Lone Star Outdoor News Deer Hunting Annual 2022

Deer HUNTING texas

WHEN THE DISTANCE RAISES DOUBT

BE READY WITH MUDDY

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MUDDY

Turnkey day-to-night precision from Leica

Leading German optics brand Leica Sport Optics has unveiled its first premium riflescope with the revolutionary new Calonox Sight clip-on thermal combo — the Trinity. Combining Leica’s outstanding pedigree in imaging and riflescope design with an innovative clip-on thermal addition, hunters and shooters can benefit from the same exceptional image quality when stalking day or night and in adverse weather conditions such as rain, fog and light snow.

By pairing Leica’s 3-18x44mm Amplus 6 riflescope with its Calonox thermal sight, using the correct Rusan adapter, customers are offered arguably one of the best turnkey, day-to-night optics on the market.

Alone, the Leica Calonox Sight can be used for observation as a thermal camera, or connected to your riflescope, but in either case, no details remain hidden, even at great distances (>2,000 yards). Not only will hunters benefit from a perfectly clear optics experience, but they will have great nighttime shooting capability thanks to the thermal clip-on.

This new adaptation to the revolutionary Calonox line sees Leica continuing its long and successful track record in digital image optimization and extends its excellent reputation as a camera manufacturer. Leica’s innovative image processing (Leica Image Optimization – LIO) improves the image using special algorithms, to achieve particularly sharp, detailed color gradations, excellent contrast and high-detail resolution.

Stalking at night, in low light or in suboptimal conditions presents hunters with some of the most challenging outings possible, but with the Leica Calonox Trinity the odds are greatly improved. With impressive detail recognition at long range, hunters can detect, recognize and identify game safely, using one of four field-tested color modes: Red Hot, White Hot, Black Hot and Rainbow. The Leica Calonox Sight can detect targets up to a distance of 2,000 yards, and easily recognize targets up to 700 yards.

Calonox thermal cameras have an astonishingly large field of view: for a better overview when shooting from blinds or stalking. The Leica Calonox Sight is ideal for use with a riflescope and is therefore equipped with 1x magnification.

Thanks to its one-piece construction, the Calonox Sight offers outstanding reliability and a consistently precise, repeatable point-of-impact, and is backed by the Leica’s bestin-class 10 to 30 year passport warranty. These benefits, coupled with an intuitive design allows the hunter to focus entirely on the shot, making it a must-have for anyone serious about their sport.

LEICA SPORT OPTICS

UMAREX AIRSABER FUN TO SHOOT, POWERFUL

By Alan Clemons For Lone Star outdoor newS

Hunters seeking a quiet, effective tool that can take down big game including deer and hogs shouldn’t overlook the Umarex AirSaber arrow rifle.

Firing up to 25 arrows with a charge from its pre-charged pneumatic air tank, the lightweight arrow rifle easily buries 350-grain arrows into targets at 40 yards. For hunters who prefer that range, or closer, for arrow-related activities with a bow or crossbow, the arrow rifle fits per fectly into that distance. With a broad head and full charge, it is another tool to consider for hunting seasons and tar get fun.

Arrow rifles haven’t come without controversy, of course, in the bowhunt ing community as early entries were cat egorized as “archery” and elicited howls. In the last eight to 10 years, though, ar

row rifles have been approved for hunt ing in many states. Some state agencies have included them in bow-only sea sons; others have put them in rifle or general gun seasons. In Texas, they can’t be used for deer or turkey during archery season, but can during general season. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department regulations, “arrows or bolts must conform to the same standards as projectiles for archery regulations. Al ligators, bighorn sheep, javelina, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn, and turkey (except Eastern turkey) may be taken only with pre-charged pneumatic arrow guns, or pre-charged pneumatic air guns.”

Air-powered arrow rifles are lighter in weight and easier to use than a cross bow. For use, they compare with a rifle, without the recoil. You shoulder it, line up the target in the scope, slip off the safety, press the trigger and fire.

