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Over the Memorial Day weekend I was fortunate in getting the opportunity to go down to Rocksprings Texas and do a hunt for an Axis doe. The hunt started on Friday Afternoon, the 25th. and ended at Noon on Sunday, the 27th. The hunt took place on the 640 acre Koon's Canyon Ranch, www.koonscanyonranch.com/ It is a well managed high fence ranch located a few miles south of the town of Rocksprings, with well managed being the key to the operation. hunting high fenced properties have been a mixed bag for me, some really good, others really sorry. Koon's Canyon is one of the good ones my goal was to shoot my doe with my 1894 Winchester Chief Crazy Horse Commerative in 38-55 caliber, but the game proved more elusive that many would expect on a high fenced property. I was in/on stand Friday afternoon/Saturday morning and afternoon and again on Sunday morning. On Saturday morning I had a group of over a dozen Axis does and fawns circle past my stand between 250 and 300 yards out, which was well beyond my capabilitie with the 38-55. Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning I wussed out and carried my .35 Whelen. On Saturday afternoon two really good bull elk walked out at about 90 yards while still light enough to shoot but I was not hunting elk. Sunday morning I was back in the stand where I had seen the Axis does Saturday morning. As it got light enough to see I noticed that had about 20 white tail does and bucks around the feeder. I was watching them thru my binoculars when I noticed one of them had spots. At first I thought it was a whitetail fawn but then when it moved into the clear I realized it was my Axis doe. It was a doable shot with the 38-55, but I was till packing the Whelen and there is nothing wrong with that choice in my book. Here are some pictures of my doe and the ranch. I recommend Koon's Canyon Ranch to anyone wanting a good enjoyable hunting experience.     T Even the rocks don't last forever. | ||
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I love the Rocksprings area, for its diversity and abundance of game. I hunted a ranch 12 miles south of Rocksprings on Spur 55 for several years. We had porcupine, ringtail cats,black squirrels, fox, coyote, panther, goats, audad sheep, turkey, hogs, whitetail, axis, sika, fallow deer. Now and then an occasional elk that wander through. It wasn't uncommon to hear them bugling down in the canyons. What's not to like about an opportunity like the one you describe. You were on a meat hunt and were successful. Axis meat makes great table fare. Nice thing about hunting axis is you can hunt them year round. Works out fine about now when venison may be running low. Although I've not hunted high fenced ranches, what some folk fail to realize is that just because the ranch is high fenced and one may or may not hunt over bait, a kill is not guaranteed. Good on ya. Best GWB | |||
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The area you mentioned is approximately where I was hunting. South on 55 just past the Edwards County Airport then east a few miles on a county road. From what I gathered the 640 acres I hunte on was part of a several thousand acre ranch that broke up and was parceled off a few years back, fairly recently I believe. Places like this are what give high fence operations a good name. Fair amount of game to look at but no certainty of seeing any particular animal. Even the rocks don't last forever. | |||
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I know the area. We were about 8 miles south of the ranch of which you speak, on the same side of the highway. The ranch we were on was a couple thousand acres about 4 miles in on a country road. Couldn't hardly get to it unless you had a 4 wheel drive vehicle, and could not get around the ranch at all in a two wheel drive. Some wild, rough and beautiful country. Best GWB | |||
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huntincats....you need to quit the booze. You are one angry feller. | |||
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Looks like a good time. I think Axis deer are amazing....must be my favorite Texas game animal, and they make for spectacular venison. Congrats and thanks for posting. . | |||
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Thank You Sir. Lora and I think axis is among the better tasting venison's. While some folks will have reservations about this, Axis sushi, backstrap cut into small slices and soaked in soy/tabasco and lemon juice is excellent. I do the same with whitetail, but the axis has a better flavor. Even the rocks don't last forever. | |||
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Nicely done... and I am glad to see you getting out more lately after the accident.  Bobby Μολὼν λαβέ The most important thing in life is not what we do but how and why we do it. - Nana Mouskouri | |||
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Bobhy, I feel that you are in the same boat, just a little more intensely, but hunting and being able to be in the field is what keeps me going.  Even the rocks don't last forever. | |||
