Lone Star Outdoor News 022820 by Lone Star Outdoor News

PREDATOR ANNUAL INSIDE Largest Hunting and Fishing Newspaper in Texas

February 28, 2020

predator hunting texas ANNUAL 2020

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Volume 16, Issue 13

A speck-tacular surprise Trout spits up another trout By Nate Skinner

For Lone Star Outdoor News The old adage, “The bigger the bait, the bigger the fish,” has stuck well with the trophy speckled trout crowd, as many of these anglers spend hours chunking large mulletimitation plugs looking for one bite during the late winter months. But what happens if the speckled trout present in the waters you’re targeting have

Steve Henriksen landed this speckled trout and then it began regurgitating another 13-inch trout it had already eaten. Photo by Jay Watkins.

already eaten a big meal by the time your lure crosses their noses? Steve Henriksen might tell you downsizing your bait presentation could be the ticket. Henriksen was wade-fishing the Lower Laguna Madre with veteran guide Capt. Jay Watkins when he received a surprise after landing what initially seemed like an average, healthy speckled trout. “The flat we were wading was teeming with baitfish,” Henriksen explained. “There were rafts of mullet everywhere, and we were catching redfish left and right.”

Watkins had indicated there had been a good concentration of large trout along the stretch they were fishing. “Despite the fact that we felt like there were some decent trout in the area, we weren’t getting hits from anything but redfish,” Henriksen said. “I began experimenting with different baits and color patterns.” Henriksen tied on a Texas Custom Double D, which had a smaller profile than the other plugs he had been throwing. “On my second cast with that lure, a fish slammed it,” he said. Please turn to page 15

Pressure on bass TPWD hoping to find answers By Nate Skinner

For Lone Star Outdoor News Pressure on Texas’ inland lakes and reservoirs has constantly been increasing. This pressure is found in multiple forms, including tournaments, recreational angling crowds and recreational boaters. It’s something that Inland Fisheries biologist Todd Driscoll, who presides over the Jasper District, is all too familiar with. In addition to being an avid bass angler, Driscoll oversees two of the state’s most popular bass hotspots, Sam Rayburn and Toledo Bend reservoirs. He said fishing pressure on these lakes Recreational fishermen, tournament anglers and boaters cause responses in largemouth bass, which can make fishing tougher. Photo by Nate Skinner, for Lone Star Outdoor News.

has undoubtedly increased. The results of this have created tougher fishing conditions in recent years. “It’s no secret that as fishing pressure increases, catchability for bass decreases,” Driscoll said. “We have received many complaints from anglers fishing reputable bodies of water, such as Toledo and Rayburn, about the lack of success they are having in regards to catching largemouth bass. I have spent 12-hour days on Toledo with very few catches. Consistently catching fish on our lakes has become more difficult.” Driscoll said studies show that fish will learn to avoid lures in response to pressure. “A past study on Sam Rayburn Reservoir documented that over 25,000 participants Please turn to page 11

By Craig Nyhus

While the bulk of the quail-hunting reports across the state were poor to dismal this season, select areas bucked the trend and hunters enjoyed good hunts. Hundreds of hunters shared their results through a group social media page, and a few shared their good

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fortune. “It was the best season since 1990,” said Bill Killian, who hunted in Hidalgo County in the Rio Grande Valley. On the last day of the season, his group brought in 25 birds. Other positive reports came from the Hebbronville area and Falfurias and

Brooks counties in far South Texas. South of George West, Miles Cooper said the 15 coveys the dogs located at the end of February was the lowest total for a day all season. “The bad news is I was only able to get out for eight days,” he said. While Panhandle hunting Please turn to page 11

Some hunters found success chasing quail, while the season was a disappointment for others. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.

Freshwater Fishing Report . Page 10

HUNTING

Game Warden Blotter . . . . Page 12

Replenishing deer (P. 4)

Giant bass limits (P. 8)

Does transported to anthrax-infected area.

Tournaments bring 49, 40 pounds.

Tracking geese (P. 5)

Speckled trout down south (P. 8)

Specklebellies are big travelers.

Healthy fish being caught, a few trophies.

Heroes . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14 Saltwater Fishing Report . . . Page 15 Products . . . . . . . . . . Page 17 Sun, Moon & Tides . . . . . Page 18 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . Page 19

INSIDE

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PLANO, TX PERMIT 210

End of quail season not a whimper for all

FISHING

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February 28, 2020

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HUNTING

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Leather goods shop makes bird-hunting accessories

Anthony Vaughn creates shell bags and straps for bird hunters, as well as other leather-made products. Photo from Birdstrap.

By Julia Bunch

For Lone Star Outdoor News

Mullen, Webb and Live Oak counties that have a surplus of deer,” Ledbetter elaborated. “Rather than harvesting these does, these ranches are allowing us to employ TTT as a part of their management program. These are bred does that should produce fawns and help to put future generations of whitetails possessing quality, South Texas genetics across the landscape.” Ledbetter and his crew captured the does using a net gun from a helicopter. The deer do not receive any drugs other than an anthrax vaccine, which is good for 12 months, and they are transported in a trailer

Anthony Vaughn grew up rodeoing, which meant he spent a lot of time in and out of saddle shops. Vaughn and his family, of Winnie, spent a lot of time bird hunting and working with animals. After college and a career in automotive and oil and gas sales, Vaughn picked up a new hobby, not knowing it would spark a new career. “I come from a family that is always working with their hands. Being a person who can’t sit still, I said, you know what, I’m going to play with leather,” Vaughn said. After the oil and gas bust, Vaughn changed career paths and made himself a deal. “If I could see (this hobby) grow with me putting full-time effort into it and feeling like I still haven’t hit the top of it in one year, then I’m game,” Vaughn promised his wife. Thus, in 2012, Birdstrap Leather Co. was born. And long after that first year came and went, Birdstrap continued to grow sales each year and gain more name recognition. The leather goods business sells D-ring bird straps for bird hunting, shotgun shell bags, hunting bags, belts, wallets, dog collars and leashes, and other hunting accessories hand-crafted from U.S. steer hides. Those hides set Birdstrap apart from other makers of similar products, Vaughn said. Birdstrap only sources domestic leather which comes from facilities with predictably high-quality hides. Birdstrap requests its hides be treated with a high content of wax and animal fat to make its products more water resistant. Virtually all Birdstrap’s materials come from within the U.S., except for a few specialty fixtures and exotic skins that come from native countries. Most of Birdstrap’s orders come from existing products offered on its website, but about 30 percent of Vaughn’s work is custom. Often times, after worldwide hunters make shoulder mounts out of trophies, they’ll commission Vaughn to make a wallet or shell bag out of the rest of the exotic hide. “Alligator hunting is big in my part of Texas,” Vaughn said. “People sometimes find gator hides in the back of their closets and want to do something custom with them. We can put nicknames on bags or add your ranch brand to something. We can do so much more than what’s on the website.” Birdstrap can also make larger volumes of products for corporate gifting. Birdstrap will continue to grow, Vaughn said, and he has a few more products ready to roll out soon, including a new material for an existing offering, like wallets. Vaughn plans to expand offerings of bags to include dove and quail belt bags. Though Birdstrap representatives attend some trade shows and shooting events, most of its business comes from

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Ranches devastated by the anthrax outbreak in the Edwards Plateau are getting a boost, as deer captured from other ranches are helping to reestablish populations. Photo by Macy Ledbetter, Spring Creek Outdoors.

Areas with anthrax get deer restocking By Nate Skinner

For Lone Star Outdoor News In the summer of 2019, anthrax outbreaks across portions of Edwards Plateau counties resulted in significant losses of white-tailed deer, along with various exotic species and livestock. Pockets of affected areas spanned nearly 4 million acres within Sutton, Crockett, Val Verde, Uvalde and Edwards counties. Now, some landowners are using Trap, Transport and Transplant Permit Program (TTT) permits to restock their ranches. Wildlife biologist and consultant

Macy Ledbetter of Spring Creek Outdoors, is heading up a project that will ultimately restock 360 does on low fence properties in anthrax affected areas. Ledbetter and his team are using the TTT method to relocate the deer involved in this effort. TTT involves the capture, transportation and release of white-tailed deer from one location to another. TPWD issued Ledbetter the TTT permits and also approved the release sites where the deer are being transplanted. “The does we are using for this restocking effort are coming from South Texas ranches in La Salle, Mc-

Dillon production resumes after fire By Lili Sams

Lone Star Outdoor News Dillon Manufacturing, known for its fiberglass deer blinds, towers and feeders, suffered the destruction of its manufacturing plant in Athens during an October 2019 fire. The entire 27,000-square-foot manufacturing plant was lost, along with the company’s offices. There were no injuries.

“We lost everything — every order in production, brand new equipment, tools, our computers — everything,” owner Janice Loden Vaughn said. “It’s pretty devastating.” Now, Dillon is back up and running, operating out the smaller building next door and utilizing the welding shop across the street until the main manufacturing facility is rebuilt. Vaughn said losing her offices has been one of the biggest hurdles in recovery.

“You don’t realize what you got in there until it’s gone, a learning curve for sure,” she said. The company shipped its first load of orders since the fire in mid-December, and is on track for the rest of the year. “We aren’t at 100 percent by any means,” Vaughn said. “But we are busier than normal this time of year, fulfilling dealers orders that didn’t get filled due to the fire.”

An October, 2019 fire destroyed Dillon Manufacturing’s plant, but the Athens-based company has returned to near-normal production. Photo from Janice Loden Vaughn.

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Studying specklebellies HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEOTM

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March 3 – March 5, 2020 White-fronted geese, some equipped with a GPS collars, are released after being netted as part of a widespread research study. Photo by Justin Hill.

Tracking movement to assess winter behavior By Craig Nyhus

Lone Star Outdoor News Over the last 20 years, goose surveys have shown that white-fronted geese were becoming less abundant along the Gulf Coast, while increasing in numbers to the north, particularly in Arkansas. As part of his doctoral research at Texas A&M-Kingsville, Jay VonBank has been capturing and equipping specklebellies with GPS collars from Haskell to South Texas. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas A&M-Kingsville, the University of Missouri and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries partnered to determine when, where and why the geese move throughout their annual cycle. Since 2015, more than 180 GPS tracking devices have been attached to white-fronted geese throughout Texas and Louisiana. VonBank has lived out of his truck each

winter since 2016. More than one million data points from the collars are used to investigate movements, behaviors and energy expenditure during winter. “All of the captures have been done on private land,” VonBank said. “The landowners have been really helpful — we knock on doors when we find them. I’ve only been blatantly turned down once.” The captures haven’t always been easy. “The geese like muddy shorelines,” VonBank said. “I’ve been stuck in the truck and I’ve been stuck in my waders. It’s been challenging. No matter how much we disguise the net setup, they might notice it and just walk around it.” The transmitters on the collars allow researchers to get accurate GPS locations every 30 minutes and determine whether they are feeding, walking or flying — every six minutes. White-fronted geese breed primarily in the arctic tundra of Canada and northern Alaska, and in the boreal forests of interior Alaska.

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Clayton Williams Jr. dies at 88 Lone Star Outdoor News Avid outdoorsman and energy business tycoon, Clayton Wheat Williams Jr. died on February 14 at the age of 88. Williams was born October 8, 1931 in Alpine, graduated from Texas A&M in 1954 with a degree in animal husbandry. He then served two years in the U.S. Army before being honorably discharged. An Eagle Scout, Williams received the A&M Distinguished Alumni Award in 1981 and was inducted into the Petroleum Museum Hall of Fame in 2005. With his wife, Modesta, the couple traveled and hunted all over the world. In 1999, both received the Dallas Safari Club Outstanding Hunting Achievement Award for their 30-year quest in fair chase of the wild sheep of the world: Both harvested 17 species from 15 Clayton Williams Jr. countries and states. In 1990, Williams was the Republican Party’s nominee for governor of Texas. Williams is survived by his wife of 55 years, Modesta, and their five children, plus grandchildren and great grandchildren.

