seasons - Safari Club International Austin Chapter

PEN
SEASONS
August 2010
What’s in it for me...
THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR CENTRAL TEXAS OUTDOOR FOLKS
P.2 Texotics
P. 3, 5, 10, 12 News
P. 6 Sci-Austin
P. 7 Austin Woods & Waters Club
P. 8-9 Central Texas Safari Club
P. 10 Huntin’ Camps & Fishin’ Lodges
P. 11 Sportsmen’s Garage Sale
© 2010
2 • Open Seasons
FROM THE PUBLISHER
TEXOTICS – THE EXOTIC GAME OF TEXAS
What hunter, photographer,
naturalist, outdoor writer or other
human with an international wanderlust
has not dreamed at one time or another
about going on an Africa Safari? I can
easily imagine seeing the inside of the
Thornbush Bar in Nairobi in the old
days, maybe with Hemingway having
a drink with Robert Ruark as they
verbally outdid each other with tales
of their safari adventures. Perhaps they
even speculated
that where they
were sitting
was the table
Teddy Roosevelt
occupied when
he was in Africa.
It’s probably safe
to surmise they
didn’t know who
Peter Hathaway
Capstick was
since his writing
white fallow deer
career started
several years after
they both died – Hemingway in 1961;
Ruark in 1965. Capstick’s classic, Death
in the Long Grass, was published in
1977. And Col. Craig Boddington’s
extensive African writing would
not begin until over a decade after
Hemingway and Ruark had their last
drink.
But what a mark those men made on
African hunting literature. Boddington
is still wearing out laptops with 19
published books and 3,000 magazine
articles…and counting.
Africa is symbolized by its wildlife
and hunting. When I first became
fascinated with African and Asian
game, roughly 10,000 head were already
roaming the Texas veldt, having been
released here from zoos or were the
offspring of previously
released game. The first
exotic – meaning nonnative - game released in
Texas occurred in 1939
in South Texas when
nilgai and wild boar were
released on King Ranch.
That was followed by
other releases in the Hill
Country and eventually in
many parts of the state.
Today, there are over
sable
200,000 head in Texas
– about 125 species or sub-species
-- most on private ranches. The more
popularly hunted “common exotics” are
(insert axis deer: reddish
coat with white spots)
axis deer, sika deer, fallow
deer, blackbuck antelope,
aoudad sheep, Corsican
sheep, mouflon sheep,
and nilgai.
“Super exotics” include
gemsbok, scimitar-horned
oryx, greater kudu, sable
antelope,(insert pic of
sable antelope: black &
white head) dama gazelle,
red sheep, and waterbuck.
There are even several
gaurs and yaks, and a few rhinos. They
have added a lot to the landscape, and
some people have stocked them on
their ranches just for scenic value. Many
others hunt them or breed them for sale
to other ranches. I have several on my
studio walls, but have spent countless
more hours photographing them than
hunting the critters. Leading Photo
Safari Workshops on the Y.O Ranch
west of Kerrville during a fifteen year
span provided untold opportunity and
taught me a lot about these beautiful
mammals.
At one time, exotics in Texas were
billed as an inexpensive alternative to
hunting in Africa or Asia. That’s still
true to an extent, but the economy has
caused prices to fall somewhat. The
fact that exotics may
be legally hunted here
year around also aided
their popularity. It’s a
good way to extend the
hunting season – or
open it early. And the
more you hunt and the
more you shoot, the
better you become at
both. This is certainly
the season for bearing
down on marksmanship
for the upcoming big
game seasons in Texas and the West,
and hunting exotics can help.
But if you want to hunt in Africa
– see first paragraph! – check out
some of the upcoming conservation
organizations banquets. They all have
African hunts on their auctions. Central
Texas Safari Club is September 21,
Austin Woods & Waters is October 14,
and SCI-Austin is January 12.
John Jefferson
10433 Firethorn Lane
Austin, Texas 78750
219-1199
[email protected]
Open Seasons • 3
NEWS BRIEFS
COVER PHOTO: An imposing greater
kudu on the Y.O. Ranch.
OPEN SEASONS is edited and published
by John Jefferson at 10433 Firethorn Lane.
