresh bait.
FORK: Water stained; 76 degrees; 0.36’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on top-water frogs, Yellow Magics, Texas rigs and shaky heads. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on prepared bait.
FT. PHANTOM HILL: Water stained; 78 degrees; 5.96’ low. Hybrids are fair on lipless crankbaits and spoons.
GRAHAM: Water stained; 80 degrees; 1.23’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on plastic worms. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Sand bass and hybrids are good on spoons and jigs. Catfish are good on cut shad and chicken liver.
GRANBURY: Water stained; 85 degrees; 0.25’ low. Largemouth bass are good on crankbaits and soft plastics. Striped bass are good on jigs and live bait. White bass are good on slabs and spinners. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. Catfish are good on cut shad and prepared baits.
GRANGER: Water lightly stained; 75 degrees; 0.54’ high. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are good on jigs. White bass are good slabs. Catfish are good on shad.
GRAPEVINE: Water clear; 80 degrees; 19.59’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on soft plastics. White bass are slow.
GREENBELT: Water stained; 75 degrees; 46.75’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. White bass are good on slabs. Catfish are good on cut bait.
HOUSTON COUNTY: Water stained; 80 degrees; 0.43’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on square-billed crankbaits, shaky heads and swim jigs. Crappie are fair on minnows.
HUBBARD CREEK: Water stained; 79 degrees; 11.80’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on soft plastics. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows.
JACKSONVILLE: Water stained; 80 degrees; 0.27’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on frogs, spinner baits, square bills and soft plastics.
JOE POOL: Water lightly stained; 80 degrees; 6.14’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on spinner baits and soft plastics. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. Catfish are slow.
minnows. Catfish are good on stink bait and fresh cut bait.
LAVON: Water lightly stained; 76 degrees; 10.56’ high. White bass are good on slabs. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. Catfish are fair on prepared bait and cut bait.
LBJ: Water stained; 83 degrees; 0.25’ low. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows.
LEWISVILLE: Water stained; 80 degrees; 9.01’ high. White bass are fair on slabs, jigs and live bait. Hybrid stripers are fair on jigs and live bait. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair on cut shad.
LIMESTONE: Water stained; 87 degrees; 0.15’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on Texas rigs, frogs and chatter baits. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. White bass are fair on beetle spins.
LIVINGSTON: Water stained; 75 degrees; 0.06’ high. White bass are good on jigs and spinners.
MARTIN CREEK: Water lightly stained; 86 degrees; 0.03’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on senkos and Texas-rigged trick worms. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on night crawlers.
and top-waters. Crappie are slow. White bass are fair on crankbaits and spinner baits. Catfish are good on cheese bait and cut shad.
OAK CREEK: Water lightly stained; 76 degrees; 16.31’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits and jigs. Crappie are fair on jigs. Catfish are fair on live bait.
PALESTINE: Water lightly stained; 80 degrees; 1.87’ high. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows.
PINKSTON: normal stain; 83 degrees. Largemouth bass are good on drop shots and Carolina rigs. Crappie are slow. Catfish are slow.
POSSUM KINGDOM: Water stained; 87 degrees; 0.19’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits, Texas-rigged worms, jigs and swimbaits. Striped bass are fair on live bait. White bass are fair on slabs and jigs. Catfish are fair on cut shad.
PROCTOR: Water stained; 75 degrees; 1.53’ low. Catfish are good on shad, cut bait and stink bait.
MEREDITH: Water stained; 72 degrees; 46.26’ low. Largemouth bass are good on minnows and artificials. White bass are good on jigs and slabs. Walleye are good on minnows and grubs. Catfish are fair on crawlers, minnows, chicken liver and frozen shad.
MILLERS CREEK: Water stained; 75 degrees; 0.40’ low. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are good on cut bait.
NACOGDOCHES: Water stained; 83 degrees; 0.45’ high. Largemouth bass are good on deep crankbaits and Carolina rigs. Crappie are good on jigs. Catfish are good on cut bait and live minnows.
NACONICHE: Water stained; 81 degrees; 0.50’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits, chatter baits, swimbaits and soft plastics. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are slow.
RAVEN: Water stained; 80 degrees. Largemouth bass are good on soft plastics. Catfish are good on Carolinarigged live worms.
RAY HUBBARD: Water stained; 83 degrees; 0.14’ high. White bass are fair on slabs and jigs. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are fair on prepared bait and cut shad.
RICHLAND CHAMBERS: Water lightly stained; 80 degrees; 0.71’ high. White bass are fair on slabs. Hybrid stripers are fair on live shad. Crappie are slow. Catfish are fair on shad.
SAM RAYBURN: Water stained; 85 degrees; 7.67’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on Carolina rigs and jigs. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. White bass are good on jigging spoons. Catfish are fair on cut bait.
SOMERVILLE: Water lightly stained; 86 degrees; 0.90’ high. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. White bass are good on spoons and ghost minnows. Hybrids are good on cut bait.
white bass are good on live bait and slabs. Catfish are good on prepared baits.
TEXOMA: Water stained; 75 degrees; 4.70’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on top-waters, soft plastics and crankbaits. Striped bass are good on live bait. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are good on cut shad and prepared baits.
TOLEDO BEND: Water lightly stained; 80 degrees; 0.77’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on top-waters, frogs, spinner baits, crankbaits and Texas rigs. Crappie are slow.
TRAVIS: Water stained; 82 degrees; 46.26’ low. Largemouth bass are slow.
TWIN BUTTES: Water stained. 84 degrees; 34.82’ low. White bass are good on top-waters and slabs. Catfish are fair on cheese bait.
WACO: Water stained; 78 degrees; 10.35’ high. White bass are fair on shad. Catfish are good on cut and prepared baits.
WALTER E. LONG: Water stained; 84 degrees. Largemouth bass are good on swimbaits and crankbaits. Crappie are good on minnows.
WELSH: Water stained. 92 degrees. Largemouth bass are good on senkos. Catfish are fair on cut bait and stink bait.
WHITNEY: Water stained; 79 degrees; 4.55’ high. Largemouth bass are slow. Striped bass are fair on live shad. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. White bass are slow. Catfish are good on cut shad.
WORTH: Water stained; 78 degrees; 0.08’ low. White bass are good on slabs. Crappie are fair on jigs. Catfish are good on punch bait.
WRIGHT PATMAN: Water stained; 74 degrees; 13.00’ high. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are good on cut bait.
FAYETTE: Water stained; 86 degrees. Largemouth bass are fair on soft plastics, imitation shad baits, top-waters, and Carolina rigs.
