September/October 2016 TRACKS Issue by Texas Deer Association

Elected EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Elected DIRECTORS & OFFICERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGION 1 Hugo Berlanga Mustang Ranch Corpus Christi (361) 813-9212 Term: 8/2015-8/2016 Sheldon Grothaus Texas Whitetail Breeders Hondo (210) 854-5833 Term: 8/2015-8/2018

PRESIDENT

BOB PRICE

Moss Creek Ranch Big Spring, TX (Region 2) Cell (432) 517-0269 Work (432) 393-5889 bob@mosscreekranch.net TERM 2015-2017

VICE PRESIDENT

MARK HUBBARD

Mark Hubbard Ranch Properties Boerne,TX (Region 1) Cell (361) 816-8400 hubbardranches@gmail.com TERM 2015-2017

Mark Hubbard Long Ranch Boerne (361) 816-8400 Term: 8/2015-8/2017 REGION 2 Bob Price Moss Creek Ranch Big Spring (432) 517-0269 Term: 8/2013-8/2016 Rob Beckham Spring Gap Ranch Abilene (325) 665-7889 Term: 8/2015-8/2018 REGION 3 Dick Cain Trophy Ridge Ranch Saint Jo (903) 821-6258 Term: 8/2016-8/2019 Joe Francks Three Nails Ranch Cisco (254) 631-9400 Term: 8/2015-8/2017

REGION 4 Jordan Smreker Double Dime Whitetails Llano 214-417-6217 Term 8/16-8/19 Lin Poor Texas Wildlife Management Austin 512-423-2716 Term 8/2014-8/2017 Fred Gonzalez Gonzalez Whitetails Uvalde Cell (830) 279-8770 Term: 8/2015-8/2018 REGION 5 Jeff Jones Brown Trophy Whitetail Ranch Ennis (214) 534-7056 Term: 8/2014-8/2017 Mike Wood Madera Bonita Game Ranch Combine Cell (214) 356-7913 Term: 8/2016-8/2019 Carroll Glaser Emma’s Crossing Rockdale (512) 284-0807 Term: 8/2015-8/2018 REGION 6 Chris McDaniel B&C Wildlife Consulting Caldwell Cell (210)287-3226 Term: 8/2015-8/2018

Chris Stewart 3S Texas Outdoors/3S Whitetails Bedias 832-493-0147 Term 8/2016-8/2019 REGION 7 Troy Smith Triple S Whitetail Highlands (713) 725-2723 Term: 8/2015-8/2018 Zac Kennedy JZ Whitetails Gonzales (361) 293-8867 Term: 8/2014-8/2017 Rodney Heller Heller Deer Farm Yoakum 361-293-4635 Term 8/2016-8/2019 REGION 8 Craig Wilson Wilson Whitetail Ranch Fair Oaks Ranch (210) 602-4531 Term: 8/2014-8/2017 Ben Schmidtke Silverhorn Ranch LLC Freer 830-267-1448 Term 8/2016-8/2019 Klint Graf G5 Ranch San Antonio 210-213-5306 Term 8/2015-8/2018

DIRECTOR AT LARGE SECRETARY

ROB BECKHAM

Spring Gap Ranch Abilene, TX (Region 2) (325) 665-7889 rob@sgdeer.com TERM 2015-2017

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

W. CHASE CLARK

Artemis Outdoors Three Rivers, TX (Region 8) Cell (361) 319-6926 Work (361) 786-1877

TREASURER

MIKE WOOD

Madera Bonita Game Ranch Combine, TX (Region 5) Cell (214) 356-7913 mwood@oldhamlumber.com TERM 2015-2017

“Terms for elected positions officially start following the Statewide Membership Meeting held at the TDA Annual Convention. Executive Committee members hold 2-year terms, Directors hold 3-year terms, and Officers hold annual terms.”

Gilbert Adams, III JAG Ranch Beaumont, TX (409) 781-6146

REGIONAL OFFICERS REGION 1 Sheldon Grothaus President Hondo (210) 854-5833

REGION 4 Jason Maroney President Kerrville (512) 748-2810

REGION 6 Summer Wingo President Center (936) 427-2773

Hugo Berlanga Vice President Corpus Christi (361) 813-9212

Chuck Herndon Vice President Utopia 830-966-2301

Keith Payne Vice President Bellville 214-802-7386

REGION 8 Lynn Collard President George West ( 575) 519-8458

REGION 3 Michael Deveny President Cross Plains (936) 554-4941

Grant Garner Secretary/Treasurer Mountain Home

Verona Wilson Secretary/Treasurer Center 254-206-0293

Leo Martinez Vice President Freer 361-207-0980

REGION 7 Zac Kennedy President Gonzales (361) 293-8867

Carrie Collard Secretary/Treasurer George West 575-590-0539

Steve Frisina Vice President Fort Worth (432) 556-2970

REGION 5 John True President Dallas (214) 890-0900 Jason Milligan Vice President Georgetown (512) 635-4327

Latimer Sands Secretary/Treasurer Houston 832-741-3757

Ryan Mills Vice President Gonzales (830) 857-3443

Amanda Ivie Secretary/Treasurer Maypearl 214-794-5755

chase@artemisoutdoors.com TERM 2013-2015

WWW.TEXASDEERASSOCIATION.COM

ADVISORY BOARD TDA FOUNDING FATHERS

EDITORIAL STATEMENT Tracks is the official publication of the Texas Deer Association (TDA) and is published bi-monthly year-round. Subscriptions are included in Activelevel membership dues. Articles in Tracks are independent opinions and do not necessarily represent the views of TDA. TDA assumes no responsibility for statements or advertising made or expressed in this publication. TDA reserves the right to refuse any advertisement. It is the sole responsibility of the advertiser to ensure their advertising contracts are up to date, ad artwork is current, and

SAN ANTONIO

NACOGDOCHES

GEORGE WEST

JERRY JOHNSTON

DR. JAMES KROLL

GENE RISER

(210) 288-1558

(936) 554-0998

1945-2011

submitted by each issueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deadline. Materials should be emailed to publications@texasdeerassociation.com.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

November 15

TDA ADVISORY BOARD

MARCH/APRIL

Bill Grace Salado (254) 718-5084

Warren Bluntzer Lometa (512) 556-7027

Tom Malouf Wills Point (469) 222-2778

Jerry Johnston San Antonio (210) 288-1558

David Hayward Columbus (936) 870-6835

Marty Berry Corpus Christi (361) 767-7200

Dr. James Kroll Nacogdoches (936) 554-0998

January 15 MAY/JUNE

March 15

JULY/AUGUST

May 16

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

July 15

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

September 15

TDA FOUNDING DIRECTORS REGION 3 Ray Murski Meridian 1939-2011 Jon Henderson Meridian 2004 REGION 4 Bill Grace Salado (254) 718-5084 Dr. Dan McBride Burnet (512) 755-1919 Jerry Johnston San Antonio (210) 288-1558

Randy Shipp Lometa (512) 756-3194

Tom Malouf Wills Point (469) 222-2778

Slim Crapps Hondo (210) 413-9777

Glenn Sodd Corsicana (903) 396-7096

Warren Bluntzer Lometa (512) 556-7027

REGION 6 Dr. James Kroll Nacogdoches (936) 554-0998

REGION 5 Rod Green Mineola (903) 530-6326

J.N. Grimes Jacksonville (903) 721-1375

David Hayward Columbus (936) 870-6835

Robert Scherer Houston (713) 851-3767

REGION 8 Marty Berry Corpus Christi (361) 767-7200 Lee Wheeler George West (361) 449-6000 Gene Riser George West 1945-2011

WARREN BLUNTZER Senior Field Editor

thebluntzers@yahoo.com Editorial comments can be sent to: Warren Bluntzer thebluntzers@yahoo.com Advertising requests can be sent to: publications@ texasdeerassociation.com Direct all other correspondence and address changes to: TDA 816 Congress Avenue, Ste. 950 Austin, TX 78701

TRACKS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

FINANCING TEXAS FOR 100 YEARS

There’s no escaping change. Especially when you’re trying to keep pace with a growing nation. So when the time comes to buy new equipment, purchase land or expand your operation, Capital Farm Credit will be there. So rural Texas has access to the financial support it needs to never stop growing. CapitalFarmCredit.com | 877.944.5500 NMLS493828

BE SET IN YOUR WAYS OR SET ON IMPROVING THEM.

WWW.TEXASDEERASSOCIATION.COM

TRACKS

CONTENT

DEPARTMENTS 12

Directors Journal

President’s Journal

123

Calendar of Events

124

Tracks Classifieds

126

Advertiser’s Index

TDA WORKING FOR YOU 34

News From Abroad

THE BACK 40 118

Snapped In Their Tracks

120

Did You Know?

ABOUT THE COVER

OPENING DAY SURPRISE By Butch Ramirez Do you have a great photo you want to submit for consideration? If so, please send your photo to Warren Bluntzer at thebluntzers@ yahoo.com. 4

TRACKS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

FEATURES

17 Convention Re-Cap

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 41 Mythical Mesquite Tree 53 Owning a Ranch 64 Protecting Your Best Friend

HUNTING & SHOOTING 72 Check List for Bow Season

AWARENESS 88 Lone Star Law 97 Muy Grande 2016 Hall of Fame Inductees

SPECIAL EDITION 111 Tiny Homes WWW.TEXASDEERASSOCIATION.COM

816 CONGRESS AVENUE, SUITE 950 | AUSTIN, TX 78701 WWW.TEXASDEERASSOCIATION.COM

TEXAS DEER ASSOCIATION

STAFF

MISSION STATEMENT TDA is the unified voice of deer enthusiasts who seek to share ideas and methods to improve management and harvest of deer. TDA is a Texas deer organization that cares for the welfare and health of deer herds and methods to improve deer quality and hunting quality in Texas. We, as the TDA, are working toward better conservation, appropriate regulations and improving the overall quality of deer herds in Texas.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

PATRICK TARLTON patrick@texasdeerassociation.com

PURPOSE & GOALS • To promote wise management of deer, recognizing that hunting and management are lifelong enterprises;

• • •

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR

CECI WALLACE

JUDY JACKSON

ceci@texasdeerassociation.com

judy@texasdeerassociation.com

•

• • • ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

DIRECTOR OF EVENTS

MACKENZIE OLIPHANT

PAULINE PRESTON

mackenzie@texasdeerassociation.com

pauline@texasdeerassociation.com

(512) 499-0466 816 Congress Avenue, Suite 950 Austin, TX 78701 info@texasdeerassociation.com

To be a repository and clearinghouse of accurate and high quality information and knowledge; To promote deer herd health and quality through research, technology, and flexible management practices; To improve the image and awareness of deer management and harvest through public education; To promote research and technology regarding improvements to deer herds through the practice of controlled breeding and genetic improvements; To share research findings, management techniques and harvest strategies with the membership of TDA; and To increase quality hunting opportunities for Texas hunters. The deer-breeding industry is relatively new to Texas, but data from a 2007 Texas A&M University Economic Impact Study indicates it has a $652 million annual economic impact in Texas, equivalent to the state’s rice and citrus industries.The industry’s economic contributions, especially to rural areas, tourism, real estate, wildlife, game and land management, are beginning to be noticed, not only in Texas, but in states across the nation.

