2020 SOUTH TEXAS
FRIO-NUECES CURRENT SPECIAL PUBLICATION OCTOBER 2020
2 Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide
Contents
4 4 6 8
RANDOM RAMBLINGS:
Traditions, family connections
WHITETAIL SEASON: Higher proportion bucks
SHOPPING BAG: This years must-haves
DOVE HUNTING:
Prime conditions this year
Current FRIO-NUECES
8 10 12 14
2020 OUTLOOK: A fruitful season
THE GILCHRISTS: G-2
KEVIN FRAZIER:
Frio County Game Warden
JERRY TONDRE: Taxidermy
Combining the Cotulla Record, Dilley Herald and Pearsall Leader USPS 424560
2020 SOUTH TEXAS
Publisher/Owner Craig Garnett................................................(cgarnett@ulnnow.com) Office Manager/Classifieds Kasie Gonzales.......................(kgonzales@fncnow.com) Production Manager Lonnie Herrera .....................................(lherrera@fncnow.com) Chief Staff Writer Breyana Segura ............................................(bsegura@fncnow.com) Managing Editor/Photographer Manuel Azocar III.......(mazocar@fncnow.com) Advertising Sales Tony Perez ...........................................................(tperez@fncnow.com)
BRUSH COUNTRY HUNTING GUIDE IS A PRODUCTION OF FRIO-NUECES CURRENT
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Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide
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Favorable season awaits Whitetailed deer hunters
W
ell distributed and timely precipitation across much of Texas in the spring, along with positive long-term growth among the state’s white-tailed deer population, has set the stage for a favorable 2020-21 hunting season. Spring rains allowed many regions of the state, including South Texas, Edwards Plateau and areas west to recover from last year’s very dry fall and winter, leading to an abundance of quality forbs and shrubs, both of which are critical for deer nutrition. These conditions have lent to a good start to antler growth and positive outlook for fawn
recruitment numbers. “With any luck we’ll receive another rain or two in July
solidifying the good conditions and setting the stage for another favorable hunting sea-
son,” said Alan Cain, Whitetailed Deer Program Leader at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). TPWD biologists estimate that the state’s deer population is around 5.5 million deer, or a density of 49.25 deer per 1,000 acres. However, that density is not uniform across the state and those areas with better habitat tend to support higher deer populations. TPWD data suggests that the hunter success rate in 2019 was estimated to be 60% and similar trends can be expected for the 2020-21 season. The Edward’s Plateau and the Cross Timbers regions of Texas are forecast to have the (See FAVORABLE, Page 17)
RANDOM RAMBLINGS
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Traditions and family connections
or as long as I can remember, hunting has been a part of my life. And it didn’t end with whatever was harvested. I remember my grandpa and cousins skinning whatever they had bagged that day and then my grandma in the kitchen preparing a meal with the fresh venison. Some of my fondest memories are of me standing on that little red stool in my grandma’s kitchen helping her prepare meals. To this day, when I talk of her, I recall vividly the earthy taste of venison, the buttery mashed potatoes, the tastes that flavored my childhood. I’d stand there as she taught me how to tenderize the meat before seasoning with just the right mixture of spices. “And remember you have to season the flour as well,” she would say. “If not, it is bland, and bland is not a good thing.” She would reach into her oven and pull out the perfectly seasoned cast iron skillet, fill it with grease and wait for it to reach the perfect temperature before frying up the backstrap. “Everything is better fried in this skillet.” And boy, was she right. I still have that skillet which I am using as a tool to pass down the tradition of squeezing into a kitchen full of girls serving up fried backstrap and exchanging
family stories. Last year after having Weslyn, I could tell Hayden needed some one-on-one time with me. I was not getting around very well but Hayden loves to be in the kitchen, BREYANA so I took advantage of that and taught her the SEGURA skill my grandmother taught me many years ago – how to fry up the perfect backstrap from a deer her dad had shot. Hayden did not stop there with her passion for cooking; she had her Uncle Rick teach her how to slice meat from the hind leg of the deer and she learned how to make jerky. Preserving family recipes is honoring my grandparents’ memory. Meals have been a symbol throughout the ages of sharing and loving one another. The time my grandmother spent with me in the kitchen created a memory heirloom that I intend to hand down to my children and hopefully to my grandchildren one day. The kitchen is a place where traditions and family connections are not only made but also passed down from one generation to the next.
Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide
Welcome Hunters!