Simply put, using the Umarex AirSa ber or other arrow rifles is enjoyable. It’s a great tool to get someone interested in hunting, at any age or ability level. The charging process is simple, either by hand with a pump similar to one for a bicycle, or with a tank. Umarex sells a 4500 PSI hand pump specifically for PCP air guns and arrow rifles that provides portable charging capabilities.

Shots in a Tank?

With a full tank at 3,625 PSI, Umarex says you’ll get about 30 shots from the AirSaber. The first 10 or dozen shots will have more downrange energy than the final dozen, logically, as the pressure in the AirSaber’s tank decreases. Arrows have up to 178 foot-pounds of energy and travel up to 480 feet per second.

As the tank air pressure diminishes, though, you can see the arrows drop ping on the target with each shot. Time

at the range to determine arrow drop on the target based on tank pressure will give more insights for hunting ef ficiency. Stalking hogs in the field also could provide real-world insight for the best broadheads, distances and lethality.

The AirSaber is not 100-percent qui et during the shot. When fitted over the barrel, the arrow is contained in a shroud. It has a “swoosh” sound, but nothing onerous, and nothing like the twang-thunk of a compound bow or crossbow string being released and hit ting a string stop.

Another positive is the AirSaber is am bidextrous. It comes with a 4x32 Axeon scope, two-stage trigger, and multiple Picatinny rails. Umarex claims it shoots 70 yards. As with any tool used for hunt ing, testing at the range in varied con ditions provides the best information before going afield.

Alan Clemons

Fusion Thermal Shakes Up Thermal Scope Market

The war on feral hogs is getting a big boost with Fusion Thermal, bringing its technology bomb onto the wild swine of Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

Feral hogs are a problem — a big problem. There is an estimated 6 million wild pigs in the United States with 1.5 million in Texas alone, and they are profuse eaters and breeders. According to the USDA, feral hogs are accountable for an estimated $1.5 billion loss in agriculture each year. Their destruction drives up prices and financially strains already struggling family farms. In the battle for American cropland, it is universally acknowledged that the hogs are winning.

Enter Fusion Thermal LLC and their Avenger 35, a new thermal rifle scope with performance enhancing technology at mainstream pricing.

“With this technology we’re going to arm an entirely new generation of hog hunters. Until today the hogs have been winning. We are finally going to turn the tide by swinging the advantage to the hunter,” said Fusion Thermal Chief Chris Wisecarver.

Breaking the price-to-performance problem was “simple complexity.” The simple part is to invest money wisely buying only the best components available to build your products. This begins with Fusion Thermal’s scientific grade Arclight Ultra HD Germanium lens, the single most expensive and important component of any thermal optic.

Some brands spend all their money on components that give marketing departments good specifications for websites and do so at the expense of all other critical components. Fusion Thermal’s profound belief is that

performance is the sum of combined greatness. It must be in every component and every assembly technique.

“In an effort to look good on paper, our competitors are trying to leapfrog each other by building products with unproven and unstable technology,” Wisecarver said. “Having eye-catching specifications doesn’t make a thermal work better. The key to building a great thermal is to remember that the human eye is the judge. At Fusion Thermal we are champions of performance.”

The complexity part is where you will find the heart of Fusion Thermal’s technology: the WAVE Thermal Sensor. How this technology works is a closely guarded secret — the company publicly defines it as Wavelength Area Variation Expansion. Essentially a ‘turbo-charging’ of performance, this technology makes one class of product outperform others that, on paper, would appear to be superior.

This makes the Avenger 35 a true game changer for those wanting cutting-edge performance on a mainstream budget.

Will Fusion Thermal’s approach and technology finally turn the tide in the war on swine? Time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Fusion Thermal is turning the price-toperformance ratio on its head. That’s good news if you want to bring more soldiers into the fight.

FUSION

2022-2023 hunting season dates

Available at fine retailers all across the Great State of Texas

Fusion

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?

