A Shot of Texas Magazine | May/June 2015 by Mike Kurov

Oil! All the way up here

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MAY/JUNE 2015

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A Shot of Texas Magazine™ May/June 2015 7. Drones Improve Efficiency in the Oil & Gas Industry Landon Phillips

Teffany and Robert Kahn Founders/ Co-Editors

8. A Shot of Texas Clay Shoot Highlights Staff 10. Pipeline Predictive Monitoring Alex Campbell 12. The 36 Hour Hunt Kendall Rae Kahn - Camo Girl 16. Big Bulls of Comanche Trace Archery Editor/ Jim Miller

Kendall Rae Kahn

Camo Girl Product & Ranch Reviews

Rod Daigle

Senior Industrial Editor

Butch Ramirez

Wildlife Photographer

Dan Verrips

Wildlife Photographer

Larry Weishuhn ‘Mr Whitetail” Field Writer

Shamus Dartanyon Political Editor

Jim Miller

Bow Hunting Editor

Efrain Martinez Safety Editor

Jim Sessions

Huskemaw Optics/Field Writer

20. British Columbia Bear Jim Sessions/ Huskemaw Optics 24. Roaring Reds Larry Weishuhn 26. Our Collective Indifference Shamus Dartanyon 29. Kawasaki FXT Test Drive Results Staff 31. Energy Investment in Myanmar Lin Shu 33. Try a Different Position Kerry Oday 37. Safety – Cranes and Overhead Wires Andrew Dodge 46. Strapping a Hog Rob Kahn 48. Adjusting to $40 a Barrel Oil Staff 50. Raising a Texan Rob Kahn

Big Shots List Of Advertisers issue 15 Active Camo Products Air Logistics Backlash Capital Farm Credit Carter’s Country Critter Gitters DEA Ranch FW Gartner GameGuard Grainger Ranch Recruiting Grander Supply Company Grizzly Coolers Gulf Land & Wildlife Hogs Back Ranch Huskemaw Long Range Optics Infinity Group Innovative Turnaround Controls Larco Industries Lonesome Coyote Ranch MB Ranches Medical Plaza Mobile Meyer Custom Boots MG Arms Mobley Industrial Services My Core Control Performance Top Drives Pipehandler Record Buck Ranch Roseland Oil & Gas Show South Coast Products Thandeka Safaris Tomorrow River Ranch UEI Welker WFMS Woods Cycle Country Valero Zoli International

C 2014 A Shot of Texas Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Printed in the USA. For current Media Kit, advertising or questions about our Traveling Trade Show contact Rob Kahn. Email rob@ashotoftexas.net Office 512-746-2729 or Cell 832-922-1508

May/June Issue 2015 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 3

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Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Aka “Drones”) Are Improving Cost Efficiencies Of The Oil And Gas Industry By Landon Phillips T h e oi t e c hnol e x c e pt do l l a r of t he

l a dn ga s i ndus t r y i s know n f or e m br ogi e s a nd t he U mn a ne d A e r i a l V e hi c l e ( U i on. T w o A i r F or c e f i ght e r pi l ot s t r a de d t he a i r c r a f t f or w h a t w e now c a l l “ dr one s ” t o eb U A V s e r vi c e rp ovi de r i ndus try .

W h a t d o y o u g e t w h e n y o u ta k e tw o e n tre p re n e u ria l je t jo c k e y s a n d p u t th e m in charge of a Startup in the fledgling comm e rc ia l U A V in d u s try ? Y o u g e t M id s tre a m I n te g r ity S e r v ic e s ( M I S .) S te v e n F a rg o a n d Landon Phillips have over 4,000 flight hours in fighter and trainer aircraft and are lockedo n to th e O il a n d G a s in d u s try . T h e y a re life lo n g frie n d s w h o e x c e lle d in a c a d e m ic s a n d d re a m e d o f o n e d a y la n d in g th e m s e lv e s a t th e c o n tro ls o f th e m o s t a d v a n c e d a irc ra ft o n th e p la n e t. T h e y s u c c e e d e d . S te v e n e a rn e d h is c o m m is s io n th ro u g h R O T C a t th e U n iv e rs ity o f T e x a s a n d L a n d o n is a g ra d u a te o f th e U n ite d S ta te s A ir F o rc e A c a d e m y . T h e y w e re b o th c h o s e n to a tte n d U n d e rg ra d u a te P ilo t T ra in in g a n d g ra d u a te d a t th e to p o f their class. Steven was chosen to fly the F-16 F ig h tin g F a lc o n a n d L a n d o n w a s c h o s e n to fly the A-10 Warthog (also known as the T a n k b u s te r.) B e tw e e n th e m , th e y s e r v e d in n u m e ro u s d e p lo y m e n ts a ro u n d th e w o rld to in c lu d e fo u r c o m b a t d e p lo y m e n ts in s u p p o rt o f th e G lo b a l W a r o n T e rro r. B o th c o n tin u e to s e rv e in th e A ir F o rc e G u a rd a n d A ir F o rc e R e s e rv e , b u t n o w fo c u s th e ir tim e b u ild in g s tra te g ic a llia n c e s a n d p e rfe c tin g th e ir te c h n iq u e s in th e re a lm o f u n m a n n e d a irc ra ft. M IS is a n F A A a p p ro v e d c o m m e rc ia l U A V o p e ra to r b a s e d in S a n A n tonio, Texas and shares office space with Fla tro c k E n g in e e rin g a n d E n v iro n m e n ta l a n d s e v e ra l lo c a l o il a n d g a s c o m p a n ie s . T h ro u g h c lo s e tie s , L a n d o n a n d S te v e n re c e iv e d in v ita tio n s to a tte n d c o n fe re n c e s a n d s p e a k to in d u s try p ro fe s s io n a ls a b o u t th e a d v a n ta g e s

a c i ng e m e r gi gn A V ) s pa c e i s on i r m ul t i m i l l i onc om e t he l e a de r s

o f u n m a n n e d a irc ra ft. N o ta b ly , th e y w e re re c e n tly g u e s t s p e a k e rs a t th e G a s P ro c e s s o rs A s s o c ia tio n c o n fe re n c e w h e re th e y p re s e n te d b re a k th ro u g h te c h n o lo g ic a l a d v a n c e s d e v e lo p e d in p a rtn e rs h ip w ith re s e a rc h e rs a t th e U n iv e rs ity o f T e x a s a t S a n A n to n io . W ith o u t a d o u b t, U A V s a re a d is ru p tiv e te c h n o lo g y th a t M IS u s e s to b rin g s iz a b le c o s t a d v a n ta g e s to th e ir c lie n ts . S te v e n a n d L a n d o n a re h a p p y to te ll p o te n tia l c lie n ts th a t th e y c a n d o a n y th in g a fu ll s iz e d h e lic o p te r c a n d o a t a m e re fra c tio n o f th e c o s t; g e n e ra lly a ta rg e te d 4 0 % c o s t s a v in g s o v e r tra d itio n a l m a n n e d h e lic o p te rs . S e rv ic e s th a t M IS o ffe rs to c lie n ts in c lu d e : • V is u a l In s p e c tio n s o f rig h t o f w a y s w ith c o m p u te r a id e d th re a t d e te c tio n • M e th a n e g a s d e te c tio n w ith G P S lo c a tio n • F la re s ta c k in s p e c tio n s w ith re a l tim e 1080p high definition video downlink and 4k re s o lu tio n v id e o re c o rd in g • C a th o d ic p ro te c tio n d a ta c a p tu re v ia overflight • 3D landscape modeling and “flythro u g h ” v id e o p ro d u c tio n • T o p o g ra p h ic m o d e lin g

• 3 D p o in t c lo u d g e n e ra tio n (e x p o rta b le to G IS p ro g ra m s ) • T h e rm a l c a m e ra in s p e c tio n • N e a r IR c a m e ra p la n t h e a lth a n a ly s is (d e te rm in e s th e a m o u n t o f c h lo ro p h y ll in a p la n t) A t tra d e s h o w s a n d c o n fe re n c e s , S te v e n a n d L a n d o n b rin g th e ir w o rk h o rs e d ro n e fo r d is p la y . It is s trik in g ly la rg e r th a n m o s t h a v e e v e r s e e n a t a lm o s t fo u r fe e t a c ro s s fro m tip to tip . It a lw a y s c a tc h e s th e e y e o f p a s s e rs b y w h o fre q u e n tly a s k m a n y q u e s tio n s . T h e ir m o s t c o m m o n a n s w e rs a re lis te d b e lo w . Q: What are the FAA rules? A: T h e F A A r e q u i r e s t h a t a n y c o m p a n y t h a t w is h e s to u s e u n m a n n e d a irc ra ft fo r c o m m e rcial purposes be specifically approved to do so. E a c h c o m p a n y m u s t re c e iv e a “ S e c tio n 3 3 3 ” exemption from the FAA for their specific company and specific aircraft. The aircraft must be o p e ra te d b y a tw o p e rs o n te a m , o n e o f w h ic h is required to have an FAA airman certificate; a s p o rt p ilo t lic e n s e o r b e tte r. (F o rtu n a te ly fo r M IS , L a n d o n a n d S te v e n a re v e ry w e ll c o n n e c te d w ith th e p ilo t c o m m u n ity a n d a re b u ild in g a n e n o r m o u s p o o l o f p ilo ts to w o r k w ith .) While in flight, the aircraft must remain within v is u a l lin e o f s ig h t o f th e p ilo t a n d a t a n a ltitu d e o f le s s th a n 5 0 0 fe e t. F lig h t w ith in 5 m ile s o f a n a irp o rt is a llo w a b le o n ly w ith a le tte r o f a g re e m e n t fro m th a t a irp o rt. M IS s o lv e s a ll o f th e s e p ro b le m s fo r th e ir c lie n ts . Q: How long can you fly / How far can you go? A : M IS h a s p ro p rie ta ry te c h n o lo g y th a t a llo w s u s to re m a in a irb o rn e fa r lo n g e r th a n o u r c o m p e tito rs . U tiliz in g a re d e s ig n e d b a tte ry a n d p o w e r d is trib u tio n s y s te m , M IS ’s a irc ra ft c a n re m a in a irb o rn e fo r u p to a n h o u r, a lm o s t th re e tim e s th e in d u s try s ta n d a rd . A d d itio n a lly , M IS is d e v e lo p in g p a rtn e rs h ip s w ith c o m p a n ie s th a t represent the tip of the spear in flight duration. F lig h t d is ta n c e is c u rre n tly lim ite d b y F A A re g u la tio n s ; h o w e v e r, th e a irc ra ft a re c a p a b le o f m u c h lo n g e r d is ta n c e s . Q: Has one of your UAVs ever been shot down? A: N o t y e t ! B u t S t e v e n a n d L a n d o n j o k ingly tell us that MIS avoids flights in rural a re a s d u rin g D o v e s e a s o n . P ro m o V id e o Q R C o d e L in k :

May/June Issue 2015 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 7

We’ve said it before and we will say it again. If your involved in Oil & Gas, Petrochem or Pipeline then you’re an avid outdoorsman or woman. On April 23rd there was no doubt as both outdoor and industry folks set up tents, fired up pits and loaded their shotguns. Here are a few of the highlights.

In First Place, Team Tower Force

3rd Annual Clay

ion Services Means with Infinity Construct William Berry with ITC & Vince that provided lunch for a crowd of 200 ms were two of our three BBQ tea

Zack Harless with Grizzly Made in America coolers

Ana Mendez with Medical Plaza Mobile Surveillance

8 Shot of Texas Magazine™ May/June Issue 2015

Trey Berniard with Cetgo als o brought his BBQ team and makes a mean brisket slider

Charlie Marshall with Ruple Properties. If you’re looking for ranch Charlie is your man!

Master of Ceremonies Larry Weishuhn (Mr. White Tail). It took only a few minutes to see, he had done this a time or two

Larry Pancake with Republic Forge monies and Italian Firearms Group and Master of Cere huhn Weis y Larr

p Tina Harper with Hydrokinetics & Shanna Cam and cart rage beve the in ds roun making the apparently having a great time too!

Deanna Daily with Guns & Oil Beer. You’ve heard of the “Go ne in 60 seconds”? Guns & Oil bee r smoked them. Need I say mo re?

David Bradshaw with the Patriot Warriors Foundation accepting and MK 22 donated by ISC and A Shot of Texas Magazine

Kent Savage with Capital Far m Credit manned a booth and shot with The Patriot Wa rriors Foundation Team

Shoot Highlights r Camps is always David Todd with Texas Outdoo know you saw him and looking for campers. Let him a Ill send you cap Rick Shepherd with Dynamic Labs and Camo Girl Kendall Rae Kahn

nical (In Blue) with Grand Prize Winner, Jerry Mo ntation (UEI) based in United Electrical & Instrume ta Rica for five days of Cos Clute Texas is headed to ted by Mark and Laurie tarpon fishing. He will be hos ts who so graciously Meyer of Meyer Custom Boo r right) drew the donated the trip. Rob Kahn (fa on Tarpon fishing in on ati rm lucky card. For more info Meyer at 713-864Costa Rica call Mark or Laurie them in A Shot of 3808. Let them know you saw ine Texas Magaz

Laurie Meyer and the Henry .22 Magnum rifle donated by A Shot of Texas Magazine

Luis Moctezuma and Samuel Kaminsky . My Core Control is currently developing some new FRC clothing for industry

Camo Girl Kendall Rae Kahn, Keith Hurst of Tower Force and Rob Kahn. How do you like your new Kimber Keith? May/June Issue 2015 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 9

he third annual Shot of Texas Clay Shoot on April 23rd can only be described as an All American Day with good shooting, great friends, wonderful food … and the honoring of our wounded heroes who valiantly served to protect our freedoms.

