Adventure Files: Turkey Hunting With Real Outfitters

Turkey hunting is one of my favorite ways to fill a weekend in the spring.  The interactive nature of the hunt is seductive. Something about calling in a turkey from far away and the run and gun intensity of some hunts just brings about the "spirit of the wild" that Ted Nugent likes to wax poetic about.

Photo: Real Outfitters

The lease I have hunted for the last several years does not have turkey in any abundance, and only sporadically at best.  As such, I am relegated to finding other opportunities to hunt the mighty Thunder Chicken. 

Interestingly, I love to hunt them, but I'm not a big fan of eating turkey (even on Thanksgiving).  So, this year, I got in touch with Mike Buie of Real Outfitters and he was gracious enough to let me come up and do some guiding with Real Outfitters. This was a great solution as I could hut them, and myhunters could shoot and eat them.  A quick trip to Menard County and I was in camp. I arrived late, and there was a buffet of all sorts of great food for dinner.  By the wy, Kevin, the camp chef, changed my tune on eating turkey... The best I have ever had! (sorry Mom... Laura... Cheryl)

The next day started at about 5 am. We headed to the main camp and began taking hunters out.  These hunters were all pretty self sufficient, so basically I just dropped them off where they roosted turkeys the previous night, then I headed back to camp to get some chores done.  

A few hours later, the hunters made their way back to camp.  Breakfast, which was a delicious bacon, potato and egg with cheese skillet, was served.  This was the best breakfast in recent memory. 

There were two hunters in my group, an experienced turkey hunter, and a younger guy looking to bag his first bird. They were able to call in a few birds that morning.  One gobbler started coming in and noticed the Jake decoy and took off, leaving them with the age old turkey hunting dilema... to decoy or not to decoy. As such, they decided to split up and I would guide the younger guy when we went back out.

Photo: Real Outfitters

 My hunters were ready to go as soon as they ate breakfast.  A couple more hunting parties arrived for the weekend, so we headed to a different ranch close to downtown Menard.  Having never been to this ranch before, we met Mike in Menard and followed him to the ranch we would be hunting.  This ranch had some great diversity in terrain due to it's proximity to the San Saba River.  Mike speculated that the turkey would be up on the hills during the day and would make their way to the pecan bottom land to roost in the evening.  I agreed with his assessment and began driving the property stopping every so often to listen and call. 

It was still pretty early in the day.  I figured that hens might still be laying eggs and tending their nests and that the gobblers would be wandering on their own looking for hens, so I decided to set up on a high pasture near a deer feeder and do some calling.  We parked the truck and began getting ready for the hunt.  My hunter put on his vest and I grabbed my calls.  We discussed taking a decoy and I thought it would be better not to use the decoy given the shy nature of the gobbler they encountered that morning. 

We walked in about 100 yards to the fence line of the pasture.  Once there, we set up.  Having no real MRI (most recent intel), I just took a stab at where to set up.  My hunter was set up looking in to the pasture from the north.  I sat facing the opposite direction in case we called one in from behind.  I began calling and would turn and glass the field every so often.  I switched back and forth from my glass pot call to a box call.  

Photo: Real Outfitters

About 20-30 minutes went by when I glassed the furthest (eastern) edge of the field.  About half way across, I saw at least three birds crossing the field east of us headed north. We were not in position to intercept them.  I instructed my hunter to move about 10 yards and get set up in that direction as he hadn't seen them yet. I moved to get a better vantage point and camouflage myself better.  I continued calling from both the box call and pot call. No luck.  We had a strong southeast that I think was muffling my calls.  I saw a big Tom take flight long enough to clear the fence on the east side of the pasture.  I continued to call for about 10 minutes, but we saw no further signs of turkey.

At this point, I was regretting not bringing the decoys.  Maybe those turkeys would have seen and come into a decoy spread.  Maybe not.  You just never know!

I knew there was a draw east of the pasture.  I figured it was closer than it actually was, but I was thinking they went down into that draw headed for water.  The draw emptied into a pond that was north of us. We backed out of where we were and tried to get ahead of them at the pond.  We sat at the pond and called for about an hour with no luck.   When I got home and looked at Google Earth, I figured out that the draw was much further away from that point.  We should have tried to get closer to their last position and called.  This is why it's always important to use aerial maps to pre-scout a property.