SIMPLE - PERFECTLY DEADLY Everything you need in a thermal rifle scope and nothing you don’t.

Stalking the chainsaw buck

By Nate Zelinsky

Growing up in Colorado, my deer hunting background involves wide open spaces and spot-and-stalk techniques — typically for mule deer. Fortunately, my travels have taken me to Wisconsin, Illinois and Missouri to experience traditional tree stand and ground blind hunting of whitetails.

Last year I was invited to Dodge City, Kansas on a whitetail hunt that combined my favorite hunting method with the challenge of whitetails in the open grasslands and bluff country. I struggle to sit still long enough to pose for a picture, let alone all day in a stand, so all day hiking and glassing in open range was right up my alley.

The daily routine consisted of finding bucks in crop fields early, bedding them in CRP or cuts in small bluffs, and either hunting them or waiting them out until they returned to the crops.

While glassing on the first day, I saw some movement at the top of my spotting scope. The movement was a big buck moving out of a milo field, and he was unique. One side of his antlers was perfect, the other looked like he ran into a chainsaw. He definitely caught my interest.

I made a move to locate his bedding area but he was gone. I spent the next two days looking for him without a sighting. On day three, I positioned myself on top of the bluffs near a bedding area. I enjoyed watching about 15 different bucks move through the fields until I saw movement below me. I looked closer and instantly knew it was Chainsaw walking up a fence line, following a few does.

The does jumped the fence right next to me and headed to the bluffs. I thought this was

the perfect setup. I prepared for the shot.

The buck had to cross the fence to follow the does. He continued up the fence and out of sight, leaving me stuck with does 30 yards away and taking their time. The buck of my future was walking away.

Once the does were out of sight, I packed up and ran to get over the hill to see what bluff the buck followed. As I crested a small bluff in a sprint, I glanced left and there he was, sun shining on him, wide open, and most importantly, on my side of the fence.

I dove to the ground, assembled my spotting scope, extended the legs on my bipod and rolled over to take aim. I was too low. All I could see were antlers. I crawled over to my backpack, dug out my shooting sticks and extended them for a standing shot.

I steadied my Ruger American Rifle on the sticks and the buck stayed long enough for me to squeeze the trigger. I could not see the impact and saw the buck walk away. I thought to myself, I did not even range the distance. My guess was 200 yards, but at the time, I questioned that.

I headed toward the deer with one calming thought on my mind. My Ruger American was chambered in 6mm, my go-to caliber for that open country. It is flat-shooting and thus forgiving when ranges change. At the crest of the hill, there Chainsaw was, lying on the ground, just 10 feet from where he had been standing and 280 yards from where I had shot.

Some hunts have it all; the combination of memorable animals, unexpected events, quick decisions, doubts, fears, and eventual success come together like in no other wilderness experience.

“I didn’t get here alone” Twenty five years strong ForEverlast

By Billy Gerke, President/Founder

December 11, 1997 is the date when I officially became an in-debt business owner. Embarking on an unforeseeable adventure with an unknown outcome, ForEverlast was born.

Looking back on it 25 years later, writing that first check to explore the potential of a patent sent me on a path that has both blessed me and humbled me as to what it really means to own a business, employ others and try and provide our customers with the best products on the market for their outdoor adventures. The old tune from Kenny Chesney “I didn’t get here alone” says a lot about this adventure and there are so many people that helped, advised, supported, doubted, motivated and ultimately caused this dream to become a reality, whether they even knew they impacted it or not. My wife, Amy, being my biggest fan and my two sons, Ty and Layne, being my biggest motivations.

This dream began to take shape into reality when I jumped in full time and head-first in 2007. Leaving a secure career job and gambled on something better and ultimately succeeding beyond even my wildest expectations.

From a small closet office in our first home, I can remember Amy and I actually packaging our first orders on the floor and boxing them up for me to take them to one of largest partners through the years, Academy Sports + Outdoors. With the support from the marketing experts at Academy such as Charles, Bryan, Matt, Mike and many others over the years I was able to foster ideas and with their guidance to take something from a concept in my head to the shelves at the store level.

