LSBA Spike/Doe Fellowship Hunt

[Tomme]

I just got the confirmation for us doing a Spike/Doe fellowship hunt at Elm Creek near Brackettville. I have hunted this place the last three years and can certify that it is loaded with deer so this would be a good opportunity. I'm going on a regular season hunt this next week so can give you a report. Here's the details of the hunt.

Cost - Only $125 TOTAL for the TWO DAY Hunt. Where else could you hunt deer for only $62.50 a day?

Bag Limit - One Doe and one spike.

Hunt Dates - Friday Noon on January 8 through noon on Sunday Jan 10th.

Location - Elm Creek ranch - Brackettville, TX

There are 8 preset stands and feeders on this ranch. You can bring ground blinds and tripods to hunt other spots, but for pre-established spots we will probably draw before each hunt for stand locations.

There is a limited number of bunkhouse spaces available. I will book these on a first come first served basis. Bunkhouse has showers, toilets and cooking facilities, but is pretty primitive. If the bunkhouse is full or you want something fancier, you can camp out or stay at a local Bracketville motel (which will only be 4 miles from the ranch).

This is a good chance to enjoy a late season hunt, fellowship with other LSBA members and last but not least, fill up your freezer.

You must be an LSBA member, but if you're not, Dena would love to take your application.

For more information or to reserve a spot call me at 254-541-1146 or email me at Tomme@Actkinson.net

Good Hunting,

Tomme R. Actkinson

Kids hunt free

[Ronny]

Sounds like a good deal.

[bountyhunter]

Sounds good to me, got to check with the boss but I should be in!

BTW what about climbing stands, are there any trees that can be climbed? I've never hunted that area.

[Tomme]

Bountyhunter it's mainly low brush and Mesquites. There are a few live oaks, but not many. Some trees might work with chain-ons, but climbers, probably not. I'd probably go with brushblinds, pop ups, or tripods and each feeder already has at least one stand located at it.

What I have seen are a LOT of doe and spikes on the place. I think whatever we use, we should have a harvest opportunity.

We have 2 spots reserved so far, so only 6 left.

[Death from Above]

Email sent.

[biggen]

But do we have to hunt with Tomme!! :tearhair:

[TEXWILD]

I will talk to my boss but my Daugter and I would be interisted in going.

[Death from Above]

But do we have to hunt with Tomme!! :tearhair:


I made the list...now whats this about pulling out all my hair:think:

[bountyhunter]

I'm in and starting my plaining..........which bow to take is my first big question......

[biggen]

Tomme is at Elm Creek starting tonight thru Sunday. He should have a good report when he gets back!!

[bountyhunter]

Kewl, I'll be awaiting his report with bells on..........or something like that.

[Tomme]

OK, I'm back.

I didn't try to shoot a doe or spike as this was my buck hunt. Based on what I saw everyone should bring a large ICE CHEST. I saw often saw 3 or 4 spikes at a feeder. Some of these were cowhorn, five or six inch spikes, but most were 1- 1.5 inches. I saw fewer doe, but my son's experience was the opposite. He was seeing 6 or 7 doe and maybe only one spike on each outing. If we hunt hard and bathe on a more regular basis than biggen, then we all should have a chance to harvest something for the freezer.

Now as to the bucks. I "almost" got drawn all the way on a mature 8. Hard to do with 8 deer around you. My son had a shot as well. No horns, but lots of fun.

[Death from Above]

Sounds like you still had a great time Tomme...looking forward to sharing a campfire with you guys.

[bountyhunter]

That is a great report for us. Sorry the horns didn't play right for you and your son, hope y'all get another shot at them.

[rtread]

Looks like I'll be making this hunt....looking forward to it! Thanks Tomme for running it by the TBH Campfire....I caught it this morning. I'll be bunking at the Fort Clark Springs Motel (until they run me out for snoring) but hope to share a campfire with you guys & gals.

[bountyhunter]

I've decided to hunt with my Longbow. Is anyone else going to be hunting traditional?

[Death from Above]

I've decided to hunt with my Longbow. Is anyone else going to be hunting traditional?

I will be brining my recurve and wheel bow. The recurve is mainly a backup on whitetail...especially when I am on a new spot.

Looking forward to it!:)

[biggen]

Bet we could talk Tomme into bringing the stick!!

