September 2013 Open Seasons - Safari Club International Austin

PEN
SEASONS
September 2013
What’s in it for me...
THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR CENTRAL TEXAS OUTDOOR FOLKS
P. 2 Farewell to a Friend
P. 4 Sportsmen’s Calendar
P. 6 Austin Woods & Waters Club
P. 7 Safari Club International-Austin
P. 8 Central Texas Safari Club
P. 14 Huntin’ Camps & Fishin’ Lodges
P. 15 Sportsmen’s Garage Sale
© 2000
2 • Open Seasons
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Farewell to a Friend
We scattered her ashes on our
former deer lease. She was my best
friend for 13 years. I'll always miss
that dog.
We deposited some in four places.
The first two were the hardest. We
started along the path she and I
took on our "bedtime walks" every
evening. I was doing O.K. until I
muttered, "Goodbye, P-Dog."
Her name was Piloncillo. Pilo
for short. That’s Spanish for those
cones of “brown sugar” the street
vendors sell. Appropriate. We
hunted doves and ducks together,
and she trailed several wounded deer
for us. She was a born hunter.
That path led to the creek. Beside
it was a large, semi-flat rock where
we sat one full moon night for
nearly an hour, listening to the
music of the gurgling creek as it
splashed over the rocks. She would
perk up her ears over sounds mine
couldn't hear. Coons, perhaps, or
coyotes. Maybe an armadillo or a
fox. I'll never look at that rock again
without thinking of her. Site two.
Then we drove to the little
clearing where I parked to walk in
to my deer stand, leaving her in the
back of the truck. I always let her
out for a minute before I headed
over the hill to my stand. The scene
was repeated when I returned. She
would hit the ground running,
sniffing along every trail left by
deer, cows or goats, glad to be freed
from the back of the truck-camper.
Doing what dogs do. Third site.
But the last venue holds a funny,
bittersweet memory. Her first trip to
the lease was opening day of deer
season in 2000, our first year on the
lease. She was under a year old, and
hadn't yet been taught to not chase
the goats. After the morning hunt,
several of us went over near the lake
to erect a new deer blind. I let her
out when we got there. As we were
finishing, I heard her barking. It was
more like baying. I looked toward
the sound and saw her chasing a
young goat. I yelled, but she didn't
stop. Too much sport!
We ran after her as she chased
the goat into the lake. There, Pilo
stopped and looked at me as if to
say, "Do you see that! She thinks she
can out swim a Labrador!"
Then she started in, but I called
her back. The little goat -- with unwebbed, cloven hoofs -- was having
a hard time. It looked like it was
about to go down. We realized we
had to help.
The youngest hunter said he'd go
get it, but I said no; my dog caused
it and I would go.
I stripped down to my underwear
and waded out into the Novemberchilled water. As I swam out to the
little goat, it tried to swim away
from me, getting further into the
lake. I finally caught it, grabbing
hold of hide and hair on the back
of its neck and side-stroked 30 yards
back to shore. My hunting buddies
were rolling on the ground laughing
at me --- life-saving a damned goat.
The goat took a few wobbly steps,
looked at me, and then limped
off into the brush. Pilo wanted to
resume the chase, but I told her,
"NO!"
I was afraid to tell the ranch
owner about it since this was the
first time they had ever leased, and
were dubious about us. I only told
her this week. She laughed almost as
hard as the other hunters had. Then,
she said since I was the writer in the
bunch that I had to use that story,
and to send her a copy when I did.
I told her I would.
ON THE COVER
Young Pilo puppy pitifully pondering
the rude introduction to swimming
after being thrown in the creek by her
mistress. She quickly got over it. John
Jefferson photo©2000.Jefferson©2000.
PEN
SEASONS
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 jj@
johnjefferson.com. For information,
organizational page rates or other
questions, contact John by e-mail or
call 512-219-1199. 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.
Open Seasons • 3
Make
RIVER INN RESORT
Your Home in the Hill Country!
Most folks know that some of the best
dove, deer, and turkey hunting anywhere
is in the picturesque Texas Hill Country.
And Hunting Seasons are almost here!
RIVER INN RESORT, just a stone’s throw
from Hunt, Texas, sits on the South Fork
of the Guadalupe River, and makes a
strategically located “base camp” for
your hunting, and a fine lodge for relaxing afterwards and re-living the day's
adventures around an autumn fire.
