NOT JUST FOR WINGSHOOTERS GREYSTONE CASTLE
NEW TECH FOR LONG-RANGE LEUPOLD
DEER NATION CABELA’S
SAFE, SECURE FORT KNOX
CUSTOM 30MM
NIKON
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DEER HUNTING: TEXAS ANNUAL 2014
Lone Star Outdoor News
CONTENTS
2 Rattle UP, B&B Taxidermy 3 Under Armour 4 Texas Hunter Products 5 Beck & Masten 6 Lumenok 7 Winchester, Wildpoint
Whitetails, American Shooting Centers 8 EOTech 9 Fort Knox Vaults 10 Whitetail Properties, Rockin P Ranch 11 Yamaha ATV, Land Investex 12 Trulock, Mission Golf Cars 13 Greystone Castle 14 TRUGLO
15 Cabela’s Deer Nation 16 Bushlan Camo 17 Onyx/Arctic Shield, Chas-Mac 18 Wildcat Creek, Your Target 19 Hoffpauir Polaris 20 Silver Spur, Chicken Express 21 Leupold 22 ForEverlast, Formex 23 Western Hill Country Realty 24 Citadel, Dark Widow 25 Weatherby Foundation, Freer Deer 26 In Sights Nutrition, Hartland 27 Deer Breeder’s Corp., Nature Blinds 28 Nikon
An advertising insert of Lone Star Outdoor News
DEER SEASON DATES White-tailed deer Archery Only
Sept. 27-Oct. 31, 2014
General Season:
North Texas: Nov. 1, 2014-Jan. 4, 2015 South Texas: Nov. 1, 2014-Jan. 18, 2015
Youth-Only:
Oct. 25-26, 2014 Jan. 5-18, 2015
Muzzleloader Jan. 5
Late Antlerless and Spike North Texas: Jan. 5-18, 2015 South Texas: Jan. 19-Feb. 1, 2015
MLDP Level III
Sept. 27, 2014-Feb. 28, 2015
Mule deer
Archery Only Sept. 27-Oct. 31, 2014
General Season
Panhandle: Nov. 22-Dec. 7, 2014 Southwestern Panhandle: Nov. 22-30, 2014 Trans-Pecos: Nov. 28-Dec. 14, 2014 — See TPWD for more information Lone Star Outdoor News, Founded 2004, ISSN 2162-8300, a publication of Lone Star Outdoor News, LLC, publishes twice a Associate Editor Mark England month. A mailed subscription is Graphics Editor Steven Schwartz $30 for 24 issues. Newsstand Contributors copies are $2, in certain marBusiness/Products Editor Mary Helen Aguirre kets copies are free, one per Wilbur Lundeen Chuck Uzzle Operations Manager Mike Hughs person. Copyright 2014 with all Erich Schlegel Ralph Winingham rights reserved. Reproduction Accounting Ginger Hoolan David Sikes and/or use of any photographic Scott Sommerlatte Shannon Drawe National Advertising Mike Nelson or written material without written permission by the publisher Advertising: Call (214) 361-2276 or email Automotive Advertising Dave Irvine is prohibited. Subscribers may editor@lonestaroutdoornews.com to request Website Bruce Soileau send address changes to: Lone a media kit. Star Outdoor News, P.O. Box Founder & CEO David J. Sams 551695, Dallas, TX 75355 For home delivery subscriptions or email them to news@lonestaroutdoornews.com. www.LSONews.com • (214) 361-2276
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Executive Editor
Craig Nyhus
Managing Editor
Conor Harrison
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Sunrise-Sunset Oct. 2014 to April 2015 Oct
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Nov
Times given above are for Dallas. For other locations, subtract 1 minute per 12 miles east of Dallas, and add 1 minute per 12 miles west of Dallas: Abilene — add 14 minutes Alpinet — add 24 minutes
Dec
Jan
Beaumont — subtract 13 minutes Corpus Christi — add 3 minutes Austin — add 5 minutes Del Rio — add 20 minutes El Paso* — subtract 23 minutes Houston — subtract 5 minutes
Feb
Laredo — add 14 minutes Lubbock — add 24 minutes San Angelo — add 18 minutes San Antonio — add 8 minutes Tyler — subtract 6 minutes *El Paso is in Mountain Time Zone.