Pipeline Predictive Monitoring – A Total System Solution M a n y v e n d o rs h e lp e d m a k e th is s h o o t p o s s ib le , a n d w e a p p re c ia te y o u r s u p p o rt in s to p p in g b y th e ir b o o th s th ro u g h o u t th e d a y . W e re c e iv e d s o m u c h fe e d b a c k o n A le x C a m p b e ll’s (C a m p b e ll S o lu tio n s ) P ip e lin e P re d ic tiv e M o n ito rin g d is p la y th a t w e th o u g h t it w o u ld b e a g o o d id e a to s h a re th e ir n e w te c h n o lo g y w ith a ll o f o u r m e m b e rs . P re d ic tin g w h e re a n d w h e n a p ip e lin e m ig h t le a k is a c o m p le x p ro b le m th a t is ta lk e d a b o u t b y n e a rly a ll o f o u r re a d e rs . T h e s o lu tio n d e p e n d s o n a s y s te m ’s a b ility to m o n ito r m in u te c h a n g e s fro m m a n y , m a n y s e n s o rs re p o rtin g th e c o n d itio n o f th e p ip e a n d th e a b ility to a s s o c ia te th e s e e v o lu tio n a ry c h a n g e s to c a lc u la te lik e ris k s itu a tio n s . In th e s a m e w a y , d e te c tin g le a k s in v o lv e s a c c u m u la tin g la rg e q u a n titie s o f d a ta a n d a n a ly z in g it to d e te rm in e th e o c c a s io n o f a le a k . W h a t if s o m e o n e c o u ld c re a te a s o ftw a re p la tfo rm th a t c o u ld m a n a g e d a ta c o lle c tio n , d a ta s to ra g e , a n d d a ta a n a ly s is w h ile a ls o being able to utilize present and future fiber o p tic s e n s o r te c h n o lo g ie s ? A n d w h a t if a s o ftw a re c o u ld m e rg e th a t d a ta a n a ly s is w ith a ll o f th e o th e r d a ta c o m in g fro m th e re s t o f th e p ip e lin e in s tru m e n ta tio n ? A n d w o u ld n ’t it b e g re a t if th e s o ftw a re s o lu tio n c o u ld p re s e n t th o s e re s u lts in re a l-tim e ? W e ll … th a t’s ju s t w h a t o n e c o m p a n y h a s d o n e . H o u s to n -b a s e d In te g ra te d C o m m a n d S o ftw a re (IC S ) s p e n t s e v e ra l y e a rs d e v e lo p in g a ground-breaking fiber optic System Solution th a t c a n m e ld m u ltip le h a rd w a re a n d s e n s o r technologies into a unified package to accurately p re d ic t th e o n s e t o f a p ip e lin e le a k o r ru p tu re . T h a t’s rig h t – y o u c o u ld b e w a rn e d b e fo re a leak/rupture actually occurs that a specific pipe area, elbow or flange needs to be physically exa m in e d a n d re p a ire d .

T h e h e a rt o f th e S y s te m is IC S ’s E n te rp ris e S M S p la tfo rm w h ic h h a s b e e n e m p lo y e d on numerous large scale projects since 1993 to m o n ito r, a n a ly z e , re p o rt o n , a n d c o n tro l literally thousands of fiber optic and electrom e c h a n ic a l c o m p o n e n ts . B y c o m b in in g th e p o w e rfu l fe a tu re s o f th e E n te rp ris e S M S w ith an advanced study of fiber optic measurement s c ie n c e a P ip e lin e P re d ic tiv e M o n ito rin g s o lu tio n w a s d e riv e d th a t c o lle c ts a n d c a lib ra te s d a ta fro m a n y k in d o f e n te rp ris e te c h n o lo g y , s to re s th is d a ta a n d d e v e lo p s in fo rm a tio n fro m it, p ro c e s s e s th e in fo rm a tio n to p ro d u c e h ig h -v a lu e , a c tio n a b le in te llig e n c e , a n d p re s e n ts th e in te llig e n c e in re a l-tim e to a llo w th e u s e r e a s y c o n tro l o v e r th e ir o w n te c h n o lo g ie s a n d s u b s y s te m s . The five-point Technological Value Proposition below summarizes the advanced fiber o p tic te c h n o lo g y , d a ta g a th e rin g , a n d c o m p u ta tio n a l c a p a b ilitie s o f E n te rp ris e S M S ® to p ro v id e a m e a n s to : • P R E D IC T : M o n ito r th e s tru c tu ra l h e a lth o f c ritic a l lo c a tio n s a lo n g a p ip e lin e w ith th e in te n t o f p re d ic tin g w h e n th e m o n ito re d lo c a tio n s a re a p p ro a c h in g fa tig u e lim its o r im m in e n t fa ilu re . • A S S E S S : P ro v id e a re a l-tim e a s s e s s m e n t o f th e o n s e t o f a fa ilu re m o d e b y a n a ly z in g th e c re e p s tra in ra te . • ALERT: Provide immediate notification o f a fa ilu re o r im m in e n t fa ilu re a t a m o n ito re d lo c a tio n o r, w h e re p o s s ib le , a n in d ic a tio n o f a n e a rb y fa ilu re . •A N A L Y Z E : P ro v id e a d a ta b a s e th a t c o n ta in s a v irtu a liz a tio n o f th e o p e ra tio n a l h is to ry o f th e p ip e lin e b a s e d o n m o n ito re d lo c a tio n s a n d th a t c a n b e a c c e s s e d fo r a n a ly s is . • P R E S E N T : P ro v id e g ra p h ic a l, g e o s p a tia l, te x tu a l a n d a n a ly tic a l u s e r in te rfa c e s th a t w ill e n a b le u s e rs to m o n ito r a n d a s s e s s th e c o n d itio n o f th e p ip e lin e .

10 Shot of Texas Magazine™ May/June Issue 2015

Each of those five critical points requires w a y m o re e x p la n a tio n th a n c a n b e a d d re s s e d in th is a rtic le . A t p re s e n t th e o n ly te c h n o lo g y th a t c a n b e c o n s id e re d to ta lly re a d y fo r m a rk e t is th e F la n g e M o n ito rin g a p p lic a tio n (s e e p h o to s b e lo w ) w h ic h m a y re q u ire tw o , fo u r o r m o re fib e r o p tic b o lts p e r fla n g e . S in c e e a c h fib e r o p tic b o lt is in d iv id u a lly m o n ito re d (p o in t d e te c tio n ) th e re s u lts fo u n d in th e la b o ra to ry te s tin g s h o u ld b e re p e a ta b le o n a n y p ip e lin e . Initial field testing on distributed sensing fiber has allowed very advanced development fo r th e s o ftw a re ’s a b ility to p re d ic t le a k s , which gives ICS a high level of confidence in s u c c e s s fu lly c o m p le tin g a re a l-w o rld p ro je c t. A t th is tim e IC S w ill n o t b id o n a c o m p le te p ip e lin e p ro je c t w ith o u t d is c lo s in g th a t a proof-of-concept prototype be installed first to a s s u re a ll p a rtie s th a t th e te c h n o lo g y m e e ts th e ir p e rfo rm a n c e s ta n d a rd s . I C S ha s r e a c he d t he poi nt w he r e t he y a r e a c t i ve l y s e e ki ng a t w o- m i l e s t r e t c h of pi pe line for final testing, and in an ideal world it w oul d be a n e xi s t i ng pi pe l i ne i n c l os e pr ox imity to Houston. The fiber and fiber optic s e ns or s w oul d not i nt r ud e i n a ny w a y on t he pi pe l i ne ’ s nor m a l ope r a t i on, e xc e pt f or changing out a few bolts on each flange to insert the fiber optic sensing bolts. ICS’s goal is to find a partner who would finance a two mile paid-prototype for the F la n g e M o n ito rin g a p p lic a tio n a n d , in re tu rn , IC S w o u ld c h a rg e n o th in g to in s ta ll o n e o r m o re le a k p re d ic tio n te c h n o lo g ie s . T h is lo o k s v e ry in te re s tin g fo lk s . A n y o n e in te re s te d ? For additional information, or a Flange Monitoring demonstration, please contact Alex Campbell - Campbell Solutions at (281) 830-5666.

South July 1-2, 2015

Moody Gardens Convention Center Galveston, TX 903-787-7544

May/June Issue 2015 A Shot of Texas Magazineâ&#x201E;˘ 11

e had less than 36 hours to get a shot at a fallow buck, so I had my fingers crossed! We made our drive out from Georgetown Texas and headed south. The drive seemed long and uncomfortable, still exhausted from the business trip prior. Luckily I sleep two thirds of the way.

THE 36 HOUR HUNT Small houses, green fields and blue skies, and finally we arrive at the Dancing Elk Alexander R a n c h . P re tty n a m e h u h ? I th o u g h t s o to o . T o o u r rig h t w a s a b e a u tifu l w e d d in g h a ll, a n d to o o u r le ft w a s o u r little y e llo w lo d g e . W a rm a n d c o m fo rta b le w ith e v e ry th in g I n e e d e d in a b a s e c a m p . It w a s a lre a d y 3 :3 0 a n d I w a s re a d y fo r th e e v e n in g h u n t. U n fo rtu n a te ly o u r g u id e a n d R a n c h M a n a g e r J o n a th a n E ric s o n g re e te d u s s h o rtly th e re a fte r in fo rm e d m e th a t w e w o u ld w a it a c o u p le o f h o u r s m o r e a n d le t th e h e a t d y e o ff a b it.” N o th in g m o v e s in th is h e a t” h e s a id . S o w e a ll g o t s e ttle d in a n d I s p e n t th e n e x t h o u r c le a n in g m y Best of The West 6.5 x 284 caliber rifle. We rested up until 6:30; Johnathon came and scooped us up. H e d ro p p e d u s a t s s ta n d p re tty c lo s e to th e h o u s e , w e h u n t o fte n a s a fa m ily a n d th is s ta n d w a s s o b ig th a t I a s k e d m y p a re n ts R o n & T e f K a h n to jo in m e . I a ll g o t s itu a te d in o u r s ta n d w ith M o m a t th e v id e o c a m e ra a n d D a d w ith th e b in o c u la rs . T h e h e a t h a d c a lm e d a n d w e a th e r w a s n ic e . N o to o h o t, o r to o c o ld , ju s t p e rfe c t. A c o u p le w h ite ta il g ra z e d b y a lm o s t im m e d iately so I started to practice aiming with my 4 x 16 Huskemaw rifle scope and imagining the shot that w e h o p e w o u ld c o m e s o o n . B A S S . M y c o u s in J o e P a la c io s fro m L a re d o w h o is a fa n a tic a l w h ite ta il h u n te r w ith a o n e s h o t o n ly m e n ta lity ta u g h t m e th a t p h ra s e . It m e a n s to B re a th , A im , S te a d y a n d th e n s q u e e z e th e trig g e r (B A S S )! In the distance I saw a black dot, I figured it w a s a p ig s o I lo o k e d th ro u g h m y s c o p e in a h u rry . N o p e it w a s a tu rk e y h e n h e a d e d s tra ig h t a n d a ll b y h e rs e lf. A b o u t a n h o u r p a s t a n d n o th ing except five white tail does and that turkey w h o h a d n o w c o m e a n d g o n e . Finally a movement in a mesquite field to my le ft. A fa llo w d e e r b o d y th a t s e e m e d la rg e e n o u g h to b e a b u c k . H is h e a d re m a in e d b e h in d th a t tre e trunk for at least 20 minutes. Was he just what we