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Changes to Hagerman draw system According to Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge manager Kathy Whaley, beginning this year, all lottery draw hunts will be processed through Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Online Hunt Draw System. Whaley said she received approval for preference points earned at the refuge to be transferred to their online application system. Whaley said she will need hunters to email her their name and customer number to kathy_ whaley@fws.gov. Hunters who have previously registered with the Texas Drawn Hunt System will have a “customer number,” while those who do not have an account will need to create one.

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February 28, 2020

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Trends in working lands ownership, use

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Mixing it up

Photo by Lone Star Outdoor News

Lone Star Outdoor News The newest land trends report, covering the years 1997-2017, includes both positive and disturbing findings. Some lands are converting to wildlife management, while others are being fragmented for financial gain in response to rising property values. Rural lands are continuing a decline overall with 2.2 million acres being converted to nonagricultural uses. The report, Status Update and Trends of Texas Working Lands 1997–2017, produced by the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, describes the status and recent changes in land values, ownership size and land use of privately owned Texas working lands, said Roel Lopez, director of the NRI. Highlights of the report relate to the areas of population growth, changing land values, ownership size and working lands. Population growth From 1997 to 2017, the Texas population increased 48 percent from 19 million to 29 million residents or nearly 470,000 new residents annually. Land values The largest increases in land values were observed in proximity to major metropolitan areas. The average appraised market value of Texas working lands was $1,951/acre in 2017, a 24-percent increase from 2012 and 291-percent increase for the 20-year period.

Ownership size Texas gained approximately 1,000 new working farms and ranches per year from 1997 to 2017, totaling greater than 248,000 ownerships in all. Average ownership size declined from 581 acres in 1997 to 509 acres in 2017. Working lands From 1997 to 2017, Texas lost approximately 2.2 million acres of working lands. Grazing lands have been steadily decreasing since 1997, losing and/or converting roughly 4.6 million acres to other land uses over the 20-year period. Wildlife management acres have significantly increased, now totaling approximately 5.4 million acres from about 94,000 in 1997. Lopez said population growth and increasing land values are creating incentives for landowners to subdivide and sell their land, but noted the benefits from working lands go beyond the economic benefits they provide from general agricultural production in the form of crops, livestock, timber and more. “Open spaces in Texas also provide valuable ecosystem services such as air and water quality, carbon sequestration and wildlife habitat,” he said. “Fragmentation and conversion of working lands disrupts the natural processes of healthy ecosystems, creates an increased financial burden to mitigate impacts and elevates pressures on remaining open spaces to provide these services for growing urban areas.”

Hogs, coyotes and bobcats will regularly come to calls during daylight hours, making for an exciting hunt. Photos from Glenn Guess.

Make the most of calling predators and hogs By Glenn Guess For nearly 40 years, I’ve been a predator hunter. Somewhere along the way I started thinking about calling hogs as well. After many years of research and experimentation, I finally figured out the language hogs speak, and have become successful at calling hogs, to the point of being able to specifically target boars or sows. But are hogs really predators? I believe to some extent they are. They will eat just about any type of vegetation and mast. Hogs also eat reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, an occasional fawn, and every nest full of eggs they find, including turkey, pheasant and quail eggs. They also scavenge carrion which, in my opinion, makes them about as much a predator as a coyote. Many predator hunters also hunt other game such as deer and hogs, so why not mix it up? Some predator hunters think it takes about 30 minutes or more to call bobcats. But I’ve had cats respond in less than a minute on many occasions. I’ve also spent nearly 30 minutes calling and never saw a cat. I’ve always believed daytime predator hunters call in many more early cats than they see, thus leading them to believe it takes longer for them to respond. It wasn’t until I started using thermal devices during the daytime that I realized just how many cats we call in and never see with our eyes or conventional optics.

So mix it up to make the most of each situation. I use two calling systems. One is the Bullet HP, which operates via Bluetooth and phone apps. The other is the Sidewinder, which is a weapon-mounted calling system that uses the same apps. I create some of the sounds for the different apps, including the Predator Pro app (free), my specialty, the Wild Hog Pro app, and more. During a day of hunting, I will often start my calling sequence with a small prey distress such as “sticky rat” or “tiny cottontail,” in hopes of luring in a quick bobcat or fox. After five minutes of calling, I switch to a larger prey animal, “HP Cottontail”, or “Jacked Up” (rabbit distress). I play these sounds for up to five minutes as well. If a bobcat, fox or coyote hasn’t shown after 10 to 12 minutes of calling, I will switch to a hog sound. I like “The Rally,” “Sow Hysteria,” or “Vampigra,” all of which will still lure in coyotes, but now you have a good chance at a hog coming in as well. I would suggest using each of the hog sounds for up to five minutes each, to increase the odds of calling in a hog. Don’t quit calling if you kill something in the first few minutes, it’s not uncommon to switch sounds and call in another animal. It’s kind of like fishing — you keep changing lures until something bites. Calling in any animal is an adventure and rewarding. To have a monster boar or a mad sow come charging in is a rush like no other. Don’t be afraid to mix it up and make the most of your time in the field.

Big pledge from NWTF Texas The Texas State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation approved $175,811 in funding to support the Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative throughout the state. The Texas state board allotted $81,268 for NWTF’s Save the Habitat, which will be leveraged to $273,700 through partnership matching. Shared stewardship projects between NWTF and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department include riparian and upland habitat enhancement on the Matador WMA ($5,000), brush removal and range seeding on the Muse WMA ($10,000), aerial and mechanical brush control on Twin Buttes Reservoir ($10,000), aerial brush control on the James Daughtrey WMA ($5,000), invasive species control on the Alazan Bayou WMA ($8,000), forestry mulching on the Caddo Lake ($2,500) and fireguard installation and prescribed burning on Lake Granger PHL ($7,000). Funds will also support the cooperative NWTF district biologist position in eastern Texas and other projects. —NWTF

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Moving deer

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THE BEST STORIES FROM THE LSON

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designed to safely haul deer to the release site the same day. “The TTT method has an extremely low mortality rate,” Ledbetter said. “It’s less than 1 percent, and this year we have only lost one doe among the hundreds that we have captured and transplanted.” Since the deer cannot be sold, the cost to the buyer varies. “The costs are actually capture cost reimbursements,” Ledbetter said. “It depends on volume, but the typical capture fees can range from $300 to $800 per doe.” According to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department White-tailed Deer Program Leader Alan Cain, the epicenter of the anthrax outbreak occurred where Sutton, Crockett and Val Verde counties meet, and included about 2 million acres. “White-tailed deer were the most affected by the anthrax outbreak among species that inhabit this landscape,” Cain said. “There were reports of some losses of axis, blackbuck and other various exotics, as well as losses of livestock for cattle and horses that had not been vaccinated.” Cain said areas that suffered from the anthrax outbreak were not just evenly distributed across the entire region. “There were particular areas that unfortunately experienced extremely high losses of deer near the epicenter of this event, and across the 2 million acres that were the most affected, it’s safe to say there was anywhere from a 50-70-percent loss of whitetails,” he said. “With that being said, we received many reports from hunters, landowners and ranchers from properties adjacent to lands that were significantly affected that still had plenty of deer activity.” Edwards Plateau District Leader, Mike Miller, said the losses across the greater affected area were not as intensely and evenly dispersed as some might think. “There were zones where near 90 percent losses of white-tailed deer occurred, and then areas right next door to them where the deer survived,” he explained.

February 28, 2020

GAME WARDEN BLOTTER

ONLY $12 Ear tags are placed on does moved into areas where anthrax reduced populations, along with a tattoo; and each deer receives an anthrax vaccination. Photo by Macy Ledbetter, Spring Creek Outdoors.

These instances led Cain and other biologists to believe the deer may have vacated areas where deaths were occurring. “Throughout the fall and even recently in the aftermath of the outbreak, we received reports of large deer migrations onto properties,” Cain said. “These instances have led us to theorize that whitetails may have evaded areas significantly affected by the outbreaks. Some folks are saying they are beginning to see deer return to areas where losses occurred. It will be interesting to see how the deer disperse back across that landscape in the coming months.” In addition to Ledbetter’s restocking project, Cain said there are other efforts underway in the Edwards Plateau region to overcome the anthrax outbreak. “Many landowners are working together with various ranches across the state to help deer populations in the area recover from the loss,” Cain said. Another way for landowners to receive deer besides the TTT method is to purchase them from a breeder facility. The TTT application process to receive deer has come to an end for this year. Cain urged landowners interested in restocking deer on their properties to begin talking to their local biologist about options for the fall.

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February 28, 2020

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FISHING

Exhaustive project first of its kind Study to shine light on Matagorda Bay By Craig Nyhus

Lone Star Outdoor News The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts has issued its first public overview of the Matagorda Bay Ecosystem Assessment. The Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation is collaborating with numerous groups on the assessment, which should provide valuable information for anyone who lives, fishes or hunts near West Matagorda Bay. “We are finishing our first full year,” said Quentin Hall of the Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation, part of the Harte Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. “The major component of the study is mapping, including looking at historical data to see how the bay has changed over the years.” What will the study mean for fishermen, or even hunters? “We’re mapping seagrass habitat and marsh habitat,” Hall said. “We’re trying to predict where the bay is headed and what is there now.” Hall, an avid angler himself, said the Matagorda Bay systems support bigger fish than other areas. “There is a lot of uncertainty as to why that is,” he said. “We’ll be looking at food web interactions — there’s a lot of stuff going on in the lower food chain that impacts the fish and bird populations.” The project, now still in its first phase of data collection, involves researchers from several universities. “We’ll be looking at habitat characterization and food web interaction — the environment that supports sport fish numbers,” Hall said. “The area is much different from South Texas waters. It reminds you more of Louisiana. We’ll look at changes to habitat composition, such as oyster reef habitat.” The project is a catch-all ecosystem review, and also will involve economic impact, water quality and more. “It’s never been done on this level,” Hall said. “It’s the largest grant the CPA has ever awarded. While most reviews are pieced together from regional studies, this is looking at a 400-square-mile bay. While the project involves tracking sea turtles, Hall said anglers will still be interested in what they find. “We’re piggybacking our tarpon research along with it,” he said. “Hopefully we’ll find some of our tarpon receivers while we’re tracking the turtles.”

Lower coast specks on the move By Nate Skinner

For Lone Star Outdoor News Plenty of anglers head to the lower Texas coast for the late winter and early spring speckled trout, with both guides and fishermen heading to Baffin Bay and the Lower Laguna Madre in hopes of landing their next trophy. Patterns have been up and down with the varying conditions, but the constant has been the specks are biting. Baffin area guide Capt. Preston Long said his efforts have been focused on wadefishing in Alazan Bay. “On overcast days, soft plastics in dark color patterns rigged on a 1/8-ounce jig head have been producing solid fish,” he said. The majority of specks Long has been catching have been in the 3- to 4-pound range in waist- to chest-deep water. “These are fat, healthy trout, and there’s been plenty to go around,” Long said. “Consistently finding specks over 5 pounds, however, has been more difficult.” Long said once a concentration of fish have been located with a soft plastic offering, anglers can put themselves in a good position to fool a bigger trout by slowMichelle Lucio caught this 6-pound trout while wade-fishing the Lower Laguna Madre with Capt. Wayne Davis. ing down their presentation Photo by Wayne Davis. and chunking a slow-sinking, results than fishing from the boat. in the 16-20 inch range. mullet-imitation plug. Capt. Todd Grubert said he and his “We are catching our fair share of “Doing this can be a grind,” he said. “It has paid off and afforded some customers have been targeting stretch- trout in the 22- to 23-inch caliber while heavier fish recently, but the amount es of water both north and south of drifting, but not many are much larger than that,” Grubert said. “On calm of bites you will get using this strategy Port Mansfield. “We’ve just been enjoying catching days, areas north of the Port Mansfield will significantly decrease.” South of Baffin and the Land Cut, fish, rather than specifically targeting harbor along the west shoreline have been pretty good.” there has been no shortage of specks big ones,” he said. The edge of grass lines in 3 to 4 feet Capt. Wayne Davis has been findalong the Lower Laguna Madre. Wading and drifting have brought better of water have been loaded with specks ing success while wade-fishing in Please turn to page 13

Bass coming on at Sam Rayburn, Toledo Bend Tournaments sport 49-, 40-pound limits By Robert Sloan

