Published March 28, 2019
Veterans helping veterans
New support group helps fellow veterans have a better life By James Page
O
Corsicana Daily Sun
nce a warrior always a warrior; that mindset never goes away. The afflictions of combat don’t always leave visible scars. The weight of the war stays within the warrior’s mind. It is a part of them; mind, body, and soul. Some times the images subside for long enough to feel normal again, and at the blink of an eye they are back. Brothers and sisters you are not alone, the burden is not yours alone to bear. To help fellow veterans have a better life, a new organization, All Vets Rifle and Reel Project, has dedicated itself to take these veterans on hunting and fishing trips, getting them out in the wilderness to relax and forget for a time those horrible events. While out in the wild, they know they have someone who speaks the same language — military talks military. Only another veteran can truly understand what they are feeling. Being out in the wild with fellow brothers-in-arms is therapeutic on its own. Plus, they will have a chance to put food in the freezer for our families and friends. All Vets R&R includes members from the Vietnam period to today’s conflicts. The veterans share many things in common, such as military expressions and a few things that are unique
to each generation. Some have beards, tattoos, some like craft brews, others prefer the old standards like those beers that have been around forever. But the veterans share one thing in common they want to help other veterans. Veterans who are struggling with everyday issues as a result of serving in a combat zone and witnessing events that are unique to war, causing them to have flashbacks and other nightmares that are grouped under Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The project depends on donations from individuals and companies to fund these events and host raffles for various items like barbeque smokers, sponsored hunts for game birds, deer, wild hogs, etc. For those companies and businesses that want to help with a donation, there are three levels of yearly sponsorship: Freedom Level is a gift of $50-plus, Liberty Level is $150-plus and Patriot Sponsor with a donation of $250 and up. The Freedom Sponsor receives a Certificate of Appreciation, the Liberty Sponsorship has its company advertisement on the R&R T-shirts and a Certificate of Appreciation and the Patriot Sponsorship receives top billing on the advertising efforts through local media and printing on the T-Shirts, their logo on the Project’s Banner that will be used in photo shoots for the balance of the coming year and a Certificate of Appreciation. Along with the types of sponsorships, if any items such as, fishing poles, outdoor equipment or hunting gear are donated, the group will credit the cash value and attribute it to either a Freedom, Liberty, or Patriot level sponsorship. To make a contribution or seek more information, you may contact All Vets R&R Project on Facebook or the president Ben McMahon at 903-467-4814 or
at the mailing address All Vets R&R Project, P.O. Box 1036, Corsicana, TX 75151. All honorably discharged veterans, young and old, are invited to come out and join this organization that helps other veterans in a time of need. Veterans must show their veteran discharge status via a copy of DD Form 214, a VA identification card or a Texas Drivers License with Veteran printed on it. Other folks who have not been in the military can join as an associate member. Dues for all are $25 per person or $40 for a couple. The organization has a special deal from March 18, 2019 to June 18, 2019, for those who join during this 90-day period, their membership will be free for a year. The All Vets R&R will have a table set up at Derrick Days, April 27 in downtown Corsicana, where it will be accepting all donations and membership enrollments. All Vets R&R Project meets at 7 p.m. the first Sunday of each month at China One Restaurant, across W. Seventh Ave. from Navarro College in Corsicana.
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March-April 2019
East Texas Farm & Ranch Living
Support Agriculture Businesses... They are the Heartbeat of Our Economy
Springtime is buzzing in East Texas By Paul Bryant
Athens Daily Review
I
n its third year, the Henderson County Beekeepers Association has more than 30 members and with spring less than a month away, they’re busy as a bee. “Spring is the best time to get involved with beekeeping,” Janelle Cole said. “Most know that honeybees are not very active during the cooler weather. In fact, they stay in a ball inside the hive unless the temperatures exceed 50 degrees. When spring starts teasing us with warmer days and the trees start producing pollen, the bees become more active and come out of their winter inactivity. Once these things start happening, the queen bee reads the signals from the incoming pollen, warmer days and earlier sunrises and she starts laying eggs to expand the hive.” Cole has an apiary at her Athens property. “Spring time is the natural time for honeybees to split,” she said. “This is how honeybees multiply. If you have ever heard of or seen a swarm of bees fly by, you might mistake them for an airplane by the noise. You might have seen a big ball of bees hanging from a fence or a tree, and this is called a swarm as well. This is most common from late February through May.”
Photo courtesy of Shelli Nicole
Janelle Cole and her son, Peter Cole, keep bees at their apiary in Henderson County. And beekeepers often take advantage of this time of year. “The queen bee in the hive decides the hive is too full of bees, and her workers have her lay eggs to grow a few new queens. Then they start to restrict her diet so she loses a bit of her weight so she can fly
again. Then, she and about 50 to 60 percent of the older bees in the hive leave to find a new home. The new queens that were raised then hatch out and fight to the death to see who the new queen of the hive will be. At this point, new bees are hatching every day and the colony
begins to grow again.” Sometimes, the queens have help. “The beekeeper will notice all those same signs and manually split the hive themselves, resulting in growth in their apiary for little cost,” Cole said. “It is important for the beekeeper to know what is required in each new hive that he creates.” One queen is sufficient for a colony of 30,000 to 40,000 bees. The queen is fertilized once and can
live for about six years, producing eggs throughout that time. “We welcome anyone to our meetings who is interested in learning more about the amazing honeybee, anyone new to beekeeping or anyone with some experience,” Cole said. “Connect with us to learn about local residents who are teaching beekeeping classes, selling hives of bees, and selling honey.” The Henderson County
Beekeepers formed in 2016, despite the existence of other similar clubs in East Texas. After local residents expressed interest in a club closer to home, five beekeepers from the East Texas Beekeepers Association met and decided to create the Athens club. “We invite speakers from all over Texas to come in each month to teach a different facet of our interest,” Cole said.
