austin film festival 2009

in this issue
Features
CD review: Hillbilly fellini . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
austin film festival 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
kyle park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
the hill country comes up grapes VI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
texas big game awards announces new features . . . . . 14
ariat signs bull-riding legend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
thunderhill raceway hopes to move ahead
with 2010 racing season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
COUNTING YOUR CHICKENS, PART 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
rainwater harvesting workshops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
departm ents
Nashville Music News by Jennifer Asbury-Hughes . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
roadhouse rant by Chris Mosser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Texas Music News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Homespun by Shirley Baker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
’Round About Texas by Sandra Greaney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
on the trail by Kendall Hemphill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
The Texas Outdoor Zone by Larry LeBlanc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Fishing Report by Don Gordon & Cody Ryan Greaney . . . . . . . . 19
The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine
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LETTERS & COMMENTS
[email protected] or mailing address
E D I T O R | T. J. Greaney
P U B L I S H E R | G&G International
M A R K E T I N G D I R E C T O R | Sandra L. Greaney
[email protected]
S A L E S D I R E C T O R | Jennifer Asbury-Hughes
[email protected]
C O N T R I B U T I N G W R I T E R S | Don Gordon, Cody Ryan, Laura Haugh,
Mike Young, Larry LeBlanc, Shirley Baker, Chris Mosser, Sandra Greaney,
Kendall Hemphill, Jennifer Asbury-Hughes, Christian Hughes, Dallas Seely
N
Hunting, Nail Salons & Thanksgiving
n
Not every boy wants to go hunting or
fishing, but my experience is that almost
anytime I have asked a group of boys if any
of them wanted to go fishing or hunting
with me, they go crazy and all want in on
the adventure.
When we got back from out of town
not long ago we heard about a boy at our
church who had lost his father. My wife
and I went over to visit and take them
dinner. During the visit I mentioned that
we had an all-boys hunting trip coming up
and I would love for him to go with us. He
was beside himself. His mom later told me
it was just the distraction he needed at that
time.
The scheduled weekend came and we
made our way to the ranch with six other
boys in tow. The sun was setting as we
began to unload and I prepared something
for us all to eat. The hunt camp was
basically dirt and a small shack the size of
my daughter’s room. The floor was lined
with the boys’ gear and sleeping bags.
While all the other boys were out
collecting rocks and firewood the one who
had lost his dad stayed behind. He laid
back against the wooden wall and began
to tell me about his dreams since his father
died and how he was feeling. I never asked
him; it seemed to just pour out. It was
heart wrenching.
The last morning we hunted hard and
never had the shot we were comfortable
with. The sun was over us and we knew the
other boys were packing and cleaning up.
We slowly made our way back to camp and
I took blame for the less than successful
weekend hunt he had. Then it happened, a
deer stepped out, a perfect shot, and it was
done. It was his first deer and just before we
got back to camp to leave.
That morning after we got back to
camp he accepted Christ into his life and
we baptized him in an old concrete horse
trough. It is hard to deny God when He is
standing next to you.
It was years ago now, but there was
another boy who lost his father to a tragic
car accident. His mother and sister moved
in next door with the grandparents and
that is when we met. For years, he has
tagged along with us on hunting and
fishing trips. He is learning about life as a
boy, responsibility, right, wrong and how a
young man should behave.
One evening on a fishing trip we
baptized him in the lake as the sun set
behind us. It was powerful and all the men
there wept in joy of how God works.
My beautiful teenage daughter has
friends who are now interested in the
outdoors, hunting and fishing. Some have
dads, some don’t. The key attraction is the
real life event of hunting or fishing. It is
the adventure, the dirt and the challenges
the quest provide. Yes, girls who love dirt
one day and getting their nails done the
next. How can that be?
The girls hunts we have done have
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4 • Country Line Magazine The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine
been so powerful and exciting. I hate to
tell the boys this, but the girls are better
shots and can skin a hog or a deer with the
best of you. Ouch.
Hunting and fishing may not be your
thing. Not a problem. It’s about being
thankful for the blessing we have no
matter how much or how little. It can
be as easy as taking the kid next door or
one of your kids’ friends as part your next
family outing. Include one more seat at
the movies, at the restaurant, on the golf
course or next to you in church.
Time spent with others is the key.
A mentor can change a life — boy, girl,
man or woman. Live a life of influence
and purpose. Create a legacy, a tradition
or a memory. Be intentional in the lives
of those you come in contact with.
Contribute to organizations doing good
works. Be thankful and show thanks.
My good friend Jimmy always says,
“you can’t out give God.” He is right and if
you don’t believe it, try it.
For information on our ministry go to
kidsoutdoorzone.com
T. J. Greaney
Country Line Magazine Publisher
Kids Outdoor Zone
[email protected]
Check out my blog every week at countrylinemagazine.com
by Jennifer Asbury-Hughes
Alan Jackson
Releases New Line
If you don’t know what to get that
die-hard Alan Jackson fan this Christmas,
here’s a hint. Alan Jackson recently
lent his name and taste to a new line of
clothing, food, collectables, furniture,
and, of course, an exclusive CD. You can
view the collection, which will premier
Nov. 2 at Cracker Barrel Country Stores.
The centerpiece of the collection will
be the Alan Jackson Signature Rocker, a
solid hardwood rocking chair that reflects
the earth tones favored by Jackson. Each
rocker is numbered as part of a limited
edition of 1,700.
Although Cracker Barrel has already
released exclusive CDs from country
artists like
Dolly Parton,
Taylor, however, is not content to
rest on her laurels though. She recently
announced that she will be extending her
Fearless tour into 2010. Next year she will
be playing 37 shows in 29 cities. She kicks
off the tour in Brisbane (that’s Australia,
y’all) and brings it home for a 22-state
whirlwind. Tickets are now on sale.
It is a lot for any fan to keep track of,
but not to worry, she still makes time for
her fans. Taylor is now on Twitter! Well
known for her MySpace popularity, Taylor
is always looking for new ways to interact
with her fans. “The cool thing about the
music industry is that it’s always changing.
There are always new platforms to get in
touch with people.”
Montgomery Gentry and George Jones,
this is the first time they have developed
a complete line of merchandise around
an artist. Jackson took his role seriously,
reviewing and approving all 40-plus items
in the collection. His focus was to be
true to himself and his fans. “I was really
flattered when they came to me with the
idea of working together to create [this]
collection … and I’ve been very impressed
with the variety and quality of the items
that we have put together. I think my
fans and their families will appreciate
everything in the collection.”
Dave Matthews on CMAs
The 43rd annual Country Music
Association Awards is shaping up to be a
blockbuster evening. Already packed with
performances from such country music
superstars as Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley,
Taylor Swift and George Strait, the night
grew even bigger when it was announced
that rock icon Dave Matthews would
be joining Kenney Chesney on stage.
Chesney/Matthews will be performing the
song “I’m Alive,” originally done by Willie
Nelson, live from the Sommet Center in
Nashville, Nov. 11 (6-9 p.m. CST).
Chesney is tied with Garth Brooks
as the top winner in this category.
He has received seven CMA Awards,
including Album of the Year in 2004 for
When the Sun Goes Down. In the last
eight years, he has sold more than one
million concert tickets annually, making
him the biggest ticket seller in any genre
this century. Dave Matthews has sold over
32 million albums, won three Grammys,
and is tied with Metallica as the only band
to have five albums debut on the Billboard
chart at number one. Will the universe
implode when so much star power is on the
stage at the same time? Tune in to find out!
Have you been missin’ your Garth?
