Lone Star Outdoor Show

What do African white rhinos have to do with the Texas landscape? If you haven’t heard, the Texas based Exotic Wildlife Association is undertaking perhaps it’s biggest project to date. EWA Executive Director Charly Seale joins us to discuss ‘Rhino 1000’. This project essentially will bring South African rhinos to Texas for the purposes of protection and reproduction. Many of the arriving rhinos are expected to be orphans of rhinos that were poached for their ivory. Charly talks about the strict regulations involved with the project. The ranches receiving rhinos must meet strict requirements and take a course on how to care for these magnificent animals. Keep in mind that there will be no hunting of white rhinos in Texas, ‘Rhino 1000’ is a dedicated conservation effort to help save the species from poaching in it’s native lands. Next, we talk some flyfishing with Orvis Rod and Tackle’s Tom Rosenbauer. A respected author, instructor and fly fishing innovator, Tom was named Fly Rod and Reel Magazine’s 2011 Angler of the Year. He has written over a dozen fly fishing books and hosts the Orvis Fly Fishing Podcast. Needless to say, he is one of the most respected fly fisherman on the planet. We discuss the changing trend in participation within the sport. Also, what about the longtime conventional angler taking up fly fishing? What species should one pursue? Tom breaks it all down for us, plus gives us some tips that could make that afternoon spent wading with the long rod one of the most memorable fishing experiences of your life. We tackle a serious waterfowl conservation issue next with Ducks Unlimited Conservation Outreach Biologist Kirby Brown. With rice production along the Texas coastal prairies at an all time low, we are starting to see the negative affects on duck and goose populations that depend on those wetlands every winter. Water usage issues are a major concern as rice farmers simply aren’t getting enough water due to extended drought conditions. What species of ducks are being affected the most? What is Ducks Unlimited doing to work with landowners and water policy writers to make sure this immensely important wintering habitat remains? As far as the Central Flyway is concerned, the Texas rice prairies hosts the largest concentration of wintering waterfowl in the entire flyway. We wrap up this week’s show by talking early fall lunker patterns with longtime guide and successful tournament angler Charles Whited of Barefoot Fishing Tours. With 2 Toyota Sharelunkers coming over the rail of his bass boat in the past 3 years, no Texas angler can say they know big bass better than Charles. (He is also well on his way to securing his 2nd Angler of the Year title of the year in the Central Texas/Hill Country region). Charles tells us where he is finding fish as temps begin to cool off and what baits he catching them on. He also offers some interesting advice regarding the size of plastic worms he is routinely throwing – you might be surprised to hear his thoughts on the way bass have changed their response to certain baits due to increased fishing pressure over the past 10 or so years.

We kick things off by talking dove, dove and more dove with our Texas Parks and Wildlife Dove Program Leader Shawn Oldenburger. With the North/Central Zones opening up this week and the South Zone not too far behind, dove is on just about everyone’s mind these days. How did the extremely wet spring affect production? How many Texas hunters will take to the field this season and how many dove does Shawn expect us to harvest? With over 50 million mourning dove and 9 million ( a record high) whitewings calling Texas home, I guarantee the amount of birds Texans harvest is staggering! Shawn gives his Fearless Forecast and regional hotspots for the upcoming season. Heartland Bowhunter’s Michael Hunsucker then makes his first appearance on the Lone Star Outdoors Show. One of the founders and co-hosts of the hit bowhunting show ‘Heartland Bowhunter’ – we talk chasing big whitetails, giant mulies and bugling bulls with a stick and string. Heartland Bowhunter celebrates 8 seasons and it’s 100th Episode on Outdoor Channel this week and that my friends, is staying power in this industry. We discuss the ins and outs of hunting on film. How many hunts have been blown or busted just by having a cameraman in tow at all times? To what does he attribute Heartland Bowhunter’s continued success? We cover it all and a whole lot more! Be sure to set your DVR for Heartland Bowhunter- incredible cinematography and great story telling week in and week out. Redfish, Trout, Flounder and Red Snapper are up next with our longtime friend Captain Len Girard. We find out where each species is staging and what Captain Len is catching them on. We also dive into the way Texas Parks and Wildlife has managed our inshore species and whether Captain Len believes their intended goals are being met. ( Right to Left – Myself, my dad and my buddy after a successful trip to Corpus Christi Bay last month) We round out the show with a special in studio guest when Texas honky tonker Matt Caldwell joins the broadcast. A native of North Texas, Matt spent over a decade writing songs in Nashville before moving back to Texas to chase his real dream. 3 years later he has released two records including the brand new “Dreams and Dust”. We hear some great new tunes and talk some hunting and fishing with Matt.