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March-April 2019
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East Texas Farm & Ranch Living
Support Agriculture Businesses... They are the Heartbeat of Our Economy
Time to Circle the Wagons
B
ack in the “old West” the wagon masters of caravans moving west were always on the lookout for attackers. When danger threatened, the cry “circle the wagons” went up. Today would be a good time to circle our own wagons—and fight off the politicians that seem to have no clue about moving our country forward. The big hue and cry now is “reparations” for those among us who can trace their history back to slave days. I reckon they have a point—so let’s make a deal to
end the discussion. Here’s my suggestion: for each and every son or daughter of known slaves, give them a check courtesy the American taxpayer. Good news is that no checks would be written. No one is eligible! Those radicals demanding payment for something that happened a long time ago should find another issue to harp on. I haven’t heard, or read, a word from the democrats calling for reparations for the American Indians or the Mexican families evicted from their ancestral lands by government edict. What is good for the goose
is good for the gander? Don’t you reckon? Now to the real world! Agriculture is in a world of hurt. Grain and cotton farmers have problems in making a living from their land. Commodity prices are too low to eke out a profit from their labors. And the dairy and beef folks are not far behind. The outlook again for this year is far from rosy. Land prices, especially in the mid-West are working downward. Here in Texas the value drop is being felt in many areas. Our east Texas land prices are holding fairly well due to the moneyed folks in Houston
and Dallas purchasing land as an investment for the future. Now that we seem to be coming out of a winter that cost producers dearly, some cattle folks are doing the math. With the cost of hay and other feeds the profits have eroded in the beef and dairy business. Lots of beef and forage meetings are on the docket in many of our counties. Pasture fertilization along with weed control and other issues will be presented at these meetings. And most offer mouthwatering meals as an enticement! That’s—30—horace@valornet.com
Jacksonville senior wins division at Houston stock show By Jo Anne Embleton Jacksonville Daily Progress
Years of dedication to FFA show projects have paid off in a huge way this year for Jacksonville High School senior Brooklyn Hooker: Diamond, her Red Angus heifer, was named Reserve Grand Champion Senior Heifer at the 2019 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. “I tried not to get too excited because every judge will pull the winners differently, but once I finally realized I had won my class, it was very exciting, because all the work I had put in with even my previous heifers had finally paid off,” Hooker said of Diamond’s wins of First in Class and Reserve Grand Champion on March 9. “The second time the judge picked me, I really couldn’t believe it because I had never imagined winning my class, much less winning my division.” According to Rachel Robinson, JHS Ag teacher and FFA sponsor, to her knowledge, “Brooklyn is the first I know to place this well in anything in about 20 years, so it’s a big deal. We’re proud of her and the work she’s put in.” An FFA member throughout her four years of high school, Hooker has competed in the Cherokee County Junior Livestock show an equal number of years, competing in different categories. “I have shown a meat pen rabbit for three years and a heifer project for all four years,” including Miniature Herefords, she said. “My freshman year I had Flower; my sophomore year I had Mulberry and Flower; my junior year I had Mulberry, Diamond and Maiden; and my senior year, I will have Diamond and Maiden,” Hooker said, noting that Maiden and Flower are miniatures, while Mulberry and Diamond are Red Angus heifers. “I’ve won reserve champion with both Flower and Maiden.” Additionally, she has competed at the Houston Livestock Show for two years previous to this year’s event. “Everyone’s goal is to be Grand Champion, but my personal goal was to get third place or better in my class, and I definitely surpassed that goal,” Hooker said. Award-winning Diamond turns two on March 18, and had delivered a calf – Hank, who made his appearance at the Houston show at a mere nine days old – earlier in the month. “I’ve had her since she was about seven months, and have shown her about a year and a half,” Hooker said. Robinson explained that heifers can be a two-year project, and in that final year, “you want them to be heavy bred, or in production. (Diamond) was heavy bred in Fort Worth, and had her calf the week before Houston. He gets to tag along, basically, but he’s
Courtesy Photo
Standing, from left are Jim Bob Stewart, Rachel Robinson and Brooklyn Hooker with Diamond, a two-year-old Red Angus heifer, and Caylee Sanford with Hank, Diamond’s nine-day-old calf. also an example of what a heifer can produce.” Throughout the years, Hooker has kept things simple when preparing a project: “The most special preparation I do before I walk in the ring is pray. I believe that I wouldn’t be where I am without God on my team,” she said. Preparation also means spending “as much time with your project as you can and making that animal your best friend,” she said.
“Always push yourself to be better, and take pride in your project – there is no greater joy than knowing that all the hard work you put in has finally paid off,” she said. “Never settle.” As the teen prepares for her upcoming graduation in May, she said that “hands down, the best part of FFA has been the relationships I’ve made.” “I’m so thankful for all the friendships I have made, and I know they are true friends. That even after we graduate and go our separate ways, we will all still have each others’ backs,” Hooker said. “The thing I will miss most are the late nights with my friends at stock shows and singing at the top of our lungs, off-key, in the Ag truck.” Visit Brooklyn Hooker, Diamond and Hank during the Cherokee County Junior Livestock Show, planned March 27-30 at the county exposition center, 611 SE Loop 456.
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March-April 2019
East Texas Farm & Ranch Living
New at CC Livestock Show
Support Agriculture Businesses... They are the Heartbeat of Our Economy
April HCFA Horse Show in Crockett By PennyLynn Webb
T
Palestine Herald-Press
he Houston County Fair and Youth Livestock Show Association is hosting an Open Horse Show this April. “The Houston County Fair is coming up soon and this year we are including a open horse show on Saturday, April 27, 2019,” reported Tylene Gearheart, HCFYLS board member. “This is an all day horse show for the entire family, events only $10 each. Look for us on Facebook for updates and entry form. The show will be held on April 27 in the Porth AG Arena in Crockett. Registration will be held at 8 a.m. and the show will began at 10 a.m. For participants 8 and under, there will be competitions in showmanship, halter, walk-trot, western horsemanship, barrels, straight-a-way, flag race and poles. For participants 9-13, 14-19 and 20 and over there will be competitions in showmanship, halter, western pleasure, western showmanship, barrels, straight-a-way, poles and trail. AQHA rules apply, unless otherwise written. Prizes will be awarded for event and overall high point. One horse/one rider for high point awards. The six point system will be used. Stalls and RV spots available. Early registration forms and copy current coggins test can be sent to: HCFA Horse Show, c/o Dixie Mason, 8532 FM 230, Lovelady, Texas 75851. If you have any questions or if you’d like to interview the chair, please contact Patricia Lucas at 936-546-1404.
By Jo Anne Embleton
Jacksonville Daily Progress
T
he 70th annual Cherokee County Junior Livestock Show will offer something new this year: Added contests for both students and community alike. According to Jennifer Pearman, following the 2018 event, “the show committee started discussing possible ways to increase participation from kids as well as garner more involvement in the livestock show from people within the communities of Cherokee County.” She is the Cherokee County AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health agent who is overseeing the new division. Committee members “wanted to target the kids and families who were interested in participating, but might not have the means or interest in raising an animal or building a shop project,” she said, noting that after gathering information from other area county fairs and stock shows, the idea for the local Home and Community Division was born. It consists of the following categories: Baked goods, photography
and home canned goods. The baked goods contest was created just for youth, Pearman said. “Baking is a fun way for them to be creative and learn and use reading and math skills, plus it’s one big science experiment. Also, who doesn’t love a good dessert?” she asked. This contest has five classes: Frosted cakes, plain cakes, decorated cakes, cookies and bar cookies. It will be held at 10:30 a.m. March 27. Entries other than the grand and reserve champion cakes will be part of a silent auction the following day. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to the stock show scholarship fund. “So, those with a sweet tooth need to visit the stock show on Thursday and bid on one of these delicious desserts,” Pearman advised. A second youth-oriented contest is the photography contest. “Most youths have cell phones with cameras, so we thought this contest might pique their interest,” she said of the event, which is themed “Out and About in Cherokee County.” The contest has four categories – black and white, color, digitally
enhanced and picture story – and will be held at 1 p.m. March 27. All entries will be on display at the stock show through March 30. Grand and Reserve Junior and Senior winners will be presented with a ribbon and be allowed to enter their item in the March 30 auction, Pearman said. Meanwhile, a home canned goods contest is open to all, she said. “We’re hoping this will get the citizens from all parts of Cherokee County involved with the stock show,” Pearman said, adding that the entry fees for this contest also will be put into show’s scholarship fund. “It’s a fun way to raise money for a worthy cause and provide a little friendly competition,” with ribbons (and bragging rights) awarded to first and second place winners. Participants may either pre-register or register the day of the contest. Forms are available at the Cherokee County Extension Office, 165 East 6th St. in Rusk, or contact Pearman at jennifer.pearman@ag.tamu.edu or 903-683-5416. The Cherokee County Junior Livestock Show website is www. cherokeecountyexpo.org.