Well, Mr. Brooks, the best-selling country
music artist of all time is coming out of
retirement! After almost ten years, Garth
has signed on for a 15-week gig in Las
Vegas’ Encore Theatre, beginning Dec.
11. And you won’t want to miss it — he
has hinted that wife Trisha Yearwood
and others could be a surprise guests on
occasion.
Has Taylor Swift
Been Cloned?
OK, maybe the scorching hot 19 year
old hasn’t become the focus of some weird
government experiment, but it sure would
help explain how she is everywhere at
once. With 2009 coming to a close, Taylor
is finishing her 2009 Fearless tour strong
with two sold out shows in the U.K.
She has also been recently sited on
the Oprah Winfrey show while in Chicago.
She was in Chi-Town to promote her new
movie “Valentine’s Day” with co-star (and
rumored love interest) Taylor Lautner.
The young superstar enjoyed working on
the film, and looks forward to its release.
“We have a small-part situation, where
we’re two high-school teenagers and we’re
a couple. It’s pretty funny. It’s definitely
a very comedic scene, so I can’t wait for
people to see it.”
As if she is not talented enough,
Taylor might have been bit by the acting
bug. On Nov. 7 she is hosting “Saturday
Night Live.” It is unknown yet if the cast
will be lampooning the now infamous
Kanye West debacle from the VMAs, but
she has remarked that she will be playing
herself in at least one sketch.
If fans are worried that so much going
on in her life has distracted Ms. Swift, rest
easy. Amongst all the tours and TV, Taylor
has still managed to become the most
nominated artist at this year’s American
Music Awards. With six nominations,
including Favorite Album and Artist of the
Year, it is clear that the quality of work she
is putting out is still top notch.
6 • Country Line Magazine The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine
Brooks is Back!
You may recall that he made the
decision in 2001 to take a break from
his recording career to spend more time
with his family. Garth promises his latest
venture will not alter his lifestyle much
over the next five years, when his youngest
daughter turns 18. Trisha Yearwood credits
Steven Wynn, head honcho at Encore
Theatre, with getting the deal done. “He
and Garth share the same passion for
music, and every time we had an objection
he overcame it.” Wynn Event secured a
private jet to make the commute between
Vegas and Brooks’ home in Nashville
easier.
Not all of country music is celebrating
the return of the mega star, however. Upon
hearing of Garth’s return, Trace Akins told
PEOPLE Magazine that he needs to step up
his game. “It sure was nice for the rest of us
while it lasted,” Trace laughs, adding, “We
got a little more of the consumer money ...
Now Garth’s going to come back and eat it
all up, and I’ll have to get a real job again.
Thanks a lot, Garth!”
W
We wrapped up the KVET Free
Texas Music Series for 2009 a couple of
weeks ago, and as I write this article at
home on a Wednesday night, I’m still
getting used to its absence from my weekly
schedule. After six months of great music,
rubbin’ elbows with some of my favorite
musicians and behind-the-scenes folks,
free beer and sneakin’ the band’s BBQ, a
Wednesday night without a Hill’s show
is a little slow and lonely. We probably
documented this year’s Series better
than any before it, and it
was great fun for me to
be heavily involved
in all the great
videos we shot (we
captured ALL of
the headliners
and quite a few
of the openers
too). I’ve become
known to the Hill’s
crowd as “the guy
with the camera,”
and messing around
with video has become
a welcome addition to my
skill set at the radio station, as
we strive to keep up with the technology
curve. The Web site for the Series
(texasmusicseries.com) will remain up with
the full array of videos, and here are a few
of my favorites:
Doug Moreland, “TheTortilla”:
shooting this video was the first time I
heard this song, which is the first on his
new CD Barnstormer. Doug’s got a classic
sound, but these new tunes take off to
far-away places that not too many of the
old timers were likely to tread. A uniquely
Austin country vibe.
Chris Knight, “House and 40 Acres”:
I knew Chris Knight’s music to be pretty
dangerous stuff prior to seeing him live for
the first time at Hill’s. After meeting him,
it became apparent that this dark material
comes from a very real place. A little scary,
but undeniable.
Roger Creager, “Love (Ain’t What
This Song’s About)”: This was the first
by Chris Mosser
show of the Series, and an older song that I
had kind of forgotten about, but Roger and
the band blew it out with such power that I
decided to add it to the Roadhouse playlist.
Upon reviewing the studio version a
couple of days later, I found the live TMS
recording to be a lot more lively, so that’s
what you’re hearing on the show.
Casey Donahew Band, “Crazy”: Some
TMS shows are packed to the gills and
others see a bit more elbow room; we
expected Casey’s turnout to be fairly
light, owing only to his being
somewhat new to the scene
here in Austin. We were
surprised when he
packed the place! I
must say I’m really
impressed with
what this band
has accomplished
with strong, fun
songs and one heck
of a work ethic, and
without a whole lot of
radio support. That last
bit, of course, is changing
lately.
Kevin Fowler, “Triple Crown”:
This was one of only three shows I missed
this year, but Eric and Whitney handled
the cameras nicely. Keb’Fo’ introduces The
Shocker to the country crowd! Another
great, older tune that stands up great and a
good showcase for Kevin’s crack band.
Kyle Park, “Day By Day”: Kyle has
played the Series before, but this was his
first time as a headliner, and his excitement
that night was contagious. That’s a bunch
of hard work paying off, and it’s cool to
have been able to catch Kyle marking a big
career milestone.
Lots more to see at texasmusicseries.
com, including fan galleries. Thanks
to Dave Lytle and 415 Entertainment,
everyone at Hill’s and the rest of the crew
who made this year’s KVET Free Texas
Music Series such a great experience!
Enjoy those memories, and we’ll do it all
over again in the spring.
Casey Donahew Band
The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine Country Line Magazine • 7
Brandon Rhyder is a Hard
Working Man
It’s the highways and byways for
Brandon Rhyder as he burns up the road
between shows this fall. Check out his
web site for details on shows and more
brandonrhyder.com
October! You gotta know Heidi is filling
her mom’s schedule up between shows and
record promotions. She also announced
this year that Smith Entertainment Group
(discovered Randy Rogers) signed Pauline
to a distribution and promotion deal in
2009.They put her fifth album Rolling Stone
in stores all across Texas and Oklahoma!
paulinereese.com
Roger Creager Tickets
Free Cory Morrow CD
Go to Creager’s Web site
(rogercreager.com) for a chance to win two
tickets to see hime live. To enter, fill out
the form, select the show of your choice
from the “Choose a Show” drop-down list.
To enter more than one show, fill the form
for more than one chance.
One winner will be chosen randomly
from all entries for that show and notified
via email approximately 5 days prior to
the show date from [email protected],
so make sure you can accept emails from
[email protected]. Prize includes two
show tickets only. Good luck!
Kevin Fowler’s Schedule for
Deer Season
Good luck finding Fowler during deer
season in Texas. If you don’t see him at one
of his weekend shows, try a rattling a few
big buck horns together in the woods near
you and watch for flying arrows!
Nov. 13: Wild West Lubbock
(Lubbock), Nov. 14: Wild Country
(Harker Heights), Nov. 19: Denim and
Diamonds (Wichita, Kan.), Nov. 20:
Buffalo Run Casino (Miami, Okla.), Nov.
27: Cowboys Dancehall (San Antonio),
Nov. 28: Las Palmas Race Park (Mission).