With bow season in sight, we kick things off by talking archery with Korbin Williams of Korbin’s Archery. A school psychologist by trade, Korbin’s Archery has been producing some of the archery industry’s premiere bow strings for nearly a decade now. Korbin talks about getting involved in the business and why he made his first set of strings. As someone who was in the thick of things when TPWD decided to allow crossbows as part of the regular archery season, did Korbin see a significant uptick in the number of crossbow strings being ordered? We also discuss chasing big whitetails from Texas to Kansas! Korbin with last year’s Kansas brusier: Then, he’s a modern day Randy Travis. A true renaissance man on the country music scene and we are thrilled to have Cody Jinks join us in studio. We discuss Cody’s 3rd full studio album “Adobe Sessions” before taking a listen to a few of the tunes on the record- including the new single ‘Loud and Heavy’. We dive into Cody’s background and the artists that were influential in shaping the way he writes and sings his songs. (Cody in the Lone Star Outdoors Show studio) We then change gears and discuss Cody’s other passion- bass fishing. When he comes off the first thing he does to clear his head is head up to Lake Ray Roberts with his bass rig. He talks about his earliest memories of fishing with his dad and how he has continued that tradition with his kids. Cody gives us a couple of his favorite baits and also talks about his personal best largemouth. We round out the show by taking a hard look at the feeder industry and how deer feeders have shaped the way so many whitetail hunters actually harvest deer. All Season’s Feeders is an iconic Texas company that was founded back in 1987 when the feeder boom really began. Would there even be a deer blind industry if it wasn’t for feeders? Zach Gates joins us to talk about the history of the industry, from where it came from to where it is now. Often overlooked is the fact that feeders are perhaps the best management tool that a hunter has at their disposal. We also discuss the All Seasons Feeders line up of BBQ Pits and Smokers. Don’t forget that our August 2015 Photo of the Month winner receives the 24 x 20 BBQ Grill as the grand prize! Be sure to get your submission in before it’s too late.

We’re honored to have avid outdoorsman and staunch 2nd Amendment supporter – Texas Governor Greg Abbott kick off this weekend’s broadcast. We discuss some of the Governor’s fondest hunting memories, the role The Boy Scouts played in developing his love for the outdoors and a recent whitetail hunt he shared with his daughter. Then we dive into the Texas Right To Hunt and Fish Amendment which is on the ballot for November. Lastly, we talk Open Carry- which will go into affect on January 1st 2016. How important was it for the Governor to get Open Carry passed in his first term? We get the answers from a kindred spirit who just happens to reside in the Governor’s Mansion. Then we are joined by Texas Parks and Wildlife Resource Specialist from the Inland Fisheries Division – Preston Bean. Preston works hands on with the state fish of Texas, the Guadelupe Bass, which is indigenous to only certain Texas Hill Country rivers and streams. The feisty little bass is on the rebound after significant habitat loss and widespread hybridization with introduced smallmouth bass from widespread smallmouth stocking efforts in the mid 1970s that threatened to wipe out the state fish completely. How is Texas Parks and Wildlife combating the erroneously stocked smallmouth to ensure the Guadelupe Bass’s survival? We find out, plus Preston gives us his favorite bait and hotspots for the angler wanting to catch a pure Texas Guadelupe Bass. We round out the show when our longtime friend Razor Dobbs (host of Razor Dobbs Alive on Sportsmans Channel) stops by to discuss the perception of our hunting heritage among the general public. What can we do to tilt the odds back in our favor in the court of public opinion? Also, how do we re-brand our approach to appeal to a younger generation of potential hunters in this social media frenzied world we live in? All that, plus Razor gives us a behind the scenes look at the relationship between hunting and conservation on the Dark Continent. Razor has a lot of experience hunting Africa having made his first hunting safari back in 1995. (Razor with his first African lioness. Yes he is smiling. Hunting is fun! Remember? )

