Hunting Texas Annual 2014

2 | LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS O Hunting Texas 2014 Annual

| 3 LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS O Hunting Texas 2014 Annual


NEMO Arms set the standard earlier this year with the fi rst .300 Win Mag ever featured on an AR platform with its Omen Series including the Match 2.0 .300 Win Mag AR, Recon .300 Carbine and Watchman .300 Win Mag.

Now, a new model has been added to the .300 Win Mag line for the Kalispell, Montana manufacturer, the Pratka .300 Win Mag.

All built to be long-range guns, each has its place depending on the preference of the customer.

“The Pratka and the Recon seem to be our most popular models,” said NEMO CEO Adyn Sonju. “The all-black Pratka model is the lightest of the .300 Win Mags. It’s the ranch rifl e of the series and is the most cost-effective.”

The Recon .300 Win Mag sports an 18-inch barrel and its popularity is driven by its size.“It’s the same size as an AR .308,” Sonju said. “It’s the shortest gun of the Omen series,

and the easiest to get out of a deer stand or a Jeep.”The NEMO Omen Match 2.0 is a military-grade AR, and Lone Star Outdoor News’

Founder David J. Sams had the chance to shoot a prototype earlier this year.“It had a very low recoil,” he said. “I could look through the Nikon Monarch 3 4-16×50

BDC Scope during each shot and not lose sight of the deer.”The NEMO Watchman .300 Win Mag has the longest barrel and is built more for the

stationary, bench-rest long-range shooter. “It’s the long-range member of the family, rated to shoot one mile,” Sonju said.The rifl es are heavy, starting at 9.5 pounds, but are extremely accurate. The recoil is

surprisingly low, thanks to an extra buffer and the rifl e’s weight. Jason Phillips of Owens Outdoor Sales has experience shooting the rifl es, and compares

the recoil to rifl es much smaller.“It kicks more like a .243 bolt-action,” he said.Phillips credits the people who build the guns for their popularity.“Most of them are ex-special forces guys and they have incredible attention to detail,”

he said. “They started fi nding favor with the military because of their ability to develop mission-specifi c platforms. The Owen rifl es can do things at longer ranges than the .308.”

Features and specifi cations for each of the rifl es may be viewed and/or downloaded at nemoarms.com, and dealers in Texas and nationwide are listed at the site.

World’s fi rst .300 Win Mag AR in four models from NEMO Arms

NEMO ARMSNEMOARMS.COM(406) 752-NEMO


Stealth Cam has been a household name for deer hunters and guides for years, and this year’s most anticipated new trail camera has arrived — with even more features and the ease of opera-tion, fast trigger speeds and effi cient battery life that makes the Stealth Cam so popular.

The entirely new G-Series from Stealth Cam includes two advanced scouting cams — the G42NG and the G30.

The G42NG is Stealth Cam’s most technologically advanced, state-of-the-art, 10.0 Megapixel camera with four resolutions: 10 mp, 8 mp, 4 mp and 2 mp. It incorporates 42 ‘No Glo’ IR emit-ters with a 100-foot range. The G30 is an 8.0 Megapixel camera with 3 resolutions: 8 mp, 4 mp and 2 mp and has 30 IR emitters with an 80-foot range.

The G Series is engineered in the US and incorporates Stealth Cam’s new look, encompassing their all-new software innovations and rugged, compact body housing, letting hunters know when they purchase Stealth Cam, they have the latest technology available on the market.

The new G Series compact scouting cameras embody Retina Advanced Low-Light Sensitivity, Matrix Blur Reduction Technology, Refl ex Sub 1-Second Trigger, Multi-Zone Detection, Geo-Tag, Secure Lock Digital Protection, and Energy Effi cient Design. Those are all in addition to their cur-rent pioneering technology portfolio of TRIAD 3-in-1 Technology, HD Video, Quick Set and Burst Rapid-Fire Mode.

The G Series includes HD Video with data time code stamping, a great tool for editing footage plus time-lapse with PIR Override mode, giving you virtually three cameras in one complete pack-age. Still, Video and Time-Lapse! The PIR Override will still capture an image if the subject walks by while in time-lapse, ensuring nothing is overlooked in the woods.

The Retina and Matrix technologies work cohesively to evenly illuminate the subject area, which captures clearer images up to 100 feet, while the Multi-Zone Detection feature captures subjects on the perimeters. And programming is easier than ever before as the G Series boasts a Quick Set feature with three Preset modes, along with a customizable manual set-up mode, utiliz-ing a new backlit menu programming, saving frustration as you get your gear into the fi eld.

Hunters and scouters can now appreciate Stealth Cam’s next level of scouting technology and can rest assured with the Secure Lock password protected system that proves the camera useless if someone steals it. The Geo-Tag GPS tagging feature is optional and will work in conjunction with your GPS device to program latitude and longitude — a great feature for hunters with multiple cameras to determine which part of the property that big buck inhabits.

What matters most is inside!The MSRP for the G42NG, in camo is $189.99 and for the G30 in Treebark is $159.99.

Scout better, easier with new Stealth Cam G Series

STEALTH CAMGSMOUTDOORS.COM/STEALTH-CAM

(877) 269-8490


The Beretta Trident Program currently lists 16 lodges that meet its strict criteria in rating the very best sport-ing venues around the world. And one of them is in Texas.

Joshua Creek Ranch near Boerne, a Trident lodge in the Upland category, sports world-class hunting for quail, pheasant and chukar, with incredible scenery, lodging and gourmet meals.

“Only 5 percent of lodges worldwide fall into the Trident category,” said Ian Harrison, director of the Beretta Trident Program. “We are focused more on the hunting than anything else — the hunting has to be world-class.”

Joshua Creek is not all about upland bird hunting, though. Rio Grande turkeys roost in the forested acreage and along the Guadalupe River banks. From late October until May, fly-fishermen catch and release rainbow trout from the crystal clear waters of the spring-fed Joshua Creek. Kayaking, tubing and sporting clays shooting can round out the experience for the whole family.

And it has deer — good white-tailed deer, and even better axis, where a free-ranging herd of about 400 animals roam the 1,250-acre property. Axis bucks with 30-inch beams are not uncommon, and more than 20 blinds and feeders are maintained year-round.

This year, Joshua Creek Ranch took home the first place gold medal for 2013-2014 exotic at the Trophy Hunt-ers of the World awards banquet for a 35-inch axis harvested earlier this year by youth hunter Jack Watson of Austin.

“We have more than 30 trophy axis taken every year,” said Ann Kerchville of Joshua Creek Ranch. “We were so happy this young man was able to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience at Joshua Creek Ranch.”

Hunters will notice the difference at Joshua Creek and any other Beretta Trident Lodge, where the facilities and hunting are extensively examined for inclusion in the program.

At Joshua Creek, the rustic and comfortable lodge, the pristine hunting country and the outstanding cuisine will meet the needs of the most discriminating guests.

You’ll call it paradise.

Joshua Creek Ranch meetsBeretta’s standards — and yours

BERETTA TRIDENT PROGRAMBERETTATRIDENT.COM

(888) 881-9818


Beretta Trident


Briley Guns

Setting up at the one feeder still holding corn at the ranch, LSON Operations Manager Mike Hughs and Executive Editor Craig Nyhus got into place an hour or so before dark, hoping to get Mike a shot at a hog. The feeder, about 100 yards away, went off on time and a variety of critters came — just no hogs.

Sunset came with no hogs in sight. “Let’s give them some more corn,” Craig said, hitting the button on the remote control

that works the Inhawgnito. The remote activates the feeder and turns on either red or green LED lights from up to 200 yards.

“We have hogs!” Mike said as darkness approached. His excitement level was high — probably too high.

