Trophy Whitetail Deer:   Cold,  Cold,  Cold weather does NOT stop the Mossy Oak Deer Camp 2013 at the LeGrand Headwaters Ranch.  The staff and Ernie have prepared the Headwaters Lodge:  Headwaters Lodge Information and Montage   for the arrival of the guests, friends and sponsors of this years event.

Not only are trophy whitetails hunted, but this hog that just happened to run in front of a .308 cal bullet.  How about some pork sausage made in the "warmth" of the meat processing room, stuffed, smoked and enjoyed!  Better get that hog in the "cooler" before it freezes.

DEER Friends
LeGrand Headwaters Ranch congratulates trophy hunters Joe West, from Loranger, Louisiana (left) and Clay Andrews, from Bahama, North Carolina (right).  These hunters were guest of Kenneth Hebert from Houston, Texas.  Joe harvested this trophy whitetail on the north pastures of the ranch.  He hunted at several blinds scouting this 5 1/2 year old 9 point 135BC Gross trophy buck.  Moving from blind to blind it was good fortune on the fifth hunt of the session.  This buck along with Clay’s trophy was big bodied deer.  Each weighed in at 150 lbs. field dressed.
Clay had his eyes on a buck called "Billy Buck".  Billy Buck had been allowed to mature for 6 1/2 years and was a beautiful trophy, although this particular buck had not been seen since the middle of October this year.  Well, it was not to be.  Billy Buck was a "no-show".  Wanting a wide antler rack, Clay spotted this 10 pt. trophy.  It was harvested with a 135BC Gross rack and aged at 6 1/2 years old.  Clay was delighted.  Although not "Billy Bob", this was a beautiful big-bodied trophy whitetail deer.  (PS Billy Bob is still out there.  He presented himself just recently on a trail camera)
Congratulation to Joe and Clay.  Thanks to Kenneth Hebert, Representing Guardian Fall Protection for choosing LeGrand Headwaters Ranch to treat his clients.  Also thanks to Ryan Balsar for recommending LeGrand Headwaters Ranch.
FMI LeGrand Headwaters Ranch
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Trophy Whitetail Bucks:   LeGrand Headwaters Ranch White-tailed trophy bucks-Which is worse...knowing what is out there or not knowing?  Trail cameras tend to get the adrenalin pumping for "Knowing".

LeGrand Headwaters Ranch offers this "backside" view of this buck captured on the trail camera this year.  We welcome Mossy Oak for the "Mossy Oak Deer Camp 2013".  Welcome to all the guest. LeGrand Headwaters Ranch wishes you happy tales, happy times and a successful hunt.

REVIEW:  LeGrand Headwaters Ranch White-tailed Deer Hunting
"My husband Ben Cramer booked a hunt 11-1-13 thru 11-4-13.  We wanted to let you know the service was super, very professional.  Ernie was very personable and did the hard work skinned the deer and quartered it. Very good service and always helpful.   Gary also was a good guide & always helped.
The food was excellent,  Mickey & Ruth got up early every morning at 4:30 to make sure there was breakfast for the hunters  when they got up.  They always had snacks & drinks there.  Cooked meals ready when the hunters got in from hunting usually at 8:00 to 9:00 pm.
Everyone made me feel special as one of the few women there.  I was always insisted to be the first on in the food line.  "Mikey" would always serve dessert to me.  Very nice.
Very nice lodge & very impressive & rustic & clean.  The bathrooms & the bedroom was very clean.
Everyone was nice & fun.  We'll never forget the kindness and we'll never forget Mickey, Ruth, Ernie, Gary & Ernie's family & the guys that were on the hunt.  They made an impression on us.  We definitely would recommend to others a hunt. Tell everyone Ben & I said hi.
 Thanks
Ben & Melanie Cramer

This trophy whitetail was harvested by Ben of Sommerset, Pennsylvania.  Ben used a crossbow on this 125BC Gross 8 point mature buck.  Congratulations Ben on your hunt at the LeGrand Headwaters Ranch of west Texas.  November 2013
LeGrand Headwaters Ranch

