46 Outdoors Adventure Files: Whitetail FAIL and What I Learned

Take a kid HUNTING!
Photo: Chris Carson

Usually, my final hunt of deer season is an annual hunt with my brother, his in-laws, and a few of his friends.  We share stories and pictures, eat some incredible meals, catch up with each other, and enjoy fellowship with family and friends.  Almost secondarily, we hunt, we kill, and we process much of the meat that will become meals for our families and friends.

I say secondarily, but in reality, this is a high fenced ranch under MLD permits, and we are there to do a job.  We are usually tasked with shooting does to keep the herd in balance and occasionally, we get a "hit list" of certain deer that need to be removed because of poor genetics or some other reason. Aside from the food, friends, family, and fellowship, we get to see some magnificent deer.

The last few years, for differing reasons, I have only been able to make it down for a day or even just an evening hunt.  This past season was no exception to that as I arrived about 2:30 on Friday afternoon and had to get back for something (probably baseball) on Saturday morning.

I met the guys at the skinning rack where they were finishing boning out a few deer shot the night before.  Once that was done, we headed back to the bunkhouse and began preparing for the evening hunt and getting an idea on where everyone was going to hunt.

My brother had asked his father-in-law (the land owner) about a buck he had seen that morning.  He was an 8 point that had been fighting and had broken off all his points on one side. The decision was made to take this deer out if it was seen.  I was also told to shoot a 6 point that had long hair and it's tongue was hanging out if I had a shot.

I was set up in a blind with an oat patch to the southwest, and a sendero to the northwest.  The wind was blowing from the south east.  It was early to mid January in South Texas a couple weeks or so post-rut.  A young buck came out shortly after I was dropped off to feed on the corn dropped in the road as my ride left to drop someone else.

About an hour later, with the young buck still eating, a few yearlings and young bucks came out down the sendero near the feeder.  I watched them for a good 20 minutes or so when a few more bucks started showing up, one of which was a buck that had a main beam with all three broken tines on the right and 4 points on the left.  I texted my brother to let him know what I was seeing and whether this was the deer he was talking about.  We decided that this deer was much younger than the one he had seen and passed.

I settled into watching the deer I couldn't shoot, when a big deer came to the feeder.  This was one of the group of deer known as "The Bubbas".  I had a great view of this deer through my binoculars.  I wanted to get a good picture of it, but all I had was my iPhone.  At 100 yards, a zoomed in photo was grainy and the deer looked small.  Without the zoom, this big bruiser looked like an ant with a bush on it's head.  I really do need to invest in a good camera!

As the evening wore on, the bucks all slowly left the sendero and a whole herd of does and yearlings
started showing up in the oats.  I quickly began to try to track which ones had fawns and which ones didn't.  As more and more deer showed up, it became increasingly more difficult to tell does from button bucks.  I noticed a deer on it's own on the south side of the pasture.  I looked her over and decided this was an old doe with no fawns making her a great candidate.  The way the blind was oriented, I put my rifle through the window on my left and set up for that shot.  I put the cross hairs on the old doe and waited for her to turn broadside.  As I was waiting, I was continually looking out the window that was in front of me to check on the rest of the herd to make sure I wasn't getting busted by them.

What seemed like an eternity later, I glanced out that window and saw something weird.  I did a double take.  My rifle still hanging out the window to my left, I brought my binoculars up and looked over the stock to see if I could identify this deer.  The best way I can describe it is that it looked like a miniature elk.  It was the strangest thing.  It had long hair on it's neck and shoulders; maybe a little reddish or brindle in color.

I moved my rifle from one window to the other.  Immediately, I began looking for a tongue that was hanging out.  The sun was beginning to set behind an overcast sky and while it looked up, I saw something dangling from it's mouth.  I couldn't be sure it was his tongue though and it gave me pause.  I kept looking.

I confirmed 6 points and was thinking this had to be the freak of nature they were describing.  I kept looking for the tongue to confirm the three characteristics I was given.  As my scope actually gathers more light than my bino's do, I was looking through the scope to confirm this deer's identity.  This deer must have had it's head down between rows for a good 5 minutes at a time.  Finally, he looked up and I saw that tongue just dangling out of the side of it's mouth.  This was a "hit list buck".  I was ready.  I settled into a comfortable position and waited for this deer to give me a good shot. When it did, I squeezed the trigger.