[Tomme]

You're welcome Ray. Now on to the big questions like do I have my deer made into jerky or sausage? I must be nuts to put a prediction like that on this site, but that's how confident I am.

[rtread]

You're welcome Ray. Now on to the big questions like do I have my deer made into jerky or sausage? I must be nuts to put a prediction like that on this site, but that's how confident I am.

Nothing wrong with making a prediction. Shoot, I'm figuring on getting at least a ten point, maybe a 12!






JUST KIDDING!!! :D

[bountyhunter]

I will be brining my recurve and wheel bow. The recurve is mainly a backup on whitetail...especially when I am on a new spot.

Looking forward to it!:)


I'll be bringing my recurve as a backup as well. I can't wait either, it is going to be a good time, I just have that kind of a feeling! ;)

[Tomme]

Ok, I'll bring my recurve too. That way we can have a beer shoot off at noon on Saturday (and no Biggen it won't be at 135 yards like at the Grunts and Gobbles). My temptation is to try to score Friday night with my compound and then switch to the stick. I also need to get in some rigorous practice between now and then if I'm going to ethically hunt without my training aids.

We also need a name for this hunt. How does "The LSBA Midwinter Meat Hunt" sound? Or if you prefer something more contemporary "The LSBA Deer, Beer, no Fear, Frostbite Hunt"

[Death from Above]

I like the LSBA Midwinter Meat Hunt......and I think you should make one deer into sausage and the other into jerky :)

[bountyhunter]

My new arrows are almost finished, so I'll be ready. Can't wait, it has been a while since I've been out so I'm really looking forward to this hunt.

[Tomme]

Only two more weeks to go. I'll post directions, meeting times, etc. here and on TBH a little later this week. I've dusted off my recurve and will try to see if I can hit anything other than the ground with it. I think I'm going for my first with a compound though, as sausage (both pan and ring) would fill out my freezer nicely.

[Death from Above]

With the way I shot my recurve over the weekend it may be better suited for firewood:tearhair:

[Ronny]

With the way I shot my recurve over the weekend it may be better suited for firewood:tearhair:


That sounds like me and my recurve:err:

[bountyhunter]

Hang in there guys, two weeks of hard practice and you might be there.

I was wondering how we were going to handle the food..........

[rtread]

I was wondering how we were going to handle the food..........

I make a pretty mean pot of mule deer chili....if anybody's interested.

[Tomme]

The chili sounds great. You want to do it Friday or Saturday?

I can bring a package of venison sausage or enough to feed us all (let me have a number here 2?, 4? 6?) and I'll throw in a big bag of salad so our greens can consist of something other than jalapenos. I'll brings some bleu cheese dressing, but if you want ranch, you're on your own.

I understand that the local fat stock show has a bar-b-q fundraiser at noon on Saturday and it's only $5 and I think a couple of us might go support that.

If we have chili one night and sausage another we ought be ok for main meals. Anyone want to volunteer tortillas, vegetables of other sorts?

I can live on just coffee for breakfast before the morning hunt, and I can't handle breakfast at 10 and bar-b-q at 12, but if anyone wants to do breakfast on Sat or Sunday don't let me slow you down.

[Tomme]

By the way, my recurve shooting was better than I thought it would be. It might be even better if all my arrows were the same length, had the same fieldpoints, and weren't made out of different materials.

[rtread]

The chili sounds great. You want to do it Friday or Saturday?
It would be better for me to do the chili Friday night....It'll be iced down in an ice chest....there'll be enough for 10-12 unless I need to bring more? Let me know about that... Is there a stove to heat a big pot of chili up on? I'll bring throw-away bowls and spoons.

[Tomme]

OK, Chili on Friday and I can do sausage on Saturday. We shouldn't have more than 8 or 9 so 10 gives us a little extra. There was a double hot plate and a single, but they will work if we give them enough time.

[bountyhunter]

I can do breakfast tacos Sat, if thats good for everyone.

[rtread]

Breakfast taco suits me fine.
The BBQ in town noon Saturday sounds good to me!

Wow....chili, sausage, bfast tacos, BBQ.....this is gettin' good!

[Death from Above]

I've got quite a few packages of deer ground with bacon tips I can throw in that mix. Pan brown and mix with scrambbled eggs throw on some alberts and you got a meal! Can also make deer burgers with it to add to sat night supper numbers if need be.