Nightly fall rates start at just $75 per unit
(sleeping up to four)
Amenities Include:
River Views • Friendly Staff • Wifi • Linens And Towels
Provided • Cookware And Dishes Provided • Barbecue
Grills And Picnic Tables • Aged Firewood Is Provided •
Tennis • Canoeing • Shooting • Basketball • Nighttime
Star Gazing • Game Room
2960 Hwy 39 • Hunt,TX 78024 • (830)-238-4226 • www.riverinnresort.com
4 • Open Seasons
SPORTSMEN’S CALENDAR
Aug. 28
Central Texas Safari Club - Trophy Tale
Social County Line on the Hill 6500 Bee
Cave Road 5:30 Tickets: Leann Collins
512-773-5674 See p. 8
Choke Canyon Reservoir, 141 Jeff St.,
Three Rivers, TX Phone: (361) 786-3999
Fax: (361) 786-2820 Entries must be made
either online at www.faithanglernetwork.
com/ by 9p or mail post marked Sept.1st.
Quail Coalition Banquet - Rattle Inn
610 Nueces 6:30-9:30 Tables: $1,600
Individuals: $200 Contact Julie: 512-7552282 or [email protected]
Sep. 14-29
Early teal season and early Canada goose
season in the Eastern Zone
Aug. 31-Sep. 1
Texas Hunting and Outdoor Classic
Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio Paired
with San Antonio Gun Show. www.
huntersclassic.com or contact Ashley
Kinkaid at [email protected]
(210)495-3001 – office; (210)495-3010 - fax
Sep. 1
New hunting and fishing licenses required.
Dove season opens in North and Central
Zones and in the Special White-winged
Dove Area (including the extended part to
I-37).
Austin Woods & Waters Club Opening
Day Dove Hunt Steele’s Zinser’s Ranch in
Florence. (512) 699-3093 for details.
Sep. 2
12 division 20 boats 5 trucks
http://startournament.org/
Sep. 4
Austin Woods and Waters Club Luncheon
11:30 Ben Hur Shrine Temple 7811
Rockwood Lane, (See map, page 6) Speaker
: Jesse Griffiths, from Dai Due Butcher
Shop, on Wild Game Preparation tips.
Meals will continue to be provided by
Dagars Catering for $15 per person.
Austin Woods and Waters Club-Prospective
New Member Reception Scholz Garten
1607 San Jacinto 6-8p $25 for members;
prospect new members FREE! Plus chance
to win a shotgun. See P. 6.
Sep. 10-30
Alligator Season in 22 counties and special
properties By permit only
Sep. 13-16
Faith Angler Network 2013 Championship
$5,000 Challenge -Choke Canyon Lodge/
Sep. 20
South Zone dove season opens
Sep. 20-22; 27-29
Austin Woods & Waters Club South Texas
Dove Hunts Call (512) 633-9149 for 1st
one; 757-0892 for 2nd one.
Sep. 25-29
Ladies only weekend hunt – Indianhead
Ranch 3110 Indian Head Ranch Rd, Del
Rio (830) 775-6481 Several packages
available [email protected]
Sep. 28-Oct. 6,
Pronghorn season. By permit only
Sep. 28-Nov. 1
Statewide archery season for whitetail deer
and for mule deer in counties that have an
open season for mulies
Oct. 4 - 6 Austin Woods and Waters - Flounder
Gigging and Fishing Trip Corpus Christi
8 spots available Cost: $75 for lodging +
expenses [email protected]
Toyota Texas Bass Classic - Lone Star
Convention and Expo Center, Conroe,
TX Professional Bass Fishing World
Championship and plenty more! Six
country bands, an outdoors festival, Bass
Pro Shops Kids Zone, BBQ Cook-Off and
the outdoors adventure area! Limited free
daily tickets for the Oct. 4-6 professional
bass fishing world championship, country
music, and festival are available now at
toyotatexasbassclassic.com,.Contact: Lenny
Francoeur, Tournament Director (479) 7156103 or [email protected]
Lindsay Dutcher, Marketing &
Communications Manager
(479)-966-3097 or lindsay.dutcher@octagon.
com
Oct. 5
Louis Schreiner 25th Anniversary Fall
Exotic Game Sale Y.O. Ranch 1736 Y.O.
Ranch Road, Mountain Home, TX 78058
Office: 830.640.3222 Fax: 830.640.3227
Barn Office: 830-640-3284 www.yoranch.
com (Good party! Especially if you like to
dance!)
Oct. 11
OGT SHOOT!
The last Operation Game Thief (OGT)
ClayStoppers Shoot-Out for 2013 is
scheduled in San Antonio, October 11 at
National Shooting Complex
These shoots provide financial assistance to
State Game Wardens in their never-ending
battle against those who would illegally take
game and fish. And they’re a blast! Wardens
provide a fine meal and prizes are awarded
to top shooters. Funds from the shoots
provide reward money for anonymous tips
leading to poaching convictions, help supply
wardens with equipment not funded by
shrinking state budgets, and death benefits
to wardens’ families. OGT is the fish and
wildlife Crime Stoppers organization and
is funded solely through memberships,
donations and ClayStoppers shoots. To
participate, go to www.ogttx.com or contact
Lori Brock at 512-389-4381. To report
illegal hunting or fishing activities, call
1-800-792-4263 (GAME).