Take another kid HUNTING!
Photo: Chris Carson

The deer jumped forward, turned around and began running across the field.  I knew something didn't seem right.  I watched as this deer high tailed it across the pasture expecting it to crash or stop and keel over.  About 1/2 way across the field, I realized that wasn't going to happen.  I had already racked another shell, because I make it a habit to do so for just this situation, but I lost the angle on him and had to pull the rifle out of one window and put it back in the other.  I got back on him just in time to see him jump the fence and disappear into the brush.

I got down and went looking for blood or hair or any sign that my bullet made contact with the freak of nature, but sadly... I MISSED!

I couldn't believe it.  I don't miss very often.  In fact, I can't remember the last time I flat out missed an animal altogether.  I've mad some bad shots before and had to track them a ways, but I don't think I ever remember a flat out miss since I was a kid trying to shoot my first deer.

I have waited several months to write this, because I wanted to confirm my suspicions.  I recently took a trip to the range and confirmed my theorey.

That day, when I was getting ready, I realized as I was loading my rifle that I had two different rounds for that caliber.  I knew I had only bought one box of ammo.  It took me about a week or so to remember that a friend had found a box of Nossler bullets he knew I liked and bought them for me.  They were a different grain than what I had sighted in with and as such I put the box away in my gun case.  I guess I must have left a few in my backpack though and they mad their way into the pocket I keep where I keep my ammo.  One was longer and one was shorter.  I guess I picked the wrong one, Because the other shell I had in my hand that day hit the bullseye at 100 yards.

I was disappointed that I missed, but I always try to learn something from my mistakes.  My lesson here is to always check your packs, keep them organized and store your equipment properly.  It's a pain to pack and unpack every time you go, but a little extra time spent packing and unpacking won't be too painful.  I for one, assume that I have what I need in my backpack, because I never unpack it. Several years ago, I scouted the morning of opening day of rifle season because I went to the blind a left my magazine and shells at camp.  The fact of the matter is you don't know if it's there unless you pack it yourself... and even then it's sketchy at best (at least for me anyway)!  

 

10 Whitetail Strategies You Can Apply To Hunting Bass

A few weeks ago, I posted about my indecisiveness when it comes to hunting and fishing.  Check it out here: Hunting or Fishing? Happy I Can't Decide!  Basically, it asked the question as to why some hunters don't like to fish and some fishermen don't like to hunt.  It is truly mind boggling to me because quite simply, I view fishing as hunting for fish.  Today, I'm going to prove it by outlining 10 tips we all use to locate Whitetail Deer that will work for Largemouth Bass.

Creek Beds... Years ago, I hunted on a lease with a guy who had a feeder right off the creek bed.  He called it the "game highway".  Just like deer and other game travel the trails that follow a creek or river to look for a crossing, bass hold on structure changes under water like the drop off into a river channel or creek bed.

Fence Lines... Often, fence lines provide deer cover and browse in the trees and bushes along these fences and wide open escape routes in any direction.  For bass, a row or clump of standing timber near deep water will provide a feeding opportunity and ambush points with deep water nearby for their own escape routes. Abandoned fence posts from an old fence that extends below the water line will also serve as something for a bass to orient itself and ambush bait fish.

Funnels...  Places where large wooded areas neck down to an exposed or semi-exposed "crossing" of some sort between bedding areas, food sources, and water sources, or river, creek, or road crossings and the like are often thought of as funnels.  When I fish in rivers, I look for funnels in currents that bring bait fish to an ambush point, like a flow through that sucks water out of a large pool, a smaller creek that empties into a river or an eddy. On lakes, look for places where a wind driven current will drive plankton and bait fish into ambush areas.

Points... Wooded areas or brush that extends out into a field to make a point of sorts, will sometimes serve as a funnel or a look out.  This is an area where deer can gain a great vantage point to look for movement from predators that may be waiting.  Underwater, bass use points that extend out into deeper water to ambush their bait.

Maps... This is a great way to scout for fish. Yes, you read that right... I said scout for fish.  I typically use Google Earth and Navionics to scout areas I want to pick apart. Much like using maps to identify potential bedding areas, feeding areas, water sources, to find funnels, creeks, and crossings, you can use these maps to look for features under water, standing timber, creek and river channels, flats, and points.  Arial views such as Google Earth will also give you an idea of surface vegetation and surrounding bank vegetation. Lots of trees may represent stump fields or standing timber close by.  When going to a new lake, it's always good to study maps to gain a little intel so you have an idea where to start.

