THE Official Twin Buttes Reservoir Thread

[TXHORNZ]

How's the hunting going this year?

[MurphyMID]

Subscribed. I am interested in duck hunting TBR, as I have good places to hunt deer with bow and rifle. Any one on here duck hunt? I have a 15 foot John and a 10 foot fiberglass boat that I can use to get into nearly any area of the lake.

[BearStrike2010]

Hey guys I'm looking for someone to hunt with this weekend Friday morning through Sunday morning. I've never been out there and thought it would be easier to hunt with someone who knows the area. Just looking to stick a deer this weekend. Thanks a lot. Cameron

[Harvey]

Originally Posted by MurphyMID

Subscribed. I am interested in duck hunting TBR, as I have good places to hunt deer with bow and rifle. Any one on here duck hunt? I have a 15 foot John and a 10 foot fiberglass boat that I can use to get into nearly any area of the lake.

Hafernick is the authority on duck hunting Twin Buttes. Call him out or send him a PM. He would limit out nearly every hunt out there.
San Angelo area is overlooked as a waterfowl "mecca", atleast for west Texas waterfowl flyway standards.

[Hafernick]

Originally Posted by Harvey

Hafernick is the authority on duck hunting Twin Buttes. Call him out or send him a PM. He would limit out nearly every hunt out there.
San Angelo area is overlooked as a waterfowl "mecca", atleast for west Texas waterfowl flyway standards.

Not sure I would go that far Charles, but I can tell you this, the four years I hunted there we were consistently killing more birds than anyone else. It would be much easier for me to explain where to go over the phone than on here. PM me for my phone number.

Here is our birds numbers by the years:
2006 - 536 (this year was just amazing)
2005 - 351
2004 - 300
2003 - 150 (this was the first year my duck hunting buddies and I found out about the Buttes. I did not hunt much this year.)

[MurphyMID]

Originally Posted by Hafernick

Not sure I would go that far Charles, but I can tell you this, the four years I hunted there we were consistently killing more birds than anyone else. It would be much easier for me to explain where to go over the phone than on here. PM me for my phone number.

Here is our birds numbers by the years:
2006 - 536 (this year was just amazing)
2005 - 351
2004 - 300
2003 - 150 (this was the first year my duck hunting buddies and I found out about the Buttes. I did not hunt much this year.)

wow, I am very interested in talking to you. Do you not duck hunt TBR any longer? Can you PM me your number? My post count is apparently too low..

[Hafernick]

Originally Posted by MurphyMID

wow, I am very interested in talking to you. Do you not duck hunt TBR any longer? Can you PM me your number? My post count is apparently too low..

No don't live close enough to hunt there. PM sent!

[SanAngeloBowman]

Originally Posted by TXHORNZ

How's the hunting going this year?

been seeing lots of quality stuff at my honey holes. We've tagged several turkey and passed on many deer. Waiting for the big boys. headed out tomorrow for couple days.

[BearStrike2010]

What area are you hunting? I'm in area 4 and not having any luck

[SanAngeloBowman]

Originally Posted by BearStrike2010

What area are you hunting? I'm in area 4 and not having any luck

Sorry bud but my personal hunting spot isnt up for everyone else . Ya just have to get out and put the time in scouting pre-season like I do. Ive given a bunch of good advice and how and general wheres to finding deer out there. Ive been around area 4 and 5 just recently and seen several good deer while showing other folks around. They are out there. You just have to be patient and have the will to get to places others dont or wont go. If you are traveling well used and worn roads your NOT in a spot I would hunt. Get OFF the beaten path and make your own. Create your own honey hole that the deer will want to come to.

[SanAngeloBowman]

Originally Posted by BearStrike2010

What area are you hunting? I'm in area 4 and not having any luck

PM where you are at in Unit 4 and Ill tell ya if your in the right spot or not. Thats best I can do. I keep suggesting this to folks to but havent heard any takers........get as far back into Unit 6 as you can. There is about 20 feeders all along that 2800 acres back in there. If your lazy and dont wanna walk a ways forget it......if ya have a 4wheeler or some good legs then get in there and shoot some deer.

[Alley Dog]

First ever buck with a bow 10 pt Twin Buttes.

