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2022/23 Hunt Reports and Photos of All Bucks
Please Note:
The large number of photos causes a longer download time. Please be patient.
Click on an image to enlarge and move it to the top, double click to see the bucks information.
Also please note: Hunt reports are posted in reverse order with the most recent hunt at the top of the page. To follow our season in chronological order, scroll to the bottom and work your way to the top of this page.
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Hunt 15 2023
Well here it is the final hunt of the 2022 season. It is ending with some nice buck that haven't showed their faces till now. It was once again windy, but fairly warm and the moon was giving light for the deer to be out grazing in the night, making it slow hunting in the morning due to deer bedding down when the sun was coming up.
A new guest to the lodge was the first to score a buck. Andy Rice of Washington Boro, PA tagged a nice twelve point on the first night out. Later on in the hunt he shot a beautiful badger as it was heading towards the blind. At first he thought it was a skunk and didn't want the fellow running under the blind, so to his surprise it was a badger. Those critters have some serious claws.
Also on the first evening hunt Clyde Kreider of Washington Boro, PA as well tagged a tall eight point with long brow tines. This was Clydes third trip to camp, this year he had the pleasure of having his eldest grandson, Damian,on board for the trip. In past seasons he has had his granddaughter, and middle grandson Cohen, who tagged the 2020 buck of the year.
Michael Bitts of Millersview, PA was joining us for the first time and he tagged a great buck with excellent mass. The G2 on the left side was every bit of 11 inches. Michael shot some great photos will on his hunt and the cool one he took in a blind of an Adobe hat is one of my favorites. He also put together a nice video of his Texas journey while enjoying a great experience. Hopefully I'll be able to share that with ya'll.
Ken Hess, a long time veteran to camp, was joining us from Lancaster, PA. Ken tagged an absolutely beauty of a buck with forked G2s and nice mass. Well done Ken!
Damian Kredier of Lancaster, PA was here on his first trip to the Lodge and his first visit to Texas. He put his tag on a nice tall eight point. The brow tines on this buck shot forward making it a unique rack. Damian was joined in camp by his dad Randy who was on his third hunt with the Lodge, although Randy didn't tag a buck he was able to fill up the coolers with venison.
Moving on, Chris Long of Lancaster, PA as well, tagged a really nice eight point. Check out the wavy rack on that buck. After shooting the buck it took it's last death march running itself up into a brush pile, see if you can spot the buck in the bush.
The final buck of the hunt was tagged by Chad Beitler of Gettysburg, PA. Wow, the width on this buck was fantastic, 20"s with eight points make this buck the buck of the hunt scoring 114". Chad went on to also take the cup home with the heaviest doe, weighing 102#s. Not only did he take the cup he also won the group pot of $900, what a way to finish out the hunt. Also Chad whooped up a heavy feral hog.
The honorable mention goes to Jeff Rankin a four year veteran to camp. He had none of the luck on his side for the hunt. But as always he had a great time with good friends and the Texas outdoors.
And that is a wrap for the season. Take Care Ya'll, see you next season.
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Hunt 14 2023
Hunt 14 had a total of ten hunters ranging from east to west. It was once again windy as it is right now outside. The wind has just been so bothersome lately. Now I won't lie this hunt was difficult, the deer were just not cooperating which seems to be the common denominator this year. However, there were so nice bucks taken.
The first group of hunters I'll introduce have been coming now for three seasons, but one new guest added to the family hunt. Ron Simmons and two of his sons Matt and Joe are from Phoenix, and the eldest John is from Howell, MI was the new hunter. All four were able to put tags on nice bucks. Sometimes towards the end of the season there are a few extra buck tags to be bought, this year Ron wasted no time to jump on that opportunity and harvested three buck. You can double click on each picture to check those out. John as well had great success in his first hunt at camp. He tagged two bucks, and three doe. Matt and the youngest brother Joe each held out patiently and each tagged good mature bucks.
Hb Lantz from Troy, VA had a great hunt. Not only did he tag a nice seven point he also took home and additional set of antlers. While sitting in the blind on an evening hunt enjoying the splendor of the great west Texas outdoors he sees a buck advancing in the brush behind the feeder. He puts up the optics and sees it is a nice eight. The buck seems to be off his game but all the more advances in, he stops and starts to shake his head. As the shaking becomes more violent off flies one antler and then the other zings off. The buck wheels around and takes off like the devil is on his tail and never looks back. Shortly after the buck that HB harvested comes in and the rest is history. When he goes down to recover the buck he also picks up the two shed antlers. What a sight to see!
Dustin Blackwell of Dawsonville, GA and good friend Devin Byrd returned for their second season with the Lodge. Dustin tagged a very mature buck with an interesting rack. Lots off small points around the base, but one of the horns had been broken off for some time. Feral hogs are a big nuisance around this part of the country and Dustin bagged one for the team, a 100 pound male. Although Devin was unable to put a tag on a buck, he did take home the heavy doe cup with 97lbs and two additional does and also a porcupine.
The final three hunters are father Will Sack and two sons Nate and Dave. This trio of hunters hail currently form Dothan, AL. Nate was the first of the three to tag a nice 18" wide buck, and than the brotherly competition was on. It wasn't until the final night that dad Will and brother Dave tagged two really nice bucks. Wills buck was the widest of the hunt at 18 5/8". Now the buck Dave bagged had fantastic brow tines, I'm sure he just knew he had whipped his older brother. After all was said and done, you wouldn't believe it, but both boys bucks scored exactly the same, 100 1/8". Two totally different put together racks with the same outcome.
An ironic tale for camp. Both John Simmons and Will sack are in the Air force. I can't recall the year, but both of them were at the Air force academy in Colorado Springs, CO at the same time. How cool that years later their paths are randomly intertwined at the Lodge. Hmm, random acts.
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Hunt 13 2023
Happy New Year! Welcome to the first hunt in 2023, it kicked of the first evening with a fantastic west Texas dust storm. All was quiet on the first evening hunt as the deer were rattled by the storm.
The following evening hunt brothers Dane and Rob Fochtman both tagged their bucks. Rob hailing from Pottstown, PA was the first to be photographed, A nice ten point that was 15 3/4" wide. Rob was the winner of the heavy doe cup at 95 pounds. Dane, residing in Sterling, VA was the second. His was a good tall eight point that was 15 1/4" wide. This was the first trip for the brothers to the Lodge. Never having been out to hunt in Texas a lot of guest don't realized how chilly the evenings can get. Randy Davis of Coatesville, PA had made the trip to camp with the brothers, I believe he is the father in law of Rob. Randy was the third hunter to tag a nice nine point that was 15" wide. He also decided to take out a raccoon. The little fella had just about eaten all the corn at the feeder when Randy had enough of him. He blasted him. One of the chilly evening hunts Dane was jealous and wishing for a raccoon so he could make him some coon skin mittens as his hands had gotten so cold.