Screen shots of Google Earth depicting a low lake level
exposing a usually under water hump and what points really
look like below the surface. Source: Google Earth

*Hint: using the history function in Google Earth as shown above to view lower lake levels that will reveal bottom features or humps you won't otherwise see is a great way to look get some good informtion. I have studied maps of this lake since I was a kid, and fished all over it, but never realized that hump was there until recently. I bet it holds fish.

Setting Up Down Wind... This strategy is a must when deer hunting.  While bass aren't going to smell
you, setting up down wind is an advantage when fishing a point.  Like we talked about earlier, a wind driven current will blow plankton and bait fish across that point and bass will patrol or orient to structure along ledges to hide and ambush their prey.  This means you will be casting into the wind which can be problematic, but it makes for a great presentation when you can make it happen.  Keep your casts low and use a heavier bait if you can.  Sometimes, you just have to deal with the backlashes. If there is a river current in the lake, position yourself downstream and cast upstream to start with, then work all angles of the point.

Orange Scented Deer Corn Photo:
Chris Carson

Scent use... Another strange parallel between deer hunting and bass fishing.  Hunters will often use scent as an attractant. Whether it is a scent added to grain like the Orange Corn we sell at Twisted Oak, or Top Secret Deer Scent, that bottles deer urine.  Bass will also follow a scent.  The use of scented soft plastics and scent sprays or dips has become wildly popular in an attempt to land that big bass.  Years ago, when I dipped snuff, we used to spit on our live, cut, or artificial baits for luck.  It seemed to work, so we kept doing it.  Rage Tails now come coffee scented... Who knows!?!

Reel Clean Hand Sanitizer
Photo: Bite Club Soap

Scent Control... A key factor in success for both whitetail and bass.  While fish may seem to like coffee and snuff, one can assume they shy away from many of the things we deal with on a day to day basis, like oil, gasoline,and other chemicals we come in contact with such as those that might be in our personal hygeine products.  Also, in catch and release situations, it's can't good for them. My friend and 5x3 pro staffer Bryan Taylor who also owns Bite Club Soap has developed a line of all natural soaps, and personal hygeine products that are geared toward the fisherman. Reel Clean Hand Sanitizer is a great product for removing that chemical smell and cutting the oil.  Check out the entire product line at www.biteclubsoap.com.




Stealth... A stealthy approach is just as important to catching fish as it is to deer hunting.  Boats that are banging around timber, motors, heavy foot steps on the deck or the bank, slamming lids, shadows and debris falling into the water will scare fish away just as easily as dropping your binoculars in the blind.  The only difference is they won't show you that white tail swinging back and forth or stomp and blow as the leave the area.  They will quickly and quietly leave the area or head for deeper water and you will sit there fishing for them for the next 30 minutes with out a bite.  Big bass boats are a great way to cover lots of water, but the stealthy qualities of a kayak can't be beat.

Unfair Lures available at Twisted Oak
Photo: Chris Carson

Rattling... Rattling up bucks is a proven way to bring the deer in close.  Have you ever heard of a Rat L Trap? Rattles have been a part of the fisherman's arsenal for quite some time now because they work. Throw an Unfair Rip N Slash or a Dawgwalker... The fish will most certainly find it.

As you can clearly see here, many of the same tactics work for both fish and deer.  Many times for different reasons, but I think that is because one is a predator and one is not.  But, does a mountain lion not lie in wait for it prey in places the prey is known to travel?  Do we as hunters not do the same thing with stand placement?  Are we not predators ourselves?

Deer travel together at times and separately at others. Just like many fish school at times and roam at others.  One thing is for sure, Where you find one fish, you will often find more, because whether there is a school there or not, something attracted that fish to the cover you were fishing.  You can usually bet that the same thing that attracted the first fish will attract the next.  However, always remember that the variables play a role too.  It's always a good idea to evaluate the conditions and apply that knowledge to the situation to have a chance at predicting when fish might be holding on that particular piece of cover again.

Crotch Pot Chili Anyone?

In one of my typical fishing shorts.... I wish
this was my typical fish!

This morning, I woke up to a message on Facebook Messenger from a friend that asked what I wear when I wade fish. Here is the message: 

"What do you wear (shorts) when wade fishing? Swim suits chafe where the webbing hits on my legs so I tried compression shorts under my PFG fishing shorts. After 2 days on the water I had the worst rash, probably from constantly being wet in my marble sack. Suggestions???"

As I'm pretty sure it has to be some sort of "Man Code Violation" to let this go unanswered or even be slow in answering, I quickly answered his question and I am going to do the same here today in hopes of helping anyone else avoid this unfortunate situation I like to call Crotch Pot Chili.  