We start things off when our good friend and Dallas Safari Club Executive Director and passionate big game hunter Ben Carter drops by. We get his take on the lion situation and black eye that that was dealt to the hunting community after the harvest of a particular lion in Zimbabwe last month. We also discuss the decision of a few major airlines to ban the transport of African trophy animals such as lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. What will the long term affects be? Who are the real losers in this whole ordeal? (Ben with a nice Cape Buffalo- one of the 5 species many major airlines will no longer transport) Next we check in with an old fishing buddy when Army Bass Anglers Founder and President Cody Roberson joins the broadcast. Cody just returned from ICAST in Orlando, FL (the fishing trade show of all trade shows) where the new products for 2016 were introduced. What technology or products blew him away? Anything he thinks will revolutionize the industry? We also talk about the upcoming ‘Fishing For Freedom’ event on Lake Belton and what is new with Army Bass Anglers. Check ABA out on World Fishing Network. Their hit bass fishing show “Force on Force” airs multiple times a week. Texas Deer Association President Chase Clark then drops by to give us the latest news on the CWD issue that has completely shut down the billion dollar a year whitetail breeding industry in the Lone Star State. How does Chase feel that Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Texas Animal Health Commission have handled the situation thus far? What about live testing that could potentially save the lives of animals that TPWD says should be euthanized? All that plus we dive into the upcoming 17th Annual TDA Convention and Deer Auction. Then a real treat when Rock N Roll icon and outdoor personality Ted Nugent makes his return to the broadcast. We discuss division within the outdoor communities ranks, black bear hunting, Africa and whatever else is on the Motor City Madman’s mind.

WWE Hall of Famer and host of Outdoor Channel’s ‘McMillian River Adventures’ – Sean Michaels kicks things off for us! The “Heartbreak Kid” brings the same passion and energy to the outdoors that he did to the ring for all those years. After the fame and bright lights had Sean heading down a path of destruction, he talks about his faith and how that and hunting really gave him a second chance at life. We discuss some of his favorite big game hunts and a couple things that he hopes to check off the bucketlist in the near future. Next we are joined by our longtime friend and Texas coastal fishing guide Captain Len Girard. We talk all things redfish and trout. What are they eating and where can we find them? Plus we hit on the delicious and highly sought after flounder. Does Captain Len think that stricter regulations implemented by Texas Parks and Wildlife are having a direct effect on the flounder fishery? We get the low down from the best of the best on the Texas coast. Hercules Hunting Blinds Owner/CEO and avid big game bow hunter Cody Lee then drops in. We discuss how Cody’s love for bow hunting whitetails lead to his creation of Hercules Hunting Blinds. A truly trial and error based creation, Hercules is made by whitetail enthusiasts for whitetail hunters. My favorite aspect: the windows are catered towards both the bow and rifle hunter! We’ve enjoyed hunting out of our Hercules on our deer lease. Can’t wait for the upcoming season! We then wrap things up with Texas Trophy Hunters Association VP of Operations Josh Kinser. From Tahr and Chamois in New Zealand to elk and whitetail back home, Josh has had the opportunity to hunt many different species of big game as one of the hosts of Trophy Hunter TV on Outdoor Channel. We talk about some upcoming hunts as well as the TTHA Extravaganza Season which kicks off in Houston this weekend at the Reliant NRG Center!

