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Rio Grande Valley & Laredo Hunting?
#5222519
07/28/14 07:03 PM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 503
StoneyLarue13
OP
Tracker
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OP
Tracker
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 503 |
Howdy,
So, I'm a long-time East Texas and Central Texas hunter. Through work, I'm making a lot of connections in the RGV and Laredo. Partially out of curiosity and partially in case a connection ever results in a hunting opportunity, I was wanting a little hunting info on each location.
How much do leases usually run? What critters besides deer do you run into? I know "South Texas" deer hunting is supposed to be great--does that extend to the RGV? Up to Laredo? How are your personal experiences with hunting around either of these places.
I'm just curious and want to hear what the TFF crew has to say about hunting around these places. I've never met hunters from either. Thanks, y'all.
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Re: Rio Grande Valley & Laredo Hunting?
[Re: StoneyLarue13]
#5222546
07/28/14 07:15 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,072
easton1025
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,072 |
I hunted the Rio Grand city and La Gloria area for years HARD and not many good bucks come from that area other than serious management places....I cant speak for Laredo area but seems that a lot of good bucks come from that area...We had a biologist in that area (RIO) do a review of my friend 2000k acre ranch and the soil levels we just extremely poor..Even now 10 years later after clearing alot of open areas they are still struggling to get a good herd.....Most 10pts were basket and not much mass...BUT I will say the quail,blues and bobs and dove were off the charts hunting...It was great javalina and predator hunting as well...
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Re: Rio Grande Valley & Laredo Hunting?
[Re: easton1025]
#5222775
07/28/14 09:18 PM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 28,025
skinnerback
THF Celebrity Chef
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THF Celebrity Chef
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 28,025 |
I hunted the Rio Grand city and La Gloria area for years HARD and not many good bucks come from that area other than serious management places....I cant speak for Laredo area but seems that a lot of good bucks come from that area...We had a biologist in that area (RIO) do a review of my friend 2000k acre ranch and the soil levels we just extremely poor..Even now 10 years later after clearing alot of open areas they are still struggling to get a good herd.....Most 10pts were basket and not much mass...BUT I will say the quail,blues and bobs and dove were off the charts hunting...It was great javalina and predator hunting as well... I got on a lease near Rio Grande City in 2001, was a big mistake. Never saw a deer and almost everything I had there got stolen. Known quite a few who've hunted closer to Laredo and killed big deer. Every property is different, I just got on a crappy lease with crappy people.
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Re: Rio Grande Valley & Laredo Hunting?
[Re: StoneyLarue13]
#5222842
07/28/14 09:55 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 3,649
Southtexas36
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 3,649 |
I've been in Laredo for the last 34 years, all on one ranch, but have had the chance to hunt numerous ranches throughout the years in Webb Co. A lot of big acreage in our area, hard to find a small lease that is not asking top dollar and shot out. On the well managed places they'll sell you a spot for a good bit, probably $10k or more, but they'll have opportunity at good deer. Our place manufactures just some good solid S Tx deer, lots of character, with the occasional high scoring animal.
You'll see the typical S Tx animals, deer, bobcats, yotes, a few turkey here or there in creek bottoms, and quail. Doves hunting is good with the occasional white wing. Some of my best duck hunts have been in our tanks(and I'm from S LA).
My landowner is like family so I'm probably an exception to the rule.
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Re: Rio Grande Valley & Laredo Hunting?
[Re: StoneyLarue13]
#5223246
07/29/14 01:40 AM
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 10,466
DQ Kid
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 10,466 |
Stoney, have had the opportunity to hunt both areas, Roma/Rio Grande City area late 70s and Webb/Zapata county line since early 80s. All LF, 1,000-2,000 acre ranches and not much comparison for me. Much better hunting in Webb/Zapata county than Starr county. Deer are more abundant and average buck is better horns, period. As said, I'm sure there are exceptions to that on well managed, properties/operations but that has been the pretty consistent consensus from other hunters I know down that way. As also said, never seen as much theft as in Starr county either. Several times, the 4 tires were stolen right off our trailers. Only thing Starr exceeded Webb on was predators, lots of coyotes, a Mexican wolf spotted in late 70s and even a black panther was attempted at being trapped there by TPWD as it was believed to have eaten up to 15 of the landowners 20+ dogs. It would eat everything besides the feet.