First, before the big reveal, I will say that everyone has their own personal issues and hygeine aside, our bodies have differing physiologies. What works for one person may not work for the rest of us.  

It seems that our bodies were designed in a manner that makes it quite easy for all the sweat our upper bodies produce to head south and and congregate in one specific area. When Adam reached for the fig leaf, the first case of jock itch was born. When we wear underwear, it seems to collect all the sweat and nastiness that our bodies produce. Add to that skin allergies and chaffing... It can be downright unpleasant.

So how do I avoid that most unpleasant journey home from a fishing trip with a 5 Alarm case of Crotch Pot Chili?

First, I use an Under Armour Boxerjock, here is a link:

https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/mens/apparel/underwear/bottoms?lsg=a02715f4-0961-4c27-b968-de0b44fc94a5

This Boxerjock has a woven panel that wicks out moisture in all the right places.  A little research this morning revealed that they now have them in versions that will help you stay warm or cool.... I may need to investigate this more thoroughally come deer season!  Maybe it's time for a new pair! I have worn other off brand compression type underwear and had issues, but the UA Boxerjock has always performed well for me.  

As far as fishing shorts go, I like to wear the rip stop fabric shorts that are very loose fitting and do not have a "swim trunk style" mesh liner.  Many people will wear pants to wade fish in to protect from both the sun and jelly fish.  Alas, I am a shorts guy.  At least I will be until I get whacked by a jelly fish!  I usually buy Columbia or Magellan, but while looking at the UA website this morning, I noticed that they have Performance Cargo Shorts that I might give a try.  The main thing to look for in a pair of fishing shorts in my opinion, is loose fitting and quick drying lightweight material.

Photo: Chris Castro  Next Level Fishing TV

I'm sure there are those out there that go "cowboy style" or "commando" in an attempt to avoid this most unfortunate situation.  What do you do?  Infact, as I am just recently beginning to pursue kayak fishing, let's hear from the yakers out there... How do you handle this situation?  I would guess that what would work for wade fishing would work for a kayak fishing, but maybe I'm wrong!  And what about the women... Do women have these issues or something different?  How do you deal with it?


Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook page. 

Adventure Files: Falcon Lake, Port Isabel, & Some Advice on Hooking Yourself

Earlier this week, I watched and episode of Kayak Bassin on YouTube where the Host, Chad Hoover used a pair of pliers to bury a treble hook in his thigh in order to demonstrate a hook removal technique. Check out the clip on the right.

This reminded me of a couple trips I took with my brother, Chuck.  The last of which was in 1989.  This was my "Happy Graduation" fishing trip to Falcon Lake.  He had taken me there once before when I was still in middle school and he was in college. 

On the first trip, we fished from an old wooden ski boat that Chuck converted to a bass boat by decking over the 2 bench seats that ran across the boat and served as a rib of sorts (I'm sure there is a marine term for this) for a rear deck.  He added a cooler that was hemmed in by 2x4's fastened to the decking and strapped down.  This would be our fish box.   

The boat probably looked something
like this at some point during it's life.
Photo: Pinterest

The bow of this boat was was nothing but a wood top that probably held a windshield and horns or something at some point, but was long gone by now.  It was now outfitted with a foot controlled trolling motor and a pedestal seat to fish from. A pedestal seat in the rear and a Lowrance dial type depthfinder finished off the early eighties fishing package the vessel had forced upon it in an attempt to convert it to a bass boat.  That gives new meaning to "fish 'n ski".  As I saw my friend Tod Johnson comment on a Facebook post the other day, "Whole lot of redneckery went into that there vessel..."  I can't think of a better way to say it!  (Tod you may have just coined a phrase... I know I'm stealing it.)

When we got there the first day, we fished the late afternoon and slept in the truck at the boat ramp.  Can you imagine doing that at Falcon Lake today... No thanks! (Not even I want to fish that bad.) When we woke up at day break, we headed to the boat which we had beached near the ramp and tied off the night before.  The boat was surrounded by what had to be 50-100 Water Moccasins.  They were all swimming around and striking at the boat.  It was one of the weirdest things I have ever seen.  To this day, I have no idea what that was all about.  They weren't there when we beached and tied off, that's for sure.  Just weird! 

We fished the morning and went back to the boat ramp and checked into a little motel at lunch time.  Then we headed out to fish the evening again.  We did well that trip.  This is where I began learning about points and structure and I remember seeing schools of White Bass erupting on the surface.  We fished our points and structure and chased schooling White Bass for a couple days.  I remember an old woman bank fishing with a tandem rig pulling in two fish at a time from those schools.  