We open things up this week by talking African style safari hunting right here in Texas. Star S Ranch Operations Manager Eric White drops in to talk about Texas’ Authentic Safari Company. Located on 14,000 acres in the Texas Hill Country, Star S Ranch has naturally reproducing herds of record class exotics and super exotics. From Axis deer and Nubian Ibed to Sable, Kudu and other African plains game species – the Star S takes pride in offering a true safari experience without the cost, travel and time commitment of traveling to Africa. Of course, the Star S Ranch also has phenomenal white tail hunting and has brought in only the best genetics. Eric discusses how the Scott family’s dedication to the breeding and wildlife management side of things really has allowed all the species that inhabitant the ranch to thrive. We harvested our first ever Rio Grande gobbler on the banks of the Star S’ James River nearly a decade ago and can’t wait to join Eric on a fallow buck hunt this fall. (One of the many trophy quality sable bulls the ranch has grown inside it’s borders) Charles Whited of Barefoot Fishing tours joins us next for our bass fishing report. How has the recent flooding affected the bite in the Colorado River lake system? With a swifter current than normal, Charles and his clients have been enjoying 70-80 fish mornings – so I’d say it’s been pretty good! He tells us where to find them and what he’s catching them on. We also go into detail on fish care tips. A seasoned tournament angler with a long list of accolades (Charles won the Texas Tournament Zone Angler of the Year tile again this year), Charles gives us his tips on where and when he fills up his live well to what if any chemicals he adds to the water. The less stress you place on your keepers the more likely they are to be alive at weigh in. Could be the difference in cashing a check or going home empty handed. Our old friend and Texas Parks and Wildlife Mule Deer Program Leader Shawn Gray. We discuss the vitality of our mule deer herds in the Trans Pecos and Panhandle. How affect does Shawn think the wet spring and summer will have on recruitment? We also will talk relocation as 40 mule deer were recently relocated to the struggling Black Gap WMA herd. What about TPWD increasing hunter harvest opportunity? Lastly, Shawn talks about the big picture effect hunting has on our Texas mule deer (if any). Horizon Firearms Owner/CEO Derrick Ratliff then drops in to talk custom rifle builds and long range precision shooting. Based out of College Station, Texas – Horizon has quickly built a reputation for building some of the best performing custom rifles in Texas. We discuss what it means to ‘customize’ a rifle to one’s own specifications. We then transition into the long range side of things where Derrick gives us his favorite long range big game caliber as well as a brand new caliber that hit the industry in 2015. To say we’ve been pleased with our Horizon Firearms custom 7 mag would be a gross understatement! (Me with two beautiful Hill Country axis bucks taken with my Horizon 7 mag).

Dr. James Kroll (Dr. Deer) makes his return to the broadcast this week as we talk mid summer whitetail management tips/practices that can be implemented during the dog days of summer. From what you should be planting and on what percentage of your ranch/lease, to land improvement projects and much more. We also discuss this incredibly wet spring and it’s affect on antler growth. Is there any truth to the thought that folks who feed protein will actually see worse head gear this season compared to those whose deer are only afforded natural browse? Dr. Deer gives us his thoughts. Next up we talk some summertime crappie and catfish with our friend and longtime guide Greg Pavur of Pavur Outdoors. Greg shares years of knowledge amassed from chasing both species year round. He knows where the slabs are staging as water temperatures continue to rise. He tells where to find them and what color jig skirts are putting the most fish in the boat. Then we change directions and talk about Texas 2nd most sought after game fish. Catfish has long been Greg’s favorite quarry and he is putting anglers on big shallow water blue cats this time of year. We discuss his set ups, from hooks and line to what baits he prefers mid summer. (Couple of happy anglers on a recent trip with Pavur Outdoors). Then we are joined by Elite Archery’s Marketing Director Tim Kent. Elite Archery is known as the most ‘shootable’ bow in the industry and that is something Elite takes pride in. Tim explains what ‘Shootability’ really means and while Elite isn’t chasing the speed game like other manufactures, they continue to offer both hunters and competitive shooters a bow that consistently puts the arrow in where they want it. We also discuss the recent boom in the archery industry as a whole as well as discuss a few of Tim’s favorite bow hunts from over 30 years of bowhunting. Of course we also have to discuss our July Photo of the Month Contest sponsored by Elite Archery. This month’s winner gets to customize their own bow from Elite! (Tim with a Midwestern bruiser of a buck) Ducks Unlimited’s Chief Conservation Officer Paul Schmidt rounds out the broadcast as we discuss the USFWS annual survey results. What species saw significant upticks in their numbers this year? What about species that really didn’t fare as well? Overall how do duck numbers look and how did the drought in the Prairie Pothole Region affect the migratory nature of the many puddle ducks that routinely nest there? Look for Canada’s Boreal Forest to play a much great role in this year’s recruitment. (Canvasbacks are one of the species which saw a significant increase in their numbers this spring).