Is it a yam or a sweet potato? T
he answer, my friends, is yes, and also no. A true yam is absolutely not a sweet potato - it is from a different plant family altogether (Dioscorea sp.) Several decades ago when orange flesh sweet potatoes were introduced in the southern United States producers and shippers desired to distinguish them from the more traditional white flesh types. The African word “nyami” referring to the starchy, edible root of the Dioscorea genus of plants was adopted in its English form, “yam”. Yams in the U.S. are actually sweet potatoes with relatively moist texture and the distinctive orange flesh. Although the terms are generally used interchangeably, the U.S. Department of Agriculture requires that the label “yam” always be accompanied by “sweet potato.” Unless you purchase your yams at an import grocer, it will actually be sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) that you are purchasing. The beautiful thing about sweet potatoes is not just that they are beautiful, but that they actually thrive in our intense summer heat. They grow best when the soil temperature is 65 degrees or above which makes our perfect planting time in East Texas is anywhere from April 1 to May 15. A nice loamy, well drained soil is perfect to set your slips into. What is a slip, you ask? It is a new growth of vine from a parent potato. They can be ordered from supply companies, but also can be easily grown at home. Commonly, a mature sweet potato, or several, would be put in to a box, bed, or container and covered with about 2 inches of soil about 8 weeks before planting time. In a warm, evenly moist location, they will soon begin to create slips for you. You pull that new growth off with a twist when it gets 6-12 inches long and is showing some roots, or let the vines grow longer and then cut the vines into 12-18 pieces and use those in the garden. Once planted, they will grow and spread over the hot summer and can be harvested at any maturity. The vines will eventually reach a point where they will yellow, which tells you that the roots have reached their maturity and won’t grow any more, which will be a perfect time for harvest (usually 100-140 days.) It is important to get them up before the first killing frost if possible, in order to have the best possible taste and storage potential. And although these are tough guys in the heat, once you start harvesting them, they really start to show their sensitive side. The tender skins bruise easily. Any nick from a hoe or shovel can cause considerable decay in storage. After harvesting, dry the sweet potatoes for two to three hours. Then, spread them out in baskets lined with newspaper. Place them in a dry area where the temperature will remain 80 degrees to 85 degrees F. for 10 days to two weeks. After this curing period, place them where the temperatures will range from 55 degrees to 60 degrees F. with a relative humidity of about 85 percent. Sweet potatoes treated this way will store for several months. Remove any roots that show signs of deterioration or decay. A common question about sweet potatoes is ‘which end is up?’ The stub holds the key to that. Then end that has a broken area, or stub, where the vine attached will be the end that grows your slips and vines for the new crop. The rounded end, with no broken places will be end that makes roots for you and will be the end you need to put ‘down’. Another great question is whether or not ornamental sweet potatoes are edible. The answer is both yes and no, or as my mother says, “just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.” They are the same genus but have been cultivated for their looks, which means they probably will not have the texture, color, or signature flavor that makes our sweet potatoes such a southern staple. In closing, here are a few random but important tidbits about the healthy and delicious sweet potato. Do not refrigerate these beauties, because temperatures below 55 degrees F. will chill this tropical vegetable giving it a hard core and an undesirable taste when cooked. Freshly dug or uncured sweet potatoes are better boiled and used in dishes that include fruits or syrups. The curing process makes the sweet potato sweeter and improves the cooking quality. Also, cooked sweet potatoes freeze very well, and could be a viable alternative to not having sufficient space for fresh storage over the winter months.
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March-April 2019
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East Texas Farm & Ranch Living
Support Agriculture Businesses... They are the Heartbeat of Our Economy
The Gift S
eems like I ride a lot of borrowed horses. At folks’ ranches or trail rides, ropings or brandings they mount me ‘cause I’m usually a long way from home. I often bring my own saddle. They offer to lend me a saddle as well, but I decline for personal reasons. Sometimes it’s the only way I can find my own horse! In the mornin’ when we saddle, I kinda hang back till the bunch is picked through and then see if I can spot anything familiar. After lunch I wander down the picket line lookin’ for my saddle.
My daughter and I would buy a few ol’ gummers every spring to calve out on our little patch of grass. She’d check ‘em every day a’horseback and we’d run ‘em all summer. I could ride out in the pasture in August, look ‘em over, come back in the house and not remember what they look like. She can describe cows from five years ago! I figger it’s a gift. Like some people can draw, some can sing and some can fit a steer. There are some people who can look at a horse colt at two years of age and pick that sucker
outta the string twelve years later. Or recognize a cow comin’ through the chute out of a herd of four hundred. Or a steer in the ropin’ box…“He drags a little.” I used to think that they were puttin’ me on or show talkin’ to impress folks. But I’m convinced there are horsemen and cow people who dang sure really know that animal. If I set my mind to it I can make a point of checkin’ the animal out. Does he have three white stockings, is his tail black, did his ears get froze off, does he have one eye? Then I might
remember him for a day or two. Maybe it’s just lack of attention on my part...not payin’ attention to details. But I’ve always been like this. I’ve never seen a memory course for cowboys with my problem. But I’m sure I’m not
the only one. It could begin with a few basics, i.e. sex, number of legs, species, color, broken limbs, tuberculosis, blindness. But I’m convinced a person with a gift sees more than just physical characteristics. They see personality, movement, ability, potential...they see the individual. I envy their gift. I wish I had part of it. But I guess I just have to be thankful that my dog remembers me and the family cat has three legs. www.baxterblack.com
Families, community come together for fishing fun By William Patrick
I
Palestine Herald-Press
t’s time for fishermen of all ages to get their tackle boxes in order, and untangle the line on their fishing rods – Palestine’s third annual Family Fish Day is nearly here. “This event is a good day to be with family,” Patsy Smith, director of Community Services for the city of Palestine told the Herald-Press. “It’s a good way to get to know the community, and spend some quality time with each other.” The event, to be held April 13 at Wolf Creek Lake, is sponsored by Palestine Community Services, Palestine Independent School District, and Walmart. “Everyone involved is excited about volunteering,” Smith said. “We really want to create a way for kids to be involved in the outdoors, get back to nature, and learn to fish.” Those planning to attend should expect a lot of company, Smith said. Last year, more than 200 people dipped their lines in the water during Family Fish Day. Children from 3-17 years old will be competing for trophies for the biggest and smallest fish, as well as for the first catch of the day. Those without fishing poles needn’t worry, Smith said; there will be plenty on-hand to use. “We have a fishing game for the smaller kids,” Smith said. “Plus, we’ll have a catch-tank for all the fish. If any of the kids are having trouble getting a bite out on the lake, they’re welcome to drop a line in the tank to catch a fish.” Adults will not be eligible for trophies, Smith said – but they are eligible for fines if they do not have their current fishing licenses. Licenses can be purchased at Walmart, City Pawn Shop on Crockett Rd., and First Cash Pawn on HWY 79. The city of Palestine does not sell fishing licenses.
Photo Courtesy of City of Palestine
Families, fishermen, and volunteers alike enjoyed the good weather and community spirit and 2018’s Palestine Family Fish Day. Although the sponsors encourage catch-and-release, Smith said anyone who catches a fish within legal limits
may take it home. “In past years, we’ve seen a lot of crappie, and bass,” she said. “Prizes will only be awarded for catfish, though.” Family Fish Day runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held on April 27. For more information, call 903-731-8435.
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East Texas Farm & Ranch Living
Support Agriculture Businesses... They are the Heartbeat of Our Economy
March-April 2019
Navarro County offers early spring angling Catfish and crappie are biting, sand bass and hybrids on the cusp By Michael Kormos
S
Corsicana Daily Sun
pring has officially sprung but area anglers say the spawn is stalled until the water heats up. Navarro County lakes may not hit the 60 to 64 degree hotspot needed to send fish schooling until late March but there’s no reason to keep the boat docked until then. Crappie and catfish are slow to bite, but well worth the wait, as those willing to brave the chill are bringing in keepers. Lake Halbert, located in the Corsicana city limits, offers a lighted fishing dock open to the public until 11 p.m., or anglers can buy an overnight fishing pass for $10. Four RV sites are available but they are popular so book early for spring. “Catfish are biting on trot lines,” said Darrell O’Sullivan of Parks & Recreation. “Crappie are starting to bite on jigs and minnows. We have quite a few people coming out to fish the dock and a couple of boats on the water.” Navarro Mills Lake offers some of the best crappie fishing in Texas and is home of the 4.56 pound state record white crappie. Bring the family and enjoy a day of fishing at the Marina’s Texassized, fishing dock everyday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. for only $5 per person. “We’ve had a lot of people out here lately,” said Jamie Moores, manager of Navarro Mills Marina. “Early in the morning and late in the evenings they are catching pound to pound and a half crappie.” Moores said the fish are full of eggs as the water temperature is still a little too low to come in and spawn. “If the warm weather would stick around, they will come in and we will start catching a lot more,” he said. “Its normal to have to wait until the first to mid part of April for the water to reach 63 to 64 degrees.” Moores said the crappie are biting on minnows and jigs, mainly pink head with black and chartreuse body. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife’s fishing report for Navarro Mills: Black bass are fair green pumpkin soft plastics and spinner baits. White bass are good on Charlie slabs. Crappie are fair on chartreuse tube jigs off piers. Channel and blue catfish are slow and yellow catfish are slow. Richland Chambers fishing guide Bob Holmes said he has been going out about three days a week and catfish are steady, blue cats are nice on fresh caught shad but sand bass and hybrids haven’t started running yet. “Crappie are starting to bite up in the creeks,” he said. “By late March they should all be moving into the creeks to spawn on minnows. But the water has to get up to at least 60 degrees in main lake for that to happen.”
