Lone Star Outdoor News 122719

Largest Hunting and Fishing Newspaper in Texas

December 27, 2019

Volume 16, Issue 9

Mule deer rut is on

Anglers fired up at flounder meetings

Capt. James Parbst of Nocturnal Assault Flounder Gigging Fishing Guide Service holds a sign protesting flounder regulation changes at the TPWD field office in Rockport. Photo from James Parbst.

By Craig Nyhus

Lone Star Outdoor News

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PLANO, TX PERMIT 210

Please turn to page 17

The mule deer rut is in full swing in the Trans-Pecos region of Texas, which is good news for MLDP hunters as their season continues. Photo by Morgan Tyler.

By Craig Nyhus

Lone Star Outdoor News The Texas mule deer season is likely to go down as one of the best in recent years, according to outfitters and hunters.

Hunter Ross, who operates Des-

Ross said antler development this year is better than the last two seasons, thanks to a wet spring, even though it was followed by a dry summer.

“Our ranches also feed protein 12 month a year and we do predator control, and that helps,” he

said. “Our fawn crop is up to 60 percent from 40 percent in the past.”

His hunters are having a better year than last, also.

“We’ve had some good bucks shot — much better than last season,” Ross said. “Last year, we had Please turn to page 16

Hunting pressure along coast at all-time high Wintering grounds for ducks changing

By Nate Skinner

For Lone Star Outdoor News The Gulf Coast region of Texas has historically wintered more ducks than any other portion of the state. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Waterfowl Program leader, Kevin Kraai, midwinter survey data over the last decade shows a downward trend in the amount of ducks wintering along coastal locales, despite the fact that overall wintering population numbers have continued

to increase.

So if less ducks are spending the wintertime on the coast, where are they concentrating? Many frustrated duck hunters have been asking this question, especially during recent seasons when the hunting along coastal rice prairies, marshes, and bays has been tougher than in the past.

Kraai said the answer lies within the hundreds of thousands of stock ponds and cattle tanks that litter the interior portions of the Lone Star State.

“In 1985, the NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) estimated that there were 800,000

Normal concentrations of ducks along the Texas coast have decreased, while inland ponds and tanks are holding more birds. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.

stock ponds across Texas,” Kraai explained. “It is estimated that we have experienced an increase of 7,000 stock ponds each year since then. Additionally, a recent

GIS (Geographic Information Systems) effort by Texas Tech University estimated that there are approximately 450,000 stock ponds that are less than 40 acres in size Please turn to page 6

CONTENTS

Time Sensitive Material • Deliver ASAP

ert Safaris, said they will be hunting into mid-January on Managed Lands Deer Program properties, and antler quality is noticeably better this year.

“And the bucks are just starting to rut,” he said. “They are traveling and chasing does.”

Game Warden Blotter . . . . Page 12

HUNTING

Freshwater Fishing Report . Page 13

Emergency check station (P. 5) A year for records (P. 8)

Heroes . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14 Products . . . . . . . . . . Page 15 Saltwater Fishing Report . . . Page 17 Sun, Moon & Tides . . . . . Page 18 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . Page 19

INSIDE

Some issues get anglers more excited than others, and the tradition of flounder fishing along the Texas coast is certainly one of them.

At five scoping meetings held in December in Port Arthur, Texas City, Port Lavaca, Rockport and Corpus Christi, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists presented the findings from their surveys and sought comments from fishermen.

As noted when the meetings were scheduled, TPWD asserted the number of juvenile flounder continues to decrease and has been decreasing since 1996,

FISHING

Deer tests positive in Val Verde County.

2019 saw 47 new state bests.

MLDP fees opposed (P. 4)

Bigger cats, slower action (P. 12)

Comments 81 percent against.

Patience can deliver trophy.

Page 2

December 27, 2019

LoneOStar Outdoor News

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LoneOStar Outdoor News

December 27, 2019

Page 3

Page 4

December 27, 2019

LoneOStar Outdoor News

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HUNTING DSC files suit to resume elephant imports Lone Star Outdoor News

The African elephant is thriving in several African countries, but permits to import tusks to the U.S. remain on hold. Photo by Lili Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.

On Dec. 11, the Dallas Safari Club, along with the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism and several DSC members and outstanding import applicants, filed suit against the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeking declaratory and

injunctive relief.

An “illegal hold” has been placed on processing all elephant import permit applications since November 2017, DSC said in a release to its members.

“The hold has had catastrophic consequences, harming the very species it intends to protect, the relevant na-

tional management authorities, and millions of community members living amongst and formerly benefitting from elephants and their management,” said Corey Mason, DSC’s executive director.

The suit alleges, since the FWS is required to process permit applications as quickly as possible, the hold violates its

own rules.

Mason said those that live with and manage these species have not been consulted about the impact of the hold, and the hold is jeopardizing conservation efforts throughout recognized elephant ranges across Africa.

MLDP proposed fees not well received

Long hours no big deal for Lampasas deer processor

Jed Dunning works long hours cutting deer meat during the season. Photo from Sulphur Creek Taxidermy and Deer Processing.

Fees being considered for ranches participating in the Managed Lands Deer Program have been opposed by the majority of people making public comments. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.

By Robert Sloan

By Craig Nyhus

For Lone Star Outdoor News Texas deer hunters are some of the luckiest in the world, with a nearly never-ending supply of venison on the hoof.

Studies have shown that about 50 percent of Texas’ 700,000 deer hunters are successful each season. It goes without saying that harvesting venison has created a big-time business for deer processors.

Jed Dunning entered the deer processing industry more than two decades ago in Lampasas, and, at 60, is still going strong.

Once you make a successful shot, and have a deer on the ground, the decision needs to be made. What are you going to do with all that delicious and healthy meat?

“Most of the hunters that bring us their deer want premium steaks from the hind quarters and back straps,” Dunning, who owns and operates Sulphur Creek Taxidermy and Deer Processing, said.

“We’ll make boneless tenderized steaks out of that meat, along with cutlets that can be turned into chicken fried steak. We also have a smoke house that can produce links, breakfast sausage, summer sausage, jerky, snack sticks and dried sausage. Something else that’s very popular is Please turn to page 7

Lone Star Outdoor News On Dec. 11, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department began seeking public comment on proposed changes to the Managed

Lands Deer Program, which include establishing fees for participation and clarifying existing program provisions.

Additionally, an eblast was sent to 12,000 individuals participating in the program, seeking

their input.

The comments have been and still are pouring in, and most are against the proposals.

The proposed fee amendment would establish a $30 fee for each management unit within a prop-

erty that is enrolled in the Harvest Option, provided the property is not part of an aggregate acreage enrolled in the MLDP; a $30 fee for each aggregate acreage enrolled in the HO; a $300 fee for the first management unit Please turn to page 14

When to say when Duck callers know times to stay quiet

By Robert Sloan

For Lone Star Outdoor News The unique thing about duck hunting is that it’s a sport that involves seeing, calling and shooting. And there is nothing better than being able to call in a flight of ducks and have them circling into the decoys. Conversely, there is nothing worse than sitting in a blind and enduring a hunting buddy blowing on a call that sounds like a sick crow.

“You’ve got know when to say when,” said Denny Copeland, who has more than 50 years of duck hunting experience in Texas. “If somebody

is on a call that can’t get the job done, let them know.

Otherwise, what’s the point of hunting. We’ve all been there. It’s not always easy to call in ducks. Greenheads are the most fun. They respond well to a good high ball, then subtle single quacks to get them in over the decoys with orange webs down.”

Copeland said as the season unfolds in Texas, ducks have heard months of calling.

“Sometimes it’s best to try and get their attention and heading to the decoys, then quit calling,” he said. “By the time our ducks get this far down the Central Flyway they have heard way too much calling.”

Bo Brown with Green Please turn to page 6

Experienced duck hunters back off the calling later in the season, as the birds have heard calls throughout their migration. Photo by Robert Sloan, for Lone Star Outdoor News.

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LoneOStar Outdoor News

December 27, 2019

Page 5

New mandatory check station CWD in free-ranging deer in Val Verde County Lone Star Outdoor News Hunters near Del Rio and Lake Amistad will be taking their deer to a mandatory check station for the rest of the season.

A free-ranging, 5 1/2-year-old doe was dispatched by a Val Verde County game warden in a residential subdivision between Del Rio and Amistad Reservoir, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife DepartMap by TPWD ment’s wildlife veterinarian, Bob Dittmar. The deer was observed to have a large abscess and a broken jaw, and was sent for testing. The deer tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease, making it the first confirmed case of the disease in Val Verde County.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas Animal Health Commission are implementing a containment strategy designed to limit the spread of CWD from the affected area.

Effective immediately under an executive order issued by TPWD Executive Director Carter Smith, a CWD Containment Zone and a CWD Surveillance Zone and all associated rules for the designations are in effect.

CWD Containment and Surveillance Zone rules include restrictions on the movements of carcass parts as well as live deer possessed under the authority of a permit. The department is also implementing mandatory CWD testing of deer harvested within the containment and surveillance zone within 48 hours of harvest at a new check station located at the RV park at the Del Rio Fisherman’s Headquarters located at 4957 US-90. The check station will remain open until Feb. 29.

According to the Texas Deer Association, there are no deer breeding or release site facilities within the proposed containment or surveillance zones.

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Hunters have more chances to pursue dove in the late season, and birds are holding in areas that had poor hunting in September. Photo by Lone Star Outdoor News.

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Lone Star Outdoor News

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Randy Edwards offers dove hunts near Clyde in Callahan County, and said the late-season hunting there should be outstanding. His land being in the Central Zone, the season started Dec. 20.

“I didn’t have many birds most of September and only a few more in October,” he said. “They are here now, flying in huge flocks.”

The late dove season in Texas can make for some of the best hunting, without having to worry about the heat for the hunters and their dogs. Seeing other hunters might be rare, too, as few head out.

Hunters in Comanche County also reported good numbers of birds roosting in the pecan orchards, and unusually, many of them are whitewings.

In the South Zone, hunters can chase the birds until Dec. 23.

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each weekend of the late season, a “pretty good” total for the time of year.

“Our black oil sunflower fields have plenty of birds,” he said. “Some of the fields have mourning dove, and others have whitewings. It ought to be a good one.”

Bob Thornton, director of the Texas Dove Hunters Association, said the late season is his favorite time of year.

“What I’ve been hearing is there are good numbers of mourning dove in rural areas,” he said.

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December 27, 2019

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Where ducks winter Continued from page 1

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within the Oaks and Prairies region of Texas. That is about 7.7 ponds per square mile.”

Texas Tech University research also estimates another 112,000 stock ponds are located in the Rolling Plains region, which equates to 2.7 ponds per square mile.

“I often refer to the stock pond country in the interior portions of Texas as potentially, the largest duck refuge in North America,” Kraai elaborated. “The ducks have taken a liking to the small bodies of water because there is very little large scale disturbance and hunting pressure on them. It’s not the fact that each individual pond is wintering thousands of ducks. For most of these features, that is not the case. The key here is that there are thousands of these ponds across the landscape, and more and more are being created each year. Collectively, they winter a ton of ducks.”

Aside from the fact that the majority of the ponds within interior Texas offer the ducks plenty to eat along with fresh water, Kraai said the lack of hunting pressure is ultimately what makes them so attractive.

