MAGAZINE OF THE TEXAS WILDLIFE ASSOCIATION SEPTEMBER Texas’2022 Other Doves
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WildLife
One of those memories was my first convention as a TWA staff member. The July 2008 event was held at the Hill Country Hyatt. I remember being impressed— and a little intimidated—by the number of people in attendance and how they all seemed to be good friends. Fourteen years later it all makes a lot of sense. The TWA membership is a big family, and the annual Convention is our reunion.
Thanks for being a TWA member.
JUSTINCOMMENTSDREIBELBIS
Texas Wildlife Association 6644 FM 1102 New Braunfels, TX www.texas-wildlife.org78132 (210) 826-2904 FAX (210) 826-4933 (800) 839-9453 (TEX-WILD) Statement Texas wildlife and its habitat, while protecting property rights, hunting heritage, and the conservation efforts of those who value and steward wildlife resources.
Serving
2022 was another resounding success for our organization. We saw great attendance, excellent educational programs, exciting auctions, and frequent opportunities for members to fellowship with one another. The revenue that was produced over the three-day event will help TWA continue to advocate on behalf of landowners and hunters and educate Texans about our natural resources and the private landowner’s important role in managing them. None of this important work happens without the passion and generosity of our members and that generosity certainly shined through at the JW Marriott once again in mid-July. Here’s a big thank you to all our sponsors, donors, auction buyers, planning committees, and TWA staff who made the event happen!
Mission
There is so much hard work that gets pumped into this event each year to make it a success. Thank you all for playing an important part.
In preparation for creating the 2022 Convention issue of “Texas Wildlife” I spent some time looking back through past September issues to get a few ideas and inspiration. As I thumbed through the pages looking at pictures from past events, I couldn’t help but reflect on a bunch of good memories.
TEXAS WILDLIFE is published monthly by the Texas Wildlife Association, 6644 FM 1102, New Braunfels, TX 78132. E-mail address: twa@texas-wildlife.org. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Texas Wildlife Association, 6644 FM 1102, New Braunfels, TX 78132. The Texas Wildlife Association (TWA) was organized in 1985 for the purpose of serving as an advocate for the benefit of wildlife and for the rights of wildlife managers, landowners and hunters in educational, scientific, political, regulatory and legislative arenas. TEXAS WILDLIFE is the official TWA publication and has widespread circulation throughout Texas and the United States. All rights reserved. No parts of these magazines may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without express written permission from the publisher. Copyrighted 2022 Texas Wildlife Association. Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Texas Wildlife Association. Similarities between the name Texas Wildlife Association and those of advertisers or state agencies are coincidental, and do not indicate mutual affiliation, unless clearly noted. TWA reserves the right to refuse advertising.
SEPTEMBER 20224 TEXAS WILDLIFE TEXAS WILDLIFE CEO
Texas Wildlife Association
I hope you enjoy looking through the photos of this year’s event and that they bring back some good memories from past conventions for you, too. Be sure to mark your calendar for July 13-16, 2023, when we will do it all over again.
WWW.TEXAS-WILDLIFE.ORG 5 Texas Wildlife MAGAZINE OF THE TEXAS WILDLIFE ASSOCIATION 8 Texas’ Lesser Known Doves Texas is home to a wide variety of dove species by MARY O. PARKER Photo by Melody Lytle VOLUME 38 H NUMBER 5 H 2022 SEPTEMBER 54 Outdoor Traditions Gone Fishing by SALLIE LEWIS Pond Management Winterizing Your Pond by TODD SINK and BRITTANY CHESSER 18 Borderlands News Competition Among Aoudad, Desert Bighorn Sheep, and Mule Deer in the Trans-Pecos by OLIVIA GRAY, JUSTIN T. FRENCH, and CARLOS E. GONZALEZ 1416 Lessons From Leopold Grazing and Erosion by STEVE NELLE Texas’ Other Doves While the Mourning Dove and the White-winged Dove are the most well-known dove species in Texas, the Lone Star State is home to a variety of dove and pigeon species. Most are not commonly seen unless you’re looking for them; some are relatively large and some are diminutive. But all add to the wealth of wildlife that call Texas home, including this Band-tailed Pigeon that graces the cover. Learn more about Texas’ lesser-known doves in Mary O. Parker’s article beginning on page 8. Photo by Larry Ditto On the Cover MAGAZINE CORPS Justin Dreibelbis, Executive Editor Burt Rutherford, Consulting Publications Coordinator/Editor Lorie A. Woodward, Special Projects Editor David Brimager, Advertising Director Publication Printers Corp., Printing, Denver, CO Magazine Staff 34 WildLife 2022 36 9th Annual Private Lands Summit 39 Thank You to Our WildLife 2021 Sponsors 40 Joint Membership and Directors Meeting 41 Elected Officers and Directors 43 Thank You to WildLife 2022 Exhibitors 44 Statewide Texas Big Game Awards 45 TWAF Luncheon 46 WildLife 2022 General Session 47 TWA Volunteer of the Year Awards 47 Ray Murski Friend of Wildlife Award 48 Charly McTee Outdoor Media Award 49 Sam Beasom Conservation Leader Award 50 TWA Life Member and TWAPAC Reception 51 WildLife 2022 Auction Success 26 Recipes for Enjoying the Harvest of Fall Dove and quail are longtime favorites by TAMRA M. BOLTON 22 Long-term Leases and Lifetimes of Stewardship Hank and Ted Paup take the long-term view of stewardship by ELLEN H. BRISENDINE 30 Llano Springs Ranch Developing Multiple Income Streams by LORIE A. WOODWARD 20 Hunting Doves With Decoys Try decoys on the fence and near water by BRANDON RAY
SEPTEMBER
TEXAS WILDLIFE
SEPTEMBER 8 Hunting Film Tour Kickoff, YETI Flagship, Austin. The Hunting Film Tour features 10-12 conservationoriented adventure stories. For more information, visit www.Texas-wildlife.org or contact Kristin Parma at (800) 839-9453 or kparma@texas-wildlife.org.
OCTOBER
SEPTEMBER 22 Hunting Film Tour, YETI, San Antonio. The Hunting Film Tour features 10-12 conservationoriented adventure stories. For more information, visit www.Texas-wildlife.org or contact Kristin Parma at (800) 839-9453 or kparma@texas-wildlife.org.
FOR INFORMATION ON HUNTING SEASONS, call the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at (800) 792-1112, consult the 2022-2023 Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual, or visit the TPWD website at tpwd.state.tx.us.
SEPTEMBER 9 9th South Texas Wildlife Conference, Cuero. This year’s STWC is all about the changing paradigms in wildlife management. For more information, go to www.texas-wildlife.org or contact Kristin Parma at kparma@texas-wildlife.org.
DECEMBER 17 Members-only Wild Game Cooking Class, TWA Headquarters, New Braunfels. For more information, visit www.Texas-wildlife.org or contact Kristin Parma at (800) 839-9453 or kparma@texas-wildlife.org.
OCTOBER 3 Ladies Quail Hunt. TWA, McKenna Quinn, and Spoke Hollow Outfitters are excited to join forces to offer a unique opportunity to connect women’s conservation and upland bird hunting communities by hosting a morning Hill Country experience. For more information, contact Kristin Parma at kparma@texas-wildlife.org.
OCTOBER 6 Hunting Film Tour, YETI, Dallas. The Hunting Film Tour features 10-12 conservation-oriented adventure stories. For more information, visit www.Texas-wildlife.org or contact Kristin Parma at (800) 839-9453 or kparma@texas-wildlife.org.
OCTOBER 20 Hunting Film Tour, YETI, Houston. The Hunting Film Tour features 10-12 conservation-oriented adventure stories. For more information, visit www.Texas-wildlife.org or contact Kristin Parma at (800) 839-9453 or kparma@texas-wildlife.org.
DECEMBER
SEPTEMBER 8 Member Mixer at Spoetzl Brewery, Shiner. Brewery tours and complimentary appetizers from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., courtesy of Shiner Beer and Life Members Jackie and Steven Harker. For more information, go to www.texas-wildlife.org or contact Kristin Parma at kparma@texas-wildlife.org.
SEPTEMBER 20226 TEXAS WILDLIFE MEETINGS AND EVENTS
SEPTEMBER 16-18 Women of the Land Dove Hunting Workshop, Albany. The workshop is an experiential dive into hunting and its role in wildlife and land management. Network with other women hunters and conservationists while enjoying three dove hunting outings. Learn about firearms, field dressing and cooking wild game, dove habitat and ecology, and more. Registration includes lodging, meals, educational material, and swag, courtesy of McKenna Quinn. For more information, go to www.texaswildlife.org or contact Amanda Gobeli at agobeli@texas-wildlife. org or Kristin Parma at kparma@texas-wildlife.org.
DECEMBER 12 Houston Clay Shoot, Greater Houston Gun Club. For more information, visit www.Texas-wildlife.org or contact Kristin Parma at (800) 839-9453 or kparma@texas-wildlife.org.
OCTOBER 19 2022 Texas Outdoorsman of the Year, honoring Carter Smith. Texas Old Town, Kyle. To make a donation or for more information, visit www.twafoundation.org or contact TJ Goodpasture at tgoodpasture@texas-wildlife.org
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER 6 TWA Foundation presents Camp James 2022 with special musical guest Jack Ingram. Enjoy an evening dedicated to celebrating the successful impact of wildlife and conservation education which connects North Texas youth to the land. For information on tickets or to donate fundraising items, contact TWAF Director of Development TJ Goodpasture at (800) 839-9453 or tjgoodpasture@texas-wildlife.org, or go to www.twafoundation.org.
OCTOBER
SEPTEMBER 20228 TEXAS WILDLIFE TEXAS’ LESSER KNOWN DOVES ParkereffJbyPhoto
White-tipped Doves are legal to hunt in Texas, but few hunters know much about them. Native to South Texas, they are solitary or seen only in pairs.
A lot has changed in 40 years, but some things have remained the same. Just like my dad, today’s Texas hunters still mostly aim for Mourning and White-winged Doves. Many nonhunters are also quite familiar with the two species. But Texas is home to plenty of other dove species, albeit not all of them can beWhetherhunted. their common name includes the word “pigeon” or the word “dove,” these birds all belong to the Columbidae family. Not only do pigeons and doves share the same family, but also certain physical features such as thick, round bodies and short necks. In addition, regardless of species, these lesser-known birds primarily dine on plants, seeds, fruits, and insects during breeding season. One difference is that, overall, those called “doves” tend to be somewhat smaller than those bearing the “pigeon” moniker.
Texas is home to a wide variety of dove species
Article by MARY O. PARKER
WWW.TEXAS-WILDLIFE.ORG 9
TEXAS’ LESSER KNOWN DOVES
Four decades later I still smile when I recall a favorite hunting trip with my dad. At 10 years old, I was no wing-shooter and he knew it, so one morning he let me sleep in while he went hunting. I didn’t even realize he’d left until the wonderful scent of doves cooking in butter roused me from my slumber. My father had harvested two Mourning Doves and was making us breakfast.
IN SEASON…OR…NO SEASON?
• Unprotected; No bag limit, hunting allowed year-round
Overall, said Fitzsimmons, “Birds are fantastic bio-indicators, meaning when you have a wide diversity of bird species in an area, it often indicates the habitat is healthy and diverse, as well. Having multiple species of doves on a property improves the biodiversity and that’s always a good thing.”
PROTECTED, NOT HUNTED Band-tailed Pigeon Soft bluish, purplish grays color Band-tailed Pigeons and a white horizontal strip creates a band around the back of their necks. Yellow feet and a matching yellow bill tipped with black complete this bird’s look. This forest-oriented species tends to search for food as flocks. Group sizes of these nomadic birds can reach several dozen, but more commonly they form flocks of a dozen or two.
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“Although [White-tipped Dove] are a game species, few hunters know anything about them outside of those who regularly hunt or live in South Texas. Even then, many South Texas hunters have never seen one,” Fitzsimmons said. “They are not a common species to come across while hunting—they don’t really migrate or move around in large groups like Mourning and White-winged doves. In fact, they often act more like quail than other doves. They are really unique and interesting birds.”
• Protected; Hunted with bag limit and in season
Although there are nearly 200 species technically defined as game birds by the MBTA, the vast majority will likely never be considered for an open season due to limited range, low abundance, or even just historical interest, or lack thereof, from hunters.”
However, cautioned Owen Fitzsimmons, dove program leader for TPWD, “How [Texas’] lesser-known dove species are re acting is not well understood. We do know species like Whitewinged Doves have expanded their range and now primarily oc cupy urban habitats where they’ve expanded, and they seem to be very successful in doing so. Columbids are generally pretty adaptable, but time will tell how the changing landscape in Tex as will affect these different species.”