Oct. 16
AWWC Fall Banquet benefitting the
McBride Conserv. Fund - Texas Disposal
Systems Exotic Game Ranch and Pavilion,
Creedmoor. - David Roche: 512-784-7273;
[email protected]
Oct. 23
Central Texas Safari Club Wild Game
Dinner Chinatown 3407 Greystone 6:30
Tickets: $49.50 Call Leann Collins 512-7735674 See p. 8
Oct. 26-Feb. 23
Statewide Quail Season (provided you can
find any!)
Feb. 5-8, 2014
SCI's Annual Hunters' Convention Las Vegas, Nevada CONTACT SCI -1-888-SCI-HUNT
Open Seasons • 5
CHL Law During Traffic Stops
An OS subscriber’s wife was recently
stopped for speeding – a little over the
limit.
She was given a warning but when she
presented her concealed-carry license the
trooper asked the location of the firearm
and when she complied he told her that he
was “required”, she says, to take the gun to
his car and run the serial number to insure
that it was not stolen. Is that the law?
No, according to a DPS officer the
subscriber contacted: “There is no
requirement for the trooper or any officer
to take possession of a CHL licensed
individuals gun to check for stolen ..the
policy and law dictate that there has to
be a valid reason to do so, and just being
stopped is not one of them.
“A trooper, by policy, is required to
check for stolen on any firearm he/
she takes possession of if the person
is arrested or the weapon is taken for
legitimate police action (holder is a
perceived threat, officer safety, etc.).
Section 411.207 Government Code:
Authority of Peace Officers to disarm.
(A) A peace officer who is acting in
the lawful discharge of the officer’s official
duties may disarm a license holder at any
time the officer reasonably believes it is
necessary for the protection of the license
holder, officer, or another individual.
“This is only part of the law but the
department’s policy dictates that the officer
needs to articulate why the license holder,
officer or another was at risk. A simple
stop and discovery of a CHL does not
meet the law’s intent.”
OPEN SEASONS took it a step further
and asked the officer, “If a driver who
holds a CHL is stopped by an officer
for any reason, including minor traffic
violations, is the driver still required to
immediately tell the officer he is a CHL
holder and has a firearm in his possession?
And if he doesn't have a weapon with him
at the time, is he required to tell the officer
that he is licensed, but not carrying?
The officer’s answer was, “If a license
holder is carrying a handgun on or
about the license holder’s person when a
magistrate or a peace officer demands that
the license holder display identification,
the license holder shall display both the
holders license, Chl License or ID card.
Under the old law you were required
to display whether you were armed or
not. Displaying your CHL when you are
stopped is one way of letting the officer
know and make them feel at ease. Keep
in mind that when the officer runs your
driver’s license, they will or should be
informed by communications that you
are a CHL holder.
Bottom line: if you are carrying on
or about your person and you are asked
you must display.” The smart move is
to always let the officer know you are
a license holder if you are stopped and
carrying.
State to Force Ammo Registration
STORIED
FIREARMS
Visit our large selection of
MODERN , ANTIQUE &
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All Accessories!
Full Line of Accessories
We buy, sell, trade & consign!
FFL transfers welcome.
Mon-Fri 10 am - 7 pm
Sat 10 am - 5pm
9300 US 290 W, Bldg 2
A group of bills moving through a
located in Dumas Train Depot
state legislature – including one to create
a database for ammunition purchases–
www.StoriedFirearms.com
could create the strictest gun control laws
of any state in the
union.
Guess which state?
This is the latest
insanity from the land
of movie stars and
other fruits, flake, and
nuts. If you guessed
that elongated state
bordering the ocean
Feed
Boots
on the “left coast”
S
e
e
d
W
ork Shoes
that keeps electing
Fertilizer
Clothing
nutty women to
Agricultural Chemicals
Fencing Materials
Congress, you win
Lawn & Garden
Deer Feed
two free tickets.
Products
Hardware
Read more at
Animal Health
Western Wear
http://patriotupdate.
Dog Food
Tack
com/2013/08/statePet Supplies
Friendliness
to-force-ammo-regist
Hydromulch
Nursery Stock
ration/#tkS6zIDdR6
501 Bastrop Highway • Austin, Texas 78741
(512) 385-3452 • FAX 385-0932
EHEqyj.99
512-394-0125
6 • Open Seasons
President’s Message By: Corey Gaskill 512-731-9137; [email protected]
Once again, the Austin Woods and Waters Club finds a way to bring value to its
membership. This time, it’s a club championship skeet shoot held at the Sloan Ranch in
Florence, just in time to help everyone tune up for the opening day of dove season. Steve
Ray, Vice President of Social Events, did a great job of putting this shoot together and even
cooked a championship batch of fajitas for the occasion. There were six divisions and trophies
to go with each. A breeze from the south made for some comfortable temperatures and some
uncomfortable juking of the clay pigeons. A fun time was had by all as old and new members
got to meet and mix. Jack Wolfe surprised us all with fabulous shooting (he’s way too modest)
and walked away with the grand champion trophy. His name is engraved on the side and I bet
he will return to defend his title next year. You should be there too and make the most of it.