“How many are there?” Craig asked.“I see three, I think,” Mike replied. “There’s one under the feeder.”“Take a few breaths, take your time and pick the one you want,” Craig said.The shot was true and as the pair walked up, the downed hog was visible beneath the

feeder, illuminated by the green light of the Inhawgnito.At LSON, we tested the Inhawgnito, distributed by All Seasons Feeders, and found it

simple and easy to operate without a bunch of extra features that aren’t needed. When setting up the system, the instructions were easy to read and the unit went together as described. It took about 25 minutes and assembling the next one will be even quicker.

“I installed it on a tall feeder to give as much light cone as possible,” said LSON Founder David J. Sams. “You can install it on any feeder with a timer, but the wires are set up for The Timer system. The lights run off of the feeder battery.”

The hogs don’t mind either light when feeding, but when approaching the feeder, they don’t seem to like the red light while ignoring the green. The green light seemed brighter looking through the scope.

“It stays on about 30 minutes — just punch the key pad and it comes back on,” Sams said. “You can turn it on and off, but it might scare off the hogs.”

Experimenting with locations on set-up, spots near some brush seemed best.“Closer to brush, the light will bounce off the brush and it will look like a wall when it is

dark,” Sams said. “Out in the open, the hogs could be harder to see at night.”

Control feeders and lights remotely with Inhawgnito

ALL SEASONS FEEDERSINHAWGNITO.COM

(800) 841-1720


<— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —— — — — Clip for your camp ✄ — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — >

Times given above are for Dallas. For other locations, subtract 1 minute per 12 miles east of Dallas, and add 1 minute per 12 miles west of Dallas. The table below gives adjustments for some Texas cities. Information provided is the longitudinal distance from Dallas and the time adjustment for sunrise and sunset.

Abilene . . . . . . . . . . 165 miles west . . . . add 14 minutesAlpine . . . . . . . . . . . 405 miles west . . . . add 24 minutesBeaumont . . . . . . . . . 160 miles east . . . . subtract 13 minutesCorpus Christi. . . . . . 35 miles west . . . . . add 3 minutesAustin . . . . . . . . . . . 55 miles west . . . . . add 5 minutesDel Rio . . . . . . . . . . . 235 miles west . . . . add 20 minutesEl Paso*. . . . . . . . . . 555 miles west . . . . subtract 23 minutes

Houston . . . . . . . . . . 170 miles east . . . . subtract 5 minutesLaredo . . . . . . . . . . . 160 miles west . . . . add 14 minutesLubbock . . . . . . . . . . 280 miles west . . . . add 24 minutesSan Angelo. . . . . . . . 215 miles west . . . . add 18 minutesSan Antonio . . . . . . . 95 miles west . . . . . add 8 minutesTyler . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 miles east . . . . . subtract 6 minutes*El Paso is in Mountain Time Zone.

Date-Day Rise Set Date-Day Rise Set Date-Day Rise Set Date-Day Rise Set Date-Day Rise Set Date-Day Rise Set Date-Day Rise Set Date-Day Rise Set Date-Day Rise Set1 Mon 7:01 7:522 Tue 7:01 7:513 Wed 7:02 7:494 Thu 7:03 7:485 Fri 7:03 7:476 Sat 7:04 7:467 Sun 7:05 7:44 8 Mon 7:05 7:439 Tue 7:06 7:4210 Wed 7:06 7:4011 Thu 7:07 7:3912 Fri 7:08 7:3813 Sat 7:08 7:36 14 Sun 7:09 7:3515 Mon 7:09 7:3416 Tue 7:10 7:3217 Wed 7:11 7:3118 Wed 7:11 7:3019 Fri 7:12 7:2820 Sat 7:13 7:2721 Sun 7:13 7:2622 Mon 7:14 7:24 23 Tue 7:14 7:23 24 Wed 7:15 7:2225 Thu 7:16 7:20 26 Fri 7:16 7:1927 Sat 7:17 7:17 28 Sun 7:18 7:1629 Mon 7:18 7:1530 Tue 7:19 7:13

1 Wed 7:20 7:122 Thu 7:20 7:113 Fri 7:21 7:104 Sat 7:22 7:085 Sun 7:22 7:076 Mon 7:23 7:067 Tue 7:24 7:04 8 Wed 7:24 7:03 9 Thu 7:25 7:0210 Fri 7:26 7:01 11 Sat 7:26 6:59 12 Sun 7:27 6:58 13 Mon 7:28 6:5714 Tue 7:29 6:5615 Wed 7:29 6:5416 Thu 7:30 6:5317 Fri 7:31 6:5218 Sat 7:32 6:5119 Sun 7:32 6:5020 Mon 7:33 6:4921 Tue 7:34 6:4722 Wed 7:35 6:4623 Thu 7:36 6:4524 Fri 7:36 6:4425 Sat 7:37 6:4326 Sun 7:38 6:4227 Mon 7:39 6:4128 Tue 7:40 6:4029 Wed 7:41 6:3930 Thu 7:41 6:3831 Fri 7:42 6:37

1 Sat 7:43 6:362 Sun 6:44 5:353 Mon 6:45 5:344 Tue 6:46 5:345 Wed 6:47 5:336 Thu 6:48 5:327 Fri 6:49 5:318 Sat 6:50 5:309 Sun 6:50 5:3010 Mon 6:51 5:29 11 Tue 6:52 5:28 12 Wed 6:53 5:2713 Thu 6:54 5:2714 Fri 6:55 5:2615 Sat 6:56 5:2616 Sun 6:57 5:2517 Mon 6:58 5:2418 Tue 6:59 5:2419 Wed 7:00 5:2320 Thu 7:01 5:2321 Fri 7:02 5:2322 Sat 7:03 5:2223 Sun 7:04 5:2224 Mon 7:04 5:2125 Tue 7:05 5:2126 Wed 7:06 5:2127 Thu 7:07 5:2128 Fri 7:08 5:2029 Sat 7:09 5:2030 Sun 7:10 5:20

1 Mon 7:11 5:202 Tue 7:11 5:203 Wed 7:12 5:204 Thu 7:13 5:205 Fri 7:14 5:206 Sat 7:15 5:207 Sun 7:16 5:208 Mon 7:16 5:209 Tue 7:17 5:2010 Wed 7:18 5:2011 Thu 7:18 5:2012 Fri 7:19 5:2013 Sat 7:20 5:2114 Sun 7:21 5:2115 Mon 7:21 5:2116 Tue 7:22 5:2217 Wed 7:22 5:2218 Thu 7:23 5:2219 Fri 7:24 5:2320 Sat 7:24 5:2321 Sun 7:25 5:2322 Mon 7:25 5:2423 Tue 7:26 5:2424 Wed 7:26 5:2525 Thu 7:26 5:2526 Fri 7:27 5:2627 Sat 7:27 5:2728 Sun 7:28 5:2729 Mon 7:28 5:2830 Tue 7:28 5:29 30 Wed 7:28 5:29

1 Thu 7:29 5:302 Fri 7:29 5:313 Sat 7:29 5:314 Sun 7:29 5:325 Mon 7:29 5:33 6 Tue 7:29 5:34 7 Wed 7:29 5:34 8 Thu 7:29 5:35 9 Fri 7:29 5:3610 Sat 7:29 5:3711 Sun 7:29 5:3812 Mon 7:29 5:3913 Tue 7:29 5:4014 Wed 7:29 5:4015 Thu 7:29 5:41 16 Fri 7:29 5:4217 Sat 7:28 5:4318 Sun 7:28 5:4419 Mon 7:28 5:45 20 Tue 7:27 5:46 21 Wed 7:27 5:47 22 Thu 7:27 5:48 23 Fri 7:26 5:49 24 Sat 7:26 5:5025 Sun 7:25 5:5126 Mon 7:25 5:5227 Tue 7:24 5:5328 Wed 7:24 5:5429 Thu 7:23 5:55 30 Fri 7:23 5:56 31 Sat 7:22 5:57