Pauline Mama Reese
Well, Heidi Sky was a year old in
8 • Country Line Magazine The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine
Cory wants to give you a free copy of
the Outside The Lines CD. All you have to
do is go to the online store and buy a single
item and you will receive a copy of the
record with your order. That’s right, buy a
shirt, koozie or even just a sticker and you
will get a copy of the record for free! You
can also do this at one of the live shows.
If you already have the record give it to a
friend. corymorrow.com
Robert Earl Keen
REK was featured in Austin at the
KVET 98.1 studios during a live on-air
performance in October. He cranked out
some of the tunes from The Rose Hotel
disc. I personally think this may be his best
record yet. Yes, it is the 20th anniversary
of Road Goes on Forever but like fine
wine, he continues to perfect and amaze.
robertearlkeen.com — TJ Greaney
Doug Moreland Music
Barnstormer by Doug Moreland
available now on iTunes and at all Doug
Moreland concerts! This is the real sound
of the ‘fret-less four-piece’ featuring Dan
Johnson on lead steel guitar! The album is
also available at Cattlelacs in Manchaca,
Lone Star Music in Gruene and Waterloo
Records in Austin. And available soon at
dougmoreland.com and lonestarmusic.com.
Austin Film Festival 2009
Inspirational divinities of entertain-
CD Review: Hillbilly Fellini
Inspirational divinities of entertain-
The new CD Hillbilly Fellini by Slim Bawb
Pearce will make you want to get up and
do a Louisiana gig, if there is such a thing.
Slim is a very talented musician capable
of playing a variety of instruments while
belting out some fierce and throaty vocals.
This music is not much like anything
I have ever heard, I believe they call it
“swamp-grass.” I can’t say that I would
know how to dance to it or crank it up
while cruising with the top down but I sure
would enjoy it at a live venue or a crawfish
boil. My favorite “Hillbilly Fellini,” the
title track, would get even me in the
mood to scarf down a bowl of crawfish and
shrimp!
Give this CD a listen and you’ll
see what I mean. Check Slim Bawb
Slim Bawb and Flaco Jimenez , the
pioneering icon of Conjunto and Tejano
music.
out during one of their November gigs:
Nov. 6 at Ino’z (Wimberley); Nov. 10
at Linda’s (Wimberley); Nov. 17 at
Waterhole Saloon (Del Valle); Nov. 18 at
Evangeline’s Café (Austin); Nov. 20 and
25 at Grace Miller’s (Bastrop). At their
Evangeline Café gig you can also enjoy
some real authentic Cajun food with the
tunes — it’ll make you want to do a little
Cajun two-step! —sandra greaney
ment: Ron Howard, Mitchell Hurwitz,
Steven Zaillian, Matthew Weiner, Richard
Linklater and Stewart Stern — these
names were only some of the distinguished
entities that encouraged and promoted
confidence and creativity at this year’s
Austin Film Fest.
Cheryl Hines' directorial debut,
Serious Moonlight, opened the Austin
Film Fest Oct. 22.
Michael Keaton appeared at the
AFF to support Ron Howard for his
extraordinary contribution to filmmaking
award. He stopped shortly to sign
autographs and take pictures. He kept his
dark shades on the entire luncheon except
for when he said his little speech about
Howard right before presenting him with
the award.
AFF presented Hurwitz (Arrested
Development), with the outstanding
television writer’s award and Steven
Zaillian (Schindler's List, American
Gangster) with the distinguished
screenwriter award.
At a panel, Howard explained why he
changed from actor to director.
“I saw my dad do it. I fell in love with
the medium of movies. The feelings I
had when I went to the movies, I wanted
to take on that responsibility and make
audiences feel.”
Howard gave a couple of tips; listen
to the director’s commentaries on movie
DVDs, and watch a movie with no sound.
At the conference wrap up party,
Howard showed up and didn’t mind at all
talking to all the aspiring thirsty writers
and filmmakers. Woody Harrelson partied
too giving nothing but positive feedback
and advice.
At one of the panels, Henry Weingrod
(Trading Places, Twins, Kindergarten Cop)
shared some thoughts.
“People say that you should write
what you know. I think you should write
what you care about. You need to find the
best way in which you need to tell your
story—discover it. Create a character/hero
and then follow them. Those characters
will lead you where you need to go,”
Weingrod said. “You come across this grace
when your characters lead the way and you
can’t write fast enough. Your characters
take over the story.”
Linklater (Dazed and Confused, Bad
News Bears, School of Rock, The Newton
Boys) discussed the art of storytelling at
one of the panels.
“I’m impressed seeing movies like
Transformers, but I wouldn’t know how
to do it. But that’s not really storytelling.
That’s more like being throttled in your
seat,” Linklater said.
At his panel discussion, everyone
was talking about what happened to the
traditional storytelling. It was decided that
as long as the big studios keep making
millions, they’ll keep making big movies
like Transformers.
Shane Black (Lethal Weapon, The
Last Boy Scout) urged self-assurance.
“Come in it with faith, not fear. It’s
like a horse, they’ll sense it,” Black said.
“If you’re truly passionate about what
you’ve written or made, you’ll care about
it. Be yourself and trust that others will
care about it too,” Linklater said. “Believe
what you’re doing is important. Do what
your storytelling muse is telling you to do.
You just have to believe your best stuff will
just float to the top.”
Daniel Petrie, Jr. (The Big Easy,
Beverly Hills Cop) encouraged writers to
write a great script and engage themselves
around working writers.
Actor Tom Skerritt (Top Gun, Steel
Magnolias, A River Runs Through It)
moderated the presentation of The Ugly
American with writer Stewart Stern who
also wrote Rebel Without a Cause.
Stern talked about writing The Ugly
American. There is a scene in The Ugly
American that Stern wrote because of a
child he once met.
“While I was traveling, I saw a
starving child. I picked him up. He felt
like a leaf. As I held him, I felt that he
had no buttocks only a rectum. I couldn’t
feel anything there. I gave him a piece of
banana. He smiled. All children like him
should be able to smile. He was so happy,
he wanted to cry, but he couldn’t. He was
so dehydrated that he had no tears,” Stern
said.
Not only did Stern tear up, but so did
most of his audience.
To check out more information about
the Austin Film Festival, go to the Web
site at austinfilmfestival.com. —Sheryl
Bucsanyi
The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine Country Line Magazine • 9
Kyle
at 2 5 a n d a h a l f, k y l e pa r k i s a
busy young man. His life from Wednesday
through Sunday is usually a blur of yellow
dashes on the highways and smokefilled dance halls. For many his age, the
dance halls and music are a getaway
from the hustle and bustle of a work or
school routine. For Park, it is a lifestyle, a
vocation as one of the best young country
music makers in Texas.
Park was raised in Leander, Tex., a
bustling center of activity on U.S. Highway
183 just north of Austin. Growing up,
his family, like many in Texas, eagerly
anticipated the opening day of deer season
each November.
“We always hunted,” Park remembers.
“My dad, uncles, brothers, cousins. We
had a 7,000-acre family deer lease near Del
Rio where we spent a lot of our time. Back
in those days it wasn’t quite as expensive
as it is today.”
The lessons learned during hunting
season, the time preparing for it and
memories after, are ones that, for many,
form a part of whom and what they
become.
When asked a random question about
one thing his dad told him when he first
started hunting, it was easy for him to
answer. “Pick up your feet when you walk,
and don’t talk in the blind.” A common
charge by dads in the field.
“I remember walking along and
just not paying attention,” Park shares,
smiling. “I was a boy with a pocket full of
rocks and a wandering mind exploring the
wonders around me.
“I was 9 when I killed my first deer.
