Issuu

HUNTERâ€™S JOURNAL Fall 2020

What ' sYour Zone?

MOUNTAIN LIONS

HUNTER'S ROUNDUP

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6

Hunter's Journal

Fall 2020 FREE

Hunter's Journal Fall 2020

Welcome Hunters to Uvalde and Southwest Texas

Proud Sponsor of the 39th Annual Hunters Roundup presented by the Uvalde Area Chamber of Commerce Friday, November 6 • 5 - 10 p.m. Uvalde County Fairplex

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contents

Hunter's Journal

Fall 2020

Mountain Lion 4 HUNTER'S ROUNDUP Live and virtual

LOCALLY OWNED INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER—SINCE 1879 A LE ADER IN SOUTHWEST TE X AS

110 N. EAST STREET UVALDE, TX 78801 | Phone: 830-278-3335 | Fax: 830-278-9191

www.uvaldeleadernews.com

Fall 2020

@uvaldenews

facebook.com/uvaldeleadernews The Leader-News is available online www.uvaldeleadernews.com

HUNTER’S JOURNAL

is a production of the Uvalde Leader-News.

This magazine is published once a year, and is inserted into the Uvalde Leader-News and delivered to key locations throughout the newspaper’s Southwest Texas market area. The magazine is also available online at www.uvaldeleadernews.com Cover and page 3 photographs by Bob Zaiglin

Publisher/Owner: Craig Garnett . . . . . . . . . . . cgarnett@ulnnow .com Managing Editor: Meghann Garcia . . . . . . . . . . . . .mgarcia@ulnnow .com Graphic Designer/Layout/Sales: Gloria Resma . . . gresma@ulnnow .com Ad Representative: Celeste Navarro . . . . . . cnavarro@ulnnow .com Classified Manager: Norma Ybarra . . . . . . . . . . nybarra@ulnnow .com Staff Writer: Melissa Federspill . . . . . . . . mfederspill@ulnnow .com Staff Writer: Julye Keeble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jkeeble@ulnnow .com

Uvalde Leader-News (SECD 654780) is an entirely locally owned, independent newspaper published every Thursday and Sunday. The newspaper’s address is 110 N. East Street or P.O. Box 740 Uvalde, Texas 78801. Second class postage paid at Uvalde, Texas. The policy of the present day Leader-News is a continuation of the statement made in 1898 by H.P. Hornby (1876-1948) and continued by Harry P. Hornby Jr. (1917-1978) and Mrs. Harry Hornby Jr. (1917-1995)

5 GAME WARDENS

Gazaway and Kellner

7 ANIMAL AND HUNTING Season information

9 VIOLATIONS Will cost you

10 HUNTERS EDUCATION

Youth and adult education

17 BULLETS DON'T STOP

Stray shots can be deadly

18 CHICKEN FRIED DOVE

Jess Pryles's dove recipe

BEAR SIGHTING

24 DOVE SEASON

Dove zones for 2020-2021

26 MOUNTAIN LIONS

Cougars, Pumas, Panthers, Catamounts

29 FLY FISHIN'

Opportunities abound

30 USE HUNTING Common sense

34 PAWS OFF WILDLIFE Leave wildlife alone

37 TACKLE, BAIT & COOLERS Fishing derby

38 FALL INTO RELAXATION Two state parks

Hunter's Journal Fall 2020

Uvalde Area Chamber of Commerce

HUNTERS' ROUNDUP

Friday, November 6, 2020

The Uvalde Area Chamber of Commerceâ€™s 39th-annual Huntersâ€™ Roundup will be held on Nov. 6 from 5-10 p.m. at the Uvalde County Fairplex, 215 Veterans Lane. The event will take place in the rodeo arena, where UACC director Regina Santos-Aviles said multiple doors will be REGINA opened for airflow and to allow social distancing. Sanitizer stations will be in place SANTOS-AVILES around the arena as well, and temperature may be checked upon admittance. The roundup has been held for the past 38 years on the Friday evening before the general whitetail deer season opens.The event originated as an appreciation dinner for visiting hunters in 1981 and has expanded as the years progressed. Admission is $10 per person, but the fee is waived for those with a valid Texas Parks and Wildlife Department hunting license.There will be no charge for first responders with identification or fo children under 10. The event will feature vendor booths and prize drawings. A wild-game dinner will be served at 6 p.m. The chamber will hold a prize drawing for 30 guns, including six pistols, 15 rifles, four tactical rifles and five shotguns. Tickets cost $5 each, five for $20, or a book of 25 for $100. Tickets may be purchased online at www.uvalde.org/shop; at the Uvalde Convention and Visitors Bureau, 300 E. Main St.; at Oasis Outback, 2900 E. Main St.; at any of six Uvalde Minit Mart Convenience Store locations; or at the Uvalde Chamber of Commerce, 340 N. Getty St. Oasis Outback in Uvalde is the pickup location for the winning firearm.The person whose name is on the ticket is the only person allowed to pick up the firearm. All state and federal firearm ownership laws must be adhered to during pickup (subject to a background check). All winners must be 18 years of age or older; and pistol winners must be 21 years of age or older. For those not located in the Uvalde area, guns may be shipped and forwarded to an approved FFL dealer for a small fee. Contact Oasis Outback for details. Winners need not be present to win. Any winners not present at the event will be contacted the following day.