1 Sun 7:21 5:582 Mon 7:21 5:593 Tue 7:20 6:00 4 Wed 7:19 6:01 5 Thu 7:19 6:02 6 Fri 7:18 6:03 7 Sat 7:17 6:04 8 Sun 7:16 6:049 Mon 7:15 6:05 10 Tue 7:15 6:0611 Wed 7:14 6:07 12 Thu 7:13 6:0813 Fri 7:12 6:09 14 Sat 7:11 6:1015 Sun 7:10 6:1116 Mon 7:09 6:1217 Tue 7:08 6:1318 Wed 7:07 6:1419 Thu 7:06 6:1520 Fri 7:05 6:15 21 Sat 7:04 6:16 22 Sun 7:03 6:17 23 Mon 7:02 6:18 24 Tue 7:01 6:19 25 Wed 6:59 6:2026 Thu 6:58 6:2127 Fri 6:57 6:21 28 Sat 6:56 6:22

1 Sun 7:55 7:232 Mon 7:54 7:243 Tue 7:52 7:254 Wed 7:51 7:25 5 Thu 7:50 7:26 6 Fri 7:49 7:27 7 Sat 7:47 7:28 8 Sun 8:46 8:28 9 Mon 8:45 8:2910 Tue 8:44 8:3011 Wed 8:42 8:31 12 Thu 8:41 8:3113 Fri 8:40 8:3214 Sat 8:39 8:3315 Sun 8:37 8:34 16 Mon 8:36 8:34 17 Tue 8:35 8:3518 Wed 8:33 8:3619 Thu 8:32 8:36 20 Fri 8:31 8:37 21 Sat 8:30 8:3822 Sun 8:28 8:39 23 Mon 8:27 8:39 24 Tue 8:26 8:4025 Wed 8:24 8:4126 Thu 8:23 8:4127 Fri 8:22 8:4228 Sat 8:20 8:4329 Sun 8:19 8:4330 Mon 8:18 8:4431 Tue 8:16 8:45

1 Wed 7:15 7:45 2 Thu 7:14 7:463 Fri 7:12 7:474 Sat 7:11 7:475 Sun 7:10 7:48 6 Mon 7:09 7:49 7 Tue 7:07 7:498 Wed 7:06 7:50 9 Thu 7:05 7:5110 Fri 7:04 7:5111 Sat 7:02 7:5212 Sun 7:01 7:5313 Mon 7:00 7:5414 Tue 6:59 7:5415 Wed 6:57 7:5516 Thu 6:56 7:5617 Fri 6:55 7:5618 Sat 6:54 7:5719 Sun 6:53 7:5820 Mon 6:52 7:59 21 Tue 6:51 7:59 22 Wed 6:49 8:0023 Thu 6:48 8:0124 Fri 6:47 8:0125 Sat 6:46 8:0226 Sun 6:45 8:0327 Mon 6:44 8:0428 Tue 6:43 8:0429 Wed 6:42 8:0530 Thu 6:41 8:06

1 Fri 6:40 8:07 2 Sat 6:39 8:07 3 Sun 6:38 8:08 4 Mon 6:37 8:095 Tue 6:36 8:10 6 Wed 6:35 8:10 7 Thu 6:35 8:118 Fri 6:34 8:129 Sat 6:33 8:1310 Sun 6:32 8:13 11 Mon 6:31 8:1412 Tue 6:31 8:1513 Wed 6:30 8:1614 Thu 6:29 8:1615 Fri 6:28 8:1716 Sat 6:28 8:18 17 Sun 6:27 8:18 18 Mon 6:26 8:1919 Tue 6:26 8:2020 Wed 6:25 8:2121 Thu 6:25 8:2122 Fri 6:24 8:2223 Sat 6:24 8:2324 Sun 6:23 8:2325 Mon 6:23 8:2426 Tue 6:22 8:2527 Wed 6:22 8:2528 Thu 6:21 8:2629 Fri 6:21 8:2630 Sat 6:21 8:27 31 Sun 6:20 8:28

January February March April MayDecemberNovemberOctoberSeptember

September 2014 toMay 2015

Photo by Lili Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News

Most hunters know the best times to pur-sue game in the woods is the first 30 minutes after sunrise and the final 30 minutes before sundown.

Although good hunting may be found throughout the day in many places, espe-cially during the white-tailed deer rut, those times when the light is strengthening and fading are usually the best — and not just be-cause it affords the best opportunity.

It’s in those early, pre-dawn moments when the woods begin to come alive that are the most reflective for me. It always seems to be a struggle to roll out of bed before 5 a.m., but once I’m in the field, sitting in a deer stand or listening to whistling wings in the dark of an early morning duck blind, it all seems so worth it.

Sometimes I think about past hunts, other times I think about family and friends that have come and gone. Once in a while, I’ll focus on issues going on in life and how to

solve the dilemmas of the real world I’ll in-evitably return to once the hunt is over.

Numerous times, I’ve been snapped to attention from a trance to see a deer in the field or a duck dive-bombing into a decoy spread.

The solitude of sitting on a mountain as the sun rises over a far-away ridge is one of the strongest emotional connections with nature I feel when hunting. To see the woods waking up to another day is one of the privi-leges many hunters know and understand. For me, it’s on par with harvesting a big buck or making a good shot on a passing teal.

And just like that, it’s over. The soft light fades to a harsher hue and the day is upon us. I give thanks and ask for another chance to see it again tomorrow.

— By Conor HarrisonLone Star Outdoor News

Those wonderful30 minutes

Dawn, dusk make for a memorable hunt


What could be better than hunting trophy red stag in New Zealand while staying at a lodge overlooking the Pacifi c Ocean and bush-clad gullies?

South Pacifi c Safaris New Zealand is family owned and operated by Mike and Deborah Wilks. Mike, a 20-year veteran outfi tter, has guided a number of world-class trophy red stag hunts, with the animals scoring more than 600 inches SCI.

On the 4,000-acre ranch, hunters pursue more than just red stag. Elk, fallow bucks, wild boar, rams and trophy goats also roam the property.

The luxury hunting lodge and chalets each overlook the sea and surrounding moun-tains, and after the hunt, guests gather around the open fi re with a glass of New Zealand’s award-winning wine from the region and dine on fresh, local seafood, lobster and venison cooked by the in-house chef.

Bull tahr and chamois hunting may be accomplished with the assistance of a helicopter to gain access to the rugged peaks of the Southern Alps, or, if you are up to the physi-cal challenge of an alpine hunt, hike the mountains in what is regarded as some of New

Zealand’s best tahr and chamois country.

There is much more to do at South Pacifi c Safaris New Zealand for both hunters and nonhunt-ers alike. Excellent sea and river fi shing is right out the back door of the lodge. The ranch is near the seaside town of Kaikoura, New Zealand’s marine capital. Whale watching, dolphin swimming, ocean and bush walks are just a few of the options available.

Hunting New Zealand is an ad-venture you won’t soon forget.

Red stag, tahr and more with South Pacifi c Safaris

SOUTH PACIFIC SAFARISHUNTINGNEWZEALAND.CO.NZ

+ 643 319 5189


As you drive up to Cinnamon Creek Wild Game Processing in Roanoke, you’ll be met by employees who quickly unload your deer, hogs or exotics and direct you inside.

At the counter, you’ll check in and choose from a variety of the best deer or hog sau-sages, stickers, jerky, hamburger or chili meat, made with age-old recipes handed down for generations, and new products are added each year.

