Old Barasingha Bull…Another Superb Trophy!
Colette had come back for one of the barasingha bulls that she had seen while hunting on the Patio Ranch in January 2011. Immediately, Colette had asked us to let her know when to come hunt one of these magnificent creatures. (At that time, the bulls were near to dropping antlers and most had broken tines and beams from 6 months of fighting and sparring.) We immediately picked a date for her hunt and set it in the ranch calendar. She had been wise to plan this hunt for the time of year when the old bulls strip velvet as they start to fight and break antlers almost before the antlers have been stripped.
Timbo’s “Dream-Come-True” Sheep Hunt!
Timbo is always looking for those special hunts. The search does not necessarily depend on the size of the horns and antlers or where the animal will list in the record books. His deciding factor is just in total appeal of the animal to him. It is not important who else knows that he took the animals, just that he knows and can enjoy the memories of the hunt for the rest of his life; that he can look back and know that this animal was hunted in fair chase and was treated with respect before and after the hunt; that the animal is appreciated for what it is and is not compared to this one or that one; that he can reflect, enjoy and take in the hunt from the smallest detail of the animals appearance to the habitat in which the animal lived; that in some small way, he is contributing to the survival of many different and rare animals by giving them value as a species.
That’s What It’s All About!
It’s not rocket science….it’s not complex! Hunting is fun and a way of life that hunters pass on to those they love and care about. Hunters educate the next generation about the beauty, joy and responsibilities of this wonderful heritage. Hunting is a direct tie to God’s earth and is a way that hunters can help others to reconnect to the land that may have lost their way. Hunting is about guaranteeing that this legacy will be available to our future generations because hunters care enough about the land to fight and keep our way of life…to pass it on. Young Eli and his father are a perfect example of “what it’s all about!” Eli wants his son to have as many opportunities as possible to learn about animals and their ecosystems as well as the ethics and skills needed to become a good hunter.
Markhor Hunt...The Grand Old Survivor!
Through the years, many hunters have shared hunts with us here on the Patio Ranch. Of those many individuals, a few seem to have a knack for being in the right place at the right time to spot or be in position to get a good shot at their quarry. Woody is one of those individuals. However, to Woody on that morning of his markhor hunt, it probably seemed that this was not one of the gifts that he had been blessed to possess.
Manchurian Sika…Another Super Trophy!
The hunt started as many do during this late fall time of year in the Texas Hill Country…a warm day that suddenly turns cool with the passing of a fast-moving cold front. But the day was too advanced to search for the sika that Wes had been saving for this special friend; we decided to wait until the morning to start the hunt in earnest. Instead, a special birthday with two special people that had returned to the ranch to share the celebration was enjoyed by all. A warm fire burning in the lodge fireplace, good wine, a great meal (compliments of Jayne) and good fellowship topped the celebratory evening.
Patio Ranch Trophy Arabian Oryx…Success of a Great Program!
One would think that a group of white animal in the green landscape of the Texas Hill Country would stand out and be easily located. However, when that herd of Arabian Oryx bulls is located in a large hunting pasture that is a mixture of thick juniper brush in the draws and with scattered oak mottes and thickets of brush interspersed throughout the pasture, the seemingly logical statement does not hold true.
First Manchurian Sika for Fall 2010!
Carter arrived on the Friday afternoon not really knowing what to expect in regard to Manchurian Sika on The Patio Ranch. He did mention that prior to his arrival he had looked on the internet at different sika deer and said that he had not seen any to compare to those on the Patio Ranch web site. At the time, he had little knowledge of the sika deer; but, he was on his way to becoming an expert on appearance and behavior of a true Manchurian Sika by the end of the weekend.
First Manchurian Sika Hunt for 2009!
Patt has been a staunch supporter of the Safari Club International for many years and faithfully attends the Dallas Club convention in January. This past January, a donation by the Stumberg Patio Ranch to the auction featured a pure Manchurian Sika hunt. As with all hunts that Patt anticipates, he researched the Patio Ranch as well as information on the animals present on the ranch. His search convinced him that he would like to bid strongly on this Pure Manchurian Sika hunt. After the smoke cleared on the auction floor, Patt was the high bidder.
Youth Management Mouflon Hunt!
Chris had been working very hard this summer by helping to raise an orphan Nubian ibex named “Curly”, feeding all of the pastures with his dad, and accomplishing many other varied and important tasks that need to be done when one is 10 years of age and living on a ranch. Now was his time for a well deserved reward in one of his favorite past-times: hunting - a heritage passed to him from his father!! Here is a story about a hunt as seen from the eyes of this young hunter.
Large Axis Bull – Another Father/Son Hunt!
Eli and his son, Little Eli, seem to be inseparable and best “buddies”. Eli’s love of hunting has definitely been passed on to this bright and loquacious young man. Young Eli at 6 years of age can tell about the life history and other behavior details of many of the exotic hoof stock species on the Patio Ranch from listening to conversations and stories told in his presence as well asA the books that he and his father read together almost every day. He can identify on sight most of the animal species on the ranch. His desire to hunt and be in the great outdoors is evident.