“We continue to set hunter participation records every season, and the birds have responded to this pressure,” he said.

TPWD Migratory Game Bird Specialist for the midcoast, David Butler, said evidence of increased hunting pressure and hunter participation has been seen along the public hunting grounds of coastal WMAs. “First split records were set at both the Justin Hurst and Mad Island WMAs during the month of November,” he said. “The Hurst broke their hunter participation record for the first split by 298 hunters, and 1,171 hunters showed up to hunt the WMA during the 15 days it was open for hunting in the first split.”

The Mad Island WMA first split record for hunter participation was broken my nearly 300 additional hunters, as 902 hunters showed up to hunt the WMA during the 11 days it was open for hunting in November.

“That amounts to an average of 82 hunters per day,” Butler said. “In addition to hunter participation, the record for the amount of ducks harvested at the Mad Island WMA during the first split was broken this year by 400 birds.”

Although the stats do speak to increased pressure on the ducks, Butler said the documented hunter success is a testament of quality habitat management across these public hunting grounds.

“We want to continue to maximize opportunities for hunters while preserving the integrity of quality hunting,” he said.

“Finding and creating this balance is a challenge, as our public hunting lands reach a

saturation point; however, we are working on solutions to combat the issue.”

Public waterfowl hunter Ryan Welch has been hunting the middle Texas coast for more than a decade. He said the amount of hunters over that time period has significantly increased.

“The amount of hunters in the bays and marshes on the midcoast is insane nowadays, especially on the weekends,” he said.

“There’s airboats, bay boats and mud boats hauling decoys, dogs and makeshift blinds every where you look from before sunrise to sunset. The birds don’t seem to have any places to rest during peak traffic periods from crowds.”

TPWD is piloting a roost pond project on the Gulf Coast this season, with hopes of creating refuges for the birds to rest and find food and water, void of hunting pressure.

“We have secured two sites for this season, that offer 50 acres or more of 8 to 10 inches of water,” Butler said. “One is located north of Eagle Lake and the other is situated southwest of Garwood. The goal of these sites to recreate the roost ponds that we used to historically have on our coastal prairies.”

Butler said the development of these roost ponds will benefit all waterfowl, and should help to keep birds along the Texas Gulf Coast.

“We are working to negotiate buffers of 200 to 400 yards around these sites where hunting will not be allowed,” he said. “Our goal is to strategically create more of these roost and refuge areas in key places along the coast over time.”

Kraai said the roost pond pilot project is currently funded by Migratory Game Bird Stamp funds.

“One important factor with this project is that it will provide quality fresh water into the spring, helping ducks like pintails to fatten up prior to their northward migration,” he explained. “Research has shown losses in body weight for pintails wintering along the Texas midcoast. The period after hunting season leading up to migration is very critical for potential reproduction. Agreements for the roost pond project guarantee water in these locations through March 31.”

Ducks Unlimited helped TPWD find the landowners of the two pilot roost project sites through relationships they built during other conservation delivery programs.

“Additionally, these particular sites have historically not been flooded nor have they been hunted,” Kraii said. “That’s an exciting added value to the project’s current situation.”

Quiet can be better Continued from page 4

Ridge Custom Calls said now is the time to go easy on the calling.

“The later we get in the season I’ll use a lot less calling,” he said. “That’s especially true with mallards, pintail, gadwall and wood ducks. Let the ducks dictate what they want to hear and respond to.”

Brown pefers to attract distant mallards and gadwall with a short, low-pitched high all.

“As they get closer, I’ll slow the calling down with staggered quacks, then go to a feed call,” he said. “That’s a real good way to get hunter-wise ducks over the decoys.”

Brown, who has been hunting 35 years, said some of the best hunts late in the season are in lakes with lots of open water.

That’s where he’ll use both a call and a whistle to bring in green-winged teal, pintail, mallards and gadwalls.

Photo by Robert Sloan, for Lone Star Outdoor News.

Aaron Cisneros has spent the past 12 seasons duck hunting on the Laguna Madre south of Port Mansfield.

“During my late season hunts I’ll be using more whistling and less quacking,” he said.

“In most situations, I’ll get their attention then let the decoys pull them in. On the Laguna Madre we have a variety of ducks that include redheads, teal, widgeon, pintail, scaup and spoonies. Some come to calls, others don’t. But most all of them will give you a look after hearing some low high-ball quacks. Once they are looking at the decoys, I’ll stop quacking and go with a feeding or chuckle call.”

The whistle works best to bring in pintail, wigeon and teal.

“Pintail and wigeon tend to like a ‘peep, peep, peep’ call,” Cisneros said. “Blue-winged teal like a fast-raspy quack with a single reed call. Green-wings are a little different. They favor a slow ‘peep, peep, peep.’”

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Archery store robbed Burglars stole about $35,000 worth of compound bows from All Star Archery & Marine’s Lewisville store on Dec. 13.

The Lewisville store has been operating for six years without a major burglary. Lewisville police examined video surveillance from the gun range next door and observed a white truck leaving at about 6 a.m.

According to store marketing director Kelly Blackall, the bows were made by Mathews, Hoyt, Bowtech, PSE and Mission. The store will receive some inventory from the company’s Dallas location.

Blackall told NBC5 the store has all of the serial numbers and is watching internet retail sites. She advised buyers to be on the lookout for deals “to good to be true.”

—Staff report

Duck hunter drowns A duck hunter drowned near Port O’Connor on Dec. 17 after he disappeared while swimming toward his drifting boat that morning.

A bystander reported William Easterwood, 44, of Houston, missing after he was last seen swimming in Lighthouse Cove near Matagorda Island.

Game wardens recovered Easterwood after he was found by a Coast Guard helicopter crew.

A cold front had arrived on the day of the incident, dropping water temperatures into the 50s.

—Staff report

LoneOStar Outdoor News

December 27, 2019

Deer processor stays busy Continued from page 4

ground venison for chili.”

Most deer processers agree jalapeño and cheese sausage is very popular with hunters.

After working in the retail meat business, Dunning made the decision to start the deer processing operation.

However, if you have a deer processing facility, you had better be prepared to work some long hours from October through January. Dunning said during the bow and gun season they are open seven days a week, 13 hours a day from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.

“We try to stay open when hunters are there to drop off freshly killed deer,” he said.

“When we have fresh deer that hasn’t been in an ice chest for hours or even a day or so, we produce a better product. If deer are not quartered, we skin them before we hang them in the cooler. That way it’s clean and cold meat.”

Folks in the deer processing business recommend that you do one of two things after tagging a deer. One is to quarter it and put the meat in a cooler and cover with ice. The

other is to get the deer to a processor ASAP. “What you don’t want to do is have the venison soaking in water,” Dunning said.

“That can cause bacteria. After you quarter the deer, wash the meat and then place it in a cooler with ice. Always keep the drain open.

Or you can place the meat in plastic bags.”

It’s been said that a doe will deliver more tender and tasty venison, but Dunning said that isn’t always the case. The main thing is to keep the meat clean and cold.

“We also have a taxidermy shop,” he says.

“Most of the work we do is to mount the antlers on a plaque or do a European mount.

That way when the customer comes to pick up their meat, we can give them the antlers, too.”

Sausage with cheese and jalapeño is a favorite among hunters bringing their deer to Jed Dunning. Photo from Sulphur Creek Taxidermy and Deer Processing.

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December 27, 2019

LoneOStar Outdoor News

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FISHING

‘I vow to always catch the bigger fish’

Big cats, bass and a deer

Brooke Tippy landed plenty of fish on a trip to her grandparents’ ranch, and also shot a doe with her crossbow. Photo from Justin Tippy.

Trip productive for 12-year-old

By Craig Nyhus

Lone Star Outdoor News Brooke Tippy loves to fish, and spent most of her few days off at her grandparents’ ranch by the water catching perch, bass and catfish.

Hanging out with her dad, Justin, the College Station 12-year-old hunted deer in the morning with her crossbow, but with no luck.

“So we went fishing and she caught perch, bass and catfish,” Justin said. “She likes catching the perch to use as bait for the catfish and bass.”

That evening, they returned to the ground blind.

“She shot a doe with her crossbow,” Justin said.

“It was her third deer — the other two were bucks — she got a nice buck two years ago with her crossbow, an 8-pointer.”

The next day, it was back to fishing.

“She pretty much fished the whole time we were there,” her father said.

It was the size and number of catfish, though,

that got everyone’s attention.

“All of the catfish we caught were between 7 and 9 pounds,” Justin said. “My dad stocked that tank years ago, and they are all around the same size.”

Brooke reeled in eight or nine catfish, all using the cut perch she had caught as bait.

The biggest catfish wasn’t weighed, but Justin estimated it at close to 9 pounds.

“I could get my whole fist in its mouth,” he said.

“And it was bigger than all of the other ones we caught.”

Justin has another daughter, Alyssa, who is 15.

“We used to hunt between Big Spring and San Angelo, and both girls got their first deer there with a crossbow,” he said.

Brooke, a 7th grader, is the fisherwoman in the family, though.

“She really started getting into it when she started catching the bigger fish,” Justin said.

“And she’ll text me while I’m sleeping asking if she can go hunting with me in the morning.”

Wedding officiant Chris Johnson presents the bride and groom Jesika and Josh Smitherman with a bass he caught during the wedding reception. Photos from Lila Mae Weddings.

By Lili Sams

Lone Star Outdoor News Jesika Smitherman met her future husband, Josh, seven years ago when they were still in high school.

With a mutual love of the outdoors, they began fishing almost every day at local lakes and ponds one summer.

At college, the pair got into fly-fishing and it quickly became an obsession.

When the couple got married, fishing wasn’t on the bride’s mind.

“If I’m being honest, I didn’t want anything fishing-related in our wedding,” Smitherman said. “Since flyfishing has been my entire life since 2013, I wanted to have one day where

everything was about Josh and me.”

Chris Johnson, owner of Living Waters Fly Fishing in Round Rock, where Josh works as the in-house fly tyer, officiated the nuptials.

Smitherman says Johnson lives, eats, breathes fly-fishing.

“When we asked him to write out our ceremony, I had no idea that he would be asking me to vow to “always catch the bigger fish” or ask Josh to promise to “always row me around and be my personal fly-fishing guide forever and ever,” she said. “He just always finds ways to sneak fishing into everything.”

During the reception, the disc jockey announced a special surprise for the Please turn to page 17

A great year for record fish In 2019, Texas had 47 new state fishing records and 434 new waterbody records set at lakes, rivers and bays across the state.

All-ages anglers set 33 state records and 326 waterbody records, and junior anglers under 17 set 14 state records and 108 waterbody records in the year, including the junior state freshwater rod and reel record largemouth bass, caught by Gavin Mikeska at Oak Creek Lake on April 20; the junior state freshwater rod and reel record

blue catfish, caught by Brayden Rogers at Lake Tawakoni on March 16; and the junior state saltwater rod and reel record bull shark, caught by Johnny Garner in the Gulf of Mexico on Jan. 25.

Anglers can submit their waterbody- or staterecord fish in a variety of categories, including freshwater and saltwater; all ages and junior; weight and length; and the method of catch, including rod and reel, fly rod, bow fishing, other methods and catch and release.

Candace Kern caught this fly-fishing state-record red drum in Matagorda Bay on Aug. 14. The fish weighed 41.5 pounds. Photo from TPWD.