TRACKS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

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TRACKS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

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Animals speak louder than words. If there’s greatness on the inside, it shows on the outside. purinamills.com/game-feed

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DIRECTOR’S JOURNAL

BY PATRICK TARLTON

THANK YOU, FROM THE TEXAS DEER ASSOCIATION

t’s no secret the last year has been one of the toughest the deer industry has ever faced – both in Texas and across the nation. There has been a great deal of uncertainty and concern throughout the last 13 months since the Texas breeding community was rocked by the finding of CWD. We have fought, struggled, and worked mightily to help save an industry and many of our fellow ranchers who faced the unimaginable reality of losing their ranches and their livelihoods. Today, I could not be more proud of our industry. Nationwide, breeders and ranchers reached across state-lines to lend a hand to Texans. Fellow Texans pulled each other out of despair by their bootstraps. We are certainly not to greener pastures yet, but I am proud to say that our family has remained strong and unshaken! Together, we have shown incredible resolve and determination! I have come to see an industry that is thousands of members strong, all across the great state of Texas and beyond! Nothing could have been more evident than our recent Annual Convention. I cannot tell you how thankful I am for your support, consignments, and attendance at the recent 18th Texas Deer Association Annual Convention! The industry support we received was overwhelming. It far exceeding any of our expectations. It was an action-packed week, with attendance that defied all the projections. And even more importantly, the Texas deer industry rebounded with better prices and more sales than in previous years. Producers

and customers found a more prosperous and profitable business environment to conduct trade and commerce. TDA would like to extend very special appreciation to our sponsors, our volunteers, our exhibitors, our consignors, our buyers, and especially you! Truly, it was the biggest and best deer enthusiast show in America... again! We couldn't have done it without your continued support. So as we all head back to the office, the ranch, the pens, or the field... we hope you do so with a little brighter outlook about the days ahead in the deer business. The future of our industry will continue to be strong. Together, we will continue to stand committed to the very best for our properties and our deer herds. Here’s to an even better 12 months than the last. Patrick Tarlton Executive Director Texas Deer Association

TRACKS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

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PRESIDENT’S JOURNAL BY BOB PRICE

AMAZED ISN’T THE WORD:

he Texas Deer Association’s 18th annual Convention is now in the record books. This year’s convention had record number of attendees and you saw the auctions bring in over $3,000,000!!!! It fell on the heels of new regulations adopted by Texas Parks and Wildlife without anyone knowing how those new rules would affect the health and vitality of the deer industry in Texas. For every regulatory action there is an industry reaction. The past 12 months has delivered challenges driven by un-known regulatory change. Those changes were in part enacted by need to address necessary issues and in part by opposing groups with personal and philosophical agendas. Regulatory oppression is the ultimate tax on the American People. Because it amounts to politicians removing precious resources from the economy and consuming them. The cost of increased regulation is a diminishment of individualism and freedom. Fierce individualism and freedom is exactly what drives and defines the Texas Deer Association and its members. I am most happy to report that the adoption of the new rules served to remove the uncertainty that has plagued our business’s for 11 months. Their adoption made clear the pathway to operation and profitability so badly needed to jump-start commerce within the industry. Breeders, sportsmen and land-owners are now developing plans to comply with new rules and to return their operations to profitability and enjoyment. Today, the health and vitality of our commitment to preserving the wildlife resource in Texas by replacing genetics indiscriminately harvested over generations is evidenced by the record setting attendance at this year’s convention. Your role as whitetail deer conservationists has never been so necessary or functional. Over the last 12 months your staff has been able to double our membership. Their reduction of costs and spending has resulted in increased cash on hand which creates greater financial health of the organization and capability to address the needs of its members. All of this gain, in the worst year ever for attack on our industry. With that battle behind us your association is set to exponentially grow in membership, expertise, capability, defense and service to you its members. And I want to emphasize ALL of the members, small, large, north, south, breeders, non-breeders – ALL the members. This TDA is about YOU. Texas Deer Association exists to advocate for the rights of all TDA members to enjoy the benefits of their capital investments in both time and labor as well as to stand up to mean and decisive rhetoric designed to harm its members. As President for 12 months now, I can report that we have had more than our fair share of divisive rhetoric. But through it all, this association has never once sold out the best interest of its members or the deer business as a whole. Never Once! We have not – We will not. You have a Board of Directors that are like you. They are invested. They are at risk. They grasp the issues. They are determined and they are energized. They are not worn down and they have a goal a plan and a timetable for the defense and growth of your professional trade association. Today’s TDA is an association for ALL. For breeders both large and small. Outdoor enthusiasts, sportsmen and sportswomen, youth, military, and conservationists everywhere.

I ask you to examine the track record of your TDA over the last 12 months. You have representatives that stand up for the betterment of the industry. You have staff that operates effectively in a financially responsible manner. You have elected Board Members who will not sell you out to those who oppose us. They do not agree with a “Go along to get along” policy. You have an Executive Director who is professional in his representation of your capital investment and business plan. He is well connected legislatively and skilled at the navigation necessary to promote as well as oppose rules and laws affecting your business model. Not only has he worked tirelessly on your behalf but never once has he voted for rules that would result in more cost and hardship for producers. Never has he pledged his allegiance to join in solidarity with other Associations for support of rules better for the industry and then broken his word only to collude against industry in back-room ex-parte communications to our detriment. Never has he passed out rules given him that were more onerous for the industry and then represented them as his own work product claiming them to be for our benefit “because he knows what is best”. Never will you see him testify publicly against his membership. Never once has he disregarded his Board and embarked unilaterally in private negotiations that would ultimately adversely impact the entirety of the industry. You belong to an organization that is like you. Its leadership understands you. It respects your investment and works long hours to protect your best interest. I implore everyone to join us. If you are a member – re-up, if you are not, memberships are available on-line at our new website and from the TDA Office. Our welcome mat is out to all. We need you all and we believe we have earned your participation through right-full defense of your liberty and capital investment, and absolutely represent that our mission is to EARN your trust, faith, business, and hard earned dollars. It is important that you understand the efforts TDA takes on your behalf. It is important that you understand the reason for your allegiance to this organization. Don’t be mis-led by the nay-sayers and those that seek to undermine, divide and weaken. Do not believe that spreading your support around the industry in various organizations has no consequences. The result of diluted trade association participation is mixed messages, both to members and to Legislators as well as conflicting agendas for the betterment of its members. It also results in the ability for regulatory agencies to embrace the less combative and informed association only to exclude the more capable one. Stand up and add energy to YOUR Deer Association in Texas that is there for every one of you every day. The Association with a working Legislative agenda; the association with the financial resources to carry out its mission; the association with the focus on the needs of all its members – THE TEXAS DEER ASSOCIATION - its strength is in your hands. Please - Stand with us. Hunt your way, Bob Price President

TRACKS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

WWW.TEXASDEERASSOCIATION.COM

Thank you

For more information on sponsoring, donating to, or exhibiting at TDA events, please contact Pauline@TexasDeerAssociation.com 18

TRACKS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

2016 sponsors

POKER Sponsors

Table Sponsors 176 Whitetails 3E Whitetails 7C's Ranch Applewhite Ranch Caveman Wildlife Cross Canyon Whitetails D-Bar Whitetails DaVine Genetics Double B Whitetails Ft. McKavett Ranch Gist-Kinsman Ranch

Gonzalez Whitetails Johnston Whitetails Madera Bonita Game Ranch Ramon Whitetails South Texas Ranch Texas M3 Ranch Tipps Ranch Trophy Rack Reproductions Wilks Whitetails Wolf Branch Whitetails

WWW.TEXASDEERASSOCIATION.COM

7C's Whitetails All Seasons Feeders Berry Whitetails Big Rack Ranch Blue Creek Whitetails Brown Trophy Whitetails Capital Farm Credit Cross Canyon Whitetails Derby~Sand~Ranch Empire Ranch Frost Bank G2 Ranch Gist-Kinsman Ranch Harrell Ranch Whitetails Hatton Ranch & 10x Buck High Roller Whitetails High, Wide, & Heavy Whitetails Indian Mountain Ranch J5 Ranch Lodge Creek Whitetails

LoneHollow Whitetails Morgan Ranch Mossy Rock Whitetails NT Ranch Paco Deer Co. Pinacle Whitetails Purina Record Rack Rock Creek Whitetails Rockin' R Whitetails Rockstar Whitetails Schmidt Ranch Sexy Whitetails Spring Creek Outdoors, LLC StraightLine Whitetails Tajada Whitetails Tasco Texas M3 Ranch The Hoffpauir Group Wilks Whitetails

Congratulations to the 18th Annual Antler Competition Winners! BEST OF SHOW

Paco FreeRoller – Paco Deer Company - 345 5/8”

NON TYPICAL

Highest Scoring Non Typical Kidnapped – CrazyBone Whitetails – 358 2/8”

1-yr

1st – #420 – CrazyBone Whitetails – 294 5/8” 2nd – Rage – Venado Creek Ranch – 286 1/8”

2-yr

1st – Apex – 3-S Whitetails – 346 5/8” 2nd – Big Gulp – LB Whitetails – 294 5/8”

3-yr

1st – Paco Freeroller – Paco Deer Company – 345 5/8” 2nd – Man-O-War – Heart of Hearts Whitetail – 230 6/8”

4-yr

1st – Kidnapped – CrazyBone Whitetails – 358 2/8” 2nd – Aly Sheba – Caveman Outdoors – 263 4/8”

5-yr to 9-yr

1st – Robert Vela (6-yr) – Vela Ranch – 312 7/8”

10-yr+

1st – Zeus (10.5-yr) – 5F Ranch – 292 6/8” 2nd – Deja Vue (10-yr) – Berry Whitetails 244 6/8”

MULE DEER TYPICAL

1ST – 3636 (5.5-YR) – SHIPP RANCH – 154 1/8”

TYPICAL

Highest Scoring Typical 230 6/8” - Perfect Dream: Texas M3 Ranch

1-yr

1st – Horsepower – MVP Whitetails – 165” 2nd – Frac JR – Caveman Outdoors – 116 7/8”

2-yr

1st – Zenith – Heart of Hearts Whitetails – 185 2/8”

3-yr

1st – Super Dandy – Big Rack Ranch – 187 2/8” 2nd – Dante – Jackson Hill Ranch – 170 4/8”

4-yr

1st – Gabriel – Havens Typical Ranch – 176 7/8” 2nd – Ace of Blades – Big Rack Ranch – 176”

5-yr to 9-yr

1st – Perfect Dream (5.5-yr) – Texas M3 Ranch – 230 6/8” 2nd – Dos Ancho (7-yr) – Big Rack Ranch – 195 6/8”

10-yr +

1st – Cruiser – Broken Arrow Ranch – 160 6/8”

TRACKS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

18th Annual Antler Competition

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Big Deer, Big Fun! For more Convention Photos, visit the TDA Facebook!

TRACKS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

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Exhibitors

For more Convention Photos, visit the TDA Facebook!

TRACKS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

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Thursday, August 11, 2016 Kick-Off Luncheon, Family Fun Casino Night, & Annual Poker Tournament

TRACKS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

T E X A S D E E R A S S O C I AT I O N POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE

Celebrating a Decade of Advocacy for the Texas Deer Industry

What is the TDA PAC and why should I give to it? TDA PAC is an investment to help protect, improve and promote the deer industry in our great state. Opponents to our industry want to impose their ideals on landowners and deer enthusiasts, and create unnecessary government regulations which costs our deer industry and our state thousands of dollars each year. Your donation helps to support legislators who understand our issues and hear our concerns, as well as, to promote our message to others. “Their knowledge of our industry is our biggest asset .”** The success of our legislative efforts in Austin have a significant impact on our industry’s future. Thank you for your support! For more information on the TDA PAC visit www.texasdeerassociation.com **Quotes from The Honorable Bill Brewster

TRACKS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Friday, August 12, 2016

Superior Genetics Deer Auction, Sportsmenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Round Up, & Kyle Park Band

TRACKS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

WWW.TEXASDEERASSOCIATION.COM

Saturday, August 13, 2016 Select Sale, Grand Auction, & Kristy Lee Cook

TRACKS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Congratulations to the 2016 TDA Scholarship Nominees! $10,000 in Scholarships! Alexandra Adams – Beaumont, TX Beth Buckner – Lubbock, TX Katie Buckner – Jewett, TX Annabella Daniels – Boerne, TX Chandler Dean – Sunset, TX Madison Dean – Kilgore, TX Anthony Farmer – Leander, TX Andrea Garza – Zapata, TX Lauren Gaston – Saint Jo, TX Tristan Lozano – La Porte, TX Michael Meredino – Bay City, TX Elizabeth Moczygemba – La Vernia, TX Haley Nutt - Brenham, TX Colton Pittman – Gatesville, TX Keely Ann Reichert – Cottonwood Shores, TX Colt Richards – Yoakum, TX Hector Salas - Mico, TX Brazier Talley – Chico, TX Sabra Williams – San Antonio, TX Dax Wright – Comfort, TX *REMINDER* In order for nominees to receive the scholarship check, nominees must request an official Enrollment Verification Certification from their school/university after the census date and mail to the TDA office by November 1, 2016. Look for more information on next year’s 2017 TDA Scholarship in upcoming issues of Tracks! WWW.TEXASDEERASSOCIATION.COM

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TDA WORKING FOR YOU

NEWS FROM ABROAD

TALKING POINTS: THE OVERUSE OF ANTIBIOTICS ARTICLE BY ESME MURPHY, CBS MINNESOTA MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Four Minnesota agencies have announced a united effort to reign in the overuse of antibiotics. It’s called the Minnesota One Health Stewardship. The overuse of antibiotics is leading to the development of new strains of antibiotic resistant bacteria. The Centers for Disease Control estimates 23,000 deaths and 2 million illnesses are caused by strains of antibiotic bacteria each year. The five-year initiative announced late last week is being led by not just the Minnesota Department of Health, but by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the Board of Animal Health. Some of the efforts will go towards doctors making sure they are not overprescribing. There are also efforts aimed at patients, urging them not to pressure their doctors into prescribing antibiotics. There are warnings for farmers and consumers, too. The use of antibiotics in livestock feed to make animals bigger has been widespread for years. Public health officials now believe when humans eat meat from animals who are consuming antibiotic feed, resistant bacteria can get passed from animals to humans. Dr. Ed Ehlinger, the Minnesota Commissioner of Health, was a guest on WCCO Sunday Morning. “Over the last 10 years, we have seen an increase in organisms that are resistant, and, just in the last year, we had an organism identified that was resistant to the last antibiotic that we have available,” Ehlinger said. “So, it’s one of those things that is not in the future, it’s here now.” New federal regulations restricting the use of antibiotics in livestock feed are set to go into effect by the end of this year. But there are questions about how those restrictions can be enforced.

