Atascosa 2019!!! - Page 5 - TexasBowhunter.com Community Discussion Forums

Falling · 09-24-2019, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdunn6092

For the guys that are hunting 11/15-11/19........how many days are y’all planning to hunt? I keep hearing that this a tough hunt and a lot of people give up.

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Stick it out the full hunt!

gburk · 09-25-2019, 09:25 AM

does anyone feel more inclined to shoot expandables on account of the wind down there? last time i was there it was quite windy almost every day.

Jspradley · 09-25-2019, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gburk

does anyone feel more inclined to shoot expandables on account of the wind down there? last time i was there it was quite windy almost every day.

On a nilgai? No way, unless I was shooting an xbow

gburk · 09-25-2019, 01:11 PM

Ideally, but whatever moves on four legs... will have to make sure the boys lay off the spotted cats tho...

we'll have both compound and crossbows in our party. Curious, why would you treat them differently? thanks.

Jspradley · 09-25-2019, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gburk

Ideally, but whatever moves on four legs... will have to make sure the boys lay off the spotted cats tho...

we'll have both compound and crossbows in our party. Curious, why would you treat them differently? thanks.

Nilgai are dense animals, a compound is going to have a lot less energy to push an expandable through one vs an xbow. I personally would only use a sharp cut on contact fixed blade on a tank like a nilgai.

Yeah, you will be buried real deep under the jail if you shoot an ocelot, and deservedly so. Weird enough some of the Bobcats have long tails down there too, I spotted one I could have sworn was an ocelot until we got closer too it. The tail was super long but it was a bobcat.
If I recall correctly bobcat are off the list for shooting as well down there because of that reason

piercebronkite · 09-25-2019, 02:29 PM

Fixed blade broadhead for me on Nilgai.

Also I hunt 2 hours north of that area and Bobcats are strictly off the animals we hunt. Lease owner doesn’t want any mistakes made given the Ocelot population there.

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Jspradley · 09-25-2019, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by piercebronkite

Lease owner doesn’t want any mistakes made given the Ocelot population there.

Good man!

TGKIL · 09-25-2019, 04:26 PM

Can any of you veterans clarify something for me?

Reading the brochure that came with my permit, it states: "Field Dressing- Harvested big game must be field dressed before removal from the hunt unit. You may quarter your game."

On the third page of the brochure it states: "Cattle Fever Tick Rules- Hunters must place a tarp on their vehicle to eliminate contact with a deer or nilgai carcass. Hunters must skin deer and nilgai before leaving the refuge. A designated skinning station is provided."

My question is, if I quarter a deer or nilgai in the field and place the quarters and cuts in game bags, is a tarp still required for my truck bed? Also, am I required to bring any of the hide to the ranger station, or can I leave it all in the field? I euro mount all of my game, so would it be legal for me to skin the skull and leave that hide in the field as well, or do I have to bring the head in with the hide still on it?

I assume they will clear all of this up at the orientation, but I don't want to worry about for several months if I don't have to!

Thanks in advance!

m10 · 09-25-2019, 05:27 PM

They will clear this up for you. If you quarter the animal, they want you to bring back some of the hide so they can check.

Only the hide can not come in contact with your vehicle

Jspradley · 09-25-2019, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m10

They will clear this up for you. If you quarter the animal, they want you to bring back some of the hide so they can check.

Only the hide can not come in contact with your vehicle

Yep, make sure you ask and get the ranger's name, the rules can be different depending on who you talk to but the general consensus is that you need to bring as much hide back as you can.

I'd still throw it all on a tarp too just to be safe.

RGV Hunter · 09-26-2019, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jspradley

Yep, make sure you ask and get the ranger's name, the rules can be different depending on who you talk to but the general consensus is that you need to bring as much hide back as you can.

I'd still throw it all on a tarp too just to be safe.

They are pretty strict about the tarp. I would just have one and not worry about it.

What is ironic is that this Red Tick Fever is threatening the local livestock yet this exotic animal was imported by ranchers that the govt is trying to protect by keeping it from spreading to the ranchers that imported this exotic.

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Jspradley · 09-26-2019, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RGV Hunter

They are pretty strict about the tarp. I would just have one and not worry about it.

What is ironic is that this Red Tick Fever is threatening the local livestock yet this exotic animal was imported by ranchers that the govt is trying to protect by keeping it from spreading to the ranchers that imported this exotic.