The goal in Texas is to focus on increasing their population as well as learning more about them. Historically, Band-tailed White-tipped Doves are unique and interesting birds. This species is also known as White-fronted. Their eyes are pale yellow and they have reddish feet and legs, plus a soft-white chin and forehead.
One example is that, unlike other dove species, White-tipped Doves are not very sociable. Instead, they hang out in pairs or go it alone.Thisspecies is also known as White-fronted. Their eyes are pale yellow and they have reddish feet and legs, plus a softwhite chin and forehead. Magenta and blue-green iridescence embellish their throat and breast. When the birds take flight, one can glimpse whitish-beige on the corners of their tail. And, upon lift-off, their wings create a loud whistle. White-tipped Doves forage mostly on the ground, walking quickly and bobbing their heads as they search for fallen berries, seeds, and insects. They inhabit thick brush and sometimes citrus groves, like those in South Texas.
Per Fitzsimmons, “There is a season for Band-tailed Pigeons in certain states out west, but Texas has a limited number of those birds and no open season for them.”
White-tipped Dove
With that in mind, TPWD has classified the lesser-known dove species in the following ways:
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of 1918 instituted protection for all North America’s native migratory birds. But, explained Fitzsimmons, “It also allows hunting seasons to be established for a select few families of birds, including Columbids.
PROTECTED; HUNTED WITH BAG LIMIT AND IN SEASON
Band-tailed Pigeons live in mature coniferous forests or pineoak woodlands. They also visit forested suburban parks, fields, orchards, and backyard bird feeders to forage. Unlike most dove, they do the majority of their feeding up in trees. Their numbers fell to super low levels due to overhunting, but thanks to protection they’ve made a decent comeback.
Plenty has been written about Texas’ growing population and how this growth detrimentally affects wildlife, but doves in general seem to have adapted better to human habitat expansion than many other animals. In fact, some actually seem to benefit from Texas’ ongoing conversion of rural lands into croplands and urban and suburban development.
Where there’s agriculture, cities, and neighborhoods there’s water. Not only does a consistent water supply increase the amount of food available for doves, but it provides the supple mental water (as opposed to metabolic water) the birds need to digest their food. Add to the mix backyard feeders and shelter provided by buildings and other structures and one can see why some species—such as the non-native Eurasian and Rock Dove or common pigeon—are proliferating.
SEPTEMBER 202210 TEXAS WILDLIFE TEXAS’ LESSER KNOWN DOVES GROWING, GROWING, GONE?
• Protected; Not hunted
The Common Ground Dove is native to the southern U.S. The diminutive birds measure only 6-7 inches and are considered the smallest dove species in our nation. It’s certainly the littlest in MostTexas!of their foraging occurs on the ground, hence their name. As they walk, they fill their crops with seeds, berries and, especially when nesting, small insects. In Texas they can be found in semi-open habitats such as the edges of woods, and thickets along streams and orchards. They’ll also come to bird feeders, especially in dryer regions.
Pigeons haven’t been studied much so there’s still plenty for ornithologists to learn about this species. The current Texas population isn’t known, but what is known is that most Bandtailed Pigeons live concentrated in cities and the far western reaches of the state.
WWW.TEXAS-WILDLIFE.ORG 11 TEXAS’ LESSER KNOWN DOVES
According to Fitzsimmons, “There is evidence that Inca and Common Ground Doves may be expanding in range, but I don’t know to what extent they are utilizing urban habitats in these new areas.”
Unlike almost any other animal that inhabits Texas (except perhaps humans) Common Ground Doves are active in the mid-day heat. Males search for mates year-round and can be heard calling throughout the day. The Inca Dove can give the Common Ground Dove some competition for the most diminutive, but Inca Doves can be identified by intricate scallop designs decorating their slender bodies.
byPhotoLarryDitto
In the last three decades, the population of Common Ground Doves has seriously declined. Researchers don’t know exactly why, especially considering that this species seems to do OK where they have access to irrigated agricultural fields and small residential developments.
When in flight, the Ground Dove’s wings create a fluttery, rattling sound similar to Inca Doves. Males remain incessant at their wooing efforts, sometimes “woot, woot, wooting” through out mid-day heat when most other wildlife are taking it easy.
When temperatures grow nippy, Inca Doves huddle into a pyramid formation to help conserve heat. Listen for the unique rustling sound of their wings in flight or their notable coo of “no hope, no hope, no hope.”
Common Ground Dove form long-term pair bonds but, other wise, don’t socialize much. Inca Dove Inca Dove are one of the smallest doves in Texas and they’re one of the prettiest, too, thanks to intricate scallop designs decorating their slender bodies. This species does well near people, especially in open areas with scattered cover. In South Texas, they especially hang out where there is palo verde. Inca Dove do well in deserts and South Texas’ brush country.
Common Ground Dove
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“Landowners who hunt could enjoy having the opportunity to go after Eurasian Collared Doves, if they have them,” Fitzsim mons said. “Non-native Columbids, like Rock Dove and Eur asian Collared Doves, are not protected by the MBTA. TPWD considers these species to be exotic and ‘unprotected’—there is no closed season or bag limit restrictions.”
byPhotoLarryDitto
byPhotoLarryDitto
According to Fitzsimmons, such a slim bit of U.S. habitat puts them at risk. “Band-tailed and Red-billed Pigeons may be more at risk than others due to their very limited ranges in Texas,” he said. Their numbers continue on a downward trajectory, most likely due to loss of native habitat. Unfortunately, many of their old stomping grounds have been converted to agriculture, leaving these birds little land to support their dietary and nesting needs.
HUNTING ALLOWED YEAR-ROUND Eurasian Collared Dove With red eyes and a black “collar” rimming the back of their neck (hence their name), Eurasian Collared Doves are easy to tell apart from others in the family Columbidae. These birds are fecund—very! While Texas’ native doves usually nest just twice a year, it’s not unusual for this non-native to make four nesting attempts annually. Sometimes they even try for six. In fact, they’ll often begin construction of a new nest while fledglings still occupy the current one.
In 1974, when Eurasian Collared Doves were introduced to North America, their population numbered somewhere around 100 to 200. Today, in Texas alone, they number more than 5 million. This, although Lone Star hunters harvest more than 500,000 of the birds every year.
Indeed, with no bag limit and no season to restrict hunting them, Eurasian Collared Doves offer hunters the chance to imThe Red-billed Pigeon is one of the rarest of the dove species in Texas. The Rio Grande River is the northern-most edge of its territory; it’s more common in Mexico and Central America.
Red-billed Pigeons breed in Texas beginning in mid-February. The best chance of glimpsing one occurs in Starr and Hidalgo counties from mid-February to mid-September. To do so, first listen for their low song: “whoo, whoop-a-whoo.” Once you hear it, grab your binoculars and glass the tops of short trees nearby. Search for blueish-gray coloring and a red bill capped off by pale yellow.
Red-Billed Pigeon With a length of 12-15 inches, Red-billed Pigeons are big birds! However, the Texas territory they claim remains quite small. Found primarily in Mexico and Central America, they just barely enter the U.S. In particular, they keep to the Rio Grande Valley, specifically native woods along the river.
The Eurasian Collared Dove, so named for the distinctive black collar on the back of its neck, is the most recent invasive dove to flourish in Texas’ hospitable climes. In 1974, when Eurasian Collared Doves were introduced to North America, their population numbered somewhere around 100 to 200. Today, in Texas alone, they number more than 5 million. This, although Lone Star hunters harvest more than 500,000 of the birds every year. Because they’re unprotected, they can be hunted year ‘round and make great table fare.
UNPROTECTED; NO BAG LIMIT,
SEPTEMBER 202212 TEXAS WILDLIFE TEXAS’ LESSER KNOWN DOVES
Red-billed Pigeons frequently forage in hackberry, ebony, huisache, mistletoe, and mesquite. There, they dine on fruits, seeds, seedlings, and buds.
“One additional issue,” Fitzsimmons added, “is that Texas is at the northern end of the range… and we know very little about their status in Mexico and Central America, making it a huge challenge to understand the bigger picture when it comes to management and conservation.”
Doves are often good bio-indicators. If doves are plentiful, it’s a good indicator that biodiversity is healthy. Inca Doves are comfortable around people, especially in open areas.
“Native doves can also transmit these viruses, but generally are much less likely to be infectious,” he said.
Think of pigeons in the park and you’ll picture a Rock Dove. Rock Doves are similar in size to Eurasian Collared Doves and, like the collared birds, sport red eyes. However, the Rock Dove’s gor geous iridescence, which shimmers along its neck, makes identifying it easy. This species can also be ID’ed by its two black bars across each wing, a black band at the end of the bill, and their unusual red eyes.
Records indicate that in approximately 4500 BC, Rock Doves were the first birds to be domesticated. These “pigeons,” first introduced to North American in 1606, are famous for their incredible homing ability. Using the sun and Earth’s mag netic field, Rock Doves have a long his tory of serving as messengers, including delivering missives for notable warriors such as Napoleon and Caesar. Rock Doves are extremely adaptable, which allows them to thrive in habitats in which other birds do not. They’re also true omnivores and dine on anything from seeds and leaves to popcorn andThiscake.non-native dove species lives throughout Texas year-round. They’ve tak en a particular liking to urban areas where they roost on and in buildings. As super social birds, Rock Doves live and breed in large groups.
WWW.TEXAS-WILDLIFE.ORG 13 TEXAS’ LESSER KNOWN DOVES
bibe on delicious dove meat throughout the year. This species tastes nearly identi cal to those with bag limits. Despite their reproductive success, Fitzsimmons said, “There are no strong indications that the exotic Columbids [like Eurasian Collared Dove] are having major impacts to our native doves and pigeon populations, but they definitely compete for food and nesting habitat at the individual level.”
byPhotoLarryDitto
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One potential impact could be for any landowners who raise poultry. Rock Doves and Eurasian Collared Doves can carry deadly and contagious paramyxoviruses like Newcastle Disease that can be easily transmitted to domestic poultry.
The Rock Dove, better known as the common pigeon, is an invasive species that’s been around for a long time. First brought to North America in the 1600s, they’re commonly seen around urban skyscrapers and suburban parks.
“I have stated that any system of grazing, no matter how conservative, induces erosion. The proof of this statement . . . may be seen almost anywhere in the hills.”
Aldo
BY STEVE NELLE
The worst enemy of healthy rangeland is using set stocking rates and refusing to reduce animal numbers in drought.
Grazing and Erosion
It is still true today that the manner of grazing on some ranches induces soil erosion. Cow trails concentrate runoff and form gullies. Heavy use near water, salt, mineral, and feeding areas results in sparse grass cover and erosion. When livestock stay too long in a pasture, the grass cover may temporarily be insuffi cient to prevent erosion. These common examples of erosion are not difficult to correct if the manager has the desire.
Every rancher knows that rainfall and forage production vary greatly from year to year, yet some producers keep the same number of animals regardless of forage production. Overgrazing and erosion are inevitable with this kind of management.
LeopoldAldotheofCourtesyPhoto
~ Leopold 1921 ofUniversityandFoundation ArchivesWisconsin-Madison
This is a follow-up to the lesson titled “Dogmatic Statements” in the May 2022 issue of “Texas Wildlife.” In that lesson, we discussed the danger of making bold, rigid proclamations. In this lesson, we’ll address the assertion that grazing causes erosion. As with many dogmatic state ments, there is a mix of truth and error in what Leopold said. Grazing done the wrong way can cause erosion while graz ing done the right way can heal erosion.
We know a lot more than early day ranchers knew about sustainable grazing. We know that chronic heavy grazing injures the root system and hurts the vigor of grass plants, which leads to thinning the protective grass cover. We now know that grasses can be substantially grazed, but then they need an adequate period to recover before being grazed again. We know the importance of maintaining residual grass to cover the soil and improve rainfall penetration. By using flexible stocking rates bal anced to current forage production and adaptive rotational grazing, grass cover will improve and erosion will be curtailed. Areas of active erosion can often be healed by the right kind of grazing management. Bare, denuded areas can usually be come covered by desirable grasses, al though the process may be slow. Soil health and productivity will improve as grass and litter cover increases. Deeper rooted grasses will gradually increase, taking the place of shorter grasses. What was damaged by the previous generations can be slowly restored. New forms of grazing management with new names are being actively promoted, and if done skillfully, they can produce good results. But the new intensive methods are not for everyone and even simple forms of management can be successful in improving a damaged grass cover and reversing erosion. The positive results that can be achieved through improved grazing management are commensurate with the operator’s skill and the effort invested.