LAKE O’ THE PINES: Water stained; 79 degrees; 7.56’ high. Largemouth bass are good on jigs, Texas-rigged worms and drop shots. Crappie are good on jigs and
NASWORTHY: Water lightly stained; 84 degrees. 0.42’ low. Largemouth bass are good on chatter baits, spinner baits and soft plastics. Crappie are good on jigs. Catfish are fair on cut bait and stink bait.
O.H. IVIE: Water lightly stained; 80 degrees; 29.12’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on 10-inch worms, jigs
SPENCE: Water stained; 80 degrees. 48.31’ low. Largemouth bass are good on soft plastics and top-waters. White bass are fair on slabs. Catfish are good on cut carp, shad and stink bait.
TAWAKONI: Water lightly stained; 80 degrees; 2.05’ high. Largemouth bass are good on frogs, crankbaits and soft plastics. Hybrids and
Turning to fishing
Continued from page 8
tournament fishing, and that’s what helped turn his focus towards guiding.
“I had a day job, where I was putting in 60-80 hours a week, most of which were outside in the sun and heat,” he said. “I felt like if I was going to continue working that much outside, I might as well do something that I love.”
Taylor said eventually, folks began asking him to take them fishing.
“Trying my hand at becoming a fishing guide just made sense,” he said. “A lot of people wanted to go fishing during the week when I couldn’t take off from work. I had to just take a leap of faith, cold turkey, and hit the ground running.”
Taylor now has been guiding three years, and pursues largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, catfish, stripers and redfish on San Antonio-area lakes with his clients. He guides trips on Lake LBJ, Choke Canyon, Canyon, Braunig and Calaveras. Targeting multiple species allows him to keep his anglers hooked up with fish.
Taylor said meeting new people is what he loves most about guiding.
“You never know who you’re going to meet through fishing, and I am fortunate enough to meet new people on my boat all the time,” he said.
Taylor also installs boat accessories and electronics, and offers courses on boat handling and how to use electronics and graphs to find and catch fish.
Don’t miss the Texas Hunters and Sportsman’s Expo
Can you believe it has been 32 years? It is that time of year again when hunters and outdoorsmen from across Texas head south to the McAllen Convention Center to experience one of the best outdoor shows in the country July 19-21 — the Texas Hunters and Sportsman’s Expo.
“We have had solid crowds over the past 32 years and the show’s attendance continues to grow each year,” said show director Justin Curl. “This three-day weekend event is expected to draw several thousand hunting and fishing enthusiasts and visitors from both sides of the border.”
Exhibits for everyone, including women and children, and all types of retailers representing all price levels will be on hand.
“Another thing we want to focus on this year is the fact that we are going to have items for everyone, as usual, and a variety of exhibits to enjoy,” Curl said.
Want to go on a great hunt? The Texas Hunters & Sportsman’s Expo is recognized as the highest-quality hunting and fishing show in South Texas, with outfitters from across the United States, Canada, Mexico and Africa booking hunts for white-tailed deer, big game, exotics, bear, moose, elk, mule deer, turkey, quail, dove, pheasant and waterfowl.
Is fishing more your thing? Come and speak with guides for bass and saltwater game fish. Also, a huge display of boats, motors, rods, reels, fishing lights, tackle and more are waiting for you.
Manufacturers and dealers will also be on-hand offering special show prices on hunting blinds, ATVs, camouflage clothing, ranching equipment, tractors, hunting accessories, supplies and more.
“This is a show the entire family can enjoy,” Curl said. “Wildlife art, hand-crafted rustic furniture, barbecue pits, smoked meats, gourmet foods and exotic and silver jewelry, are just a few of the exhibits and attractions.”
Feature attractions:
• Wildlife Artist Don Breeden
• WOW Trophy Whitetail Display
• Roxor hunting vehicle
• Hourly giveaways
• CCA boat raffle
• Frank Addington Jr. aka “The Aspring Buster” will perform
• Live Rattlesnake Pit- compliments of Bert Ogden
• KTO Ice Chest Super Display
• Meet and Greet Pedro Sors, host of Con Cana y Carette
• On VIP Friday night, live country music from Southern Ashes Band
Admission Prices: (Good all weekend)
Adults $20
Senior Citizens $15
Children 12 and under Free
Show Dates and Times: Fri., July 19 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sat., July 20 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sun., July 21 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
For more information, call (956) 664-2884 or go to texashunterassociation.com.
EIGHT RESCUED FROM BOAT TAKING ON WATER
The Coast Guard rescued eight boaters whose vessel began taking on water 40 miles off Galveston. A call came from a person aboard a 48-foot craft stating the boat was taking on water with eight adults aboard. A helicopter crew and boat crew responded. Once on scene, the helicopter crew hoisted all eight people and transferred them to Scholes International Airport in Galveston. No injuries were reported. Weather conditions at the time of the rescues were 34 mph winds and 8-foot seas.
INCREASED DROWININGS OVER HOLIDAY WEEKEND
Over the Memorial Day weekend, Texas game wardens assisted fellow first responders with rescues and recoveries due to strong storms and extreme heat. Wardens noted a decrease in boating incidents and citations filed, but an increase in drownings and warnings issued. Between Friday and Monday, 379 game wardens conducted 11,609 vessel checks across Texas, issuing 1,528 citations and 2,301 warnings for various boating safety law violations. Wardens arrested 37 people for boating while intoxicated
GAME WARDEN BLOTTER
BOAT HITS SANDBAR, POPULAR CITIZEN KILLED
A single boat accident in the Laguna Madre killed a well-known Padre Island resident on May 20. Texas game wardens, the Corpus Christi Fire Department and the Coast Guard responded. According to officials, the boat had hit a sandbar and went into shallow water. One person, 73-year-old Steven Chaney, was killed and 61-year-old James Byma was injured. Chaney was a member of the Padre Island Yacht Club and was a boat captain for the annual December La Posada lighted boat parade for several years.
and four people for driving while intoxicated. Another 55 people were arrested for various other crimes. One BWI arrest classified as a state jail felony for boating while intoxicated with a child passenger. Wardens responded to seven boating accidents, one boating fatality and seven drownings. The boating fatality occurred at Taylor Bayou and the drownings occurred at Benbrook Lake, Lake Bridgeport, Canyon Lake, Eagle Mountain Lake, Lake Lewisville, Sabine Lake and Lake Texoma.
Wardens were involved in search and rescue activities, responded to boating incidents and engaged numerous people on personal watercrafts, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards who were not wearing life jackets. They also were involved with medical emergencies, boat assists, an overturned vessel, tornado response efforts and broke up multiple fights that resulted in several arrests. Wardens also assisted the Marine Theft Investigation Unit with party boat enforcement on Lake Travis,
boarding eight party boats, with seven having violations.
