Grunts and Gobbles IV (**DATES EDITED**)

[Tomme]

Deposits are now being taken for the Grunts and Gobbles IV Hunt. Here's some details.


LSBA Spring 2007 Fellowship Hunt.

GRUNTS AND GOBBLES IV

Date - March 31st-April 1st (edited dates), Friday noon to Sunday Noon (NOTE we will be hunting Hogs only on Friday as Turkey season opens April 1st).

Place - Pete Denney's Brushy Hill Ranch - Sabinal, TX

Bag Limit - 2 Turkeys and Unlimited Feral Hogs

Price - $135 for the 2 day Hunt - Price includes bunkhouse.


KIDS UNDER 16 and under HUNT FREE* (*There is a nominal fee of $25 if they stay in the bunkhouse).


T-SHIRTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR $15 - Shirts must be ordered in advance. Please state size and include the T-shirt money with your hunt deposit.

THIS IS AN LSBA HUNT AND LSBA MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED FOR ALL ADULT HUNTERS.


Plese make checks payable to the Lone Star Bowhunters Associaiton and send them to - LSBA, c/o Tomme R. Actkinson, 159 Copano Ridge Rockport, TX 78382. If you wish confirmation, please include your email address.


SPACE IS LIMITED TO THE FIRST 55 BOWHUNTERS WITH A PAID NON-REFUNDABLE $67.50 DEPOSIT.



LET'S GO HUNTING!

[Bowwiz]

Tomme,whats the lastest to sign up.Its still along time til March.I don't have any extra $$$ right now but might by then.I've never taken a mature gobbler,just jakes with a bow.....
Sound like fun,i'm interested,but its still early.
David

[Tomme]

I agree with you Bowiz that it's early. I actually wasn't going to start taking deposits until Jan, but I've had at least one person send in their deposit and with the hunt in the magazine and a flyer going out with the election ballots I figured I'd better start.

You actually have up until the hunt itself to get your deposit in, UNLESS the hunt fills to the max of 55. We currently have three signed up so you still have time.

[Graybow]

Tomme,

Is it "16 and under" or "kids under 16" hunt free?

[Bowwiz]

Thx Tomme....

[Tomme]

Graybow I know it went out on the flyer as under 16, but if I recall correctly (and boy is my recall iffy at best) in the past it's been 16 and under were free; so that's the way I'm calling it.

We want to encourage the kids to get into bowhunting (they're our future) and speaking as the father of four, it's tough for some families to pay that extra $135 for a 16 year old.

[biggen]

Up until the hunt for payment of the hunt BUT if you want a t-shirt the cut off is two weeks before the hunt!! :!:

[Graybow]

Thanks Tomme,

I always thought it was 16 and under. Last year for one of my boys to hunt free! See ya there!

[Ronny]

I'll bet this will be fun, and we should have a good chance at some turkeys with it being the first weekend of the season.

[Tomme]

There's always some TURKEYS that come on this hunt too, fluttering fingers and all.

I'm going to take one last swing at the concrete pig, but I'm bringing my compound too for a shot at the balloon contest.

[LostHawg]

Tomme, you shouldn't be talking about Ronnie like that...

That nephew of his can sure piddle on the guitar, can't he? I hope I get to go on the 08 hunt. ;) This one's out. :(

[Ronny]

That nephew was playing in your town two weeks ago Losthawg. They are making there second CD as we type. They will be back out there in february. There band is called EXIT 110 maybe you can catch there show.

[LostHawg]

Dude, I'd love to. Ya ought to come out and say howdy yourownself.

Ya know, I drive through your yard every trip I make to see my folks. Maybe I'll see ya at the gas station or something sometime.

[Tomme]

Ronnie I want one of their CD's (I'll even buy it just so I can sing along with them on the hunt :D )

[Graybow]

Ronnie! DOn't do it!! Tomme singing would be to much for us to bare!! lol

[Ronny]

Don't worry Graybow, I got us some ear PLUGS.
On another note the dates for this hunt are wrong I think, it should be March 30 to April 1. The magazine and the flyer are wrong also.

