Texas Archery Season Opens Saturday Oct. 3rd

Archery season opens this Saturday in Texas and I am quite certain there are a lot of shooters that will be out with crossbows, and even some new hunters with regular archery equipment, for the first time. I wanted to take the time to remind you all of a few safety rules that I try to tell to those that hunt with me each year. They are simple rules but will keep you from hurting yourself, someone else or worse.

1. Keep broadheads covered or in a case unless you are actually hunting.

2. Do not point a drawn bow at anything you do not wish to shoot, it is too easy for a release to go off.

3. Treat a cocked crossbow just as you would a rifle. If you cock it, do not load a bolt until ready to fire or hunt. Do not point it at anything you do not wish to shoot and remember the safety is only that, don’t count on it.

4. Keep your hands or other objects out of the path of the bowstring; do not stick your thumb above the crossbow stock when firing unless you wish to lose it.

5. Make sure your bow or crossbow limbs will not strike anything when fired if hunting from a blind. If you are in a tree stand use a safety harness.

6. Do not climb into a tower or tree stand with your bow or crossbow; use a line to pull it up to you.

7. Tell someone your hunt plan and where you will be. I always tell someone what time I will be back in case something happens.

8. Carry a cell phone if you will be in an area with phone coverage.

Above all just be safe, ethical and have a good time.
Good hunting, Wild Ed

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Men's Wild Game Supper Cherokee, Texas

Contact Jody Simmons

(325-622-4431) or
Sam Crosby(325-372-5761) for more information.

My review of Two .22 Pistols the P22 and 1911

I recently bought a small .22 Long Rifle semi auto pistol for my wife and me. Here is a link to the post if you missed it.

http://wildedtx.blogspot.com/2009/06/walther-p22-compact-pistol.html

We have now put about 500 rounds through the small gun and it has become one of our favorites. It often gets to go along on short trips, for a walk or on other expeditions where one of us would like to have a gun but do not want to carry a large caliber. It had about four failures to fire or load in the first 100 rounds but we later discovered that if you hold the gun limply it will not function properly, something to do with the inertia of the slide function. With a proper firm grip it cycles just fine. The accuracy is more than acceptable as long as the shooter does their part. The only thing we do not care for is the safety system which is just the opposite from most American guns. To fire the thumb safety must be pushed up not down. For the price we have found this to be a great little pistol to carry.

For those of you that own a Model 1911 here is a picture of my favorite .22 long rifle pistol. It is a Kimber .22 conversion unit on top of a military spec Springfield Armory frame. Shoots like a champ and keeps me in tune with my 1911 carry weapon. Here is a link to an article on the conversion units for the model 1911.

http://wildedtx.blogspot.com/2009/04/1911-22-long-rifle-conversion-unit.html

Good shooting, Wild Ed

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Big Bend Ranch State Park Fiesta Nov. 14

One of the last frontiers in Texas is the Big Bend Country. It is a high country desert with unique flora and fauna. The land is made up of big ranches and a history that begs to be uncovered and explored. This is cowboy country with beautiful vistas of canyons and mountains. The wildlife found here is worth the visit alone. Access to this country is hard to come by except for a few parks. My favorite of these is the Big Bend Ranch State Park. I have only been there three times in my life and each was an adventure and made lifetime memories. The land is covered with signs of the struggles of settlers, Indians, ranchers and others. The park is so vast that each trip can put you in places that no one else has been and discoveries are commonplace. The landscape demands that you take pictures and carve the views into your memory. I have seen wildlife that takes my breath away such as a mature Golden Eagle hunting Rock Squirrels within yards of my perch on a canyon wall. I have seen herds of Javelina going to water and massive Mule Deer bucks browsing in the brush. I have had my heart skip a beat as a covey of quail flushed at my feet. It is not unusual to see Fox, Coyote, Bobcat and if you are really lucky you might catch a glimpse of a Mountain Lion or Black Bear. One can drive the gravel roads, hike the trails or take a horseback trail ride to explore this country. I can only recommend that you go and take in this fantastic place called Big Bend Ranch.