It was a seven-point down in Del Rio.
Dad made me a European Mount from
the horns and burned in the date I shot
him with a hot wire. I used a 22-250
and dropped him with one shot. It was a
powerful moment in my life.”
The hunting adventures moved
to a family deer lease in Mexico where
giant whitetails roam freely on wild and
undeveloped land for miles and miles
around. A favorite pastime on the Mexico
lease was searching for Indian artifacts
after the morning hunt. On Jan. 3, 1998,
just after the morning hunt and while out
searching for arrowheads, Park’s father
suffered a massive heart attack and passed
away. Kyle was with him. He was 12.
It is amazing how God works in times
like these. It was only a few months earlier
that Kyle had harvested his first big deer
with his dad by his side and a few months
after his father passed, he received the full
shoulder mount back.
“The next year after my dad died, I
hunted alone for the first time and took
a deer. It was the first time I had hunted
alone, and it was a big deal at 13 to hunt
alone — it still is for any kid. It was a
right-of-passage in a lot of ways. To this
day I really prefer to hunt alone, except
for my brother Clint. I never got to play
golf with my dad and he never saw me play
music, but he taught me so much more —
important lessons that are a part of me to
this day.”
Playing honky-tonks and festivals
is hard work. The business of music and
managing a music career is a tough job.
Park has assimilated a top notch group of
musicians and a management team second
to none.
“You need a loyal team of seasoned
people in the music business to do it right.
I have been so blessed to have just that
team working with me.”
Park’s current record, Anywhere in
Texas, is a great disc, and he has a great
Web site that can tell you more about
where he is playing and what is happening
with him.
His plans for the near future — “I
want to get our new record out in March
or April next year. It’s gonna be real
unique in how we put it out. I don’t think
anyone has done it this way before, but it
is going to be really cool. Sorry, but can’t
quite break the news about it yet.”
It is not a surprise Park has a cutting
edge idea for a new record. His music is
solid, his team is loyal and he loves to
hunt. The lessons learned in the field with
his dad seem to fit. Be patient, wait for the
right moment, enjoy life, the pursuit of a
big buck and pick up your feet when you
walk. kyleparkmusic.com
The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine Country Line Magazine • 11
The Hill Country
Comes Up Grapes VI
i am a firm believer in the fact that
as Texans we are blessed with 40 perfect
days each year; crisp, clean air, 80 degrees
and plenty of sunshine. There are usually
twenty in the spring and twenty in the
fall. This month’s venture on the wine
trail was on just such a day and my wife
and I decided to take a longer drive and
head southwest to visit three wineries
around the town of Comfort: Comfort
Cellars, Singing Water Vineyards, and
Sister Creek Vineyards. As it turned out,
taking the longer drive was worth it. It was
a wonderful day in the heart of the Texas
wine country.
Our first stop of the day was Comfort
Cellars, named for the relaxing atmosphere
offered as much as for the town nearby.
The tasting room is located in a restored
turn-of-the-century (last century) Texas
Hill Country home, complete with a
wood burning stove. This place exudes
southern hospitality! Before we could
nuzzle up for a comfortable nap with the
mascot, Raisin, though, we were treated to
some adventurous wines that woke up our
palates. Owner, Cathie Wheeler, began
planting grapes in 1997 after retiring from
the U.S. Army. She opened the winery a
year later. Since then, she has continually
pushed the envelope with exciting new
wines, like Orange Chardonnay and Hill
Country Hottie — an honest-to-goodness
jalapeño wine. She recommends cooking
or marinating with it, but for the truly
adventurous, (that would be me) it is an
exciting detour from the average merlot.
The next stop on our excursion was
Singing Water Vineyards. The lingering
feeling that we were 100 years in the past
remained as we pulled up to the tasting
room of this scenic vineyard. Owners
Dick and Julie Holmberg relocated and
restored an historic Texas Hill Country
barn to their property and transformed it
into a wonderful tasting room. Lending to
the tranquil surroundings (Singing Water
is named for the melodious sounds that
emanate from a cascading water fall on
the property) is the family atmosphere the
Holmberg’s have nurtured. Their very first
harvest was done with the help of friends
and family. To this day, they hold that
family tradition sacred. Their daughter,
Ann, and husband, Tom, have joined the
ranks as the second generation of this
thriving Texas winery. Rounding out the
family circle is Lupe Tortilla, a Labrador
mix that also happens to be the director
of hospitality. My wife loved the dog and I
was partial to his namesake, Sweet Lupe, a
delicious semi-sweet merlot.
Our final destination of the day once
again, transported us to a more simple time.
If Comfort is quaint, the town of Sisterdale
is down right cozy. The beautiful Texas Hill
Country surrounds the town of 25 and the
authentic feel of Sister Creek Vineyards
fits right in. Located in a restored cotton
gin from 1885, the winery strives to bring
a European style to winemaking. They still
use the burgundy method of winemaking,
which allows the wine to soak in oak
barrels for three years. This produces a rich,
complex wine that lingers on the tongue.
The wines are delicious, and the quiet
location assures that the wife and I will be
back — next time with friends.
After each adventure on the Texas
Wine Trail, I find that I am newly surprised
by differences of each of these wineries.
This day offered a veritable trip back in
time, when cotton gins and wood burning
stoves still ruled supreme. But as always,
good wine and great Texas hospitality
permeated the trip. I hope everyone got
a chance to taste some wine during Texas
Wine Month. If you have a good story,
or would like to comment on any of the
wineries I have covered, please feel free
to email me at [email protected].
Cheers! —christian Hughes
by Shirley Baker
CURRIED ORANGE RICE
graNDMA’S HINTS
Simmer vinegar on stove to rid odors in kitchen.
Apply hot vinegar to paint on window pane and scrape off when soft.
Place blotter on candle wax on carpet or table cloth.
Apply hot iron. Blotter will absorb wax.
No time to cook? On a large platter, place various lunch meat slices, cheeses,
tomatoes, lettuce, onions, olives, various pickle slices. On another platter place
different bread slices. Nearby set out mayonnaise, mustards, ketchup. Let everyone
put together their own sandwich. A bowl of cut-up fruit is a great dessert. Everyone
chooses whatever they like and become their own chef of the day.
12 • Country Line Magazine The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine
½ stick margarine
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons curry powder
1 cup uncooked rice
1 cup orange juice
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup seedless raisins
1 bay leaf
Melt butter in a heavy saucepan, saute onion until soft and golden. Stir in curry and rice.
Cook 2 minutes stirring constantly.
Add remaining ingredients, stir with fork. Bring to boiling. Lower heat, cover and simmer
for 15 minutes till rice is soft and liquid has been absorbed. Remove bay leaf before
serving.
O
by Sandra Greaney
On occasion, I have been known to
shake up our ’Round About Texas column
to focus on important happenings — this
month I am focusing on the ways to give
back. Wisdom says that the best thing
you can give to someone is your time and
I do believe that. But time is also one of
those things that we never seem to have
enough of and the lack of it causes us to
feel overwhelmed. Even just seeking out a
place or charity to serve at can cause you
to feel overwhelmed and before you know
it, you’ve given up. So, my goal this month
is to do the research for you, point you
in the direction of opportunities to give
and to serve. Your life will be more filled,
joy will be in your heart and you will be
blessed beyond imagination. Don’t believe
me? I dare you to check it out yourself.