SEPTEMBER 202214 TEXAS WILDLIFE WRITER’S NOTE: Aldo Leopold (1887-1948) is considered the father of modern wildlife management. This bi-monthly column will feature Leopold's thought-provoking philosophies as well as commentary.
Yes, overgrazing still occurs and when it does it causes erosion. We have a long way to go to make overgrazing rare in Texas. But the trend is positive toward improved grazing methods, better grass cover, and reduced erosion. Aldo Leopold had a keen interest in soil conservation as well as wildlife management. While his conclusions were not always perfect, he knew that when the soil is cared for properly, water, wildlife, timber, and grazing can be productive and sustainable.
However, the good news is that over grazing and erosion have been greatly re duced over the last 50 years. Our knowl edge of grazing management has come a long way since Leopold made his bold but incorrect statement. Furthermore, the ethics of good land stewardship which drive management decisions are now more highly developed.
Another problem that often leads to excessive grazing and erosion is adherence to traditional outdated stocking rate guidelines. For example, many livestock producers in Central Texas believe that the area will support a cow per 20 or 25 acres on native rangeland. In reality, most ranches will not support those numbers and the result is short-grazed pastures and subtle, cumulative erosion.
WWW.TEXAS-WILDLIFE.ORG 15 SPECIALIZING IN CUSTOM FORESTRY & BRUSH MANAGEMENT BLUE BADGE LAND SERVICES bluebadgelandservices@gmail.com512.755.9864 bluebadgelandservices.combluebadgelandservices LAND CLEARING CEDAR REMOVAL MULCHING PUSH & PILE SHREDDING Specializing in: Farms, Ranches and Hunting Properties Throughout TEXAS! j Call Me Today i Johnny Baker Realtor johntxland@gmail.comwww.txland.comAssociate713-829-9951
Article by OLIVIA GRAY, JUSTIN T. FRENCH and CARLOS E. GONZALEZ
Desert bighorn sheep and mule deer are species of con cern in Texas. Early in the last century, habitat loss, unregulated hunting, and the introduction of live stock diseases led to the decline of mule deer and the complete extirpation of bighorn sheep in the Trans-Pecos. Fortunately, beginning in the mid-1900s, restoration efforts were implement ed and both species were successfully reestablished across their historicAroundrange.the same time those two native species were reintroduced, aoudad were introduced onto the Texas landscape. Originally from Northern Africa, this non-native invasive species came to Texas in the mid-20th century when 44 individuals were released into Palo Duro Canyon. By 1999, upwards of 20,000 aoudad were reported throughout the state. Aoudad are a very gregarious species and have adapted well to the rough terrain of the Trans-Pecos. Females can be sexually mature at nine months old, with a gestation period of only 22 Graduate student researcher Olivia Gray (pictured here) and her research team collected fecal samples from desert bighorn sheep, aoudad, and desert mule deer to compare forage preferences between the three species. Mule deer are one of three species being observed for behavior and diet comparisons in West Texas.
SEPTEMBER 202216 TEXAS WILDLIFE BORDERLANDS NEWS BORDERLANDS RESEARCH INSTITUTE AT SUL ROSS STATE UNIVERSITY TEXAS WILDLIFE
CelayaJuanbyPhoto GrayOliviabyPhoto
Competition Among Aoudad, Desert Bighorn Sheep, and Mule Deer in the Trans-Pecos
Since we already know there is already habitat overlap between these species in the Van Horn Mountains, here are the next questions to answer: are bighorn sheep, aou dad, and mule deer using resources at the same time? Or are they partitioning them selves through time to limit competition?
Using collar data, our team is inspect ing cycles in resource use of each species through time, including water sources, vegetation resources, aspect, and escape cover. Using resources on different cy cles—for instance, diurnal (daytime) vs. crepuscular (twilight)—may indicate tem poral partitioning of those resources. We are studying these cycles through time to determine changes in resource importance to these ungulates and how temporal partitioning of resources chang es throughout the year. This information will identify when these resources most influence movement behavior, as well as both when and how these species manage competition for them.
The BAM project ensures we fill gaps in knowledge about aoudad and more specifically their interactions with our two native ungulates. All these ques tions, those we have answered and those we are continuing to answer through our research, will allow managers to target management actions in specific places, at specific times, to achieve specific results. Data like these will help assure the longterm success of mule deer and desert big horn sheep restoration in Texas.
WWW.TEXAS-WILDLIFE.ORG 17 BORDERLANDS NEWS weeks, often producing twins. The ability to reproduce at such a young age, produce twins, and a shorter pregnancy time could result in population growth rates much higher than that of mule deer and bighorn sheep. The similarity of anatomy and native ranges of aoudad with native desert big horn sheep and mule deer suggests that aoudad may share common behaviors and preferences with our two native spe cies. If this is the case, there is concern that aoudad could compete with native species for already scarce desert resources such as food and water, compromising the restoration efforts of our native species.
While some information about the di ets of all three ungulate species individu ally is available, there is currently no in formation on overlap of diet when these species overlap on the landscape. When species coexist, they modify how they use resources to limit competition. This is not always possible in places like the Chihua huan Desert where low rainfall limits the amount of quality forage for a large por tion of the year. Through our study, we want to understand how dietary overlap changes throughout the year. Our fieldwork consists of collecting fe cal samples of all three species monthly over a year in the Van Horn Mountains. We are currently conducting microhistol ogy analysis on all the fecal samples. This entails grinding and bleaching the fecal samples, mounting them on slides, and looking at them under a microscope. By doing this, we can identify specific plant cell fragments down to the species, giving us a detailed description of diet composi tion from each species every month. This will show when and to what degree diet is overlapping between all three species.
Since the introduction of aoudad into Texas, little has been researched on the degree of competitive interactions be tween these three ungulate species. Luck ily, Borderlands Research Institute along with TPWD are finally looking to tackle these research questions through what we have coined as our BAM project (bighorn, aoudad, mule deer). This study initially set out to answer the question of how aoudad habitat prefer ences are similar to mule deer and desert bighorn sheep by collaring more than 100 individuals of all three species in the Van Horn Mountains. From this, we found aoudad and desert bighorn sheep select for a narrow breadth of escape terrain as well as a high degree of overlap spatially in optimal habitat. Mule deer showed a weaker selection for escape terrain, and their habitat distribution only marginally overlapped with aoudad and bighorn. This information indicated we needed to investigate finer scale interactions of these three species, such as diet overlap and potential temporal partitioning, to understand more fully when competition could be occurring.
September and early fall are also the time to harvest fish before feeding ac tivity and subsequent catch rates are re duced due to cool water temperatures and fish become harder to catch and harvest. Make sure you are close to your annual harvest rates for bass (10 pounds per acre for unfertilized ponds, 25 pounds per acre for fertilized ponds) and catfish (harvest all fish over 2 pounds). If not, get to fish ing and harvest those fish now.
Winterizing Your Pond
BRITTANY CHESSER, Aquatic Vegetation Management Program Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
SEPTEMBER 202218 TEXAS WILDLIFE POND MANAGEMENT TEXAS WILDLIFE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
If you use a feeder to add supplemental food to your pond, chances are you have been increasing the feeding frequency and rates on your timer as the summer warms and fish feeding increases. Make sure to turn the feeder timer back down as the wa ter cools and fish feeding rate is reduced.
If you stock tilapia for forage or vegeta tion control, they will stop feeding below 60F and begin to die at a water tempera ture of 50F. Most ponds in Texas will reach 50F within two weeks before or af ter Thanksgiving, depending on latitude. The larger tilapia are great eating and may be too large for your bass and catfish to eat, so they are fine to harvest. If you see cold-shocked tilapia, they are fine to eat as long as the gills are still bright red.
We may just be approaching the end of summer and while it is still too hot to start thinking about winter, September is the time to start making plans to prepare your pond for the cooler weather to come. There are many things you can do to benefit your fish and pond ecology going into the winter and make your pond that much better the following spring.
For pond owners who utilize a fertiliza tion program to boost food production, make sure your last fertilizer application is applied at least six weeks before the wa ter temperature decreases to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In most of the state, your wa ter will decline to 60F by mid-November, so the last fertilizer application should be applied no later than early October.
Fall is also the time of year to treat emergent vegetation with herbicides. Her bicides often kill most, but not all the veg etation. In the fall, emergent vegetation stores carbohydrates to make it through the winter. By treating in the fall, the her bicide not only hurts the plant, but stops it storing critical carbohydrates to make it through the winter. This double action ensures a greater kill rate of emergent vegetation and a weed-free spring.
Article by TODD SINK, Associate Professor and Aquaculture Extension Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Fall is a good time to consider treating encroaching vegetation around your pond. The plants are storing carbohydrates for the upcoming winter which makes the herbicide even more effective.
Most fertilizer applications last on average six weeks, but the phytoplankton you are trying to fertilize largely become dormant below 60F. Fertilizing below this temperature is a waste of money and the excess nutrient application can lead to rooted aquatic vegetation issues the following spring.
Photo courtesy of TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE EXTENSION SERVICE
Many times, people get into deer season and forget to turn their pond feeder down, so it continues to apply feed at high rates even though the fish are not eating it all. This not only wastes feed and money, but the excess feed can lead to bacterial blooms and result in low dissolved oxygen fish kills. Remember to cease pond feeding at water temperatures below 50F. The water temperature is cool enough at this point that fish are not feeding heavily and do not need supplemental feed.
The first thing to consider is the pond ecosystem, most importantly food.
WWW.TEXAS-WILDLIFE.ORG 19 SALES | AUCTIONS | FINANCE | APPRAISALS | MANAGEMENT WWW.HALLANDHALL.COM VIEW MORE LISTINGS ONLINE AT R & R RANCH $11,190,000 | Aspermont, TX This premier conservation sporting ranch in central Stonewall County is in the heart of the rare Nobscot “quail sands” soil series. The 4,069± acres are teeming with whitetail deer, turkey, and feral hogs, and an immaculate move-in ready lodge. $4,500,000 | Brownwood, TX Adjacent to Lake Brownwood, 391.29± acres with a custom home, barndominium for guests, and a 26-acre privately owned lake. A private escape with first-class opportunities for fishing, waterfowl, and hunting with close proximity to Brownwood. CODORNIZ RANCH RENEW TODAY to receive your NEW Membership Decal! Texas Wildlife Association 6644 FM 1102 New Braunfels, TX www.texas-wildlife.org78132 (210) 826-2904 FAX (210) 826-4933 (800) 839-9453 (TEX-WILD)
Lisa Armbruster with a handful of doves and the decoys on the fence that helped lure the birds in close for a shot.
HUNTING DOVES WITH DECOYS
DOVE HUNTING WITH FAKES
SEPTEMBER 202220 TEXAS WILDLIFE
It was September 1, opening day of Texas’ dove season, and I was guarding water in the Texas Panhandle. Dreams of baconwrapped dove breasts sizzling on the grill kept me focused despite the heat. I watched the clouds pass, gun ready.
Finally, in the late afternoon, the birds started to fly. First it was a few singles. My over-under 20 gauge dropped two near the pond’s edge. Next, waves of 3-10 birds came from the north. They were dive-bombing my location like I had a landing strip on my back. Most shots were inside 20 yards. I shot and reloaded as fast as I could. The barrel was hot to the touch. I gathered my birds at sunset, just two shy of the daily limit. A good take in a year of modest bird numbers. I credit my success and the close-range shots to the dummies I had hunting with me: the three plastic fakes clipped to the barbed wire fence and the spinning, painted decoy staked on the ground. Without them I’m sure shots would have been farther and my harvest percentage would have been much lower.
Want to shoot more dove? Try decoys on the fence and near the water’s edge.
The hot sun was sitting on my neck like an anvil. The temperature was 100F. The moaning, grinding sound of the windmill pumping water to a small puddle tempted me for a drink. The nearby dirt pond was dry with cracks so big you could drop your wallet in one and lose it forever.
Dove hunting is a long-running tradition in the South. In Texas, September 1 should be a state holiday. Average Joes and Janes who might never hunt any other day of the year hunt on that sacred day. Are you even a Texan if you don’t hunt dove? For some it’s a more of a social event than a hunt. But everyone likes fast action. That’s where decoys come into play. I remember the first time I ever saw a Mojo dove decoy in action. It was a gameEightchanger.ofuswere spread out around a large field dotted with sun flowers. It was a paid day hunt in North Texas. Mostly old high school friends, but there were also a couple of new faces. The clos est town was Lueders, population 264. The man just down the barbed wire fence from me staked a decoy in the ground, then retreated a short distance to his stool
Article and photo by BRANDON RAY
“Does that decoy really work?”
in the shade of an old, twisted mesquite. The motorized fake dove’s wings started to spin. Under my breath I mumbled something like, “City slickers will buy anything.”