Take the trip out west and make some memories,

Wild Ed

PRESIDIO, Texas — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department hopes the third time will be the charm for a daylong Fiesta set for Saturday, Nov. 14, to celebrate expanded recreational opportunities at Texas’ largest and wildest state park — Big Bend Ranch State Park.
The public is invited to learn first-hand about the many wonders of the more than 310,000-acre state park tucked into the far southwestern corner of the state during a free, daylong Fiesta at the park’s Sauceda Ranger Station. Two previous attempts to hold the outdoor celebration had to be cancelled when the Rio Grande uncharacteristically flooded the Presidio area in fall of 2008 and again in May of this year when nearby Mexico suffered an outbreak of the swine flu.
Saturday’s "open house" will feature a free barbecue lunch at noon, followed by a performance by cowboy singer-songwriter Dennis Jay. Activities being offered include park tours, hikes, guided mountain bike and horseback rides, desert survival and camping demonstrations, a student art show, Buffalo Soldiers encampment and informational displays on everything from bats to river recreation. One guided tour will go into part of the recently acquired Fresno Ranch, a significant and strategic 7,000-acre addition to the park featuring wild canyons, stunning vistas, historical roads, rich riparian habitat and Rio Grande frontage.
Park rangers, as well as natural and cultural resource specialists, will be on hand to share information about this true wilderness park in the Big Bend Country’s scenic Chihuahuan Desert highlands.
The purpose of the Fiesta is to increase awareness of the state park’s greatly expanded public use opportunities and to provide Texans, especially local citizens, a chance to visit and experience one of the great parks of the West.
Thanks to the labors of park staff and friends during the past two years, today’s adventurers now have more opportunities to hike, bike and ride horses along many miles of newly accessible trails and jeep roads, and much greater access to more than 50 new campsites, many of them in the more rugged, remote and scenic areas of Big Bend Ranch’s backcountry.
Information booths will be open and special Fiesta programs running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Special pre- and post-Fiesta tours, as well as "early bird" tours beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, will be offered by advanced reservation. The regular $3 park entry fee for persons 13 and older will be waived Thursday, Nov. 12 through Sunday, Nov. 15.
Visitors attending Fiesta weekend can make arrangements to stay overnight, but should be aware that there are limited tent camping options. Camping is free during the Nov. 12-15 time frame, but reservations are required. No lodging will be available at Sauceda.
To reserve a campsite during Fiesta weekend, call Big Bend Ranch State Park at (432) 358-4444. To reserve a spot on one of the Fiesta event tours, call TPWD’s Customer Service Center in Austin at (512) 389-8908 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. To learn more about the state park and Fiesta activities online, visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Web site.

More on Big Bend Ranch State Park/ Be sure and take the time to watch the video. Wild Ed


Big Bend Ranch State Park - Visitor Information

Things To Do
Lodging
Campsites & Backcountry Use
Maps & Directions
El Solitario Newsletter
Fees
Watch video of Big Bend Ranch State Park.



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Where We Buy Our Outdoor Gear

I have been getting emails asking where do you buy this or where do you buy that piece of equipment. I do not have any sponsors at this time and I am just like most of you. I want to get the best equipment I can for my money. I am looking for quality and a fair price in whatever I purchase for use in the outdoors. Due to my budget I have often bought less expensive or off brand items and find that just like anything else there are jewels and some are just pure junk. In most things you get what you pay for is the general rule. In this modern age I find that the majority of my gear is ordered off the web these days just for the sake of convenience. I do shop locally and Academy Sports gets most of my business and I pay the same price you do or more. I have had real good luck with most of their stuff and what has not worked out they have stood behind while keeping my money in the local economy. Cabela’s and Bass Pro are a long drive so I only make it to their stores a couple of times a year, plus I also have found that after I make the long drive for one of their sales they are usually sold out and offer no rain checks. The following websites are some of my favorite online Outdoor supply stores. Take the time to order a catalog or look at the site. You may find something you cannot live without. The sad thing is I made no money nor did I get any free gear to bring you this information, therefore this is where I really buy my gear. May your gear last a lifetime, Wild Ed

PS: If you have a favorite local or online supply store send me the URL and we will try it out and pass it on to the folks that come here and read our page. :)

The following are not ranked and are in no particular order. They are just the places we shop to find good outdoor equipment at good prices on a regular basis.

http://www.academy.com/

http://www.natchezss.com/

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/

http://www.midwayusa.com/

http://www.cabelas.com/

http://www.basspro.com/

http://www.fntpost.com/

http://www.cdnninvestments.com/

http://www.burnhambrothers.com/

http://www.allpredatorcalls.com/

http://www.breakawayusa.com/

http://www.model1sales.com/

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/

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Texas First Legal Crossbow Season