Photo: Real Outfitters

As the evening wore on, We moved down to a pasture near the pecan trees (WITH the decoys this time).  There were cattle in the field near a deer feeder, so we set up on the opposite side.  When the cows left, we moved across the pasture and closer to what seemed like great roosting trees.  No luck at all.  I was baffled.  I was pretty certain that the pecans would be great for roosting.  I had 2 wide open pastures to glass with pecan trees sprinkled between them.  I didn't see or hear a turkey.

I was looking forward to getting after them again the next morning.  As I was checking my alarms for the next morning, I found a message that came in while we were in the field (the only place I had a signal the whole time I was there).  I had to get back home for a family emergency.

I had sort of an inside out view of the operations at Real Outfitters.  From what I saw, Mike Buie has a great operation.  The food is great the wildlife is abundant, the guides were courteous and accommodating.  This ranch offers a variety of wildlife year round.  Do not hesitate to book your hunt with Real Outfitters! They do youth hunts too!

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!

Hunting or Fishing? Happy I Can't Decide!

Cole's First Fish
Photo: Mike Carden

I don’t remember catching my first fish, but thanks to a photo of the occasion, I can tell you who was there, about how old I was, and what I was wearing.  The species of fish was a little cloudy to me until recently when a friend and I found ourselves bored and the topic was raised. Thank goodness for Google.  I don’t think I have ever caught another fish that looked as ugly as that one! It is safe to say I have been fishing as long as I can remember.  If I am not mistaken, my first real hunting trip took place about age 12.

I owe my love of the outdoors to my older brother, Chuck.  In a recent trip taking my 10 year old son, Cole fishing, Chuck told him “your dad and I just drove around the state of Texas figuring it out”. Chuck was in high school and college and I was in elementary and middle school when that was happening.  I think it was more like he figured it out and showed me how to do it.  However, I did appreciate his including me in the credits there.

When I was a kid, I remember my grandpa referring to fishing as “drowning worms”, yet I'm told that he did enjoy hunting.  Unfortunately I never knew that side of him.  I have also known people who love to fish, but can’t stand to hunt.  I find humor in the fact that they complain about the same thing.  Drowning worms implies that fishing is boring.  People who aren’t excited about hunting are complaining that sitting in a deer blind for hours on end is boring.

Hondo Sunset & Hartcraft Broadheads
Photo: Chris Carson

Aquatic life or land loving mammals... It makes no difference to me.  I will stalk a redfish on the flats or deer in the woods. Also, as I have mentioned plenty of times before, there is something peaceful about sitting in a deer blind with no cell phone ringing or walking down a path with a pail of worms much like Opie on the way to a favorite fishing hole.  These are times to connect with our Maker and appreciate the abundance of beauty there is in this world whether it’s a beautiful green sea with a thin line of blue water on the horizon or a fiery sunset from the blind.  

I really don’t understand why some hunters don’t like to fish and some fishermen don’t like to hunt. Stalking and sight casting to a redfish in skinny water or a bass on the bed is no different than stalking a land animal.  Many hunters enjoy a good spot and stalk, and many fishermen enjoy sitting on a pier for hours on end.

I suppose the difference is that more often than not, when a hunter pulls the trigger or releases an arrow, the projectile finds it’s mark.  Many times a fisherman casts his bait into what seems like nothingness. Sometimes fish are finicky and don’t want the bait, color, or size you are throwing.  Fish can also be difficult to find if you don't have a boat with electronics.  "95% of the fish are in 5% of the water" is how I think the saying goes.  I would say that probably applies to wildlife and land too, but I guess it's easier to see them.  I do appreciate the challenge of "looking" (or HUNTING) for fish when you can't see them, but it can also be frustrating at times.  Sometimes you just have to grind it out.

Chris Castro of Next Level Fishing TV
Photo: Chris Castro

There will always be varying degrees of craziness associated with these endeavors.  Call it extreme if you will, but I must confess being somewhat drawn to them myself.  I have recently made friends with a group of guys, one of which is Chris Castro from Next Level Fishing TV.  Check out their YouTube channel in the link.  These guys go offshore kayak fishing for species one can find in the open waters and depths of the Gulf of Mexico.

Then you have folks like Cameron Hanes who puts it all on the line in the mountains of Alaska and other WILD places.  Check out his video here.  Whether close enough for a bow shot on a bear, or hanging on to a dall sheep that is mortally wounded and about to go over a ledge in the mountains of Alaska, he puts his life at risk in extreme conditions to to get the kill.