[TXHORNZ]

Way to go Alley Dog. Were you stalking or set up at a blind and feeder.
Congrats!

[Alley Dog]

In a pop up blind .

[The Crippler]

AWESOME Alley Dog! Way to go!

[SanAngeloBowman]

Originally Posted by Alley Dog

In a pop up blind .

Allen

Was that your pop-up along the main road in the lil triangle area?

[SanAngeloBowman]

Allen

cONGRATS on an awsome TBR buck!

[Alley Dog]

Originally Posted by SanAngeloBowman

Allen

Was that your pop-up along the main road in the lil triangle area?

No thats not mine. I have yet to see anyone there.

[SanAngeloBowman]

Originally Posted by Alley Dog

No thats not mine. I have yet to see anyone there.

Just wondering cause it was gone after weekend and we thought maybe that was you. That is a good spot back in that triangle there tho.

[05 gray ghost]

Verey Nice Alley.

[MI Bow Hunter]

Hey guys, I recently moved down here and came across these forums and am hoping to get some information. I just missed deer season back home in Michigan so I am hoping to try and make up for it down here. I have found a map of the TBR and the hunting areas, but I am unsure of how to access those areas. I am also looking for some pointers because it seems like the hunting down here is a little different than up in Michigan. If anyone has any info to help it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[SanAngeloBowman]

Originally Posted by MI Bow Hunter

Hey guys, I recently moved down here and came across these forums and am hoping to get some information. I just missed deer season back home in Michigan so I am hoping to try and make up for it down here. I have found a map of the TBR and the hunting areas, but I am unsure of how to access those areas. I am also looking for some pointers because it seems like the hunting down here is a little different than up in Michigan. If anyone has any info to help it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Tell me what area you are interested in and I can give ya directions how to access and some pointers on the area you chose. I'm off work Wednesday if ya need some help finding.

[TXHORNZ]

Looks like they are moving the cows. Several cowboys, horses, trucks and trailers at the pens on Boy's Ranch road.
Any members hunt Unit 5 this evening?

[MI Bow Hunter]

Originally Posted by SanAngeloBowman

Tell me what area you are interested in and I can give ya directions how to access and some pointers on the area you chose. I'm off work Wednesday if ya need some help finding.

Thanks for the quick reply. I am wondering if there are any areas that have bigger trees for a climbing tree stand. I am going home for thanksgiving and will bring it back with me if it something I would be able to use out there or if it is even worth getting. Having not seen the area I am not sure what is out there. I also need an area that I will be able to drive a car close too I am not afraid to walk so that isn't an issue.

[SanAngeloBowman]

Originally Posted by TXHORNZ

Looks like they are moving the cows. Several cowboys, horses, trucks and trailers at the pens on Boy's Ranch road.
Any members hunt Unit 5 this evening?

Seen a few over in 5. does and a spike myself and another TBHer passed on.

[SanAngeloBowman]

Originally Posted by MI Bow Hunter

Thanks for the quick reply. I am wondering if there are any areas that have bigger trees for a climbing tree stand. I am going home for thanksgiving and will bring it back with me if it something I would be able to use out there or if it is even worth getting. Having not seen the area I am not sure what is out there. I also need an area that I will be able to drive a car close too I am not afraid to walk so that isn't an issue.

ONLY place I can think of accessible by foot to use a treestand would be far back along riverbanks (its dry mostly) in unit 5 and I doubt you'd find nice straight trees for a climber. a lock-on would be as best as your gonna get there. They had some for $39 at Academy sports when I got mine I used out at TBR. Didnt wanna LOSE much $$ if someone "borrowed".

[TXHORNZ]

Originally Posted by SanAngeloBowman

Seen a few over in 5. does and a spike myself and another TBHer passed on.

I was just curious if it was any TBHers. I've seen the vehicles at Unit 5 and Unit 4 by 12 Mile Ranch a few times on my back from hunting Unit 4 via 2166.

Oh and they did not move all the cows from Unit 4.

This past Saturday morning the game warden (Cynthia) visited with me at the cattle guard at Unit 4. This evening as I was leaving I a fellow hunter mentioned that the Lake (SAPD) Police have been patroling Unit 4 via 4-wheeler.