And so I did. I watched the birds, ones that seemed to fly over the field with no specific destination in mind, veer from 100 yards out and more times than not, fly over us. Others slowed the rhythm of their wings and started to land out in the dirt field next to the battery-operated decoy. Even I can hit a fluttering, slow motion dove at less than 20 steps. Fire up the grill!
I prefer using two Mojos for added visibility, though my unprepared buddies sometimes snag one and I have to make do with just one. The metal stake puts the life-like decoy about 1-2 feet off the ground. Press the button and the wings will spin rapidly, making the fake look like a real bird that’s just about to land. I carry a couple of extra batteries in my bird bag just in case the battery goes dead at prime time. If you’re wearing a white T-shirt, moving excessively, or exposed out in the bright sunshine, the birds won’t be fooled for long. Complete the ruse by staying well concealed.
Position yourself in the shade. Wear camouflage clothing or neutral olive drab, brown and khaki colors. Be patient and let the birds come in close. Don’t move until you are just about to Alwaysshoot.
“You bet it does. They see it and zero in on it like it’s a landing strip. The guys give me a hard time about using it, but it works. I’ve almost got my limit. You can sit here until sunset if you want.”
In fact, they’re one of the few gimmicks in the hunting world that works as advertised. A city slicker from Dallas taught me that 20 years ago.
DAY TWO ACTION It was hot, a sultry 97F and the sun was as bright as a fireball. I decided to try another waterhole for an afternoon hunt. Scouting before the season proved the spot, a windmill and runoff pond by an old barn, was the preferred watering hole late in the evening. (Yes, I scout for dove just like I would for deer, parking the truck the last hour of the day to watch a couple of different windmills with binoculars.) The “junk barn” windmill was a sure-thing honey hole. The trap was set. Seven clip-on decoys on the west barbed wire fence and at the edge of the muddy pond were two Mojo deeks, their wings spinning like the blades of the rusty windmill. I was as sure of a great hunt as anything I’ve ever bet on in my life. For the first hour I started to sweat. Sweat from the heat, but mostly because the doves weren’t there. I promised my hunting friends an Argentina-caliber experience. Where were the birds? It was Then,slow.like the flick of a light switch, clouds of birds came in the day’s last hour. Barrels burned hot and birds fell from the sky to the dusty earth. Even a coiled rattler, right in the path of retrieving a dead bird, didn’t dull the mood. The birds would circle randomly, then dive bomb the de coys like planes on a runway. That meant close, high-percentage shots, loads of fun, lots of dove breasts for the grill, and lastingDovememories.decoyswork.
Multiple times I’ve had birds sneak in behind me and land on the fence, literally inches away from the fakes.
My typical setup is about 6-7 plastic clip-on decoys on the barbed wire fence next to my stool. I’ll put three on my right side and four on the left, staggered and gapped 1 foot apart on the top strand of the fence. You can also clip them to tree branches. Place them where incoming birds can silhouette the decoys easily. If incoming birds can’t see the deeks because of thick brush, you can’t very well expect them to swarm you. More decoys probably work even better, but there’s a balance between what’s practical to carry to the field and what’s just too much stuff.
wear eye protection and hearing protection while dove shooting. Sunscreen, lip balm and a cooler with cold drinks are otherPackessentials.moreshells than you think you’ll need. My two favorite dove busters are a Beretta Silver Pigeon over-under 20 gauge and a Browning Citori 20 gauge. Both guns have 26-inch barrels. I prefer the same guns for quail. Of course, a 12 gauge will work, but the extra thump in the shoulder is unpleasant and unnecessary.
If you’ve set the decoy trap near a favorite watering hole or popular grain field, get ready to heat up your gun barrel. The dove will bomb you like a bumble bee on a sunflower.
For the next two hours the doves flew randomly overhead, low down the fences and sometimes in swarms of five or six. I missed a couple of long shots at fast-flyers and knocked down a couple of others. The hunting was tough. But the man down the fence from me was burning his barrel up! From a distance, it looked like the birds were literally dive-bombing right on top of him like kamikazes. I gathered my stool and headed down the rusty fence to talk to the stranger. The Dallasite was retrieving another bird near his fancy “deek” when I posed the obvious question.
That was 20 years ago. Since then, I’m rarely caught hunting dove without a good selection of decoys. I’ve used the same plastic, clip-on decoys for many years. Despite chipped paint, they still work. I think it’s the dark, pear-shaped silhouette that attracts the birds more than any specific paint colors. I’ve seen other hunters use homemade fakes. Dove decoys cut from thin wood with a wooden clothespin glued to the bottom. Painted grey and clipped on the fence, they worked, too. There’s no doubt a smart spread of decoys leads to closer, higher percentage shots whether guarding a windmill pond in September or hunting fields in January.
In front of my stool about 20 yards away, on open ground where it’s easy to see them, I stake down one or two motorized Mojo decoys. Battery-operated decoys are legal to hunt dove in Texas, but not all states. You can also buy wind driven spinning wing Mojo dove decoys that do not use batteries.
WWW.TEXAS-WILDLIFE.ORG 21 HUNTING DOVES WITH DECOYS
SETTING THE DECOY TRAP
LONG-TERM LEASES AND LIFETIMES OF STEWARDSHIP
A Texas Central Railway line was built through the ranch in 1900. Rose Ella (Matthews) Conrad owned the ranch at the time. She and her brother, John A. “Bud” Matthews, built cattle pens and a chute to load their own cattle onto rail cars and made the pens and chute available to neighbors. This site has been named the Bud Matthews Switch and an estimated 105,000 cattle were shipped every year until the railroad ceased in 1967. The site is still used to load cattle onto trucks for transportation to market.
Ted shared the story with his brother. “Hank’s response was, ‘That does it. We’re going to get into the hunting business and we’re going to do it right.’”
Apparently, they have succeeded because Chimney Creek Ranch, which has been in the Paup family since 1920, was rec ognized by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department with the 2021 Lone Star Land Steward Award for the Rolling Plains Ecoregion.
Article by ELLEN H. BRISENDINE Photos courtesy of TED PAUP
Carter Smith, TWPD executive director, and others commend the work done by the Paup family, their long-time hunting les
In grazing, hunting, business and history, Hank and Ted Paup take the long-term view of stewardship – and the results are exceptional.
Ted Paup knew something had to change about the way his family managed their ranch near Albany, 35 miles north of Abilene, Texas, in Shackelford County. He had gone to town for a haircut at the local barber shop and when talk turned to hunting, fishing, and football, the barber gave him detailed directions to a great fishing spot. Something about those directions sounded familiar.
“The barber gave me the exact directions to a locked gate on our ranch,” he said.
In 1981
SEPTEMBER 202222 TEXAS WILDLIFE
The Paup family has been leasing the grazing on the Chimney Creek Ranch to the Waller family for generations. Working together, the two families along with the hunting lessees have turned it into a great example of how livestock production and wildlife production can be accomplished together. The history of the Chimney Creek Ranch is important to the Paup family. From 1858 to 1861, the Butterfield Overland Mail Route crossed the ranch at this site, dubbed Smith’s Station. In 1866 and 1867, Smith’s Station was a stop along the Goodnight Loving Trail. The remnants of Smith Station are still visible on the Chimney Creek Ranch.
WWW.TEXAS-WILDLIFE.ORG 23
heaven, so to speak, because we didn’t have the expertise, but they did and we’ve always cherished that tradition.”
When asked why they lease their land for grazing rather than running their own cattle, Ted chuckled and said, “We’re not smart enough to run a good operation.”
During those years, Robert Waller and his family were recognized for their stewardship of the ranch with awards such as the Outstanding Conservation Ranch award in 2004 and the Outstanding Resident Conservation Rancher in 2005.
In 1920, Paup’s great-grandfather G.R. Davis, purchased the ranch. His daughter Robbie Davis Johnson inherited the ranch in 1955 and in 1957, she leased the grazing rights to Charlie B. Waller, who lived in Breckenridge. In 1973, Ted and Hank’s mother, Mary Francis Driscoll, inherited the ranch. It was put into trust and the grazing rights were leased to Robert B. Waller, Charlie’s son. Hank and Ted inherited the ranch in 2007 and were happy to have the Wallers continue their long-term lease agreement.
Long-term leasing worked so well with the ranching side of the business that the Paups naturally gravitated toward longterm hunting leases. After a few learning experiences with individual hunters, the Paups came to an agreement in 1985 with a group of 14 hunters from the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
sees and their much longer-time grazing lessees, Robert Waller and his family.
“Theproduction.Wallershave been wonderful to us, and they’ve done a wonderful job,” Ted said. “It wouldn’t be the place it is today without them.”
“Someday we are going to be talking about them like we do the Wallers, because we have had hunting lease agreements with the same group of hunters for nearly 40 years,” Ted said. ing ranch. Before they made any decision, the first thing they did was improve secu rity, probably to the unhappy surprise of a certain fishing-pole toting barber.
The long-term lease agreement with the Waller family “was a match made in OF STEWARDSHIP
Together, these three groups maintain a healthy ranch and they continue to im prove wildlife habitat and populations.
In the years between that 1981 bar ber shop visit and 2007, Hank and Ted became more involved with the ranch’s management. Paup said they considered a wide range of options, from preserving the ranch as a natural reserve to adding a managed hunting program to the work
The Paup and Waller families have worked together for more than 60 years. Today, the third and fourth generations in both families continue to own the land and lease the grazing for cattle
LONG-TERM LEASES AND LIFETIMES
Echoing his earlier answer about why they lease the land instead of ranch it, Ted said, “We know how to lease, we don’t know how to hunt.”
The long-term lease may be a factor in their patient approach to their part in managing the white-tailed deer popula tion at Chimney Creek.
SEPTEMBER 202224 TEXAS WILDLIFE
Using their business management skills, they are open to new ideas from knowledgeable experts, and are willing to evaluate and accept advice. They are also realistic about making decisions and un derstand the balancing act of “keeping the cowboy and keeping the hunter happy.”
LONG-TERM LEASES AND LIFETIMES
ASK THE EXPERTS FOR HELP
Ted said, “It’s only fair to let people know that it hasn’t been decades of just getting along. We do have some discussions about management methods and whether the hunter gets the best deal or whether the grazing tenant gets the bestFordeal.”example, treating prickly pear and mesquite with herbicides may reduce the forbs the wildlife prefer. Both sides of decisions are considered in the overall stewardship of the land and business.
After almost 40 years in the hunting business, Ted said Chimney Creek Ranch white-tailed bucks hold their own in Boone & Crockett statistics. “Our hunters know what they’re doing. They know to take certain deer or wait until next year.”
Before Reinke arrived in Albany, the Wallers had a long history of working with the Lower Clear Fork of the Brazos Soil and Water Conservation District and NRCS. They had been implementing conservation practices across the ranch that included brush management, pre scribed burning and water distribution for many years.
The Paups had also enrolled portions of Chimney Creek for which the ranch OF
Where there’s water, there’s wildlife. Could it be that Chan’s Lake on the Chimney Creek Ranch is the spot that started the family down the hunting and conservation path? Even in the dry years, wildlife thrives on the Chimney Creek Ranch.
PRACTICAL PLANS FOR IMPROVEMENT
Hank and Ted are the fourth genera tion to own Chimney Creek Ranch. The third and fourth generations of the Waller family are leasing the grazing rights. The children and grandchildren of the origi nal 14 hunters are leasing hunting rights.
“The Paups and Wallers are very definitely in the same book when it comes to conservation and stewardship,” he said, commending both families for their care for the “Theland.Wallers take care of the ranch even though it isn’t theirs. While I was working in Shackelford County, I could drive to the ranch and see fat cows and big deer, hear quail whistling, find flow ers and plants across the ranch that we were hard-pressed to find on other prop erties. The Paup’s conservation ethic worked hand in hand with the Wallers’. All of them wanted to see the best pos sible outcome for the land,” he said.
STEWARDSHIP
For landowners who find themselves facing questions of what to do with their land, Ted said, “My recommendation, of course, would always be to go see yourTwoexperts.”ofthose experts are Troy Reinke, USDA NRCS, and Jesse Oetgen, TPWD.
Reinke, now resource conservationist with NRCS Ecological Science Division, Temple, Texas, was the district conser vationist for Shackelford County when many of the cost-sharing natural resource management plans were written and en acted at Chimney Creek Ranch.