Samples of the all of the different types of sausages are available to try and help with your selection. Don’t forget to ask for the bacon-wrapped backstrap fi lets. If your animal needs skinning or quartering, they’ll take care of it. If you would like a European or shoul-der mount, they’ll take care of your taxidermy needs.

In just a few minutes, you’ll be headed back to your truck, where you may be surprised to see the employees who unloaded your game have washed out the bed of your truck.

You then head home where you can anxiously wait for the call that your wild game is ready to pick up.

This type of service is only topped by the quality and taste of the products you order. Cinnamon Creek Wild Game Processing is one of the largest game processors in the coun-try, processing an average of more than 10,000 deer per year.

Cinnamon Creek Wild Game Processing uses a unique technique in which they retain the largest portion of meat possible from your prized game. That, together with the old-time recipes handed down from generation to generation in our family, Cinnamon Creek Wild Game Processing gives you “more meat for your buck!”

And don’t forget to mark your calendar for October 8 and attend the free Wild Game Supper hosted by Lone Star Outdoor News Foundation. Cinnamon Creek Wild Game Pro-cessing will be there cooking some of their famous wild game treats.

Wild game processing at its best at

Cinnamon Creek

CINNAMON CREEK WILD GAME PROCESSINGCCRWILDGAMEPROCESSING.COM

(817) 439-8008

2013


Needs ApprovalRevolution Safes, inspired by Pendleton, are based upon the same unique Revolution

Technology premium Pendleton Safes use. Revolution Technology makes it easier than ever to organize and manage your collec-

tion with its 360-degree manual rotating shelving system. Revolution safes offer a wide variety of quality features such as fi re protection, fail-safe door handles and unique inside-door handgun shelving. Along with these and other great features, Revolution Safe Company is proud to provide top-notch security and functionality at a competitive price point.

• Manual revolving long gun organization helps preserve gun condition• Standard confi guration holds up to 26 long guns

• Functional inside-door storage holds 16 handguns• Two large storage shelves above the long gun turrets

• Hassle-free access means you’re never more than one gun away

• Twelve 1.5-inch lock bolts protect all sides from pry attacks

• Fully carpeted interior• Manual or electronic S&G locks, the

fi nest available• Fail-safe door handle that slips under

pressure to prevent forced entry

Come see us at the Texas Trophy Hunt-ers Association Extravaganza in Fort Worth, booth 1011.

• Two large storage shelves above the long gun turrets• Two large storage shelves above the long gun turrets

Organize, access all of your guns with ease

REVOLUTION SAFE CO.REVOLUTIONSAFES.COM

(770) 466-6181


DOVE North Zone and Central Zone Sept. 1-Oct. 20 and Dec. 19-Jan. 7South Zone Sept. 19-Oct. 20 and Dec. 19-Jan. 25

Bag limit: 15 birds and not more than two white-tipped doves.Special White-winged Dove Area Sept. 6, 7, 13-14 Sept. 19-Oct. 20 and Dec. 19 -Jan. 21

The daily bag limit in the SWWDA during the fi rst two weekends is 15 doves in the aggregate, to include no more than 4 mourning doves and 2 white-tipped doves. Once the general season opens, the aggregate bag limit will be 15.

EARLY TEAL-ONLY Sept. 13-28

EARLY CANADA GEESE Sept. 13-28 (Eastern Zone Only)

ALLIGATOR 22 counties & special properties Sept. 10-30 (by permit only)Remainder of the state Apr. 1-June 30

PRONGHORN ANTELOPE (By permit only) Oct. 4-12

WHITE-TAILED DEERArchery-Only Season Sept. 27-Oct. 31Special Youth Season* Oct. 25-26, Jan. 5-18General Season North Texas (212 counties) Nov. 1-Jan. 4 South Texas (30 counties) Nov. 1-Jan. 18Late Antlerless and Spike North Texas (106 counties) Jan. 5-18 South Texas (30 counties) Jan. 19-Feb. 1Muzzleloader (57 counties) Jan. 5-18

MULE DEER Archery-Only Season Sept. 27-Oct. 31General Season Panhandle (38 counties) Nov. 22-Dec. 7 SW Panhandle (12 counties) Nov. 22-30 Trans Pecos (19 counties) Nov. 28-Dec. 14

JAVELINANorthern (43 counties) Oct. 1-Feb. 22Southern (50 counties) No closed season

PHEASANTPanhandle (37 counties) Dec. 6-Jan.4

SQUIRREL Special Youth Season** Sept. 27-28East Texas (51 counties) Oct. 1-Feb. 22, May 1-31Other Open counties No closed season

LESSER PRAIRIE CHICKENNo open season for lesser prairie chicken.

QUAILStatewide (all counties) Oct. 25-Feb. 22

RIO GRANDE TURKEYArchery-Only Season Sept. 27-Oct. 31Fall Season Special Youth Season* Oct. 25-26, Jan. 17-18 North Zone (123 counties) Nov. 1-Jan. 4 South Zone (26 counties) Nov. 1-Jan. 18 Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg, & Willacy counties Nov. 1-Feb. 22Spring Season North Zone (101 counties) April 4-May 17 Special Youth Season* Mar. 28-29, May 23-24 South Zone (54 counties) Mar. 21-May 3 Special Youth Season* Mar. 14-15, May 9-10 1-Turkey Bag Limit (8 counties) Apr. 1-30

EASTERN TURKEY+Spring-Only Season East Texas (28 counties) Apr. 15-May 14

CHACHALACACameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties Nov. 1-Feb. 22

RABBITS and HARES No closed season.

2014-15 Season Dates

In addition to a hunting license, a migratory game bird stamp endorsement ($7) is required to hunt any migratory game bird, including mourning dove (a Federal Sandhill Crane Permit also is required to hunt sandhill crane). An upland game bird stamp endorsement ($7) is required to hunt turkey, quail, pheasant or chachalacas. See County Listings in the Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual for specifi c county regulations and more detailed information.*In all counties that have an open season for those species.** In all counties that have an October 1-February 22 and May 1-31 Open Squirrel Season.+ Rio Grande and Eastern Turkey may be hunted in these counties.

— Check TPWD for complete season date information

Labor Day Monday will be more than just a holiday to skip work and have a backyard barbecue this year.

It will also mark the unoffi cial start to the 2014 Tex-as hunting season when shotguns begin to sing in the North and Central zones for the Texas dove opener.

It is also one of my favorite hunting days of the year.

Dove hunting in Texas is more than shooting a few birds. It often involves large numbers of friends and family members coming together for some quality time afi eld.

My 4-year-old daughter accompanied me on her fi rst dove hunt last season. She’s too young to shoot a shotgun, but she made a great birddog, eagerly run-ning into the fi eld each time I dropped a bird. She’d watch for birds fl ying in and out of the fi eld from her pink chair, point them out and cheer each time one tumbled from the sky.

After bringing them back to the camp chair under-neath a mesquite tree, she’d ask, “When can we eat them?”

No vegetarians in our family.It was one of my favorite hunts ever. And that’s

the beauty of dove hunting in Texas. It is a relaxed, family-friendly hunt.

This year, grab an extra chair or two and bring your family to the fi eld.

According to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the traditional September 1 dove season opening day

in the North and Central zones remains. However, the fi rst segment in those zones will be shorter than last season, closing on Monday, Oct. 20. The season will reopen Friday, Dec. 19 and run through Wednes-day, Jan. 7, 2015 in the North and Central zones.

In the South Zone and Special White-winged Dove Area, the fi rst segment will be shortened by fi ve days compared to last year, and those days would be added to the end of the second segment. The South Zone opens Friday, Sept. 19 and runs through Monday, Oct. 20. The second segment will run Friday, Dec. 19 through Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015.

The daily bag limit for doves statewide is 15 and the possession limit is 45.

