Rather than rent individual cabins, which required individual deposits immediately, I have rented a large vacation house, between Concan and Uvalde, Texas. The house sleeps 10, but is located on 5 acres, and any individuals that wish to camp on the property and pay only to hunt may do so, without a lodging fee.

It is opening weekend for whitewing, as well a morning doves, and the landowner is requiring that all those that intend to hunt pay for all of the 2.5 days of hunting (Fri/Sat/Sun).

At last count, there are 3-4 remaining spots left in the house.

Those of you who have made deposit know who you are, and your spots are secure.

I will get a "hunting only" price from Mark and post ASAP.

This is the "campsight".

Sweet

Looks like a dandy setup eltee...

Talked to Mark...three days hunting will be $375 per hunter.

Sleeping in the "big house" will cost $100.

We'll make the meals ourselves.

We really do need a head count, you can't beat this deal.

Is there fish in that water?

Guadalupe bass, Rio Grande Perch, sunfish and catfish. I don't know if the river there is pooled or rapids. It's the Frio River, and is spring fed, so rainfall determines how deep it is at any given time.

A couple more pics...

Looks like a house straight out of Stephen King.

I got you and Teri down for the single private bedroom.

I thought you and I were sharing that room

That was you and Bob, but I'm thinking he'll still be in Africa, living in a big hole and putting lotion on his skin.

Thanks Pat. Teri is ready to hug your neck!

Sorry Pat stood you up Dan...

No problem you guys will enjoy it more

Okay...but just once.

^

How far from San Antonio? What's the scoop on the setup for birds? Anything else available to hunt?

And if John Moses signs on, can we make him sleep on the porch?

Nice setup, and a steal. I'd be there, but there are other plans in the mix, and I am not about to live too dangerously and tell the wife that I'll be making a *third* trip to TX in a year. Gotta' choose yer battles, after all!

I'm sure a grand time will be had by all. Pat's a really fungi*.

*A little mushroom humor never hurt anyone.

Uvalde is a little over an hour south, on 90. There should be lots of whitewings, as well as mourning doves. The hunting properties consist of several ranchs/farms consisting of 15,000 acres plus, in the area. Exotics and hogs are available, but not included.

i should take the tongs and snatch a few of those white wings outta the sky.

I bet you could do it.

I'm a maybe... assuming they won't have an infantry division out there shooting on the 1st. Send me info on their hog/exotics if you have any, please. Also any info on night hunting/predator calling. I'm always looking to add to the mix, when possible.

PM sent. If you decide to come, please advise asap, as I have to get an approximate headcount to Mark, who is securing the properties. The opener is very popular around that part of the country.

Thanks. Will do.

So will this take care of my situation that I discussed with you Pat?

Bill

Not if Pat and Greg have been there already ........remember last May?

damn you pat, damn you

your killing me here.

i know it's just $$$ but still dude

You bet...socializing and camping will be free. You'll have access to bathrooms, daytime AC and the river. I really need those that intend to hunt to let me know so that the landowner can be negotiated with.

i'm going to see if my dad would like to go when do you need the money for the deposit Pat. i could take my tent cot but dad would probably need the house don't think his 72 yr old bones would care much for sleeping outdoors.

I've personally rented the house, so your word is good for the $100 per person lodging. The issue is securing the hunting property. I'll talk to Mark in just a little bit and work out the details for hunting only deposits.

Pat,

I'm real interested in the hunting-only part.

Thanks for all of this.

Birdwatcher

Great! Campers will have access to the river, restrooms and AC during the day.

Here is the confirmed list, as it stands. If I make a mistake, please correct me.

ltppowell(2)
Isaac
Okie
Terry Okie
Boolishooter
Hutch
Jim L.
dvdgeorge
BrotherBart

That's a full house. There are plenty of other houses to rent in the area, if anybody is interested I can steer you to them. Of course, camping on the property is at no charge. There is plenty room for hunters, but we need to know how many.

A deposit of $200 needs to go to Mark to secure the hunting properties. If you need his address, PM me.