The first Texas Archery season in which crossbows are legal archery equipment will start in just a few days. I hope that if you are taking to the field with a crossbow or a regular bow for the first time that you have been practicing for opening day. A crossbow is not a rifle like bow that shoots long distance as many believe. It has a very short power stroke and a rainbow trajectory with the short bolts it fires. It also makes a lot of noise when fired and deer will jump the string or duck from the sound. I limit my shots to 25 yards and aim at the lower third of the deer just at the back shoulder line just in case the deer ducks at firing.
Remember to give the deer time to expire before taking up the trail and that archery requires more dedication to tracking as the animal expires from hemorrhaging by the broadhead and there is no knockdown shock as in a rifle shot. I think that most will find that the crossbow is not a threat to archery seasons or hunters and will just add a few more hunters to the ranks. If you are like some in my family it will allow more kids to get out in the woods with their parents this year. Whatever you choose remember to be safe this season and take someone new to hunting out for an adventure. Have a great Hunt, Wild Ed

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Texas Gem: Padre Island National Seashore

One of Captain Sandifers clients with nice shark

One of my favorite places to go spend a day or two is the Padre Island National Seashore at Corpus Christi Texas. The is a wilderness beach where big fish come in close to shore and sometimes I catch some of them. It is a wild place with uncountable numbers of birds that are a breath taking sight. From the terns and seagulls to pelicans and falcons all types of birds make PINS a stop on their flights. It is not unusual to see a Wiley coyote or a whitetail buck running the beach at daylight. The fishing is not a free for all but on some days the bounty of the ocean is at your feet in the first wade gut. On a good clear day you will see bait fish in the waves and predators right up against the beach feeding on the bait. It not uncommon to spot very large sharks cruising the wade guts very close to the beach. I have seen blacktips, bulls, tigers and hammerheads all caught from the shore. A famous saying by Captain Billy Sandifer is that if you are knee deep in the Gulf of Mexico you are an integral part of the food chain. He is one of the infamous guides on PINS and can put you on the fish. Check out his website at the following link.
http://www.billysandifer.com/

Captain Billy Sandifer and Jack Crevalle

One of the best places to learn about surf fishing PINS is from the website for Breakaway Tackle at the following link. Breakaway is the best place I know to pick up the proper gear for a Texas surf fishing adventure.

http://nickawaymedia.com/phpBB3/index.php

Be sure and click on the Breakaway USA Fishing Show and listen in for the reports at the the top of the website.
Nick and his Cult will gladly give of their expertise to make you a dyed in the wool surf fisherman. I will warn you up front that it can be addictive to be standing on the beach and trying to cast to the far breakers for that special fish. Sometimes everything goes just right and you even catch a cooler full of those great fish.

Take the trip, Wild Ed

Enjoy the following videos made by Nick and his wife.

Be sure and turn off the music playlist at the bottom of the page before playing videos.

Captain Billy Sandifer Video

Texassharkfishing.com

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Texas Trappers and Fur Hunters Fall Rendezvous

TEXAS TRAPPERS AND FUR HUNTERS
FALL RENDEZVOUS Junction, Texas
October 16th, 17th, 2009
Stevenson Center
Combined with the NATCA Southwest Trap Collectors Swap Meet
Friday, October16th
8:30 – 1:00 ...................Set-up
1:00 – 1:45 ..................Coyote by the Numbers with Mike McNiece
2:00 – 2:45...................Stake Pulling Strategies with Applegate, McNiece, and Hepker
3:00 – 6:00...................On Line Trapping with Jimmy Brooks, David Pilgrim, Keith Jackson
6:00 – 7:00...................Supper On Site Mary Chambliss and Crew
7:30 – 9:30.................. Buy - Swap - Trade - Visit& Board of Directors Meeting (open to all members)
Saturday, October17th
7:30 – 9:30...................On Line Check and Pull Traps with Brooks, Pilgrim, and Jackson
9:30 – 10:30.................Quality Set Contest with Bill Applegate
10:45 – 11:30...............Fox Trapping Mark June
11:30 – 12:00..............Skillet Toss Ladies of all ages with David Pilgrim
12:00 – 1:00...............Speed Setting Men/ Women - Girls/ Boys with James Stone
1:00 – 5:30................. Lunch - Fish Fry with Billy "Catfish King" ChamblissRifle Drawing - Live Auction - Membership Meeting - Awards(Membership Participation - Contest Winners - Trapper of the Year)
5:30 – 6:30....................Buy - Swap - Trade - Visit
6:30 – 7:15....................Left Overs Yummy!
7:15 – 7:45...................Clean Up - Pack Up
7:45 – 9:3.................... Board of Directors Meeting (open to all members)0
Vendors Welcome!
(No Table Charge)
For More Information call Dan Hepker: (512) 303-1995 or (512) 321-7415