March
April
Date-Day Rise Set
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1 Wed 7:20 7:12 2 Thu 7:20 7:11 3 Fri 7:21 7:10 4 Sat 7:22 7:08 5 Sun 7:22 7:07 6 Mon 7:23 7:06 7 Tue 7:24 7:04 8 Wed 7:24 7:03 9 Thu 7:25 7:02 10 Fri 7:26 7:01 11 Sat 7:26 6:59 12 Sun 7:27 6:58 13 Mon 7:28 6:57 14 Tue 7:29 6:56 15 Wed 7:29 6:54 16 Thu 7:30 6:53 17 Fri 7:31 6:52 18 Sat 7:32 6:51 19 Sun 7:32 6:50 20 Mon 7:33 6:49 21 Tue 7:34 6:47 22 Wed 7:35 6:46 23 Thu 7:36 6:45 24 Fri 7:36 6:44 25 Sat 7:37 6:43 26 Sun 7:38 6:42 27 Mon 7:39 6:41 28 Tue 7:40 6:40 29 Wed 7:41 6:39 30 Thu 7:41 6:38 31 Fri 7:42 6:37
1 Sat 7:43 6:36 2 Sun 6:44 5:35 3 Mon 6:45 5:34 4 Tue 6:46 5:34 5 Wed 6:47 5:33 6 Thu 6:48 5:32 7 Fri 6:49 5:31 8 Sat 6:50 5:30 9 Sun 6:50 5:30 10 Mon 6:51 5:29 11 Tue 6:52 5:28 12 Wed 6:53 5:27 13 Thu 6:54 5:27 14 Fri 6:55 5:26 15 Sat 6:56 5:26 16 Sun 6:57 5:25 17 Mon 6:58 5:24 18 Tue 6:59 5:24 19 Wed 7:00 5:23 20 Thu 7:01 5:23 21 Fri 7:02 5:23 22 Sat 7:03 5:22 23 Sun 7:04 5:22 24 Mon 7:04 5:21 25 Tue 7:05 5:21 26 Wed 7:06 5:21 27 Thu 7:07 5:21 28 Fri 7:08 5:20 29 Sat 7:09 5:20 30 Sun 7:10 5:20
1 Mon 7:11 5:20 2 Tue 7:11 5:20 3 Wed 7:12 5:20 4 Thu 7:13 5:20 5 Fri 7:14 5:20 6 Sat 7:15 5:20 7 Sun 7:16 5:20 8 Mon 7:16 5:20 9 Tue 7:17 5:20 10 Wed 7:18 5:20 11 Thu 7:18 5:20 12 Fri 7:19 5:20 13 Sat 7:20 5:21 14 Sun 7:21 5:21 15 Mon 7:21 5:21 16 Tue 7:22 5:22 17 Wed 7:22 5:22 18 Thu 7:23 5:22 19 Fri 7:24 5:23 20 Sat 7:24 5:23 21 Sun 7:25 5:23 22 Mon 7:25 5:24 23 Tue 7:26 5:24 24 Wed 7:26 5:25 25 Thu 7:26 5:25 26 Fri 7:27 5:26 27 Sat 7:27 5:27 28 Sun 7:28 5:27 29 Mon 7:28 5:28 30 Tue 7:28 5:29 31 Wed 7:28 5:29
1 Thu 7:29 5:30 2 Fri 7:29 5:31 3 Sat 7:29 5:31 4 Sun 7:29 5:32 5 Mon 7:29 5:33 6 Tue 7:29 5:34 7 Wed 7:29 5:34 8 Thu 7:29 5:35 9 Fri 7:29 5:36 10 Sat 7:29 5:37 11 Sun 7:29 5:38 12 Mon 7:29 5:39 13 Tue 7:29 5:40 14 Wed 7:29 5:40 15 Thu 7:29 5:41 16 Fri 7:29 5:42 17 Sat 7:28 5:43 18 Sun 7:28 5:44 19 Mon 7:28 5:45 20 Tue 7:27 5:46 21 Wed 7:27 5:47 22 Thu 7:27 5:48 23 Fri 7:26 5:49 24 Sat 7:26 5:50 25 Sun 7:25 5:51 26 Mon 7:25 5:52 27 Tue 7:24 5:53 28 Wed 7:24 5:54 29 Thu 7:23 5:55 30 Fri 7:23 5:56 31 Sat 7:22 5:57