were looking for? 20 minutes is a long time for m e to s ta n d s till a n d I’m n o t s u re e x a c tly w h a t th is a n im a l w a s d o in g b u t I d o k n o w th a t its h e a d s ta y e d b e h in d th a t tre e . W h e n h e d id a p p e a r h e w a s a b it to o s m a ll to s h o o t. O h W e ll! W e le t th e fa llo w p a s s in h o p e s th a t s o m e th in g e ls e w o u ld a rriv e . A n o th e r h o u r p a s s e s a n d th e s u n is a b o u t d o w n n o w a n d a h o g d e c id e s to m a k e a n a p p e a ra n c e . B A M ! I lo v e p o r k s a u s a g e .T h e h u n t w a s o v e r. I w a s a n x io u s , th e e v e n in g h u n t w a s o v e r a n d n o w w e o n ly h a v e o n ly th e m o rn in g to try a g a in . I d id n ’t w a n t to g o h o m e e m p ty h a n d e d . T h e o n ly th in g I w a n te d e m p ty w a s th a t c h a m b e r. J o n a th o n c a m e a n d p ic k e d u s u p , d ro p p e d u s b a c k a t th e h o u s e a n d s a id h e w o u ld b e b a c k in th e m o rn in g a ro u n d 7 . W e m a d e s o m e s a n d w ic h e s a n d h it th e ra c k . F in a lly th e m o rn in g c a m e , I w a s c o z y , c o m fo rta b le a n d n o t q u ite re a d y to g e t o u t o f b e d w h e n o u r g u id e a rriv e d . N o tim e f o r b r e a k f a s t .a n d I ’ m r e a d y to b u s t some bullets. It was straight to our new 2015 K a w a s a k i F X T fo r th e s a fa ri s ty le h u n t w e h a d p la n n e d .W e g o t o u r M u le F X T f r o m m y f r ie n d P a u l W o o d s a t W o o d s C y c le C o u n try in N e w B ra u n fe ls , T e x a s e a rlie r th a t w e e k . T h e n e w K a w a s a k i F X T ru n s c irc le s a ro u n d th e c o m p e titio n . It is w id e r, fa s te r a n d b o a s ts th e b e s t s u s p e n s io n in s id e b y s id e A T V s . W e h e a d e d o u t o n th e ra n c h c ru is in g s lo w ly s e a rc h in g a n d s p o ttin g fo r a n y s ig n s o f w ild life . A b e a u tifu l b la c k b u c k le a p e d th ro u g h th e a ir ju s t a h e a d , I h a d n e v e r s e e n a h o o fe d a n im a l ru n s o fa s t. J o n a th o n m a d e a s h a rp c u t b a c k to th e rig h t to p o s itio n th e M u le fo r a s h o t. W e c u t th e e n g in e a n d s a t s ile n tly . T h e b la c k b u c k h a d d is a p p e a re d in th e th ic k b ru s h . M y D a d , a s k e d J o n a th a n if h e s h o u ld w a lk th ro u g h th e b ru s h in a n a tte m p t to p u s h th e a n im a l o u t fo r a s h o t? J o n a th o n a g re e d . D a d d is a p p e a re d in to th e b ru s h a n d a a b o u t te n

12 Shot of Texas Magazine™ May/June Issue 2015

m in u te s la te r w e s a w h im s ig n a lin g th a t h e w a s lo n g g o n e . B a c k in to th e M u le a n d o ff to try a g a in . W e s p o tte d h im o n c e a g a in b u t h e w a s o n a m is s io n to k e e p m o v in g . S till n o F a llo w . W e ro d e a ro u n d fo r a n o th e r h o u r, o n ly s e e in g th in g s th a t w e re n o t o n m y lis t o f tro p h ie s . I’m u s u a lly v e ry g o o d a t b e in g p a tie n t a n d p a s s in g u p a n im a ls , b u t I w o n ’t lie , fru s tra tio n b e g a n to fo ld u p in s id e m e . A n o th e r 4 5 m in u te s p a s s , a n d I’m k e e p in g m y c o o l, try in g to n o t le t th e d is a p p o in tm e n t s h o w . A to ta lly u n e x p e c te d g ro u p o f n ic e Mouflon rams appeared at about 200 yards and w e re m o v in g a w a y . O n e in p a rtic u la r c a u g h t d a d s eye. “I got a good one here” he said. “365 yards a re y o u u p fo r it” ? I s m ile d a t h im . N o w w a s m y m o m e n t to e y e th e m th ro u g h my Huskemaw 4x16 scope. We were far e n o u g h a w a y to w h e re I c o u ld s te p o u t o f th e fro n t s e a t a n d g e t in to th e b e d o f th e ra n g e r w ith o u t a la rm in g th e m . A b a g o f c o rn a c ts a s m y re s t. I w a s n o w lo o k in g d o w n th e b a rre l of my 6.5 x 284, through the scope. I target th e ra m I w a n t. I d ia l m y s c o p e to 3 7 5 y a rd s a n d ta k e a im . N o w r e m e m b e r I s a id to m y s e lf ,( B A S S ) b re a th , a im , s te a d y & s q u e e z e . I m a d e s u re I k e e p m y h e a d d o w n a fte r th a t s h o t, I d id n ’t w a n t to h e a r d a d s a y a n y th in g a b o u t m e je rk in g m y s h o t o r liftin g m y h e a d fo r a p e e k . I g u e s s m y e y e s b lin k e d ju s t e n o u g h th a t I d id n ’t s e e th e a n im a l g o d o w n lik e e v e ry b o d y e ls e d id . N ic e s h o t K e n ! We had a hard time finding him in the tall grass but finally we did! It was a perfect shot, beautiful a n im a l. I c a n n o w s a y I h a v e s h o t a n d k ille d a trophy mouflan ram. I must say that I think that th is w ill b e m y fa v o rite m o u n t. It w a s a g re a t e x p e rie n c e a t th e D E A ra n c h , a n d I c a n ’t w a it to g o b a c k n e x t tim e !

Later Kendall Rae Kahn Camo Girl

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w w w May/June . m b h u n Issue t i n g2015 r a n cA hShot e s .ofc Texas o m

Magazine™ 13

QUICK FACTS:

The Future of US Ethane Crackers amidst the Oil Crisis With the introduction of ten ethane cracker projects in the US over the next years, around of output from these projects would need to be exported to make them commercially viable. While the cost advantage ethane crackers enjoy over naphtha may have decreased with the declining price of oil, North America still offers a competitive edge over Western Europe and Asia.

90%

A year ago the outlook for the USA’s petrochemical industry offered great promise. Inexpensive gas prices led to a boom in the US petrochemicals market and operators sought to reap the rewards of record high ethane cracking margins. The net result of this was the introduction of ten new ethane cracker projects in the US market in just over a year, thereby potentially increasing the country’s ethylene manufacturing capacity by up to 50%. New investments were largely driven by the potential for export abroad, with some experts indicating to Petrochemical Update that around 90% of output from the new projects would need to be exported to make the crackers commercially viable.

ETHANE CONTINUE TO ENJOY A COST ADVANTAGE OVER NAPHTHA According to Dr Kevin Swift, Chief Economist and Managing Director at the American Chemistry Council (ACC), “six months ago we believed that America enjoyed a 50-60%costadvantageoverWesternEuropeannaphthacrackers.Nowwearelookingata 30-40% cost advantage”.

14 Shot of Texas Magazine™ May/June Issue 2015

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BIG Bulls

Of Comanche Trace N

ew Mexico, ah the Land of Enchantment, home of Monster Bull Elk, Mule Deer, Antelope & Bear. We were hunting on a private ranch northeast of Raton, watching over the Arkansas River Valley. Ironically we could see hundreds of miles from our look out over Bear Canyon. This was one of those areas I’m sure, Comanche Indians watched for prairie travelers coming out on the Santa Fe Trail headed toward Taos and Santa Fe with their American made goods to trade and sell. I was brought back to reality, when I heard an old bull screaming his guts out, challenging any bull nearby to stay the hell away from my herd of cows, then I spotted the bull walking out into a high park, steam rolling out of his nostrils with each and every bugle

from this old dominate bull. I looked over toward Cole Mock, my guide and stated, “that’s the bull I would love to put an arrow into” Cole, looked at me and stated, “You and every other Bowhunter that as been on this ranch” That’s Ole “Brass Balls” and he has dodged everyone so far for the past 4 years! Why the name? Because he has the “Grit in his Crawl” to challenge any Bull in the mountains and he has the deepest bugle of any bull we’ve ever heard. This morning was the perfect morning, 30 degrees, frost on everything, no wind and slightly overcast the perfect morning. Yet, we were at least a half of a mile of the nastiest terrain you’ve ever seen from that bull, a lot of territory to travel for an old fat man! We sat, from our lookout, glassing, listening, waiting for a bull closer to us to make that challenging bugle, noth-

16 Shot of Texas Magazine™ May/June Issue 2015

ing and so was the way my first morning went, hunting big bulls of Comanche trace. That afternoon, Cole ask me if I mind hunting out of a ground blind on a waterhole, which had been established 3 weeks ago and of course I said, “NO” lets go, we were off to a drying lake that had some of the nastiest stuff you’ve ever seen, sloppy mud, what little water remained was full of crap, urine and huge elk wallows everywhere. The evening tempts had jumped up to the middle 80’s, lots of sunshine, low humidity and working on a new moon. We had not been in the blind no more than 30 minutes when a flock of Merriam hen turkeys came in for a drink following them was several Jakes, with the Jakes displaying, strutting after the hens, like it was spring time in the Rockies. Talking about breaking up the evening hunt,

this was a pleasant change of pace and surprise. Around 5:30 PM we heard a Bull bugle, then all quite? Nothing for over 30 minutes, then we had 2 young / raghorn bulls to come out of the timber and start fighting this went on for over 30 minutes, we tried to film most of this but the blind was positioned so that we could not get much on film, but these raghorns fought and pushed each other around for a half of an hour which was really neat. Then around 6:00 pm a huge herd bull 7 X 6 came out of the timber and ran off both of the young bulls toward our blind. These rag horns, walked right past our blind into the lake of mud and slop to get a drink then hit the wallows. The rest of the herd hung out about 100 yards from the wallow, around 6:30 pm a couple of doe Mule Deer came in behind us and blew the world up

blowing and snorting at us as the wind had changed directions and was blowing straight into the Mule Deer does. Day one was a great day, seen 15 to 20 Bull Elk, Bears, Turkeys, Mule Deer & Whitetails but no shots taken. During the late night a front moved thru, wind was howling 25 to 30 mph, overcast and the temperatures had dropped, and it was cold! Cole suggested that we go to South Side of the Ranch, to a huge deep canyon. Where the wind should not be a huge problem, we were sitting along a ridge just below the canyon rim watch-

ing the openings and parks; the sunrise was just unblieveable orange sun between the purple clouds was spectacular. We spotted elk everywhere but everything was bedded down. By 9:00 pm everything was still bedded, we tried to climb down and stalk a couple of different herds but the wind was a killer! We finally decided to call it quits for the morning. We went back to Bear Canyon, had our lunch on the side of a ridge watching, glassing and listening for Elk, nothing. That afternoon, we still had high winds, and decided to travel further down into Bear Canyon walking and calling for bulls. We did see a Hybrid Mule / Whitetail deer 8 point. Buck, what a beautiful trophy,

we traveled onward into the canyon looking for a hot bull. Around 4:00 PM it started to rain, the bulls cranked up bugling in every direction. We were working down a nasty wash to get onto this Bull that was screaming his head off. When we got to the area where we had heard the bull, he shut up. We sat for about 30 minutes then we heard the bull glunking, we knew the Bull was close; we had a park in front of us about 100 yards across to the timber where the Bull was hung up. We sat it out, doing low cow calls and using a “Hoochie” MaMa call

this really cranked the bull up, he was HOT! Bugling, Chuckling, Glunking and Rubbing the heck out of the Trees! Here he came down off of the side of the hill, in his haste to get to the cow the bull pushed out a huge Chocolate Bear that was running for his dear life to get out of the bulls way. The bull busted out of the timber, he was hot and was running toward us looking for that hot cow, the bull got to within 30 yards circled downwind and just disappeared, and the wind was in our favor? I just don’t know what happened? That’s hunting Bull Elk. As we worked out of the drainage back toward our truck, it was still raining the Elk were coming out of the wood work.