We will have a BBQ/Fish fry or bird grilling every night and
bring sandwich stuff for lunches.

No swimming neckid during daylight.

are croc's optional?

They are required to attend.

Pink ones?

I am going to be cursing myself for missing this one.

I'm gonna wear my crow-shay'd Speedo if y'all keep this up...

Just bring your "dress crocs" again that'll be near as funny

Pat the Jim L is my BIL.Looks like a great setup.

what bait do we need for striped bass?

Thanks, sometimes when you coordinate one of these deals if difficult to match real names to forum names.

Ask Greg.

when does the deposit need to be sent by.

The sooner the better, but I realize that a lot of guys haven't snapped to what a good deal this is gonna be and are having a hard time thinking about hunting in June. We're gonna try to keep taking hunters until at least the middle of July.

pm me the info to send the deposit. ill get my dad a tent cot was planning on buying another anyways, really like that thing.

PM already sent...I'll send another.

WOO HOO!!! I'm in!

Got that $200 hunting deposit burning a hole in my wallet even as I speak.

I just emailed Mark on how he prefers payment (money order???)

Folks need to realize, what Pat has put together here is an extraordinarily good deal for Texas, especially given that part of the State on opening weekend

Birdwatcher

Its a smokin deal, and really awesome of Pat to reserve the house on his dime. Heck of a guy, and this is going to be damned good time.
Can't say enough good things about Pat or the rest of the folks going that I know.

Pat, I sent you a PM. My Dad and I will be hunting but not staying at the hizzouse.

Just want to be sure you knew.


Travis

It's such a great price that I took all the money Pat saved me and just came home with one of these
Benelli Legacy 20 ga

[bleep]. Those things are nice. Congrats on that purchase.


Travis

At least my gun will look pretty even if I can't hit a dove

You'll be wicked with that thing by the last hunt. Guaranteed. If not I'll buy it off you and bring back with me...


Travis

LOl deal!

Just be sure and sell it before I'm 12 beers deep...


Travis

This going to be one good time! Don't forget, plenty of other houses to rent in the area if somebody wants privacy and you don't wait too long. I can get the info for anybody wanting such.

ltppowell(2)
Isaac
Okie
Terry Okie
Boolishooter
Hutch
Jim L.
dvdgeorge
BrotherBart
stxhunter (2)
deflave (2)
Birdwatcher

Thanks buddy, wish you two could make it.

To anyone on the fence about coming I'd suggest joining in as you'll not have a better time with this group...the country is beautiful and the grub will be exceptional!

Too much going on with my mom right now...

But hey thats what spring is for. You and I will get those details worked out.
I'm still sending something along for everyone that makes this get together. I'll it to you if you don't mind bringing it for me. Nothing big.

Of course.

Needing an excuse for missing, I'm contemplating bringing my .62 cal. flintlock fowler.

On account of its such a song and a dance, contrary to expectations when I ordered it I've only shot it at all like three times.





20 ga. plastic shot cups oughtta drop in just fine. I'd be happy to let others try their luck with it too. Open choked barrel to be sure, but its a 44" open choke barrel.

Other than that, I've always got that ol' $35 Savage



Well hey, they both go "bang" when you pull the trigger.

Birdwatcher

I'll have at least 4-5 bird guns with me, don't sweat it.

???

Oh, you thought I was stating I had a problem with my set-up

Anyhoo... one of the best things about shooting in groups is the possibility of trying out the other guy's guns

Birdwatcher

Now you tell me!

No way.

..and Dan...Deb know about it yet?

Nope it blends right into my gun safe.....she just got a 2 carot diamond it's my turn for some bling!

That is a fine piece of machinery. You can shoot 'em practically forever without cleaning too.

That is too fine a shotgun to let Pat handle...
You remember the way he treated a decent cigar?


Dan that is a real beauty!

Anybody is welcome to try it out even Pat! Will have cigars for sure and Pat can chew his up again if he wants

Going to be good to see everyone!

Like I told Pat, I can't make it for the whole event, too many other obligations with it being Labor Day and a pronghorn hunt in NM the same week.