“We don’t know the things to do out on the ranch. We’re businessmen,” Ted said. Since this is a family business, he and Hank watch it closely and have weekly ranch business meetings.
In those weekly business meetings, it is likely that the Paup brothers discussed these changes in detail. Reinke knows they also discussed how changes would affect their tenants. “They constantly looked for ways to help incentivize the Wallers. Along with our programs, they developed lease agreements to help the Wallers increase the conservation work that was going to be a little more costly in the beginning, but had long-term benefits,” he said.
Jesse Oetgen, TPWD technical guid ance biologist, started working with the Paups, Wallers and the hunting lessees in 2014 on their deer habitat, quail habitat, and harvest efforts. He remembers the droughts of 2009, 2011, and 2014. Range conditions in Shackelford County were tough, he said, “with very little grass on the ground. Des ert termites had eaten up anything and everything they could. We came in with the Grassland Restoration Incentive Pro gram (GRIP) as a cost-share program to manage grassland habitats, specifically for grassland birds, with Bobwhite Quail being the focus species for Chimney CreekTheyRanch.”deferred grazing on key pastures, removed mesquite and undesirable brush species, left lotebush and more desirable brush species and created mixes of native grasses and forbs.
Reinke and Oetgen commend the Paup family, the Waller family, and the cadre of hunters for their open approach to keeping Chimney Creek Ranch healthy and thriving. This generation of land stewards, be they owner or tenant, combine their abilities to achieve awardwinning results.
Ted takes a humble view. “I guess we’re very dull people because we just kind of kept those leases the same all these years. We’re dealing with top-notch people. The Wallers have been wonderful to us, and they’ve done a wonderful job. It wouldn’t be the place it is today without the Wallers.”
With Reinke’s help, and with support from NRCS cost-share programs, the Paups and Wallers continued to upgrade the ranch’s grazing systems with addi tional cross-fencing to break large pas tures into smaller grazing cells. They im proved water distribution with additional lines and water troughs to accommodate the new grazing cells and implemented improved brush management techniques such as treating the best ecological sites and using brush sculpting patterns. The results of this work show in the diversity in the pastures.
WWW.TEXAS-WILDLIFE.ORG 25 LONG-TERM LEASES AND LIFETIMES OF STEWARDSHIP
Reinke said, “One of the first projects I assisted the ranch with was connecting all the CRP areas to create two smaller pastures on either side of the creek. We were able to connect those portions with additional cross-fences and control the watering points available in each pasture, giving the cattle access to water, but not to the actual creek.”
• Rancho Rio Grande - Del Rio, TX MLD 3, $15/ac, Hwy 277 Frontage, water & electric – 6,000 ac, Axis, Duck & Quail Live Water: Rio Grande River, Tesquesquite Creek and a canal.
“Every year we developed the next plan for what habitat work had to be done, which pastures were next most impor tant, evaluated the limiting factors for grassland birds and quail. The Paups were excited to implement the plans,” Oetgen said. “Our focus was to enhance nesting cover, which had been a limiting factor on theInranch.”acase of “timing is everything,” once the GRIP-funded work was done on Chimney Creek Ranch, Oetgen said, “Mother Nature turned on the spigot and it rained. In 2015 and 2016, we had wet springs and summers. “We had quail populations that would rival any from the past two decades. It was fantastic,” Oetgen added with more than a little satisfaction in his voice. Reinke concurred. “It was a joy to see things coming together. All of the sudden, things just really started flourishing.”
Reinke said, “After about three years of monitoring, I could see the sideoats grama and the blue grama start to increase in the pastures in the grazing systems. The stocking rates ticked upwards a couple of animal units per grazing system.”
• Harwood Brackettville, TX MLD 3, North of Hwy 90, main camp area – 9,170 ac , Whitetail, Some Exotics is named into the Continuous-Conser vation Reserve Program (CCRP). This enabled them to fence off and revegetate those portions of the creek, allowing the riparian area to go through plant com munity succession and restoration.
Long Term Hunters Wanted!
Article and photos by TAMRA M. BOLTON FOR ENJOYING THE HARVEST OF FALL
• 1 celery stalk, diced • 3 pearl onions, diced
Dove and quail are longtime favorites
• ½ cup pecans, lightly toasted, chopped (set ¼ cup aside for garnish)
RECIPES
• Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
While grilling is a popular way to enjoy these game birds, a formal dinner calls for a more involved preparation. Many people have their own “secret” recipe for game birds, like Zane McDonald, who provided the birds for my dishes. He shares his grilling hints and recipe below. However you like to prepare your dove or quail, trying new ideas is always fun…and you can enjoy the results.
• 1 cup crumbled corn bread (I use sweet cornbread)
• ¼ cup chicken stock
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 4 quail, wing tips trimmed, rinsed and patted dry
SEPTEMBER 202226 TEXAS WILDLIFE
Editor’s Note—This is the third in a series of articles designed to help TWA members enjoy the fruits of their harvest. Watch for future articles, where we’ll look at game and drink pairings for wild boar, exotics, venison, and duck. Dove and quail are among the easiest and tastiest game birds to prepare. Although they are both small, these diminutive birds pack a lot of flavor and can be cooked in an endless variety of ways.
Ingredients:
• 1 carrot, peeled and diced
ROASTED QUAIL WITH APPLES & PECANS
• 2 firm, tart apples, such as Fuji or Granny Smith
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2 thyme sprigs
• 3 tablespoon canola or olive oil, divided in use
• Mixed greens & balsamic vinaigrette, for serving (I used an apple and thyme flavored vinaigrette)
Preparation: Step 1: Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Step 2: Quarter and core the apples. Dice half of them and set aside. Thinly slice the remainder lengthwise and set aside to use forStepgarnish.3:In a medium sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the carrot, celery, pearl onions, Quail makes an elegant dinner choice and is a great way to impress guests on a special occasion.
and diced apples and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and add the crumbled cornbread, then add the chicken stock, melted butter, thyme and chopped pecans. Toss thoroughly with your hands to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• 16 dove breasts
• 16 fresh figs or dried figs reconstituted in water (I used dried mission figs, reconstituted, but fresh figs are even better if they are available.)
• 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
• 3/4 cup honey (I used Texas-produced wine and BBQ sauce, and local East Texas honey.)
• Skewers for the dove kabobs (soak the skewers in water beforehand if using wooden skewers)
Ingredients: • 10 to 20 whole dove breasts. (Zane recommends freezing your dove meat in water until you are ready to cook it; this keeps it from drying out or becoming “freezer burned.”
Step 6: While the quail roast, in a medium bowl, toss the mixed greens with the remaining apples and pecans and just enough vinaigrette to coat or you can keep the apples and pecans to use as garnish as I did in the photos.
• 1 cup white wine
Let simmer for 10 minutes over medium to low heat. Transfer the marinade to a bowl and place the dove breasts into the liquid. Let soak for 1-4 hours. When ready to cook, set the oven to broil or your grill to medium heat. Slice the figs in half and skewer the dove breasts and fresh figsPlacealternately.onasheet tray with a rack and cook in the oven for 10 minutes, rotating the skewers halfway through cooking time or place on grill, turning every 2 minutes, until done. Let cool and serve at your dinner party! These are great appetizers.
DOVE & FIG
Step 5: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over high heat in a heavy oven-proof sauté pan just large enough to hold the quail without touching each other. Add the quail and sear, turning occasionally, until golden, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer the pan to the oven and roast the quail for 6 to 9 minutes; the breast meat should still be a rosy color. Place any leftover stuffing in an ovenproof pan covered with foil and put in oven for about 3 minutes to heat, remove and keep covered until ready to serve.
Ingredients:
Step 4: Sprinkle the cavity of each quail with salt and pepper, then stuff a little bit of the cornbread mixture inside. Season the outside with salt and pepper and truss with kitchen string.
Step 7: Remove the string from the quail. Arrange the salad on serving plates and place the quail alongside or on top of the bed of greens, sprinkle remaining pecans around bird, and arrange apple slices alongside. Place a spoonful of additional stuffing beside quail, if desired. Drizzle a little vinaigrette over each quail before serving. This dish is also excellent served with small gourmet potatoes and carrots. KABOBS
WWW.TEXAS-WILDLIFE.ORG 27 RECIPES FOR ENJOYING THE HARVEST OF FALL
Autumn is the perfect time to try new wines and pairings. The Texas heat has abated somewhat making outdoor entertaining more enjoyable. Having fresh ingredients on hand saves time, and the extra flavor and color makes your dishes really pop.
ZANE’S ZESTY GRILLED DOVE
Preparation: Carve dove breast meat from the bone and set aside. In a saucepan, combine the white wine, barbecue sauce and honey, whisking until blended.
SEPTEMBER 202228 TEXAS WILDLIFE RECIPES FOR ENJOYING THE HARVEST OF FALL Be sure the dove is thoroughly thawed before you prepare this recipe.)
When ready to grill, take dove breast out of bowl, shake off excess sauce, and place a slice of jalapeño into the slit next to the breast bone. Wrap slice of bacon around breast, securing with a toothpick, and season with salt and pepper. Repeat until all breasts are ready to grill. Cook over open-flame pit or on grill at medium heat for about 8 minutes, or until bacon is a little crispy, but not overdone, turning as needed. It takes practice to cook these over an open fire the way Zane does, but the results are amazing and definitely worth the effort.
WINE PAIRINGS FOR YOUR DOVE AND QUAIL MEAL English Newsome Cellars
2020 Roussanne - With a pale golden hue, aromas of honeysuckle, banana, and mandarin orange embody this white wine. This medium-bodied wine transi tions smoothly from front to back palette. Bright, fresh pear and grapefruit flavors dance over the tongue. A buzz of miner ality carries these flavors on a long finish that leaves the drinker wanting another sip. Pair this wine with blackened chicken, game birds, creamy pasta sauce, or strong cheeses, and see what Texas tastes like!
McPherson Cellars Winery Sangiovese 2019 Texas High PlainsTuscany’s foundational grape has long had a place at the table in the Old World, and becomes a supple, medium-bodied red on a sun-drenched Texas table. Sangiovese was one of the first varieties planted in the late 1960s by Clinton “Doc” McPherson. Reminiscent of the rolling hills of Tuscany, but decidedly reflective of the Texas terroir, this wine offers aromas of ripe dark cherry, dark plum, and boysenberry framed by dusty earthpowdered cocoa, and dry, savory herbs. The palate reveals an elegant structure with gentle grip and a long, savory finish…perfect for pairing with any type of game bird dish.
• 1 package sliced bacon
William Chris Vineyards
Preparation: Take whole dove breast on bone, cut slice next to breast bone, repeat for all breasts, when finished, place breasts in bowl and pour bottle of Worcestershire sauce over them, cover bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in refrigerator overnight.
• 6 to 8 jalapeños, seeded and sliced into quarters
WCV 2018 THP Mourvédre - This wine drinks like a deep and dark-toned Pinot Noir, with all the complexity and smooth ness you want to pair with a game bird.
2019 Mourvèdre - This Rhône red vari ety features a bold smoked ruby hue with notes of blackberry, stewed cherries, and a subtle kiss of oak. It pairs well with smoked meats such as pork and beef. Mourvèdre also pairs well with chicken dishes and game birds such as quail and dove.
2018 Cellar Reserve ChardonnayThe 2018 Cellar Reserve Chardonnay is comprised of 100% Chardonnay all sourced from the Dell Valley Ranch Vineyard in the Far West Texas town of Dell City. This white wine has a luscious texture and multiple levels of complex aromatics. It is a medium bodied white wine that is drinking wonderfully now and will improve in complexity from additional bottle aging through 2022. Aromatic features include aromas from citrus oil, butter, and spice, to Bartlett pears, and crème brûlée. This wine will pair perfectly with the Dove & Figs recipe because of the richness of the dove meat and the sweetness of the figs.
• Seasoned salt and black pepper
• 1 bottle of Worcestershire sauce
Llano Estacado Winery 2019 Roussanne “One Way Vineyard” Texas High Plains - This 100% Roussanne is made from grapes sourced from the One Way Vineyard located in the Texas High Plains. This white wine is dry and full bodied with peach tea aromas, followed by honey and tropical fruit flavors. The wines’ rich texture and acidity allow it to pair perfectly without overpowering the delicate flavors of the quail recipe above.
LLANO SPRINGS RANCH
While the family focused on enhancing the ecological productivity, they never lost sight of economic sustainability. From the beginning through today, Llano Springs Ranch has pulled its own financial weight.
To bring their vision of a non-traditional working ranch to life and keep it going, the family has developed multiple income streams. Some are big. Others are small. All are important.