A Day to Never Forget

Today is a day we remember the terrorists attacks on our Country and people. It is also a day that I hope many remember we are a Christian Nation and founded by Christians. I don't often put political articles on my blog but wanted to pass on to you this article by Chuck Baldwin. I hope those that would change America realize that some of us will never change. Long live the Republic, Wild Ed


Hate America? Count Me Out!
By Chuck Baldwin
September 11, 2009
　
This column is archived at
http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/c2009/cbarchive_20090911.html
　
On this 8th anniversary of the attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, it behooves me to comment on the spirit of hatred that seems to motivate many people in and out of our great land. That the supporters and disciples of Vladimir Lenin, Karl Marx, Joseph Stalin, Leon Trotsky, Mao Tse-tung, and Adolf Hitler would hate America is understandable. Communism, socialism, and fascism are diametrically opposed to everything the United States was founded upon. Therefore, it is not surprising that people who espouse the tenets of these "isms" would exude hatred for America--at least for the America of our forebears. What is most disconcerting, however, is the number of people within our country (and I don't mean illegal aliens) who harbor hatred in their hearts for our beloved land.
To be sure, one can count me in with those who hate the manner in which the international banking cartel has wormed its way into the inner workings of our federal government. I hate the condescending, elitist attitudes of many in higher education. I hate the way globalists--such as David Rockefeller and his ilk--have been able to use the federal government to promote and safeguard their own private financial and political agendas. I hate the way secularists in public education and private organizations--such as the ACLU, People For the American Way, the Anti Defamation League, etc.--have been able to strip our culture of its Christian heritage. I hate the way politicians from both parties in Washington, D.C., ignore and trample the U.S. Constitution. I hate the way professing Christians and "conservatives"
turn a blind eye and deaf ear to the warmongering, police-state mentality of many within the national Republican Party. I hate the way Nancy Pelosi and her gaggle of liberal Democrats use their power to promote socialism in America. I hate the liberal bias of the mainstream news media. I hate the so-called "political correctness" that permeates the philosophy of virtually every major organization in America these days. I hate the attempts by liberals and "do-gooders" of all stripes to take away my right to keep and bear arms. And, yes, I hate the way America's foreign policy has been manipulated by foreign lobbyists, socialists within the United Nations, and international business interests.
With all of that said, however, if you hate America, count me out!
If Canaan was the Promised Land for Old Testament Israel, America was an earthly Promised Land for Christians and lovers of liberty. In the Providence of God, America was established by the right people, at the right time, and for the right purpose. With all its shortcomings, the U.S.
Constitution--along with the Bill of Rights--is the greatest governing document ever devised by man. And the Declaration of Independence is the greatest birth certificate a nation ever had.
In fact, without the freedom and liberty protected by a 200-year history of constitutional government, all those anti-America, anti-Constitution, and anti-Founding Fathers critics out there could not even exist! As God gives the atheist the breath he uses to blaspheme his Creator, so, too, the Constitution protects the right of America-haters to foment their delirium.
I do find it demonstrably hypocritical, however, for these 21st Century preachers to condemn America's Founding Fathers as being disobedient to Romans 13, only to turn around and celebrate Independence Day--and even conduct patriotic services in their churches. Even more egregious is the way these same preachers who condemn the 13 colonies in their fight for independence against the British Crown so quickly take up the war cry for military aggression all over the world. Obviously, inconsistency is one of the most consistent trademarks of Pharisaism.
The problem today is not that America is intrinsically bad. The principles of religious liberty, State sovereignty, Natural Law, self-government, and federalism are as righteous and good today as they were in 1776. The problem today is that the American people have lost touch with these principles and have allowed those who deny these principles to gain ascendancy within our land. The problem is, the America that was created 233 years ago is being supplanted with new doctrines and ideas. In fact, the doctrines and ideas prevalent today are really nothing new: they are the same antiquated doctrines of centralism and collectivism from which the 13 Colonies broke free so long ago.
So, I say it proudly and loudly: I love the America our Founding Fathers bequeathed to us. I love our republican form of government. I love America's Christian heritage. I love the principles of federalism and constitutional government. I love the Declaration of Independence. I love the Bill of Rights. I love what our flag represents: a united federation of states. I love the examples of sacrifices made at Bunker Hill, Lexington Green, and Concord Bridge. I love the resolve and dedication of the colonial patriot-preachers known as the Black Regiment [1]. I love the combined wisdom, courage, and commitment to liberty demonstrated by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Sam Adams, Patrick Henry, James Otis, Joseph Warren, James Madison, John Jay, et al.
My criticisms and condemnations are reserved for those who would remove America from her roots, who would strip her of her principles, and who would destroy the fabric of her foundation. Don't think for one minute that because I loathe those who are trying to merge America into an international New World Order or are working to dismantle constitutional government or are attempting to turn America into a socialist state, that I am in league with those who, in their hearts, hate America. I claim no brotherhood with them, for they hate what I love.