[Tomme]

Good catch Ronny. I must have been looking at the 2006 calendar when I set up the dates :oops: :oops: :oops: . It's still a Friday noon to Sunday noon hunt, but change the hunt dates to March 30th-April 1. This caused a momentary panic till I could check Parks and Wildlife's internet site, but the turkey season in Uvalde County begins on March 31th, so we're fine with those dates and we will still get to hunt opening weekend (Sat-Sun).

Should be a good moon too for hog hunting.

I still want one of those CDs.

[LostHawg]

He and Steve sure made my guitar sound good. Never knew it could make THOSE sounds. :oops:

:P

[DEER KILLER]

I am looking forward to this to hang out, and drink some beer and shooting some bull. How successful have hunters been in recent years. I miss this every year, but I am keyed up this year? Also should you bring ATV or can you get around pretty easily in a truck ?
Kyle Scott

[biggen]

DK , no atv's on the ranch (ranch rule not lsba) but getting around is easy unless there is ALOT of rain. Animals have been taken every trip. I shot a 220# hog last year! Hope to see you there!

[gmherps]

Tom,
I know I already told you but I'll be sending my deposit this Friday to ya and enough for a shirt or 2.

[gmherps]

Do we bring our own chow?

[Linedawg]

OK, I've been busy with work and holidays but I'm back. I'm actually at work now (ya, New Years eve!).

Tomme, I sent in my deposit the day after I got the flyer. Elvis and Ronald should also be sending in deposits.

I also sent the money for a large t-shirt.

I'm ready to put the smack on something. I haven't shot anything with my bow in quite awhile. My bow is sad, my arrows are sad, I'm sad. :(
But I'm ready to lay some meat down now. I'll be bringing my high tech arrow launching device instead of a trad bow. :) With this dry spell I'm trying to up the odds in my favor! :twisted: Can't wait.

Steve

[LostHawg]

Have fun Steve.

You need to hitch a ride with Timm next month to our rabbit hunt out here in San Angelo.

[biggen]

Yes Gregg, you bring your own chow! There is a stove and a microwave and a bar-b-que pit! There is a fridge also!

[Linedawg]

Timm's going bunny wacking? I'm sure ya will have a great time. Take a group photo and write up a story for the magazine.

[Tomme]

We're up to 11 on the count. Still plenty of room, but that's a pretty fast start so don't wait too late to send in your deposit.

Looks like I may have a couple of friends from Arkansas come down for the hunt. I've already warned them that all of you guys lie and not to believe anything you say about me (unless of course it's good). :lol:

[LostHawg]

Who are your friends from razorback country Tomme. Maybe I know 'em or of 'em. Doubt it though. :?:

[wassaw]

for a first timer on this kind of hunt what is needed
food,
ICE
EAR PLUGS !! never mind that's a given
should 1 bring their own small pit and charcoal, i saw that they have a pit but 55 guys trying to cook at dinner time....?
POP-UP blind?
they actually have 55 bunks? all we need is pillows and linens??


could someone whose been before post some things that hit their to bring list?

participation in events and new memories was on my 07 todo list.

looking forward to March. will get monies in before end of Jan. going to ask Blake if he would be interested, 16 year old son of a long time friend.

Steve

[biggen]

Steve,

There are refrigerators in each cabin. There are stove's and microwaves and bar-b-que pits. Bring your own food and bring ice in case you kill something as there are no walk-in coolers. I bring both pop-ups and tri-pods. Bring towels and sheets. I just bring one sleeping bag and a pillow. Sleeping arrangements are mostly bunkbeds. (YES EAR PLUGS ARE A MUST) especially if your in Tomme's cabin. :D I also bring a bag or two of corn just to throw in the feed route hopper. I'm sure I am forgetting something but I bet more will chime in. Look forward to hunting with you!

Brad

[Ronny]

Snake boots, you will also need rubber boots because the BS gets real deep.

[gmherps]

I can't wait fellas!!!

So the hunt is shotrened by one day?

[roger]

Looking forward to it. Hunter had a blast last year and is looking forward to going with me again this spring.

And, there will be no 3pete this year Brad! I've been practicing ripping a fletching off with my teeth, nocking two arrows and punching the balloon at 843 yards! :twisted: :lol: :roll: You're going down this year!

[Tomme]

Roger you don't stand a chance. I'm entering the balloon contest this year and you all know that I'm so tight with my money that I wouldn't do that unless it's a sure thing. Then again I saw you guys shoot last year and that's what gives me the confidence to enter. :P

Just got two more entries in. Still lots of space, but going to be a lot bigger hunt than last year.