The ultimate test of any business is how the

consumer reacts, and we have been on many fishing and hunting trips with folks using our products on their adventures. I could not be more proud of the fact that we have improved things in both hunting and fishing for many folks’ outdoor adventures.

We manufacture and distribute over 60 different items, from our popular wade-fishing equipment and hunting products, including our popular Ray-Guard products, feeder units, snake protection and many other accessories. We have pioneered many products over the 25 year period that are alive and well today, and we ain’t done yet! New products and new adventures are on the horizon in our sister company, Brush to Bay Outfitters, founded in 2015, and our new line of high-quality deer feed products, RaxMax Deer Feed.

We have survived market crashes, a pandemic beyond any imagination, and supply chain issues, yet we continue to succeed due the hard work of our dedicated employees, factory partners and the support of one another. We are looking forward to continuing pioneering products that are both affordable, top quality, and ultimately something that will keep the spirit and tradition of hunting and fishing alive.

At the end of the day, we are blessed to do what we love because of the tried and true, “We live Hunting and Fishing” and are thankful for the many blessings God has provided us along this journey!

FOREVERLAST

FRANCE COMES TO TEXAS

Chapuis firearms now available in U.S.

By David J. Sams Lone Star outdoor newS

French factory representatives were on hand at the Beretta Gallery on Sept. 28-29, sharing the history of the company and showcasing some high-quality firearms.

Chapuis, bought by Beretta in 2019 and imported and marketed by Benelli, is well known in European firearm circles, but not so much across the pond.

The Chapuis family has produced some of Europe’s best shotguns and rifles since the early 1900s. After several father-to-son generations, the guns reputed to feel like an extension of the hunter’s body are available for the American customer.

All stages of manufacturing and finishing are French-made, executed at the St. Bonnet-Le-Chateau facility in the French countryside. The legendary Model 1777 musket came from the plant, being the gun that helped the U.S. obtain its indepen dence in the late 1700s. The company’s reputation is so revered that it has its own government-certified proof house within the plant — something unique in Euro pean firearm manufacturing.

Chapuis’ gunsmiths and engravers exhibit master attention to detail as seen in the finest guns, and the company is known for its Iphisi double rifle that doesn’t cost upwards of $30,000, but rather close to $10,000.

The company’s bolt-action Rols rifles utilize the European-style straight pull bolts, commonly used on the continent for hunting driven game, and are gaining in popu larity in the U.S.

Handlers of the gun said the age-old technology will take some getting used to.

“The non-rotating bolt has a locking sleeve in the barrel, in front of the chamber,” product manager Tom Leoni said. “The system has been tested to 123,000 psi, and the rifle is designed not to fire unless the bolt is pushed all the way home.”

Other invited guests included author and television host Craig Boddington, Kev in Steele of Petersen’ Hunting, Chris Agnes of Outdoor Sportsman’s Group, Scott Rupp of Handguns and Rifleshooter, Houston Safari Club Foundation’s Joe Betar and Shaun Nelson and Jim VanGilder of Guns America.

From Chapuis, Pierre-Laurent Faure was at the event, along with Leoni.

“Most kids read comic books,” Leoni said. “I read Craig Boddington — that’s how I developed my passion for guns.”

Beyond the firearms, conversations turned to negotiating roe deer hunts in Europe and white-tailed deer hunts in Texas, with the Americans experiencing the sophisti cated atmosphere, partly due to the French accents in the room.

Beretta’s Ian Harrison was on hand from New York, and entertained fine gun cus tomers in the room, and plans were made to field test and hunt with the rifles with Sams in Texas later this hunting season.

Chapuis also now offers the Manurhin MR73 revolver in .357 Magnum in the U.S., the pistol used by French Special Forces, and known as the strongest and one of the most accurate revolvers made, which was at the event for customers to handle.