For Lone Star Outdoor News Even with the weather still a little shaky, with cold fronts moving through and water temperatures going up and down like a yo-yo, bass fishing on Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn continues to be the destination for hundreds of anglers. And some excellent catches of bass are being caught, with the best being from Sam Rayburn. On Feb. 16, Anthony Sharp was fishing in an FLW Bass Fishing League tourney on Rayburn, and on the final day caught a five-bass limit weighing an incredible 40 pounds, 6 ounces. It’s the heaviest in BFL history, and

the third heaviest ever, according to FLW Communications. Sharp, who lives in East Texas, said he had been able to put in a lot of time pre-fishing the tourney. Much of that fishing was done well off the shoreline trying to figure out the movement of bass from their winter haunts to the spawning grounds. Sharp was fishing a drain, next to a drop, where he usually catches bass. That’s where he caught a 6-pounder. He was on an area in about 20 feet of water that dropped off to about 40 feet. That’s where he caught an 8.60-pound bass. At that time Sharp was using a Carolina rig with a 1-ounce weight, and a Zoom Baby Brush Hog in green/ pumpkin/magic with the tail dyed chartreuse. After catching another bass weigh-

ing 6 pounds, Sharp picked up a Strike King 8XD in chartreuse and blue. That’s when he caught an 8-pounder, then a 9-pounder. About that same time, Teddy Cloide and Wesley Dawson were busy fishing a Bass Champs tourney on Toledo Bend. They won that contest with five bass weighing 25.61 pounds. Cloide said the bass there are definitely staging for the spawn. “We caught our bass in about 16 feet of water right next to a 25-foot drop,” he said. “The water temperature there was 54 degrees. For the bass to move up to spawn, we’re going to need about four to five days of sunshine that will get the water temperature up to 63 to 65 degrees.” Cloide and Dawson caught their bass on 3/4-ounce football jigs and drop-shot rigs. Please turn to page 16

Anthony Sharp landed these big bass while fishing in the FLW BFL tournament on Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Photo by FLW Fishing.

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February 28, 2020

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The lure of buying a kayak

Made in USA

Accessories for fishing and paddling are key considerations when purchasing a kayak. Photo by Robert Sloan.

By Robert Sloan

For Lone Star Outdoor News Kayaking is the gateway to a Lone Star adventure. A low-cost “boat,” it is easily transported and can be used on our many lakes, rivers, bays, in the surf, and if you’re really living on the wild side, offshore. Buying a kayak, though, can be a little intimidating. They come in all sizes, some are better than others, some are heavy, others are lightweight. Some can be paddled, while others can be pedaled; and some are even motorized. Plus, there are a lot of options that you may want to consider. Chase Carnahan is a kayak salesperson for the Fishing Tackle Unlimited store in Southwest Houston. “Most of the people we have coming into this store are into fishing, and almost all of them that are in the market for a kayak want one that is designed and built for fishing,” Carnahan said. “There are a few folks that want them for just paddling.” Carnahan said the pedal-drive versions are the most popular this year. “The pedal drives leave your hands free for fishing,” he said. “Some of the more popular pedal drives are Native, Hobie, Jackson and Old Town. The most popular size is 12 to 13 feet. And they are mostly bought by guys and gals that are 15 to 30 years old.” Carnahan said the entry level kayaks cost from $800 to $1,000. A quality pedaldrive yak can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000, and that does not include most accessories. A paddle can cost anywhere from $20 to $200, and a well-designed, lightweight paddle is worth the extra cost. “A rudder is often added on as an accessory,” Carnahan said. “For the shorter kayaks in the 10- to 12-foot length, it’s not so important. But for the longer ones you’ll need a rudder. They can cost from $200 to $250. One of the most important things you will have on a kayak is the seat. You want one that’s elevated, is comfortable and does not hurt your back. Good support is critical. Seats that are molded into the kayak are not very good, and will cause back problems.” Since most kayaks are bought for fishing, many anglers like to stand up in them. That can be a dicey option, especially in a

wobbly kayak or on a windy day. “If you intend to stand up you definitely want to consider a stabilization bar,” Carnahan said. “You can use it to pull yourself up, and to sit back down. You can also lean up against it while fishing. It takes the wobble out of the kayak. Storage of gear is also a big deal, especially dry storage. “I like to use a waterproof duffle bag that can be strapped to the front of the kayak,” Carnahan said. “You can use various small waterproof containers for storing your phone, keys, wallet or anything else you don’t want to get wet.” In recent years, trolling motors have started popping up on kayaks. “Keep in mind that any type of motorpropelled kayak will have to be registered with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department,” Carnahan said. Julia Bell has been kayaking across Texas for years. She has a Native Slayer Propel that’s 13-feet long, weighs 90 pounds and is used mostly for fly-fishing in creeks, rivers and lakes. In fact, the only Texas river she has not kayaked is the Devils in West Texas. “It’s very important to buy a kayak that you really like,” Bell said. “Some are very comfortable, others are uncomfortable. I have a raised seat that allows me to fish for hours at a time. It’s got a storage area on the back of the seat and underneath. I’ve added three fly rod holders. And I use a push pole. I also have a rudder, that’s very important. I have a waterproof container that’s mounted on a track and used for storing a Go-Pro, phone and anything else that needs to stay dry under any situation.” Phil Brannan is an East Texas kayaker who’s into bass fishing on waters that don’t get a lot of attention. He’s got a Hobie Outback that’s decked out to the max, and when it was all said and done, cost about $4,000. “When selecting a kayak I had three requirements,” Brannan said. “Stability, pedals and a comfortable seat. I looked at a lot of kayaks. I’m just about to retire, and I’m into comfort. I splurged, and bought one of the best kayaks made. It’s a lot of fun to fish out of, and even has a Power Pole.”

Paul Brown joins Saltwater Legend hall Paul Brown was inducted into the Saltwater Legend Series Hall of Fame on Feb. 27 in Freeport, prior to the series’ second event of the season. Brown is best known for developing the slow-sinking, mullet-imitating lure, the Corky. Brown said he was trying to make a soft, spook-type top-water lure, and that led to the invention of the original Corky. The lure is named for the cork center that creates the proper amount of buoyancy while allowing it to remain horizontal while sinking. In 1996, Jim Wallace caught the Texas state record speckled trout on a Corky. In 2010, MirrOlure purchased the rights to produce the lures from Brown. —Saltwater Legend Series

C.A.L. 5” Swim Bait

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TEXAS FRESHWATER FISHING REPORT ALAN HENRY: Water clear 52-54 degrees; 2.45’ low. Largemouth bass are good on jigs between 8-16 feet. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are fair on live bait and stink bait. AMISTAD: Water lightly stained; 57-59 degrees; 31.41’ low. Largemouth bass are good on top-waters early and spinner baits and plastic worms on drops and points. Catfish are fair on stink bait and cut bait. ARROWHEAD: Water stained; 55-57 degrees; 1.60’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on plastic worms and jigs. Crappie are good on live minnows and jigs near shoreline structure. Catfish are good on stink bait and shrimp. ATHENS: Water stained; 52-54 degrees; 0.76’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on Carolina-rigged worms, jigs, crankbaits and spinner baits submerged timber and vegetation edges. Crappie are slow. Catfish are fair on stink bait and dough balls. BENBROOK: Water stained; 52-54 degrees; 3.29’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on spinner baits and plastic worms across creek beds and docks. Crappie are fair on minnows. White bass are fair on spoons by the dam and main lake points. Catfish are fair on chicken liver, stink bait and live bait. BOB SANDLIN: Water stained; 52 degrees; 0.35’ high. Black bass are fair on crankbaits and spinner baits. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. Catfish are fair on cut bait and blood bait. BRAUNIG: Water lightly stained; 56-58 degrees; Largemouth bass are good on Carolina-rigged plastic worms, spinner baits and jigs. Striped bass are slow. Red drum are fair. Catfish are good on live bait and cheese bait. BROWNWOOD: Lightly stained; 52-55 degrees; 3.64’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits, jigs and plastic worms. White bass are fair on minnows. Catfish are good on prepared bait at night. BUCHANAN: Water stained; 53-56 degrees; 3.2’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on jigs and crankbaits working creeks. Striped bass are fair in the rivers. White bass are good on minnows and slabs. Crappie are slow. Channel catfish are good on stink bait, live and cut bait. CADDO: Water stained;

51-53 degrees; 2.65’ high. Largemouth bass are fair in the creeks feeding the lake. Crappie are fair on smaller minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair on stink bait and live bait. CALAVERAS: Water stained; 57-59 degrees. Largemouth bass are good on jigs, plastic worms and spinner baits. Channel catfish are good on stink bait, liver and cut shad. Red drum are fair on live crawfish and tilapia. CEDAR CREEK: Water stained; 52-53 degrees, 0.37’ high. Largemouth bass are good on plastic worms, chatterbaits and jigs in creeks. Hybrid and white bass are fair on shad imitations on jig heads. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair to good on live or cut bait. CHOKE CANYON: Water lightly stained; 56-58 degrees; 18.07’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on worms, spinner baits and crankbaits. White bass are fair in the Frio river channel on minnows and artificial baits. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. CONROE: Water stained; 56-59 degrees; 1.77’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on jigs near structure, live shad in vegetation and crankbaits over deep points. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Hybrid striped bass are fair on shad. Catfish are good on stink bait and cut bait. CORPUS CHRISTI LAKE: Water lightly stained; 61-63 degrees; 3.80’ low. Largemouth bass are good on top-waters. White bass are good near the Nueces River. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on cut bait and cheese bait. EAGLE MOUNTAIN: Water stained; 52-54 degrees; 0.23’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on spinner baits and plastic worms. White bass are slow. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on cut bait and liver. FALCON: Water lightly stained; 64-67 degrees; 37.43’ low. Largemouth bass are good on soft plastic worms, spinner baits and crankbaits. Crappie are slow. Catfish are good on live and prepared bait. FAYETTE: Water lightly stained. 55-58 degrees;

Largemouth bass are fair on plastic worms and creature baits. Sunfish are fair on worms and crickets. Catfish are good on stink bait, live bait and cut bait. FORK: Water stained; 51-52 degrees; 0.05’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits and chatterbaits in warmer water in creeks. White and yellow bass are fair in deeper water. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. Catfish are fair on prepared bait and cut bait. GIBBONS CREEK: Water stained; 55-58 degrees; Largemouth bass are good on crankbaits and spinner baits. Crappie are fair on jigs. Catfish are fair on live bait in deeper water. GRANBURY: Water stained. 52-54 degrees. 0.07’ high. Largemouth bass are good on soft plastics in creeks near deep water. Striped bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on cut bait. GRAPEVINE: Water stained; 52 degrees; 4.10’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on Carolina-rigged plastic worms and crankbaits. White bass are fair on slabs. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on live and prepared bait. HOUSTON COUNTY: Water stained; 54-56 degrees; 0.38’ high. Largemouth bass are good early on Carolinarigged craw worms and shaky heads. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. Catfish are fair on live worms. JOE POOL: Water stained; 51-54 degrees; 1.00’’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are fair beneath bridges on jigs and minnows. Catfish are good on cut bait by the spillway and creek mouths. LAKE O’ THE PINES: Water muddy; 48 degrees; 4.79’ high. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are slow. Catfish are slow. LAVON: Water stained; 55 degrees: 0.79’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits, creature baits and jigs. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. White bass are slow. Catfish are good on prepared baits. LEWISVILLE: Water stained; 52-54 degrees; 1.70’ high Largemouth bass are good on crankbaits and Texas-rigged plastics. White bass are fair