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LoneOStar Outdoor News

Boudreaux guides salt

December 27, 2019

Page 9

Lake record caught in tourney on Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir

Capt. Ben Boudreaux with his labs, Baby (left) and Gaddy (right), has been guiding fishermen since he was a teenager.

Photo from Ben Boudreaux.

By Nate Skinner

For Lone Star Outdoor News Capt. Ben Boudreaux doesn’t limit himself to one particular estuary or bay system.

Instead, he uses his diverse knowledge to pursue fish and ducks across many locales along the Texas coast. He’ll do whatever it takes to help his customers create lifelong memories.

Growing up on the Upper Coast in Friendswood, Boudreaux began hunting and fishing saltwater bays and marshes on his own at age 14.

“I grew up fishing stock ponds in neighborhoods for bass,” he said. “My dad was not much on fishing and hunting, but my uncle was definitely into the outdoors.

When I was 13, he gave me my first Labrador retriever. I got my first boat at the age of 14, and have been fishing and hunting Texas bays and marshes ever since.”

Boudreaux got his first waterfowl guide job at the age of 17 with a duck hunting club. One year later, he obtained his USCG Captain’s License and began running fishing charters in Galveston Bay. “It was during this time period in my life that I knew I wanted to make being a fishing and hunting guide a lifetime career,” he said. “I was guiding duck hunts in the morning and then fishing in the afternoons with buddies. We would usually catch plenty of trout and reds, and my duck club customers wanted in on the action. They became some of my first fishing charter clients, and the rest is history.”

Boudreaux spent his late teens and early 20s guiding fishing trips and duck hunts with an outfit in the Bay City and El Campo areas. During his mid-to late 20s, Boudreaux, guided waterfowl hunts and fishing trips for a middle coast outfitter.

Boudreaux now resides in Bayou Vista and guides anglers in the Galveston Bay and Matagorda complexes the majority of the year. He specializes in wade-fishing and drift-fishing with artificial lures in West Galveston Bay and the nearby bays and marshes to the south. Boudreaux runs fishing trips out of a 24-foot Blazer Bay center console bay boat.

During the month of November and the

first half of duck season, Boudreaux uses a 20-foot airboat to chase ducks from West Galveston Bay to Port O’Connor.

“I pretty much scout and hunt the entire stretch of the Upper Coast during November,”he said. “I’ll follow the ducks just about anywhere they go where it is legal to hunt them.”

During the months of December and January, Boudreaux makes a southward move to Port Mansfield, where he runs duck hunts and trophy trout fishing trips on the Lower Laguna Madre. In February, he returns home to guide fishing trips for the remainder of the year until duck season comes back around.

One of Boudreaux’s largest passions is the art of hunting with a hard-working gun dog.

“There’s just something indescribable about the relationship between a hunter and a retriever,” he said. “I thoroughly enjoy training and hunting with my own dogs. There’s nothing in the world quite like it.”

Beoudreaux currently hunts with a 15-month-old black lab named Baby.

Another thing that Boudreaux holds dear to his heart is the art of coaxing ducks into a decoy spread for a close encounter.

“I view waterfowl hunting as a gentleman’s sport,” he said. “It’s not just about strapping limits of birds. Watching the ducks work and taking shots at finished birds is what it’s all about, in my opinion.”

Above all, Boudreaux finds the motivation to guide folks on exceptional fishing and hunting trips, day in and day out, through the joy that he experiences when his customers are making memories.

“I absolutely love seeing families enjoy the outdoors together, or watching friends or coworkers develop stronger relationships while catching fish or sharing a blind,” he elaborated. “The high fives and smiles make my job a great one.”

Boudreaux is recently married, and his wife, Cristine, also loves the outdoors.

“I try to get her out on the water or in a duck blind any time that our schedules allow it to happen,” he said.

Justin Rogers, of Killeen, caught this largemouth bass on Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir during the final tournament of the Tuff-Man Series. The bass, which weighed 13 pounds on certified scales, pushed Rogers to claim first place with his tournament partner, Todd Loggains. The fish is a pending lake record. The current lake record of 12.74 pounds has been in place since August 2008. Photo from Dean Thompson.

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Page 10

December 27, 2019

LoneOStar Outdoor News

THE FISH STORIES AREN’T ALL THAT ENDURE.

REMEMBER to always observe all applicable boating laws. Never drink and drive. Dress properly with a USCG-approved personal floatation device and protective gear. © 2019 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. 1-866-894-1626

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LoneOStar Outdoor News

December 27, 2019

Page 11

Your time on the water is valuable. You return, season after season to have unforgettable adventures, fight a few fish, strengthen friendships and test yourself. If you count on having this time, you need an outboard you can count on to power it. That’s why boaters stay with Yamaha for the long run. For life. Because reliability starts here.

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Page 12

December 27, 2019

LoneOStar Outdoor News

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GAME WARDEN BLOTTER SNEAKING TO A PRIVATE POND TO FISH A Titus County game warden received a tip of a vehicle hidden off-road next to a large ranch. The vehicle was located with a fishing rod in the back seat. A man was located fishing on a private lake.

He was in possession of two small largemouth bass. The ranch owner was contacted and a citation was issued.

GRANDFATHER OF THE YEAR Shots were heard near a hunting camp where an Anderson County game warden was checking hunters. The warden later observed an SUV and individuals loading an ATV and beginning to depart their property. A grandfather and grandson were contacted, and both said they had not seen nor killed any deer that day. The grandson nervously attempted to cut a tag from his license, but the grandfather instructed him to put his knife away. Spots of blood were on the bumper of the SUV. The grandfather said the blood was from the previous weekend when he killed a doe. After further inspection, the warden located a doe in the bed of the SUV, stuffed inside of two feed sacks. The grandson explained they were planning on not tagging any deer that were taken from the property this hunting season. Cases are pending.

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SHOOTING FROM ROAD “NO BIG DEAL” In Limestone County, a game warden observed a vehicle blacked out on a county road. As the warden approached, the vehicle quickly activated its headlights and began to drive away. After stopping the vehicle, the driver admitted he had shot a hog

WHOSE DEER IS IT? Two men were reported cleaning a deer beside a house in Houston County. Wardens arrived to find an untagged doe deer being cleaned.

One subject claimed to have killed the deer, however, their stories then changed and another attempted to tag the deer. After the men were separated, the original unlicensed hunter admitted to shooting the doe. The suspects were also in possession of a wood duck as they claimed to have taken a youth duck hunting earlier in the morning. Citations were issued.

PACKING OUT MEAT IN GROCERY BAGS At the Davy Crockett National Forest, game wardens checked a hunter who was preparing to return home. The subject admitted to killing a deer earlier in the morn-

from the county road moments before. A rifle was located, along with a large hog that was lying in the roadway. The subject said he didn’t believe his actions were a big deal because the county road is not often traveled. Citations pending.

ing and a tag was removed from his license. The wardens removed a small ice chest from the vehicle and found a plastic bag with cut up deer meat. The subject said he had killed a nice buck but later said it wasn’t that big. The wardens had the man take them back to where he’d killed and cleaned the deer. A small and illegal 6-point buck was located and the subject had left large portions of the meat with the animal. Citations were issued.

DEER SHOT BEFORE LICENSE BOUGHT After viewing a photo on Facebook of a man with a 10-point buck, a Houston County game warden recognized the man and looked up his hunting license. The man had only expired hunting licenses. At the man’s house, his sister said he would return shortly, and that the deer was at the taxidermist. The

wardens went to the nearest taxidermist and located the buck head with a tag attached. Upon contacting Austin communications, it was learned the subject had purchased a license that day at 12:07 p.m.

In the picture, the man was still bundled up in warm clothes as he posed with his deer. The subject contacted the warden and said he killed the deer around 1 p.m. after patterning him over several weeks.

After a discussion, the subject admitted to killing the deer and then going and purchasing his license to tag it and get it into the taxidermist. He was issued a citation and the buck was seized.

TOSSING CARCASSES UNDER BRIDGE Game wardens checked under a Houston County bridge for carcasses. There were several hog and deer carcasses in the water. The wardens

located a camp a down the road with blood under the skinning rack.

When the subject opened the door, he was in the process of processing an untagged doe deer into small packages. One of the carcasses in the creek belonged to him. He was told to remove the carcass from the creek and was issued citations.

BLOOD ON BOOTS OF NO-LUCK HUNTER Two men were observed standing next to a four-wheeler at a residence in Trinity County. Game wardens stopped in and asked the men if they had any luck hunting.

The men said they had been hunting but had not seen anything. The wardens noticed blood on the boots of one hunter and noticed the other hunter not wanting to make eye contact. Speaking to the two men separately, one admitted the other had an illegal buck hidden behind the house. The buck and cooler of meat were retrieved from the woods behind the house. Cases including an illegal buck less than 13 inches, untagged deer and incomplete harvest log were issued.

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Central, North Texas lakes slow but steady for cats

By Lili Sams

Lone Star Outdoor News Jason “Spud” Barton of Cattin’ Around Adventures, who guides on Lake Waco and surrounding lakes, said the catfish bite has been somewhat slow, but steady.

“We aren’t seeing the numbers as we have in the past,” he said.

Even though the lake levels are low, Barton said each trip they are able to bring in at least one 30- to 40-pound or bigger cat. He believes there is an abundance of forage from previous years flooding, makingthe Jason “Spud” Barton guided Eric, 7, and his family to land this 46-pound blue catfish less likely to catfish in the timber. It was the largest fish that any of the fishing party had ever caught. Photo from Jason Barton. bite.

When they are catching them, he said it’s usually in shallow water near mud flats or timber with Sandee Cooper rigs, and he has had some luck dragging live bait.

On Richland-Chambers Reservoir, locating fish in or near heavy timber is key.

“We’re using fresh shad, and the bigger the better for catching bigger fish,” guide Bob Holmes said. “Drifting is a fun way to go for bigger fish when the wind is just right. I have some regular spots I like to drift in the winter that are usually good for a fish or two. I haven’t caught any giants, but I’ve caught several slot fish that we throw back.”

Guide Steve Schiele has had luck on Lake Lewisville in 25 to 35 feet of water. He’s been using perch and freshwater drum for bait.

“We’ve been catching some big ones,” he said.

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LoneOStar Outdoor News

December 27, 2019

Page 13

TEXAS FRESHWATER FISHING REPORT ALAN HENRY: Water clear; 56 degrees; 2.09’ low. Largemouth bass are good on rigged worms, spinner baits and crankbaits working the steep shorelines.

Crappie are good on minnows and jigs around the pier and flooded timber. Catfish are fair on live bait and stink bait.

AMISTAD: Water lightly stained; 66 degrees; 31.16’ low.

Largemouth bass are good on top-waters, spinner baits, plastic worms and grubs among flooded timber and submerged vegetation. Catfish are fair on stink bait and cut bait.

ARROWHEAD: Water stained; 57 degrees; 2.04’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on Texas rigs, spinner baits and jigs. Crappie are good on live minnows and jigs near the derricks and bridges. Catfish are good on punch bait and shrimp.

ATHENS: Water lightly stained; 61 degrees; 0.83’ low.

Largemouth bass are good on Carolina-rigged worms, jigs, and spinner baits casting the edges of vegetative cove structure.

Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair on cut bait and stink bait.