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Re: Rio Grande Valley & Laredo Hunting?
[Re: StoneyLarue13]
#5224500
07/29/14 07:57 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,839
kdub
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,839 |
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Re: Rio Grande Valley & Laredo Hunting?
[Re: DQ Kid]
#5224548
07/29/14 08:17 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 |
Only thing Starr exceeded Webb on was predators, lots of coyotes, a Mexican wolf spotted in late 70s and even a black panther was attempted at being trapped there by TPWD as it was believed to have eaten up to 15 of the landowners 20+ dogs. It would eat everything besides the feet. Interesting. This one's gonna be fun.
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Re: Rio Grande Valley & Laredo Hunting?
[Re: DQ Kid]
#5224585
07/29/14 08:34 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,935
txtrophy85
THF Celebrity
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Posts: 31,935 |
Stoney, have had the opportunity to hunt both areas, Roma/Rio Grande City area late 70s and Webb/Zapata county line since early 80s. All LF, 1,000-2,000 acre ranches and not much comparison for me. Much better hunting in Webb/Zapata county than Starr county. Deer are more abundant and average buck is better horns, period. As said, I'm sure there are exceptions to that on well managed, properties/operations but that has been the pretty consistent consensus from other hunters I know down that way. As also said, never seen as much theft as in Starr county either. Several times, the 4 tires were stolen right off our trailers. Only thing Starr exceeded Webb on was predators, lots of coyotes, a Mexican wolf spotted in late 70s and even a black panther was attempted at being trapped there by TPWD as it was believed to have eaten up to 15 of the landowners 20+ dogs. It would eat everything besides the feet. That last statement makes me question if you have ever hunted south Texas at all...
For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
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Re: Rio Grande Valley & Laredo Hunting?
[Re: txtrophy85]
#5224601
07/29/14 08:39 PM
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 10,466
DQ Kid
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 10,466 |
Stoney, have had the opportunity to hunt both areas, Roma/Rio Grande City area late 70s and Webb/Zapata county line since early 80s. All LF, 1,000-2,000 acre ranches and not much comparison for me. Much better hunting in Webb/Zapata county than Starr county. Deer are more abundant and average buck is better horns, period. As said, I'm sure there are exceptions to that on well managed, properties/operations but that has been the pretty consistent consensus from other hunters I know down that way. As also said, never seen as much theft as in Starr county either. Several times, the 4 tires were stolen right off our trailers. Only thing Starr exceeded Webb on was predators, lots of coyotes, a Mexican wolf spotted in late 70s and even a black panther was attempted at being trapped there by TPWD as it was believed to have eaten up to 15 of the landowners 20+ dogs. It would eat everything besides the feet. That last statement makes me question if you have ever hunted south Texas at all... Only since before you were probably born, but what's your point. I am conveying what the landowner told to us about his dogs being eaten other than the feet. How does that disqualify my 35+ years of hunting down there, I'm curious by that statement?
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Re: Rio Grande Valley & Laredo Hunting?
[Re: StoneyLarue13]
#5224618
07/29/14 08:58 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,935
txtrophy85
THF Celebrity
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Posts: 31,935 |
The black panther hunt by TPWD makes me question
I bet Bigfoot stole the tires off your trailer to haul around his pet chupacabra in a custom cart before the la chuza stole it
For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
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Re: Rio Grande Valley & Laredo Hunting?
[Re: txtrophy85]
#5224708
07/29/14 09:53 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 |
The black panther hunt by TPWD makes me question
I bet Bigfoot stole the tires off your trailer to haul around his pet chupacabra in a custom cart before the la chuza stole it Leprechauns can be some theiving little SOB's too.
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Re: Rio Grande Valley & Laredo Hunting?
[Re: StoneyLarue13]
#5224754
07/29/14 10:22 PM
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,016
SingleShot85
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,016 |
Strange Chit happen in the RGV,... but to answer the questions
yes its expensive yes there are great opportunities for big deer
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Re: Rio Grande Valley & Laredo Hunting?