SEAGULLS ARE NOW CARRYING ONE OF THE WORLD'S DEADLIEST SUPERBUGS ARTICLE BY TOM PHILPOTT, MOTHERJONES.COM Last year, UK and Chinese researchers identified an E. coli strain in Chinese pigs that resists colistin, a break-glass-in-case-of-emergency antibiotic used to combat pathogens that are resistant to most other antibiotics. The discovery sent a shudder through global public health circles, not just because coliston is so crucial to human medicine, but also because the gene that conferred colsistin resistance, known as mcr-1, is highly mobile—it jumps easily between bacteria species. Predictions it would quickly go global have come true. Just weeks ago here in the United States, colistin-resistant bacteria turned up in a pig intestine and in a Pennsylvania woman with a urinary-tract infection. And now researchers have discovered one of the ways colistin-resistant bacteria can travel, reportsNational Geographic's Maryn McKenna: ... two research teams in Lithuania and Argentina report that they trapped birds and swabbed their butts, or scooped up seagull droppings, and found the resistance-conferring gene in E. coli being carried by two species: herring gulls in Lithuania (Larus argentatus) and kelp gulls in

Argentina (Larus dominicanus). McKenna adds that "gulls migrate, from hundreds to thousands of miles depending on the species—so they could serve as a vehicle for carrying resistant bacteria somewhere new." She points to a 2011 study finding other antibiotic-resistant bacteria in these continent-hopping birds. They likely pick up such bacteria from their habit of eating garbage, Maryn reports. Hitching an avian flight isn't the only way bacteria cross borders, of course. Global trade and travel offer plenty of opportunity for pathogens to range widely. But the seagull discovery illustrates just how hard it is to control antibiotic resistance once it takes root. As McKenna notes, the mcr-1 bug has now been found in more than 20 countries. Colistin resistance first turned up on intensive hog farms in China, where colistin is widely used to make pigs grow faster. Routine use of antibiotics on livestock farms is likely a major driver of the rise of antibiotic resistance, according to the nearly every public health agency, from the Centers for Disease Control to the World Health Organization. The practice started in the United States in the 1950s. In a recent feature story, I found ample evidence that the US meat industry—which currently consumes 80 percent of the antibiotics sold nationally—is finally beginning to rein in the practice. The problem though, is that our pharmaceutical-intensive meat production model has gone global. Even if we stop overusing antibiotics on farms here, resistant pathogens incubated on farms oceans away can cross our borders—including in the guts of seagulls. As with climatechanging greenhouse gas emissions, the world needs a global pact to slash farm antibiotic use, as a major report commissioned by the UK prime minister recently proposed.

JAPAN TO END MANDATORY TESTING FOR MAD COW DISEASE ARTICLE BY JI JI, THE JAPAN TIMES Mandatory testing of all cattle aged over 48 months for bovine spongiform encephalopathy will cease next year, officials said Tuesday. The Cabinet Office’s Food Safety Commission on Tuesday received a report from a team of experts that says there would be negligible impact on public health if BSE testing were to cease. The commission will express a similar opinion to the health ministry as early as August. The ministry will then aim to scrap ordinances relating to testing, the officials said. However, testing will continue for any cattle of 24 months and older that are seen to move oddly. Japan diagnosed its first case of BSE, or mad cow disease, in September 2001. The following month, it banned the use of meatand-bone meal and introduced blanket testing for all cattle regardless of age. The measures worked, bringing down national BSE infection rates significantly. The extent of BSE testing has been shrunk three times. Of the more than 1.6 million cows tested since 2001, 36 were found to have the disease. No cow has tested positive in Japan since January 2009. Since July 2013, only cattle aged more than 48 months have been required to be tested. This category accounts for 20 percent of cows slaughtered for human consumption in Japan.

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WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

THE MYTHICAL MESQUITE TREE ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY ROBERT FEARS

A mesquite leaf showing the many leaflets.

f you live anywhere in Texas, except maybe in deep East Texas, you have probably had close encounters with mesquite trees. They are easily recognized by their yellow-green leaves composed of several elongated small leaflets. Mesquite is best known for its straight, very stout thorns which make a sizeable hole when they puncture the skin. These thorns also deflate truck and tractor tires which makes driving through mesquite a hazardous endeavor. Mesquite occurs in a variety of growth forms, ranging from small shrubs to 25-foot-tall trees. They can be single stemmed or have multiple stems. Number of plants in a particular area can range from one lone tree to groves so thick you can’t walk through them. Since my early years were spent on a ranch in Uvalde County, I gained an

early respect for the mesquite tree. When running bare-footed through the brushy pastures, I often had to stop and pull a mesquite thorn. I shredded more than one shirt when I rode into a mesquite motte to corral a bunch of ornery goats. Later in my professional life I worked for Dow AgroSciences in product development from which came mesquite control herbicides such as Reclaim®, Remedy®, Tordon® 22K, and Grazon® P+D. I have been associated with mesquite much of my life and through the years, I have heard many misconceptions and myths concerning the thorny plant. In this article we’ll discuss some of these myths and present some factual information in relation to them. Myth #1 - Mesquite thorns are poisonous. None of the plant parts of mesquite are

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known to be highly toxic. The thorns are probably thought to be poisonous because of soreness and swelling that sometimes develops after skin is punctured. For most people, these symptoms are due to mechanical damage rather than chemical. Although high in protein, the seeds can cause digestive problems when eaten by people or livestock. Mesquite flowers are allergenic and its pollen may cause hay fever. The gum or sap may cause skin irritation. Mesquite has medicinal properties known and utilized by native tribes throughout the southwest United States and northern Mexico. They used various parts of the plant to treat eye conditions, open wounds, dermatological ailments, and digestive problems. Mesquite has been used for bladder infections, measles, fever, lice, sore throat, coughs, laryngitis,

MYTHICAL MESQUITE TREE painful gums and hemorrhoids. It can be used as a purgative as well. Myth #2 - Mesquite is not native to Texas. Early explorers wrote in their journals of riding in stirrup high grass across Texas and these accounts have been interpreted as Texas totally consisting of grassland prairies during the Spanish explorer era. However, historical accounts of density and distribution of mesquite in Texas differ according to the geography in which the journalist was traveling. John Bartlett, connected with the United States and Mexican Boundary Commission, described much of Texas rangeland as open grasslands with scattered large mesquite. Randolph Marcy, with the United States Army, described in 1866 some upland areas of central Texas as “covered with groves of mesquite trees”, and an area in the lower Texas panhandle as “one continuous mesquite flat, dotted here and there with small patches of open prairie”. These observations indicate mesquite was a natural part of the Texas vegetation complex prior to white settlement and, apparently in some instances, occurred as dense stands. Myth #3 - Mesquite cannot be sprayed effectively in the winter. Whether spraying mesquite is effective during the winter depends upon method of application. Stem sprays can be applied any time during the year, although best

Multi-stemmed mesquite shrub.

Single stemmed mesquite tree.

results occur during the spring-summer growing season. Almost any type of pump-up hand sprayer can be used; but a backpack sprayer is the most efficient way to apply spray when there are many plants to control. A mixture of Remedy and diesel fuel is a very effective stem spray. Diesel acts as a coating to ensure good coverage and absorption. The recommended concentration of Remedy in diesel varies depending on size and age of the mesquite. Consult the product label for specific directions for mixing the spray. For application, adjust the sprayer nozzle to deliver a narrow, cone-shaped mist. Hold the nozzle within one to two

inches of the mesquite stem and spray the mixture on the plant’s stem or trunk from the ground line to a height of 12 inches. Apply the spray mixture to all sides of the trunk, wetting almost to the point of runoff. Cost of treatment escalates rapidly as density of brush or number of basal stems per plant increases. Multiple-Stemmed plants or rough-barked plants are more difficult to control with this method. Myth #4 - Mesquite is resistant to fire. Mature mesquite is resistant to fire as evidenced by their resprouting following a burn. Researchers have shown, however, that mesquite seedlings can be controlled with prescribed fire. Jim Ansley, Texas A&M AgriLife Research at Vernon, Texas, found that summer fires were especially effective in controlling mesquite seedlings in mid-grass prairies. In these areas, prescribed fire yielded a higher kill rate when the seedlings were 17 months old than from winter fires when mesquite seedlings were 10 months old. Ansley said, however, this same advantage of summer over winter fires is not seen in higher fuel load areas, such as those with tall-grass types. With high fuel loads, a high elimination rate of seedlings was observed after fires in both seasons. Mid-grass species include sideoats grama, eastern gamagrass, Canady wildrye and purpletop whereas big bluestem, indiangrass, switchgrass and little bluestem are tall-grass species.

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Mid-grass fuel loads in Ansley’s study was approximately 1,700 pounds per acre in both the winter and spring tests. The tall-grass fuel load was 6,900 pounds per acre during the summer burn and 5,950 pounds during the winter prescribed fire. Myth #5 – Aerial spraying of mesquite is usually ineffective. Aerially spraying herbicides on mesquite can be very effective if the right chemical is used and treatment is timed properly. For almost 30 years, a mixture of Remedy® Ultra and Reclaim® herbicides was the industry standard for chemical control of honey mesquite, the most prevalent species in Texas. In nine aerial research trials conducted in 2009 and 2010, Sendero™ herbicide provided 77 percent mesquite control two years after treatment compared to 60 percent with Remedy Ultra plus Reclaim. Sendero is now available commercially and continues to provide good mesquite control. Timing of herbicide aerial applications for mesquite control is extremely critical for achieving acceptable results. For herbicide to be effective, it must be applied when the mesquite is transporting carbohydrates to its roots. This occurs first in a period from 42 to 63 days after bud break. At 63 to 72 days following bud break, bean elongation occurs and translocation of carbohydrates to the roots ceases. From 72 to 90 days following bud break, bean elongation has stopped and carbohydrate movement to the roots resumes. Therefore, there are two windows of time when an effective herbicide can be aerially applied to mesquite for good control. During application soil temperature should be at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Myth #6 – Mesquite control is detrimental to wildlife. The main risk to wildlife from mesquite control is habitat alteration because herbicides kill plants and alter plant species mixtures in treated areas. Broad scale, frequent use of herbicides can harm wildlife habitat; however, if applications are carefully planned and conducted, growth of more grass and forbs become available for both livestock and wildlife without destroying too much cover. On areas larger than 200 acres in size, apply the herbicide in strips alternating with untreated strips or blocks. A popular method of strip spraying is brush sculpting where herbicides are applied

in a manner to create irregular margins creating more edge effect. Increased edge effects allow deer more opportunities to forage open areas while staying close to cover. Generally untreated brush strips should be at least 50 yards wide, and preferably 100 yards. Wildlife numbers may be reduced temporarily when large areas of mesquite are broadcast sprayed, or animals may use only a portion of the treated area near the edges. “Some wildlife such as quail may stay within 50 yards of the edge if there is no suitable brush cover,” said Wayne Hanselka, Extension Range Specialist Emeritus, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. “Brush control applications generally leave some brush which can serve as screening cover for deer, but defoliated plants give little shade. Herbicides reduce the amount and diversity of food plants available, both browse and forbs. As a result, animals may avoid the area until plants recover usually over one or two growing seasons.” “A substantial portion of the deer population will leave a pasture when most of it has been sprayed,” Hanselka

continued. “When forbs recover, generally in three to 18 months and browse begins to regrow, deer may return in greater numbers than before the treatment. In one South Texas study, spraying up to 80 percent of mature brush in alternating strips did not change deer numbers, but broadcast spraying of an entire pasture resulted in a large reduction of deer numbers, and the population stayed small for at least two years. “ The bottom line is that reducing dense stands of mesquite can be beneficial to wildlife as long as it is sprayed in strips. Increased populations of forbs establish in the treated strips which provides a major food source for deer as well as upland game birds and song birds. Only some of the myths and misconceptions concerning mesquite have been discussed. Always review coffee shop information with county extension agents, knowledgeable consultants, or USDA-NRCS conservationists to obtain the facts.