on slabs. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on cut bait. LIVINGSTON: Water lightly stained; 55-57 degrees; 0.77’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on Carolina-rigged worms, spinner baits and jigs. Striped bass are fair on spoons and live shad. Crappie are excellent on minnows and jigs. White bass are good on spoons. Catfish are fair on live bait. MILLERS CREEK: Water stained; 50-52 degrees; 1.36’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on plastic worms and jigs. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on live bait and liver prepared bait. NACONICHE: Water slightly stained; 54-56 degrees; Largemouth bass are good on spinner baits, jigs, crankbaits and creature baits. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. Catfish are good on dough balls, cut and live bait. NAVARRO MILLS: Water stained; 52-54 degrees. 1.95’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits and jigs. Crappie are slow. White bass are fair on slabs. Catfish are excellent on live bait and punch bait. O.H. IVIE: Water clear; 55 degrees; 9.93’ low. Largemouth bass are good on worms and minnows. Crappie are fair on live minnows and jigs in the timber and structure. Catfish are good on stink bait, live and cut bait. PALESTINE: Water stained; 52 degrees; 1.63’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on Carolina-rigged worms, jigs and lipless crankbaits. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. Hybrid stripers are good on minnows and slabs. White bass are good on slabs. Catfish are excellent on shad and chicken liver. POSSUM KINGDOM: Water clear; 48-49 degrees; 0.05’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits and plastic worms in deep water. White bass are good on slabs and live bait. Crappie are slow. Striped bass are slow. Catfish are good on cut shad. PROCTOR: Water lightly stained. 53-55 degrees. 3.29’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on Carolina-rigged plastic worms, spinner baits and jigs. Crappie are fair on jigs. Catfish are fair on stink

bait and cut bait. RAY HUBBARD: Water clear; 50 degrees; 0.62” low. Largemouth bass are good on crankbaits and spinner baits in deeper structure and flooded timber. White bass are good on slabs with a small crappie jig above. Crappie are slow. Catfish are fair on live and cut bait. RAY ROBERTS: Water stained: 51-52 degrees; 1.28’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on plastic worms and buzzbaits. White bass are fair on slabs and minnows. Crappie are slow. Catfish are fair on live bait and stink bait. RICHLAND CHAMBERS: Water lightly stained; 51-54 degrees; 0.45’ low. Largemouth bass are good on crankbaits, plastic worms and spinner baits working flats, submerged vegetation and creeks. White bass and hybrids are fair on spoons and slabs. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on live bait and cut bait. SAM RAYBURN: Water stained; 57-61 degrees; 0.39’ low. Largemouth bass are good on crankbaits, plastic worms and spinner baits. White bass are fair on minnows. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on live and stink bait. SOMERVILLE: Water stained; 56 degrees; 0.11’ low. Largemouth bass are good on plastic worms, crankbaits and jigs near the creeks. White bass and hybrids are fair on shad, minnows and jigs. Crappie are fair on small minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on cut shad and stink bait. STILLHOUSE: Water stained; 54-55 degrees; 3.62’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits and Carolina-rigged plastic worms. White bass are slow. Catfish are fair on live and cut bait. TAWAKONI: Water muddy; 52 degrees; 0.95’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on spinner baits, plastic worms and crankbaits. White bass and hybrid stripers are good on slabs and spoons. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are excellent on live bait, cut shad and stink bait. TEXOMA: Water stained; 49-52 degrees; 0.60’ high.

n Saltwater reports Page 15 Largemouth bass are good on plastic worms and crankbaits. Striped bass are fair on live shad. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair on cut bait and minnows in the river. TOLEDO BEND: Water slightly stained; 55-58 degrees; 2.95’ low. Largemouth bass bite are fair on crankbaits, spinner baits and jigs. Crappie are fair on minnows over brush piles or near structure. Channel and blue catfish are fair on stink bait. TRAVIS: Water clear; 5254 degrees; 10.46’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on spinner baits. White bass are slow. Catfish are fair on cut bait, live bait and stink bait. WACO: Water lightly stained. 55-57 degrees; 3.67’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on spinner baits and plastic worms. Crappie are fair on minnows and lightcolored jigs. Sunfish are fair on worms or crickets. Channel and blue catfish are fair on cut shad, live bait and blood bait. WEATHERFORD: Water stained; 51-54 degrees; 0.09’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on spinner baits, crankbaits and worms. White bass are slow. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs around docks and marinas. Catfish are good on crawfish, liver, blood bait and cut bait. WHITNEY: Water stained 55 degrees; 4.77’ low. Largemouth bass are good on deep-diving crankbaits, plastic worms and jigs. White bass are good on slabs in deeper water. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair on cut shad. WRIGHT PATMAN: Water stained; 51 degrees; 3.51’ high. Largemouth bass are good on slow-moving worms and jigs. White bass are good on slabs and spoons on main lake points. Crappie are fair on jigs. Catfish are fair on cut bait, live bait and stink bait. —TPWD

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LoneOStar Outdoor News

February 28, 2020

Bass behavior

Quail

Continued from page 1

competed in 405 fishing tournaments over the course of a year,” he said. “We don’t have hard data for these numbers for every year, but we are confident that these trends have been maintained, at the very least, annually.” Inland Fisheries biologist Jake Norman, who is supervisor over the Tyler District, said creel survey data reports high tournament participation on Lake Fork as well. According to the survey data, in 2015-2016, tournament caughtand-released bass totaled more than 55,000 fish. This number dropped significantly in 2016-17, raising the question of whether or not the decrease in angler success was directly related to fishing pressure. “We are still crunching data from this past year, but fishing pressure is definitely something that is on our radar,” Norman said. Driscoll and Norman are working on conducting telemetry studies to help provide anglers with information on how bass respond to fishing pressure. This initially began back in November of 2019 when Driscoll collected and tagged 26 bass in the 2-5 pound range on Toledo Bend with transmitters when water temperatures were around 62 degrees. Unfortunately, within two weeks of administering the transmitters, 80 percent of the fish had perished, and within four weeks, all of them had died. “I was completely thrown for a loop when all the fish died,” Driscoll said. “We were pumped up to begin tracking bass and their behavior and this was completely unexpected.”

Research will focus on bass behavior in response to increased activity from boats and fishermen. Photo by Lone Star Outdoor News.

Norman was set to initiate a similar study on Fork, and Driscoll told him to put it on hold after the mishap on Toledo. “The fish died from a fungal infection,” Driscoll said. “We believe they became susceptible to the infection from a few factors. When the water temperatures are cooler, the matabolic rate of a bass decreases, which in turn results in a weaker immune system. The stress from the fish being handled at a time when their immune system was not as strong must have been enough to prevent them from being able to fight off the infection.” Driscoll said up until the incident, there had not been any research or data pointing to negative effects from stressors on bass

in cold-water conditions, nor had there been any negative results from the surgical procedures they used to administer the transmitters for the study. After several experiments in controlled hatchery environments monitoring bass fitted with the same transmitters under the same surgical procedures, Driscoll concluded that the culprit of the initial study failure was the water temperature. “We plan to resume the telemetry study in the spring once ambient water temperatures on Toledo stabilize around 75 degrees,” he said. Driscoll said the goal of the study is to be able to see how bass behave to both direct and indirect forms of fishing pressure.

“We want to know what they do after they are caught and released, and how they behave when there are simply boats present on the surface above them and lures being retrieved around them,” he said. Driscoll said on large reservoirs like Toledo, the fish could be possibly vacating traditional habitat areas where they are typically targeted as a result of fishing pressure. “There’s enough water on a lake like that for them to move offshore and virtually disappear in deep water,” he said. “That could be why anglers are having a hard time catching fish, and hopefully we will have some answers for them later this year.”

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POOR POACHING TEAMWORK A landowner reported he heard a gunshot near the end of his driveway, right after sunset. The landowner walked down to the county road and found a freshly wounded doe in the ditch. A Henderson County game warden responded to the location and was talking to the landowner when a truck stopped for a few seconds where the deer had been shot, then left the area. The warden made contact with the driver, who said he was going to his girlfriend’s house. The worker noticed

the scene. After further inspection, two undersized buck heads were found along with the deer hide. After a brief wait, the female suspect returned to the scene and said she dropped her husband off at work. After further investigation, the husband was located at the local Walmart. The husband admitted to killing a doe and said his wife killed an illegal buck a few weeks prior. As for the other whitetail buck, the couple removed its head from the median of the highway. Multiple citations were issued. NO ANTLERS, A PROBLEM Two men were observed looking in the bed of a truck at a local gas station. A Houston County game

a shotgun in the passenger seat and again asked the driver what he was doing in the area. The driver finally admitted to shooting a deer from the county road and coming back to pick it up. The landowner then came to the scene with another individual. The landowner watched this individual, with his thermal scope, as he tried to drag the doe to the county road so they could load it up. Both individuals were arrested and booked into Henderson County Jail for multiple violations.

warden pulled in and observed a buck and a doe in the bed of the truck. The deer had been killed in the Davy Crockett National Forest, which is not open to the taking of antlerless deer. Case pending. CAUGHT IN THE ACT A Houston County game warden observed a truck turn down a county road and fire off four shots. After following the vehicle for approximately one mile, a stop was made. The two suspects had shot and loaded a hog. The suspects also admitted to looking for deer to shoot. POACHING ON COLLEGE CAMPUS At the University of Houston Clear

Lake campus, a police officer had responded to a suspicious person call and found two men, one holding a crossbow, in the process of gutting a freshly killed whitetail buck. The officers detained the father and son and contacted a Harris County game warden. A pop-up blind, corn and drug paraphernalia were located. One suspect confessed to shooting three additional bucks in the same area. The suspect had been cited for poaching an alligator from a county park two years earlier. Cases pending. CONSTRUCTION WORKERS CAN’T RESIST DEER IN DEVELOPMENT A Bexar County game warden received a complaint about a deer

killed in the San Antonio City limits. After picking up the poached deer, the warden made contact with construction workers who were working at the housing development where the deer was killed. One of the subjects said he had killed a deer in Devine. After more questioning, he confessed he did indeed shoot two deer in the housing development construction property. The landowner was notified and the workers are no longer allowed on the property and charges are pending. STRIPERS WERE TOO SMALL At Lake Georgetown, a Williamson County game warden made contact with a fisherman who was reportedly keeping small striped bass. Three undersized stripers were observed on the ground, and a red bag had a fish tail sticking out. The man claimed all the fish were his and were white bass. The man had seven undersized striped bass. Four of them were in plastic bags, wrapped black electrical tape. The angler was issued citations and the fish were donated to a family in need.

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Trout bite down south Continued from page 8

shallower water and chunking his KWigglers soft plastics in various color patterns. “I’ve pretty much been sticking to flats that are thigh deep or less,” he said. “The amount of 3- to 4-pound trout in the Lower Laguna Madre right now is impressive. There’s also been plenty of 6- to 7-pound fish in the mix, but we’ve seen very few over 8 pounds so far this year.” Davis has been keying in on the major and minor feed times as indicated on solunar tables. “I’ve been focusing on fishing during these time periods; however, sometimes our largest fish have come during random intervals throughout the day that were outside of the forecasted best time windows,” he said. “Being in the right place at the right time can be all it takes to catch a new personal best.” Capt. Ruben Garza Jr. also said wading has been the ticket for larger specks along the Lower Laguna. Strikes from quality trout have occurred for him while working slow-sinking and suspending twitch baits over thigh- to waist-deep flats. Capt. Joe Prado said wadefishing in waist-deep water or less in areas with grass beds and bait, anywhere from the Land Cut down to the Arroyo has produced good-sized trout. “Nine-pounders have definitely not been the norm, but those giant specks are still out there,” he said. “It’s all about timing.” Capt. Aaron Cisneros has been fishing south of the Port Mansfield Harbor in areas of West Bay where the trout have preferred fast-moving lures. “The typical wintertime patterns have just not been present lately,” he said. “Specks are very aggressive right now, and swiftly worked top-waters and soft plastics have been the best bait presentations.” Shallow sand bars, and flats with plenty of grass, mud, and potholes have been the prime hotspots. “There have been been hoards of chunky, 4- to 6-pound trout,” Cisneros said. “Every now and then someone will land a fish in the 8-pound range, but those monsters have been few and far between.”