Fall 2020

s n e d r a Game W

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has two state game wardens working in Uvalde County, including Rachel Kellner and Dennis Gazaway Jr., DENNIS and both are here GAZAWAY JR. to help endure the safety of wildlife, hunters and area residents. A third game warden has not yet been appointed to the area after warden Henry Lutz retired at the end of August, after 30 years with the department. “The Uvalde area, the Hill Country and South Texas, offer a wide variety

of ways to put meat on your table or in your freezer, and the local businesses and ranches appreciate the support from the hunters who come to the area,” Lutz said. He said it is important that a hunting trip be safe, ethical, and legal so that good times are had and great memories are made by all those that enjoy the great outdoors. Game wardens are a vital resource in ensuring that is possible. A game warden’s primary duty is to enforce Texas fish and wildlife laws. Wardens are knowledgeable about hunting, fishing, wildlife management and other outdoor activities. Fish and game wardens serve as commissioned law enforcement officers responsible for monitoring and managing wildlife, as well as tracking

Hunter's Journal

and apprehending poachers. They protect wildlife and enforce fishing and hunting regulations and can also cite people for an assortment of crimes, conduct searches and investigations, and collect evidence, including illegally-obtained game. Game wardens also help educate the public, address civic organizations and provide assistance to other law enforcement agencies.

CONTACT GAME WARDENS Know how to contact local game wardens; Gazaway RACHEL can be reached at KELLNER 830-591-4806 and Kellner at 830-486-8922. PLEASE SEE WARDEN, PAGE 6

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Hunter's Journal Fall 2020

WARDEN: great resources for hunting regulations and rules FROM PAGE 5

The phone numbers for Texas game wardens are listed by county on the TPWD website, https://tpwd.texas.gov/ warden/game-wardenlist.phtml. Wardens are a great resource for the ever-changing rules and regulations and the faster you can contact one to report a game violation, the better chance there is that the poacher or violator can be caught. “Don’t wait until the next day to call. By then it is usually too late, the violators are gone, and nothing can be done,”

Lutz said. Operation Game Thief, Texas’ wildlife crime-stoppers program, offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a perpetrator for a wildlife crime. Begun in 1981 as a result of laws passed by the 67th Texas Legislature to help curtail poaching, the program, part of Texas Parks and Wildlife, is highly successful. Report game law TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE violations to Operation Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens Rachel Kellner and DenGame Thief at 1-800nis Gazaway with 156 doves they seized in January of 2017 792-4263.

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Fall 2020

Hunter's Journal

Animal and hunting season information Uvalde County has a plethora of hunting opportunities, from deer to dove and exotics. However, most hunting is only available on private lands. Using a guide will allow for access to hunting spots in and around Uvalde County. In Texas, including in nearby Frio, Dimmit and La Salle counties, publicly-accessible land is managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and access is provided by two types of annual permits. The “Type II” annual public hunting permit

offers hunters who already possess a hunting license access to these public lands. The permit offers an inexpensive option to hunt for a multitude of wildlife, as well as access to fishing and camping spots, ares for nature watching and other outdoor activities in Texas. “Todays Public Hunting Program includes over a million acres of land located throughout Texas,” reads the website, https:// tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/ hunt/public/annual_public_hunting. The annual public hunting permit is $48, for full

privileges including hunting, LIC-4U and you may pay with a Visa, Discover or fishing, camping, hiking and MasterCard credit card. other recreational uses. Information on game anTPWD also offers a imals and hunting season, limited public use permit and license information for $12 which provides is available on the Texas access for other recreParks and Wildlife website, ational activities, but no www.tpwd.state.tx.us. hunting. Activities include Individuals can also call fishing, hiking, camping, bird 800-792-1112 and select watching, picnicking, wildmenu 5 for wildlife inforlife viewing and equestrian mation. use, where allowed. Over the years since the program TPWD began in 1987, more than 1 million of both Website www.tpwd.state. type of permits have tx.us. been sold. Phone: 800-792-1112 select 5 To purchase a for wildlife inforamtion permit, call 1-800-TX-

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Hunter's Journal Fall 2020

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Fall 2020

Hunter's Journal

Violations will get you in hot water

Every year, Texas Parks and Wildlife state game wardens deal with many types of hunting violations, and many citations might be avoided with a little forethought. One of the more common violations has to do with tagging or having proper documentation for animals that have been harvested, according to retired state game warden Henry Lutz. Lutz says generally a hunter must properly fill out a tag from their license immediately after the kill and attach it to the whitetail deer or turkey. Be sure the correct tag is used, the dates are cut out, and the back of the tag is completed, as well as the harvest log for whitetail deer only, on the back of the hunting license.