[Tomme]

Sounds good to all. We've got breakfast, lunch and two dinners. For Saturday, let's plan on deer burgers and sausage. I'll bring the sausage and salad and maybe tortillas, for wraps. Anyone got spicy mustard?

I'll also bring my Pepcid.


By the way, as of now the hunt is full. This is dependent on folks getting their deposits in to Dena when she gets back to town on Monday. The NERVE of that woman, going hunting when we need her to be back home booking deposits and taking memberships. Who does she think she is anyway?

[rtread]

Just checking the long range forecast at http://mobile.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?brand=mobile&query=Brackettville%2C+Texas and the mornings are going to be in the low 20s.....just right!

[Tomme]

I'm bringing all my cold weather gear.

Here are some directions and other thoughts on the LSBA Mid-Winter Meat Hunt.

1. Directions – Go through Brackettville to FM 2804. Note this is just West of the town. If you are coming from Uvalde on 90, you can either go around the town on Hwy 90 or go through Brackettville which won’t take you long. You will turn right (North) on 2804. Go approximately 4-4.5 miles and you will see a street sign that says Jones on your right. The gate is on the left directly across from this. If you follow directions in #2 below there should be an LSBA banner on the gate.

2. Please do not arrive before 11:30 AM. The hunt is Noon Friday to Noon Sunday. I’ll be coming from Rockport and it’s a four and a half hour trip. I am NOT a morning person. To make it by 11-11:30 I am going to have to get up way too early. Ask anybody, I need my beauty sleep.

3. When you arrive, come through the gate and drive down the road angling to your left till you get to camp. I will try to have maps at the gate.

4. We’ll do check in, draw for stands and may take a quick tour if there’s time.

5. Don’t forget that you need to bring your sleeping bag, pillow, any special cooking gear, towels etc.

6. As I’ve said earlier there are 8 feeders with pre-established stands, but I’m also bringing a tripod and a popup just in case the wind is wrong for my stand. If you have room, you might consider doing this too.

7. That’s all I can think of. IT’S GONNA BE A GREAT WEEKEND!

[bountyhunter]

Kewl, that answered a couple of questions I was going to ask. Can't wait, it is going to be fun!!!!

[Death from Above]

Chompin at the bit here........

[bountyhunter]

Well I broke out the dehydrator and some bucky burger this morning and started making some quick jerky for the hunt. First batch just came off and it is pretty good, so there might not be any left by Friday........;)

[TEXWILD]

Since the food is covered I was thinking of bringing snacks and some drinks. Give me some ideas on what to bring.

[bountyhunter]

Coffee..........

Anyone else need their morning coffee? I'll cover the coffee if y'all will let me know how many will be drinking.

[rtread]

Coffee..........

Anyone else need their morning coffee? I'll cover the coffee if y'all will let me know how many will be drinking.

I had planned to brew a little coffee at the motel to fill my thermos....if there's a pot going at the camp I'd probably drink a cup of that too....!

[biggen]

Man sounds like it is going to be a good time but tell me is there gonna be any actual hunting :think: with all the eating and drinking :cheers:going on? :):):) You all have a great time and keep warm and Tomme take some GOOD pics:tearhair: this time!!

[Death from Above]

Man sounds like it is going to be a good time but tell me is there gonna be any actual hunting :think: with all the eating and drinking :cheers:going on? :):):) You all have a great time and keep warm and Tomme take some GOOD pics:tearhair: this time!!

You mean we actually have to get out in the cold:chatterbox:. I thought all the deer werre gonna be tied up for us. I only got 2 arrows:D

[rtread]

At this place is it preferred that we gut them in the field or is there somewhere at the camp to hang and gut them?

[Tomme]

Good Question Ray. I think we've brought them in to gut them out before, so let's plan on that unless we find out different.

On the other ideas, Yes to Coffee, Coffee, Coffee. Jerky sounds good too and as for snacks, anything with salt on it so that my Doctor will have something to gripe about.

As for you Biggen, I think I'm going to adopt your Nebraska system and try to draw the stand closest to camp so I can be back and in my warm sack by 10 minutes after daylight. That way I can lend out my arrows to those who have two or less.

[Tomme]

How is everyone fixed for corn? Cheapest price I found was at Mumme's in Hondo (just before the overpass) where it was $5.95 for 50#s.

