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Editorial
Smelling the Roses:
The Best Part of the Hunt
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In the classic,
The Old Man and the Boy, American novelist Robert Ruark penned, "The old man used to say that the best part of hunting and fishing was the thinking about going and the talking about it after you get back."
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Greg Simons
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Though one could easily debate what the "best part of hunting" is, Ruark provides a perspective that is worthy of consideration. Indeed, there are many aspects of hunting that make hunting special, including the time afield in pursuit of the quarry, but "the hunt" offers so much more than the hunt itself. In today's microwave society where we are in such a hurry, hunters tend to bypass some of the features of their hunting trips that offer considerable value-added aspects of the hunt. In fact, it's my contention that it should be a hunter's "duty" to smell the roses along the way while preparing for the hunt, and to do the same upon completion of the hunt. Such an approach to consuming the full breadth of the hunt, not only offers a more fulfilling experience, but also helps cultivate a deeper appreciation for the resource and the craft, while also putting the hunter in a stronger position to be a responsible advocate for hunting and wildlife.
I've been in a unique position of being part and parcel to thousands of hunters' hunting excursions over the year. I've also been blessed to extensively travel around the globe on my own personal hunting forays. These experiences have been formative in allowing me to develop some philosophies and measures on how hunters can maximize the benefits from their hunting trips, while also being a better steward of our hunting heritage. Here are my ABC's to the three tiers of the hunt:
Before the Hunt
- Research - Spend ample time researching various aspects of the hunt, including local attractions, history of the ranch or hunting operation, and some of the other more interesting wildlife species that are indigenous to the area. Allow your mind to be creative on the information that you seek.
- Be A Student of The Craft - Know your gun, practice on the range, properly maintain your equipment, scout the area if that's possible, learn to read game sign, become more familiar with game laws, etc.
- Be Prepared - Make sure travel details are nailed down, hunting license are secured, appropriate clothing and gear are packed, and adequate amounts of spending money are in hand. For hunts that require some degree of physical demands, fitness prep is important.
During the Hunt
- Be Patient - In the field and out. Patience is also a good virtue during the travel process, as well.
- Be Kind - Part of the grand experience of the hunt is enjoying the company of others and making new friends. A pleasant attitude goes a long way in keeping things enjoyable for all, including the camp staff.
- Be Observant - There is no better classroom than the outdoors and Mother Nature is the most wise and experienced teacher of all. Learn from your guide, study animal behavior, analyze the plants, enjoy the sunrises and sunsets, and take it ALL in. Indulge. And take plenty of photos.
After the Hunt
- Reflect.
- Share - Share your stories, photos, game meats, and your knowledge.
- Be an Advocate - The future health of our hunting heritage largely rests on the shoulders of citizen engagement. As hunters, all 6%-7% (United States) of us, if we do not responsibly support hunter advocacy platforms, we will lose relevancy. Hunting equals wildlife conservation, which benefits all. Share the message and support the causes.
Hunting should be treated as a process that has no starting point and no end-point. As they say, it's more about the journey, than the destination. The pursuit of game is integral to hunting, and the kill is what separates hunting from other forms of eco-recreation. But, hunting has so much more to offer, before the hunt, during the hunt, and after the hunt. Sometimes it's simply a matter of forcing yourself to slow down and smell the roses.
I hope that you all are doing well. Please let us know if WSI can assist you with your future hunting plans. We greatly appreciate your business.
Cheers,
Greg Simons
Proprietor- Wildlife Systems, Inc.
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| Bob Good 2016 |
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The Cargile's Rocky Creek Ranch is located approximately 20 miles west of San Angelo in the heart of some of the finest white-tailed deer country in this part of the state. Comprising some 40 square miles of rolling rangeland, the Rocky Creek has been a perennial producer of great free-ranging whitetails for many years. A well-appointed camp provides our clients with an opportunity to relax by the outdoor fire, watch a football game inside, or simply enjoy the camaraderie of a relaxed time in camp. Clients are treated to three daily meals, featuring southern style cooking. With over 30 stands scattered across the property, hunting strategy focuses on stand hunting, glassing and stalking, and some antler rattling. It's common to see 10-20 bucks per day, along with other species of wildlife. Our deer hunts on the Rocky Creek are set up as 3.5 day, 4 night packages which include meals, lodging, guide (2x1), and game care. These hunts are scheduled in October and November. For information on these or other whitetail hunts that are offered by WSI, please give us a call (325) 655-0877.
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For someone looking for a unique hunting experience in a spectacular part
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Jerry O'Daniel - 2016
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f the world, you may consider this hunt. Free-range aoudad sheep hunts are one of the most under-rated hunts in North America, providing what is arguably the best value for the dollar in the sheep hunting world.
We conduct the majority of these hunts on multiple large properties near Alpine and Marathon, TX. One ranch encompasses almost 200,000 acres. This is big, raw, unspoiled country, very well-suited to a sheep's liking.
Our package includes 3.5 days, and 4 nights, with guide, lodging, meals, and game care included as part of the package. Facilities are modest, but plenty adequate. Nonresident licenses are $48 and are guaranteed, with no drawing or lottery.
Over the last 5 years, we have had a great run on big sheep, with approximately 80% of our harvest including rams over 30". The majority of the aoudads we take are in the 30"-31 1/2" range, with most of the rams being 8-10 years old. Success rates on having shots at mature rams approach 90%. But, make no mistake about it, this is not a fish shoot. This is well-suited for a hunter looking for a sporty, challenging experience in big wild terrain, chasing extremely wary animals. Big time hunting, at a very reasonable price.
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On most WSI hunts, we offer our Hunters a "first right of refusal" to rebook their same spots for the following year. To secure "their spot", we require that a $300 rebooking fee be paid within 30 days upon completion of hunt. Once we have established the price and exact dates for the next year, we will request the remainder of the first 50%. Should a $300 fee not be received within that 30 day window, we will consider that spot(s) open and subject to be booked by other prospective parties.
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All payments are nonrefundable. Should hunter(s) have to cancel hunt, no monies will be refunded unless hunter can find replacement for themselves, and should replacement be found, hunter(s) will forfeit a portion of their payment that will equal 10% of the hunt price. On hunts requiring balance payment 30 days prior to hunt, should hunter(s) fail to make this balance payment by this due date, WSI reserves the right to cancel hunter's contracted hunt with aforementioned Refund Policy applying. We suggest that hunter consider purchasing travel insurance, which is available by going to our WSI Home Page and clicking on the Travel Guard link.
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