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Protecting folks from themselves is the American way! lol

TGKIL · 09-26-2019, 01:22 PM

Hopefully they won’t make us drag too much hide back. I’d hate to kill something way off the road and have to make a trip back and out for just the hide, especially after a few meat hauls. If it’s not too big of a piece, surely I can just tag it along with some meat.

A spare tarp will definitely be in the truck!

ABWGTX · 09-26-2019, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TGKIL

Hopefully they won’t make us drag too much hide back. I’d hate to kill something way off the road and have to make a trip back and out for just the hide, especially after a few meat hauls. If it’s not too big of a piece, surely I can just tag it along with some meat.

A spare tarp will definitely be in the truck!

Look on Harbor Freight flyers sometimes they have a free 5x7 tarp Coupon.

https://www.hfqpdb.com/best_coupon/5...RESISTANT+TARP

TGKIL · 09-27-2019, 11:43 AM

The only thing better than a cheap tarp is a free tarp! Thanks ABWGTX.

Txfire409 · 09-27-2019, 04:45 PM

Just got off the phone with the assistant manager of the refuge and he said e-bikes will be allowed this year but they must be pedal assisted and have a top speed of 25 mph.

DAY1 · 09-28-2019, 11:07 AM

We got picked on the second draw for Nov 15-19. That's 2 more from Ingleside. LOL

Brown E · 09-29-2019, 11:16 AM

They had free tarps there last year during the late exotic hunt. Ones that previous hunters left.

NWernig · 09-30-2019, 12:01 PM

The next 23 days can't get here soon enough!!

caalexander4 · 10-01-2019, 11:41 AM

For anyone doing the October 25th- 29th hunt, does anyone have an extra room I can pay for or want to find a place to split? Still trying to setup my arrangements for down there.

Romulan · 10-01-2019, 09:28 PM

What's y'all's preferred method - ground blind or tripod (if tripod what height)? thanks

gemini2759 · 10-02-2019, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Romulan

What's y'all's preferred method - ground blind or tripod (if tripod what height)? thanks

I have a 7' to the seat tripod with a cushioned folding boat seat. Puts you at about 9-10' eye level. Perfect for the refuge.

RGV Hunter · 10-02-2019, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Romulan

What's y'all's preferred method - ground blind or tripod (if tripod what height)? thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by gemini2759

I have a 7' to the seat tripod with a cushioned folding boat seat. Puts you at about 9-10' eye level. Perfect for the refuge.

This is about as high as you would want to go. Anything higher will make you stick out like a hood ornament IMO. There are some places you could place a taller tripod but those areas are limited. Between a tripod and a blind I would go with tripod. I think a blind is too bulky and the deer are not used to it.

piercebronkite · 10-02-2019, 09:31 AM

How are you guys hauling a tripod in and out? I assume you’re just walking it in and out? And from my understanding you have to take it down after each hunt?

CAP · 10-02-2019, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Txfire409

Just got off the phone with the assistant manager of the refuge and he said e-bikes will be allowed this year but they must be pedal assisted and have a top speed of 25 mph.

Well, that's kind of a bummer.

For people with disabilities, I get it. But for able bodied people

Why stop at e-bikes? just go straight to ATVs. Hell, just let people drive their trucks. I know I'm exaggerating, but it's disappointing. I thought this hunt would be a level playing field that rewarded those who worked hardest. I can't afford a $1500 e-bike...

Oh well, I'm still going to bust my *** on this hunt. I'll make my own luck.

RGV Hunter · 10-02-2019, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAP

Well, that's kind of a bummer.

For people with disabilities, I get it. But for able bodied people

Why stop at e-bikes? just go straight to ATVs. Hell, just let people drive their trucks. I know I'm exaggerating, but it's disappointing. I thought this hunt would be a level playing field that rewarded those who worked hardest. I can't afford a $1500 e-bike...

Oh well, I'm still going to bust my *** on this hunt. I'll make my own luck.

Completely agree with you.

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caalexander4 · 10-02-2019, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAP

Well, that's kind of a bummer.

For people with disabilities, I get it. But for able bodied people

Why stop at e-bikes? just go straight to ATVs. Hell, just let people drive their trucks. I know I'm exaggerating, but it's disappointing. I thought this hunt would be a level playing field that rewarded those who worked hardest. I can't afford a $1500 e-bike...

Oh well, I'm still going to bust my *** on this hunt. I'll make my own luck.