The club is holding its annual membership event at Scholz’s Beer Garten the evening of
Wed., September 4th (see attached event flyer). This is a
great time to show up to meet members and learn about the
club. Beer and munchies are free for guests and we’ll have
a drawing for a gun. What more could you ask for? Check
out our website: www.austinwoodsandwater.com for more
information.
Hunting season is upon us and I plan to be out in the field
with my fellow club members on September first. I’m signed
up for three dove hunts, all of which have now sold out.
Does that tell you anything about the quality of our hunts?
It’s not too late to join the club, sign up for later season
hunts or attend the annual fall banquet at the Texas Disposal
Systems Game Ranch. So grab your new hunting license
and come along. I just love this time of year.
And don’t forget, AWWC moves the monthly luncheon to
the Ben Hur Shrine Lodge beginning this month.
AWWC CALENDAR
Unless otherwise indicated, all AWWC
monthly luncheons are at the Ben
Hur Shrine Temple, located at 7811
Rockwood Lane, Austin, TX 78757 (See
map below), beginning at 11:30. Cost of
the meal is $15; guests welcome.
Sept. 1, 20-22, 27-29
All three AWWC dove hunts are
SOLD OUT!
NEXT SPEAKER
Jesse Griffiths, from
Dai Due Butcher
Shop, will tell us
his secrets on Wild
Game Preparation
at our new meeting
location, the Ben Hur
Shrine Temple.
Sept. 4
AWWC Monthly Luncheon
Speaker: Jesse Griffiths, from Dai
Due Butcher Shop, on Wild Game
Preparation
Oct 4 - 6
Woods and Waters Flounder Gigging
and Fishing Trip Corpus Christi 8
spots available Cost - $75 for
lodging + expenses kmcaustin@gmail.
com<mailto:[email protected].
Oct. 16 Fall Banquet Benefitting
McBride Conservation Foundation Fund
Texas Disposal Systems Exotic Game
Ranch and Pavilion; Creedmore
Open Seasons • 7
8 • Open Seasons
Open Seasons • 9
NSSF SUPPORTS KINGSTON
AMENDMENT ON LEAD AMMO
National Shooting Sports Foundation
(NSSF) recently wrote U.S. Rep. Jack
Kingston (R-Ga.) to thank him for his
leadership in offering an important
amendment to the fiscal year 2014
Interior Appropriations Bill that would
prohibit the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) from using any funds
to regulate the lead content of
ammunition, ammunition components
or fishing tackle under the Toxic
Substances Control Act (TSCA). In
recent years, the Center for Biological
Diversity (CBD) has led a small group
of environmental and anti-hunting
organizations in a relentless pursuit
of litigation to compel a ban on lead
ammunition. The Pittman-Robertson
excise taxes raised from the sale of
ammunition to hunters and target
shooters is a primary source of wildlife
conservation funding in the United
States. An EPA ban on traditional
ammunition would have a devastating
impact on this funding and create a
supply shortage of alternative, non-lead
ammunition.
MORE COUNTIES TO TRAIL DEER WITH
DOGS
Hunters could use dogs to trail
a wounded deer in 12 counties in
East Texas, a practice that has been
prohibited in this area of the state
since 1990, under a proposal being
considered by the Texas Parks and
Wildlife Department (TPWD).
A series of public meetings was
held to provide details of the proposal
and give the public an opportunity to
comment. The Texas Parks and Wildlife
Commission is expected to take action
on the proposed change at its August
22 meeting at TPWD headquarters in
Austin.
In 1990 TPWD adopted rules
prohibiting the use of dogs to trail
wounded deer in 34 East Texas
counties. The rulemaking was necessary
because the department determined that
dogs were being used unlawfully to hunt
deer, which was causing depletion of
the resource.
By 2000, TPWD determined that
the practice of using dogs to hunt deer
had declined to the point of being
nonexistent in some of those counties
and removed the prohibition in 10 of
those counties. TPWD now believes
the prohibition could be lifted in an
additional 12 counties, including: Harris,
Harrison, Houston, Jefferson, Liberty,
Montgomery, Panola, Polk, Rusk, San
Jacinto, Trinity, and Walker. It will be
voted on by the TPW Commission on
August 22.
STRICT (AND SENSELESS) GUN LAWS
BACKFIRING
Earlier this year, New York and
Colorado were among the states to pass
a number of anti-gun and anti-Second
Amendment laws.