[SanAngeloBowman]

Originally Posted by TXHORNZ

I was just curious if it was any TBHers. I've seen the vehicles at Unit 5 and Unit 4 by 12 Mile Ranch a few times on my back from hunting Unit 4 via 2166.

Oh and they did not move all the cows from Unit 4.

This past Saturday morning the game warden (Cynthia) visited with me at the cattle guard at Unit 4. This evening as I was leaving I a fellow hunter mentioned that the Lake (SAPD) Police have been patroling Unit 4 via 4-wheeler.

Unit 4 is where they used to De-calf the herd about this time every year.

SAPD (there is no more Lake Police) have been in Unit 3 as well on there lil baja rail buggy. Units 2,3, and 4 are where most folks go so its no surprise to see them. I just hope they arent running all around ruining folks hunts. I heard what they are looking for is under age drinkers, etc. NOT hunting violations.

My buddy that saw them said right before he ran into SAPD he was headed toward a fenceline road back into his hunt area and all of a sudden 5 "gangbanger" lookin' vatos came walking outta the woods. This was in Unit 3 near the old boat ramp where a bunch of people park.

[MI Bow Hunter]

Originally Posted by SanAngeloBowman

ONLY place I can think of accessible by foot to use a treestand would be far back along riverbanks (its dry mostly) in unit 5 and I doubt you'd find nice straight trees for a climber. a lock-on would be as best as your gonna get there. They had some for $39 at Academy sports when I got mine I used out at TBR. Didnt wanna LOSE much $$ if someone "borrowed".

Well I don't think I am going to mess with my climber but how do I access zone 5? I was able to find access to 3 but it seemed like there were a lot of people in that area. Is there just one access to 3 on the other end? I am going to be back in san angelo on monday and hopefully be able to get out and look around some more.

[SanAngeloBowman]

Originally Posted by MI Bow Hunter

Well I don't think I am going to mess with my climber but how do I access zone 5? I was able to find access to 3 but it seemed like there were a lot of people in that area. Is there just one access to 3 on the other end? I am going to be back in san angelo on monday and hopefully be able to get out and look around some more.

access to Unit 5......take hwy 67 towards Mertzon. JUST BEFORE you cross 12 MILE bridge there is 2 points to access. There are NO SIGNS stating public hunting land but there is an old store thats now a residence right NEXT to the bridge. You can drop down the gravel turnout right before bridge and access via the wooden 2x4 "step-over" point or about 300yds back down road next to the HWY67 SIGN where to better access point is at another wooden 2x4 "step-over" gate. It is FOOT TRAFFIC ONLY in unit 5. Hint: Hunt what we call "The Box" which is the small box section in the NW corner of unit. great cover and close to the north fenceline where there are several feeders close by There are a FEW trees big enough for a treestand if walk into the middle of the Box

[SanAngeloBowman]

Originally Posted by MI Bow Hunter

Well I don't think I am going to mess with my climber but how do I access zone 5? I was able to find access to 3 but it seemed like there were a lot of people in that area. Is there just one access to 3 on the other end? I am going to be back in san angelo on monday and hopefully be able to get out and look around some more.

The other end of Unit 3 merges with Unit 4 behind the Boys Ranch area and at the moment is dry at the river crossing there. It is a flat solid rock bottom on the river bed and very easy to cross, but there is no secondary roadway access to that back section.

[SanAngeloBowman]

WARNING!: Be careful out at TBR. For the 2nd TIME in a week Ive been almost shot by idiots with shotguns. This time was VERY close as I was sitting in my Pop-up blind by 2 "Hunters" shooting from a road ON a 4wheeler at running deer (that were about to come into my setup!) When all was said and done the 2 geniuses were sited for their hunting violations including the UNtagged deer with sex proof removed that they also had in their possesion. 4 SAPD units responded as well as the GW (thanks Jason.....again) hats off to SAPD for patrolling inforce and responding quickly. I was told they caught 3 other "hunters" that all jumped from a Passenger type vehicle whooping and yelling as they chased some deer from the road right near the entrance to area 1 which is a NO HUNTING zone until you are around the end of the dam.

