TEXAS HAWKING ASSOCIATION 27th ANNUAL FALCONRY MEET

The wind blows and the temperature plummets every year as I make my annual trip to the West Texas town of Abilene. It is strange that we may have short sleeve weather the week before but almost like clockwork the cold comes just in time for the meet. The Texas Hawking Association was again having the yearly gathering of Falconers from Texas and points around the rest of this Nation and a few even from other countries for the twenty seventh year in a row. The meet is held in Abilene because of the central location and large expanses of property with friendly people that have opened their gates to those that have an addiction for flying Hawks and Falcons. Abilene is a game rich mecca that always seems to have plenty of Cottontail and Jackrabbits for the falconers that fly hawks. The many stock ponds in the area shelter numbers of ducks to pursue for those that fly falcons. This year would prove to be an exception as far as the rabbit population, as we would soon find out.

The temperature gauge on my truck read 18 degrees as we loaded up for our first hunt of the day. We nearly always have found a lot of game for the hawks in Abilene but this year many of us could not produce rabbits for the birds. There were plenty of ducks for the falcons to fly even if some of the local ponds were freezing over. Rabbit populations run in cycles and when the population gets too large for the habitat, Mother Nature will correct the problem and there will be a large die off of the population. The population will rebound but it is a 7-10 year cycle. This year was a die off year in this part of Texas. We covered miles taking turns flying the hawks to take one rabbit for three hungry hawks. The one rabbit taken was pursued with reckless abandon and unbelievable vertical stoops ending in a crash to the brush and ground at full force. Four of these fearless dives from the sky were made while we pushed the cottontail from hiding. Each time I thought we would have to scrape Cash, Dustin McCoy’s Red Tailed Hawk, off the ground. On the fifth dive Cash connected and a rabbit was caught. Later the suggestion was made to add an R to Cash’s name and call him CRASH because of the way he hits the ground after prey.

The next day would be even worse as far as seeing prey for the hawks. The miles of walking through the brush and cactus would not produce even one rabbit for the hawks. What many non-falconers don’t understand is that we had a great day. We were out in nature flying one of the most magnificent predators that Mother Nature ever produced, the birds had not gotten hurt and were safely back to the falconers to fly another day. We had made our best effort to produce game and it was not the falconer’s nor the hawk’s fault that game could not be found on this day. What else could you ask for?

The meet headquarters was the Howard Johnson which has a very large area in which the group could get together and share the stories of the day’s hunt. There was an area fenced off outside in which the hawks and falcons could be weathered during the day when they were not flying. We had a great banquet and good food along with being among a fantastic group of people that many of us see only once a year. We always have a raffle and auction to raise funds for the club and this year we had a number of really nice items. Our thanks and appreciation go out to all those that donate items to the raffle. I hope that the members remember these companies and individuals when you need some gear or work in the next year. Awards were presented to those that have taken from their own and their family’s time to do volunteer work for the club. These people along with the club officers make great sacrifices of time and expense to make sure falconry remains a viable sport and that the club functions to represent the membership. My thanks go out to all of the Texas Hawking Association Officers. These dedicated people spend more time that most members would ever imagine so that we can have a good meet and continue our sport. Most of the officers get to practice very little falconry during the meet because of doing all the work so the rest of us have things run smoothly. Most hunters could never imagine what it takes to preserve this traditional way of hunting nor do they recognize the dedication to the raptors that a falconer must have. After all, a hawk or falcon can not be locked away in a gun safe between hunts.

I want to thank those that won awards for their service and work in support of the club and others. In fear that I would leave someone out as my memory gets worse each year I will not list names, you know who you are. I do want to give a hearty thank you to all of you as falconry would surely suffer without your efforts. I also would like to give a special thanks to all the landowners in the Abilene area that open their lands to falconers so that we can fly the birds and continue this great sport. Without your generosity we could not have this meet each year. That being said I do want to name one person of which I am very proud. Dustin McCoy, a good hunting buddy of mine was awarded the “Apprentice of the Year” for his falconry along with his dedication to the sport and his bird. Well done my friend, may your hawks always be fast and hit hard. Wild Ed

TEXAS HAWKING ASSOCIATION "APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR"
Dustin McCoy and Cash

Texas Grey Fox Calling

My wife and I went up to my mom’s place in Lampasas County to take down game cameras and remove feeder batteries over the weekend. While we were there we decided to make a couple of varmint calling stands and see if we could call some predators up and take a few pictures. My wife had been calling with me many times but only at night. She seemed to really enjoy getting to see the varmints up close in the daylight. At the first stand we called in a grey fox that I lip squeaked up to about 10 feet away. On the second stand a grey fox came in and a big owl. The fox figured out something was not quite right and left. I changed the tape to a grey fox pup in distress and in came another fox. It finally saw us move and just sat down and tried to figure out what was going on with all the noise. These animals were called up in the middle of the day proving that the best time to call predators is whenever you get the chance. I took a few pictures and thought you might enjoy seeing some grey foxes up close and personal.