I too have dabbled in the extreme side of hunting. I can say that I have been swimming in the Trinity River with a hog while hunting with dogs trained to hunt hogs in some of the thickest briars and brambles East Texas has to offer.  A very strenuous and thrilling endeavor indeed.  I only wish I had a video of that!

Truth be told, I would take it any way it comes, fishing, hunting, or their extreme versions, it’s all the same to me.  I would like to be in much better shape than I currently find myself.  I’m not getting any younger, but then again… That’s a good reason to get myself back in shape.  My bucket list isn’t getting any shorter!

Have you had any extreme hunting or fishing experiences? Do you like one and not the other?  Share you comments with us here or on our facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/46outdoors/

Spring Turkey Season Prep

Photo Credit: TPWD

Spring Turkey Season is upon us! Here in Texas, we enjoy hunting both Eastern and Rio Grande Turkey. Dates and bag limits vary by county for the most part. Youth Only dates apply as well. Check your Outdoor Annual for details that pertain to your hunting location. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) also has an app for your smart phone now that has proven itself very useful for me, and much easier than carrying around an Outdoor Annual in whatever hunting or fishing situation I find myself.

Until about 15 years ago I had only hunted turkey in the Fall and it was more of an opportunistic endeavor than an actual turkey hunt. In other words they made the unfortunate mistake of crossing my rifle during deer season.

My first Spring turkey hunt, was a rush. I walked away empty handed, but knowing I called turkeys in from who knows how far away and seeing them strutting in looking for that hen was priceless.  It was an experience of a lifetime and I am now hooked for life!

Spring Turkey hunting is a great passion of mine. However, between baseball season, fishing and my personal lack of having a place with plentiful turkeys to hunt, I don't do it near as much as I would like. We have seen turkeys on our lease, but they have only been sighted a total of about 5 times in 10 years despite the fact that we have a dedicated turkey feeder.  The sightings are always during deer season and that includes a few sightings on camera.  But, that does not stop me from trying.  I still find time to go, because you don't know if you don't try, and a bad day of turkey hunting beats most other days in my book. Fortunately though, I can usually find some friends that can put me on the turkey.  This year, it appears I have found a place to guide some turkey hunts with Real Outfitters; an experience I am definitely looking forward to!

My packing list for turkey hunts is as follows:

Rudolph Optics Short Quad Shooting Sticks

• 12 Ga. Shotgun with turkey choke (full choke will do)
• 12 Ga. 2 oz. 5 shot Remington Premier Magnum Turkey Loads
• Rudolph Optics Short Quad Shooting Sticks
• Tenzing Turkey Vest with padded seat
• Knight & Hale Sweet Lil' Liar Box Calls for mainly for yelps and cutts
• Knight & Hale Stranglehold Glass Pot Call
• Primos mouth calls to mix it up and sound like multiple turkeys
• Primos Killer B Decoy
• Turkey wing
• Owl Locator call
• Cedar Creek Camo pants and vented micro cool long sleeve T-shirt & cap (washed in Bio Shield detergent which reples biting insects such as fleas, ticks, and mosquitos)
• Face paint
• Thin camo gloves
• Camo Hunting Boots
• Endura Cool Buff



Find these products and more at
Twisted Oak Hunting & Outfitter Supply

• Bio Shield Spray (All Natural Insect /repellent) or Thermacell

I started my calling collection with a pot call called the "The Freak".  Over the years, I have found that different days, different weather, and other conditions can make a difference in how the calls sound and my confidence in them, so I keep a variety of different calls ready. Most of these items can be picked up or special ordered at Twisted Oak Hunting & Outfitter Supply. With the exception of the gun, shooting sticks, I'm either wearing it or it's packed in the vest including my water bottle.




I have found the best results when hunting with a friend.  One shooter, one caller.  It can easily be done alone or with two shooters, but the experience of calling in a turkey for a buddy or vice versa is a great bonding experience and it's always safer to be with someone. I can't wait to share this experience with my kids.

My goal this year is to take a turkey with my Bear Attitude compound bow. That would be a first for me, and probably the only way my son will be able to take one this year. I'm not sure he's ready for the kick from a magnum turkey load; and we can't afford a shoulder injury from a shotgun during baseball season.

