Hill Country Hunting Guide - 2023 by Digital Publisher

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Hill Country Hunting Guide

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Sunset/Sunrise Times Getting Rifle-Ready CWD Updates

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Hill Country Hunting Guide 2023

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Hill Country Hunting Guide 2023

Articles TPWD Recommendations.......5

Photo Submission Tips............24

CWD Update...............................8

Sunrise/Sunsets.........................25

New Game Warden..................10

Teddy Roosevelt Hunt..............26

Wild Game Dinner.....................16

After The Hunt............................29

Wildfire Prevention...................19

Operation Orphans...................30

Rifle Ready..................................20

Wild boars...................................32

A product of Fredericksburg Publishing Company. 712 W. Main St. | P.O. Box 1639 Fredericksburg, Texas 78624 Phone 830-997-2155 www.fredericksburgstandard.com Publisher/Editor - Ken Esten Cooke

About the cover: A young buck listens intently on a Gillespie County ranch. — Standard-Radio Post/Kim Jung © 2023 Fredericksburg Publishing Company. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without permission of the publisher.

Hill Country Hunting Guide 2023

Gillespie County attracts many hunters in the fall and winter. White-tailed deer hunting’s general season starts Saturday, Nov. 4. — Standard-Radio Post/Kim Jung

TPWD recommends hunters in Hill Country take does this year By Jessica Donel - Texas Farm Bureau Reporter

Despite a hot and dry summer that led to drought conditions across much of the state, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is forecasting a good white-tailed deer hunting season for hunters. “Deer season is looking to be in pretty good shape this year,” Alan Cain, TPWD Big Game Program director, said. “That’s probably a surprise to most hunters considering how hot and dry it was this summer, but in reality, we had really good rainfall this spring and going into early summer across the vast majority of the state.” The mild and wet spring led to “fantastic” antler growth. “We’re seeing that. I’m starting to receive photos from landowners who have cameras out, and they’re seeing good quality antlers this year,” Cain said. “That speaks volumes to the importance of moisture in the spring and good spring

vegetation and how important it is to get bucks back into better body condition coming out of the rut.” Does are in good shape, as well, which led to good fawn production. “I think the heat probably had a toll on some of those, and maybe we won’t recruit as many as we’re expecting in the fall, but we did have decent numbers,” Cain said. “For example, in South Texas where it’s been extremely hot and dry, [some individuals] are reporting upwards of 50-70% fawn crops on some of those ranches. Obviously, that depends on habitat conditions.” If a property is overgrazed, fawn survival is down, and antler quality declines. “For the most part, everything across the board is going to be better than it has been in the last several years — maybe even a little bit above average this year as

Hill Country Hunting Guide 2023

far as antler quality goes,” Cain said. Deer populations vary across the state.

Hill Country hunting

South Texas hunting

South Texas also has good deer numbers. “It’s a bit harsher down there. You don’t always have the large fawn crops or the densities that you see in the Hill Country partly because people often manage for trophy quality deer. They try to keep the deer population at a level that can be supported by that native habitat so they can take advantage of all that nutrition and maximize that on an individual deer basis,” Cain said.

“The Texas Hill Country — that area around Fredericksburg, Llano, Mason and Kerr counties — has the highest deer population in the state with a couple million deer,” Cain said. In areas like the Texas Hill Country where deer numbers are higher, one deer to every four or five acres, hunters may consider taking a doe this year. “Hunters should definitely consider harvesting anterless East Texas hunting deer this year,” Cain said. THE GENERAL DEER SEASON FOR THE East Texas has a healthy deer “That’s an important part of NORTH ZONE IS NOV. 4 THROUGH JAN. 7. population, as well. deer management because the “Moving back toward the east females are the reproductive and southeast between San IN THE SOUTH ZONE, THE GENERAL segment of that population. Antonio and Houston, the Post SEASON IS NOV. 4 THROUGH JAN. 21. Controlling those numbers Oak Savannah region generally helps control growth.” holds a pretty good deer Having too many deer in population,” Cain said. one area can cause over-browsing on some shrubs and woody plants, which Cain said can impact the Panhandle hunting deer population and other animals that rely on the The Texas Panhandle, from Lubbock up to native habitat. Amarillo, typically has lower deer densities than Some parts of the state have “doe days” to help other parts of the state. landowners manage the population. Hunters are encouraged to check the Outdoor Annual or OutdoorAnnual.com for full deer hunting regulations, information on chronic wasting disease zones and mandatory harvest reporting.

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Hill Country Hunting Guide 2023

CWD efforts will focus on smaller area No more positive cases means reduced test region By Ken Esten Cooke - Standard-Radio Post publisher

While we’re not totally out of the woods with Chronic Wasting Disease, Gillespie County gladly received a report of “no new positives” earlier this year. That means a smaller CWD testing area for the 2023-2024 whitetail hunting season that began Oct. 1. After three animals tested positive at a breeding facility near Doss, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department set up testing drop-off stations for carcasses in Doss and Harper. Hunters were glad no additional positive cases were detected. This year, a manned station is continuing in Doss on the Doss Community Center grounds, but the Harper station may consist only of a refrigerated drop box. The testing zone is not close to Harper but will be there for the convenience for people who wish to get harvests tested. A TPWD Commission meeting in Doss in late May brought out few people in attendance, but the commission voted to condense the zone from a 7-mile radius around where the positive cases were detected to just a 2-mile radius, according to Joyce Moore, TPWD senior biologist based in Harper. “It’s not a perfect circle but averages out to two miles around the breeding facility,” Moore said last week. “We don’t know how many people [landowners] that would affect, but it will be significantly less. We don’t want to burden more people within the zone than is necessary.” Moore said hunters within that 2-mile zone must still bring in carcasses within 24 hours of harvest, and the carcasses cannot leave the zone. Hunters can quarter the deer and take out the meat and ribs, but must leave parts essential for testing, including the hide, skeletal bone, spine,

