Lone Star Outdoor Show

We kick things off by discussing the worlds largest Rattlesnake Roundup with Dennis Combie of the Sweeterwater Jaycee’s Rattlesnake Roundup. This rattlesnake hunt has been going strong for over 70 years now and is a vital part of the heritage and economy of the Sweetwater, TX area. Sadly, there are a few Texas Parks and Wildlife officials trying to see the rattlensnake round up go the way of the dinosaur. Dennis tells us why and how the antis plan on shutting down the world’s largest rattlesnake roundup. Then we get into Backcountry Hunting Basics with Aron Snyder of Kifaru International. We break down everything from campsite selection, footwear, sleeping systems to backcountry fitness and much more! We wrap things up by heading down to the Texas coast for an state water red snapper report and trout update with Captain Len Girard.

We kick things off this week by checking in with RMEF Texas State Director Michael Gookins. Founded in 1984 the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has been instrumental in conserving over 6.5 million acres of elk habitat, increasing public land access and introducing our youth into various hunting programs. Michael and I discuss our upcoming elk hunts as well as what RMEF Texas has coming up on the calendar. With 15 chapters and over 8,000 Texas members, RMEF Texas is an organization worth being a part of. (The RMEF currently has over 200,000 members nationwide). Next, our old friend Brian Davenport of Fin and Fowl Outfitters jumps on to discuss how the current habitat conditions will shape the upcoming Early Teal season along the Texas coast. September is a great time to head to the South Texas coastal rice fields for sporty wingshooting since over half of our continental population of 7.5 million blue wing teal end up on the Texas coast. Brian also happens to target another species that calls those same marshes home- the American alligator is thriving along the coast. With over 15 years experience chasing big gators, Brian tells us how he finds them and what method he uses to put hunters on big Texas gators. Texas Parks and Wildlife Assistant Commander Brandi Reeder (Director of Fishing Law Administration) joins us next to tackle the unpleasant reality of cheating in fishing tournaments. It amazes me every time I hear of an angler getting caught cheating his fellow outdoorsmen/women out of prize money, prestige and even career opportunity. Texas has implemented some seriously harsh laws to deter would be cheaters but desperate anglers still get caught. Brandi talks about some of the crazy things she’s seen over the years from anglers smashing a redfish’s nose repeatedly to make sure it fell under the slot to ice cubes being shoved down a fish’s gullet to add weight at the weigh in. (This fish was seized by wildlife officials after an angler cut it’s tail to shorten the overall length). We round out the show by taking a look at the introduction of feral hogs in Texas. When did they arrive? Who brought them here? Where did they first establish wild populations? Retired Texas Parks and Wildlife Biologist Rick Taylor is responsible for publishing one of the most comprehensive reports on feral hogs and their history that I’ve read. It’s going to be a treat to pick his brain on this loved and often hated species. One thing is for sure, feral hogs are only expanding their range and increasing their numbers- so get used to it if you haven’t already.

We discuss a big loss for hunting and conservation that was handed down in Florida two weeks ago. SCI State Affairs Director Jeff Patchen drops in to give us Safari Club International’s take on this giant step backward for conservation. In 2015 Florida hunters took 304 bears in the inaugural two day hunt. That same year, 243 bears were killed by motorists and 6,094 nuisance related phone calls were placed to Florida’s wildlife agency. Hello- you have a bear problem. Hunters are here to help fix it. Science based management is the only wildlife management tool that has proven to work. (Animal rights activists protesting in teddy bear costumes – irony is that they provide no money for conservation, never have, never will so the wildlife ends up losing when hunting goes away). Next, passionate hunter and Texas honky tonker Mike Ryan drops by the studio. We hear some brand new tunes from an upcoming record due out this fall. Plus, we talk back country archery hunting as Mike gears up for his first ever elk bow hunt! (Mike performing ‘Damn Good Goodbye’ in the Lone Star Outdoor Show studio) Then, a man that hardly needs an introduction – R Lee Ermey of ‘Full Metal Jacket’ and other signature movie roles makes his return. We get into the ‘Wussification of America’ as well as his hit show ‘Gunny Time’ which airs on Outdoor Channel. What new machine gun has Gunny fallen in love with since our last visit? All that and much more!