We get things going when waterfowl and alligator outfitter Brian Davenport of Fin and Fowl Outfitters drops by to talk Texas alligator hunting with us. With over 20 years experience guiding gator hunts, Brian knows where to find big alligators and how to catch them. We talk about what goes into a typical hunt from running lines to dispatching the gator. Does it really play out like we’ve all seen on the hit show ‘Swamp People’? Brian also talks about early teal season on the Texas coast as hundreds of thousands of blue wing teal make their early fall migration during the September season. Needless to say, we are thrilled to be joining Fin and Fowl Outfitters on one of their alligator/early teal combo hunts this September! Can’t wait to check alligator hunting off the ‘ol bucket list! (Brian with a big lizard) As many of you are aware, last week it came out that the first ever positive test for Chronic Wasting Disorder was found in a Texas whitetail deer. Coming up on this weekend’s broadcast we will visit with Dr. Joe Ables regarding CWD and what impact that test is having on the whitetail industry in Texas. We also get his take on TPWD’s plans to eradicate the entire herd at that breeding facility in Medina County. Does he think Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Texas Animal Health Commission have handled the situation appropriately? We also get his medical opinion on how contagious CWD really is verses the perception that exists. (Dr. Ables is one of the most respected whitetail veterinarians in the country and has done extensive work creating a cure for another cervid specific disease in EHD). We then are joined by Texas Parks and Wildlife Coastal Fisheries Biologist Jason Ferguson of the Brownsville Office to discuss the plight of snook in Texas waters. As more and more guides began to target snook, they gained a reputation (much like in Florida) as a prized sport fish. Originally, snook began showing up along the Texas coast about 20 years ago, but recently snook populations have taken a nose dive to almost undetectable levels. What happened and will they come back? Does our coastal fisheries division have a management plan in place for snook? Jason breaks it all down for us. We then round out the show by talking Baffin Bay trout and Brush to Bay Outfitters with our longtime friend and Foreverlast founder/owner Billy Gerke. Billy recaps a recent family trip to Baffin that resulted in some monster trout before we change things up and talk Brush To Bay Outfitters- which is a brand new destination for the Texas outdoorsman or woman. Located in Halletsville, Brush to Bay is a one of a kind archery/fishing outfitter. Billy talks about the big Bownanza bash grand opening that is taking place on the 25th of July! The day long celebration will be attended by Bone Collector Nick Mundt and will end with a concert from Adam Hood that evening!

We get things going by visting Oklahoma Game Warden Dru Polk. How has the recent flooding affected the landscape and fishery of Broken Bow/Beaver’s Bend Oklahoma? With 9 out of 10 anglers visiting Broken Bow hailing from Texas, this little fly fishing gem holds a special place in the hearts of many Texas anglers. But with entire stretches of trophy trout streams washed away, what does the future hold for Broken Bow? Game Warden Polk explains why it’s not at all a bad thing. Then we are joined by Texas Parks and Wildlife Spokesman Steve Lightfoot to discuss the positive Chronic Wasting Disorder test that was found in a Medina County whitetail deer. What is TPWD’s protocol as we enter these uncharted waters? Steve tells us how the agency plans to deal with this unfortunate news and the importance of keeping the disease contained. Then we are joined by pro bass fishing legend Tommy Biffle. Tommy specializes in shallow water fishing and so we go shallow for summertime lunkers. Many anglers focus on deep water this time of year but Tommy explains where to find shallow summer bass and how to catch them. We round out the broadcast by discussing the importance of using trail cameras as a management tool. Not only for your whitetail herd, but also for all existing wildlife on your property. Stealth Cam’s Ben Smith chimes in to give us his thoughts on how trail cameras have revolutionized the way we hunt and manage wildlife.