hooves and brain. Those parts of the body contain the prions, from which the disease can spread. “We don’t want them dropping those back at the hunting grounds,” Moore said. In all Texas surveillance zones, carcass movement restrictions apply, Moore said. “All affected landowners will get a letter from TPWD stating they are within the surveillance zone,” she said. “The letter will make them aware of the rules and regulations.” Last year, when TPWD’s Gillespie County zone consisted of a 7-mile radius, the department sent letters to over 600 people. This year, far fewer landowners will receive letters. “We see this as a positive change,” she said. She added that any hunter who wishes to drop off a carcass for testing is welcome to do so at the Doss station. “Deer can be brought to the check station for testing even if they’re not in the zone,” Moore said. “We suggest that and welcome that.” Moore said TPWD was pleased with last year’s participation after the outbreak scare. “We got a lot of participation, even from people not in the zone,” she said. “It’s best to get tested.” Hill Country region testing stations will be set up in Doss, Segovia (in Kimble County), in Del Rio near the border and in Sutton County, where another positive case was detected in recent months. Other mandatory testing zones and voluntary zones can be seen on a TPWD map online at https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/diseases/ cwd/maps/cwd-zones-check-stations.phtml.

Hill Country Hunting Guide 2023

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Hill Country Hunting Guide 2023

Game Warden Josh Sako (left) joined the Gillespie County team after working for about three and a half years in Jefferson County. He patrolled the Gulf of Mexico alongside Warden Jamal Allen (right). - Submitted photo

New game warden is all smiles in Gillespie County By Lauren Elizabeth Shults - Standard-Radio Post reporter

Joshua Sako jumped at the offer to transfer to Gillespie County and quickly made Fredericksburg home with his wife, Rosa, and their daughter, Sydney. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Gillespie County welcomed Game Warden Sako to the team in the spring of 2023 from patrol in Southeast Texas. He’s learning how the Hill Country differs from Jefferson County’s bayou, and how to keep everyone here safe. “Just the scenery is phenomenal,” Sako said about Gillespie County. “I couldn’t pass it up, so my wife and our baby girl moved out here, and they’re enjoying it more than I am. It’s great.” He’s getting to know the local terrain and wildlife including, nonnative species of the Texas hills. “It’s a different pace, of course,” he said about transitioning here. “Over here, you have dove hunting, and then bow hunting and then rifle season is our peak.” Although hunting season ramps up in autumn, the exotic hunting of black buck (antelope), sika deer and fallow deer keeps the wardens busy in Gillespie County year-round. Sako previously monitored duck hunters — far

fewer deer hunters — in addition to commercial shrimpers and crabbers. His first three years as a warden were in his hometown, Nederland. He didn’t take a straight path to the Texas Game Warden Training Academy. First, he thought he was going to dental school like the majority of his family, and he earned a bachelor of science degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio as a pre-dental major. On a fishing trip at Canyon Lake, a game warden checked him, and that’s where he got the idea that being a warden could be a better fit for him. He observed the warden and learned about the work, then eventually became an intern. “My father had me shooting before I could almost walk,” he said, sharing that his family has always been a lover of outdoor recreation. “He taught me everything from hunting and fishing to the outdoors.” The Hill Country is where he always wanted to end up, he said. Having grandparents and kin in Fredericksburg, he’d always visited and enjoyed the area. “After three and a half years (in Nederland), I’m

Hill Country Hunting Guide 2023

here in Gillespie County — back at home, almost,” he said. “Right now, I think my main focus is trying to get to know this county a little bit more.” He’s still getting accustomed to the German names here — much different than the many Cajun family names he knew on the coast. “There’s never a dull moment in my job,” he said. He partners with different divisions to maintain safety, and previously covered territory in the Gulf of Mexico. Game wardens are also licensed police officers in the state of Texas with the power to arrest, so Sako works with local law enforcement, when necessary. In Southeast Texas, he specialized in using drones. There, he worked on missing persons cases and helped to rescue individuals. “I used to carry a drone with me in my unit all the time for search and rescue or exigent circumstances,” he explained. When not working alongside local law enforcement, most days his truck serves as his

office. But, Sako teaches the Hunter Education Program in Gillespie County through Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, as well. For all hunters born after Sept. 2, 1971, the course is required. The minimum age of certification is nine years old, and those aged 9-16 must complete courses in the classroom or through the online field course. Persons age 17 and older may complete online-only in lieu of the in-person course. He says that accidents can happen to anyone, no matter how skilled, and the best thing is to always have a second pair of eyes to be sure procedures are followed correctly. Sometimes a few extra minutes for little safety precautions may prevent accidents in life or death situations, he said. No two days are the same for Sako, and tasks are very dependent on the season. “I enjoy this job and I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.”

JOSHUA SAKO JOINED THE GILLESPIE COUNTY GAME WARDENS TO PATROL AND MAINTAIN SAFETY. THIS WILL BE HIS FOURTH YEAR AS A WARDEN IN TEXAS. - SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Whitetail deer roamed Texas by the thousands in the 18th century By Gayne C. Young

Early settlers and explorers in Texas, as far back as the 1700’s, made reference to whitetail deer herds of upwards of thousand in number in diaries, journals and letters home. In 1722, Juan Antonio de la Pena wrote: “During the remainder of the day, we passed through a flat country and found a great many deer. We saw around us, almost at the same time, as many as three or four hundred of these animals.” To these early Anglo settlers, and the indigenous people that came and lived before them, the deer were an easily accessible food source. Some might say too accessible. Because as early as 1840, settlers began to notice severe drops in whitetail numbers due to land encroachment. A minute portion of the decline was attributed to subsistence, hunting, but the majority was from settlers’ livestock. Like the buffalo, whitetail deer were edged out and in some cases slaughtered senselessly. John C. Reid who in 1857 wrote: “Various modes are adopted, by the citizens here,

for killing the wild animal. Game is ever in season,” wrote John C. Reid in 1857. “Thousands of deer are slain by the light of the fire pan; by snares and pitfalls; by the laying concealed near holes of water or “licks”; by stooping in the tall grass and attracting those in sight; by occasionally tossing in the air an unfurled red handkerchief; or shooting those gentle enough to allow you to approach. They are often beguiled by the docility of others already domesticated; by driving them toward standers in waiting; by chasing upon fleet horses and lassoing them.” Although there was no official census taken in the years during Anglo settlement, The Explorers’ of Texas: Volume 2 written by Del Weniger estimated that there could have been between 30 to 125 million deer roaming the land that would become Texas. “The deer are so numerous, that they are often found in herds of several thousands,” noted Francis Moore Jr. in 1840. By 1900, it was estimated that there were only