BASTROP: Slightly stained; 66 degrees; Largemouth bass are fair to good near standing timber, in creek channels, and in warmer water on Carolina-rigged plastic worms, top-waters, crankbaits and rigged lizards. Crappie are fair on jigs and live bait near submerged structure. Channel and blue catfish are good on stink bait or cut bait.

BELTON: Lightly stained; 61-63 degrees; 2.84’ low. Largemouth bass are very good on grubs, jigs, spinner baits, plastic worms and smaller crankbaits working creek channels and points. Hybrid stripers are good on live bait, jigs and crankbaits. Crappie are fair on jigs. Catfish are fair on shad, shrimp, blood bait and stink bait.

BENBROOK: Water stained; 61 degrees; 8.07’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on Carolina-rigged worms and lighter-colored spinner baits. Crappie are fair on minnows. Hybrid striped bass and white bass are good on slabs, spinner baits and spoons on the humps surrounding the dam. Catfish are good on stink bait and live bait.

BOB SANDLIN: Water stained; 62 degrees; 0.78’ low. Largemouth bass are good on crankbaits, jigs, jerkbaits and spinner baits in timber. Crappie are very good on jigs and minnows by boat dock and piers.

White bass are fair on jigs in deeper points. Catfish are good on worms or stink bait.

BRAUNIG: Water lightly stained; 64-67 degrees; Largemouth bass are fair on Carolina-rigged plastic worms, crankbaits, jigs and spinner baits. Redfish are fair on crawfish and tilapia. Striped bass are fair on jigs and live shad in open water. Catfish are good on live bait and cheese bait.

BRIDGEPORT: Water lightly stained; 50-52 degrees: 4.75’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on craws, spinner baits and jigs near rocky humps. Crappie are very good on jigs and minnows in the brush. White bass are good on slabs and live minnows. Catfish are fair on shrimp and cut bait in deeper water and among feeder mouths.

BROWNWOOD: Lightly stained; 64 degrees; 3.47’ low.

Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits, jigs, spinner baits and top-water. White bass are good on slabs and Alabama rigs.

Catfish are good at night.

BUCHANAN: Water stained; 65 degrees; 3.88’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on jigs and spinner baits. Striped bass are fair on live shad and swimbaits. White bass are good on minnows. Crappie are slow. Channel catfish are good on stink bait, live and cut bait.

CADDO: Water stained; 52 degrees; 0.36’ high. Largemouth bass are good on rigged plastic worms and spinner baits. Crappie are good on smaller minnows and jigs along the cypress trunks. Catfish are fair on stink bait and live bait.

CALAVERAS: Water stained; 68 degrees. Largemouth bass are fair on jigs, plastic worms, crankbaits and spinner baits.

Channel catfish are good on stink bait, liver and live shad.

Red drum are fair on live crawfish and tilapia.

CANYON: Water stained; 63 degrees; 2.95’ low. Largemouth bass are good on top-waters and crankbaits among flooded timber and main lake points. Striped bass are excellent on spoons and lipless crankbaits. Catfish are good on live and cut bait.

CEDAR CREEK: Water lightly stained; 52-54 degrees, 2.37’ low. Largemouth bass are good on Carolina-rigged creature baits, plastic worms, crankbaits and spinner baits in the lower end of the lake. Hybrid stripers and white bass are fair when schooling fish are found. Crappie are good on minnows and pink and white jigs around larger docks and structure. Catfish are good on cut shad, dough bait and stink bait.

CHOKE CANYON: Water lightly stained; 66 degrees; 17.59’ low.

Largemouth bass are good in flooded timber on worms, spinner baits and jigs. White bass are fair on minnows. Catfish are excellent on larger live bait and cut bait in 10 feet or less.

CONROE: Water stained; 64 degrees; 2.18’ low. Largemouth bass are good on jigs, spinner baits and buzzbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Hybrid striped bass are fair on jigs and shad. Catfish are good on stink bait and cut bait.

COOPER: Water clear; 60 degrees; 1.97’ low.

Largemouth bass are fair on top-waters, Carolina-rigged worms, crankbaits and spinner baits.

White bass are excellent on slabs and live bait. Catfish are excellent on live and cut bait.

CORPUS CHRISTI LAKE: Water lightly stained; 66-69 degrees; 3.31’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on Texas-rigged worms, jigs and tube baits. White bass are good on lipless crankbaits and minnows in the Nueces River.

Crappie are fair on live minnows.

Catfish are fair to good on cut bait and cheese bait.

EAGLE MOUNTAIN: Water

stained; 60 degrees; 1.89’ low.

Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits, docks and reed beds with spinner baits and worms.

Crappie are good on minnows and jigs under boat docks.

Catfish are good on cut bait, prepped bait and liver.

FALCON: Water lightly stained; 67-68 degrees; 35.55’ low.

Largemouth bass are fair on soft plastic worms, spinner baits and top-waters in shallower water.

Crappie are fair on live bait.

Catfish are good on shrimp, shad and stink bait.

FAYETTE: Water stained. 63 degrees; Largemouth bass are good on spinner baits, plastic worms and crankbaits in warmer waters. Sunfish are fair on worms and crickets. Catfish are good on stink bait, live bait and cut bait.

FORK: Water stained; 59 degrees; 2.22’ low. Largemouth bass are good on plastic worms, spinner baits and Alabama rigs.

White and yellow bass are good on Alabama rigs. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows under any large structure. Catfish are good on prepared bait and cut bait.

GRAHAM: Water stained; 57 degrees; 2.85’ low. Largemouth bass are good on slow-reeled artificial baits. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. White bass are good on slabs. Catfish are fair on cut shad and live bait.

GRANBURY: Water lightly stained; 59 degrees. 0.14’ low.

Largemouth bass are fair around boat docks and shoreline cover with plastic worms and crankbaits. Crappie fishing are fair around structure on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair fishing over baited holes with live bait and stink bait.

GRAPEVINE: Water stained; 60 degrees; 0.42’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on Texas- and Carolina-rigged plastic worms around lake floor rocks and vegetation.

White bass are fair on live shad.

Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on live and prepped baits.

HOUSTON COUNTY: Water stained; 64 degrees; 0.08’ high.

Largemouth bass are good on plastic worms, crankbaits and spinner baits in standing timber.

White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on smaller minnows. Catfish are good on live and cut shad and stink bait.

HUBBARD CREEK: Water stained; 58 degrees; 2.57’ low.

Largemouth bass are fair on Texas-rigged worms and crankbaits.

Crappie are fair on live minnows.

White bass are good in deep creek beds.

Catfish are fair on live and cut shad.

JOE POOL: Water stained; 60 degrees; 2.86’ low. Largemouth bass are good on plastic worms, spinner baits and crankbaits around deep structures. Crappie are fair on live bait by bridges.

Catfish are good on cut bait by the spillway and near creeks.

LAKE O’ THE PINES: Water stained; 59 degrees; 0.75’ high.

Largemouth bass are good on top-waters, spinner baits, swimbaits and chatter baits. Crappie

are good on bigger jigs and minnows near standing timber and vegetation. Catfish are good on live bait.

LAVON: Water stained; 60 degrees: 3.51’ low. Largemouth bass are good on crawfish crankbaits, worms, and jigs.

Crappie are good on jigs, spinner baits, crankbaits and plastic worms around deeper structure and deep ledges. White bass are slow. Catfish are excellent on cut shad.

LBJ: Water stained; 61 degrees; 0.68’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits, spinner baits and plastic worms.

Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows among brush piles. White bass are fair on smaller crankbaits, jigs, and minnows around the dam. Catfish are good on stink bait and cut bait.

LEWISVILLE: Water stained; 59-62 degrees; 0.42’ high.

Largemouth bass are good on Texas-rigged plastic baits and spinner baits. White bass are good on slabs in deeper structure. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs among brush and vegetation.

Catfish are fair on prepared bait and cut bait.

LIVINGSTON: Water lightly stained; 63 degrees; 0.18’ high.

Largemouth bass are good on Carolina-rigged plastics, spinner baits, crankbaits and jigs.

Striped bass are good on spoons and shad. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. White bass are fair on spoons. Catfish are fair on live bait.

MILLERS CREEK: Water stained; 54 degrees; 1.79’ low.

Largemouth bass are good moving to submerged trees on jigs, crankbaits and plastic worms.

Crappie are good on minnows and jigs among brush piles.

White bass and hybrids are good on artificial and live baits. Catfish are good on blood and liver prepared baits.

NACONICHE: Water slightly stained; 61 degrees; Largemouth bass are good on crankbaits, spinner baits and jigs. Crappie are good on jigs and crappie minnows. Catfish are good on dough balls, cut and live bait.

NASWORTHY: Water murky; 58 degrees. 0.85’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on spinner baits, jigs, creature baits and crankbaits. Crappie are fair under deeper docks and next to bridge pilings on minnows. Catfish are fair on live and prepared baits.

NAVARRO MILLS: Water stained; 61 degrees. 2.41’ low.

Largemouth bass are fair on spinner baits, crankbaits, and jigs along vegetation edges.

Crappie are good on minnows and jigs with brush structures and around marinas. Catfish are fair on live bait. White bass are fair on slabs.

O.H. IVIE: Water stained; 59 degrees; 9.87’ low. Largemouth bass are good on Carolina-rigged worms, spinner baits, minnows and jigs on points and humps.

Crappie are fair on live minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on stink bait, live and cut bait.

PALESTINE: Water lightly stained; 61 degrees; 1.50’ low.

Largemouth bass are good on Carolina-rigged worms, spinner baits, lipless crankbaits and jigs.

Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. Hybrid stripers are good on minnows. White bass are good on slabs. Catfish are excellent on shad and chicken livers.

POSSUM KINGDOM: Water clear; 58 degrees; 1.00’ low.

Largemouth bass are good on crankbaits, plastic worms and spinner baits among underwater structure. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows among brush piles and boat docks. White bass are slow. Striped bass are fair on live shad and jigs. Catfish are good on cut bait, live sunfish and stink bait.

PROCTOR: Water lightly stained; 60 degrees. 3.42’ low.

Largemouth bass are fair on plastic worms and jigs. Hybrid striped bass are fair trolling with jigs. Crappie are good on jigs near the edges of the spillway.

Catfish are good on stink bait and cut bait.

RAY HUBBARD: Water stained; 58 degrees; 2.80” low.

Largemouth bass are good on crankbaits and spinner baits. White bass are fair on drop-shot rigs. Crappie are slow. Catfish are good on cut bait and gizzard shad.

RAY ROBERTS: Water stained; 61-64 degrees; 0.04’ high.

Largemouth bass are good on Carolina-rigged worms, lizards, and top-waters. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. Catfish are good on live bait and stink bait.

RICHLAND CHAMBERS: Water lightly stained; 62 degrees; 3.52’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on top-waters early and plastic worms, spinner baits and jigging spoons during the day.

White bass and hybrids are good on slabs and jigs in deep water.

Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are excellent on live bait and cut bait.

SAM RAYBURN: Water stained; 61 degrees; 2.38 ’ low.

Largemouth bass are good on crankbaits, top-waters and spinner baits. White bass are fair on minnows. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs among brush piles. Catfish are good on live and stink bait.

SOMERVILLE: Water stained; 60 degrees; 0.24’ low. White bass and hybrids are good in the deep main lake on minnow and lipless crankbaits. Crappie are good on smaller minnows.

Catfish are good on cut shad and stink bait.

