THE Official Twin Buttes Reservoir Thread

[SanAngeloBowman]

Originally Posted by Hunter_Man

sorry SAB, i was really busy this weekend. Work and kids have me up to my ears. I didn't even get a chance to go out there this past week!

So what is the rules in regards to the Elk heard out there? I was told 2 different stories. a city official told me they were illegal to shoot. the game warden told me it wasn't because they were considered exotics and there was no city oridinance guiding what can be shot on the TBR land.

i do not intend on shooting them, but i have found 2 carcasses in the past 4 weeks, so someone is.

do you have guidance yet?

I was promised an email with official copy of new ordinance but have not yet received, BUT....I have been told by the L&PP that its a $4k fine and up to a year imprisonent, and up to 5 yrs. loss of hunting rights.

Their IS an existing law against the shooting of exotics on TBR. They are considering them selves as the "Land Owners" which in that case you need permission before shooting or its a crime in the matter of exotics.

[Hunter_Man]

wow... they need to communicate this to the game wardens then. The game warden just told me, in person, 2 weeks ago that the Elk are exotics and they are fair game, although the owner of the elk would "prefer that you don't shoot them".

Just out of curiousity, can the lake and park police enforce game laws? I thought that was the jurisdiction of the Game Warden? are they properly trained?

And where are the "legal" species of animals that can be hunted on the TBR listed? I just want to make sure everything i'm shooting out there is legal. are varmints legal? Dove? Quail? I want to see something so I'm not breaking any laws. Everyone has told me there's rules, but i'm yet to see them in writing.

[SanAngeloBowman]

I have my first meeting with the City Manager down at City Hall this morning. Wish me luck! I'll update later today

[Hunter_Man]

wow, i've been calling the city manager's office literally every day for 2 weeks, and haven't been able to get a call back, or a meeting scheduled. it's always "they're in a meeting".

good job man!

so how'd it go?

[Flint knapper]

Typical city official behavior!

[SanAngeloBowman]

Meeting with city went very well. As for the blind and tree stand issues as of immediately no more hunting equipment is to be confiscated, tho the ruling still stands for now. (ill explain in a minute) You may see a friendly note asking you to remove instead. PLEASE adhear to the current ruling until we can meet further to get a better understanding between parties for a more mutual agreement.

Now, this is what we CVHA proposed to the city mgr. today. It was in the form of a "Hunting Blind Permit " program. Escentially you purchase a permit thus like a camping permit for the use of a commercially manufactured hunting blind/stand for either a weekend or season pass. This was to alleviate the whole issue of what was "Litter" or "abandoned Property" all together and beneficial to the city and would help fund their lake cleanup and maintenance program (ya gotta talk dollars when it comes to city finance).

Well what happend next was quite excellent for us......the city mgr was very receptive of the idea but appearantly he has a whole stewadship agenda already in the works (just beginning) and has invited us (CVHA) to be a part of it by sitting in on the planning meetings and put forth our recommendations. It is way to early to start throwing around information as of yet but I can say that you could most likely see TBR modeled after San Angelo State Park rules and regs and a probable permit program.

I truly believe the city mgr. has whats best for the hunting in our area in mind as he himself is an avid hunter himself!

Furthermore all the issues folks have voiced to me by email, phone, and here on the forum have been addressed and heard.

Daniel I urge you to call me so I can try to help you with your issue. Here on this forum is not really the place. You have my number.

[Hunter_Man]

I sincerely apologize for not calling you. i've been so busy. full time job, full time college student, twin 4 yr olds at home... just not a lot of time.
i really want to set up a time to meet, but the little free time i have is quickly gone with chores around the house.

i did however go out to put some corn down at the lake, and got stopped by the LPP. the guy i talked to was unaware of anything you mention. i guess it hasn't filtered down yet.

i'll try ot call you this weekend. i'm checking on a lease saturday.

[Harvey]

Back in the good 'ol days when Hafernick and I stomped around at the Buttes, we'd hardly ever see anyone else much less anyone patrolling the area. Sounds like some structured regulations are soon in store for the Buttes. I believe that will certainly be good for the stewardship of the resources out there.
My favorite fly fishing spot in the Angelo area is at the Spring Creek **** downstream from the Boys Ranch. Lot's of sunfish and small bass. BIG BASS above the dam!!!!