Hill Country Hunting Guide 2023

500,000 deer in the entire United States. With government intervention and the establishment of strict game laws, deer rebounded. By 1990, the number of deer in Texas had reached between three and four million. In some areas of the state, deer are actually dangerously overpopulated. What whitetails eat is partially determined by where they live. In the Hill Country for example, deer graze twice as much as they browse, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Over 67% of their feeding time is spent eating grasses and forbs. In South Texas, the numbers are almost reversed. Deer browse twice as much as they graze. Percentages and diet are altered considerably when supplemental feeding and land management enter the equation, according to The Mammals of Texas by

David J. Schmidly. Just as with their diet, whitetail weight is heavily determined by where deer live. Deer in the Eastern portion of the state and in the Hill Country tend to be smaller in body than those in South Texas or on the upper plains. In general, whitetail average from between 70 to 150 pounds. In terms of color, whitetails are grayish brown or grayish blue in winter with a coat taking on a reddish-brown tinge in winter. Under parts are lighter in color if not white. True to their name, whitetails have a white tail that stands erect when fleeing danger. Antlers grow outward from the back of the head before curing slightly forward. Each tine grows off of a main beam.

Young is a Fredericksburg resident and avid outdoorsman whose work appears in the Standard-Radio Post, Rock & Vine magazine, and other outdoor publications. Contact him at gayne@gaynecyoung.com. A group of bucks graze on a ranch outside of Fredericksburg. — Standard-Radio Post/Riley Taber

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Hill Country Hunting Guide 2023

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Hill Country Hunting Guide 2023

In spite of cold weather last year, fans of the Wild Game Dinner came out to support the event. In the past 15 years, the event has raised more than $1.4 million which is used for agricultural education initiatives and scholarships for area students. — Standard-Radio Post/Ken Esten Cooke

Gillespie County Wild Game Dinner

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It’ll be wild

Hill Country Hunting Guide 2023

Wild game dinner offers a taste of everything More than 200 volunteers, hundreds of sponsors, donors, business owners, out-of-town hunters and patrons support the Gillespie County Wild Game Dinner (WGD). Which is why it’s now in its 17th year at the Gillespie County Fair Grounds. The event, set for Saturday, Nov. 18, raises money to support youth agricultural education in the county. The evening includes wild game appetizers, a barbecue meal, beverages, games, prize drawings, live auction and a prize drawing. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with food served until it runs out. The event will conclude around 10 p.m. Advance tickets are available for $25 at Arrowhead Bank, Stroeher & Olfers, Lochte Feed, Allied Ag Services or online at https://buy. ticketstothecity.com/venue.php?org_id=597. Dishes like shish kebabs, chili, sausage, stew and gumbo featuring exotic game such as axis, whitetailed deer, wild turkey, wild hog, mountain sheep,

elk, alligator, quail and seafood will be served at 18 different stations by Gillespie County 4-H and FFA students. Barbecue plates with all the trimmings will also be offered. A large seating area, food court and tents for games and dining will be available for all ticket holders. Traditional prize drawing tickets are also available for $5 each or six for $25 with prizes covering all interests from outdoor activities and travel to dining and gift items. Winners need not be present to win. WGD has raised over $1 million since 2007 for youth in the Hill Country. For more information, visit the Gillespie County Wild Game Dinner Facebook page or email GCWildGameDinner@gmail.com or call Shawn Lehne at 512-567-4682 or Charlie Wilson at 210288-8434.

Gillespie County Wild Game Dinner 11.18.2023

5:30 P.M.

$25 Per PeRSON

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GILLESPIE COUNTY WILD GAME DINNER

Hill Country Hunting Guide 2023

Below: The Blue Prize table offered an assortment of popular items from firearms, to San Antonio getaway weekends, to James Avery jewelry. — Standard-Radio Post/Ken Esten Cooke

Above: Hayden Schneider, of Fredericksburg, tries his hand at a dart game at the annual Gillespie County Wild Game Dinner, held each year at the Gillespie County Fair Grounds. — Standard-Radio Post/ Ken Esten Cooke

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Texans to prevent wildfires during hunting season Texas Parks and Wildlife Department urges Texans to help protect the lands and natural resources they love during the upcoming hunting season by being mindful of activities that may cause a wildfire. Persistent triple-digit temperatures and minimal rainfall over the past months have resulted in extremely dry vegetation across the state, which increases the likelihood of dangerous wildfires. Any outdoor activities that create heat or sparks can ignite dry vegetation and wildfire. “Since mid-June, Texas has been marked by devastating wildfires that have burned more than 75,000 acres,” said Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief. “As Texans recreate this hunting season, it is important to remember that your actions can leave a lasting impact, and everyone has a role to play when preventing wildfires.” Every year, hunters take to Texas lands for the start of hunting season. Wildfires caused by vehicles, trailers, ATV/UTVs and other equipment frequently used while hunting and camping are common during the season, which occurs each year from October to January. This year, conditions are favorable for wildfire ignitions and Texas land management agencies urge everyone to be cautious on hunts, whether it takes place on public or private land. “We are excited to welcome hunters back to the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas for another successful season,” said Kimpton Cooper, National Forest and Grasslands in Texas Forest Supervisor. “Hunting season is one of the busiest times on the forests and grasslands, and safety is always our primary concern. Combining efforts with our state partners to spread awareness, while encouraging our visitors to follow guidelines can significantly reduce the risk of wildfires during hunting season. Remember, practicing responsible