“We have so many orders for the pistol we are having trouble keeping up,” Leoni said.

The Chapuis entire lineup of shotguns, rifles and pistols will be available for pur chase at the Beretta Gallery and other fine gun retailers, and the lineup can be seen at chapuis-usa.com.

DUAL SHOULDER MOUNTING SYSTEM FROM SKULL HOOKER

Skull Hooker, the world’s first professionally crafted and fully adjustable European skull mounting bracket, introduces its new Dual Shoulder Mount, a unique mounting system that accepts not one but two shoulder mounts, helping to minimize the amount of wall space being used while adding a distinguished look to any trophy room.

The system features two 8-inch swing arms, showcasing the best qualities of each mount. Both arms can swivel 180 degrees, allowing you to easily maneuver and angle your mount into your ideal placement. This new system is available in a brown or black powder coated finish and rated to hold up to 35 pounds.

The goal of the Skull Hooker brand is to design the most rugged, easy-to-install mounting system on the market to help hunters proudly showcase their trophy game animals. From European mounts to large game shoulder mounts and pedestals, Skull Hooker naturally showcases your trophy game animal in the most stylish and realistic way.

The model SKH-DSM-BLK (black) or SKH-DSM-BRN (brown) have a MSRP of $69.99.

YOUR TEXAS HUNTING, SPORTING DESTINATION

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

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

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

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

For those looking to relax and enjoy the water, Greystone offers more than 120 acres of stocked bass lakes. From small private lakes to the 80-acre Thurber Lake, every type of fishing opportunity exists. From fly-fishing, 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 400yard rifle and pistol range offers steel targets at a variety of distances. 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 Greystone visitors is its topof-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 square-foot pavilion facility with custom bar, large seating areas, 65-inch TVs, carved limestone fireplace, Laser Shot, billiards and an overlook terrace with a custom outdoor fire pit.

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

GREYSTONE CASTLE

RECORD BREAKING NIGHT AT BERETTA

By Mimi Meyer For Lone Star outdoor newS

Cinnamon Creek Ranch had their grill fired up with the most delicious bites of wild game, paired with a taste of TAH whiskey and an Epic Western canned cocktail made for a great night at the Beretta Gallery, Dallas.

Lone Star Outdoor News Foundation’s 11th year of the Wild Game Night event raised more than $30,000 with the help of generous donations by our sponsors and patrons. Past LSONF hunters: Kelsy Burrows, Kamille Martin, Chan ning Flanagan, Michael Flanagan, and Tom Laakman were present along with friends and supporters from across the state.

The foundation’s mission is to create hunters and anglers for a lifetime, and this event supports our annual operations budget to make that happen. This year the foundation plans to introduce at least 15 more people to the outdoors this hunting season.

Thanks to all our sponsors who helped make this night one for the books: Beretta Gallery, Cinnamon Creek Ranch, Tahwahkaro whiskey, Epic Western, Master Construction, Graff Dealerships, Ubathi Global Safaris, Rolling Plains Quail Research Foundation, Flyit Drone Services, TDM En terprises, Temple Fork Outfitters, Game Girl Gourmet, Small Groups Rifle Range, Haute Horns, Medina Co. Bracelets and Total Wine and More.

For more information on the foundation or if you would like to contribute, please email Mimi Meyer at mimi.lsonf@ gmail.com, go to lsonews.com/lson-foundation, or call (214) 361-2276.

Katie Spurgin

ALL-NEW ATACS SPORT EARBUDS

Walker’s announced the release of the company’s most ergonomic electronic sound management system yet for shooters and hunters. ATACS Sport Earbuds deliver the state-of-the-art performance serious shooters demand in a platform designed to excel in all-day comfort and operational convenience.

Increasingly, professional shooters, recreational shooters and hunters are favoring the comfort and digital control of earbud-style sound management systems to protect their hearing and to amplify and discern ambient sound. While earbuds perform these tasks admirably, fit and security can vary between shooters — especially during high-activity, high-mobility scenarios such as competition shooting and hunting.