Good hunting, Wild Ed

The Best Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Forums

I often get emails asking what forum or information board I like for this or that subject. I have a lot of favorites in many categories. It is amazing the information and wisdom available on some of these boards. I have listed some of the best here and you may wish to visit and look around. Who knows you might even become a valued member of one of these. If you have a favorite site send it to me and I will take a look, it might become one of my favorites also.



Good Surfing, Wild Ed

Falconry

http://apfalconry.proboards19.com/

http://www.nafex.net/

http://texashawking.org/THABulletinBoard/

http://falconryforum.proboards46.com/index.cgi

http://www.falconryforum.co.uk/

Predator and Varmint Hunting

http://www.varminthunters.com/

http://www.predatormastersforums.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php

http://texaspredatorposse.ipbhost.com/

http://www.finsandfur.net/forums/

http://texasvarminthunter.com/

General Outdoors

http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/index.php?s=fb18d65314708294ffb70cc44d28ff14&act=idx

http://www.texashuntfish.com/thf/app/journals

BBQ

http://www.texasbbqforum.com/index.php?sid=488ac6ba8235f56a9b1cbe1196044cc5

http://www.thesmokering.com/forum/index.php

Bowhunting

http://discussions.texasbowhunter.com/forums/

Air Guns and Rimfire Firearms

http://www.network54.com/Forum/543831/

http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/index.php

Saltwater fishing and Kayaks

http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/portal.php

http://nickawaymedia.com/phpBB3/index.php?sid=8595796ad94a4c48bcc4a735479247e5

http://www.corpusfishing.com/

http://www.surf-masters.com/

http://www.surf-masters.com/

Flint Knapping and Primitive Skills

http://paleoplanet69529.yuku.com/

Photography

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/index.php

http://www.naturescapes.net/phpBB2/index.php

http://www.fredmiranda.com/

Texas and Our Nation?

I have tried to keep politics out of my Blog postings as I feel that is a personal thing that should not come between friends. As I watched the news last night I had very strong feelings about what is happening in this country and what we are leaving our children and grandchildren. It scares me greatly to see the lack of pride in being American. Here in Texas we are becoming a two language State. I see our medical costs going through the roof and taxes go up every year. We give so much away to other countries and illegal immigrants while our own roads, schools, hospitals and city infrastructures are falling apart. I drive toll roads daily that used to be paid for with our taxes. The dollar is becoming worth less and less each day, yet people do not really seem to care. What kind of Texas and what kind of USA will we have in 10 years. It concerns me and should concern each of you.

I received this email about a person I consider a great American and has the record to prove it. If you wish to read it great, if not I will get back to the Outdoors soon.
Wild Ed