Day Three broke cold, clear and the Bulls were screaming their butts off in every direction this was all before daylight in Bear Canyon This was our day, I felt it. Cole, Dr. Phil and Buddah my cameraman were all pumped up knowing with the first really cold morning things were going to break big time. We were sitting on the Comanche Trace lookout, where I knew Comanche raiding parties, had one day, yesteryear sat watching for wagon trains traveling the Santa Fe Trail, I was there! We spotted a really good bull in a park; he was screaming his butt off. We knew this bull was a shooter and we hit the ground running, 2 hours later, with much egg on our face that ole bull had just made us look really bad running us around in the Dark Timber, then sneaking out on the back side. We heard another herd bull crank up, again we was off and running, we hit an Oak Motte, got down, Cole was calling his butt off, sounding like an Old bull, that dominate bull would come to within 100 yards, then hang up in the Dark Timber, not wanting to leave his cows. While all of this was going on, Dr. Phil was out running around about 75 yards behind us sounding like a young bull! It was a real show to see and hear. Without warning, another bull came down off of the mountain to our left, walking out into the park screaming in our face, blowing snot, and steam out of his nostrils. Beautiful, awesome, this bull walked across the park stopped at 43 yards, I knew this was a real good bull in the high 290 class as the bull turned his head to look back toward the Dominate bull bulging. I drew my bow, settled the 40 yard pin right behind the shoulder, Buddha, stated,” I’m on him” I shot my deadly payload to-

ward the bull, when the arrow hit, it sound just like you had hit a door facing with a Louisville Slugger the sound was loud and ugly! The Bull spun around took off for the mountains, and as the bull ran across the park, it seemed like he was running in slow motion. The Arrow had entered thru the edge of the shoulder blade and took out both lungs. The Bull never knew what hit him. I was one happy camper, with a really nice bull and some excellent eating. I just have one thing to say, you’re never too old to go to the Big Shining, and hunt the majestic Elk. Don’t waste another day book your next bowhunt for elk now before its “way too late.” Buena Caceria / Good Hunting: Jim Miller

EQUIPMENT USED: ARROWS: VICTORY VAP 350’S (LOST CAMO) ARROW REST: AXION PULSE (LOST CAMO) BOW: MATHEWS Z-7 MAG BROADHEADS: GRIM REAPER RAZOR-CUTS 1 & 3/8’S INCH CUT BOW CASES: LAKEWOOD CASE BOOTS: RUSSEL SHEEP HUNTER BOOTS BACK PACKS: TENZING 1140 CLOTHING: GAMEHIDE (LOST CAMO) COVER SCENTS: ATSKO FLASHLIGHTS: ELUSIVE WILDLIFE TECH GAME SCOUT CAMERAS: SPY POINT IR-7 SIGHTS & STABILIZERS: AXION ARCHERY TARGETS: HIPS TARGETS VANES: AEROVANES FROM FIRENOCK

May/June Issue 2015 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 17

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May/June Issue 2015 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 19

BRITISH COLUMBIA BEAR I

By Jim Sessions

had always wanted to hunt black bear in Northern Canada. Although baited hunts are a very effective method of bear hunting, the idea of hunting over bait just didn’t appeal to me. In researching various hunting opportunities, I discovered that British Columbia was my best bet for spot and stalk hunting and the real opportunity for a trophy boar. Through contacts with The Best of the West TV show, I was able to put together a hunt with Paul Trepus and Inzana Outfitters located in north central British Colombia for the Spring of 2012.

I was very impressed with Paul from our very first d is c u s s io n . L e t m e e x p la in . A s th e h u n t c o o rd in a to r fo r T h e B e s t o f th e W e s t T V s h o w I h a v e th e o p p o rtunity to meet and visit with many outfitters from a c ro s s N o rth A m e ric a a n d b e y o n d . P a u l’s in tim a te k n o w le d g e o f h is g u id e a re a a n d th e a n im a ls w ith in its b o u n d a rie s is e x tra o rd in a ry . T h is is a fu n c tio n of his being a full-time outfitter in conjunction w ith ru n n in g a la rg e tra p lin e th ro u g h o u t th e w in te r m o n th s a n d b e in g a n e x p e rt o n w o lf tra p p in g , s n a rin g a n d c o n tro l w o rk . H e s p e n d s a g re a t d e a l o f tim e in h is g u id e a re a th ro u g h o u t th e y e a r a n d m a n a g e s b o th h is p re d a to r p o p u la tio n (w o lv e s , g riz z ly b e a r, b la c k b e a r a n d c o y o te s ) a n d u n g u la te p o p u la tio n s (m o o s e a n d e lk ). A s a re s u lt o f h is m a n a g e m e n t p ra c tic e s , P a u l’s h u n ts a re h ig h ly s u c c e s s fu l a n d tro p h y q u a lity is e x c e lle n t. A fte r a rriv in g in P rin c e G e o rg e , B ritis h C o lu m b ia P a u l m e t u s a t th e a irp o rt a n d w e lo a d e d a ll o u r g e a r in his truck and were off to Inzana Outfitters main lo d g e a n d b a s e c a m p . T h e a c c o m m o d a tio n s w e re c le a n a n d c o m fo rta b le . M a rily n T re p u s p ro v id e d th e m e a ls , w h ic h w e re h ig h ly n u tritio u s , h e a lth y a n d g e n e ro u s . A fte r a g o o d n ig h t’s s le e p , w e s e t u p to shoot our rifles at the range which is located off th e fro n t p o rc h o f th e lo d g e . P a u l h a d ju s t re c e iv e d his new rifle and Huskemaw scope from Corlane

20 Shot of Texas Magazine™ May/June Issue 2015

May/June Issue 2015 A Shot of Texas Magazineâ&#x201E;˘ 21

S p o r tin g G o o d s o u t o f D a w s o n C r e e k , B .C . H e to ld m e th a t h e h a d re s e a rc h e d v a rio u s s c o p e c o m p a n ie s a n d w a s v e ry in trig u e d b y th e H u s k e m a w O p tic s lin e o f p ro d u c ts . P a u l s ta te d th a t, “ th e g u y s fro m C o rla n e e x p la in e d in d e ta il th e fu n c tio n a lity , q u a lity a n d a d v a n ta g e s o f th e H u s k e m a w s c o p e ” . W e h a d a v e ry p ro d u c tiv e s h o o tin g s e s s io n , w h ic h in c lu d e d a th o ro u g h e x p la n a tio n o f o u r s c o p e a n d h o w it a ll c o m e s to g e th e r a s th e m o s t p re c is e a n d u s e r frie n d ly s y s te m available. Our rifles and optics were slightly adjusted and we felt confident in our ability to make that first shot count. After lunch and a p o w e r n a p , w e lo a d e d u p a n d b e g a n o u r q u e s t o f h u n tin g th e la rg e b o a r b la c k b e a r o f N o rth e rn B ritis h C o lu m b ia . T h e v a s tn e s s o f this country is hard to describe, but suffice to s a y th a t w e h a d p le n ty o f c o u n try to e x p lo re . It is h e a v ily fo re s te d w ith in te n s iv e c le a r c u ttin g o f b e e tle k ill fo re s t w h ic h p ro v id e s a c c e s s in to re m o te a re a s . W e s ta rte d o u r h u n t b y d riv in g lo g g in g ro a d s , g la s s in g b o th o ld a n d n e w c le a r c u t a re a s a n d h ik in g in to re m o te lo c a tio n s P a u l

h a d p re v io u s ly s c o u te d a n d h u n te d . W e continued seeing 4 to 8 bears a day and m a d e a c o u p le o f w e ll o rc h e s tra te d s ta lk s . W e h a d a g o o d te a m , a s w e s ta lk e d w ith in about 10 yards of a beautiful cinnamon bear o n th e th ird e v e n in g . P a u l is a m a s te r o f re a d in g s ig n a n d w e c o n tin u a lly e x a m in e d s c a t, tra c k s a n d n e w ly g ra z e d c lo v e r (fe e d ing areas). Black bears definitely weren’t th e o n ly c re a tu re s ro a m in g th is v a s t tra c t o f w ild c o u n try . W e s a w L y n x , s e v e ra l g riz z ly , m o o s e , e lk , m u le d e e r, p in e m a rte n a n d n u m e ro u s o th e r s p e c ie s . D id I m e n tio n P a u l h a d d ra w n a g riz z ly ta g ? O n th e fo u rth a fte rn o o n , w e c a m e a ro u n d a s h a rp c o rn e r a n d o n e o f th e b ig g e s t a n d m o s t im p re s s iv e g riz z ly b e a rs I h a v e e v e r s e e n th re w h is h e a d u p a n d d o v e in to h e a v y c o v e r. W e k e e p c ru is in g th ro u g h th is a re a a n d h ik e d in to s o m e o p e n p a rk s c lo s e to o u r in itia l e n c o u n te r, b u t n e v e r s a w h im a g a in . L a te r th a t s a m e e v e n in g w e g la s s e d a m a s s iv e b o a r b la c k b e a r fe e d in g o n n e w c lo v e r a lo n g th e s id e o f a n o ld c le a r c u t. W e w e re q u ic k to g e t in p o s itio n . W ith th e c a m e ra ru n -

22 Shot of Texas Magazine™ May/June Issue 2015 22 Shot of Texas Magazine™ May/June Issue 2015

n in g , th e d is ta n c e w a s ra n g e d a t 3 0 0 y a rd s and I was proned out with my rifle dead s te a d y re s tin g o n H u s k e m a w s h o o tin g s tic k s . I ja c k e d a s h e ll in th e c h a m b e r a n d w a s re a d y to send a .30 caliber 197 grain VLD bullet in to h is fro n t s h o u ld e r. H e c ro s s e d th e lo g g in g ro a d a n d tu rn e d s lig h tly e x p o s in g th e p o in t o f h is m a s s iv e s h o u ld e r. T h e H u n t Smart reticle was firmly locked on his should e r a n d I b ro k e th e s h o t. H e s to o d o n h is b a c k fe e t, s p u n a ro u n d tw ic e a n d fe ll s ile n tly to the forest floor. I had just shot the biggest b la c k b e a r o f m y h u n tin g c a re e r. H e w a s e v e ry th in g I h a d c o m e fo r a n d m o re . H is p e lt w a s in e x c e lle n t c o n d itio n a n d h e m e a s u re d 6’10”. Paul measured him for the Mountain Hunter Record Book at 18 6/16”. In th e m o n th s to c o m e , I k e p t in to u c h w ith P a u l, c u rio u s to k n o w if h e h a d im p le m e n te d th e h u n tin g /g u id in g s tra te g y w e h a d d is c u s s e d d u rin g m y h u n t. P a u l h a d e x p la in e d to m e th a t in p re v io u s y e a rs In z a n a e x p e rie n c e d a b o u t a 5 0 % m is s /w o u n d ra te . A lth o u g h th e w o u n d ra te w a s a s m a ll p a rt o f th is p e rc e n ta g e , h e w a s v e ry fru s tra te d

a t th e m is s ra te . H e e x p la in e d to m e th a t th e y w o u ld s p o t a b e a r a n d th e n m o v e in a s c lo s e a s p o s s ib le fo r th e s h o t. I im m e d ia te ly re c o g n iz e d w h a t w a s h a p p e n in g . M o s t o f h is h u n te rs w e re g e ttin g m o re e x c ite d w ith e a c h s te p a n d w e re n o t m e n ta lly p re p a re d to ta k e a s h o t, e v e n a t c lo s e ra n g e . M y s u g g e s tio n w a s to s ta y b a c k fro m th e b e a r, a llo w in g th e h u n te r to re m a in c a lm a n d g e t s e t u p fo r a s te a d y s h o t u tiliz in g H u s k e m a w s h o o tin g s tic k s . T h is w o u ld a llo w fo r a couple of dry fires on the bear in most ins ta n c e s e n s u rin g th a t th e h u n te r ’s ‘w o b b le a re a ’ re m a in s o n th e c o re v ita ls . M o s t o f h is h u n te rs h a d a g re e d to u s e h is s h o o tin g s y s te m a n d h a d p ra c tic e d a t th e lo d g e ra n g e b e fo re g o in g h u n tin g . A s P a u l d is c o v e re d , practice builds confidence and the hunter becomes familiar with the rifle and scope. H e re p o rte d b a c k to m e th a t th e s ix h u n te rs he personally guided went 6 for 6 on ones h o t k ills ! P a u l a n d I d e c id e d to d o a n o th e r b e a r h u n t th e fo llo w in g s p rin g . H e w a s v e ry p le a s e d w ith T h e B e s t o f th e W e s t s h o w w e h a d p ro duced and felt it provided Inzana Outfitters w ith a v a lu a b le m a rk e tin g to o l. W e w e re b a c k fo r ro u n d tw o a n d P a u l h a d d ra w n a n o th e r G riz z ly ta g fo r h is g u id e a re a . I to o k

our Best of the West Signature Series rifle c h a m b e r e d f o r .3 0 0 W in . M a g . T h is w o u ld also be one of the first field tests for the Nos le r ’s n e w b u lle t, th e A B L R - A c c u B o n d L o n g R a n g e . W e w e re e x p e rie n c in g a little e a rlie r ” g re e n u p ” th a n la s t y e a r a n d w e s a w b e a r s ig n e v e ry w h e re . The first bear we encountered was a large m a le g riz z ly w ith a b e a u tifu l c o a t. T h e ra n g e was close (90 yards) as the bear rounded a w illo w lin e d b e n d in th e o v e rg ro w n tw o tra c k ro a d . P a u l w a s s e t u p a n d b ro k e h is s h o t a s th e b e a r tu rn e d s lig h tly g iv in g P a u l th e p o in t o f th e s h o u ld e r. T h e b e a r s p u n a ro u n d a n d d o v e in to th e th ic k w illo w s . H e o n ly m a d e it 20 yards before piling up. W e c o n tin u e d o u r h u n t w ith a th ird h u n te r fro m th e U n ite d K in g d o m w h o to o k a b e a u tifu l c o lo r p h a s e c in n a m o n b e a r a c o u p le o f d a y s la te r. H is b e a r w a s a tru e 7 fo o te r w ith a fu ll c o a t. T h e b a r h a d b e e n s e t a n d I w a s re a d y to g o h o m e e m p ty h a n d e d if w e couldn’t find a true giant. The last afternoon o f th e h u n t w a s u p o n u s a n d w e c o n tin u e d to s e e s ig n in d ic a tin g th e p re s e n c e o f s e v e ra l la rg e b o a rs in d iffe re n t p a rts o f th e g u id e a re a . W e w e re tra v e llin g to a n a re a th a t h e ld p ro m is e a n d s p o tte d a v e ry la rg e b la c k b e a r o ff a lo g g in g ro a d th a t w a s b u s y g ra z in g o n

