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Drawn Hunt Newbie
#6480613
10/04/16 07:54 PM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 127
polishpreacher
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 127 |
So, just for the fun of it i entered into some of the drawn hunts with the state and actually won one at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge right after Thanksgiving 11/25-29. My question is, have any of yall gotten drawn for this one before? Also, what advice would yall give for a hunt in a drawn area that does not allow baiting? Should I plan on bringing some sort of atv such as a Ranger? I bought the permit, but do i need to buy the public land tag for my licence as well? I am sure there are questions that i dont even know i am supposed to ask, but i am hoping that some of you "more seasoned" guys can give me some insight.
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Re: Drawn Hunt Newbie
[Re: polishpreacher]
#6480623
10/04/16 08:01 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,838
Big Daddy K
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,838 |
Yes on ATV if allowed and 48 dollar public land hunting permit. Probably going to need a pop up, a comfortable chair, shooting stick, thermocell, binos, hunter orange hat and vest, portable heater, a couple good coolers.
It ain't easy being me.
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Re: Drawn Hunt Newbie
[Re: polishpreacher]
#6480629
10/04/16 08:02 PM
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Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 8,311
Herbie Hancock
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 8,311 |
My wifes cousin got covered in chiggers while down there last year so be careful of that as well.
It takes beer to make thirst worthwhile - J. Fred Schmidt
The internet is an I.Q. Test, people post their scores in the comment section.
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Re: Drawn Hunt Newbie
[Re: polishpreacher]
#6481333
10/05/16 02:46 AM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 127
polishpreacher
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 127 |
what sorts of land formations should i be looking for? Is there usually someone from the park i could ask about different things such as wild cabbage or other natural attractants that grow naturally and what other foods should i be looking for?
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Re: Drawn Hunt Newbie
[Re: polishpreacher]
#6481483
10/05/16 10:44 AM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,271
Palehorse
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,271 |
So, just for the fun of it i entered into some of the drawn hunts with the state and actually won one at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge right after Thanksgiving 11/25-29. My question is, have any of yall gotten drawn for this one before? Also, what advice would yall give for a hunt in a drawn area that does not allow baiting? Should I plan on bringing some sort of atv such as a Ranger? I bought the permit, but do i need to buy the public land tag for my licence as well? I am sure there are questions that i dont even know i am supposed to ask, but i am hoping that some of you "more seasoned" guys can give me some insight. ATV's won't be any good there. They don't allow any vehicle traffic off of the main road. Some folks do use a mountain bike with a trailer. A game cart will be very handy if you connect. You also do not need to buy an APH.
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Re: Drawn Hunt Newbie
[Re: polishpreacher]
#6481995
10/05/16 04:28 PM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 127
polishpreacher
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 127 |
For those who have been there before, is there any kind of hotels near by or is it all camping at the park?
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Re: Drawn Hunt Newbie
[Re: polishpreacher]
#6482024
10/05/16 04:48 PM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,271
Palehorse
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,271 |
There are hotels in Port Isabel and Laguna Heights. There is no camping on the NWR.
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Re: Drawn Hunt Newbie
[Re: polishpreacher]
#6549668
11/18/16 08:45 PM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 127
polishpreacher
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 127 |
As the date for this hunt is almost here, i thought i would ask a few more questions that have come up as i have been getting ready. First, it mentions that there are no reserved locations, so am i right to guess that in that case everyone shows up at the meet location and then its first come, first serve for locations and regions? Second, i saw that it listed that there are 250 permits. Does this mean that there are 250 people going to be hunting out there for this hunt? Third, I understand that this hunt is a "no baiting" hunt. What i am curious about is what constitutes bait and what is an attractant. I know corn is out, but what about that powered stuff you can buy at a place like Tractor Supply like Big & J? Does using something like that count as baiting as well? And Lastly, it states the hunt goes from the 25th till the 29th. So am i right to understand that this will be heading out into the field the morning of the 25th? Sorry for all the questions, but i would rather look and sound like the rookie here than have that lost and confused look on my face out there. Thanks!!!