FATHER, SON DEAD AFTER SHRIMP BOAT CAPSIZES
Law enforcement officials searched for a 35-year-old man and his 15-year-old son reported overdue near Port Lavaca. The Coast Guard received a call from the wife of the owner of the 40foot shrimping vessel, reporting the father and son were overdue. The pair had departed at 5 a.m. to shrimp off Magnolia Beach
and were due to return around 10:30 a.m. A helicopter crew and response boat responded, and a fire boat crew with Calhoun County reported a capsized vessel matching the description in the Matagorda Ship Channel. Coast Guard crews searched approximately 77 square miles for over 21 combined hours before suspending the search. Three days later, Calhoun County game wardens recovered one of the victims, and later that day located the second victim approximately 300 yards from the first victim.
TOO MANY SNAPPER, AMBERJACK OUT OF SEASON
During a recent Gulf patrol, Calhoun County game wardens encountered two recreational fishing vessels entering state waters. The wardens found both vessels in violation of fishing regulations including over the limit of red snapper and possession of amberjack during closed season. The excess fish were donated to those in need. Citations and restitution are pending.
Remember when a hunter was measured by how well he shot, and not how much he spent? When memories were measured in curly tails, not dollar bills? We do. And that is why we created the Spandau S2. A reliable, extremely well balanced waterfowl gun built around the Inertia operating system for unmatched performance at a price that shows that you still know the true measure of a hunter.
FROM WORK TO PLAY
WHATEVER YOUR ADVENTURE IS, WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED.
Shooting Sports texas
HELICE “ZZ BIRDS”
“Finally, a fun and captivating Helice shooting range is available near San Antonio at Joshua Creek Ranch. Shoot it once and you’ll be hooked. Bring your favorite shotgun and enjoy shooting solo, with a group of friends, or enter one or more of the ZZ-Bird Top Shooter tournaments this summer.”
-Luiz Z.
ZZ-BIRD TOP SHOOTER SUMMER HELICE TOURNAMENTS
JOSHUA CREEK RANCH
LOCATED IN THE HEART OF THE BEAUTIFUL TEXAS HILL COUNTRY
SATURDAY FUN SHOOTS
SUMMER SPORTING CLAYS TOURNAMENTS
SPORTING CLAYS
“Most beautiful sporting clays course in Texas. Great challenge and mix of targets. You won’t find a more welcoming place to shoot sporting clays.”
-Scott C.
Over the years we’ve heard all the excuses as to why folks don’t wear hearing protection: “I can’t hear anything” or “too uncomfortable” or “too cumbersome.”
Electronic Shooters Protection has specialized in one thing for 30 years: custom-fit digital hearing protection. Their latest and most popular model, the APEX, offers hunters and shooters optimal sound protection with allday comfort and the ability to hear your surroundings with on-the-fly controllable volume. Now you can “tune in” to natural sounds that provide a tactical advantage like birds flushing or the release of a trap. While wearing your ESPs, you’ll also enjoy the luxury of having effortless conversation with your hunting buddies or squad mates — allowing you to fully enjoy your day and the company you keep.
What truly sets the APEX apart is technology that has overcome the issue of “wind noise” that plagues other electronic hearing devices. ESP’s patented wind noise management system continuously monitors the environment, automatically stifling unwanted sounds.
For those of you currently experiencing hearing loss, your new ESPs can be tuned to your hearing test results bringing all the frequencies back into balance.
Save yourself from a lifetime of hearing issues and experience the ESP advantage.
Shooters heading to Paris
Three Texans are part of the team of eight shotgun athletes who will represent Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games — Vincent Hancock, Conner Prince, Austen Smith, Dania Vizzi, Derrick Mein, Will Hinton, Rachel Tozier and Ryann Phillips.
Hancock, of Eatonton, Georgia, qualified in Men’s Skeet and is looking to make history at the Games. Hancock is a four-time Olympian and a three-time Olympic gold medalist.
Prince, of Burleson, Texas, is joining Hancock on the Men’s Skeet Olympic team. Paris will be Prince’s Olympic debut where he will also compete in Mixed Team Skeet. Smith, of Keller, Texas, will be making her second Olympic appearance in Women’s Skeet. Smith will also pair up with Hancock in Mixed Team Skeet. Smith, who is currently studying aerospace engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington, was most recently crowned champion at the 2024 ISSF Baku World Cup. Hancock now trains and coaches Prince and Smith at his North Lake Shooting Sports Range in North Texas.
Vizzi, an Odessa, Florida native, is making her first Olympic appearance in Women’s Skeet and will also be competing in Mixed Team Skeet with Prince.
Mein, of Paola, Kansas, is making his second Olympic appearance in Paris for Men’s Trap. Mein grew up hunting with his family and began shooting sporting clays at 8 years old.
Hinton, of Dacula, Georgia, is making his Olympic debut in Men’s Trap. Hinton grew up in a family of avid bird hunters and his dad was a bird dog trainer.
Tozier, of Pattonsburg, Missouri, qualified for her first Olympic Games in Women’s Trap.
Phillips, of Gail, Texas, will be making her first Olympic appearance in Women’s Trap. Phillips, who is currently attending Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, was introduced to the sport of shooting in the third grade through a 4-H program.
The first shotgun event for Paris 2024 is Men’s Trap on July 29. All finals events will be live streamed on Peacock.
—USA Shooting
Joshua Creek Ranch
Finding your sport through shooting
By Craig Nyhus Lone Star outdoor newS
During his freshman year at Dallas’ Jesuit College Preparatory School, Austin Larson didn’t know what to do when it came to participating in a sport. He noticed a list for the Jesuit Competitive Shooting Team and put his name down.
The next year, he got serious about practicing, and by the time he reached his junior year, was ready to compete on the team.
At the recent Scholastic Clay Target League state championship, held June 11-13 at San Antonio’s National Shooting Complex, he finished fourth in the Double Trap event, and his team finished fourth overall.
Students in the league participate in Skeet, Trap, Sporting Clays and Super Sport (sporting clays with three different targets that are shot in any order). Larson has embraced both the practice (the team practices at the Dallas Gun Club in Lewisville) and the competition, and many of his best friends are his fellow shooters.
“There are a lot of people to improve and grow with,” he said. “We help each other out. Our younger kids are doing well and the junior varsity is really good.”
More established high school teams in the area, including Allen, Keller and Southlake Carroll, have hundreds of shooters, while Jesuit took 17 to the state competition.
“More recently, we’re placing closer and closer to those teams,” Larson said.
