Lone Star Outdoor News 022621 by Lone Star Outdoor News

Predator hunting annual inside Texas’ Largest Hunting and Fishing Newspaper Since 2004

February 26, 2021

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Volume 17, Issue 13

Arctic freeze stuns coast By Craig Nyhus

Lone Star Outdoor News

Some areas escaped major fish kills, others hit hard

The rare, extended freeze beginning around Valentine’s Day reached the Texas coast, causing guides, anglers and biologists to worry about the fish in Texas

bays. The overall result of fish kills is yet to be determined, partially because the bigger fish, especially speckled trout, tend to sink or stay on the bottom, and it can take days for them to float to the surface, if at all.

Water temperatures are a key factor, and Dr. Greg Stunz of the Harte Research Institute said when the water drops below 45 degrees, they worry about speckled trout. Below 40 degrees, they start to worry about redfish. And, he said if water

Speckled trout washed ashore, dying as a result of cold water temperatures, and froze on the shoreline. Photo by TPWD.

Please turn to page 11

The Texas tundra

Jason Selgert ice fishes for bass on the Pedernales River near Lake Travis during the freeze event that took place during the third week of February. Photo from Jason Selgert.

Ice fishing for bass? By Nate Skinner

For Lone Star Outdoor News Frigid temperatures, ice, and tough conditions greeted bass anglers to kick off the second half of February. Those willing to brave the elements found sparse action; however, the strikes they were

able to coax from lethargic fish under the given challenges were rewarding. After all, it’s not every day that you can pursue Texas bass in the middle of an Arctic storm, let alone go ice-fishing for them. Austin-area angler and newly established Central Texas fishing guide, Jason Selgert, jumped at the opportunity to target bass

under the ice along the Pedernales River near Lake Travis during the winter storm that plagued the state. “I was fishing in about 8 feet of water and there was a pretty thick layer of ice on the surface in certain stretches,” he said. “I figured I would pop a couple of holes in the ice and give it a shot.” Despite how picturesque the

scene was, Selgert was unable to find any fish beneath the ice that were willing to feed. Right before the heart of the freeze, Selgert spent many hours chasing bass on Lake Travis, Lake LBJ, Lake Austin, Decker Lake and Lady Bird Lake. “To be honest, the fishing on these Central Texas lakes has been pretty tough lately, especially with

the rapidly changing conditions,” Selgert admitted. “I haven’t really been seeing any signs of the spawn on these bodies of water. I did notice some pre-spawn activity on the south side of Lady Bird Lake up Barton Creek where the bass were staging near beds. This pre-spawn activity may have had to do with the fact that the water in the creek was warmer Please turn to page 13

Mortality in Rolling Plains isolated By Dr. Dale Rollins

Last week’s record snow and cold temperatures caused angst among those of us who are concerned

mortality events.” Concerns escalated after a report from Stonewall County where two coveys of bobwhites were found dead on hay piles on Feb. 17. But after canvassing the “quail trapline” of landowners and biologists, it turns out the Stonewall County inBobwhite quail handled the record low temperatures and snow cident was an isolated one. fairly well, according to ranchers. Photo by Larry Gabel. Otherwise, the snow events Please turn to page 6

CONTENTS

Time Sensitive Material • Deliver ASAP

Rolling Plains Quail Research Foundation

about our struggling quail population. Whenever we have a significant (more than 2 days) snowfall event, concerned “Students of Quail” inquire as to how such weather may have impacted their quail. Last Monday, after much of the Rolling Plains received 5 to 12 inches of snow, questions arose about “mass

Freshwater Fishing Report . Page 10

HUNTING

FISHING

Game Warden Blotter . . . . Page 12

Exotics and storm (P. 4)

Offshore wahoo, more (P. 8)

Many axis, blackbuck don’t survive.

Fishing good, weather permitting.

Dying dove (P. 4)

Ivie 16 pounder (P. 8)

Birds can’t weather extended cold.

Four big bass landed.

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INSIDE

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PLANO, TX PERMIT 210

Quail fare well during, following storms

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February 26, 2021

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February 26, 2021

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HUNTING

Rare opportunity

Exotics struggle in cold

Benji Leal took this bison with a crossbow during blizzard-like conditions in Texas. Photo by Wes Mundy.

Bison hunt in blizzard By Nate Skinner

For Lone Star Outdoor News It’s a rare opportunity to pursue an iconic animal with deep historical roots like a bison, especially in extreme, historical weather conditions. That’s exactly what Benji Leal did. He harvested a bison with his crossbow on a ranch in Gillespie County during a winter storm unlike any that most Texans have experienced. Leal was guided by outfitter Wes Mundy, owner and operator of Double Diamond Outfitters. Mundy had spotted the bison on the ranch they were hunting about a week prior and had an idea of where they should start their spot-and-stalk efforts. “We delayed our hunt a little bit that day, and decided not to begin first thing in the morning due to the weather,” Mundy said. “There was a layer of ice over everything by the time we got started.” Leal said it was a pretty neat hunt right from the get-go. “As we were driving up a hill at the ranch to start looking for the bison, snow flurries started falling,” he explained. “We were literally starting our hunt by trekking into the snow. It’s not often that you get to hunt bison in true blizzard conditions.” Mundy said it was the type of scene that comes to mind when you think about hunting bison in Montana or the Dakotas, not Texas. “We initially found him in a snow-covered pasture about 800 to 1,000 yards away and began our stalk,” Mundy said. “The conditions were definitely less than ideal for stalking up on an animal. The ice crunched under our feet with every step, and although we didn’t push him, it was evident he could hear us as we approached. It was just incredibly hard to be stealthy in those conditions.” Leal and Mundy did their best to keep vegetation and trees between themselves and the bison as they stalked closer. They finally were able to get within 40 yards of the bison without him taking off. “With as much noise as it took to cover the ground necessary to get within crossbow range, the bison was pretty spooky,” Mundy said. “This made getting an ideal shot opportunity difficult, as he never would quite turn broadside to be in the perfect position.” Leal finally took the window of opportunity he was given, and stepped out from behind the tree he was hiding behind and took a shot. “It was a good shot for the opportunity he was given, but it didn’t happen the way we had intended it to,” Mundy said. “The result was a long tracking job before we recovered him.” Leal and Mundy ended up tracking the bison more than a halfmile before another shot opportunity presented itself, allowing Leal to recover the animal. “We would get close to him, but because it was hard to be stealthy with the icy conditions, he wouldn’t present a shot opportunity,” Mundy said. “This went on for a while and happened several times. The whole time we had our eyes scanning the terrain ahead of us, making sure that we weren’t about to walk right up on him. Bison have a tendency to charge when they are injured and cornered, and above everything else, safety was our priority.” They finally pushed the bison down into a bottom where they were able to sneak in close to him. “We got within about 25 to 30 yards from him and a better shot finally came,” Mundy said. “Leal made a great shot and was able to put him down.” Leal said it was an exciting hunt made even more adventurous by the conditions, and one he will never forget.

Exotics were hauled off of Texas ranches after perishing from cold temperatures. Photo by Charley Seale.

Ranchers suffer huge losses By Craig Nyhus

Lone Star Outdoor News The big freeze that descended on Texas caused devastating losses for many ranchers and landowners who have exotic species on their properties. On Feb. 20, Charley Seale, the executive director of the Exotic Wildlife Association, said, “I just got done loading 40 dead axis and 20 dead blackbuck.”

Seale said he has been receiving similar reports regarding axis and blackbuck, along with reports of losses of kudu and bongos. “One guy lost two giraffes,” he said. “And the wildebeest had a hard time.” Although many of the exotic species are equipped to handle the Texas heat, they aren’t equipped to handle a 100-year, extended freeze. “Axis and blackbuck only retain about 10 percent of their body fat,” Seale said. “Whitetails will retain 30 percent. And the exotics

don’t have hollow hairs like the whitetail to insulate them.” Ranchers scrambled to keep water sources open and increase feed for the animals. “Often, it doesn’t matter how much hay and feed you have out for them,” Seale said. “They just can’t handle something like this.” The devastating losses probably aren’t over. “We will lose more,” Seale said. “Several of the animals have pneumonia. We can put antibiotics in the feed, but I think many are too weak to make it.”

Storm claims mourning dove, other birds By Craig Nyhus

Lone Star Outdoor News The February cold snap resulted in reports of mourning dove and other songbirds being found dead on ranches in West Texas. Justin Hill, a dove outfitter, noticed dead birds while observing property near Haskell. “There are dead dove all over the place,” he said. Owen Fitzsimmons, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s webless migratory bird program leader, said he wasn’t surprised at the reports. “I’ve even found a few frozen birds myself this week,” Fitzsimmons said. “This was an extremely severe winter storm coming off a few weeks of warm, sunny weather. I pretty much assumed winter was over and I’m sure most of the wildlife did, too.” Fitzsimmons said he had been seeing migrant birds in his yard in San Marcos, along with the dove

that spent the winter there. While some might think the birds would just head south as the storm developed, he said it’s not that simple. “In October, yes, they would just head to Mexico,” he said. “In February, no. Migration is very instinctive, and this is the time of year birds are moving north. Heading hundreds of miles in the opposite direction probably just wasn’t in the instinctual playbook.” Fitzsimmons also said the birds may not have had the energy reserves to go far. “I’m sure many birds did try to flee somewhere, but this was a big storm and most were likely caught no matter where they went,” he said. Access to food is crucial for dove and other seed-eating songbirds, partially to stay warm. “They generate heat through metabolization of food, which means they burn a ton of energy Please turn to page 6

Mourning dove in parts of the state couldn’t survive the extended cold period and the inability to reach food due to the snow cover. Photo by Lone Star Outdoor News.

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Success for DSC’s virtual event

February 26, 2021

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Hardin receives national NWTF award

From Feb. 10–14, Dallas Safari Club held its first-ever virtual online event. Thanks to support from around the world, the 2021 Convention Reflections exceeded expectations and allowed the conservation community to join in support of the DSC mission safely in the digital world. After several pivots and adjustments throughout 2020, DSC had been planning for an in-person Convention when the City of Dallas made the decision in December 2020 not to allow the event for February. With a little over eight weeks to prepare, DSC pivoted once again to bring a virtual experience to the conservation community. “When you do an event of this scale for the first time in the digital Photo by Lone Star Outdoor News space, you always stay cautiously optimistic,” said Corey Mason, DSC executive director. “But seeing how all our donors, exhibitor partners, sponsors, members and staff embraced the new platform really showed the true dedication of this community.” Amy Callender, DSC’s incoming president, added, “This extraordinary support from the conservation community encourages us to tackle our mission of conservation, education, and advocacy with recharged enthusiasm in 2021.” —DSC

Jason Hardin, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Wild Turkey Program leader, was awarded the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Henry S. Mosby Award for his significant role in the restoration of the eastern wild turkey in East Texas. “It is an honor to be considered for the Henry S. Mosby Award and a real surprise to actually receive it,” Hardin said. “The NWTF Technical Committee has allowed me the opportunity to work with wildlife biologists from across the country with responsibilities for the wild turkey, and I have gained much more from those experiences than I can ever give back.” Hardin accepted the Henry S. Mosby Award during the NWTF Convention and Sport Show, held Jason Hardin virtually in 2021. Hardin joined TPWD as an upland game bird specialist in 2007. In 2013, Hardin, TWPD staff and NWTF biologists began evaluating potential release sites to reintroduce the eastern wild turkey. Since then, as a result of successful super stockings, or releases of large numbers of trapped and transferred wild turkeys, at 13 release sites, the effort has led to the release of more than 1,300 eastern and Rio Grande wild turkeys. —NWTF

Dusek joins Schooler Associates Aaron Dusek, the former vice president of sales for TRUGLO, Inc., joined Schooler Associates as director of sales to lead, develop, and implement growth and expansion strategies. “Aaron’s previous experience provides practical knowledge to develop and implement growth strategies across all channels of trade within the outdoor space,” said Kevin Roberson, partner at Schooler Associates. Dusek has managed sales teams nationwide and has played a critical role in developing sales channels for new brands including advising on product development and implementation. Schooler Associates is a manufacturer’s representative agency covering the TALO (Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma) states for the outdoor sports industry.