Nov 6-8 Austin Charity Garage Sale
benefits the Settlement Home for Children
in Austin. Preview party held on Thursday
evening, Nov. 5. Browse the amazing deals
in over 20 different departments and your
support will go to help children in Central
Texas. settlementhome.org, 512-448-5302
Nov 10 Simms Foundation Benefit
at Antone’s for a night of great music
featuring Hot Club of Cowtown and Los
Bad Apples. The SIMMS mission is to
provide access to and financial support
for mental health and addiction recovery
services for Austin-area musicians and
their families. simsfoundation.org
Nov 12 Safe Date Auction: A
Charity Bash Benefiting SafePlace at
The Ranch on 6th Street will be a fun
way to meet other dynamic, professional
and developing young philanthropists
that make a difference, like in the lives
of kids they serve at Candlelight Ranch.
charitybash.org
Nov 14 2009 LoneStar Huddle Up at
the Salt Lick Pavilion will feature music by
Rick Treviño, the Lake Travis Fiddlers and
Michael Shane Borden to raise money for
lung cancer research. rexannasfoundation.
org
Nov 14-16 CANstruction at Barton
Creek Mall will feature teams of architects,
engineers and students competing to
design and build giant structures made
entirely from canned food. When the
competition is over, all of the food will be
donated to the Food Bank. Participate by
voting on your favorite structure and help
feed hungry Central Texans by bringing
healthy, non-perishable food items and
dropping them in the boxes located at each
structure! The “Viewer’s Choice” awards
will be posted on Monday, Nov. 16.
Nov 22 13th Annual Austin Empty
Bowl Project at The Mexican American
Cultural Center benefits the Capitol Area
Foodbank. Purchase locally hand-crafted
bowl(s) for $15 each to fill with your pick
of delicious soups and bread donated by
local chefs. Also new this year, you can
purchase a bowl in advance and participate
in the celebrity bowl silent auction and
make a difference
November provides lots of opportunities to contribute, as our listed events illustrate.
Here are some additional ways you can make a difference all year ’round.
Donate Blood With just a single
donation you can save lives! Go by 4300
N. Lamar in Austin or 2132 N. Mays in
Round Rock to donate. inyourhands.org
Donate Food The Capital Area Food
Bank of Texas distributes your food
donation to 355 partner agencies —
soup kitchens, pantries and shelters
— across 21 central Texas counties.
Drop-off donations at 8201 S. Congress
Ave., RunTex and Randalls locations.
austinfoodbank.org
enjoy soup at the “Preview Party” on
Saturday, Nov. 22. Purchase advanced
tickets online for $75 or $100 after Nov.
15. austinemptybowl.org
Nov 23-26 Operation Turkey There
are two different ways you can be an
operative in Operation Turkey! 1) Nov.
23-25 drop off men’s/women’s/children’s
jackets, long-sleeve shirts, short-sleeve
shirts, pants, shoes and hats, toiletries
(shaving cream, disposable razors, bar soap,
shampoo, toilet paper, towels, deodorant,
toothpaste and new toothbrushes) and
non-perishable food items (canned corn,
green beans, cream gravy and sweet
potatoes/yams; dry boxed stuffing; potatoes
for making mashed potatoes, dry Parmesan
cheese in shakers, imitation butter, aka
“I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter”; 1012" pumpkin pies; turkeys; aluminum
pans for cooking turkeys; aluminum
foil; sodas (Coke, Pepsi, Sprite, etc.)
off at either of the Austin-area Bikinis
Sports Bar locations. And/or 2) Go to
operationturkey.com/default.asp to sign up
as a volunteer, then show up at one of the
Bikinis locations Thanksgiving morning
between 9-9:30 a.m. to help cook, package
and deliver food to the homeless.
Nov 26 Turkey Trot This year marks
the 19th year for the trot and the longrunning relationship with ThunderCloud
Subs and Caritas of Austin. There will be
over 13,000 Turkey Trot participants and
race supporters expected to be at Waterloo
Park to trot off those Thanksgiving pounds
before they are even consumed! If you’d
like to volunteer at the race, please contact
Molly Sipe at [email protected].
Nov 28 Chuy’s Children Giving To
Children Parade will begin at 11 a.m.
Enjoy a procession of giant balloons,
marching bands, vintage cars, celebrities
and floats in downtown Austin, ushering in
the season of giving. chuysparade.com
Town Lake Animal Shelter Don’t have
time to volunteer? They are always in
need of in-kind donations, e.g. towels/
small blankets; newspapers; tennis balls,
Kongs and other sturdy, washable dog
toys. Find the complete list at http://
www.ci.austin.tx.us/health/animal_
services_help.htm
Donate from your Closet Lisa’s Hope
Chest is designed specifically to help
individuals in transition. They accept any
cleaned professional clothing for women
and men, but they have a greater need of
women sizes 12 and above, especially plus
sizes. They are also in need of anything
wearable for men. Most men who visit
the boutique are looking for work clothes
such as blue jeans, t-shirts, ties, belts,
wallets, dress shoes and work boots. Also
in need are women’s accessories (scarves,
purses, etc.) bras, slips and sleep-wear.
lisashopechest.org
Donate Diapers, Wipes & Toys CASA’s
current needs are diapers (sizes 1-5) and
baby wipes for children in the Family
Drug Treatment Court. They’re also in
need of donations for their 2009 Holiday
Toy Drive. 459-2272, casatravis.org
Donate Funds A youth adventure
ministry that supports young men
throughout Texas, mostly without
fatherly influences, by taking them
on outdoor adventures and monthly
gatherings to make a difference in their
lives. Financial contributions needed to
help support single mothers and their
sons to participate in these outdoor
adventures. kidsoutddorzone.com, 512292-1113
I f y o u at t e n d a n e v e n t l i s t e d h e r e , s e n d
me an e-mail and let me know how it
wa s . s a n d r a @ c o u n t r y l i n e m a g a z i n e . c o m
The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine Country Line Magazine • 13
by Kendall Hemphill
U
I Fish, Therefore I Lie
Until further notice, it’s not safe
to fish. It’s not safe to go swimming, or
wading, or take a bath. I’m not even sure
it’s safe to drink water unless it’s been
thoroughly inspected, personally, by the
Surgeon General.
Our first story comes from James
Horton, who forwarded it after he got it
from someone else. The title was “Real
Rattle Trap.”
It seems a fishing guide was kayak
fishing on the Brazos River when he
noticed a small rattlesnake swimming
across the river. He’d never seen that
before, but it is a well-documented fact
that rattlesnakes can swim. Unfortunately,
the snake decided to head right for Mr.
Guide’s kayak and try to get in it with him.
Mr. Guide didn’t care for that idea a
whole lot and, in accordance with River
Fishing Rule # 4, beat the snake unto death
with a paddle. But as he was watching the
snake swim, he had been thinking that its
motion would make a fine lure.
So he carefully retrieved the
rattlesnake, and very carefully hooked it
through the head with a weedless hook,
and started casting it toward a snaginfested laydown. On his sixth cast the
jig-n-snake was attacked by a largemouth
bass that looks, in the picture, like it would
go probably four or five pounds.
When Mr. Guide finally tired the
fish out and brought it beside his boat,
he was very careful to avoid the snake’s
head, lest he be poisoned by his own
bait. The ‘real Rat-L-Trap’ worked like a
charm, according to the email. But I don’t
recommend using rattlesnakes for fish bait
unless you own Kevlar gloves. And you’re
fishing somewhere I’m not.