But I am coming down and spending a day and staying one night to visit with everyone.

Bill

Looking forward to it Bill!

All I have been reading is great, but who is bringing the coffee for mornings.
I have some Famous Grouse for the evenings.

Bart'll make coffee, if you have foo-foo stuff to put in it.

Yeppers, I have a couple of different flavors.

You really messed me around Dan. I was trying not to buy this...

Very nice glad I could help!

What is that Pat?


Travis

It's an older Win 101, 20ga. I had posted a thread about it a while back, but had resisted the urge to get it until Dan baited me to the dark side with the new Benelli.

Well Pat, you know why that 101 was up for sale, It can't hit what it is aim'd at.
Steve



















NICE GUN

We'll see I reckon.

I'm about to be out of pocket for the next week. If anybody asks, there is still plenty room for hunters. Mark can answer hunting related questions...the confirmed hunters have his info. Talk to you guys next weekend.

No bullschit, my son and daughter took me clay shooting today. My boy used the hand thrower and my daughter picked up all my empties, put them in a box and threw them away.

I asked my son over and over if he wanted to shoot. "Nope, go ahead Dad. I'll just throw today."

Put 100 shells through the Red Label in what felt like two minutes. Can't wait to knock down some dove...


Travis

Pat have fun, don't work to hard on the left coast.

I just drove back from the utopia, tx area.

Pretty country, little dry right now. Brought the bacon home as the saying goes.

I'm off to the gun club to shoot the new Benelli finally!Will likely shoot a round or two of skeet and some sporting clays....as Pat knows I'm mainly a rifle shooter need to hone my shotgun wing shooting skills

Sent off to Track of the Wolf for a shot bag and a bunch of shot wads, ordered some 2F black powder, gotta get started working up a load getting used to a flinter etc....

Hey, if any dove actually falls to me and my apparatus, beyond a doubt that dove was SUPPOSED to die that day....

Birdwatcher

^

For those interested, some of us will be arriving in San Antonio Thursday and staying at the Hotel Contessa, on the river walk, before taking the jump down to Uvalde Friday AM. We had fun last year.

http://www.thehotelcontessa.com/

I'd suggest arriving Thursday for the festivities!
Just bought another shotgun to bring along for the fun...

J.P. Sauer&Sohn Sterling Elegance by Caesar Guerini 12ga 28"

Good Lord George! That IS a beautiful weapon.

How do you put a slug barrel on it?


Here's mine, a timeless classic from the 70's, even takes the same bullets as your'n

I used to lust over 'em in the Western Auto catalog when I was a teenager, now I have one from that era...






If ya ask me, shotgun technology peaked in the 70's.

Birdwatcher

Up for Bob, and any that may missed it.

Thanks for the head's up,Pat. This one blew right by me till now.

OK...no more stupid questions. Thanks again. I forwarded the sticky to a friend rather than this one. All fixed now.

============

That's a beauty. I'm bringing the 338 Fed I bought from Karnis. I can't miss with that thing.

Does Texas have bird limits as we do here?

12 bag limit. 24 possession.


Travis

I assume Bob is going after pigs as well? I was going to run down to Eagle Pass for that. But may join you guys if you're going around Uvalde.


Travis

Thanks Travis. If a pig or axis is on the menu,I wouldn't care where we had to go to but we can't miss Pat and Bart's cooking. You're bringing your dad along,right?

Dan...we'll have to compare and see if we can settle the Benelli/Beretta debate.

My Dad will be there for at least a day or two of shooting.


Travis

I wish I could be there. I here Paddler is a good wing shooter......grin

he wouldn't last long, probably end up face down in the frio.

I looked hard at the Beretta A400 Xplor but decided to go with the 20ga Benelli Legacy...I'm happy with my choice but the past 2 weeks my Caesar Guerini has been getting all my range time...