On the Net: City of Corsicana: www.cityofcorsicana.com Bob Holmes Guide Service: http://texasfishingguide.net/ Navarro Mills Marina: http://www.navarromillslake.com/ Texas Parks & Wildlife: tpwd.texas.gov
According to Texas Parks and Wildlife’s fishing report for Richland Chambers: Black bass are slow on spinner baits, shakey-head worms and Texas rigged craws. White bass are fair on slabs. Hybrid striper are fair on slabs. Crappie are fair on minnows and catfish are fair on trot lines and cut shad.
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March-April 2019
TPWD stocking tagged fish for prizes AUSTIN – In 2010, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and partners established an ambitious 10-year conservation goal to restore and conserve 10 self-sustaining populations of the official state fish, Guadalupe bass, in creeks and rivers of Central Texas. Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of a passionate and committed network of public and private partners, that goal was realized in 2019. To celebrate, TPWD is partnering with the Texas Council of Fly Fishers International (TX-FFI), San Gabriel Fly Fishers, Bass Pro Shops and Living Waters Fly Fishing on a prize giveaway program to reward anglers for catching the state fish. “We’re incredibly appreciative of TX-IFFF, San Gabriel Fly Fishers, Bass Pro Shops, and Living Waters Fly Fishing for sponsoring this prize giveaway, which showcases the ongoing conservation success story for our state fish,” said Tim Birdsong, Chief of Habitat Conservation for the Inland Fisheries Division at TPWD. Beginning March 21, 2019 and continuing until March 31, 2020, any angler who catches one of 40 tagged Guadalupe bass from the San Gabriel River or its tributaries will be entered into a monthly prize drawing. Each monthly winner will be given their choice of one item from an assortment of prizes provided by supporting partners, including fly rods, fly fishing packs, fly fishing vests, landing nets, fly fishing toolkits, fly assortments, and $50 gift cards to Bass Pro Shops. “The San Gabriel Fly Fishers are proud to assist Texas Parks and Wildlife in the recovery efforts of our state fish and bring attention to the sport of fly fishing through conservation, friendship and sportsmanship,” the San Gabriel Fly Fishers said in a statement provided to TPWD. “It is the mission of the Texas Council of Fly Fishers International to support and protect fly fishing opportunities around the world for “all fish – all waters,” said Jerry Hamon, President of the Texas Council of Fly Fishers International. “I cannot think of a better way to show support for that mission than being a part of the restoration of the state fish of Texas in our streams and rivers.” In addition to celebrating the remarkable conservation achievements for Guadalupe bass, the prize giveaway aims to raise awareness of the unique and high-quality fisheries for Guadalupe bass and other stream-dwelling fishes in central Texas. “The San Gabriel River is a prime example of the tremendous stream fishing opportunities available in central Texas within or just a short drive from major urban centers,” said Marcos De Jesus, TPWD Inland Fisheries District Supervisor for San Marcos-Austin. “Central Texas streams provide quality bank, wade, and kayak fishing opportunities for Guadalupe bass, largemouth bass, Rio Grande cichlid, and various species of sunfish and catfish.” A recent economic impact study by TPWD and Texas Tech University found that stream fishing in central Texas generated an annual economic value of $71 million over a sixteen-month period. Forty-two percent of anglers surveyed specifically targeted Guadalupe
By Luke Clayton Outdoors Writer
I bet about now, you’re wondering how the title to this week’s outdoors column relates to the outdoors, right? Stay with me, I’m about to introduce you to a friend that has a passion for hunting, fishing and the outdoors in general who lives to share his outdoor paradise with others, especially children and veterans that might otherwise not have a place to hunt hogs or simply experience the outdoors. Meet Mr. John Hall, aka “The Texas Sandman”. John was born not far from the banks of the Trinity River and spent his live living within a mile of the old homeplace in southeast Dallas County. After his father lost the use of his legs, John was working for sharecropper farmers chopping cotton at the age of six to help provide for his family. As he puts it, “I’ve worked hard all my life and was fortunate to invest in land that was loaded with sand and gravel during a time when these building materials were in very high demand.” Through the years, John invested in more and more land that had what he refers to as ‘granular gold’. I spent an entire day visiting with John last week and learned a good deal about his current operation. He continues to be a very large scale provider of construction sand. The day of my visit, trucks were continuously running to and from his mining operation. But what really intrigued me was how he has transformed a sand and
7
East Texas Farm & Ranch Living
Support Agriculture Businesses... They are the Heartbeat of Our Economy
bass. “The Guadalupe Bass is one of the most exciting species in our area to target with a fly rod and it is iconic to the Lone Star State,” said Chris Johnson, Owner of Living Waters Fly Fishing in Round Rock. “As a fly shop owner and guide, this species is vitally important to our business, our rivers, and most of all the greater fishing community. We are blessed to have our state fish so close to home, and I am glad that Texas Parks and Wildlife is ensuring that the next generation of anglers will have the opportunity to pursue them as well.” In collaboration with our extensive network of conservation partners, TPWD is also working to preserve intact populations of Guadalupe bass in Brushy and Gorman creeks and the Pedernales and lower Colorado rivers. Guadalupe Bass were also recently restored to the South Llano River, Blanco River, and Mission Reach of the San Antonio River. Efforts to restore Guadalupe bass to the namesake Guadalupe River are ongoing, along with efforts to assess the status of Guadalupe bass in the San Gabriel River. Future directions include assessing the status of native Guadalupe bass populations in Cibolo Creek and the upper San Antonio and Medina rivers and assessing the status of refuge populations of Guadalupe bass in the Nueces, Frio, and Sabinal rivers. To learn more about efforts to conserve Guadalupe bass, please review TPWD’s 2018 Annual Report for the Guadalupe Bass Restoration Initiative. More about the San Gabriel River prize giveaway can be found on the San Gabriel Fly Fishers website http:// sgflyfishers.com/TPWDSanGabrielGuadalupeBass.pdf.
Contest Information: Eligible Guadalupe bass will be tagged with visual Floy anchor tags that read “Reward – clip tag and call TPWD 512-754-6844.” Each Guadalupe bass will have a unique ID number. Tagged Guadalupe bass are being stocked by TPWD in the San Gabriel River at multiple locations from Leander through Georgetown downstream to the community of Jonah.
Anglers who catch an eligible Guadalupe bass should: 1. Clip the tag from the fish and take a photo of the tag legible enough for the tag number to be read. NOTE: DO NOT pull out the tag. 2.Take photos with the fish, preferably with the segment of river and habitat where the fish was caught in the background of the photo. 3. Call the number on the tag to report the tagged fish and to be entered into the monthly prize drawing. Anglers should be prepared to provide the tag number and describe the segment of river where the fish was caught. Anglers who catch and report a tagged Guadalupe bass will remain entered in the monthly prize drawings until they are successfully drawn or the prize giveaway program concludes.