Developing Multiple Income Streams
“Everything we do contributes to our bottom line,” said Tom, noting they once worked with a flyfishing outfitter to offer ex cursions on their portion of the river.
Once guests arrive at Llano Springs Ranch, they can explore and enjoy the ranch at their own pace. Hiking and exploring are popular pastimes.
Editor’s Note: This is the fourth in a series of articles exploring alternative income and educational opportunities for TWA members.
SEPTEMBER 202230 TEXAS WILDLIFE
Using the Bamberger Ranch and the Kerr Wildlife Manage ment Area as sources of information and inspiration, the Vandi viers collectively threw themselves into improving their almost 5,100-acre fixer upper. By 2007, the results of their efforts were significant enough to have the ranch named as that year’s Lone Star Land Steward for the Edwards Plateau. In 2008, Llano Springs Ranch earned the statewide Aldo Leopold Conservation Award from the Sand County Foundation.
Article by LORIE A. WOODWARD Photos courtesy of TOM VANDIVIER
“We have succeeded thus far, but it’s not easy,” Tom said. “It takes trying a lot of different things and investing a lot of time and sweat equity.”
“We agreed that we wouldn’t run the ranch out of our wallets,” said Tom Vandivier, who joined forces with his father, Thomas “Tom” G. Vandivier, and sister, Ann Vandivier Brodnax, to buy the ranch initially. “To that end, we don’t operate it as a play thing. We’re deadly serious about making it cover its own bills.”
The Vandiviers didn’t enter ranching with agricultural as pirations. Instead, they envisioned a “non-traditional working ranch” focused on wildlife and conservation. When they pur chased the ranch, which contains the headwaters of the South Llano River, it had been used hard as a sheep and goat ranch for more than 100 years. In addition to all the recurring ranch expenses such as taxes, equipment and insurance, the family found themselves reclaiming a landscape characterized by dense cedar (ashe juniper) breaks, bare rocks and failing fences. In the mid-90s, the wildlife was overharvested and undermanaged.
When the Vandivier family purchased the Llano Springs Ranch near Junction in 1994, they com mitted to making the ranch sustain itself.
INCOME STREAMS
LLANO SPRINGS RANCH
What’s better for city-bound eyes than a campsite at sunset with a gorgeous view? Llano Springs Ranch offers both rental cabins and campsites for its guests.
Three factors converged to transform the ranch’s ecotourism income stream from a small, wet weather creek to yearround live water.
“When it came to hospitality, not living on the ranch presented a big challenge,” Tom said. “Because we had to travel, the cost versus revenue didn’t prompt us to push ecotourism development. Living here is a distinct advantage.”
To clear the aged, standing cedar stumps and generate income, the family worked with independent contractors to harvest “gray cedar” to sell to a cedar oil extraction company in Junction. The ex tracted cedar oil is a perfume ingredient.
Second, Texas’ sustained population growth pushed demand for outdoor experiences, especially those with private room to roam, to outstrip supply. The ranch is two hours from San Antonio and less than three hours from Austin. While Texans have always had an appetite for nature, they became ravenous during the COVID pandemic and its aftermath.
“People are tired of staring at four walls and are hungry to have a quiet, safe place with elbow room,” said Tom, noting the family has enjoyed a significant uptick in both its ecotourism and huntingThird,enterprises.theVandiviers aligned themselves with two hospitality partners: Hipcamp and Explore Ranches. Hipcamp offers camping experiences, ranging from tent camping to RV parks and glamping, on private land. Explore Ranches focuses on more lavish “rent the ranch”Hipcamp,adventures.which has recently gone in ternational, is a listing and reservation service that got started in 2013. Explore Ranches, co-founded by Texans Jay Kle berg, Allison Ryan and Jesse Womack, went into business in 2018. While most of the participating ranches are in Texas and the western United States, the group re cently added a ranch in Costa Rica, its first destination outside of the United States. Through their respective websites and marketing efforts, Hipcamp and Explore Ranches connect ecotourism guests with private landowners. The companies han dle all registration and billing. Hipcamp membership is open to all pri vate landowners, approved through a site visit, who can provide an opportunity to camp. Explore Ranches involves an applica tion process that includes a site visit. Both companies take a percentage of the booking fee. Hipcamp charges 10% for its services, while Explore Ranches charges 20%. Explore Ranches, which targets highend travelers and provides custom pho tography, videography and other services to participating ranches, also levies an
From the beginning, ecotourism has been part of the income-generating mix. The family started slowly and on their“Hospitalityown. has always made sense to us because it’s non-consumptive,” Vandivier said. “Whether our guests take photos, splash in the water, sit on the porch, ride their mountain bikes or hike around, they don’t take anything home butOvermemories.”time, ecotourism has become increasingly important, and now is the ranch’s second largest revenue generator.
First, Tom retired from his Austinbased law practice. He and his wife, Sonja, moved to the ranch full-time in 2020. Before they lived at Llano Springs, hosting guests required at least one family member to commute to the ranch from Austin or farther away as the family has never had any employees. Because of time, fuel and opportunity costs, “remote management” made hospitality less lucrative and appealing.
HOSPITALITY PARTNERS
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Hunting, both leased and guided, provides the most annual revenue. In addition to native whitetails, the ranch is home to axis deer and other exotics, allowing the family to host hunts for eight months during the year. Shed deer antlers, once considered a tire-popping bane, are now collected and sold to antler buyers. While the family doesn’t run livestock themselves, the family enacts short-term grazing leases when range conditions are right, to manage forage and generate income. To fully leverage their conservation dollars, the Vandiviers participate in costsharing programs such as EQIP (Envi ronmental Quality Incentives Program) and LIP (Landowner Incentive Program).
By using these programs and amass ing “a barn full of worn-out chainsaws,” they have selectively removed cedar from about 2,800 acres.
Most ecotourism guests arrive on Friday afternoon and depart on Sunday by noon, although longer stays are possible. Retaining complete control of the ranch’s schedule is a tantamount concern for the family.
SEPTEMBER 202232 TEXAS WILDLIFE LLANO SPRINGS RANCH annual marketing fee. As part of its packages, Explore Ranches also provides a “concierge service” for its clients to help them tailor-make an experience with add-ons such as private chefs, guest lecturers or musicians. The price point for a Hipcamp experience is lower than for an Explore Ranches excursion, but camping, at least in the Vandiviers’ case, is low maintenance. When Explore Ranches clients stay at one of the ranch’s guest houses, the Vandiviers’ hire a local family to clean and turn the facility, so there is an additional“Workingexpense.withHipcamp and Explore Ranches has simplified the process and amplified the results for us,” Tom said. “Instead of us attempting to identify and reach clients on our own, the companies link us to people who are interested in what we have.”
He continued, “And instead of struggling with an inadequate marketing budget and spending our time chasing potential clients, we can invest in our business and focus on our guests.”
“By choice, our ranch is not a high-volume destination,” Tom said. “We set out to make it a more exclusive experience, where people can enjoy privacy, good fishing and all the nature they want without being stacked on top of one another.”
Both hospitality partners funnel all potential reservations to Tom and Sonja’s daughter, Jessica Camp, who handles booking for the family. She coordinates with Tom and confirms or
For safety and logistical reasons, the Vandiviers don’t host ecotourism guests and hunters at the same time. While this decision obviously limits the number of ecotourism guests who can take advantage of the ranch, it allows the family to benefit from hospitality income year-round, bridging the gaps in nonhunting months.
While hunting brings the most revenue to the Vandivier family’s Llano Springs Ranch, it’s a year ‘round destination for guests. The family doesn’t strive for high volume. Rather, they want their guests to enjoy a relaxed, quiet experience.
While the financial benefits of hosting guests addresses the family’s economic goals and keeps the ranch operating, the chance to introduce people to the power of private land stewardship feeds their
During orientation, guest also sign in demnity agreements. Hipcamp carries a $1 million liability policy. Explore Ranch es handles liability for bookings made through its platform by either carrying its own general liability policy with the land owner named as the Additional Insured or by being named as the Additional In sured on the Landowner’s general liability policy. Llano Springs Ranch also carries liability
“Everyinsurance.landowner worries about liabil ity,” Tom said. “Through TWA and other organizations, we’ve tried to reduce liabil ity risks and liability fears, so more gates will open.” He cites Texas’ Recreational Use Statute which limits certain liability arising out of recreational use as a step in the right direction. Once the Vandiviers deliver their guests to the campsite or one of the guest hous es, the family steps away, allowing guests to enjoy the outdoors on their own terms.
For some guests, relaxation involves kay aks, inner tubes, fly rods and mountain bikes. Others prefer cameras and hik ing boots. Still others don’t ever leave the rocking chairs on the front porch. The Vandiviers don’t intrude on their guests, but the family stands ready to share their passion for conservation.
WWW.TEXAS-WILDLIFE.ORG 33 LLANO SPRINGS RANCH denies requested reservations, depending on availability. There is no penalty, other than missed income, for turning down a Hipcamprequest.guests are treated to a private campsite on the banks of the Blue Hole on the Llano River, while Explore Ranches guests stay in one of two guest houses on the ranch. Other than the difference in lodging and associated levels of ameni ties, both Hipcamp and Explore Ranches guests enjoy similar experiences at Llano Springs Ranch. Upon their arrival, guests are greeted by the Vandiviers and given a brief orienta tion that includes a history of the ranch and the family’s conservation efforts. As part of the check-in process, guests receive a written set of rules, which are complete ly within the family’s control. The rules are basic: All fishing is catch-and-release. All artifacts, such as arrowheads, must be left on the ranch. No weapons or shooting. No campfires during burn bans.
“We’ve never had any trouble with any of our guests,” Tom said. “Everyone has been incredibly well-behaved and grateful for the opportunity. Many of our previous guests are now very good friends.”
“Watchingsouls. guests respond to the experience and come to understand what it takes to keep the land, water and wildlife healthy and prospering is a real pleasure,” Tom said. “As landowners, it’s our privilege and responsibility to provide a point of connection to nature.”
In addition, guests are given a printed ranch map and the lay of the land. Ex plore Ranches’ guests are offered a host ed ranch tour as passengers in an ATV. While a high fence prevents guests from accidentally exiting the ranch, the Vandi viers have learned that familiarizing guests with the ranch can be a time and headache saver because it helps keep peo ple from getting lost.
SEPTEMBER 202234 TEXAS WILDLIFE 37TH CONVENTIONANNUAL T EXAS WILDLI F E ASSOCIATIO N T HIRTY -SEVENTH A N N UAL CONVENTI O N 2022 ANNUAL PRIVATE LANDS SUMMIT • INFORMATIVE SEMINARS • MEET & GREETS • ENTERTAINMENT • FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY! JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa 23808 Resort Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78261JULY 14-17, 2022 All photos by David Smith
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TAMING THE WILD WEST OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
Carbon credits. Water markets. Energy markets. Mitigation banking. These concepts are changing the face of land ownership in Texas. They represent exciting opportunities for landowners, offering new options for generating income as well as new ave nues for stewardship of open spaces and natural re sources, But they also represent uncharted territory and, for many, frightening uncertainty. This year’s 9th Annual Private Lands Summit, titled “Today’s Wild West of Ecosystem Services,” gathered experts of a variety of backgrounds, industries, and perspec tives to weigh in on these issues and “tame” this wildThewest.morning began with speakers who laid the groundwork for the questions that would follow. TWA CEO Justin Dreibelbis kicked off the event with a brief introduction, setting the tone and intention
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Photos by David Smith
Article by Amanda Gobeli and Chad Timmons
WWW.TEXAS-WILDLIFE.ORG 37 0 WILDLIFE 2022 of the summit. Then Dr. Jeff Goodwin of Texas A&M University explained the science needed to appreci ate how nitrogen, carbon and water cycles contrib ute to healthy soils. In addition to their role in food and fiber production, soils are the second largest carbon sink in the world after oceans. With that understanding in mind, Dr. Roel Lopez, director of Texas A&M University’s Natural Resources Institute, provided a definition of ecosystem ser vices: the contributions of ecosystem structure and function which benefit humans and which nature provides for free. These ecosystem services save hu mans enormous amounts of money—more than $600 per acre in Texas by his estimations.
Attendees then heard from Tamara Wood of Con servation Equity Partners, who explained the con cept of mitigation banking—a way to offset adverse impacts of new developments and construction projects by restoring or enhancing habitat in a simi lar, adjacent ecosystem, resulting in no net loss to theWithenvironment.thefoundation laid, it was time to dig into the specifics with panels of speakers. The first of these focused on the perspective of the corporate world regarding new markets and increasing envi ronmental awareness among consumers. The first panel, moderated by Troy Madrigal of Ironwood Resource Advisors LLC, included Mark Fisher of Tx DOT, Tim Hardman of Fulton Market Group (which handles supply chain management for McDonald’s), Colby Winzer of Wells Fargo (real estate), and Jim Lanier of HEB. This diverse panel, representing industries which may seem to have little in common, described shared experiences of evolving business practices in response to consumer demands and identifying ways of operating that allow for fulfillment of cor porate or agency obligations while supporting good stewardship of natural resources.
