When we use to call at night we always let the GW know where and what we would be doing. Simple courtesy.

Just got back from our place between Encinal and Laredo. Border Patrol stopped by the house Friday afternoon. They told us they'd caught 5 stolen pick-ups with 80 illegals in them over the past 5 days. On and around our ranch. Another truck with 6 guys and a big load of dope. That's why we always carry a sidearm when we're down there. Traffic in the area has been extremely high of late. Be careful out there folks.

Glad they caught em'.

I'm on a place South of Hebbronville not far from you. BP chased and lost a big group on our place a few weeks ago, had a bird in the air w/trucks & 4 wheelers on the ground and still lost them. BP did stop 2 of the guys on the lease with us while they were setting up a blind that day, and reminded them to watch their 6. Lots of trail cam pics of illegals. We've had a long history of problems with them on the other place I hunt in SE Duval. I've lost count how many times a truck load of illegals was running from the BP and lost it at the T at our place, crashed through our fence into the brush, and bailed onto our place.

Been hunting the South all of my life so I'm used to it, but that doesn't mean letting my guard down. You never know who you're dealing with when it comes to these folks. I've always got a side arm on me, my 20 & 18 yr old kids also carry sidearms at the ranch. My younger kids will do the same when they are old enough.

Always have a .45 loaded with shot.

All the time!

As Varmint season get closer I will be more diligent about carrying something on my person: last year Wife and one member of our lease were up early to duck hunt in a SXS with shotgun racked in back of SXS. They ran into 2 trucks of poachers running up and down main lease roads calling and shooting. Met them on road and asked what they were doing - didn't get a very good answer - back of truck had bobcats and fox in bed - wife and lease member were told that they were just road hunting for varmints and its was none of there concern. Found out the had been following oil field roads across 4 ranches and 2 counties. The GW back tracked where they had been . We have had locks cut of gates and found tracks from 4 wheelers and members blinds left open after people were hunting in them. heck even had one poacher drive thru one members hunting area with calls going and lightbar's on while he was setting in his blind. Nothing went wrong this time but: according to GW- IF they are caught : trespassing w/ loaded guns and animals in the truck etc - It is a State Jail felony and trucks and weapons are up for grabs. - That makes it a whole new ballgame as to what they may or may not do. Told wife to stay the hell away from them get a license plate if they can. One problem cell service is very intermittent where we are at, can't always call for help. Took me a long time to get her comfortable going on any part of the lease or her hunting area by herself to have chit like this happen. All it takes is some fool that either has been busted before and knows they are in trouble or someone more scared of losing there high dollar hunting rig to the state to cause a major incident.

no, too much weight. I bought a cross draw rig for my S&W 586, just dont strap it on, too heavy though

Yes, usually carry Ruger 22/45 and have a g22 or S&W .357 in backback.

I was sitting in a V of half fallen oak tree and blew a grunt call early one morning along a creek bottom. Right out of the bottom came 4 big raccoons, the first one came straight up that tree right at me, I was carrying the .357 back then and shot him just as he made contact with the barrel. My day was ruined and I never seen the other 3. I never knew what he thought I was, but I’m sure glad I practiced all those quick draws.

Will be in Hebronville area soon and I will probably carry the S&W and keep the 22 in the bag.

Had my Uberti .45 Colt, saw a Fox but he disappeared before I could get the pistol unlimbered.

Couple years ago, walked out to my feeder late at night, pitch black with no flashlight or firearm to adjust an IR floodlight. About 3/4 of the way across, I met up with a hog who greeted me with a grunt from behind. The walk back was the longest ever...

I now ALWAYS have my P220-10MM on me when I'm out there.