The long shovels are stacked and waiting and the pits (actually re-purposed B-52 engine shipping containers) are relatively cold now. Later this evening, a huge bonfire will be lit to much celebration and the coals will be loaded tonight. Carefully tended by parishioners doing jobs handed down for generations, the long shovel handles will not […]
Acclimate That Fat Retriever
Time to get yourself, and your dog, in shape for Dove season.
Still Too Early to Shred
Saw this guy dart across the road on the Rockpile and drop into the first cover he hit. Still very young and, as you can see, still in the “freezing” mode. I drove up at took this pic leaning out the window and he never budged. So I ask my readers to hold off another […]
Spot Check of Habitat Conditions
In my travels this week, I have been from Castroville to Encino, down to Pearsall, back to Falfurrias, then out to D’hanis and of course to my small place south of Castroville. Key indicators I look for are native sunflower and croton. Overall conditions are very good and remain green although there are some dry […]
Chapter 2-4. Managing Whitetail Deer
Over the course of 35 years in the wildlife consulting business, I have seen management emphasis change from cow-calf operations with deer leasing as an adjunct to pure deer programs with no cows and the agricultural exemption from ad valorem taxes granted for wildlife management alone. Whitetail deer are big business in Texas, all over […]
Supplemental Feeding of Deer in Texas
Supplemental feeding of deer has come a long way. Use some simple steps to save money and increase effectiveness of your feed dollar.
Living With the Sleeping Giant, Buying a Ranch in the Eagle Ford
As a ranch broker with 25 years’ experience in South Texas, and a Certified Wildlife Biologist specializing in the red sandy country, my business has been directly impacted by the recent developments over the Eagle Ford Shale. I remember the last oil boom, the Austin Chalk. Although on a smaller scale, that boom occurred over […]
Chapter 2, Setting the Parameters
O.K., now you have decided on one Broker to represent you in the search for and purchase of your “dream” ranch. You have ensured that this broker has participated in the sale/purchase of similar properties in the past in the areas you prefer. I harp on experience for several reasons, one in particular. As a […]
The Last Retrieve
I have two Labrador retrievers and I love to hunt birds. Zucker, (German for “sugar”), is 13 and ‘Becca is 5. I like to stagger my dogs as I’ve found having a young pup keeps an older dog frisky longer while the presence of a mature dog helps calm a young one. Zucker is pretty […]