Also, just returned from deer hunting there. Saw a really big buck in the Kraegor. We might have to revive the October deer hunt there this year.

[Beleg]

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y134/rww1626/GruntandGobblesIVresized-1.jpg

[biggen]

8)

[gmherps]

Is there a link to a previous post about the hunt as far how many acres, how many stands etc...?

[Injun]

Tomme, Can I send you the money without the flier. I havent been before but would like to. Give me a ring to verify please. (281)703-8257

[Tomme]

The ranch is almost 13,000 acres (low fenced) and comprised 4 pastures. If I recall correctly there are about 49 feeders and also some huge areas away from the feeders but on the 3 mile or so corn route. Bring some corn so you can feed a little bit in areas you might want to try out.

Some areas are better than others for turkeys and that will depend on your luck in the draw, but there are hogs all over the ranch.

Injun I'm calling as soon as I get off of here and no you don't need to have the flier, but you do need to be a member of LSBA or join. This hunt is one of the benefits of membership.

[Graybow]

I've got some friends coming along on this hunt. They are gonna become members! And along with my son, I have a nephew coming, too! Gonna be a blast!

[Tomme]

Graybow I don't recall if your son and nephew are in the kids category or not. If they are, make sure that I get their names and register them as they count against the total number of hunters. Just want to make sure that we don't run out of beds.

Got four more in today. We're already up to 22. Still a lot of space available, but we're way ahead of last years total at this time. More interest in LSBA? or is it the $1.99 a gallon gas? :?: :wink:

[Injun]

Tomme, My deposit hit the mailbox this evening along with enough for a pair of t-shirts. Try to keep us up on the fill up rate if possible . Oh and I forgot toask- is it ok to bring spouses if they don't hunt. If mamma can come and I don't bring her she'll be ticked. Thanks

[Tomme]

Injun, I'm up to 24 with about 8 other people saying that they have mailed it or are in the process of mailing it.

Currently we have no provision for none hunters. I was asked this on TBH by a person that wanted to guide both his wife and son and while I sympathized I told him no. We have two problems, one is the number of beds we have available is right at the top limit on hunters. I think this hunt may fill up. The other problem is that I haven't really thought of this before this year and so haven't talked it over with the ranch owner. Most ranchers either don't allow guests or charge them a hunt fee. I could pursue this further if you'd like. Obviously if you pay a hunt fee on your wife she could come.

The final question might deal with bunk facilities. We have a couple of spots open to couples or small groups and I try to save those for hunting couples. The rest are anything from 8 people in a bedroom to an open bay arrangement with maybe 14. I want everyone to be comfortable where they are sleeping and, not to borrow trouble, a mixed bunkhouse sometimes causes people to be less than happy.

Open to thoughts or suggestions.

[gmherps]

Tom, Did you get my check?

[BUFF]

I will be sending mine in the morning... can I use my Ranger to get around or do I have to use my New truck?

[BUFF]

there was a couple of motels in town...anybody have any contact info for them?

[Tomme]

Greg yes I did. You were one of the first. Sorry, I thought I emailed you a confirm. Also, no the hunt hasn't been shortened we just had the dates wrong. It still runs noon Friday the 30th to noon Sunday April 1. Finally Pete doesn't have a website. Kind of old fashioned, but his ranch speaks for itself.

Buff the Ranger is fine unless we get a lot of rain. On the other hand I saw the new truck pictures and this might be a good time to get the first SCRATCH out of the way. :P :P :P

There are some motels in town and in Hondo. I don't remember the name, but Fitzgerald or the Zimmerman's could probably tell you. Hey, do you suppose that Sabinal has a website?

[Ronny]

Tomme, you sure the ranger is O.K. Its is an ATV.

[gmherps]

motel? roughing it my man!!lol

[BUFF]

send mine in this morning with the money for 2--XXXL tee shirts

[Tomme]

Sorry Buff. For some reason I was thinking Ford Ranger Pickup. Nope ATVs aren't allowed. Guess it's the new truck.

Did you say XXXL. I believe Brad said there was an additional cloth "surcharge" for each X. :twisted: Naw, not really.

