DAN SIMMONS Sportsman's Quest MORE COLUMNS Advertisement

If we are going to draw a hunting tag this year, we've probably already received it. If we haven't, we'll have to go farther afield.

My friends, Roy Keefer and his wife, have done just that. They bow-hunt across the country and around the world. As two of the best role models I know, I look forward to the stories of their adventures.

One day I plan on following their trail to a Texas deer hunt, but I don't think I will be as proficient as they are hunting with a string and pointy sticks. Here is one of their latest exploits; I'm sure it won't be the last.

"Texas is one of my favorite states to hunt." writes Keefer. "It doesn't require a draw for rifle or bow hunters, and it allows two bucks and up to four does, depending on the county you hunt. You will have to pay to hunt since most land in Texas is private.

"The terrain in West Texas is covered with mesquite, cactus and thick briar infested brush of all kinds. That's the bad part; the good part is that it is home to a lot of trophy size whitetails and turkey, and that's why I was there.

"We were hunting near San Angelo on a 25,000 acre low-fenced ranch, which had set aside 7,000 acres for bowhunters. This was my first time hunting Texas and I was excited.

"I didn't know what lay in store, but felt confident it would be a good time. Most of the hunting is done out of ground blinds, but some treestands and tripods are used. On my first night I was going to hunt from a big oak tree.

"At least that was the plan until I tried to climb it. The steps were too far apart for my short legs, and the tree bent out so you were leaning away from it as you climbed. My mama didn't raise any dumb kids so I quickly decided that wasn't for me.

"My guide had come along to film our hunt and he volunteered to climb the tree for filming while I hunkered down in a bush and laid my camo rain jacket over it for additional cover. We were situated near a corn feeder, which are legal and commonplace in Texas.

"If feeders don't seem like your cup of tea, then Texas isn't for you; it's how most of the hunting is done here.

"We had only been set up for a short time when I saw a deer approaching. As it got closer I saw it was a buck. He continued to close the distance as I examined his horns. He had a wide rack and a lot of points, so many that it was hard to count them with the naked eye.

"The buck moved to the feeder and ate corn. I was only 12 yards away and couldn't move. Repeatedly, he ate some corn, raised his head and stared in my direction. He knew something was different from his last trip to the feeder but couldn't figure out what it was.

"For more than 20 minutes, he ate and stared at me. I was crouched down on my knees and after a while they were killing me. Soon they became numb, which stopped the pain.

"He circled around me, passing within five yards of my ambush spot and returned to the corn; still, I hadn't moved. Again he went through the routine of eating and staring. I couldn't move, let alone draw my bow.

"The suspense and sitting on my bent legs was getting to me. Thankfully he finally moved from the feeder and stood behind an oak tree. I could see a small opening, which gave me a shot at his lung area. Quickly I drew my bow and released an arrow. A perfect shot.

"We waited a while before tracking him. It was a short job since he only went 40 yards before expiring. He was a nice buck, with 13 points and a wide spread.

"My stay in Texas wasn't over. Later that week I collected a doe for some good eating, and a Rio Grande turkey. Is it any wonder that I love hunting in Texas, and since that trip I have traveled there many times to hunt?"

What's new

When hunting and visiting distant places, you can expect unpredictable weather. It can be hot one moment, and cold or rainy the next. I solved the rainy portion of this equation with the ultimate in water proof, breathable rain clothing.

This is the new Frogg Toggs rain gear. It has a funny name, but it is a serious product. These suits weigh less than a pound, but are tough and appropriate for both warm tropical climes and the rain soaked northwest. For more information call 1-800-349-1835 or go to www.froggtoggs.com.

What's up?

For new hunters planning to hunt upland game birds or water fowl this fall, a hunter safety course will be conducted by Walt Rubio, in cooperation with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in Pahrump Monday through Saturday.

This may be the last one offered in Pahrump this year.Workbooks are available at Shadow Mountain and Acme Feed. For more information give Walt a call at 537-0447.

The Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn will hold its annual banquet Saturday at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

This organization is dedicated to the utilization, conservation, and welfare of this majestic animal. It meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at the Blue Ox Tavern, 5825 W. Sahara in Las Vegas.

For banquet reservations or more information, call Paul Harris at 1-702-596-4801.