The all-new ATACS Sport Earbuds address these challenges by incorporating a dual-retention system into a sophisticated and ergonomic platform. Since shooters come in all shapes and sizes, the Walker’s engineers set out to develop an earbud system that would work for everyone. They did this by incorporating soft and flexible ear hooks and a behind-the-neck retention strap into a freshly designed earbud chassis. This unitized retention system, combined with multi-sized foam ear tips, means the ATACS Sport Earbuds are comfortable to wear under any conditions and will remain in place even when the most active.

Beyond the comfort and ergonomic features, the ATACS Sport Earbuds include the latest in sound suppression/enhancement technology and operational control. Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, for example, pairs the ATACS Sport Earbuds to your phone via the Walker’s LINK 2.0 app, providing remote control of the listening mode settings (universal, clear voice, power boost, and high frequency boost) as well as auto shutoff times (off, 2, 4, and 6 hours), volume control, battery level, ambient mute, and social media links.

The new ATACS Sport Earbuds come with three different-size foam ear tips and a USB-C charging cable to deliver up to 7.5 hours of battery life per charge.

Specifications

• Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity

Compatible with Walker’s LINK app

4 program settings: universal, clear voice, power boost, high frequency boost

7.5 hours battery life

Auto shut-off: 2, 4, 6 hours

Digital sound quality

Low noise frequency tuned for sound clarity

Sound activated compression (SAC)

USB-C charging cable included

3 size foam ear tips

sunrise/sunset

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

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

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

FIELD TESTING WEATHERBY SHOTGUNS, RIFLES

By David J. Sams Lone Star outdoor newS

When you make and sell guns, it’s always good to visit your territories to see how the equipment operates in a real-world hunting setting. What better way than to group factory personnel, retailers who sell the guns but may not have had the chance to shoot them, sales rep resentatives and some media staff for a coveted opening day dove hunt in South Texas!

Weatherby’s Inside Sales Manager John Solberg offered insight into the company’s newest shotguns and rifles. Before the dove hunt, his orientation on the shotguns covered the Orion I over and unders and the 18i inertial driven semi-automatics, with the same action as made for Benelli shotguns, each available to the group.

The event, organized by sales representative Dave Richards, was held at the G5 Ranch in Derby, owned by Richards’ friend, Klint Graf.

After a trip to the range to take some wobble trap shots at clay targets before choosing a firearm for the hunt, it was time to head to the field.

Even though Solberg had little dove-hunting experi ence, he proved to be the top shooter, finishing his limit as the dove worked into a water hole.

Cliff Wagner, owner of Field & Streams Sporting Goods in San Angelo, a family business for nearly 40 years, switched guns midstream after being dissatisfied with his shooting. After the change from the semi-auto to the over-and-under, the second gun fit him better and his shooting improved greatly.

Johnny Dury, of Dury’s Guns in San Antonio, stopped after shooting 11 birds.

“I’ve shot enough,” he said. “I’m ready for a beer.”

After dinner and time by the fire pit that evening, Weatherby Mark V rifles were the topic the next morn ing. After another orientation, shots were taken at 100, 200, 300 and 400 yards with four models of the rifles, equipped with Nightforce scopes.

Solberg described some of the unique hunting calibers Weatherby is known for, including the 6.5-300 Weath erby Magnum and the 338 WBY RPM, two of the com pany’s Mark V series rifles.

The 338 was equipped with a shorter barrel and a muz zle break. That afternoon, the dove hunt presented shots at passing dove on their way to a sunflower field about a mile away. Solberg chose a lucky spot, then proceeded to connect on 15 of 20 shots to again finish before the rest of the group, following up with his descriptions of why he missed a few of the shots.

I shot both versions of the i18 semi-autos, one made in Italy and the other in Turkey. The gun from Turkey fit me

better, and I preferred the safety. Also, it seemed easier to quickly fit the 20-gauge rounds into.