Austin, Texas 78750. He also makes the coffee,
takes out the garbage and walks the dogs. IT
editor is Vicky Jefferson. Design is by Rachel
Farris. Editorial and advertising copy and art
should be sent to [email protected]. For
information, organizational page rates or other
questions, contact John by e-mail or call 512219-1199. There is a rate that will fit frequent
or occasional page subscribers. Copy and ad
deadlines are the 10th of the month prior to
publication. All photos not otherwise credited
were taken by John and Vicky Jefferson. All
material herein is copyrighted and not to be
reproduced without written permission.
FEMALE HUNTERS UPRISING
‘NOTHER BOAT RAMP APP
More women than men took up
Last issue, we told you about an
hunting last year, according to new
LCRA app for your smart phone
figures from the National Sporting
that gives you boat ramp info for the
Goods Association (NSGA). NSGA’s
Highland Lakes. Now we’re going
report shows that the number of female
national! To help boaters and anglers
hunters in the United States increased
find boat ramps right in the palm of
by 5.4 percent last year, netting 163,000
their hand, the Recreational Boating
new participants. Muzzleloading showed
& Fishing Foundation (RBFF) has
an annual increase among women
announced the Take Me Fishing ‘Boat
of an astounding 134.6 percent. The
Ramps’ application for iPhone and
2010 NSGA Annual Shooting Sports
Droid phones. The free app, which
Participation report (Item No. 310)
is available in the Apple iTunes store
and in the Droid Marketplace, features
and other reports are now available for
more than 35,000 boat ramps across the purchase from NSSF.
country.
Boat Ramps from Take Me Fishing
has an easy-to-use interface, providing
users with a list of ramps close to their
current location by zip code or city. The
app also provides users
with driving directions.
In the first week of
Ross W. & Dorothy M. Bransford
release, Boat Ramps
concealed
handgun instruction
was downloaded more
than 2,600 times.
www.CHL-TEXAS.com
POB 19511
Austin, Texas
78760
CHL instructors #2707 & #4326
email: [email protected]
512-750-9843 or toll free 1-866-514-2197
4 • Open Seasons
SPORTSMEN’S CALENDAR
August 4
Austin Woods & Waters Club Monthly
Luncheon Elks Lodge 700 Dawson Rd
11:30 $15 - Speaker: TPWD dove biologist
Corey Mason
August 6
Free wildlife habitat management seminars
Kerr Wildlife Management Area, Hunt,
Texas - 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Register at
830-238-4483. August 7 - SCI-Austin Fun
Shoot 9 a.m. - Texas Disposal Systems
Exotic Game Ranch and Pavilion. Free for
members. Pre-registration required: www.
sciaustin.org
August 8
Skeet & Turkey Shoot Benefitting Dr.
Donna Campbell Candidate for U.S.
Congress Dist. 25 (seat currently held by
Lloyd Doggett) Brune Ranch – 4 mi. N. of
Columbus On Hwy 71, turn S. onto FM
1890; go 1 mi. Admission: Donations only.
August 13-15
Texas Outdoor & Hunting Classic,
San Antonio www.huntersclassic.com
August 14
Sportsman’s Celebration - San Antonio
Region 8 Texas Big Game Awards
texasbiggameawards.com/BanquetDates
August 15
New hunting and fishing licenses go
on sale at all TPWD offices and many
outdoor sporting goods dealers. All current
licenses expire on August 31 except certain
fishing licenses valid for one year from date
of purchase. The TPW Outdoor Annual
containing hunting and fishing regulations
will be available free at those locations.
August 17
Central Texas Friends of the NRA Banquet
Balcones Country Club - Doors open 5:30
Tickets: Indiv.- $40; Couples- $75; Table for
8 - $500 - Contact [email protected]
August 19
Remote Sensing Cameras “Wildlife for
Lunch” Webinar forestrywebinars.net
August 19-21
McBride’s Truckload Ammo Sale
30th & Lamar
August 20-21
Texas AgriLife Wildlife Short Course
Brazos County Exposition Center. For
both new and seasoned sportsmen. Up-to
date info.on various aspects of wildlife
management. Educational topics covering
white-tailed deer, feral hog and farm pond
management, marketing wildlife, etc. $75
admission includes lunch, vendor displays
and a chance to see some of the best deer
taken during last season. Short course will
be followed by the TWA’s Regions 5, 6,
7 (Post Oak Savannah, Pineywoods, and
Coastal Prairies) annual Big Game Awards
luncheon at 1 p.m. Register for the Short
Course @ Extension Conference Services’
web-site at agrilifevents.tamu.edu. Or Kristi
Smith: (979) 845-7471 [email protected].
edu. Info: TexasBigGameAwards.com.