Father and son, Scott and Ryan Patterson of Houston, TX have been joining camp for so may seasons. This hunt they both tagged buck on the same night. How awesome is that. They both scored excellent buck. Ryan's buck was a wide 18" with ten points and Scott an eleven point that was 16" wide. Scott had emailed me a picture of Ryan as a boy in camp enjoying steak night probably more than any guest I can remember. Ryan is no stranger to good food, that guy can sure put some food away. On one of the first nights in camp Ryan bagged two raccoons, he sure would have had enough hide to make a set of mittens that would have made Dane jealous.
Tom Fochtman, the father of Rob and Dane, also had a very successful hunt. Tom came to camp with his flint lock rifle ol' smoky. Ol' Smoky sure knows how to take down a buck. Tom tagged a great eight point that was 16" wide. Many weeks ago Tom had emailed me that he was looking to find some flint while in Texas and was wondering if we may have some on the ranches. Well he was in luck, I put the word out to the guides and they started picking up rocks and brining them back to camp. His trophy of the hunt was a significant size piece of flint that Jim had picked up a while back. Now, if you knew Tom, you would know that he is a man of few external smiles. When I took his picture with that trophy flint rock his boys said that was the biggest smile they have seen him show in many a moon.
Charlie Eifert of Mason, OH after much patients put his tag on the buck of this hunt. Charlie is no stranger to getting good bucks at Adobe. He has his picture on the wall of champs. The buck Charlie bagged was a very nice heavy horned eight point. At 17" wide the buck scored 120 1/4". the brow tines both curved back and the g2's had fantastic length. Charlie has been hunting at our camp for many many seasons and we will be seeing him in April for turkey season.
The final buck of the hunt was taken by Marie Boehler of Amsterdam, NY. Marie was joined in camp by her husband Craig, who is also her guide. Craig started coming to camp many years ago as a hunter and has had the opportunity to hunt here with his son, daughter in law, daughter, son in law, and granddaughters over the years and has moved up to guide status several years back when his wife Marie started joining us at camp. This year it was just the two of them that made the trip all the way from upstate NY. Hunting was definitely a patient game for Marie this season, she held out and finally tagged a twelve point on the last morning out. Double eye guards were the crowning jewel for this buck, the rack had deep cups at the split on the guards. A good mature buck.
The final hunter, Craig Nowell, gets the honorable mention shout out. On the trip out from St. Martin, LA Craig thought he was getting sick. Coming into camp with a cold makes hunting a bit difficult when you have coughing fits while in the blinds. Craig didn't tag a buck this year, but did take some doe meat home. Everywhere he travels his doggie Elle' is fast behind his feet, she joined us in camp as a non hunter and companion to Craig.
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Hunt 12 2022
The last hunt of 2022 was kicked off with ten hunters. The weather was moderate at best with the usual Texas wind. But it didn't delay in some nice bucks being taken.
The first buck was tagged by Emma Norman of Dallas, TX. Emma was joining us for the first time with her grandfather Ronnie Norman and brother Cole. Ronnie was a long time friend of Skippers and last year decided to bring Cole for his first hunt at the Lodge, this year Ronnie brought both grand kids for the Adobe Adventure. Emma and Cole's father long ago use to skin deer for the camp. This year Emma tagged a nice eight point that had good length and Cole decided to put to rest a feral hog weighing 150#. While in camp I shot a photo of Emma wearing the best camo I've ever seen in camp.
And now we move on to Jimmy Mazza of Hammonton, NJ. In 1997 Jimmy was a guest to the lodge and since then life made it difficult to make it back to camp. Twenty six years later he finally found a way to make it back. Jimmy scored the widest buck of the hunt at 21 1/2" and eight points. A real nice mature Buck. Jimmy had a blast and made quick friends with his guide Albert and hunter Robert DeVito. Robert didn't find his trophy, but made quick work on two heavy does. Robert joined us for the first time from Indialantic, FL.
The third buck taken was by another first time guest Randy Thompson of Petersburg, PA. His buck was a tall 7 point and the main beam on the left swooped making a hook on the end. Randy took home the heavy doe cup with 99#s
Father and son, Chris and Josh Dexter, were joining us from Melbourne, FL. They have been guests of camp for many seasons. This year they both tagged bucks on the same night. Joshes buck was older fellow with ten points and Chris, a mature eight point with great length. It is always fun to have these two in camp, lots of jokes and laughter are thrown around. Never a dull moment. I'm a big fan of theirs, they are my people, cat lovers! Hehehe
Curt Schilling From Petersburg, PA joined us for his second season. The buck he put a tag on was unique. A very heavy horned six point. The mass of this buck went all the way to the ends of the tines. Really nice. Curt also was able to harvest three doe. Joining Curt was his daughter Kara and son in law Rick Iddings. Kara hunted some but used her camp time for much needed rest and relaxation. Rick put in the time hunting with maybe a few naps in the blinds, but he was fully alert when he tagged the buck of this hunt. A nice mature wide eight point, it scored 106 3/8".
Camp life goes on daily and we never see photos of the elusive skinner David. Finally he LET me take a superhero photo of him getting his rubber boots on to go to work. I also snuck a pic when I called his name, you can tell by the look on his face he was thrilled. HaHa! David also got out of his office to do some tracking on a buck, it never fails he is the first one to find the down buck! I think that is his super power; under his shirt must be that super hero costume, a big "T" for tracker.
And more camp life pics, Kent scoring a deer, Kenny filling out the log book, and so we go on. Happy New year!
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Hunt 11 2022
Sorry for the delay, My computer has been giving me fits!
As I sit here this evening finally able to update the last hunt on Dec 23 it is a very chilly 21 degrees out, much warmer today then yesterday. Glad there's not a hunt this week as it would have been brutal to be out in the elements, with the wind chill it was -2.
Hunt 11 was chilly and it had the bucks moving around a bit more then they have been in past hunts, we also experienced a 5.3 earthquake. The first evening out a new guest Tim Sylvester of Youngstown, NY put his tag on a nice ten point, a few of those points came from some extra junk on the base of the horns and a small kicker on a brow tine. Tim was joined by his lovely wife Cathrine. Texas gave the new comers all sorts of first time experiences; javelinas, earthquakes, and game aplenty!
Brayden Davis a 13yr old from Rentz, GA was the second hunter to tag a buck. This was the first ever buck that Brayden has tagged. He decided on this buck because it was a lady's man kinda deer, the buck came in with his harem of does. The buck was 15 1/2" wide with 7 remaining points, that buck earned all those does. Brayden had a very successful hunt tagging three does and a 48# javelina. Brayden came to camp with his PawPaw Hank, his cousin Hayden, and family friend Robert Collins. Robert was Brayden's patient mentor for the hunt. After Brayden had tagged his buck, it was Robert's turn to man the rifle. Robert was joining camp for the second time from Savannah, GA. The buck Robert tagged was a fantastic nine point with a crab claw on one side. Also, Robert wanted to go javelina hunting, he not only filled his wish to bag one he got two.