behavior and being vigilant can help preserve the natural environment and ensure everyone’s safety.” With little to no improvement in fuel dryness, fire potential is expected to persist for North, Central and East Texas. “As Texans venture outdoors, it’s important to remember just how dry the vegetation is,” said Chis Schenk, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Statewide Fire Program Leader. “It doesn’t take much for an inadvertent spark or carelessness to cause a wildfire. The high temperatures cause fires to spread rapidly and make it hard for firefighters to work. Please enjoy the outdoors but be careful with fire.” Nine out of 10 wildfires in Texas are humancaused and everyone can make a difference by taking personal responsibility for their actions. Remain vigilant as drought conditions continue to expand and intensify and be cautious with any activity that may cause a spark. To avoid accidentally starting a wildfire while hunting: • Avoid driving over and parking on dry grass — the heat from a vehicle can easily ignite the grass. • Always check with local officials for burn bans or other outdoor burning restrictions. Each county in Texas sets and lifts its own burn bans. View the latest burn ban map here: https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/burnbans/. • If a hunter is taking a trailer out on their adventures, make sure tires are properly inflated, chains don’t contact the road and loose metal doesn’t repetitively hit anything else, all of which can cause sparks. • Always be ready to put out a fire should one start. Have a shovel and water in camp and have a fire extinguisher close by at all times. For more information on preventing wildfires this hunting season, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/HuntingFireSafety/.

Hill Country Hunting Guide 2023

Boomstick Mechanic gunsmith Mason Esse works on an over-under shotgun. – Standard-Radio Post/Brent Burgess

Rifle ready

Getting your gun ready for the hunt By Brent Burgess - Standard-Radio Post editor

As hunting season in the Texas Hill Country starts up, there is no sense in getting out for the hunt if the gun for the job isn’t ready to work. Jim Downer, owner of Boomstick Mechanic, is a gunsmith in Fredericksburg. Along with his team, Mason Esse and Sam Jacobs, the three gunsmiths at Boomstick Mechanic are ready to get any gun ready for action. Downer grew up around guns. He grew up in an Army family and was constantly moving around. Both Downer’s father and grandfather were military policemen. “That’s kind of how I got into guns,” Downer said. “It was always something he was interested in, too. So he kind of fostered that interest. Probably every

shooter out there had someone who was mentor for them. A lot of times for me, it was my dad.” Despite living in multiple places, Downer made the move to Fredericksburg when his brother married someone from the area. Since making the move, Downer has found Fredericksburg to be a rewarding area to work as a gunsmith. “Most of the time, it takes a little while to open up. But with Fredericksburg, it didn’t matter if it was somebody who had lived here their whole life or somebody who’s only been here a few years, everybody is welcoming,” Downer said. Downer is an academically trained gunsmith. Aside from his 30-plus years as a gun owner, he took coursework for gunsmithing. Both him and

Hill Country Hunting Guide 2023

his coworker Esse have associate’s degrees in gunsmithing technology. Jacobs is being trained directly by Downer and works specifically in hand checkering gunstocks. The team of three hopes to eventually get into production, building their own custom guns.

rights and their gun safety seriously. “I personally believe that the club shoots and the competitions are fundamentally important to supporting the Second Amendment because that’s where a lot of people go to learn,” Downer said.

Why a gunsmith?

Hunting the Hill Country

The team at Boomstick Mechanic emphasizes their willingness to help with any job. Many gunowners today prefer to do work themselves or will build their own guns with the options they want. But Downer still sees the value of a gunsmith when needed, both for time and expertise. “It depends on the job. There are things like trigger work that we’re very careful about and also you wouldn’t want to do at home because how easy it is to make a major mistake,” Downer said. “When you get into stuff like over-under shotguns, it’s very intricate. When you get into things like revolvers and over-under shotguns, that stuff looks like a clockmaker was in there before you.” In addition to complexity, Downer also recognized that some hunters simply don’t have time to prepare their rifles for the hunting season. “We have guys that hunt every season of hunting there is and then they have kids, and they have jobs, and they don’t have time to clean them,” Downer said. “So, if you need us to clean your gun before hunting season, bring it in.” In Gillespie County, most guns brought into Boomstick Mechanic are hunting rifles. But they also see and work on a considerable number of handguns, which Downer himself really enjoys working with. Downer even pulled out a Schuetzen rifle, traditional to the German culture of Fredericksburg and used in competitions such as the annual Schuetzenfest. “These were made one at a time by German gunsmiths, made to order per customer,” Downer said as he pointed out the intricate woodwork of the custom stock. The local gun clubs in Gillespie County tell Downer that folks in the area take their gun

Mason Esse (left), Sam Jacobs and owner Jim Downer make up the team at Boomstick Mechanic, a gunsmith business ready to get any hunting rifle or gun in operating condition, ready for the hunting season. – Standard-Radio Post/Brent Burgess

Because hunting is such a common use for guns in the area, Downer and his team see and work on a lot of hunting rifles. When asked what types of hunting rifles are popular and effective in the Hill Country, both Downer and Esse emphasized that the range of options is wide. “Do you have the caliber adequate enough?” Esse mentioned is the most important question. “That’s a big spectrum. The caliber for a common hunter in the Hill Country would be the .243. It has been around a long time. It’s in almost every gun store. It’s small enough you’re not going to tear the animal apart, but it’s big enough to get the job done.” Esse mentioned rifles such as the 30-06 are popular with hunters who really want to knock something down. Esse has worked with youth hunting programs

Hill Country Hunting Guide 2023

in his hometown in South Texas, and emphasized how important it is to start with a rifle that matches the experience and age of the shooter. For Esse, age, size and gender matter in a young hunter. “The smaller the cartridge the easier it is to get into shooting,” Esse said. “Girls at a younger age shoot better. They don’t get ‘buck fever’ like boys do.” Downer added, “You get too much gun starting out, and then you don’t want to shoot it because it’s no fun to shoot.”