SQUAW CREEK: Water clear; 61 degrees; 1.55’ low. Largemouth bass are very good on plastic worms and crankbaits. Catfish are excellent around timber next to creek channels.

STILLHOUSE: Water lightly stained; 61 degrees; 3.12’ low.

Largemouth bass are fair on topwaters, jigs and Carolina-rigged plastic worms. White bass are fair on small spinner baits on humps. Catfish are fair on live and cut bait.

TAWAKONI: Water stained; 59-63 degrees; 1.60’ low.

Largemouth bass are fair on spinner baits, plastic worms and jigs. White bass and hybrid strip-

n Saltwater reports Page 17 ers are good on slabs, spoons and Alabama rigs. Crappie are fair on minnows under bridges, docks and marinas. Catfish are excellent on live or cut shad, shrimp and stink bait.

TEXANA: Water stained; 64-66 degrees; 4.39’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on jigs, Texas-rigged soft plastics and light-colored tube baits. Crappie are fair on jigs. Catfish are fair to good on stink bait, cut bait and live bait.

TEXOMA: Water stained; 56-62 degrees; 1.81’ high. Striped bass are excellent on slabs, swimbaits and live bait in deeper water and deep coves. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs around large structure in shallow water. Catfish are fair on live shrimp, cut bait and minnows.

TOLEDO BEND: Water slightly stained; 58 degrees; 6.97’ low.

Largemouth bass are good on drop shots, jigs, plastic worms and spinner baits working creek channels. Striped bass are good on top-waters and spoons. Channel and blue catfish are fair on chicken livers and dough bait.

WACO: Water lightly stained; 64 degrees; 4.85’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on spinner baits, buzzbaits, crankbaits and plastic worms in flats next to river channels. Crappie are fair on minnows and light-colored jigs. Channel and blue catfish are fair on cut shad, live bait and blood bait.

WALTER E. LONG: Water stained; 63 degrees; Largemouth bass are good on plastic worms, top-waters and crankbaits. Hybrid striper are slow. Crappie are slow. Catfish are fair on live bait and stink bait.

WEATHERFORD: Water stained; 59-62 degrees; 2.63’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on spinner baits, crankbaits and plastic worms around coves and steep ledges. White bass are good on minnows and smaller crankbaits.

Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs in brush piles and structure.

Catfish are good on crawfish, liver, blood bait and cut bait.

WHITNEY: Water stained; 62 degrees; 6.34’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on plastic worms, jigs and deep-diving crankbaits.

White bass are fair on spinner baits and minnows. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on live shad, stink bait and cut shad.

WRIGHT PATMAN: Water stained; 60 degrees; 4.06’ high.

Largemouth bass are slow to fair on jigs, crankbaits, spinner baits and plastic worms. White bass are good on slabs and spoons.

Crappie are good on jigs within brush piles. Catfish are good on cut bait, live bait and stink bait.

­­—TPWD

Page 14

December 27, 2019

LoneOStar Outdoor News

LSONews.com

HEROES

Georgina Funke, 12, harvested her first deer in San Patricio County.

Jay Collins Welch, 9, of Rendon took his first deer during the youth-only deer season in Bosque County.

Brooks Griffith, 7, caught this 5-pound largemouth.

SHARE AN ADVENTURE

n Want to share hunting and fishing photos with other Lone Star Outdoor News readers?

Email them with contact and caption information to editor@ lonestaroutdoornews.com. Highresolution original jpegs only. Mail prints to Heroes, Lone Star Outdoor News, P.O. Box 551695, Dallas, TX 75355.

Michael Stripe hunted this bull elk in Western Colorado.

Raj Paul took this cape buffalo in South Africa. The buffalo had a 44-inch spread and was taken in the last half-hour of the last day of this trip.

MLDP fees Continued from page 4

of each property enrolled in the Conservation Option plus a $30 fee for each additional management unit of a property enrolled in the CO; a $300 fee for each aggregate acreage enrolled in the CO; and a $30 fee for each management unit of a wildlife management association or cooperative enrolled in the CO. Alan Cain, TPWD’s deer program leader, said based on the comments coming in on the agency’s website, about 81 percent are opposed to the new fees, with 19 percent in support.

Cain said he wasn’t overly surprised by the totals.

“It’s a program that has been free for as long as it has been in existence,” he said.

Cain said he has received comments from all across the state, with some landowners saying the fees were too expensive, and others saying they are doing habitat work in exchange for the longer season and issuance of tags.

The MLDP has been quite the success story after beginning with 813 properties covering 3.1 million acres. Now, more than 12,000 properties participate covering 28 million acres.

“We haven’t hired a new district field biologist in 20 years,” Cain said. “We’re having challenges meeting the level of service to manage the program.”

Cain said his department has received close to 500 responses so far. The public comment period is open until Jan. 23, 2020.

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LoneOStar Outdoor News

December 27, 2019

Page 15

PRODUCTS

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And, the soft leather lining will adjust fit at the calf to keep hunters comfortable in varied terrain.

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>>

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The rod vault will allow recreational or professional anglers to arrive at their destination with rods and reels intact, fully rigged and ready to fish. Two aircraft grade anodized aluminum tubes hold up to six combos measuring up to 8 feet in length.

Plus, a locking reel housing area easily fits most baitcasting and small to medium spinning reels.

Protective polypropylene liners inside the Rod Vault eliminate rod-on-metal contact to protect guides and rod tips. The MSRP is $399.

EDGE TACKLE STORAGE: Plano describes the EDGE as its most technologically advanced tackle storage system to date. A 2019 ICAST Best in Show winner, the system includes four general storage boxes built in standard, thin, or deep box configurations plus six boxes designed for custom storage, including the storage of terminal tackle, crankbaits, spinner baits, blade baits, jigs and soft plastics. Features include a crystal-clear lid for quick identification of bait; a watertight seal to keep moisture out; and an anti-corrosion compound infused into the base of all boxes. Additionally, the EDGE series has a water-absorbing desiccant divider and precut vented dividers. The boxes range in price from about $20 to $40 each, with the jig box (pictured) selling for about $30.

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December 27, 2019

LoneOStar Outdoor News

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INDUSTRY

LONE STAR OUTDOOR PUZZLER Solution on Page 19

SPONSORED BY

HEVI-Shot marketing director named

Suppressor acquisition

Scott Turner became the director of sales and marketing for HEVI-Shot.

Utah-based AEGIX Global acquired suppressor manufacturer AMTAC.

New VP at Volvo

Davis joins SSSF

Volvo Penta of the Americas named Marcelo Puscar its vice president of marketing.

Tom Davis joined the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation as its new marketing and communications manager.

Popular fishing resort ZEISS hires founder dies marketing head Robin Williams, founder of Costa Rica’s Crocodile Bay Resort, died Dec. 14 after a lengthy illness.

Brian Immel was named the head of marketing, consumer products for ZEISS.

Pursuit on Sling TV

Aqua-Vu acquired

Pursuit Media and Pursuit Channel announced a new agreement with Sling TV to deliver live television and on-demand shows.

Kolt Ringer acquired Minnesota-based Aqua-Vu Underwater Viewing Systems.

ACROSS 2. Texas’ smallest county 7. A coastal fishing town (two words) 8. A salmon species 11. A gar species 15. Outdoor retailer coming to Texas 16. The castle west of Fort Worth 17. A bullet brand 18. Popular bass lake in Mexico 20. A trail camera brand 21. A tournament series (three words) 22. A UTV brand 23. An East Texas county 24. Holds Buckskin, Bobwhite camps 27. Texas’ state tree 28. A duck hunter’s organization (two words) 29. Name for the woodcock 30. The yellow cat

DOWN 1. The most popular bass lure 3. A trout species 4. River that flows through Temple 5. Leaves and twigs, for deer 6. Dr. Deer in Texas 9. A boat brand 10. An African game species (two words) 12. A wild turkey in Florida 13. A fishing line brand 14. A shotgun brand (two words) 19. An offshore target (two words) 20. A ruffed grouse-hunting destination 25. Carrizo Springs’ county 26. Laredo’s county

Puzzle by Craig Nyhus, Lone Star Outdoor News

FOR THE TABLE

8 quail, plucked and deboned, leave the bones in the legs and cut in half 1 tbsp. of grated fresh ginger 2 tbsps. grated garlic 1 tbsp. soy sauce 2 tbsps. sake 1 tbsp. white pepper 1 cup potato flour Frying oil Sea salt

Good mule deer

*email LSON your favorite recipe to news@lonestaroutdoornews.com.

Continued from page 1

Quail karaange

about 50 percent success. This year, it’s 95 percent.”

Charlie Stockstill, the executive director of the Mule Deer Foundation, said this season has been “through the roof.”

“We have five chapters in the Panhandle, and they are real happy with the antler Truitt Kimbrough, of Glen Rose, took this buck while hunting with Ocotillo Hunt Club near Kent. Photo by Scott Hohensee. restrictions out “It was the beginning of the there,” he said.

“The guys are saying the deer are rut, but it was 84 degrees and the noticeably bigger, but still not big wind was howling,” he said. “We saw a few deer. On the last day, a enough.”

Stockstill managed to get out cold front came in and the deer just appeared.” and hunt this season.

It was an hour before dark when “I took one this year that got a trip to the taxidermy shop,” they spotted a big buck.

“He was 1,800 yards away and he said of the buck he took near Balmorrhea. “And I bet I have 10 as close as we could get was 500 pictures of bucks over 200 inches yards,” Kimbrough said. “I had from both the Panhandle and the been practicing at long distances for a long time and felt confident.

Trans-Pecos.”

Truitt “TJ” Kimbrough hunted I knocked him down with one the Jobe Ranch near Kent with shot.”

The buck was 8 years old and the Ocotillo Hunt Club, and shot had 185 2/8 inches of antler. his buck Dec. 18.

Mix quail pieces with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sake and white pepper in a bowl. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes. Heat oil in a dutch oven, enough oil for deep frying. Dip your quail halves in the potato flour, massaging into each bird so they are completely covered. Fry in batches, 3-4 minutes. They will float and turn a golden brown when ready. Place on a paper

towel-lined sheet pan and salt immediately when they come out of the hot oil. Place in the oven on warm until all your quail are ready. Serve with a soy-based dipping sauce as an appetizer, or as the main course over rice or noodles.

—Kristin Parma, Anxious Hunter Blog

LSONews.com

LoneOStar Outdoor News

NATIONAL IOWA

Berkley founder dies Former Iowa congressman and businessman Berkley Bedell died after suffering a stroke. He was 98.

Bedell was the founder of Spirit Lakebased Berkley & Co., later renamed Pure Fishing, and inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame in 2018.

Bedell received the Small Businessman of the Year award in 1964 from President Lyndon B. Johnson.

—Staff report

SOUTH CAROLINA

Missouri angler joins Classic field Josh Busby won the Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off, securing the final spot in the 2020 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic.

The Rogersville, Missouri, resident, a 36-yearold food scientist by trade, caught a five-bass limit on Lake Hartwell that weighed 16 pounds, 7 ounces on the final day. When coupled with the 10-pound, 5-ounce limit he caught on the first day of the event, it was enough to win by 6 ounces.

Busby landed his fish on Wiggle Wart and Rock Crawler crankbaits in 18 to 24 feet of water.