A stringer of fish caught in the old wood boat.
Photo: Chuck Crowsey

As I was learning to fish a Texas rigged worm offshore in some deeper water, Chuck got a backlash and he
was doing his best to keep the boat in position and work out that backlash.  Being about 12 years old at the time, I had no idea what I was doing fishing a hump or something below the surface I couldn't see.  I just began casting and reeling and my "squirrel moments" were serving to do nothing but further frustrate Chuck who was already a little edgy from dealing with his backlash.  He kept telling me to fish "over there" and pointed to a spot in what seemed like the middle of the ocean.  As I looked out at a featureless body of water where there was nothing different within casting distance, I made a few more casts back where he told me to again.  A few "squirrel moments" later I was casting off the back of the boat again when I got a bite. I reeled this one in and it turned out to be a 4 or 5 lber.  The best fish of the trip so far.  We were about to head in for lunch, but Chuck had a renewed interest in catching fish now, so we stayed out a few more hours.

At some point, we went to Harlingen, TX to visit my brother's dad.  After a day of working on the motor, we took that old boat out to the causeway at Port Isabel at night.  I remember taking several trips to the coast and fishing with my family over the years.  I don't think I ever caught anything other than Hard Heads.  This trip must have been when I caught my first speck.  We got into them pretty good that night.  I remember catching a small fish of some sort, I left it hooked and threw it back out.  Neither Chuck nor I can remember how big it was, but it was another big fish.  I remember somebody caught a big ray too.

On the second trip, we did much of the same as it was the same time of year.  We had a much better boat this time as we were in a new Champion bass boat. A beautiful red and silver glitter rocket with a big motor.  I remember my brother saying "Tomorrow we'll go check out the other side of the lake.  The Mexico side."  As I had just graduated from high school and one of my second semester senior year "blow off" classes was Wildlife Management, I asked "Do we have a reciprocal license agreement with Mexico?"  His answer was "No, but we have a boat that will do 70."

We were pounding points and such with a fire tiger crankbait when I snagged a tree.  I started popping my line trying to knock it off.  It finally came shooting back at me like a rocket.  I stood up as high as I could and did my best imitation of a ballerina on her toes while also trying to spread my legs to let the projectile get through when it caught me.  As this was during the eighties and I was wearing my football shorts (much shorter than today's shorts, it got me about 3" below the crotch on the inside of my right thigh. An experience I would never forget.

The treble hook penetrated in and out without getting a whole lot of meat.  I looked at chuck who was otherwise occupied and said "Uhhhh, Chuck, I have a little problem here.  Do you have any wire cutters?"  He looked over and said "No, just rip it out!" and went back to doing what he was doing.  I think he was tying a knot or getting the boat back in position, but I knew he couldn't just drop what he was doing.  I thought about this for a moment and thought there had to be a better solution. I looked around and couldn't find anything to cut the hook.  My best chance was a pair of clippers, but I knew that wasn't likely to work.  

I decided that IF I was going to rip this lure out of my leg, I had better do it soon while it was still pretty numb from hitting me.  I gathered up the line and in my left hand and yanked.  Chuck didn't see me do this and to this day probably thinks I just gave it a little tug.  I assure you, I pulled hard and all it did was stretch my skin by about 6 inches.  At this point, Chuck was saying "Here, let me do it!"  My brother and I have never fought, but I assure you, there was no way he was going to get hold of that line at this point.  

Shortly after that, I looked down at the clippers again thinking about trying to cut the hook again.  I tried and all it did was scratch the surface.  Then I had a thought... I used the clippers to bend the barb down flush with the hook and backed it out.  This was the end of this ordeal, but I was a little tender in that spot for awhile.  

The rest of the trip went well. We caught fish and had a great time, though we did have a tire problem on the way home.  To this day, I won't set foot in a boat without a tool that will cut a hook.  The video above is a great technique for a hook embedded past the barb, but not in and out. Don't leave home without your wire cutters.

Interestingly, these two trips along with a few hunting trips when I was the same age probably set in motion this incredible journey I have taken in the outdoors.  I am lucky to say that it continues today. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about killing and grilling my dinner.

46 Outdoors Prepare and Pursue Fishing Checklist for April

April is a month of shifting weather patterns.  Transition is a good description for this month as a whole. Rising air and water temps make it more enjoyable for the kayak angler and wade fisherman.  Weather changes make it interesting and many species are on the move.