Stop by Twisted Oak and pick up your supplies soon.  Here's to a happy and fruitful Turkey Season!

Why do I hunt and Fish? It's A Way of Life

A day's work in the Lower Laguna Madre
Photo: Cole Carson

The other day, I had someone ask me why I hunt.  It kind of took me by surprise.  This person is more of an acquaintance than anything.  Just someone I see picking up the kids at school or at the park.  I guess living in Texas with very little resistance to my lifestyle, I have become complaisant in not having to defend my choices when it comes to hunting and fishing the way many people do in other states.

My answer was basically "because I want to" with a dose "how dare you question my way of life" attitude.  Then, it dawned on me that this person was trying to have an intelligent conversation as to why I like to hunt.  I could tell by this time that this person felt like she crossed a line by asking the question.  I tried to circle back to the conversation, but she didn't want to talk about it.  By the time that awkward conversation or lack thereof was over, I was disappointed in myself for not articulating myself in an intelligent manner.  In retrospect, I was truly surprised by the question, but my inability to give a thoughtful, accurate, and detailed response probably served to strengthen even the tiniest amount of contempt for my way of life.

My way of life... Let's think about that for a minute.  I live in the city, there is a grocery store 5 minutes from my house.  My daily routine involves shuttling kids around, baseball practices, games, tournaments, grocery shopping, work, etc., all the usual stuff most of us do.  As I write this, I can hear the traffic on a major highway.  So, how can hunting and fishing be a way of life?  Well, I guess when you compare that to life in rural Alaska or living off the land where your survival is at stake, it can be a tough case to make.

A rare moment of peace between brother and
sister brought to you by a peaceful setting
Photo: Chris Carson

Consider for a moment though, the things you find in your food.  If you eat meat from a grocery
store, the growth hormones and other toxic trash you are putting in your body is mind blowing.  The apple you had for a snack was likely sprayed with pesticide, and genetically engineered to taste a certain way or have a certain color or be a certain size, or more accurately produce a certain amount of money. I seriously doubt that the health benefits are anywhere near what they once were.  But to me this begs the question... If we can genetically engineer these things, why can't we engineer healthier, better tasting foods?

The answer I came up with is this: We can't beat nature. Nature produces the things we need to fuel our bodies.

There is also something uniquely satisfying about bringing home dinner.  I have always been a meat and potatoes kind of guy, but when you harvest your meat, gut and skin the animal yourself, cut your dinner off the bone, grind it or tenderize it, season it and cook it yourself... To quote Kenyon Bankston of Southern Boyz Outdoors; "It just don't get no better than this!"

In Genesis 1:26 God gave man dominion. He intended for us to live and thrive upon what He created. Some will bring up Matthew 5:5 in response to this and say "The meek shall inherit the earth". Let's take a look at that word "meek".  Notice it does not say "weak".  Some synonyms for the word "meek" are: mild, humble, and modest. I call this "quiet confidence" with my baseball players.  With confidence comes strength and tenacity. An antonym is pride.

A nice typical 8pt. buck near Hondo, TX
Photo: James Plant

Then there is the argument for conservation.  Without hunters hunting these animals, overpopulation would be detrimental; not only to the animal, but it's food and water sources as well.  The natural ecology would be thrown out balance.  Disease and hardship for these animals, especially in years of drought, would be devastating to their numbers and the plants, insects, and other food sources along with other animals that use the same food and water sources.  The damage to the eco-system would be exponential.  One of their natural predators is humans. Take hunters out of the mix and you will have a problem of gigantic proportions.

To those that would argue that "Shooting a deer at 100 yards is too easy." I would say this: one of the greatest advantages we were born with is the ability for critical thinking, problem solving, and an opposable thumb. Many animals are blessed with speed or strength and carry their own weapons as body parts.  Hunters were blessed with the ability to outwit their prey as well as design and build their weapons.

Sunset from a ground blind near Hondo, TX
Photo: Chris Carson

Then there are the things I get to see that most people either don't have the opportunity to see or don't appreciate.  Last August during my fishing trip to Port Mansfield, we saw a sea turtle that was about as big as the hood of my truck!  I have also seen an otter in Rebecca Creek.  I thought it was an otter, but had to look it up online.  I had no idea that there were otters in Texas.  I have also seen strutting turkeys, bobcats, foxes, a mountain lion, and a badger.  All of them just doing what they do in their natural habitat.  Then there are always the fiery sunsets, sunrises, the sounds or even the quiet time nature provides.  I feel blessed to be able to experience all these things.  Of course it is not required to have a weapon in my hands when I see these things, but hunting and fishing trips provide the convenient opportunity to appreciate these things.