September 3
Free wildlife habitat management seminars
Kerr Wildlife Management Area, Hunt, TX
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Register at 830-238-4483.
August 25-26
Texas Parks & Wildlife Commission
Meetings: International Center, LaOrillo
Ballroom, Suite 303, 203 S. St. Mary’s
Street, San Antonio - Committees: 9 a.m.
Wed., Aug. 25 - Annual Public
Hearing: 2 p.m. Wed., Aug. 25: Public
comments accepted - Commission
Meeting: 9 a.m. Thurs., Aug. 26
October 12
Star of Texas Fair & Rodeo Shoot Out
TDS Exotic Game Ranch & Pavilion 9 a.m.
$1,500 for f-man team ($1,400 if paid by
Aug. 31) Lunch, dinner, awards and lots of
fun! Call 919-3000 for information
August 31
All hunting and fishing licenses expire
at midnight except those year-from-dateof-purchase fishing licenses available only
to Texas residents. New licenses can be
purchased at most TPWD offices and at
1,700 outdoor sporting goods stores, bait
and tackle shops, discount stores and many
others. Licenses may also be purchased
by phone at 1-800-895-4248 between
8 and 5, Monday- Friday using a Visa,
Discover or Master Card; there is a $5
charge for the service. Licenses may
also be purchased online at tpwd.state.tx.us/
licenses/online_sales
September 1
Dove Season opens in North and
Central Zones.
September 2
Landowner Workshop - Freeman Ranch,
San Marcos. Contact Courtney Hollimon at
800-839-9453 [email protected].
September 17
Opening day of South Texas
Dove Season.
September 21
Central Texas Safari Club Annual
Wildlife Legacy Gala Austin Club, 110
East 9th St. Cocktail Hour: 5-6 pm; Gala
starts at 6:00 pm
October 1
Free wildlife habitat management seminars
Kerr Wildlife Management Area, Hunt, TX
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Register at 830-238-4483.
October 14
McBride Conservation Foundation
Banquet Sponsored by Austin Woods &
Waters Club - Balcones Country Club – 6
p.m. Tickets: Ted McKnight - 589-6448;
Terry Meyers - 750-2925
October 22
Operation Game Thief ClayStoppers
Shoot - San Antonio Gun Club Olmos
Basin Park - The Oldest Gun Club in
the country. $750 for 5-man teams;
$150 for individual. For entries and
information, call Lt. Eric Howard at
512-389-8801.
October 30
Quail Season opens statewide
Feb. 18-20, 2011
Troutfest – Sponsored by Guadalupe
River Chapter of Trout Unlimited
Contact Phil Dopson for details [email protected]
For a free calendar
listing, call 219-1199
Open Seasons • 5
NEWS BRIEFS
TRANSPORTING GUNS AND
AMMO ON PLANES
In recent months, Transportation
Security Administration (TSA) reports
have included at least three or four
gun incidents each day across the
country. Checkpoint screeners have
done an excellent job keeping them
off airplanes, but each situation causes
delays and frustration. Believe me.
A main cause of delays is weapons
not properly declared and packed.
Baggage screeners often find guns
amidst clothing in checked bags.
Guns, ammo and firearm parts must
be checked as luggage; not packed in
carry-on bags. Guns and ammo must
be declared orally or in writing. Guns
must be unloaded and in a hard-sided,
locked container. Ammo must travel
in manufacturer’s packaging or other
suitable packaging, and may be packed
in the same hard-sided, locked case as
long as the air carrier permits that. (Not
in clips!)
For additional info: tsa.gov/public
and call the airline and local airport in
advance for new rules. They change.
NEED A PLACE TO HUNT?
Texas offers more
than 200 public
areas for hunting
statewide with an
annual $48 permit.
Family members
who do not hunt
can access the
same areas with
an annual Limited
Public Use permit
of $12 and enjoy
other recreational
activities
including fishing,
photography, hiking
and watching
wildlife. Primitive
camping is allowed
in some areas.
Youth under 17 years of age enter free
when accompanying a permit holder.
The Annual Public Hunting permit can
be purchased at any location that sells
hunting licenses.