Texas Eurasian or Collared Dove

I have received several emails from readers asking about a unique dove and whether or not it is legal to add to their bag or if they need to count it in the bag limit. The dove is the Collared Dove or Eurasian Dove. It is rapidly spreading though out Texas and is a great gunning target as well as tasty on the grill. You do not have to count them in your bag limit as they are an exotic. Have a great time shooting and eating this bonus species. Wild Ed

Here is what Texas Parks and Wildlife have to say on the Eurasian Dove
Exotic Species: The Great Eurasian Collared Dove InvasionAs noted by TPW Wildlife Biologist Jim Lionberger, area residents and birdwatchers have recently observed a new bird in their neighborhood. This new bird is a dove, considerably larger than a mourning dove, slightly larger than a white-winged dove. It is pale gray all over with a black collar around the back and sides of the neck, dark primaries, a collar with a white upper border, and a tail that is long and square. The bird is the Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) and its range appears to be spreading rapidly. This exotic species is primarily native to the Indian subcontinent, but began expanding their range into Europe in the early 1900's.
The first Eurasian Collared Doves in the Americas were brought to Nassau in the Bahamas from the Netherlands in the early 1970's a replacement for Ringed Turtle Doves (S. risoria). As always happens some escaped captivity in 1974 and quickly spread throughout most of the Islands. From there, doves immigrated from Florida in the late 1970's or early 1980's. The ensuing population explosion and expansion westward brought Eurasian Collared Doves Texas in the mid-1990's. At first, the expansion went unnoticed, due to the Collared Dove's similarity to the Ringed Turtle Dove. Today, however, the Eurasian Collared Dove occurs in several states within the U.S. as far North as Wisconsin and extends into Canada. This dove can even be found above the Arctic Circle.
In Texas, the Eurasian Collared dove has been documented in 134 of the 254 Counties in the State, including Dallam, Deaf Smith, Hansford, Oldham, Parmer, Potter, Randall, Sherman, and Swisher counties. Currently, regulations concerning the Eurasian Collared dove are the same as for feral pigeons or Rock Doves. A hunting license is required, but there is no closed season or bag limit; however, local restrictions concerning discharge of a firearm do apply.

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Unique Trail Camera Pictures

My family and I have become ardent fans of the new tech trail cameras. We see all sorts of wildlife that come to our feeders and water troughs that we did not have even a suspicion of them living on our place. It gives us a glimpse into life after dark and of the predators and other wildlife that are nocturnal in their habits. We have used them as a tool to catch trespassers and others that have access to our place when we are not there. It is almost as much fun as hunting to retrieve the SD cards from the cameras and see what has left a picture for us each week. I received the following pictures in an email and do not even know who to give credit to for the shots. They are pretty unique and I wanted to give my readers the chance to see them. If you take some special trail cam shots please send them and I will post them for everyone to enjoy. Hope you get some great pictures, Wild Ed

Notice the coons on the feeder with the wild hogs feeding under the feeder. There are also some eyes in the grass to the right of the tree.
Notice the strange log to the right of the tree back of the feeder.

The log turned out to be a large gator on the hunt at the feeder.

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