[BUFF]

Tomme could I get one XXXL and one that would fit a 3 year old?

[BUFF]

No big deal on the Ranger... it is a strange rule but I guess it is their roads... The little Ranger does not leave waist deep ruts like the Ford will

[BUFF]

the Buff Buggy :D
http://buffsblackwidow.com/images/buffbuggy.JPG

[Tomme]

Buff I think the problem that a lot of these ranches have had is that some of the people that have hunted with ATVs have done a lot of off roading. So they end up with game spooked out of sanctuary areas and in some cases, they have tire tracks all over every pasture.

Just another deal of a few slobs ruining it for the rest, but I've seen several ranches that have this rule.

[BUFF]

it is no problem. I just didn't want to mess up their roads if it stays wet

[Tomme]

Got two more deposits at the meeting and four more when I got home so as of this date we have 34 deposits on the hunt and only 21 spots left.

[Graybow]

Finally got my deposit sent! lol I'm gettib forgetfull....hmmmm.
See y'all there!

[LostHawg]

I used a tent the two times I went. Very peaceful. Just treat for chiggars. They wore me OUT!!!

[BUFF]

does anybody know the name of the motel in town?

[LostHawg]

Marty, I got this off Google. This what you're looking for?


Ogden's Motor Inn
413 E Fisher Ave - (830) 988-2441

B Twin Oaks Motel
420 E Fisher - (830) 988-2214

[BUFF]

thanks Losthawg... you are the computer guy :)

[LostHawg]

I think I might join in afterall... Gimme a minnit to think about it. :?

[LostHawg]

I'm in. I had to cancel that other hunt :( because of unexpected expenses, but I think I can swing this one. This one is closer and costs only a third of the $$.

Tomme, if you can hold my spot, I'll send out the deposit on the 16th. Is that alright?

[BUFF]

o goody .. the concrete pig hasn't got a chance :D

[Tomme]

Buff you don't have a chance. That pig bears a curse.

Hunt numbers are at 39 so far. Six kids hunting free.

This will be a good sized hunt, but we still have room for a few more.

[BUFF]

I knew I didn't stand a chance with the curse... but Losthawg is a pig killing machine :D

[Chunky]

Tomme,

I sent in my deposit last week. I forgot to include t-shirt money. I am good for it if you can get me an XXL, if not....it's okay as I have a collection of them already.

I am not going to mention the curse, shhsssssh.

[Tomme]

Buff, LostHawg was even beaten by the curse. You don't stand a chance. I'm think of seeing a voodoo person or witch doctor before this hunt....since this is Indian territory maybe a medicine man.

Mark since you're a regular and on the EC, I'll put you down as "going to pay" on the T-shirt. What the heck it comes out of Brads pocket, not mine anyway. :wink:

[LostHawg]

Yeah, I was beaten by the curse. (twice) Wanna make something of it? I betcha a dollar I get closer to that concrete pig than you do Mr. Wise-guy, er Tomme. :twisted: :P :lol:

[BUFF]

has it come to this? We are now betting who can miss by the least

[LostHawg]

Me and my big mouth. 8) 8)

:lol:

[Tomme]

Yes indeed. We are betting on who will miss by the least amount. It's the only way to win anything. That concrete pig is cursed. Lost Hawg has only missed twice. Now me I have three misses to my credit. Two from the stand and one a spot and stalk at 1 AM. I think I'm giving up and hunting with a compound this year (though based on someone elses post about hitting one and having it disappear after falling off a cliff I might should go the other way. LOL)


By the way the hunt number is now at 46.

[LostHawg]

No, no, no, Tomme, I've not even had a shot down there. A bunch of half draws, but them little football pigs are just too fast.. lol

I meant that I've only gone to the Grunts and Gobbles twice, not missed twice. 8)

I really need to take a class on internet communications. :oops:

:P

[BUFF]

I have a room reserved and am ready to go

[LostHawg]

Y'all make SURE you take something for chiggers. Maybe sulphur???

They can be bad. Wore me out year before last. :evil:

[Tomme]

Counitng Tracy we are up to 47.

There are only 8 spots left. After that people will be on standby.

[roger]

Tomme,
Check is in the mail. You should have it in a day or so. I'm bringing my son, 7yrs, but he's not hunting, of course.