At the competition, in Double Trap, Larson broke 89 out of 100 targets, missing third place by one clay.
SCTP is run by the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation, and Madeleine Maggard is a teacher, Jesuit’s coach and the SCTP state advisor.
“It’s a program that focuses on building fundamentals and discipline, responsibility, leadership and teamwork to help form the future of youth in general, not just in shooting sports,” she said. “The students can be part of a team and compete, and when it comes to scores, the girls are right up there with the boys. It’s the great thing about shooting sports.”
At the state competition, 40 registered teams competed, with a total of 396 athletes, 77 who were female. Larson plans to continue practicing this summer to compete during his senior year, and he’s thinking about attending the University of Alabama.
“They have a shooting team there,” he said.
He’s also completing his hunter safety, and plans to start hunting with his dad, Sidney, this year.
“I’m really looking forward to that,” he said.
Scholastic Clay Target League
June 11-13
Varsity Results
Sporting Clays
Men:
1. Reed Baldwin, Keller
2. Justin Doran, North Texas Claybusters
3. Zachary Garrett, Arp Clay Target Team
Ladies:
1. Malyah Reeves, Waxahachie
2. Ruby Daily, Midlothian
3. Abigail Hinckley, Southlake Carroll
Super Sporting
Men:
1. Grant Rainey, Cardinal Claybusters
2. Riley Frank, Southlake (shoot-off)
3. Miles Zinyard, Jesuit
Ladies:
1. Ruby Dailey, Midlothian (shoot-off)
2. Malia Reed, Waxahachie
3. Abigail Hinkley, Southlake Caroll
Trap
Men:
1. Western Smith, Prosper (shot the only 100 of the event)
2. Blake Tyler, Southlake
3. Winn Moore, Jesuit (five-way shootoff)
Ladies:
1. Katherine Cismas, Southlake Carroll
2. Malia Reeves, Waxahachie
3. Olivia Simmons, Marcus Clay Target Team
Skeet
Men:
1. Dominic Marotta, Southlake Carroll
2. David Hennecke, Hill Country Clay Shooters (shoot-off)
3. Coy Losawyer, Midlothian
Ladies:
1. Olivia Simmon, Marcus
2. Abigail Hinkley, Southlake Carroll
3. Ruby Dailey, Midlothian
Team
The High Overall Team is compiled from regular sporting, skeet and trap, with classifications for High Schools and Overall, which includes club and combination teams.
High School
1. Southlake Carroll Target Team
2. Keller Clay Target Team
3. Spartan Clay Target Team
4. Jesuit Competitive Shooting Team
5. Waxahachie Shotgun Team
Team
High Overall
1. Southlake Carroll Target Team
2. South Texas Competitive Shooting Team
3. Keller Clay Target Team
4. Midlothian Clay Target Team
5. Waxahachie Shotgun Team
Erich Schlegel, for Lone Star Outdoor News
THE SLX 600 BLACK TRIFECTA
FINE ITALIAN CRAFTSMANSHIP AND QUALITY AT AN UNBEATABLE PRICE
The Italian Firearms Group and the Italian gun manufacturer Fabbrica Armi Isodoro Rizzini are excited to bring the new SLX 600 Black “Trifecta” to the American hunting market. Now, upland hunters can quickly switch to their preferred sub-gauge chambering, all on the same precision receiver.
The SLX 600 Black Trifecta, imported exclusively by the Italian Firearms Group, is a testament
quality, offering upland hunters the ultimate in versatility at an unbeatable price.
The key highlight of this offering is the inclusion of a complete three-barrel set, encompassing 20 gauge, 28 gauge, and .410. Each barrel set is crafted with precision and expertise at the state-of-theart production facility of Fabbrica Armi Isodoro Rizzini in Marcheno, situated in the Lombardy Region of Italy.
“We are thrilled to introduce the SLX 600 Black Trifecta to the American hunting community,” said Chris Sherman, general manager at the Italian Firearms Group. “This shotgun represents the perfect synergy between Italian heritage, precision engineering, and practical versatility. It allows hunters to elevate their shooting experience with the unmatched quality and adaptability that F.A.I.R. is
renowned for.”
The SLX 600 Black Trifecta is meticulously engineered and designed to meet the highest standards of performance, combining cutting-edge technology with the timeless elegance of Italian craftsmanship.
From the steel-shot tested 20 gauge barrels to the gold inlay and engraved monobloc receiver, each component reflects the dedication to precision and quality
that defines F.A.I.R.’s legacy. Features such as the Sporting Schnabel forend, fine-pitch lasercheckering, and a gold single selective trigger round out this elegant and functional platform.
F.A.I.R. is the second most prolific Italian over-and-under manufacturer and the largest Italian manufacturer of side-byside firearms.
Barrels:
• Steel-shot tested (20ga only), tri-alloy, chrome-lined barrels with X-CONES
• Fiber optic front sight
Receiver:
• Bright black bluing
• Engraved and gold inlay
• Monobloc design
Mechanical:
• Coil springs and hammer with a double safety notch
• Fret-worked top lever
• Gold single selective trigger with auto-safety on the tang
Stock and Forend:
• Sporting Schnabel forend, European walnut of superior quality
• Sporting stock with bright oil finish, select European walnut
Checkering:
• Fine-pitch, laser-checkering with double grip
• Black Bakelite base plate
Additional Features:
• Ejectors
• Barrel Length (BBL): 28” (Optional: 26” or 30”)
• Length of Pull (LOP): 14.5”
• Overall Weight: 6.83 lbs.
MSRP: $4,725
GREAT NEW FEATURES AT AN EVEN BETTER PRICE
The new Boarmaster 40 Pro from Fusion Thermal includes all the special features in its previous model (the 40E), with two important upgrades.
“Fusion added the 18500 batteries, which ups the battery life to 7-plus hours — and it’s rechargeable,” said Ryan Warner, who is an avid hog hunter. “It’s a great little unit.”
Warner said the higher power supply has an added benefit.
“It helps provide more detail,” he said. “The image clarity of the unit is very clear.”
Warner is most excited about the rapid zoom-out technology in the thermal optics, called RAZR.
“When you’re on full magnification and there’s a herd of pigs, you want to zoom in to put that first shot right behind the ear,” he said. “In the past, you would scramble to zoom back out to shoot again.”
Enter the RAZR.
“It detects the recoil and automatically zooms you back out after the first shot,”
Warner said. “I used it hog hunting and it works really well. Fusion plans to include the technology across the line.”
As in the prior model, the Boarmaster 40 Pro utilizes the company’s T3 Three Button Control System, along with the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) menu, in plain English.