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Crazy, I'm gonna have to take your word on the Sushi.............the flavors sound good, mine would just have to see some fire before I could eat it. I can't even eat fish done thataway..... . | |||
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huntincats -- you seem to be making a habit of stirring things up whenever CHC posts. I would suggest that you cease and desist. Try contributing in a positive manner. Nice job, CHC! "Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming. Semper Fidelis "Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time" | |||
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CHC---That sounds like it may be the same HF place that my friend's property borders. He lives just down the street from my parent's house in SAT and bought the place about 10 years ago. I have only been there a couple times and it is some absolutely beautiful hill country, but I couldn't find it by myself if I had to even though it's not that far out of town, LOL! If it's the same place you're talking about, it's a pretty nice spread and I watched elk, whitetails, Oryx, and lots of turkies through my binoculars the couple times I hunted on my friend Hayden's property for a Rio in the Spring. Glad to hear that you're getting out and enjoying life, as it sounds like you're coming along well. | |||
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Deer sushi ain't for everyone, it is an aquired taste. We did take some steaks about 1/2 inch thick or so, seasoned them up and cooked them for about 2 minutes or so to the side. Came out medium rare but still tender and tasty. Lora does not even think about trying the raw meat and she does like steaks cooked rare, but not a rare as I do. Axis is some of the best game meat I have eaten but have been told nilgai is better. I hope to find out in the close future. Topgun, Thank you for the comments, it is beautiful country, but I am prejudiced, every place I have ever been in Texas has its own beauty. Even the rocks don't last forever. | |||
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It is an aquired taste. Lora won't try it. We cooked some steaks from the axis a night or two back about 2 minutes to the side. Came out medium rare and they were delicious. TopGun, Thanks for the comments and yes the Hill Country is beautiful. Even the rocks don't last forever. | |||
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Whitworth-You are indeed correct as there is no need for such aggressive and immature personal attacks -- and I have no use for people who stoop that that level. I noticed on another thread an even more vicious attack by hunticats. Hopefully it will stop -- one way or the other. Bobby Μολὼν λαβέ The most important thing in life is not what we do but how and why we do it. - Nana Mouskouri | |||
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CHC, you are one of the few American hunters who has said what a lot of us here in India know rather well. | |||
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Your a lucky man with all that prime axis meat. I'm head to Brackettville just south of rocksprings later this week to take a client and his wife and kids on a double axis and mouflon hunt for the family. I have 2 elusive monster axis were after but 10,000 acres in a high fence might as well be free range! Maybe I can barter for a shoulder or two for the freezer.....maybe Bar B Diamond Outfitters Specializing in Free Range Aoudad Sheep hunts. Also offering all Texas native game and many exotics. | |||
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IMHO most people who have a negative feeling towards high fences are more relating it as a "canned hunt" and have no idea that acreage like you're talking about might as well be low fence because other than possibly driving through a front gate you would never know where you're hunting. PS: I've never hunted one, but have hunted near several big ones over the years in both the hill and brush country of Texas and I can assure everyone that they are far from being canned hunts. | |||
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What time of year do axis does drop their fawns? When do the stags shed their antlers? I agree, beautifull country there! | |||
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They are different from white tails and muleys in that bucks will be in all stages of antler developement from just shed, to new horns started, to bucks getting ready to rub the velvet off, to hardened antlered animals all on the same property. It is sort of the same way with fawns, they have them thru-out the year. Aoudadhunter Thanks for the comment and Welcome to the site. the place I was on is only 640 acres but due to the away it is set up and managed along with the topography it was not a bad experience. I was the only one there that weekend that killed anything. The other hunters saw stuff but were unable to get shots made. Even the rocks don't last forever. | |||