Roger

[biggen]

Still won't beat me at the balloon shoot! :evil: :D

[roger]

Still won't beat me at the balloon shoot! :evil: :D

Oh yeah?! Have 140 yard pin, will travel! :o :shock: :lol: :twisted: :roll:

[LostHawg]

Tomme, could ya put me down for a "large" shirt? Thanks

[Tomme]

Sure Tracy. Just send me the $15. :D

[LostHawg]

The money'll be there, but I'm sure the concrete piggy'll pay for it. :twisted:

[Tomme]

Hunt # is at 51.

I don't know what is in the mail and I'm going by postmarks. So if you haven't mailed it yet I can no longer guarantee you a spot. Doesn't mean that you might not still get in, but I believe we will fill up next week. To be fair to those whose money is in the mail I will honor postmark or time of Paypal post, whichever is the earliest.

Gonna be a good BIG hunt.

Thanks for supporting LSBA

Tomme

[Injun]

Hey Roger fill me in on the concrete pig and balloon deal. Is there a chance for me to supplement the old income on this trip?

[LostHawg]

heeeeeeerre, piggy, piggy, piggy...

The concrete pig is a contest between the stick and string group that whoever gets the biggest hog on the hunt wins the pig. Unfortunately, we've ALL failed to close the deal with a trad bow (for those competing) for 4 years running. :evil: :evil: I did nail a rabbit though. :P

Anyway, the concrete pig has yet to find a home. One that will accommodate an approximate 30 pound trophy. :twisted:

Am I close Chunky? Tomme? etc, etc, etc...


...and so forth.

[roger]

Tracy pretty well covered the concrete pig deal. It has, I think, a $5 entry fee prior to taking a hog and if you win, you get the much coveted concrete pig to take home. I don't think it pays any money back. The money goes into the LSBA funds. I really think those trad guys are missing on purpose 'cause no one wants to have to drag that concrete pig into the house proudly exclaiming; "Honey, look what I one!" I can see it now: getting half drawn and the thought of lugging that thing home enters their mind, next a loud "shoo pig" is heard all across the ranch eminating from their location. "Too bad, no shot, maybe next year." :lol: All of us who use training wheels on our bows, are not eligible for this fine contest.

Balloon shoot- anyone can enter. I think we paid $5 each last year. It's a money pot, so here's your chance to supplement the income. Brad places a half inflated balloon (about 4" diameter) on a target out in a dried up pond bed behind one of the bunkhouses. Everyone then lines up and takes a shot at it. If it isn't hit, we move up a bit and try again. Did I mention that the first shot usually occurs at over 100 yards away? No problem. Last year all us highly skilled, overpracticed, Robin Hood wannabes really lit it up. I think the balloon was finally hit at a whopping 42 yards by Brad. Such a magnificent display of archery marksmanship is rarely witnessed by mere mortals. :lol: Plan to shoot. It's a blast. Oh, and bring more than ONE arrow to the shoot. Walking back and forth every round to pull ( read as: look around in the dirt and grass) arrows is tiresome and takes forever. I say we shoot at least two ends before hiking to search for....uh I mean pull.....arrows. Really, you shouldn't lose arrows. It's open dirt with a bit of grass tufts scattered about, so finding arrows isn't a problem.

[biggen]

:cry: :cry: :cry: walking is part of the deal but I know we all are in such fantastic shape that walking should not be a problem! :wink:

[Tomme]

I almost got skin cancer standing out in the sun last year waiting for someone to finally break the balloon.

Now do I go for the concret pig again, or do I give up and actually shoot something.

FYI - Tracy and Roger, your checks made it in today, so you're good to go.

[lbbf]

How is the success rate on these hunts? I've never dropped anything bigger than a rabbit with my bow and was hoping that this would be the trip. I would love a hog or turkey!

[Tomme]

lbbf this is a hunt with a good opportunity to see game and perhaps score. The chance of success depends on a lot of factors such as how hard you hunt and willingness to learn. Please feel free to ask me, Brad Adams, Ronny Strickland, Samsdad and Buff all the questions you want. I don't mean that we are "experts", but all of us have taken a lot of game.