Six ranchers leasing workshops scheduled across Texas AMARILLO – The 2019 schedule for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s popular Ranchers Leasing Workshop programs has been released, according to its presenters. “We focus on legal issues related to grazing, hunting and livestock leases, including why leases should be in writing, how to determine the payment structure and rate, and key terms to include,” said Tiffany Dowell Lashmet, AgriLife Extension agricultural law specialist, Amarillo. “Most importantly, in these workshops, we work hard to be really practical, discuss real-world situations, and give advice you can take home and use that day,” Lashmet said. Dr. Greg Kaase, AgriLife Extension agricultural economist, College Station, joins Lashmet to present the programs, which have already been attended by more than 850 Texans over the past three years. In addition to the discussion about leases, the programs also spend a portion of the time covering the important topic of landowner liability. “Understanding the law regarding when a landowner or tenant may be liable if someone is injured on the property is so important for landowners,” Lashmet said. “There are a number of steps landowners can and should be doing proactively to be prepared if an injury does occur.” At each half-day program, attendees will receive a copy of the Ranchers Agricultural Leasing Handbook, as well as a follow-up email with any other resources mentioned during the day. The cost is $50 per person or $80 per couple. Lunch is provided at each event by AgWorkers Insurance. To register for an event, go tohttps://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/ Ranchers. The workshop will be hosted on the following dates and locations: • April 9 – 9 a.m.-1 p.m. – Nacogdoches Expo Center, 3805 N.W. Stallings Drive, Nacogdoches. • April 24 – noon-4:30 p.m. – AgriLife Extension Burnet County office, 607 N. Vandeveer St., No. 100, Burnet. • May 22 – 9 a.m.-1 p.m. – Ochiltree County Expo Center, 402 Expo Drive, Perryton. • Aug. 28 – 9 a.m.-1 p.m. – Victoria County 4-H Activity Center, 259 Bachelor Drive, Victoria. • Sept. 13 – noon-4:30 p.m. – AgriLife Extension Tarrant County office, 200 Taylor St., No. 500, Fort Worth. • Oct. 11 – noon-4:30 p.m. – Thomas G. Hildebrand Equine Complex, 3240 F&B Road, College Station. For more information, contact Lashmet at 806677-5681, Tdowell@tamu.edu, or Kaase at 979-4583348, g-kaase@tamu.edu.
The Texas Sandman gravel mining operation into an area for hunting and observing wildlife for those that might not otherwise experience the outdoors. Several years ago, John had a high fence constructed around the property and stocked it with Red Deer and other exotics. A very healthy population of wild hogs was present in the area and thanks to an aggressive feeding operation, their numbers have increased greatly. This is just as he planned; now hunting opportunities abound for many that might not otherwise have a place to hunt and Mr. Hall doesn’t charge a penny. John’s only rule is that his guests shoot only what they wish to eat and all hunting takes place during daylight hours so that boars can be identified, sows are left to insure the property remains well stocked with wild porkers. I too share this philosophy when it comes to hunting. I’ve always been challenged to look at wild hogs as vermin that need to be totally eradicated. Controlled, yes but not eliminated. I’m all about putting all that wild pork to use on the dinner table. After my first day with Mr. Hall, he invited me to come back and bring my daughter, Ashley Zimmerman who has a passion for wildlife photography and her daughter, my granddaughter, Anna. My daughter has never been nor will ever be a hunter but she enjoys eating game. She grew up eating venison, wild pork and game birds. She has nothing against hunting and supports the
Photos by Luke Clayton
Mr. John Hall doing a little scouting for wild hogs with his one of his young guests, Anna Zimmerman. hunting lifestyle. She kidds me that she is a hunter, she just used a camera rather than a rifle. Now, the granddaughter is geared up a bit differently I believe. All she needs is a bit more training and exposure to become a hunter. On her first ‘hog hunt’ which was really more of a sightseeing tour of the ranch, I could see Anna’s excitement grow every time we sighted hogs. Mr. Hall knows his ranch
so well and has the animals movements patterned so that he would often drive to a trail crossing and put my daughter in position so that she could get out with her camera and ‘long’ lens to get her pictures. Rather than a spot and stalk type hunt which often requires getting on game quickly and making the shot, I am a firm believer that new hunters do better when hunting from a blind in a much more controlled
situation. This gives them the opportunity to take their time and concentrate on making a good shot. Mr. Hall’s herd of red deer has free range of the place and most of the stags have dropped their antlers. It appears most of the females or ‘hinds’ as they are called will be dropping their fawns in a couple of months. The red deer is a member of the elk family and their breeding season and gestation are much the
same. Into his eighties now, Hall has reached a stage of life where he enjoys sharing what he has with others, the sand and gravel business is in his blood and so is buying and selling land but sharing his land with others is where his real passion lies. It was obvious he thoroughly enjoyed giving us a tour of the ranch. As we drove along the ranch roads, he would occasionally stop and point out spots such as the site where once stood a cabin where he saw his first electric light bulb or the headwaters of a spring that furnishes his ranch and endless supply of fresh water. A large flock of greater Canada geese was busy making nests and Mexican whistling ducks were roosting on many of the ponds on the place. It was obvious with all the water present that the ranch is a waterfowler’s paradise during hunting season. Before beginning this week’s column, I asked Mr. Hall if he wished me to mention to my readers that his hunts for kids are free and he answered with a resounding YES! Of course a parent must be present and ready to do the field dressing of harvested hogs on weekends but during weekdays, he has someone present to take care of the field dressing chore if needed. For more information, give John Hall a call at 972-989-7272. Listen to “Outdoors with Luke Clayton and Friends” weekends on radio stations from Nebraska to Texas or anytime online at www. catfishradio.org.
8
East Texas Farm & Ranch Living
Support Agriculture Businesses... They are the Heartbeat of Our Economy
March-April 2019
PRCA competitors notice advantageous changes
W
ithin the past year, world class Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association competitors have seen noticeable changes that are working to their advantages as they attempt to qualify for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas and as they pursue their gold buckle dreams. In July, they saw their earnings from the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo in Colorado Springs, Colorado, count toward the 2018 world standings. This month, they will see their earnings at RodeoHouston count toward the 2019 world title races. The venerable Houston Rodeo concludes with a final round on Saturday, March 16, at NRG Stadium. Each single event winner will receive $50,000 that
will count in the PRCA world standings. Both the rodeos in Houston and in Colorado Springs were former PRCA shows that had become independent because of differences of opinion between the local organizing committees and PRCA leaders. But the two larger rodeos are again sanctioned by the PRCA. The Houston Rodeo, for example, and the PRCA parted ways in 2011. But the two entities reunited this year. Also, a substantial portion of the $2.35 million purse at the March 2-3 RFD-TV’s The American at AT&T Stadium in Arlington counted toward the 2019 world standings. Why is this happening? Rodeo organizers apparently have become more willing to make
Brett Hoffman, a Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame member, has reported on rodeos for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram for more than three decades. Email him at bchoffman777@earthlink.net.
progressive changes and have become more flexible these days than in past eras. But there’s one thing that’s very clear: It’s all happening under the watch of PRCA chief executive officer George Taylor who has stood at the helm for only a little more than a year. Taylor said higher paying rodeos that count toward the world standings are great for competitors. “If you win some of these events, you start winning San Antonio and Houston, they all help you get there, so it’s a huge impact and a big jump in where you are in the standings
without a doubt,” Taylor said in an interview at The American. At The American, for example, the winner of each standard PRCA event such as steer wrestling and tie-down roping earned $100,000. The PRCA allowed each event winner to count half of that, $50,000 of the $100,000, toward the world standings. For example, four-time NFR qualifier Ryan Motes of Weatherford entered The American ranked No. 6 in the team roping heeling 2019 world title race. But after being allowed to count $50,000 of his earnings toward the world standings, he was ranked No. 1 in the world in standings (released March 11) with $67,665. Motes said he admires Taylor’s leadership. “He’s done a really good job of bringing an outside opinion and an outside look to rodeo,” Motes said. “For him within one year to have The American (for the first time) and Houston and Colorado Springs back... he’s done a great job in a relatively short period of time doing quite a few deals.”