The Special White-winged Dove Area will be re-stricted to afternoon-only (noon to sunset) hunting the fi rst two full September weekends on Sept. 6-7 and 13-14. Hunting in this area will reopen Friday, Sept. 19 and continue through Monday, Oct. 20, and then reopen Friday, Dec. 19 through Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015. During the early two weekends, the daily bag limit is 15 birds, to include not more than two mourn-ing doves and two white-tipped doves. Once the gen-eral season opens, the aggregate bag limit will be 15 with no more than two white-tipped doves.

— By Conor HarrisonLone Star Outdoor News

More than just a hunt


Yamaha ATV

Yamaha’s new Viking VI EPS is an extended cab six-person SxS combining the in-dustry’s leading performance and durability with comfort and convenience — now with maximum headroom, legroom and shoulder room for six occupants.

The new Viking VI is made for tough off-road duty boasting Yamaha’s industry-leading Ultramatic fully automatic transmission, On-Command four-wheel drive system, Electric Power Steering and Yamaha’s proven and powerful 700cc-class engine. With 600-pounds hauling and 1,500-pounds towing, Viking VI is made to be the toughest, hardest working and most off-road capable six-person SxS ever.

Lone Star Outdoor News’ Founder David J. Sams test-drove the Viking VI before its launch and found ample room for his legs in the middle back seat. The EPS allowed for driving at slow speeds with a fi nger.

“This might be as close to a crew cab pickup truck as you can get in a side-by-side vehicle,” Sams said. “The engine has more power than you might ever need and in the

soft stuff, the locking differential is a great asset, as well as the full underbody skid plate.”

Every Yamaha Viking and Viking VI is being assembled in the U.S.A. at Yamaha’s factory in Newnan, Georgia, for worldwide distribu-tion.

Room for six in all-new Viking VI side-by-side

YAMAHAYAMAHAOUTDOORS.COM


Since 1995, travelers on I-20 have been wondering what it is they see as they approach the Thurber exit about 70 miles west of Fort Worth. They’ve noticed the big English-style castle that looms atop one of the majestic mesas ... but have still questioned what it is. However, for avid wingshooters and sportsmen across Texas and the rest of the country — they know it’s Greystone Castle Sporting Club.

For more than a decade, Greystone Castle has been part of the Orvis family as one of their premier wingshooting destinations. In fact, their name has become synonymous with quality in the hunting industry. With the end of last season, this 2011 Orvis Wingshooting Lodge of the Year completed its 19th year in business. It is this long-term commitment that has them very appreciative of their past successes and looking forward to the 2014 season to come.

“Over the years, we have been very fortunate to have developed such wonderful relationships with so many cli-ents”, said Bill Honza, marketing director. “Each year we make new friends as well as renew old friendships. And we get to do this while sharing our commitment to the sport of hunting and the sporting lifestyle.”

What’s both unique and compelling about Greystone is that it can be so many things to so many different sports-men. To the upland gunner, large fi elds of sorghum, millet, and switch grass bring memories of great gun dogs, fl ush-ing pheasants, bobwhite covey rises, and days in the fi eld with friends. For the big game hunter, it’s 6,000 acres that offer some of the best whitetail hunting in the country and more than 40 species of exotic game. For the clay shooter, it’s the great sporting clays and pyramid 5-stand courses that will test the best of shooters. And for the avid angler, their trophy bass lakes present year-round opportu-nities for tight lines on largemouth and hybrid stripers.

What appeals to all visitors to Greystone are its top-

of-the-line accommodations and gourmet meals. Guests enjoy 24 private rooms, gourmet dining from our execu-tive chef, conference facilities and a swimming pool with hot tub. Along with this is the newly constructed 2,600 square-foot pavilion facility with custom bar, large seating areas, 65-inch TV, carved limestone fi replace, Laser Shot, billiards, and an overlook terrace with a custom outdoor fi re pit.

The ownership and staff have been dedicated to creat-ing one of the fi nest sporting experiences found anywhere in the world. Long-term habitat improvement and wildlife management has made Greystone an extraordinary hunting venue. This coupled with the unique castle facility and outstanding customer service makes Greystone Castle a destination without equal.

Greystone Castle: Texas hunting in an extraordinary setting

GREYSTONE CASTLE SPORTING CLUBGREYSTONECASTLE.COM

(800) 399-3006


In July, O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. announced the completion of a major expan-sion at its Maverick Arms, Inc. facility in Eagle Pass. A new, 116,000-square-foot addition will allow Mossberg to increase its manufacturing and distribution capa-bilities in Texas.

“We’re proud to be in Texas,” said Director of Media Relations Linda Powell. “The bulk of our guns have been built in Eagle Pass, and with the expansion, more than 90 percent of Mossberg guns are made in Texas.”

The company is America’s oldest family owned and operated firearms manufac-turer and the largest pump-action shotgun manufacturer in the world.

“Investing in Texas was an easy decision,” said Mossberg CEO Iver Mossberg. “It’s a state that is not only committed to economic growth but also honors and respects the Second Amendment and the firearm freedoms it guarantees our cus-tomers.”

The recent expansion, which includes a $3.4 million capital investment, will consolidate more of the company’s manufacturing in Texas and will create 50 new jobs.

Mossberg may be known for its shotguns, but its new FLEX MVP Series Rifles are about to change that, bringing together the best of both worlds for a rifle hunter.

Introduced in 2013, the rifles combine two highly innovative designs, a bolt-action rifle engineered to accept and reliably feed from AR-style magazines and the unparalleled FLEX TLS System of modular accessories.

The MVP is available in 7.62 NATO (.308 Win) with a choice of 18 1/2-inch medium bull barrel or a 20-inch standard contour barrel. A new 5.56 NATO (.223 Rem) is now available. The MVP Series patent-pending bolt designs allow 7.62mm NATO chambered rifles to accept both M1A/M14 and AR10-style magazines and the 5.56 NATO accepts AR15-style magazines.

Adding the Mossberg FLEX TLS System to its family of MVP Series allows the user to remove and remount the rifle’s stock and recoil pads without tools by simply lifting or pushing the TLS latches. And with multiple FLEX accessory stocks and recoil pads available, you can adapt your rifle for fit and application.

Standard features on the MVP FLEX rifles include:• Mossberg’s patented LBA (Lightning Bolt Action) Adjustable Trigger System that is user-adjustable from 2 to 7 pounds;• Fluted, button-rifled barrel with 11-degree tapered muzzle crown;• FLEX 6-position tactical stock with pistol grip;• Textured fore-end with stippling for a more positive grip;• Durable matte blue finish on exposed metalwork;• Factory-installed, receiver-mounted Picatinny rail;• Distinctive spiral-fluted bolt;• Front and rear sling swivel studs;• 10-round capacity magazineAll of Mossberg’s bolt-action rifles are built in Texas, including the newest ad-

ditions to the MVP Series line. To see the complete line of Mossberg MVP Series bolt-action rifles, visit Mossberg.com or see your local Mossberg dealer.

Mossberg expands Texas manufacturing

facilityMVP Series: Bolt-action rifl es

that accept AR-style magazines

MOSSBERG “BUILT RUGGED. PROUDLY AMERICAN”MOSSBERG.COM(800) 363-3555


Providing waterfowl habitat during a record-setting, multi-year drought is extremely challenging. With rivers and lakes at or near all-time lows, many landowners are unable to access water to fl ood critical agricultural and coastal prairie habitats for waterfowl. It is a dire situation for the millions of ducks and geese that migrate thou-sands of miles to make Texas home each year. It is during times like this that conser-vation programs become most essential for Texas waterfowl and waterfowl hunters.

