Ranch News Detail

Tinsley, McGroarty enjoy prize hunt

By Judith Pannebaker

As the winner of the Ranchers and Landowners 2008 Trophy Buck Hunt raffle, George Tinsley and his hunting companion-in-arms, James McGroarty, wasted no time recently baggin’ some big ‘uns at the Steve Forest Ranch in Dryden.

Between them, the intrepid hunters bagged a trio of bucks, the racks of which added up to an accumulated 26 points.

Punching his winning ticket, Tinsley received two night’s accommodations for two people on the ranch, as well as meals, guide fees and transportation throughout the ranch. All in all, according to both Tinsley and McGroarty, it was $20 well spent.

Along with the bagging of one trophy deer, the winner of the raffle and his hunting partner were also encouraged to harvest as many predators as possible such as mountain lions, bobcats and coyotes.

The Steve Forest Ranch sprawls across 41,000 acres in Terrell County, according to Bobby Aycock, chairman of the RLAT trophy buck hunt. Aycock also manages of the 111 Ranch.
Using his own personal GPS, Aycock said the ranch was located south of Ozona and east of Alpine in what he described as “one of the most uninhabited areas of Texas.”

Within the 41,000 acres, Forest has installed high fences around approximately 23,000 acres to enclose and protect his highly managed exotic species and trophy bucks. “The fence keeps the prize animals in and the ‘undesirable’ local elements out,” Aycock explained.

According to Aycock, when the herds of exotics must be culled, Forest offers special hunts. “All the special hunts are done with Managed Texas Game and Wildlife Permits,” Aycock added. Along with generic West Texas wildlife such as mule deer and white-tail deer, javelina and wild turkeys, Forest’s ranch also serves as home to exotics, including Red Stags, Hog deer, Blackbuck antelope, Addax, Kudo, Thompson gazelles, Dama gazelles and impalas, among other varieties.

Aycock said Forest and then-raffle Chairman Rudy Jaime initiated the first two hunts.

Forest continues to donate the hunts to help fund RLAT projects, which include law enforcement endeavors, rewards for the prosecution of poachers and projects geared toward the youth of Bandera County.

“This year the goal of the members of the Ranchers and Landowners Association was to raise money to purchase animals at the junior livestock show and sale,” Aycock said. “It was my first time out there and it was quite an experience. One of the biggest rewards was to see the smiles on the kids’ faces after their animals sell.”

He continued, “I have the highest respect for Warren Thigpen and the buyers who helped the kids out. It’s nice to see all the hard work being repaid.”

Aycock reminded everyone that tickets for the 2009 Trophy Buck Hunt raffle would be on sale in July at commercial businesses throughout the county. Tickets may be purchased from RLAT members as well.

The drawing takes place at an RLAT function in October, but the winner does not need to be present to claim his – or her – prize.

RLAT’s three-fold mission includes:

• serving as a collective voice in the State of Texas against any person or entity – governmental or otherwise – that challenges or seeks in any way to undermine the rights of property owners.

• supporting law enforcement agencies that serve and protect the property of the citizens of Texas.

• providing educational information and resources on subjects and activities of interest to property owners’ rights and rural lifestyle.

RLAT monthly meetings are open to the public. For additional information, call 830-796-4463 or 830-688-6108.