Our friend Theresa Vail makes her return to the show this week. You might recall Theresa became the first woman to display her tattoos at the Miss America Pageant after being named Miss Kansas 2013. Well, Theresa never looked back and has parlayed her pretty smile, outgoing personality and love for hunting and adventure into a new show- “Limitless With Theresa Vail” which premieres on Outdoor Channel on Thursday, July 2nd at 8:30 PM Central. We talk about some of the hunts that we can expect to see on Season 1 of “Limitless” as well as some of the other adventures that Theresa takes on. From flying fighter jet planes, to the infamous 26 mile Bataan Death March she endures in White Sands, New Mexico- while humping a 40 lb ruck sack on her back! You can also expect to see footage of Theresa harvesting her biggest buck to date: Theresa with her 170 inch Kansas bruiser! Then we talk Texas catfishing with our Texas Parks and Wildlife Inland Fisheries Director of Management and Research Dave Terre. You might not be aware, but catfish are the 2nd most popular fresh water fish Texas anglers target, and TPWD has an extensive plan laid out for the future of catfishing in the Lone Star State. Dave talks about the importance of our catfish resource and the likelihood that catfish will only become even more popular as Texas’ population continues to explode. We also encourage everyone to head over to the TPWD website and read the detailed plan TPWD has laid out for our catfish. Also, please take the brief online survey as Dave and the Inland Fisheries Division are seeking angler feedback before they finalize this extensive plan. (Greg Pavur of Pavur Outdoors with a nice blue catfish- one of three species of catfish sought after by Texas anglers) Then, our old friend and Lone Star Outdoor News Managing Editor Conor Harrison drops by to help us figure out why the hunting community seems dead set on destroying itself from the inside out. Recently, there has been way too much distinction made by folks who claim they hunt, but aren’t “trophy hunters”. While many of us will never hunt big game animals in Africa, or caribou in the Yukon, don’t we all still admire a nice set of antlers or a big bodied buck, a hog with huge cutters, a tom with a 10 inch beard or a double digit bass? Of course we do! And if a 110 inch and a 160 inch buck walk out at the same time, each of us is going to shoot that 160 inch buck before the 110 inch 2 year old. If you had the choice to catch a 10 lb or 2 lb bass…well it’s a no brainer. It’s human nature, and we all have it. We have a common enemy friends, and it’s not each other. So lets stay united, and whether you call yourself a “non trophy hunter” or otherwise- remember that we can’t afford to foster this animosity that exists between the hunting community. It will eventually kill this lifestyle that everyone of us cherishes. And I for one want my son to be able to enjoy the same things I have. (Photo Conor Harrison in Africa) We then wrap things up with my spring black bear review after our recent hunt in Alberta, Canada. Lots of you guys and gals have sent emails or Facebook messages asking about cost, logistics, outfitters and realistic expectations. So, In this segment I do my best to cover all of those questions and then some. Black bear hunting is a great entry level hunt for Texans looking to expand their horizons from the usual whitetail, hogs,

This week we are joined by Texas Parks and Wildlife Division Director Clayton Wolf. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) appropriated a record breaking amount of Pittman Robertson Dollars to state wildlife agencies this year and Texas received the most funds ever at nearly 55 million dollars – 32 of which came directly from Pittman Robertson monies! Clayton tells us where the agency will spend those funds on the ground. At least two new WMA’s are in the works, Clayton tells us where and when we can expect them to open. Mule deer relocation, antelope relocation and various other habitat projects will also be funded via this record breaking allocation from USFWS. We then talk hunting dog health and nutrition with longtime trainer Angie Lindsey of Tioga Retrievers. What should you look for in a high performance dog food? What about supplements for optimum joint and bone health? We also discuss the importance of dental hygiene and a healthy coat. Lastly, Angie gives us some training tips to help beat the summer heat- dehydration is a major issue when hot and humid temps arrive. Whether you run labs, pointers, hounds, curs, or any manner of other hunting dogs, you want your hunting buddy to be a finely tuned and well oiled machine come Opening Day! (Belle with a live flier we shot during a training session at Tioga Retrievers) We also check in with Captain Len Girard who joins us live from the Texas coast to give us the low down on the redfish, trout and flounder bite. What about the influx of millions of gallons of fresh water into our bay systems from recent flooding and tropical storm Bill. How has that affected the bite, or has it made a difference at all? Captain Len breaks it down for us. (Captain Len with a beautiful Upper Laguna Madre Redfish) Dedicated frogman David Hanson then stops by to talk summer bull frog hunting with us. Few things are finer than a big mess of fresh frog legs and David tells us what to look for in an area that should be holding good numbers of frogs. How does he catch them? Bare hands, net or gig? We get all that info as well. Of course, we also get the Monroe, Louisiana resident to share his favorite cleaning method and recipe! (David with too many bull frogs to count!)