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February 28, 2020

Page 13

New boat to protect Texas waters A new aluminum catamaran will serve an integral role in patrolling both Texas state and federal waters for the law enforcement division of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The state-of-the-art hydrofoil assisted vessel, from All American Marine with Teknicraft Design, will combine innovative design features critical to modern maritime law enforcement. One revolutionary feature is the inclusion of Teknicraft ’s Rapid RHIB launching system. This feature integrated into the stern of the vessel, will increase safety and reduce the time and manpower required to deploy the vessel’s rigid hull inflatable boat. It will allow for deployment and retrieval in under one minute. Captain Murchison is also the first vessel in North America to feature Hamilton Jet’s innovative Advanced Vessel Control (AVX) system. Additional vessel features include drone integrated to the helm displays, as well as a high-resolution thermal imaging video with tracking to assist with patrol duties in the Gulf of Mexico. “The vessel is definitely a game-changer for the Texas game wardens,” said Cody Jones, assistant commander for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “Our key mission is to

make sure the Texas maritime border is safe. The fact of the matter is, there’s not an offthe-shelf vessel available that meets the daily needs of law enforcement, particularly for long-range vessels.” TPWD is responsible for patrolling state waters of Texas, out to 9 nautical miles in the Gulf of Mexico. However, TPWD and Texas game wardens also patrol an additional 200 nautical miles into exclusive economic zones through a joint enforcement agreement with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency. The Law Enforcement Division of TPWD “provides a comprehensive statewide law enforcement program to protect Texas’ wildlife, other natural resources, and the environment.” The game wardens need a vessel capable of operating in adverse sea and weather conditions

Photo by TPWD

to fulfill this mission. This new vessel will fill a vital role in the enforcement of environmental and patrolling responsibilities. —TPWD

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February 28, 2020

LoneOStar Outdoor News

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HEROES

Steve Moak took this buck at the LaBandera Ranch while hunting with guide, Austin Frey. The deer has 330 2/8 inches of antler.

Anneliese Lillie Hall, 9, shot her first deer on the Whitworth Ranch in Concho County. The deer had an 18.5-inch spread. She hunted with her father, Gordon. She made a 110-yard shot with a .223. Hailey and Hanna Jones, of Keller, caught these stripers on Lake Texoma while fishing with David Beeson of Four Seasons Guide Service.

SHARE AN ADVENTURE

n Want to share hunting and fishing photos with other Lone Star Outdoor News readers? Email them with contact and caption information to editor@ lonestaroutdoornews.com. Highresolution original jpegs only. Mail prints to Heroes, Lone Star Outdoor News, P.O. Box 551695, Dallas, TX 75355.

CC Huthnance, 15, shot her first deer at the Peacock Ranch near Austin.

Dalton Jones, of Bedford, harvested his first deer with his dad in Clay County using a Remington rifle.

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LoneOStar Outdoor News

February 28, 2020

Page 15

TEXAS SALTWATER FISHING REPORT SABINE LAKE: Water stained to muddy; 64-66 degrees. Speckled trout are fair on jigs with soft plastic tails and suspending twitch baits. Redfish are fair on jigs and soft plastics. TRINITY BAY: 60-62 degrees. Redfish and speckled trout are good wade-fishing the shoreline with artificials or drifting over shell reefs.

EAST GALVESTON BAY: 56 degrees. Redfish and speckled trout are fair around oyster-filled mudflats on live shrimp under a popping cork. Flounder are excellent on live shrimp. Sheepshead are good near the jetties on shrimp or around the bayou.

WEST GALVESTON BAY: 56 degrees. Redfish and trout are fair on live shrimp under popping corks. Flounder are good on live shrimp. Sheepshead are good on shrimp near the jetties. TEXAS CITY: 57 degrees. Speckled trout are good along the shoreline on mullet and shrimp. Redfish are good over shell reefs and wells on live shrimp. Flounder are fair on live shrimp or minnows around the jetties. FREEPORT: 60-62 degrees. Redfish and speckled trout are good on shrimp. Flounder are good around the bridge on mullet. WEST MATAGORDA BAY: 62-63 degrees. Speckled trout are good on the south shoreline on shrimp. Redfish are good on live mullet and soft plastics. Flounder are fair to good on live shrimp around the rocks. PORT O’CONNOR: 62-64 degrees. Speckled trout and redfish are good on shrimp and croaker. Black drum are fair on blue crab or shrimp. Sheepshead are good near the jetty on live shrimp. ROCKPORT: 59-61 degrees. Redfish are

good on live shrimp around the flats and channel edges. Trout are fair on shrimp. Flounder are good on mullet near the rocks. Black drum are very good around oyster reefs and grass beds on live shrimp. PORT ARANSAS: 64 degrees. Redfish and speckled trout are fair to good in the ship channel on shrimp. Flounder are good on live mullet along the marsh. Sheepshead are good on shrimp around the South Jetty. CORPUS CHRISTI: 61-62 degrees. Redfish

are good on live mullet and shrimp around Mustang Island. Speckled trout are fair to good around the midbay reefs on artificial baits. Flounder are good on mullet around the rocks. Black drum are good on shrimp and crab around the Laguna Madre. BAFFIN BAY: 73-75 degrees. Speckled trout

are good on slow-sinking artificials and live shrimp. Redfish are good around the rocks on mullet and shrimp. Flounder are good on jigs or minnows. PORT MANSFIELD: 63-64 degrees. Speckled trout are fair to good on ball tail and willow tail plastics. SOUTH PADRE: 64-66 degrees. Redfish are good on fresh cut bait in the seagrass. Speckled trout are good on D.O.A. soft plastics and live bait. PORT ISABEL: 63-65 degrees. Speckled trout are fair under lights on live bait and glow lures. Redfish are fair on shrimp. Sheepshead are fair on crab around rocks. Flounder are good on fresh shrimp or minnows. Black drum are good on crab and shrimp.

Surprise trout

Continued from page 1

The fish nailed Henriksen’s offering about 15 feet in front of him, and he quickly realized he had finally hooked a trout. “I landed the fish, which we both began to notice immediately, seemed to be very fat,” he said. “It was probably 23 to 24 inches in length and Watkins estimated that it weighed a little over 5 pounds. It wasn’t a monster, but a solid fish nonetheless.” Watkins said Henriksen proceeded to pose with the trout for a photo, when the unexpected happened. “He was cradling the speck’s belly in his palm while I got my camera out to take a picture,” Watkins said. “All of a sudden the fish started shaking and it began regurgitating a rather large fish.” Henriksen couldn’t believe his eyes. “We quickly realized the fish was spitting up a smaller speckled trout that turned out to measure about 13 inches,” he said. “It was a pretty chunky too.” After posing for a photo, Henriksen freed the 13-inch speck from the trout’s mouth and released it. As the fish swam away, Watkins jokingly told Henriksen, “That 5-pounder quickly became a 4-pounder,” referencing the weight the trout lost after regurgitating the smaller speck. “We may have in fact saved that trout’s life,” Watkins said. “It might have choked to death from the smaller speck being lodged in its throat and mouth.” Watkins said the experience has definitely planted some ideas for him to ponder going forward. “That fish was still willing to eat even though it literally had a full mouth and stomach,” he said. “If you’re in an area loaded with quality trout and they’ve been gorging themselves, using a smaller bait just might pay off.”

—TPWD

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Page 16

February 28, 2020

LoneOStar Outdoor News

LSONews.com

INDUSTRY

Job at Realtree

LONE STAR OUTDOOR PUZZLER

Realtree is seeking an experienced marketing professional to assume its vice president/marketing position.

Solution on Page 19

Honda Marine honored For the 17th consecutive year, the National Marine Manufacturers Association named Honda Marine a recipient of the 2019 Customer Satisfaction Index Award.

Butski joins turkey calling HOF GSM Outdoors’ sales manager Paul Butski was inducted into the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Grand National Calling Championships Hall of Fame.

Nomad chooses agency Nomad retained Source Outdoor Group of Gainesville, Georgia, as its primary communications agency.

College interns sought Pohlot new Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is conservation manager offering college students an opportunity to gain practical experience by serving as interns for the agency.

Communications position in Florida The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is seeking a communications coordinator to promote outdoor participation and recreation in fishing.

ACROSS 5. Large shark found in all oceans (two words) 8. Duck that nests in trees 9. A UTV brand 10. A favorite food for sheepshead 14. Favorite bird’s feathers to a fly-tier 15. A rangefinder brand 17. One way to fish a plastic worm (two words) 18. A safari destination 20. A deer’s warning sound 25. An East Texas lake and state park (two words) 26. A good part of the lake to target catfish (two words) 27. Hunting with a bird’s help 28. The curve in the hook 29. Marks on ground left by strutting gobblers 30. A type of hunting blind 33. An African game species 34. Lives in “towns” on the pasture (two words) 35. The biggest grouse 36. A sea duck 37. A falcon species

DOWN 1. The braking mechanism on a reel 2. Useful when walking to the blind 3. The young turkey 4. A shad species 6. A fishing line brand 7. A South Texas county 11. A hook manufacturer 12. A South Texas reservoir 13. The diameter of a bullet 16. A coastal fishing town (two words) 19. A kayak brand 21. An elk hunter’s organization 22. Bass boat brand 23. Manmade feeding area for deer (two words) 24. A shotgun brand 31. A rifle manufacturer 32. One of Leopold’s tools

Bruce G. Pohlot, Ph.D. will join the International Game Fish Association as conservation manager, effective March 16.

Marketing position at Leica Leica Sport Optics is seeking a marketing specialist in its Allendale, New Jersey office, focusing on hunting and birding activities.

Giant limits Continued from page 8

Puzzle by Craig Nyhus, Lone Star Outdoor News

FOR THE TABLE *email LSON your favorite recipe to news@lonestaroutdoornews.com.

Mongolian venison and broccoli 1-2 pounds venison steak, partially frozen 1 head of broccoli 1/2 white onion Bean shoots 1 jalapeño, sliced 2 tbsps. crushed garlic 1/4 cup soy sauce Splash of mirin 2 tbsps. hoisin sauce Fish sauce Sea salt White pepper Ground ginger Oil for pan fry Potato flour Cut broccoli into bite size pieces, even the stems. Slice venison

no more than 1/4 inch thick. Season with salt, pepper and ground ginger. Sprinkle potato flour on venison slices and mix until coated and worked into the meat. Meanwhile, in a large cast-iron skillet heat oil to fry like peanut oil. Use enough to coat the bottom of your skillet. Working in batches, quickly pan fry your venison. Get a decent sear on one side then flip using tongs to get a hint of color on the other. You do not want your meat to cook all the way through. Set meat on a plate with a paper towel to soak the extra oil until all meat is flash fried. Add broccoli and onion into the same pan.

Salt them slightly. Let cook until onions and broccoli are tender. Add your chopped garlic and sauté so it does not burn. Add in your soy sauce. Just a couple turns around the pan will work. Add a splash of hoisin, mirin and fish sauce. Coat your veggies in the sauce. Taste your sauce for flavor, add more seasoning to taste. When you are happy with the sauce flavor, add your venison back into the pan and turn the heat to medium high, while constantly stirring. Add bean shoots and the dish is complete. —Kristin Parma, Anxious Hunter Blog

“The best color combination for the jig was black and blue,” Cloide said. “We were tipping them with craw worms. With the drop shot, we used a 1/2-ounce weight, and a purple 4-inch Finesse worm.” In the same tourney, Roger Johnson Jr. and Kirk Leleux teamed up to catch 20.04 pounds and finish in third place. But they also caught a 10.10-pound bass — the heaviest of the tourney. Johnson caught that bass in 3 feet of water along the edge of a creek. “It was in an area with lots of stumps,” Johnson said. “The water temperature was about 54 degrees. I was using an H2O square

bill crank that was chartreuse and blue. We also used a Carolina rig with an 8-inch lizard in watermelon seed.” The biggest tournament limit was saved for last, though. On Feb. 22 at the Texas Team Trail tournament on Sam Rayburn, the team of Danny Isles and Brian Shook brought in a five-fish limit weighing 49.31 pounds, nearly 10 pounds per fish. Isles credited a midweek cold front, and the team fished crankbaits in 25 feet of water along drop-offs with a mix of old timber and brush.

Leather goods Continued from page 4

word-of-mouth. The winter holidays are especially busy, and afterward Vaughn gets a lot of feedback from customers. “We get reviews and phone calls from people thanking us,” he said.

“It’s a big deal around Christmastime when we get calls from people saying this is the best present they’ve ever received. And they’re excited that it’s going to last them years or a lifetime.”

