Aransas NWR 2010

[Bonehead2314]

Just found out from refuge the proposed hunt dates are Oct 2 thru Oct 10 2010. Dates will be locked in sometime in May. Prices should remain the same. Hopefully this year they won't try and burn before the hunt. Will put out more as I get it. If you have any questions I can be contact at 361-222-1152 or drop a PM.

[SLICE & DICE]

See you there!

[Rabidbowhunter]

Went through the refuge yesterday. A lot better looking then last year. Plenty of water to be found and the animals look much healthier. Cant wait to give it another shot.

[Bonehead2314]

IBEP class dates look to be 18th and 19th of Sept. Let you know more when I can. They are working on the details of the hunt now should know more here real soon.

[kd5uwg]

I cant wait.

[Thumper]

Any word when the permit applications will be available?

[Bonehead2314]

I'm going to call tommorrow. Called the other day they said she would be back in the office thursday. Will let ya know tommorrow evening.

[Bonehead2314]

Just got off the phone with refuge. They are still waiting on the approval from regional office. Hopefully this week.

[ON THE EDGE]

do you have to go to the refuge to sign up or can you mail in a payment? paid last year but did not get to go.

[Rabidbowhunter]

They told me the same thing at the beginning of last month when I was there.
If you got drawn last year they should send you the packet when it comes out I think. Then you should be able to mail in the payment.

[Bonehead2314]

I'm in contact with the person running the hunt by email. As I get information I will put it out. I'm hoping this way will help the info get out about the great skeeter hunt in Texas. Rabidbowhunter is correct if you were drawn last year you should get a packet. You can then send in a money order for the payment.

[Rabidbowhunter]

The great skeeter hunt is a good way to describe it. How are they looking down there? They were pretty thick last time at the refuge.

[SLICE & DICE]

Skeeters are big and bad another bumper crop with all the rain.
You guys better start getting ready.

[tom_tom]

Inside 80 days and counting. Got the deet ready. Hope they don't wait till the hunt to finish their burning.

[Bonehead2314]

Hey tom tom was wondering when you would start the count.

[tom_tom]

Yea still around, travelin alot these days. Let us know when they set the dates for sure. Are they burning any areas this year?

[Texas5o]

I have never hunted there, but am planning to apply this year. Is the IBEP course required to hunt there? I haven't read that anywhere else. I would like to take the course sometime anyway, even if it isn't required for this hunt.
All I keep finding about the place is that the mosquitos are plentiful, very little information on harvest totals, etc.
I have heard that the odds of getting drawn are good though.

[Bonehead2314]

Texas5o give me a call Im one of the IBEP instructors at the refuge class. Can also tell you about the hunt been hunting it for about 17 years. 361-222-1152 Danny

[Thumper]

Texas5o, Its not a drawing, you just have to sign up early for a permit. They do not sell them during the hunt anymore.

The ibep class IS NOT MANDATORY to bowhunt the refuge, but its required if you want to scout a weekend early. The past refuge manager set it up this way to get the ibep class at the refuge filled with students. If you are a student in the ibep class at the refuge or have already completed any type of Bowhunter Safety Class you can scout early and place stands.

The ibep class doesn't fulfill the Hunters-Ed requirement if you were born after Sept. 1st 1971, Hunters-Ed is required to hunt anywhere in the state not just the refuge.

[Thumper]

Originally Posted by Thumper

Texas5o, Its not a drawing, you just have to sign up early for a permit. They do not sell them during the hunt anymore....

Wanted to make sure everyone understood ITS NOT A DRAW HUNT, but you do have to sign up before the hunt. Total of 400 Permits and they sold maybe 225 last year. When they stopped the camping along the road-way hunter numbers really dropped. Permits are sold through the mail until Sept 18 and sold over the counter until Oct 1 at 12:00 noon, this is the Friday before the hunt and a scout day.


The refuge still hasn't got the final ok back from Albuquerque. There was a problem with the wording as it related to new Federal policies regarding CHL's, 42 year old annual archery hunt meets new regulations.