Check out your 46 Outdoors Prepare & Pursue Checklist for April...

Largemouth: Largemouth Bass are spawning.  Target weeds and vegetation.  Catch these big females by sight casting to visible beds in shallow water.  This is a great time of year to practice CPR (catch, photo, release).  Let those big girls go back to the nest and stock your freezer some other time. In some places the spawn may be waning; as water temps rise, look for fish on ledges and points and other submerged structure.

Chris Castro with a King Mackerel
Photo: Chris Castro

Beyond The Breakers (BTB): Chris Castro of Next Level Fishing TV and sponsored by Malibu Kayaks says "The magic number is 70 degrees (water temp). This time of year the window of opportunity is always small due to chaotic fronts. Just last week, my bud TJ Batten and I ran into four penetrating species. Big King Mackerel are in and they are on the move as we caught a 39-42 inch king. Spanish Mackerel are also running super thick and we spotted them moving closer to shore. Jack Crevalle have pushed through around the legs of the rigs running in huge schools. Moving on to the Cobia, which is my personal favorite, have also been spotted. Two curious Cobia decided to swing near the tail end of my kayak, so the big ones should be showing up soon if not already."

Redfish: With Southeast winds moving the tide up onto the flats, and into back bays, look for reds in skinny water. Also, keep an eye out for gulls working over hatched shrimp.  I've already heard tales of schooling Redfish this year.

Trout: The "Gator Trout" bite is all but over, but look for trout in transition or in deeper waters or muddy bottoms when the wind shifts and blows from the north or west.

Cole with his first "Flatty"
Photo: Chris Carson

Flounder:  Flounder are back in the bays (if they ever really left).  We are already seeing good
numbers of Flounder.  Fish the bottom around docks and piers and along channels and passes.  Don't be too quick to set the hook.  Let them eat it and it will pay dividends.


Boat Maintenance:  Along with your routine engine maintenance, we suggest you spend a little extra time washing your boat this month.  Especially here in South Texas, oak leaves, tassels, and pollen in general can do a number to a white gel coat on your boat.  Use a good quality marine soap. Check your fire extinguishers and PFD's. Look for wear and rot on the PFD straps. Make sure you have enough for the capacity of your boat.






Kayak Maintenance:  Oscar Castillo (aka: Shimano Penn on Facebook), founder of the Fin Addict Angler Foundation and sponsored by Cowtown Kayaks, says "Check all your screws. and terminals. Tighten whatever is loose and spray those things down with something that prevents corrosion.  I use Corrosion X."


 As Spring patterns emerge, be nimble.  Check the forecast and always have a contingency plan.  Make sure you are personally prepared for whatever the weather brings.  The fish will move with the weather, so be ready to change your plan from one day to the next.  Many times, luck does not produce success, but confidence in a great plan of action will often spell difference on the water.

What are you doing to prepare and pursue? Comment below or on our Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/46outdoors/

46 Outdoors Prepare and Pursue Hunting Checklist for April

April is a beautiful month in Texas!  Temperatures are still relatively cool.  The wildflowers are in bloom and nature is alive.  Abundant wildlife roam the mountains, hills, plains, canyons, plateaus, and coastal regions of our great state. There are many things for the sportsman to do this month.

Here is your April edition of the Prepare & Pursue Hunting Checklist...

Clean that shotgun. There is one sound in the woods this time of year that a hunter desperately wants to hear; and that is the gobble of old Mr. Longbeard.  Turkey season is upon us, and all we can think about is calling in a big ol' Tom.  Clean that shotgun and go huntin'!

Photo: Chris Carson

Feeders.  Keep those feeders filled. Does are pregnant and will be dropping fawns soon.  Ample food supply is key to their survival.  Don't for get that big buck either.  I once heard that deer antlers are the fastest growing tissue on the planet.  Pack some veins on that velvet popping out with a protein supplement.  Come December, you'll be glad you did!  Check the batteries an solar panels in motorized feeders and finish any unfinished maintenance issues you need to from March.

Blinds.  Finish up those lingering blind improvements.  You don't want to get caught up dealing with those last minute issues in early Fall because you procrastinated now.  If you are switching stands or scouting new areas, finalize those decisions soon.

Food Plots.  Plant those food plots if you didn't get them in last month.  Those pregnant and soon to be nursing does and their fawns will be grateful.  So will you when you shoot a healthy, mature deer.

Practice.  Never stop practicing.  Mix it up.  Shoot some long distances for fun.  Going above and beyond the shot you will make in the field will keep you sharp for the hunt.  Practice, practice, practice!

