Turkey Day Hunting Tips,2007

For the past 12 months, the Sovereign State of Texas, received record rainfall and our cover, including our grasses, have exploded! It really looks strange when you see only a does head moving through the grass and broom weed. Because of this unusual cover and a much warmer November, our hunting is much different this year!

My friend, Warren “Bull” Blesh, owner of RRR Ranch and RRR Feeds, here in Goldthwaite, has written a very informative and thoughtful article pertaining to our unusual situation that appear in this week’s local paper, “The Goldthwaite Eagle”. Warren brings up some very good points; use enough gun, take your shots early, take good shots and be a careful tracker! His complete article follows:

“Turkey Day Hunting Tips 2007
By Warren “Bull” Blesh

This Thanksgiving hunting weekend is different and I encourage you to read on and see what is happening locally. Lost deer is what is happening all over the county.

Earlier this year we had record rainfall, some 40+ inches in the county. Our rangeland usually expects about 30 inches so native pasture grass has exploded and yes, we are all happy. Big bluestem, indian grass and little bluestem dot the landscape with most grasses over three feet high.

So Bull you ask, “what does this have to do with my hunting preparation?” YOU WILL HAVE A DIFFICULT TIME FINDING YOUR DEER IF IT RUNS FAR!

Here are my tips!

1. Pick the largest caliber gun in your camp that you know is sighted in. Start with bullets sizes over .243. I suggest a .270, 25.06, 30.06 or even a big 7 MM. I know this seems excessive, but I know a guy still looking for a drop tine buck that was hit.
2. If you must use sporting calibers like the .204, 22.50, .222, and .223 then use the old fashion mushrooming bullets that are soft core. No more ballistic tips this year. Major guide services have banned ballistic tips.
3. Avoid late evening shots. Right now, if you take a shot around 5:30 you got 20 minutes to find your deer. Tracking in waist high grass at dark is like trying to win the lottery.
4. Go to the spot you first hit the deer. Look for blood and mark that spot with your hat. Now, mark each spot of your trail as you go with something you can see. You will get a better idea where the animal headed.
5. Take good shots where you have confidence you can hit the vital zones. This is not a year for “Hail Mary’s”.

Have a great weekend and be sure to attend the Hunter Supper at the Civic Center.”