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WELCOME HUNTERS TO LA SALLE COUNTY! The place you’ve been hunting for!
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What’s in your bag? BREYANA SEGURA
H
unting and outdoor pursuits are pastimes that call for practicality and value, and in today’s market there is no shortage of useful goods that help increase the enjoyment and comfort of an outing for the family. Whether it’s a birthday gift or a thoughtful addition to a hunter’s gear, a gadget or accessory that makes heading into the Great Outdoors trouble-free can do much to enhance the experience. Innovations in design and adaptation of new materials have brought a wealth of products to the fore, and among them are several that benefit the outdoor sports enthusiast. We have selected some
New products, practical goods for the hunter...
goods for their usefulness to the hunter, among them items that include modern adaptations of tried-and-tested favorites in the field... THERMACELL MOSQUITO REPELLER It is so aggravating to be eaten alive by bugs while sitting in the deer stand. And, well, you can’t spray yourself with repellant as wildlife are sensitive to odors. So what do you do? You purchase a ThermaCell mosquito repeller. Not only does it effectively repel mosquitos and other biting insects but it does so without producing any odor. It is inexpensive, lightweight and easy to use. DOVE STAND Coming in shy of $50, this is the hottest thing this season for all those avid bird hunters.
The metal stand can hold up to 15 dove, with a top section to hold drinks and shotgun boxes or even your phone. The stand’s bottom section screws off and attaches to the top for easy storage. PERFECT SHOT TARGETS What is the old adage – practice makes perfect? Safari Press has designed an outstanding line of targets showing the position of the vital organs of popular species of North American and African big game like mule deer, pronghorn, black bear, kudu, impala and warthog. These targets are great for realistic training at the range before going afield. HUNTERS SOCKS Dad just loves to get those socks in his stocking every year, so if your dad is a hunter we’ve
got the perfect pair. Darn tough hunter socks are made out of Merino wool, making them breathable, comfortable, fast drying and durable. Socks can be underrated, but a good pair is imperative. PROPANE SPACE HEATER Believe it or not, it does get cold in South Texas, especially in the early morning hours while sitting in a deer stand before dawn waiting for that prize buck. But a good space heater can make those chilly mornings a lot more tolerable. Coming in at under $100, the Little Buddy space heater is designed to be portable but still put out a good amount of heat. It uses the same one-pound propane tank as the Coleman lantern and camping stoves (not for use in enclosed spaces, tents, vehicles, campers or trailers).
Don’t end up with a ticket...
Obey the law this season BY KEVIN FRAZIER, TPW GAME WARDEN
Deer Season is finally here. Much like hunters, Game Wardens look forward to this season all year long. Most deer hunters comply and follow the laws. However, every hunting season some individuals unwittingly or knowingly violate game laws. Here are some of the most common deer hunting violations: Hunter Education Violation: One of the most common hunting violations is hunting without proper hunter education. Texas requires hunters born on or after Sept. 2, 1971 to have passed a state-approved Hunter Education Training course. Texas allows those falling under the hunter education requirement to purchase, for $10, a one-time, one-year deferral of the requirement. Effective September 1, 2017, Peace officers, state and
federal military, and retirees are exempt from Hunter Ed requirements. Hunt without Valid Hunting License Violation: The definition of “hunt” is to capture, trap, take, kill, and includes any attempt to capture, trap, take or kill. Anybody engaged in deer hunting is obligated to obtain a valid hunting license. Hunt in Closed Season Violation: The Closed Season is the period of time when hunting that species is not permitted. Note: There is no open season for any wild animal, wild bird, or exotic animal on public roads or the right-of-way of public roads. Untagged Deer Violation: After a deer is killed and before the deer is field dressed or moved, the appropriate hunting license tag or permit must be immediately filled out and dates cut out. Except for deer killed by MLD permit, LAMPS permit, TPWD Special Drawn Legal Deer Tag, U.S. Forest Service
antlerless permit, or Big Time Texas Hunt, all deer must be tagged immediately upon kill in a secure manner anywhere on the deer, with an appropriate license tag with the month and date cut out. Improperly Tagged Deer Violation: If required, the tag from the hunting license of the person who killed the deer must be correctly and legibly completed (including name of property and county) and must: * be used on a specific type of deer (for example, buck tags must be used only on buck deer, antlerless tags on antlerless deer, etc.). * have the month and date of kill CUT OUT * It is against the law to use: * a tag taken from the license of another person or allow your tag to be used by another person. * a tag more than one time (or on more (See LAW, Page 7)
Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide
Law
7
(Continued from Page 6)
than one deer). * an incorrect tag on a deer (example: mule deer tag used on a white-tailed deer, etc.) Harvest Log Violation: if a hunting license tag is used, then the Hunting License Harvest Log must be legibly completed. Immediately upon kill of a white-tailed deer the hunter must complete the log, in ink, on the back of the hunting license. Completion of the log is not required for mule deer, or for whitetailed deer lawfully taken under an MLD permit. Illegal Dumping: a person commits an offense if the person disposes or allows or permits the disposal of a dead animal at a place that is not an approved solid waste site, including a place on or within 300 feet of a public highway, on a right-of-way, on other public or private property. If the carcass weighs more than five pounds the violation is a Class B misdemeanor, and is punishable by up to 180 days in jail, a fine of up to 2,000, or both. Unplugged Shotgun Violation: If you plan to hunt migratory birds make sure that your shotgun has a plug in it. Federal and state regulations limit shotguns used to hunt migratory game birds to holding no more than three shotshells. In most pump-action and semi-automatic shotguns, this requires a wooden or plastic plug be secured inside the firearm’s magazine to limit that magazine to holding no more than two shotshells. Exceeding the Daily Bag Limit Violation: The daily bag limit on doves is 15. That’s a daily bag limit, not a trip limit. Each year, hunters are caught “doubledipping” – meaning, taking a limit of doves in a morning hunt, and then returning to the field for an afternoon hunt. Hunting over a Baited Area Violation: A baited area is an area where bait has been directly or indirectly placed, exposed, scattered or distributed to serve as a lure or attraction for harvesting migratory birds. A hunter may be cited for hunting over bait, which can include salt, grain or other feed, even if they didn’t know it was there. A baited area is considered to be baited until 10 days after all the bait has been removed. However, a hunter may hunt migratory game birds over standing crops, standing flooded crops, flooded harvested crops,
and at any time over natural vegetation that has been manipulated, where seeds or grains have been scattered as a result of normal agricultural planting, harvesting or post-harvest manipulation. Most of these violations are Class C misdemeanors, punishable by a fine of from $25 to $500 plus court costs. Also, when resources are seized, the department can seek civil restitution for the value of any game
confiscated. Game Wardens urge hunters to review an Outdoor Annual of rules and regulations to ensure they act within the law and that they recognize when others violate the hunting regulations and related laws. Outdoor Annuals are available where licenses are sold. TPW encourages hunters to protect the future of their sport by hunting responsibly and reporting hunting violations to their local Game Warden.
Welcome Hunters To La Salle County!
BEST HUNTING IN SOUTH TEXAS!
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830-879-2331
WWW.SNBCOTULLA.COM
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A healthy season...
Dove hunters hit bag limits every day
BREYANA SEGURA
Situated in the heart of the migratory dove flyway and surrounded by thousands of acres of agriculture, the Redstone Ranch in Dilley offers some of the best dove hunting in South Texas. Above-average rainfall statewide throughout the spring season led to prime habitat conditions during the peak nesting months, and according to Ranch Manager Dallas Payne, the ranch has seen a fruitful season. “This was our first season and it was very successful,” Payne says. Payne and his staff work year-round to ensure the land is prepared to attract dove by keeping water tanks full and providing center pivots of milo, sunflowers, millet and sesame to attract the birds. This season, the ranch has attracted avid hunters from all over Texas and each time the hunters have met their 15-bird limit. Payne admits he was wary of the season following
the coronavirus pandemic and the effects of the declining economy. “We expected COVID-19 to make it very difficult to book hunters, but it was actually very easy to do,” the ranch manager says. “If a person in a group that has booked does not feel well for whatever reason, we just lost that hunter.” In this day and age, when time is such a valuable resource, those hours spent enjoying the sights and sounds of a South Texas evening while sitting on the tailgate shooting birds have become cherished memories.