Vince Pierleoni from Newfane, NY was joining camp once again with his lovely wife Stephanie. The couple has been here many seasons and is always great company. Being from NY Stephanie is a huge Buffalo Bills fan and Vince the NY giants. Both teams had exciting nail bitter games that had the camp pumped up with excitement! But lets talk about a buck, the buck Vince tagged. It was a real nice mature eight point that was 16 3/4" wide with nice length. This buck was real pretty with it's pale rack and hide. Vince also filled up the coolers with three doe.
Another long time guest at camp was Pat Keough from Rye, NY. Pat tagged a healthy eight point that was 17" wide, this was the widest of this hunt. Pat has been coming to the Lodge for many seasons, this year he was joined by his long time friend Hal Wright from Athens, GA. Hal and Pat have been friends since their high school years and like to go on hunting adventures together, we are just fortunate that our camp is on their list. The buck Hal tagged this year was the buck of this hunt scoring 113", A very nice eight point that had excellent length.
Hank Stienhauer 'aka PawPaw' of Brayden and Hayden joined us from Rentz, GA. Hank is another guest that has been joining camp for some seasons. This year he treated his grandsons to their first ever bucks. However, Hank decided to hunt as well and tagged a very nice 12pt, some of those points coming from extra junk at the base as well. A very heavy horned buck. The final hunter of the hunt to tag a buck was Braden Pinyan, Hanks grandson. This was the first ever buck that Hayden tagged. The buck was a fantastic eight point. Also Hayden took home the heavy doe cup with a 96# mature doe, and took out a feral hog.
And that's a wrap on another successful hunt. Merry Christmas all, stay warm through the storm.
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Hunt 10 2022
Alrighty, here we go with hunt 10, a very fun and productive hunt. Nine hunters, and all but two were new to camp.
Brian Kite of Mercer, PA was the first to take a shot and tag a nice 7 point that was 15 5/8" wide and weighed 132lbs. This was Brians first ever buck, he did and excellent job with his hunt and even took home the big doe cup! Dakota Rivers from Fayetteville, GA followed that evening with a 15" wide eight point that was 116lbs and also took some doe meat home.
The next morning hunt Tom Slodowski of Hemlock, MI bagged a nice mature eight point that was 14" wide weighing 130lbs and he too took doe meat home. This same evening Blake Edwards of Griffen, GA tagged up on a nice eight point that was 13" wide and weighed in at 118lbs, Blake also scored a 50lb javelina.
John Wegner of Freeland, MI had a very productive hunt. The first buck he put a tag on was a 16 3/4" wide eight point that weighed 126lbs. John also couldn't pass on a second buck that he had his eye on late in the hunt. As the bullet struck the buck with a kill shot it ran 30 yards in a death free for all straight into a boulder and busted his main beam just after the G2. He couldn't believe his eyes when he came up to the buck. They gathered up all the pieces they could find and we got them all tapped on for a great photo shoot. The second buck was 17 1/2" wide with nine points and weighed 130lbs. John also took out a 140lb hog and a 13lb grey fox.
On the following morning Justin Tomasek of St Charles, MI got a real nice nine point that was 16 1/2" wide and weighed in at 111lbs. The rack on this buck palmed and fanned out a bit on one side. Justin also brought in the first ever badger back to camp. The claws on that thing were so long. Justin also tagged up two doe.
Finally, one of our long time guests Ronnie Rivers from Fayetteville, GA put a buck on the board. A great eight point that was 15" wide and weighed 119lbs. Ronnie has been coming to camp for many many seasons and this hunt he brought some of his family and friends along for the ride. It was such a good time having them in camp. Ronnie also tagged three heavy healthy does.
The final buck taken on the hunt was by Ray Rivers of Enterprise, MS. A nice seven point that was 14 3/4" wide and weighed 126lbs.
The final hunter Nick Glosser of Newfane, NY decided not to take a buck as he was on the trophy option hunt, but he did shoot a 300lb feral hog. Now that's something to brag about. Nick has been hunting at the lodge for about five seasons and is usually accompanied by his wife Ashley, but this time round he came a hunt earlier because Ashley is home expecting their first baby, a boy! We are waiting for the good news any day.
Many of the hunters on this hunt from up north are farmers, check out the beer cans that are printed up that way. Supporting the farmers of America, the coolest beer can I've ever seen.
That's a wrap!
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Hunt 9 2022
Hunt 9 begins with nine hunters on a balmy, still Texas day. The weather has been warm and wet. It has been unusual the amount of precipitation we have been receiving, it is very green and the weeds are growing by the millions. Hunting has once again been tough as the deer are not hungry for feed and the mature bucks and does are moving in the darker parts of the days. The beginning of the hunt was very slow, but a new guest to camp Roy Tucker of Ft Worth, TX broke the ice with his first ever buck. A nice eight point that was 14" wide. Roy also went on to take home the heavy doe cup with 97#s. In 2020 Roy was scheduled to join us in camp and you all know how the covid pandemic went. However, Roy almost didn't survive the illness and was hospitalized for a long while fighting for his life, but he finally made it to camp! It was fantastic having him at camp.
A familiar face to the Adobe Lodge was the second fella to tag a buck, Bill Wurfel of Robbinsville, NJ. Bill has been hunting the Home camp and McManus camps for many seasons. This year Bill put his tag on a nice eight point that was 15 3/4" wide. Ole' Betsy, his muzzleloader riffle was dead on as always. This is the tenth year has hunted with her, but she will be going into retirement after this hunt. Bills son in law Bill Kerr joined him for the first time at the lodge, although "Big Bill" the son in law did not tag a buck he sure played a mean base guitar in a jam session with our guides Kent and Dan.
Blair Chandler of Madison, MS was the third hunter to tag a nice buck. This is Blairs second trip out to camp. The buck was a heavy horned mature buck that had eight points at 16 5/8" wide and one of the tines had an acorn at the tip. This buck was a beast weighing in at 153 lbs. While in camp Blair seemed to hit it off with Chunky the cat, you can see in the photos that the two are best buds.
The next hunter to bag a buck was Scott Murdoff of Plano, TX. Scott was the only hunter in the group to fill all his tags. The buck Scott harvested was a beautiful ten point with nice mass.
On the final evening hunt three really nice bucks were tagged. The first I photographed was Lee Wilson Of Gulf Shores, AL. You may think you are seeing a familiar face from a recent hunt, well, you are; Lee was just here on hunt 5. Just like on the previous hunt he tagged another fantastic buck, a 6x5 eleven point with excellent mass and some nubbies at the bases. On the second hunt out Lee was joined by his lovely wife Diane, she is such an added bonus to have in camp. She goes out and sits with Lee some in the blinds and then when in camp I get the privilege to visit with her.
Jack Jones from Madison, MS was the second buck to be photographed this night. He tagged a healthy nine point that was 18" wide, making it the widest of this hunt.