[Ronny]

How is everyone fixed for corn? Cheapest price I found was at Mumme's in Hondo (just before the overpass) where it was $5.95 for 50#s.


With all the other stuff ya'll will be eating how are you going to eat corn too?:tongue:

[bountyhunter]

I meant to ask if we need to bring some corn..........

[rtread]

How is everyone fixed for corn? Cheapest price I found was at Mumme's in Hondo (just before the overpass) where it was $5.95 for 50#s.

I have 2 bags loaded....should I bring more?

[Tomme]

RNS I don't plan on eating my corn, but I may drink some in the evening.

Bountyhunter I always bring some corn as I like to put some extra feed out in my shooting lanes. Course like most day leases we're not talking big yellow piles, but enough to scatter. Also, since this place has sheep, on some occasions most of what is put outside the feeder pens gets wiped out; and if I'm feeding outside the pen, I like to have a few cupfuls to replenish the supply. I don't think you need much. The half bag I've got is probably plenty and hey if we run out we can always mooch off of RAY! LOL

[rtread]

The half bag I've got is probably plenty and hey if we run out we can always mooch off of RAY! LOL

LOLOL got corn! I thought while we were out there we might as well fatten them sheep up! :cheers:

[bountyhunter]

Now if you wanted some corn squeezins I'd called back home and some of the real stuff sent down...........

BTW how is the cell coverage out there? My wife wants to know, told her I wouldn't have the phone in the stand with me.......;)

[Tomme]

AT & T worked fine for me at the ranch. Now I don't have one of those red/blue 3G maps but the phone was fine.

Mmmmmmm! Corn squeezins. See Ronny these guys know how to hunt.

Hey I was talking to George today and told him that I was definitely bringing a popup. Some of the established tripods are for S winds, but more importantly is that with 15 degrees or so in the morning I want to be on the ground!

[rtread]

Hey I was talking to George today and told him that I was definitely bringing a popup. Some of the established tripods are for S winds, but more importantly is that with 15 degrees or so in the morning I want to be on the ground!

I'm bringing a pop-up. Thought I'd take a look at the stand I'm hunting at and make a decision on the pop-up vs. the tripod. I've hunted up in the air in bitter cold and wind and that takes a lot out of your ability to operate that bow....gloves and heavy clothing and all. Not to mention the runny nose. That blind won't be much warmer but I think it will prove to be better, especially if there is wind. Should be fun!

[rtread]

I was looking around.....anybody got any good mutton recipes.....?

[bountyhunter]

I just pickeked up 60 fresh made tortillas. We will need some for breakfast on Saturday, but the rest we can use as needed.

Also just to make sure I have enough food for breakfast, how many are we going to have eatin.....?

[rtread]

I just pickeked up 60 fresh made tortillas. We will need some for breakfast on Saturday, but the rest we can use as needed.

Also just to make sure I have enough food for breakfast, how many are we going to have eatin.....?

I've been known to roll a tortilla up and eat it with my chili. Also, I'll eat a bfast taco Saturday. Planned to go kinda lite late in the morning, though (as was mentioned earlier) if we're eating BBQ at noon. I could dang sure do one Sunday, if there's any left.

[bountyhunter]

I forgot about the BBQ at noon.........

We normally eat breakfast after the morning hunt, but I could get up early and fix it unless everyone want to wait and have the tacos Sunday.

[Death from Above]

I vote we get Tomme up early to fix it since he is such a self proclaimed early riser;)

I am pretty much just a coffee guy in the morning.

[Tomme]

You get me up early and it will be death from below!

[bountyhunter]

Well it's looking like the winds are going to turn back to the SE by Saturday.............:)

http://mobile.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?brand=mobile&query=Brackettville%2C+Texas (http://mobile.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?brand=mobile&query=Brackettville%2C+Texas)

[Death from Above]

Be safe on your travel gents.......see you on the flip side!

[Tomme]

Same to all. Better late than not at all.

I will have a map at the gate (it's really not that hard to get to camp). If you have trouble call me at 254-541-1146.

[Ronny]

Good luck this weekend

[fatman]

No reports yet. How did the hunt go?

[Tomme]

Well I'm back. Happy to report we all survived the cold (it was 11 degrees Saturday morning). I think instead of the LSBA Mid-Winter Meat Hunt we ought to call it the LSBA Mid-Winter "Frozen" Meat Hunt as it was chilly. Only a small heater in the fifth wheeler that Brandon and I were in and I don't think my sleeping bag was cold rated for the room.