Texas bird hunting season outlook:
Conditions promising for dove in 20-21
S
eptember marks the start of dove season for more than 300,000 Texas hunters per year. While 2020 surveys of dove populations were cancelled due to ongoing public health concerns, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) estimates promising hunting conditions ahead of the start of the season. With a breeding population of about 25 million mourning doves and up to 15 million white-winged doves in Texas, conditions are ripe for a fruitful season. Dove population numbers swell during the hunting season as doves migrate into Texas from other areas in the flyway. With favorable
during Hurricane Hanna but habitat conditions throughit’s unclear if, or to what deout much of the state leadgree, ing into Sep2020-21 DOVE SEASON CALENDAR these rains tember, North Zone: Sep. 1 - Nov. 12 & Dec. 18 - Jan. 3 will hunters Central Zone: Sep. 1 - Nov. 1 & Dec. 18 - Jan. 14 have can look South Zone: Sep. 14 - Nov. 1 & Dec. 18 - Jan. 23 an forward affect to a on doves come September. favorable season. “It’s hard to say exactly Above average rainfall how regional dove populastatewide throughout the tions are affected by hurspring season has led to ricanes and other extreme prime habitat conditions weather events,” says Owen during the peak nesting Fitzsimmons, TPWD Dove months of May and June. Program Leader. “In this Biologists suggest that dry case, I anticipate minimal conditions in the northern impacts to September huntand western regions of the ing, but the extra rain could state may help concentrate birds around food and water lead to better late-season habitat when food is often sources during the season. scarce. South Zone hunters Portions of south Texas and the Rio Grande Valley should be ready for some received significant rainfall potential late-season ac-
tion.” On the other hand, normal seasonal weather events like cold fronts can be instrumental for hunting success by kick-starting fall migration, Fitzsimmons says. “Doves will concentrate in bigger fall flights ahead of the fronts, making for some excellent hunting opportunities,” said Fitzsimmons. “These groups will often feed heavily in one area for a few days before moving on. Hunters should look to take advantage of any fronts during the season.” Texas makes up one-third of the overall mourning dove harvest in the United States. In addition, Texas (See CONDITIONS, Page 19)
Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide
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Cover Story:
“What a good place to start”
Creature Comforts:
Sampling the luxuries of the G-2 Ranch the group dining area; the walls are covered in intricate art and a number of hey sit across the table from mounts from animals harvested on the each other, and although property. the Smith Lodge is empty, Families interested in staying at the they have filled the room G-2 Ranch can expect to explore the with a deep love and compassion for countryside and visit the petting zoo, hunting and, most importantly, family. which features a baby giraffe. They Don and Sandy Gilchrist aren’t your can also enjoy the 1,200-square-foot average hunting ranch owners. They are outdoor facilities by hitting golf balls a hands-on couple who have chosen to off the elevated deck, enjoy B-B gun leave their East Texas home and relocate bottle shooting, skeet shooting, placing to Pearsall. a bet on the putting green, sitting Nestled some five miles southeast of around the campfire and roasting Pearsall, the 1,150-acre G-2 Ranch is a marshmallows or exchanging stories property the Gilchrists have owned since and occasional live music under the 2004. covered patio. “My best friend Randall Preston Offering a number of all-inclusive bought the old Woodward Ranch, so packages that typically are threeI bought the ranch right next to his day, two-night hunts, the Gilchrists because we both are big quail hunters,” understand family dynamics and the Don says. hustle and bustle of everyday life and Don & Sandy Gilchrist In 2019, the pair decided that the offer flexibility to their hunters. amenities needed to be revamped and they began a four“We also do a twenty-four hour turnkey executive hunt,” month renovation project offering five-star accommodations. Don said. “We get them out in the field and back out that night Few South Texas hunting experiences will match the G-2’s or the very next morning.” attention to detail and expertise, not only in the field but also Hinged on ensuring everyone who chooses to spend in hospitality. time at the G-2 leaves with the utmost satisfaction, once an “This was all Sandy,” Don says, glancing at his wife. “It animal has been harvested, the final decisions are left to the was her vision, and the architects made it come true from just customers. some ideas and pictures she had.” “We do dress the animals, then we provide options,” Sandy What once was an open-space shed with white folding says. “We want the customer to make every decision. We tables and chairs has become a 6,000-square-foot lodge provide the thrill of the hunt then what they want to do with featuring a stone fireplace, a bar, pool table, televisions, the meat or antlers is the customers’ decision.” poker table and indoor seating for up to 90 guests. Suspended from the ceiling in the lodge are two electric train tracks over (See G-2, Page 11)
BREYANA SEGURA
T
Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide
G-2
11
(Continued from Page 10)
