Laguna Atascosa 2020

[Huntindad]

Originally Posted by BigRed323

X2

I say it every year on the Laguna threads, but I’ve hunted Laguna multiple years and hunted south Texas all my life and I do not wear snake boots. I bought a pair of them last year and wore them one time and more than likely won’t wear them again. I just wear merrel hiking shoes and watch where I walk.

A lot of times I was walking in tall grass and could not see the ground. A few times I found my self the tall grass in standing water. That was not a good feeling. If you choose not to wear snake boots, that's fine, me... I will have them on. Good luck to all down there.

[BigRed323]

Originally Posted by Huntindad

A lot of times I was walking in tall grass and could not see the ground. A few times I found my self the tall grass in standing water. That was not a good feeling. If you choose not to wear snake boots, that's fine, me... I will have them on. Good luck to all down there.

Yup completely understand. Definitely a good idea to wear them, but absolutely necessary? Nope

But for those that are interested, there are definitely snakes out there lol. Had one coil up underneath my tripod one year and sat there till dark.

[Spoiled_TN_boy]

For you guys who have been here in the past bow hunts, 200 permits seems like a lot. Were there Joe blows walking the roads all day?

[HighwayHunter]

Originally Posted by Spoiled_TN_boy

For you guys who have been here in the past bow hunts, 200 permits seems like a lot. Were there Joe blows walking the roads all day?

It’s a big area. I’d assume it’s pretty easy for everyone to get out there and get away from everyone else


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[CAP]

I did one of the archery hunts down there last year. Had a great time, but couldn't make it happen on a deer or nilgai.

The only snake i saw was a HUGE blue indigo that stretched halfway across one of the roads i was riding my bicycle on.

For those who are riding bikes, bring lots of tire repair stuff and extra tubes.

[Huntindad]

Couple years ago I was in unit 1 and saw a lot of folks walking / biking the road a lot. I think most of the people & Nilgai are in units 3 & 8.

[Huntindad]

anyone got places to stay other than the 11/20 hunt, I'd be interested in hearing bouts the details. I am trying to line up someplace and it's looking a little scarce at the moment. I have one pace that is a maybe.

[gemini2759]

Port isla inn and white sands in port isabel. Executive suite in Laguna vista. White

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[FlyGuyy]

Originally Posted by Spoiled_TN_boy

For you guys who have been here in the past bow hunts, 200 permits seems like a lot. Were there Joe blows walking the roads all day?

Yes, It’s a good bit of people, but you’ll find a rhythm. You will definitely run into other hunters, but not constantly. And the hunter activity drops off pretty sharply after Sunday morning.

[FlyGuyy]

Originally Posted by CAP

I did one of the archery hunts down there last year. Had a great time, but couldn't make it happen on a deer or nilgai.

The only snake i saw was a HUGE blue indigo that stretched halfway across one of the roads i was riding my bicycle on.

For those who are riding bikes, bring lots of tire repair stuff and extra tubes.

Same. In two hunts I only saw 2 snakes. Both were HUGE indigo snakes. Beautiful creatures.

[chancito1]

Originally Posted by Huntindad

Anyone get lodging? I am looking to find a house or something down there for the 11/20 hunt.

if you find a place for a different hunt date, let me know & I can see if it is available for 11/20

Seaway village in arroyo city has some small apartments we stay there

[Spoiled_TN_boy]

I plan on hunting the entire time. Headed down on 18th for scouting weekend.

[Huntindad]

I think I found a place for my group.

you guys know you can go down there anytime to hike & bike. Just pay the 3.00 day fee and knock your self out. I am heading down there end of October to bird watch.