Technically quiet kat has credit options on the bikes so you can afford it... But realistically it wont change much. You and most other guys cant afford them anyway so there wont be that many out there. Also itll help move some guys further away than the typical stacked locations so at least there is that.

txoutdoorsman24 · 10-02-2019, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caalexander4

Technically quiet kat has credit options on the bikes so you can afford it... But realistically it wont change much. You and most other guys cant afford them anyway so there wont be that many out there. Also itll help move some guys further away than the typical stacked locations so at least there is that.

I’m pretty sure you’re right. I doubt you see 5 or more on each hunt. And I don’t want it to help guys go further. Then they’ll end up back where I go and it takes a minute or 35-40 to get them. Plus another 30-45 walk lol.

Truly I don’t that it will natter bc the bikes can only take you so far on the roads. The brush is unridable so some may go further but venture less into the brush.

NeedmoreOutdoor · 10-04-2019, 12:55 PM

To answer a few of the comments above. From my experience on the refuge both a short tripod and a make shift ground blind both have benefits depending on what unit you are hunting and the type of vegetation you are trying to use as cover. I tend to bring more of a lite weight ground blind option due to mobility but it does make the hunt harder since you are at ground level with the game you are hunting and nilgai have great sight. In some of the brush areas the tripod is the way to go and I would recommend a bike along with a modified game cart for mobility if you choose the tripod option. The e-bike should not effect the hunt as bad as one might think, but it does give a advantage of time (speed) and mobility to those that choose that option. I agree with many above this should only be a option for those with disabilities, but we as hunters and outdoorsman do not make the rules, we just have to follow them.

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Jspradley · 10-04-2019, 01:13 PM

Cutting down or moving vegetation for blinds at LA is no bueno.

Brown E · 10-05-2019, 10:22 AM

I have a couple camo nets that were sewn to put a rope through it. I tie to small trees or brush and sit behind it. Very mobile, inexpensive, can fold up small and I think works better than a blind.

PBUCKSHOT · 10-05-2019, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Txfire409

Just got off the phone with the assistant manager of the refuge and he said e-bikes will be allowed this year but they must be pedal assisted and have a top speed of 25 mph.

Only for mobility impaired hunters right?
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RGV Hunter · 10-05-2019, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PBUCKSHOT

Only for mobility impaired hunters right?

Attachment 975033

It looks like it will be limited to only certain roads. Coyote loop is way out there. If the rains catch you out there you will need a lot more than an electric bike to get you out of there.

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PBUCKSHOT · 10-05-2019, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RGV Hunter

It looks like it will be limited to only certain roads. Coyote loop is way out there. If the rains catch you out there you will need a lot more than an electric bike to get you out of there.

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Where are you reading that it will be allowed on certain roads?

Edit: I read it again and see where it says that. Just not sure if they are still taking about mobility impaired hunters

RGV Hunter · 10-05-2019, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PBUCKSHOT

Where are you reading that it will be allowed on certain roads?

Edit: I read it again and see where it says that. Just not sure if they are still taking about mobility impaired hunters

It reads West Lake Road up to Coyote Loop in Unit two.

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PBUCKSHOT · 10-05-2019, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RGV Hunter

It reads West Lake Road up to Coyote Loop in Unit two.

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Yes but it is under the mobility impaired hunters section. I guess I’ll need to call before dropping $1500

RGV Hunter · 10-05-2019, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PBUCKSHOT

Yes but it is under the mobility impaired hunters section. I guess I’ll need to call before dropping $1500

Just don't go back in there if there is a forecast for rain. You will end up carrying the bike back to the truck.

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Txfire409 · 10-05-2019, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PBUCKSHOT

Only for mobility impaired hunters right?
Attachment 975033

NO! That was printed before the order from the Dept of the Interior came out. They are now allowed for use by anyone.

Txfire409 · 10-05-2019, 08:30 PM

The ebikes are allowed anywhere regular bikes can go.

RGV Hunter · 10-05-2019, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Txfire409

The ebikes are allowed anywhere regular bikes can go.

There you go PBuckShot. Go ahead and spend the $1500.

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Etxnoodler · 10-05-2019, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RGV Hunter

There you go PBuckShot. Go ahead and spend the $1500.

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That’s a dang bummer.

PBUCKSHOT · 10-06-2019, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Etxnoodler

That’s a dang bummer.

Yeah I’ve been hitting the bike at the gym and actually enjoyed the preparation for this particular hunt. My chicken legs were a lot more prepared last year than they were the year before. I liked the challenge and knowing I could go further back than someone who didn’t prepare. With that being said, whining won’t do me any good. Can’t beat’em...join’em I guess.