If the meat and the head go different directions, such as the meat going home or to a processor and the head to a taxidermist, be sure everything has the proper documentation with it. The hunting license tag (or MLD, managed lands deer permit tag) always stays with the meat. Become familiar with a WRD, or wildlife resource document, which is necessary for a person to give, receive, or possess any part of a wildlife resource; this document along with the proper tag or permit must accompany the carcass until it reaches its final destination. Wildlife resource documents have many uses and are available for printing from the TPWD website, https:// tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwd-

forms/media/pwd_980_l2000_wildlife_resource_document.pdf. A properly completed wildlife resource document goes with the deer head to the taxidermist. Another, completed by the landowner or agent, or a taxidermist receipt, will then accompany the meat as proof of sex (unless under managed lands deer permit, then the MLD tag suffices as proof of sex) until the meat reaches its final destination. There are many different possible scenarios so if you have questions or a situation that this does not cover, please contact your a local game warden for guidance. COMMON VIOLATIONS Other common violations that hunters are cited for by wardens inPLEASE SEE COMMON, PAGE 11

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s r e t n Hu n o i t a c edu Hunter's Journal Fall 2020

REQUIREMENTS & LICENSES A sample hunter education license issued by the Texas By Henry Lutz Retired State Game Warden

Uvalde County is a popular destination for hunters looking to bag everything from fast flying doves to the popular whitetail deer. The area is blessed with an

Parks and Wildlife Department. Hunters born on or after Sept. 2, 1971, are required to complete a hunter education course to legally hunt in Texas.

abundance of wildlife, both native and exotic species, but in order to hunt any of these animals, hunters need to remember some things so that it is done safely, ethically and legally. The first order of business for every hunter, regardless of age, is HENRY to purchase a hunting license. Most LUTZ resident hunters buy the Super Combo because it covers everything you need (except a Federal Duck Stamp) for hunting and fishing in Texas. Whether you buy the Super Combo or something less expensive that fits your needs, before you walk out of the store, take a look at the license you have just purchased. Be sure it is your license and and that your information is correct. Verify it has everything on it you need, such Browder Graves as HIP, harvest Taxidermist information pro24 years experience gram, certification if hunting migratory birds, and 1192 FM 1052 | Uvalde | 830-278-9419

any necessary endorsements. Non-resident hunters who hunt whitetail deer and turkey in the fall season must buy the Non-Resident General Hunting License for $315. There are less expensive non-resident licenses, but those are only good for exotics and small game. If you are at least 17 years old and born on or after Sept. 2, 1971, you will need to take a hunter education course to legally hunt in Texas, or purchase a one-time deferral. If you are 17 or older, hunter education courses can be taken online in a matter of hours. It is a one-time course and is accepted in all states. If the hunter is under 9 years old, they must be accompanied by a person at least 17 years old who is licensed to hunt in Texas and is either exempt from the hunter education requirement or has successfully completed a hunter education course. If the hunter is age 9 to 16, they must successfully complete a hunter education course in a classroom setting or be accompanied as above. Be sure your hunter education number appears on your hunting license or carry your hunter education card with you while hunting. Non-resident hunters must carry their Hunter Education card on them as it will not show up on

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PLEASE SEE LAWS, PAGE 12

Fall 2020

COMMON: complete your Hunter Education course FROM PAGE 9

volve failing to complete a Hunter Education course; not having a migratory game bird endorsement; being over the daily bag limit; and hunting migratory birds with an unplugged shotgun. Hunter Education is required of any hunter born on or after Sept. 2, 1971, and proof of course completion is required. Check all hunting licenses at the time of purchase to be sure necessary endorsements and required information is listed before leaving the point of purchase. Hunters are cautioned to do some research and familiarize themselves with birds and game animals being hunted so that they don’t mistakenly shoot something that is illegal to kill.

Game wardens recommend dove hunters be sure of their target before pulling the trigger and pay attention to where they are pointing their shotgun to avoid injury to others. When transporting doves killed by other hunters a wildlife resource document must be executed to avoid being considered in possession of an excess of doves over the possession limit. The document makes the birds traceable to the hunter who killed them. Familiarity with state regulations and documents as well as the local area game they are hunting can keep hunters out of hot water and help them avoid any untoward meetings with local game wardens as they hunt in the bountiful lands of Uvalde County.