[SanAngeloBowman]

Originally Posted by Harvey

Back in the good 'ol days when Hafernick and I stomped around at the Buttes, we'd hardly ever see anyone else much less anyone patrolling the area. Sounds like some structured regulations are soon in store for the Buttes. I believe that will certainly be good for the stewardship of the resources out there.
My favorite fly fishing spot in the Angelo area is at the Spring Creek **** downstream from the Boys Ranch. Lot's of sunfish and small bass. BIG BASS above the dam!!!!

Hey Harvey I just started fly fishing again recently. Thanks for info. Another fun place to flyfish and bowfish is upstream from garner **** where the river splits at the "Island" go left up the east fork about 200yards to a bend in the river that forms a lilly pad covered "pond" packed full of Alligator Garr. Fun stuff on a fly rod!

[SanAngeloBowman]

Originally Posted by Hunter_Man

I sincerely apologize for not calling you. i've been so busy. full time job, full time college student, twin 4 yr olds at home... just not a lot of time.
i really want to set up a time to meet, but the little free time i have is quickly gone with chores around the house.

i did however go out to put some corn down at the lake, and got stopped by the LPP. the guy i talked to was unaware of anything you mention. i guess it hasn't filtered down yet.

i'll try ot call you this weekend. i'm checking on a lease saturday.

Hey I hear ya, you do sound busy. Call me and I'll update ya on what I know and talk about some good spots.

Rob

[RussLandry]

Originally Posted by SanAngeloBowman

With all the "Issues" lately concerning TBR we have as of today formed the Concho Valley Hunters Advocacy to open dialouge with local authorities, TPWD, and the City of San Angelo. All those with concerns may email me with details and we will try our best to sort out the issues at hand here. We are actively seeking members for help and support of the newly formed group and if you live or hunt here I strongly encourage you to get involved to protect our public hunting lands and rights.

Shot me an email with the details. I just joined the forum, but plan on hunting TBR all year with and couple buddies. I am stationed in San Angelo to 2012, so I'd like to hunt for the next couple years here.

P.S. going scouting tomorrow 11/04/2009 for a place to hunt this weekend, and suggestions?

Thanks,

Russ

[SanAngeloBowman]

Originally Posted by RussLandry

Shot me an email with the details. I just joined the forum, but plan on hunting TBR all year with and couple buddies. I am stationed in San Angelo to 2012, so I'd like to hunt for the next couple years here.

P.S. going scouting tomorrow 11/04/2009 for a place to hunt this weekend, and suggestions?

Thanks,

Russ

If ya have a 4 wheeler go checkout area 6 as far back in as ya can get along river. Another good spot is in Area 3 as far back up the spring creek area as ya can get. Look at areial photos and find the back fence with the cattle guard. Go thru that and back to where ya see the big pecan trees along river near a ****. A guy shot a 14 point back there last year. Warning: the road is VERY overgrown. Taking your street vehicle/truck will cause certain damage to the body/paint.

[RussLandry]

Originally Posted by SanAngeloBowman

If ya have a 4 wheeler go checkout area 6 as far back in as ya can get along river. Another good spot is in Area 3 as far back up the spring creek area as ya can get. Look at areial photos and find the back fence with the cattle guard. Go thru that and back to where ya see the big pecan trees along river near a ****. A guy shot a 14 point back there last year. Warning: the road is VERY overgrown. Taking your street vehicle/truck will cause certain damage to the body/paint.

Hey SAB,

I went scoutting area 3 today on my lunch. I went in on the 1st road on the east side of the zone, drove in about 1 mile, got out and walked north to the res, it didn't look too promising. I was thinking the south area of the zone near the point of the res. Is there anywhere you could put a canoe in and paddle the shore line until you get to the south point? Is that possible?

Thanks,

Russ

[SanAngeloBowman]

Originally Posted by RussLandry

Hey SAB,

I went scoutting area 3 today on my lunch. I went in on the 1st road on the east side of the zone, drove in about 1 mile, got out and walked north to the res, it didn't look too promising. I was thinking the south area of the zone near the point of the res. Is there anywhere you could put a canoe in and paddle the shore line until you get to the south point? Is that possible?

Thanks,

Russ

RUSS

send me your phone number. What you are talking about is totally unnecessary, plus your looking in wrong spots. I can tell ya much more or show ya more if we talk soon. I'll be hunting back out there starting this weekend due to draw hunts at SASP where Ive been lately.

Rob

[RussLandry]

Originally Posted by SanAngeloBowman

RUSS

send me your phone number. What you are talking about is totally unnecessary, plus your looking in wrong spots. I can tell ya much more or show ya more if we talk soon. I'll be hunting back out there starting this weekend due to draw hunts at SASP where Ive been lately.