This is real hunt as opposed to a "canned" one. By that, I know of some game ranches that have 200 acres and maybe 500 hogs on the place. You will always have shots, but to me that is not a real hunt. This ranch covers 13,000 acres, it's low fence and even with feeders and a feed route, some of the hogs are smart. Still if you hunt long and hard you should see game and have some shots.

I'm going to try to put together a handout of tips, but here's a few off the top of my head.

1. Scent control - the hog's nose is their best defense. Wear rubber boots if you've got them, make sure you set up well downwind of the feeder, or feed route. Don't touch the corn with your hands if you feed the area.

2. Scatter corn lightly in your shooting area. A big pile will spook them.

3. Don't use a hog light on your bow. These hogs are educated.

4. Don't get on the stand too early and do stay until the hogs come. On our first G & G hunt I saw people climbing on their stand at 3:30. It was a hot day and that was way too early. You also are spreading your scent over a wider area. It may also make you quit too soon.

5. The hogs will hit every feeder and the whole corn route, but they tend to not come out till dark. I have seen people packing up and heading back to camp 30 minutes before sunset. TOO EARLY! It might be good to eat a snack just before you go out or bring something to nibble on while on the stand. I have stayed as late a 9:30 to get a shot at a feeder, but they did come out. Now that's a lot of time on the stand (I got on my tripod at 5:30) but it depends on how bad you want a shot.

6. Aim a lot lower on a hog than a deer. I recommend trying to hit it no more than 1 inch from the bottom as the heart is incredibly low. If you hit the mid-point on a hog you might get the spine, but chances are you will go over it (it's real low too( and will never find the animal.

7. Finally for turkey, ask someone else, like one the group with Ronny Strickland as those guys are a lot better at it than me. I would recommend hunting out of a pop up for turkeys as their eyesight is incredible.

All this boils down to hunt hard, learn a lot, and you may bring home the bacon. You should have a good time even if you don't and at the least you should come away with good memories and info that will make you a better hunter.

[lbbf]

Thanks for the info. Sounds like a great time. Even if I never get a shot at anything but the balloon I'll still have a blast. I haven't hunted much since I was a kid and really miss it. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone and getting back out in a stand.

[Tomme]

We WILL have a good time. Just beware of anyone from Cumby, TX. :wink:

[lbbf]

Ok now I' really confused. The 31 is a Sat. Are we still going on Fri the 30th? Since the first is on Sun. does that mean we will be able to hunt turkeys until noon on Sun. only?

[Frontloader]

Texas spring turkey season will open on March 31, Saturday for this hunt. :D

Tomme had the gov. open it a day early to make this hunt special. :shock:

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/hunt/season/animal_listing/

[Tomme]

Frontloader has it right. I just call up the guys in Austin and they change all the seasons the way I want them :wink: (NOT).

We will hunt hogs only on Friday evening the 30th and then will hunt turkey and hogs all day on Saturday and Sunday morning. That gives us two morning hunts for turkey, which is generally best for those who are good at calling.
Thses spring hunts have traditionally been scheduled noon Friday till Noon Sunday. We went with this first weekend this year because it's both a full moon weekend, which is best for hogs, and also because it was the first weekend of turkey season and we were hoping to get at them before they'd been hunted. We do trade off one evening hunt for turkey to do this. Hope this makes it clear.

[gmherps]

Hey Tom have directions already been posted to the place?

[LostHawg]

Tomme, y'all hunt turkey birds all ya want. I'm out for the HAWGS!!!!

:P

[Frontloader]

The real turkey hunters will roost the birds Friday evening. Then Sat. morning they will set up about 100 yards away and call them right in. :D

The newbys will just wonder around lost :? spooking/busting birds and pigs for those who did their homework and were ready to be successful.

Oh well, that is hunting. :roll:

[Tomme]

Greg I'll post these again at mid month, but they're real simple.

1. Go to Sabinal. In your case you'd probably go down I-35 to San Antonio and then go west on Hwy 90.

2. at the only light in Sabinal take a left (South).

3. Go about 4.5 miles and you will cross a creek (first dip in the road.

4. About 100 yards past that you should see a gate with an LSBA banner on it. If go through the gate to the big barn (which is right inside the gate) and we will have a check in station there.

Look forward to seeing you there. We'll have to show these guys how the Mary Hardin-Baylor crew can hunt!

[LostHawg]

R we there yet? R we there yet? R we there yet? R we there yet?...