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Hunter's Journal

HUNTING LICENSES https://tpwd.texas.gov/ regulations/outdoor-annual/ licenses/hunting-licenses-andpermits/hunting-licenses Requirements and Exceptions Resident Hunting Licenses Youth License Hunting Lease Licenses Lifetime Hunting Licenses and Tags Trapper's Licenses Non-resident Licenses Non-resident Spring Turkey License Non-resident Special Hunting Licenses Non-resident Banded Bird Hunting License

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Hunter's Journal Fall 2020

LAWS: download the app onto your phone FROM PAGE 10

tion. You can also use your phone and a credit card to purchase many commonly needed licenses and endorsements online. Just remember, you need to purchase the license early enough to receive the hard copy in the mail before you go on a hunting or fishing trip that requires one of the tags from the license.

their Texas hunting license. If you are a landowner or landowner agent responsible for a piece of property or ranch, and you have anyone that pays to hunt wildlife on that property, a hunting lease license is required. The lease license is available anywhere hunting licenses are sold. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has made it even easier to purchase licenses and needed endorsements and to keep up with laws and regulations just by using your phone. By downloading the free Texas Outdoor Annual application from your application store of choice, you can look up hunting and fishing laws, season dates, bag limits, and a lot of other By informaGreg Fox & Courtney Farnet

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department free Texas Outdoor Annual application on the Google Play store allows the purchase of hunting license endorsements and has references for laws and regulations.

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Hunter's Journal

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Hunter's Journal Fall 2020

G N I T H G I BEAR S A black bear stands in a rural area. Black bears are native to Texas, and are protected as a state-listed endangered species.

David Rios, a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department wildlife biologist in Uvalde, urges Texas hunters to remain vigilant when hunting, as black bear sightings, though uncommon, are annually reported in the area. “This has actually been a slow year for bears in Kinney, Maverick and Uvalde counties. I haven’t received any reports this year,” Rios said, adding he also had no reports of bear sightings in those areas last year. He said a bear was sighted in 2018 near El Indio, Maverick County. “However,Val Verde County has had

a couple this year. … A subadult bear climbed over a high fence surrounding a house where it was attacked by the home owner’s dogs,” he said. Sightings of the injured bear led to officials warning residents to avoid it, and watch out for children and pets. Rios said the young bear was retrieved and treated by a veterinarian for injuries before being relocated by TPWD. “I typically get two to five bear sightings per year in our area,” Rios said, noting that bear reports go into

a statewide database kept by TPWD. He said the two to five average annual sightings reflect findings for the entire south Texas eco-region. He said in drought years, during 2011 and 2012, there were even reports of bears entering town to eat out of garbage cans, though thankfully that has ceased. Though they are capable of climbing PLEASE SEE ENCOUNTER, PAGE 15

Fall 2020

Hunter's Journal

ENCOUNTER: speak calmly and back away slowly FROM PAGE 14

trees, adult bears generally prefer to remain on the ground. Black bears are native to Texas, and are protected as a state-listed endangered species. According to TPWD, it is a violation of law to kill a black bear in Texas, with penalties including up to $10,000 in fines, possible additional civil restitution fines, jail time and loss of all hunting privileges. Male bears typically weigh between 150 to over 350 pounds, and females weigh between 120 and 250 pounds. Their coloration can range from black to cinnamon brown, and their front claws are generally longer than their hind claws. To prevent conflicts with bears, hunters are advised to keep hunting camps clean and discard gut piles far from campsites. “Most of these bears keep to themselves and move on before long,”

Rios said. Black bears are normally not aggressive to humans. If a bear regularly visits a deer stand, using an automated feeder hung out of reach may help decrease visitation. He said people should not feed bears and should not panic if they encounter a bear. “Keep your distance and allow the bear to move on. Bears are harmless until they begin to associate food with people.This situation can transform a harmless bear into a nuisance and a danger,” Rios said. “In some cases these bears require translocation, and in the worst cases bears have had to be euthanized.” Rios said a common quote around wildlife circles is, “a fed bear is a dead bear.” “I am happy to say that we have been able to solve our rare bear problems in Texas by non-lethal means.

Other states have not been so fortunate,” Rios said. ENCOUNTER TIPS According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, bears are normally shy and non-aggressive. Still, do not approach a bear. If you encounter a bear at close range, talk in a calm manner while backing away slowly. Do not make direct eye contact, and don’t run, as this can trigger a bear’s chase instinct. If a bear approaches you, stand your ground and raise your arms, backpack or jacket to appear larger.Yell at the bear to scare it off. If attacked, fight back aggressively with anything available. Let the bear know you are not easy prey. Do not play dead. Black bears can be reported to Rios by calling 361-205-7314 or by emailing him at david.rios@tpwd.texas.gov.

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Hunter's Journal Fall 2020

Fall 2020

Hunter's Journal

BULLETS DON'T STOP UNTIL THEY HIT AN OBJECT ‘Sight in your rifle before use. This goes back to being an ethical hunter. Many deer are injured or even completely missed because the scope is off.’ – Henry Lutz, Retired Texas game warden

State game wardens receive calls yearly from residents whose homes are being peppered by stray shot from nearby hunters, and some simple safety tips can help alleviate this issue and help hunters stay safe. “Game wardens often receive calls of shot pellets falling on property or humans on neighboring property and reports of stray bullets whizzing past someone’s head or house,” said Henry Lutz, retired warden. Occasionally, property is damaged or livestock is accidentally injured or killed because of stray bullets. Lutz says hunters should position themselves, including blinds and feeders, where shot or bullets don’t leave the property being hunted upon.