n e w ly s p ro u te d c lo v e r. W e c a m e to a n a b ru p t s to p a n d s e t u p v e ry q u ic k ly a s th e b e a r w a s a w a re o f o u r p re s e n c e a n d w a s m o v in g in to c o v e r. I o n ly h a d tim e to k n e e l in to p o s itio n a n d b re a k th e s h o t. T h e b e a r s p u n a ro u n d a c o u p le o f tim e s , lin e d o u t fo r c o v e r a n d d ro p p e d 3 0 y a rd s fro m th e in itia l im p a c t s ite . T h e N o s le r A B L R b u lle t p e rfo rm e d s u p e rb ly on all counts. I was using a .30 caliber 210 g ra in b u lle t w h ic h w e fo u n d u n d e r th e s k in o n th e fa r s h o u ld e r. It h a d tra v e lle d th ro u g h 26-28” of bone and tissue, created a massive wound channel and retained a weight of 89 g ra in s . T h e b e a r w a s c h a rc o a l b la c k , m e a s u re d rig h t a t 7 fe e t a n d w a s e n te re d in to T h e Mountain Hunter Record Book at 19 2/16”. I a m h a v in g th is b e a r m o u n te d , fu ll b o d y , d o w n o n a ll fo u rs w ith a fro n t p a w ra is e d a s if h e is d ig g in g u p a n o ld b u ffa lo s k u ll fro m a m o s s c o v e re d b a s e . B o th b e a r h u n ting experiences with Inzana Outfitters have b e e n v e ry re w a rd in g in m a n y w a y s . In fa c t, I tra v e lle d n o rth a g a in th is p a s t F e b ru a ry to e x p e rie n c e a w o lf h u n t a n d tra p lin e a d v e n ture with Paul and Marilyn. Suffice it to say, we put a significant dent in the canine p o p u la tio n o f N o rth C e n tra l B ritis h C o lu m b ia . P le a s e lo o k fo r th is s to ry in a fu tu re is s u e o f A S h o t o f T e x a s M a g a z in e .

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May/June Issue 2015 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 23 4/16/14 9:50 AM

Roaring Reds! Larry Weishuhn

“Y

a rrriddy mate?” queried Shane Johnston. Slightly bent over, my hands on my hips I was trying to catch my breath. “He’s in the next canyon, do ya hear him?” I would have responded but thought it better to breathe then talk. I simply nodded, took a deep breath and then followed Shane through the next near impenetrable wall of gorse. As I did, I turned to be sure Blake Barnett, my cameraman/ field producer was also following. He was. Our apparent destination as a rather steep brushy canyon about a quarter of a mile away and about a quarter of a mile above us.

Several times that morning we had glassed monstrous red stags and each time when I said, “That one will do!” Shane simply would shake his head in a negative manner. “Mate, you said you wanted one that would go 400 and that one is about 380 to 390, not big enough. And I’ll not let you shoot one until we find one I feel pretty certain about.” my outfitter/guide re-

minded me. He had said the basic same statement about twenty times that morning. The same had occurred the evening before. But he had also “cautioned” me the day before that we would see many stags and hinds, numerous of which according to him would seriously tempt me. Backing up a little. Blake and I had arrived on New Zealand’s South Island three days

24 Shot of Texas Magazine™ May/June Issue 2015

earlier, this not long after a devastating earthquake had hit the island, destroying much of certain parts of various towns, including the hotel we were scheduled to spend our first night in. But not to fear Shane and his beautiful and gracious wife Vanessa owners of Four Season Safaris, had all things taken care of in spite of obstacles thrown their and our way, by the time we arrived.

When it Comes to When it Comes to

ON-SITE ON-SITE MEDICAL MEDICAL SERVICES SERVICES

Vanessa was at the hotel the next morning and we were soon on our way to the Four Season’s headquarters and the comfortable guest house their clients stay at when hunting. Gear stowed, Shane soon arrived so we could make certain my rifles were sighted in. For this particular trip I had chosen a Ruger Model 77 Hawkeye in .300 RCM, topped with a Zeiss Conquest variable and shooting Hornady ammo. I had also brought a Ruger Model 77 RSI (Mannlicher stock) .270 Win, again topped with a Zeiss scope shooting 130 grain Hornady ammo. I had brought the .270 to hunt chamois and tahr with after I completed my red stag hunt. Both guns were still shooting dead on at 100 yards, just as I had expected them to. Shane said we’d have just enough time that afternoon to drive to the hunting area, a huge rather steep sided mountain, the slopes of which were cut with deep, brush canyons. We had planned my hunt for mid-March to coincide with “the roar”, the red stag breeding season. Red stags make a deep almost bray during their their “rut”, completely different sound made by our elk, a cousin of the stag, which many North American hunters are familiar with. To quote the European, New Zelanders and nearly anywhere else red stags exist, “Our stags utter a manly, masculine roar, while your American elk make a high pitched feminine whistle....” I have to admit I Since 1991, has been on theold changing needs of the industrial commudearly love theour roarfocus of the stag. First time enough!” was Shane’s verdict on both of looking for red stag we also encountered nity. Helping Client Companies save time and money. The foundaSince 1991, our focus has been on changing the industrial commuI heard red deer roar many years ago on the them. Weconsequently alsoneeds spottedof a huge stag with douseveral massive, many-pointed and widetion of our is built on the strength of our professional staff and long-term nity. Helping Client save time and consequently money. The foundamy first huntprogram to New Companies Zealand, I thought ble drop-tines. My eyes lit up, Shane noting ly palmated fallow deer. I didn’t yield to initially those roars were by strange andquality knowing my interestservice. in drop-tines temptation of breaking off the stag hunt commitment to industrial care and tion of our program is made builthealth on the strength of our customer professional staff andsaid. long-term domestic bulls,tonot terribly unlike “Noquality mate, that one too is service. too young and not and pursue fallow deer, but I came close! commitment industrial healththose care and customer made by the cattle I grew Customized up around. But big enough!” He also havebut seennot the be de- limited However that afternoon I resolved, should Medical Surveillance, Medical Programs to must include IMedical also have to admit those roars back then sire in my eyes... “Let’s head back to camp, I take a red stag, a tahr and a chamois, I’d too, asbestos, lead, noise, and hazardous Surveillance, Customized Medical chemical Programsenvironments. to include but not be limited sent chills up and down my spine, just as food and drink awaits!” return to hunt one of these palmated anttoo, asbestos, lead, noise, and hazardous chemical environments. they do today. Next morning we were back on the Audiometric - Chest X-Ray - History & Physical Examinations - Phlebotomy lered beauties. As Shane, Blake and X-Ray I Testing approached the & slopes just as the sun was coming up, surThat evening over a meal fit for a king - Pulmonary - Respirator Fit Testing - Annual immuniAudiometric -Function Chest - History Physical Examinations - Influenza Phlebotomy hunting territory, we stopped the vehicle rounded by roars! We spent the morning complimented by a wee bit of the nectar of - Wellness - Drug Screening -zation Pulmonary Function Testing - Respirator Fit Testing - Annual Influenza immuniand opened the door we were met by what looking over no less than 30 or so differ- grapes we talked of the morrow’s hunt. We zation - Wellness - Drug Screening soundedare like advantages hundreds of roars. Matteraof“Mobile” ent stags.Occupational One accordingMedical to ShaneProvider: was had thus far only covered a small portion There to using fact it almost sounded like a din of roars, hard “tempting”. To be frank I would have been of Shane’s hunting country. The morrow There are advantages to using a “Mobile” Occupational Medical Provider: Medical • Complete specialized site with a multiphase mobile to distinguish from one another,physicals other than onthrilled to shoot that one. He had no less we would push fartherPlaza west. Mobile Before ISurveillance had 1009 S. Medical Plaza Mobile Surveillance unit or in an appropriate area at your own facility • Complete specialized physicals on site with a multiphase mobile the very close roaring stags. Shane must have than 12 points on one side and 13 on the arrived Shane had seen what he Broadway considered La Porte, TX 1009 S.was Broadway Flexible to changing shift schedules or intimetable an appropriate area own seen• unit me smile. “Impressive, ayaccommodate mate?” AllatI your other, wasfacility long-tined and massive, as well a “big stag” in the area. There no77571 guarLa Porte, TX Eliminates liability traveling to offsite testing • Flexible timetable to accommodate shiftsetting schedules could do was nod an affirmative! aschanging wide. Butfacilities after up the Zeiss spot- antee he was still in the area, but my77571 host Time and effective • Eliminates liability traveling to offsite facilities That first saving afternoon wecost stalked numertingtesting scope, Shane, shook his head and said, suggested it would be worth the effort, and Reduces employees’ time away jobbetter...” ous•stags, including two both had one from “We the can do it was possible other big stags had drifted Time saving andthat cost effective www.medicalplazamobile.com long• drop tine toemployees’ compliment their That was almost an exact re- that way as well. Reduces timemassive away from theafternoon job www.medicalplazamobile.com many pointed and crowned racks. “Not peat of the morning. But in the process of Continued on page 42

WE WE STAND STAND ALONE ALONE

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May/June Issue 2015 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 25

OUR

COLLECTIVE INDIFFERENCE

WILL END UP COSTING US…DEARLY By Shamus Dartanyon

ick Shenkman is the author of the book “Just How Stupid Are We? Facing the Truth About the American Voter”. The title pretty much sums up the content but what most resonated with me is his quote “voters are misusing, abusing and abdicating their political power”. American voter apathy is front and center in this book and Shenkman argues that we must reform ourselves. I couldn’t agree more, but in this case I have to pessimistically opine that it just won’t happen, at least not until we have endured another 9-11 style attack. Given our general indifference towards anything other than our obsessions with our smart phones, the Kardashians, American Idol or Dancing with The Stars, the average American voter has basically tuned out and it is only a matter of time until we become victims, again. N o t o n ly h a v e w e a b d ic a te d o u r p o litic a l p o w e r, b u t I b e lie v e w e ’v e a ls o a b d ic a te d a n y rig h t to be surprised, angry or horrified when we finally take enough time to lo o k u p fro m p la y in g A n g ry B ird s to re a liz e th a t w e ’v e s u rre n d e re d a ll o f o u r c o n s titu tio n a l rights via presidential fiat or that w e ’v e ju s t b e e n a tta c k e d b y IS IS in W ic h ita . A p a th e tic a n d in d iffe re n t is e x a c tly h o w th is a d m in is tra tio n w a n ts u s to b e . T h a t w a y th e y c a n c o n tin u e to s u b v e rt th e c o n s titu -

tio n a n d b la ta n tly lie to o u r fa c e s , b e c a u s e w e w ill c o n tin u e to le t th e m ! W e , b y v irtu e o f o u r la c k o f o u tra g e , a re b a s ic a lly c o n d o n in g th is p re s id e n t’s a tta c k o n o u r c o u n try , o u r w a y o f life o u r b u s in e s s a n d o u r a llie s . H o w m a n y tim e s d o e s s o m e o n e h a v e to lie to y o u , c h e a t o n y o u o r s te a l y o u r m o n e y b e fo re y o u sa y “ E n o u g h ” ! It’s lik e e n a b lin g a n a b u s iv e s p o u s e , a s lo n g a s y o u c o n tin u e to d o n o th in g in th e fa c e o f o u tra g e o u s b e h a v io r, th e p e rp e tra to r w ill c o n tin u e s a id b e h a v io r. A g re a t e x a m p le o f o u r a b d ic a tio n o f th e a b ility to c a ll B S is o u r n o n -re s p o n s e (F o x N e w s n o tw ith s ta n d in g ) to th e O b a m a a d m in is tra tio n s a b s o lu te re fu s a l to u s e th e w o rd s “ Is la m ic T e rro ris m ” w h e n d is c u s s in g IS IS o r a n y o th e r o f th e lite ra lly d o z e n s o f m ilita n t M u s lim g ro u p s w h o ’v e d e c id e d th a t th e y o n ly w a y to s e rv e th e ir “ g o d ” is to b u rn p e o p le a liv e o r b e h e a d th e m w ith a d u ll k n ife , o n c a m e ra to b o o t. It’s a lm o s t a m u s in g , if it w e re n ’t s o h o rrify in g , th a t o u r p re s id e n t w o n ’t u tte r w o rd s th a t m ig h t “ o ffe n d ” M u s lim s w h ile IS IS its e lf in s is ts th a t th e y a re in fa c t Is la m ic a n d m o tiv a te d to w a g e jih a d a n d s u b ju g a te a ll n o n -b e lie v e rs in th e ir m ilita n t, b a rb a ric , m e d ie v a l fo rm o f Is la m . W h y U .S . S ta te D e p a r tm e n t s p o k e s p e rs o n M a rie H a rf w a s n ’t la u g h e d o ff th e p o d iu m o r im mediately fired but actually contin u e s to b e ta k e n s e rio u s ly b y th e m e d ia a fte r s h e s a id w h e n