Fun group and we all had a good time. We ate way too much as we all chipped in on the meals. Mule deer chili, venison burgers, sausage and redfish on the half shell, and more breakfast tacos than you could eat. We also went into town for a complimentery Bar-B-Q dinner (Thanks JP) at the youth Livestock show. Based on how much trouble I had getting my belt to tighten on the camo, I think I put on weight.

As to the hunting, it was tough. They didn't move much at all Friday night, but we began seeing em starting Sat morning. Three shots were taken, including one by yours truly, but nothing went into the ice chest. We did have one late night tracking experience on Brandon's deer, but since he found his arrow the next morning and it was clean, we've about decided that the blood trail we were following was "sheep afterbirth". Now that phanom tracking experience was a new one.

Even with the lack of success, it was a great hunt and I'd be happy to hunt again with any you guys .

[bountyhunter]

Even with the lack of success, it was a great hunt and I'd be happy to hunt again with any you guys .

I will totally agree with this statement, it was a great weekend!!!!!!!

As for the deer, the ones we saw acted more like Spider Monkeys hopped up on Mountain Dew than deer. They were wired to say the least, but we should have expected as much as they have been hunted for over 3 months. No matter if we were able to go back there next weekend, I'd be all for a repeat trip with the same bunch of guys any day.

[rtread]

Even with the lack of success, it was a great hunt and I'd be happy to hunt again with any you guys .

I totally agree! Great group and great times....I thoroughly enjoyed it. We didn't slaughter the deer but that's what keeps us coming back....right? I'm really surprised that I was able to get out undetected with my ice chests loaded with mutton. :naughty:
Got home on schedule....hope everybody else had a safe trip home.

Tomme, thanks again for giving your time to put these together. Hope I have another opportunity!

[biggen]

Sounds like a good time was had by all! Thanks Tomme for puttin it together!!

[Death from Above]

I googled "surly bunch" and this was the picture it displayed :D


2239


I actually had a wonderful time also. Learned 2 things....how to spit and scare off sheep, and to shoot low on them south texas whitetails. It was great meeting you guys and look forward to more fellowship hunts.


Oh and just so everyone knows, owning a weedeater is a prerequisite to going on all future hunts :chatterbox:

[biggen]

Wait a minute did Tomme say he MISSED? Naw can't be!! :err::D

[Ronny]

Wait a minute did Tomme say he MISSED? Naw can't be!! :err::D


He MISSED, the sky most be falling.:err::err::err::D

[bountyhunter]

Here is the only video I got that was worth a hoot........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpnDzfOQFW0

[rtread]

Great job, Derek! I got so cold watching that video I had to go get a jacket on! LOLOL
I got one 30 sec. video of the sheep circling the pen....not worthy of air time. I had lots of fun out there! It was good getting to know you and the others.

[bountyhunter]

Ray, I got one of the sheep coming by and eating all my corn as well. When the battery was dead on the camera, I got down and put out some more corn. 10 minutes later the sheep were back..........

I also learned a few things about taping a hunt that might make it easier next time.....;)

[biggen]

Very nice video!!

[BOBSTER]

Looks like a great time, sorry no one was able to bring hom any meat. Bob

[Tomme]

I know Biggen. I'm truly amazed as well!


And yes, I do own a weedeater.

[rtread]

And yes, I do own a weedeater.

Actually I have two weedeaters. The old electric one is still around just because I haven't chunked it. The gas powered one is my pride and joy. When I got home Sunday and was putting my hunting gear up, I checked to make sure it was still there. It had suddenly gained value. :naughty:

[bountyhunter]

Actually I have two weedeaters. The old electric one is still around just because I haven't chunked it. The gas powered one is my pride and joy. When I got home Sunday and was putting my hunting gear up, I checked to make sure it was still there. It had suddenly gained value. :naughty:

Yep, I two as well. A real man can't have enough weedeaters......;)

[Tomme]

I had five. I started out with small electric ones, but they gradually got bigger and bigger. Ultimately, as I matured, I went to gas powered.

[Tomme]

Ok, time to start gearing up for the next Fellowship Hunt. I'll post some info on a new thread here later today.