Feed
Seed
Fertilizer
Agricultural Chemicals
Lawn & Garden
Products
Animal Health
Dog Food
Pet Supplies
Hydromulch
Boots
Work Shoes
Clothing
Fencing Materials
Deer Feed
Hardware
Western Wear
Tack
Friendliness
Nursery Stock
501 Bastrop Highway • Austin, Texas 78741
(512) 385-3452 • FAX 385-0932
James Huffines, Central Texas Region Chairman; Paul Holubec, Austin Banking Group President; Shaun Tuggle, Round Rock President; Jason Thurman, Downtown Austin President; Jon Levy, Westlake President.
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6 • Open Seasons
Save the date - 2010 Fun Shoot & Family Picnic! Saturday August 7, 9am – 3pm
And this year – admission is FREE for all members. If you are not yet a member,
join online! SCIAUSTIN.ORG
This event is one of our best attended every year. There is something for everyone, regardless of
age. This year we have added archery to the list of items for kids, so they can keep busy all day.
Adults and teens can sign up for sporting clays, take a bus tour of the grounds with the kids, or
simply enjoy a cold beverage and sit back and relax. This is an excellent opportunity to make
new friends who have similar interests.
Although we do not plan this event as a major fundraiser we do have some interesting items for
both youngsters and adults in our silent auction. Bid on everything from camping equipment,
knives, jewelry, artwork, and hunting accessories. We will have a couple of packages that will
appeal to young bidders.
Included in our live auction is a Jim Shockey autographed Yukon Bow by Alpine Archery,
artwork from John Banovich, a striper fishing trip with the dean of Buchanan Lake fishing
outfitters, Kenny Milam, a 10 day South African safari for 2 hunters, an outstanding youth black
bear hunt with Nanika Guiding in British Columbia, a refreshing Colorado cabin vacation, a
beautiful Kimber model 8400 Classic rifle in .300 Winchester Magnum, and a Ruger Model 77
Hawkeye African rifle chambered in .375 Ruger that would complement an African safari or
Rocky Mountain elk hunt.
Throughout the day we will have soft drinks, beer, wine, and margaritas available to keep you
cool. And of course, you can expect a great barbeque lunch to cap off the day.
Plan to bring the whole family. This year we are making this event available at no cost to our
membership. This may be a good time to sign up for a family membership and to encourage
friends to join as members of SCI Austin also.
Pre-registration required – visit www.sciaustin.org
A huge thank you to Texas Disposal Systems for your continued sponsorship of our
event, graciously allowing us the use of your beautiful Exotic Game Ranch!
Open Seasons • 7
AWWC TRIP CALENDAR
(For more information, see www.
austinwoodsandwaters.com or
e-mail David Mahn: david@
benchmarktx.net)
Sept. 1
Dove hunt opening day (Central
Zone) at Steele Zinser’s: $50.
Sept. 17-19
South Texas Dove hunt: $275
(includes lodging for 1st 20)
HOWDY,
The Austin Woods and Waters Club
had a very successful lead into summer
with a fishing trip each month. Starting
with a white bass trip on the Guadalupe,
followed by a striper trip to Lake
Buchanan, and rounded out with a bay
fishing trip to Port O’Connor. That is
part of what we are all about. Getting
out and enjoying the outdoors together,
whether we are hunting or fishing.
In addition to the excellent trips we
arrange for great speakers to share their
insight into whatever area they might
specialize in, including turkey calling,
striped bass fishing, and in August,
we will have TPWD Dove Program
Director Corey Mason (see photograph
in next column). talk to us about the
upcoming dove season. I know a lot
of our folks will be in attendance to get
the scoop on the north zone predictions
in preparation for our club dove hunt
opening day.
Steele and Beverly Zinser will host
AWWC at their Salado Creek Ranch
on Wednesday, September 1st for an
Opening Day Dove Hunt. Steele says
you can arrive as early as you like, but
you’ll need to bring your own breakfast.
We don’t start cooking until lunch with
sausage wraps and end the day with a
BBQ spread fit for Opening Day. Cost
is $50 and we have 20 folks signed up,
so far. Visit the Events Calendar at
www.austinwoodsandwaters.com to sign
up today.
Please take advantage of the early
planning for our annual Fall Banquet
benefiting the McBride Conservation
Fund Foundation. The information
included on this page tells it all – except
for the fun and camaraderie you’ll
experience!
Thank you,
Doug DuBois
AWWC President
Austin Woods and Waters Club
Fall Banquet benefiting the McBride
Conservation Fund Foundation
”Supporting Texas Youth Outdoors”
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Balcones Country Club
8600 Balcones Club Dr.
Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
This annual event raises money for grants to conservation organizations, many
oriented to passing on the heritage of hunting and fishing to our youth of today,
including Operation Orphans, the Texas Youth Hunting Program, Conservation
Legacy, DU Greenwings, NWTF Jakes, Boy Scouts of America and many more.