—B.A.S.S.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Tariff deal affects fishing products The Phase One Trade Agreement between the U.S. and China canceled a range of tariffs on marine products that were scheduled to take effect. It also cut existing tariffs on certain fishing gear and tackle by half.

The 15-percent tariff on floating docks, fishing equipment and water sport equipment will be reduced to 7.5 percent, and the 15-percent tariff on personal flotation devises and some fishing gear was canceled.

The 25-percent tariff on some fishingrelated products remain, including anchors, antenna receivers, boats, fiberglass, fish finders, fuel injection pumps, propellers, rope, seats, trailer tires and miscellaneous plastic metal and rubber parts for boat equipment.

—NMMA

WASHINGTON

G. Loomis president retires Bruce Holt, after a 45-year career in the fishing and hunting industries, including the last 34 years with G. Loomis Rods, announced his retirement effective at the end of the calendar year.

Holt played a significant role while G. Loomis expanded its salmon and steelhead rod roots in the Pacific Northwest to an emphasis on the bass-fishing market, along with rods designed for both inshore and offshore saltwater use, and specific actions for walleye, trout and panfish anglers among other species.

Holt served on the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame board of directors and was a member of the National Freshwater Fisheries Hall of Fame selection committee.

—G. Loomis

OKLAHOMA

Taxidermist fails to deliver mounts Game wardens in Murray County are working to return hundreds of harvested animals back to their original owners after a taxidermist failed to deliver on his services.

An inventory list showed more than 400 items, including 100 waterfowl, 200 deer pieces were found in the shop in freezers and tubs.

According to court records, 41-year-old Michael Cole Simpson, of Sulphur, had collected the animals to mount them but never did. Many of the items did not have proper tag information.

—Staff report

TEXAS SALTWATER FISHING REPORT SABINE LAKE: 61 degrees; clear to stained.

Speckled trout are fair in larger bayous and on mixed mud oyster/clamshell beds on jigs, soft plastics and suspending twitch baits. Redfish are scattered and fair on dead shrimp on bottom or soft plastics with a jig head. Flounder are good in the ship channel at Sabine Pass on jigs and scented plastics.

TRINITY BAY: 63 degrees. Speckled trout are excellent on live shrimp under popping corks and soft plastics in deeper water. Redfish are excellent in the marsh on live mullet, soft plastics and dead shrimp. Sheepshead is very good on live shrimp.

EAST GALVESTON BAY: 63 degrees. Flounder are good along the ICW spoils and drains. Redfish are good on soft plastics. Speckled trout are excellent near the island in deeper water.

WEST GALVESTON BAY: 63 degrees. Redfish are good drifting live shrimp under popping corks and soft plastics. Flounder are good around Seawolf Park on live shrimp. Speckled trout are excellent on shrimp, soft plastics and top-waters.

TEXAS CITY: 62 degrees. Redfish are very good on soft plastics off the rocks. Flounder are excellent on live shrimp or minnows. Speckled trout very good along the levee on shrimp. Black drum are good on blue crab or shrimp.

FREEPORT: 63 degrees. Redfish are fair in the deeper channels on live bait. Speckled trout are good around the surfside jetty. Flounder are excellent along the marsh using live mullet.

EAST MATAGORDA BAY: 64 degrees. Speckled trout are good on live shrimp under a popping cork and soft plastics. Redfish are very good in the marsh on live mullet, soft plastics and topwaters. Flounder are very good on soft plastics in red or white color.

WEST MATAGORDA BAY: 64 degrees. Speckled trout are good on live shrimp under a popping cork and soft plastics. Redfish are very good in

the marsh on live mullet, soft plastics and topwaters. Flounder are very good on soft plastics in red or white color near Mad Island cut.

PORT O’CONNOR: 62 degrees. Trout are good on a combination of live or fresh shrimp or crab in the shallow sand bars. Redfish are excellent on live shrimp. Flounder are excellent around any kind of baitfish. Black drum are good on live shrimp or slow-moving bucktails.

ROCKPORT: 64 degrees. Redfish are good on live and artificial baits near the grassy edge.

Speckled trout are excellent on lighter-colored artificials and scented plastics under a popping cork. Flounder are fair around structure and sandy bottoms.

PORT ARANSAS: 64 degrees. Redfish are good on shrimp and paddle tails. Speckled trout are fair on shrimp, ball tails, and top-waters. Black drum are good on shrimp or crab.

CORPUS CHRISTI: 65 degrees. Redfish are excellent on cut mullet and shrimp. Speckled trout are good on Texas Rattler jigs. Flounder are very good on minnows, squid or jigs. Black drum are good on shrimp.

BAFFIN BAY: 67 degrees. Redfish are excellent in the flats on top-waters and live bait following the mullet. Flounder are good on jigs or minnows. Speckled trout are excellent on slowsinking lures and mullet.

PORT MANSFIELD: 68 degrees. Speckled trout are good on ball tails, live shrimp and plastics under popping corks. Redfish are fair in shallow water on scented plastics, live or dead shrimp.

SOUTH PADRE: 68 degrees. Redfish are very good in the Gaswell Flats on cut mullet.

Speckled trout are good using lighter-colored artificials.

PORT ISABEL: 70 degrees. Speckled trout are good on mullet imitations. Flounder are fair on minnows. Whiting are good on shrimp and squid. Sheepshead are very good on fiddler crabs.

—TPWD

December 27, 2019

Page 17

Discussing flounder regs Continued from page 1

despite regulation changes over the years.

The primary reason cited was increased water temperatures in the Gulf, lowering the number of juvenile fish returning to the bays and marshes.

Commercial fishermen and guides who take customers on gigging trips were well represented, and provided their input.

Mark Robinson, a commercial fisherman, posted that the meeting showed recreational anglers are hurting the numbers of offspring by catching spawning flounder during November during the run.

Robinson noted only 81 commercial fisherman have been active in 2019 in Texas.

Several commenters at the meeting were in favor of closing flounder fishing for the months of November and December to produce the largest benefit.

Of interest to many anglers was the trend in adult flounder, as TPWD charts indicated the 3- to 5-year-old fish numbers are stable, but there has been a severe decline in juvenile recruitment.

Many of the fishermen took issue with any changes, given what they described as the good numbers of southern flounder they have been seeing, especially on gigging trips, and some questioned TPWD’s surveying methods. Several invited biologists on boat trips to view the numbers of fish they are seeing, up significantly from past years.

“If you ride with the guides, you’ll see the fish,” one of them said at the meeting.

TPWD officials said they are aware of the public interest in southern flounder, and that interest was the reason why the scoping meetings were scheduled, as they are not required as part of the regulatory process.

Rick Hammond, who guides gigging trips, said the flounder population is not suffering, as some suggest.

“Over my 17 years of full-time guiding, I have seen the flounder population go up and down over the years, but it has nothing to do with fishing pressure or overharvest,” he said. “Mother Nature deals out good and bad years, but the fishery always rebounds quickly after a slow year.

This past year was one of the greatest years I have seen in terms of numbers, and the best in the last 10 years.”

Hammonds recommended no changes in the regulations.

“I feel like the fishing/gigging pressure on flounder is so limited, that any further regulations will have no effect on the huge biomass of flounder that is out there, and that year-to-year habitat and environmental changes are what is driving the decline that TPWD is showing,” he said. “If that is the case, then tighter regulations are not the answer.”

One theory circulated in social media and brought up at the meetings as a reason for the juvenile flounder decline was the number of redfish introduced to the system by stocking. However, the biologists referred to a study of the contents of redfish stomachs in Galveston Bay when they were concerned about blue crabs.

The contents of 700 fish were examined over 12 months, and although the biologists agreed redfish will eat whatever is available, no flounder were seen in any of the fish examined.

Julie Hagen, the public information officer for the Coastal Fisheries Division, said comments from the meetings, as well as email comments, are still being broken down.

“We’re still taking email comments,” she said. “People have until Dec. 31 to do that. We are breaking down the comments by the recommendations made to present to the commission.”

Hagen said the division had received hundreds of email comments, and several staff members are working on the project.

“They outnumber comments from the meetings by a wide margin,” she said. “It takes a fair amount of time to categorize them.”

Staff plans to offer proposals to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission at its January meeting, and if the commission asks the department to publish the recommendations in the Texas Register, the process for a regulation change would begin.

“At that point, there would be a period for public comment and public meetings would be scheduled,” Hagen said.

They may need a large room.

“People have a lot of strong feelings about this,” Hagen said. “It’s such a tradition along the coast.”

Bass on the big day Continued from page 8

bride and groom. Johnson walked through the crowd carrying a fly-rod and a bag full of water. He reached into the bag and pulled out a bass.

“I’m sure he saw the pond outside the venue and couldn’t help himself and just had to cast,” Smitherman said. “He said he caught it on his first cast.”

Johnson used a Patagonia dry bag one of the groomsmen had in his car. The bass had his five minutes of fame and then was released back into the pond.

“We did get to keep the 2/0 hairbug that the fish was caught on, though,” Smitherman said. “That fly always makes for a good story.”

FLW field has 22 Texans FLW’s 155-angler roster for the 2020 FLW Pro Circuit includes 22 Texas anglers.

The field consists of 150 anglers who met qualifying standards and five who are on medical and/or hardship exemptions.

The field will compete in seven regularseason tournaments, beginning with the first event at Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Jan. 23-26.

The top award at each regular-season tournament is $100,000 with $200,000 going to the FLW Title champion.

Texas anglers: T.R. Andreas, Kerrville James Biggs, Euless Christopher Brasher, Longview Tommy Dickerson, Orange Kurt Dove, Del Rio Dakota Ebare, Stephenville

Terry Luedtke, Burton Lendell Martin Jr., Nacogdoches Chris McCall, Palmer Dicky Newberry, Houston James Niggemeyer, Van Jordan Osborne, Longview Dave Parsons, Yantis Tyson Patrick, Midland Tom Redington, Royse City Matt Reed, Madisonville Jason Reyes, Huffman Troy Roder, Brookeland Zell Rowland, Montgomery Jim Tutt, Longview Chance Woodard, Paris Gary Yamamoto, Palestine —FLW

Page 18

December 27, 2019

LoneOStar Outdoor News

LSONews.com

TEXAS SUN, MOON AND TIDES Moon Phases

First

Full

Last

New

Jan 3

Jan 10

Jan 17

Jan 24

Solunar Sun times Moon times

Houston

Dallas

2019-20 A.M. P.M. SUN MOON Dec/Jan Minor Major Minor Major Rises Sets Rises Sets

2019-20 A.M. P.M. SUN MOON Dec/Jan Minor Major Minor Major Rises Sets Rises Sets

27 Fri 28 Sat 29 Sun 30 Mon 31 Tue 01 Wed 02 Thu 03 Fri 04 Sat 05 Sun 06 Mon 07 Tue 08 Wed 09 Thu 10 Fri

27 Fri 28 Sat 29 Sun 30 Mon 31 Tue 01 Wed 02 Thu

5:56 11:39 6:53 12:40 7:49 1:37 8:42 2:30 9:32 3:21 10:18 4:08 11:01 4:51

6:23 12:10 7:19 1:06 8:13 2:01 9:05 2:53 9:53 3:42 10:39 4:28 11:21 5:11

07:27 07:28 07:28 07:28 07:28 07:29 07:29

03 Fri

11:42 5:32

-----

07:29 05:31 12:47p 12:35a

04 Sat 05 Sun 06 Mon 07 Tue 08 Wed 09 Thu 10 Fri

12:01 6:11 12:39 6:50 1:19 7:31 2:01 8:14 2:47 9:01 3:38 9:52 4:33 10:48

12:22 6:32 1:01 7:12 1:42 7:54 2:26 8:39 3:14 9:28 4:06 10:21 5:03 11:18

5:50 11:33 6:47 12:34 7:43 1:31 8:36 2:25 9:26 3:15 10:12 4:02 10:55 4:45 11:36 5:26 ----- 6:05 12:33 6:44 1:13 7:25 1:55 8:08 2:41 8:55 3:32 9:46 4:28 10:42

