TX controlled hunt

[WildWill]

Figured I'd bring you guys along on my Texas public land hunt. I've hunted quite a bit in eastern Texas from Clarksville to Galveston and the panhandle but this will be my first hill country hunt. In case you're not aware Texas actually does have controlled or draw hunts the odds are terrible yet I managed 2 tags this year. A few of these controlled hunts are designated "private land hunts" this was one of those called the Travis county hunt. Turns out this "ranch" is actually the Barton Creek Habitat Preserve owned by the city of Austin and ran by the nature conservancy. I have 2 tags good for does or spikes and have to report by noon tomorrow for orientation.

I'm pretty excited especially considering I haven't shot a deer yet this year. Was gone elk hunting the first 15 day's of season then was basically a guide for nieces, nephews, wife, mom, friends, etc. Also been holding out for this fella. Cool part is when my little brother heard where I was headed he wanted to come. Not on the actual hunt he's not a hunter and you can't have anyone else unless you're a minor. He went to college here and has friends and just loves Austin. This trip will basically be the opposite of my Wyoming elk hunt. Hotels, restaurants, a assigned feeder and blind I cant leave on public that the public can't access. Things could get Freaky!
Should have been hunting that morning.

 

[BackofBeyond]

We lived in ATX for 7 years. This could be fun a follow.

If you need food recommendations reach out.

 

[HuntTalk Freak]

That buck is a FREAK!

 

[WildWill]

We lived in ATX for 7 years. This could be fun a follow.

If you need food recommendations reach out.

I'm all ears we will actually be in Bee Cave at the Sonesta hotel which from my understanding is basically the western suburbs of Austin. I love BBQ but am a bit picky, love to get some good seafood one night can't get that in Oklahoma. Also I'll need you to point me to the best kolaches especially ham and cheese you know of in the area.

 

[WildWill]

That buck is a FREAK!

I'm very hung up on him. Sometimes I hate trail cams he's been within bow range of one stand during shooting light 3 times in November. Once I was in the wrong stand, once was guiding a friend on another property, and once I was at work.

Good news and bad news he made it through rifle season. I'm hoping his stomach gets him in trouble during during our late archery season.

 

[BackofBeyond]

We lived south, in Kyle, but do not waste your time going to Salt Lick for bbq. If you’re in town hit Terry Black’s for bbq, best beef ribs around.

For seafood we really liked the Oyster and Crawfish Shack in SouthPark Meadows.

And any mom and pop place will have the best kolaches. Avoid the kolache factory.

 

[HuntTalk Freak]

I'm very hung up on him. Sometimes I hate trail cams he's been within bow range of one stand during shooting light 3 times in November. Once I was in the wrong stand, once was guiding a friend on another property, and once I was at work.View attachment 254267

Good news and bad news he made it through rifle season. I'm hoping his stomach gets him in trouble during during our late archery season.

Buck of a lifetime for sure.

 

[WildWill]

Got 20 minutes from the house realized I'd left my permit and waiver for the hunt at home that added 40 extra minutes. All good though always leave some wiggle room in my travel time. Just made my first stop at my favorite gas station Buc-ee's to refuel and grab some road snacks. Got a pound of hill country bohemian garlic jerky and a dried venison sausage along with a jalapeno sausage and cheese kolache for breakfast.

 

[noharleyyet]

Got 20 minutes from the house realized I'd left my permit and waiver for the hunt at home that added 40 extra minutes. All good though always leave some wiggle room in my travel time. Just made my first stop at my favorite gas station Buc-ee's to refuel and grab some road snacks. Got a pound of hill country bohemian garlic jerky and a dried venison sausage along with a jalapeno sausage and cheese kolache for breakfast.View attachment 254301View attachment 254302View attachment 254303

Denton?

 

[WildWill]

Denton?

Yes sir.

 

[RobertD]

Kolaches and a freaky nontypical, I'm in

 

[Flatbrimmer]

I’ve loved kolaches since I was a kid. Nobody here knows what they are!?
Damn I miss Texas!! Good luck on the hunt, I’m following.

 

[RobertD]

I’ve loved kolaches since I was a kid. Nobody here knows what they are!?
Damn I miss Texas!! Good luck on the hunt, I’m following.

Very few people here have discovered them yet either. I went to Texas about 10 years ago and got my education on em

 

[vanish]

Very few people here have discovered them yet either. I went to Texas about 10 years ago and got my education on em

Are they even really kolaches, though? The kolaches I've had in Texas are barely relatable to the Czech originals.

 

[RobertD]

Are they even really kolaches, though? The kolaches I've had in Texas are barely relatable to the Czech originals.

I have no idea, though I am told the fruit flavored/sweet ones are a Texas thing

 

[noharleyyet]

In Texas Hill Country, kolaches hit sweet spot of a Czech tradition

In the Czech Belt of Texas Hill Country, the grab-and-go pastries called kolaches range from sweet to savory.

www.chicagotribune.com

 

[BackofBeyond]

I have no idea, though I am told the fruit flavored/sweet ones are a Texas thing

Other way around. Czech kolaches are usually the sweet ones, Texas kolaches are stuffed with the savory side of life.

 

[WildWill]

On my way to my blind should be hunting by 3. We had our orientation were I learned Barton creek preserve was created in 1994 when a co-op for Austin developers bought three separate properties and gave them to the nature conservancy as mitigation or a offset for damage done to a endangered species the golden cheek warbler. Apparently the only place they nest is in the central Texas hill country. 5 out of the 6 of us showed up I was the youngest by 29 years good guy's though. We drew blinds and I got the exact one I wanted 6. I'm the only one on this piece of the Preserve a highway separating me from the rest of the hunters. Hunt manager seems like a nice and intelligent guy who said the hunting has been a bit hit or miss with all the abundance of acorns. He showed me my area and blind and just left it's officially go time.

 

[RobertD]

What's the mission look like? Holding out for Mr. Big or prioritizing a full cooler of meat?

 

[Flatbrimmer]

What's the mission look like? Holding out for Mr. Big or prioritizing a full cooler of meat?

I think he said only does or spikes?