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“What the planet has to have, what wildlife has to have...is some plan that is sustainable, that can go forward, that is realistic, that can be repeated, that can be modeled in one place, shown in one place and picked up in another, that can truly become a global force,” he emphasized to attendees.
Editor’s Note: a video of the session by Shane Ma honey is available at CgAmx6lo4QQ/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/tv/
What we learned at the 9th Annual Private Lands Summit is that, despite all the unknowns surround ing ecosystem services and emerging markets, there are some things we can say with certainty. We can be confident in the value of our healthy soils, clean water, and other services provided by functioning ecosystems. We know there are people from a wide range of backgrounds—the corporate world, research, land ownership, and more—who recognize that value and are acting accordingly. And we are certain that no one is better prepared to tackle the “Wild West of Ecosystem Services” than Texans.
The last panel of the day, appropriately titled “Land owners Who are All In,” featured four speakers who have taken the plunge and are navigating these new markets on their own properties. We heard from An son Howard, attorney with Uhl Fitzsimons, PLLC and head of the River Ranch, Terry Anderson of Conser vation Equity Partners, Blake Murden of the Shield Land Stewardship Group, and Loy Sneary of Sneary & TheyAssociates.shared the work they’re doing to protect car bon stores and water resources through regenera tive grazing and stream bank conservation, their ef forts to safeguard native Texas wildlife species, and their knowledge of conservation easements and other options for landowners. Panelists gave candid commentary which included not only the benefits of these practices, but also the pitfalls and consid erations that landowners should take into account before committing. Near the end of the day, Kyle Bass of Conservation Equity Management offered an alternative perspec tive urging caution when jumping into new markets and attempting to merge conservation with the financial world.
After lunch, we jumped back in with a panel focused on emerging carbon and water markets, moderated by Chad Ellis of Texas Agricultural Land Trust (TALT). He was joined by Mike Komp of BRDG AI, Mitch Hagney of Grassroots Carbon, and Chris Adams of Vision Forestry, who shared their perspectives on merging industry and land stewardship for mutual benefit. Their work illustrates how, through these new markets, grasslands, forests, wetlands, and other healthy habitats are not at odds with business; rather they are curated, conserved, and valued in accordance with the ecosystem services they provide.
Lastly, the significance of the conversation was brought into full focus by Shane Mahoney, famed orator as well as president and CEO of Conservation Visions. He acknowledged the daunting challenges facing our wild things and wild places but praised the good work of Texas landowners, researchers, and all stewards of our natural resources. Mahoney emphasized how the diverse speakers assembled at the Private Lands Summit—all of whom have differ ent interests and motivations, and yet are commit ted to finding mutually beneficial solutions—repre sent the path forward for conservation.
37TH CONVENTIONANNUAL T EXAS WILDLI F E ASSOCIATIO N T HIRTY -SEVENTH A N N UAL CONVENTI O N 2022 CONVENTION SPONSORS PLATINUM GOLD SILVER BRONZE 1602 13th Street Lubbock, Texas 806.771.185079401 bhlawgroup.com 805 E. 32nd St., Ste. 200 (Sponsors as of July 1, 2022)
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Texas Wildlife Association’s directors, officers, members, and staff gathered for the annual Mem bership and Directors Meeting, Friday, July 15, held in conjunction with the 37th Annual WildLife Conven tion and PresidentFundraiser.SarahBiedenharn called the meeting to order, followed by officer remarks from Jonathan Letz, Nyle Maxwell and Dr. Louis Harveson. Voting members elected and re-elected a slate of directors, bringing the total number of directors to 202. Those directors in attendance elected Dr. Louis Harveson as second vice president of programs.
Article by Kristin Parma Photos by David Smith
TWA JOINT MEMBERSHIP & DIRECTORS MEETING
WWW.TEXAS-WILDLIFE.ORG 41 0 WILDLIFE 2022 OFFICERS Sarah Biedenharn President, San Antonio Jonathan Letz Vice President, Comfort Nyle Maxwell Treasurer, Georgetown Dr. Louis Harveson Second Vice President of Programs, Alpine NEWLY ELECTED DIRECTORS Warren Conway Lubbock Amber Haynes San Antonio Will Hughes San Antonio Tanner Kneese Austin Patrick McNamara San Antonio Bruce Roberts Kingsville William Thompson San Antonio Jerry Wascom Houston Cody Webb Barnhart RE-ELECTED DIRECTORS Jason Cross San Angelo W.H. “Bill” Hoffmann Eastland Walter “Monty” Martin Cypress Richard Hill Austin Warren Bluntzer Lometa Robert Lindsey Goldthwaite William “Carl” Young Georgetown Ernest Angelo Midland Katharine Armstrong Love Austin Sue Price Blooming Grove William Wright Cisco Brian Hays Ardmore Kyle Kacal College Station Jonathan Letz Comfort E. A. “Bud” Christy San Antonio Carlos Gonzalez Alpine Milton Greeson Victoria Lee Hoffpauir Lampasas Corey Howell Weimar Parker Johnson Houston Larry Pierce Overton Doug DuBois Austin Louis Harveson Alpine David Hewitt Kingsville George “Timo” Hixon San Antonio Blake Murden Westlake Hills Misty Sumner Fort Davis Tamara Trail Albany Neal Wilkins San Antonio TWA ELECTS OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS Elliott Hayne San Antonio Mark Matthews Hondo Nyle Maxwell Georgetown Karla Welch Hebbronville Jenny Sanders Apple Springs Carl Ray Polk Lufkin William “Whit” Jones III Corpus Christi Ernie Davis Cotulla Selma Glasscock Sinton Tucker Knight Houston Heath McBride Brady Guy McCrary Midland Andy Allen Boerne Terry Anderson Martinsville Bradford Barnes Fort Worth Alan Curry San Angelo Edward Farmer Cedar Park Harrison King Austin Ryan Luna Alpine Clint Orms Ingram Kevin Smithhart Lufkin
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WWW.TEXAS-WILDLIFE.ORG 43 0 WILDLIFE 2022 THANK YOU TO WILDLIFE 2022 EXHIBITORS!
Just this season alone, TWA recognized more than 500 landowners for their support in creating qual ity habitat and wildlife in Texas. The TBGA was also excited to add RAM Trucks as the official sponsor of the Texas Slam awards as well as Trophy Scan which supported the new look of the individual trophies.
Article by David Brimager
Our Texas Regional Sponsors include Lee Hoffpauir Outdoor Superstore, YETI Coolers, Skull Hooker, Cy clops Lights, Cold Steel Knives, Kendra Scott Jewelry, NAP Archery, Walkers Game Ear, Stealth Cam, Hawk, Trophy Scan, and Muddy Hunting Products.
With a new look and change of date during Wild Life 2022, the Texas Big Game Awards (TBGA) cele brated its 31st season with a statewide awards cer emony recognizing the top hunters and landowners across the state on Saturday afternoon. The celebra tion was proudly sponsored by Nyle Maxwell Family of Dealerships. With an excellent system of private land ownership, technical resources from a great state wildlife agency and a dedicated group of hunt ers who continue to fund much of the conservation work that occurs in the state, our Texas wildlife re sources are in great hands.
The 2021-2022 Texas hunting season was an ex citing time for the TBGA program as we awarded more than 1,100 total entries. There were also four Texas Slam awards recognized this past season. The Texas Big Game Awards is a free program and could not operate without the generous funding support of our sponsors. Statewide Sponsors include Hixon Land and Cattle Co., Carters Country Outdoor Stores, RAM Trucks and Shiner Beer.
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STATEWIDE TEXAS BIG GAME AWARDS CELEBRATION
During the TBGA celebration, TWA also recognized and thanked its friends at Capital Farm Credit. Since 2010, TWA and the TBGA are proud to partner with Capital Farm Credit as the Official Platinum Spon sor of the TWA annual convention as well as TBGA’s Landowner Category.
Photos by David Smith
Meinzer’s pride continued to shine as he talked about his numerous life achievement awards and the opportunities to return to Texas Tech to teach the next generation of photographers and story tell ers. Whether in good times or bad, Meinzer remind ed all in attendance that together, we can ensure the land we hold so dear will be around for future generations to cherish.
Everyone entered the room a Texan, but after see ing Meinzer’s pictures and hearing his stories of per severance, every person in the room left walking a little taller, smiling a little wider, beaming with pride to be a Texan.
Article by TJ Goodpasture
TEXAS WILDLIFE ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION LUNCHEON
Photos by David Smith
Featuring Texas State Photographer Wyman Meinzer
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For more information about TWAF, go to www.twafoundation.org
“A man with the eye of a 19th century impres sionist painter and the soul of a buffalo hunter.” That’s how past Texas Wildlife editor David Baxter described Wyman Meinzer, the featured speaker at the Texas Wildlife Association Foundation (TWAF) luncheon during the TWA annual convention in San Antonio. A large crowd gathered to hear Meinzer, and after being welcomed by TWAF Director of Development, TJ Goodpasture, Vice President Alan Curry warmed up the crowd by reading a letter from TWAF Presi dent, Steve Lewis, who was missing in action due to Covid. TWA CEO Justin Dreibelbis, who reminded the crowd of Baxter’s observation of the famed pho tographer, introduced Meinzer, who took the stage. With the lights turned low, Meinzer entertained the crowd with personal stories and photographs grow ing up in West Texas. His life story reads like a piece of fiction, but Meinzer’s photos showed the real-life story of a true Texas icon. Undoubtedly proud of his work, he beamed with pride as he shared photos from his earliest days as a pre-teen photographer, first learn ing to use a camera given to him by his mother.
Article by Justin Dreibelbis Photos by David Smith
“WE MEN NOT JUST AS
RECOGNIZE THESE
AND WOMEN TODAY
A WAY TO THANK AND CELEBRATE THEM FOR THEIR EFFORTS, BUT TO SHOW THE NEXT GENERATION THE IMPORTANCE OF THESE PRACTICES.”
TWA President Sarah Beidenharn
Following Sarah, it was time for the TWA awards banquet with TWA CEO Justin Dreibelbis taking the podium. “David Langford, TWA’s first staff member, would be the first to tell you that nothing would have ever gotten done around here if it weren’t for the passion and selfless service of our volunteers. Thirtyseven years later, I can tell you that has not changed.
More than 400 TWA members and supporters gathered for the General Session Luncheon on Sat urday, July 16, and this year we went back to the orga nization’s roots. Reminiscent of the old Hill Country Hyatt days, the General Session combined what we have come to know as the TWA Awards Luncheon and the Texas Big Game Awards Statewide Banquet all in Theone.program kicked off with a short address from TWA President Sarah Biedenharn, where she thanked TWA members for their continued passion and support of the organization. Sarah, who grew up attending TBGA award banquets with her family, looked back on these experiences with fond memo ries and shared her excitement about their new son being able to grow up in the same fashion.
“My husband and I are expecting our first child in just a couple of months, a boy,” said Biedenharn. “I cannot wait for him to experience this event next year and for many years after, Lord willing. I believe as hunters, landowners, volunteers, and wildlife pro fessionals, we don’t do what we do for an award.
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Since 2000, Lois and Wendell have volunteered at 158 TBGA banquets along with another 50 TWA events in all corners of the state. “This adds up to well over 2,100 volunteer hours being paid nothing for their time but a Diet Dr. Pepper and a bbq sand wich here and there.,” Dreibelbis said. “Having per sonally spent a lot of time on the road with Lois and Wendell at a whole bunch of TWA events over the DRAWS BIG CROWD
“But that does not mean the recognition is not im portant. We recognize these men and women today not just as a way to thank and celebrate them for their efforts, but to show the next generation the im portance of these practices. I realize now more than ever how important that is.”
“To highlight the importance of our volunteers each year, we recognize certain members who have gone above and beyond in their service to the or ganization. In some cases, it is exemplary service and accomplishments over the previous four or five years. In this case, it is 23,” Dreibelbis said. Announcing the TWA Volunteer of the Year award Dreibelbis said, “Lois and Wendell Brimager have been volunteering their time since 1999 to not only promote the mission of TWA, but specifically one of our partnered hunting programs, the Texas Big Game Awards. Crisscrossing the state with their son David and his family, this tandem has rarely missed a TBGA banquet or TWA promotional event. Outdoors or indoors, rain or shine, they set up events, tear them down, and start planning for the next one.”