6:17 12:04 7:13 1:00 8:07 1:55 8:59 2:48 9:47 3:37 10:33 4:23 11:16 5:05 11:57 5:46 12:16 6:26 12:56 7:07 1:37 7:48 2:21 8:33 3:08 9:22 4:01 10:15 4:57 11:12

07:14 07:15 07:15 07:15 07:16 07:16 07:16 07:16 07:16 07:17 07:17 07:17 07:17 07:17 07:17

05:28 05:28 05:29 05:30 05:30 05:31 05:32 05:32 05:33 05:34 05:35 05:35 05:36 05:37 05:38

8:31a 7:02p 9:19a 7:59p 10:01a 8:56p 10:39a 9:51p 11:13a 10:45p 11:44a 11:37p 12:13p NoMoon 12:42p 12:29a 1:13p 1:21a 1:45p 2:15a 2:21p 3:11a 3:02p 4:10a 3:50p 5:10a 4:44p 6:11a 5:44p 7:11a

5:52

07:29 07:29 07:29 07:29 07:29 07:29 07:29

05:26 05:27 05:28 05:28 05:29 05:30 05:30 05:32 05:33 05:33 05:34 05:35 05:36 05:37

8:44a 7:01p 9:31a 7:59p 10:13a 8:57p 10:49a 9:53p 11:22a 10:48p 11:51a 11:42p 12:20p NoMoon 1:16p 1:47p 2:22p 3:02p 3:49p 4:43p 5:43p

1:29a 2:24a 3:22a 4:22a 5:23a 6:25a 7:24a

San Antonio

Amarillo

2019-20 A.M. P.M. SUN MOON Dec/Jan Minor Major Minor Major Rises Sets Rises Sets

2019-20 A.M. P.M. SUN MOON Dec/Jan Minor Major Minor Major Rises Sets Rises Sets

27 Fri 28 Sat 29 Sun 30 Mon 31 Tue 01 Wed 02 Thu 03 Fri 04 Sat 05 Sun 06 Mon 07 Tue 08 Wed 09 Thu 10 Fri

27 Fri 28 Sat 29 Sun 30 Mon 31 Tue 01 Wed 02 Thu 03 Fri 04 Sat 05 Sun 06 Mon 07 Tue 08 Wed 09 Thu 10 Fri

6:03 11:45 7:00 12:47 7:55 1:43 8:49 2:37 9:38 3:27 10:25 4:14 11:08 4:58 11:49 5:39 12:07 6:18 12:46 6:57 1:26 7:37 2:08 8:20 2:54 9:07 3:44 9:59 4:40 10:55

6:30 12:16 7:26 1:13 8:20 2:08 9:11 3:00 10:00 3:49 10:45 4:35 11:28 5:18 ----- 5:59 12:28 6:39 1:08 7:19 1:49 8:01 2:33 8:46 3:21 9:34 4:13 10:27 5:10 11:24

07:26 07:26 07:26 07:27 07:27 07:27 07:27 07:28 07:28 07:28 07:28 07:28 07:28 07:28 07:28

05:41 05:42 05:43 05:43 05:44 05:44 05:45 05:46 05:47 05:47 05:48 05:49 05:50 05:50 05:51

8:43a 7:16p 9:31a 8:13p 10:13a 9:10p 10:51a 10:05p 11:25a 10:58p 11:56a 11:50p 12:26p NoMoon 12:55p 12:42a 1:26p 1:34a 1:58p 2:28a 2:35p 3:24a 3:16p 4:22a 4:04p 5:22a 4:58p 6:23a 5:59p 7:23a

6:16 12:03 7:13 1:00 8:09 1:57 9:02 2:51 9:52 3:41 10:38 4:28 11:21 5:11 ----- 5:52 12:21 6:31 12:59 7:10 1:39 7:51 2:21 8:34 3:07 9:21 3:58 10:12 4:53 11:08

6:43 7:39 8:33 9:25 10:13 10:59 11:42 12:02 12:42 1:21 2:03 2:47 3:34 4:27 5:23

12:30 1:26 2:21 3:13 4:03 4:48 5:31 6:12 6:52 7:32 8:14 8:59 9:48 10:41 11:38

07:54 07:54 07:54 07:55 07:55 07:55 07:55 07:55 07:55 07:56 07:56 07:56 07:56 07:56 07:56

05:40 05:41 05:41 05:42 05:43 05:43 05:44 05:45 05:46 05:47 05:47 05:48 05:49 05:50 05:51

9:11a 7:15p 9:58a 8:14p 10:39a 9:13p 11:14a 10:11p 11:45a 11:07p 12:14p NoMoon 12:41p 12:02a 1:07p 12:56a 1:35p 1:51a 2:05p 2:48a 2:39p 3:47a 3:18p 4:48a 4:04p 5:50a 4:57p 6:52a 5:58p 7:52a

Legend: Major=2 hours. Minor=1 hour. Times centered on the major-minor window. For other locations, subtract 1 minute per 12 miles east of a location, and add 1 minute per 12 miles west of a location.

Sabine Pass, north Date Dec 27 Dec 28 Dec 29 Dec 30 Dec 31 Jan 1 Jan 2 Jan 3 Jan 4 Jan 5 Jan 6 Jan 7 Jan 8 Jan 9 Jan 10

Time 1:43 AM 2:02 AM 2:18 AM 11:56 AM 12:41 PM 1:31 PM 4:31 AM 4:46 AM 5:12 AM 5:42 AM 6:15 AM 6:51 AM 7:28 AM 8:08 AM 12:31 AM

Rollover Pass Height 1.17H 1.12H 1.05H -0.38L -0.18L 0.04L 0.49L 0.26L 0.02L -0.21L -0.44L -0.66L -0.84L -0.98L 1.15H

Time 9:50 AM 10:32 AM 11:13 AM 8:23 PM 9:10 PM 9:42 PM 9:05 AM 11:15 AM 12:35 PM 1:31 PM 2:14 PM 2:53 PM 3:30 PM 4:09 PM 8:50 AM

Height -0.84L -0.72L -0.57L 1.13H 1.05H 1.00H 0.56H 0.66H 0.81H 0.97H 1.12H 1.23H 1.31H 1.35H -1.07L

Time 6:02 PM 6:49 PM 7:37 PM

Height 1.35H 1.27H 1.20H

Time 10:47 PM 11:33 PM

Height 1.04L 1.01L

2:27 3:36 4:53 6:06 7:04 7:46 8:18 8:48 4:49

PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM

0.25L 0.45L 0.61L 0.73L 0.82L 0.89L 0.95L 0.98L 1.35H

10:08 10:30 10:46 10:58 11:08 11:25 11:53

0.96H 0.93H 0.91H 0.91H 0.94H 1.00H 1.07H

9:22 PM

0.99L

PM PM PM PM PM PM PM

Galveston Bay entrance, north jetty Time 1:09 AM 1:23 AM 10:43 AM 11:21 AM 11:59 AM 3:57 AM 4:26 AM 4:52 AM 5:13 AM 5:29 AM 5:51 AM 6:21 AM 6:56 AM 7:35 AM 8:16 AM

Height 1.51H 1.47H -0.72L -0.51L -0.27L 0.83L 0.62L 0.39L 0.15L -0.07L -0.30L -0.52L -0.73L -0.91L -1.04L

Time 9:27 AM 10:05 AM 7:50 PM 8:29 PM 9:10 PM 6:06 AM 9:28 AM 11:32 AM 12:42 PM 1:35 PM 2:20 PM 2:59 PM 3:36 PM 4:12 PM 4:48 PM

Height -1.04L -0.91L 1.49H 1.38H 1.28H 0.88H 0.85H 1.03H 1.26H 1.47H 1.67H 1.83H 1.97H 2.05H 2.09H

Time 6:22 PM 7:07 PM

Height 1.73H 1.60H

Time 11:07 PM

Height 1.46L

1:07 2:11 3:31 5:55 7:28

PM PM PM PM PM

0.33L 0.60L 0.84L 1.01L 1.10L

9:05 PM 9:30 PM 9:47 PM 9:56 PM 10:03 PM

1.44H 1.34H 1.26H 1.21H 1.18H

Height -0.61L -0.50L -0.36L -0.21L -0.04L 0.25L 0.56L 0.38L 0.19L -0.02L -0.22L -0.41L -0.59L -0.74L -0.84L

Time 6:05 PM 6:46 PM 7:28 PM 8:08 PM 8:47 PM 8:48 PM 8:29 AM 10:42 AM 12:31 PM 1:37 PM 2:25 PM 3:07 PM 3:48 PM 4:30 PM 5:12 PM

Height 1.66H 1.55H 1.44H 1.34H 1.24H 1.20H 0.69H 0.80H 0.99H 1.21H 1.40H 1.56H 1.68H 1.75H 1.78H

Time

Height

Time 9:21 AM 10:00 AM 10:40 AM 11:20 AM 12:03 PM 12:39 PM 4:42 AM 4:50 AM 5:05 AM 5:26 AM 5:52 AM 6:24 AM 6:59 AM 7:38 AM 8:21 AM

1:28 PM 3:01 PM 5:59 PM

0.48L 0.71L 0.87L

Time

Height

Time

9:07 PM 9:23 PM 9:32 PM

Height

1.11H 1.02H 0.96H

Port O’Connor Date Dec 27 Dec 28 Dec 29 Dec 30 Dec 31 Jan 1 Jan 2 Jan 3 Jan 4 Jan 5 Jan 6 Jan 7 Jan 8 Jan 9 Jan 10

Time 12:23 PM 12:52 AM 1:29 AM 1:40 AM 1:31 AM 1:12 AM 12:20 AM 9:18 AM 8:18 AM 8:19 AM 8:37 AM 9:08 AM 9:49 AM 10:36 AM 11:24 AM

Time 2:49 AM 3:37 AM 4:16 AM 4:36 AM 4:23 AM 3:02 AM 2:49 AM 2:40 AM 1:30 AM 12:41 AM 12:19 AM 12:10 AM 12:37 AM 1:23 AM 2:17 AM

Date Dec 27 Dec 28 Dec 29 Dec 30 Dec 31 Jan 1 Jan 2 Jan 3 Jan 4 Jan 5 Jan 6 Jan 7 Jan 8 Jan 9 Jan 10

Time 10:02 AM 10:43 AM 11:23 AM 12:01 PM 12:38 PM 1:15 PM 1:47 PM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:12 AM 6:34 AM 7:05 AM 7:41 AM 8:21 AM 9:05 AM

Height -0.57L -0.48L -0.36L -0.23L -0.10L 0.02L 0.17L 0.17L 0.01L -0.15L -0.32L -0.48L -0.61L -0.71L -0.77L