[Re: Palehorse]
#5224931
07/29/14 11:56 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,935
txtrophy85
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,935 |
The black panther hunt by TPWD makes me question
I bet Bigfoot stole the tires off your trailer to haul around his pet chupacabra in a custom cart before the la chuza stole it Leprechauns can be some theiving little SOB's too. White walkers love to eat leprechaun
For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
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Re: Rio Grande Valley & Laredo Hunting?
[Re: StoneyLarue13]
#5225057
07/30/14 01:00 AM
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 10,466
DQ Kid
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 10,466 |
Trophy is it so far fetched to think a panther or black mountain lion could have existed somewhere in lower TX in the later 70s. I didn't actually see it myself but simply recounted the landowner's comments. I also didn't say TPWD was hunting it but attempted to trap it. It is factual that a few Mexican greys existed in that area back in the later 70s based on established sightings. As for the stolen tires, that was known fact. For a younger guy, you proclaim to know quite a bit based on many postings of yours out there and seem to have a bit of habit of downplaying others' knowledge too. Continue believing what you do and I'll continue to know what I do.
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Re: Rio Grande Valley & Laredo Hunting?
[Re: DQ Kid]
#5225384
07/30/14 03:37 AM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,795
dogcatcher
THF Celebrity
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,795 |
Trophy is it so far fetched to think a panther or black mountain lion could have existed somewhere in lower TX in the later 70s. I didn't actually see it myself but simply recounted the landowner's comments. I also didn't say TPWD was hunting it but attempted to trap it. It is factual that a few Mexican greys existed in that area back in the later 70s based on established sightings. As for the stolen tires, that was known fact. For a younger guy, you proclaim to know quite a bit based on many postings of yours out there and seem to have a bit of habit of downplaying others' knowledge too. Continue believing what you do and I'll continue to know what I do. The problem is you and I were taught to believe our elders, if our landowner in 1970's said he saw pink elephants, I wouldn't have said a thing, I don't know if I would have believed him, but I sure wouldn't have questioned him. As to hunting along the border, anyone can hunt there if that is what floats their boat. I have taken enough chances n my life and been lucky enough to still be kicking, so I think I would pass on the opportunity. there is enough thieving etc., going on in the rets of Texas, I don't need to add in drug cartel activity to get more excitement.
Combat Infantryman, the ultimate hunter where the prey shoots back. _____________"Illegitimus non carborundum est"_______________
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Re: Rio Grande Valley & Laredo Hunting?
[Re: DQ Kid]
#5225930
07/30/14 03:30 PM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 11,124
LandPirate
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 11,124 |
Stoney, have had the opportunity to hunt both areas, Roma/Rio Grande City area late 70s and Webb/Zapata county line since early 80s. All LF, 1,000-2,000 acre ranches and not much comparison for me. Much better hunting in Webb/Zapata county than Starr county. Deer are more abundant and average buck is better horns, period. As said, I'm sure there are exceptions to that on well managed, properties/operations but that has been the pretty consistent consensus from other hunters I know down that way. As also said, never seen as much theft as in Starr county either. Several times, the 4 tires were stolen right off our trailers. Only thing Starr exceeded Webb on was predators, lots of coyotes, a Mexican wolf spotted in late 70s and even a black panther was attempted at being trapped there by TPWD as it was believed to have eaten up to 15 of the landowners 20+ dogs. It would eat everything besides the feet. This is interesting. All dog's feet smell like Fritos. Don't believe me? Go take a whiff. So, I conclude that black panthers do not like Fritos. Therefore, the liberal scattering of Fritos around your property will likely deter black panthers.
Mike Buda, Tx Hunt near Freer
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Re: Rio Grande Valley & Laredo Hunting?
[Re: StoneyLarue13]
#5226073
07/30/14 05:18 PM
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 10,466
DQ Kid
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 10,466 |
At least those 70s panthers didn't care for Fritos.
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Re: Rio Grande Valley & Laredo Hunting?
[Re: DQ Kid]
#5226116
07/30/14 05:48 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,935
txtrophy85
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,935 |
Trophy is it so far fetched to think a panther or black mountain lion could have existed somewhere in lower TX in the later 70s. its far fetched because they don't exist. In all the world, there never has been a sighting of a black mountain lion. not one body, trail cam pic, no hard evidence of anything other than stories. Black Jaguars do exist. Black mountain lions do not (unless you count the one in the Wal-Mart in Hondo) I'm not doubting that you heard a story about a landowners dogs being eaten except for their feet by a black panther......I'm doubting the story in itself as being factual. every tom, dick and harry "knows a guy" that has seen one, but one has mysteriously never hit the dirt. they simply don't exist.