More than a gunsmith

As Boomstick Mechanic builds its customer base and reputation in the area, it hopes to provide other services beyond gunsmithing. As mentioned, Boomstick Mechanic hopes to eventually produce custom rifles. Additionally, Downer has a passion for responsible gun ownership and upholding the Second Amendment. “The Second Amendment for me has been very little about violence and very much about hunting and recreational shooting and just enjoying it,” Downer said, mentioning that he served in the military. Downer hopes to soon provide academic coursework on home protection and basic gun owner responsibility. “What I would really like to see, the future of this be that people learn how to own guns, store them responsibly, be safe with them,” Downer said. Downer said he hopes that Boomstick Mechanic can help gunowners with whatever their needs, no matter how big or small. He expressed gratitude for being in such a rich gunowner and hunting community. “Fredericksburg fortunately is a place where those values are still very esteemed,” Downer said about responsible gun ownership. “You know, we have women coming in here with their hunting rifles who are like, ‘Hey, I need this done.’ It’s great to be part of a community where people understand the value of that.” Boomstick Mechanic gunsmith Sam Jacobs specializes in hand checkering, the process of etching designs into wood gunstocks to help with grip and the beauty of the gun.

BOOMSTICK MECHANIC IS LOCATED AT 1500 U.S. 290 WEST, UNIT 1-C. FOR INFORMATION, OR TO SCHEDULE A REPAIR, CALL 940-435-2976.

Hill Country Hunting Guide 2023

FUEL

Waldos

DRINKS

Your one-stop-shopping grocery store ~ See us for your hunting needs! 23682 W US Hwy. 290 Harper, Texas 830-864-4040

GOOD LUCK to all the hunters out there!

2594 West US HWY 290 Fredericksburg, TX 78624 • (830) 997-5272

GUNS, KNIVES, AMMO, ACCES., COINS, JEWELRY, SURVIVAL, COLL.

See our gallery at

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DECEMBER 16 & 17, 2023

830-257-4486

416 Earl Garrett • Kerrville

Celebrating our 95th Year!

KAWASAKI CARES: Always wear protective gear appropriate for use of this vehicle. Never operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Protect the environment. The Kawasaki MULE™ Side x Side is an off-highway vehicle only, and is not designed, equipped or manufactured for use on public streets, roads or highways. Obey the laws and regulations that control the use of your vehicle. Read Owner’s Manual and all on product warnings. ©2019 Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. Printed in U.S.A.

Accessorized units shown

Since 1928

509 South Adams Fredericksburg, Texas 830-997-4382 www.stroeherandolfers.com – Serving the Hill Country since 1928 –

Hill Country Hunting Guide 2023

VAPO PROPANE Bottle Filling Station Lease Tanks & Sales Full Service Dealer

“Serving Gillespie & Surrounding Counties Since 1952”

997-2659 • Commercial • Residential • Agricultural

1.800.460.VAPO (8276) 1201 E. Main St. • Fredericksburg OPEN: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. MONDAY - FRIDAY ~~~ 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon SATURDAY EMAIL:

vapopropane@austin.rr.com WEBSITE:

www.vapo-propane.com

Hunters!

Photo policy for deer shots The Fredericksburg Standard-Radio Post has set guidelines for 2023-2024 hunting season photo submissions for print. To qualify for free publication, photos must meet the following criteria: • All animals pictured must be legally-harvested following all Texas regulations; • Either the animal or the hunter must be from Gillespie County; • Only the hunter who shot the deer may appear in the photo with the animal — no exceptions; • Each hunter may submit no more than one photo per season — no exceptions; • The animal’s entire carcass must be present and attached to the head. (No caped out or head-only/antler-only photos will be accepted.); • Pictures of does or spikes will not be accepted; During regular business hours — Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. — available staff photographers will take photos of those stopping in at the newspaper office, 712 West Main Street. (Such images are in digital format and reprints will be made available for purchase through the newspaper’s online site, found at: www.fredericksburgstandard.smugmug. com.)

Submit a photo

Hunters may submit color photographs by emailing original, unedited images as separate .jpg attachments to: fbgnews@ fredericksburgstandard.com. Digital submissions should be 300 pixels per inch or higher in resolution. Pictures of low resolution or otherwise poor quality in regard to lighting, framing and sharpness, will not be accepted. Photos printed on home printers and taken with older cell phones are generally not acceptable. Deer photo information needed for publication Complete and include the following information: 1. Name of the hunter and the city in which they live. 2. If the hunter is a youth, include his/her age, parents’ names and their cities of residence, if this was the hunter’s first buck and who was accompanying the youth while hunting. 3. Daytime contact phone number. 4. Specific location the deer was harvested (i.e. property or ranch name and general location in the county). 5. Time and date of the kill. 6. Number of points on the buck. (Newspaper staff will not be responsible for counting points, so that number must be provided before publication will take place.) 7. Measurements of the antlers, including width and height. 8. Field-dressed weight of the deer, if available. All photos from the 2023-2024 season will be published no later than the Feb. 7, 2024 issue of the newspaper.

Hill Country Hunting Guide 2023

Sunrise, sunsets for the 2023-2024 hunting season The times given below are the general times of sunrise and sunset for Gillespie County, Texas, for the general hunting season (in the northern zone) — Nov. 4, 2023 through Jan. 7, 2024. Texas is in the Central Standard Time Zone.