Time

Height

2:38 PM 3:18 PM 3:48 PM 4:05 PM 4:19 PM 4:28 PM 9:11 AM 9:28 AM 9:50 AM 10:18 AM 10:51 AM 10:11 PM 11:11 PM

-0.47L -0.36L -0.23L -0.11L -0.07L 0.06L 0.08L -0.08L -0.24L -0.40L -0.54L 0.91H 0.97H

Time 7:14 PM 8:05 PM 8:50 PM 9:21 PM 9:51 PM 10:04 PM 10:11 PM 12:03 PM 10:11 PM 3:34 PM 4:03 PM 4:37 PM 5:15 PM 5:55 PM 6:40 PM

Height 0.99H 0.90H 0.82H 0.76H 0.71H 0.66H 0.63H 0.34H 0.59H 0.63H 0.76H 0.87H 0.93H 0.96H 0.94H

Time

Height

Time

Height

1:31 PM

0.24H

4:38 PM

0.21L

9:20 PM

0.82H

Time

Height

Time

Height

2:15 PM

0.32L

10:12 PM

0.61H

7:46 PM

0.57L

10:13 PM

0.60H

Date Dec 27 Dec 28 Dec 29 Dec 30 Dec 31 Jan 1 Jan 2 Jan 3 Jan 4 Jan 5 Jan 6 Jan 7 Jan 8 Jan 9 Jan 10

Time 12:01 PM 12:09 AM 1:34 AM 2:15 AM 2:17 AM 2:00 PM 7:57 AM 7:35 AM 7:34 AM 7:42 AM 8:01 AM 8:31 AM 9:11 AM 10:01 AM 10:55 AM

Height -0.07L 0.47H 0.44H 0.40H 0.36H 0.18L 0.20 0.15L 0.11L 0.07L 0.04L 0.01L -0.02L -0.05L -0.06L

Time

Height

Time

Height

12:47 PM 1:29 PM 2:06 PM 2:28 PM 10:30 PM 10:39 PM 10:46 PM 10:41 PM 10:06 PM 9:06 PM 9:12 PM 9:45 PM 10:31 PM

-0.03L 0.02L 0.08L 0.14L 0.36H 0.37H 0.38H 0.38H 0.39H 0.41H 0.43H 0.45H 0.46H

Height -0.22L -0.13L -0.02L 0.10L 0.22L 0.34L 0.48L 0.54L 0.37L 0.21L 0.05L -0.08L -0.18L -0.25L -0.27L

Time 9:13 PM 10:05 PM 10:53 PM 11:33 PM 9:34 PM 9:32 PM 9:04 PM 11:00 AM 9:34 PM 4:10 PM 4:36 PM 5:22 PM 6:34 PM 7:49 PM 8:54 PM

Height 1.15H 1.09H 1.01H 0.92H 0.87H 0.84H 0.83H 0.65H 0.88H 0.89H 0.99H 1.06H 1.12H 1.16H 1.17H

Height -0.74L -0.58L -0.37L -0.13L 0.12L 0.15L 0.36L 0.41L 0.20L -0.01L -0.21L -0.39L -0.55L -0.67L -0.75L

Time 7:00 PM 7:41 PM 8:14 PM 8:37 PM 8:55 PM 9:05 PM 9:04 PM 10:49 AM 8:52 PM 3:02 PM 3:46 PM 4:32 PM 5:20 PM 6:11 PM 7:04 PM

Height 1.63H 1.58H 1.52H 1.45H 1.36H 0.98H 0.91H 0.61H 0.86H 0.97H 1.13H 1.25H 1.35H 1.41H 1.43H

10:37 PM

Time

Height

0.34H

Port Aransas Height -0.23L 0.87H 0.84H 0.78H 0.72H 0.66H 0.61H 0.28L 0.20L 0.11L 0.03L -0.05L -0.14L -0.21L -0.28L

Time

Height

1:06 PM 1:46 PM 2:21 PM 2:45 PM 2:45 PM 1:25 PM 10:36 PM 9:53 PM 9:22 PM 9:13 PM 9:27 PM 10:02 PM 10:57 PM

-0.19L -0.13L -0.04L 0.06L 0.17L 0.26L 0.59H 0.63H 0.69H 0.75H 0.82H 0.88H 0.93H

Time 3:49 PM 4:48 PM 5:41 PM 6:28 PM 7:10 PM 7:38 PM 9:28 AM 9:59 AM 10:26 AM 10:51 AM 11:16 AM 11:48 AM 12:29 PM 1:22 PM 2:24 PM

Height -0.51L -0.51L -0.48L -0.44L -0.37L -0.28L -0.14L -0.24L -0.34L -0.42L -0.49L -0.55L -0.61L -0.65L -0.68L

11:23 PM

Time

Height

0.59H

Nueces Bay Date Dec 27 Dec 28 Dec 29 Dec 30 Dec 31 Jan 1 Jan 2 Jan 3 Jan 4 Jan 5 Jan 6 Jan 7 Jan 8 Jan 9 Jan 10

San Luis Pass

Height -0.55L 1.18H 1.11H 1.03H 0.95H 0.83H 0.80H 0.79H 0.78H 0.76H 0.75H 0.76H -0.65 -0.74L -0.79L

East Matagorda

Freeport Harbor Date Dec 27 Dec 28 Dec 29 Dec 30 Dec 31 Jan 1 Jan 2 Jan 3 Jan 4 Jan 5 Jan 6 Jan 7 Jan 8 Jan 9 Jan 10

Time 1:52 PM 12:30 AM 1:14 AM 1:39 AM 1:35 AM 1:25 AM 1:04 AM 12:58 AM 1:06 AM 1:21 AM 1:40 AM 1:59 AM 11:30 AM 12:14 PM 1:01 PM

Date Dec 27 Dec 28 Dec 29 Dec 30 Dec 31 Jan 1 Jan 2 Jan 3 Jan 4 Jan 5 Jan 6 Jan 7 Jan 8 Jan 9 Jan 10

Time 9:48 AM 10:33 AM 11:15 AM 11:51 AM 12:19 PM 12:45 PM 1:04 PM 4:55 AM 5:03 AM 5:33 AM 6:06 AM 6:39 AM 7:15 AM 7:53 AM 8:35 AM

Time

Height

Time

Height

1:26 PM

0.61L

9:12 PM

0.86H

6:39 PM 7:45 PM

0.85L 0.93L

9:56 PM 10:13 PM

0.91H 0.95H

Time

Height

Time

Height

1:51 PM

0.57L

9:02 PM

0.87H

South Padre Island Height 0.30H 0.27H 0.22H 0.16H 0.10H 0.06H 0.04H 0.03H 0.04H 0.09H 0.15H 0.21H 0.25H 0.28H 0.30H

Time

2:26 PM

Height

-0.10H

Time

7:20 PM

Height

-0.17L

Date Dec 27 Dec 28 Dec 29 Dec 30 Dec 31 Jan 1 Jan 2 Jan 3 Jan 4 Jan 5 Jan 6 Jan 7 Jan 8 Jan 9 Jan 10

Time 9:13 AM 9:55 AM 10:36 AM 11:14 AM 11:50 AM 12:31 PM 1:10 PM 4:17 AM 4:21 AM 4:46 AM 5:20 AM 5:59 AM 6:41 AM 7:25 AM 8:12 AM

Texas Coast Tides

Date Dec 27 Dec 28 Dec 29 Dec 30 Dec 31 Jan 1 Jan 2 Jan 3 Jan 4 Jan 5 Jan 6 Jan 7 Jan 8 Jan 9 Jan 10

Date Dec 27 Dec 28 Dec 29 Dec 30 Dec 31 Jan 1 Jan 2 Jan 3 Jan 4 Jan 5 Jan 6 Jan 7 Jan 8 Jan 9 Jan 10

LSONews.com

LoneOStar Outdoor News

December 27, 2019

Page 19

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HUNTING TRUCK OR MAKE INTO TOP DRIVE 2005 GMC Yukon XL 4-Wheel drive. Leather seats, loaded 70K miles on engine, 230K miles on truck. $5,500. Ask for David (214) 361-2276

ANTLERS WANTED Buying all species, all conditions.

Looking for large quantities. Call Del: (830) 997-2263

WANTED: HOUSE BOAT In search of house boat.

36 foot Gibson or similar in good condition.

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DECOYS WANTED WOODEN Duck and Goose. Top prices paid.

Ask for David.

(214) 361-2276

For home or office delivery, go to LSONews.com, or call (214) 361-2276, or send a check or money order to the address below.

Lone Star Outdoor News, ISSN 21628300, a publication of Lone Star Outdoor News, LLC, publishes twice a month.

A mailed subscription is $35 for 24 issues. Newsstand copies are $3, in certain markets copies are free, one per person.

Copyright 2019 with all rights reserved.

Reproduction and/or use of any photographic or written material without written permission by the publisher is prohibited.

Subscribers may send address changes to: Lone Star Outdoor News, P.O. Box 551695, Dallas, TX 75355 or email them to news@lonestaroutdoornews.com.

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$1

(PER WORD)

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Managing Editor

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Design Editor

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Associate Editor

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Accounting

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Website

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National Advertising Mike Nelson

PART TIME DELIVERY JOB 2 days a month Text Paul: (361) 877-6028

CLASSIFIEDS

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ADD A PHOTO/LOGO $25 ALL BOLD LETTERS $15 2 ISSUE MINIMUM

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DATEBOOK DECEMBER 28-29

JANUARY 11-12

JANUARY 24-26

JANUARY 2

JANUARY 12-14

FEBRUARY 1

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JANUARY 3-5

Austin Boat and Travel Trailer Show 47th Annual Show Austin Convention Center (512) 494-1128 austinboatshow.com

JANUARY 8

Weatherby Foundation Weatherby Award Dinner Omni Dallas (866) 934-3976 weatherbyfoundation.com

JANUARY 9-12

Dallas Safari Club DSC Convention and Sporting Expo Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center biggame.org

JANUARY 11

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Silver Spur Trade Shows Gun and Blade Show City Coliseum, San Angelo silverspurgunshows.com Stewards of the Wild Dallas Chapter Bucksnag Duck Hunt Bucksnag Hunting Club, Garwood tpwf.org/SOTW

JANUARY 16-18

Wild Sheep Foundation Sheep Show Reno wildsheepfoundation.org

JANUARY 17-18

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JANUARY 18

Delta Waterfowl RGV Banquet Harlingen Convention Center (956) 341-7523 deltawaterfowl.org

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FEBRUARY 1-9

All Valley Boat Show McAllen Convention Center (866) 639-9840 allvalleyboatshow.com

FEBRUARY 7

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Victoria Banquet (361) 649-4751 rmef.org National Wild Turkey Federation Cross Timbers Banquet Decatur Civic Center (803) 555-1212 nwtf.org Ducks Unlimited Rusk County Dinner Rusk County Expo Center, Henderson (903) 657-5790 ducks.org

FEBRUARY 8

National Wild Turkey Federation Houston Banquet Houston Distributing Company (713) 515-7796 nwtf.org

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JANUARY 20

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Delta Waterfowl Leon County Banquet Leon County Expo Center, Buffalo (903) 388-4705 deltawaterfowl.org

Puzzle solution from Page 16

Page 20

December 27, 2019

LoneOStar Outdoor News

LSONews.com

THERE ARE 6 MILLION FERAL HOGS IN AMERICA.

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