We start things off by taking a look at one of the most innovative designs we’ve ever seen in the world of shotguns – the 3.5 chamber- a concept that revolutionized waterfowling in 1988 and has continued to be a favorite choice of hunters ever since. Mossberg’s Linda Powell drops in to look back at the top secret development of and release of the first 3.5 inch chambered shotgun nearly 30 years ago. How was Mossberg able to keep the design a secret? What was Federal Ammunition’s role? Very interesting to hear how this favorite for goose and turkey hunters came about. Charles Whited of Barefoot Fishing Tours then makes his return. Having cashed a first place check in each of his last 4 tournaments, it’s safe to say he is dialed in on post spawn largemouth bass. He tells us where he is finding them and what baits are resulting in the most strikes. Plus, is Falcon Lake on it’s way back? Charles gives us his take. We wrap up the show by spending a couple segments on the new CWD Regulations put into place by Texas Parks and Wildlife last week. We break down the reaction from folks from both sides of the fence. David Yeats – CEO of the Texas Wildlife Association and Patrick Tarleton -Executive Director of the Texas Deer Association each spend a segment with us discussing the regulations and how it will affect whitetail deer in Texas moving forward. Texas Parks and Wildlife in conjunction with the Texas Animal Health Commission decided that live testing for CWD will be an option for deer breeders. This makes Texas the first state to adopt live testing and we hope that images like the one below will become a thing of the past. (brain stems being pulled from euthanized deer for the purpose of CWD testing)

​We start things off by discussing some of the more common diseases and parasites that can be found in certain wild game species. Longtime outdoor chef/writer Hank Shaw drops in break down the necessary precautions one should take with handling wild game in the field and preparing it in the kitchen. Then one of our favorite Texas singer songwriters- Cody Jinks- makes his return to the studio. We talk about his upcoming record and Cody plays the new single ‘I’m Not the Devil’. We also get into some, open carry, 2nd Amendment, dove hunting and fishing talk with the bass obsessed honky tonker. We wrap things up by taking a look at the shark species that can be found and caught along the Texas coast when Texas Parks and Wildlife Coastal Fisheries Science Director Mark Fisher stops by. Are our shark populations healthy? Are there any species of concern? What does Mark think about folks targeting, catching and killing giant bull, tiger and hammerhead sharks all for the sake of a trophy photo? We find out if he is at all concerned. (photo by Eric Ozolins of Ocean Epics Fishing Charters)

We discuss the ongoing blue and channel catfish spawn that is occurring on Texas lakes this month. Longtime catfish guide Greg Pavur of Pavur Outdoors makes his return to the broadcast. He tells us where to find these shallow fish and what to catch them on. Plus, what is know about the much more secretive flathead spawn? Greg also gives us his favorite catfish dish, a pleasant deviation from the usual battering and frying them. Aaron Clark and his mother Carla then drop in to share a harrowing experience with a big boar feral hog. One that saw Carla rushed to the hospital with wounds so severe they required over 100 stitches. This story should serve as a reminder that big hogs are not to be taken lightly. We are glad that Carla has made a full recovery and that Aaron was able to kill the hog a couple weeks later. (Carla’s wounds and the pair posing with the responsible boar a couple weeks after the attack) Next, we switch gears to bass fishing when our new Texas Parks and Wildlife Sharelunker Program Leader Kyle Brookshear drops in. This was the worst Sharelunker season Texas has had in recent memory – with only two 13 plus pound largemouth bass entered into the program this year. Kyle gives us his take on why the big fish were so hard for anglers to target. A former professional angler, we also pick his brain on catching good numbers of post spawn largemouths. (Kyle with a 10 lb’er – his personal best largemouth) We wrap things up when Y.O. Ranch Headquarters Director of Tourism- Debbie Hagebusch joins us. I recently had the pleasure of taking in the legendary Y.O. Ranch a couple weeks ago. From the historical Texas landmarks on the property, to stunning views and incredible exotic hunting- we talk about the Y.O.’s influence and place in Texas hunting and ranching lore. (32 inch axis buck I harvested on my trip)

We talk Africa 101 with Derrick Ratliff of Horizon Firearms. What can you expect when planning your first safari? Budget? Travel? Caliber? Bullet choice? We break it all down with our old friend who just returned from South Africa on his first trip to the Dark Continent- taking 6 trophy animals in 6 days with John X Safaris. You might be surprised to hear what his budget was. (Derrick with a beautiful Nyala taken with his 6.5 Creedmoor) Next we talk Lake Texoma striped bass with our bud Jacob Orr of Limitless Outdoor Adventures. The famous striper fishery is one of only 5 landlocked lakes in the U.S. where striped bass can successfully reproduce. Although the epic floods of 2015 had a negative affect on the spawn, Jacob explains why lake and the striper fishing are well on their way back. Jacob with a couple happy young anglers. We wrap up the broadcast with some off season archery tips from Cinnamon Creek Ranch pro Chris Lutsinger. The goal is to be sharp for archery season, and Chris provides some insight on things we can do to make sure we execute a perfect shot when that big buck steps out this fall.