Why Does The Establishment Hate Ron Paul?
By Chuck Baldwin
January 8, 2008
This column is archived athttp://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/c2008/cbarchive_20080108.html
What is it about Ron Paul that the Establishment finds so disturbing? This is a man who perhaps personifies Christian character and integrity, American patriotism, and family values more than any other public figure. Ron Paul is a committed family man whose marriage to Carol has lasted for more than 50 years. He is a lover of families and children. As an OB/GYN physician, Dr. Paul has delivered more than 4,000 babies into this world. His life demonstrates a commitment to life and marriage.Furthermore, Ron Paul's devotion to Christ is very personal and deep. Unlike many politicians (especially in the Republican Party), Ron Paul does not wear his religion on his sleeve. He doesn't need to. Anyone who knows him knows his faith is exhibited on a daily basis. His life and family are testaments to his Christian faith.Beyond that, Ron Paul's record in Congress is so unblemished, so honest, so full of integrity that it is difficult to describe. This is a man who actually takes his oath to the Constitution (an oath every congressman, senator, and President also takes--but then ignores) seriously. So much so that he has never voted to raise taxes, never voted for an unbalanced budget, never voted for a congressional pay raise, never voted for a federal restriction on gun ownership, and never voted to increase the power of the executive branch of the federal government.In addition, Ron Paul has never taken a government-paid junket. Even though he is a 10-term congressman, he is not accepting a government pension. He also returns a portion of his office budget every year to the taxpayers. No wonder Ron Paul was declared to be the "Taxpayer's Best Friend."Now, how in the name of common sense can a man such as Ron Paul be hated? Maybe it is because he is a man of integrity and honesty. Remember, our Lord said that men who love darkness hate the light. And if there is a word that describes the Establishment in America today, it is DARKNESS.Name it: the establishment Democrat and Republican Parties, the establishment media, the establishment financial institutions, and even the establishment churches all seem to be run by people who exude the power of darkness. It should not surprise us, therefore, when a man arises who personifies the light of integrity and honesty, that the powers that be should hate him--and hate Ron Paul they do.Conservative Republican Ron Paul is loathed as much by members of his own party as he is by liberal Democrats. Even though he is the epitome of a Christian gentleman, Ron Paul is despised by Christians and pastors as much as he is by pagans--maybe more. The media despises him--especially Fox News. The so-called conservative Fox News celebrity Sean Hannity practically goes ballistic at the mere mention of Dr. Paul's name.Ron Paul has been categorized with the Ku Klux Klan, brothel owners, and Skin Heads. He has been called practically every name in the book. Conservatives and liberals alike rail against Dr. Paul in a manner never seen before in modern politics. Again, why does the Establishment hate him so much? I'll tell you why.The Establishment hates Ron Paul because his honesty and integrity expose the rest of them for the moral reprobates they are. Their own conscience cannot bear the sight of him. His very presence condemns them. Their personal greed and ambition cringe at the very thought of Ron Paul. If Dr. Paul became President, the Gig would be up! It would be Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday at Tombstone all over again. They know it, and they will fight like mad to keep their corrupt stranglehold on American politics.Another reason the Establishment hates Ron Paul is because he is a true American--and there are not very many true Americans left in Washington, D.C., these days. You see, Ron Paul has read and studied American history. He understands constitutional government. He knows what real money is--and is not. As historian and author Thomas DiLorenzo said, Ron Paul is a modern-day Thomas Jefferson. (See his column at:http://www.lewrockwell.com/dilorenzo/dilorenzo137.html )Unfortunately, most of what we have in Washington, D.C., these days (in both parties) is a bunch of internationalists who cannot see past their own selfish interests. They are consumed with greed and power. They are slaves to Big Business and special interest groups. They are petty, shallow hirelings who care nothing for constitutional government, the principles of liberty, or the American people. To them, Ron Paul represents everything they hate: limited government, freedom, selflessness, humility, and integrity.Furthermore, Ron Paul is not interested in creating a world empire. Neither is he a warmonger. He would squash the burgeoning New World Order in its tracks--and the globalists ensconced in Washington and New York City know it.There is only one Presidential candidate who would bring a modern-day revolution to Washington, D.C., and it is not Barack Obama or Mike Huckabee. It is Ron Paul. Obama and Huckabee--along with the rest of the Democrat and Republican contenders--are only more of the same. The same Nanny State, the same unconstitutional laws and regulations, the same advances toward global government, the same attacks against individual liberties, the same arrogance, the same hypocrisy, the same social programs, the same back-breaking taxes, the same jack-booted federal police tactics, the same IRS, the same lobbyists, and the same corrupt Washington politics.That the Establishment would hate Ron Paul should not surprise us. It does not even surprise me that many pastors and Christians despise Ron Paul. (After all, many of them still worship at the altar of George W. Bush.) What is yet to be seen is, How will the American people receive him? His strong showing in Iowa surprised most of the "experts." I believe he will do even better in New Hampshire today. How Dr. Paul's campaign fares in future primaries is still to be seen.Should Ron Paul fail in his bid to become the Republican Party's Presidential nominee, I believe it is critically important that he continue his bid as a Third Party candidate. His campaign is more than a campaign--it is a movement. People by the thousands and money by the millions is pouring in, and it will continue to pour in all the way to the general election. It is essential that Ron Paul stays in the race all the way to November.Remember, when Abraham Lincoln won in 1860, there were four strong Presidential candidates, and Lincoln won with just 39% of the popular vote. With New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg seriously considering an independent bid for the White House, and if Ron Paul, likewise, runs as a Third Party candidate, 2008 could see another race with four strong Presidential contenders. In such a case, anything is possible--including a Ron Paul victory.The fact is, Ron Paul does not need the support of the Establishment to win. With God's help--and with the help of millions of fed-up and tireless average Joes--anything is possible. Anything.Here is another thing: the fact that the Establishment hates Ron Paul so much must mean that there is ample reason for ordinary people like you and me to love him!

The Next Generation of Texas Hunters

I am saddened when I see the number of kids at the local malls on weekends doing nothing productive. I see kids buying video games by the box full and their vocabularies include the latest video game super hero’s names and feats. What happened to riding bikes, shooting BB guns, going fishing in the creeks and ponds and other activities of our youth. I can remember a friend and I walking or riding bikes for blocks carrying our BB guns to get to the edge of town so we could go hunting. We shot lots of varmints, sparrows and tin cans but we did not destroy stuff we shouldn’t. No one even batted an eye about two kids carrying BB guns, now they call homeland security or the police. What has happened to learning about the land and animals? Kids no longer want to learn tracking and trailing skills. Very few know how to call animals or where to find them. I will never forget the people such as my father and grandfathers that started me in the outdoors. I am so thankful that they took the time to teach me shooting, tracking and other skills that I still use today. I have tried to pass some of those skills and opportunities on to my daughters and others. If you get a chance to take a kid hunting, fishing or just hiking in the outdoors please take the time to do so. They are the future of our country and our sport. I hope they learn some of the old skills. I have a feeling they will need them someday.
Thanks Dad, Wild Ed

Texas Hawking Association Annual Meet

This is a little different style of hunting but one that many of you might enjoy watching. The Texas Hawking Association will be holding the annual meet in Abilene, Texas January 18-21 Headquarters will be at the Howard Johnsons and they will be going out for daily hunts from there. There are usually about 150 falconers in attendance with Hawks and Falcons from all over the USA. Birds are kept outside in a weathering yard daily for the public to come see. If you wish to attend the meet, seminars and or banquet you must register with the THA and there is a small charge. There is no charge to anyone to just come by to see and learn about falconry and raptors. Here is the link for additional information. http://texashawking.org/2008thameet.htm
Good hawking, Wild Ed