Aaron Dusek

—Staff report

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February 26, 2021

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Davis to lead DBC Kevin Davis was named the new chief executive officer of Deer Breeders Corp. Davis had a lengthy career in law enforcement with the Texas Parks and Widlife Department. He spent six years as captain in Llano where he supervised game wardens stationed in the Texas Hill Country. During that time, he was also tasked with developing the K-9 program for the Law Enforcement Division. In 2013, he was promoted to assistant commander over Wildlife Law Administration and worked diligently to improve the working relationship between TPWD and the deer breeding industry. Kevin Davis In 2014, Davis created a survey to provide data on the status of the relationship between game wardens and deer breeders. The results showed three areas where wardens and deer breeders shared common ground: A better relationship, more consistency, and more training. Davis then worked with leadership at TPWD and within the industry to provide the things that everyone wanted. As the relationship improved so did compliance. He retired from TPWD in August of 2020 at the rank of Assistant Director of Law Enforcement. —DBC

Bobwhites weather storm Continued from page 1

were not a serious issue for quail. Almost all who replied reported observing quail in apparently good health with no obvious signs of a die-off. One reporter’s bird dog retrieved one dead and another “very skinny” blue quail on his lease in Crane County. The RPQRF has three projects where quail wear radio transmitters and permit continuous, real-time surveillance of bobwhites (Fisher and Erath counties) and scaled quail (Kent County). None of the three sites experienced anything more than “normal” mortality. At the Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch in Fisher County, none of this season’s four snow events have caused more than a “blip” in our survivorship curves for October to January. That’s good news as our winter survival to date has been “good.” We hope that continues into April so we can enter the breeding season with decent abundance of breeding birds. Snowfall at our latitude (think about US 180 as a guide) rarely lasts more than a couple of days, but there are exceptions, including last week’s storm. Our worst-case scenario is a snowfall event preceded by an ice storm followed by three days or more of subfreezing temperatures (as occurred in Jan. 1983 or Dec. 1983). The rare ice storm we endured during late October last year was significant but was gone three days later. Snowstorms can increase mortality in two ways: hypothermia (as a result of low food intake and low temperatures), and increased predation (especially from raptors).

A “fat” bobwhite can endure short periods (three to five days) of such weather nutritionally-speaking, but any kind of white backdrop increases their vulnerability to raptors. Quail (and wild turkey) are considered “rasorial” birds, meaning they scratch the ground to find seeds. But most songbirds (including dove) are “pickers’ not “scratchers,” so a snow or ice storm makes seeds unavailable to them. It turned out the wintry weather had a greater impact on various migratory birds, including doves, songbirds and waterfowl. Robert Joe Jackson reported from near Caddo (Stephens County), “We don’t have many quail left in our county, but we are seeing many dead birds — the dove population is going to be hurt. There are many that only get up and fly a few feet and go back down.” Bob Richardson, of Aspermont, reported the quail mortality (28 bobwhites) plus an additional 24 mourning dove, 17 mountain bluebirds and “two and one-half buckets” of native sparrows during his rounds after the storm. Many landowners were busy spreading milo or filling feeders to compensate for the weather. Larry Gabel has a feeder per 100 acres on his lease in Borden County; he reports the cost of keeping them filled yearround to be $1.50/acre. Quail tracks were awash in a photo he sent to me last week. Updates will be posted at RPQRF’s site, quailresearch.org.

Losing dove Continued from page 4

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trying to stay warm,” Fitzsimmons said. “With temps as low as they were, it doesn’t take but a day or two without food to freeze to death.” Finding food and water are another problem, as the seed-eating birds can’t scratch through the snow. “When it snows and ices like this, which is why they migrate from northern latitudes to begin with, many birds just ran out of energy to stay warm,” Fitzsimmons said. “This was one of those unpredictable severe weather events that comes along every decade or two and catches wildlife (and people) off-guard.” Fitzsimmons said the losses probably won’t affect this fall’s hunting season. “Any losses will likely be quickly offset as birds start breeding,” he said. “There could be some local impacts in hard-hit areas.”

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February 26, 2021

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February 26, 2021

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FISHING

Wahoo, swordfish and tuna providing big pulls

Brittani Skero, left, and Joey Schiller caught this large wahoo while trolling offshore out of Freeport. Photo from Joey Schiller.

By Nate Skinner

For Lone Star Outdoor News It’s the time of year when the Gulf of Mexico affords quality catches for those able to make it out into her deep, blue waters. The limiting factor for anglers trying to cash in, though, is the weather. Folks that have been able to break free during periods of safe, navigable conditions have been tangling with plenty of wahoo and swordfish, as well as yellowfin and

blackfin tuna. Offshore tournament angler Capt. Ryan Warhola runs a 47 Freeman for a private operation and recently had a banner two-day trip for wahoo. He and his crew landed 42 wahoo while trolling anywhere from 113-180 miles south-southeast of Galveston Island. “We are competing in the Winter Wahoo Championship tournament, so we were primarily targeting big fish,” Warhola explained. “We kept what we wanted to eat

and enter into the tournament, and released the rest.” Most of their hook-ups came while trolling a variety of diving baits and ballyhoo rigged on skirts over rock piles, wrecks, and other various structures in 140-200 feet of water. “We’ve been catching wahoo pretty consistently on both hard baits and skirts,” he said. “During cloudy conditions, darker color patterns have been more productive. On sunny days with clear

skies, light colors have been the ticket.” A couple of factors have helped Warhola stay on the wahoo this month. “Bait and water temperature are very important,” he said. “I prefer to target areas that are 70 degrees and above with lots of bait balls throughout the water column.” Most of the fish Warhola and his team have been catching have been in the 25-50 pound range. He indicates that wahoo of similar

size seem to be schooled together. “We have landed three wahoo over 60 pounds this season,” he said. “So far we’ve caught a 77-pounder, a 75-pounder, and a 62-pound wahoo. The larger wahoo seem be traveling in smaller packs. I’m not catching them in areas where I’m marking giant schools of fish. I’m finding them in areas off the beaten path where there are concentrations of bait.” Warhola noticed once he hooks up with a large wahoo topping Please turn to page 13

O.H. Ivie giants

Limb-lining soap chunks for blue cats By Robert Sloan

For Lone Star Outdoor News There is something special about pulling on a baited catfish line and feeling a fish tug back. Not only is it fun, it’s a way to put some cold-water catfish on the dinner table. And some anglers have been using soap to land them for decades. “We’ve been doing it for years, and feeling that tug on the end of a line never gets old,” said Dodd Coffey, who has been chasing catfish all over Texas for more than 50 years. “Catching catfish is just clean good fun to have on a lake, river or creek.”

On the Guadalupe River, Coffey said he catches a lot of blue catfish along with channel cats and flatheads. But when the water is really cold, the blue cats seem to be most active. February, March and April are three of the better months to be running lines. “Right now, the Guadalupe River down below our house is running real clear, and low,” he said. “That’s when it’s time to get out the throw lines and bait ‘em up.” Not just any bait will work when the river is low and clear. Coffey has been using Zote brand soap for decades to catch river cats. And it’s also a good way to Please turn to page 16

Lone Star Outdoor News

Dodd Coffey fishes from the banks of rivers for winter blue catfish, using soap as bait. Photos by Robert Sloan, for Lone Star Outdoor News.

Trucks and boats may be headed west after news of catches at O.H. Ivie Reservoir. A lake record largemouth, a lake record smallmouth and another 13-plus pounder came to the scales in mid-February. Joe McKay, of Bussey, Iowa, caught a 16.4-pound largemouth, a pending lake record, on Feb. 19. The fish was weighed at Elm Creek R.V. & Campgrounds. On Feb. 21, Josh Jones landed a 13.2-pound largemouth. Jones said he also caught a 10.5-pounder and several over 8 pounds, all using swimbaits and an Alabama rig, and on Feb. 23, Donald Burks brought in a 13.4-pounder to Elm Creek. Joe McKay caught this 16.4-pound bass from O.H. On Feb. 22, Joe Dogg reported Ivie Reservoir, a pending lake record. Photo from a catch of a 6.25-pound small- TPWD. mouth on O. H. Ivie that was 20.75-inches long. The fish would be a pending lake record when confirmed. Given comments on fishing forums and social media, it makes sense why big catches from the West Texas reservoir are kept quiet. Immediately after McKay’s catch hit the wires, commenters questioned the size of the fish. Elm Creek responded that “TPWD came in and checked out our scale....all good,” and asked people to keep their social media comments civil.

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February 26, 2021

Drift-fishing East Matagorda Bay

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Made i n U SA

By Robert Sloan

For Lone Star Outdoor News On many Texas bays, wading is the “in” thing, but over the past couple of decades more and more anglers are staying in the boat and fishing lures and live baits for trout and reds while drifting. Drift-fishing on East Matagorda Bay is popular during the winter months, especially when the water is as cold as it is now. “It’s a good way to cover lots of water and in most situations a great way to box more fish,” said East Matagorda Bay guide Gary Mach. “I’ve been fishing on this bay for over 20 years. Not so long ago, everybody was into wade-fishing, thinking that it was the best way to catch big trout. And it is a good tactic. But over the past several years, I’ve started doing a lot more drift-fishing trips. And during that time we’ve caught some really nice trout, fish in the 29- to 30inch range.” Other guides on this popular mid-coast bay say the same thing. Long-time guide Charlie Paradoski said he used to do almost all wade-fishing trips. But now, about 50 Some anglers prefer to cover more water by driftpercent of his trips are spent drift-fishing fishing for winter speckled trout, rather than wadein a boat, because that’s what a lot of cus- fishing. Photo by Robert Sloan, for Lone Star Outdoor tomers request, especially when the water News. is cold. Most of the drift-fishing on East Matagorda Bay is in 3-1/2 to 5 feet of water. “This bay doesn’t have a lot of deep water like you’ll find on other bays,” Mach said. “And a whole lot of the bottom is a mix of mud and shell. Some days the best bite will be in 4 feet of water. But on other days it’ll be in 5 feet of water. Sometimes just one or two feet of water depth can make a big difference in how many fish we box. But once we establish some sort of a pattern, that’s what we stick with until it slows down.” Mach said there are a few advantages to drifting. “You have the opportunity to cover a lot water, and that saves a lot of time, as opposed to a slow wade,” he said. “Once you begin, you’ll find that some areas are definitely better than other spots. It’s very important to mark the hot spots on your depth finder. That way you collect a lot of proven places to fish.” Mach uses either live shrimp or lures while drift-fishing. His favorite artificial bait is a MirrOlure Lil John that’s either 3 or 4 inches long behind a popping cork. The Lil John is a tube-shaped lure with a pointed tail. Its shape delivers a lot of darting action. He’ll also fish Down South plastics with the top two colors being white or chartreuse. “Some of my better colors are white, clear/sparkle, purple and plum,” Mach said. “I’ll be fishing them on a 30-pound test leader that’s 3-1/2 to 4 feet long. During the winter months, when reds and trout can be a little lethargic, I like to fish the Lil John on a slow fall with a 1/8-ounce jig head. During the summer months I’ll rig them on 1/4-ounce heads.” With live shrimp, he rigs them on a No. 3 Kahle hook or a No. 6 treble hook if the shrimp are small. “The best size shrimp is 3 to 4 inches long,” Mach said. “We’ll either be free-lining the shrimp or fishing them with a small split shot.”