[Romulan]

Originally Posted by gemini2759

Port isla inn and white sands in port isabel. Executive suite in Laguna vista. White

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I second Port Isla Inn - clean and full size kitchen

Don’t go to Executive Suite Inn - the owner over charged me and then accused me of having a couple of women staying with me ... I told him I wish lol!! Turns out it was the guys next to us that were there for a bbq cook off or something like that

[Romulan]

I’m still pending...come on I’m sure there are some of you that don’t really want this hunt and the hard work (hiking/biking, dealing with mosquitoes/snakes) it requires... just don’t confirm so I can go!! Haha just kidding- but I’ve pasted the times you need to not confirm

[philipolsen]

I will be headed down for my 4th trip this year, hopefully I get lucky this year, been close a couple times but have yet to harvest anything

[txoutdoorsman24]

Originally Posted by Romulan

I’m still pending...come on I’m sure there are some of you that don’t really want this hunt and the hard work (hiking/biking, dealing with mosquitoes/snakes) it requires... just don’t confirm so I can go!! Haha just kidding- but I’ve pasted the times you need to not confirm

X2. Need a couple guys to back out and give me a chance at a 2nd draw

[TXFireFighter]

We drew the 12/4 hunt. You fellas in the first 2 hunt periods leave us a few. Goodluck to everyone

[FlyGuyy]

This will be my 3rd trip.

1st time I walked. It worked and I had plenty of opportunities, but I spent so much time just trying to get where I was headed.

2nd time I biked. Improved my ability to reach my target areas and not waste the 1st hour of daylight speed walking down the gravel, but the mesquite thorns... I think I averaged 1.5 flats/day.

3rd times the charm? this time I’m really ready... now running tubeless tires and I added this game cart/bike trailer from Sherpa. Great guy and great customer service, btw.

Good luck to everyone!

[ArcheryNerd]

Originally Posted by FlyGuyy

This will be my 3rd trip.

1st time I walked. It worked and I had plenty of opportunities, but I spent so much time just trying to get where I was headed.

2nd time I biked. Improved my ability to reach my target areas and not waste the 1st hour of daylight speed walking down the gravel, but the mesquite thorns... I think I averaged 1.5 flats/day.

3rd times the charm? this time I’m really ready... now running tubeless tires and I added this game cart/bike trailer from Sherpa. Great guy and great customer service, btw.

Good luck to everyone!

Nice rig, can you post a bigger picture? Just kidding...

Seriously though that's a nice rig and I like how your cart is attached with a cable I bet that's super quiet and flexible.

Are you running tubeless or airless?

I am working on gearing up for this my first year I drew the deer / nilgai tag. It looks like I am going to be a solo hunter and I think I am going to just tent camp.

[Spoiled_TN_boy]

Nice fire extinguisher mounts! I'm guessing that's for extra water?

After reading your previous posts and now this one, I'm understanding the importance of not wasting time. I had planned on hiking in, but if I can bike and arrive at destination earlier and in less sweat, I like that.

Nice setup. Believe I will play copy cat.

[Romulan]

FlyGuy - nice setup! I used to mt. bike and it looks like your rig costs more than my car

Seriously - I hope you bag a nice looking bull - LAWR is definitely a serious hunt and it takes time to learn the in's and out's - hopefully if I get drawn I'm taking my fat tire (the bike and maybe the beers for later )

[gdouty]

Originally Posted by Huntindad

I think I found a place for my group.

you guys know you can go down there anytime to hike & bike. Just pay the 3.00 day fee and knock your self out. I am heading down there end of October to bird watch.

Any idea if this general access approach gets you access to all or some of the the hunting areas?

[whirlybird]

Originally Posted by Huntindad

I think I found a place for my group.

you guys know you can go down there anytime to hike & bike. Just pay the 3.00 day fee and knock your self out. I am heading down there end of October to bird watch.

I think I remember reading that you have to stay on the paths/trails unless it is during a hunt/scouting days, does anyone know if that is the case?

[Huntindad]

Originally Posted by gdouty

Any idea if this general access approach gets you access to all or some of the the hunting areas?

That, I don't know.

Originally Posted by whirlybird

I think I remember reading that you have to stay on the paths/trails unless it is during a hunt/scouting days, does anyone know if that is the case?

do Nilgai trails count

[gemini2759]

Originally Posted by gdouty

Any idea if this general access approach gets you access to all or some of the the hunting areas?

The gate to the north to sections 5 and 8 will be closed.

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[CaptTank]

Got drawn for 11-6


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[FlyGuyy]

Originally Posted by Spoiled_TN_boy

Nice fire extinguisher mounts! I'm guessing that's for extra water?

After reading your previous posts and now this one, I'm understanding the importance of not wasting time. I had planned on hiking in, but if I can bike and arrive at destination earlier and in less sweat, I like that.