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Re: Drawn Hunt Newbie
[Re: polishpreacher]
#6549692
11/18/16 09:15 PM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,271
Palehorse
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,271 |
Question 1. You are right. After orientation, it is a first come first serve free for all. Question 2. Yes, there are 250 hunters competing for locations. It is a very big refuge though. Question 3. There is absolutely no baiting using anything that can be eaten. You can use scents. Question 4. You will need to attend the orientation about 10:00 am the first day of the hunt. After the orientation, you can hunt until noon on the last day.
It's no problem to sound like a rookie. We've all started out there.
This is a very tough hunt. A lot of folks will give up the first or second day. The success rate is very low. That said, if you like a physical and mental challenge, you will enjoy yourself.
Last edited by Palehorse; 11/18/16 09:16 PM.
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Re: Drawn Hunt Newbie
[Re: polishpreacher]
#6549832
11/18/16 11:57 PM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,271
Palehorse
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,271 |
I need to make a correction on question 4. The orientation is only for the gun hunts. I previously did the gun hunt so I was mistaken. The archery hunts you just go and hunt as long as you have your permit.
Good luck!
Last edited by Palehorse; 11/18/16 11:58 PM.
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Re: Drawn Hunt Newbie
[Re: polishpreacher]
#6551264
11/20/16 01:49 PM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 127
polishpreacher
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 127 |
Thanks for the answers!!! I think i will use the first day to primarily scout the areas i have been looking at through Google Maps/Earth. I have seen two or three different areas i would like to take a closer look at, though i think they both involve a lot of walking to get there....Hope to run into you out there!!! Now to buy some attractants with scents and go try to figure out the rattling horns a bit more.....lol
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Re: Drawn Hunt Newbie
[Re: polishpreacher]
#6558605
11/25/16 11:04 PM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 127
polishpreacher
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 127 |
So, day 1 is coming to a close (5pm) and not even seen a furry tail. On the plus side, the ghost blind looks great!!! Anyone who is out for the hunt see/get a shot/kill anything??? Thinking of giving it at least 1 more day before deciding to head out to better hunting grounds......lol
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Re: Drawn Hunt Newbie
[Re: polishpreacher]
#6558618
11/25/16 11:16 PM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,124
postoak
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,124 |
What is the vegetation like down there? Are there any trees? Are you seeing any sign?
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Re: Drawn Hunt Newbie
[Re: polishpreacher]
#6558627
11/25/16 11:25 PM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 127
polishpreacher
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 127 |
Vegetation is short brush and I set up next to a trail with some somewhat fresh tracks.....would prefer to find a spot near water but with so many people running round, I figured for the first day, just go out and find somewhere to sit.....lol
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Re: Drawn Hunt Newbie
[Re: polishpreacher]
#6558633
11/25/16 11:29 PM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,124
postoak
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,124 |
Well good luck! I hope you can hold out all 4 days.
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Re: Drawn Hunt Newbie
[Re: polishpreacher]
#6558815
11/26/16 02:02 AM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 4,240
Erny
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 4,240 |
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Re: Drawn Hunt Newbie
[Re: polishpreacher]
#6558899
11/26/16 03:28 AM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,862
swampthang
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,862 |
Wow,they issued a ton of permits for archery and a bunch for rifle hunts as well.That tells me they think there's way too many deer on the area and they need to thin them out.Ergo your odds of connecting should be high. Sounds like hunting from the ground is gonna be your only option.Maybe set up on the most heavily used trail you can find and hope for the best.Personally I think you're crazy not to stay till the end of the hunt,but that's your call.
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Re: Drawn Hunt Newbie
[Re: Palehorse]
#6559349
11/26/16 04:35 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,768
jeh7mmmag
gramps
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gramps
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,768 |
For those who have been there before, is there any kind of hotels near by or is it all camping at the park? This is a nice RV camping park just North of the entrance to NWR Adolph Thomae Jr. County Park is named after longtime former County Commissioner Adolph Thomae, Jr. The Park is situated on the banks of the Arroyo Colorado, and is located whithin the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. The park offers a number of outdoor recreational opportunities such as; lighted fishing piers, picnic areas, playground, a boat ramp with fish cleaning stations and courtesy docks, nature trail, wildlife observation tower, tent camping area, and 35 full-hookup RV sites. The park is open seven days a week from 6 AM to 10 PM. For RV reservations please contact the park office at (956) 748-2044. http://www.cameroncountyparks.com/adolph-thomae-park
�Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.� ~ John Muir
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