The Legacy and Monte are beautiful shotguns and I'd be happy with my choice were I you,as well.I looked at oth and the Monte's low rib just felt weird to me and since I have a hard enough time hitting doves when I'm comfortable,I removed the Monte from my list. I have the A400 XPLOR and it is also a very nice SG but wanted a 20 guage for this Tx. get-together. To be honest,I'm not very familiar with the CG line but, from the pic,it looks much like my Citori which was gifted to me by a client. Your CG is a beauty and obviously seems a lighter,higher tiered SG than my Citori. Sean sold me a 16 gauge SG I really like that is getting refurbished as I write this. If I get it back in time,I might bring it along.

What loads are you using for shooting your skeet practice rounds and have any of your loads had a hang-up? I'll assume buying shells in TX will be no problem. We need a Fed migratory stamp for the hunt as well,don't we?

As a aside,please know that having a relatively decent SG doesn't equate to me being one of those guys who limits out inside one box of shells. If the birds are flying,which they haven't been here for about 5 years now,it takes me at least 2 boxes,sometimes near 3, to get my limit.

Really looking forward to seeing you again,Dan. I'll bring the AVOs. I hope Pat gives me the room next to Dana and Teri so I can continue to unload some psychological warfare on Teri into the early morning hours. I left my return flight home open-ended in case she limits out before I do.

Bob I have put Estates,Federals,Winchesters and Remingtons(7/8 #8's) thru the Benelli and have probably 500 rounds thru it without a hiccup of any sort,still have not cleaned it either.I'll have some cigars along also....as for shells we can pick them up at Wally world when we get our licence. And sa far as me having a couple nice shot guns doesn't equate to expert short here either....I have been putting in range tie shooting sporting clays at least twice a week in hopes that I can hit a few doves...

Room?

this is my room Issac $150 at academy.

Snakes can get in that...

seals up real nice, really comfortable.

Looking forward to this! Teri is still pumped literally as I have fitted an 870 Wingmaster to her in 20 ga. just for this season and have been throwing some clays for her out back. She's pretty deadly with it and prepared to talk trash!

Pat...you know I'll be more than happy with some floor space or a couch. I hope you don't reply floor space?,couch?

Dana...you tell that beautiful wife of yours to bring her A game!

Is she really going to need if you're the challenger?...

Is she really going to need if you're the challenger?...
==================

Probably not but the smack talking and fun I have while in Teri's company is actually more fun than the hunting itself. I enjoy these outings because of the folks attending,not the hunting itself. I'm fairly certain you know exactly what I mean..........smartass!

I do buddy, and believe me the only reason this glass housed fellow is throwing stones is because I wont be there to show how bad a wingshot I am....
Never been good with a shotgun really.
My buddy used to joke I could out for dove, empty a box of shells and use it to bring back my dove(yes singular).

Its not that bad, but not far from it.

Thomas just pack the truck and your boy and join us!

Man I wish like heck I could.
Things here have been too much of a mess with my mom's health.
She is living with my family now, and has fairly advanced alzheimers. Its been a pretty rough summer.


Though its looking like there is something cooking for the spring again. I think Pat and I are going to start figuring details out after the big dove shoot.

Sorry to hear about your mom and wish you and her the best....spring sounds good as long as I'm not off in the Caribean getting married

Tom...this is also the first I heard of your mom's health issues. It's a rough path and I wish you,your mom and the rest of the family my best.

Thanks you guys.
I haven't really mentioned it on the 'fire much. My wife and I are very careful never wanting folks/other family etc. to think we feel "put upon" or anything. Brandy and I are just trying to do the right things for mom, and make whatever time our family has with her the best we can. Though my mom is pretty bad off cognitively, she is very self-aware "in the moment" and very social.
It has been rough, but we are really treating it like a blessing.

You kids will have to settle with the stuff I am sending Pat in lieu of being "graced" with me


Dan if a spring deal happens to conflict with wedding plans I think most would understand your not attending

I can delay the pre-Nup if you really want Dan there,Tom.

I thought Steve's pig hunt was the spring gig. Did you gents plan another outing while I took Africa by storm?

Hell if I know Pat and I talked about putting something together for the spring.
If there is something already cooking I am game to adapt.