Nice setup. Believe I will play copy cat.

HaHa! Yes, the bike is set up for “bike packing”. But Now that I have the trailer I may remove those front fork mounts, but I’ve taken to leaving my Nalgene bottles there so we’ll see....

[FlyGuyy]

Originally Posted by ArcheryNerd

Nice rig, can you post a bigger picture? Just kidding...



Seriously though that's a nice rig and I like how your cart is attached with a cable I bet that's super quiet and flexible.



Are you running tubeless or airless?



I am working on gearing up for this my first year I drew the deer / nilgai tag. It looks like I am going to be a solo hunter and I think I am going to just tent camp.

The cable connection seems to work gear and the connection itself is quiet, the cart itself tho is not. It collapses down by removing 4 hitchpins, but they rattle when the cart bounces. It’s not an obscene amount of noise, but it’s there. I may play around with trying to secure them a little better to cut down on noise, but for this particular hunt it don’t think the rattle will really be an issue.

[FlyGuyy]

Originally Posted by FlyGuyy

The cable connection seems to work gear and the connection itself is quiet, the cart itself tho is not. It collapses down by removing 4 hitchpins, but they rattle when the cart bounces. It’s not an obscene amount of noise, but it’s there. I may play around with trying to secure them a little better to cut down on noise, but for this particular hunt it don’t think the rattle will really be an issue.

Oh, and I’m running tubeless on the bike, airless on the cart.

[Buck Smacker]

@FlyGuyy Very cool set up on the bike. I'm getting mine together now. What did you use for the connection? I'm looking at options for easy on/off and trying to keep it quiet too.
Also what are you using for light, just a headlamp? I like having a gandlebar light and a headlamp, it gets dark on public land, real dark.

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[Huntindad]

I have some headlamps that are pretty bright. May want to use those instead of mounting a light on the bike.

[FlyGuyy]

Originally Posted by Buck Smacker

@FlyGuyy Very cool set up on the bike. I'm getting mine together now. What did you use for the connection? I'm looking at options for easy on/off and trying to keep it quiet too.
Also what are you using for light, just a headlamp? I like having a gandlebar light and a headlamp, it gets dark on public land, real dark.

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Thank you.

I don’t recall the brands, but I have two lights mounted on the handlebars. Both are bike specific products with appropriate mounts. One is AAA battery operated the other is rechargeable. One set to a wide beam, one set for longer reach. I try to save the headlamp battery when possible and use these. I don’t often ride anything technical at night, but if I do then I throw the headlamp in there too.

I think it’s important to have two lights for night riding b/c It’s very easy for one of them to get knocked around and off target. Then suddenly you are peddling into complete darkness and nothing good is going to happen in that situation.

The connection is from Sherpa (same as the cart). I had to rig it to work with my bike. It’s sold as a seat post mount, but my bike has a dropper post so that wouldn’t work. I just U bolted it down to the rear rack. Not pretty, but very functional. I can take a pic in the am.

[mudmauler]

Originally Posted by capn

Sent you a pm mudmauler. I'd go in for group lodging on the 11/6 hunt.

I didn’t receive a PM


“Fools multiply when wise men are silent” -Nelson Mandela

[JackRyan]

Just curious if y'all that are using bikes have dealt with mud at Laguna? I took bikes our first year at Laguna and after some rainy days the mud made them totally useless.

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[capn]

Originally Posted by mudmauler

I didn’t receive a PM

Tried again from my phone this time. For some reason I have had a couple of pm's not go thru.

ArcheryNerd, I also sent you a pm.

[Spoiled_TN_boy]

Anyone else going down for scouting weekend next week, 19th/20th?

I'm taking a buddy and we are staying on the beach in South Padre. He had 2 free hotel nights which made it much cheaper!

[FlyGuyy]

Originally Posted by JackRyan

Just curious if y'all that are using bikes have dealt with mud at Laguna? I took bikes our first year at Laguna and after some rainy days the mud made them totally useless.

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Yeah, The rains can make it harsh. Even walking in that clay/mud/grease sucks. Obviously the gravel roads aren’t affected any but the dirt roads turn to mush. Fat tire or plus bikes are required for those conditions (but it’s still a mess). a standard width Mtn bike tire can’t distribute the weight on the soft surface and is just going to sink. An ebike with fat tires would be the ideal solution but they aren’t in my price range!