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Thank you CHC it's definantly an interesting forum. I've been on THF for a while but this place has way more info on international and hunting outside Texas. I hunt 2 different ranches within about 60 miles from KCR. One in Brackettville and one near Carta Valley and I also have Hunted just NW of Rocksprings so I imagine i know what kind of country it is and with all that juniper and a diversity of tight elevation changes 640 acres can hunt like 3000 if you stretch it out flat. I'll have to man up and try that axis sushi this weekend or maybe even Nilgai if my client decides to take one. I will admit I'm a little chicken even though regular sushi is my favorite food on earth. Maybe I can bring some sticky rice, Seaweed, avacado and cucumber along and makes some REAL TEXAS ROLLS!!! lol Bar B Diamond Outfitters Specializing in Free Range Aoudad Sheep hunts. Also offering all Texas native game and many exotics. | |||
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Told ya'....who sends you the good links  I had some Axis loin over this past weekend; Wow, good stuff. Looks like a fun hunt to go do someday. | |||
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Thanks D.S. i'm very glad you sent the me the link!!! Bar B Diamond Outfitters Specializing in Free Range Aoudad Sheep hunts. Also offering all Texas native game and many exotics. | |||
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I actually have venison in the crock pot as I type this, but now I am thinking about trying some as sushi.  Can you post the exact mixture of the marinade? Thanks! | |||
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Yes please share I've finally talked myself into it I've vowed to try it however when I asked the fiancé if she would try it with she gave me a very interesting look which I'm guessing was a no. Bar B Diamond Outfitters Specializing in Free Range Aoudad Sheep hunts. Also offering all Texas native game and many exotics. | |||
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Basically, equal parts lemon or lime juice, soy, and tabasco, red or green. It isn't for everyone, but I find it close to ahi(yelllowfin tuna). I cut it about the same thickness as tuna 3/16ths. to 1/4 of an inch thick. Let it soak in the mixture just a few minutes, and I love it. It is an aquired taste and not everyone is going to like it. If you try it and like it, so much the better. If you try it and don't like it, at least you tried it and ity may give you some ideas for new ways of handling game meat. Hope you enjoy it if you try it. Even the rocks don't last forever. | |||
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Perhaps its a cultural thing. I don't know. But shooting deer on high fence ranchs off feeders. Isn't what I could term hunting. Its akin to shooting semi tame domesticate stock. IMO Each to his own, but it ain't for me. I'm the same in regards to shooting african game species on their game farms. Something of the pureist in me baulks at the thought. As for the sushi Have you tried Sika venison. A close friend swears by it. He likes to chop his fine and have it as venison tartare. Finely chop 200g of tender loin – chop fine as you can without actually mincing it – 40g of finely chopped shallot, 40g of finely chopped cornichon, 2 tsp capers, 3 tsp of Worcestershire sauce, 6 drops of Tabasco, sea salt and black pepper to taste Place the tartare on a plate like a thick beef burger. Make a slight hollow in the centre, break an organic egg yolk into the hollow and serve. Don't even think of using anything but the freshest, best-quality meat.Season generously, checking the salt and pepper, Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce levels as you go. For an extra twist add finely chopped anchovies or parsley to the mix. Or best of all grated fresh horseradish, but beware it is extraordinarily hot. | |||
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Your opinion is noted, but, you were not there, you have never done it, so your opinion is nothing more than that an opinion, and as has been so prevelant on this ite as of late opinions do not mean one damn thing except to the person making them. I can guarantee you one damn thing, had the animal acted the way you believe they do, I would have been thru with the hunt the first afrenoon, as I was down there to shoot a doe. As it was I did not have a doe actually come into the feeder until the lasty morning. I saw a few other axis does, but none of them got closer than 250 yards from the feeder. Was it hunting, let us look at the definition of hunting. 1. to chase or search for (game or other wild animals) for the purpose of catching or killing. 