March-April 2019
9
East Texas Farm & Ranch Living
Support Agriculture Businesses... They are the Heartbeat of Our Economy
From Scratch with Love Grilled Teriyaki Pork Chops Total time: 45 Minutes plus marinating makes 4 servings
Ingredients
Instructions
1. To make the sauce, in a saucepan over medium heat, combine the soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the mixture becomes slightly syrupy, about 5 minutes. Let cool. 2. Place the pork chops in a large zippered plastic bag. Pour half of the teriyaki sauce over the pork and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Reserve the other half of the sauce. 3. Prepare a charcoal grill for medium-high heat. Clean and oil the grill grate. While the grill is heating, remove the pork chops from the marinade and let come to room temperature. 4. Arrange the pork chops on one side of the grill and the pineapple slices over the other side of the grill. Cover the grill and cook, turning the chops and pineapple occasionally, until the chops are nicely seared and cooked to medium (about 145–150°F) and the pineapple slices are nicely grillmarked. Transfer the chops and pineapple slices to a platter, tent with foil, and rest for 10 minutes. 5. Garnish with sesame seeds. Serve with the rice, passing the reserved teriyaki sauce on the side.
• 4 bone-in pork rib chops, each about 1 inch thick • 4 thick slices fresh pineapple • 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish • Steamed rice, for serving
For the teriyaki sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari • 1/4 cup mirin • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger • 3 cloves garlic, minced
Recipe by Kim Laidlaw via Chowhound
East tExas stock PricEs
ANDERSON COUNTY LIVESTOCK
EAST TEXAS LIVESTOCK INC.
Updated: 3/20/2019 Head Count: 279 Buyers: 36 Sellers: 38
Updated: 3/19/2019 Feeder Calf Buyers: 18 Sellers: 177 Feeder Calf Companies: 31
STEERS
STEERS
200lb - 300lb
1.40
2.00
300-DOWN
$173
$260
300lb - 400lb
1.30
1.92
305lb - 400lb
$148
$216
400lb - 500lb
1.20
1.77
405lb - 500lb
$136
$190
500lb - 600lb
1.15
1.70
505lb - 600lb
$126
$177
600lb - 700lb
1.10
1.58
605lb - 800lb
$118
$165
700lb - 800lb
0.95
1.40
HEIFERS
HEIFERS
200lb - 300lb
1.30
1.65
300-DOWN
$125
$235
300lb - 400lb
1.25
1.48
305lb - 400lb
$118
$195
400lb - 500lb
1.15
1.67
405lb - 500lb
$110
$172
500lb - 600lb
1.05
1.50
505lb - 600lb
$103
$162
600lb - 700lb
0.95
1.38
605lb - 800lb
$100
$135
700lb - 800lb
0.80
1.25
Cows
0.35
0.65
Cows
$41
$68
Bulls
0.60
0.85
Bulls
$81
$93
$1575
PAIRS
SLAUGHTER
PAIRS
SLAUGHTER
$1050
STOCKER COWS GOATS
$675hd
$1325hd
$45hd
$200hd
TRI-COUNTY LIVESTOCK MARKET Updated: 3/23/2019 Head Count: 1527
STEERS UNDER 300lb
1.50
2.26
300lb - 400lb
1.30
2.20
400lb - 500lb
1.25
2.10
500lb - 600lb
1.15
1.380
600lb - 700lb
1.10
1.56
700lb - 800lb
1.05
UNDER 300lb 300lb - 400lb 400lb - 500lb
BRED COWS
NACOGDOCHES LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE
STEERS
200lb - 299lb
1.00
2.23
300-DOWN
1.10
2.25
300lb - 400lb
1.25
2.17
300lb - 399lb
1.00
2.05
300lb - 400lb
1.00
2.20
400lb - 500lb
1.10
1.92
400lb - 499lb
1.00
1.97
400lb - 500lb
1.00
1.95
500lb - UP
0.95
1.68
500lb - 599lb
1.00
1.63
500lb - UP
0.80
1.75
1.40
600lb - 700lb
N/A
N/A
600lb - 699lb
1.00
1.57
HEIFERS
700lb - 899lb
1.00
1.31
300-DOWN
1.00
2.00
1.30
1.80
UNDER 300lb
1.30
2.02
HEIFERS
300lb - 400lb
1.00
1.80
1.25
1.70
300lb - 400lb
1.20
2.10
200lb - 299lb
1.00
2.05
400lb - 500lb
1.00
1.70
1.20
1.70
400lb - 500lb
1.00
1.75
300lb - 399lb
1.00
1.75
500lb - UP
0.80
1.60
0.80
1.55
400lb - 499lb
1.00
1.60
SLAUGHTER
N/A
N/A
500lb - 599lb
1.00
1.55
Cows
0.25
0.62
600lb - 699lb
1.00
1.30
Heavy Bulls
0.75
0.88
1.00
1.21
PAIRS
HEIFERS
1.10
1.54
600lb - 700lb
1.10
1.54
600lb - 700lb
700lb - 800lb
1.05
1.27
SLAUGHTER
SLAUGHTER
BABY CALVES STOCKER COWS LOW-MIDDLE
STEERS
2.20
500lb - 600lb
PAIRS
Updated: 3/22/2019 Head Count: 1071 Sellers: 222
1.40
500lb - UP
Heavy Bulls
$1075/hd
ATHENS COMMISSION COMPANY
Updated: 3/18/2019 Head Count: 610
STEERS
NO TEST
$600/hd
UNDER 300lb
HEIFERS
Cows
HUNTS LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE
Updated: 3/21/2019 Head Count: 644 Buyers: 62 Sellers: 112
NO TEST
Cows
0.35
0.58
700lb - 899lb
0.25
0.59
Bulls
0.65
0.82
SLAUGHTER
0.65
$825
$1300
Cows
0.29
0.70
Low-Middle
Bulls
0.60
0.90
PAIRS
$550
$1520
STOCKER COWS GOATS
$1210hd
BABY CALVES
$20hd
$340hd
2.05
HORSES
$75hd
$500hd
0.80
PAIRS
$1250
$1700
$100
$140
STOCKER COWS
$600/hd NA
GOATS
$1500/hd
BABY CALVES
NA
HORSES
$450hd
$1300hd
$25hd
$150hd
$45
$150
STOCKER COWS
N/A
N/A
BABY CALVES
Top
$250hd 1.25
$1200
$1550
$500
$1000
0.65lb
1.15lb
$40hd
$250hd
10
March-April 2019
East Texas Farm & Ranch Living
Support Agriculture Businesses... They are the Heartbeat of Our Economy
Game Warden Field Notes
The following items are compiled from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement reports.
March 8, 2019
That Dog Does Hunt While patrolling the Sam Houston National Forest, a Montgomery County Game Warden contacted four individuals who had firearms, rope and GPS tracking equipment. The hunter’s claimed that their dogs had gotten off the private property they were hunting, and they were trying to get them back. The warden asked if they knew it was illegal to run dogs in the national forest and they said that they did but were only trying to retrieve their dogs. The warden told them to gather their dogs and leave the forest as soon as possible. Once out of sight, the warden parked his vehicle and doubled back on the group just in time to witness them dragging a pig out of the woods. All four individuals received citations and a few warnings, and one was taken to Montgomery County Jail on local warrants.