Further, hunters should know where shot may go, the location of their intended target and what is beyond said target, all before pulling the trigger. There could be houses, livestock, or people in yards or pastures. Hunters should remain aware of their surroundings, listen to guides and outfitters regarding boundaries, and be aware of property lines and the positions of fellow hunters. Dove hunters are reminded to pay attention to the direction in which they are shooting and understand that shot from their shotgun may carry farther than they realize. Care should be taken to ensure the shot from the shotgun does not leave

ter n u H me o c l e W

the property being hunted upon. Lutz says to treat every gun as if it is loaded. Be familiar with the gun that you are using, know how it functions, HENRY the location and LUTZ operation of the safety, how to safely load and unload it, and pay special attention if the gun malfunctions or something is broken on the gun. “Sight in your rifle before use. This goes back to being an ethical hunter. Many deer are injured or even PLEASE SEE TRESPASSING, PAGE 19

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Hunter's Journal Fall 2020

JESS PRYLES' CHICKEN FRIED DOVE BREAST Hardcore Carnivore brand-owner Jess Pryles is a cook, author, and television personality who frequents Uvalde County. She has previously partnered with the Hill Country River Region to promote Uvalde County during winter months, and has also made guest appearances in the region, offering local businesses tips and customer engagement ideas for expanding their businesses. Her cookbooks can be purchased on Amazon or Hardcorecarnivore.com. Hardcore Carnivore seasonings and rubs are also available for purchase at Bottle N’ Bag. According to Pryles, “This recipe keeps the dove breast juicy and has a couple of tricks for getting a super crispy chicken-fried coating. “Bacon wrapping dove breast meat is undeniably the most popular way to prepare it, although this recipe is a strong contender to become your new favorite. “Where most chicken-fried meats fail is by giving a limp, soggy and oil laden coating. Not here! These little morsels are super crunchy and crispy, and cooked to perfection." Tricks to achieve perfect chicken fried dove: Double dredge your flour: One of my favorite parts of chicken-fried anything is the extra crispy crags and nubs of coating on the outside.The best way to achieve this is with a double dredge system – a light coat, then a wet bath, then a super heavy coat. Up your seasoning game: Probably my biggest and best kept secret is how I season my flour. I use Hardcore Carnivore Amplify, which is a “mega-savory flavor dust” full of umami flavors that is perfect for seasoned flour. It gives it a “I dunno what that is, but it’s delicious” edge. Have your oil at the right temp: Honestly, this is the trick to crisp versus soggy fried anything. The biggest mis-take you can make is dropping food into oil that is not hot enough – it just soaks it all up and becomes greasy.You must have your oil at 350-375F to fry successfully, so you’ll need a quality thermometer to monitor that.The temperature will drop as you add food, so let the oil come back up to temp between batches, too. Texas Hill Country River Region Barbecue guru Jess Pryles and Texas Hill Country River Region executive director Annabell McNew.

RECIPE JESS PRYLES 'S CHICKEN FRI ED DOVE BREAS T INSTRUCTIO

1. PAT THE D OVE BREAST S DRY WITH A PAPE R TOWEL. 2. COAT THE DOVE IN THE PLAIN FLOU R, SHAKING OFF EXCESS. 3. COMBINE EGG AND MI LK IN ONE SHALLO W BOWL, COMBINE FL OUR AND AM PLIFY SEASONING IN THE OTHE R. 4. WORKING ONE AT A TI ME, TAKE THE DO VE BREAST A ND PLACE IT IN TO THE EGG MIX, THEN INTO T HE SEASONE D FLOUR MAKE SURE ITS THICKLY CO ATED. DRIPPI NG EGG MIX IS FINE - IT WI LL PICK UP MOR E FLOUR. RE PEAT UNTIL ALL B REASTS ARE

COATED. 5. HEAT THE OIL TO 375F . 6. FRY BREAS TS IN BATCH ES UNTIL GOLD EN BROWN, ABOUT 3-5 M INUTES. DRA IN ON A RACK O R PAPER TOW EL.

