Footnotes in the History of Plum Creek
By Horace Gore
Whitetail deer have an uncanny knack for eluding humans. Any deer hunter who’s spent any time chasing whitetails knows this very well, but it still amazes me when I hear of an old monster buck being killed in an area where he should have been seen many times. In this case, I’m talking about Plum Creek, in Caldwell County, about two or three miles outside the town of Lockhart. Most land holdings there are less than 200 acres and have a lot of human traffic all year round. You’d think someone would have seen the buck. Winn Schroeder had never seen it, though, and neither had any of his neighbors. At least not until the evening of November 26, 2007. On that day, Schroeder added an historic event to that area of Plum Creek.

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TTHA + GMC = TRUCK GIVEWAY SWEEPSTAKES

The Texas Trophy Hunters Association would like you to enjoy this year’s hunting seasons in style. That’s why they are teaming up once again with GMC to give you a chance to win a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 truck, Crew Cab SLE2 Package. GMC is the Official truck of the Texas Trophy Hunters Association.

TTHA is preparing for its annual Hunters Extravaganza shows in San Antonio July 11 through the 13, in Houston August 1 through 3, and in Fort Worth August 15 through the 17. Would-be owners of the GMC Truck can register to win at any of the shows. Details and the ability to enter are available on the website at www.ttha.com, and in The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters magazine.

It’s Not A Passion, It’s An Obsession

When you’re in the business of making sure hunters can’t be seen, you’re the perfect partner for the Texas Trophy Hunters Association—and that’s just what Mossy Oak^® Brand Camo has become. After more than 20 years, the renowned camouflage company continues to be driven by a passion for hunting and an intense desire to develop the perfect camouflage pattern. They are devoted to testing, trying, experimenting, and questioning everything they do. It’s a relentless quest for perfection and results in break-through thinking and trend-setting patterns. That’s why the Texas Trophy Hunters Association (TTHA) is pleased to announce that Mossy Oak camouflage has become the Official Camouflage of TTHA.

“We are very proud to call Mossy Oak the official camouflage of TTHA,” said Joe Betar, TTHA’s Chief Operating Officer. “Mossy Oak offers a variety of unique patterns to conceal the hunter, including Mossy Oak Brush^®, perfect for hunting in south Texas.” You can see all of Mossy Oak Brand Camo plus the latest in hunting technology, products, and information at TTHA’s annual Hunters Extravaganza shows.

2nd Amendment Win—Supreme Court Rules On D.C.-Gun Ban

Answering a 127-year-old constitutional question, the Supreme Court ruled on Thursday [June 26, 2008] that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to have a gun, at least in one’s home. The Court, splitting 5-4, struck down a District of Columbia ban on handgun possession.

Justice Antonin Scalia’s opinion for the majority stressed that the Court was not casting doubt on long-standing bans on gun possession by felons or the mentally retarded, or laws barring guns from schools or government buildings, or laws putting conditions on gun sales.

In District of Columbia v. Heller (07-290), the Court nullified two provisions of the city of Washington’s strict 1976 gun control law: a flat ban on possessing a gun in one’s home, and a requirement that any gun — except one kept at a business — must be unloaded and disassembled or have a trigger lock in place. The Court said it was not passing on a part of the law requiring that guns be licensed.—courtesy SCOTUSblog, www.cspan.org.

To Catch A Deer

The salmon were biting, when Port Credit resident John Ozolins and a buddy went out onto Lake Ontario for some early morning fishing. But when the two came back to shore, they had caught more than fish. They also hauled in a young male deer, which had been stranded four kilometers out in the lake, swimming south toward the United States.

Ozolins and his friend responded to a call to help the deer after they heard a report on the radio that the young buck was in distress. The deer was first seen by a charter boat, which called in over the VHF radio that the animal needed help. The Peel Region police marine unit responded over the radio, saying there was nothing they could do, said Ozolins. At that moment the two decided they had to respond.

“I guess we’re going to go handle this,” he said.

Ozolins called in to get the location of the deer, and realized it was less than a kilometer away.

“We really had no choice but to help him. Anyone would have done it, I'd like to think.” When they got there, they attempted to “corral” the deer with their boat and for half an hour got it to swim toward the shore. Then the deer decided to turn around and swim the other way.

“So we then made a noose, and decided to lasso him around his antlers,” said Ozolins. Then they slowly drove back into shore.

“We were basically holding his head up with this noose, above water so it didn’t drown,” said Ozolins.

When they got it back to the beach near Lorne Park, they helped the deer onto the shore, and sat with it for a half-hour while it recovered. And then they let it go.

“It was a nice feeling to do something like that for an animal," he said. How the deer got so far into the water, swimming toward the U.S. side, is hard to say, said Ozolins. His theory?