Tickets are $75 each and tables for 8 - $850 and are available from Ted
McKnight at 512/589-6448 and Terry Meyers at 512/750-2925, and
online at www.austinwoodsandwaters.com under Event Sales.
The McBride Conservation Fund Foundation was established in 1984 as the Austin
Woods and Waters Club charitable arm and is named from the McBride Family, which
has generously contributed to support hunting, fishing and conservation through its
business, McBride’s Guns.
8 • Open Seasons
Deal of a Lifetime – Ubathi
By David Sefton
We knew Ubathi, in Kimberly, South Africa
would do an outstanding job. Travis and
Danielle, Leann and I bought the Ubathi
hunt for four hunters and four observers
for 2009 at the Alamo SCI Banquet. It was
a top notch hunt -- we racked up 18 or so
animals, all together.
Bill Coffey, in turn, bought the hunt at
our October, 2009 Gala. He was looking for
a family hunt. Bill and his wife, Marti, were
concerned, having second thoughts: would
8 year old Melody like it? He knew his sons
would enjoy the hunt, but what about the
rest of the family. Danielle and I walked
him through it, and sent introductory
e-mails down to Renee and Johan in
South Africa. As the year progressed,
the arrangements moved forward. Some
friends joined; a nice group went. I talked
to Bill right before he left; he was still a tad
bit apprehensive.
Who can figure? Why be worried. He
had made a simple little upgrade – to a lion!
With a bow! Bill – family in tow – arrived
in South Africa during the crazy World
Cup. Things were exciting. Bill decided
to focus on the lion hunt first, crossing
SA, and hunted at the Botswana border.
The hunt stretched over two critical days
as the lion hit a local donkey the night
before. Johan, Bill and the trackers headed
out at 3:00 am in the morning. The hunt
involved heavy tracking, crossing the arid
area, following tracks away from the kill.
As time progressed, things lagged into a
numbed state -- walking, walking, searching,
wondering if you were going to get a lion at
all.
The day stretched into afternoon.
Everyone was getting tired. It had been
real hunting -- miles and miles of tracking
and stalking. They knew they were close,
but a lion is elusive in his natural element.
Happenstance: a thorn bush dragged along
the trackers leg, pulling his shoe strings
loose. As he bent down to tie the knots, he
glanced up. There, crouched, tensed, ready
to launch, was the lion – three yards away.
Paces, mere paces. Eye contact; the lion
exploded up, and away, rocketing through
the bush! Then sudden stillness. Everyone
was wired; they knew the lion was readying
a charge, setting an ambush. PH Johan
Botes gripped his rifle. The tracking
became deadly serious. Everyone knew the
lion could charge at any moment.
As they rounded a thorn bush, the lion
was there, momentarily looking a different
direction. Bill had a chance for a snap shot
with his bow. Aiming, he let fly. The shot
took the lion on the shoulder, quartering
away, the worse possible bow shot, against
the worse possible beast. The arrow sped
true, luckily crushing the shoulder, went
through the chest and exited the other side.
The lion spun and had only 40 more good
yards left in him before piling up, dead.
Johan, patting Bill on the back and said,
“Thank God, you shot. I was fixing to pull
the trigger. Bad business shooting before
the client.”
When it’s that close, there’s not much
else you can do.
The hunt wasn’t over. Bill and his family
spent another ten days with Renee and
Johan at their warm and friendly lodge.
Great food, lots of young animals to play
with, including baby baboons and monkeys.
Both Bill’s boys hunted. His 12 year old
took a kudu with a bow, and the other took
a gemsbok. All of the family took animals.
Bill took an impressive kudu and some
other great trophies as well. All together,
they racked up an impressive 13 animals.
Bill found his .308 Weatherby sub-MOA to
be spot on in Kimberly for the longer shots.
What did the Coffey’s take away from
Ubathi? The warm, family environment of
Renee and Johan, the incredible lodges, very
authentic, real hunting without the fu-fu,
great food barbecued over open flames,
hearty farm meals, and flowing drinks
around the boma. The animals are stellar,
and the PHs spot on - it’s real hunting.