Rob

Sent you a message

[RussLandry]

Originally Posted by RussLandry

Sent you a message

My work email is russ.landry@goodfellow.af.mil

[SanAngeloBowman]

Originally Posted by RussLandry

Sent you a message

I'll check it. One of my old hunting buddys was the Chf. Msgt. out there at GFAB. Paul Moreau. I believe he's running a base up in Penn. now but his son John still comes out to hunt and visit with me.

[SanAngeloBowman]

Originally Posted by RussLandry

Sent you a message

No message found? you can call me 212 3251

[RussLandry]

Thanks again for all the advice today!

[SanAngeloBowman]

Any time. Hope it works out for ya. I'll be hunting out there again starting this weekend.

[RussLandry]

Originally Posted by SanAngeloBowman

Any time. Hope it works out for ya. I'll be hunting out there again starting this weekend.

Cool, see you out there!

[RussLandry]

Went scout that area we talked about. Didn't make it all the way back, burried my truck after the section of loose rocks, like an idiot I followed the water around. Good news is I saw a ton of tracks! Gonna drive my wifes truck to the rocks in the morning and walk the rest. I'll hunt the morning then go dig my self out after the hunt. When does the rut start around here because I heard a nice grunt after I got stuck.

[SanAngeloBowman]

Originally Posted by RussLandry

Went scout that area we talked about. Didn't make it all the way back, burried my truck after the section of loose rocks, like an idiot I followed the water around. Good news is I saw a ton of tracks! Gonna drive my wifes truck to the rocks in the morning and walk the rest. I'll hunt the morning then go dig my self out after the hunt. When does the rut start around here because I heard a nice grunt after I got stuck.

USUALLY AROUND Thanksgiving dependent on the temps but I have witnessed bucks getting pretty "frustrated" tearing up tree limbs and raking the stumps real good. There has been a huge increase in rubs the past week, so we're getting the about on schedule. Just hope for a turn in the temps in the next week. Its usually cooler than this by now.

I figured that area back along river would be good these days. Its a chore getting back in there but there a few feeders at the little ranch estates that draw them to that area as well as the Agriculture fields close by there.

[RussLandry]

Originally Posted by SanAngeloBowman

USUALLY AROUND Thanksgiving dependent on the temps but I have witnessed bucks getting pretty "frustrated" tearing up tree limbs and raking the stumps real good. There has been a huge increase in rubs the past week, so we're getting the about on schedule. Just hope for a turn in the temps in the next week. Its usually cooler than this by now.

I figured that area back along river would be good these days. Its a chore getting back in there but there a few feeders at the little ranch estates that draw them to that area as well as the Agriculture fields close by there.

Hunted there this morning, still hunted till about 9, never seen anything, then stalked till about 12. Nothing, dang full moon. I knew I was in trouble when I left this morning at 4, and there were 3 eating in the yard next to mine.

Finally got my truck out of the mud, guy from west texas off road was an awesome guy, and yanked me out!

Good luck guys!

[SanAngeloBowman]

Rut has definitely started around our area guys. Ive been hunting Lake Ivie and watched several bucks with their noses to the dirt tracking the does and chasing hard around the feeders. Their not intested in the corn at all.

Ive gotten the same reports for around the Grape Creek area not far from the state park and Twin Buttes. Start using the estrus scents and rattling during the afternoon lulls.

Every time ive hung some estrus scent wicks Ive had bucks come lookin within an hour, add some fawn bleats in there just after ya hang them for good measure. This has worked for me 3 times this week already

[SanAngeloBowman]

Just got word from someone that hunts unit 4 that they rattled in a buck this week. Sounds like a plan since Ive not had very good luck using calls out there.

[RussLandry]

Originally Posted by SanAngeloBowman

Just got word from someone that hunts unit 4 that they rattled in a buck this week. Sounds like a plan since Ive not had very good luck using calls out there.

Cool, thanks bro. I'll try that next weekend, I'm going hunt up around Winters this weekend. I'll probably hunt a good bit next week around the holiday.

[SanAngeloBowman]

Originally Posted by RussLandry

Cool, thanks bro. I'll try that next weekend, I'm going hunt up around Winters this weekend. I'll probably hunt a good bit next week around the holiday.

You should have a good time around Winters. Ive been hunting just South of there in Lake Ivie. Theyve been chasing hard for awhile now and I already have 3 deer down including an 8 point cull buck and Ive had a huge 150+ buck come in 2x in my last hunts.