Nov. 4, 2023-Jan. 7, 2024 Day

A.M. Rise

P.M. Set

7:51 6:51 6:52 6:53 6:54 6:55 6:55 6:56 6:57 6:58 6:59 7:00 7:00 7:01 7:02 7:03 7:04 7:05 7:05 7:06 7:07 7:08 7:09 7:09 7:10 7:11 7:12

6:47 5:46 5:45 5:44 5:44 5:43 5:42 5:42 5:41 5:41 5:40 5:40 5:40 5:39 5:38 5:38 5:38 5:37 5:37 5:37 5:36 5:36 5:36 5:36 5:36 5:36 5:36

7:13 7:13 7:14

5:36 5:35 5:36

NOVEMBER 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 DECEMBER 1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

7:15 7:16 7:17 7:17 7:18 7:19 7:19 7:20 7:21 7:21 7:22 7:23 7:23 7:24 7:24 7:25 7:26 7:26 7:27 7:27 7:27 7:28 7:28 7:29 7:29 7:29 7:30 7:30

5:36 5:36 5:36 5:36 5:36 5:36 5:36 5:37 5:37 5:37 5:37 5:38 5:38 5:39 5:39 5:39 5:40 5:40 5:41 5:41 5:42 5:42 5:43 5:44 5:44 5:45 5:46 5:46

7:30 7:31 7:31 7:31 7:31 7:31 7:32

5:47 5:48 5:49 5:49 5:50 5:51 5:52

JANUARY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Hill Country Hunting Guide 2023

Theodore Roosevelt, Leonard Wood and Alexander O. Brodie sitting in front of their camp tents in San Antonio in 1898. – Library of Congress photo

Teddy Roosevelt bags javelinas in Texas For two days, Uvalde rancher John Moore and the future President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, rode the banks of the Edwards Plateau in an unsuccessful search for javelina in 1892. The weather was especially hot and dry in the area surrounding the Frio River in April 1892. Long stretches had dried to nothing more than coarse gravel beds. What sections of riverbed that did hold water contained few, if any, fish. Even the shade from the numerous cypress, live oak and pecan trees along the river seemed void of life. Only the distant and occasional songs of mockingbirds hinted at something stirring. On the morning of the third day, the duo

rode seven hours to an area on the Nueces River that Moore felt would offer better hunting opportunities. There, they met a rancher who offered to guide Moore and Roosevelt. He supplied the hunting party with fresh horses and a pack of dogs. Although the new guide had plenty of confidence in his dogs, he admitted that he had lent his best hunting dog to a Mexican goatherder who lived some five miles away. If they wanted the best javelina dog in the area, they’d have to retrieve him in the morning. The decision having been made, all involved left early the next morning. At dawn they rode south, again skirting the river,

Hill Country Hunting Guide 2023

to the goat-herder’s home. This stretch of river proved more beautiful than the section Moore and Roosevelt had seen the day before. The normally shallow river gave way to deep pools of huge lilies and even larger alligator gar. Numerous species of bird darted in and out of thick stands of huge pecans. It was deep within one of these massive clumps of pecans that they found the goat-herder’s home. The goat herder’s wife said she believed her husband was out hunting and that if the men rode the surrounding area, they were sure to find him. Still wanting the dog they’d come for, the men mounted up and rode on. Within a few hours, they had found the herder, retrieved the dog, and begun making their way to an area high above the river where the javelina hunting was said to be best. Away from the river the topography changed dramatically. Thick thorn-covered mesquite was clumped along with prickly pear as high as a man’s head when mounted on horseback. Spanish bayonets and numerous species of cacti littered the ground, covering it like a carpet. It seemed as though everything except the soil itself was covered in thorns or briars. The vegetation was so bad that after following several false trails that the dogs had excitedly chased, the men had to take time out to remove clumps of thorns from their hands, arms and legs. After a discouraging afternoon, the men had all but given up hope when five javelina were suddenly spotted in a small opening in the mesquite. The dogs lunged forward in pursuit. At the first sighting, the men spurred their mounts

ahead. Moore was almost on top of a javelina when his horse winced in pain. He turned to see a sow ambling in and out of his horse’s legs, slashing and biting. Seeing his friend in trouble, Roosevelt jumped from his horse, shouldered his rifle and fired. The sow dropped flat, its spine completely severed. His horse free from danger, Moore spurred after the javelina he’d been forced to cease chasing moments earlier. Roosevelt remounted and followed. The men sped forward, following a narrow trail through a maze of thorns. The javelina was waiting on them. Having reached the end of the trail, the javelina turned to charge. Moore pulled his rifle from its scabbard and pulled off a quick shot. Shot in mid-charge the animal plowed into the earth and fell over dead. Hearing some of the dogs howl in the distance, Roosevelt turned to chase down the commotion. He dug his heels deep into his horse’s flanks, pushing harder and harder in an attempt to beat the fading light. Riding into a small opening of short grass and cactus, Roosevelt came upon three dogs and a large boar flailing violently in a tangled mess. The sounds of commotion jumped in pitch as the boar ripped into one of the dogs, its tusks cutting through flesh with the speed of “castanets.” Roosevelt rode into the middle of the terror and shot straight down into the boar, killing it instantly with a shot through its backbone. That night, Roosevelt relived his hunt over and over, telling and retelling of his taking two javelina. He said he loved the hunt and enjoyed his entire stay in Texas and hoped to return someday soon.

By Gayne C. Young

We sell 16 lb. Bag or 20 lb. Bulk Ice and Filtered Water. You get “Twice the Ice” for Half the Price as Convenience & Grocery Stores Come Visit our Location at: 716 S. Washington St., Fredericksburg, TX (In Parking Lot of the Alon Gas Station on Hwy. 87 South)

Hours: 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week Service: Ice & Water Vending Machine

Hill Country Hunting Guide 2023

After the Hunt

After a long day in the field, hunters can wind down, stretch their legs and enjoy music and eats in town. Following a morning out in the fields, there are several breakfast spots to grab a cup of Joe and a full plate in Fredericksburg and across the county. Post-day hunt, there are a variety of activities and shows to enjoy — open on both weeknights and weekends. The Fredericksburg Standard-Radio Post features a weekly list compiled by the Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau of live music in the “Stages” section of SCENE in the newspaper. The following is a list of some of the go-to spots in town to kick back at:

Morning digs Texas Sunrise From 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day, Texas Sunrise serves up hearty breakfasts and lunches alongside a long list of morning spirits. While you’re there, staple a dollar bill to the ceiling and have a chance to win them all at the end of the year. Hill Top Café Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday for brunch beginning at 11 a.m., this Hill Country classic menu includes huevos rancheros, blueberry pancakes and Benedicts in the morning, and Texas chili, gumbo and crawfish and fresh meats in the evening, Thursday through Sunday.