Even in the face of an unprecedented challenge, Ducks Unlimited and its partners remain dedicated to providing adequate habitat for waterfowl that call the Gulf Coast home each fall and winter. The overall health of the Central Flyway migration, and subsequent hunter harvest, is dependent on this vital work.

In late 2013, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) announced fi ve projects to restore and enhance habitats for species impacted by the 2010 Deepwa-ter Horizon Disaster. The funding is provided through the NFWF-administered Gulf Environmental Benefi t Fund. One grant is for the Gulf Coast Migratory Waterfowl Enhancement Project, making waterfowl a chief benefi ciary of the program.

A recent $1.25 million grant provided to Ducks Unlimited will restore and enhance more than 22,000 acres of Texas coastal wetlands through the Texas Prairie Wet-lands Project. The program, with its proven track record of delivering wetland proj-ects in partnership with private landowners, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is ideal for delivering habitat to offset the impact to coastal wetlands from the on-going drought.

The Texas Prairie Wetlands Project is the largest program in Texas designed to assist landowners with wetlands restoration and enhancement. Though individual project areas may be small, Texas Prairie Wetlands Project units provide 20 percent of the available waterfowl habitat on the Texas midcoast in dry years, according to a Gulf Coast Joint Venture analysis. That importance is magnifi ed as overall rice agriculture acreage, which provides 42 percent of the available food resources for waterfowl along the Gulf Coast, has suffered greatly in the face of water restrictions.

This program is critical to all Texas waterfowl hunters as the majority of ducks and geese that end their migration on the Texas coast spend a signifi cant portion of their southern migration throughout all regions of the Lone Star State. A healthy coast is important to all Texas waterfowl hunters.

Having restored and enhanced more than 67,000 acres on the Texas Gulf Coast over 23 years, the program provides engineering and design to landowners to con-serve wetlands in exchange for an agreement to manage the habitat for waterfowl and other wetland-dependent species.

Ducks Unlimited and its partners will continue to invest in the Texas Gulf Coast to guarantee habitat and water on the landscape for waterfowl and other wetland-dependant wildlife.

Texas Prairie Wetlands Project conserves tens of thousands of coastal acres

DUCKS UNLIMITEDTX.DUCKS.ORG

(901) 758-3825


For the past few years, customers have been asking Brent and Candys Hemphill, the owners of Dark Horse Arms, the same question.

“They want a .308 that shoots multiple shots. They want the silence of a suppres-sor,” Brent Hemphill said. “And they want it to shoot subsonic ammunition accu-rately.”

The questions got the couple working, and Dark Horse Arms is now introducing its brand new .300 Blackout.

“We’ll have it at the summer shows,” Hemphill said. “I think everyone is going to like it.”

The .300 Blackout is internally suppressed by Dark Horse Arms and is readily available on an AR platform.

While the rifl e is available with screw-on suppressors from other manufacturers, Hemphill doesn’t know of any others currently making the internally suppressed ver-sions.

“When it is internally suppressed, there is less noise than with a screw-on suppres-sor,” he said. “And since the barrel of the DPMS gun is only 10-inches long, with a screw-on suppressor it qualifi es as a short rifl e (shorter than 16 inches) and you would need two NFA (National Firearms Act) tax stamps. With the internally sup-pressed barrel that is permanently attached, it is longer and therefore not considered a short rifl e, and only one tax stamp is required.”

The rifl e comes with a free fl oat handguard, a collapsible stock and Picatinny rails.“We essentially build the entire upper of the gun,” Hemphill said. “A number of

lowers will work and are available.”Hemphill has been shooting the gun, too.“I have shot it here with subsonic ammunition, being a .223 cartridge with a

.30-caliber 220-grain Remington bullet and also handloads of 220 grains,” he said. “The subsonic bullets cycle great, and at 50 and 75 yards, my groups have been about 1 1/2 inches.”

He’s not ready to recommend it for long-range shooting, though.“I wouldn’t call it a long-range gun by any means,” Hemphill said. “But it shoots a

real good group for only having a 10-inch barrel. It shoots better than I was expect-ing.”

And the gun is about as silent as they come. “About all you hear is the action,” Hemphill said.Hog hunters would agree.The .300 Blackout from Dark Horse Arms is available in black or tan, and custom-

ers will want to get their orders in right away, since the NFA tax stamp required for a suppressed rifl e takes some time — up to 9 months. Candys Hemphill at Dark Horse Arms takes care of all of the permitting paperwork. Hunting game and nongame spe-cies with a suppressed rifl e is legal in Texas.

Dark Horse Arms has manufactured both removable and internally suppressed suppressors for both rifl es and pistols since 2005. Their facility is located in rural Coleman County.

Dark Horse makes .300 Blackout

Internally suppressed rifl e brings silence to the fi eld

DARK HORSE ARMSFULLYSUPPRESSED.COM

(325) 382-4885

Photo by Flair Photography


Hevishot


Bucket lists for most wingshooters start with Argentina, and Los Laureles provides top-notch hunting for the full variety of fowl in an unmatched setting along the famed Paraná River.

The dove hunting is second to none, but what sets Los Laureles apart, and what hunters favor the most, is the proximity of the hunting areas to the lodge.

“Our dove roost is inside the property,” said John John Reynal of Exciting Outdoors Argentina. “The farthest blind from the lodge is seven minutes away.”

The duck, pigeon and perdiz hunting also is close by, so there’s no need for long, bumpy rides to the fi eld.

“We rarely travel more than 45 minutes for any hunt,” Reynal said. “And, if we do, we make a full day of it with a fi eld lunch.”

While 45 minutes of travel can cover some miles, all of the miles are still on the ranch.

“It’s all private land hunting,”Reynal said. “The com-pany that owns this ranch owns 300,000 acres in the province where we are located. This is especially helpful for perdiz hunting. They are 100-percent wild — you can’t raise them — and our guests are the only ones hunting the fi elds.”

Jeff Anderson of Hastings, Nebraska made a trip to Los Laureles, and described the pigeon shoot on his fi rst afternoon where his group of four each shot several boxes of shells at the fast-fl ying birds coming into the decoys, while the hunters waited behind a tree-branch blind. As they were leaving, the Brazilian teal started arriving along a narrow creek.

“It was the best 30 minutes of teal shooting in my life, all in an unbelievable setting,” Anderson said. “They came in singles, doubles and fl ocks — you could see the groups coming in behind the birds we were shooting.”

The perdiz hunting, behind Brittanys provided by the lodge, resulted in 16-bird limits in short order, even for

those in the group who had more trouble connecting with their shots.

The dove hunting, though, is why most travel to Argen-tina, and it doesn’t disappoint at Los Laureles.

“We were hunting not fi ve minutes from the lodge,” Anderson said.

Massive numbers of birds were seen heading to and from the fi elds from the roost located on the property, Anderson said. The numbers of birds and shells shot each numbered in the thousands.

For those who like to mix in some fl y-fi shing with their hunting trips, the Paraná River assures a remarkable experience to fi sh for the golden dorado, native to South America, a fi sh renowned for its fi ghting and unequalled jumping. The lodge uses Carolina Skiffs and maintains both fl y and light spinning tackle to pursue the fi sh.

Los Laureles fi ve-star lodge includes six bedrooms, a sit-ting room with fi replace, a bar, dining room and swimming pool. The food is prepared to perfection and complement-ed with top wines produced from vineyards owned by the lodge owners, making the lodge a true hunting and fi shing paradise.

“The attention to detail set the staff apart,” Anderson said. “We will be back.”

Los Laureles: An Argentina wing-shooting adventure

LOS LAURELES LODGEEXCITINGOUTDOORS.COM

(786) 207-4532


Dove season is right around the corner, and the early teal season isn’t far behind. Why not buy your ammunition now, before the late-August rush? Rio Ammunition loads offer top-quality shotshells, and beginning early next year, they all will be made in Texas!