LSONews.com

LoneOStar Outdoor News

NATIONAL OKLAHOMA

MONTANA

Oklahoma’s deer gun hunting season will not be lengthened, but will remain 16 days long. A proposal to add a week to the regular deer gun season was initially put forth in late 2019, based on several factors relating to deer herd management and increasing hunter opportunity. However, in response to a large number of public comments, the proposal was withdrawn. —OWCC

The Wild Sheep Foundation’s Sheep Show raised more than $4.2 million from state, provincial, tribal and country conservation permits, a 28-percent increase over 2019, and representing $919,000 more for wild sheep and wildlife conservation. Depending on the permit, 85 to 100 percent of these funds are directed to these fish and wildlife agencies for wild sheep conservation, management, and enhancement programs. —WSF

Deer season length stays the same

Black bear harvest numbers New York State bear hunters took 1,505 black bears during the 2019 hunting seasons. Hunters took a record 1,179 bears in the Southern Zone, while hunters in the Northern Zone took only 326 bears, the fewest since 2011. —NYDEC

COLORADO

Disease-resistant rainbows thriving Whirling disease-resistant rainbows are now thriving in the wild and the agency is collecting their spawn, enabling hatcheries to propagate millions of fish that will be distributed to rivers and streams throughout the state. Whirling disease first impacted Colorado’s rainbow trout in the mid-1990s and eliminated many wild populations of this popular sport fish. Since 2003, the researchers have been crossing a strain of rainbow trout resistant to whirling disease with other strains of rainbows in the hope of developing a trout that would fend off the disease. —CPW

MINNESOTA

PF/QF conventions sets record Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever’s National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic drew a record-breaking crowd of 32,467 attendees to the Minneapolis Convention Center. —PF

PRODUCTS

Sheep permits bring record funds

PENNSYLVANIA

Biologist receives NWTF award Pennsylvania Game Commission turkey biologist Mary Jo Casalena was selected by the NWTF as the recipient of the organization’s Henry S. Mosby Award, which recognizes an outstanding biologist who has contributed to wild turkey management. Mosby’s research during the mid-1900s set the standard for wild turkey management in the state. Casalena’s focus has been regulating turkey hunting seasons and bag limits through research to maintain healthy populations in the state. From 2010-14, she and her aides monitored the incubation-initiation dates of turkey hens fitted with satellite-transmitters, which resulted in setting the spring gobbler season opening day as the Saturday closest to May 1 when most of the hens are on the nest. —NWTF

ELLA FLEECE JACKET AND PANTS: DSG Outerwear’s Ella line is designed to perform in the field. The clothing features a brushed tricot outer layer laminated to a plush berber fleece inner layer. The three-layer women’s jacket has a breathable membrane so hunters won’t overheat. It also has a removable, adjustable hood along with adjustable cuffs on the sleeves. The pants have darted and shaped knee panels for durability as well as a customizable fit with a changeable inseam and built-in web belt. The pants also have a cell phone pocket on the right thigh. The clothing, available in women’s sizes XS through 5XL, incorporates a fabric treatment that helps shed water so hunters stay warm and dry. They retail for $129.99 each.

SUPER SALLY: This trout-enticing dry fly by Umpqua will skate through rough water, with the stiff barbs of its hackle keeping the nose of the fly riding dry. The fly-tier wanted everything on the fly to float except the hook and thread: the abdomen is made of a stripped hackle quill, which does not absorb water; the underwing is blended and spun CDC, which floats but is highly mobile when at rest; and the elk hair wing provides additional flotation and makes the fly easy to track. The price is about $3.50.

INTERNATIONAL South African Airlines restructuring debt After a difficult economic year, including many delays and flight cancellations, South African Airways placed itself under voluntary business rescue, a process similar to Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in the U.S. The process will allow the airline to restructure its debt, reduce costs and continue to operate on a regular basis. —Esplanade Travel

HD10I GEN2 UNDERWATER VIEWING SYSTEM: For anglers truly interested in learning about the behavior of fish, this Aqua-Vu system provides rare opportunities to observe them underwater, and, ultimately, reel more of them in. The system pairs a modular XD camera that lowers into the water via 75 feet of cable and a 10-inch daylight viewable LCD that displays rich, colorful underwater video. The XD camera features high intensity, adjustable IR lighting and is compatible with all Aqua-Vu XD accessories (sold separately). This system costs about $800.

Goose study

Continued from page 5

In winter, the geese move extensively from Arkansas, through Louisiana and Texas, and as far south as Mexico; and do so much more frequently than previously known. Most of the movements occur early in the winter period, especially in December, when the birds move the farthest distances each day. “The largest shocker was how much they move,” VonBank said. “They move way more than we thought they did. The first bird we collared in South Texas, and within a month it flew to coastal Louisiana. Ever since, we’ve found they are using the entire wintering region the entire winter, moving back and forth.” And the geese don’t always move from north to south, like some may believe. ‘They don’t necessarily start in Arkansas and work their way down,” VonBank said. “They might go from Arkansas to Mexico, or from Louisiana to Indiana.” Once in Texas, the geese move long distances within the state. “They use several regions in Texas each year,” VonBank said. “In some regions, like the Rolling Plains, white-fronts return regularly, and continue to use each winter, where the duration of their stay can exceed 120 days.” Has the increase of birds in Arkansas been due to the increased rice production there and decreased rice production in Texas? “That is likely partly true, but there’s

Page 17

NEW YORK

February 28, 2020

Jay VonBank shows a white-fronted goose equipped with a GPS collar as part of a widespread research study. Photo by Justin Hill.

more than that,” Vonbank said. “Habitat quality has decreased in the Midcoast and east of Houston. Hunting pressure is also a factor — you would be hard-pressed to find good habitat that isn’t hunted.” The capture and tracking will continue until the geese move north, and VonBank will complete his dissertation work this year. The researchers’ findings will be published in several articles to follow.

VAPRTREK HUNTING BOOTS: Irish Setter has added an all-leather option to its popular line of lightweight hunting boots. This boot style (No. 2815) delivers great traction on rough terrain, improved durability, and all-day comfort, thanks to its lace-to-toe eyelets that customize fit. Other features include a footbed with memory foam that is highly breathable; full grain leather uppers; military-grade quick dry linings that wick away moisture; and UltraDry waterproofing. Additionally, scent control eliminates odors within the boot. Available in men’s sizes 8-14, the boots cost about $180.

VANTAGE LRF: Hawke Optics’ newest line of laser rangefinders, available in three models, have a fully multi-coated optical system with BK-7 prisms, 6X magnification and an adjustable diopter. This results in high light transmission with true color optical clarity. Additionally, these range finders have standard/horizontal distance modes for accurate distance readings; angle mode to account for differences in elevation; rain mode to measure straight distances while ignoring interference from rain drops; and hunt mode for determining distance to target while ignoring interference from minor obstacles. Depending on the model, the range finder will measure up to distances of 984 yards. The price ranges from about $260 to $300.

Page 18

February 28, 2020

LoneOStar Outdoor News

LSONews.com

TEXAS SUN, MOON AND TIDES Moon Phases

First

Full

Last

New

Mar 2

Mar 9

Mar 16

Mar 24

Solunar Sun times Moon times

Houston

Dallas

2020 A.M. P.M. SUN MOON Feb/Mar Minor Major Minor Major Rises Sets Rises Sets

28 Fri 29 Sat 01 Sun 02 Mon 03 Tue 04 Wed 05 Thu 06 Fri 07 Sat 08 Sun 09 Mon 10 Tue 11 Wed 12 Thu 13 Fri

28 Fri 29 Sat 01 Sun 02 Mon 03 Tue 04 Wed 05 Thu

8:47 9:34 10:22 11:11 ----12:26 1:18

06 Fri 07 Sat 08 Sun 09 Mon 10 Tue 11 Wed 12 Thu 13 Fri

8:41 2:31 9:28 3:17 10:16 4:05 11:06 4:53 11:56 5:43 12:20 6:34 1:12 7:27 2:05 8:20 2:58 9:13 4:51 11:06 5:46 ----6:41 12:28 7:38 1:25 8:37 2:24 9:37 3:23

9:02 2:52 9:50 3:39 10:39 4:28 11:30 5:18 ----- 6:10 12:49 7:03 1:41 7:56 2:34 8:49 3:27 9:42 5:20 11:35 6:13 12:00 7:08 12:55 8:05 1:51 9:04 2:50 10:04 3:50

06:48 06:47 06:46 06:45 06:44 06:43 06:42 06:40 06:39 07:38 07:37 07:36 07:35 07:34 07:32

06:19 06:19 06:20 06:21 06:21 06:22 06:23 06:23 06:24 07:25 07:25 07:26 07:26 07:27 07:28

9:44a 10:51p 10:15a 11:45p 10:51a NoMoon 11:30a 12:42a 12:16p 1:40a 1:09p 2:38a 2:08p 3:36a 3:13p 4:31a 4:22p 5:23a 6:32p 7:10a 7:42p 7:52a 8:50p 8:32a 9:58p 9:10a 11:05p 9:49a NoMoon 10:29a

2:37 3:23 4:11 4:59 5:49 6:40 7:33

9:08 9:56 10:45 11:36 12:02 12:54 1:47

2:58 3:45 4:34 5:24 6:16 7:08 8:02

06:56 06:55 06:54 06:53 06:51 06:50 06:49

2:11 8:25

2:40

8:55

06:48 06:28 3:12p

3:04 4:57 5:52 6:47 7:44 8:43 9:43

3:33 9:48 5:26 11:40 6:19 12:05 7:14 1:00 8:10 1:57 9:09 2:56 10:10 3:56

9:18 11:12 ----12:34 1:31 2:30 3:29

06:47 07:45 07:44 07:43 07:41 07:40 07:39

06:22 06:23 06:24 06:24 06:25 06:26 06:27 06:28 07:29 07:30 07:31 07:31 07:32 07:33

9:47a 11:00p 10:17a 11:56p 10:51a NoMoon 11:30a 12:54a 12:15p 1:53a 1:07p 2:52a 2:07p 3:50a 4:44a

4:22p 5:35a 6:34p 7:20a 7:46p 8:01a 8:56p 8:39a 10:05p 9:16a 11:14p 9:52a NoMoon 10:31a

San Antonio

Amarillo

2020 A.M. P.M. SUN MOON Feb/Mar Minor Major Minor Major Rises Sets Rises Sets

28 Fri 29 Sat 01 Sun 02 Mon 03 Tue 04 Wed 05 Thu 06 Fri 07 Sat 08 Sun 09 Mon 10 Tue 11 Wed 12 Thu 13 Fri

8:54 2:44 9:41 3:30 10:29 4:17 11:18 5:06 ----- 5:56 12:33 6:47 1:25 7:39 2:17 8:32 3:10 9:25 5:04 11:18 5:58 ----6:54 12:40 7:51 1:38 8:50 2:36 9:49 3:36

9:15 3:04 10:02 3:52 10:52 4:40 11:43 5:31 12:09 6:22 1:01 7:15 1:54 8:08 2:47 9:02 3:40 9:55 5:33 11:47 6:26 12:12 7:20 1:07 8:17 2:04 9:16 3:03 10:16 4:03

07:00 06:59 06:58 06:57 06:56 06:55 06:54 06:53 06:52 07:50 07:49 07:48 07:47 07:46 07:45

06:31 06:32 06:33 06:33 06:34 06:35 06:35 06:36 06:37 07:37 07:38 07:38 07:39 07:40 07:40

9:57a 11:03p 10:29a NoMoon 11:04a NoMoon 11:44a 12:54a 12:30p 1:52a 1:23p 2:50a 2:22p 3:48a 3:27p 4:43a 4:36p 5:35a 6:46p 7:22a 7:55p 8:05a 9:03p 8:45a 10:10p 9:23a 11:17p 10:02a NoMoon 10:42a

9:07 2:57 9:54 3:43 10:42 4:31 11:32 5:19 ----- 6:09 12:46 7:00 1:38 7:53 2:31 8:46 3:24 9:39 5:17 11:32 6:12 12:02 7:07 12:54 8:04 1:51 9:03 2:50 10:03 3:49

9:28 10:16 11:05 11:56 12:22 1:14 2:07 3:00 3:53 5:46 6:39 7:34 8:31 9:29 10:30

3:18 4:05 4:54 5:44 6:36 7:29 8:22 9:15 10:08 ----12:26 1:21 2:17 3:16 4:16

07:18 07:17 07:16 07:15 07:13 07:12 07:11 07:09 07:08 08:07 08:05 08:04 08:02 08:01 08:00

06:40 06:41 06:42 06:43 06:44 06:45 06:45 06:46 06:47 07:48 07:49 07:50 07:50 07:51 07:52

10:05a 11:24p 10:35a NoMoon 11:07a 12:21a 11:45a 1:20a 12:30p 2:20a 1:22p 3:19a 2:21p 4:17a 3:28p 5:11a 4:39p 6:01a 6:52p 7:45a 8:05p 8:24a 9:17p 9:01a 10:28p 9:35a 11:39p 10:11a NoMoon 10:48a

Legend: Major=2 hours. Minor=1 hour. Times centered on the major-minor window. For other locations, subtract 1 minute per 12 miles east of a location, and add 1 minute per 12 miles west of a location.