For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
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Re: Rio Grande Valley & Laredo Hunting?
[Re: dogcatcher]
#5226128
07/30/14 05:56 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,935
txtrophy85
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,935 |
Trophy is it so far fetched to think a panther or black mountain lion could have existed somewhere in lower TX in the later 70s. I didn't actually see it myself but simply recounted the landowner's comments. I also didn't say TPWD was hunting it but attempted to trap it. It is factual that a few Mexican greys existed in that area back in the later 70s based on established sightings. As for the stolen tires, that was known fact. For a younger guy, you proclaim to know quite a bit based on many postings of yours out there and seem to have a bit of habit of downplaying others' knowledge too. Continue believing what you do and I'll continue to know what I do. The problem is you and I were taught to believe our elders, if our landowner in 1970's said he saw pink elephants, I wouldn't have said a thing, I don't know if I would have believed him, but I sure wouldn't have questioned him. With all due respect DC, Believing someone just because they are older than you is poor practice.
For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
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Re: Rio Grande Valley & Laredo Hunting?
[Re: txtrophy85]
#5226321
07/30/14 07:25 PM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,795
dogcatcher
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,795 |
Trophy is it so far fetched to think a panther or black mountain lion could have existed somewhere in lower TX in the later 70s. I didn't actually see it myself but simply recounted the landowner's comments. I also didn't say TPWD was hunting it but attempted to trap it. It is factual that a few Mexican greys existed in that area back in the later 70s based on established sightings. As for the stolen tires, that was known fact. For a younger guy, you proclaim to know quite a bit based on many postings of yours out there and seem to have a bit of habit of downplaying others' knowledge too. Continue believing what you do and I'll continue to know what I do. The problem is you and I were taught to believe our elders, if our landowner in 1970's said he saw pink elephants, I wouldn't have said a thing, I don't know if I would have believed him, but I sure wouldn't have questioned him. With all due respect DC, Believing someone just because they are older than you is poor practice. I said we were taught to believe, I didn't say we actually believe them, but we would never question them. Like you said, it is called respect.
Combat Infantryman, the ultimate hunter where the prey shoots back. _____________"Illegitimus non carborundum est"_______________
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Re: Rio Grande Valley & Laredo Hunting?
[Re: LandPirate]
#5226388
07/30/14 08:04 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 |
Stoney, have had the opportunity to hunt both areas, Roma/Rio Grande City area late 70s and Webb/Zapata county line since early 80s. All LF, 1,000-2,000 acre ranches and not much comparison for me. Much better hunting in Webb/Zapata county than Starr county. Deer are more abundant and average buck is better horns, period. As said, I'm sure there are exceptions to that on well managed, properties/operations but that has been the pretty consistent consensus from other hunters I know down that way. As also said, never seen as much theft as in Starr county either. Several times, the 4 tires were stolen right off our trailers. Only thing Starr exceeded Webb on was predators, lots of coyotes, a Mexican wolf spotted in late 70s and even a black panther was attempted at being trapped there by TPWD as it was believed to have eaten up to 15 of the landowners 20+ dogs. It would eat everything besides the feet. This is interesting. All dog's feet smell like Fritos. Don't believe me? Go take a whiff. So, I conclude that black panthers do not like Fritos. Therefore, the liberal scattering of Fritos around your property will likely deter black panthers. This is one bit of advice that you can take to the bank! You sprinkle Fritos around, you are guaranteed to never see a black panther around your place! I wonder if dogs watch people eating Fritos and think, "how do people eat those things? They smell like my feet."
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Re: Rio Grande Valley & Laredo Hunting?
[Re: StoneyLarue13]
#5226754
07/30/14 10:43 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,935
txtrophy85
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,935 |
If a person dosent question, how does one learn?
For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
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Re: Rio Grande Valley & Laredo Hunting?
[Re: txtrophy85]
#5226781
07/30/14 10:59 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 |
If a person dosent question, how does one learn? Fiddlesticks! Shut up and do what I tell you, you little whipper snapper.
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