[piercebronkite]

One thing that I think that hasn't been mentioned is the time frame of entering the park. Last year they opened up 1.5 hours before daylight. It takes about 45 minutes to just enter the park, outside the park is 15mph and speed bumps everywhere and once you're inside its still a very slow long drive. Also count the hike/bike in to your spot. There were a couple of times where I just barely made it before first light and I was one of the first in there. There was also a morning where the park ranger did not show up to open the gate and lots of people were waiting for 30 minutes.

@Buck Smaker, I used a headlamp and a bike specific handlebar light. I crafted a flat bed trailer that I made out of an old Trek bike carrier that I bought for $20 on Facebook similar to this one. Super lightweight and simple.

[gdouty]

Has anyone stayed/camped at Adolph Thomae Jr. County Park while hunting Laguna Atascosa? Curious if this setup is any better/worse than renting a place nearby, which seems to be the more popular approach...

[philipolsen]

Originally Posted by gdouty

Has anyone stayed/camped at Adolph Thomae Jr. County Park while hunting Laguna Atascosa? Curious if this setup is any better/worse than renting a place nearby, which seems to be the more popular approach...

I've looked into if before, but since you can't access the refuge from the park, its about a 45 min drive just to the front entrance from the park, you can stay in Los fresnos or Port Isabel and be about 20 minutes away

[TXFireFighter]

Originally Posted by philipolsen

I've looked into if before, but since you can't access the refuge from the park, its about a 45 min drive just to the front entrance from the park, you can stay in Los fresnos or Port Isabel and be about 20 minutes away

What he said... unless you are hauling an RV down, I didnt think it was worth the extra effort. Camping fee is about the same $ as some of the cheap hotels in port isabel

[TXOUTLAW]

Originally Posted by gdouty

Has anyone stayed/camped at Adolph Thomae Jr. County Park while hunting Laguna Atascosa? Curious if this setup is any better/worse than renting a place nearby, which seems to be the more popular approach...

Call them and get details. We killed a nilgai in the evening. By the time we finished the red tape and getting him quartered in the freezer we were locked out of the park. They close the gate about 8 I think but that was a couple years ago. I’d call and ask


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[mudmauler]

Originally Posted by gdouty

Has anyone stayed/camped at Adolph Thomae Jr. County Park while hunting Laguna Atascosa? Curious if this setup is any better/worse than renting a place nearby, which seems to be the more popular approach...

I have and it was more like 30 min from park to gate for me every morning. I pulled my brothers rv but there were many people that had just thrown out a tent. I’d do it again if I had a camper. Port Isabel is pretty close to the entrance but have never stayed at those “budget” hotels so couldn’t say if it’s a safe area or not. Would be a good option if break ins isn’t a problem.


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[DHOutdoorsman]

Originally Posted by gdouty

Has anyone stayed/camped at Adolph Thomae Jr. County Park while hunting Laguna Atascosa? Curious if this setup is any better/worse than renting a place nearby, which seems to be the more popular approach...

I did last year, with quite a few other hunters to..maybe 7-8 other hunters that had tags, its just a 45 min trip to the park entrance. Campsite and hook-up were fine..

[gdouty]

Very helpful info, thanks for the feedback! I think we are going to try to find a place nearby.

What has the experience been like with the walk-in cooler at the check station? Curious if that is a reliable place to plan on leaving game until we leave.

[Huntindad]

I brought in an old fugly 5 point couple years ago. Cooler was spacious enough. Staff seemed to be stretched thin. I was able to bring in my cooler with the meat in it, quartered up.

[CentralTXHunter]

Holy smokes! I got drawn on second draw! 11/20 hunt!!!!


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[RiverRat00]

Originally Posted by CentralTXHunter

Holy smokes! I got drawn on second draw! 11/20 hunt!!!!


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We gave up 2 permits (forgot to pay )for 12/04 to 12/08 hunt.

More winners to come on 2nd draw.

Congratulation

[merlin]

Dang.........someone started a thread to remind everyone of the deadline to pay