Marinas damaged from snowfall The weight of snowfall caused damage at marinas on two East Texas lakes. At Lake O’ the Pines, Bullfrog Marina had one of its two awnings collapse on Feb. 17, causing the awning to land on top of about 40 boats sheltered underneath. No sunken boats were reported as a result of the collapse, but two house boats tipped over. At Caddo Lake, a boat awning collapsed at Shady Glade Resort, collapsing onto five barges that were sheltered underneath. Two of the barges belonged to the resort. —Staff report

RAINBOW TROUT STOCKING ASCARATE LAKE EL PASO Mar. 2

BEAL PARK LAKE

TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT STOCKS THOUSANDS OF RAINBOW TROUT IN 185 PONDS, LAKES AND RIVERS. SOME OF THE FAVORITES ARE: (DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER)

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FRONTIER PARK POND PROSPER Mar. 7

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TEXAS FRESHWATER FISHING REPORT ALAN HENRY: Water clear; 47 degrees; 4.70’ low. Largemouth bass are fair to slow in the timber on crankbaits, spinner baits and plastic worms. Crappie are fair on jigs. Catfish are fair on live bait, cut bait and stink bait. AMISTAD: Water lightly stained; 59 degrees; 43.97’ low. Largemouth bass are fair to slow on lipless and square-billed crankbaits and Carolina rigs. Catfish are fair on deep points on chicken livers and stink bait dough balls. ARLINGTON: Water lightly stained; 52 degrees; 3.95’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are slow. Catfish are slow. ATHENS: Water stained; 48 degrees; 0.49’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits and football jigs. Crappie are slow. Catfish are fair on cut bait. AUSTIN: Water lightly stained; 54 degrees; 0.70’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. Catfish are fair on punch bait and live bait. B.A. STEINHAGEN: Water stained; 53 degrees; 0.26’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits, Carolinarigged worms, and live bait. Crappie are fair on jigs. Catfish are good on cut and prepared baits. BASTROP: Water lightly stained; 53 degrees. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish are fair on cut bait and punch bait. BELTON: Water slightly stained; 49 degrees; 0.62’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. White bass are slow. Hybrid stripers are fair on live bait and swimbaits. Crappie are slow. Catfish are fair on earthworms and cut bait. BENBROOK: Water lightly stained; 53 degrees; 1.73’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Hybrid striped bass are slow. White bass are slow. Catfish are fair on punch bait or cut bait. BOB SANDLIN: Water lightly stained; 47 degrees; 0.50’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on skirted jigs, suspended jerk baits and finesse worms. Crappie are slow. Catfish are fair on cut bait and punch bait. BRIDGEPORT: Water lightly stained; 49 degrees; 3.95’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are slow. White bass are slow. Hybrid stripers are fair on live bait and heavy jigging spoons. Catfish are slow. BROWNWOOD: Water stained; 47 degrees; 5.20’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are slow. White

bass and hybrids are slow. Catfish are fair on punch bait and cut bait. BUCHANAN: Water lightly stained; 50 degrees; 6.88’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. Striped bass on live bait. White bass are slow. Crappie are slow. Channel catfish are slow. Blue catfish are fair on cut bait. CADDO: Water lightly stained; 46-49 degrees; 0.11’ high. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are slow. Catfish are fair on punch bait. CALAVERAS: Water stained; 60-63 degrees. Largemouth bass are fair on plastic worms and jigs. Red drum are slow. Hybrid striped bass are fair to slow on lipless crankbaits. Catfish are good on stink bait, chicken livers and cut shad. CANYON LAKE: Water lightly stained; 57 degrees; 5.59’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. Striped bass are fair on live bait. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on live minnows. Catfish are fair on prepared baits and cut bait. CEDAR CREEK: Water slightly stained; 49 degrees; 0.06’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on jigging spoons, jigs, crankbaits and suspended jerk baits. Hybrids and sand bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs in brush piles, boat docks and bridges. Catfish are slow. CHOKE CANYON: Water lightly stained; 58-61 degrees; 22.49’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. White bass are fair on small crankbaits and plastics. Catfish are good on larger live bait, cut bait and stink bait. CONROE: Water stained; 54 degrees; 0.06’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on jigs, spinner baits and live shad. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Hybrid striped bass are slow. Catfish are fair on stink bait and cut bait. COOPER: Water lightly stained; 47 degrees; 0.67’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. White bass and hybrids are fair on live bait and slabs. Crappie are slow. Catfish are fair on cut bait and punch bait. CORPUS CHRISTI LAKE: Water stained; 57 degrees; 7.64’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on soft plastics. White bass are fair on minnows and crankbaits. Crappie are fair on live minnows. Catfish are fair to good on cut bait and cheese bait.

EAGLE MOUNTAIN: Water clear; 48 degrees; 1.86’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie are slow. Catfish are slow. FALCON: Water lightly stained north and clear south; 57 degrees; 40.64’ low. Largemouth bass are fair along the rip rap of the dam and over brush close to spawning spots on squarebilled crankbaits, shaky heads, soft plastics and finesse worms. Crappie are fair in hardwoods on jigs. Catfish are excellent on live bait and stink bait. FAYETTE: Water lightly stained; 49 degrees. Largemouth bass are slow. Catfish are slow. FORK: Water lightly stained; 48-53 degrees; 0.77’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. White and yellow bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair on punch bait and cut bait. GIBBONS CREEK: Water stained; 52 degrees; 1.11’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits and spinner baits near vegetation in calm, warm water. Crappie are fair on jigs. Catfish are fair on live bait. GRANBURY: Water clear; 55 degrees; 0.01’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on black or blue drop shots, shad crankbaits, suspended jerk baits and football jigs. Crappie are fair around boat docks on minnows. GRAPEVINE: Water lightly stained; 49 degrees; 0.05’ high. Largemouth bass are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie are slow. Catfish are fair on punch bait. HOUSTON COUNTY: Water stained; 51 degrees; 0.15’ high. Largemouth bass are fair near northern islands on spinner baits. Crappie are fair on live minnows. Catfish are fair on live and cut shad and boiled deer corn. HUBBARD CREEK: Water stained; 48 degrees; 7.41’ low. Largemouth bass are fair to slow on crankbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows. White bass are fair on small crankbaits and jigs. Catfish are fair on live and cut shad. JOE POOL: Water lightly stained; 51 degrees; 1.50’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are slow. Catfish are slow. LAKE O’ THE PINES: Water clear; 46-49 degrees; 0.88’ high. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are fair on

cut bait and punch bait. LAVON: Water lightly stained; 47 degrees; 0.06’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. White bass are slow. Catfish are fair on live bait. LEWISVILLE: Water clear; 51 degrees; 0.01’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are slow. LIVINGSTON: Water lightly stained; 52 degrees; 0.15’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on Carolina-rigged worms, spinner bait and jigs. Striped bass are fair on spoons and live shad. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs in the creeks. White bass are good on spoons. Catfish are fair on live bait. MARTIN CREEK: Water lightly stained; 55 degrees; 0.03’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are slow. Catfish are slow. MEDINA: Water lightly stained; 56 degrees; 33.51’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on soft plastics. Crappie are fair on jigs. White bass are fair on spoons and small crankbaits. Striped bass are slow. Catfish are fair on live bait, chicken livers and blood bait. MILLERS CREEK: Water stained; 42 degrees; 0.10’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are fair on jigs. Catfish are fair on live, blood and liver prepared baits. NACONICHE: Water slightly stained; 53-59 degrees. Largemouth bass are fair on jigs, crankbaits and worms. Crappie are fair on jigs. Catfish are good on dough balls, cut and live bait. NASWORTHY: Water stained; 47 degrees. 0.93’ low. Largemouth bass are fair to slow on crankbaits and worms. Crappie are fair to slow on jigs. White bass are slow. Catfish are fair on live and prepared baits. O.H. IVIE: Water clear; 49 degrees; 13.21’ low. Largemouth bass are good in timber on jigs and thick worms. Crappie are fair on smaller live minnows. Catfish are good on stink bait, live and cut bait. OAK CREEK: Water lightly stained; 50 degrees; 16.79’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on plastic worms and spinner baits. Crappie are fair on jigs. White bass are fair on small lipless crankbaits. Catfish are fair on trotlines,

nightcrawlers, live bait and cut bait. PALESTINE: Water clear; 48 degrees; 0.26’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on jigs, craws and crankbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Hybrid stripers are fair on live bait and swimbaits. White bass are slow. Catfish are fair on punch bait and cut bait. POSSUM KINGDOM: Water clear; 48 degrees; 0.50’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on weighted worms and crankbaits. Crappie are fair to slow on jigs. White bass are fair on crankbaits. Catfish are good on cut bait, live sunfish and stink bait. RAVEN: Water stained; 55 degrees; Largemouth bass are fair on plastic with worms and spinner baits. Sunfish are fair on cutworms. RAY HUBBARD: Water lightly stained; 47 degrees; 0.38’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie are slow. Catfish are fair on cut bait. RAY ROBERTS: Water clear; 47 degrees; 0.57’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie are slow. Catfish are fair on punch bait and cut bait. RICHLAND CHAMBERS: Water lightly stained; 48 degrees; 0.16’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on jigs and crankbaits. White bass and hybrids are fair on live bait, slabs and jigging spoons. Crappie are fair on minnows on bridge pilings, brush piles, and near bait schools close to the dam. Catfish are fair on cut bait and nightcrawlers. SAM RAYBURN: Water stained; 54 degrees; 1.72’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits, worms, and spinner baits. White bass are fair on minnows and small crankbaits. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on live bait and stink bait. SPENCE: Water stained; 47 degrees; 40.73’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits, spinner baits,and buzzbaits. Crappie are fair on jigs. Catfish are fair on live and cut bait. STAMFORD: Water stained; 45-49 degrees; 0.25’ high. Largemouth bass are fair to slow on jigs, crankbaits and Carolina-rigged worms. Crappie are fair on live minnows. Catfish are fair on live bait and stink bait. SULPHUR SPRINGS: Water lightly stained; 48 degrees;

0.13’ high. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are slow. Catfish are slow. TAWAKONI: Water lightly stained; 46 degrees; 0.14’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on brush hogs, football jigs and jerk baits. White bass and hybrid stripers are fair on live bait. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs around brush piles, docks, bridge pilings and main lake bait schools. Channel catfish are fair on punch bait. Blue catfish are good on fresh cut bait and live bait. TEXANA: Water lightly stained; 52 degrees; 0.38’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on soft plastics, jigs and Texas-rigged worms. Crappie are fair on jigs and small minnows in creeks. Catfish are good on stink bait, cut bait and live bait. TEXOMA: Water clear; 50 degrees; 1.54’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. Striped bass are good on live shad. White bass are fair on slabs and jigging spoons. Crappie are fair on minnows and white jigs. Catfish are slow. TOLEDO BEND: Water clear south, stained north; 53-57 degrees; 2.95’ low. Largemouth bass are fair in timber and brush piles on plastic worms and square-billed crankbait. Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish are fair on cut bait and stink bait. TYLER: Water clear; 50 degrees; 0.22’ high. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are slow. Catfish are fair on punch bait and cut bait. WEATHERFORD: Water clear; 47 degrees; 1.72’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie are slow. Catfish are fair on punch bait. WORTH: Water lightly stained; 53 degrees; 1.98’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on finesse worms, blue crankbaits, brush hogs and chatter baits. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair on live bait and punch bait. WRIGHT PATMAN: Water lightly stained; 45 degrees; 4.43’ high. Largemouth bass are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs near structure and brush piles. Catfish are slow. —TPWD

*SALTWATER REPORTS INCOMPLETE DUE TO WEATHER*

predator hunting texas ANNUAL 2021

Predator, hog contests biggest in Texas Advertising Section

predator hunting

SILENCE IS COURTEOUS, HEALTHY

texas AN N UAL 2021

About the Cover: Winter is the best time to hunt predators, whether for fun, to protect fawns or to participate in contests. See stories on pages 4 and 10. Cover photo by Pecos Hagler.

Advertisers BUCK STOP…………………………………………………………………………… 2 HECKLER & KOCH………………………………………………………………… 11 HOFFPAUIR…………………………………………………………………………… 7 LEICA SPORT OPTICS………………………………………………………………… 5 LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS FOUNDATION……………………………………… 6 PULSAR……………………………………………………………………………… 12 SIBERIAN COOLERS………………………………………………………………… 9 SIG SAUER OPTICS…………………………………………………………………… 9 SILENCER CENTRAL………………………………………………………………… 3 SLOW GLOW HUNTING LIGHTS…………………………………………………… 8 THIRD COAST THERMAL…………………………………………………………… 8

Lone Star Outdoor News, ISSN 2162-8300, a publication of Lone Star Outdoor News, LLC, publishes twice a month. A mailed subscription is $35 for 24 issues. Newsstand copies are $3, in certain markets copies are free, one per person. Copyright 2021 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.