1 Sun 7:21 5:58 2 Mon 7:21 5:59 3 Tue 7:20 6:00 4 Wed 7:19 6:01 5 Thu 7:19 6:02 6 Fri 7:18 6:03 7 Sat 7:17 6:04 8 Sun 7:16 6:04 9 Mon 7:15 6:05 10 Tue 7:15 6:06 11 Wed 7:14 6:07 12 Thu 7:13 6:08 13 Fri 7:12 6:09 14 Sat 7:11 6:10 15 Sun 7:10 6:11 16 Mon 7:09 6:12 17 Tue 7:08 6:13 18 Wed 7:07 6:14 19 Thu 7:06 6:15 20 Fri 7:05 6:15 21 Sat 7:04 6:16 22 Sun 7:03 6:17 23 Mon 7:02 6:18 24 Tue 7:01 6:19 25 Wed 6:59 6:20 26 Thu 6:58 6:21 27 Fri 6:57 6:21 28 Sat 6:56 6:22
1 Sun 7:55 7:23 2 Mon 7:54 7:24 3 Tue 7:52 7:25 4 Wed 7:51 7:25 5 Thu 7:50 7:26 6 Fri 7:49 7:27 7 Sat 7:47 7:28 8 Sun 8:46 8:28 9 Mon 8:45 8:29 10 Tue 8:44 8:30 11 Wed 8:42 8:31 12 Thu 8:41 8:31 13 Fri 8:40 8:32 14 Sat 8:39 8:33 15 Sun 8:37 8:34 16 Mon 8:36 8:34 17 Tue 8:35 8:35 18 Wed 8:33 8:36 19 Thu 8:32 8:36 20 Fri 8:31 8:37 21 Sat 8:30 8:38 22 Sun 8:28 8:39 23 Mon 8:27 8:39 24 Tue 8:26 8:40 25 Wed 8:24 8:41 26 Thu 8:23 8:41 27 Fri 8:22 8:42 28 Sat 8:20 8:43 29 Sun 8:19 8:43 30 Mon 8:18 8:44 31 Tue 8:16 8:45
1 Wed 7:15 7:45 2 Thu 7:14 7:46 3 Fri 7:12 7:47 4 Sat 7:11 7:47 5 Sun 7:10 7:48 6 Mon 7:09 7:49 7 Tue 7:07 7:49 8 Wed 7:06 7:50 9 Thu 7:05 7:51 10 Fri 7:04 7:51 11 Sat 7:02 7:52 12 Sun 7:01 7:53 13 Mon 7:00 7:54 14 Tue 6:59 7:54 15 Wed 6:57 7:55 16 Thu 6:56 7:56 17 Fri 6:55 7:56 18 Sat 6:54 7:57 19 Sun 6:53 7:58 20 Mon 6:52 7:59 21 Tue 6:51 7:59 22 Wed 6:49 8:00 23 Thu 6:48 8:01 24 Fri 6:47 8:01 25 Sat 6:46 8:02 26 Sun 6:45 8:03 27 Mon 6:44 8:04 28 Tue 6:43 8:04 29 Wed 6:42 8:05 30 Thu 6:41 8:06
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Stew Meat
Chunks of venison make great meat for stews and chili. These cuts can be slow-cooked until tender and flavorful.
Parts is parts Where the cuts come from
Loins
Venison tenderloins are the delicate pieces below the backbone. These are best marinated and grilled quickly.
Osso Buco
Roast
Venison shanks make great osso buco with the bone remaining in the dish. Cook these one day ahead of time for full flavor.
The most flavorful cut on the deer, venison roasts can be made in a crockpot or slow cooker. Put a little gravy on top and enjoy.
Ribs
Leave the backstraps on the bone for delicious ribs and venison chops. Get creative with marinades and flavors with these — cook over a hot fire.
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Venison Steaks
The lower portion of the hams make for tasty steaks that are much healthier than normal beef ribeyes. Cook steaks fast and not past medium rare for best venison flavor.