“It’s super easy to use,” Warner said. “The owner of the company helped design it after being frustrated with having to look down to focus or operate the thermal. You don’t have to look down, and you always know where your fingers are.”
The lens type and quality also make the Boarmaster models stand out.
“They are incredibly clear, thanks to the use of the higher quality Germanium lens and a larger lens size with more curvature to maximize the amount of heat it picks up,” he said.
The aluminum housing is rock-solid, as before, making the Boarmaster 40 Pro the scope you’ve been looking for, at a great price. The MSRP is $3,359.
Even after you upgrade to a new HK VP9, with its best-in-class trigger pull and ergonomic, customizable grip, you’re not quite done yet. You still need a couple of important accessories. And we’re not talking about holsters, lights and optics either. Training and Practice – They are two different things and we all need more of both. Look into it … and go do the work!
www.hk-usa.com • 706-701-5554
THERMAL HUNTING
Game-changing simplicity. Industry leading runtime. Onboard video, photo and HD audio recording. Meet the new AVENGER from Fusion Thermal.
AVENGER 40
WAVE12 384 Sensor
9+ Hour Runtime
MSRP: $4099
AVENGER 55XR
WAVE12 640 Sensor
7+ Hour Runtime
MSRP: $5989
Available at fine retailers all across the Great State of Texas
Fusion Thermal Exclusive Features
Micro Click Focus
Leave the Collars to the Dogs
Getting your target into focus quickly and easily is a must, and you won’t find a better system than our Micro Click Focus. Our tactile focus knob is conveniently located on top of the front lens, and unlike the dog collar design used by our competitors you won’t need to perform a circus act just to focus your scope. Plus, you’ll always get your best shot as the micro click adjustments put you on the perfect focus point every time.
ARCLIGHT Ultra HD Germanium Lens
High Purity for Maximum Energy
The single most expensive component of a well-crafted thermal is its germanium lens. If you skimp here, you’re not even in the game. Our high purity ArcLight Ultra HD Germanium Lens is the crowning jewel of our technology package. It perfects the task of collecting and funneling infrared energy into the thermal sensor unhindered by distortion. This clean transition results in an infrared energy dump that unleashes the full potential of our WAVE thermal sensor delivering a user experience well beyond expectations.
KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) Menu Industry’s Easiest Menu System
We think you’re really going to like our menu; it uses words, English words. Written for Americans by Americans. That’s why we called it KISS. You’ve heard the phrase, and at Fusion Thermal it’s the reason we can make the industry’s boldest statement: Our operating system is so easy to use you’ll likely never read the instructions.
T3 Control System
Don’t Let Your Fingers Get Lost in the Dark
Our highly intuitive three button control system with center tower makes using your scope simple and easy. Every command is at your fingertips, and the Center Tower evenly splits the control panel, so you’ll never be confused about what button you’re going to press. We thought this a particularly good idea since you’ll be using it in the dark most of the time.
WAVE Thermal Sensor Same Money, Better Performance
Is it possible for one thermal scope to dramatically outperform everything else in its class? Yes, so don’t make the mistake of shopping by specifications alone or you just might get burned. Our WAVE thermal sensors push the limit of what is technically possible and set the standard for image quality, ruggedness, and long life. So, before you plop down your hard-earned cash make sure you do a side-by-side to any similarly priced competitive alternative. We think you’ll find the difference to be clearly obvious.
XGEN Alloy Housing
Plastic is for toys. Metal is for tools. It’s a fact, thermals produce heat, and heat is the enemy of all thermal devices. If you don’t get the heat out operational performance will degrade, and long-term internal damage is a certainty. Our XGEN (Next Generation Alloy Body) shields your expensive investment in a metal clad of armor, and our high-end AL6082 Conductive Structural Alloy displaces heat at an astounding 71,900% better than plastic. You don’t think of your thermal as some cheap plastic toy. Why should it be built like one?
Caryn Musick caught this nice red while fishing in Port Mansfield and staying at Getaway Lodge.
Cayce Causey caught this speckled trout on a gold spoon while wade-fishing in the Upper Laguna Madre.
John B Collier VI, 13, waited for two hours for this mature gobbler to come into shotgun range during the spring season.
Christine Sutherland caught this speckled trout while fishing with Ruben Riojas in Port Mansfield.
Donald Click, 94, of Littlefield, who passed his hunting and fishing passions to his three sons, recently landed this catfish.
01
TEXAS SUN, MOON AND TIDES
02 Tue 2:40 8:54 3:08 9:22 06:24 08:25 3:13a 5:43p
03 Wed 3:30 9:44
06
07 Sun 7:11 12:58 7:37 1:24 06:26 08:24 7:51a 10:10p
08 Mon 8:05 1:53 8:29 2:17 06:26 08:24 8:53a 10:44p
09 Tue 8:56 2:45 9:18 3:07 06:27 08:24 9:51a 11:13p
10 Wed 9:44 3:34 10:04 3:54 06:27 08:24 10:47a 11:40p
11 Thu 10:29 4:19 10:48 4:39 06:28 08:24 11:40a NoMoon
12 Fri 11:11
Sabine Pass, north
Galveston Bay entrance, north jetty
Freeport Harbor
Port O’Connor
Nueces Bay
Matagorda
LONE STAR OUTDOOR PUZZLER
Solution on Page 22
ACROSS
2) DFW-area lake
4) Opening at end of arrow
6) Olympic shooting sport
7) Tyler’s county
10) Mozambique’s capital
11) The dogfish
12) Blue, black or striped
13) Skid steer brand
15) Rifle brand
16) One of the crappie
18) Bass boat brand
20) A Great Lake
22) Fly line brand
23) Brazos County’s seat
24) San Diego’s county
25) West Texas lake
26) Popular mushroom-head jig
28) Pulleys on a compound bow
29) Shotshell brand
31) Fishing line brand
32) A duck favorite
34) Group of frogs
37) Shotgun type
38) Group of porcupines
40) Turkey hunters’ org.
41) Group of hyenas
42) Trout species
43) Crankbait brand
44) Shotgun brand, Caesar ____
Puzzle by Craig Nyhus, Lone Star Outdoor News
DOWN
1) Walleye-fishing province
2) An African antelope 3) Coastal bay
4) Safari destination
5) Thermal optics brand
8) A bunch of bees
9) East Texas lake
14) A border lake
17) Colorado County’s seat
18) Matagorda County’s seat (two words)
19) Rockport’s county
20) Harris County’s seat
21) South Texas river
27) Fin on the top
30) Ammo brand
33) Top-water lure
35) Hunting boot brand
36) Hallettsville’s county
39) A sunfish
1 lb. catfish, cut into 1 1/2-inch nuggets
2 tbsps. Cajun seasoning
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
Nonstick cooking spray
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
In a large nonreactive bowl, dust catfish pieces with Cajun seasoning and toss to coat them evenly. Pour buttermilk over the catfish and stir, then refrigerate at least 30 minutes to 8 hours. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Add a sheet of parchment paper
Clark named GM at Skeeter
Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit appointed John Clark to the position of general manager, Skeeter Boats.