Do’s and don’ts in control mesquite.

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Practice Stem sprays

Prescribed fire

Aerial sprays

Wildlife habitat maintenance

Do’s Follow herbicide label directions. After mixing herbicide with diesel, shake or agitate the solution vigorously. Ensure that the area has an adequate fuel load to carry a fire.

Don’ts Do not spray when basal stems are wet. Do not spray stems when dense grass is around the base. This reduces efficacy. Don’t burn when weather conditions are not suitable.

Prepare adequate firebreaks around the area to be burned.

Don’t burn without sufficient help and fire-fighting equipment.

Solicit the help of a certified burn boss. Notify the local fire department, police and neighbors when the burn is to take place. Hire an aerial applicator that has a good reputation of properly applying herbicide at the right time and in a manner to minimize spray drift. Allow application only when weather conditions are suitable for good spray deposition.

Avoid treating in low humidity, during drought stress or after a big rain following a dry period.

Avoid spraying during active mesquite bean elongation.

Rest treated pastures at least 1 or 2 growing seasons following application or until grass and forbs have re-established. Aerially spray strips of brush Don’t spray entire pastures

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WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

OWNING A RANCH

THE GOOD, BAD, AND THE UGLY ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY BOB ZAIGLIN

wning a ranch is a lot like having your own boat—one is happiest on the day of the purchase second only to the day it is sold. It doesn’t take long to realize that there is always maintenance as well as improvements that must be performed, and when it comes to wildlife management, it can represent an abyss as far as money is concerned. The point is purchasing a ranch is one thing, managing and maintaining it is another. But if accomplished, although expensive, it can represent an important asset and a handsome profit should the landholding be sold later in time. So what can be done to enhance both the aesthetic and monetary value of a ranch? First of all, focus on ranch improvements that will increase the value of the property. A well-designed road network, water distribution in the form of impoundments (stock tanks) or submersible water, and the construction of a game deterrent fence generally represent the highest return. When it comes to wildlife, the three major considerations are food, cover, and water, which insure the survival of ranch inhabitants. When managing the habitat, possibly the most important consideration is just how many deer will inhabit the property. Another concern will be the number and kind of domestic stock should they be desirable. Today as a result of fluctuating cattle prices, along with an increasing interest in wildlife management, One of the most desirable qualities of a private a significant number of absentee landowners, landholding is the ability to yield quality whitetails, but particularly, have gravitated towards wildlife it requires management. ranching. And thanks to the establishment of the 101 wildlife exemption, they can entertain trough. Small water impoundments require tighter clay soils the same tax breaks afforded domestic stock managers. in order to sustain surface water. But even on clay soils the Once a well-designed road network is in place, nothing is as angle in which a stock pond is excavated as well as its depth are important as water availability. Now everyone dreams of that critical in combating the inexhaustible demand of evaporation, homestead with a lake off the back porch, but that’s not always particularly during those hot, dry summer months. possible. Regardless soil type, water distribution dependent on For example, the thousands of acres of red sandy loam soil small water impoundments (stock ponds) or in troughs is in South Texas renowned for the production of trophy bucks of paramount importance to the survival of all wildlife. Not has little if any water-holding capacity outside of a cement WWW.TEXASDEERASSOCIATION.COM

OWNING A RANCH

Water is paramount to survival, but must be well distributed and provided on a consistent basis.

only do deer relish water, but like cattle they will concentrate around the valued entity. Animals dependent solely on stock tanks for water are sometimes forced to concentrate on a rapidly evaporating resource, particularly during extended drought. And as those tanks dry up, forced concentrations of animals around remaining water sources takes its toll on the local plant community. At first a noticeable browse line will develop, and if the situation is not rectified, it is entirely possible that those highly sought after protein fortified forbs will begin to disappear. To herbivores like deer, water is paramount to survival, and they exhibit no altruism when it becomes limited. For example, when a doe supporting twin fawns approaches a stock tank with only a minute amount of water remaining in it, that doe will not step aside and allow its offspring access to the water. Forced concentrations of deer around diminishing stock tanks also attract the animal’s number one predator— 54

the coyote. A cunning predator in any condition, forced concentrations of deer during drought only make this canine more efficient. The fact is, surface water in semi-arid regions is undependable. But with the addition of water troughs continually supplied by submersible pumps along with sophisticated gravity flow systems, wildlife can be assured a continual supply of water. And if distributed correctly throughout the property, the acute demand deer place on the habitat can be assuaged as the browsing pressure is distributed more evenly across the landscape. Although the site of a tall, shiny galvanized fence is not aesthetically pleasing, it does represent several important benefits related to management. First of all, it elevates the value of the property, but it’s most important value lies in the fact that it facilitates a variety of management schemes. For example, it will definitely allow those young bucks passed over the during the hunting season an opportunity to grow older, but to a manager the ability to control the influx of deer onto the property from contiguous land tracts, often poorly managed, is its paramount advantage because the major challenge in deer management is controlling the population. A relatively diverse habitat with a well distributed water supply, however, means little if too many animals exist. A high fence also represents the opportunity to diversify the hoofstock inhabiting the ranch through the introduction of exotic animals. To the purist, that demands the development of trophy whitetails, or in other cases mule deer, introducing exotics is something they shy away from, but for the landowner interested in the bottom line, financially speaking, the presence of exotics represents another means of managing in the black. Some of the advantages that exotic hoofstock represent include the fact that they are considered domestic stock, thus are privately owned like cattle, thus they are not under the jurisdiction of the state, and can be hunted at any time with no quota. As a result of an undefined hunting season, the landowner is afforded additional time to potentially finance the ranch enterprise. Forced concentrations of deer around a dwindling water source is also attractive to its ultimate predator other than man—the coyote.

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ranch as long as it is conducted strategically and without hampering those top choice Although package hunts have their advantages, they require plants upon which deer depend. And additional entities such as a guest house and walk-in cooler, all of which increase overhead. the increased acreage of small openings provide a niche for forbs during the spring and onset of antlerogenesis. Another important monetary decision one must make when owning a ranch is whether it is for private or commercial use. Assuming the land is to be commercially hunted leads to additional considerations such as will it be package hunted or will the ranch be leased. The decision is difficult thus the advantages and disadvantages of each practice must be visited. When it comes to package hunts, one can realize a higher dollar return per hunter but it comes with a cost. To conduct package hunts unless located near a town, a residence is required for the client as well as a cook which equates to overhead. And depending on how long one conducts the hunts, the greater the overhead will be. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also the additional cost of hiring guides knowledgeable of the ranch, its inhabitants, and more importantly management objectives. And upon successfully harvesting an animal, a cool storage unit is a necessity. Bottom line is running package hunts is expensive, but does have several advantages such as selection of animals harvested and more importantly regulating how often hunters are on the property. Remember, one of the major reasons folks purchase a ranch is to enjoy the peace and tranquility it represents. While the profit margin may be greater when a ranch is leased, it comes at a different expense. A leased parcel of property is normally frequented by Controlling wild and/or domestic animals on a property is lessees sometimes on a year-round basis which can erode one method of habitat management as the negative impact of away some of the pleasures of owning a ranch. But it can be excessive browsing on those preferred plants is reduced and monetarily rewarding as lessees require little supervision and the vegetative community remains robust. However, the most often establish their own living quarters and game processing common method of manipulating the habitat is performed facilities which normally become a ranch asset for not only utilizing mechanical means. resale value but oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to release should existing lessees Whether it is an aerator pulled by a D7 dozer or a lawn desire to move. Obviously, good lessees exist, thus this is a mower pushed by a ranch hand, depending on the size of good economic option as long as the right folks are selected. property one hopes to impact, the ultimate objective is to Once everything is in place a good recordkeeping system sculpt the brush, that is to create an environment that exudes should be established. This may require the assistance of a rich diversity of flora while relinquishing an ample amount a certified wildlife biologist, but once established, it can be of open area conducive to the development of those highly employed as a numerical measurement of success. palatable and nutritious forbs that equate to elevated antler Owning a piece of Texas is truly a privilege that comes with and reproductive performance. a price. Do it right and you may get away without any out-ofIn the 80â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, much of what we knew about deer management pocket expense, which to most owners is a highly sought-after led us to believe that no more than 30% of a landholding could goal. Do it wrong and the development of bucks with less than be cleared without negatively impacting the deer herd. But desirable racks will be the least of your problems. today employing the scientifically proven tools and knowledge gained over the last 30+ years, we now clear as much as 50% of a WWW.TEXASDEERASSOCIATION.COM

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WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

PROTECTING YOUR BEST FRIEND ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY JUDY BISHOP JUREK

Can you see the coiled buzzing 4’ rattlesnake? Naturally camouflaged it’s often difficult to see the rattler but snake training enables your dog to hopefully smell it, thus avoiding a possible bite.

ooling down from a hot summer day it was now a pleasant evening. It was a great time to stroll with Zarr in the heart of the Lone Star state outside Brady. This was a daily routine with an established pattern of sorts although we occasionally changed directions and paths across our 41 acres. A cottontail rabbit captured Zarr’s attention near the horse barn. He gave chase but suddenly stopped in midstride, one paw in the air as if pointing. The unusual pose caught my interest. The nearly three year old Doberman stood rock still, paw raised, nose stretched out to catch more scent. His hackles rose as he very slowly lowered his foot to the ground and slunk his entire body down into a long low crouch yet didn’t go to the ground. I couldn’t see anything in front of him but kept silent, watching with wonder. Ever so slowly, like a lioness about to pouch on an unsuspecting impala, Zarr crept forward in that same pose. He stopped five feet from a piece of open end square tubing lying on the ground. For several minutes Zarr stared statue still, then timidly backed away. He promptly came to my side and 64

sat down in guard dog stance. My assumption: Snake training had paid off. A rattler must be in there. For the next three days my faithful companion checked that pipe, easing closer and closer each time as the scent likely worn off. When he was a year old I killed a rattlesnake just outside our yard, laid it in the driveway, put on his electronic collar, and acted like we were going for a walk. Still a pup, he excitedly sniffed the reptile only to receive a jolt of unexpected surprise when he attempted to grab it. Dogs and snakes – it’s an inevitable part of both lives whether a moment’s passing clash or full force collision. If bitten by a venomous reptile, recovery may be only a few days quiet rest, a painfully long healing process, or very, very sad resulting in the loss of a good friend and companion. An encounter of the two is something that can usually be avoided in several ways, the first being don’t ever let your dog out where poisonous snakes may be which, of course, is practically nowhere in Texas! Next is providing your canine with training to hopefully completely avert any confrontation between the two species. Last but not least is vaccinating your dog should it be bitten TRACKS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