INGREDIENT 20 DOVE BREASTS

REMOVED FROM

BONE

3 CUPS ALL-PURPO

SE FLOUR

1 EGG 1 CUP MILK 2 TBSPS HARDCORE CARNIVORE AMPLI FY 2 TSPNS KOSHER

SALT

6-8 CUPS OIL FOR FRYING

SPRYLES.CO M/RECIPE /CHICKEN-F RIED-DOVE-B REAST/

Fall 2020

Hunter's Journal

TRESPASSING: be aware of property lines when retrieving animals FROM PAGE 17

completely missed because the scope is off.” “If the property is too small to safely hunt, then hunt somewhere else,” Lutz said. AVOID TRESPASSING Another situation that wardens encounter every year is dealing with people who trespass to search for or retrieve an animal that has jumped a fence. Be sure you have permission to go on someone else’s property. There is no exception to this. It is best to know your neighbors and contact them before you hunt so that if a deer jumps the fence onto a neighboring property, there is no delay in searching for or retrieving the animal. Hunters also need to be familiar with the animals they hunt. Many

people kill javelinas thinking they are wild hogs. Javelinas are considered game animals in Texas and while the season is year round, you are limited to two per person per license year. It is against the law to just dump the carcass. Like any other game animal or game bird, the hunter must make use of or donate the meat to be eaten. It is against the law to waste any meat from game animals and game birds. In relation to this, be sure that all trash, feed sacks, and carcasses are disposed of properly. “Every year, careless hunters leave these items on the side of the road for someone else to clean up. Not only is it illegal, but it gives hunting a black eye and every hunter a bad name,” Lutz said. As a landowner or agent, having a place on your property or a dumpster for your hunters to properly

dispose of these things will help keep it off the roadside. Outfitters and guides can help with hunter safety by paying close attention to hunters they are directing and positioning them in the field where firing shot will not cause it to hit neighboring homes, hunters, or vehicles traveling on nearby roads. Another important consideration for hunting safety and ethics is the consumption of alcohol. Some accidents, whether they include firearms or falls, are alcohol related and can be prevented. Game wardens suggest hunters wait until the knives, guns, and vehicles are put away before consuming their favorite alcoholic beverage. Lutz suggests taking advantage of these tips and practicing hunting safety to help experience an enjoyable hunt year after year in Uvalde County.

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Hunter's Journal Fall 2020

Fall 2020

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Hunter's Journal Fall 2020

e v o D n o s a Se

A dove hunting zone map created by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department depicts both the Central and South dove-hunting zones.

With approximately 300,000 hunters,Texas makes up about one-third of the overall dove hunters in the United States, and officials estimated a promising 2020-2021 season. While surveys of dove populations were canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic,Texas Parks and Wildlife Department officials stated last month they expected promising hunting conditions this season, which opened in mid-September. Banding efforts were able to continue, and state biologists placed leg bands on thousands of mourning and white-winged doves to help monitor their populations.

Throughout the state, there are three dove game species-mourning, white-winged and white-tipped doves. There is a breeding population of about 25 million mourning doves and up to 15 million white-winged doves in Texas. Above average rainfall during the spring season led to favorable habitat conditions, and population numbers swell during the hunting season as doves migrate into Texas from other areas. In addition to a hunting license, those hunting doves must have a migratory game bird endorsement and be harvest information program certified.

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The regular dove season in the South Zone (south of U.S. Highway 90) runs from Sept. 14 to Nov. 1 and from Dec. 18 to Jan. 23, 2021. Central Zone season (north of U.S. Highway 90) runs from Sept. 1 to Nov. 1 and Dec. 18 to Jan. 14, 2021. The daily bag limit in all zones is 15 birds with no more than 2 whitetipped doves.The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. There is no limit on Eurasian collared dove, as they are not protected as a migratory bird. Game law violations may be reported to Operation Game Thief at 1-800-792-4263.

Calendar of events October - December 2020 SATURDAY, OCT. 31 NUECES CANYON HUNTERS Roundup at Bruce Park in Camp Wood. There will be a silent auction, barbecue cook-off, rifle prize drawing and more. FMI, 281-468-6792.

FRIDAY, NOV. 6 THE UVALDE AREA Chamber of Commerce’s 39th-annual Hunter’s Roundup at the Uvalde County Arena at the Fairplex. There will be prize drawings, food, and an expo. Free admission with valid hunting license, FMI, www.uvalde.org/huntersroundup

MONDAY, NOV. 9 THE LAST DAY to enter a public comment on proposed changes to relations for harmful or potentially harmful fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants. Visit tpwd. texas.gov/business/feedback/public_comment

TUESDAY, DEC. 1 EVERY DECEMBER THROUGH early March, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department stocks rainbow trout in more than 100 locations across Texas. The hatchery-reared trout are 9 to 12 inches long and create a put-and-take fishery: most

2026 E. Main • Uvalde, TX 830-278-5696

will be caught within a few weeks after being stocked. FMI, tpwd.texas.gov REGISTRATION IS NOW open for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service 2021 Birding the Border event. The cost of registration is $50 and includes seminars, which will be held April 30-May 1 at the Del Rio Civic Center and feature AgriLife

Extension experts. There are also spouse-of-birder passes available to allow participants to bring a plus-one to the seminars and social events. FMI, Teri Gaston at 830-278-9151, ext. 283.