Oh, yeah, what about little 8- year old
Melody? After playing with the lion cubs,
baby baboons and monkeys, seeing Africa
as it was 100 years ago, wild and beautiful,
she cried when she finally had to leave.
Families that hunt together… well you
know the rest.
Johan and Renee Botes (http://www.
ubathi.co.za) are great supporters and
have another 8- person safari plus animals
on the auction block at this year’s Gala
(value $24,000). They have also donated
an incredible lion hunt – bow or rifle. Join
us at the Wildlife Legacy Gala September
21 at the Austin Club on 9th Street.
Open margarita bar, live entertainment,
surprise guest appearance and first time
at an SCI event, an incredible four- carat
tanzanite door prize! For reservations,
contact Jessica: [email protected];
512.773.5674.
Open Seasons • 9
NEWS BRIEFS
DOVE, TEAL SEASONS SET
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
has approved a 70-day Texas dove
season and 15-bird daily bag statewide,
and a 16-day early teal season. Dove
season in the North and Central Dove
Zones will run from Wednesday, Sept.
1 through Sunday, Oct. 24 and reopen
Saturday, Dec. 25 through Sunday, Jan.
9, with a 15-bird daily bag and not more
than two white-tipped doves. The South
Zone dove season will run Friday, Sept.
17 through Sunday, Oct. 31, reopening
Saturday, Dec. 25 through Tuesday,
Jan. 18 with a 15-bird daily bag and
not more than two white-tipped doves.
Possession limit is twice the daily bag
for all migratory game birds except light
geese and sora and Virginia rails.
The Special White-winged Dove
Area will open to white-winged dove
afternoon-only (noon to sunset) hunting
the first two full weekends in September
on Sept. 4-5 and 11-12 and reopen
when the regular South Zone season
begins on Friday, Sept. 17, but must
close four days earlier than the rest of
the South Zone. During the early two
weekends, the daily bag limit is 15 birds,
to include not more than four mourning
doves and 2 white-tipped doves. Once
the general season opens, the aggregate
bag limit will be 15.
Texas’ 16-day September teal season
will run Sept. 11-26 with a daily bag
limit of four.
PART OF BASTROP STATE PARK CLOSED
Major repairs and renovations are set
to start Aug. 1 at Bastrop State Park,
and while the park will remain open
for day use and overnight stays, some
cabins and campsites will be temporarily
unavailable.
Six of the park’s 13 rustic cabins and
roughly 10 of the park’s 78 campsites
being retrofitted to comply with the
Americans with Disabilities Act will
be unavailable for reservation through
at least the end of the year. Five other
campsites adjacent to the construction
also will be shut down.
The park’s aging swimming pool
and bath house, as well as the golf pro
shop, will be undergoing improvements
in coming months as part of the
more than $2.6 million in repairs and
renovations. The pool will close after
Labor Day. Repairs are to be completed
by March 31, 2011.
SAN FRANCISCO CONSIDERS
PET SALE BAN A city ordinance being considered
by the San Francisco Commission of
Animal Control and Welfare may be the
beginning of a trend keeping people
from owning pets. The seven member
advisory Commission discussed the
idea of banning practically all pet sales
in the city of San Francisco. Under
the ban, “the sale or transfer of dogs,
cats, and possibly other small animals
(including hamsters, rats, mice, guinea
pigs, and chinchillas) and birds in
companion animal (pet) stores” would
be prohibited. Fish were exempted and
chupacabra were not mentioned.
Though pet ownership would not be
stopped, that could be next. Anyone
looking to have a pet could only
purchase one outside the city, go to a
shelter or rescue organization, or find
one through the classifieds.
LOUISIANA REOPENS MOST STATE
WATERS TO FISHING
On July 14, the Louisiana Wildlife
and Fisheries Commission announced
that 86 percent of state marine waters
are now open to recreational fishing.
Louisiana’s state coastal waters had
been closed because of the BP oil spill.
The small percentage of waters that are
still closed can be viewed at www.wlf.
louisiana.gov/news/?id=1907.
“The decision by the Louisiana
Wildlife and Fisheries Commission
to reopen most of the state’s waters
to recreational fishing demonstrates
that there is an abundance of fishing
opportunity still available in the Gulf
of Mexico,” said American Sportfishing
Association Vice President Gordon
Robertson. “While the oil spill has had a
direct effect on some areas, tremendous
recreational fishing is available in nearly
all waters in Mississippi, Louisiana,
Alabama, Florida and Texas, and in the
majority of federal waters offshore.”