26 Shot of Texas Magazine™ May/June Issue 2015

re fe rrin g to IS IS “ w e c a n ’t w in b y k illin g th e m – w e n e e d to g e t th e m jo b s ” . I d o n ’t k n o w a b o u t y o u b u t I a lm o s t c h o k e d o n m y m a rtin i o liv e w h e n s h e s a id th a t. O r h o w a b o u t h e r b rillia n t a n a ly s is o f m ilita n t g ro u p s a n d h e r s ta te m e n t o n M S N B C th a t th e L o rd s R e s is ta n t A rm y , a b a n d of 200 radical Christians in Afric a le d b y a w h a c k jo b n a m e d J o s e p h K o n y a re a ls o a ra d ic a l g ro u p b u t th e y a re C h ris tia n s . N o w if y o u d id n ’t c a tc h it, le t m e p o in t o u t th a t s h e g o e s o u t o f h e r w a y to m e n tio n th a t th is g ro u p is in fa c t “ C h ris tia n ” , a ll th e w h ile th e U .S . S ta te D e p a r tm e n t w o n ’t m e n tio n “ Is la m “ a n d “ te rro ris m ” in th e s a m e s e n te n c e . S a m e g o e s fo r O b a m a , w h ile a v o id in g o ffe n d in g M u s lim s , h a s n o p ro b le m m e n tio n in g in a re c e n t s p e e c h a t th e N a tio n a l P ra y e r B re a k fa s t th a t “ P e o p le c o m m itte d te rrib le d e e d s in th e n a m e o f C h ris t” a n d w e n t o n to b rin g u p s la v e ry , th e C ru s a d e s a n d th e In q u is itio n a s if s o m e h o w try in g to ju s tify IS IS ’s b a d b e h a v io r. A m I th e o n ly o n e s c re a m in g a t m y T V w h e n I h e a r c ra p lik e th is ? L e t m e p o in t o u t a n in c o n v e n ie n t n u g g e t o f in fo rm a tio n th a t m ig h t n o t b e to o h e lp fu l to M s . H a rf ’s “ a n a ly s is ” ; T h e L o rd ’s R e s is ta n c e A rm y is fu n d e d b y th e g o v e rn m e n t o f S u d a n , w h o ’s le a d e r O m a r A l B a s h ir is n o t o n ly M u s lim , b u t a c a rd c a rry in g m e m b e r o f th e M u s lim B ro th e rh o o d . I’ll ta k e it a s te p fu rth e r. I’d lik e s o m e re s p o n s ib le jo u rn a lis t to a s k a c o u p le o f q u e s tio n s o f M s . H a rf w h e n s h e s p e w s s u c h id io c y .

Question 1: How many people have The Lord’s Resistance Army burned alive, decapitated, buried alive, sold into slavery or if they were lucky enough, shot in the head? Question 2: How much territory has the Lord’s Resistance Army conquered? Question 3: How many people have been murdered by Islamic terrorists since 9-11? Question 4: How many people have been murdered by Christian terrorists since 9-11? Y o u p ro b a b ly a lre a d y k n o w h o w th e n u m b e rs w ill lo o k . G o o g le th e q u e s tio n s if y o u ’re re a lly c u rio u s , b u t e s s e n tia lly ra d ic a l M u s lim s h a v e k ille d th o u s a n d s u p o n thousands since 9-11. Whereas C h ris tia n s , n o t s o m u c h . A n d fo r y o u lib e ra ls w h o in s is t o n b rin g in g u p th e o n e te rro ris t a tta c k n o t p e rp e tra te d b y M u s lim s , T im o th y M c V e ig h -O k la h o m a C ity B o m b in g s , p le a s e n o te th a t M c V e ig h d id n o t o n c e re fe r to C h ris t a s h is m o tiv a tio n to k ill a ll th o s e p e o p le , it w a s h is re s p o n s e to th e d e b a c le in W a c o w h e re D a v id K o re s h w a s k ille d in h is a rm e d s ta n d o ff a g a in s t th e A T F . S o w h ile th is a d m in is tra tio n is w rin g in g its h a n d s a n d fa llin g a ll o v e r its e lf to n o t o ffe n d M u s lim s , w e a re in fa c t m a k in g it e a s ie r fo r th e s e a n im a ls to a tta c k u s a g a in . A n d u n til th a t h a p p e n s , th e m a jo rity o f v o te rs w ill c o n tin u e to b e m o re w o rrie d a b o u t w h a t K a n y e s a id a t th e G ra m m y ’s th a n w h a t IS IS is p la n n in g n e x t. Be afraid. I am.

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May/June Issue Issue 2015 2015 AA Shot Shot of of Texas Texas Magazine™ Magazine™ 27 27 May/June

Bob Anderson El Presidente

s y u G

Stuffed Quail & Pheasant with Habanero Pineapple Glaze INGREDIENTS: Fowl Breast Sweet Italian Sausage Smoked Gouda Cheese Italian Seasoning

DIRECTIONS: Debone breast. Butterfly and roll out to 1/4 inch Season w/ Italian seasoning. Layer Sweet Italian Sausage and spread like butter to cover the entire inside of the breast . (Spreads better at room temp) Add some finely chopped red bell pepper. Smoked Gouda cheese Roll up and rap up w/ Hickory Smoked Maple Bacon. Toothpick to hold together. Seer breast on all four sides over coals then continue on grill turning frequently (About 15 minutes) DO NOT OVER COOK Finally, baste with Roasted Pineapple Habanero Dip and serve.

Enjoy

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DOVE QUEST 2015

You are cordially invited to a Great Texas Dove Hunt with our staff. Meet Camo Girl Kendall Rae Kahn

est ri e

A Shot of Texas Magazine takes a great hunt and makes it better! Take dove hunting to a whole new level at Record Buck Ranch

Kawasaki’ new 2015 FXT Side by Side

bet a lot of you do not realize that Kleenex is not a word it’s a brand. Kleenex is facial tissue right, or is facial tissue Kleenex?. Facial tissue has been referred to Kleenex for so long that is stuck. This is not a bad thing. It simply is what it is. In the hunting world, Polaris has been the most used word when referring to a side-by-side ATV. NOT ANYMORE. I’m not sure why it took Kawasaki so long but frankly I think it was worth the wait. The new Kawasaki FXT is the best ATV I’ve ever driven. Over the last three months

ACP

91 sportsmen have been conducting test drives on both flat and hilly terrain near Junction Texas. We tested speed, power, comfort, ride and engine noise. Overwhelmingly the new Kawasaki FXT won hands down. To conduct a test drive contact A Shot of Texas Magazine at 512-746-2729. We drive almost every weekend. If you can’t come to us we will come to you. You can also visit Woods Cycle Country in New Braunfels right off I 35. Contact Paul Woods at 830-606-9828. Tell him we sent you.

September 11 through the 13th 2015. While you’re there you may want to harvest an Axis Deer or other Exotic animal.

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Fine whiskey for tasting. Handmade Cigars. Sporting clays tournament with great prizes from Grizzly and Made in America Coolers. Live entertainment Saturday night. DATE:

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May/June Issue 2015 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 29

30 Shot of Texas Magazineâ&#x201E;˘ May/June Issue 2015

Energy Infrastructure Investment in Myanmar

uasar Resources is developing energy infrastructure in Myanmar. Quasar plans to develop 500 MW of installed gas fired power generation over the next five years.

• Quasar was founded by two experienced energy professionals with 55 years of combined experience in all facets of energy development, power generation, transmission, oil and gas storage, pipelines and trading. • Lin Tun has 25 years of experience in U.S. power plant development (natural gas, solar and wind), power and gas trading and structured origination, and power system planning and generation interconnection. He English and Burmese. was raised in Myanmar and fluent in English and Burmese. • Mark Witt has over 30 years of experience in U.S. and international energy development, marketing and finance. He has held senior management positions in international energy companies and taken four companies public. • Quasar has offices in Yangon and Houston and utilizes its in-house technical team to evaluate development opportunities.

Why Myanmar?

• Less than 25% of the 60 million of population have access to electricity and demand is growing rapidly as the economy expands. • Current demand outstrips supply and it is expected to worsen – rotating blackouts are not uncommon in Yangon, the largest city and center of commerce.

2) New build simple cycle natural gas plants at strategic sites near existing natural gas supply and transmission grid, 3) Solar power (photo voltaic) in arid areas, and 4) Set up local distribution company to serve industrial, commercial and residential market. • Myanmar operates in high priced natural gas environment resulting in high power prices providing competitive landscape for renewable energy.

Author Lin Shu takes A Shot of Texas Magazine Worldwide

• Economic growth in Myanmar is being constrained because of insufficient infrastructure, mainly lack of electric supply. • Legacy gas generation fleet is over 20 years old and technically obsolete – average fleet heat rate is at least two times worse than Opportunity to invest in a regulated service company at a regulated rate of return – distribution system losses are over 20% and unable to serve the rapidly growing load.

Strategy – Power

• Quasar is targeting the fastest and most cost effective alternatives for providing badly needed electricity supply into the system. • Quasar will provide all technical and in-Country support and manage the development process. • Strategies: 1) Replacement of obsolete, inefficient gas turbines at existing brownfield sites in Yangon,

2) New build simple cycle natural gas plants at strategic Strategy – sites near existing natural gas il and Gas supply and transmission grid, • Through its affiliate, 3) Solar power (photo volGreenfields Petroleum Corp. taic) in arid areas, and 4) Set up local distribution (TSXV:GNF) we are qualified company to serve industrial, to bid for onshore oil and gas commercial and residential blocks and plan to work with MOGE to develop its oil and market. • Myanmar operates in high gas reserves to supply Quapriced natural gas environment sar’s gas fired power plants. resulting in high power prices providing competitive landContacts: scape for renewable energy.

Strategy – Power

United States

Mark Witt 15910 N Barkers Landing Rd. Houston, Texas 77079 USA +1 (713) 598-1642 mark.witt@quasar‐resources.com

Myan

Lin Tun 22 A Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd. Yangon, Myanmar Myanmar: +95 9 732 59198 US: +1 (713) 392-8580 lin.tun@quasar‐resources.co

May/June Issue 2015 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 31

Corpus Christi Police Athletic League (CC-PAL) Valero-Bill Greehey Refineries

5th Annual

Charity Dove Hunt –

October 3, 2015

Sponsorship Opportunities Gold Sponsor $5,000 16 tickets to event 80 raffle tickets Company name in all publicity and event signage

Silver Sponsor $2,500 8 tickets to event 40 raffle tickets Company name in all publicity and event signage

Bronze Sponsor $1,000 \4 tickets to event 20 raffle tickets Company recognition at event

Event Tickets: $100 per person – Admits One Tickets will feature all you can eat, drink, dove hunting, skeet & trap shooting throughout the day Checks Payable: Corpus Christi Police Athletic League (CC-PAL) – Tax ID #42-1554287

32 Shot of Texas Magazine™ May/June Issue 2015

Note: Please RSVP by returning this commitment form and your payment to Patsy Benchoff, Valero, P. O. Box 9370, Corpus Christi, TX 78469 or by email patsy.benchoff@valero.com. For any questions, please contact Patsy Benchoff w/Valero @ 361-289-3104; Sgt. David Morris @ 361-533-5407 and/or Dennis Havel w/Valero @ 361-815-4340.