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Keep guns safe, secure with Fort Knox Vaults
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onsumers are faced with many options when it comes to buying a gun safe, but when armed with a little knowledge, the right choice becomes easy. “The security of your gun safe is in the details,” said Doug Tarter of Fort Knox Vaults, a family-owned company that has made its safes in Utah for the past 32 years. “In the safe industry today, the consumer can come up on the short end if they don’t watch for the terms some safemakers use.” Fort Knox makes the selection process simple, and stresses looking at three areas. 1. Construction “Look at how much steel is in the safe — the steel does equal security,” Tarter said. “Watch for terms like ‘composite doors,’ they don’t tell you the steel thickness. There are safes on the market you could open with a crowbar, because there is not steel in the door and they flex.” 2. Fire protection “Make sure the safe was tested, and they aren’t just listing the ratings of the materials,” Tarter said. “A house fire has an 8- to 10-minute ramp-up and gets hot real fast. The consumer should demand the results from testing of the safe matches the house fire.” In a fire, steel still melts (at 2,300 degrees). “A standard house fire reaches 1,100-1,200 degrees and the home will typically be to the ground within an hour,” Tarter said. ‘Most people have a fire department within 15-30 minutes. You need the stuff in the safe to survive that 30-minute to 1-hour window.” Fort Knox Vaults are lined with fireboard with a rating of 1,680 degrees for 90 minutes, more than enough for your prized possessions to survive the vast majority of house fires. 3. Warranty Fort Knox Vaults come with a lifetime factory warranty, and will replace any vault broken into by forced entry and will repair or replace any vault damaged by accident, flood or fire. “I want to look a customer who I see in the grocery store in the eye and not have to apologize for my product,” Tarter said. The details are what set the Fort Knox Vaults apart, from its Defender Series with a matte finish, more for vaults that are not on display, to its Legend and Titan Series with a glossy finish for display in a living area or trophy room. “Without the details attached to it, the safe is not much more than an expensive locker,” Tarter said. “If you don’t know them, turn away.” And should there be an unfortunate fire, with the Fort Knox safe, the grocery-store conversation will be a pleasant one, talking about how the safe survived with the important contents intact. Fort Knox Vaults (800) 821-5216 ftknox.com
www.eotechinc.com Page
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New gun room catches eyes of Mumme’s customers
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By Craig Nyhus Lone Star Outdoor News
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eer hunters across the state recognize Mumme’s as a top source and a regular stop for deer protein, corn, feeders, blinds and supplies. They may not know until they walk in that Mumme’s home store in Hondo has added a gun room, with an ample supply of deer rifles, shotguns, ammunition and shooting supplies. Now the largest AntlerMax feed dealer in the United States for Purina Mills, Mumme’s began in 1928 when Clarence Mumme Sr. obtained his first brood of 100 laying chicks. By the late 1960s, his business became one of the largest poultry operations in South Texas. The numerous employees now have majority ownership in the company that operates two grain receiving facilities and four retail stores in Hondo, Rio Medina, San Antonio and Pearsall. The gun room opened in September of 2013 and sales have slowly ramped up since. “We sold 1,037 guns in 13 months,” said gun manager Jim Word. “I’m called the manager but we all help out in different areas.” The best selling deer rifle? “It has been rifles chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor,” Word said. “I think it’s because it is something everybody likes and nobody has, and it’s a real good gun for longer shots. And it’s a pleasant gun to shoot.” The holidays bring another gun to the forefront, though. “The Henry Golden Boys sell real well, both in .22 and .17HMR,” Word said. “We can’t keep them in stock closer to Christmas time.” Mumme’s, Inc. (830) 426-3313 mummesinc.com
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Lone Star Outdoor News
Yamaha unveils Viking VI to rave reviews
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By David J. Sams Lone Star Outdoor News
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nder a cloak of secrecy Yamaha Outdoors allowed me a look at the new Yamaha Viking VI at a test track in Central Texas. The Viking VI is now available, and is sure to be the hottest-selling rig for Yamaha this fall. Yamaha seems to never sit still. They make one great product and then they make it even better. Yamaha’s product engineers on the test track ran through the list of improvements and features, including a 686cc liquid-cooled engine, 4-wheel drive, dual hydraulic disc brakes and a 9.7-gallon fuel tank, before I was allowed to peel off and give the machine a good workout. This might be as close to a crew cab pickup truck as you can get in a side-by-side vehicle. The totally reengineered Viking VI comes in several models and can be outfitted with as many accessories to customize as you like. About the only thing you will not find is an air conditioner, but I bet with a little welding and some custom fabrication, some Texas hunting lease will have one soon. When I first jumped in, I took the middle back seat and with my large 6-foot frame found ample room for my legs and shoulders. In both middle seats the engineers offset the seat with a 5-percent recline, which allows riders’ shoulders not to rub. Driving the rig at slow speeds can be done with a finger because of the power steering system, and at higher speeds (and two hands on the wheel) the rig drives as good as your pickup truck. The engine has more power than you might ever need and in the soft stuff, the locking differential is a great asset, as well as the full underbody skid plate. It takes a little more turning room with the 115.6 inches of length, but it is well worth it. Yamaha yamahaviking.com
