Diamond TF Now Offering Spring Axis Hunts
The Diamond TF Ranch in Sonora, Texas is swinging open it’s gates to offer trophy axis hunts to the public for the first time this Spring! Family owned since 1885, the ranch has long been home to some great whitetail hunting, but several years ago a small group of axis deer showed up and the rest, as they say, is history.
Diamond TF trailcam pic of a non-typical axis buck known as "Half & Half"
This 1,900 acre, low-fenced ranch, is home to a large and ever-growing herd of free ranging axis deer that seem to find the large irrigated fields and brushy draws of the Diamond TF irresistible.
“We have a great combination of food, water and available cover that seem to keep them here year after year” - Tryon Fields, Diamond TF
Couple that with extremely low hunting pressure from a only a select few of whitetail hunters each season and you have all the makings of a true axis deer mecca.
As AAE staff members, we have hunted on the Diamond TF for the past 2 years and the axis never cease to amaze. The shear number of bucks has to be the most impressive aspect of this axis herd. The buck to doe ratio is an amazing 3:1…if not better. — Craig Ellwanger, AAE
'09 axis buck taken by AAE's own, Craig Ellwanger
The trailcam photo of “Half & Half” (above) is just one of many mature, trophy-quality axis bucks that roam the ranch.
Whether you’re hunting with rifle or bow…hunting true, free range axis deer is a challenge that any hunter should experience atleast once.
Booking has just begun and openings are limited for the 2010 season, so call today to be one of the first to take a ‘crack’ at trophy axis.
For more information or to schedule an axis hunt on the Diamond TF Ranch this Spring (or Fall), visit their AAE webpage. **Special Note: Mention you found them on AllAboutExotics.com to receive a special AAE member discount!
“Hoggin’ It” in Brazos County
by Craig Ellwanger, AAE
The author w/ his first hog by bow
There will be lots of landowners and lease holders out there cussin’ out loud right now at the slightest peep or thought of a “nasty ol’ hog” story. If that’s you, simply turn away. For the rest of you, here is a “pig-tale” of an east Texas archery hog hunt.
Whether it’s the introduced Russian boar or the common “yard pig” turned wild hog, hunting for these barrel-shaped balls of destruction has become as much necessity as sport in Texas. Their ability to proliferate induces thoughts of a famous ESPN quote that goes something like “…you can’t stop ‘em…you can just hope to contain ‘em!”
A good friend of mine, Chris Farris, hunts a piece of property just outside of Bryan/College Station in Brazos County. Wanting to improve their resident deer herd and with a wild hog population on the brink of taking over, I was invited to try and assist in harvest efforts. Being the noble sportsman that I am, I would never scoff at the chance to help a fellow hunter with some population control – especially when the reward for doing so includes bacon and thick pork chops!
Angel Hair Pasta w/ Axis & Portobello Mushroom Sauce
Here is a delicious alternative to your everyday spaghetti with meat sauce. Works great with any ground venison!
Recipe serves 3 to 4 people
Ingredients
2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon of butter
1 lb ground axis venison (or any wild venison)
1 pkg angel hair pasta noodles
1-16oz jar of tomato sauce
1 handful of portobello mushrooms, sliced (can substitute with shitake or white mushrooms)
1 dried red chile pepper, crushed
1-2 shallots, sliced (can substitute with 1/4 cup of chopped onion)
1 clove garlic, chopped
4 sprigs of fresh parsley, chopped
grated Parmesan cheese
Tony Chacere’s seasoning (any season salt)
Montreal Steak seasoning
salt & pepper
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and drain. [ Continue Reading ... ]
COA Summer Camps
Hey Kids, are wanting a trophy exotic of your own?? Now is your chance! The Christian Outdoor Alliance is offering summer camps that will allow you to earn your way into an Exotic Trophy Hunt in the Texas Hill Country!
“During your camp you will get to spend an entire week on a real Texas hunting ranch. The daily activities include hunting, fishing, and swimming. We want you to come out and have a great time in God’s great outdoors!”
Parents Can’t Say No!
You pay your way to summer camp by selling raffle tickets. Can you sell enough to earn a Trophy Exotic game animal? (Warning: Your dad will be Very jealous when you do!)
4 Levels of Camp Choices – Starting at ONLY $500
Get started today for 2010 camps
For more information visit www.COAcamps.com
(830) – 708 – 1198
email: austin@coaoutfitters.com
Blackbuck Luck
submitted by AAE member, Reed Gardner
When most of my friends are headed to the beaches of Mexico or Florida for their school graduation celebrations, I was fortunate enough to get to spend my time hunting the West Texas Hill Country for blackbuck antelope with a good friend of mine, Shane Hill.
Lee Puckitt, a close family friend of mine and a Texas Tech Alum, was gracious enough to allow my friend Shane and I the opportunity to spend a weekend hunting the crafty critters on his Puckitt Ranch about twenty miles north of San Angelo, Texas. This would be a hunt like none other that I had ever been on. No guide, no feeders, and no vehicles. Shane and I didn’t get to sleep in a comfortable cabin and certainly didn’t have a cook fixing up our meals. We were to camp along the Concho River in a tent and cook our own meals over an open campfire.
We spent that first night talking about all the things that young men talk about, anticipating the sunrise the next morning and getting our first hunt underway. We awoke the next morning before the sun rose. It was as if our excitement wouldn’t allow us to… [ Continue Reading ... ]
SCI Annual Hunters’ Convention Jan. 20-23
SCI members*, plan on attending the 2010 Hunters’ Convention in Reno, NV this year! This is a special, members-only* event that everyone needs to experience in their lifetime! * If you are not a member yet, it’s also not to late to join and gain access to this hunting and conservation celebration!
Event: SCI Annual Hunters’ Convention 2010 – “Share the Legacy”
Date: January 20-23
Location: Reno, Nevada
2010 Show Hours:
Wednesday, 1/20: Grand Opening @ 9:45am, Doors Open from 10am – 6pm
Thursday, 1/21 & Friday, 1/22: 9am – 6pm
Saturday, 1/23: 8am – 5pm
Entertainers (to name a few): Frank Caliendo, Three Dog Night, The Bellamy Brothers, Dennis Miller, Papa Doo Run Run & more
Seminars by: Craig Boddington, Jim Shockey, Wayne Van Zwoll, Randy Oitker…and dozens more
Special Keynote Speaker: George W. Bush – 43rd President of the United States (Saturday night)
There will be live and silent auctions throughout the convention that will give you the chance to bid on hunting trips, rare guns, art & decor, and much, much more!
To register to attend and see prices as well as full lists of entertainers, boothes, and auction items be sure to visit www.showsci.com
If you are an exhibitor and interested in reserving a booth for future shows, check out SCI’s Exhibitor page.