Nothing rends the tranquil stillness of an early fall morning like the sound of a rifle. That ear-splitting pop is the signature sound of a whitetail hunt — but that doesn’t mean it’s healthy. A good suppressor on the end of your gun can be an asset that preserves the stillness and your hearing, and it doesn’t have to be a painful purchase either. Hunting with suppressors is legal in 40 of the 42 states where it is legal to own a suppressor, including Texas. Why would you want to hunt with a suppressor? Hunting is, more often than not, a solitary practice. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t others around you. If you hunt much, you know the feeling when you’re sitting in your stand and hear others in the notso-far-off distance taking their shots. Silencers can help keep the woods quiet. A good suppressor like the Banish 30 will take the bite off of a .30 caliber round and can keep the other members of the heard from spooking. And they’re even better at night when you might have multiple shots on a passel of hogs. Silence is courteous to your neighbors, too. And your dog. And your kids — there’s no better way to teach our hunting traditions than with a suppressed firearm. You can talk freely, and, with the right ammo pairing, you won’t need ear protection. So why doesn’t everyone hunt suppressed? Buying a suppressor has never been easier than it is right now. There is still a waiting period, and Uncle Sam still wants $200 for the tax

stamp, but the rest of the process has been streamlined by Silencer Central. When you by a suppressor from them, they ship it straight to your front door. If you’ve not bought from Silencer Central before, this may trip you up. Silencer Central is licensed in 42 states. This allows them to streamline the entire process and send your suppressor straight to you. The process typically begins online or with a call to Silencer Central. Their sales team will help you pick the right suppressor for your needs. They collect your information for the paperwork, send you a set of fingerprint cards and an ink pad (and even the instructions you’ll need to do your fingerprints yourself). Fill in the cards, attach (or upload) a passport photo, and you’re on your way. To expedite the process on their end, Silencer Central creates a trust for each buyer. Silencer Central handles the rest of the process with notifications and filing all the paperwork with the ATF. Their process is seamless. As the purchase progresses, Silencer Central sends you updates. And you can even pay in four, interest-free EZ-Pay installments along the way. When the approval returns from the ATF, Silencer Central packs up your suppressor and sends it directly to you. Without the hassle, owning a suppressor seems much more practical. The experts at Silencer Central have refined the process and specialize in making the experience as stress-free as possible. What are you waiting for?

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CALONOX REVOLUTIONIZES THERMAL IMAGING FOR HUNTERS Leica Sport Optics has unveiled its first-ever thermal imaging camera designed specifically for hunters: the Leica Calonox. Available in two versions: The Leica Calonox “View” is a hand-held observation device and The Leica Calonox “Sight” is a mounted clip-on device for direct fit to riflescopes. Similar in design to conventional digital cameras, thermal imaging cameras emit infrared radiation as a heat signature that is not visible to the human eye. With the new Leica Calonox thermal imaging cameras, the terrain can be searched for huntable game in the dark or in difficult light conditions. The Leica Calonox models offer a large field of view with a high detection range, high-contrast imaging at extreme distances (>3000 yards). Introducing LIO (Leica Image Optimization), which borrows from more than 100 years of building the most advanced cameras in the world, the Leica Calonox models utilize LIO in conjunction with Calonox’s large sensor and high-resolution OLED display, and both optics offer the highest observation quality. The functional elements are extremely ergonomic and easy to grip. In addition, operation with just three buttons is intuitive, user-friendly and reduced to the essentials. The Leica Calonox “Sight” mounted clip-on device can be used in conjunction with a conventional riflescope and is equipped with 1x magnification, and it also can be utilized in hand-held mode for observation. The Leica Calonox “View” offers a high recognition range (>3000y), while the wide field of view is ideal for close-up work thanks to the large sensor (640x480 pixels) at 2.5x basic optical magnification. Both models have a 42mm lens and are extremely light at around 500 grams. A permanently installed rechargeable battery with a minimum operating time of six hours serves as the power supply.

LEICA CALONOX - ADVANTAGES AT A GLANCE • • • • • • • • • • •

Excellent imaging performance - extremely high contrast and detail Operating time of at least 6 hours Magnification Leica Calonox “View”: 2.5x, 5x, 7.5x, and 10x Magnification Leica Calonox “Sight”: 1x Objective diameter: 42mm Dimensions - approx. 170x60mm Ergonomics and design - practical and user-friendly High-resolution sensor (640x480 pixels) OLED display with 1024x768 pixels Integrated rechargeable battery Selling price: $3,999

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Predator, hog contests biggest in Texas Predator contests are held across Texas throughout the winter months, often held in smaller towns, bringing hunters from all over in to weigh in their animals in the hopes of winning a prize. Some contests are bigger than others, and Texas has the biggest, of course. At the second of three events in the West Texas Big Bobcat Contest, the highest-paying predator contest in the country, 378 teams of up to four hunters registered. With some wondering if the event would be postponed due to the upcoming Texas snowstorm and freeze, organizers went forward on Feb. 13. The weigh-in in San Angelo was hurried so the teams could get home quickly before the brunt of the storm arrived. The rules at the WTBBC aren’t complicated. The heaviest bobcat wins the Grand Prize, but each team must kill either five grey fox or five coyotes (no mixing of the two) to qualify their heaviest bobcat. For the top five teams, bearing the brunt of the cold paid off.

TEAM NAME:

HEAVIEST BOBCAT:

PRIZE:

Tanner Counts

35 pounds, 7 ounces

$26,460

Reno Stoebner

33 pounds, 9 ounces

$15,120

Aneil Petrovic

30 pounds

$11,340

Austin Taylor

29 pounds, 10 ounces

$ 7,560

Dalton Michum

29 pounds

$ 3,780

Don’t forget the hog hunters, though. They have their own contests in the hope that the feral hog explosion can be controlled. There are big prizes to be won, too. At the Wise County Hog Contest, the grand prize for the heaviest hog is a whopping $56,000, the second place finisher will receive $33,600, and third place $11,200. Some of the rules including no trapping, no hog dogs, no helicopters and no high fence animals. Eligible hogs can be killed in Texas or Oklahoma, but must be weighed in within 24 hours. The contest runs the entire month of February, and the current standing have team Ruddy anxiously waiting while in the lead at 342.1 pounds; Smack’em & Stack’em in second with 341.1 pounds; and Swine Time in third with 330.7 pounds. Pecos Hagler

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NEW!

Sight

Leica Calonox

View

Leica revolutionizes thermal imaging for hunters Leica Sport Optics has unveiled its first ever thermal imaging camera designed specifically for hunters using state-of-the-art technology developed from over a hundred years of building the most advanced camera systems in the world: the Leica Calonox. Available in two versions: The Leica Calonox “View” is hand-held observation device and The Leica Calonox “Sight” is a mounted clip-on device for direct fit to riflescopes. With the new Leica Calonox thermal imaging cameras, the terrain can be searched for heat signatures emitted from huntable game unseen by the naked eye in dark or in difficult light conditions. The Leica Calonox models offer a large field of view with a high detection range, high-contrast imaging at extreme distances (>3000 Yards). • Excellent imaging performance - extremely high contrast and detail • Operating time of at least 6 hours • Magnification Leica Calonox "View": 2.5x, 5x, 7.5x, and 10x • Magnification Leica Calonox "Sight": 1x

• • • • • •

Objective diameter: 42mm Dimensions - approx. 170x60mm Ergonomics and design - practical and user-friendly High-resolution sensor (640x480 pixels) OLED display with 1024x768 pixels Integrated rechargeable battery

@LeicaHuntingUSA

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GET THE BEST IN THERMAL SENSITIVITY Pulsar’s Helion 2 XP50 PRO is a do-it-all thermal monocular for modern hunters, outdoorsmen, construction workers and more. Its ultra-sensitive thermal imaging sensor detects and highly-differentiates heat signatures out to 2,000 yards — whether that’s heat from humans, animals, a blood trail, exhaust from a car engine, a firearm that’s recently been discharged, electrical wires or any source of heat — the Helion 2 XP50 PRO will detect the heat signature and display it on a pristine 1024x768 AMOLED display. Day or night, hot or cold, the Helion 2 XP50 PRO’s high-quality Germanium Optics will perform in practically any environment and make guesswork a thing of the past. The Helion 2 XP50 PRO features a massive 50mm objective lens (previous models were 42mm) to allow extra illumination into the device to distinguish objects clearer than ever, and its cuttingedge Image Boost Technology with >25mK sensor and eight color palettes make every tiny detail pop with rich, wellcontrasted images. Boasting a built-in 1,965-yard stadiametric rangefinder, there is never doubt about the distance of your target. Its 2.5-20x digital, variable magnification is ideal for fast-moving targets. If you’re hunting fast-moving hogs, counting head of livestock or simply inspecting the electrical wiring inside

drywall, the Helion 2 XP50 PRO will provide highly detailed information at the simple click of a button. The most advanced optical technology commercially available, the Helion 2 XP50 PRO boasts built-in photo and video recording to help you capture each moment. Its 16 Gb memory card ensures there is space to preserve every image and sound you experience through the Helion 2 XP50 PRO. With Wi-Fi connectivity and Stream Vision app compatibility, the Helion 2 enables live streaming and file storage via Android and IOS devices. On a single charge of the Pulsar IPS7 (Li-Ion) battery pack, the Helion 2 XP50 PRO can operate for up to eight (8) hours. For external charging, the Helion 2 XP50 PRO connects to a 5V MicroUSB cable. Pulsar devices are as tough as the people who use them. Whether you’re taking your Helion 2 XP50 PRO through a murky swamp, across a scorching desert, through brutal arctic conditions or to the top of the highest mountain, you never need worry about the device’s durability. Its lightweight, sleek, matte-black design is built with shockproof, magnesium alloy housing with an IPX7 waterproof rating submersible up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. The Helion 2 XP50 PRO is the latest development from the most trusted name in the business — Pulsar.

HELPING WITH THERMAL, NIGHT VISION OPTICS Purchasing thermal or night vision equipment for hunting can be a daunting decision. Searching the internet for the plethora of different products available can be mind-numbing. The price ranges are wide-ranging, and some features are confusing to new buyers. You need help from a reputable, honest dealer who will guide you to what you need. Third Coast Thermal is all about optics, and nighttime optics are their specialty. We can help people identify what works best to fill their needs,” said owner Clifford Cheadle. “This is a major purchase for most people.” Cheadle said cost savings should be thought of in the long-term. “The only way you’re going to save money is to start up where you want to end up,” he said. “If you buy one thing and then want to trade up, you lose. We’ll walk through what you’ll end up with based on how, where and what you hunt.” Third Coast Thermal carries the top brands for both day and night optics, including Pulsar, N-Vision, Trijicon, Steiner and Zeiss. Innovations in the newer night optics are incredible. “For example, the Pulsar Thermion XG50 can go on any bolt gun or, with the proper mount, any gun,” Cheadle said. Other newer products include N-Vision’s Halo and NOX models. “The HaloX 35 and 50 is the top of the line,” he said. “It has a laser rangefinder built in that works day or night, it records your hunt onboard, and has a 5-year warranty. The NOX version is very 6|

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lightweight. It can be hand-held, used with a reticle or on a helmet. If you need both hands, it’s a great thermal view of the world.” Other buyers may be looking for the best value. “The SiOnyx Aurora Pro is the least expensive night vision recording camera,” Cheadle said. “It provides good color video with almost no light, and it’s great for boaters navigating at night. Also, our monocular thermals are great for game recovery after dark. The deer and elk hunting guys love it.” Consult with the experts at Third Coast Thermal when making decisions on highend optics. “We’ll show you how to use it, and we have the parts for attachments,” Cheadle said. “We can bring sense into the decision and find the best fit that is best for you and your family.”