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Greystone Castle: Not just for wingshooters
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ince 1995, travelers on I-20 have been wondering what it is they see as they approach the Thurber exit about 70 miles west of Fort Worth. They’ve noticed the big English-style castle that looms atop one of the majestic mesas ... but have still questioned what it is. However, for avid wingshooters and sportsmen across Texas and the rest of the country — they know it’s Greystone Castle Sporting Club. For more than a decade, Greystone Castle has been part of the Orvis family as one of their premier wingshooting destinations. In fact, their name has become synonymous with quality in the hunting industry. Although wingshooting has certainly been Greystone’s forte for many years now, one aspect of their management expertise that has sometimes been overlooked is their success in producing trophy white-tailed deer. Last year, their hunters harvested more than 25 trophy whitetails, including five in the top 20 of the SCI Record Book. This success has continued already this year with their hunters taking numerous deer over 150 inches including several over 200 inches. With that type of success just in October, the remaining part of the season promises to be one for the record books. And that’s what is so unique and compelling about Greystone Castle. It can be so many things to so many different sportsmen. To the upland gunner, large fields of sorghum, millet, and switch grass bring memories of great gun dogs, flushing pheasants, bobwhite covey rises, and days in the field with friends. For the big game hunter, it’s more than 6,000 acres that offer some of the best whitetail hunting in the country and over 30 species of exotic game. For the clay shooter, it’s the great sporting clays and pyramid 5-stand courses that will test the best of shooters. And for the avid angler, the trophy bass lakes present yearround opportunities for tight lines on largemouth bass and hybrid stripers. What appeals to all visitors at Greystone are its top-of-the-line accommodations and gourmet meals. There are five elegantly decorated suites capable of hosting more than 25 guests, a dining room complete with a full-time executive chef, spacious conference facilities, a swimming pool with hot tub, and just outside the castle walls, a scenic lookout affords a breathtaking vista of the entire estate. In addition, the newly constructed 2,600-square-foot pavilion facility features a custom bar, large seating areas, 65-inch TV, carved limestone fireplace, Laser Shot, billiards, and an overlook terrace with a custom outdoor fire pit. The ownership and staff have been dedicated to creating one of the finest sporting destinations found anywhere in the world. Long-term habitat improvement and wildlife management has made Greystone an extraordinary hunting destination. This, coupled with the unique castle facility and outstanding customer service, makes Greystone Castle a place without equal. Greystone Castle (800) 399-3006 greystonecastle.com
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Cabela’s Deer Nation Celebration I
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f you like to hunt deer, you are going to love Cabela’s Deer Nation Celebration, which continues through the end of November in all Cabela’s stores and online at www.cabelas.com/deernation. In-store events include seminars and demonstrations, covering everything from scouting and hunting to field prep and caring for game meat to preparing and cooking wild game. Cabela’s Deer Nation website is loaded with video and written content, all designed to help hunters make the most of the time they spend in the field pursuing deer. Hunters can log on to Deer Nation to watch video webisodes, including Whitetail Season, Whitetail Watch, Midwest Whitetail and Wildlife and Land Management, as well as how-to and product-review videos. The site contains articles covering preparation, scouting and hunting, gear reviews and recommendations, wild-game recipes and more. Hunters also can access the site to submit trail camera pictures for a special Deer Nation Big-Game Photo Contest, for a chance to win some of the more than $4,500 worth of prizes, including Cabela’s products and gift cards. And there’s a live Twitter feed (#DeerNation), allowing hunters to share their in-the-field successes with others, or ask questions about hunting gear, tactics, locations or rut conditions around the country. Currently, Cabela’s operates five convenient retail locations in Texas — Fort Worth, Buda, Allen, Waco and Lubbock. Each store is participating in Cabela’s Deer Nation Celebration with sales, seminars, product demonstrations and more. Visit your local Cabela’s store or www.cabelas.com/stores for more information about sales and activities taking place at each location. Along with events taking place for Cabela’s Deer Nation Celebration, visitors to Cabela’s stores will find an immersive outdoor experience, thousands of quality outdoor products and a knowledgeable, passionate staff dedicated to helping customers get the most out of the time they spend outdoors. Cabela’s cabelas.com
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Wild Game Supper Lone Star Outdoor News held its 4th Annual Wild Game Supper on Oct. 8 in support of the Lone Star Outdoor News Foundation, and it was a huge success. More than 250 people came to the Beretta Gallery in Dallas to help the LSON Foundation raise more than $10,000 for its mission to create hunting and fishing opportunities, benefit youth education and support wildlife research and outdoor journalism. The wild game was provided by our friends at Cinnamon Creek Wild Game Processing, and partygoers enjoyed elk sticks, wild game sausage, venison tenderloins and more. Look for future foundation stories in upcoming issue of LSON this season, as the LSON Foundation introduces people to hunting and fishing in Texas.