And the third buck of the night was tagged by Larche Watters of Benton, LA. Larche is an excellent judge of scoring a buck on the hoof, and has study and taken courses to learn how to do just that. Numbers come natural to Larche and that is how he came to tag the buck of the Hunt. At 128 3/8" this ten point was 15 3/4" wide, with fantastic length.
The final buck of the hunt was taken by Russ Ogburn of Madison, MS.
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Hunt 8
"The only thing predictable about hunting is that it is unpredictable!" the words of hunter James Bennet of Talcott, WV.
Hunt eight was just that, the weather was decent, cool in the mornings, warmer in the afternoons. With the warm weather and moisture we have been receiving after the long drought the deer are not interested in coming in for feed. The filery weeds have them going nuts over the greenery. But non the less four nice bucks were tagged on this hunt.
The Musick Family from West Virginia had a great hunt. It was Bryant, a first time hunter at the Lodge that scored a great 10 point, his first buck ever. The buck had nice length on the G3s. Bryant also filled his doe tags all by the end of the second full day. Bryant's dad Kris also tagged a good seven point with good width. This was Kris's third trip to the lodge and he also took home some doe meat. And Ron, the leader of the Musick clan, tagged a very interesting buck. The buck was definitely a very mature fellow that was eight points and 19 6/8" wide, but on one side of his main beam had a G1 and G2 and the rest was slick with no additional points. The other side was a five point with short tines. Overall the buck had good mass, just a very interesting rack, on a hefty body. The Musicks will be returning next season, and Bryant is hooked!
The fourth buck bagged was taken by a new comer to the Lodge, Andy Dickens of Beckley, WV. This buck was down right an old timer. He had been around the block a few times. We estimated him at at least 6.5 yrs. But he was still holding his own with seven points and 15 3/4" wide. Andy also filled up his coolers with lots of doe meat.
James Bennet of Talcott, WV was the winner of the heaviest doe competition for this hunt. His doe weighed in at 98#. James has been to camp several seasons. James unfortunately just didn't see the buck for him this year, and that is the way of it sometimes.
It was the way of it for three of the other hunters as well. Father and daughter Guy and Niam Pavleck have been joining camp for several seasons, but the ball just didn't fall in their court on this hunt for a buck. They are taking home plenty of doe meat though.
Mike Dorsey of Pascogg, RI as well didn't tag a buck, but he finally did get to put down a feral hog for the first time, something he has wanted to do the last few seasons. One check on the bucket list for him.
And finally James Brogan of Athens, WV. For many many seasons James has been a guest at the lodge. In our opening meeting he let everyone know that he was pleased to be in camp with his best friend Ron, his granddaughter Niam, son in law Guy, his son Mike, and his one and only gunsmith James Bennet and dentist Andy. I feel like I can say he was well accompanied. James did tag all his does and put to rest a pesky raccoon.
While in camp this hunt we celebrated two birthdays, Ron Musick and Andy Dickens. We won't mention any ages, so a happy birthday to them.
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Hunt 7 2022
Gosh Darn it, this was a tough hunt. With 26 does taken, only three bucks were harvested on this hunt. It wasn't that bucks weren't being seen, there are plenty to see, just lots of variants are at play. It's been a very complicated last few weeks with these bucks, just dang interesting. It had rained several inches the day before the hunt started and west Texas dirt gets sticky and messy, the road coming into the lodge was a slick mess, the hunters that drove in will be taking several pounds of that dirt back to their home states.
So Stephanie Jordan From North Carrolton, MS was joining us for her second trip but this hunt she put her tag on her first buck. This buck was a really nice mature eight point that was 17 4/8" wide and weighed a good 148#. The first buck to be taken and it held the best buck of the hunt through to the very end. Steph also filled all her does tags.
Steve Moon from Freeland, MI was the second to harvest a buck. This buck was a very pretty and symmetrical eight point that was 17 6/8" wide. Also, Steve tagged two doe. Cheryl, Steve's lovely wife was also a hunter on the hunt and just didn't have a buck melt her butter. It goes that way sometimes. She did bag a feral hog and A doe. The couple has been joining us here at the lodge for many seasons.
The third buck taken was Ray Jordan. On the final morning he decided to take home a tasty tender six point for more meat to go with his and Stephanie's. This is the fourth season at camp for Ray.
Peter Ruseski from Dandridge, TN is a hunter who joins us for the sole purpose of harvesting does. This season he will be filling his freezer with five healthy mature does and eating well. I'm not sure how many seasons he has been in camp but it has been lots.
The Yeaters, Kevin and Ben from Monroe, GA have also been our guests for many seasons. This year luck wasn't on their side for buck hunting, but they are taking home six does. Kevin won the heaviest doe cup at 98#. Ben also bagged a feral hog, a female, which is even better. While out on a hunting adventure, they even saved a goat that had been stuck in the fence for a while. If you have never heard a goat scream, ask Ben what that sounds like. He had his face up close and personal while trying to wrestle the bugger out of the fence. It will send shivers up your spine. HeHe
Pete and Amber Mousseau, father and daughter, from Macomb, MI also did not see a buck to melt their butter but will be taking lots of doe meat home as well. Another six between the two. Pete has joined camp for many many seasons and likes to bring one of his kids. This time it was Amber, it was such a pleasure seeing her again in camp.
And Another Mousseau, Jim who now lives in Kamas, UT will also be eating lots of doe meat. Jim is the brother of Cheryl and cousin to Pete. I don't know how many seasons Jim has been coming to camp but it is a lot as well. Jim also bagged a hog.
That is a wrap my friends, till next hunt.
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Hunt 6 2022
Shoot, this was a damp and chilly hunt. I think everyone was always checking their phones to see if the weather was ever going to get better. The forecast would predict sun but it just wouldn't show it's face. The mornings were foggy and damp with consistent cloud cover. This group of hunters ranged from far west California to far east Pennsylvania and down south Florida. A mix match of hunters from all over.
On the first evening out we had two hunters take bucks. Both hunters are joining us for the first time ever and both tagged their first ever bucks. The first was Jason Robinson of Lancaster, PA. Jason put his tag on a nice mature nine point that was 14 2/8" wide and weighed 131#. Jason was joined in camp by his wife Aun, celebrating 25 years this year. Apparently hunting is PA has been hard for Jason over the years, Aun asked "Is he even going to get anything?" Jason said some seasons up north he might of only seen a few deer. Jason asked if I'd add this tidbit to his hunt story, kind of an inside shout out to his family. "Hey Dad, Joe, and Bud I did see A spike!" Jason finished out his hunt with 100% of his tags filled.
Now all the way from San Diego, CA Steve Feider joined us for the first time. On the first evening out Steve saw a buck that melted his butter. A nice tall eight point that was 14 4/8" wide. This was the first animal that Steve has ever harvested, he finished out his hunt as well with 100% hunting success and a nice fat 20# raccoon. I'd say Steve became proficient in hunting while at camp. Steve came to camp to rekindle an old friendship with his college roommate Zach Scott who has been hunting with us for several seasons, now Steve has decided to come back next year for another go round.