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TWO RIFLES, NO PERMISSION A Cass County landowner discovered game camera photos of a man carrying two rifles on his property. A game warden was contacted, recognized the person and contacted the suspect’s brothers to confirm the location of the suspect and to set

unable to get back to land from the Sulphur River. The wardens responded with a flat-bottom boat. Both hunters were located and transported to paramedics, who were waiting nearby. One hunter was hypothermic due to exposure to the cold water and the other was checked out and released. NO AWARD FOR YOU A Webb County and Duval County game warden completed an investigation on an individual who had entered a deer into the Muy Grande Deer Contest. The individual, a female, who shot the deer was from out of state and did not possess a license. She then bought a license

up an interview. During the interview, the suspect admitted to hunting from the roadway and shooting a pig. The pig ran onto a hunting lease and the suspect searched for it on the lease with both guns. Charges pending.

five hours later after entering the deer into the contest. The deer scored 172 5/8. Cases and civil restitution pending. GATOR HEAD ON DUCK HUNT While checking duck hunters along the Frio River, a game warden contacted a boat containing four duck hunters. The “guide” said he did not have a hunting license, identification and failed to have enough PFDs for his hunters on board. While inspecting the ducks, one hunter attempted to awkwardly pick up a pile of decoys and move it away from the warden. When the warden asked the hunter what was under the pile of decoys and

why he tried to move them in such a weird manner, the man said he found a large alligator skull on the bank. He attempted to hide it as he was unsure if it was legal for him to possess. The hunter was informed he could not possess the skull which was found on the Daughtry Wildlife Management Area. Multiple cases were filed for hunting without a license, insufficient PFDs and illegal possession of an alligator. The alligator skull is expected to meet or exceed the record for the largest alligator documented on Choke Canyon.

SNEAKING ON THE WMA On the Dimmit Playa Wildlife Management Area in Castro County, a Lubbock District game warden received a call regarding hunters being on the WMA. The WMA is a drawn only hunt property and the informant who called was a hunter who had won the drawn hunt and was currently scouting the property for the upcoming weekend. The informant told the warden that when he arrived at the WMA there was a pickup parked at the gate. As he got closer, he noticed three men firing shotguns inside the property. The Castro County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched and arrived on scene. After interviewing the suspects, the sheriff discovered they had killed five pheasants. The warden coordinated with the sheriff and all five pheasants were seized and civil restitution was filed.

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LoneOStar Outdoor News

Cold slows Winter wahoo bite

February 26, 2021

Page 13

Continued from page 8

Continued from page 1

than the rest of the lake.” Selgert said it seemed as if the bass were about to go into a prespawn feeding frenzy until the temperatures started to drop ahead of the freeze event. “Once the cold weather started arriving, the fish began to move deeper and hunker down along the bottom,” Selgert explained. “Downsizing my presentation was the only way I was able to catch bass. Small, 2- to 3-inch swimbaits and 4-inch Senkos worked the best.” Selgert said most of the fish he was catching were in the 2-pound range, and he was getting around five to seven bites a day. “Stumps, rock piles, ledges and various other structures in the 10to 20-foot range held the most fish,” he said. “The bite was extremely subtle.” San Antonio angler Immanuel Barela chases bass out of a kayak just about anywhere he can wet a line. Recently, Barela has been fishing Lake LBJ, Brady Lake and the lower portion of the Guadalupe River near Gonzales. “I’ve been catching larger bass on the lakes than in the river; however, the action on the river has definitely been more consistent,” he said. Barela said the cold conditions have made the action on the lakes pretty slow. “Bites have been few and far between, but the fish that I have caught have been worth the effort,” Barela said. He landed an 8-pound, 9-ounce bass while fishing a creek on Brady Lake. “There was a large tree in the water with a big rock next to it, and it just looked like the perfect ambush point for a large bass to be staging near,” Barela elaborated. “I pitched a 1-ounce jig near the edge of the tree, close to the rock. I got frustrated at first because I had gotten a small backlash in my reel when I made the cast. After untangling the line from my reel, I gave the jig a subtle pop. As it fell, I felt a super light bite. I set the hook and it was on.” The bass measured 22.5 inches long. “The bass along the southern stretch of the Guadalupe are already moving up on beds in the creeks, and the action has been pretty steady,” Barela said. “I’ve caught several largemouths pushing 5 pounds recently, along with a ton of smaller Guadalupe bass.” Jigs in crawfish and bluegill patterns have been his baits of choice while fishing in stretches of 3-4 feet of water near drop-offs along the Guadalupe.

50 pounds, he’s usually able to catch multiple fish in that heavier weight class if he keeps trolling, rather than stopping and focusing all efforts on the single fish that is already on the line. “It’s almost like this strategy sparks a feeding frenzy among those packs of heavier wahoo,” he said. Offshore fishing guide for HammerDown Sport Fishing, in Port Aransas, Capt. Blake Rogers said the swordfish bite has been phenomenal. “We’re running around 65 to 90 miles out of Port A in various directions to target the swords,” Rogers said. “The majority of our swordfishing has been taking place during daylight hours in 1,560-1,890 feet of water. We’ve been catching most of our swordfish on squid and belly baits using

a controlled drift technique. Most of these fish are in the 200- to 300-pound class.” Rogers also has been finding good numbers of wahoo about 40-70 miles out of Port Aransas while trolling diving plugs and using live baits. “We’ve been catching wahoo from 40 to 70 pounds,” he said. “Targeting structure near water temperature breaks has been the key to finding the wahoo.” A water temperature of 69 degrees in the 200-225 foot depth range has been best. Offshore angler Joey Schiller has been running out of Freeport chasing wahoo and finding steady action. “We’ve been targeting areas with 68- to 70-degree water around the Flower Gardens and other structures both north and

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south, about 120 to 200 miles out of Freeport,” Schiller said. “Most of the wahoo we are catching have been in 180-240 feet of water.” Most of his hookups have come from trolling diving baits and ballyhoo rigged on skirts. “A lot of the wahoo have been in the 20- to40-pound range,” he said. “We have had a couple of trips that rendered several fish over 50 pounds.” Freeport offshore guide, Capt. Mike Ford, said there are large schools of blackfin tuna, with some yellowfins mixed in, holding at about 125 miles out near water as deep as 5,000 feet. “Live baits and jigs are working well,” he said. “Most of the blackfins are in the 10- to 15-pound range, and the yellowfins are pushing 80 pounds or more.”

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Page 14

February 26, 2021

LoneOStar Outdoor News

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HEROES

Georgina Funke, 13, harvested her second deer Dec. 20 in San Patricio County. Erin Emerson shot her second buck in Hutchinson County.

Andrew Halvorsen, of Richmond, killed a bobcat in Live Oak County.

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. High-resolution original jpegs only. Mail prints to Heroes, Lone Star Outdoor News, P.O. Box 551695, Dallas, TX 75355.

Victor Moberg, of Smithville, harvested this buck he had been watching all season on Dec. 6 in Val Verde County. Moberg was hunting with his 15-year-old son, Mason.

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Becky Austin, of Tyler, harvested this buck in Anderson County.

LSONews.com

LoneOStar Outdoor News

February 26, 2021

Page 15

TEXAS SUN, MOON AND TIDES Moon Phases

Full

Last

New

First

Feb 27

Mar 5

Mar 13

Mar 21

Solunar Sun times Moon times

Houston

Dallas

2021 A.M. P.M. SUN MOON Feb/Mar Minor Major Minor Major Rises Sets Rises Sets

26 Fri 27 Sat 28 Sun 01 Mon 02 Tue 03 Wed 04 Thu 05 Fri 06 Sat 07 Sun 08 Mon 09 Tue 10 Wed 11 Thu 12 Fri

4:18 10:31 5:09 11:22 6:02 ----6:57 12:44 7:53 1:40 8:51 2:38 9:50 3:36 10:49 4:35 11:47 5:33 12:14 6:29 1:08 7:23 2:00 8:13 2:48 9:01 3:35 9:47 4:19 10:30

4:44 5:35 6:27 7:22 8:18 9:17 10:17 11:18 ----12:44 1:37 2:27 3:14 3:59 4:42

10:58 11:52 12:15 1:09 2:06 3:04 4:04 5:03 6:02 6:58 7:51 8:41 9:27 10:11 10:53

06:49 06:48 06:47 06:46 06:45 06:44 06:43 06:42 06:41 06:40 06:38 06:37 06:36 06:35 06:34

06:18 06:18 06:19 06:20 06:20 06:21 06:22 06:22 06:23 06:24 06:24 06:25 06:26 06:26 06:27

5:51p 6:41a 6:57p 7:20a 8:03p 7:56a 9:08p 8:31a 10:14p 9:07a 11:21p 9:44a NoMoon 10:25a 12:29a 11:10a 1:36a 12:01p 2:40a 12:57p 3:38a 1:57p 4:30a 2:59p 5:15a 4:01p 5:54a 5:01p 6:29a 5:59p

4:23 10:37 5:15 11:28 6:08 ----7:03 12:50 7:59 1:46 8:57 2:44 9:56 3:42 10:55 4:41 11:53 5:39 12:20 6:35 1:14 7:28 2:05 8:19 2:54 9:07 3:40 9:52 4:25 10:36

4:50 5:41 6:33 7:28 8:24 9:23 10:23 11:24 ----12:49 1:43 2:33 3:20 4:05 4:48

11:03 11:58 12:21 1:15 2:11 3:10 4:09 5:09 6:08 7:04 7:57 8:47 9:33 10:17 10:59

06:58 06:56 06:55 06:54 06:53 06:52 06:51 06:49 06:48 06:47 06:46 06:44 06:43 06:42 06:41

06:21 06:22 06:23 06:23 06:24 06:25 06:26 06:27 06:27 06:28 06:29 06:30 06:30 06:31 06:32

5:53p 6:52a 7:01p 7:29a 8:08p 8:04a 9:15p 8:37a 10:23p 9:11a 11:32p 9:46a NoMoon 10:25a 12:42a 11:10a 1:50a 12:00p 2:54a 12:55p 3:52a 1:55p 4:43a 2:58p 5:27a 4:01p 6:05a 5:03p 6:38a 6:02p

San Antonio

Amarillo

2021 A.M. P.M. SUN MOON Feb/Mar Minor Major Minor Major Rises Sets Rises Sets

26 Fri 27 Sat 28 Sun 01 Mon 02 Tue 03 Wed 04 Thu 05 Fri 06 Sat 07 Sun 08 Mon 09 Tue 10 Wed 11 Thu 12 Fri

4:30 10:43 5:22 11:35 6:15 12:02 6:57 12:44 7:53 1:40 8:51 2:38 9:50 3:36 10:49 4:35 11:47 5:33 12:14 6:29 1:08 7:23 2:00 8:13 2:48 9:01 3:35 9:47 4:19 10:30

4:57 11:10 5:48 ----6:40 12:27 7:22 1:09 8:18 2:06 9:17 3:04 10:17 4:04 11:18 5:03 ----- 6:02 12:44 6:58 1:37 7:51 2:27 8:41 3:14 9:27 3:59 10:11 4:42 10:53

07:01 07:00 06:59 06:46 06:45 06:44 06:43 06:42 06:41 06:40 06:38 06:37 06:36 06:35 06:34

06:30 06:31 06:32 06:20 06:20 06:21 06:22 06:22 06:23 06:24 06:24 06:25 06:26 06:26 06:27

6:05p 6:53a 7:11p 7:32a 8:16p 8:09a 9:08p 8:31a 10:14p 9:07a 11:21p 9:44a NoMoon 10:25a 12:29a 11:10a 1:36a 12:01p 2:40a 12:57p 3:38a 1:57p 4:30a 2:59p 5:15a 4:01p 5:54a 5:01p 6:29a 5:59p

4:44 10:57 5:35 11:48 6:28 12:16 7:23 1:10 8:19 2:06 9:17 3:04 10:16 4:02 11:15 5:01 ----- 5:59 12:40 6:55 1:34 7:49 2:26 8:39 3:14 9:27 4:01 10:13 4:45 10:56