by a rattlesnake. This is not foolproof protection by any means venom. and may not help at all if bitten by a cottonmouth, coral, or According to Moseley, they’ve had very good success with copperhead, three more venomous snakes common to the the training. It’s estimated since its inception the club has had Lone Star state. 6,000 dogs participate. Many dogs return for refresher courses. No two snake bites are the same. Ever! It all depends on a Moseley concluded, “Each year we hear stories of dogs not variety of factors. The canine’s age, size, and overall health is wanting to make a retrieve. The hunter discovers a rattlesnake important but it’s also where the dog gets bitten, the depth of close to where the bird landed. That makes us feel good, very the bite, and most importantly, the amount of venom injected. good about what we’re doing.” A ‘dry’ bite is when the snake has already bitten something “You gotta be careful what you think you can do cuz it can previously, thus very little or no venom is actually put into get you into trouble,” laughed Wayne Lain. Years ago he got the victim. However, the fangs have bacteria that can cause mad at somebody, thought he could do a better job, and as a infection at the bite site. result began snake training his own dogs. Before he knew it he Vaccinating your dog against rattlesnake venom is was handling friends’ dogs so thirteen years ago Lain began recommended by many regardless of whether or not it’s a doing it professionally. Presently a crime scene investigator hunting dog. If you live where a rattlesnake may appear, protect with 29 years of law enforcement experience, de-snaking dogs your dog. After all, Duke or Dixie is most likely a member has turned into a side-line he truly loves. of the family. There are many trainers offering classes to de“Hindsight is always better than foresight and the name snake your dog, whether it’s I chose is one of those your best hunting buddy or things.” Lain chuckled Many interviewed said September, which is dove season, is family household pet. again, “Snake Breaker is the worst month for snake bites. Retrieving fallen birds puts According to Gene like a tattoo. It sounds good your best friend at risk when hunting where rattlesnakes live. Moseley, Jr., the Gulf when you’re young but it’s Coast German Shorthaired too late to change it now. Pointer Club of Houston I got into this because I was the originator of snake thought at the time I could training sporting dogs in do a better job than the hopes of preventing the loss guy I was paying…and it’s of hunting companions. turned into a passion of Classes are offered sorts.” annually as an organization Lain uses a shock fundraiser. The Dallas and collar to train his dogs. San Antonio chapters do Not just for rattlers but the same. also copperheads and The club has been cottonmouths, the last two providing this service for confined to small cages due owners and their canine to their desire to take off. loved ones for over 35 years. Attendees consist of approximately “Dogs pick up on rattlesnakes more easily partly due to scent 33% pointers, 33% retrievers, and the remainder ranging from but also sound although some never shake that tail to rattle or Great Danes to Chihuahuas. Owners want their companions in the case of small ones, the sound is much less audible.” to respect and keep their distance from rattlesnakes and When asked what dog breeds he trains, Lain said he’s hopefully, all ground wigglers. worked with everything from Bull Mastiffs to toy Yorkshires. Defanged and milked diamondback rattlers are used. His experience has proven highly trained super retrievers Years ago they attempted to also use cottonmouths but their are the hardest as it’s tough to convince them that the snake aggressive nature made it difficult to keep them in one place. was the shocker.” Lain stated refresher courses are good for Rattlesnakes are situated on a golf course type area in three even experienced dogs as it revitalizes the scent they need to stages. The first snake has its rattles taped so the dog will catch remember. its scent, learn the smell of it. “Through my training I’m trying to teach the dog to avoid As the snake is approached, the handler watches the dog’s a possible snake bite. We try our best but I also recommend reaction. A negative response is desired, as in retreating from giving the vaccine for extra protection. It’s not 100% but it’s the the reptile. If the dog attempts to grab the snake, an electronic best medicine we currently have. I get calls from clients with impulse is used to deter it from doing so. The second snake heavy hearts but by far I receive more positive calls than sad. will rattle. The anticipated response is for the canine to back That’s why I do it.” away from both scent and sound. Veterinarian Dr. Scott Bugai of Seguin believes in the When approaching the final ground buzzer, the dog is rattlesnake vaccine. Dogs having received it most often have placed on one side with the owner calling it on the opposite less severe reactions with a much quicker recovery. “Nothing is side. Using sound and smell, the preferred route between 100%,” said Bugai. “You can’t look at a single incident but must canine and master is a wide circle around the rattlesnake, thus look across the board. Not every dog survives a rattlesnake bite learning to avoid the creature and a possible bite with wicked even having received the shot.” And a canine may not make it WWW.TEXASDEERASSOCIATION.COM

PROTECTING YOUR BEST FRIEND

Photo courtesy of the Internet - De-snaking, snake proofing, or snake breaking is training your dog to hopefully avoid an encounter with a deadly rattlesnake that could be fatal.

through the anti-venom treatments after being bitten. Bugai added, “I recommend the vaccine to all dogs at risk. That includes your hunting dogs and those living in the country where rattlesnakes live.” Shorty, an English Pointer, was only two years old when he encountered a rattler despite having snake training. Naturally when first turned out for a hunt the dog’s excitement and anticipation warrants checking out new surroundings. It was only a minute when Shorty got the rancid end of a skunk before the quail hunt even began. Jack Cornett of Blessing is an avid quail hunter. “Shorty is living proof it’s worth the price of a rattlesnake vaccine. I give it to my dogs twice a year, six months apart.” Cornett blames the skunk odor for what happened next. As the hunting party started to move across a field he saw Shorty jump and fall over backward while looking at the ground. A thick five foot rattler was quickly dispatched. “Shorty was bitten in the mouth. I took him home, watched him swell up but three days later he was fine, ready to go in search of quail once again.” Cornett says it’s been his experience if a dog gets too hot their sense of smell diminishes. If he notices his pointers backing off a covey it’s time to let them cool down. “In Shorty’s case that darned skunk messed up his nose but I’m a firm believer in using the rattlesnake vaccine.” Roy Hindes III has witnessed many canine versus rattlesnake encounters. His famous deer tracking dogs are in rattler country continuously whether working or at home. Hindes said it’s been his experience most dogs usually get over head 66

bites and September is the worst month. “My old dog Shep got full dose behind his jaw, not on his face or head, and survived. He learned. I once placed a rattler in the road where he could wind it and Shep wouldn’t go up to it.” Hindes said de-snaking a dog is well worthwhile. When asked about the rattlesnake vaccine, he shook his head. “I had a good dog bitten that was vaccinated. Got it to the vet in 25 minutes. Sixteen hundred dollars and the dog died anyway. I know it all depends on where the bite occurs and how much venom is injected.” Hindes added, “My brother-inlaw Robbie Hurt and I gave the vaccine to all our dogs. I had two bitten; one lived, one died. Neither of us give the shot now but snake training is vital. I firmly believe in it.” Robbie Hurt has tracking dogs for both big cats and deer. Again he’s in rattlesnake territory more often than not. In 1993 when Hurt’s daughter was three she was bitten in September. He went on attack. “For whatever reason, that fall old sow rattlers produced many babies. It was dry; the fence lines had lots of ground squirrel holes where the snakes laid up during the day but came out of at night.” On the hill where he lives, Hurt totaled 193 rattlesnake kills just that one season. Mostly small under 14” he would patrol early in the mornings. Twice he killed 16 in one day! “When the vaccine first came out, cat hunters thought if it saved one dog it was worth it. Did all my dogs. Two were bitten and both died,” said Hurt, shaking his head. “Why spend the money if you still lose them? Same thing happened to a friend TRACKS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

but others swear by it. There’s lots of variation between bites. Snake breaking is the best prevention.” Unfortunately, as in Cornett’s case, even that is not foolproof if sprayed by a skunk. Bay City’s Dr. Randy Volkmer agrees with fellow veterinarian Bugai that a rattlesnake vaccine may help reduce a dog’s symptoms resulting from a bite. “In our area (Gulf Coast prairie) we’ve had lots of experience with snake bites,” said Volkmer. “I recommend the vaccine to all dogs that may come across a rattlesnake. For hunting dogs, and even cow dogs, the owner may want to give it every six months instead of just annually.” Volkmer added, “The dog that’s been vaccinated has a bit of anti-venom on board so to speak. It may be the difference between life and death. The shot is known for making knots at the injection site; however, they disappear over time.” An experienced Central Texas vet tech said April through September is when their practice sees the most rattlesnake bites, more so on small dogs than large ones. The anti-venom plasma seems to work better on canines that have received the vaccine versus those animals that did not. Lifelong trainer Bill Johnson, owner of Pecan Tree Kennels at Bellville, fully endorses both de-snaking a dog and giving the vaccine as added protection for any and all dogs that may be exposed to rattlesnakes. In addition, should a dog be bitten, quick treatment is a must. “I have actually gotten a dog vaccinated and in less than a week it was bitten. Where a dog is hit can have much to do with his recovery.” Johnson said, “It’s been my experience a bite in the mouth or head actually causes less problems than a chest or leg hit. One of my dogs was bitten on the back foot and lost some toes.” Johnson recommends snake proofing your dog whether a hunter or just your companion should you live or visit rattlesnake country. If the snake rattles it naturally helps alert the dog but that’s not always the case. An over enthusiastic dog rushing in to retrieve a fallen bird may not hear the rattle until too late. Snake training helps teach a dog not to try to play with the reptile but instead avoid it all together. Jordan Valley Retrievers owner/trainer Eddie hicks concurs with Johnson, “The vaccine coupled with snake training is a cheap price to pay whether your hunting dog or family pet. You really can’t measure the value.” Hicks said if a rattlesnake is avoided you hope it was from the training. If bitten but your dog survives, was it due to the vaccine? As noted by many others survival depends on many factors. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible should be a priority. Take all this into consideration when thinking about Duke or Dixie’s future as well as yours. As stated above, both snake training and the rattlesnake vaccine are preventative measures that you, as the owner, can provide for man and woman’s best friend…your beloved canine. Good luck and good health to all.

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MORE INFORMATION Talk to your veterinarian about the rattlesnake vaccine to protect your best friend. The original is a two shot dose a few weeks apart, then a semi-annual or annual booster depending on how susceptible your pet may be to encountering rattlers. Be aware there may be an adverse reaction as a lump produced at the injection site may take time to dissipate. The vaccine is not 100% foolproof. As stated earlier much depends on the dog’s age, overall health, the bite site, and how much venom was injected by a rattlesnake. Every year some dogs perish despite having the vaccine but more survive with light or little side effects. Help safeguard for your best friend. Wayne Lain offers classes and refresher courses all over so check out his website at www.Snakebreaker. com or call him at 713-530-9182. For more information and dates for de-snaking clinics, check out www.gulfcoastgspclub.com or contact Gene Moseley, Jr. at txrockincm@sbcglobal. net or call him at 713-545-7315. Many other trainers and organizations also offer desnaking clinics so there may be one in your area. Ask your veterinarian, inquire to friends with hunting dogs, or search the Internet.

CANINE MEDICAL INSURANCE On Easter Sunday this writer’s lovable 4-legged kid had a terrible accident. The young Doberman ran full speed into an overgrown horseshoe pit stake in a city park. The result was a 24” laceration from his chest to belly, down to the breastbone, and peeled the hide back from the ribcage on one side. Zarr survived, once again almost good as new but it’s been a 3-month ordeal. After having two very costly health problems with previous canines, my husband and I purchased Major Medical Insurance for Zarr. It came with a $100 deductible per year. But (there’s always a but!) I failed to read the fine print stating there are payment limits per incident, accident, or type of illness. A laceration or bite (snake or otherwise) topped out at $865. To date we’ve spent almost four times that amount. Zarr had various complications throughout his recovery. The insurance company said they paid the maximum; resulting problems weren’t covered. I’m quarreling with them as it’s my contention if a cold but it turns into pneumonia, that’s two different diagnoses. My point being: Read the fine print! Study the policy carefully to fully understand what they will, but more importantly what they will not pay when it comes to claims. As always two age old adages apply: If it sounds too good to be true, then it’s probably not true. And Buyer Beware!