The hunting got a bit stale over the next day and a half, just a doe or two were tagged. Finely on the third evening hunt Brett Eckenrode of Fort Myers, FL tagged a cool eleven point buck that was 14 2/8"wide. The G2s each have a fork at the top of the tine. This is Bretts second time joining us at camp and as well he filled all his tags.
Bruce Dennington, also from Fort Myers, FL harvested a buck on this evening hunt. This buck was 17" wide with eight points. Bruce has been coming to camp for many, many seasons. We tried to look back and find the exact year but didn't. However, we do know that his son Justin was still is high school and he is now 38. So that's a lot of seasons. Bruce also filled all his tags. The following morning hunt his son Justin did score a really awesome buck! This buck was the buck of the hunt at 18" wide, nine points, 146#, and scored 113 7/8". Take a look at those antlers, three tines with acorns. A very healthy mature buck.
These next two hunters, father and son, Frank and Scott Kollar both were on the trophy option hunt. The did see some nice bucks but just not quite what they were looking for. Frank said his wife has dramatically down sized his mount collection, so the buck he chooses will have to be one that would melt her butter as well. HeHe. Frank now lives in Cape Corral, FL, he moved in just in time for the major storm and Scott is now a Texas resident in The Colony. Although they didn't tag bucks, they did harvest several doe between them both. Frank takes home the heavy doe cup at 99#s.
The final hunter left is Zach Scott of Westfield, IN. If we had a cup for most game taken it would go to Zach. In the early days of the hunt Zach tagged his does and a 200# hog. Moving on to the last few days he tagged a very nice seven point that was 17" wide and on the same morning he bagged up two javelinas 47# and 42#. The final critter Zach is taking to the taxidermist is a fox, the coolest thing is that he spent all this time with his dad, Bill Scott, our long time guide. Bill also brought in a real big fox on this hunt.
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HUNT 5 2022
This group of hunters comes together from all walks of life and location, last year this same group of guests hunted together for the first time. Coming together this time it was like old friends meeting up after not seeing each other for an entire year (HaHa). One new comer Jo, joined her husband Jimmy, and she messed right in. The laughter and joking began the moment our annual meeting began and rolled all the way through to the very end. The first story told was right off the bat during introductions told by Lee Wilson. - Just before coming to camp Lee & Diane (his lovely wife) had had some friends stop by for a visit as they were passing through Alabama headed to Florida. Most of you probably don't know Lee, but he has hunted all over the world and has many, many game mounts in his home. The guests arrived and entered their home and of course were stunned by the multitude of 'stuffed animals'. The woman turns and asks Lee if he shot them and ate them, she was appalled. Lee gets the side ways glance from Diane, you know the look. Lee says "Why I did, and they tasted great. She asks, "Do you shoot all your food?" Lee's reply, "I do, I'd even shoot broccoli!" Of course all the group chimed in - what did the broccoli score, was it a trophy, how many points, did you mount it? Such good times.
Brrrrrrr...... is what I have to say about the weather on this hunt, and shut the dang fan off. Gesh!
The young bucks are running the does, just wishing for their time. But we know that when the does are ready (it's so close) the mature bucks are going to swoop in. Meanwhile the mature bucks are hanging out in the distance fattening up still getting ready for the fireworks. On the first evening hunt this how Mike McCrea of Kenya, Africa put his tag on the biggest buck he has ever harvested. The buck was just casually grazing along, Mike's guide Kent set him up in the only open spot that would present the best possible shot. Kent tried some rattling and the buck wasn't falling for it, not even a bit. It was just going to have to be a waiting game, would the buck even graze in the right direction. After what probably seemed like hours to Mike, the buck started heading his way at a fair pace, Mike gave a small whistle and the buck stopped, 'Kablammy!!' he fired a shot and the buck took off. Mike had thought, "oh no I missed." But the buck fell dead about 50 yards off with a perfect shot. A beautiful heavy 10 point, that was perfect and weighed in at 153#. The score on this brute was 133 4/8" making it the biggest so far this season. Mike had a very successful hunt tagging 3 doe and taking home the cup with a 101# doe.
So that was a great way to start a hunt, and things were on a role. The next morning Jo Epperson of Troup, TX bagged her very first buck ever! We are so proud of her. This is the first time Jo has come to camp, she made the trip with her husband Jimmy Epperson who was joining us for his third season in a row. The buck Jo tagged was a nice eight point that was 13 4/8" wide and weighed 124#. Although Jo wasn't able to catch up to any does, Jimmy made up for it filling his harvest with four. We will be seeing the Epperson's again in April for turkey season.
Jessica McGee of Eros, LA was the third to tag a buck. This is the second season Jess has joined us and she also had a very successful hunt. She tagged her beautiful eight point on the second evening, the unique crab claw that swooped into the front melted her butter, she asked God for a sign, and the buck just stayed and stayed. She took that as the sign. Jess also tagged three doe and her very first raccoon.
The following morning John McGee from Dubach, LA, father of Jess and Lucas, put his tag on a very special buck. This really cool 12 point is absolutely fantastic. Take a look at those forked G3s and those G2s that really stick straight out the back. If you look back at the trail camera pics we have a side shot of this buck on October 12, such a neat buck. When John spotted this buck coming in his rifle was leaned in the corner of the blind, he didn't have any binocs with him and he knew if he tried to reach for the rifle it would spook the buck. Finally the buck wasn't looking in his direction and he made his move to get the scope on him and take a look. John started counting points and got to six on just one side and knew 'yep', that's the buck for me. The buck was 15 4/8" wide, 12pnts, and 148#. Also John brought down a 250# hog.
Now here we are to Lee Wilson from Gulf Shores, AL, the guy who will shoot and eat anything, even broccoli. Lee harvested a whopper of a seven point! This big necked brute weighed in at 152# and took the lead of widest this season so far with a 21" spread. Some how or another when Kent, his guide, arrived to pick him up that evening he presented him with a head of broccoli. My goodness, these guys crack me up! So Lee sent out a picture to his compadres with him and his trophy broccoli. Also Lee took down a 200# hog and two does.
Well darn it, Lucas McGee from Dubach, LA just wasn't seeing anything on his hunt. I was really starting to feel bad. And the guys were giving him a hard time, this is a rough crowd, no sympathy around here. Not even one doe would pop her head out. Oh gosh, but finally, Lucas did get to put a tag on a really good eight point. This buck had nice width at 18 1/8" and weighed 150#.
John McIntosh of Sparks, NV came down to the wire with time on his hunt. It was the last few hours of the last day that he finally saw the buck that made his heart skip a beat. And rightly this buck would do that to most of you hunters, the length of those G2s on this buck was something to write home about. At 16" wide with eight points this buck scored 122 5/8" Way to wait it out John.
Tom and Diane Peterson traveled all the way out from Odessa, Fl. This lovely couple has been coming to the lodge for many seasons, and it has been such a pleasure getting to know them. This wasn't the year for Tom to tag a buck but he held the leader board with the heavy doe for quite some time. He ended up tagging three doe, and Diane shopped to her hearts content, so they both are taking something home that they worked hard for.