In Colorado, at least three firearms
companies are in the process of
moving their business out of the state. The Outdoor Channel cancelled four
programs that were being produced in
the state and advised a boycott against
all outdoor recreation, which is a large
part of the economy of the state. Additionally, a number of recall drives
are underway aimed at the four main
politicians responsible for the anti-gun
and green energy laws. Fifty-four of
the state’s 62 elected county sheriffs are
suing the state over the new anti-gun
laws. A coalition of counties in the
northeast corner of the state is seriously
looking into the possibility of secession
from the rest of the state.
And Texas ran ads inviting gun
companies to relocate south of the Red
River.
At least one New York based firearms
company has announced that they
are leaving the state because of the
new laws. Kahr Firearms, currently
located in Rockland County, New York
(home of the infamous interactive
map of legal gun permit holders), has
announced that they have purchased
land in Blooming Grove Township,
Pennsylvania and will be moving their
corporate offices there as soon as
possible.
Expect more to move.
Texas Losing Ground in Fight
Against Feral Hogs
Outdoor Hub Reporters by Daniel
Xu
Feral hogs are leaving a path of
destruction across Texas, one meal at a
time.
Texas has by far the nation’s largest
population of feral pigs, and the
ongoing battle to eradicate them is
one that the state is losing. The state is
estimated to contain nearly half of all
feral hogs in the United States, roughly
2.6 million. And they’re rooting and
ransacking 240 of Texas’ 254 counties.
Despite killing over 700,000 of the
animals every year, wildlife officials
admit they are in a tough predicament.
The state’s hunters and trappers are
doing their part to stem the tide. With
almost no harvest restrictions, hog
hunting has become a valued tradition
in Texas and few other states can boast
such a varied collection of pig recipes.
From wild pig chili to mesquite-roasted
pork, hog hunting can be a rewarding
endeavor. This is why every year hunters
take an estimated 600,000 hogs and
trappers account for another 70,000.
Another 50,000 are killed by state
wildlife services and private hog hunting
companies. Still, it is not enough to halt
the pigs’ growing population.
A Texas A&M University study found
that in order to halt the spread of the
invasive species, nearly 66 percent of
the state’s feral hog population would
have to be culled every year. Some
estimates are even higher. In 2010
over 754,000 pigs were taken, but the
number amounted to little more than
29 percent of the population. We need
to double down. And maybe take more
kids hunting.
Image courtesy of U.S. Dept. of
Agriculture
10 • Open Seasons
2014 Raffle!
Drawing Date: January 24
operationorphans.org
Proceeds Help Support Youth Hunting And Fishing Program In Texas
First name drawn chooses first prize!
PRIZE: Winchester Model 101 12GA o/u Shotgun
with stock carved by Jose Valencia!
(Donated by Austin SCI)
PRIZE: Winchester Model 70 300 WSM
with Nikon 4-12 Scope
AND stock carved by Jose Valencia!
(Donated by McBride Guns & Winchester)
PRIZE: Igloo Yukon 70 Quart Cold Locker
with Operation Orphans Logo
PRIZE: Stainless-steel Epting Custom Knife
***Suggested donation of $5 per ticket. Winner will be notified by phone and mail. All state and federal laws apply.***
Return to: Gary Brown / 216 Copperwood / Fort Worth, TX / 76108 / 817-246-2154
Name: _________________________________
$5 for 1 Ticket!
Phone: _________________________________
$20 for 5 Tickets!
Email: __________________________________
$50 for 12 Tickets!
Address: ________________________________
$100 for 25 Tickets!
________________________________________
Other: __________
Please make checks payable to: Operation Orphans
SenATe SHooTS doWn un SmALL
ArmS TreATY!
In a 53-46 vote the Senate narrowly
passed a measure that will stop the
United States from entering into the
United Nations Arms Trade Treaty.
The Statement of Purpose from
the bill read: To uphold Second
Amendment rights and prevent the
United States from entering into the
United Nations Arms Trade Treaty.
The U.N. Small Arms Treaty, which
has been championed by the Obama
Administration, would have effectively
placed a global ban on the import and
export of small firearms. The ban
would have affected all private gun
owners in the U.S., and had language
that would have implemented an
international gun registry on all private
guns and ammo. Astonishingly, 46 of
our United States Senators were willing
to give away our Constitutional rights
to a foreign power. Here are the 46
Senators that voted to give your rights
to the U.N.
Baldwin (D-WI), Baucus (D-MT),
Bennet (D-CO), Blumenthal (DCT), Boxer (D-CA), Brown (D-OH),
Cantwell (D-WA), Cardin (D-MD),
Carper (D-DE), Casey (D-PA), Coons
(D-DE), Cowan (D-MA), Durbin
(D-IL), Feinstein (D-CA), Franken
(D-MN), Gillibrand (D-NY), Harkin
(D-IA), Hirono (D-HI), Johnson
(D-SD), Kaine (D-VA), King (I-ME),
Klobuchar (D-MN), Landrieu (DLA), Leahy (D-VT), Levin (D-MI),
McCaskill (D-MO), Menendez (D-NJ),
Merkley (D-OR), Mikulski (D-MD),
Murphy (D-CT), Murray (D-WA),
Nelson (D-FL), Reed (D-RI), Reid (DNV), Rockefeller (D-WV), Sanders (IVT), Schatz (D-HI), Schumer (D-NY),
Shaheen (D-NH), Stabenow (D-MI),
Udall (D-CO), Udall (D-NM), Warner
(D-VA), Warren (D-MA), Whitehouse
(D-RI), Wyden (D-OR)
These Senators voted to let the
UN take our guns. They need to lose
the election. We have been betrayed.