Photo: TPWD

Hunt turkeys.  Look for those turkeys roosting in the evening and set up on them before first light. Don't go back to the cabin too early, look and listen for those gobblers in the late morning hours when the hens go off to lay eggs and tend to their nest.  Gobblers will be looking for other hens at this time... Wait them out!

Hunt hogs.  Your local farmers and ranchers will thank you for depredation hunting these pesky, ever-reproducing, menacing swine.  Hogs are a damaging to crops, kill small livestock and fawns, and tear up the land, fences, and more.

Hunt more turkeys.  This is the fun stuff we like to do as hunters.  Don't make it all work! spend some time enjoying what we do in the outdoors!

Hunt predators and varmints.  Pregnant does need your help! Keep those predators under control.  It is a great idea to do this before the fawns hit the ground.  Fawns are an easy meal for a coyote or a bobcat.

Hunt more turkeys... You get the idea!

We all have our favorite animals to hunt.  If you can't tell, I'm a big fan of turkey hunting.  The interactive process of the hunt and knowing I called a gobbler in to dance with the decoy is one of the most exciting things I can think of doing.  There are plenty of things to hunt this month, so get busy!  But, don't forget the chores too.

One last thing to add to the list... Go FISHING!

46 Things To Do Within 46 Miles of Hwy. 46

There are many great things to do outdoors.  There is bound to be something on this list that will get you, your kids, and/or the whole family outdoors.  Below are 46 ideas of what to do outdoors.  I have not pulled up Google Earth and measured specific sites and such, but I'm willing to bet my paycheck that all of these can be accomplished to some degree within 46 miles of Hwy 46... In other words, right here in the Texas Hill Country!

1. Whitetail Deer Hunting  This species is one of the easiest and hardest to hunt.  While being quite abundant and fairly easy to pattern, they will frustrate even the most seasoned hunter with their keen senses and ability to sense danger.  This is a great way to spend Thanksgiving weekends and Christmas holidays with friends and family.  The good times and stories produced in deer camp are legendary.
2. Turkey Hunting One of my all time favorite hunts.  If I had a place where turkey were consistently abundant, I would guide these hunts.  There is something about the interactive nature of this hunt that makes my pulse race.  The ability to call a turkey within 30 yards or so is an experience you won't soon forget, and it is best done with a partner to call while you hunt. That makes it a great opportunity for family and/or friends!
3.  Hog Hunting Over the years I have had the opportunity to hunt these creatures with a multitude of means and methods... rifle and bow, from a blind, a tree stand, a jeep, the back of a pick up truck, spot and stalk by moon light or during the day, trapping, with tracking dogs and attack dogs.  
4. Quail Hunting Another great hunting experience here in Texas.  Best done with dogs. This is alot of walking over all kinds of different terrain.  It's a great opportunity for exercise, but get a good pair of waterproof snake boots.
5. Small Game Hunting A great opportunity to get kids started hunting.  This can be a static endeavor sitting in a blind or a jeep or truck.  Or if you want more exercise, cover some ground!
6. Dove Hunting This is another great event for groups.  Bring the family AND the dogs.  A little campfire action after a good hunt and some fresh dove kabobs are hard to beat on a cool September night!
7. Shed Hunting An opportunity to get back into the deer woods and learn something about their habitat while looking for the antlers they shed in the Spring.
8. Scouting Start looking for patterns, scrapes, and rubs on those bucks in late summer and early fall.  Bow season is right around the corner. Don't just go sit in your blind, get a broader view so you can see the bigger picture.  
   