If we could have a drum rollllllll..... and the participation trophy goes to Ken Carter. Gosh Darn it! Ken hails from Orange Beach, AL and came all the way out to TX and put a thrashing on a monster Raccoon. This thing scored a whopping 15, 15 lbs that is. Well done Ken, Thank you for the Poinsettia, it's lovely.
That's a wrap!
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Hunt 4 2022
Well this hunt had it all. It started with a warm and beautiful 80 degree day, merging into some gusty winds swirling the dust and that brewed up one heck of a thunder and lightning storm which dumped an inch of rain that made a soupy muddy mess with a wind out of the north, and the final morning temperature was a very brisk 27 degrees with a heavy frost. But hey, that's what hunting season is supposed to be like, right?
Just like the weather this group of hunters had it all, from hunt bets with revolving rules to the very best jokes. Eight of the hunters hail from Georgia, one from West Virginia, and one from PA. All friends, family, or acquainted. As you may have read in the previous hunts this year we have a cool engraved tumbler cup for each hunt to the hunter who harvests the heaviest doe of the hunt. It couldn't just be left at that with this group, it went from heaviest with a head shot, to two different cups ( head shot heaviest & just plain Heaviest), and then you had to declare if you wanted to count your doe before it was weighed for it to count. And there was a pot of $100 per cup. Wheeew, are you following, I think everyone got lost along the way at one point or another. It did make it interesting though.
The sever weather change had the bucks on the move finally. The hunters were seeing bucks everywhere. The rut has started and they are chasing and wearing the poor does out, the does get real hard to come by this time of year because they are so dang afraid to make an appearance at any feeder. With that said, who wants to see what the hunt produced? I bet you do!
An unusual thing happened at the lodge, not a single deer was shot on the first evening. The hunter must of had the nervous jitters, a couple had taken pictures of some incredible bucks on this night but being the first night it can be hard to convince yourself to make the call.
The next morning though Mike Lewis a second year guest from Scott Depot, WV tagged a heck of a nice wide eight point. This buck had great mass that carried all the way through the 18" of width, and check out those eye guards, just as long as the tines. This buck weighed a hefty 160#s, now that's a good west TX mature buck.
It was on the same day but the evening hunt that Jim Lewis of Stoneboro, PA put a tag on his buck. This is the first trip to Adobe for Jim, his son Mike, mentioned above, treated him to a fantastic hunt. We are honored that he chose to bring Jim to our camp. It was Veterans day over this hunt and we would like to honor Jim, a Vietnam vet, by saying a heart felt Thank You for your service. Now let's talk about this buck. A very unique set of antlers topped this guys head, like a crown of flames almost. The buck was 13" wide but made up for that in height and length with really good eye guards.
Ok, Brandon Snyder of Monroe, GA a guest of the Lodge now for three seasons has been razed constantly by this group of hunters as a last day, last hour, last minute, on the way to the airport buck hunter. However, this was the one buck that broke his streak, and it was defiantly one anybody would have put a tag on. It's not very often that we see bucks that have a true sixth point. This buck did on one side, and did have six on the other side but not the true point on the main beam, but an additional point on the base, making it a 12 point. A nice mature buck that scored 123 3/8". Brandon was the only hunter to fill all his tags on the hunt with three does as well.
Well, well. The best buck of the hunt goes to A well deserved Don Dipietro of Flowery Branch, GA. I say well deserved because Don made the road trip hauling all the hunting gear of his comrades to the Lodge and is hauling all the gear and the meat of 26 deer home! He defiantly deserved the trophy. His trophy was a beautiful eleven point buck that was 18 6/8" wide and weighed a whopping 181#s. What!!! A mature brute with a one inch drop point making the score 125 5/8".
As the weather began to cool down after the hellacious thunder and lightening storm Phil Peppers of Canton, GA put his scope on this beautiful symmetrical eight point buck and layed him down for his final nap. Phil had a goal on this hunt, he was looking for the perfect symmetrical buck for the perfect euro mount. I'd say he picked the right one for the job, Phil passed on several much larger bucks and shared the info on to others in the group in hopes that they may have great success with their harvest. Being that this was Phil's third trip to camp and him tagging a top 3 buck last year he had different goals this year, I love that. The buck Phil chose was 16 4/8" wide. Phil did win the heaviest head shot doe bet, however, I'm sure his son Trey is making it home with the cup. Ha Ha
Mitchell Minter of Mariette, GA was joining us as a first time guest. I love when we have the opportunity to share our camp with new people. Mitch will probably be so happy that I share this but, he was nervous. Who wouldn't be, admitting it is awesome. You never know what your getting yourself into when you sign up for something like this. But my favorite thing when new guests come is the excitement they have when they return back to camp after spending time out on the ranches looking at deer. Most of them are blown away by the amount of bucks they see, and that is fantastic. Mitch did well and watched and waited for a fantastic buck. This buck was an eleven point that was 15 6/8" wide with G3's that shoot right up like look at me! If you can zoom in on the bucks bases, that is where his 11th point is coming from, he has on each side extra points, one is a measurable inch. This buck scored 124 7/8"
Now this girl Savannah Huffstetler from Cumming, GA is my type of gal. I absolutely love when women can be on the forefront of hunting. She's a teacher, softball coach, and a new wife, and a very avid hunter with a competitive side. Savannah tagged a nice all around eight point that was 17 4/8" wide and was 148#s. I mentioned that she was a new wife, last year Savannah came to the Lodge for the first time as the girl friend of Trey Peppers. This year she and Trey have been married now for almost six months. And that brings us to Trey Peppers, also living now in Cumming, GA and joining us for the second time. Trey tagged his buck as well on the same morning, I'm unsure who shot theirs first, but it really doesn't matter. At 15 4/8" wide with eight points, this buck will be a tasty addition to freezer. We would like to congratulate the both of them on their nuptials, and wish them great happiness and success in their marriage.
The final buck tagged on the hunt was taken by Steve Welch of Monroe, GA . Last year in season 2021 Steve tagged the buck of the year and decided to hunt on the trophy option this year, being it was going to take a special one to top last years. Also he spent a lot of time hunting with his daughter Tessa on this hunt. On this morning hunt Tessa decided not to go out on a hunt so Steve and his guide Dan headed out. This buck was hunted by the spot and stalk method. Steve's hunt ended with an 18 6/8" wide, 10 point, with a split eye guard, and the other flat like a blade. Also Steve takes the heaviest doe cup home, she weighed 118#s. I'm sure the cup will be holding Tessa's choice drink Monday morning.
The final hunter Tessa Cotton whom is from Bremen, GA deserves an honorable mention, absolutely. Tessa is joining us once again on her second trip out. Sitting around the skinning shed she said her and Steve could have a sitcom show of them in the blinds together. I wonder what would it be called? Although Tessa did not get a buck this year she was the only one that tagged three does in one morning hunt, the walk and stalk hunt method worked great for her. She endured a horrific thunder, lightning, and rain storm as it battered her little blind, but all in all I know she had a fantastic time at camp.