[Thumper]

I recommend a Thermocell and a couple of 5'-7' tri-pods, can of 100% deet, and snake boots....

[Rabidbowhunter]

I recommed buying as many refills and skeeter spay as you can get lol. They are bad. Anything you didnt get you will know AS SOON as you get out of the truck. Between them and the ticks you have a lot going on. But yet im still getting antsy to get in there. I think the skeeters have something in their bite to addict you to the place. Any others know why they love to suffer.

[Bonehead2314]

Been trying to figure that questions answer out for many years.

[Thumper]

For me its where I first bowhunted deer. I remember seeing P&Y+ bucks running everywhere, 6 or 8 every day and always at least one up close. Lots of stalkers walking around kept them moving, and I was one of them. The refuge hunted weekends only and it started in mid Sept. The line to get in would sometimes be backed up all the way to Hoppers.

Cattle were on the refuge then and the ranch hands kept the windmills working and mineral blocks out. This really helped the deer population as well as their quality. I can still hunt the same stands (trees/oak motts) that I hunted in high school. Some have been burned flat but 10 years from now they'll be back like they were years ago. If I had $1 for every time I've heard one of the newer refuge managers say "we do not manage for deer" I could buy a new T/D recurve, its a shame but they don't.

When the cattle came off the brush got way out of control and the deer population really suffered and declined. Lots of predators on the refuge now, I almost see as many bobcats as I do deer. By far this is one of the most challenging hunts today in TX, you take a critter of the refuge you can put a feather in your cap.

[SLICE & DICE]

Any word on the permits yet?

[Bonehead2314]

Still waiting going to call in am tired of waiting myself.

[Bonehead2314]

Here is the latest from the refuge as of 11am. They were told this morning the hunt info will be to them today or tommorrow. The only difference is this year they are not going to mail out the hunter permits. They are going to be printed and you will pick them up at the office when you arrival. The persons in the IBEP class will recieve theirs when they come to class. The dates for the IBEP class are Sept. 18th and 19th. You can PM me or call 361-222-1152 to register for the class. Remember this gives you extra time to scout and feed the skeeters. You can place your stands at this time also. I will let ya''ll know when I have more.

[JimGun]

Last year I was really surprised by how the fire depleted the game. I never saw anything I wanted to kill. When the game is run off like that, how long does it take for game to return. Has anyone talked with those who patrol the reserve if there is sign of game? (excluding the deer that wander through the tourist area.)

[SLICE & DICE]

Plenty of Game.
Everyone in my party of 5 killed or had the opportunity to kill during the rifle hunt 2nd weekend. (7 deer 1 hog)
I saw nothing during the bow hunt.

[Bonehead2314]

The hunt dates will be Oct 2 thru 10. THey said they will not be sending applications by mail. The information on the hunt will be up on the refuge web site this week. All you have to do is print the application and send your money. Permits will be picked up at the front desk the day before the hunt or they will be available at the gate the morning of the hunt. The persons in the class will recieve thiers during the class. They called be yesterday to give this information to me. Also if you have hunted the refuge before and put your e-mail on the application you will be receiving an email from the refuge when the info is on the site. Hope this helps its all I have for now.

[kd5uwg]

Are they still gonna allow those that have already done the class to scout early. If so will we be able to pick up our permits that day or will we need to wait.

Calvin

[Bonehead2314]

I will find out and let you know

[Bonehead2314]

OK guys the information is up on the refuge website. Just click on the hunting and fishing block on the left hand side of the page. Information and regulations for both bow and rifle hunts are ready to be filled out. Just fill in required information and send money. Also information about the IBEP course being held is there hope to hear from some of you soon. I promise its a fun class with lots of information about huting the refuge.

[Bigalow]

Info is now on their website

http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges...s/hunting.html

[Thumper]

Originally Posted by Bigalow

Info is now on their website

http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges...s/hunting.html

Thanks for posting the link. I've already had a couple of calls wanting information on the IBEP Class. Don't forget its a two day class, as required by state law, and you have to attend both days.