Smile! You’re on Camera Hardin County Game Wardens wrapped up a week-long investigation that resulted in apprehending two local subjects in the act of taking 35 catfish by way of hoop nets that were placed in Village Creek near the Polk/Hardin County line. The warden had begun the investigation the week prior and walked several miles along the creek until he discovered a boat that was tied up and unattended in a very remote part of the creek. After a quick inspection of the boat, he believed it was possibly being used to run hoop nets. The wardens devised a plan to enter the property before daylight, ahead of a forecasted heavy rain event, to catch the subjects in the act. After lying in wait for over 6 hours, the wardens heard the subjects arrive by vehicle and get in their boat that was still tied up on the creek. After they emptied one hoop net upstream, they returned to check a net downstream that just happened to be right in front of the wardens hiding spot. The subjects were captured on video removing fish from their nets and the look on their face when they were caught was “priceless.” Two hoop nets and 35 catfish were seized and several charges for taking fish by illegal means and possessing hoop nets in prohibited waters were filed.
Dug Himself into A Hole Houston County Game Wardens were watching bank fishermen on the Trinity
Fun : m r a F
River near the Lock and Dam when they observed a fisherman pull in his stringer and remove a white bass. The fisherman then cut off a large portion of the tail, baited his hook with it and reset his line in the water. He then turned around and began digging a hole into the side of the riverbank. The wardens watched as the fisherman then placed the cut up white bass in the hole and covered it up to hide the evidence of what he had been doing. The wardens made contact with the fisherman and after denying even catching a fish he finally admitted to what he had been up to and uncovered the buried white bass. He was charged for using game fish as bait and given a warning for waste of game. Case pending.
Not Even Once A Henderson County Game Warden received a call from Malakoff Police Department regarding hunting from a public road. Malakoff Police Department had received a call about a suspicious vehicle and while searching the area, observed a vehicle shining a spotlight from a public road. The driver was found to have a cocked crossbow, with a bolt in place, multiple flashlights and methamphetamine. Numerous reports have recently been
received on this vehicle regarding suspicious activity, along with numerous deer carcasses being found in the same area. The driver was placed in jail for both the drug and hunting charges. This investigation is continuing.
Can’t Hide on the Water Beaumont District Game Wardens were on patrol transiting through the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway in Jefferson County when they observed a bass boat traveling at high speed and attempted to stop it for a water safety inspection. Suspiciously, the bass boat occupants never turned around to observe the wardens and the activated
one th
blue lights on the patrol vessel. They were able to catch up to the bass boat after approximately 3 miles at a public boat ramp, and it appeared that the subjects were in a hurry to load their vessel. Contact was made and upon inspection, the wardens found several water safety and fishing violations. Over the limit of red drum (X4), undersized red drum (X5), and one undersized black drum were some of the violations noted. Multiple citations were issued, and civil restitution is pending.
If the Bolt Fits A Texas Game Warden was contacted by another Texas Game Warden with information about a white-tail deer that was dead alongside the road in Matagorda County, called in by a concerned Wharton county citizen. The warden arrived on scene to find a white-tail doe shot with a crossbow bolt. While the warden was attempting to retrieve the crossbow bolt, a truck stopped, and a male occupant stated that he may know who shot the deer. On information from the man, the warden drove approximately 50 yards down the road to a residence. In the drive way was a pickup with a male occupant sleeping in the driver’s seat with the window down and seatbelt still on. In the passenger seat was a loaded
matched the crossbow bolts in the subject’s truck. The subject confessed shortly after that. Cases are pending for Class A Misdemeanors including: Hunting deer at night, Hunting deer from and public roadway, and waste of game.
Reunited and It Feels So Good A Marine Theft Investigator was contacted about a suspicious vessel on the banks of Little Cypress. Upon arrival, he discovered the hull identification number plate was removed, so the vessel was seized. After further investigation, the warden was able to locate it, finding no record listed for the vessel. Realizing that a local outdoor retailer sells this brand of vessel, the warden contacted them about finding a possible owner through their system. After a brief search, he was able to find the owner of the vessel and verified that he had reported a theft 3 years prior. The warden contacted the owner and returned his vessel. The owner, who is a veteran and has a passion for fishing in his private lake, was beyond excited the have his vessel back.
Safe and Sound
crossbow, with the safety still positioned on fire. In the backseat a loaded crossbow was noted to be on safe. The crossbow bolts were of the same make and model as the one pulled out of the doe. The warden woke the subject and began an interview. The subject denied shooting the doe at first before the warden told the subject that the crossbow bolt pulled out of the doe
Game Wardens were headed to a night set to watch for illegal oyster activities. As the wardens were getting set up, they received an assistance call from the U.S. Coast Guard for three wade fisherman who needed to be rescued. The fisherman were lost in Saltwater lake outside of Port O’Connor near the banks of the Powder Horn Wildlife Management Area. The subjects were wade fishing in a lake off Matagorda Bay and didn’t make it back before dark. As the game wardens left their night set to rescue the fisherman, conditions got worse due to rain, fog, and cold weather. The game wardens were able to launch an airboat in Port O’Connor and set out in the general area where the subjects were believed to last be located. The wardens drove the airboat for a while in the rain and fog until they located the lost fisherman. The fisherman were brought back to Port O’Connor, where they were able to warm up and dry off.
Agriculture Crossword
Across
2. A person who studies and experiments with the selection and growth of crop plants and pastures. 6. A person who owns or manages a farm. 7. An animal kept to produce milk or beef. 9. A powerful motor vehicle with large rear wheels, used chiefly on farms for hauling equipment and trailers. 10. A person who studies the origin, managment and use of soils. 11. A breed of sheep. 12. A pale yellow oval citrus fruit with thick skin and fragrant, acidic juice.
Down
1. Pollination of a flower or plant with pollen from another flower or plant. 3. The science or practise of farming. 4. Grass that has been mown and dried, often use as sheep food. 5. A tapering orangecoloured root eaten as a vegetable. 8. Wheat or any other cultivated cereal used as food.
Solar leasing and eminent domain in Texas By Michael Maresh
Palestine Herald-Press
L
andowners and producers will have the opportunity to learn more about solar leasing agreements and eminent domain in an April seminar. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Anderson County,
Heritage Land Bank, Anderson County Farm Bureau, and El Dorado Chemicals will sponsor the event. The program will begin at 4:45 p.m. April 8 at the Anderson County Annex, 703 N Mallard St. Registration will start at 4:45 p.m.; dinner starts at 5:30 p.m., and the program at 6:10 p.m. County Extension Agent Truman Lamb said solar
leasing agreements and eminent domain affects almost everyone “It could be very important for every landowner in the state to
know about the process,” Lamb said. “ These two issues of solar leading agreements and eminent domain often go through properties and
roadways, he said. “We will discuss some of the things landowners should know before this happens,” Lamb said. The program will be presented by Tiffany Dowell Lashmet, an agricultural lawyer with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. She will focus on the basics of eminent domain, including condemnation and landowner rights,
and key terms to consider during negotiations. Her goal is to make sure that Texas landowners know their rights and how to protect their land. Lashmet will also discuss solar leasing, a relatively new leasing option in Texas. For additional information or to preregister contact Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, at 903-723-3735.
March-April 2019
11
East Texas Farm & Ranch Living
Support Agriculture Businesses... They are the Heartbeat of Our Economy
Spring Turkey Preview Lots of boss birds in the field should give hunters plenty to gobble about By Matt Williams
M
Outdoors Writer
arch means a full month of madness for NCCA basketball junkies, but it also marks the beginning of game time for most Texas spring turkey hunters. It’s an intoxicating affair played out on colorful stages all across the state by more than 51,000 hunters who share the passion for a regal game bird with a brain the size of a pea and a peculiar demeanor that could be described as predictably unpredictable. Good stories come with the territory in spring turkey hunting circles. One of the most entertaining I’ve ever heard belongs to my old friend Charles Ferguson of Fayetteville, Ark. Ferguson has hunted in several states, but cut his spring turkey hunting teeth chasing eastern gobblers in the Ozarks. He’s talked turkey to dozens of gobblers over the years. Admittedly, not every conservation has ended with a spent tag. Experience has taught Ferguson every bird is different in the way they respond to the sweet melodies of a diaphragm, box or slate call, all meant to simulate the sounds of a hen turkey looking for love. One gobbler may not show any interest at all. The next might come barreling in with colorful plumage puffed as it does a signature dance accompanied by boisterous fits of gobbling, spitting and drumming. It’s one of nature’s greatest shows meant to impress the ladies and discourage other toms from strutting their stuff. Ferguson likes to remember that crisp spring morning in the rolling hills of northern Arkansas. With fly down time still a half hour away, the hunter settled in next to a holly bush and dug a slate call out of his bag. He sanded it until a thin layer of dust formed on the surface, then used a striker to test it out. The soft “yelp” of the friction call sounded really good, and Ferguson wasn’t the only one who liked it. Seconds later, a wily gobbler pitched out of a tree, landed between Ferguson’s legs and looked him square in the eye.