They also have caught some people recently shooting RIFLES at TBR which is highly illegal as well .

I had an incident last week where 4 idividuals were shooting right next to our camp and across the river towards the island which 4 of us were hunting on. Over 300 rounds were fired (we counted as we ducked) These geniuses were stopped and "educated" as well.

SO.......be careful out there. The idiots are enforce right now.

[Toddcaster]

thanks for the info. I have a few days off week after next and was thinking about going out there but I may just have to find something else.

[TXHORNZ]

Originally Posted by SanAngeloBowman

WARNING!: Be careful out at TBR. For the 2nd TIME in a week Ive been almost shot by idiots with shotguns. This time was VERY close as I was sitting in my Pop-up blind by 2 "Hunters" shooting from a road ON a 4wheeler at running deer (that were about to come into my setup!) When all was said and done the 2 geniuses were sited for their hunting violations including the UNtagged deer with sex proof removed that they also had in their possesion. 4 SAPD units responded as well as the GW (thanks Jason.....again) hats off to SAPD for patrolling inforce and responding quickly. I was told they caught 3 other "hunters" that all jumped from a Passenger type vehicle whooping and yelling as they chased some deer from the road right near the entrance to area 1 which is a NO HUNTING zone until you are around the end of the dam.

They also have caught some people recently shooting RIFLES at TBR which is highly illegal as well .

I had an incident last week where 4 idividuals were shooting right next to our camp and across the river towards the island which 4 of us were hunting on. Over 300 rounds were fired (we counted as we ducked) These geniuses were stopped and "educated" as well.

SO.......be careful out there. The idiots are enforce right now.

Was one of these incidents Tuesday evening? My hunting buddy is still hunting unit1. As I am attempting to unit 4 this year. Anyways, he called me and mentioned some strange vehicles along with the SAPD on the non-hunting side of Motl ****. He was real surprised that none of the SAPD stopped to visit with him. He did mention seeing the emergency lights on before he got to the area they were in.

Are you not hunting way back in unit 4? Glad you are ok.

[SanAngeloBowman]

Originally Posted by Toddcaster

thanks for the info. I have a few days off week after next and was thinking about going out there but I may just have to find something else.

Its been primarily in Unit 2 (ya I know...the same one I always warn folks about) and I found out that the guys involved are now camping in Unit 3 and are STILL road hunting. 2 trucks and a RED 4 wheeler. They are from Alabama and Abilene. These people are morons...BE CAREFUL.

Originally Posted by TXHORNZ

Was one of these incidents Tuesday evening? My hunting buddy is still hunting unit1. As I am attempting to unit 4 this year. Anyways, he called me and mentioned some strange vehicles along with the SAPD on the non-hunting side of Motl ****. He was real surprised that none of the SAPD stopped to visit with him. He did mention seeing the emergency lights on before he got to the area they were in.

Are you not hunting way back in unit 4? Glad you are ok.

UPDATE:
There was 2 more shooting incidents in Unit 2 yesterday!

Well in all the commotion the other night I forgot my decoy abd had to go back to get it, so I figured "lightning dont strike twice right?" WRONG!.....well it at least wasnt me being shot at this time. I was visiting with the SAPD Lake Division supervisor (hes an avid hunter and professional guide) when he got a call about high power rifle shots coming from our area? seconds later 2 hunters came up in a truck saying they had a very close call in Garner Dam area out back with 2 guys and a female shooting pistols, rifles, and shotguns just randomly into the woods......right where they were sitting in a brush blind! Here's the kicker......these are the same people the cop just gave a break for shooting at the same boat ramp we were presently sitting at! So these geniuous' were cited.

45mins after this incident after cops left my area we had 2 vehicles come flting down the main road, pull up to boat ramp parking, unload 2 clips of semi auto and then get back in their trucks then head back down same road towards South Pool, pulled over just passed where I was sitting in my popup blind dump "something" in the bushes and then hauled it outta there? Now the chase is on agin and cops are swarming all over Unit 2 looking for this group as well.


The new SAPD Lake Division is EXTREMELY serious about cleaning this crud up out there guys, give it time and things will be really nice out here. The are very serious about cleaning out the riff raff.