Harrison joins HIVIZ
HIVIZ Shooting Systems, maker of tritium/ fiber-optic and fiber-optic sights, hired Christopher Harrison as the director of U.S. commercial sales.
New roles at SIG
Robby Johnson was named as chief marketing officer of SIG SAUER, and Tom Taylor will be assuming a new role as executive vice president, global brand development.
New head of aluminum division
Brunswick Corporation named Andy Thompson president of its Aluminum Boat Group division, which includes brands Harris, Crestliner, Lund, Lowe, Thunder Jet and Princecraft.
Position at NWTF
The National Wild Turkey Federation is seeking a regional director in Texas, responsible for volunteer recruitment, committees and fundraising activities.
Beccaria joins Burris
Burris Optics named Bruno Beccaria, formerly with Beretta Holding, to the position of general manager.
Nicholson becomes sales VP
Orion Wholesale promoted Matt Nicholson to vice president of sales.
Harrison returns to HK
John M. Harrison returned to Heckler & Koch as sales manager.
Wille named VP
Eric Wille joined Gunstores.com as the company’s new vice president of business development.
to a rimmed baking sheet and lightly spray the parchment with cooking spray. In a large bowl or plastic zip-top bag, combine the cornmeal, flour, remaining Cajun seasoning, salt, and garlic and onion powders. Toss to combine. A few pieces at a time, place the buttermilk-coated catfish in the breading mixture. Place the catfish on the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between catfish pieces. Lightly spray the tops of the breaded nuggets with cooking spray to aid in browning and crisping. Bake 20–25 minutes. While hot, sprinkle with sea salt or kosher salt.
—Utah DNR
2 lbs. venison round steak
1/4 cup flour
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
3 tbsps. cooking oil
1 cup water
1 1/2 tsp. instant beef bouillon granules
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
2 tbsps. butter
3/4 cup chopped celery
1 cup grated American cheese
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup soft breadcrumbs
1 tsp. chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup cold water
2 tbsps. cornstarch
Cut meat into serving sized pieces that are longer than they are wide. Mix 1/4 cup flour, salt and pepper. Pound mixture into both sides of each piece of meat. Cook celery, onion and parsley in butter until tender and remove from heat. Stir in cheese and breadcrumbs. Spread 1/4-1/2 cup cheese mixture on each steak. Roll steaks up, jelly-roll style, and secure with toothpicks. Brown steaks in oil. Drain excess oil, then add 1 cup water, bouillon, mustard and thyme. Cover and cook 2 1/2 hours. Blend cold water with cornstarch and stir into pan drippings to make gravy. —Missouri Dept. of Conservation
Insects critical for quail
A critical aspect of bobwhite quail survival, particularly for hatchlings, hinges on the availability of insects.
Insects provide essential nutrients that ensure their growth, development and survival. The first few weeks of life are crucial for hatchlings. During this period, their growth rate is rapid, requiring a high-protein diet to support muscle development, feather growth and overall physiological functions. Insects are a primary source of this protein.
Studies have shown that insect availability directly impacts the growth rate and survival chances of quail chicks, according to a report by Dr. Dan Foley III. Without an adequate insect diet, hatchlings can suffer from malnutrition, stunted growth, and increased mortality rates. Bobwhite hatchlings consume a variety of insects, which ensures they receive a broad spectrum of nutrients. Common dietary insects include beetles — rich in protein and fat, essential for energy and growth, ants — although small ants are abundant and provide important amino acids, grasshoppers — high in protein and offer roughage that aids in digestion, and caterpillars — softbodied and easy for hatchlings to digest, providing a significant source of protein and fats.
Foraging for insects also helps chicks develop essential survival skills such as pecking, scratching and identifying food sources. These activities enhance their motor skills and contribute to muscle development, preparing them for the demands of adult life, Foley said. Foley recommended conservation efforts address the factors impacting insect populations. Habitat alteration and/or destruction and pesticide use are primary threats to insect abundance and diversity.
“Effective conservation strategies for bobwhite quail must include habitat management practices that promote insect abundance,” he said.
Grasshoppers are an important part of quail hatchling diets, providing protein and roughage that aids in digestion. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.
Fraudulent outfitter
Continued from page 4
Dries Van Collier, the chief executive officer of the Professional Hunters Association of South Africa, said the organization was aware of the allegations against Wepener.
“However nobody is currently aware of her whereabouts,” he told Lone Star Outdoor News. “Our national newspapers have also published articles pertaining to her activities and scams.”
Brad Clemens was listed as the U.S. contact for the outfitter, and said he was contacted by Wepener to try to help book hunts.
“I quit doing any information or helping or booking hunts in December 2023,” he said. “It sounds like she has bailed on a bunch of hunters, and she needs to be held liable for the money she has stolen from hunters. I’m trying to help clients that bought hunts to get their money back.”
Ben Cassidy, Safari Club International’s Director of Governmental Affairs, also said the organization is aware of the allegations.
“We are currently working with multiple of our affected members and relevant government authorities to investigate the issue further,” he said, saying the organization would refrain from further comment while the investigation was ongoing.
While many organizations and articles recommend doing research, seeking references and making sure the outfitter has been vetted by professionals when booking a safari, Senga Senga appears to have maneuvered through the process through clever marketing and sales tactics.
Deer carcass rules
For an antlerless deer, the head (skinned or unskinned) of an antlerless deer must be maintained, or the mammary organ (udder) or vulva and the tail if the deer is female.
If deer is taken to a processor, the proof of sex must be maintained until the carcass has been entered into the cold storage logbook and the county and ranch of harvest has been recorded by the cold storage facility.
There is one exception to proof of sex requirements. Instead of proof of sex, the hunter may obtain a receipt for a taxidermist or a Wildlife Resource Document from the landowner or landowner’s agent containing the name of the person who harvested the wildlife resource, the date the wildlife resource was harvested and whether the deer was antlered or antlerless.
“We want to encourage people to debone the deer at the place of harvest,” said Alan Cain TPWD’s big game program director. “The best way to prevent the spread of disease is to not move the carcass and parts of the animal where the deer might be localized, like the head and spinal column.”