“Maybe he was looking for an American girl.”—Noor Javed, Staff Reporter, Toronto Star

FREE MEMBERSHIP!
with purchase of a 3-Day Pass to the Hunters Extravaganzas

We’re celebrating this year’s Hunters Extravaganzas with a very special membership drive! Purchase a 3-day pass, and you’ll receive a FREE 1-year membership to Texas Trophy Hunters Association! That’s right, you pay only $30, receive a full weekend pass, and a FREE MEMBERSHIP! That’s a $64.95 value for only $30.00!

Planning on attending the Extravaganza for only one day? Buy a ticket to the show and we’ll offer you 1-year membership for the reduced rate of only $20. That’s a savings of almost $15! Plus, you’ll receive your bonus gifts right at the show!

These are your Bonus Gifts!

Limited Edition Membership Hat: full cloth, low crown comfort fit and Velcro closure. Embroidered skull logo on front and “Official Member” on back. ($14.99 value)

4-inch TTHA Liner Lock Knife: tough stainless steel, partially serrated blade with thumb-assist for single-handed operation. Polymer handle is virtually indestructible for years of use. Stainless belt clip ($9.99 value).

Newly Designed TTHA Member Decal: the same look and feel as in the past, but with “MEMBER” proudly displayed in clear block letters. This decal is ONLY available through membership offers, so there will be no doubt to anyone that you are a genuine supporter.

Stop by the office in San Antonio today to pick up your 3-day pass NOW! (326 Sterling Browning Rd., San Antonio, TX, 78232), call us at 800-800-3207, or, better yet, take advantage of these special offers at the 2008 Hunters Extravaganzas! See you there!

TexasTrophy Hunters Association (TTHA) is proud to announce a new Members-Only Benefit Program!
Comprehensive Insurance Coverage for Hunting Leases, Lodges, Guides and More!

TTHA is proud to announce a partnership with Mike Pennington Insurance and Gillingham & Associates, to offer a new endorsed insurance program. Mike Pennington, the endorsed insurance agent for TTHA members, has used his extensive industry knowledge to put together an insurance program with Gillingham & Associates, to provide superior protection for TTHA members. Gillingham & Associates has over 18 years of underwriting experience focused on the hunting and shooting sports industries. This program will provide the most complete and comprehensive coverage for hunting leases, lodges, guides and other outdoor recreation operations.

For more information, contact Mike Pennington at 1-888-203-7442 or mike.pennington@sbcglobal.net.

Rest Assured

If you’ve had your fill of leaking, sand-filled shot bags for shooting rests, then you’re going to love Browning’s Leather Field 10-inch Bull’s Bag. A patented butterfly design features a no-slip, rubberized rest that holds guns firmly in place without damaging bluing or scratching fine wood. The bag also enhances accuracy by helping to control recoil through a soft suede top that allows a barrel to whip in a natural way. A large, oversized fill spout allows shooters to fill the bag with their choice of material such as sand, rice, millet, or other lightweight, granular material. With a carry strap for easy portage to and from the range. Contact Browning, 800-333-3288;
www.browning.com.

First Take Media wants you on our TV Show!
See us at the Hunters Extravaganza in San Antonio
TTHA has thousands of members throughout the United States, and now we want you to tell us why you’re a member. Come see us at the Hunters Extravaganza in San Antonio at the Alamodome on July 12 and give us a great testimonial!

If our producers like what you have to say, we’ll put you on the TV Show or on the new TTHA website that’s ready to launch! So come by and tell us what’s what!

The Journal of the American Trophy Hunters is produced by First Take Media, creating award-winning outdoor television for over a decade.

www.firsttakemedia.com

San Antonio, TX: July 11-13 Alamodome
Houston, TX: August 1-3 Reliant Center
Forth Worth, TX: August 15-17 Will Rogers Center

New Hours:
Fridays: 3 p.m. - 9 p.m.; Saturdays: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.;
Sundays: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m

Guides, Outfitters, Blinds, Feeders, ATVs, UTVs, and more … It’s the Hunter’s Supermarket!

• Nikon presents the Annual Deer Competition and the TrailCam Contest!
• Bring your mount and trail cam pictures!
• Enter the Score the Buck contest sponsored by Samson’s Ridge!
• Register to win the GMC TTHA Truck Giveaway Sweepstakes!
• Kids, Catch a fish at the Kidfish tank or shoot a bow at the LSBA Youth Archery Range!
• Check out Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Laser Shot and Exhibits!
• See Joe Martin’s Snakes of Texas!
• Shoot a bow at the Bowtech Archery Trailer!
• Attend the All New Trophy Hunters University, sponsored by XXXL Blinds!
  • Speakers include Jon & Gina Brunson, Westin & Jodi Clark, Dr. James Kroll, and many more!
• Enter the 3-D Archery Tournament by Lone Star Bowhunters Association! (Houston only)

More reasons than EVER to attend this All New Show!
Go to www.ttha.com for more info or call 800-800-3207.

CLICK HERE to visit our online store!

Get Your Cool New TTHA Items Now!

• Jewelry
• Apparel
• Leather Products
• Artwork
• Decals
• Home Decor
• Truck Accessories
• And More!