46 Senators Voted to Give your 2nd
Amendment Constitutional Rights to
the UN.
Open Seasons • 11
SnAKeHeAd WorLd reCord
ConFIrmed
By Daniel Xu for Outdoor Hub
Bowfin
Virginia angler Caleb Newton’s
June catch has now been confirmed
by the International Game Fish
Association (IGFA) as a hookand-line world record. Newton, 27,
caught a massive 17-pound, sixounce snakehead over two months
ago in Aquia Creek, a tributary of
the Potomac River. The angler used
a crank bait with a 15-pound line and
light rod to bring the beast in. It only
took Newton about a minute.
At the time of the catch Newton
was fishing with friend Phil Wilcox
in a tournament celebrating Wilcox’s
upcoming wedding. The 36-inchlong snakehead managed to beat
out the previous world record, held
by a Japanese angler since 2004,
by a mere two ounces. Reportedly
a larger 18-pound snakehead was
also caught last year in Virginia, but
was not entered into the records.
Snakeheads harvested by bowfishing
are also not eligible to apply for a
hook-and-line record.
Northern snakeheads are
considered by many wildlife agencies
to be an invasive species. This is
not surprising, considering that the
fish are highly adaptable predators
and tough enough to survive for
days on land. While some experts
now believe that the snakehead is
not as destructive as first thought,
anglers are usually advised to catch
and kill the fish whenever
possible. Texas does not as
yet have snakeheads, and
doesn’t want them. The closest
state to Texas having them is
Arkansas, according to Dave
Terre, TPWD’s research and
management chief. They are
also found in Florida and some
northeastern states’ waters.
Terre said Arkansas spent “multimillion dollars” trying to eradicate
them. It sounds like a good example
of an ounce of prevention being
worth more than a pound of cure.
You’ll be saving yourself some
money, too, if you catch one or have
one imported through the aquarium
industry. Transporting snakeheads is
against the law in Texas.
They resemble a bowfin (aka
“grinnell;” see photo), and Dave
says TPWD gets about a call a
month from someone in East Texas
thinking they have caught or seen
a snakehead. (insert bowfin picture
somewhere in this paragraph)
Up until now, they have all been
confirmed as bowfins, which
usually have a dark spot on their
tail, similar to a red drum (redfish).
If you’re over on an East Texas
lake and see something long and
cylindrical, take a picture of it for
identification and contact TPWD.
Bowfins are aggressive fighters,
but inedible, even in East Texas.
OPEN SEASONS has only seen
one bowfin (and no snakeheads,
other than the accompanying photo
at the beginning of this article) but
the publisher thinks he caught an
immature bowfin in Beech Creek,
west of Silsbee, in the ‘60s. The one
he could identify was on a trotline
in Caddo Lake in the ‘80s. Out of
curiosity, he pulled the trotline up
high enough to get a good look at
the fish before dropping the line
back into the water.
Image screenshot of video by
GeoBeats News on YouTube
neW GAme WArdenS
CommISSIoned
28 new state game wardens are
heading to the field to begin serving
Texans across the state. Congrats to
the 58th game warden class!
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/
newsmedia/releases/?req=2013080
6a&nrtype=all&nrspan=2013&nrse
arch
SCImITAr Horned orYx, dAmA
GAZeLLe, AddAx uPdATe
SCI members have been extremely
concerned with the conservation
status of captive populations of
Scimitar Horned Oryx, Dama
Gazelle, and Addax in the U.S. ever
since new U.S. Fish and Wildlife
regulations were put into effect.
SCI has worked with Congressman
John Carter of Texas and his staff
to draft legislation that would
reinstate less intrusive government
regulations. On Wednesday July 31,
2013, Congressman Carter offered
his amendment to the Department
of the Interior 2014 Appropriations
bill and it was adopted by a voice
vote. Though it was successfully
added to the Appropriations bill, the
legislation was mysteriously pulled
from consideration late that evening.
SCI will continue to birddog this
needed legislative fix once the
Interior Budget is reconsidered
in September and SCI will ensure
that private conservation efforts
continue for these three African
antelope species.