Texas waters have not been impacted.
Go fish!
“AS THE PETA WORLD TURNS”
PETA recently sent a letter to the
attorney generals of several Gulf
states asking them to begin criminal
investigations of BP officials on
animal cruelty charges over the spill.
Meanwhile, the Solid Rock Church
of Monroe, Ohio received an offer
from PETA to replace a big statue of
Jesus that had been burned down by a
lightning strike. The catch was that Jesus
would be holding a lamb with a banner
saying, “Blessed are the merciful. Go
Vegan.” Did HE say that?
The church found the offer
“amusing,” but rejected it.
POPULAR KERR WMA SEMINARS
RESUME
The Kerr Wildlife Management
Area offers free seminars to the public
on the first Friday of Aug., Sept., and
Oct. Seminars include an ecosystems
approach to range and wildlife habitat
management. Topics discussed include
white-tailed deer management, grazing
management, prescribed burning and
brush control as well as how these
techniques effect threatened and
endangered species. Kerr deer and
genetics research will also be reviewed.
Seminars are set for Aug. 6, Sept. 3, and
Oct. 1, from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm. For
further information and registration
please contact Lisa Wolle at the KWMA
headquarters, 830-238-4483
10 • Open Seasons
HUNTIN’ CAMPS & FISHIN’ LODGES
HUNTING GUIDE/OUTFITTERS
FISHING GUIDES
David Z. Bodai
Consultant/Business Development
“Hands Down...The World’s Finest
Hunting & Fishing Destinations”
(888) 545-HUNT
C (832) 473-1096
[email protected]
www.detailcompany.com
Texas Alligator Hunts
Sept. 10-30
3 day hunts - $1500.00 Guaranteed Hunts
Marvin Strakos 316-983-2003
www.msguideservice.com
(See Ad Below)
High Quality White-Tail Deer and
Exotics Trophy Hunting Service. 5 STAR
Accommodations. Mark “”BBQ” Haag.
512-771-4949. “Born to Hunt”
TEXAS ALLIGATOR HUNTS
Incredible hunts! Fast and exciting!
3 day hunts - $1500
Marvin Strakos 316-983-2003
www.msguideservice.com
Hog Hunts – Archery Only. Llano Co.
Feeders, blinds and bait for feeders are
provided. Lighted area for night hunts.
Lodging included. Call (325) 338-0634.
NEWS BRIEFS
THIS JUST IN...
The Austin City Council has been reported to have just adopted
an ordinance banning the sale of puppies bred in a “puppy mill.”
The ordinance probably contains a definition of “puppy mill,”
but calls to four offices, including the City Council, produced
no information on it. Open Seasons was told it applied only to
“large” breeding facilities, whatever that means.
DEADLINES NEARING FOR TEXAS PUBLIC HUNT DRAWINGS
Hunters hoping to apply for hunts on state-managed lands are
reminded of upcoming application deadlines. Applications for
several hunt categories, including all archery only and crossbow
hunts, pronghorn, and TPWD private lands hunts are due by
5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12. All gun deer and youth deer hunt
category applications must be received by 5 p.m. Thurs., Sept. 2.
Information and applications are available on the Public
Hunting Web site, at TPWD law enforcement offices and by
calling (800) 792-1112.
MCBRIDE’S TRUCKLOAD AMMO SALE IS AUG. 19-21
Every August, McBride’s Guns at 30th and Lamar holds a
three-day “truckload” sale of ammunition right before dove
season. This year, it’s Aug. 19-21.
Open Seasons • 11
SPORTSMEN’S GARAGE SALE
LAND FOR SALE
710 Acres on Cypress Creek, Blanco,
County. Exotic animals and managed
whitetails. 2 lakes and 1,700 feet on Cypress
Creek. Fine swimming holes stocked
with rainbow trout and bass. 3 houses, 2
cabins. Tom Martine: 512/327-7028 ext.3;
512/750-8282.
[email protected]
18 Acres Uvalde County. Beautiful Frio
River property, 20 miles north of Uvalde,
on Hwy. 83 North, just south of Con Can.
Majestic live oaks, two wells, one equipped
with a pump. 4BR/2 rock home with two
central air units, marble bath tubs/showers
and a nice fire place. Two decks overlooking
the river; one hot tub. Perfect for
recreational family use or weekend retreats.
Sheldon Grothaus: 830-741-8906.