MISSISSIPPI
Fishermen rescue 38 dogs
While fishing on Grenada Lake, Bob Gist, of Arkansas, and his friend Brad Carlisle, of Tennessee, along with local fishing guide, Jordan Chrestman, noticed something in the water. It turned out to be dogs.
The group discovered dozens of hound dogs, all wearing expensive radio collars and white paint, and all treading water. The dogs were at least a half-mile offshore, and seemed to be lost.
Chrestman pulled the boat up to each dog, and Gist and Carlisle loaded them one at a time into the boat. They loaded 27 dogs into the boat for the first load and took them to shore. They then went back and rescued 11 more.
Gist learned the dogs were a part of a fox hunt that day and had continued to chase a deer that went into the lake. He believed the dogs had been treading water for at least 45 minutes.
—Staff report
LOUISIANA
Redfish regs change
New red drum size and daily creel limits went into effect beginning June 20.
The new regulations are as follows:
• Daily creel: 4-fish daily limit per angler
• Size limit: 18-inch minimum and 27inch maximum total length
• Bull reds: Keeping red drum over 27 inches is prohibited
• The retention of red drum by captain and crew on charter or headboats while on a for-hire trip are prohibited
—LDWF
Fishermen caught selling black drum
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited two men for alleged fishing violations in St. Bernard Parish on June 7. Agents cited Thomas Baker, 71, of Oakland, Miss., and Dennis Menessess, 75, of St. Bernard, for selling fish caught recreationally and taking over the limit of black drum. Agents responded to an anonymous tip about the subjects taking over the limit of black drum and made contact with Baker at a camp with the vessel matching the complaint. Baker told the agents he gave all of the fish to Menessess. Agents then made contact with Menessess and he said he sold the fish to a local dock.
Agents intercepted the fish and discovered the men caught and sold 50 black drum in two days while recreationally fishing. The daily recreational limit is five Black Drum per person per day, placing the men 30 fish over their limit in two days.
Agents seized the 50 black drum and donated them to a local charity.
—LDWF
MINNESOTA
Record coho salmon
Austin Stoltenberg, 12, of Cherry, caught a 12.36-pound coho salmon June 1 off Duluth that appears to be a new state record, smashing the 10.92-pound previous record coho set on Labor Day 2023 by David Cichosz, of Wabasha, Minnesota.
The coho hit on a blue spoon trolled behind a blue flasher, and the fish hit while the lure was still on the surface.
“I noticed a bunch of minnows breaking the surface, so I said, let’s start fishing right here. And it hit that quick,” Ryan Stoltenberg said. Record smelt and cisco populations have contributed to improved fishing, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
—MNDNR
NORTH DAKOTA
Duck numbers down
The number of breeding ducks that settled in North Dakota this spring declined 15 percent, according to the annual spring breeding waterfowl survey conducted by the North
Dakota Game and Fish Department.
The 2024 estimate of 2.9 million ducks still ranks as the 30th highest tally in the 77 years the survey has been conducted and sits 17 percent higher than the long-term average. The state’s wetland count also dropped from the prior two wet years, ranking as the 32nd wettest since 1948.
“By and large, all species were flat to down,” said Mike Szymanski, migratory game bird supervisor for NDGFD. “Mallards, for instance, were down about 19 percent, pintail were down about 29 percent and bluewinged teal down roughly 13 percent. Overall, mallards, pintail, blue-winged teal, gadwall, wigeon and northern shovelers are down anywhere from 24 to 49 percent from that 1994 to 2016 time period.”
—NDGFD
OKLAHOMA
Cattle rustler busted
Mark Henry Blanchard, a resident of Tupelo, Oklahoma, was arrested and charged with five counts of larceny of a domestic animal after stealing cattle and selling them at local livestock auctions for profit.
The arrest comes after an investigation led by Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and the Coal County Sheriff’s Office looking into a possible cattle theft in Coal County after the victim reported his cattle missing.
After running a sale history at the auction, Hyde discovered Blanchard, an employee of the victim, sold cattle each time the victim sold cattle. The checks written to Blanchard after the sale aligned with the missing livestock owned by the victim.
Blanchard ultimately confessed to unlawfully taking possession of four steers and one bull from a rural property located southwest of Tupelo and selling them without the owner’s knowledge over a period from January 2023 to March 2024.
Following his confession, Blanchard was arrested and booked in the Coal County jail May 21.
—TX & Southwestern Cattle Raisers
MONTANA
Champion elk callers
Tony Gilbertson, 2021 men’s division winner, beat 10-time champion Corey Jacobsen and two-time defending winner Beau Brooks on his path to claim his first Professional Division title at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s 2024 World Elk Calling Championships.
Another former champion, Patrick Littrell, was the only unbeaten caller in the Men’s Division and claimed his second consecutive title. Marisa Pagano-Noteboom, a winner in 2018 and 2019, won a three-way call-off to defeat two other former champions and take the Women’s Division.
Sam Wolcott, two-time, defending Pee Wee champion aged out, so he shifted to the Voice Division and won the championship. Sam Jacobsen broke through to win the Youth Division title while Hunter Littrell won his second Pee Wee title.
—RMEF
VIRGINIA
Boating incidents, fatalities down
The new U.S. Coast Guard 2023 Recreational Boating Statistics showed that boating fatalities fell by 11.3 percent to 564 from 636 in 2022, and overall incidents decreasing by 4.9 percent from 4,040 to 3,844. Nonfatal injuries also dropped by 4.3 percent from 2,222 in 2022 to 2,126 in 2023.
The Coast Guard report also noted that when the Safe Boating Act was first passed in 1971, the fatality rate was 20.6 deaths per 100,000 registered vessels. The latest stats show that number has been reduced to 4.9 per 100,000.
—U.S. Coast Guard
Processors, like Kuby’s in Dallas, won’t see many changes from carcass disposal regulations, but hunters can bring in deboned meat as long as they maintain proof of sex of the animal. Photo by Lone Star Outdoor News.
TEXAS SALTWATER FISHING REPORT
SABINE LAKE: 86 degrees. Speckled trout are good on live shrimp. Black drum and redfish are good on live shrimp.
BOLIVAR: 82 degrees. Redfish are good on live shrimp. Speckled trout are good on live shrimp, soft plastics and croaker.
TRINITY BAY: 85 degrees. Black drum, sheepshead and redfish are fair on live shrimp. Speckled trout are slow.
EAST GALVESTON BAY: 86 degrees. Speckled trout are fair on soft plastics and croaker. Black drum and redfish are good on live shrimp.
GALVESTON BAY: 85 degrees. Black drum are fair on live shrimp. Speckled trout and redfish are fair on soft plastics, live shrimp and croaker.