RGV Hunter · 10-06-2019, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PBUCKSHOT

Yeah I’ve been hitting the bike at the gym and actually enjoyed the preparation for this particular hunt. My chicken legs were a lot more prepared last year than they were the year before. I liked the challenge and knowing I could go further back than someone who didn’t prepare. With that being said, whining won’t do me any good. Can’t beat’em...join’em I guess.

I know what you mean about getting in shape for this hunt. I have been hunting this place for over 20 years and being in shape is your best bet to get a kill at the Atascosa.

I am still waiting for the miracle on getting selected for the rifle hunt. Over twenty years of applying for the rifle hunt and still no luck.

Etxnoodler · 10-06-2019, 08:24 AM

It’s a shame when public hunting turns into a money game like private land hunting has in Texas. Instead of hard work or outsmarting the competition.

RuebenCaballero · 10-06-2019, 10:41 AM

From what I read, the refuge is not a national park. If you look up the rule the dept of interior posted that e bikes would be allowed on national parks. If you look up national parks in Texas, laguna is not listed as a national park nor is any refuge. Just saying.

Jspradley · 10-06-2019, 03:55 PM

I would go by the rules posted for the hunt. The refuge can be as strict as they want to be.

Although since I wont be there I really recommend arguing with them over e bikes during the orientation. You will make many new friends!

RuebenCaballero · 10-06-2019, 04:15 PM

Jspradley those are the highlights of the orientation lol! Always fun to see who’s gonna argue that point

Jspradley · 10-06-2019, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RuebenCaballero

Jspradley those are the highlights of the orientation lol! Always fun to see who’s gonna argue that point

The rangers were WAY too nice on that point... lol

RichExotics10 · 10-07-2019, 09:14 AM

Muck boots or snake boots?

Arrowflinger84 · 10-07-2019, 09:22 AM

regular bikes are my preference.

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09-25-2019, 09:25 AM	#202
gburk Nubbin' Buck Join Date: Sep 2019	does anyone feel more inclined to shoot expandables on account of the wind down there? last time i was there it was quite windy almost every day.

09-25-2019, 01:11 PM	#204
gburk Nubbin' Buck Join Date: Sep 2019	Ideally, but whatever moves on four legs... will have to make sure the boys lay off the spotted cats tho... we'll have both compound and crossbows in our party. Curious, why would you treat them differently? thanks.

09-25-2019, 02:29 PM	#206
piercebronkite Spike Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Allen, TX Hunt In: South Texas, West Texas	Fixed blade broadhead for me on Nilgai. Also I hunt 2 hours north of that area and Bobcats are strictly off the animals we hunt. Lease owner doesn’t want any mistakes made given the Ocelot population there. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

09-25-2019, 04:26 PM	#208
TGKIL Spike Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Fort Worth Hunt In: Public Lands, TX and Family Farm, AR	Can any of you veterans clarify something for me? Reading the brochure that came with my permit, it states: "Field Dressing- Harvested big game must be field dressed before removal from the hunt unit. You may quarter your game." On the third page of the brochure it states: "Cattle Fever Tick Rules- Hunters must place a tarp on their vehicle to eliminate contact with a deer or nilgai carcass. Hunters must skin deer and nilgai before leaving the refuge. A designated skinning station is provided." My question is, if I quarter a deer or nilgai in the field and place the quarters and cuts in game bags, is a tarp still required for my truck bed? Also, am I required to bring any of the hide to the ranger station, or can I leave it all in the field? I euro mount all of my game, so would it be legal for me to skin the skull and leave that hide in the field as well, or do I have to bring the head in with the hide still on it? I assume they will clear all of this up at the orientation, but I don't want to worry about for several months if I don't have to! Thanks in advance!

09-25-2019, 05:27 PM	#209
m10 Four Point Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Pearland Hunt In: East, South, hill country	They will clear this up for you. If you quarter the animal, they want you to bring back some of the hide so they can check. Only the hide can not come in contact with your vehicle

09-26-2019, 01:22 PM	#213
TGKIL Spike Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Fort Worth Hunt In: Public Lands, TX and Family Farm, AR	Hopefully they won’t make us drag too much hide back. I’d hate to kill something way off the road and have to make a trip back and out for just the hide, especially after a few meat hauls. If it’s not too big of a piece, surely I can just tag it along with some meat. A spare tarp will definitely be in the truck!