2. to pursue with force, hostility, etc., in order to capture (often followed by down ): They hunted him down and hanged him. 3. to search for; seek; endeavor to obtain or find (often followed by up or out ): to hunt up the most promising candidates for the position. No where in that definition or this one: 1: the act of one that hunts; specifically: the pursuit of game. 2: the process of hunting. Does it establish ANY damn parameters as to HOW anyone/everyone must view hunting. Was I really hunting when I shot that doe, by the definitions listed above, Yes. According to accepted methods in Texas, Yes. Will I do it again if I get the chance, Hell Yes, it was an enjoyable experience all the way around. Was it really what I consider a hunt......... NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do I REALLY consider setting in a box blind/stand watching a timed feeder on a low fenced/free range property hunting.......... NO!!!!!!!!!!!! Do I consider using dogs, other than bird dogs for pointing/flushing game bird -retrieving waterfowl - blood trailing wounded game animals, hunting........ No!!!!!!!!!!!! But I have no problem with other people referring to those activities as hunting or to themselves as hunters, That Is Their Damn Right. I am not going to be some Pompous/Pious - Self Righteous - Elitist - Closed Minded ASS, and tell folks they cannot/should not do something they enjoy, how they should refer to the activity and themselves, or act like they are less of a human than I am, simply because they view things differently than I do. As long as what is being done is LEGALly within the parameters established by the official agency in charge of setting and enforcing the game laws in the area where the activity is being conducted, it ain't none of my damn business. As for the recipe, Thank You, sounds ionteresting, but my God gave me a really good set of teeth and I trefer the meat being just like it is off of tuna or yellowtail, small medalions cut from the loin or tenderloin. Even the rocks don't last forever. | |||
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Jools(????) As for your highly misguided remark:
If you ewere really a PUREIST(?????????), you would have your ass out theree with a damn stick and a rock, no damn gun, no damn bow and on foot trying to kill stuff. Just how long do you think you would be able to keep you PUREIST ass alive???? Not damn long I can guarantee you that. Even the rocks don't last forever. | |||
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Damn.....some of you guys should go outside.....and get spellcheck.  | |||
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I didn like spelling whan I wuz in scool and still dun't if you wre abl to reed whut wuz writ, that ought to be gud enouf. If more folks would spend more time dealing with the issues than being concerned about spelling and grammar, things might just run a little smoother. There is always the Ignore This User option for those that require other people to do things up to their level of proficincey! Even the rocks don't last forever. | |||
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Well I LOVE Ahi Tuna! Does anyone know if consuming raw venison is safe for a pregnant woman? Bar B Diamond Outfitters Specializing in Free Range Aoudad Sheep hunts. Also offering all Texas native game and many exotics. | |||
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Dont risk it | |||
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I go along with that, it is not wortth taking the chance even if it might be totally safe. I have been eating the stuff for over a year now and have not experienced any adverse affects. Sliced as thin as I slice it, very little will live thru the citrus juice and soy. the tabasco is just for flavor. It will taste a little different, but not bad to do a stir fry in a hot pan letting the thin slices brown a little on each side and then putting the juice/sauces over it and letting it set a few minutes, but even then I would be cautious with an expectant mother. Thank You for the advice Drummond. As for my opinions on hunting, tom Lerher stayted it best! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iATzgXyhYRs Even the rocks don't last forever. | |||
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C'mon CHC....I was just trying to add a little levity to what has been a pretty somber board of late.  | |||
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I wuz jest playin along. yes, this place has been too serious as of late, but if one person gets his way I won't be em-bear-assing all the REAL hunters on this site with my know nothin drivel. Even the rocks don't last forever. | |||
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yea after a little research raw meat is a big no no!!! She is jealous though. We are huge foodies and love trying new things!!! Bar B Diamond Outfitters Specializing in Free Range Aoudad Sheep hunts. Also offering all Texas native game and many exotics. | |||
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Good to see my typo allowed some humour to return to the board.  | |||
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Crazy You can try and jazz it up all you want. At the end of the day that doe wouldn't have been there if it hadn't of been placed on that property , feed off that feeder and contained by those fences. Nothing natural about it. Semi domesticate stock shooting IMO. If you enjoy that sort of thing. Good for you. If you think its ethical. Thats a matter for your conscience. If you don't like being critised for it. Either don't do it or don't publicies it. | |||
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