Our other fish story was sent in by
Joyce Arnold, who included a PDF file
containing the front page of the Sea Breeze
newspaper. Unfortunately the date is not
evident, but the picture shows a man
identified as Bruce Gordy standing on a
dock holding the ugliest creature I’ve seen
in a long time. The story says it’s a six-foot,
100-pound, 60-year-old American Conger
eel, and I don’t doubt it for a minute. This
thing looks like a huge snake, probably a
foot around in the middle, with a face like
Janet Reno. I wouldn’t want to meet it
behind bars in a zoo, much less a dark alley.
But the story is even better than the
picture. It seems Bruce went on an offshore
fishing trip with three friends, Steve, Ken,
and Erik, in a 33-foot boat. They were
having a fine evening, drinking beer and
catching lots of fish.
Texas Big Game Awards Announces
New Features for This Season
a new score form with additional
harvest information and a new “Best of
2009 Field Photos Contest” are among the
new features highlighting this year’s Texas
Big Game Awards.
For 19 years, the Texas Big Game
Awards (TBGA), a partnership of Texas
Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD)
and the Texas Wildlife Association
(TWA), has been the leader in recognizing
the contributions that landowners, land
managers and responsible hunters make
to managing and conserving wildlife and
wildlife habitat on Texas’ private lands.
The purpose of the TBGA is to
make Texans aware of the important role
ethical hunting and habitat management
play in the lives of our young people and
to the ecosystem over which we must be
responsible stewards. Under this program,
awards are given to all “Scored Entries”
that meet minimum regional requirements,
and there are no entry fees. Deadline to
enter is February 15, 2010.
Hunters who harvest a white-tailed
deer, mule deer, or pronghorn antelope this
season meeting the minimum net score
B&C requirements for their respective
Region may be eligible to receive
recognition in the “Scored Entry” category,
as well as the landowner of the property
from which the trophy was taken. Also
new this year is the recognition only of
the hunters and landowners where desert
bighorns are taken in Texas.
Hunters of any age who harvest their
first big game animal in Texas are eligible
for the “First Big Game Harvest” category.
Hunters who harvest a white-tailed deer,
mule deer, javelina, or pronghorn antelope
are eligible whether they harvest a buck
or doe, regardless of score of the animal in
this category.
And, any youth hunter with a Special
Resident Hunting License who harvests
a white-tailed deer, mule deer, javelina,
or pronghorn antelope is eligible for the
“Youth Division,” whether they harvest a
buck or doe, regardless of score.
New this year will be a “Best of 2009
Field Photos Contest” sponsored by Game
Guard. A panel of judges will look at all
field photos that are part of an official
TBGA entry this season and recognize the
top 20 of the 2009-2010 hunting season.
Prizes will be awarded to the top three
photos. Look for the photos to appear in
a spring issue of Texas Wildlife magazine,
the official magazine of the Texas Wildlife
Association.
For more information on the Texas
Big Game Awards, entry information, or
for a local certified TBGA scorer, please
visit at www.TexasBigGameAwards.com
or call (800) 839-9453, ext. 114 for more
information.
14 • Country Line Magazine The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine
About 3 a.m. Ken and Erik went
below to get a little sleep, and Bruce and
Steve kept fishing. After a while Bruce
hooked something huge, and spent twenty
minutes bringing it to the surface. Steve
gaffed it and hauled it aboard. Big mistake.
When the eel hit the boat it went
nuts, chasing Bruce and Steve around and
trying to bite them with its razor-sharp
teeth. In the melee it fell down below and
landed between Ken and Eric, who were
sleeping on cots. When Erik turned on
the light the eel had raised its head and
was looking down at him. He rolled over
and grabbed his 9mm pistol. Steve started
yelling at Erik, “Don’t shoot the gun in the
boat! We’re 120 miles from land!” So Ken
and Erik piled up the stairs and closed the
door to the hold.
The four men developed a plan, and
Steve was elected to distract the eel. As
he opened the door the eel came up the
steps from the hold, trying to bite whatever
he could. All four fishermen ran to the
wheelhouse and slammed the door, leaving
the rest of the boat to the eel.
After drinking some more beer the
four made another try. Steve ran out and
the eel attacked, and Steve jumped up on
the captain’s chair. Ken threw a blanket
over the eel and Bruce and Erik beat it
with a gaff and an ice chest lid. They
managed to subdue the beast and put it in
a large ice chest, and closed the lid.
The four were sitting around
congratulating themselves, having another
beer, when the lid popped off the ice chest
and Jean Claude van Eel attacked again.
Two of the guys grabbed gaffs, one used the
ice chest lid, and the other got hold of a
fire extinguisher. They finally beat the eel
down again, and got it back into the ice
chest. This time they tied the lid shut and
put another ice chest on top of it.
No one wanted to open the ice chest
when they got back to the dock, so they
did ‘rock, paper, scissors’ to decide. I have
no idea who won, but it wasn’t me.
My friend, Greg Berlocher, makes
fun of me for staying out of salt water, but
that’s OK. As long as I keep my feet on dry
land I will never be attacked by a huge,
angry, carnivorous Conger eel. Fact is, I’m
not too sure anymore about kayak fishing
on the Llano …
Kendal Hemphill is an outdoor humor
c o l u m n i s t w h o av o i d s wat e r d e e p e r
t h a n h e c a n s ta n d u p i n , i f at a l l
p o s s i b l e . W r i t e t o h i m at PO B o x 1 6 0 0 ,
Mason, Tx 76856 or [email protected]
Holiday
SANDY’S TACK SHOP OF AUSTIN
Clothing and equipment for
equestrian riders and their horses
from top brands like Ariat, Grand
Prix, GPA helmets and Tailored
Sportsman. Also featuring Breyer
horses and accessories, huge
supply of Schleich™ animal figures,
stuffed animals, unique ornaments,
jewelry and platters. (Top: Schleich
figures. Bottom: top-selling Rody
Ponies from Italy)
GIFT GUIDE
Save gas and time! Find your holiday
gifts without leaving home with Country
Line Magazine’s Holiday Gift Guide.
HARDWOOD DEER MOUNTS
tackshopofaustin.com
MI-SPORT WATERPROOF/
WIRELESS MP3 HEADPHONES
Custom handmade hardwood
European mounts ready for your
trophies. Each plaque is unique
and custom built. All-condition mp3 player
headphones, providing a
completely functional and
comfortable listening
experience during any activity.
Waterproof, sweatproof and
wireless. $135
Brian Adams
512-484-5267
aquajogger.com
THE HOT SPOT FOR PEPPER
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BEAR PAWS POTTERY
Find the perfect gift at Bear Paws
Pottery! Handmade, hand-glazed
Earthenware slip-cast pottery
desert vases, tall designer vases,
whiskey jugs, Tuscan vases, short
Indian pots, small round vases,
rustic pitchers, large oil jugs —
from $15 to $50.
This Jalapeño Griller makes
cooking peppers a breeze! The
peppers stand up for evenly
cooked stuffed peppers on the grill,
smoker, or even in the oven. Add
the Chile Twister for simple pepper
cleaning and this makes one hot
and stylish holiday gift.
bearpawspottery.com
jalapenogriller.com
FOR THE ENTREPRENEUR
Give them a new-business startup special gift certificate, which
includes advertising in three
issues of Country Line Magazine
— the only Texas country &
lifestyle magazine — for just
$399! Order your gift certificate
today.
A WEEK AT BOYS CAMP
Give a boy the ULTIMATE
Christmas gift — a week at KOZ
summer hunting or fishing camp
in 2010 for just $549! This is a
gift they’ll never forget.