The couple beams with pride as they tell the story of the how a deer harvested on their property won in the 2019-20 Los Cazadores high-fence archery division as well as the award for biggest buck overall. “That was a huge feather for us,” Sandy says. “We are so proud of that because we are the best-ofthe-best, pure raw best-of-the-best deer.” With youth and family a priority in everything the couple does, they have spread their generosity into the community and purchased their first animal from the Frio County Junior Livestock Show this year. “It is important to us that we help people, and what a good place to start?” Sandy says. The couple does not end its generosity with local contributions. The Gilchrists are also part of the Gold Star Family, a program that offers the children of slain veterans a chance to hunt; the Hunting for Heroes program for disabled veterans; and the Buckmasters, offering a hunt for disabled children. “We are very blessed and we want to give back,” Sandy says. “We hope to set an example for others to do the same.” “It feels good for us, mentally,” Don says. “All of our kids are gone from the nest and we want to give back.” “Great thing is that this is really a family atmosphere; the pride and passion Don has when parents and their children get their first deer is indescribable,” Sandy says. Located on over 1,150 acres of landscape, the opportunities for guests here are boundless and the guide-optional hunting
“
means that visitors can take to the fields at their own leisure. Specializing in whitetail deer, turkey, dove and quail hunting, the G-2 offers a variety of packages that can be customized to fit the hunters’ needs. “We want to focus on growing big, Texas typical deer,” Don says. “That is important to us, but we also do breed deer.” Staff at the G-2 work all year to manage the whitetail deer population by enhancing the terrain with plant-wheat and lab/lab, sesame, sunflower and millet fields; providing adequate water sources; feeding protein to the wildlife; and managing the deer closely with a wildlife biologist. Hogs are a nuisance, but not for the Gilchrists; their staff ride the fence lines daily looking for any indication a hog may have entered the land. “We do a lot of predator control,” Don says. “We extract the hogs two times a year and I will put bounty on the predators.” Over the past few years, Don and his staff have collaborated with Derby High Roller and Lone Hollow whitetail operations to breed over 600 whitetails. The G-2 has 53 breeding pens certified by the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife in which they breed not only to stock their land but also to sell the bucks and does to other ranch owners. “We do artificially inseminate one hundred does annually, usually in the early winter,” Don says. “They will bear their young from May to August.” When asked about the recent coronavirus pandemic and
It was her vision and the architects made it come true from just some ideas and pictures she had
”
(See G-2, Page 18)
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Going to work with Frio County’s Game Warden
“My job is not the same every day” BREYANA SEGURA
I
t is a difficult, often dangerous job, but someone has to do it and that is just what Frio County Game Warden Kevin Frazier is doing. No stranger to the South Texas countryside, Frazier is making Frio County the last stop in his game warden career. Prior to being stationed in Frio County, the game warden served 11 years in Guadalupe County and before that worked for three years in Zapata County. Frazier, like many other aspiring game wardens, chose his career because he enjoyed hunting and fishing but probably the biggest factor was the many years he served as a boy scout. “I went through the whole program,” Frazier says. “From the beginning as a cub scout to an Eagle Scout. Do you know that less than one percent of scouts make Eagle Scout?” His love and passion for the preservation of the land grew abundantly, something he attributes to his boy scout leader who happened to be a game warden for Medina County. “He knew all the landowners and had keys to all the gates,” he says. “He knew where all the coolest places in the county were; he taught us about the outdoors and how to respect the environment. Even if people did not like him, they respected him.” Over the years, Frazier has stumbled upon many situations where he has had to put his life on the line as a law enforcement officer. However, he believes that each situation is unique and that is just how
Kevin Frazier
he will approach it. “There is not a formula for all of this,” the game warden says. “My job is not the same every day. People with guns in their hands do not bother me as much as a person who I do not know has a gun. I would rather walk up to ten people with guns than into a traffic stop where someone has dark windows and I do not know if they have a gun.” It is often inferred that game wardens simply deal with
hunting and fishing violations, which is an ideal Frazier clarifies. The perils of the job can vary and include highly intoxicated hunters who are fully armed, to helping those needing assistance in disaster relief. “We deal with Class C misdemeanors to felonies; we help the local police departments; we help Border Patrol with drug interdiction,” he says. Standing at over six foot
tall and with a stern voice, he reiterates that when he catches someone breaking the law, he will not tolerate lying. “It is easier to do the right thing than the wrong thing,” he says. “No one likes to get caught or arrested but sometimes you can avoid all that by simply telling the truth. Sometimes there is more going on than what is on the surface.” Since the coronavirus pandemic hit Texas in March, the game warden has seen an increase in people committing hunting violations, especially at night. Fraizer says he feels peoples’ decision to violate the law comes from a mixture of boredom and fear. “I understand that people are scared, but it does not give them the right to break the law.” Not only is he charged with enforcing the state hunting, fishing and boating laws, Frazier also spends a lot of time educating the public on respecting the natural resources to ensure preservation for future generations. The Frio County game warden believes it is not just his responsibility to enforce the protection of wildlife but everyone’s. “I think it is everyone’s role, not just mine,” he says. “No matter where you go, there is wildlife around you and it is how you respect and treat it.” Frazier adds that although he makes himself available for questions from the community, many of those routine inquiries could be answered in the TPW Outdoor Annual application. “I love South Texas and I like this county,” he says. “I am so happy to be here.”
Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide
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2020-21 Hunting Season Dates DOVE North Zone: Sep. 1 - Nov. 12 & Dec. 18 - Jan. 3 Central Zone: Sep. 1 - Nov. 1 & Dec. 18 - Jan. 14 South Zone: Sep. 14 - Nov. 1 & Dec. 18 - Jan. 23 Special White-winged Dove Days South Zone: Sep. 5, 6, 12, 13 JAVELINA North Zone: Oct. 1 - Feb. 28 South Zone: Sep. 1 - Aug. 31 MULE DEER General Season Panhandle: Nov. 21 - Dec. 6 SW Panhandle: Nov. 21 - Nov. 29 Trans-Pecos: Nov. 27 - Dec. 13 Archery Season: Oct. 3 - Nov. 6
QUAIL Statewide: Oct. 31 - Feb. 28 TURKEY Rio Grande Turkey Fall Season North Zone: Nov. 7 - Jan. 3 South Zone: Nov. 7 - Jan. 17 Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg & Willacy counties: Nov. 7 - Feb. 28 Archery-only: Oct. 3 - Nov. 6 Fall Youth-Only North Zone: Oct. 31 - Nov. 1 & Jan. 4-17 South Zone: Oct. 31 - Nov. 1 & Jan. 18-31
WHITE-TAILED DEER General Season North Zone: Nov. 7 - Jan 3. South Zone: Nov. 7 - Jan. 17 Special Late Season North Zone: Jan. 4-17 South Zone: Jan. 18 - Jan. 31 Archery Season Oct. 3 - Nov. 6
Spring Season North Zone: April 3 - May 16 South Zone: Mar. 20 - May 2 One-turkey Counties: Apr. 1-30
Muzzleloader-Only Season Jan. 4-17 RABBITS AND HARES Regular Statewide: No closed season
Spring Youth-Only North Zone: Mar. 27-28 & May 22-23 South Zone: Mar. 13-14 & May 8-9
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Eastern Turkey Spring Season East Texas: Apr. 22 - May 14
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14 Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide Tondre talks taxidermy...
In the shop with Jerry A family tradition continues
BREYANA SEGURA
I
t is a one-man operation, but that does not hold Pearsall native Jerry Tondre back from taking pride in turning people’s visions into their trophy mount. After a 33-year stint with the Texas Department of Agriculture as a produce inspector, Tondre has turned his taxidermy passion into a full-time operation. Before retiring as an inspector, Tondre would dabble in taxidermy here and there, mainly for himself, mounting several deer over the years. One could say the decision to become a taxidermist is tied to a father-son bond; they took their first course in taxidermy in 1958. Tondre took a refresher course from Grapeland in 1995. After retirement, the skilled (See TAXIDERMY, Page 15)
Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide
Taxidermy
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(Continued from Page 14)
taxidermist opened the doors of Tondre’s Taxidermy in 1995 in his own backyard. “Economically, it helped me keep the prices down,” he says about his decision to turn a backyard shed into a full-time taxidermy shop. “But it is nice to just be
able to walk to work.” Sitting on his tall stool gazing at the variety of mounts he has hung in his shop, Tondre stops at a particular whitetail mount and, beaming with pride (See TAXIDERMY, Page 16)
SHOP NOW-BEAT THE CROWDS!