Rio Ammunition broke ground in April on a new state-of-the-art facility located in Marshall. This 105,000- square-foot facility will be the U.S. headquarters for Rio Ammunition. All Rio products and components will be produced in this facility by early 2015. Rio is excited to make this move toward promoting the brand and providing jobs in Texas.

For dove, trap and skeet, put Rio’s Elite Target Loads on your shopping list. With their cork-based, petal-free wad, Elite is producing phenomenal patterns at extended ranges. On the target fi eld, Rio’s Elite Target Loads have been getting rave reviews. So whether in the dove fi eld, on the trap fi eld or the sporting clays course, Elite has been putting the old loads to shame. So, out with the old and in with the new Rio Elite.

Waterfowl and upland game seasons will be here before you know it, and Rio Ammunition is equally excited to announce the release of Rio Bismuth in 16, 28 and .410 gauges, available this month. These new offerings will add to Rio’s 12- and 20-gauge Bismuth line. Rio Bismuth has near lead-like results

on waterfowl and upland game and is safe for tightly choked classic guns. All Rio Bismuth is loaded at MAX Dram equivalent and come in a range of shot sizes.

Rio Ammunition shotshellsto be made in Texas

Target, new bismuth loads highlight product lines

RIO AMMUNITIONRIOAMMO.COM

(931) 729-0880


Quail and pheasant hunters need not travel far to experience a memorable hunt, luxurious facilities and fabulous food. Wildcat Creek Quail Hunting Resort has birds at the ready — where a memorable quail or pheasant hunting adventure awaits.

For wingshooters who favor the pheasant, full pheasant hunts are being offered this year.

WCR, a family affair and the vision of Ron and Evonne Parker and their sons, Nick, David and Nathan, sports a new lodge and an atmosphere that is truly family oriented.

“We want the experience to be first-class but yet not stuffy,” said owner Ron Parker.

Located in Red River County near Detroit, the property consists of 1,200-plus acres of well-managed land that will take hunters back in time.

The habitat, birds and dogs are first-rate, with fields cleared out of the thick woods by Parker, who also owns a construction business.

“And we have cleared saplings in two areas to offer hunters a true Georgia-style quail hunt with tough shots through the trees,” Ron said. “Our customers love it.”

Wingshooters may want to get their hunts booked, though, as the word is get-ting out about Wildcat Creek, where 10 weekends are already fully booked for the upcoming season.

Several flight pens allow for flight training for the pen-raised birds, and the birds are released before the beginning of the season.

“We want the birds to be as wild as possible and explode out of the grass,” Ron said.

After the hunt, the new lodge and the food served at WCR may be even more memorable. The food is prepared by son David, a trained chef who has worked at top restaurants.

WCR has added a 5-stand sporting clay station for parties and corporate events.

Quail, pheasant and more at Wildcat Creek

WILDCAT CREEK QUAIL HUNTING RESORTWCRQUAILHUNTING.COM

(903) 674-2000


Dilley Feed & Grain

Stop at Dilley Feed & Grain for all of your

hunting needsMany South Texas deer hunters know Dilley Feed & Grain Wildlife Supply because

of deer corn and their brands of deer protein. Now, more are noticing the remodeled and larger store loaded with boots, including a variety of snake boots, hunting cloth-ing and supplies, coolers, knives, trail cameras, jeans and the like.

“We have been making deer protein for 33 years,” said Manager Jason Surles. “Our RHR feed is 20-percent protein and 5-percent fat — we use peanuts as a foundation for the feed.

“Our second deer feed, Venado, is also 20-percent protein, and both brands are ready for delivery to South Texas ranches. Both lines have a premium mineral pack-age built-in, one that complements the native forbs of South Texas.”

“We deliver bagged or bulk product and can deliver straight to a customer’s ranch or deer lease,” Surles said.

DF&G also customizes feed for those with different preferences for the deer on their ranches. They have the production capabilities to include specifi c ingredients in a ration depending on the customer’s needs and wants.

Last year, Surles began rebranding DF&G’s deer contest, the El Monstruo del Mon-te Big Game Contest, now in its 15th year. A varmint calling series was also added as a way to appeal to all hunters.

DF&G sells feeders and feeder parts and accessories, ammunition and about any supply a hunter would need. Located in Dilley, a few blocks off of Interstate 35 and just 70 miles south of San Antonio, it’s the perfect place to stop when headed to Texas’ big buck country.

“We want people to know that we’re here, we’re growing and we’re expanding, and can meet the needs of any hunter,” Surles said.

DILLEY FEED & GRAIN WILDLIFE SUPPLYDFGWILDLIFESUPPLY.COM

(830) 965-1622


The latest generation Leupold VX-2 rifl escope, with its exclusive Quantum Optical System, redefi nes high perfor-mance for the best in accuracy and durability.

The Quantum Optical System uses carefully selected lead-free lenses with Index Matched lens coatings that are pre-cisely positioned with each other to deliver up to 94-percent light transmission with the highest levels of optical clarity. The addition of DiamondCoat on the exterior lens surfaces provides the utmost in abrasion resistance. The VX-2 also utilizes other updated design features including an exter-nally threaded fast-focus eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focus. The fi nger adjustable 1/4 MOA dials provide quick and easy zeroing without the use of coins or tools. Some models are even available with the Custom Dial System that can be ballistically matched through the Leupold Custom Shop. To keep this scope fogproof for life, it is fi lled with Leupold’s industry leading second generation Argon/Krypton blend. This blend is drier and more resistant to thermal shock than the traditional nitrogen-fi lled scopes.

How the VX-2 came to be is both a history lesson and a family success story:

• Frederick Leupold came to Portland, Oregon from Ger-many in 1907, and established a fi rm to manufacture and repair surveying and hydrographic instruments. Fred’s son, Marcus, broadened the company’s focus in the late 1930s after he missed a buck when his scope fogged. Frustrated by the experience, Marcus set out to build a better rifl escope.

• In 1947, Leupold introduced their fi rst rifl escope, the Plainsman. A worthy scope at the time, its adjustment mechanism was not airtight and damp weather caused internal fogging. In 1949, Leupold introduced the Pioneer, the fi rst to feature the exclusive Leupold nitrogen-fi lling process. 1955 brought about one of Leupold’s greatest achievements, the introduction of a waterproof scope that featured a 1-inch maintube and internal adjustments, the Mountaineer.

• 1959 brought Leupold’s fi rst variable magnifi cation rifl escope, the Vari-X 3-9, the scope that ultimately turned into the VX-2 of today.

• Leupold introduced the world to the Duplex reticle at the end of 1962. The heavy outer posts of this crosswire-style reticle enabled shooters to fi nd their target quickly and aim precisely with the thin center wires.

• Leupold wanted consumers to recognize a Leupold scope with a simple glance. George Schray, the plant super-intendent, fashioned a thin, gold-colored ring installed be-tween the objective housing and lock ring. Now, the Golden Ring is the fi rst thing that a shooter looks for when shopping for a Leupold.

• The VX-2 was introduced in 2002. This scope began using technology that was developed for Leupold’s higher end scopes, the Vari-X III and the LPS. Leupold started applying Multicoat 4 lens coating to the external lenses that increased light transmission to approximately 86 percent. In addition to the coating, Leupold incorporated their 1/4 MOA click adjustments.

• In 2004, the entire lens system of the VX-2 was upgraded to Multicoat 4 lens coatings. Not only did this increase the image contrast and clarity but it increased the light transmission to 92 percent, a number almost unheard of in a scope at that price point.

The latest generation VX-2 is available in six magnifi ca-tion ranges with nine reticle options. They can be used for anything from dangerous game to varmints to simple target practice. The sleek, classic lines and that iconic Golden Ring means that you will be buying a scope that is as du-rable as it is aesthetically pleasing.