The Fredericksburg Theater Company The company hosts the third annual Texas Hill Country Cowboy Gathering on Nov. 3-4. The two-day festival of song, story, poetry and art features internationally acclaimed, regional and local talent. Songwriters, poets, balladeers and artists will celebrate the legend and cowboy spirit in everyone. Tickets are available through the theater’s website. Rockbox Theater The theater, located “99 steps off Main Street,” is a 392-seat indoor venue. It offers a wide variety of live music, bands and tribute shows. Throughout hunting season are a slew of performances, including SongwriterTX, a live recording of music and conversations with artists from across the state. Tickets for this and other events can be purchased at rockboxtheater.thundertix.com. Luckenbach Texas Enjoy live outdoor music and a cold beer in historic Luckenbach Texas, located eight miles southeast of Fredericksburg. Call 830-997-3224 for more information. Fredericksburg Ghost Tours Take a ghost tour with Fredericksburg Ghost Tours and learn the histories of the town. Information can be found at fredericksburgghosts. com.

Evening gigs Hondo’s on Main Take friends and family to enjoy a large menu, live music and a full bar at Hondo’s on Main, located at 312 W. Main St. Call 830-997-1633 to see who is playing.

Hunters can also … • • • • •

Buy propane supplies at Vapo Propane, 1201 E. Main St. Stock up on deer corn and other hunting supplies at Allied Ag, 255 Loring Street, Stonewall. Get hunting licenses, guns, ammo and camping supplies at Biedermann’s Ace Hardware, 1102 E. Main St., Ste. B or 830-997-7611. Enjoy fresh meats, cheeses and sandwiches or pick up sausage-making supplies at Dutchman’s Market, Inc. at 1609 E. Main St. Experience a gun show by Texas Gun and Knife Shows at the Gillespie County Fair Grounds.

Hill Country Hunting Guide 2023

Volunteer hunting guides show kids how to handle firearms while at Camp Gene Ashby at Mason. – Submitted photo

A day in the life of

Operation Orphans hunts Operation Orphans, Inc. has taken kids who are appointed ranches. wards of the State of Texas deer hunting since 1960. Individuals, who volunteer to act as guides, Over 19,000 boys and girls, from child residential complete a Hunter Safety Course and a background facilities and foster homes across Texas, have check. participated. “Guides share the love and knowledge they “My daddy always said there was nothing better have of hunting and of the outdoors,” Crouch said. than being in deer camp. “Harvesting an animal is not The camaraderie, stories, the goal of this program. HUNT DATES FOR THE 2023-24 some even true; just “Getting these youngsters the whole experience, outdoors is the main idea. OPERATION ORPHANS EVENTS ARE: is something special,” Successfully harvesting an SATURDAY, NOV. 18, BOYS’ HUNT; said Lyla Crouch, camp animal is just the icing on SATURDAY, DEC. 9, BOYS’ HUNT; supervisor. “Those of the cake.” SATURDAY, JAN. 13, 2024, BOYS’ HUNT; us privileged to have The kids and their house MLD HUNT SATURDAY, FEB. 3, 2024, BOYS’ HUNT. experienced the entire deer parents or sponsors arrive camp thing so often take at Camp Gene Ashby, south it for granted. We’ve done of Mason, on the Friday it for years. There are many who have not had the evening prior to their agreed upon hunt date. chance. There are many who will never have the The groups sign in and the kids attend an chance.” orientation and safety meeting. This includes Early Saturday morning, the kids wake to information on what is available to them at the breakfast and then travel with their guides to the camp, expected behavior, and outline of the hunting

Hill Country Hunting Guide 2023

experience, how to safely handle a firearm, etc. “The kids are taken to the Clothing Room where they get gloves, a toboggan and other clothing they can keep. Operation Orphans also gives each child a new pair of hiking boots to ensure they have proper footwear for hunting,” Crouch said. “For many kids, these are the first boots they have ever owned.” The boys and girls are in the system for many reasons: They made bad choices and got into trouble. Their parents made bad choices. Their caregivers may have serious health conditions and can’t care for the kids. The reasons are endless, according to Crouch. “The groups spend the entire day in the field,” she said. “Kids and guides that are strangers in the morning, come back with many stories to tell. They make bonds that often last for years.” Operation Orphans furnishes sack lunches for the hunting groups during the hunt.

Hunting locations needed

Operation Orphans is needing additional ranches

to take kids hunting at and individuals to serve as guides. Landowners or lease hunters from areas surrounding Mason County allow these kids to hunt. The ranchers use this program as a way to harvest excess game. During drought situations, it is a good management tool to harvest deer so they will not suffer due to less food available. “Some ranches allow the harvesting of management bucks,” said Crouch. “It is totally up to the landowner what animals will be available to hunt. Ranches are able to have their own guides but must still complete the background check.” The meat from these hunts is used in the homes or is used in various outreach programs. The kids learn how to field dress an animal and often help quarter the deer once they return to camp. People who would like to volunteer to be a guide or who would like to offer their land for hunting may sign up at www.operationorphans.org or call Lyla and Jerry Crouch at 325-347-6745.