Photo by Matt Williams
Spring turkey seasons are set to get underway around the state in coming weeks. Season dates are set to coincide with the height of the wild turkey breeding activity, when gobblers are most receptive to calling. The bird didn’t stick around long. Realizing it had landed next to a hunter instead of hen, the gobbler issued a sharp “putt” and disappeared into the darkness just as mysteriously as it had appeared. “I was shocked,” he recalled. “It was still almost pitch black outside and this gobbler just appeared from no where -- no gobble, no nothing. To this day I still don’t know what tree he came out of. It was like some sort of weird dream. I’ll never forget it.” That’s certainly understandable. It’s not often that a hunter has a mature gobbler land between his legs. Nor is it common for the birds to pitch roost when it is still too dark to see clearly. Not every turkey hunting story needs a big ol’ gobbler in the mix to be a good one. The late Ray Sasser had a great tale to share following a Spring 2016 hunt he
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made to Concho County with his wife, Emile. Not long after they crawled into a makeshift blind, Sasser said his wife alerted him that a rattlesnake had slipped into the stand beside her. When Ray saw the snake it was coiled beside a log near Emilie’s feet. The snake wasn’t agitated, but Sasser could tell it was well aware of their presence. Caught between a snake and hard place, Sasser reacted accordingly. Emilie had a loose sweater in the blind and he instructed her to raise it to create a shield between her and the snake. Then he inched the shotgun barrel close to the snake’s head, clicked the gun off the safety and pulled the trigger. The idea of using the sweater as a shield was to prevent the snake’s poisonous venom from possibly blowing back on his wife when he fired. “It was like the Wild, Wild West there for a minute,” Sasser said. “There wasn’t much else I could do. If we had tried to move there is a good chance the snake would have gotten agitated and possibly bitten Emile. I told her I wasn’t going to let that happen, and luckily it didn’t.”
2019 Seasons at Glance More tall hunting tales are sure to unfold in coming weeks as the 2019 spring gobbler seasons jump into full swing statewide. Spring seasons in Texas are divided into four zones -- North, South, Special 1 bird and Eastern. Season dates are set to coincide with the height of wild turkey breeding activity. The Rio Grande turkey South Zone season in 54 counties runs March 16 to April 28. The North Zone season in 101 counties runs March 30 to May 12; 1 turkey counties, April 1-30. There also are special Youth Only seasons in the North and South zones for hunters age 16 or younger. The two-day North Zone youth seasons are March 23-24 and May 18-19. South Zone youth only, March 9-10 and May 4-5. The eastern turkey season runs April 22 to May 14 in 13 counties.
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ground. • Know Your Gun: Pattern your shotgun using high quality No. 4 or No. 6 turkey loads. Most turkey hunters prefer a 12 gauge chambered for 3 or 3 1/2 inch shotshells. Shotgun chokes should be full or super full to achieve the tightest pattern. • Full Camo: Wild turkeys have excellent eyesight and detect slight movements from a considerable distance. Don full camo, head-to-toe. Never attempt to shoulder a shotgun if you can see the bird. Wait until its head is behind a tree or some other obstruction. • Decoys: A gobbler coming to a call is constantly looking for the source. It could be helpful if he’s got a nice looking lady to look at once he arrives. Hen decoys work wonders. A jake decoy (immature gobbler) or breeding gobbler/hen model also can be effective. • Pick Your Shots: A head and neck is the most lethal. Aiming at the base of the bird’s neck will guarantee some pellets in the kill zone provided you shoot straight. Avoid body, running and flying shots, or those beyond 35-40 yards. • Know Your Area: Learn the lay of the land including locations of creeks, fence lines, etc…. Try to set up so the bird has the path of least resistance. Attempt to call a gobbler across a creek or fence line and chances are it will “hang up.” • Practice Calling: It isn’t necessary to be an expert caller to call turkeys, but it helps to be familiar with the music. The yelp, putt and purr are sounds every spring hunter should know. Avoid calling too much and be patient. • Best Calls: The box and slate call are the easiest to use. The mouth diaphragm is the most difficult, but it’s also the most versatile and keeps your hands free. • Insect Repellent: Use it to keep chiggers, ticks and other biting insects at bay. • License and Gear: A valid hunting license is required to hunt turkeys. A small backpack or vest is good for holding bottled water, snacks, spare ammo, a flashlight, GPS, knife, bug spray and other essentials.
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Photo by Matt Williams
Spring turkey hunters should don full camo and remain still as possible to avoid getting busted by approaching birds. The idea is to call the bird in close, 35 yards or less.
12
East Texas Farm & Ranch Living
Support Agriculture Businesses... They are the Heartbeat of Our Economy
March-April 2019
Springtime is planting time By Jo Anne Embleton
I
Jacksonville Daily Progress
n upcoming weeks, Cherokee County residents will have their choice of spring plant sales to find verdant offerings for their homes and yards. “It’s a good time for local availability of plants,” said Kim Benton, the Texas A&M AgriLife horticulture agent for Cherokee County, who also trains Master Gardeners. “Most non-profits like universities and Master Gardener groups have spring and fall sales, and the beautiful thing about them is that they’ll be selling things that grow successfully, locally.” A variety of plants grown by local Master Gardeners, such as annual bedding plants – “they’re commonly called ‘annual color,’” – and solid perennials, trees and shrubs will be available Saturday, April 13, at the Cherokee County Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale. It will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ruth B. Nichols Arboretum, 1015 SE Loop 456 in Jacksonville. “There will be some items like homestead verbena, lantana and vinca there,” Benton said, adding that her favorite finds are the various salvias that that are grown locally. “There’s always a new variety or species I’ve not grown myself, so it’s my favorite to look for.” Others seek out “blooming color, which is always very popular – this time of year, people like to buy plants in bloom, and this year, we’re going have plenty of it,” she said. Along with the Cherokee County Master Gardener sale in April, other area entities are hosting plant sales. On March 30, the Angelina County Master Gardeners will have its Spring Plant Sale, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Angelina County Farmers Market, 21107 S. Medford Dr. in Lufkin. According to farmers market Facebook page, the sale offers “Texas tough plants: Annuals, bulbs, ferns, grasses, perennials, shrubs, fruit trees, roses and vines.” Then, on April 6, SFA Gardens of Stephen F. Austin State University will host its Garden Gala Day plant sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St., in Nacogdoches.
More than 300 varieties of hardto-find, “Texas-tough” plants will be offered, including Texas natives, edibles, heirlooms, tropicals, perennials, shrubs and trees, with an emphasis on pollinatorfriendly selections. Additionally, visitors will find exclusive SFA introductions, or plants produced by SFA Gardens staff members and volunteers that are extensively trialed before being offered to the public, the site noted. It’s these kinds of offerings that create a win-win situation for landscapers and homeowners, Benton pointed out. “It gives you confidence in the plants you’re buying – you have a little more confidence in the survivability in what you are purchasing,” she said. “The big fun about the Master Gardener plant sales is being able to get out and talk to them (the Master Gardeners), and being able to ask what grows well for them, or even if they have a suggestion for particular area of your lawn. “It’s a great opportunity to ask questions. They are going to give you scientific and experiential information,” she said.
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