Beretta Gallery gun counter
Cinnamon Creek Processing
Paul Bureau, Mark Hatcher and Kevin Smith
LSONF www.lsonews.com/lsonfoundation
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Joe Laakman, Mike Keller and Brad Grist
Gun winner Mary Clare Finney
DEER HUNTING: TEXAS ANNUAL 2014
Lone Star Outdoor News
Lock in the heat with ArcticShield I
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t started in 1999 with ArcticShield’s first product — boot insulators. People recognized the benefits of the new technology with warm feet and toes, and the launch was a tremendous success. Now, ArcticShield offers a complete line of apparel for hunting and cold-weather activity that keeps you warm from head to toe. The ArcticShield technology utilizes a multilayered thermal barrier that captures and returns more than 90 percent of your body heat. “The method is more effective than traditional insulations that only slow body heat loss,” said Senior Product Manager Jake Jacobs. “Our coldweather clothing is innovatively thin and unbelievably warm. For hunters, everything has considerably less bulk, making moving, walking and shooting much more comfortable. It provides more with less.” ArcticShield lines also include waterproofing and windproofing for the waterfowlers, odor control for deer hunters, and heat retention and maximum comfort for all. Products for men and women include parkas, jackets and vests, pants and bibs, gloves and glomitts, underwear and accessories, and, of course, the original boot insulators. The ArcticShield lines are part of a full line of outdoor recreational products from Onyx Outdoor and are available online, at independent retailers and at Bass Pro Shops and Mills Fleet Farm. “We have everything from head to toe, with different levels of insulations,” Jacobs said. “We can outfit you to be warm, warmer or warmest.” Onyx/ArcticShield (877) 252-2056 onyxoutdoor.com/arcticshield
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Quail, pheasant and more at Wildcat Creek
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uail and pheasant hunters need not travel far to experience a memorable hunt, luxurious facilities and fabulous food. Wildcat Creek Quail Hunting Resort has birds at the ready — where a memorable quail or pheasant hunting adventure awaits. For wingshooters who favor the pheasant, full pheasant hunts have been offered the past two seasons. WCR, a family affair and the vision of Ron and Evonne Parker and their sons, Nick, David and Nathan, sports a new lodge and an atmosphere that is truly family-oriented. “We want the experience to be first-class but yet not stuffy,” said owner Ron Parker. Located in Red River County near Detroit, the property consists of 1,200-plus acres of well-managed land that will take hunters back in time. The habitat, birds and dogs are first-rate, with fields cleared out of the thick woods by Parker, who also owns a construction business. “And we have cleared saplings in two areas to offer hunters a true Georgia-style quail hunt with tough shots through the trees,” Ron said. “Our customers love it.” Wingshooters may want to get their hunts booked, though, as the word is getting out about Wildcat Creek, where 10 weekends are already fully booked for the upcoming season. Several flight pens allow for flight training for the pen-raised birds, and the birds are released before the beginning of the season. “We want the birds to be as wild as possible and explode out of the grass,” Ron said. After the hunt, the new lodge and the food served at WCR may be even more memorable. The food is prepared by son David, a trained chef who has worked at top restaurants. WCR has added a 5-stand sporting clay station for parties and corporate events. Wildcat Creek Quail Hunting Resort (903) 674-2000 wcrquailhunting.com
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New technologies from Leupold for long-range success
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Leupold (800) LEUPOLD leupold.com
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eupold’s Custom Dial System is the last word in long-range shot placement. When the CDS riflescope is coupled with Leupold’s latest generation of RX rangefinders, shooters are afforded the best possible combination to achieve long-range accuracy. Unlike other systems that use generic ballistics information to generate equally generic drop data, the CDS uses the shooter’s unique ballistics and environmental conditions to calculate true custom drop values that are laser engraved onto the dial. The first step is to determine the best load for the rifle. Since no two guns will shoot the same load identically, it is important to get the most accurate ballistic data possible. Since the CDS system will be as accurate as the information the shooter supplies to Leupold, loads should be chronographed and the elevation and temperature, +/- 2000 feet and +/- 20 degrees Fahrenheit respectively, should match the intended use area. Data needed includes cartridge, bullet type, bullet weight, ballistic coefficient, muzzle velocity, average altitude, average temperature and sight height. The CDS will have a 100- or 200-yard zero in most cases (determined by the customer), then read in 50-yard increments out to the maximum yardage that can be reached in 14.5 minutes of angle. The CDS dial is a one-turn dial with a built-in zero stop, allowing