Time for School!

June in Texas. It’s hot. It’s muggy. Kids are arguing and enjoying cooling off in the pool. It’s also time in Texas for getting after exotics. We are loaded with Axis and Black Buck Antelope in Central Texas. So I am going to the heart of it all. Junction Texas. In college I was the guy in the front row. I knew all my professors outside of the classroom. I hated group projects by the way. I was the poor soul that ended up doing all the work so that my grade wouldn’t be affected by the laziness of the typical college student. I have a thirst for knowledge. I have friends that I will call up and discuss sections of a book for hours. I want to know what the bigger picture that is in everything. I’m taking my passion for something and making it my life. I want anyone that will take the time to truly experience something get all that passion has to offer. So like Billy Madison says “I got my lunch packed up, my boots tied tight, I hope I don’t get in a fight. Well, here goes nothin!” I know I won’t get in any fights. I’m more of a lover in my old age. But I am going back to school. In my years of guiding I’ve learned what an incredible amount of work goes in to making a hunt successful. I have also learned I have no desire to pack up horses and donkeys and pack a weeks worth of gear up a mountain. I want to expand on what I do know. There are no outfitters or guides in Texas that have taken the time to hone in on what it takes and actually learn something. That old sayin “There’s more that one way to skin a cat” is true but there is also a right way to skin that cat. My very first bull elk cape was ruined by a processor that didn’t take the time to do things right. I know for a fact if that was his first bull he would’ve slowed down and done it correctly. I want to be better for everyone willing to take a trip with me. I’m going back to school and here is my curriculum:

Animal ID                                                                       

Plant ID / Animal Track ID                                                   

Skinning & Caping                                                                 

Scoring & Aging                                                                     

Guide Qualifications                                                             

Cooking & Cleaning                                                               

Gear & Calling Techniques                                                   

Basic Survival Instruction                                                       

 Ethics and Conservation                                                         

Ranch Management / Feed Plots Etc.                                     

CPR & First Aid Training   

Experience is a foundation to build on. Why not build the strongest dang house I can? The moments I want to have everyone experience will become even more enjoyable. Imagine the excitement of harvesting the animal you have always wanted to harvest. Enjoying the nourishment that animal has provided. Celebrating the life of that harvest. Then the taxidermist calls and says “Sorry my friend this cape is ruined. Have a great day.” No sir!! I can read tracks. I can tell the sex of the animal. I can tell you if a big cat is in the area or if it’s just a dumb old coyote. There is all sorts of information in front of us if we just take the time to understand it. Understand it. Then make decisions. Making decisions without all the information is costly. Just like in life. June is back to school for me. It’s a time to be open and willing to learn. It’s time to get lost for a while. I know that I will get found sooner or later.