5:10 6:01 6:53 7:48 8:44 9:43 10:43 11:44 12:13 1:10 2:03 2:53 3:40 4:25 5:08

11:24 ----12:41 1:35 2:32 3:30 4:30 5:29 6:28 7:24 8:17 9:07 9:53 10:37 11:19

07:20 07:19 07:17 07:16 07:15 07:14 07:12 07:11 07:10 07:08 07:07 07:06 07:04 07:03 07:01

06:39 06:40 06:41 06:42 06:43 06:43 06:44 06:45 06:46 06:47 06:48 06:49 06:49 06:50 06:51

6:10p 7:17a 7:20p 7:53a 8:28p 8:26a 9:37p 8:58a 10:47p 9:30a NoMoon 10:04a NoMoon 10:41a 1:09a 11:24a 2:18a 12:14p 3:22a 1:09p 4:20a 2:09p 5:11a 3:12p 5:54a 4:17p 6:30a 5:20p 7:02a 6:21p

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 Feb 26 Feb 27 Feb 28 Mar 1 Mar 2 Mar 3 Mar 4 Mar 5 Mar 6 Mar 7 Mar 8 Mar 9 Mar 10 Mar 11 Mar 12

Time 1:15 AM 2:15 AM 3:17 AM 4:24 AM 5:38 AM 12:10 AM 1:07 AM 2:09 AM 3:15 AM 4:22 AM 5:28 AM 6:29 AM 12:14 AM 1:16 AM 2:10 AM

High Island Height 1.33H 1.38H 1.41H 1.41H 1.38H -0.03L -0.20L -0.33L -0.40L -0.43L -0.43L -0.41L 1.34H 1.39H 1.42H

Time 8:46 AM 9:29 AM 10:12 AM 10:57 AM 11:44 AM 7:01 AM 8:37 AM 10:24 AM 12:04 PM 1:18 PM 2:10 PM 2:50 PM 7:23 AM 8:11 AM 8:54 AM

Height -0.55L -0.44L -0.24L 0.03L 0.34L 1.36H 1.36H 1.40H 1.48H 1.53H 1.54H 1.52H -0.34L -0.23L -0.09L

Time 4:16 PM 4:38 PM 5:00 PM 5:21 PM 5:40 PM 12:35 PM 1:35 PM 3:00 PM

Height 1.33H 1.30H 1.26H 1.23H 1.21H 0.67L 0.96L 1.17L

Time 9:02 PM 9:43 PM 10:28 PM 11:17 PM

Height 0.84L 0.65L 0.42L 0.19L

5:59 PM 6:15 PM 6:23 PM

1.20H 1.22H 1.24H

7:54 8:05 3:21 3:46 4:07

1.22L 1.15L 1.46H 1.41H 1.35H

10:56 PM

1.28H

8:23 PM 8:46 PM 9:14 PM

1.05L 0.93L 0.79L

PM PM PM PM PM

Galveston Bay entrance, north jetty Time 1:10 AM 2:18 AM 3:25 AM 4:31 AM 5:43 AM 12:05 AM 12:59 AM 2:01 AM 3:07 AM 4:20 AM 5:35 AM 6:38 AM 7:33 AM 1:10 AM 2:17 AM

Height 1.10 1.16H 1.21H 1.22H 1.21H -0.09L -0.30L -0.45L -0.55L -0.58L -0.57L -0.53L -0.44L 1.17H 1.22H

Time 8:49 AM 9:37 AM 10:22 AM 11:06 AM 11:52 AM 7:21 AM 9:02 AM 10:43 AM 12:31 PM 1:44 PM 2:37 PM 3:15 PM 3:44 PM 8:27 AM 9:19 AM

Height -0.64L -0.54L -0.35L -0.08L 0.25L 1.21H 1.27H 1.35H 1.45H 1.51H 1.50H 1.44H 1.36H -0.32L -0.17L

Time 4:42 PM 5:00 PM 5:17 PM 5:33 PM 5:49 PM 12:49 PM 2:45 PM

Height 1.26H 1.20H 1.12H 1.05H 0.99H 0.61L 0.92L

Time 10:00 PM 10:14 PM 10:42 PM 11:19 PM

Height 0.84L 0.66L 0.42L 0.16L

6:02 PM 6:10 PM

0.98H 1.00H

8:54 9:11 4:07 4:28

1.07L 0.97L 1.27H 1.20H

11:39 PM

1.11H

9:31 PM 9:52 PM

0.84L 0.69L

Height -0.52L 1.11H 1.17H 1.23H 1.30H 1.37H -0.13L -0.29L -0.39L -0.44L -0.45L -0.43L -0.36L 1.14H 1.18H

Time 4:27 PM 9:13 AM 10:01 AM 10:53 AM 11:54 AM 1:17 PM 8:37 AM 10:25 AM 12:06 PM 1:21 PM 2:17 PM 2:59 PM 3:30 PM 8:13 AM 9:00 AM

Height 1.49H -0.41L -0.21L 0.07L 0.40L 0.73L 1.46H 1.56H 1.68H 1.74H 1.73H 1.66H 1.55H -0.23L -0.06L

Time 10:21 PM 4:47 PM 5:05 PM 5:20 PM 5:32 PM 5:34 PM

Height 0.98L 1.37H 1.23H 1.09H 0.98H 0.93H

Time

Height

9:28 PM 3:51 PM 4:04 PM

PM PM PM PM

Time 8:27 AM 1:42 AM 2:58 AM 4:14 AM 5:34 AM 07:00 AM 12:29 AM 1:27 AM 2:36 AM 3:53 AM 5:11 AM 6:20 AM 7:21 AM 12:23 AM 1:36 AM

10:20 PM 10:34 PM 11:02 PM 11:41 PM

0.83L 0.61L 0.35L 0.09L

1.03L 1.42H 1.30H

9:36 PM 9:49 PM

0.93L 0.79L

Time

Height

Time

Height

9:41 PM 8:16 PM 2:11 PM

0.47H 0.38H 0.39L

Port O’Connor Date Feb 26 Feb 27 Feb 28 Mar 1 Mar 2 Mar 3 Mar 4 Mar 5 Mar 6 Mar 7 Mar 8 Mar 9 Mar 10 Mar 11 Mar 12

Time 11:24 AM 1:35 AM 3:17 AM 5:07 AM 12:43 AM 1:37 AM 2:40 AM 3:57 AM 5:20 AM 6:40 AM 7:55 AM 9:04 AM 10:03 AM 10:52 AM 1:18 AM

Time 3:28 AM 5:09 AM 6:53 AM 3:44 AM 4:55 AM 5:50 AM 6:44 AM 7:43 AM 8:53 AM 10:07 AM 11:15 AM 12:16 PM 1:09 PM 2:37 AM 4:16 AM

Date Feb 26 Feb 27 Feb 28 Mar 1 Mar 2 Mar 3 Mar 4 Mar 5 Mar 6 Mar 7 Mar 8 Mar 9 Mar 10 Mar 11 Mar 12

Time 12:55 AM 2:09 AM 3:19 AM 4:30 AM 5:51 AM 12:35 AM 1:24 AM 2:17 AM 3:17 AM 4:25 AM 5:39 AM 6:51 AM 7:55 AM 12:41 AM 1:57 AM

Time 10:52 PM 5:26 AM 6:49 AM 8:08 AM 9:27 AM 1:01 AM 12:45 PM 4:05 PM 6:35 PM 7:54 PM 8:45 PM 9:31 PM 10:10 PM 4:27 AM 5:25 AM

Height 0.92H 0.98H 0.94H 0.91H 0.89H 0.91H 0.96H 1.07H 1.14H 1.19H 1.18H 1.14H 1.06H 1.01H 1.02H

Height 0.85H 0.87H 0.87H 0.86H 0.84H 0.05L -0.13L -0.26L -0.34L -0.36L -0.34L -0.30L -0.23L 0.92H 0.94H

Time 9:14 AM 10:02 AM 10:50 AM 11:43 AM 12:45 PM 7:37 AM 10:01 AM 11:58 AM 1:30 PM 2:41 PM 3:36 PM 4:18 PM 4:41 PM 8:51 AM 9:41 AM

Height -0.40L -0.30L -0.14L 0.07L 0.32L 0.85H 0.93H 1.06H 1.15H 1.18H 1.16H 1.10H 1.01H -0.14L -0.01L

Height 0.41H 0.41H 0.39H 0.23L 0.15L 0.08L 0.02L -0.02L -0.05L -0.07L -0.07L -0.07L -0.05L -0.01L 0.37H

Time 10:53 AM 11:36 AM 12:15 PM 5:14 AM 7:11 AM 10:06 AM 3:17 PM 3:42 PM 4:21 PM 5:08 PM 6:03 PM 7:05 PM 8:05 PM 8:46 PM 11:05 AM

Height -0.01L 0.02L 0.08L 0.35H 0.33H 0.34H 0.40H 0.45H 0.47H 0.48H 0.46H 0.43H 0.40H 0.35H 0.04L

Height 1.04H 1.04H 1.03H 1.00H 0.96H 0.93H 0.10L -0.03L -0.10L -0.14L -0.15L -0.13L -0.08L 0.01L 0.95H

Time 8:42 AM 9:31 AM 10:22 AM 11:11 AM 11:58 AM 12:41 PM 9:25 AM 2:09 PM 2:47 PM 3:27 PM 4:06 PM 4:45 PM 5:24 PM 4:22 PM 9:03 AM

Height -0.04L 0.05L 0.18L 0.35L 0.54L 0.73L 0.97H 1.06H 1.16H 1.20H 1.18H 1.11H 1.00H 0.89H 0.14L

Height -0.35L 1.13H 1.13H 1.14H 1.16H 1.19H -0.07L -0.23L -0.33L -0.36L -0.34L -0.29L -0.20L -0.07L 1.09H

Time 5:56 PM 9:12 AM 10:04 AM 11:00 AM 12:00 PM 1:13 PM 9:09 AM 11:20 AM 1:06 PM 2:23 PM 3:18 PM 4:01 PM 4:29 PM 4:38 PM 8:38 AM

Height 1.18H -0.24L -0.05L 0.20L 0.50L 0.79L 1.27H 1.39H 1.50H 1.55H 1.53H 1.46H 1.34H 1.21H 0.09L

Time 2:02 2:37 3:13 4:04 5:45

Height

Time PM PM PM PM PM

Height

PM PM PM PM PM

-0.42L -0.23L 0.04L 0.34L 0.63L

9:42 9:24 9:24 9:31 9:35

0.85H 0.81H 0.78H 0.78H 0.79H

1:03 PM 1:44 PM

-0.26L -0.13L

10:03 PM 8:45 PM

0.95H 0.88H

Time 5:46 PM 5:46 PM 5:41 PM 5:41 PM 5:47 PM 2:08 PM

Height 0.85H 0.78H 0.72H 0.69H 0.69H 0.56L

Time 10:22 PM 10:37 PM 11:07 PM 11:48 PM

Height 0.73L 0.61L 0.44L 0.24L

5:56 PM

0.71H

9:35 PM 4:45 PM 4:46 PM

0.82L 0.92H 0.85H

9:54 PM 10:11 PM

0.75L 0.65L

Date Feb 26 Feb 27 Feb 28 Mar 1 Mar 2 Mar 3 Mar 4 Mar 5 Mar 6 Mar 7 Mar 8 Mar 9 Mar 10 Mar 11 Mar 12

Time 1:26 AM 2:46 AM 3:55 AM 12:28 AM 1:16 AM 2:08 AM 3:07 AM 4:16 AM 5:24 AM 6:27 AM 7:28 AM 8:27 AM 9:24 AM 10:18 AM 2:30 AM

Time

Height

9:38 PM 6:06 PM 12:51 PM 1:23 PM 1:26 PM

0.31H 0.28H 0.16L 0.25L 0.33L

11:10 PM 8:42 PM

0.34L 0.29H

Time

Height

11:40 PM

0.30L

5:48 PM 5:40 PM 5:05 PM

0.29H 0.31H 0.35H

11:21 PM

0.28L

Port Aransas Height -0.15L 0.76H 0.69H 0.62H 0.29L 0.15L 0.04L -0.02L -0.07L -0.09L -0.11 -0.12L -0.10L -0.06L 0.66H