12 • Open Seasons
WATerFoWL PoSSeSSIon LImITS
rAISed due To STronG duCK
numBerS
By Daniel Xu, Outdoor Reporters
Although duck numbers remain
strong, hunting opportunities still
depend on local weather, food, and
habitat availability.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) announced in early August
that the agency is proposing a continued
liberal hunting season for the upcoming
2013 and 2014 waterfowl seasons.
According to a survey taken by the
Service in its Trends in Duck Breeding
Want to Advertise in
oPen SeASonS
Contact John Jefferson
512-219-1199
[email protected]
Populations report, duck numbers
remain strong for 2013. Although the
report does show that the number of
breeding
ducks
declined by
six percent
from 2012,
overall
duck
numbers
remain
high
above the
historical
average.
The
USFWS
estimates
there to be 45.6 million breeding ducks
in the surveyed areas of North America,
nearly 33 percent higher than the
decades-long average of 34.3 million.
Experts are anticipating a favorable
hunting season, depending on local
environment.
“Given favorable numbers, most folks
would speculate that the fall certainly
seems favorable,” said Ducks Unlimited
Chief Scientist Dale Humburg. “…with
the hunting season
a few months off,
a lot can happen in
regards to your local
hunting opportunity.
Whether not the
weather is dry
or when you go
hunting can all play
into it.”
Image from
JRMartin
Photography on the flickr Creative
Commons.
SCI enCourAGeS SenATe ACTIon on
THe SPorTSmen’S ACT oF 2013
In July, Senator Lisa Murkowski
(R-Alaska) introduced S. 1335,
the Sportsmen’s Act of 2013, the
first comprehensive bill to benefit
America’s sportsmen and women in
the 113th Congress. SCI encourages
members to reach out to their senators
and ask them to sign on as co-sponsors
of the bill and urge them to support
its important provisions. The package
combines several individual bills
protecting the interests of sportsmen
and women nationwide. Learn more
about the legislation at the following
link. http://firstforhunters.wordpress.
com/2013/07/19/safari-clubinternational-encourages-senate-actionon-the-sportsmens-act-of-2013/
The Sportsmen’s Act of 2013 is
co-sponsored by Sen. David Vitter
(R-Louisiana) who is the Ranking
Member on the Environment and
Public Works Committee which is a
primary committee of jurisdiction for
the legislation. The other committee of
jurisdiction is the Energy and Natural
Resources, of which Senator Murkowski
is the Ranking Member. In addition,
Senators John Thune (R-South Dakota)
and Jim Risch (R-Idaho) who are the
Co-Chair and Co-Vice Chair of the
Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus have
also officially co-sponsored S. 1335, the
Sportsmen’s Act of 2013. America’s
hunters and anglers should also call
Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyoming),
John Boozeman (R-Arkansas), Richard
Burr (R-North Carolina), and Rob
Portman (R-Ohio).
WAnnA BeCome A BeTTer WInG SHoT?
And who doesn’t! Dove Season
opens Sept. 1 in the Central Zone,
and Sept. 20 in the South Zone. Leon
Measures’ popular “Shoot Where
You Look” shotgun seminars are
not scheduled nearby prior to those
openers, but in an attempt to help
as many folks as possible, he offers
Shoot Where You Look as an EBook
Open Seasons • 13
for $9.99 and the DVD for $44.95
including Priority Mail! He says that
If you will do what the book or DVD
instructs, your buddies will be impressed
and amazed on opening morning. The
drills take 10 minutes twice a day for a
couple of weeks, in front of a mirror,
at home without firing a shot. Given
the ammunition situation and the rising
costs of everything involved with
hunting and shooting, this ought to be
newsworthy.
More information
and a one click link
is available at www.
shootwhereyoulook.com.
If you want to call him
about the on-the-ground
seminars, his cell phone
is 936-328-7927. Good
Shooting!
FIRST SHOTS HOUSTON
TOUR WELCOMES
HUNDREDS OF NEW
SHOOTERS
Four ranges in the
Houston area--The
Arms Room in League
City, Spring Guns
and Ammo in Spring,
American Shooting
Centers in Houston
and High Noon Indoor
Pistol Range in Crosby-welcomed more than
200 new shooters as
they presented First
Shots seminars from
Aug. 2 through 4.
First Shots is a free
introductory program
of National Shooting
Sports Foundation
(NSSF) that teaches
newcomers firearms
fundamentals, safety
and local regulations
in a classroom setting,
followed by a live-fire
session with certified
instructors. "A big thank
you goes out to all of the
participating ranges who
gave a Texas welcome
to the participants and the First Shots
team," said Tisma Juett, NSSF's First
Shots manager. Next stop on the First
Shots Big City Tour is planned for
Atlanta, Ga. If your shooting facility is
located in that vicinity and you'd like to
be a host for this event, please contact
Juett at [email protected].