the shooter to come back to zero without looking or counting clicks. The RX-800i TBR and RX-1000i TBR are the perfect companions for the Custom Dial System. Leupold’s latest Digitally Enhanced Accuracy rangefinding engine incorporates advanced signal-processing techniques to generate longer range capability with more accurate returns. Leupold’s exclusive True Ballistic Range, available on select RX rangefinders, truly sets these units apart. TBR links laser ranging, an inclinometer and an advanced ballistics program to give extremely accurate distance measurements — regardless of the angle at which the laser is fired. All bullets travel in a “ballistic arc,” yet conventional rangefinders only provide a linear distance to the target. TBR delivers the ballistic equivalent range to the target, accounting for the effects of inclines or declines on the path of the bullet. It also eliminates any potentially significant error, and provides a precise range that can then be dialed in to the CDS riflescope. TBR-equipped RX rangefinders can be programmed to use one of seven embedded ballistic groups that match up with most of today’s popular cartridges. When these two state-of-the-art technologies are combined, hunters and shooters are armed with the best possible tools to achieve long-range, first-shot hits.
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Improve your outdoor experience with ForEverlast
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he first good cool front of the season is rolling through and our family has already begun shifting gears from spring and summertime fishing to fall hunting. What a blessing to be able to share in these activities together. The smell of an old wood stove or the crackle of the embers at the campfire is what it is all about. I don’t think the feeling of change in our seasons can ever get old. To me, sharing time in the outdoors with friends and family is the measure of success — it is not about limits or taking the biggest buck — it is truly all about quality time spent with others. It is the basis for our business and what continues to fuel our desire as a company to continue our pursuit to become one of the top brands in the outdoors industry. From our quality selection of wildlife feeders to our summertime lineup of snake protection or wade-fishing gear we have put these products to use in the field or on the water to ensure they will perform to our expectations. “We Live Hunting & Fishing,” has become our company slogan and it holds true to our passion for the outdoors and it is lived out in every product that we offer. If you have not tried any of our outdoors products, I invite you to visit us on the Web at www. foreverlast.com to see our selection, stop by one of our many retailers across the country, or visit us on Facebook at ForEverlast Products to get an idea of who we are and what we have to offer. We would appreciate the chance to improve your hunting or fishing experience with the aid of one of our products. We wish you the best of luck in your pursuits and go out there and live hunting and fishing! By Billy Gerke, founder/CEO ForEverlast Inc. foreverlast.com
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Castin’ and Blastin’ at Get-A-Way Adventures Lodge
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ort Mansfield has long been known as a quiet fishing village and a favorite for speckled trout anglers, especially those who prefer to wade. The area’s bird hunting, though, should not be overlooked, and is featured by Get-AWay Adventures Lodge. Mike Sutton, who purchased the lodge last year, saw the opportunity and leased fields close to the U.S.-Mexico border on the outskirts of Brownsville. “The dove hunting was outstanding, especially early in the South Zone season,” Sutton said. During the first week of October, the groups of mostly white-winged dove entered the fields from across the border, and hunters had to be careful when taking shots at them heading back. “If you don’t drop them in front of you they will sail into the river,” Sutton said. Most of the group passed on those shots, not risking dropping a bird that could not be retrieved. The trout didn’t disappoint on the two-day excursion and groups landed dozens upon dozens of specks on top-waters and plastics. “The water temperature dropped into the mid-70s and a few more keeper trout are hitting,” said guide Ted Springer, who led a group to wade in shoulder-deep water for some and neck-deep water for the guide, who measures in at 5 feet, 9 inches. The groups of anglers kept noticing flocks of blue-winged teal, pintail and redheads passing by, surprised so many ducks were in the area, since most of North and Central Texas is still waiting for the birds to arrive. Port Mansfield guide Ruben Garza began guiding duck hunters last year, and Get-A-Way is offering cast-and-blast fishing and duck hunting trips this fall and winter. “We had a great season last year,” Garza said. “Our evening hunts were really good for redheads and pintails.” The well-appointed lodge sits next to the water, with its docks right out the front door. Guests enjoy separate bedrooms with baths and laundry service — and the grilled ribeyes and homemade lasagna prepared by General Manager Sandra Garza won’t be soon forgotten. Get-A-Way Adventures Lodge (956) 944-4000 getawayadventureslodge.com
Photos by Craig Nyhus, LSON.