09-27-2019, 11:43 AM	#215
TGKIL Spike Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Fort Worth Hunt In: Public Lands, TX and Family Farm, AR	The only thing better than a cheap tarp is a free tarp! Thanks ABWGTX.

09-27-2019, 04:45 PM	#216
Txfire409 Ten Point Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Labelle, Tx. Hunt In: Hardin County, Big Thicket NP, Moore Plantation	Just got off the phone with the assistant manager of the refuge and he said e-bikes will be allowed this year but they must be pedal assisted and have a top speed of 25 mph.

09-28-2019, 11:07 AM	#217
DAY1 Four Point Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ingleside	We got picked on the second draw for Nov 15-19. That's 2 more from Ingleside. LOL

09-29-2019, 11:16 AM	#218
Brown E Four Point Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mercedes	They had free tarps there last year during the late exotic hunt. Ones that previous hunters left.

09-30-2019, 12:01 PM	#219
NWernig Four Point Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Katy Hunt In: Here and there	The next 23 days can't get here soon enough!!

10-01-2019, 11:41 AM	#220
caalexander4 Four Point Join Date: Nov 2018	For anyone doing the October 25th- 29th hunt, does anyone have an extra room I can pay for or want to find a place to split? Still trying to setup my arrangements for down there.

10-01-2019, 09:28 PM	#221
Romulan Four Point Join Date: Oct 2018	What's y'all's preferred method - ground blind or tripod (if tripod what height)? thanks

10-02-2019, 09:31 AM	#224
piercebronkite Spike Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Allen, TX Hunt In: South Texas, West Texas	How are you guys hauling a tripod in and out? I assume you’re just walking it in and out? And from my understanding you have to take it down after each hunt?

10-04-2019, 12:55 PM	#229
NeedmoreOutdoor Four Point Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Southeast Texas Hunt In: South East Texas and the Texas Hill Country	To answer a few of the comments above. From my experience on the refuge both a short tripod and a make shift ground blind both have benefits depending on what unit you are hunting and the type of vegetation you are trying to use as cover. I tend to bring more of a lite weight ground blind option due to mobility but it does make the hunt harder since you are at ground level with the game you are hunting and nilgai have great sight. In some of the brush areas the tripod is the way to go and I would recommend a bike along with a modified game cart for mobility if you choose the tripod option. The e-bike should not effect the hunt as bad as one might think, but it does give a advantage of time (speed) and mobility to those that choose that option. I agree with many above this should only be a option for those with disabilities, but we as hunters and outdoorsman do not make the rules, we just have to follow them. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

10-04-2019, 01:13 PM	#230
Jspradley Ten Point Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: League City, TX Hunt In: Wherever I can	Cutting down or moving vegetation for blinds at LA is no bueno.

10-05-2019, 10:22 AM	#231
Brown E Four Point Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mercedes	I have a couple camo nets that were sewn to put a rope through it. I tie to small trees or brush and sit behind it. Very mobile, inexpensive, can fold up small and I think works better than a blind.

10-05-2019, 08:30 PM	#239
Txfire409 Ten Point Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Labelle, Tx. Hunt In: Hardin County, Big Thicket NP, Moore Plantation	The ebikes are allowed anywhere regular bikes can go.

10-06-2019, 08:24 AM	#244
Etxnoodler Eight Point Join Date: Feb 2016	It’s a shame when public hunting turns into a money game like private land hunting has in Texas. Instead of hard work or outsmarting the competition.

10-06-2019, 10:41 AM	#245
RuebenCaballero Nubbin' Buck Join Date: Feb 2017	From what I read, the refuge is not a national park. If you look up the rule the dept of interior posted that e bikes would be allowed on national parks. If you look up national parks in Texas, laguna is not listed as a national park nor is any refuge. Just saying.

10-06-2019, 03:55 PM	#246
Jspradley Ten Point Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: League City, TX Hunt In: Wherever I can	I would go by the rules posted for the hunt. The refuge can be as strict as they want to be. Although since I wont be there I really recommend arguing with them over e bikes during the orientation. You will make many new friends!

10-06-2019, 04:15 PM	#247
RuebenCaballero Nubbin' Buck Join Date: Feb 2017	Jspradley those are the highlights of the orientation lol! Always fun to see who’s gonna argue that point

10-07-2019, 09:14 AM	#249
RichExotics10 Spike Join Date: Sep 2016 Hunt In: Val Verde	Muck boots or snake boots?

10-07-2019, 09:22 AM	#250
Arrowflinger84 Ten Point Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Sanger Hunt In: Spikezilla	regular bikes are my preference.