512-292-1113
kidsoutdoorzone.com
512-292-1113
The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine Country Line Magazine • 15
TEXAS SERVICES AND PROFESSIONALS
Home of the best little meat market in South Austin
JOHNNY G’S MEAT MARKET
Tanglewood Biz Park • 11600 Manchaca Rd, Ste H • Austin, TX • 512/280-6514
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16 • Country Line Magazine The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine
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Ariat signs bull-riding legend
Adriano Moraes
Ariat International, the leading
manufacturer of performance equestrian
footwear, apparel and belts announced its
sponsorship of Adriano Moraes, the only
three-time PBR world champion.
A native of Brazil, Moraes made
history in the U.S. in 1994 when he was
crowned the PBR’s first World Champion.
In 2001, he became the first rider to
claim the tile a second time, and then
followed it up in 2006 by taking home
an unprecedented third PBR World
Championship title.
“We are thrilled to have Adriano
on board,” said Susan Alcala, Ariat’s
vice president of marketing. “He is a true
ambassador of the sport, a highly-respected
member of the PBR community and
unquestionably one of the best riders of all
time.”
In celebration of the partnership,
Ariat is holding a contest in 2010 where
one lucky fan will win a trip to the PBR
World Finals in Las Vegas – including a
VIP lunch and behind-the-scenes tour
with Moraes, plus $1000 worth of Ariat
footwear and apparel.
Moraes earned a $1.346 million dollar
payday at the 2006 PBR World Finals,
putting him over the $3 million dollar
career-earnings mark. He remains in
the No. 2 position on the PBR All-time
Money Earners list.
Moraes retired from competition in
2008, but remains active in the PBR as a
commentator and a member of the Rules
and Regulations Committee as well as
the Conduct Advisory Committee. In
2009, Moraes was awarded the prestigious
“Ring of Honor” that is given annually to
individuals who have made a significant
and lasting contribution to the sport of
professional bull riding, both in and out of
the arena.
For more information on the contest
check back here at Country Line Magazine
or go to ariat.com
Counting Your Chickens
A Series, Part 13
something strange is afoot in
Chickenland. Molt, molt, molt — my
phone is ringing off the proverbial hook
with questions about molt. What is it?
Why is it happening now? What can we
do to help those poor naked birds, and
why has the Egg Fairy abandoned us? The
short answer is that I don’t know, but if I
had to hazard a guess, I would say that it
is somehow related to heat stress. We just
suffered through the hottest summer and
fall on record here in Central Texas —
most of us have A/C, but those chickens
don’t. To make matters worse, we are
experiencing the drought of record of at
least the last 50 years. Terms like “severe,”
“extreme,” and “exceptional” are being
tossed around daily by the weatherman.
Now to determine if cause and effect are at
work here we should probably take a short
course in chicken biology.
By definition molt is the time, usually
once each year in a grown chicken, when
birds renew their plumage — they typically
renew their feathers and stop laying eggs.
Let’s go back to the beginning. When
a chick is hatched, it is covered in down,
except for the wings and tail. After about
six weeks, the down has grown longer,
develops a shaft and turns into the chicks
first set of feathers. These in turn are
replaced by two more sets before the
bird reaches sexual maturity at about six
months.
Feathers to a bird are a big deal!
They make up four to eight percent of the
live weight of the bird and serve several
important functions. They are present to
protect the bird, aid in flight, insulate the
bird, and help distinguish between the sexes.
So, it follows that the molt is a big deal.
Factors that seem to determine the
onset of molt are: the time of the chick was
hatched, the individual bird, and what I
think is most at play, the stresses to which
the bird is exposed.
The stresses that we have seen over
this past summer and fall have to do with
extreme heat, and perhaps not enough
water consumption. In last month’s article
I mentioned that a chicken’s body is said
to contain more than 50% water, and
that a hen deprived of water for a full day
make take another day to recover. Studies
also suggest that a hen without water for
36 hours may go into molt and some may
never recover enough to be a good layer
again. A lot of the people that I’ve polled
seem to confirm my suspicions. Some,
however, are reluctant to admit that they
did not provide enough water during this
extreme heat and drought. Some think
that may have happened.
Anyway, thanks for reading. Adios!
—mike young, callahan’s general store
Thunderhill Raceway hopes to move
ahead with 2010 racing season
unstable economic conditions have
affected businesses all over the country,
and stock car racing has also felt the
crunch of these tough times.
Although Thunderhill Raceway (Kyle,
Tex.) has just finished up its 2009 season
with a huge Texas Stock Car Spectacular
and a fan-favorite Crash Fest, racers and
fans are already asking about its plans for
next year’s racing season.
Owned by MAN Racing Promotions
LLC, Thunderhill Raceway currently
holds a three-year option on a lease for the
track property, which is up for renewal in
November. America’s Auto Auction, a
business that currently holds a sub-lease
on the track property, has decided not to
renew its lease.
“Following weeks of negotiation,
I’ve been informed that America’s Auto
Auction will no longer be a subtenant
at the track,” said Mary Ann Naumann,
THR’s Owner and Promoter. “They’re
moving to a property that’s located directly
on the IH-35 access road that’s more
visible to the public and has a lot more
paved areas. Unfortunately, we’re not only
losing a tenant, but we’re also losing a race
sponsor.”
After getting confirmation about the
loss of the track subtenant, Naumann
shared her honest thoughts and concerns
about the future of the track.
“As you might expect, the loss of
income from America’s Auto Auction
will have a major impact on my bottom
line,” commented Naumann. “I don’t
want to throw in the towel on the future
of Thunderhill Raceway with this latest
news, but the reality is that the future of
Thunderhill Raceway is in jeopardy unless
we can find a major sponsor or locate
another subtenant soon.”
Naumann stated, “I’m hoping that
getting the word out early will help the
folks in the racing community understand
that I need their help in pulling off the
2010 racing season. In my heart, I know
that I want to keep racing alive and well at
Thunderhill Raceway. To make it happen,
I’m not looking for cash or a handout, but
rather I’m asking for help in finding a new
subtenant by simply getting everyone to
pass the word.”
Thunderhill Raceway is a 3/8-mile,
D-shaped asphalt oval track that’s located
at 24801 IH-35, on the access road just
north of San Marcos near Yarrington Road
(Exit #210). Information on Thunderhill
Raceway may be found on the track
website at thunderhillraceway.com.
For more information about subleasing
the track, contact Mary Ann Naumann at
512-844-3582.
The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine Country Line Magazine • 17
by Larry LeBlanc
Deer hunting may
require a little more
stealth this year
© larry leblanc
I
This hunter is taking advantage of the
bumper acorn crop and getting out of his
stand.
I know, I know, everyone is
champing at the bit to get out in a
deer stand in the woods of East Texas
overlooking a feeder that you have been
filling periodically with deer corn at $5.99
a bag for a month or better.
Of course there is always the hill
country hunter that has his stand
overlooking a deer run and for good luck
a feeder will also be there and show all of
the signs of being well tended for a few
months.
We cannot overlook South Texas,
the Boone and Crockett producer of the
state, and picture the hunter in his/her
stand that looks down a couple senderos,
watching feeders and the chance that a
big buck will walk out and offer you a clear
and doable shot.
However folks this year with the
bumper crop of acorns across the state you
may have a long wait in your hunting stand
and that presents another problem; you
can either sit in your stand and wait or you
can get out of your stand and in a stealthful
manner after the fashion of Daniel Boone
and hunt your deer down. Of course there
18 • Country Line Magazine The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine
is also the option of relocating your stand
to a live oak area and try your chances
there.
