Summertime is approaching and after a long, long absence I'm back to writing. Lots of things have happened since last we visited. Among other things I spent some time in New Zealand hunting red stag with Wild Side Hunting Safaris (www.wildsidehunting.com). Fabulous trip in every respect, filmed for T/C's GAME TRAILS (on Outdoor Channel) and the new T/C PRO HUNTERS' JOURNAL (will air this fall on ESPN2). Got lucky on this trip and shot a huge 13 x 15 stag that scores about 400 or so. Once I get it back and mounted, it'll be on display at the Los Cazadores Hunting Headquarters.
That said, if you've happened to drive by or come by our Los Cazadores Hunting Headquarters starting about the tail end of April, you will have noticed an addition to the store on the north side. We are in the process of adding about 5,000 square feet of store space. Part of the expansion program is to accommodate our 2007 Los Cazadores Awards Program which will take place in the new addition of our store on Saturday July 19, 2008. Look for all sort of great things at the Awards Ceremony. Among other things we'll have the Texas Wildlife Association's Laser Shot booth and Jerry Baker, an official Boone & Crockett scorer will be on hand to officially score anyone's trophies for inclusion in the Boone & Crockett record books (both 2 year awards and all time)..but also remember B&C unfortunately doesn't accept animals taken behind a fence. Jerry will also be on hand to answer all your scoring questions as well. Don Keller, whitetail artist extraordinaire will also be on hand to show off his artistry. We're working on numerous other attractions as well.
South Texas for the most part is dry right now. In Uvalde where I live it's the driest year thus far on record since official records have been kept, starting back in 1904. Other parts of South Texas have fared better and in some areas there was more than sufficient rainfall to greatly help antler development for this upcoming season.
In terms of other things happening at Los Cazadores, we are proud to announce James Newport owner of Mesquite Creek Taxidermy in San Antonio has taken over our Los Cazadores Taxidermy. The major changes you'll see are a change in the name on the sign on the taxidermy shop out behind the Los Cazadores store. James in our opinion is the finest taxidermist in county. His staff is equally talented. We have signed a long term agreement with Mesquite Creek Taxidermy, thus he and his staff will be in place by the latter part of May and stand ready to fulfill all your taxidermy requests. When we originally purchased Los Cazadores from Darwin Avant and started setting up our facility, James and crew were our first choices to do the taxidermy work for us, but at the time circumstances were a bit different and James could not make the move at this time. That's the reason we're so tickled to see him now take over taxidermy at Los Cazadores. Those mounts not completed by the time of the change in ownership will be mounted by Mesquite Creek Taxidermy. Be sure to stop by starting in June to visit with James and crew.
Currently we're working on the new 2008 issue of LOS CAZADORES. It's shaping up very nicely. It looks as if the new publication should be available about the mid to latter part of August. Remember every adult who signs up for the Los Cazadores Deer Contest is eligible to receive a free copy. Should you wish additional copies they will be available at the store and through our on-line store.
We've got an interesting Presidential Election coming up this fall. On May 30th, I'll be near Washington to interview Senator John McCain regarding his thoughts on primarily hunting and gun ownership. I'll let you know more about that interview in the next column, which will be heading your way the first week or so of June.
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