Also, we had the opportunity to see the finished product mounts of last seasons #1 and #3 bucks by Tim Bunting, our favorite local taxidermist.
All the staff that were on this hunt would like to say a very big thank you to the hunters, especially Don (for all the organization and prep) and Kent Terrill our own guide and owner of 3T Guide service (for the fish and cooking it) and to Charlie and Cindy our cooks for cooking it. So Thank You for treating every one with a fantastic meal it was fantastic!!!
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Hunt 3 2022
For Eight of the nine hunters on this hunt it began with a road trip from Pennsylvania. Bruce Legg and Mark Caterson of Montrose, PA in one vehicle and the other six, Greg, Mike, and Jason (the adults) and Cadden, Tanner, and Owen (the teenagers and cousins) all from Kingsly, PA and they all live on the same road. The boys told me they could sing you all the words to Greg's music play list, as they had heard it many times between PA and TX. Road trips are the best!
The ninth hunter HB Lantz rounded off the hunt as the lone wolf of the gang. HB traveled from Troy, VA on a path he has journey to the lodge at least 25 times, he could probably make the trip with his eyes closed. Usually when a hunt begins and it is mixed with strangers from other locations there is a lot of silence and awkwardness between guests, but one of my favorite things to see in camp is the progression of interaction. After an evening hunt as dinner was called for and we made sure all the hunters had come in, one of the young gentleman said, "Where's HB?" It's just nice to see that everyone is looking out and thinking of the other hunters.
So lets look at some bucks!
Michael Holtsmaster tag his buck on his first hunt out. This was a most interesting buck. Very, very tall and unique set of antlers. A nine point that was 14.5" wide and was a healthy 140#s. Michael also tagged out on does.
The following morning Cadden Holtsmaster bagged a beauty! At 15" wide and nine long tines this buck scored a nice 117 5/8" and weighed 134#. Cadden also tagged out on does.
Owen Cameron followed suit with a nine point as well. His buck was 14 5/8" wide with a good crab claw and an interesting hole in the main beam. It was said that this buck was a mean brute at the feeder and wanted to fight everyone. Chasing and antagonizing all the bucks, picking fights with all. Owen ended up winning the heavy doe trophy of the hunt, his doe weighed in at 112#s
It was very quiet on this night, a rare occasion, no deer to clean. So much visiting was done and lots of camp fire wood was burned. But the quiet didn't last...
The following morning the bucks were on the move. It had cooled down through the night and Tanner Holtsmaster put a kill shot in a heavy horned nine point. This brute was 16 1/4" wide and weighed in at 151#s, check out that picture, the buck had mass all the way to the end of his tines.
Now Bruce Legg also put a whoopin in on a gorgeous eight point this morning hunt. I would like to nickname this buck the 'Pitchfork Buck'. The way those tines come up all the same length really just remind me of a pitchfork, or maybe the trident of Poseidon. The buck had nice width at 17" and eight points. Bruce has hunted at Adobe many seasons and knows when he sees a special buck. Also he tagged two doe.
And again on this very morning Jason tagged his buck. This buck may have haunted his dreams a bit. Jason Cameron had the opportunity to study the buck on the previous night hunt, contemplating, and thinking and deciding to pass him up. The next morning hunt Jason decided to go back and look again in hopes that the buck might return. Well the buck did come back, he came busting into the area with a side kick like they were kings of the hill. Charging in like that Jason decided YES this was the buck for him. The buck was 17 5/8" wide, with eight points and weighed 124#s. The rack on this buck was like a square, you could have set a box right on the inside of his antlers. Jason also tagged out on does.
The following evening hunt out Greg Maxey showed the group what a nice wide buck looks like, he tagged this eight point that was 18 3/8" wide and weighed in at 153#s. Just a stud of a mature buck. I don't know how often it happens or if really has ever at Adobe but Greg tagged out with his deer all in one day. On the morning hunt he actually harvested three doe in the same sitting, and then his buck in the afternoon. Another thing that may have never happened here at Adobe is while Greg was watching these does he intended to tag, two smaller bucks got to fighting around the feeder pretty hard and broke one of the legs and knocked it over, down the entire feeder crashed startling Greg more than the deer I think. An interesting day for sure.
On the Last full day in camp our veteran guest HB Lantz decided on the buck for him. This beautiful eight point I don't think, could have gotten anymore symmetrical if you asked. The main beam had good length swooping around and the tines as well. When you see a buck that is 17 3/4" wide walking away you know it is a good one. Another healthy buck weighing in at 144#s, and another trophy for HBs great collection of Adobe bucks. We will be seeing HB again in January, my kitty Gringo will be patiently waiting for his buddy.
Well that leaves just one more hunter Mark Caterson. Did he get the job done? Why yes he did, he not only got it done, he tagged the buck of the hunt scoring at 121 1/8". It was the final evening of the hunt and as the day was coming to an end this fantastic buck made his last call. At 17 5/8" wide with ten points this beauty and Mark closed the hunt. Congrats Mark!
That brings us to the end of hunt 3, all the hunters were successful with great bucks and the doe harvest is continuing on steady. Till next time.
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HUNT 2 2022
It was a beautiful west Texas afternoon as the hunters were arriving for the kick off of hunt #2 of the season. All was well and everyone had shot in and had a full belly from lunch, just enjoying the peaceful day. On a rare occasion, in pulled the TX game warden truck for a random drive in. No matter how much you know you are completely innocent and prepared, you instantly feel like a criminal. I'm a nail bitter, and I'm pretty sure I started to naw away at them. So, as a friendly reminder to all our hunters who were born after Sept. 2, 1971 it is required that you carry a copy of your hunters safety card on your person with your license or you will receive a ticket if asked to present it by a game warden and do not have it, this is the outcome of the recent visit to the Lodge.
So on to some hunting. The hunting was tough on this hunt, with the rain we have been having the weeds have shot up. Their is a particular weed we call fillery that the deer think is fantastic, it's like a drug to them and they chase it. So needless to say, it made it difficult hunting but still there were good bucks harvested and some healthy does.
Ron Simmons of Phoenix, AZ was the first to make contact with a good 9 point that was 15 6/8" wide and weighed 152#. Ron is an avid trapper also and in between his hunts he laid out traps. He caught eight raccoon to take home. This is the third season Ron has joined us in camp and he will be back in January with his sons for another round of good hunting.
Micheal Sarver of College Station, TX is joining us for his second season. This year he brought his 15 year old son Grayson along for the hunt as a non hunter and they both shared the experience together each time out. The buck that Micheal and Grayson choose was a beautiful 10 point with good mass. At 15 1/8" wide and weighing in at 126# it was a great memory for father and son. While in camp, come to find out, Micheal enjoys horseback riding. So we saddled up and headed out: Me, Micheal, and Grayson. They were both fantastic riders and enjoyed themselves tremendously.
