Heading out to the ranch tomorrow.

[Ron M.]

Time to start hunting season prep. Going to meet the state game biologist for an area herd count and recommended harvest. I haven't checked fences in 2 months, neighbors say all looks good fortunately. The 2 ranchers that graze cattle on our land tell me conditions are looking good this year. Need to clean the feeders and start putting out corn. I will be targeting hogs the next few nights. My son and son in law have been out there several times in the last few months, only saw 3 hogs and killed 2. The ranch to our west has seen bear signs and asked we set out game cameras along the fence line and sendero between the ranches. I hope we do have a bear or bears in the area, I always like watching them as they forage.

[Ron M.]

Heard back from the game biologist this morning. Recommended we shoot no more than 4 trophy class bucks, 6 to 10 cull/spike bucks and 10 to 15 does.

Did a bit of fence repair last week. Fortunately not a lot was needed.  I'm getting old, the heat and humidity wiped me out after a few hours.  The son, son in law, and nephews are going to start doing more of the maintenance, my brother and I are going to make them.  Saw lots of deer, 2 really nice bucks. The hog control efforts are paying off, didn't see any signs and none of the traps were tripped. I did see some bear tracks and scat on the western side of the ranch. Game cameras have been set out in likely spots. All of the berry tangles are bare of fruit as are the wild grapes. That's a good sign the bear or bears are feeding in the area. I also like the fact that a bear will kill and eat a feral hog.

[Earl Keese]

It's good that the younger men will be helping with maintenance. Hopefully they gain a level of appreciation for the family treasure they share. Would love to see some pics of this year's harvest.

[Tok36]

Too bad that you can not ride the bears to hunt the hogs.  I would like to see what a bear saddle looks like.

Thank you for the post.

[Ron M.]

Too bad that you can not ride the bears to hunt the hogs.  I would like to see what a bear saddle looks like.

Thank you for the post.

Texas black bears aren't very big, I probably weigh as much or more than what a typical one does. I'm 6' 1" and 200 pounds. I don't ride horses, they don't seem to like me. The rest of the family love the things. I think of them as a pasture ornaments, at most. I get along fine with donkeys and mules, we both walk and they carry stuff for me. An apple or carrot works as a bribe if needed. I'll stick to walking, a truck, or motorcycle to get around the ranch.

[eoats]

Lovely reading your post.  Urban guy that I am it is nice to hear of the life you lead.