WEST GALVESTON BAY: 87 degrees. Speckled trout are fair on live shrimp, croaker and soft plastics. Black drum and redfish are fair on live shrimp.
TEXAS CITY: 84 degrees. Speckled trout are good on soft plastics, top-waters and live bait. Sheepshead and black drum are good on live shrimp.
FREEPORT: 85 degrees. Speckled trout, redfish and flounder are good on soft plastics and live bait. Mangrove snapper are fair on free-lined shrimp with a split-shot.
EAST MATAGORDA BAY: 84 degrees. Speckled trout are good on live shrimp under a popping cork. Black drum and redfish are fair on live shrimp.
WEST MATAGORDA BAY: 84 degrees. Speckled trout are good on live shrimp under a popping cork. Black drum and redfish are fair on live shrimp.
PORT O’CONNOR: 84 degrees. Speckled trout are good on live croaker. Slot redfish
Plenty of fish, big ones rare
are fair on Spanish sardines and live shrimp. Bull redfish and jack crevalle are fair on live croaker and Spanish sardines. Black drum are good on live and dead shrimp.
SAN ANTONIO BAY: 84 degrees. Speckled trout are good on croaker, live shrimp and soft plastics. Redfish are good on shrimp.
ROCKPORT: 84 degrees. Speckled trout are good on croaker. Redfish are fair on shrimp, cut menhaden and mullet. Black drum are good on live or dead shrimp.
REDFISH BAY: 83 degrees. Redfish are slow. Speckled trout are good on croaker. Black drum are good on dead shrimp.
PORT ARANSAS: 84 degrees. Redfish are good on shrimp, blue crab and cut bait. Speckled trout are good on croaker and shrimp.
CORPUS CHRISTI: 83 degrees. Redfish are slow. Speckled trout are good on croaker. Black drum are good on dead shrimp.
BAFFIN BAY: 90 degrees. Speckled trout are good on top-waters and soft plastics. Redfish are fair on shrimp-imitation baits under a popping cork.
PORT MANSFIELD: 92 degrees. Speckled trout are good on top-waters and soft plastics. Redfish are fair on spoons and soft plastics. Flounder are fair on soft plastics.
SOUTH PADRE: 86 degrees. Speckled trout and redfish are good on live shrimp under a popping cork, small croaker and cut mullet. Mangrove snapper can be caught at the end of Brownsville Channel and south jetties.
—TPWD
were nowhere to be found.”
Colin Welch also fished offshore out of Galveston for red snapper recently, fishing about 40 miles southeast of the jetties, and was happy just to be able to catch their limit. “I can’t remember the last time we went out in June and had to measure so many snapper just to see if they were large enough to keep,” he said. “We usually only keep larger ones, but for this trip, we couldn’t find any much larger than 17 to 20 inches.”
There were a few reports of bigger red snapper being found. Lance Phillips fished with friend Mark Barrett, and they found a unique spot with bigger fish, landing three snapper topping 22 pounds.
Photo by Lone Star Outdoor News
JUNE 29
SAFARI CLUB INTERNATIONAL
Grand Opening San Antonio headquarters safariclub.org/Texas
JULY 11-14
TEXAS WILDLIFE ASSOCIATION
2024 WildLife Convention J.W. Marriott San Antonio texas-wildlife.org
DEEP SEA ROUNDUP
Fishing Tournament Port Aransas Civic Center (361) 332-9304 deepsearoundup.org
JULY 12-14
GATGO EXPO
The Oil Palace, Tyler gatgoexpo.com
JULY 13
DALLAS SAFARI CLUB
Hunter’s Field Medicine Course
DSC Headquarters (972) 980-9800 biggame.org
PALACIOS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Poker in Palacios Palacios Recreation Center (361) 972-2615 palacioschamber.com
JULY 13-14
TEXAS GUN & KNIFE SHOWS
Kerrville Expo Hall (830) 285-0575
texasgunandknifeshows.com
JULY 19-21
JULY 20
MULE DEER FOUNDATION
Llano County Banquet
Inman’s BBQ, Llano (432) 290-4563 muledeer.org
JULY 24-28
LONE STAR SHOOTOUT
Billfish Tournament Port O’Connor (409) 744-2307 thelonestarshootout.com
JULY 27
DSC NEW MEXICO
Annual Gala Isleta Resort & Casino Albuquerque dscnewmexico.com
TEXAS HUNTERS AND SPORTSMAN’S EXPO
McAllen Convention Center (956) 664-2884 texashunterassociation.com
JULY 20-21
TEXAS GUN AND KNIFE SHOW
Amarillo Convention Center (830) 285-0575 texasgunandknifeshows.com
DATEBOOK
AUGUST 5
SAFARI CLUB INTERNATIONAL Houston Chapter Event Wyndham Hotel, Houston scihouston.org
AUGUST 9-11
TEXAS TROPHY HUNTERS ASSOCIATION Fort Worth Extravaganza Fort Worth Convention Center huntersextravaganza.com
LADIES KINGFISH TOURNAMENT
SPI Chamber of Commerce SPI Convention Center (956) 761-4412 spichamber.com
AUGUST 10
ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION
Texas Gulf Coast Banquet Knights of Columbus Hall Pearland (281) 245-9723 rmef.org
JULY 31-AUGUST 4
ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION North Texas Banquet Embassy Suites, Grapevine (214) 693-8523 rmef.org
AUGUST 15
NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION
Golden Crescent of Texas Banquet Victoria Community Center (361) 676-7433 gcnwtf.org
AUGUST 16-17
TEXAS DEER ASSOCIATION Annual Convention JW Marriott Hill Country Resort, San Antonio (512) 499-0466 texasdeerassociation.com
AUGUST 16-18
TEXAS TROPHY HUNTERS ASSOCIATION San Antonio Extravaganza Freeman Coliseum Expo Hall huntersextravaganza.com
AUGUST 17
DELTA WATERFOWL Longview Banquet Maude Cobb Convention Center (903) 235-7296 deltawaterfowl.org
TEXAS INTERNATIONAL FISHING TOURNAMENT South Padre Island (956) 943-8438 tift.org
AUGUST 1-4
EXOTIC WILDLIFE ASSOCIATION
Congressional Fundraiser
Embassy Suites San Marcos (830) 315-7761 myewa.org
AUGUST 1
DUCKS UNLIMITED
Cibolo Creek Banquet
Mikulski Hall, Schertz (210) 332-7133 ducks.org
AUGUST 2-4
TEXAS TROPHY HUNTERS ASSOCIATION
Houston Extravaganza NRG Center huntersextravaganza.com