[SanAngeloBowman]

rAN INTO A GUY YESTERDAY THAT SAID HE AND ANOTHER GUY both SHOT 8 POINTS out in the south of the lake area. So close to each other and didnt know it that they almost shot each other, so be safe! watch for other hunters. Wear orange (on walk in and out) even tho it isnt required, especially on weekends. Ya probably should get used to it because they are probably going to adopt the state park regs at TBR next season.

[Krisc92]

Whats up guys,
Just joined on here. I am from Beaumont and are in san Angelo working for a couple more weeks and looking for a goos spot to hunt around the res. I am staying in Spring Creek rv park just behind the dam. All these deer around the park have gotten me fired up to hunt. I would really appreciate any advise on a good spot to hunt for a couple weeks. Thanks

Kris

[SanAngeloBowman]

Originally Posted by krisc92

whats up guys,
just joined on here. I am from beaumont and are in san angelo working for a couple more weeks and looking for a goos spot to hunt around the res. I am staying in spring creek rv park just behind the dam. All these deer around the park have gotten me fired up to hunt. I would really appreciate any advise on a good spot to hunt for a couple weeks. Thanks

kris

kris

check pm i sent ya my number

[SanAngeloBowman]

2 TBHers got'em deer at TBR this weekend. a doe and a wide lil 7 point.

[Harvey]

Originally Posted by Hafernick

Didn't know about the high fence but I knew it was coming sooner or later.

Yes I meant unit IV I just forgot the roman numberal.

I will also let on a little secret of mine that I started hunting hard after sighting a 130 class coming over the dam every morning and afternoon.
There is a stretch of land that is on the Buttes side of the dam that ranges from 100 yards wide then narrows down as it runs into the south pool. When I asked the game warden if this place was legal to hunt he said no. I am not sure if he knew exactly where I was talking about but he probably did. I am guessing there is an easement of some sort aquirred during construction and you are not allowed to hunt it. Atleast this was my understanding.

Anyway, during constructin they dumped gravel over the the big rocks so the deer would have a quick access to the water. The EQ is only about waste deep in some areas and you can wade across and get to this piece of land.

You don't have to set foot on the land just below the dam. Depending on the level of the lake there should be about 30 yards of dry, flooded (at times) timber, thick with some clearings and is heavily traveled by deer on their way to water. A little bit of hand corn will stop them just long enough for a shot. I killed two doe this way. I had the buck I was hunting within 10 yards looking at me head on so I never got a chance to draw. The best thing to do is use a boat because from experience it a chore to float a deer across the EQ and then drag it to your truck.

I was Hafernick's running buddy most of the time out at "the Buttes". He was with me the day we discovered Unit 1. I remember the day like it was yesterday. We got stuck near the back and Hafernick had to be back at tract practice in an hour or less.
Good times for sure out there.

The ranch that borders Unit 1 was sold a few years ago while I was still out there. Its about 2000 acres and has quite a bit of frontage on 277 on the way to Christoval. I'd like to get back up there to see the big hunting lodge you speak of. We rattled a few bucks off that place but nothing to get a shot on and worth jumping the fence for.

I'd like to find a painting of the Buttes to hang in my office so I can be reminded of the memories everyday! Best time of my life was spent in Angelo with Hafernick and ASU buddies.

[Harvey]

Another interesting fact was back in 03-04 we could cross Spring Creek in a truck very near the main lake body, which is now 6 feet deep in water. We had a January of heavy rains back in, I believe, 2005 and the lake rose to a level that was substantially higher than before...5-6 feet probably. Of course, you can still cross Spring Creek up near the ****. But Spring Creek back in those days was truly a special place and had several more miles of "creek character" to it with riffles, runs and plunge pools. One of the coolest spots is about 1/2 mile below the **** at the plunge pool. Lots of fish in there and beautiful. The crossing I speak of was another mile or so downstream and just above another wide ledge which created a water fall. I wish I had taken more pictures back then.
SanAngeloBowman...it'd be fun for Hafernick and I to come up there and spend a day with you at the Buttes. We could cover alot of ground out there and share some of our experiences. Perhaps this spring or summer when the fishing gets good!

[bats21]

I hunted there as a kid growing up in SanAngelo, and we saw so many biggg bucks over the years and took our share also.