Time

Height

12:06 PM 12:47 PM 1:29 PM 8:03 AM 10:47 AM 4:01 PM 4:51 PM 5:54 PM 7:04 PM 8:11 PM 9:10 PM 10:10 PM

-0.08L 0.04L 0.21L 0.58H 0.59H 0.69H 0.78H 0.82H 0.84H 0.83H 0.80H 0.74H

11:33 AM

0.03L

Time 2:18 PM 2:59 PM 3:39 PM 8:42 AM 11:54 AM 8:28 PM 7:28 PM 7:49 PM 8:32 PM 9:21 PM 10:16 PM 11:25 PM

Height -0.37L -0.29L -0.16L 0.26H 0.23H 0.36H 0.46H 0.53H 0.56H 0.56H 0.55H 0.52H

1:56 PM 2:38 PM

-0.14L -0.07L

11:49 PM

0.45L

5:29 PM

0.43H

8:55 PM

0.55H

11:14 PM

0.53L

Time

Height

Time

Height

0.17H 0.00L 0.18L

9:22 PM 8:45 PM

0.18H 0.26H

Nueces Bay Date Feb 26 Feb 27 Feb 28 Mar 1 Mar 2 Mar 3 Mar 4 Mar 5 Mar 6 Mar 7 Mar 8 Mar 9 Mar 10 Mar 11 Mar 12

San Luis Pass

Height -0.52L 0.87L 0.71L 0.49L 0.24L -0.01L -0.21L -0.34L -0.38L -0.36L -0.34L -0.33L -0.32L 0.91L 0.84L

East Matagorda

Freeport Harbor Date Feb 26 Feb 27 Feb 28 Mar 1 Mar 2 Mar 3 Mar 4 Mar 5 Mar 6 Mar 7 Mar 8 Mar 9 Mar 10 Mar 11 Mar 12

Time 1:26 PM 2:16 AM 2:33 AM 3:06 AM 3:51 AM 4:41 AM 5:28 AM 6:14 AM 7:07 AM 8:18 AM 9:46 AM 11:03 AM 12:10 PM 1:50 AM 2:01 AM

Date Feb 26 Feb 27 Feb 28 Mar 1 Mar 2 Mar 3 Mar 4 Mar 5 Mar 6 Mar 7 Mar 8 Mar 9 Mar 10 Mar 11 Mar 12

Time 12:12 AM 01:24 AM 02:30 AM 3:36 AM 4:47 AM 6:20 AM 12:30 AM 1:25 AM 2:31 AM 3:53 AM 5:12 AM 6:19 AM 7:18 AM 8:12 AM 1:02 AM

Time

Height

Time

Height

4:03 PM 3:57 PM 4:13 PM 4:29 PM 4:37 PM 12:46 PM

0.78H 0.77H 0.79H 0.82H 0.88H 0.92L

6:59 PM 8:39 PM 10:35 PM 11:37 PM

0.76L 0.63L 0.46L 0.27L

4:18 PM

0.95H

9:01 PM 9:11 PM 4:10 PM

0.90L 0.82L 0.81H

11:50 PM

0.97H

9:30 PM

0.72L

Time 10:03 PM 5:36 PM 5:11 PM 4:56 PM 4:46 PM 4:31 PM

Height 1.10L 1.04H 0.91H 0.84H 0.83H 0.89H

Time

Height

9:30 PM 4:27 PM

1.02L 1.09H

South Padre Island Height 0.41H 0.38H 0.32H 0.13L -0.01L -0.12L -0.21L -0.24L -0.25L -0.23L -0.22L -0.20L -0.18L 0.49H 0.46H

11:04 PM 4:17 PM 4:44 PM

Date Feb 26 Feb 27 Feb 28 Mar 1 Mar 2 Mar 3 Mar 4 Mar 5 Mar 6 Mar 7 Mar 8 Mar 9 Mar 10 Mar 11 Mar 12

Time 8:21 AM 12:32 AM 2:18 AM 3:45 AM 5:11 AM 6:55 AM 12:13 AM 1:09 AM 2:11 AM 3:21 AM 4:36 AM 5:48 AM 6:52 AM 7:48 AM 12:33 AM

9:45 PM 10:04 PM 10:39 PM 11:23 PM

0.93L 0.69L 0.42L 0.16L

9:29 PM

0.88L

Texas Coast Tides

Date Feb 26 Feb 27 Feb 28 Mar 1 Mar 2 Mar 3 Mar 4 Mar 5 Mar 6 Mar 7 Mar 8 Mar 9 Mar 10 Mar 11 Mar 12

Page 16

February 26, 2021

LoneOStar Outdoor News

LSONews.com

INDUSTRY

LONE STAR OUTDOOR PUZZLER

CZ buying Colt

Solution on Page 19 1 2

7 9

14 15

Bill Gravatt was named president of Creedmoor Sports, Inc.

25 27

36 37

French promoted at Outtech

40 41

Outtech promoted Nick French to vice president of sales.

ACROSS 2. A sunfish species 4. Type of turkey call 8. The furbearer with a large tail 10. A turkey sound 11. Makes the Shad Rap 12. A sea duck destination 13. Some hunters eat this pheasant organ 16. Junction’s county 17. A porcupine’s defense 18. A Trans-Pecos county 20. The largest duck 22. A good lake to catch a chain pickerel 23. An exotic animal organization 27. A man-made lake 28. A good crappie lake (two words) 29. An African game species 33. A hawk species 36. Method of holding events during pandemic 38. Maker of saltwater reels 39. An East Texas reservoir 40. Threadfin or gizzard 41. ATV brand 42. A quail-hunting state

The Mule Deer Foundation named Joel Pederson as president and chief executive officer.

Nexus Outdoors National Sales Manager, Kevin Strong, was promoted to vice president of sales, and Steve Allie joined the company as senior marketing manager.

28 29

Pederson heads MDF

Exec changes at Nexus Outdoors

DOWN 1. A popular wintertime fish along coast 3. A bow manufacturer 5. Leakey’s county 6. A speckled trout bait 7. The male duck 8. A hog dog breed (two words) 9. A safari destination 10. A coastal fishing town (two words) 14. A wingshooting resort (two words) 15. A snake boot brand 19. Collection of fishing equipment 21. An ammo brand T 24. A shotshell brand 25. A trout species 26. A shark species 27. A shorebird species 30. Quail egg predators 31. Catfish on the coast 32. Popular river during white bass run 34. A swan species 35. The other bass at Lake Fork 37. One of the North American wild sheep

Leupold & Stevens is seeking qualified applicants for the position of program manager, strategic marketing partnerships.

Job at Weatherby

Gravatt to lead Creedmoor

12 13

CZ Group announced the definitive agreement to acquire the outstanding equity interest in Colt Holding Company as well as its Canadian subsidiary, Colt Canada Corporation.

Marketing position at Leupold

Weatherby is searching for a marketing director at its headquarters in Sheridan, Wyoming.

Regional director position at RMEF Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is seeking a regional director in Nebraska and Iowa.

Swerczek promoted at Hornady Hornady named Seth Swerczek its marketing communications manager.

Zebco bought Rather Outdoors acquired Zebco Brands, the Tulsa, Oklahoma-based manufacturer of fishing rods, reels and accessories.

Puzzle by Craig Nyhus, Lone Star Outdoor News

Cats on Zote soap Continued from page 8

bait up juglines as well as trotlines. “It’s got a unique smell that blue cats really like,” he said. “It’s available at most grocery stores. It’s made in white and pink colors. I’m not sure that one color is better than the other, but the pink seems to do best, especially when the river is clearing up. This time of year there’s no need to catfish out of a boat. I just walk along the shoreline and tie throw lines onto the limbs of small trees and brush. I spread them out about 20 yards apart along about a 100-yard stretch. Coffey rigs up the lines on No. 8 braided nylon because it won’t twist and knot up like single-strand lines will. He ties off two drop line hooks on each line. The throw lines are anywhere from 15-30 feet long. Some are set shallow, others are farther out. At the bottom of each line is about a 1-ounce weight. Coffey can sling the baits out all the way across the river. “I like to rig up with No. 5 black stain-

less circle hooks,” Coffey said. “They don’t hang up on bottom debris very often, and they are just the right size for the chunks of soap I cut up. I’ll take a bar of soap and cut them into 2-inch chunks. I don’t know where the use of Zote soap came into play, but it’s good stuff that attracts nothing but catfish.” Coffey said the annoying gar leave the soap alone. “They won’t touch it,” he said. “Normally, if I bait up with live perch or fresh chunks of perch the gar will just about eat them as soon as they hit the water. The heaviest blue I’ve ever caught using the Zote soap was about 18 pounds. The soap stays on the hook a long time. I’ll rebait about twice a day. It’s fun fishing, and you don’t have to mess with a boat.” Don’t forget that each line has to have a gear tag attached, and the hooks need to be about 3-feet apart. “I like to use just two hooks on each line,” Coffey said. “With more hooks

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.

Dodd Coffey tosses a line, attached to a tree limb, baited with pink Zote soap. Photo by Robert Sloan, for Lone Star Outdoor News.

it’s easy to get hooked when I’m slinging them out on the water, and that’s definitely not fun.”

Executive Editor

Craig Nyhus

Managing Editor

Lili Sams

Design Editor

C2-Studios, Inc.

Copy Editor

Hannah Bush

Products Editor

Mary Helen Aguirre

Operations Manager

Mike Hughs

Website

Bruce Solieu

National Advertising Mike Nelson Founder & CEO

David J. Sams

Advertising: Call (214) 361-2276 or email editor@lonestaroutdoornews.com to request a media kit. For home delivery subscriptions www.LSONews.com • (214) 361-2276

LSONews.com

LoneOStar Outdoor News

February 26, 2021

Page 17

NATIONAL ARKANSAS

HAWAII

Bear hunters in Arkansas broke the record of 577 set during the 2018 season by taking 665 in 2020 — a jump of 15 percent. “The increase of almost 100 bears was largely due to two factors: The fact that there was a sparse mast crop across the state and the fact that we increased the bear zone quota from 345 bears to 500 bears,” Myron Means, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission large carnivore program coordinator, said. Archers took 536 bears (80 percent of the total), hunters using muzzleloaders took 77 (12 percent) and modern gun users took 52 (8 percent). —AGFC

Hawaii’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife announce that Online applications for a combination 2021 Lanai Axis Deer and Mouflon Sheep Season became available to the public on Feb. 22. The deadline for submitting applications will be March 19. The 2021 Lanai Axis Deer and Mouflon Sheep Season will consist of four hunts, with 75 permits available to non-Lanai residents in each category; Archery, Youth, Muzzleoader and Rifle. All Lanai residents who apply will be allowed to participate. —DOFAW

Bear harvest best ever

UTAH

Hunt applications open The application period for Utah’s big game hunts runs until 11 p.m. on March 4. To be included in the drawing for the hunts, you can apply on the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website or over the phone by calling the nearest DWR regional office. The results of the drawing will be released no later than May 31. Big game hunts are held in Utah for bighorn sheep (desert and Rocky Mountain), bison, elk, moose, mountain goat, mule deer and pronghorn. —UDWR

VERMONT

Moose permits to increase A limited moose hunt in Vermont’s Wildlife Management Unit E in the northeastern corner of the state is proposed in order to reduce the impact of winter ticks on the moose population. “Moose density in WMU E remains well above one moose per square mile, significantly higher than any other part of the state,” said Nick Fortin, Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s biologist in charge of the moose project. “Moose densities greater than one per square mile support high numbers of winter ticks which negatively impact moose health and survival.” The Fish and Wildlife Department partnered with University of Vermont researchers to conduct a study of moose health and survival in WMU E. The results, in which 126 moose (36 cows, 90 calves) were fitted with GPS tracking collars, showed that chronic high winter tick loads caused the health of moose in that part of the state to be poor. Survival of adult moose remained relatively good, but birth rates were very low and less than half of the calves survived their first winter. The department would issue 60 eithersex hunting permits and 40 antlerless hunting permits in WMU-E for the moose seasons this October. That would result in an estimated harvest of 51 to 66 moose, or 5 percent of the more than 1,000 moose currently estimated to live in WMU E. —VFWD