Sabine Pass, north Date Feb 28 Feb 29 Mar 1 Mar 2 Mar 3 Mar 4 Mar 5 Mar 6 Mar 7 Mar 8 Mar 9 Mar 10 Mar 11 Mar 12 Mar 13

Time 12:15 AM 1:04 AM 1:56 AM 2:52 AM 3:50 AM 4:48 AM 5:44 AM 6:38 AM 7:30 AM 1:03 AM 3:10 AM 4:16 AM 5:24 AM 6:37 AM 12:53 AM

High Island Height 0.32L 0.21L 0.10L -0.01L -0.13L -0.26L -0.38L -0.48L -0.53L 1.51H 1.59H 1.64H 1.65H 1.61H -0.06L

Time 6:32 AM 7:56 AM 9:42 AM 11:30 AM 12:44 PM 1:32 PM 2:09 PM 2:40 PM 3:09 PM 9:20 AM 10:09 AM 10:57 AM 11:47 AM 12:37 PM 7:56 AM

Time 12:13 PM 12:55 PM 1:50 PM 3:23 PM

Height 0.57L 0.77L 0.96L 1.10L

Time 6:03 PM 5:55 PM 5:41 PM 5:26 PM

Height 1.02H 1.02H 1.06H 1.12H

6:54 7:19 7:54 4:37 5:04 5:31 5:58 6:24 1:33

PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM

1.20L 1.13L 1.00L 1.46H 1.43H 1.39H 1.35H 1.33H 0.80

10:19 PM 11:51 PM

1.27H 1.39H

9:35 PM 10:20 PM 11:08 PM 11:59 PM

0.81L 0.58L 0.34L 0.12L

6:50 PM

1.31H

Time

Height

6:07 PM

1.11H

11:15 PM

1.30H

10:00 10:21 10:55 11:36

1.00L 0.74L 0.44L 0.16L

Galveston Bay entrance, north jetty Date Feb 28 Feb 29 Mar 1 Mar 2 Mar 3 Mar 4 Mar 5 Mar 6 Mar 7 Mar 8 Mar 9 Mar 10 Mar 11 Mar 12 Mar 13

Time 7:00 AM 12:41 AM 1:25 AM 2:12 AM 3:02 AM 3:57 AM 4:57 AM 6:00 AM 7:01 AM 12:42 AM 3:01 AM 4:16 AM 5:27 AM 6:39 AM 12:25 AM

Height 1.16H 0.13L -0.01L -0.14L -0.28L -0.40L -0.52L -0.62L -0.68L 1.43H 1.57H 1.71H 1.81H 1.86H -0.07L

Time 12:17 PM 8:31 AM 10:15 AM 11:31 AM 12:26 PM 1:13 PM 1:57 PM 2:36 PM 3:11 PM 8:57 AM 9:51 AM 10:44 AM 11:39 AM 12:44 PM 7:56 AM

Height 0.71L 1.21H 1.35H 1.52H 1.68H 1.81H 1.90H 1.94H 1.93H -0.66L -0.53L -0.27L 0.08L 0.48L 1.88H

Time 5:59 PM 1:28 PM

Height 1.15H 0.94L

9:06 9:02 4:43 5:12 5:39 6:04 6:26 2:14

PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM

1.24L 1.18L 1.86H 1.74H 1.60H 1.46H 1.34H 0.85L

Height 1.00H 0.20L 0.08L -0.04L -0.15L -0.27L -0.39L -0.49L -0.54L 1.18H 1.28H 1.39H 1.47H 1.53H 0.05L

Time 12:06 PM 8:12 AM 9:48 AM 11:26 AM 12:39 PM 1:30 PM 2:13 PM 2:50 PM 3:23 PM 9:05 AM 10:01 AM 10:58 AM 11:58 AM 1:08 PM 7:53 AM

Height 0.67L 1.06H 1.17H 1.31H 1.47H 1.60H 1.68H 1.71H 1.67H -0.50L -0.36L -0.12L 0.19L 0.52L 1.57

Time 5:43 PM 1:14 PM

Height 0.92H 0.87L

9:37 4:52 5:17 5:38 5:56 6:09 2:41

1.11L 1.56H 1.41H 1.25H 1.10H 1.00H 0.83L

Height 0.27L 0.21L 0.15L 0.10L 0.04L -0.03L -0.09L -0.14L -0.16L -0.12L 0.74H 0.68H 0.39L 0.23L 0.11L

Time 10:06 AM 5:40 PM 5:32 PM 5:48 PM 6:27 PM 7:23 PM 8:23 PM 9:30 PM 11:35 PM

Height 0.45H 0.58H 0.64H 0.70H 0.76H 0.81H 0.85H 0.84H 0.80H

12:56 PM 1:40 PM 6:38 AM 9:30 AM 11:44 AM

-0.03L 0.11L 0.62H 0.61H 0.63H

Height -0.09L -0.15L -0.19L -0.22L -0.25L -0.28L -0.30L -0.32L 0.53H 0.51H 0.46H 0.41H 0.19L 0.08L -0.01L

Time 8:36 PM 8:01 PM 8:07 PM 8:35 PM 9:13 PM 10:00 PM 11:01 PM

Height 0.27H 0.34H 0.41H 0.46H 0.51H 0.53H 0.54H

1:08 PM 2:59 PM 3:46 PM 4:30 PM 10:07 AM 1:03 PM 8:42 PM

-0.30L -0.24L -0.13L 0.01L 0.36H 0.35H 0.48H

PM PM PM PM

6:44 PM

1.26H

Time

Height

Time 6:50 AM 12:24 AM 1:03 AM 1:53 AM 2:54 AM 4:01 AM 5:07 AM 6:10 AM 7:08 AM 12:15 AM 2:40 AM 3:56 AM 5:12 AM 6:30 AM 12:23 AM

5:11 PM

0.91H

10:31 10:43 11:07 11:41

1.00L 0.80L 0.55L 0.29L

PM PM PM PM PM PM PM

PM PM PM PM

6:13 PM

0.97H

Time 6:10 PM

Height 0.54H

Port Oâ€™Connor Date Feb 28 Feb 29 Mar 1 Mar 2 Mar 3 Mar 4 Mar 5 Mar 6 Mar 7 Mar 8 Mar 9 Mar 10 Mar 11 Mar 12 Mar 13

Time 2:21 AM 2:58 AM 3:45 AM 4:46 AM 5:54 AM 7:04 AM 8:13 AM 9:18 AM 10:17 AM 12:09 PM 2:53 AM 4:36 AM 12:34 AM 1:28 AM 2:21 AM

Time 6:13 AM 6:40 AM 7:08 AM 7:47 AM 8:49 AM 10:05 AM 11:13 AM 12:14 PM 1:47 AM 4:36 AM 6:16 AM 8:05 AM 4:34 AM 5:35 AM 6:27 AM

San Luis Pass Date Feb 28 Feb 29 Mar 1 Mar 2 Mar 3 Mar 4 Mar 5 Mar 6 Mar 7 Mar 8 Mar 9 Mar 10 Mar 11 Mar 12 Mar 13

Time 12:39 AM 1:21 AM 2:05 AM 2:54 AM 3:49 AM 4:51 AM 5:56 AM 6:58 AM 7:56 AM 12:46 AM 3:03 AM 4:17 AM 5:31 AM 12:18 AM 1:08 AM

Height 0.14L 0.00L -0.10L -0.15L -0.18L -0.21L -0.27L -0.34L -0.38L 1.04L 0.94L 0.76L 0.54L 0.31L 0.10L

Time 11:12 AM 8:55 PM 8:20 PM 8:14 PM 8:32 PM 9:01 PM 9:37 PM 10:13 PM 10:25 PM 5:19 AM 6:26 AM 7:42 AM 8:58 AM 10:12 AM 11:38 AM

Height 0.69H 0.87H 0.93H 1.01H 1.07H 1.12H 1.16H 1.15H 1.10H 1.12H 1.14H 1.13H 1.12H 1.12H 1.14H

Time 2:59 PM

Height 0.61L

Time 9:09 PM

Height 0.82H

2:03 2:45 3:23 4:04 5:06 6:56

-0.36L -0.25L -0.04L 0.22L 0.52L 0.76L

10:01 PM 9:43 PM 9:45 PM 9:54 PM 10:05 PM 10:14 PM

1.03H 0.98H 0.94H 0.91H 0.90H 0.90H

Height 0.21L 0.10L -0.00 -0.09L -0.17L -0.23L -0.29L -0.33L -0.33L 0.97H 1.01H 1.04H 1.05H 0.22L 0.04L

Time 7:04 AM 10:07 AM 12:10 PM 1:41 PM 2:43 PM 3:32 PM 4:11 PM 4:38 PM 4:50 PM 9:50 AM 10:43 AM 11:38 AM 12:38 PM 6:50 AM 8:29 AM

Height 0.59H 0.64H 0.76H 0.88H 0.98H 1.04H 1.06H 1.04H 0.99H -0.28L -0.17L 0.00L 0.22L 1.05H 1.05H

Time 12:32 PM 1:30 PM

Height 0.45L 0.60L

Time 6:13 PM 6:15 PM

Height 0.67H 0.68H

9:29 5:52 5:52 5:57 6:07 1:48 3:13

PM PM PM PM PM PM PM

0.86L 0.92H 0.85H 0.81H 0.79H 0.46L 0.68L

10:36 PM 10:57 PM 11:33 PM

0.76L 0.60L 0.41L

6:21 PM 6:35 PM

0.79H 0.81H

Height 0.14L 0.11L 0.08L 0.06L 0.03L 0.01L -0.01L -0.02L -0.01L 0.42H 0.41H 0.26L 0.19L 0.12L 0.06L

Time 5:36 PM 5:03 PM 4:55 PM 5:09 PM 5:43 PM 6:39 PM 7:58 PM 11:57 PM

Height 0.36H 0.38H 0.40H 0.42H 0.43H 0.43H 0.43H 0.42H

Time

Height

Time

Height

11:36 AM 12:20 PM 5:03 AM 6:17 AM 8:08 AM 5:32 PM

0.01L 0.06L 0.39H 0.36H 0.34H 0.37H

0.28H 0.12L 0.20L 0.28L

6:04 PM 6:08 PM 6:08 PM

0.30H 0.32H 0.34H

Height 0.78H 0.30L 0.20L 0.12L 0.05L -0.02L -0.08L -0.12L -0.11L -0.06L 1.09H 1.09H 1.08H 1.04H 0.14L

Time 12:02 PM 9:36 AM 2:51 PM 2:57 PM 3:32 PM 4:13 PM 5:01 PM 5:57 PM 11:59 PM

Height 0.64L 0.80H 0.90H 1.01H 1.09H 1.14H 1.13H 1.08H 1.06H

Time 5:06 PM 12:06 PM

Height 0.81H 0.76L

Time

Height

4:38 PM

0.84H

10:12 AM 11:08 AM 12:05 PM 1:00 PM 7:44 AM

0.05L 0.20L 0.38L 0.57L 1.01H

4:16 4:26 4:47 5:09 1:55

PM PM PM PM PM

0.77H 0.77H 0.79H 0.83H 0.76L

8:08 PM 9:46 PM 11:30 PM

0.68L 0.51L 0.32L

5:25 PM

0.88H

Height 0.90H 0.21L 0.08L -0.03L -0.13L -0.22L -0.30L -0.35L -0.36L -0.30L 1.27H 1.30H 1.34H 1.36H 0.08L