Try A Different Position

By Kerry O’Day

ost of us can shoot a decent group from a shooting bench, but how about shooting off-hand or in a sitting position? In the real world of hunting, there are not many shooting benches out in the field to shoot from. There is the exception in South Texas with their high rise blinds or over a Prairie Dog town. But in most cases you will have to be able to make a clean shot using whatever there is to brace with. I was hunting in Montana for Pronghorn Antelope and had a shot at a good buck at just over 400 yards, but when I looked for something to brace from, there was nothing! I went over and sat down, braced on my front knee, and made the shot. Now I could not have done this if I hadn’t practiced this shot before! Shooting off a bench is great for finding out how accurate your rifle or handgun is or checking a new load, but real world shooting is not done from a bench. In Africa, you will most likely be shooting off a set of 3 legged shooting sticks. In Alaska, your shots will be made sitting or lying prone and using a bipod. When hunting Elk in the West, you will use any tree branch or boulder to rest on. Occasionally you might even have to shoot off-hand which is very hard to do, especially if you have never tried it before. Let’s talk about several types of shooting positions and how to do them correctly. O ff-h a n d s h o o tin g is th e h a rd e s t w a y to s h o o t a c c u ra te ly . T h e re a re w a y s to h e lp y o u rs e lf w ith th is ty p e o f s h o o tin g . A lw a y s s h o o t a c ro s s y o u r b o d y ; th is w ill h e lp k e e p y o u o n b a la n c e . U s e y o u r fro n t a rm a n d h a n d to b ra c e o ff I lik e to b e n d m y fo re a rm and brace it to my chest and rest the rifle in m y h a n d . W a tc h y o u r b re a th in g a n d try n o t to h o ld to o lo n g in th is p o s itio n . T a k e a re s t if y o u h a v e to h o ld to o lo n g o r y o u w ill s ta rt m o v in g th e fro n t o f th e b a rre l a n d th e n m a k in g a c le a n s h o t is h o p e le s s . H a v in g a good light rifle helps here. You can rap the s lin g a ro u n d y o u r fo rw a rd a rm to a d d e x tra s u p p o rt. L a s t y o u h a v e to b e s tro n g e n o u g h to hold the rifle up, so some time in the gym w o u ld n ’t h u rt. A s i t t i ng pos i t i on i s a ve r y s t a bl e s hot i ng pos i t i on. S i t I ndi a n s t yl e w i t h your f r o nt kne e be nt up. B r a c e your f or e a r m of f your kn e e a n d us e t hi s f or a r e s t . A ga i n s ho ot a c r os s your body t o ke e p your ba l ance. You will find that this is a very stable s ho ot i ng pos i t i on. W a t c h your br e a t hi ng a nd t a ke your t i m e . U nl i ke s h ot i ng of f ha n d yo u c a n hol d t hi s pos i t i on f or qui t e a w h i l e w i t hout ge t t i ng t i r e d. S hot i ng P r one i s on e of m y l e a s t f a vor i t e w a ys t o s hot . T hi s i s t he w a y you le a rn t o s hot i n t he A r m y . I t i s a w a y t o s hot ve r y a c c ur a t e bu t you f e e l m uc h m or e of t he r e c oi l a nd w i l l b e i n a ve r y a w kw a r d pos i t i on. L i e do w n on your s t om a c h, brace the rifle on your bent forearm and br a c e t he but t pa d i nt o your s houl de r . Y our rifle is braced off your forward arm, your s houl de r a nd your s hot i ng a r m . Y ou c a n m a ke ve r y a c c ur a t e s hot s t hi s w a y but yo u

need to be shooting off a hill or on very flat gr oun d w i t h not hi ng i n t he w a y . S h o o tin g s tic k s a n d b ip o d s a re a g re a t w a y to s h o o t g a m e . I lo v e to s h o o t o ff th e m a n d y o u c a n m a k e v e ry a c c u ra te s h o ts b y u s in g th e m . U s in g s h o o tin g s tic k s is v e ry e a s y , ju s t b ra c e o ff th e s tic k s lik e y o u w o u ld w h e n u s in g a tre e b ra n c h . A lw a y s s h o o t a c ro s s y o u r b o d y fo r b a la n c e a n d try to h o ld o n to th e sticks and the forend of your rifle at the same tim e . If y o u w ill p ra c tic e , th is a fe w tim e s you will find out that you can shoot very well this way. I have made several 200 yard s h o o ts o ff s tic k s o r b ip o d s . B ip o d s c o m e in s e v e ra l d iffe re n t h e ig h ts . S o m e h a v e s h o rt le g s fo r s h o o tin g ly in g d o w n , w h ile o th e rs u s e lo n g e r le g s fo r s h o o tin g in a s ittin g p o s i-

tion. If you are hunting on very flat ground o r in a n a re a w h e re th e re is ta ll g ra s s y o u w ill n e e d th e h ig h e r le g s . D o n ’t ju s t th in k th a t y o u c a n g o o u t a n d h u n t u s in g a b ip o d o r s tic k s w ith o u t p ra c tic in g w ith th e m . M y w ife fo u n d th a t s h e s h o o ts a b o u t 3 in c h e s h ig h e r s h o o tin g o ff s tic k s th a n w h e n s h e is s ig h te d in fro m th e b e n c h . T h is c a n ru in y o u r w h o le d a y to d is c o v e r th a t y o u a re s h o o tin g h ig h a n d m is s in g th e g a m e . Y o u n e e d to p ra c tic e s h o o tin g o ff s tic k s , b ip o d s , o r in a s ittin g p o s itio n a n d re m e m b e r to c h e c k your sight in. The barrel of a rifle or handg u n w ill ris e m o re w h e n s h o o tin g o ff s tic k s th a n w h e n y o u s h o o t fro m a s o lid b e n c h re s t. S o m e h o w w e c a n ’t g e t a w a y fro m th e p ra c tic e m a k e s p e rfe c t th in g !

May/June Issue 2015 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 33

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LOW APR FINANCING OPTIONS AVAILABLE WARNING: Polaris off-road vehicles can be hazardous to operate and are not intended for on-road use. Driver must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license to operate. Passengers, if permitted, must be at least 12 years old. All riders should always wear helmets, eye protection, and protective clothing. Always use seat belts and cab nets or doors (as equipped). Never engage in stunt driving, and avoid excessive speeds and sharp turns. Riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. All riders should take a safety training course. Call 800-342-3764 for additional information. Check local laws before riding on trails. ©2015 Polaris Industries Inc.

Roadkill

Millions of vertebrates - birds, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians - are killed every year by vehicles traveling on America’s roads. For example, roadkill has helped reduce the population of a federally endangered cat, the ocelot, to about 80 animals. Slow-moving animals like turtles and salamanders are at high risk of roadkill, especially when they try to cross a road to reach mating or nesting sites on the other side. Wide-ranging large carnivores like wolves, grizzly bears, and mountain lions are also vulnerable, simply because they routinely have to cross a lot of roads. Roadkill threatens humans as well as animals. Each year, more than 200 motorists are killed and thousands more are injured in animal-vehicle collisions, according to The Wildlife Society. The insurance industry estimates that the annual cost to society for these fatalities and injuries is $200 million. Individual motorists usually pay at least $2000.00 in vehicle repair every time they hit a deer. 90 percent of reported animal-vehicle collisions involve deer.

May/June Issue 2015 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 35

UNMATCHED TEXAS HUNTING RETREAT

"Just wanted to say thanks for showing my family an awesome time. The hospitality and service received at the Lonesome Coyote Ranch is second to none. This was our fifth trip to the ranch and it just gets better everytime, you guys are the best! Oh and the kids said the food was perfect every meal." Mann Daigle —

"We Do Things Right!" www.lonesomecoyoteranch.com

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The Lonesome Coyote Ranch is open year round. We are located in the famous South Texas Golden triangle that is famous for variety of exceptional hunting opportunities. Our corporate tailored facilities can host your next sales meeting this or guide you to your next exceptional trophy. We offer: White Tail Deer Rio Grande Turkey Upland Game Birds Hogs and Predators 36 Shot of Texas Magazine™ May/June Issue 2015

CRANES AND OVERHEAD WIRES

here are many dangerous situations on a construction site, but operating hoisting equipment close to overhead wires is more than just dangerous, it’s a matter of life and death! The following guidelines should help us prevent potentially deadly contact:

K e e p c ra n e s a s a fe d is ta n c e fro m p o w e r lin e s . F o r lin e s ra te d 5 0 k V o r b e lo w , m in im u m c le a ra n c e b e tw e e n th e lin e s a n d machines or loads must be 10 feet plus 0.4 inch for each 1 kV. o v e r 5 0 k V ., o r tw ic e th e le n g th o f th e lin e in s u la to r, b u t N E V ER less than 10 feet.

U s e a q u a lifie d s ig n a lp e rs o n w h e n th e c ra n e is w ith in b o o m ’s le n g th o f a lin e . T h e s ig n a l- p e rs o n m u s t w a rn th e o p e ra to r w h e n th e m a c h in e is a p p ro a c h in g th e lin e s s in c e th e o p e ra to r m a y n o t b e a b le to a c c u ra te ly ju d g e th e d is ta n c e . T h e s ig n a lp e rs o n

s h o u ld h a v e n o o th e r d u tie s w h ile th e m a c h in e is w o rk in g n e a r th e p o w e r lin e . D o n o t re ly o n g ro u n d ro d s fo r s a fe ty . T h e y p ro v id e little o r n o p ro te c tio n . P e o p le to u c h in g th e c ra n e o r lo a d w ill s till d ra w e n o u g h c u rre n t to k ill, e v e n w ith th e b e s t

g ro u n d ro d s in p la c e . In a d d itio n , d o n ’t re ly o n p ro x im ity w a rn in g d e v ic e s , h o o k in s u la to rs , in s u la tin g b o o m g u a rd s , s w in g lim it s to p s , e tc . a s e a c h h a s s e rio u s lim ita tio n s . E x c e p t fo r th e o p e ra to r, k e e p a ll p e rs o n n e l a w a y fro m th e c ra n e w h e n w o rk in g n e a r p o w e r lin e D o n ’t a llo w a n y o n e to to u c h th e lo a d , c ra n e , o r c ra n e h o o k u n til th e s ig n a lp e rs o n in d ic a te s th a t it is s a fe to d o s o . E x e rc is e c a u tio n w h e n w o rk in g n e a r o v e rh e a d lin e s h a v in g lo n g s p a n s . T h e s e te n d to s w in g la te ra lly in th e w in d a n d c o n ta c t c a n o c c u r. U s e c a u tio n w h e n m o v in g c ra n e s . U n e v e n g ro u n d c a n c a u s e th e b o o m to w e a v e o r b o b in to lin e s . E n s u re a ro u te is p la in ly m a rk e d w h e n c ra n e s m u s t tra v e l b e n e a th p o w e r lin e s . ‘R id e r ’ p o le s s h o u ld b e e re c te d o n e a c h s id e o f th e c ro s s in g a p p ro a c h to g u a ra n te e th a t th e b o o m w ill b e lo w e re d to a s a fe p o s itio n . A v o id u s in g ta g lin e s e x c e p t w h e n it is p o s s ib le fo r th e lo a d to s p in in to th e p o w e r lin e . A ll ro p e w ill c o n d u c t e le c tric ity .

May/June Issue 2015 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 37

GRAINGER RANCH RECRUITING LLC The premier ranch recruiting service

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“Who says you can’t find your ranch, and staff it too” We specialize in finding you the perfect South Texas Ranch followed by connecting you with the best qualified ranch managers and staff to help you run it. For Information contact: Rob Grainger roblgrainger@gmail.com 832-215-4899 www.graingerranchrecruiting.com

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KW Farm & Ranch Group

PRECISION IN ANY SCOPE Welker designs and manufactures pipeline solutions with precision for accurate sampling, chemical injection and flow control. WFMS manufactures the SCS Prover® and metering systems that provide precise flow measurement of liquids and gas.

38 Shot of Texas Magazine™ May/June Issue 2015

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Texas Big Game Awards to Recognize Texas Hunters and Land Stewards SAN ANTONIO – For 24 years, the Texas B ig G a m e A w a rd s (T B G A ), a p a rtn e rs h ip o f T e x a s P a rk s a n d W ild life D e p a rtm e n t a n d th e T e x a s W ild life A s s o c ia tio n (T W A ), h a s b e e n th e le a d e r in re c o g n iz in g th e c o n trib u tio n s th a t la n d o w n e rs , la n d m a n a g e rs a n d re s p o n s ib le h u n te rs m a k e to m a n a g in g a n d c o n s e rv in g w ild life a n d w ild life h a b ita t o n T e x a s ’ p riv a te la n d s . All entries for the 2014-2015 Texas Big Game Awards have been submitted and more than 1,200 hunters, 250 landowners, 160 youth hunters, and 260 first-time hunters will be reco g n iz e d a c ro s s T e x a s a t th is y e a r ’s T B G A S p o rts m a n ’s C e le b ra tio n s . T h e to p 3 0 b ig g a m e a n im a ls ta k e n th is p a s t s e a s o n will be on display and recognized during the 2015 Statewide T B G A S p o rts m a n ’s C e le b ra tio n h e ld in c o n ju n c tio n w ith TWA’s 30th Annual Convention, July 9-12th at the JW Marrio tt S a n A n to n io H ill C o u n try R e s o rt a n d S p a . S p e c ie s re c o g n iz e d a c ro s s th e s ta te in c lu d e w h ite -ta ile d d e e r, m u le d e e r, p ro n g h o rn a n te lo p e , d e s e rt b ig h o rn a n d ja v e lin a . A ls o b e in g a w a rd e d a c ro s s th e s ta te w ill b e th e to p s c h o la rs h ip re c ip ie n ts o f th e C a rte r ’s C o u n try T B G A C o lle g e S c h o la rs h ip P ro g ra m , a s w e ll a s th e b e s t o f th e b e s t fie ld p h o to s . In a d d itio n , th irte e n h u n te rs a n d th e ir re s p e c tiv e la n d o w n e rs w ill b e a w a rd e d th e c o v e te d T e x a s S la m A w a rd , g iv e n to h u n te rs w h o h a rv e s t a ll th re e T B G A q u a lify in g a n im a ls in th e s a m e s e a s o n m e e tin g th e m in im u m s c o rin g re q u ire m e n ts . T o s e e s o m e o f th is y e a r ’s e n trie s , m a k e p la n s to a tte n d o n e o f th e T B G A S p o rts m a n ’s C e le b ra tio n e v e n ts s c h e d u le d a c ro s s T e x a s . The celebration dates for 2015 include: • May 16, Regions 5, 6 and 7 (Post Oak Savannah, Pineywoods a n d C o a s ta l P ra irie s ), L u fk in , P its e r G a rris o n C o n v e n tio n C e n te r. • June 20, Region 4 and 8 (Edwards Plateau and South Texas), U v a ld e , S S G T . W illie D e L e o n C iv ic C e n te r. • June 27, Regions 1, 2 and 3 (Trans Pecos, Panhandle and C ro s s T im b e rs ), S a n A n g e lo , M c N e e s e C o n v e n tio n C e n te r. • July 10, S t a t e w i d e T B G A S p o r t s m a n ’ s C e l e b r a t i o n , h e l d i n conjunction with TWA’s Annual Convention, WildLife 2015, July 9-12, San Antonio, JW Marriott Hill Country Resort and Spa. U n d e r th is p ro g ra m , a w a rd s a re g iv e n to a ll “ S c o re d E n trie s ” th a t m e e t m in im u m re g io n a l re q u ire m e n ts , firs t-tim e h u n te rs , y o u th h u n te rs , a n d la n d o w n e rs , a n d th e re a re n o e n try fe e s . A ll p ro g ra m in fo rm a tio n , p ro g ra m h is to ry , e n try ru le s , p h o to s a n d s p o n s o rs a re a ls o fe a tu re d o n th e T B G A w e b s ite http://www.TexasBigGameAwards.org/.