All VX-2 rifl escopes are designed, machined and as-sembled by more than 600 highly skilled American workers in Beaverton, Oregon, and are covered by Leupold’s Golden Ring Full Lifetime Warranty.

Leupold VX-2: a true optical marvel

LEUPOLD LEUPOLD.COM

(800) 538-7653


The days are getting shorter and hunting season in the state of Texas is fast ap-proaching.

With better rains spread over a wider area so far this year, the hunting season pros-pects are trending upward for many species.

According to biologists, the white-tailed deer season will be average or above average in many areas, especially the central and southern portions of the state where more rain has fallen this year than in years' past.

For dove hunters, the season holds a lot of promise with good crops and plenty of water for birds.

“Overall, we think numbers are up, both for whitewings and mourning dove,” said Shaun Oldenburger, Texas Parks and Wildlife migratory game bird spe-cialist. “For mourning dove, it should be very similar to last year. Overall, we are looking good, just need some more moisture.”

Quail hunters are ecstatic over the amount of birds they are seeing and hearing across the range in Texas. Many hunters are hearing birds in places that haven’t had quail in years.

“It scares me to death to make this statement, but our quail numbers at Encino are the best I have seen since the early ’90s — ’92 and ’93,” said hunter and ranch owner Ron Howard. “We are seeing covey after covey of young birds ranging from ‘spiders that can not yet fl y’ to 2- to 3-week-old chicks that can just clear the weeds, to young birds that you can barely distinguish from the adults.

On top of this, I see one to three pairs for every covey I see, meaning the potential for growth is still immense.

“We are still hearing the ‘bobwhiting’ throughout the pasture, but this has slowed in some areas where we have not recently received showers.”

Howard said the areas that continue to see moisture are still the best areas to spot birds, but the last three weeks of heat have dried some areas out.

“All in all, 2014-15 could be the best quail season we have experienced at Encino in 20-plus years if the birds we have and the pairs continue to nest.”

Pronghorn hunters in the Panhandle region should expect a season similar to last years.

“We still have a lot of pronghorn,” said Calvin Richardson, a TPWD district leader in Lubbock. “I don’t think the bucks took a hit from the drought. The permit numbers should be about the same as last year.”

Overall, duck numbers are up in the Pothole and Prairie regions of the Dakotas, which should mean good numbers for water-fowl hunters come November and December.

“Total populations were estimated at 49.2 million breeding ducks in the surveyed area,” according to Ducks Unlimited. “This estimate represents an 8-percent increase from last year’s estimate of 45.6 million birds, and is 43 percent higher than the 1955-2013 long-term average. This continues a three-year trend of exceptional water conditions and population numbers for many species.”

All in all, Texas hunters should have a pretty positive outlook heading into the fall season.

— Staff report

Hunters in for good seasonsMany game animals doing well after rains


A vision to become Texas’ premier wingshooting destination for discriminating sports-men began in 1990 on a pristine stretch of land along Joshua Creek and the Guadalupe River in the scenic Texas Hill Country. Today, that vision and so much more has become a reality for Joshua Creek Ranch and its many guests, members, staff and owners.

For the past two-and-a-half decades, Joshua Creek Ranch has been nurtured by a re-lentless passion and everlasting commitment to wildlife habitat stewardship and excellent service to hunters from all over the world.

“With an experienced and capable staff combined with a kennel full of excellent point-ing, fl ushing, and retrieving dogs, Joshua Creek provides the safest, most productive wingshooting experience in Texas,” said Robert L. Potter, retired president, FMC Tech-nologies, Inc. in Houston. “That, coupled with outstanding accommodations and gourmet meals, is why I make multiple trips each year to Joshua Creek Ranch.”

From quail hunts behind pointing and fl ushing dogs and European-style driven pheas-ant shoots to axis and white-tailed deer hunting, fl y-fi shing for rainbow trout and sporting clays shooting on a breathtaking 15-station Hill Country course, Joshua Creek Ranch just keeps getting better every year.

In fact, in this 25th Anniversary year, Joshua Creek Ranch will expand its highly awarded upland bird hunting experience to include decoyed mallard duck hunting. Also, the addition of a new 10,000-plus square-foot lodge overlooking Joshua Creek with a state-of-the-art conference facility will bring ranch accommodations to an even higher level of comfort and luxury.

Just 45 minutes northwest of San Antonio, Joshua Creek Ranch provides guests a world-class experience in the fi eld plus gourmet dining and exceptional lodging with spectacular views.

Recognized as one of only fi ve Beretta Trident Lodges for Excellence in Upland Bird Hunting in the United States and the only one in Texas, an Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Lodge and recipient of the 2013 Award of Excellence from Sporting Classics Magazine for Hunting Lodge of the Year, Joshua Creek Ranch truly represents the BEST of the best.

Joshua Creek celebrates 25 years of excellence

JOSHUA CREEK RANCHJOSHUACREEK.COM

(830) 537-5090


The Monarch 3 2.5-10x42 BDC rifl escope is just what the hunter needs heading into deer season. And, it’s on special now at participating Nikon dealers, where customers receive $50

instant savings.The reliable and durable scope is part of the Mon-arch 3 line, the largest rifl escope line in the Nikon family.

Like all Monarch 3 scopes, the 2.5-10x42 BDC includes Nikon’s Ultra ClearCoat optical system, engineered to provide the theoretical maximum light transmission a scope can deliver — 95 per-

cent — for edge-to-edge clarity and a clear and sharp sight picture between dawn and dusk.

The 2.5-10x42 BDC features the popular BDC reticle providing various

aiming points built into the reticle giving exact

aiming points at

various yardages, and when used with Nikon’s Spot On Ballistic Match Technology, it removes the guesswork out of fi guring eleva-tion and bullet drop compensation.

Spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets offer an in-fi eld advan-tage by allowing shooters to easily make adjustments on the fl y.

The Monarch 3 Eyebox Technology keeps your brow safe, even with the heaviest recoiling cartridges and at severe shooting angles. Every model features up to 4 inches of non-critical eye relief. And the massive ocular lens delivers a large, bright and high-resolution sight picture.

The Monarch 3 2.5-10x42 is bright, clear, precise and rug-ged, creating revolutionary capabilities for the serious hunter and providing the best hunting optics money can buy.

Features:• Enhanced ring spacing allowing the scope to be

mounted on virtually any rifl e• Patented BDC reticle• Spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets• Ultra ClearCoat Optical System• Hand-turn 1/4 MOA windage and elevation adjustments• Monarch 3 Eyebox Technology• Rugged, one-piece body tubes• Smooth zoom control• Waterproof• Fogproof• Shockproof

Monarch 3 rifl escopes offeredge-to-edge clarity

The Monarch 3 2.5-10x42 BDC rifl escope is just what the hunter needs heading into deer season. And, it’s on special now at participating Nikon dealers, where customers receive $50

instant savings.The reliable and durable scope is part of the Mon-arch 3 line, the largest rifl escope line in the Nikon family.

Like all Monarch 3 scopes, the 2.5-10x42 BDC includes Nikon’s Ultra ClearCoat optical system, engineered to provide the theoretical maximum light transmission a scope can deliver — 95 per-

cent — for edge-to-edge clarity and a clear and sharp sight picture between dawn and dusk.

The 2.5-10x42 BDC features the popular BDC reticle providing various

aiming points built into the reticle giving exact

aiming points at

edge-to-edge clarity

NIKONNIKONSPORTOPTICS.COM

40 | LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS O Hunting Texas 2014 Annual40 | LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS O Hunting Texas 2014 Annual

Hunting Texas Annual 2014

Documents

Transcript of Hunting Texas Annual 2014