Time 12:17 PM 8:24 AM 11:14 AM 1:20 PM 2:28 PM 3:20 PM 4:06 PM 4:45 PM 5:11 PM 6:07 PM 9:55 AM 10:54 AM 11:56 AM 1:03 PM 7:56 AM

Height 0.67L 0.94H 1.05H 1.19H 1.32H 1.41H 1.46H 1.44H 1.34H 1.20H -0.15L 0.07L 0.35L 0.65L 1.38H

Time 5:06 PM 1:19 PM

Height 0.85H 0.85L

Time

Height

4:31 PM

0.89H

9:42 5:41 5:23 5:17 5:14 2:23

1.12L 1.03H 0.92H 0.87H 0.90H 0.92L

9:54 PM 10:29 PM 11:14 PM

0.89L 0.61L 0.33L

5:03 PM

0.98H

PM PM PM PM PM PM

Date Feb 28 Feb 29 Mar 1 Mar 2 Mar 3 Mar 4 Mar 5 Mar 6 Mar 7 Mar 8 Mar 9 Mar 10 Mar 11 Mar 12 Mar 13

Time 2:09 AM 2:57 AM 3:55 AM 4:59 AM 5:59 AM 6:57 AM 7:54 AM 8:51 AM 9:45 AM 1:45 AM 3:57 AM 12:29 AM 1:15 AM 2:01 AM 2:48 AM

8:01 1:00 1:36 2:06

PM PM PM PM

Port Aransas Time 12:15 PM

Height 0.44L

9:58 PM 2:24 PM 3:09 PM

0.41H 0.28L 0.44L

6:54 PM 5:37 PM

0.37H 0.46H

Time

Height

Time

Height

Nueces Bay Date Feb 28 Feb 29 Mar 1 Mar 2 Mar 3 Mar 4 Mar 5 Mar 6 Mar 7 Mar 8 Mar 9 Mar 10 Mar 11 Mar 12 Mar 13

Time 4:51 AM 5:29 AM 6:06 AM 6:46 AM 7:37 AM 8:51 AM 10:08 AM 11:15 AM 12:14 PM 1:45 AM 2:51 AM 3:05 AM 3:31 AM 4:07 AM 4:55 AM

East Matagorda

Freeport Harbor Date Feb 28 Feb 29 Mar 1 Mar 2 Mar 3 Mar 4 Mar 5 Mar 6 Mar 7 Mar 8 Mar 9 Mar 10 Mar 11 Mar 12 Mar 13

Date Feb 28 Feb 29 Mar 1 Mar 2 Mar 3 Mar 4 Mar 5 Mar 6 Mar 7 Mar 8 Mar 9 Mar 10 Mar 11 Mar 12 Mar 13

Time 5:45 AM 12:33 AM 1:16 AM 2:07 AM 3:12 AM 4:28 AM 5:35 AM 6:32 AM 7:25 AM 9:17 AM 2:17 AM 3:27 AM 4:37 AM 5:52 AM 12:30 AM

South Padre Island

11:09 PM 5:11 PM 5:46 PM

0.26H 0.18L 0.34L

9:30 PM 9:03 PM

0.29H 0.38H

Date Feb 28 Feb 29 Mar 1 Mar 2 Mar 3 Mar 4 Mar 5 Mar 6 Mar 7 Mar 8 Mar 9 Mar 10 Mar 11 Mar 12 Mar 13

Time 6:15 AM 12:12 AM 12:55 AM 1:45 AM 2:41 AM 3:44 AM 04:51 AM 5:56 AM 6:57 AM 8:56 AM 1:48 AM 3:25 AM 4:51 AM 6:17 AM 12:03 AM

PM PM PM PM PM PM

Texas Coast Tides

Height 1.03H 1.03H 1.08H 1.18H 1.30H 1.40H 1.46H 1.49H 1.49H -0.49L -0.35L -0.13L 0.16L 0.49L 1.57H

LSONews.com

LoneOStar Outdoor News

February 28, 2020

Page 19

CLASSIFIEDS HUNTING TEXAS TROPHY WHITETAILS Axis, Blackbuck, Hogs Free range whitetail and exotic hunts in Sonora, TX www.HuntTexasWhitetails.com (717) 512-3582 ARGENTINA DUCK HUNTING Lots of Birds!!! Hosted by Owner Partridge & Dove Shoots Included 5 Days/4 Nts/8 Shoots - $4250 Includes everything but shells and tips dagaradventures.com (972) 769-8866

STOCKERBUCK.COM Call now to order Texas Trophy Bred does and stockerbucks or check us out online at stockerbuck.com JAY (505) 681-5210

QUAIL HUNTING

ARGENTINA DOVE SHOOTING 5 Star Lodge – Hosted by Owner 4 Days/3 Nts/6 Shoots - $1320/person (972) 769-8866

Guided-Self Guided-Training 700 yard RANGE PoetryShootingClub.com (214) 728-2755 SNAKE AVOIDANCE TRAINING MARCH 14 Each year, a snake-proofing clinic with Micky Bush from Brownwood. Live snakes, train dogs to avoid snaked based on sight, smell and sound. Training has proven effective and saved many dogs and owners from crossing paths with dangerous snakes. Landmark Retrievers in Ennis $60 per dog Email for time slot roger@landmarkretrievers.com

TDHA - JOIN TODAY Texas Dove Hunters Association TexasDoveHunters.com (210) 764-1189

FOR SALE: DALLAS GUN CLUB MEMBERSHIP Call or email Don Don.mckechnie@yahoo.com (817) 917-5629

AXIS HIDES Tanned axis hides Axis pillows gbroach@ktc.com (830) 896-6996

UTOPIA, TEXAS Two 65+ friendly, Christian men are looking for an opportunity to hunt hogs and exotics near Utopia, Texas for about one week in February 2021. If you are considering or have any questions, please call Steve at (262) 325-7029.

DECOYS WANTED WOODEN Duck and Goose. Top prices paid. Ask for David. (214) 361-2276

ANTLERS WANTED Buying all species, all conditions. Looking for large quantities. Call Del: (830) 997-2263

RANCH FOR SALE $665,000 - 2000 acres Coahuila, Mexico Big Deer, Quail, Water, Houses Beautiful Sierra Madre Valley (504) 236-8069

TIKKA FOR SALE (2) Tikka T3 Lite .300 Win Mag w/ Leupold VXII 3x9 $650 ea. (972) 671-0987

VEHICLE HUNTING TRUCK OR MAKE INTO TOP DRIVE 2005 GMC Yukon XL 4-Wheel drive. Leather seats, loaded 70K miles on engine, 230K miles on truck. $5,500. Ask for David (214) 361-2276 WANTED: HOUSE BOAT In search of house boat. 36 foot Gibson or similar in good condition. Call Alan (361) 543-6747

BLACK LAB PUPPIES Born 1/24, available 3/13 at 7 weeks. All health certified and clear. Six males and three females. Superior hunting background, parents with great dispositions. Obedience/gun dog training available. roger@landmarkretrievers.com (972) 878-2600

For home or office delivery, go to LSONews.com, or call (214) 361-2276, or send a check or money order to the address below.

JOBS

(PER WORD)

Executive Editor

Craig Nyhus

Managing Editor

Lili Sams

Design Editor

C2-Studios, Inc.

Associate Editor

Mark England

Products Editor

Mary Helen Aguirre

Operations Manager

Mike Hughs

Accounting

Ginger Hoolan

Website

Bruce Solieu

National Advertising Mike Nelson Founder & CEO

PART TIME DELIVERY JOB 2 days a month Text Paul: (361) 877-6028

CLASSIFIEDS

Lone Star Outdoor News, ISSN 21628300, a publication of Lone Star Outdoor News, LLC, publishes twice a month. A mailed subscription is $35 for 24 issues. Newsstand copies are $3, in certain markets copies are free, one per person. Copyright 2020 with all rights reserved. Reproduction and/or use of any photographic or written material without written permission by the publisher is prohibited. Subscribers may send address changes to: Lone Star Outdoor News, P.O. Box 551695, Dallas, TX 75355 or email them to news@lonestaroutdoornews.com.

David J. Sams

Advertising: Call (214) 361-2276 or email editor@lonestaroutdoornews.com to request a media kit. For home delivery subscriptions www.LSONews.com • (214) 361-2276

ADD A PHOTO/LOGO $25 ALL BOLD LETTERS $15 2 ISSUE MINIMUM

2 EASY OPTIONS: CALL THE OFFICE (214) 361-2276, OR E-MAIL: LSONACCT@GMAIL.COM

DATEBOOK FEBRUARY 29

Delta Waterfowl North Texas Banquest Embassy Suites Frisco Conference Center (469) 363-1622 deltawaterfowl.org DSC Texas Panhandle Chapter 10th Annual Sportsmen’s Banquet & Fundraiser Amarillo Civic Center facebook.com/PanhandleDSC Ducks Unlimited Kerrville Banquet Hill Country Youth Event Center (830) 460-0696 ducks.org

MARCH 3-22

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Ranching and Wildlife Expo NRG Stadium rodeohouston.com

MARCH 5

Park Cities Quail Coalition 14th Annual PCQC Dinner and Auction Southern Methodist University Indoor Performance Center parkcitiesquail.org

MARCH 6

Coastal Conservation Association Brazos Valley Chapter Annual Banquet Brazos Center (979) 220-1738 ccatexas.org Ducks Unlimited Hunt County Banquet Innovation First, Greenville (214) 476-8662 ducks.org

MARCH 6-8

Marsh Fest Winnie (409)296-2231 marshfest.com

MARCH 7

Lubbock Sportsman’s Club Hunters’ Banquet and Auction Lubbock Memorial Civic Center (806) 789-2441 lubbocksportsman.com National Wild Turkey Federation Kaufman County Banquet Rockwall Gun Club (972) 965-0795 nwtf.org

MARCH 12

Dallas Safari Club 2020 Annual Meeting Park City Club (972) 980-9800 biggame.org

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Hill Country Banquet Gillespie County Fairgrounds rmef.org

MARCH 14-15

Kimble County Chamber Predator Calling Contest Coke Stevenson Center, Junction junctiontexas.net

MARCH 20

Coastal Conservation Association San Antonio Chapter “Hooked on Clays” Sporting Clays Shoot National Shooting Complex (210) 325-7824 ccatexas.org

Ducks Unlimited Kaufman County Dinner Reunion Ranch, Terrell (469) 732-1581 ducks.org

MARCH 27

Casa of Tarrant County 4th Annual Pull for Kids Clay Shoot Alpine Shooting Range speakupforachild.org

MARCH 28

Quail Forever Big Country Chapter Sporting Clays Shoot Abilene Clay Sports (806) 632-8329 pheasantsforever.org

MARCH 21

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation South Texas Banquet Pedrotti’s North Wind Ranch, Helotes rmef.org

MARCH 13

National Wild Turkey Federation Highland Lakes Banquet Lakeside Pavilion, Marble Falls (830) 385-6059 nwtf.org

MARCH 13-14

Bandera Ham Rodeo Mansfield Park banderawranglers.org

MARCH 14

Tarrant Regional Water District 4th Annual TRWD Flyfest Trinity River trwdflyfest.com Landmark Retrievers Snake Avoidance Training roger@landmarkretrievers.com landmarkretrievers.com

Puzzle solution from Page 16

Page 20

February 28, 2020

LoneOStar Outdoor News

LSONews.com

THERE ARE 6 MILLION FERAL HOGS IN AMERICA.

WE’VE GOT WORK TO DO.

Trijicon IR-HUNTER Thermal Riflescope Technology ®

Let’s put wild hogs where they belong. Underground. With the superior thermal imaging technology of the Trijicon IR-HUNTER®, you can shoot with lights-out precision and take back your land. • Best-in-class image quality: 640x480, 12 micron, 60 Hz thermal imager

• MaxPol technology for maximum multi-polarity control

• 8x E-Zoom digital electronic zooming system

• Enhanced Target Recognition (ETR) eliminates “washout”

See the technology at TrijiconEO.com/IR-HUNTER.

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