The next fellow to get the job done was John Seps from San Jancinto, CA. John has been joining the Lodge for many years and has had great success. This year John put his tag on a nice 9 point, that was 16 1/8" wide, and weighed 143#. John and Ron Simmons have been friends for many years, it was actually john that introduced Ron the Lodge. This year is the first time that they have been in camp together on the same hunt and let me tell you the bantering and jokes were freely pouring out of them. It was great!
The next three hunters that we're about to read about are the Ivey's. Joe (dad), Tony(son), and Russell(son). These three fine gentleman hail from Houston, TX and have been guests of the Lodge for many seasons. Russell put his tag on a pretty 15" 10 point buck first and then Tony followed the next day with an 11 point that was 15 2/8" wide. Take a look at the interesting points this guy has around the bass. This buck was the buck of the hunt scoring 118 2/8". Also Russell won the big doe competition on this hunt with a doe weighing 108#. Seems like Papa Joe taught these guys how to pick some nice deer.
I have to tattle on my self now, maybe some of you will find this funny, but man on man I sure didn't. Sam Seps and Jim Gillard both tagged bucks on the same morning. I did my thing, cleaned each buck up, posed the buck, made each hunter go through the motions of posing for me as I clicked away with my camera. Sam was the first and then Jim came in a bit later and I did it all over again. Jim's wife Suezanne even joined in the photo session for a few shots, and she's not the fondest of the whole concept. We finished up and as David starts to process the buck I get a funny thought, just a notion, for some reason to go look at my camera. I open up the card slot, EMPTY! My stomach sank to the floor. My only saving grace for the pictures of these bucks was that Jim asked me to take one with his phone, and Sam's Dad John's Camera.
Sam Seps of Henet, CA put his tag on a tender juicy 8 point buck that was 13" wide. The buck had some nice height as well. Sam has been joining his Dad John at the lodge for many seasons and it has become a nice tradition. This year he also got to enjoy all the jokes shared around the camp fire with John and Ron.
Jim Gillard of Ramona, CA tagged a nice heavy 9 point that was 14.5" wide. Jim was joined in camp by his lovely wife Suezanne Parker and her puppy Wallace, they pulled their giant 5th wheel camper all the way from CA.
The final hunter to tag a buck was Dude Phelan of Ocala, FL. Dude held out for two hunts a and decided this was the one he'd put his stamp on. A very good, 18 5/8" wide 10 point. Stephanie, his lovely wife, joined him in camp for another round and kept the camp full of smiles with her sweet presence. The next two photos are now and then of Dude and our cook Charlie Bowers. In 1994 Charlie Bowers was guiding Dude on a hunt here a Adobe, 28 years have gone by and here they are both in camp once again at the same time. Who could resist the opportunity to photograph the two.
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HUNT 1 2022
OCTOBER 25-28
FINALLY, it has arrived! The anticipation has been building, the wait is over, well at least for the first group of hunters. And without further ado lets dig into hunt # 1.
It was a beautiful west TX afternoon as the hunters headed out for their first adventure in the wiles of the Texas woods. It was Theron Chapman of Ona, WV that paved the way right away on the first night, I shouldn't even say night, literally Theron was just getting settled in his blind and in comes the first deer of the day probably about 3:30pm. It couldn't have gone any better for Theron, this brute of a buck weighed in at a whopping 182# of pure TX goodness. The first buck down and the buck of this hunt scored 131 3/8" B/C and had (I Believe) 13 scoreable points 1" or greater and several smaller little points around the base and was 16 6/8" wide. What a fantastic way to start the season. Theron had a very successful hunt also harvesting 4 does, and a 60# javelina.
About 4pm a good ole' gusty storm blew in- not only blowing some rain but dust as well, at the same time, just making it a very pleasant evening.
That same first evening Wayne Allums of Carthage, TX joined in on the hunting fun and tagged what I would call a wavy buck. This buck also was sporting some extra points around the base with two additional measurable points. The buck weighed 116#, and scored 107 4/8". Also Wayne tagged a doe and we ate the back strap wrapped in bacon prepared by our cook Tony as an appetizer, it was so delicious. Wayne has been hunting at the lodge on and off for some time for deer and turkey, on his trip this time round he brought a full mount flying turkey that was harvested at Adobe Lodge to be on display in camp. It sure adds some pazzaz to the lodge. Thank you Wayne!
It was the second night hunt that Freddy McCall of Pollock, LA tagged one mean looking buck that must have been the king of the hill, he sure is one cool looking buck. Blind in one eye with some apparent scull damage, this buck tipped the scales at 158#, and scored 123 2/8" with 10 points. Check out the picture from above the rack, those horns curve in so tight. Freddy also tagged 3 does. Before the trip out to TX Freddy and his lovely wife Kathleen had prepared many jars of jam to be shared with the lodge and its guest and guides. What a thoughtful gesture, it will surely be enjoyed by all.
It seemed to be the trend of this hunt and the bucks were tagged in the afternoon hunts. It was on the third night that Greg West of Wimberly, TX harvested the widest buck of the hunt. A beautiful eight point that was 17 6/8" wide and scored 111", the weight was 147#. Greg was also another very successful hunter and tagged 4 does and two very, very large feral boar hogs on the same evening roughly weighing 250#. One was taken down with a pistol.
The evening trend continued with Adam Petryszak of Jane Lew, WV. He also tagged a nice eight point that had good width at 17", scored 109 5/8", and weighed 145#. He, as well, tagged 4 does but added a 49# Javelina to his list.
Ronnie White was joining us once again for his second trip to the lodge from Milton, WV. Check out the beautiful buck that Ronnie tagged, the antlers were a very light color that lit up when the sun shone on him emerging from the brush. This buck also had a little nubbin at the base making him an 11 point that scored 125 4/8" that weighed 139#. Additionally Ronnie tagged 4 does and a 48# javelina.
The final fellow to tag on the last evening hunt was Jim West of Wimberly, TX. This was a very pretty seven point buck that just happened to want some feed on the wrong day. This buck was 17 2/8" wide. Jim harvested one doe on the first evening hunt that won him the big doe contest on hunt # 1. This will be a new event this year on each hunt, the prize is a nice Adobe engraved insulated tumbler cup. Jim's doe weighed in at 102#, congratulations!
A very strong storm blew in threw the last night in camp making it a wet muddy mess the last morning. But Mark Chapman of Ona, WV was determined to get out there one last time and see what would rustle up for him to bring home. What it turned out to be was what we call a 111# tasty seven point.
Dude Phelan is the last hunter to mention. In the words of some wise person, "That's why it's called hunting, not killing." I'm sure that phrase is ringing through Dudes ears this last week, sometimes the luck of the draw just isn't in your favor. But good news, Dude hunts back to back hunts so he will be back at it on Sunday evening. His lovely wife Stephanie has joined him at the Lodge, and we would like to say congratulations on your 50th Anniversary this year!
And they all lived happily ever after. The End
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