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HUNTING & SHOOTING

CHECK LIST FOR BOWSEASON ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY LUKE CLAYTON

Big Buck Live - Bow hunters lose sleep about this time every year, anticipating a close encounter with a bruiser buck like this.

ery soon, those of us that enjoy collecting our venison with bow and arrow will once again be taking to the deer woods. Bow hunting in Texas today is far different than it was when I first decided to accept the challenge a quarter century ago. Back then, with the archery equipment available, it was necessary to spend months in preparation for the fall hunting seasons. Today’s compound bows are much more forgiving and easier to master. I have a good friend that will be hunting elk with me up in Colorado’s high country about the time you read this. Until a couple months ago, he had never even picked up a bow. After a little basic shooting instructions, he was soon shooting two inch groups at 20 yards. After a month of diligent practice, he could keep his arrows in the kill zone out to 40 yards. He’s ready to hunt and his confidence level is through the roof. About seven years ago, crossbows became legal during the Texas archery whitetail season and the passing of this regulation brought even more hunters into the sport of hunting deer with archery tackle. Learning to shoot a crossbow accurately is even easier than mastering the compound bow. 72

Many companies that manufacture compound bows have now jumped on the crossbow bandwagon. Darton Archery, long known for smooth, accurate compound bows, now offers 5 models of crossbows including what is possibly the most powerful crossbow on the market, the Fire Force which shoots an astounding 400 feet per second and delivers just over 142 pounds of kinetic energy. I regularly shoot my scoped Fire Force out to sixty yards and when shooting from a solid rest, groups are almost as tight as I can achieve with a rifle. Under hunting situations, though I limit shots to 40 yards. If you have been contemplating hunting with archery tackle, there’s still time for you this season but its crunch time and you need to purchase that bow and begin practicing immediately. I have a little 3D target range set up in the trees close to my house and have found that shooting life size deer targets is the very best practice for hunting season. It’s one thing to practice shooting at a dot on a square target but much more beneficial to shoot 3D targets that closely mimic the game animal that you will be hunting. When I first began shooting and hunting with bows, I remember shooting a 3D TRACKS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

whitetail buck targets on an almost daily basic from early never hit for a short distance. Most deer run at least 30 yards spring until the opener of bow season. On my second hunt, an before going down. On marginal hits, which do occur in the old seven point walked out of the brush and stood broadside real world of bow hunting, they sometimes run much farther. at 21 yards. I placed the twenty-yard pin on the back of his It’s best to wait at least 30 minutes after shooting deer before shoulder and nudged the release. The buck went 52 yards and leaving your stand and taking up the trail unless, of course was down for keeps. I am positive that all the practice with you actually see the deer go down. I’ve made the mistake the 3D target was a huge help. Take the time to learn proper of pursuing deer too quickly after the shot and from past arrow placement and all angles that occur in the real world experience can tell you that it can make for a long, frustrating of bow hunting. Standing, broadside shots are my favorite recovery. but possibly slightly quartering away shots are even better. The best council that we bow hunters could heed, with the I pass on shots when the deer is quartering at more than a opener of the season a few short weeks away is to practice, few degrees; there’s just too much room for error. Wounding practice and practice some more. About this time each year, does occur, regardless which hunting tool one chooses to use. I remove the practice points from my arrows and shoot only I’m extremely picky in my choices of shots and after 25 years the mechanical or fixed broad heads I plan to hunt with. of hunting with my bows and many deer on the meat pole, I Granted, most mechanical broad heads on the market today have lost only two and these were because of marginal hits fly to the exact point of impact as practice points but many when I simply lost the blood trail. fixed broad heads vary greatly in their flight patterns. The biggest There are many challenge for the fine broad heads on newcomer to bow the market today hunting is the waiting and the choice of game necessary to whether to use a make a clean kill. fixed or mechanical Through the years, I’ve is a personal one. had to pass on many I’ve taken big game deer at very close with both types but range simply because I favor a three bladed they did not present mechanical that is a high percentage made from good shot opportunity. steel. With the three I’ve developed a little blades comes three game when practicing wound channels, that has helped me Broad heads kill by Luke Clayton Buck - This might not be the highest scoring buck the author has immensely in actual hemorrhage and it arrowed but he was most definitely one of the most challenging to close the distance with. hunting situations. stands to reason that Rather than shoot at three blades cuts targets from known more tissue than two. distances, say 20, 30 and 40 yards, I practice from different I have hunting friends that began shooting fixed blade broad angles and distances. When hunting from a tree stand, it’s heads years ago and never switched to mechanicals. They very common to shoot a bit higher than when shooting from continue to “dance with the one that brung them” and put ground level. Try to make your practice sessions closely bucks on the meat pole with regularity year after year. Many duplicate what you expect to encounter when hunting. modern day fixed broad heads fly exactly as practice points Today’s compound bows shoot much flatter trajectories but it’s important to never assume that you can screw a fixed that those of a few decades ago. The Darton 3800 model that blade on and your groups will be the same as with practice I practice and hunt with requires only one pin out to 30 yards. points. Actually, I have my top sight pin, a green one that provides Regardless whether you are planning to hunt with a the best visibility in low light conditions, set at 25 yards. On longbow, recurve, compound or crossbow, remember that targets out to 30 yards, the bow shoots so flat that my arrows there is still plenty of time to hone shooting skills. So, after stay within a 2-inch group, regardless the yardage. I have you’ve completed this article, get out there and SHOOT! The pins set for 40 and 50 yards as well but I have a self imposed opener is just around the corner! distance of 30 yards when shooting game. Regardless one’s skill level, there are many variables to consider when shooting HERE’S SOME TIPS THAT I BELIEVE game much over 30 yards. Wind and animal movement are a WILL MAKE YOUR NEXT BOWHUNT couple of elements that make longer shots ‘iffy’. MORE SUCCESSFUL Recovery of game shot with archery tackle takes a completely different mind set from those shot with a rifle. PRACTICE- Make sure your practice includes shooting It’s common for an arrow shot deer to run as though it was from positions encountered while hunting, and this includes WWW.TEXASDEERASSOCIATION.COM

CHECK LIST FOR BOW SEASON

shooting from elevated positions. Know exactly which sight pin to hold at all distances out to your maximum effective bow range, about 30 yards for most of us. I’ve found that when shooting from elevated stands, I need to hold a bit lower than when shooting from level ground. SHOT PLACEMENT- Harvesting game with a high velocity rifle bullet is far different than using an arrow tipped with a fixed or mechanical broadhead. I wait for slam dunk shots that I know that I can make and pass up ‘iffy’ shots. Broad side or slightly quartering away shots offer the best opportunity of a clean harvest. FIXED BROADHEAD OR MECHANICAL- I shoot a mechanical broad but there are many, many quality broad heads, both mechanical and fixed, on the market today. A quality mechanical broad head should begin cutting the instant the point strikes the animal and, with good shot placement, harvests game every bit as quickly as a rifle bullet. Regardless which type broad head you choose, make sure and shoot it enough to learn its point of impact at various yardages. My mechanicals fly exactly the same as filed points of the same weight but, I learned that by actually shooting them in practice. Innerloc offers the Carbon Tuner fixed broad head that flies exactly to the same point of impact as field points or mechanicals. The blades of the Carbon Tuner can easily be index to match the alignment of the vanes on the arrow. LEARNING ‘WHEN TO DRAW’- The act of actually drawing a bow when deer are close is one of the most

challenging aspects of bow hunting. Deer are extremely ‘wired’ and are highly sensitive to sight and sound. Movement is necessary to bring a bow to full draw and the challenge is drawing when undetected. I’ve learned to watch the animal’s body language closely and draw only when the animal is looking away or has its head down feeding. The Darton 3800 compound bow I shoot offers 80% let off. I have the draw weight set at 60 pounds, but when the cam on the bow breaks over, I’m only holding 12 pounds, something I’ve done on past hunts for a couple of minutes until the deer presented the right shot angle. Truthfully, with the speed of today’s compounds, 55 pounds provides about the same arrow speed as bows of yesteryear pulling close to 70 pounds. My Darton chronographs just over at 300 FPS, set at a very easy to pull 60 pounds. I’m planning on cranking it down to 58 pounds after this upcoming hunt. Remember, it’s one thing to pull heavier draw weights when it’s warm and from a standing position but things are different when setting several hours in a cold trees stand! TRACKING- Deer often run out of sight after the shot and learning to follow the trail is a major part of successful bow hunting. Unless you actually see or hear the deer go down, it’s a good idea to wait at least 30 minutes before taking up the trail, longer if you know the shot was less than perfect.

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AWARENESS

LONE STAR LAW – NEW HIT SERIES FOLLOWING TEXAS GAME WARDENS ACROSS THE STATE ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY JUDY BISHOP JUREK Photo by Judy Bishop Jurek - Protecting our state’s wildlife is just one duty our Texas Game Wardens perform on a daily basis. Certain seasons, such as dove and deer, may warrant increased checks of hunters and their camps.

t’s real. It’s true. It’s live action. It’s unscripted with no rehearsals, no choreography, no do-overs, nothing staged or rigged. It’s Lone Star Law, the new reality series based on Texas Game Wardens. It’s on the Animal Planet Thursdays at 9pm CST. The show is copied after the highly popular North Woods Laws featuring Maine’s Warden Service and Rugged Justice that follows Washington State’s Department of Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement. The show features Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) game wardens across our vast state, those men and women protecting our natural resources over a quarter million square miles from the coast to the Panhandle, from piney woods and bayous to lakes, hills, deserts, and mountains, from wide open rural regions to densely populated urban areas. It focuses on the broad scope of duties these law enforcement 88

officers cover from common everyday occurrences to being part of highly specialized teams necessary for a wide variety of events. The hour long program premiered on June 2, 2016 but this writer was treated to a sneak peek back in February at the Texas Outdoor Writers Association’s annual conference. It was exciting and fun as I recognized several officers I knew personally and/or had interviewed on occasion. Once the show aired I have not been disappointed and anxiously look forward to seeing each new episode. TPWD Special Operations Chief Grahame Jones stated they had been approached several times in past years about doing a show. “It just never was the right fit,” said Jones. However, when Engel Entertainment contacted them with the idea stating it would follow the footsteps of the two shows mentioned TRACKS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

earlier, Jones said they would be interested as TPWD liked the This has helped some people realize game wardens are not just way those programs were being presented with the subjects the deer police. involved. A large part of their responsibility is public safety while According to Steve Engel, the vast diversity of both terrain educating people of all ages about outdoor recreation and and officer duties is what appealed to him. He believes it will wildlife regulations. The show captures serious situations with draw a big audience. “Texas is a huge state. There are so many a bit of fun and lighthearted moments thrown in, too. It often different types of work Texas game wardens perform. I don’t happens wardens cannot wait on a camera crew to “get ready” think people have any idea and we want to show what all they so many possibly interesting events don’t make it to the show. do.” That’s what happens when things are spontaneous! “These folks (Engel Entertainment) were different from Retired Matagorda County game warden Arthur Lawrence previous offers. TPWD has editorial power. I can’t say enough put 44 years under his TPWD belt. He loves the Gulf about the production company personnel and Animal Planet,” Coast, fishing, wildlife, and all aspects that being a warden said Jones. “The reaction has been positive from both the public encompassed. When asked his thoughts on the new show, and our department. Twitter and Facebook have created much Lawrence replied, “I think it’s great! It shows game wardens excitement. High school kids, especially girls, are now saying doing what they actually do. They’re the law off the pavement. they want to be game wardens.” TPWD is also about public safety but Texas wouldn’t have the Wardens were asked if they would like to participate. Jones wildlife resources and all we have without game wardens.” said, “We were hoping a dozen or so would agree and right David Pagel of Wharton hung up his game warden cap in away about 30 stepped up. We’re overwhelmed as we’ve now 2003 after serving 32 years. He now spends his time doing had over 125 volunteer. Most wardens simply want the public to learn more about what all their duties encompass. This series Photos Courtesy of TPWD Chase Fountain - Patrolling Texas’ 367 miles of coastline is the way to show what they encounter as well as lakes and river waterways is one aspect of a game warden’s duties as depicted in the new series Lone Star Law. daily.” Camera crews teamed up with game wardens to begin filming in 2015. As stated earlier, it’s unscripted, unscheduled. Much of a warden’s job has to do with Mother Nature and there’s no telling what, when, where, how or why she may decide to create beauty or wreak havoc on wildlife and humans alike. The deadly 2015 Memorial weekend floods documented evacuations, search, rescue, and worst of all, the recovery of drowning victims. This past June’s historic Brazos River flooding will no doubt be featured in next year’s shows. Forty game wardens and twenty boats were deployed to assist first responders in Fort Bend and Brazoria counties. Many others assisted in other places as well. Jones small tractor work. “I’ve only seen a few minutes of one show said in the past year wardens have helped with more than 1,700 although I’ve been recording it. I never seem to have time to water rescues. Even Jones’ neighbors have been surprised by sit down and watch TV but what little I saw was interesting.” the many duties game wardens may be called upon to perform. “Today’s wardens do much more than we did years ago. They have more responsibilities as well as specialized duties. Every single day game wardens encounter dangerous It sure brought back memories. Working the deer decoys was situations regardless of location. Their job is more than just always fun. I gotta make time to watch it,” he said with a laugh, handling fish and wildlife cases. In natural disasters wardens adding, “See how these youngsters perform compared to what everywhere may be directed to specific areas, especially those Lawrence and I and others our age went through.” involved in special teams. K9 units are now an intricate part of TPWD and these highly trained dogs alongside their warden The new series has now aired for over a month as this goes partners join forces with fellow wardens, state park police, and to press. It’s gaining in popularity as the chatter across the other agencies as needed. Internet attests. The game wardens featured in the shows were Much of the general public does not understand that Lone chosen for a variety of reasons including their locations, types Star state game wardens are fully commissioned certified of daily activities as well as possibly unusual cases encountered, peace officers capable of enforcing all Texas laws, not just and of course, due to individual personalities. those pertaining to wildlife, fish, and water safety. New warden As a new game warden five years ago Dustin Dockery was vehicles now proudly proclaim ‘State Police’ in bold letters. sent to Smith County in northeastern Texas. Now he’s assigned WWW.TEXASDEERASSOCIATION.COM