In short, I am an apex predator.  I take my place on top of the food chain as it should be; as it were meant to be.  Weather it's by rod and reel, bow, rifle, or any other (legal) means, I will do what I was designed to do by my Creator: hunt, fish, and provide for my family by outwitting my prey. To me, that is my way of life!

46 Outdoors Prepare and Pursue Hunting Checklist for March

Photo: Chris Carson

March in Texas and many southern states, where weather patterns can be unpredictable and ever changing; this can provide ample opportunity for hunting and fishing.  While we begin to enjoy longer days and some warmer weather, we can get our outdoors chore list done too.

Here is the 46 Outdoors Prepare and Pursue Hunting Checklist for March:

Shed Hunting.  A popular activity for the kids as well as the adults.  Get into the woods and start looking for antler sheds.  Most bucks will have shed their antlers by now. This is also a great way to begin scouting for next season.  Look for rub lines and scrapes that you may not have seen last year. These sheds are also a good way to find out which bucks made it through the season.  Look for identifiers such as point totals, and characteristics like sharp angles. Friendly wagers like total score on all sheds keeps it interesting. 

Look for roosting turkeys.  Turkey season begins in March. Start looking for those roosting birds. Look for places to set up on them.  Look for secondary areas and access routes in case you get busted.

Photo: Chris Carson

Practice your shooting. Weather you rifle hunt or bowhunt, it’s always a good idea to practice your shooting.  A little realistic practice may be in order too. Sometimes I use this time to varmint and predator hunt from my stand.  Small targets at long distances for rifle shooting is a great way to sharpen those skills.  From the bow stand, bring those critters in close and learn your distances, arc angles and other variables that will make you a better shooter. This also helps keep those predator populations in check.

Feeder Maintenance. If you are anything like me, by now your feeders are completely empty.  Use this time to perform some annual maintenance to your feeders.  Clean them out, tighten any bolts, screws, nuts that are loose. Seal holes in the drums. Look for worn out parts and replace them. Oil moving parts with some 3 in 1 oil. Touch up or repaint. Check the legs and make sure everything is anchored well. If your feeders are penned up to keep livestock out, check your fences and gates.

Photo: Chris Carson

Stand/Blind Maintenance.  Fix stand problems.  Check your ladders or stairs for unsafe conditions.  Seal up cracks to keep wasps and other critters out. Touch up or repaint.  Start your remodeling projects. How many times during deer season did you think about adding a shelf over there or a gun rack over here? Too noisy? Add carpet. Rework your windows and doors. I can’t begin to tell you how many projects I thought up while sitting in the stand.  Now is a great time to start those projects.

Plant Food Plots.  Bucks, does and fawns will all appreciate your effort in providing a spring and summer food source.  Deer get a significant amount of water from the water in the plants they eat. This will help your does that are carrying fawns and lactating throughout the summer along with those big bucks in bachelor groups. If you are thinking about planting a food plot, now is the time.

Clear and tweak your shooting lanes.  If you need to clear your shooting lanes, now is a good time to do so.  The issues you may have had during deer season are fresh in your mind.  Also, it will leave much less work to do in the heat of August if you do it before all the spring growth.

Photo: Texas Parks & Wildlife

Turkey Season.  Turkey season begins in March. Get out there and use that MRI (Most Recent
Intelligence) you gathered from the beginning of this article to start calling in those gobblers!

Hog Hunting.  If you are in Texas, these pesky critters are open season and sausage, ribs and ham are good any time of year.

Enjoy your time in the woods. Take a kid hunting.  Spring is the best time of year to introduce kids to the outdoors.  Take them for a walk in the woods or a wildlife drive at dusk.  Let them drive on the dirt roads on private property and teach them about nature. Even the most girly, girl or screen addicted child who does not want anything to do with hunting or fishing will enjoy the sight of the wildflowers, seeing a deer, or just about anything unusual we come across in nature. Be prepared for questions. Who knows, it might just open the door for another outdoors enthusiast.