We start off by talking feral hog hunting with Scott Schultz of Robinson Outdoors. We discuss the scientific formula in the all new Hog Under Influence attractant. The natural root sedative is the same chemical that is used to calm thoroughbred horses after they run at a racetrack. The all natural formula also has a nose jamming effect as well. Hog I took recently using the HUI spray: Next we hear a shark tale for the ages when angler Chris Holley drops in. Chris tell us all about fighting the new Texas state record bull shark he landed 2 weeks ago on Padre Island National Seashore. The fish was 9’6″ and weighed over 550 lbs! It was released to eat more fish and people

Outdoor writer Cavan Williams from OnXMaps drops in to discuss the USFWS proposed delisting of the Grizzly bear in the Lower 48. Federally protected since 1975, the Grizzly population has rebounded and thrived to the point where strictly managed hunting could soon be implemented as a management tool in the Great Yellowstone area states of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. We discuss what obstacles stand in the way as far as anti hunting groups go, as well as the structure of the management plan. It’s no secret that live bait catches fish, but when it comes to speckled trout- croaker is impossible to beat. But there is a lot more that goes into this ancient relationship between these two species. We discuss in detail with Captain Len’s Fishing Guide Service on this weekend’s show. Plus, we get Captain Len’s take on the overall vitality of the trout fishery and whether or not the new 5 fish limit has had an immediate impact on population and overall size of the trout. (Photo Louisiana Sportsmen) We wrap things up by taking an in depth look at waterfowling history in North America and the role that wooden decoys and the men who carved them had in shaping this great sport. Ron Gard is a long time duck hunter and decoy collector and part of his collection is currently on display at the Perot Museum in Downtown Dallas. We are thrilled to have Ron join us to discuss our rich duck hunting tradition from the market hunting days of the 1800 and early 1900s to the point we are at today.

We start off by talking spawning bluegills with author Ryan McCaw. As water temperatures start to warm into the 70s, big bull headed panfish start showing up on beds. We discuss baits that are more likely to catch a true trophy sized blue gill (perfect for the frying pan). Ryan has a ton of great info in his book ‘Secrets to Catching More and Bigger Bluegill’ and we discuss his expertise and passion for North America’s most accessible and catchable type of fish. Next we visit with historian and author Dan Flores on the history and expansion of the Coyote throughout North America. It’s fascinating when you consider the coyote has basically mirrored humans step for step as they have colonized the entire continent, although coyotes did it from West to East. His book ‘Coyote America- A Natural and Supernatural History‘ comes out June 7th and we discuss how coyotes have been able to thrive under persecution from the government, hunters, ranchers, trappers etc for over 200 years. Dan argues that the more pressure put on coyotes, the more they proliferate. He also points out how Fission/Fusion societal differences between coyotes and grey wolves made wolves so easy to exterminate while coyotes thrived under the same pressure. We wrap things up by discussing Texas’ exploding alligator population and the subsequent hunting opportunities that are available. Longtime Houston Chronicle outdoor reporter Shannon Tompkins drops in to expand on a recent column he wrote concerning Texas alligators which have now been documented in 127 Texas counties- So whether you want to hunt gators in the fall or spring, the opportunity is certainly there!

We start things off by talking post spawn largemouths with our old friend Cody Roberson of Army Bass Anglers. Where is he finding solid fish and what presentation is resulting in the most strikes as hungry bass move into their post spawn haunts? We also get the latest news concerning Army Bass Anglers and their hit show ‘Force on Force’ which airs on the World Fishing Network. Then we discuss the upcoming Toyota Fest Tournament on Lake Ray Roberts featuring 38 of the top anglers from the Elite Series and FLW Tour. (Cody with a couple nice fish he weighed in at a recent Bass Champs event). Then, the other Shockey… the one who makes the real magic happen from behind the camera lens. We discuss outdoor cinematography, and story telling with Branlin Shockey on this weekend’s Lone Star Outdoors Show. If you’ve ever seen an episode of “Uncharted”, “The Professionals” or “Carter’s War”- they have Branlin’s fingerprints all over them. Should be a good interview with one of outdoor television’s true innovators. Lone Star Outdoors Show’s photo. Gary Remensnyder- President of Lew’s Fishing drops by next to discuss this history behind one of America’s most iconic fishing companies. We find out what’s new for 2016 as well as how Lew’s continues to push innovation in the bass fishing industry. I had the pleasure of trying out the new Team Lew’s® Pro Magnesium Speed Spool® Series reel on Austin’s Lady Bird Lake this past week- it passed with flying colors! Gary also discusses our May 2016 Photo of the Month Grand Prize which is being sponsored by Lew’s. This month’s winner will receive the Mach 1 Rod/Reel Combo. So send in your best hunting/fishing/outdoor photo for a chance to win.