SAPD is meeting with city hall right now discussing the new outlook and rules to be enforced at TBR. I promise ya that there is ALOT of changes coming. Look for it to be much like the state parks very soon.

[Alley Dog]

It would be nice if they could make this like Amistead BOW ONLY NO GUNS.

[SanAngeloBowman]

Originally Posted by Alley Dog

It would be nice if they could make this like Amistead BOW ONLY NO GUNS.

ya it would....NONE of this kinda stuff happens during bow only season. Im headed to my lease in Lowake soon this morning for a few days. Hopefully I wont get shot at out there

[Ramball36]

Ive called the police two or three times this year already on people out there shooting like idiots during prime hunting/riding hours on the weekends. Big difference between running out there to check your zero with two or three shots on a Tuesday afternoon in a safe direction and goin on Sunday when the recreation riders are out slingin rounds down a trail.

Also had a buddy who had an incident tuesday with some meth heads shooting at him from the trail in their car.

[TXHORNZ]

Originally Posted by Ramball36

Ive called the police two or three times this year already on people out there shooting like idiots during prime hunting/riding hours on the weekends. Big difference between running out there to check your zero with two or three shots on a Tuesday afternoon in a safe direction and goin on Sunday when the recreation riders are out slingin rounds down a trail.

Also had a buddy who had an incident tuesday with some meth heads shooting at him from the trail in their car.

What unit is your buddy hunting?

[Ramball36]

That was unit I past the police academy. I and II have been pretty rough this year as far as idiots and thugs...

[SanAngeloBowman]

Originally Posted by Ramball36

That was unit I past the police academy. I and II have been pretty rough this year as far as idiots and thugs...

Call the cops every time this kinda stuff happens. The ONLY way we will get it stopped is to get it all documented so the Lake Division can show city council the number of calls generated by this kind of violations. NOBODY is suppsed to be free shooting around out there for ANY reason. NOT even 2-3 rounds "sighting in" There are few hunting regs on the books for TBR at this time (not for long) and this is one of them. It has been overlooked in the past by the old Lake and Parks Police (now defunct) but its an all new ballgame out there now. I know half the guys on the new patrol out there and they are avid hunters and guides and they are taking our natural resources out the to heart.

[hrdwrkncwby76]

Found a new link to the TBR unit map..... Thanks for the tip Rob.

http://gis.sanangelotexas.us/maps/huntingarea_ap.pdf

[SanAngeloBowman]

Originally Posted by hrdwrkncwby76

Found a new link to the TBR unit map..... Thanks for the tip Rob.

http://gis.sanangelotexas.us/maps/huntingarea_ap.pdf

No prob sorry I wasnt in town to show ya around some.......gimmee a heads up next time and I'll try to do better for ya.

[hrdwrkncwby76]

I'm trying to work it out to come up sometime between the 20th-2nd

[rbertman]

i hope if they make tbr a hunting area like state park i hope they do a better job of running the hunts out there or u want be hunting but 1 month out of the season and it will be split up in 2 months in 2 different hunts and they will want to turn it into there private ranch and recreation area for biking and horse backing oh and a little hiking so watch what u wish for out there all for safety and getting rid of rif raf but they can take it to extremes

[SanAngeloBowman]

Originally Posted by rbertman

i hope if they make tbr a hunting area like state park i hope they do a better job of running the hunts out there or u want be hunting but 1 month out of the season and it will be split up in 2 months in 2 different hunts and they will want to turn it into there private ranch and recreation area for biking and horse backing oh and a little hiking so watch what u wish for out there all for safety and getting rid of rif raf but they can take it to extremes

Lets not go getting crazy with stuff like that........they are ONLY trying to pattern the HUNTING regs for OUR SAFETY after the state park SYSTEMs regs. There isnt going to be closures for draw hunts etc. or anything of that nature.

I was messaged just yesterday as the Lake Division supervisor for SAPD was going before City Council to propose the reworking of an already existing ordinance on what firearms are allowed at TBR. It already states Bow and shotgun only but because it doesnt state NO high powered rifles pistols etc. some idiots seem to take that as "well it doesnt say ya cant"? mentality. Common sense should prevail on this issue already but because some people will push envelope on what most would understand without question we have to waste city time money and manpower to write and enforce more and stricter ordinances because they want to bend the rules and endanger others.