Welcome Hunters to Uvalde County Fall 2020

Hunter's Journal

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Hunter's Journal Fall 2020

Mountain Lions Cougars, Pumas, Panthers, Catamounts

Photo credit Texas Parks and Wildlife

The following information was featured in Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine, published 10 times per year and available in print and digital formats. Mountain lions, also called cougars, pumas, panthers, painters and catamounts, are typically found in remote areas of the Trans-Pecos region. They are also found in the brushlands of South Texas and some parts of the Hill Country. These mammals have a mysterious aura to them, mainly because of their solitary and secretive

nature. Multiple sightings have been reported, but are those reports always true? Mountain lions have a wider distribution than any other wildcat, ranging from Canada to South America. They are large, tan cats. Mountain lions are native to Texas, and historically, these lions have trekked Texas for thousands of years, proven by rock art and fossil records. They were once more widespread across Texas, but because of human activity, they have mostly retreated to isolated and rugged areas.

Even in areas with mountain lion populations, they are rarely seen in the wild. By paying close attention, people may be able to recognize if a mountain lion has been in the PLEASE SEE PANTHER, PAGE 27

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Texas Parks and Wildlife

Map of mountain lion confirmations for January 2009 to January 2019.

PANTHER: no black panthers in Texas FROM PAGE 26

area by looking for a few tell-tale signs: their distinctive tracks (almost teardrop-shaped toes with no claws showing and a three-lobed heel pad), scrapes (produced by hind feet kicking backward along with urine-soaked debris), and scat (larger than a bobcat’s and often near the kill site). Mountain lion kill sites can often be identified by marks where the prey was dragged. They won’t always eat their whole kill and sometimes cover it with debris. Despite the rarity of mountain lion sightings, reports occur in parts of Texas. However, many of the sightings aren’t actually mountain lions but large house cats, bobcats and sometimes tawny-colored deer. Mountain lions rarely interact with humans, and attacks are rare. Only four attacks on humans have been reported in Texas

since 1980. Mountain lions tend to prefer white-tailed deer or mule deer as their main dietary items, and will also eat small mammals. Some mountain lions occasionally kill livestock, typically goats or sheep. A common misconception when talking about mountain lions is the idea of the “black panther.” Nobody has ever captured or killed a black mountain lion in North America. In fact, “black panther” is actually a blanket term for any large cat with a melanated coat, usually a jaguar or leopard. Though “black panthers” may not be real in Texas, the mystery of mountain lions still holds true. To learn more about the animals that call Texas home subscribe to Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine. Whether in print or through our mobile app, choose the version that works best for you.

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Hunter's Journal Fall 2020

Historic Downtown Uvalde These businesses among others, offer you a great selection of items and great customer service.

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' n i h s i F Fly

Fall 2020

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Background photo by Melissa Federspill|Leader-News The Nueces River at Camp Wood.

The Nueces River is one of the last places to catch a genetically pure version of the Texas state fish, the Guadalupe bass, says Pescado Con Moscas Fly Fishing Adventures owner Aaron Riggins. Riggins, who grew up in Uvalde, is a fly fishing guide who operates by exclusive appointment, taking enthusiasts fishing in Uvalde County rivers. He said he fell into being a fishing guide by accident, around 2004, and has since been featured in several publications including Outdoor Life magazine, Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine, and the Houston Chronicle.

As far as Uvalde County rivers, he says the Nueces River is always good – with potential for catching 10- to 15-inch Guadalupes, along with hooking up larger fish. Opportunities abound for catfish and about six different types of sunfish, said Riggins. Other fish that can be found in Uvalde County’s rivers include black bass, Rio Grande cichlid, spotted gar, and carp. “The bass and sunfish can always be taken on a fly rod, but the catfish, gar and carp will occasionally give some excitement when the opportunity arises,” reads Riggins’ website, pescadoconmoscas. com

He describes the Frio as a very good large mouth bass river that gets crowded in the summer. “The Frio fishes real well, but you have to choose your places and fish carefully. The river is worth a look and is stocked with 10 to 15 inch rainbow trout from December to March,” reads the website. He also fishes the Sabinal River, and says it’s a hidden jewel. “I only like to take serious fisherman down this river and encourage catch and release at all times. The Sabinal is truly a hidden jewel with a demanding float and excellent fishing.”

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Hunter's Journal Fall 2020

USE HUNTING AS COMMON SENSE APPROACH TO COLLEGE EDUCATION DANIEL J TIDWELL SWTJC WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTOR

Wildlife management students at Southwest Texas Junior College participated in a weekend doe hunt on the Cummings Ranch in fall 2019. Names left to right Gage Camarillo, Juan Celaya, Hunter Ramsey, Daniel Tidwell (Instructor), Daniel Roman, Priscilla Hardin, Brett Stancik, Maisyn Stancik, Haden Dube, Garrett McClure, and Hector Tovar.