[Bonehead2314]

Those that have already taken the IBEP class will be able to pick up their permit if money and application have already been recieved. If you pay that day they will give you a reciept so you can scout. This is what I was told today. Tom Tom were is the count down its your job.

[Bonehead2314]

Where are you guys. Nobodies talking about skeeterville much this year.

[Rabidbowhunter]

I got mine printed and waiting to go out. Looks like I will have one other buddy going and Jw is going to try to make the first weekend. I will be there for the early scouting weekend also. Has the refuge been getting much rain?

[Bonehead2314]

ZERO on the rainfall. But the skeeters will be there

[Rabidbowhunter]

The skeeters will always be there. There was no rain there all last year until right before the hunt and they were still in full force. Just wondering what all the water holes are looking like. Im so ready to get out there and check everything out. Time to start checking all the stands and getting them ready. I know i have to put new steps on a couple of my tripods so I dont have to climb up and jump off like last year.

[texastrouthunte]

I know what you mean i just got done doing a camp job on mine that should hopefully last another 4-5 years

[Thumper]

Count Down.....38 days.



.................................................. ............48 days until I start getting ready for next year.

[Rabidbowhunter]

I will be in aransas pass this weekend and going to hit the refuge to check it out and drop off my app and money. I cant wait to drive through there and see how everything looks

[KevBow]

My 1st year goin and i have a few questions. Where can u camp or how far are motels? Can you drive your vehicle on the roads without 4 wheel drive? And did any of you do any good last year?

[Rabidbowhunter]

You can camp at hoppers which is just right up the road. Thats where a lot of people stay because the nearest motel is a good drive away. Im not real sure where the closest one is but Im sure one of the other guys can help you there. As far as the roads they are bumpy but you can drive down them without 4 wheel drive with no problems. Last year was a very rough year at the refuge. With the no rain and the fire at the beginning of the hunt it really made things tough. The year before though was a pretty good year and always saw something coming in from the hunters. Its not an easy hunt by any means but if you hunt smart and stick with it there are a lot of animals out there. If you have any other questions feel free theres a lot of guys on here with tons of experience hunting there.

[Bonehead2314]

Kevbow, Are you signed up for the IBEP class if so you will get alot of info about hunting the refuge during the class. If not you can call me at 361-222-1152 and I will answer what questions you may have or tell you what I have learned in the 15 plus years hunting the refuge. The nearest hotel is in Tivoli it runs about 45.00 and about 25 or 30 miles from the refuge gate.

[texastrouthunte]

last year was supposed to be my first year for the archery hunt although ive been going for the past five years for the firearm hunt, since the fire canceled the first few days of the hunt i was able to transfer the hunt fee over to the rifle hunt where i was able to shoot a small eight and a doe along with two hogs, that combined with my father in law we shot a total of two bucks, two does, and 3 hogs ranging from 23 pounds to around 80 dressed. if this is your first year i recommend purchasing thermacell, bug spray w/deet, and a mosquito head net.

[Rabidbowhunter]

The thermacell and bug spray is a must if you plan on being out of the truck for more the ten minutes lol. The head net might get in the way with a bow. Also remember to bring plenty of water for the truck and while in the stand. Its usually very hot during the hunt. If you can make it the IBEP class is a great way to learn about the refuge from the guys who hunt it every year and gives you time to do some early scouting.

[KevBow]

Thanks for all the input. Got the thermacell already but sounds like i should stock up on the refills. As for the camp area { Hoppers } how much is it to camp per day and do u have a phone number. Do all the guys camping there get together and do the campfire beer drinkn and bbq'n or do they keep to themselves?

[Rabidbowhunter]

Im not sure on the cost of hoppers but i know some on here know. For me thats one of the best parts of the hunt is getting back to hoppers and talking with everyone to see how they did and what they saw. Most the guys around there are great friendly people who will welcome you to hang out after the hunt. I will be there on the weekend hunts so if your there im sure we will run into each other. The bowhunters ed class is a great way to meet a lot of the guys who will be on the hunt and figure out a lot of info on anything about the hunt.