16 Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide
Taxidermy
(Continued from Page 15)
says, “That one is my favorite.” It is a 1930 whitetail buck that had been harvested by his dad. Reminiscing, Tondre tells the story of how the mount was falling apart. He took the original antlers, got a new cape and redid the mount some 20 years ago. Along with whitetail, Tondre has mounted javelinas, bobcats, impalas, wildebeests, turkeys, owls and pheasants. “It does take about six months,” the taxidermist says. “I do not cut corners; I take my time to ensure the mount is perfect.” Before beginning the mount, once a hunter brings in the deer head, Tondre sends the cape to Kerrville for tanning. It is a process that he admits does cause some delay. The taxidermist is unsure of what the future holds for his business as the recent oil boom that hit South Texas took a toll on not only the land but also subsequently affected his operation. “Over the past two to three years it has been really slow,” he says. “Ranches were sold off, leases were being cancelled. With the oil field, everything seemed to just go south for me.” Before the oilfield boom, Tondre was averaging 60 to 70 mounts a year; now the taxidermist is lucky to see 20. The recent pandemic brings further uncertainty to his operation, as most of
Tondre’s business comes from out-of-town hunters and not locals. “I do not know what COVID-19 is going to do to my business,” he says with concern. “If the hunters do come, are they going to want their kill mounted? The economy has been so bad.” However, that has not stopped Tondre from using a centuries-old way to preserve trophy kills and memories.
Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide
Favorable
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highest deer populations. “From a statewide perspective, hunters might expect to see a higher proportion of bucks in the 6.5 to 8.5-year age classes as a result of above average fawn crop in previous corresponding years while other age classes reflect a more even distribution,” Cain said. “While doe harvest has been down slightly in the last couple of years, which is likely contributing to a widening ratio of does to bucks, the good news for hunters is that there should be plenty of carryover from previous years.” Hunters looking for a place to hunt or a change of scenery this fall are encouraged to apply for one of TPWD’s many drawn public hunt opportunities. TPWD wants to remind hunters that mandatory harvest reporting is required
when taking an antlerless deer during archery, youth-only, muzzleloader or the 4-day doe days during general season in the following counties: Austin, Bastrop, Caldwell, Colorado, Dewitt, Fayette, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Karnes, Lavaca, Lee, Waller, Washington and Wilson. Counties also included are Goliad, Jackson, Victoria and Wharton counties north of U.S. Highway 59 and Comal, Hays and Travis east of IH-35. Harvests must be reported
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within 24 hours of taking an animal via the free My Hunt Harvest app. Public land hunters can also use the My Hunt Harvest app to complete their on-site registration electronically. All season dates by animal, along with regulations, harvest means and methods and more, can be found online in the Outdoor Annual. The 2020-21 Outdoor Annual will only be available digitally for the upcoming hunting and fishing season.
With any luck we’ll receive another rain or two...setting the stage for another favorable hunting season
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Hunters will have the ability to print copies of relevant portions of the Outdoor Annual before heading to the field. Hunters can also download the free Outdoor Annual mobile app on iOS and Android. Whitetailed deer and Mule Deer are Chronic Wasting Disease-susceptible animals. As such, prior to hitting the field, TPWD asks that hunters review CWD information to find area testing requirements and carcass movement restrictions in CWD Containment and Surveillance Zones. New for the 2020-21 season, a CWD zone has been established in Kimble County. Additional information about CWD can be found on the TPWD website. Information courtesy: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
WELCOME HUNTERS!
WISHING YOU THE BEST THIS HUNTING SEASON!
CA$H
For Junk
Cars, Trucks, Vans! No Titles OK * Free Towing
Call 210-776-9796 Welcome Hunters!
ROBLEDO’S PEST CONTROL
Commercial & Residential Termites & General Pest Control Bud Robledo – Certified Applicator
1302 N. Oak - Pearsall, Texas
334-2535 or 334-7337 www.robledopestcontrol.com
Serving Pearsall, Dilley, & Cotulla
WELCOME HUNTERS! Selling Ranches In South Texas!
Dan Kinsel Ranch Broker
830-317-0115 DanKinselRanches.com
18 Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide
“We are very blessed and want to give back”
G-2
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the effects it has had on the ranch, Don and Sandy sit back in their chairs, look at one another and grin from ear to ear. “It did impact our spring turkey season and we saw no hunters from March to July, but it gave us so much,” Sandy said. The Gilchrists took the pandemic seriously and allowed no employees on or off the ranch. In fact, the only thing allowed on the ranch was the food truck. They paused construction. There were strict rules imposed. “But we got to know each other so well,” Sandy laughs. “I mean, I know what kind of deodorant and shampoo everyone wears and uses.” With family being a big priority for the couple and Easter in the
middle of the pandemic, they made sure the children who had been quarantined at the ranch still celebrated. It may have been nontraditional but it is now a memory to cherish. “Don went and found all these shed antlers, and rocks that looked like eggs,” Sandy says. “Then we found this purple, yellow and baby blue paint. God was watching over us, I just know it. We had a painting party then we hid all the painted antlers and rocks.” Focused on family and the deep relationships hunting can bring to a family, the Gilchrists have brought just that to the South Texas countryside and the couple is no stranger to ending their nights under the pergola with their hunters, watching the beautiful sunset.
Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide
Conditions
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makes up about one-third of the overall dove hunters in the United States. Throughout the state, there are three dove game species-mourning, white-winged and white-tipped doves. Despite the cancellation of this year’s annual dove surveys, banding efforts were able to continue statewide. TPWD biologists place leg bands on thousands of mourning and white-winged doves to monitor the factors that influence their populations. Information from hunter-reported bands, or “recoveries”, provide estimates of harvest and survival rates. This information is used in conjunction with data from the Harvest Information Program (HIP), Parts Collection Survey and
other harvest surveys to help manage populations and set annual hunting regulations. Hunters are encouraged to report any birds they recover that have leg bands. Dove hunters should purchase their new 2020-21 Texas hunting license prior to hitting the field this fall. Along with their hunting license, those hunting dove must have the migratory game bird endorsement and be HIP-certified. Be sure
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to accurately answer the HIP questions when getting certified, and, if a vendor does not ask you questions about your hunting activity last season, please ask that they do so. It’s also required by law that hunters have proof of their completion of a hunter education course. Dove season dates for the North, Central and South Zones, along with regulations, bag limits and more can be found in the all-dig-
South Zone hunters should be ready for some potential late-season action
“Hunting for a Car, Truck or SUV?” esmith@npchevy.com www.npchevy.com
210-737-4786 (CELL)
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ital Outdoor Annual. Hunters can also access digital copies of their licenses via the Outdoor Annual and My Texas Hunt Harvest apps. Anyone hunting on Texas Public Hunting Lands are also required to purchase an Annual Public Hunting Permit. Texas has more than 1 million acres of land that is accessible to the public. More information about these lands and locations can be found on the TPWD website. Hunters using public lands can complete their on-site registration via the My Texas Hunt Harvest app. Information courtesy: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
375 ACRES OF PREMIER HUNTING 7 MILES WEST OF PEARSALL ON DEAD END C.R. ALL BRUSH, SEVERAL FOOD PLOTS, DIVERSE TOPOGRAPHY & SOILS, CREEK DRAWS, BULL MESQUITES, OAKS, & LOTS OF PROTEIN RICH SOTEX BRUSH! INVITING ROCK HOME W/ FIREPLACE, BIG SHOP W/ AC, CANTINA NEXT TO INGROUND POOL, CATTLE PENS, & MORE!
Stephen Williams Agency 830.334.8089 * swilliamsagency@sbcglobal.net www.stephenwilliamsagency.com Selling Frio County since 1984!
20 Frio-Nueces Current Hunting Guide
The 10 Commandments of Shooting Safety 1. Treat every gun with the respect due a loaded gun. This is the cardinal rule of gun safety. 2. Guns carried into camp or home must always be unloaded, taken down, or have actions open; guns always should be encased until reaching the shooting area. 3. Always be sure that the barrel and action are clear of obstructions. 4. Always carry your gun so that you can control the direction of the muzzle, even if you stumble. Keep the safety on until you are ready to shoot.
5. Be sure of your target before you pull the trigger. 6. Never point a gun at anything you do not want to shoot. 7. Unattended guns should be unloaded; guns and ammunition should be stored safely beyond reach of children and careless adults. 8. Never climb a tree or a fence with a loaded gun. 9. Never shoot at a flat, hard surface, or the surface of water. 10. Do not mix gunpowder and alcohol.
200 IH 35 South - Pearsall, Texas 78061 830-334-3617 - www.FrioRegionalHospital.com FRIO REGIONAL HOSPITAL is a full-service hospital, providing emergency medical care around the clock, and is now partnered with Methodist Healthcare, the largest health care provider in South Texas. SERVICES INCLUDE: A State Designated Level IV Trauma Center ● Treatment for a wide range of health care issues/injuries ● 24-hour Laboratory/Radiology Cover ● Physicians on duty 24-hours a day ● Transfer agreements for patients requiring higher level of care ● Every resident of Frio County has coverage under the Methodist AirCareTM membership program, to serve those in need of advanced emergency health care and rapid medical transport Frio Regional Hospital is just off Interstate 35 at Exit 101 and serves our surrounding communities.