WELCOME HUNTERS ENJOY YOUR HUNT

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Fall 2020 I could see the excitement in Gage Camarillo’s eyes as we waited for the sun to peak over the horizon. This was our last chance for success on Gage’s first hunt. We were on an incredible ranch, perched in an elevated blind that provided a panoramic view of the ocean of brush. Conditions were almost perfect; the wind was calm and the temperature was a brisk 38 degrees. As daylight arrived, a covey of bobwhites DANIEL appeared perform- TIDWELL ing their morning assembly koi-lee call. Abruptly, two to three groups of coyotes started howling in different directions. As pastel orange light erupted on the horizon, we spotted shapes like dark clouds crossing one of the ranch roads. As the sun began to illuminate the thorn scrub, the dark shadow objects we saw in the pre-dawn mor-

phed into deer. It did not take long for us to hear the popping of corn, as deer were breaking kernels in their mouths. Gage was one of 10 students in the Wildlife Management Program at Southwest Texas Junior College participating on the Cummings Ranch hunt in 2019. Longtime supporter of the Wildlife Management Program, owner Earl Martin offered SWTJC wildlife students the opportunity to assist in the wildlife management needs of the Cummings Ranch. At the beginning of the fall 2019 semester, four students were selected to assist and be under supervision of ranch manager Randy Methvin. Randy is not only the ranch manager but, more importantly, a mentor to many of our students over the years. He leads students by being an example of how men/women should act and carry themselves through life. Under Randy and the Wildlife Program’s guidance our students mapped the ranch, filled and maintained feeders, programed

Hunter's Journal

and installed trail cameras, trapped wild hogs, scouted bucks, assisted in a helicopter survey, and guided whitetailed deer hunters. Another outstanding opportunity the Cummings Ranch offered, was to allow our students, as a class, to harvest does. We conducted a 3-day doe hunt where students with more hunting experience guided students with little to no hunting experience. This hunting opportunity brought students together, allowing them to bond, and gave them an example of how hunting can be an integral part of family life. One of the students that has an extreme passion for the outdoors but few opportunities to hunt was Gage from Gonzales, Texas. From the very first time we announced a doe hunt in class, Gage lit up with excitement. Now after three hunts, we had not harvested a doe and we were on the last morning of the hunt. PLEASE SEE HUNTING, PAGE 33

We wish you a happy & safe hunting season!

Common Hunting Injuries

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Since

Snake Bites Falls from tree stand Firearm related injury Foot injury Accidental shootings Anthrax Infections

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Located one block south of Hwy. 90 East. Turn south off Hwy. 90 at the light on Garner Field Road. The hospital will be on your right. 1025 Garner Field Road • Uvalde, TX 78801 • (830) 278-6251 • www.umhtx.org

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Hunter's Journal Fall 2020

MARKET & PROCESSING

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We offer a full line of sausages… Smoked, Dry, Summer, Pan & Bratwurst. Jerky, Snack Sticks & Chorizo . Headed to camp – Call ahead or stop by:

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HUNTING: Cummings Ranch provides for Wildlife Management FROM PAGE 31

Once we raised the windows of the blind, we could make out deer. Bucks, none were does, which was the story of our weekend. The pressure was mounting as we were rapidly running out of time. We saw a couple of deer cut across the various brush-lined senderos, too quick and far for us to make them out. As despair began to erode away our optimistic attitudes, a doe appeared out from a brush-line about 250 yards from our blind. Suddenly, all our focus was on that doe when a second and third doe stepped into the road. I looked over at Gage, and I could see the excitement on his face. All we had to do now was wait, and it was a grueling wait. These does were not in any hurry to approach us. We were counting down the yardage, 200 yards, 175

yards, and 125 yards. After what felt like all morning, the doe we had picked out was standing 75 yards away. Gage was all set when she stopped slightly quartering away. With a great shot the doe went down, both Gage and I erupted with excitement. I could not be any prouder of Gage after his first doe harvest. He performed like a seasoned hunter. Gageâ€™s first hunt is the first of many that will occur in the future, thanks to the opportunity the Cummings Ranch has provided the Wildlife Management Program. The friendship the Wildlife Management Program has with the Cummings Ranch, as well as many other cooperating ranches, provides our students with a plethora of unique opportunities to enjoy a common sense approach to wildlife education.

Pictured top: Maisyn Stancik and Lana Parsons participating in an aerial survey for white-tailed deer on the Cummings Ranch. Gage Camarillo, student in the Wildlife Management Program at Southwest Texas Junior College. Gage harvested his first doe on a three day hunt provided by the Cummings Ranch.

Hunter's Journal Fall 2020

e f i l d l i w e h t ff o s Paw

A fawn rests in tall grass while awaiting the return of its mother. Texas Parks and Wildlife staff caution citizens against disturbing young animals. If you suspect you have found an orphaned, ill or injured young animal, leave it alone for a while. If the animal needs assistance call the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s wildlife information line at 512389-4505 or 512-389-4848 after hours.

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Fall 2020

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