We’ve all been there, come home from an outdoor adventure and looked through the photos we took and shook our head in disappointment. So this week I’m excited to have Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine Chief Photographer Earl Nottingham join the broadcast to give us some tips on how to make our photos more captivating. You don’t need an expensive fancy camera in order to take some stellar photos! (Photo by Earl Nottingham) Pulsar Night Vision American Operations President James Sellers drops in and we discuss the history of night vision and thermal imaging technology and their place in the current hog or predator hunter’s arsenal. Less than a decade ago the price point on these such units meant most hunters couldn’t afford them, but things have changed and they are now more accessible for the everyday outdoorsman. With hog depredation at an all time high across the Southern United States, hunters are using night vision and thermal scopes to help control the ever increasing feral hog population as well as help remove excess predators from the landscape- plus its loads of fun! (James and I with Pulsar Apex XD50A Thermal Scope) We wrap things up checking in with Allison Sutton of Legend Working Dogs. Allison has a passion to introduce more young women into hunting and handling hunting dogs. In a male dominated profession and community, Allison takes pride in the success she’s experienced and hopes to help empower the future generation of females to pursue their dreams in the outdoor industry or otherwise.

We start out by talking quail with Wildlife Biologist Susan Cooper. She recently headed up a multi year study on whether or not the aflatoxins in deer corn had a negative affect on quail reproduction. Susan discusses the results of the study as well as her thoughts on the nesting conditions for quail this spring. Next we discuss the different predatory animals on the Texas landscape with Texas Agrilife’s John Tomacek. John is well versed in studying kill sites and the signs that different predators leave behind. Identifying what animal is responsible for certain kills can be beneficial to landowners/lease holders from an ecological and economic standpoint. We wrap things up by talking spring crappie spawn with Mr. Crappie- Wally Marshall. The north Texas native has made a living catching crappie and we pick his brain on where to find shallow crappie and what baits he likes to use for varying degrees of water clarity.

We get the ball rolling when our old friend and with Field and Stream Magazine Shotgun Editor Phil Bourjaily drops in. How often should you be cleaning your shotgun? What about semi autos vs pumps and their maintenance? Do American made guns require more maintenance than their foreign counter parts? We also pick Phil’s brain on whether one brand of shot shell is more corrosive than another. Then we talk big bass with our buddy Charles Whited of Barefoot Fishing Tours. Often times an angler gets excited once he has a visual on how big a bass truly is and that is where mistakes start to occur that can lead to heartache right at the boat. Charles is no stranger to lunkers, having caught this 13 plus lb Lake Austin Sharelunker himself. Charles gives us a couple tips that might just be the difference in the catch of a lifetime or another ‘the one that got away’ tale. We wrap things up by talking gun control and gun culture with Jason Selmes- host of The Australian Hunting Podcast. We break down Australia’s 1996 government enforced gun buy back and it’s affect on Australia 20 years after the fact. Hunters like Jason are forced to use over/under style shotguns to pursue their quarries since both semi auto and pump action shotguns are banned. (Jason with a nice red fox, taken with a camoed up over/under) Some of the 660,000 rifles and shotguns that Australians were forced to give up per the National Firearms Agreement that was forced upon them.

We kick things off by talking spring turkey with Field & Stream contributor and Realtree Turkey Editor – Steve Hickoff. We discuss his recent piece “Guerilla Gobblers” which was featured in the April issue of Field and Stream. Steve gives us a couple unconventional ways to break down a weary old gobbler that just won’t come into shotgun range. (Photo Credit -Steve Hickoff) Then 2014 Elite Series Angler of the Year and perhaps the greatest jig fisherman on the planet makes his return when Louisiana native Greg Hackney jumps on. We discuss when, where and how to fish a jig. Plus, were giving away a $300 Garmin Striker 5DV Fish Finder during the interview! We then discuss a brand new rifle Mossberg Firearms released in 2016 when Mossberg’s Linda Powell makes her return. We discuss the new MMR Carbine rifle and also get into some spring bear hunting discussion. Don’t forget that we are giving away the MMR Carbine .223 to our April Photo Of the Month Contest winner as well! We wrap things up by hitting the friendly saltwater bays of the Texas coast with longtime guide- Captain Len Girard. Trout, Redfish, Flounder and much more! Captain Len tells us where to find them and what they are biting.