[SanAngeloBowman]

Originally Posted by Harvey

Another interesting fact was back in 03-04 we could cross Spring Creek in a truck very near the main lake body, which is now 6 feet deep in water. We had a January of heavy rains back in, I believe, 2005 and the lake rose to a level that was substantially higher than before...5-6 feet probably. Of course, you can still cross Spring Creek up near the ****. But Spring Creek back in those days was truly a special place and had several more miles of "creek character" to it with riffles, runs and plunge pools. One of the coolest spots is about 1/2 mile below the **** at the plunge pool. Lots of fish in there and beautiful. The crossing I speak of was another mile or so downstream and just above another wide ledge which created a water fall. I wish I had taken more pictures back then.
SanAngeloBowman...it'd be fun for Hafernick and I to come up there and spend a day with you at the Buttes. We could cover alot of ground out there and share some of our experiences. Perhaps this spring or summer when the fishing gets good!

I just went up in the Spring Creek area past that old Cattle Guard crossing a few days ago with another visiting TBHer and ya that little creek run into a small waterfall drop into those pools is still there. We even crossed the creek on my buddys 4wheeler into Unit 4. I have a few nice "secret" spots like that in the TBR area that are a blast to camp out and fish during the off season. Come out sometime and we can definitely get the ole camp fire going and run around a bit. I have a nice wakeboarding boat we can run around the lake in too with a few cervesas

[Harvey]

When I left Angelo in 07, the waterfall was smaller than it was back in 03. It's still a pretty sight, but was very impressive when the lake, creek and plunge pool were lower. I think a buddy of mine has some pix I'll have to have him dig up.
Hafernick and I will definitely have to get up there with you sometime this spring.

Have you paddled (or john boated) upstream from the dam? There are some 5lb+ bass just on the other side of the dam. Below the dam you can catch small bass and big perch all day long on every cast with a fly rod.

[blkrubi05]

I'm new to the area, I drove out to the camping area between unit 6 and 7 last night to look around. Looking to get into hunting/fishing around here, as I'll be here for at least 4-5 years (air force). I tried to pm you SAB .. but i don't have enough posts.

-Keith

[SanAngeloBowman]

Originally Posted by blkrubi05

I'm new to the area, I drove out to the camping area between unit 6 and 7 last night to look around. Looking to get into hunting/fishing around here, as I'll be here for at least 4-5 years (air force). I tried to pm you SAB .. but i don't have enough posts.

-Keith

Keith

Sorry man I just saw this post. Call me at 325 212 3251. I have quite a few good hunting and fishing spots around there as well as really nice places to hangout or do some free camping right on the riverfront or lakeshore.

[ramrod]

I agree sometimes you come across people that don't make hunting these types of land very enjoyable.

[icehunter]

Hey all. If anybody has any info on where i can find some public predator hunting in the TBR that would be great. I'm a Wildlife Management student from wisconsin and I'm here for the summer for work. I'm looking for some guys who want to go bust some yotes and cats. I have an electric caller and an electric bunny decoy...seems i have missplaced my mouthcall...bummer. Since i'm new to the area it would be great to meet some like minded folks who can show me around and hunt with me. If anybody is looking for a hunting buddy let me know. Also I'm not sure on how to go about aquiering the proper permits or finding the regs. is rifle hunting allowed for coyotes in TBR?

[icehunter]

SAB...sounds like you know the area very well. predator hunter? Do you have any info for me? wish i could email or pm you directly. saw you put your digits up but decided it best not to call without consent haha. also I have every other weekend off and I'm in need of some outdoor activity. I work on a whitetail ranch near Tennyson and it takes up most of my time but when i'm off i also wouldnt mind sittin on the lake shore drinkin some beer if the yotes won't cooperate.

[SanAngeloBowman]

Originally Posted by icehunter

SAB...sounds like you know the area very well. predator hunter? Do you have any info for me? wish i could email or pm you directly. saw you put your digits up but decided it best not to call without consent haha. also I have every other weekend off and I'm in need of some outdoor activity. I work on a whitetail ranch near Tennyson and it takes up most of my time but when i'm off i also wouldnt mind sittin on the lake shore drinkin some beer if the yotes won't cooperate.

Give me a call and leave a message. I'll call ya back asap. Yes there are plenty of predators at TBR Ive seen, Bobcats, Mt. Lions, and Foxes. Sorry I didnt see this earlier. I can bring a camera and film too,

[SanAngeloBowman]

Guys I have finally found out that the proposed changes to rules & regs are NOT going to happen this season due to budget shortfalls that are hindering the cities plans for improvements and parking areas etc.