WILDLIFE 2022 GENERAL SESSION
Over the next 25 years, Nottingham would log lit erally tens of thousands of miles capturing images of the wild things and wild places of our state, and the people who have dedicated their lives to conser vation. Over those many years, Nottingham’s repu tation as a master photographer was sealed, and his work has been a mainstay of Texas Parks and Wild life magazine and has appeared in other publica tions ranging from Texas Highways, Texas Monthly, Southern Living, Smithsonian, and National Geo graphic Traveler. years, I can tell you a few things. 1) They are about the nicest folks you will ever meet, 2) they love their family and 3) they love this organization.” After that award, the three named TWA awards were handed out. Dr. Louis Harveson, TWA’s second vice president for programs, directed the presenta tion of these awards with help from various friends of TWA. The first award was the TWA Charly McTee Out door Media Award. This award is given to a person in media who has made outstanding contributions in their field and shares the philosophies of TWA. Past recipients of this award include Charly McTee, John Jefferson, Ray Sasser, Wyman Meinzer, Lorie Wood ward Cantu, Larry Weishun, Colleen Schreiber, Da vid Baxter, Jim Chesnut, Kim Rothe, Henry Chappell, Steve Nelle, and Lydia Saldana to name a few.
The second award bestowed was the Dr. Sam Beasom Conservation Leadership Award, which Fred Bryant presented to Dr. David Hewitt. Dave grew up in Greeley, Colo. “His grandfather was a famous wildlife biologist whose published work I had referenced in some of my scientific publications,” Harveson said. “Small world for me, but very big footprints for Dave to follow.” After graduating from Congratulations to Earl Nottingham for receiving this prestigious award, presented by Lydia Saldana. Earl Nottingham has been entranced with photography since he was a kid. His brother gave him a Polaroid Swinger camera when he was 10, and he stalked the neighborhood cats as his photo subjects. In junior high, a friend’s dad owned a photography studio and showed him how a film negative was de veloped into a print in a dark room. “I was absolutely smitten,” recalled Nottingham. “Watching a print emerge from the developer in a tray the first time was such a thrill. The chemistry was like magic to
WWW.TEXAS-WILDLIFE.ORG 47 0 WILDLIFE 2022 me.” In high school, he worked for the school news paper and annual, and after high school he went to the Art Institute of Atlanta to study photography. Once graduated from college and with a growing family in mind, Nottingham decided to look for a “regular” job, and in 1996 he signed on as a photogra pher with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), besting hundreds of other candidates. It was a position he often described as the best job in Texas, though it was anything but routine.
Dave was the first Stuart Stedman Endowed Chair in White-tailed Deer Research at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute. His distinguished career in applied management research made him one of our most sought-after scientists. Dozens and doz ens of publications, books, presentations, and ranch visits gave him the street cred he enjoys today,” Harveson said. is leaving big footprints for others to follow and by this award, The Texas Wildlife Association is proud to recognize his many significant achievements,” Har veson concluded.
Dr. Louis Harveson TWA second vice president for programs in presenting Dr. David Hewitt with the Dr. Sam Beason Conservation Leadership Award
“At Caesar Kleberg, we needed his expertise in wildlife nutrition but we made him our deer expert.
“There is no telling how many acres of Texas wild life habitat, and their populations, he has influenced because of his former students who are managing those expansive ranches today. When Tio (Kleberg) and I talked about who would replace me as director, Dave was the superstar we were looking for. He has more than surpassed our expectations. Truly, Dave “TRULY, DAVE (HEWITT) IS LEAVING BIG FOOTPRINTS FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW AND BY THIS AWARD, THE TEXAS WILDLIFE ASSOCIATION IS PROUD TO RECOGNIZE HIS MANY SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS.”
To demonstrate his conservation leadership befit ting the Beasom Award, Hewitt is extremely active in the Boone and Crockett Club, leading its Univer sity Programs Committee. This committee helps coordinate endowed Boone and Crockett Chairs, professorships, fellowships, and programs at more than a dozen universities across the United States.
He has been president of the Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society and served on numerous important committees for TPWD including The Private Lands Advisory Committee, the White-tailed Deer Advisory Committee, among others.
SEPTEMBER 202248 TEXAS WILDLIFE 0 WILDLIFE 2022 Colorado State, Dave went to Washington State to work on black bears, then to Virginia Tech to study roughed grouse.
Dr. Louis Harveson presented this year’s award to J. David Anderson. J. David has been a TWA mem ber for more than 30 years. He has been a life mem ber for most of that time. He has served numerous TWA committees including the White-tailed Deer Committee, TYHP Committee, he has led Team Houston (a wonderful model for regional develop ment), and began serving on the TWA Executive Committee in 2012.
The final presentation before the program headed into the Texas Big Game Awards was the TWA Ray Murski Friend of Wildlife Award. This award is given to a TWA member who has made outstanding con tributions to the Association and to wildlife habitat conservation. The Ray Murski Friend of Wildlife Award is the highest honor TWA bestows on members.
Past recipients include Gary Schwarz, Roy Hindes, Jr., Steve Lewis, Wallace Klussmann, Ray Murski, Lee Bass, Larry Machen, Murphy Ray, Joseph Fitzsimons, Bill Eikenhorst, Carl Young, Will Harte, Irvin and Karla Welch, Charles Davidson, Randy Rehmann, Dr. Dan McBride, David K. Langford, Tina Buford, Lee Hoff pauir, Greg Simons, Bill Knolle Keith Martin, and Marko Barrett.
He has mentored more than 30 MS and PhD stu dents and an untold number of undergraduates. Their success in the world of wildlife conservation and management is a tribute to his influence in their lives, Harveson continued.
He and his wife, Brenda, divide their time between their home in Houston and their beloved Las Colinas Ranch in Freer. Not only have they raised some won derful children and grandchildren, but they have raised also two generations of land stewards. “Each of them has an appreciation for land, wildlife, water, and the rights and responsibilities of land steward ship. J. David was recently quoted saying, ‘One of my favorite things to do is take one of my grandchildren hunting, one-on-one. For those moments in time, you have their undivided attention AND you’re in the outdoors!’”
J. David was instrumental in visioning the new TWA headquarters building during his first year as president. He felt it was important to have a build ing we could call our own and that would showcase TWA’s programs and culture to all members, visitors, other like organizations and public officials. “Add Steve Lewis and TWAF to the mix, and you yield a successful $4 million campaign and a world-class headquarters for TWA. The headquarters building is now a reality due to J. David’s leadership,” according toJ.Harveson.Davidalso launched TWA’s Wildlife Conservation Committee, which was TWA’s first formal commit tee to handle sensitive issues such as endangered species, carnivore management, and other non game issues relevant to landowners. It was J. David who said, “TWA is dedicated to doing what is best for wildlife, whether they are birds, bees, varmints orBrendavipers.” and J. David are perpetual donors (and bidders) to TWA grand auction, sporting clays shoots, membership events and more. “He and Brenda donate selflessly to further the mission of TWA. J. David is also one of our best recruiters of members. He sponsors memberships for friends, and then shows them this is their organization, too. He makes entering TWA as a member and a donor easy. There is no doubt that J. David has left his mark on TWA for generations to come,” Harveson concluded.
WWW.TEXAS-WILDLIFE.ORG 49 0 WILDLIFE 2022
“HE SPONSORS MEMBERSHIPS FOR FRIENDS, AND THEN SHOWS THEM THIS IS THEIR ORGANIZATION, TOO. HE MAKES ENTERING TWA AS A MEMBER AND A DONOR EASY. THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT J. DAVID HAS LEFT HIS MARK ON TWA FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.” Dr. Louis Harveson in presenting J. David Anderson with the Ray Murski Friend of Wildlife Award FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!
Official Corporate Conservation Partner of TWA It wasn’t long after that that J. David was asked to serve as an officer in 2013. “I had the pleasure to join the officer ranks with J. David,” Harveson said. “He was stepping into his officer ladder beginning at treasurer and I was learning the ropes at second VP. He was (and continues to be) a tremendous ad vocate for TWA.” J. David is a natural born leader, Harveson continued. “He has been successful in life because of his leadership skills. J. David serves as the CEO of Andon Specialties Inc. and Andon Energy Services LLC in Houston. He is also a member of St. Luke’s Methodist Church Board of Stewards in Houston. He is persistent and unwavering to a fault and finds a way to rally staff, volunteers, membership, and even family behind his views and ideas. This passionate energy that J. David possesses and his ability to personally engage everyone to support his goals is the key to his success in business and especially in TWA.”
SEPTEMBER 202250 TEXAS WILDLIFE 0 WILDLIFE 2022 TWA LIFE MEMBER & TWAPAC RECEPTION Photos by David Smith
WWW.TEXAS-WILDLIFE.ORG 51 0 WILDLIFE 2022 A record crowd gathered on Saturday night of TWA’s 37th annual convention to help raise funds in support of TWA’s mission. A big Thank You to all the buyers, donors, and bidders for making this year a resounding success! Thanks as well to auctioneer Terry Reagan and his team. WILDLIFE 2022 AUCTION SUCCESS Article by David Brimager Photos by David Smith Ross Studer, Chairman Spencer Lewis, Vice-Chairman Tucker Biedenharn ClarkHunterMarkCadwalladerConnallySterlingCurryHawkins Will CarolineHughesJakobssonChrisKlebergTuckerKnightSpencerLewisPatrickMcNamaraCarrieNeuvar Adam Parma Chase Studer Louie Swope Ryan Swope William Thompson SPECIAL THANKS TO THE WILDLIFE 2022 CONVENTION COMMITTEE
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SEPTEMBER 202254 TEXAS WILDLIFE OUTDOOR TRADITIONS TEXAS WILDLIFE
Article and photo by SALLIE LEWIS
In the August 2021 issue, I wrote about a trip to Laughlintown, Penn., where I spent a beautiful day fly fishing with my family. It was late summer 2020 and one of those perfect bluebird mornings. Today, I can still feel the sun shining through the trees and picture the lemon-colored butterflies gliding over the creek bed where my family and I had spread out at length. More recently, I returned from an unforgettable fishing trip to Guatemala. Unbeknownst to many, Guatemala is said to be one of the most prolific blue-water fisheries on the planet. In fact, it’s believed that no destination has more sailfish with less year-round fishing pressure, thereby giving it a reputation as the Sailfish Capital of the World. Guatemala is also a leader in conservation, thanks to a 1997 law which made it the first country to legislate protection for sailfish. I flew to Guatemala City in July with a small group of family and friends. From the airplane window, I took in the city’s dra matic terrain with its sprawling lakes and steep ravines. On the ground, we boarded a chauffeured bus to Pacific Fins, a simple yet inviting boutique hotel in the small port town of Iztapa. As we drove past farm fields and towering volcanoes, I knew I was in for a big adventure. Every morning we rose at dawn and drove to the nearby marina where a fleet of 32-foot Blackfins and 40-foot Luhrs Flybridge boats sat waiting, with smiling crews onboard. Though our trip coincided with Guatemala’s slow season, the idle stretches spent trolling at sea made every catch more celebratory. Most special for me was watching my dad catch a sailfish on a fly rod. I’ll never forget the first flash of silver that erupted from the water’s surface as the fight commenced, nor my dad’s childlike glee after the fish was successfully caught and safely released. A few days later, I reeled in my own sailfish with conventional tackle. When the leader line surfaced and the fish came into view, I caught my breath at its wild beauty. Running my hand over its fan of silk, I admired the iridescent colors beneath the cool, clear water and quietly gave thanks before watching it swimThroughoutaway. our trip, family and friends reeled in all sorts of treasures, from 200-pound marlin to 80-pound tuna, and big bullhead dorado colored aqua and citrine. Some days we caught nothing. On others, slow mornings were offset by adrenalinesoaked afternoons. Regardless, there was always a cold Guate malan beer waiting at the end of the day. Driving back to the hotel each afternoon, I loved musing on the memories made while watching the town of Iztapa unfold, with its clucking chickens and fragrant fruit stands bursting with lychees, melons, and mangos.
My heart is full of gratitude for the chance to visit such a beautiful country. Our days on the water were exciting, exhaust ing, and rewarding all at once, reminding me anew of the power of patience and persistence in sport and in life. Best of all were the times we shared together, chasing big fish and making big memories in the vast blue desert of the Pacific. The thrill of hooking and fighting a billfish, then watching it breach the waves as it nears the boat, is fishing like no other. But that was just one of the many colorful memories the author brought home from a trip to Guatemala.
Gone Fishing
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