LONE STAR LAW Photos Courtesy of TPWD Chase Fountain - The opening scenes of the new exciting television show Lone Star Law features game wardens across Texas. TPWD was pleasantly surprised by the number of wardens volunteering to be filmed for the program.

to the upper coast’s Chambers County where he was raised. When I first contacted Dockery he was headed to assist with a six vehicle accident on I-10 where life flight helicopters had also been called. He politely asked if he could catch up with me later. “At first it was nerve wrecking having a camera and microphone in front of you but you get used to it.” Dockery said, “You realize you’re talking to a whole nation. It’s worth the sacrifice and I believe it’s a privilege being a part of the show. We’re hoping to educate and inform sportsmen and the general public about what all a game warden’s job entails. So many people have no idea.” “Each county has diversity which keeps things interesting. My first show involved a child bitten by an alligator. That was a first for me.” With a laugh, Dockery added, “Filming made me late to my own wedding shower! My wife and mom are my biggest fans. Old classmates and friends have contacted me since the show aired. Families are getting together sharing an hour watching Animal Planet. It’s great.” Game warden Chris Sanchez was sent to Ward County in West Texas in 2009 before being assigned to the state capital in Travis and Hayes counties. Quite a change of pace and atmosphere! “It’s different,” said Sanchez with a chuckle, “Instead of just one or two officers, you have extra bodies and equipment. Everything’s the same except for this entourage. Sometimes it’s hard for your contact to understand as they’re focused on the camera. You tell them to ignore it, try to continue with the business at hand, and when complete you have to explain what’s going on.” “We have our own body cameras. It makes good business 90

sense recording. With the camera crew it’s one more piece of documentation,” Sanchez said. “I watched some of the other shows. I’m an arm chair quarterback. I told the camera crew my pet peeves but I don’t have any say what gets cut and what stays. The show has produced nothing but good, positive comments not only from our game wardens but also other agencies and the public.” “I recently had a trailer tire blowout; went to the tire shop I always use. When I walked in someone commented ‘There’s Hollywood’ but as far as contacts involved while doing my job no one has recognized me. I’m participating to help the public learn more about what game wardens do every day. And I hope they also learn how important our wildlife, waterways, and other natural resources are to everyone.” “The best thing about the show is now my wife and kids can see what I do during the day and night. Other game wardens agree.” Sanchez concluded, “Our families now more fully understand why we’re not home but they also see some of the many dangers we encounter,” said Sanchez. In addition to the law enforcement aspects, Grahame Jones said, “Lone Star Law showcases Texas’ spectacular natural resources as well as our diverse and often distinct terrain. I hope the show will be a great recruitment tool for the agency while serving our mission of educating and introducing people to outdoor recreation in our great state.” All that and more as the series Lone Star Law is entertaining, interesting and educational as well! Check it out Thursdays on the Animal Planet.

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AWARENESS

MUY GRANDE HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Photo by Luke Clayton

ARTICLE BY JUDY BISHOP JUREK

Photo Courtesy of Andy Villarreal, Alice, Texas “The 51st Muy Grande awards ceremony held June 25th added 5 new members to their Hall of Fame (Left to Right): Kenneth Sharber of Muy Grande enterprises, inductees Larry Weishuhn, Robert L. Rogers, Homero Amezcua, Muy Grande founder Leonel ‘Muy’ Garza, inductees Roy Hindes III and Marty Berry.”

he famed Muy Grande Deer Contest in Freer celebrated 50 years in 2015. Once called “the little filling station deer contest” founded by Leonel "Muy" Garza, it has evolved into the granddaddy of hunting competitions. Several years ago, the Garza family decided they needed to recognize folks who have helped promote hunting in some form or fashion. Thus the Muy Grande Hall of Fame was founded in 2007. This year’s 2016 five inductees included well-known TDA members Marty Berry and Roy Hindes III along with Homero Amerzcua, Larry Weishuhn, and Robert L. Rogers. WWW.TEXASDEERASSOCIATION.COM

Marty Berry isn’t the first from his family to be honored by the Muy Grande Hall of Fame. His dynamic mother Laura Berry was a 2008 Hall of Fame honoree, the very first woman named. “My love of whitetails began a day after my sixth birthday when I took my first buck, an 8-pointer around 70 inches with my mother. That was the most impressive deer I’ve ever walked up on in my entire life,” said Marty, adding, “They never seem as big as they did when I was six years old. That one moment changed my life forever.” Fifty years of hunting and observing whitetails has taught Marty many things. He began a breeding operation in 1990; 97

MUY GRANDE HALL OF FAME

over a thousand have been successfully released on Texas and Mexico ranches. Many Muy Grande contest winners have come from Berry ranches, including those of his mother and daughters. Married for 32 years to the love of his life Courtenay, they have four daughters: Courtenay, Lesley, Audrey and Sophia. With a smile, Marty said, “Now days I prefer to photograph trophy whitetails instead of shoot them, but I still hunt every season just in case a particular Muy Grande gives me the chance to change my mind.” The Hindes family of South Texas is known far and wide. Roy Hindes III is another second generation honoree as his father, the late Roy Hindes Jr. was inducted posthumously into the very first Muy Grande Hall of Fame (2007). Hindes’ famous canines are nationally known for their extraordinary deer-tracking abilities, recording many miles every deer season recovering trophy bucks across the Lone Star state. Roy III is a sixth generation, raised on the family ranch in Frio and Atascosa counties where he and wife Pam still live today. “This honor has to include Pam, my loving, very supportive, long suffering and God given wife of forty-three years, who because of deer season, has not been to a Christmas

or New Year’s Eve party for longer than either of us can remember,” Roy III said with a laugh. “While attending Southwest Texas Junior College at Uvalde, I heard about deer management practiced on the Zachary ranches by Al Brothers. In 1972 I came home to the ranch to stay. Working cattle as a very young child alongside my Dad, he taught me how to trail cattle and later deer, using the same bloodline of dogs that he acquired as a boy in 1936. I was about six the first time I saw a big wounded buck bayed up by the dogs. I was hooked and I haven't gotten over it yet.” Roy III’s dogs have allowed him regular access onto many very famous and historical hunting ranches in south Texas. “I cherish the dear friends I’ve made over the many years trailing deer. I’m also grateful to the Lord for allowing me to do what I love for so long, and for placing me in south Texas, the greatest hunting country I've ever seen.” Roy III concluded, “This honor means a great deal to me. A heartfelt thanks to the entire Leonel Garza family who have done so much for so many years to promote whitetail hunting in Texas. I sincerely appreciate it.”

MUY GRANDE HALL OF FAME MEMBERS 2007 – W.H. Appling, Al Brothers, Bill Carter, Willie Esse, Jr., Roy Hindes, Sr., & Jerry Johnston (TDA Co-Founder) 2008 – Laura Berry, Joe B. Findley, Horace Gore, & the late Lloyd Kolby 2009 – Don Keller, Stephen J. ‘Tio’ Kleberg, & Dr. Carlos Vela 2010 – Sue Spivey Killam, & Gene Riser (TDA Co-Founder) 2011 – Joe Hibler, Don Holden, & the late Stan Slaten 2012 – Kathryn Coleman & Dr. James Kroll (TDA Co-Founder) 2013 – Mark Herfort, Bob Hood, & David Sikes 2014 – Ty Detmer & Jerry Tkac 2015 – Homero Berlanga, Baldemar Gutierrez, Judy Bishop Jurek, Dr. James Leininger, Gibson Lewis, & Lt. Gen. Leroy Sisco (Ret.)

2016 - Homero Amerzcua, Marty Berry, Roy Hindes III, Robert L. Rogers, & Larry Weishuhn

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SPECIAL EDITION

TINY HOMES

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY LUKE CLAYTON

This Tiny Home is tucked away on a private lake at Vintage Grace development near Yantis in east Texas.

here is something very special about having a “get away” in the outdoors. This “get away” can vary with one’s budget and lifestyle. Anything from a pop up camper on a deer lease to a fully furnished home on a piece of rural real estate that you hold the deed to qualifies as a. “get away”. My desire for having a spot to retreat to goes back to my childhood. At the ripe old age of ten, some buddies and I used our dull hatchets to cut poles to construct our “cabin in the woods” in the woodlot behind our farm. We even installed an old wood burning stove in one corner of our little camp. Looking back, the little structure wasn’t much but it was our place of refuge, we could go there and at least for the time being, become “Daniel Boones”! When ours was a young family 35 years ago, I remember purchasing a vintage old camper and setting it up on a lake lot in East Texas. We spent many enjoyable times “camping” most weekends and holidays, using our little trailer as headquarters. Later came a used full size trailer house on the WWW.TEXASDEERASSOCIATION.COM

lake lot. Along with this bigger home came a great deal of maintenance and to the best of my memory, I spent much of my time and a good deal of our recreational dollars on upkeep. I’ve always had some sort of “get away” in the outdoors. A couple years ago, a buddy that is a master carpenter helped me construct a little cabin in the trees on our property. My little get away is situated less than one hundred yards from our home but it’s MY get away, a place where I can go to write in a very quiet setting or cook fajitas or fry fish for friends on the fire pit situated a few yards out from the cabin’s porch. Oh, it’s a tight little building with bunks and a place to cook but after visiting with Shawn Ballard, owner of Diamond Park Homes in Alba, Texas (www.diamondparkhomes.com) I’m now wishing that I had purchased one of his “tiny homes” that are self sufficient homes of less than 400 square feet. After spending a few hours visiting with Shawn, I learned of the many positives of purchasing a tiny home. 111