Target practice at Operation Orphans gives kids the confidence to go after bigger game. – Submitted photo

Construction, Inc. CUSTOM HOMES • RESTORATIONS Family Owned & Operated by David, Cathy, Kevin and Keith Curl

(830) 997-9397

1798 S. Hwy 87 • FREDERICKSBURG curlsconst@ctesc.net

Hill Country Hunting Guide 2023

Wild boars:

Combination bulldozer and garbage disposal By Gayne C. Young

Feral hogs have been in Texas so long and are so prolific that most people forget that they’re not indigenous to the state. There are an estimated two million feral hogs in Texas and even Texas Parks and Wildlife Department admits this number is probably on the low end. Hogs are second only to whitetails in terms of game hunted in the state. In Texas, feral hogs are of a mixed lineage. They are descendants of escaped European domesticated hogs, as well as European wild hogs released for sport hunting by early settlers, wrote Del Weniger in The Explorers’ Texas: Volume 2. In 1836, Jose Enrique de la Pena noted: “Today we camped at Tejocote Creek, having traveled 14 miles; the pigs found at this place were as big as a five- or six-month’s calf.” With erect dorsal hair that resembles a mohawk, sharp, protruding tusks and an almost indestructible hide, many argue that Russian boars must be included in the mix somewhere, as well. While this matter is highly contested, in Texas the term “Russian” has become a synonym for hogs with these characteristics. Feral hogs roam throughout the state, inhabiting almost every type of topography, but seem to be most prolific in the eastern and southern portions of the state, according to the TPWD. Regardless of

where they live, evidence of their existence is easy to find due to the destruction they leave in their path. Hogs are a combination of bulldozer and garbage disposal. They will eat almost anything, including crops, browse, forbs, roots, fruit, small animals and carrion. They can destroy fields by rooting for food or by creating shallow depressions called wallows. They can eliminate such ground-nesting species as quail and turkeys from an area by destroying nests and nesting sites and can destroy fences traveling to their next destination. Hogs in Texas vary in weight and height due to the numerous bloodlines and breeds in the mix but most stand at or around less than 40 inches and weigh between 100 to 300 pounds. Hogs of between 400 to 700 pounds are not unheard of, although the latter is fairly rare. With such large size, razor type tusks, and an unstoppable tenacity, hog hunting in Texas can be an extremely exciting — or nerve racking — undertaking. Some hunters compound the rush by hunting with dogs and either handgun or knife (yes, knife). For those not looking for quite as much excitement, hunting from stands, over water holes, or by spot and stalk are the most common methods, according to by David J. Schmidly, who wrote The Mammals of Texas.

Hill Country Hunting Guide 2023

DITTMAR LUMBER WELCOME HUNTERS! Come see us for all your hunting needs:

• Building Materials • All Season Feeders & Acc. • Hardware • Deer Corn • Plumbing/Electrical • Ranch Supplies Young is a Fredericksburg resident and avid outdoorsman whose work appears in the Standard-Radio Post, Rock & Vine magazine, and other outdoor publications. Contact him at gayne@gaynecyoung.com.

1776 S. Hwy. 87 Fredericksburg, TX

830-997-0322

Welcome to Stonewall, Hunters! ALLIED AG.

Alfalfa Hay, Deer Corn, Blocks & Protein Located at 255 Loring St., Stonewall, TX - 830-644-2411 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. - noon ~ www.alliedagservices.com

BURG’S CORNER

Peach preserves, peach cider pecans, sweets, pickled okra, salsas, grilling marinades and sauces & more. Located at 15194 US Hwy. 290 E., Stonewall, TX - 830-644-2604

Hundreds of specialty foods to stock the cabin or take home!

Fall/Winter hours: Thursday-Monday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. • www.burgscorner.com

Hope you bag the BIG ONE this season!

Hill Country Hunting Guide 2023

Full Service Auto and Truck Center

619 East Main Fredericksburg, TX 830-997-9359

Open M-F, 8am-5pm Tue. & Thur., 8am-5:30pm Sat. 9am to Noon

rs for Hunte ungry the H accepted n veniso

Fam

ily

Serv Owned & ing Ope t r of th he Hun ated t Hill e Texas ers C o for o u ver ntry 40 Y ears

Deer Processing & Storage

Jerky, Smoked Sausage, Dried Sausage, Breakfast Sausage, Summer Sausage, Italian Sausage, Salami and BuckStix, Bratwurst

(each order individually processed and vacuum sealed)

Beef & Turkey Jerky - Smoked Meats

ICE – BREAD – SOFT DRINKS CHEESES and SANDWICH MEAT

“You can’t forget memories.”

-Hondo Crouch

Rabke’s Deer Processing

4 miles W. of Hwy. 16 N on 3875 Eckert Road follow signs - or 5 miles E. off Ranch Road 965

830-685-3266 817-395-3881

www.rabkes.com • s.rabke@yahoo.com

FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS

312 W. Main 997-1633 www.HondosOnMain.com

RANCH ROADS BUILT & MAINTAINED!

Hill Country Hunting Guide 2023

Locally Owned and Operated • FREE Estimates

HILL COUNTRY CHIP SEAL Decorative Colors & Local References Available Specializing in:

• Hot Mix Asphalt

• Private & New Roads

• Road Base

• Repairs/Reconditioning

• Chip Seal

• Driveways

• Parking Lots

•NEW or EXISTING Roads

830-998-0206 Owner’s cell

Hill Country Hunting Guide 2023

INVEST IN LAND, HARVEST THE REWARDS

P R IME H UN TI N G G ROU N DS AWAIT.

V I S TA G R A N D E R A N C H | 43 4 ± AC R E S | H A R P E R , T X

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CHERRY MOUNTAIN RANCH | 303± ACRES | COMFORT, TX

At Texas Ranch Realty, we blend the thrill of the hunt with the foresight of investment. Every acre we present is more than just a hunting ground; it’s an opportunity, a legacy, and a tangible asset that appreciates over time. Born from a deep appreciation for the outdoors and a keen understanding of real estate potential, our curated selection showcases lands teeming with game and investment promise. Beyond the calls of nature and the allure of the hunt, find a property that yields returns season after season. Delve deeper and explore some of our most prime hunting properties below, each a testament to nature’s bounty and investment wisdom.

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