All the while, Richards, known to most Texas hunters for his passion for deer photography, captured the dovehunting action with his camera.

Richards went the extra mile setting up everything — not because he wanted to hunt, but because it was the right thing to do to help industry people establish re lationships. The hunts were social, with hunters close enough to talk and maybe rib each other after misses.

During the rifle shooting, Richards was seen with his notepad talking to Walker.

Someone asked, “Are you taking orders?”

Richards turned, responding with a smile.

Dave Richards, David J. Sams

WEATHERBY’S TOP TEXAS DEALERS

BENELLI EXPANDS LUPO BOLT-ACTION RIFLES

Wood stocks

Benelli USA’s Lupo bolt-action rifles came on the scene in 2020 to wide acclaim. The company’s first bolt-action rifle combines innovative technology first put forward in the company’s well-known line of premium shotguns.

This year, Benelli introduced the first of three new chambers for the Lupo series big-game rifles.

Features such as Crio-treated barrels, Progressive Comfort recoil reduction systems, CombTech cheek pieces, LOP adjustment, along with a commitment to precision manufacturing and all-weather performance, the Benelli Lupo rifles have proven themselves in the harshest hunting conditions throughout the world.

Benelli has expanded the Lupo chambering portfolio to include three of the hottest up-andcoming cartridges on today’s hunting scene — the 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC and the 7mm Rem Mag. The new chamber models join the lineup which includes .30-06 Spr., .300 Win-Mag, .270 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, and .243 Win.

From the outset, the Lupo validated its big-game hunting credentials with factory-guaranteed sub-MOA accuracy, exceptional ergonomics, user-customizable features, as well as Benelli’s reputation for unfailing performance in the most challenging hunting environments.

And there’s more.

This year, the Lupo BE.S.T. series adds premium wood stock models that bridge Lupo’s precision performance and technological innovation with defined ergonomics and contemporary styling.

Benelli Lupo BE.S.T. models chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor and .300 Win-Mag are available with premium AA-grade walnut stocks. The new rifles include the field-proven, glossy Benelli Surface Treatment (BE.S.T.) on the barrel — a finish so dependable in preventing rust, corrosion, and abrasion that Benelli backs it with a 25-year warranty.

The treatment is a new proprietary finishing technology developed by engineers and scientists at Benelli’s manufacturing headquarters in Urbino, Italy.

It is a hybrid Physical Vapor Deposition and Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition technology that applies a protective coating to parts, providing corrosion and abrasion resistance superior to any other firearm finish on the market.

The walnut stock features a durable satin finish that stands up to hard use and challenging conditions.

Lupo Wood BE.S.T. models include the .300 Win Mag and the 6.5 Creedmoor, each with a MSRP of $2,199.

New colors, camo

The Lupo line also has expanded with six new colored BE.S.T. surface-treated models that bridge Lupo’s precision performance and technological innovation with contemporary styling.

In addition to its current models, Benelli will now offer its Colored BE.S.T. Lupo 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, and .300 Win-Mag bolt-action rifles in two new camo patterns: GORE OPTIFADE Open Country and GORE OPTIFADE Elevated II.

All six models will sport BE.S.T. surface treatment barreled receivers in color-matching hues. GORE OPTIFADE Open Country pairs with black matte BE.S.T. while Labrador Gray BE.S.T. complements the GORE OPTIFADE Elevated II pattern.

The 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win and .300 Win Mag are available in both finishes, with a MSRP of $1,899.

BENELLI BENELLIUSA.COM

DOMINATE THE MOMENT

Sub MOA accuracy, advanced ergonomics and recoilreducing comfort are engineered into this innovative chassis-style rifle. Now, with the addition of the industry-leading BE.S.T. treatment, it is unmatched when it comes to rust, corrosion and abrasions in the field. To find out more, visit Benelli USA.com

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DFW Gun Club Dallas, 214-630-4866

Dury's Gun Shop

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Gibson’s

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Guns Warehouse LLC

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