At Mobley Industrial Services we always keep our ducks in a row, especially with Safety and Quality!

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May/June Issue 2015 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 39

PERFORMANCE TOP DRIVES & CUSTOM HUNTING RIGS HIGH RACKS TOP DRIVES ATV RACKS COMPLETE QUAIL RIGS “WE WILL MAKE YOUR RIG AMAZING “ THREE RIVERS TEXAS

361-786-3034 WWW.PERFORMANCETOPDRIVES.COM 40 Shot of Texas Magazine™ May/June Issue 2015

SCI JOINS BATTLE AGAINST RIFFLE AMMO BAN

his week, SCI joined other members of the American Wildlife Conservation Partners (AWCP), a consortium of 42 organizations representing more than six million individual members, in sending a letter to ATF Director Jones expressing concern about the proposed new regulatory “framework” the agency has put forward to justify the banning of common rifle ammunition. Such a ban could reduce the amount of Pittman-Robertson excise taxes collected on the sale of ammunition, which provide vital funding for wildlife management activities across the country. In addition to the issues covered in the letter, SCI is also concerned that this proposed new regulatory authority could be extended in the future to ban virtually any centerfire rifle cartridge. 239 Members of the U.S. House have signed a letter opposing the ban, and this week they were joined by 53 Members of the U.S. Senate. The new “framework” is widely seen as a purely political maneuver to enact a White House gun control agenda that the Congress refuses to pass, and SCI will be lending its support to any and all measures opposing the ban. Watch this space for updates on this late-breaking, fastmoving battle.

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We started that morning at the bottom of the mountain, slowly made our way upward, but also always westward. That’s when we heard a much gruffer sounding roar, which according to Shane, sometimes although not all, indicated a truly big stag. “We need to hurry. Usually stags lay down to rest about 10 in the morning. If we don’t get where he is by then, chances are he’ll be laying down. Once they lay down they seldom get up before two or so....” As you might guess we arrived where we could peer into the canyon at about 10:02

and then more rain came. Time seemed to drag on, as if great nations developed, flourished and then were destroyed. Still the stag remained bedded, even though he occasionally let forth a mighty roar.... I’ve not worn a watch in many, many years, but I noticed Shane start watching his, “Ay mate, get ready the hour of rising approaches.” He cautioned both Blake and me. With that Blake made certain he would be able to film exactly what would happen in hopefully the next few minutes. As he prepared, I made certain I had my

stag, the bigger he grew. At his side, I marveled at the size of his rack. Many points, long tines, extremely massive beams and palmated crowns. He was all I ever hoped for in New Zealand stag. After hearty congratulations, followed by an extensive photo session, Shane turned to me, “We’ll have to pack him out Mate. No way can I get a vehicle within a quarter of mile of here....” “How about I cape and gut him while you get to the vehicle. Then I’ll carry the head and cape to where you stop. Afterwards I’ll

am. The stag was already bedded. Peaking over the canyon’s edge we spotted the tops of his antlers; massive, long and many tined! Easing forward a bit we could see his lower antlers were just as impressive as the upper part. “That’s the one we’ve been looking for!” stage whispered Shane. He continued, “From right here if he stands up, we’ll only be able to see his head. Let’s move down the canyon a way, find a place where we will essentially be hidden, but where we’ll be able to see his entire body when he stands.” A few minutes later we were set up in just such a location. We got comfortable and waited. Rain came, we covered up with rain gear. Rain passed. Lunchtime arrived, we ate our delicious sandwiches. The stag remained bedded. More rain came, passed

Ruger properly rested on my BOG Pod RLD shooting sticks. I was ready! Several more minutes passed, then I heard Shane caution, “Get ready! He’s stirring.” No sooner had he uttered those words than I saw the bull start to rise. I waited for him to fully stand. Soon as he did I did I pulled the Ruger’s trigger and watched as the Hornady bullet struck his shoulder. In less than a heart beat I bolted in another round, and sent a second bullet into this vitals. The great stag simply pitched forward and was dead! As he fell I bolted in a third round and kept my crosshairs on the downed stag, just in case he tried to get up. He didn’t! A few moments later we had covered the 180 yards that separated us from the downed stag. The closer I got to my

go back with you and we’ll quarter him and bring him out piece by piece.” Shane thought that a good idea and left for the vehicle which was nearly 3 miles away. I quickly caped the stag, then gutted him, propped open the cavity and then shouldered the massive rack and heavy cape and started toward where I heard Shane honk the vehicle’s horn... That night we toasted the great stag, and, even greater friendship with a glass or two of the southern hemisphere’s finest red wine and ended the evening with a wee dram of single malt! With my red stag in the the salt in preparation for shipment to The Wildlife Gallery and the venison hung in the cooler to be properly aged, we set plans for the rest of the hunt, but as they often say, that’s entire ‘nother story!

42 Shot of Texas Magazine™ May/June Issue 2015

May/June Issue 2015 A Shot of Texas Magazineâ&#x201E;˘ 43

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Like a lot of you folks I have the duty of camp cook at our deer lease. Occasionally, you will run across a delicacy like this nice fat hog which makes his appearance a little too close to dinner. Suddenly you’re feeling like pork loin appetizers but you don’t have time to process him completely. No worries. There is no need to clean the entire animal. Try this little trick. By Rob Kahn

STRAPPING &

MARINATING A HOG!

You can remove the back straps right in the back strap.follow-up with the mother the field and go straight to the ice chest cut along the ribs. It’s as simple. I Keep a Start by rolling the animal on its stomach. bottle of good old-fashioned Italian dresswith me5:50 for just an occasion. Make two straight cuts 2014_Layout directly down the 1 ing TRR magazine 1/3/15 PMsuch Page 1 spine and skin back just enough to expose Place the back strap directly into any con-

tainer or plastic bag and drench with a full bottle of dressing. The pork will be marinated by the time you reach camp (minimum 30 minutes).

Happy strapping.

Waupaca, Wisconsin

”Typical“ Whitetails With Mainbeam Mass • Scenic, prime wildlife habitat • Rolling hills, steep drop-offs • Natural springs • Oaks, pines, food plots • Massive mainbeam bucks Information: Tom Justmann +1 925 890 6936 www.tomorrowriverranch.com 46 Shot of Texas Magazine™ May/June Issue 2015

Thandeka Safaris is a beautiful hunting destination situated in the Kalahari, 4km from the Botswana border,

Thirty two species Plains Game Dangerous Game Wing Shooting Bow Hunters welcome

“Experience prime unspoiled savannah”. Ideally suited for first time or returning hunters or families wanting to relax and enjoy all that Africa has to offer. Contact info@thandekasafaris.co.za or rob@ashotoftexas.net for details and packages We are proud to be hosting A Shot of Texas Magazine’s Big Shot Outfitters SAFARI 2015, Contact Rob@ashotoftexas.net for details.

www.crittergitters.net Tel: 281-332-7912 May/June Issue 2015 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 47

How Will Texas Adjust to $40.00 a barrel Oil?

o st importantly, the arrogance of the 1980s is gone. Texans learned their lesson. They haven’t overbuilt this time, “betting on the come”. God gave them one more chance and this time they promised themselves they wouldn’t squander it. Texas economy transformed . . .

The state is once again coming off a period of well-deserved, hard-earned prosperity, at least partially driven by crude oil prices that attained a high plateau for so long. Texas may still produce over a third of the country’s domestic supply of crude oil, but the state is no longer a “one-trick pony”. While the rest of the country suffered from the nation’s longest-ever recession-caused at least partially by high oil prices-Texas has been a shiny, Lone Star bright spot. Credit the complete economic transformation the state has experienced over the past three decades. Austin has transformed itself into a high-technology wonder zone. The topranked company in the Dallas area might still be Exxon Mobil, but the second spot is held by AT&T. By 2004 the portion of the Houston-area economy represented by upstream energy had been reduced to 31 percent from 69 percent in 1981. Diversified industries nearly quadrupled to 52 percent from 16 percent. Houston now accounts for almost 40 percent of the U.S. production capacity for basic chemicals used by downstream chemical operations. Downstream petroleum activity, including refining and marketing, actually get a boost with lower crude oil prices (as

48 Shot of Texas Magazine™ May/June Issue 2015

they lower the cost of supplies). And a diversified Texas economy grows with the rest of the U.S. economy, which benefits greatly from falling oil price. Texans generally will have more money in their pockets for enjoying the nightlife in its fine cities, buying nice things in the local shopping malls, and just having fun doing whatever it is Texans enjoy doing--like seeing parts of Texas they’ve yet to experience.

The arrogance is gone . . .

The 1980s boom in the oil patch meant caviar and champagne with cocky businessmen flying over half-erected skyscrapers in helicopters. But those burned by the oil price crash of 1984 haven’t forgotten the lesson. Few homes are built on spec these days, unlike the crazy Eighties, and there’s no equivalent office-space overhang. Over half of the space built in 2014 was preleased. Banks are more closely supervised now than they were then, so won’t be so overstretched on loan commitments.

Don’t mess with Texas . . .

Texans will make it through this downturn for the same reason the state continues to prosper under any economic conditions, because Texans have pluck and Texans adapt. Even if things do get tight for a while, Texan resilience in the face of these economic turnarounds should pull it through. May “what goes up must come down” adage, learned in the 1980s, be replaced with “nothing lasts forever.”

A Shot of Texas is EVERYWHERE! Plant Maintenance, Inspection and Engineering Society PMIE Conference & Expo A Shot of Texas Magazine cameras were in Houston at the Pasadena Convention Center on April 16, 2015. The attendance was great and the hall was filled with enthusiastic exhibitors. Here are a few of the exhibitors that attended the show.

e See Mobley Industrial Services Ad in this issu

Colton Shepherd’s team at PMIE Conferen ce. Dynamic Labs was a Silver Sponsor at last month’s 3rd annual A Shot of Texas Clay Shoot. Thanks to Colton & Rick Shepard for their support

May/June Issue 2015 A Shot of Texas Magazine™ 49

Raising a Texan

eff Foxworthy wrote a few things about Texas. “If you dial a wrong number and have a 30 minute conversation you’re probably in Texas”. He’s absolutely right, Texans are friendly and I have certainly experienced it firsthand. When I think of Texas, I think of unbridled freedom. 50 Shot of Texas Magazine™ May/June Issue 2015

The freedom to choose the way we live our lives, the way we raise our children and the way we communicate with God. Spiritual goodness, freedom and strength of Texans can be traced all the way back to the Alamo. Why would 140 men stand against 10,000 unless the belief they had in Texas was so strong and so powerful that they were willing to die for it . Texans have a very clear sense of what is right and what is wrong. Gray areas are for wimps. While the rest of the world writes rule after rule, regulation after regulation and law after law, Texans stand strong on our core beliefs. Core beliefs start at childhood and the way we were raised in our homes. In the home of hundreds of thousands of other Texans those core beliefs began with mom and dad. We did not have rules about keeping guns locked up. As a boy there was a loaded gun in virtually every room of the house. Those guns were never touched. The reason they were never touched was because dad said not to touch them.” Manners are the only things that separate us from the monkeys son”, my dad used to say this to me all the time. Always hold the door open for ladies. Never ever strike someone weaker than yourself and never ever strike a woman. My favorite was,” tell me the truth and you won’t be in trouble”. This was a tough one but one day I tried it. My dad had just come outside and asked us not to throw the ball around my mother’s potted plants. No sooner than he left our ball knocked over and broke one of those plants. I was sweating bullets when I walked upstairs. I looked my Dad square and I and told him that I had just done what she had asked me not to do. I cleaned up the mess and replanted the pot. My dad kept his word like always. We have assembled some photographs of young Texans that we hope you will enjoy. Robert Kahn

g r i z z ly

h A toug

envir

toughe n even a r o f ca lls onment

r r coole

cooler

s .c o m

May/June Issue 2015 A Shot of Texas Magazineâ&#x201E;˘ 51

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