Riding a hot streak doesn’t begin to describe the run that our friend Charles Whited of Barefoot Fishing Tours is on! The longtime Central Texas/Hill Country guide just added another Texas Tournament Zone Angler of The Year title to his long list of accomplishments. In 5 events he and his partner had two first place finishes, two 2nd’s and a 10th! Needless to say, Charles is on the big fish as usual and this week we find out what post spawn pattern he is using to keep hauling giant bucketmouths onto the deck of his boat. He tells us where to find them and what baits he using. What about the recent statewide flooding affect on the bite and behavior? Charles breaks it all down for us. (Charles with a Lake Austin Texas Parks and Wildlife Sharelunker #534 ) Next, it’s our in depth interview with an old friend when Corey Knowlton makes his return to the broadcast. Over the past 15 months, Corey has taken a roller coaster ride like no hunter in modern history. If you recall, he made international headlines after submitting the winning bid for the Namibia black rhino hunt at the 2014 Dallas Safari Club convention. Nobody could have predicted the amount of hell and backlash that would ensue. Death threats and hate mail was an everyday part of life and the FBI even had to position security outside of Corey’s residence in North Texas. Well, the controversial journey finally came to an end in May when Corey did harvest a problematic, infertile old bull. Renown news outlet CNN filmed the entire hunt and we get Corey’s take on whether or not they did a fair and unbiased account. Corey talks about the hunt itself and danger level associated with black rhinos. Also, what caliber rifle one needs to take down a 2,000 lb animal. What about when the rhino charged the CNN reporter? We wrap up our discussion with Corey reflecting on the emotions he felt at the conclusion of the most famous single hunting adventure the modern world has ever known. Would he do it all over again to further the conservation effort? Tune in to find out. We then wrap things up when Mossberg Firearms’ PR and Marketing Director Linda Powell joins the show. A passionate big game hunter, Linda recaps her turkey, black bear and woodland bison hunts from this spring. We then discuss our June Photo of the Month grand prize (the MVP Predator .223) as well as the new Patriot line up of hunting rifles. Always a treat to talk rifles and shotguns with one of America’s iconic gun makers.

If you haven’t heard by now, a new non typical world record axis buck was killed last month on the Rain Creek Ranch between Brady & Menard, TX. Wade Pinson was being guided by ranch manager Kyle Nunn when a giant, non typical free ranging axis buck appeared on the trail they were hunting. The buck was in full velvet and will smash the current world record pending the 60 day drying period. Kyle Nunn joins us to talk about the crazy non typical axis genetics that the Rain Creek Ranch is known for. Look at this rack: it looks more like a double droptine whitetail! Kyle gives us the details of that epic hunt and discuss the possibility of an even bigger non typical freak still roaming the ranch. (Wade Pinson with the pending free range non typical axis buck) Next, our good friend and Dallas Safari Club Executive Director Ben Carter returns to the broadcast. We recap the 2015 DSC Convention (the biggest on record) as well as get into the issue of poaching in Africa and how the anti hunting faction seems to want this disturbing trend to continue. After all the press and social media firestorm surrounding the black rhino hunt that Corey Knowlton purchased at the 2014 DSC convention, it’s apparent the anti hunting community would rather rhinos continue to be poached than accept financial contributions from hunters that are earmarked to fight poaching. Sadly, they continue to grandstand and raise millions of dollars to fight us in the public eye and in the courtroom. What if they took a page out of our book and actually used the funds they raised to go back into conserving the animals they claim to be protecting? Novel concept right? (Rhino Poaching across Africa is on the rise with their horns being sold on the black market throughout much of Asia) Then we take a look at a new invasive species that is adapting and thriving to life in the South Texas Brush Country. Likely, high fence escapees, African Warthogs are starting to show up with more regular frequency. So much so that TPWD Chaparral Wildlife Management Area Biologist Dan Walker photographed this warthog on the WMA while conducting an aerial deer survey last fall. We discuss what impact warthogs could have on the landscape and native wildlife. Should they be shot on sight? Trapped? Can they cross breed with feral hogs? We get Dan’s thoughts on this new dynamic on the south Texas landscape. (Photo by Dan Walker TPWD) We round out the show when Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch Executive Director Dale Rollins makes his return. We discuss our state’s bobwhite and blue quail. What does all this rain mean for nesting success? What about the impact predators have on a quail population? We also discuss the recent “Operation Blue Transfusion” where the Ranch headed up an effort to reintroduce blue quail back onto the Matador WMA. (Students from Paducah High School aide in the release)

Well, I knew I was going to be out of the country bear hunting…so I put together this ‘Texas Legends Special Edition‘ of the show for you ahead of time. We revisit some of our favorite interviews from the past 6 yeas with guests who are Texas icons for one reason or another. Hear how legendary singer/songwriter Gary P. Nunn’s Montana elk hunt went, what about former BassMaster Classic Champ and longtime Lake Fork, TX native Takahiro Omori adding a swimming pool to his house just so he can test out new baits and see how they move? Also- Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and Rangers/Astros legend Nolan Ryan talks about the huge double droptine buck he watched his son Reese harvest and what that meant to him as a father. We round things out by taking another look at an interview with Dr. James Kroll (AKA Dr. Deer) from 2011 where we discussed the effect feral hogs have on whitetail fawn mortality. Great stuff from some incredible guests! Thanks for sharing the journey with us.