9. Camping Camping is an outstanding opportunity to get the family together and enjoy a campfire.  Sleeping bags, tents, s'mores, ghost stories.  Awesome fun under the stars!
10. Hiking Whether it's hiking into a camping spot or just a walk in the woods, this is a great way to enjoy many of nature's wonders, and the slow pace is great for teaching kids about nature.
11. Night Hikes Up for a little adventure? Take a flashlight and go for that hike after dark.  Many state parks have guided night hikes.
12. Trail Running A great way to change up that exercise routine.
13. Orienteering Basically a hike or run using a map and compass.  Off the beaten path using using specific points along the way for bearings.
14. Adventure Racing Usually combines running, orienteering, some sort of water sport like kayaking, and a mystery obstacle. 
15. Geo-Caching This activity is like a world wide scavenger hunt.  Find little trinkets and leave something for the next person to find it.
16. Cycling Another great opportunity to exercise.  Great scenery and all the hills you want to endure.
17. Mountain Biking Take those two wheels off road.  Many great places for this activities and trails for beginners and experts.
18. Horseback Riding A trail ride is a great way to enjoy the outdoors.  Again, many state parks offer equestrian trails, but bring your own horse.
19. Rock Climbing Whether it's a rock wall at the gym, or a bluff somewhere outdoors, or Enchanted Rock, you will get a great workout climbing. The views you are rewarded with are priceless.
20. Zip Lining This is a fun activity for just about anyone who doesn't have a heart problem.  Go sailing through the trees or across canyons and rivers.
21. Spelunkering (Caving) Take that rock climbing adventure underground and see the interesting things caves have waiting for you. Or, just take a cave tour.
22. Wildlife Safari Whether it's on a ranch somewhere, a commercial drive thru safari with african animals, or just a Sunday drive in the country, there are many beautiful things to see in nature. take the binoculars and look close. Scan the horizon and spy on a herd of deer.
23. Bird Watching If birds are your thing, head out to local lakes, ponds, parks and look around. Sometimes, the backyard can be a productive place for this activity.
24. Bat Watching Head out to one of our many area bat caves at Sunset and see the bats come out.  Forr you city dwellers, there are bridges and buildings where you can see this on a smaller scale.
25. Star Gazing Find a comfy place away from the city lights and relax while looking for constellations or shooting stars.
26. Outdoor Photography Many of these activities can be done with camera in hand.  get a good camera and start documenting your trips, the birds you are seeing, interesting flora & fauna, etc.
27. Picnicking A classic way to enjoy the outdoors.  
28. Archery Puchase a bow and start shooting.  Hunting, 3-D ranges, and competitions await you.
29. Canoing/KayakingGood old fashioned family fun on the water.  Take a trip on the river or a clm peaceful paddle on a lake.
30. Stand Up Paddle Boarding Great exercise and yet another way to enjoy the water.
31. Tubing A lazy float on the Guadalupe or Comal River may be just what the doctor ordered.  Get some Vitamin D!
32. Rafting When the river is up, we have some pretty aggressive rapids nearby.  Take the opportunity to live on the edge with a little white water rafting.
33. Paddle Boating Whether it's white water or just a lazy afternoon paddle, the scenic rivers and lakes offer great opportunities to experience the outdoor life.
34. Kayak Fishing Arguably the fastest growing segment of the fishing industry, fishing from a kayak
    
    offers a whole new set of skills and thrills.
35. Fishing (rod & reel) Fishing is probably one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors.  It can provide a challenging experience and keep you guessing. Skills required are few to get started but there are endless techniques and strategies to learn.
36. Fly Fishing Maybe one of the most exciting ways to fish and enjoy the outdoors.  Some advanced skills required, but fun to learn and even more fun to catch.
37. Bow Fishing A great way to help manage invasive species as this method is not lawful for taking gamefish, but it sure is fun and will test even the most skilled bow hunter or angler. 
38. Boating An afternoon boat ride, weather it's to enjoy the wind in your face, or view the marine life, boating is a great way to enjoy the water. Stop and take a dip along the way.
39. Personal Water Craft Jet-Skis, Sea Doos, pick your poison... Get out there and have a blast on these funwater toys, but have some respect for other folks enjoying the same water you are!
40. Water Skiing A great way to spend a weekend on the water.  Take your turn! Slolom maybe?
41. Wakeboarding A close cousin of traditional water skiing.  Take it to the next level with tricks and jumps.
42. Wind SurfingA surfboard with a sail... what could go wrong? Worst case scenrio, you get wet... but isn't that why you are on the water anyway?
43. Sailing Can be a little work, but rewarding when you and mother nature work together to get you where you are going.
44. SCUBA Diving Explore the depths of area lakes.  There are two towns that were flooded when Canyon Lake was impounded.  
45. Swimming Why would you want to go to the pool when you have the beautiful rivers and lakes we have around here to enjoy a swim or just play in the water. Rope swing anyone?
46. Hammoking   Yes, I said "hammoking".  The art of napping in the shade while swinging peacefully between two trees. RELAX in the Texas Hill Country!                                                                                                                            

There are a ton of things to do int this area and wherever you might be.  Get out there and look for them.  Weather it's land based fun in the sun or a day on the water, all of these things provide a great opportunity to experience what nature has to offer.  Remember to pack sunscreen, life jackets and other safety items needed for your trip.

Pick something on the list and go do it!