Neither seems fool proof because if
you get out of your stand and go gliding
through the woods, hills, or whatever the
terrain you might be taking a chance of
getting shot by some other hunter who
mistakes you for a deer, or feral hog if you
are like me and have grown a little stout
through the years. I am quite proud of
myself for dodging the negativity of using
the word fat.
Back to the hunting fields; if you
intend getting out of your stand and
practicing your stealthful prowess at
creeping up on a deer let me whole
heartedly recommend you wear Blaze
Camouflage so you can be seen at a country
mile by other hunters and not mistaken for
a deer or … feral hog.
Of course the odds are with you if
you do decide to get out of your stand and
go tromping, excuse me, exercising your
stealthful prowess as you stalk the trophy
deer of your dreams because since the
Hunter Education program was introduced
in our great country the hunting accidents
involving firearms has dropped by 98
percent. Not bad at all and it sounds like
your chances of getting shot in one of our
country’s major cities is far greater that
walking around in the woods occupied
by a bunch of hunters all carrying high
powered, centerfire, scoped rifles most
of which have the power to turn over a
Chevrolet pickup with one shot. It is
a marvel what benefits can come from
education.
There are a number of points that the
21st Century deer hunter must be aware
of and one is the antler spread. You see
in some counties there must be a 13 inch
spread in the antlers. Upon hearing this
new law I foolishly mentioned to game
warden Alan Biggerstaff that measuring
the spread prior to shooting a deer
presented a problem that I could see no
way of overcoming. He patiently told me
that the spread of the ears is usually a good
indicator and if the horns spread surpassed
the ears the buck is likely to be legal. Here
again I must admit that It is a marvel what
benefits can come from education.
T
Skeeter Bass Champs
The East and Central regions of
Skeeter Bass Champs 2009 season ended on
Oct. 10-12 with a championship that was
held on Cedar Creek.
The Central team of David Underwood
and Keith Honeycutt were off to a
respectable day one finish of 11.30lbs. This
put them in 28th place with only four fish.
On day two, they had five fish that weighed
in at 18.56lbs for a total of 29.86lbs and a
$50,000 payday! The winners caught their
fish on spinner baits, crank baits, and jigs.
They called it “junk fishing” and they keyed
on areas they thought looked good. Well
done, guys!
The second place team of Steve
Holland and Rick Allen, also, had a nine
fish total. On day one, they were leading
with 19lbs of fish, including an 8.40lbs Big
Bass. With a film crew in tow they opted to
go to new water, and they only weighed in
8.08lbs on day two for a total of 27.08lbs
and $5,000 plus $1,000 for Big Bass of the
tournament.
The third place team of James and
Thomas Whited had a limit each day for
a total weight of 25.78lbs. They received
a $3,500 for their finish and an additional
$3,500 for the Skeeter Bonus.
4th Gerald Goff/Ed Matthews
9 fish
24.80lbs $2000
5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th Justin Fisher/Bryan Cotter
10 fish 24.70lbs
$2000
Jason Windham/Randall Wyndham
9 fish 24.60lbs
$1500
Randy Grounds/Randall Maxwell
10 fish 24.10lbs
$1100
Tommy Durham/Glen Robertson
10 fish 23.82lbs
$1000
Jeff Pitrucha/Scott Dyer
9 fish 23.32lbs
$1000
Trevor Romans/Leslie Kennedy
10 fish 23.30lbs
$1000
Out of 572 teams only 286 showed up
for a shot at the $50,000 first place prize,
but most got in the side pot to cash a check.
The last place paid was 27th with a two-day
total of 19.38lbs. This wraps up the 2009
regular season.
The Big Bass Tournaments hosted by
Skeeter Bass Champs also came to a close in
October on Lake Fork. These tournaments
are based on Berkley Big Bass rules, a unique
format where all contestants are required to
use only Berkley products. They must also
comply with the slot limit of 16-24 inches
imposed by Texas Parks and Wildlife on this
lake. Besides the hourly checks, the grand
prize for the largest oversized fish was a new
Skeeter SX200 with 200HP Yamaha. They
also gave away a Skeeter SX 190 with a
150HP Yamaha for the heaviest fish under
the slot.
As fate would have it, there was a tie
for the grand prize. Bob Roberts and Jimmy
Callahan both brought in 8.96lbs of fish.
The rule that deals with a tie, says that the
next fish that the person weighed would be
declared the winner. As Jimmy Callahan
did not weigh another fish, Bob Roberts
was declared the winner with a 1.66lbs fish
that he weighed in for an hourly check. The
heaviest undersized fish was under 16 inches,
but weighed a whopping 3.08lbs winning
Jimmy Qualls the new SkeeterSX190.
There was a record setting turnout for this
event with 747 entries received.
The Texas Outdoor Zone Fishing Team
is looking forward to another great year in
2010 with Skeeter Bass Champs. We would
also like to wish Chad Potts, Jeff Welsh, Joy
and the rest of the crew a Happy Holidays!
—Don Gordon TOZ Team
Fishing Economy
Thrives
T
Time and time again, I hear or read
of stories claiming the above average sale of
fishing license. In an economy when many
are having a hard time making ends meet,
why would one certain activity be thriving?
Is it the abundance of opportunities in the
lakes, rivers and oceans? Is it a relatively
inexpensive alternative to another outdoor
activity that keeps a family together?
Maybe all, none, or one of these play
a role in the reasoning. There are multiple
areas to fish, nationwide. With little research,
and a relatively inexpensive license and set
up, just about anyone can find a way to be
fishing among the outdoors.
There are times that I have tried to
explain the closeness to nature I feel when
I am on the water or wading through a
shallow flat with a fishing rod in hand. It’s
a sense and connection to the land and
water that the good Lord provided for our
enjoyment. It allows me, personally, to
decompress, temporarily forget about the
normal stressors. Do others feel this? I’m not
sure, but regardless, I know if many others
knew of the benefits in this manner of
fishing, even more would be fishing! Relax,
and just go fishing!
Conservation in
Threat!
Not fishing related, but yet one of the
most threatening issues for the outdoor
enthusiast revolves around three antelope
species. Scimitar-Horned Oryx, Dama
Gazelle and Addax are all under threat of
being cut from the list of species able to
hunt in Texas. When asking the extremist
who have been pushing for these laws, they
explain that the herds here in the U.S. are
not counted in their claims of extinction.
They only refer to their native lands. This
is ridiculous! We, initially and especially
in Texas, have grown the numbers of these
species to some extraordinary ratios in
which they are thriving beyond our wildest
desire.
Why would they limit what has been
so successful in the future existence of
these species? As outdoorsman/woman and
more directly, hunters, have done amazing
things for wildlife and the future of these
magnificent creations.
What does “no hunting” mean for
these antelope? Initially it would limit the
worth of the animal on a dollar standard.
This is just like any other ranching industry
and will become another “ostrich” or
“llama” phenomenon where it becomes too
expensive to keep them in full health with
no future profit. Over time, the species will
dwindle yet again, eliminating the overall
purpose that “animal rights” people claim to
be working for; the animals. In reality, it’s
our duty as hunters to manage and provide
the “RIGHTS” to animals!
Support your local outdoor conservation
group — hunt hard, fish hard and conserve
hard!
Any who disagrees or has another opinion
of this column, please send me your thoughts
and research. —Cody Ryan G r eaney TOZ
T eam, C ody@texasoutdoorzone. com
For more info on planning your next
f i s h i n g a d v e n t u r e , c o n ta c t C o d y R ya n
at c o d y @ T e x a s O u t d o o r Z o n e . c o m o r
512-576-2200.
The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine Country Line Magazine • 19