RUGER SALES UP 50% IN SECOND
QUARTER; PROFIT JUMPS 79%
Sturm, Ruger & Co. (NYSE:RGR)
reported that second-quarter sales were
up 50 percent and earnings increased
79 percent compared to the same
period a year ago. The company said
new product introductions were a
significant component of sales growth,
as new product sales represented $102.7
million or 31 percent of firearm sales
during the quarter. Ruger's new product
introductions in the first half of the
year included the LC380 pistol and the
SR45 pistol.
14 • Open Seasons
HUNTIN’ CAMPS & FISHIN’ LODGES
FISHING GUIDES
HUNTING GUIDE/OUTFITTERS
(512) 261-3644
TURKEY HUNTING
Want to Advertise in
OPEN SEASONS
Contact John Jefferson
512-219-1199
[email protected]
High Quality White-Tail Deer and
Exotics Trophy Hunting Service. 5 STAR
Accommodations. Mark “”BBQ” Haag.
512-771-4949. “Born to Hunt”
“We are told NOT to judge ALL Muslims by the
actions of a few crazies....
But ...
We are told TO judge ALL gun owners by the
actions of a few crazies.”
Kent Brenneman
Private Wealth Manager
One Financial Centre
1717 N. IH 35, Ste. 150
Round Rock, TX 78664
www.upstreamip.com
Office: (512) 551-0839
Toll Free: (855) 463-8848
Fax: (512) 692-3895
[email protected]
Securities offered through Sigma Financial Corporation. Member FINRA/SIPC.
Open Seasons • 15
SPORTSMEN’S GARAGE SALE
LAnd For SALe
4958-acre Dry Devils Ranch, Val Verde
County, between Del Rio and Sonora bordering
Devils River State Natural Area and Dolan Falls
Preserve. Staggering views incredible bluffs,
numerous caves! Native and exotic wildlife.
Windmills, wells, pumps, airstrip, hanger, plenty
of roads. Mature four-bedroom house with
enclosed courtyard and stables. Mark Hubbard:
361-816-8400 [email protected]
100 Acres - Medina County, southwest of
Castroville off CR 662. Giant live oaks, excellent
native brush and grasses. Several seasonal creeks,
a nice pond, windmill well, several food plots
and good access roads. Healthy native wildlife
includes whitetail deer, hogs, dove, quail, and
flocks of turkey. Just a short drive southwest of
San Antonio. Great family get-away, conducive
to unlimited outdoor recreation or perfect place
to build a home. Texas Ranch Sales - Sheldon
Grothaus: 830-741-8906.
2026 Acres - La Salle County. Trophy Lake
Ranch 42 miles Southeast of Cotulla off 624.
Formerly part of the Camaron Ranch. High
fenced, trophy whitetails, MLDPs, walk-in
cooler, barn. Shaded double-wide mobile home
with manicured yard, trees and view of 15-20
acre lake. Matt Howard (866) 800-LAND
[email protected].
1213 Acres - Uvalde County NW of Sabinal.
60% brush, 20% pastures, 20% farmland. 8-acre
lake, 4 ponds, wet-weather Nolton Creek, 4
electric wells. Native & exotic wildlife. Highfenced/low-fenced. All-weather road to house.
Excellent roads throughout. Furnished 5,000
sq/ft main house: 7BR/4.5BA, 3 living areas,
patios overlooking lake. Foreman’s house, horse
barn, exercise pen, livestock pens, hunting blinds
w/restrooms, feeders, Polaris & boat. Seller
financing available! Texas Ranch Sales-Sheldon
Grothaus: 830-741-8906.
384 Acres - Uvalde County. Blue River
Ranch between Sabinal & Concan in South
Texas and Hill Country. With rain, Frio runs
through ranch. High fenced into 3 pastures.
Double wide mnfcrd. home overlooks river.
Other cabins, large barn, 6 water wells. 30 ft
deep Blue Water Hole on Frio. 2 large natural
lakes. Deer, exotics, turkeys, doves and fishing.
Seller financing possible. Mark Hubbard
Properties. Jared Capt: 979-324-8767; jared@
captinvestments.com.
For SALe
The Real Homeland Security
Home defense pistol grip, 12 gauge pump
shotgun for sale. Makes lots of noise; scares
most would-be marauders into instant flight,
providing they can still run. Travels well.
$375. JJ: 512-219-1199
deer LeASeS
Hill Country Deer Leases: 100-500
acres; some MLDPs. Don Jackson 512-4540476 (O); 512-751-2386 (M). Randy Meeks
512-750-2563.
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?
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mail to oPen SeASonS, 10433 Firethorn Lane, Austin, Texas 78750
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Motor Home for Sale. Our son is
being assigned to the American Embassy
in Cairo and has to sell his motor home.
It’s listed on the web site below. It’s
beautiful and in like new condition; low
mileage. Asking $120,000. "Kiki" Dian
and Jerry Warden. http://www.rvtrader.
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PEN
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10433 Firethorn Lane
Austin, Texas 78750
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