Axis, mouflon hunt applications open

SOUTH CAROLINA

NWTF recognizes Texas for volunteer work Craig White of Huntington, Texas, was one of five recipients of the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Roger M. Latham Sportsman Wild Turkey Service Award for his leadership in in the Lone Star State. The award was presented at the 45th annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show, held virtually. White served four years as NWTF state chapter president. His spirit also helped his local NWTF chapter reach new heights. The April AWOL Chapter routinely places in the top three Texas chapters for net dollars, as well as winning national awards for its fundraising efforts. —NWTF

Feb. 27 & 28 - Kerrville Expo Hall Mar. 20 & 21- Abilene Convention Center Mar. 27 & 28 - Kerrville Exhibit Center April 24 & 25 - Kerrville Exhibit Center May 22 & 23 – Abilene Convention Center Like us on Facebook

INTERNATIONAL NAMIBIA, AFRICA

Air Namibia grounded Hunters traveling to Namibia, Africa may be looking at some travel adjustments. The government of Namibia has closed the southern African country’s state-owned airline, Air Namibia, saying it can no longer afford the financial losses. All Air Namibia flights have been canceled, 10 aircraft have been grounded and the reservations system has been closed. Air Namibia’s 644 employees will receive a severance package of a year’s salary, according to a Cabinet announcement. The decision to close the airline was taken after careful consideration, according to the Minister of Public Enterprises Leon Jooste. Air Namibia’s routes were mostly domestic and regional, with one transcontinental route between Namibia’s capital of Windhoek, and Frankurt, Germany. Alternate airlines flying in and out of Namibia’s Hosea Kutako Internationl Airport include Ethiopian Airlines, Eurowings, Airlink and Westair. —Staff report

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Page 18

February 26, 2021

LoneOStar Outdoor News

LSONews.com

PRODUCTS KILLIN’ TIME TURKEY VEST: Nomad’s new vest is loaded with cutting-edge features and purposedriven design to help hunters maximize their success. At the heart of this versatile rig are 28 general and specialized pockets, strategically placed to give easy access to calls, cellphone, GPS, decoys and more. Included are a vertical, long box call pocket with an adjustable buckle and rigid-foam outer sleeve; an external Thermacell pocket to help fend off unwanted insect attacks; and an adjustable, roomy game pouch with decoy stakes on the rear of the vest. It also offers a stadium seat that allows hunters to sit back without having a tree for support. And, magnetic attachments help keep it folded and out of the way when in stealth mode. The vest comes in Mossy Oak Bottomland or Shadow Leaf camo and has an MSRP of $180.

EVOLVE JACKET: Blocker Outdoors offers a reversible design in this jacket, which will extend its use over multiple seasons. Made from a blend of ripstop cotton, polyester and spandex, the jacket features S3 silver antimicrobial technology for odor control plus lightweight insulation for quiet comfort and warmth. It also offers a three-piece hood with cordlock adjusters for a secure fit. Available in sizes medium through 3XL and three camo patterns, the jacket costs about $130.

DATEBOOK FEBRUARY 27-28

MARCH 12

MARCH 4

MARCH 19

MARCH 5

MARCH 20

MARCH 6

MARCH 20-21

Quail-Tech Alliance Bird Dog Superbowl Circle-A Ranch, Archer (214) 679.9781 chodges@hodgesusa.com

MARCH 26

Texas Gun and Knife Shows Kerrville Expo Hall (830) 285-0575 texasgunandknifeshows.com Ducks Unlimited Tomball Dinner Magnolia Events Center (281) 851-9776 ducks.org

Ducks Unlimited Texoma Spring Dinner Mayor Arena, Denison (903) 820-8882 ducks.org

Ducks Unlimited Conroe Dinner Montgomery County Fairgrounds (936) 537-1561 ducks.org Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation South Texas Banquet Pedrotti’s Ranch, San Antonio rmef.org

Park Cities Quail Ronnie Smith Dog Presentation Seminar McKinney (972) 965-6564 parkcitiesquail.org Texas Gun and Knife Shows Abilene Convention Center (830) 285-0575 texasgunandknifeshows.com Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Cowtown Banquet River Ranch Stockyards Fort Worth rmef.org

Stewards Of The Wild Dallas Chapter Long Range Shooting Class Big Rock Gun Club, Eustace tpwf.org/sotw/dallas

MARCH 11-14

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Big Country Banquet Mesquite Event Center, Abilene rmef.org

Exotic Wildlife Association Annual Membership Meeting Y.O. Ranch Hotel, Kerrville (830) 315-7761 exoticwildlifeassociation.com

MARCH 27

Texas Team Trail Lake Amistad Tournament (210) 281-1752 texasteamtrail.com

APRIL 10

DSC South Texas Auction and Banquet JW Marriott Hill Country dscsouthtexas.org

>> FINESSE WORMS: These six-inch soft plastic worms by Softy Lure are impregnated with a salt and scent attractant. The scent, along with the floating action, attracts the bass. The handcrafted worms come in 24 color combinations, including Georgia Peach. A 20-piece pack costs about $8.

SPARTACUS II REEL: KastKing’s sleek silver and red spinning reel allows anglers to handle any fishing condition, whether in saltwater or freshwater. The lightweight reel is built with a reinforced nylon body and rotor and offers an ultra-smooth, reliable 22 pounds of triple disc carbon fiber drag that allows anglers to use lighter fishing lines. Its innovative Sliding Stabilizer Rod (SSR) technology stabilizes the pinion gear and main gear to increase strength and durability. Other features include an oversized stainlesssteel main shaft, CNC aluminum handle and anodized aluminum spool, a ceramic line roller, and more. It costs $50.

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CLOSE QUARTERS THERMAL SIGHT: Steiner Optics’ next-generation thermal sight with 2.5 MOA red dot reticle is designed for predator hunters. It utilizes a thermal technology that allows hunters to see hogs and coyotes in full dark conditions. The sight’s rugged anodized housing can withstand any kind of hunt in all weather conditions. Compatible with flip-up magnifiers, it offers precision targeting and can be used day or night: the outline mode works in the daytime while full thermal mode can be employed in total darkness. The sight costs about $10,000.

SERVING SPORTSMEN SINCE 1969

Taxidermists 214-350-2551 2931 Irving Blvd. Ste. 105 Dallas, Texas 75247

www.theflagggroupinc.com

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LoneOStar Outdoor News

February 26, 2021

Page 19

CLASSIFIEDS HUNTING TEXAS TROPHY WHITETAILS Axis, Blackbuck, Hogs Free range whitetail and exotic hunts in Sonora, TX www.HuntTexasWhitetails.com (717) 512-3582 EXOTICS + WHITETAIL Several species Trophy and meat hunts Owner guided Very reasonable Let’s have fun! (325) 475-2100 ANTLERS WANTED Buying all species, all conditions. Looking for large quantities Call Del (830) 997-2263 DUVAL COUNTY South Texas Dove Hunting 65 acres, Lodging RV Power Available Huntershilton.com for more info (361) 244-0544 or (361) 443-9330 TDHA - JOIN TODAY Texas Dove Hunters Association TexasDoveHunters.com (210) 764-1189 AXIS HIDES Tanned axis hides Axis pillows gbroach@ktc.com (830) 896-6996

QUAIL HUNTING

Guided-Self Guided-Training 700 yard RANGE PoetryShootingClub.com (214) 728-2755 QUAIL AND CHUKAR HUNT Year round near San Antonio $300 guaranteed limit opportunity texasuplandoutfitters.com (830) 584-3334 VINTAGE GUN WANTED Looking for a pre-64 Winchester Model 70 in 6.5 x 55 Swede Please call Adam Ahlers (217) 419-2090

REAL ESTATE/ LEASE

ARGENTINA DUCK HUNTING Lots of Birds!!! Hosted by Owner Partridge & Dove Shoots Included 5 Days/4 Nts/8 Shoots - $4250 Includes everything but shells and tips dagaradventures.com (972) 769-8866

PERFECT HUNTING/ RECREATIONAL PROPERTY WITH MAN CAVE Hunters dream complete with “man-cave” and just on the market. Blinds feeders, kennel, tools etc. Seller taking only a few personal items. Wonderful deer and dove hunting on 85 acres. Perfect father/son friends outing with a comfortable spot to relax, build a campfire and talk about all the animals they spotted during the day. Dove hunting is incredible as this property borders a monstrous sunflower field that has been commercially hunted for decades. Turkey good especially in Spring. Water system provided by 1000 gallon tank. Waste system is composite not septic. Also ask Tom about his 200 acres “hip pocket listing” south of Coleman Broker Tom awaiting your call (214) 207-8871

ARGENTINA DOVE SHOOTING 5 Star Lodge – Hosted by Owner 4 Days/3 Nts/6 Shoots - $1320/person (972) 769-8866 ALASKA COASTAL BROWN BEAR HUNTS AVAILABLE May 10-25 and Oct 7-21 2021 AAA Alaskan Outfitters Call Brent Jones (907) 570-1493

FISHING BAY FISHING 6 Hour Trip from $275 Port Isabel, TX (956) 551-1965

NEED ARCHERY RANGE? www.TexasArchery.info STOCKERBUCK.COM Call now to order Texas Trophy Bred does and stockerbucks or check us out online at stockerbuck.com Call Jay (505) 681-5210

RANCH FOR SALE $665,000 - 2000 acres Coahuila, Mexico Big Deer, Quail, Water, Houses Beautiful Sierra Madre Valley (504) 236-8069

WANTED PREMIUM FAMILY DEER LEASE 4 to 5 Experienced Trophy Hunters Year round–MLDP–2 hours max from Waco. Call Jim (254) 716-6227 LOOKING FOR TEXAS MULE DEER LEASE Hoping to lease for one week of the season. Hunting industry references available. Call Carson (907) 460-4313

VEHICLES HUNTING JEEP 1995 Wrangler 4.0L, 6 Cylinder, Fully Loaded Many Extras, Automatic Transmission Winch and New Tires (361) 541-8420

HUNTING CABIN BROOKESMITH Located about halfway between Brownwood and Brady on bluff overlooking 275 feet of clear creek is this sturdy 3bdr house, a metal roof, secure 2 car garage and outdoor storage buildings on two large lots in this safe and sleepy town. Asking $30K. Also ask about my “hip pocket listings” those properties not yet to market that include hunting ranches from 100 to 2,500 acres. Broker # 434919 (214) 207-8871

JOBS LEARN TO BECOME AN INSURANCE ADJUSTER https:onlinemediatraining.now.site PART-TIME DELIVERY JOB 2 days a month Text Paul (361) 877-6028

CAMP CASTLE FOR SALE 5th Wheel 3 Slides Huge, Cheap (210) 863-2719

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W A R 3M O U

I M B

M U

Y E L

C O V

A I

N E

A C

R R

G O S

N G S

Q U

T O C

C O

E W A

E E

A W A I

R C

P W

A D

A K

C K L

U A N

H A D

S 15

A V

N N S

U K

H U D

R V O

O 30S

H A N

E O R G

A D D O

T O N

R A

B O X

Z Z A R D

I 16

Puzzle solution from Page 16

Page 20

February 26, 2021

LoneOStar Outdoor News

LSONews.com

THERE ARE 6 MILLION FERAL HOGS IN AMERICA.

WE’VE GOT WORK TO DO.

Trijicon IR-HUNTER Thermal Riflescope Technology ®

Let’s put wild hogs where they belong. Underground. With the superior thermal imaging technology of the Trijicon IR-HUNTER®, you can shoot with lights-out precision and take back your land. • Best-in-class image quality: 640x480, 12 micron, 60 Hz thermal imager

• MaxPol technology for maximum multi-polarity control

• 8x E-Zoom digital electronic zooming system

• Enhanced Target Recognition (ETR) eliminates “washout”

See the technology at TrijiconEO.com/IR-HUNTER.

4699_21TRIJ13456-R21_ElectroOptics_LSON.indd 1

12/8/20 9:03 AM