Organize Your Outdoor Gear This Season
Let’s face it - it ‘s tough to get rid of stuff
- especially outdoor gear we’ve amassed.
Whether you’re a hunter, angler, camper,
hiker, biker, skier - or all of the above - it’s
not easy to toss toys that may come in
handy down the trail. But anything you
sell makes room for and provides $$ for
more toys!
VEHICLES
RENTAL
On Lake LBJ - Moonlight on Colorado
River lake house. 4 bedrooms/2 baths.
Sleeping for 10–12, internet, boat dock,
huge lakeside covered porch. $3,500
monthly. 830-644-2380 or 512-751-2386.
78 4WD Blazer, rebuilt transmission, good
hunting lease vehicle. Six tires. Make offer.
Don Jackson. 454-0476 o 512-751-2386 m
AVAILABLE LEASE
Deer Lease for 2010 season: 441 acres in
Mills County. Trophy wildlife area. 4-5
guns. Family lease. Also 108 acres in Blanco
County. Great mountains. Close in to
Austin and San Antonio. 2-3 guns. Family
lease. Don Jackson: (C) 512-751-2386; (H)
830-644-2380.
Tired of going by Cabela’s or
McBride’s or our other outlets each
month to pick up OPEN SEASONS
only to find out they’re all gone?
Well then, SUBSCRIBE and we’ll send
it to ya!
Mail to OPEN SEASONS, 10433 Firethorn Lane, Austin, Texas 78750
Please enroll my subscription: ____________________________
Signature
Beat the Heat…Mountain Majesty Chalet
Pagosa Springs, Colorado on San Juan
River. Close view of continental divide. 3
bedrooms/2 baths. Sleeps 12-14. Dish TV,
internet, hot tub. Horse friendly. Fishing,
elk, deer, turkey. Up to 4 people $200 a
night and $25 a night for each additional
occupant. 3 to 4 night minimum. Call
1-800-458-2386 or 512-751-2386
Want to Advertise in
OPEN SEASONS
Contact John Jefferson
512-219-1199
[email protected]
(please print)
Name______________________________________________
Type of subscription: E-Mail (Color ($15/yr) ___
U.S. Mail (B&W) ($25/yr.)___
Select one:
E-Mail address:_______________________________________
or
Mail Address: ________________________________________
House or Box # and Street City, State, Zip
Date_________ Payment: Cash ____ Check____ Bill me ____
c/o John Jefferson
10433 Firethorn Lane
Austin, Texas 78750
SEASONS
PEN
NEWS BRIEFS
TPWD OPTIMISTIC ABOUT DOVE SEASON PROSPECTS
Hunters can anticipate good numbers of dove as ample rainfall
across most of the state has set the stage for the upcoming
Sept. 1 season opener, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department.
Timely rainfall usually equates to above average dove
production, and by all field accounts from TPWD wildlife
biologists, this year is shaping up to produce a boom crop of birds.
HUNTER EDUCATION REQUIRED FOR DOVE HUNTING
Dove hunting opens September 1 in Central Texas, and Hunter
Education courses are being offered.
Over 30,000 Texans take the course annually and learn hunter
ethics and firearm safety. In Texas, hunters born on or after
September 2, 1971 are required to pass Hunter Education. Before
age 17, youth are exempt if they are accompanied by a licensed
hunter age 17 years of age or older. Minimum age for hunter
education certification is nine years old. When a hunter turns
17 years, a one-time deferral is available from license dealers to
postpone the Hunter Education requirement for one license
period, but it requires hunting under the supervision of a certified
adult hunter or a hunter exempt because of age.
Hunter Education courses costs $15 and require reservations.
For more information, call 800-792-1112 ext. 4901 or 512-3894901 or see: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/hunter_
education/espanol/index.phtml
NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT
TO KEEP YOUR FUTURE
ON TRACK.
Lots of times, changes in life also affect your investments.
That’s why there’s never been a better time to schedule
your free portfolio review. We’ll talk about the changes in
your life, and help you decide whether it makes sense to
revise your investments because of them.
A portfolio review will help ensure your investments
are keeping pace with your goals. Call your local
financial advisor today.
Kent E Brenneman
Old Town Square
1 Chisholm Trail Ste 205
Round Rock, TX 78681
512-244-3266
Larry Najvar
8127 Mesa Dr Ste C300
Austin, TX 78759
512-241-0049
www.edwardjones.com
Member SIPC