TINY HOMES large home with a big lawn to maintain. Their desire is to simplify their life and to no longer have to deal with cleaning and maintaining a big house and all the lawn work. They want to devote their retirement to enjoying each other and enjoy a simpler lifestyle.” And then there is the buyer that wants to create a low maintenance “get away” retreat that is actually a well built home that could potentially be moved to a different location should the need exist. The tiny home could serve as a “cabin” on their lake lot or tract or rural land, the uses and applications for tiny houses are limitless. I learned that there are subdivisions in unincorporated area (without city restrictions) that allow only tiny homes. Ballard has been in the park model and tiny home business for the past couple decades and has learned a great deal about rules, regulations and laws pertaining to these small dwellings. Many folks use their tiny homes for mother-in-law homes or private dwellings for one of their older children, setting the tiny home up on the same lot/land where they reside in their large home. The tiny home serves a useful purpose in this manner. Also, it provides a cost-effective private home, separate from the primary home yet on the same property. Wendy Taves with Diamond Park Homes in Alba, Texas beside a Tiny It’s important for the potential tiny Home ready to become someone’s “get away” or permanent home. home purchaser to do their homework concerning the regulations required for Tiny homes have become very popular during the past new construction on their property, decade; there’s even a TV show (Tiny house, Big Living) especially for those wishing to place tiny homes on their city dedicated to all the nuances of the tiny house lifestyle. lots. During my morning of learning about tiny homes, I was My tour at Diamond Park Homes included how the homes extremely impressed at the way the homes were constructed. are designed as well as constructed. A potential tiny home I had wondered if these little dwellings weren’t “ramped buyer first sits down with the staff, which includes an on-site up” camper trailers. Most definitely not! These little houses engineer and is assisted with the design process. Floor plans are built on steel frames and are constructed with the same that include an option for lofts are covered in detail and the materials as a full size home you would have built on your lot. new home owner chooses amenities such as custom cabinets, The fact that they are mobile with wheels puts them in the RV floors, bathroom fixtures, etc. class and exempts them (when under 400 square feet) from All the homes shared the quality construction but some property taxes. that I went through were more Spartan than others. One that During my visit with Ballard, I learned that the tiny I toured was just completed as a getaway weekend fishing home movement has become popular with a wide variety of cabin that would serve equally well as a downsized hunting people. lodge on rural land. Others that I inspected were finished out “Luke, our tiny homes are purchased for just about every inside as well as the finest custom home. The cost is obviously need one can imagine.” said Ballard. “There is the retired dictated by the design and amenities but even the higher end couple that for the majority of their married life owned a tiny homes were extremely reasonably priced in comparison 112

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to full size homes. Tiny homes have also become very popular as cabins on hunting ranches and lakeside rentals. For around $35,000 each, Tiny Homes can be set up and provide a long time cash flow as rental property. I had many questions about not only the design and construction of the tiny homes but also their “livability.” For instance, regardless how much one wishes to downscale, there is a certain about of “stuff ” that we all consider necessary. Almost all tiny home owners have an accompanying storage building close by where they store “stuff.” Are tiny homes for everybody? Definitely not. No more than a 4,000-square foot custom home is the desire and need of every homeowner. But, after my visit with Ballard and Wendy Taves who did a great job walking me through the homes, I came away with the knowledge that there is an option in home ownership that obviously appeals to a great number of people. I also came away wishing I had known about these tiny homes before I constructed that little cabin on my property! To learn more about tiny homes, visit www.diamondparkhomes.com. TINY HOME COMMUNITIES In preparation for this article, I had the opportunity to tour a development near Yantis in East Texas that is devoted

strictly to Tiny Homes. My visit and tour of the development with owner Jim Brown was enlightening, to say the least. Jim and his wife Kathie decided a few years ago that they wished to downsize from their large home in the Metroplex and began looking into the possibility of tiny-home living. When the two visited the rural 25 acres in Yantis that would become Vintage Grace, something clicked. “We knew immediately this was the tract we wanted and made the decision to purchase it on the spot," Jim told me. "We knew that there was a plan for this place; we just needed to discover what it was.” Fast forward to today! Jim and Kathie now live happily on the shores of one of the stocked fishing lakes on the place, along with a few other families with like desires that purchased Diamond Park tiny homes and became neighbors. For someone wishing to downsize to a very affordable and possibly simpler lifestyle, Vintage Grace is definitely a place to look into. Jim stressed the fact (which was very obvious) that Vintage Grace was not an RV park with “hook ups.” Conversely, with city water and sewer, underground electricity, storm shelters, fishing, and no taxes on the tiny homes, I expect more like minded folks will decide to “think smaller!" Those stocked lakes looked very “fishy.” I’ll bring my tackle next time I visit! Check out the website at www.vintagegracetexas.com.

The better Tiny Homes are constructed with the same building methods and materials used on regular homes. This “soon to be” home by Diamond Park Homes is built on a steel foundation.

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Federal Express

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U.S. PATENTS 8201520, 7370605, 6920841, D575908, D599503, D602649, D603104, D603105, D604017, D603566, D624706, D624708, D622453, D624707, D636942, D629572, D629976, D629975, D624709, D630802, D630653, D647253, D642750, D681883 • OTHER PATENTS PENDING • U.S. TRADEMARKS 3629190 & 3625066

NEW! Outback Wildlife Blinds featuring Outback Wildlife Custom Camo Outback Wildlife LONE STAR HUNTING BLIND The Outback Wildlife Lone Star Edition is our premier blind that features a fully insulated blind with four flip-up combo slider windows, full faux leather interior with wood trimmed corner shelves and faux leather wrapped shooting rails, fold-up shooting bench that accommodates right- and left-handed shooters, fully trimmed with special blackout ceiling and tinted windows. Blind sizes: 6’x6’/6’x8’/8’x8’ Tower sizes: 5’/10’/15’

Outback Blinds feature all aluminum tubular framing, decking and aluminum exterior sheeting; making them superior to other blinds by being lightweight and will not rust or rot, ensuring you years of use. • Flip-up combo slider windows • Tinted & tempered glass windows • RV style door with slam latch • All aluminum tower, porch & ladder • Padded shooting rail • Carpeted flooring • Corner shelves • 6’4” ht. inside clearance

Outback Wildlife RENEGADE HUNTING BLIND

The Outback Wildlife Renegade Edition is an all aluminum blind that is a fully functional blind. With its all aluminum design, you will get years of use from this maintenance-free blind. • Fully insulated • One large flip-up shooter’s window • Three 18” tall center slide windows • Shooting rails at each window • Fully carpeted • Corner shelving • RV door • Tinted windows • Blacked-out ceiling Blind sizes: 6’x6’/6’x8’ Tower sizes: 5’/10’/15’

Outback Wildlife LONGHORN HUNTING BLIND The Outback Longhorn Edition is an non-insulated blind. All aluminum framing and exterior, 100% all welded frame that will not rust, while being comparative in cost to a fiberglass or steel blind. • Fully carpeted • Sliding center windows • Corner shelving • RV door • Shooting rails at each window • Tinted windows Blind sizes: 4’x6’/ 6’x6’/‘6x8’ Tower sizes: 5’/10’/15’

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One of the worst things about hunting in a blind is noise. Trying to open noisy windows when opportunity presents itself. The Outback Wildlife Blinds feature the Quiet Shock Window. Just unlatch the window and simply push them open and the shock will gently raise the window, leaving your game unaware of your presence.

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THE BACK 40

SNAPPED IN THEIR TRACKS

RIGHT AT HOME.

PHOTO BY BUTCH RAMIREZ

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THE BACK 40

DID YOU KNOW?

INTERESTING FACTS BY WARREN BLUNTZER

The owner and operator of Warren Bluntzer Wildlife Consulting Services, inc., which serves Texas and the nation in wildlife consulting services.

The Eyes Have It.

photo by Butch Ramirez

Point to Ponder

“Personal communications helps the business world to be a better place. Think about it. See you down the trail.” - Warren Bluntzer

120

Jackrabbit

Birds

The large ears in jackrabbits aren’t just for looks, they aid in releasing heat through a process called vasodilation. This helps keep Mr. Jackrabbit cool in the harshest of environments.

75 % of all wild birds die before they reach 6 months of age.

Cattle

Black Marlin

Currently there are about one billion cattle in the world of which 200 million occur in India.

A black marlin has been clocked in a study to reach speeds of 80 miles per hour.

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GOOD HUMOR

"" ....:J' ��--�� ...� - N� �� =£:..

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TEXAS DEER ASSOCIATION

CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER

September 28th, 2016, 1PM 1st ANNUAL TDA DOVE HUNT G5 Ranch South of San Antonio For more information, contact: Klint Graf 210-213-5306

OCTOBER

October 13-19, 2016 UNITED STATES ANIMAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE Sheraton Hotel 3121 W. Gate City Blvd. Greensboro, NC 27407 For info, visit www.usaha.org

DECEMBER

December 3-5, 2016 TEXAS FARM BUREAU ANNUAL MEETING Marriott Rivercenter 101 Bowie Street San Antonio, TX 78205

HUNT YOUR WAY

October 27th, 2016 REGION 6 OFFICER ELECTIONS Stafford Redneck Country Club 11110 W Airport Blvd, Stafford, TX 77477

STAY CONNECTED! "Like" TDA on

FACEBOOK! 123

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TEXAS DEER ASSOCIATION

CLASSIFIEDS

Deer - Horse - Cattle - Hog Proof Fence

903-292-0525

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WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO:

The Texas Deer Association focuses on promoting and caring for the welfare of Texas deer herds, seeking to improve both the quality of the deer and the overall deer hunting experience in Texas. Since 1999, we have grown into the state’s leader in protecting the rights of every Texas hunter and sportsman to hunt on their terms, in their way!

PROMOTING WHITETAIL HABITAT:

Wildlife habitat fragmentation continues at an alarming rate in the state of Texas, as urban sprawl expands across the landscape. In our state, for every 1000 new residents in a county, an estimated 149 agricultural acres of land is lost to population. As nearly 97% of land in Texas is privately owned, conservation of wildlife habitat depends almost solely on the motivation of private property owners to participate in habitat management and wildlife conservation to ensure a hunting heritage for the next generation.

WILDLIFE STEWARDSHIP:

True stewards of wildlife resources must encourage ALL habitat conservation, on properties both large and small. Ranchers with smaller properties must be motivated to invest in wildlife resources and habitat. Discouraging the investment in habitat on smaller acreages through over-regulation, will surely signal the destruction of millions of acres of critical Texas wildlife habitat.

Working to preserve our whitetail heritage and our hunting traditions for generations.

HUNT YOUR WAY 125

816 Congress Avenue, Suite 950, Austin, TX 78701 • (O) 512-499-0466 • (F) 844-489-8244

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AD INDEX

126

3-S Whitetails .................................... 47

High Wide & Heavy Whitetails .........110

Reproductive Services, LLC ..............124

4M Whitetails...............................82,101

Hoffpauir Group ..................................7

Revels Racks ...................................... 91

All Seasons Feeders ...........................40

In Sights Nutrition ............................121

Rockstar Whitetails .........38,39,52,60,61

Atascosa Wildlife Supply, Inc. ............ 69

Indian Mountain Ranch ....................... 8

RR Ranch..........................81,86,103,115

Big Rack Ranch .................................109

Jackson Hill Ranch ........................... 114

RS Deer & Cattle Ranch .................... 79

Blue Creek Whitetails .......................108

KDH Whitetail Nursery ......................124

SASCO- San Antonio Steel Co. ..........51

Brown Trophy Whitetail Ranch ......94,95

Limitless Genetics...............................93

Sekula Whitetail Ranch ...................... 78

Capital Farm Credit ............................ 3

Lodge Creek Whitetails ..................... 13

Sexy Whitetails .................................. 45

CC Bar Whitetails .............................. 56

Lonehollow Whitetails ....................36,37

Summit Whitetails ............................. 57

Champion Genetics ........................ 124

Lyssy & Eckel Feeds .......................... 58

Tajada Whitetails .............. IBC, 104,105

Charquitas Creek Ranch .....................59

Massey Hollow Whitetails ............ 70,71

Tejas Ranch & Game Fence ..............124

Cougar Ridge ............................... 92,96

M C Bar Whitetails ............................ 68

Texas Hunter Products ...................... 80

Cross Canyon Whitetails .....................32

Mosley Ranch .................................... 49

Texas M3 Ranch ................................ 87

Deer Star Breeders ..................... 75,107

Mossy Rock Whitetails ........................ 9

The Refuge ......................................100

Derby~Sand~Ranch ........................119

NADR ...............................................102

Trophy Ridge Whitetails .................... 77

Designer Roofing..............................119

Outback Wildlife Feeders..........116,117

TWC Ranch Services .........................126

Droptine Ranch ..................................50

Paco Deer Co., Inc ............................. 46

Wildlife Consulting Services, LLC .....124

Easley Does It Whitetails...................121

Pine Meadow Ranch ...........63,83,99,106

Wildpoint Whitetails .......................... 62

G2 Ranch .......................................... 76

Priefert .............................................124

Wilks Ranch ....................................... 11

Gist-Kinsman Ranch ............................16

Purina ................................................ 10

Wilson Whitetail Ranch ..................... 44

Goatweed Ranch .............................. 48

Purina Mills - SW .......................... 84,85

High Roller Whitetails ......... 15, BC, IFC

Record Rack ...................................... 35

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