This is also the reason we will now have MANY new changes and rules thanks to those that think our local lands are their personal shooting gallery and garbage dump.

I for one am extremely grateful to those guys that are there to protect what is ours, SAPD and the GW's alike, to make the place much more enjoyable for lawabiding citizens that wish to enjoy the public lands near our homes with our friends and family without having to worry about run ins with scumbags and/getting shot by irresponsible clowns on 4 wheelers and shotguns running down deer like crazed maniacs.

[TXHORNZ]

As SAB has probably mentioned, the City will meet in Feb. to review and possibly finalize some or all changes to the TBR area. Below is a link to the Dec. 7th Meeting agenda. You will just have to do a find on "twin buttes" to narrow your search.

http://sanangelotexas.us/vertical/Si...9A52DCA%7D.PDF

I am keeping an opened mind until I see what all the changes are going to be. My concern is where are they are going to put in the pipe railing and gates.

[SanAngeloBowman]

Not sure about the gate issue but I knew it was coming. The times they will be closed is up in the air. The issue is about the dumping that occurs at NIGHT and how to stop people from doing it since SAPD cannot be evrywhere at once. I for one am all for whatever stops or deters scumbags from dumping their couches and household garbage in the middle of my hunts.

YES there will be changes and inconveniences BUT look at the brighter side of things that come with it as well..........Lazy road hunters on 4 wheelers and dumpers will NOT go walking into your hunts anymore. Those with the will and the skill will prevail with a MUCH better hunting experience.

DID y'all know that one of the best bowhunting units at TBR is ALREADY a walk-in only unit?

So before everyone gets in an uproar lets see what comes outta this. These changes are being done for YOU to better your hunting experience. If ya want to voice your opinion on the matters get to a city council meeting! If ya stay on the couch at home then ya really dont have any ground to stand on when its all said and done. Call your district rep, call the city mgr., talk to the GW when ya see them, or talk to the Lake Division folks and ask question or voice your concerns, but if ya realy wanna get heard GET INVOLVED.

[TXHORNZ]

Originally Posted by SanAngeloBowman

Not sure about the gate issue but I knew it was coming. The times they will be closed is up in the air. The issue is about the dumping that occurs at NIGHT and how to stop people from doing it since SAPD cannot be evrywhere at once. I for one am all for whatever stops or deters scumbags from dumping their couches and household garbage in the middle of my hunts.

YES there will be changes and inconveniences BUT look at the brighter side of things that come with it as well..........Lazy road hunters on 4 wheelers and dumpers will NOT go walking into your hunts anymore. Those with the will and the skill will prevail with a MUCH better hunting experience.

DID y'all know that one of the best bowhunting units at TBR is ALREADY a walk-in only unit?

So before everyone gets in an uproar lets see what comes outta this. These changes are being done for YOU to better your hunting experience. If ya want to voice your opinion on the matters get to a city council meeting! If ya stay on the couch at home then ya really dont have any ground to stand on when its all said and done. Call your district rep, call the city mgr., talk to the GW when ya see them, or talk to the Lake Division folks and ask question or voice your concerns, but if ya realy wanna get heard GET INVOLVED.

I've been wanting to take a walkabout in that unit. But I have noticed three trucks there at one time and one or two (same trucks) there occationally. I will wait till sometime after hunting season as I don't want to mess up someones hunting area at this point in the season.
SAB is there any livestock in that unit? Does the unit have a defined fence bountry around it? Any cross fences?
Thanks

[SanAngeloBowman]

Originally Posted by TXHORNZ

I've been wanting to take a walkabout in that unit. But I have noticed three trucks there at one time and one or two (same trucks) there occationally. I will wait till sometime after hunting season as I don't want to mess up someones hunting area at this point in the season.
SAB is there any livestock in that unit? Does the unit have a defined fence bountry around it? Any cross fences?
Thanks

There is a few live stock in that unit. A few black angus and a few dozen goats. PM me sometime and I can show ya the rest or give ya the details.