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Lone Star Outdoor News
Weatherby Foundation to present international award
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n Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015, the hunting and conservation world’s most prestigious award will be celebrated at the 58th annual Weatherby Foundation International Hunting and Conservation Award Dinner, held at the Omni Hotel in downtown Dallas, in connection with the Dallas Safari Club Annual Convention that begins January 15. The gala event will feature keynote speaker Patrick Mavros, a hunter and silversmith from Zimbabwe, along with incredible auction items and more. Since 1956, the award, officially named the Weatherby Big Renee Snider Game Hunting and Conservation Award, has recognized outstanding support of wildlife conservation, lifetime hunting achievement and dedication to the principles of ethical sport hunting. The 2014 award recipient is Renee Snider of Elk Grove, California. Renee is the first woman to ever receive this prestigious award. She is a diminutive woman and modest about her achievements, but don’t let her quiet demeanor fool you. A world-class big game hunter with drive and heart, Renee’s passion for the outdoors began as a youngster as she accompanied her father, who was a skilled outdoorsman, hunting along the Continental Divide. Renee first traveled to Africa with her husband, Paul, in 1979. Finally, by 1982, he persuaded her to carry a rifle herself. While in Africa, Renee’s humanitarian skills come into play. She takes medical supplies with her and treats native villagers topically and administers major first aid. In some remote areas, Renee is the only medical source these people will ever see. The ticket price for an individual will be $250 and preferred seating sponsorships are available. Formed in 1988, the Weatherby Foundation’s mission statement is “to educate youth and the non-hunting public on the beneficial role of ethical sport hunting and its contribution to wildlife conservation.” It is one of the few non-profit organizations to focus its efforts and financial support on education outside of the industry. The gala will begin with a cocktail party at 5:30 p.m. and the dinner and live auction will begin at 7 p.m. Weatherby Foundation International (866) 934-3976 weatherbyfoundation.com
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Customize your 30mm rifle scope for top performance
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unters who favor the fully customized riflescope will be glad to hear that Nikon is back in the 30mm main-body tube business with its MONARCH 7. The new Nikon MONARCH 7 riflescope features a rugged, onepiece 30mm main body tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy for minimum weight and maximum strength and durability, along with a glassetched BDC reticle. The larger tube allows for the best resolution, wider windage and elevation travel and superior low-light performance. These features, plus the Custom XR Turret package, give you the option to either dial-in your distance on the crosshair, or to utilize the holdover points on the BDC reticle. The Custom XR Turret package allows you to custom-match the distances inscribed on the elevation dial to the specific ballistics of your load and environmental conditions. As a result, you can dial-in your exact shooting range and hold your crosshair directly on your target for every shot. Take the guesswork out of figuring elevation and bullet drop compensation. The various aiming points on the MONARCH 7’s BDC reticle may be utilized with Nikon’s Spot On Ballistic Match Technology to give you exact aiming points at various yardages for your specific ammunition and load. The MONARCH 7 includes Nikon’s Ultra ClearCoat Optical System, providing the shooter with a bright, sharp and flat sight picture and light transmission up to its theoretical maximum — 95 percent — for a clear-sight picture from dawn to dusk. Like riflescopes throughout the Nikon line, the MONARCH 7 is waterproof, fogproof, shockproof and covered by a limited lifetime warranty. Nikon nikonhunting.com
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DEER HUNTING: TEXAS ANNUAL 2014
Lone Star Outdoor News