This trophy whitetail was harvested by Greg from Raleigh, North Carolina.  It scored a 129BC Gross and had 8 points.  Greg is pictured with his guide Gary.  LeGrand Headwaters Ranch congratulates Greg on his trophy success.  The following were his comments:

"Absolutely the best hunting experience of my lifetime. The hunting was excellent the accommodations were great. Ernie was prepared for us in every way and did an excellent job looking after the entire operation. Gary worked hard to help all of us and me especially. For all of us to get a deer was exceptional and exceeded our expectations on a free range hunt. Sorry we didn't get to meet you and your husband and thank you in person. To pick a hunt based off the internet and get this experience was a true blessing. 

I can't thank you enough. And I almost forgot that French chef was awesome. Seriously Mickey was a joy and we had great fun with him.

Greg..."

Trophy Whitetail indeed from the LeGrand Headwaters Ranch.  This mature buck scored 146BC Gross with 9 points for Sam of Adel, Georgia. His west Texas hunt produced a trophy for his efforts.   Sam's e-mail reflected his excitement:

"WOW what an experience !!!! Ya'll have a beautiful ranch, and we so very much enjoyed our time there. It was beyond our best expectations. We all were fortunate enough to tag a trophy, but it would have been impossible without Ernie and Gary's hard work. They are very knowledgeable and hardworking guides and went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed our hunt.

Mrs Ruth and Mickey worked hard in the kitchen, and the food was great (don't tell Mickey , we ragged him the whole time LOL !!!, we teased him about being a French chef) Mickey kept us laughing the whole time. Your lodge is awesome, again I couldn't have asked for more.

Thanks for having us, I am already saving up to come back next year ! I want to bring my son out to experience it. I would recommend your ranch to anyone that wants to experience true low fence hunting at its best. If it is better than what you offer, I would have to see it.

Hope to see you soon 

Sam ...

Adel, Georgia"

LeGrand Headwaters Ranch

A Trophy Whitetail harvested on the LeGrand Headwaters Ranch was Burt's reward on his west Texas whitetail hunt.  This trophy scored 148BC Gross with 12 points.  Congratulations to our Georgia hunter. LeGrand Headwaters Ranch

Deer Friends
More trail cam pictures to view.  And the good news, the ranch had over 7 inches of RAIN!

DEER FRIENDS
Whitetail or White-tailed?  What is the correct spelling?  Actually both are used and are considered correct.  Not until I started this Blog/website was I concerned about the spelling.  And it is still probably not that important.  What is important is that just within the last two days we have had two inches of rain on the ranch.  What a blessing to receive that amount.  It will insure adequate nutrition for the animals for another month or two.

The gears are rolling to start the 2013-2014 whitetail deer hunting season.  Because of  our commitment to limit the number of hunters, we are almost sold out for the season!  The deer counts will be the deciding factor as Ernie keeps a careful watch on the quality and quantity of deer available.

On the subject of rain, deer management and thoughts of doe harvest, you might find this article very interesting.  It explains the importance of deer management practices that occur on this ranch with the help of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.  

Deer management and cattle. The importance of deer management.

We will be welcoming some new clients this year. Sam and Bret from Georgia, and Greg from North Carolina.  We are excited to welcome them into the "LeGrand Ranch Family".  We wish them safe travels.

Writer for TURKEY HUNTING MAGIZINE, Brian Lovett, visits LeGrand Headwaters Ranch

DEER FRIENDS
While looking up information for deer season, this site made it's way to my computer. Now this is really interesting.  Has anyone tried this?
Stop a buck in his tracks: Plant a buck rub

The correct spelling of "WHITETAIL" deer has always intrigued this person.  It has been noted that both ways are correct.  It can be spelled "whitetail" deer OR "white-tailed" deer.  I would imagine we all choose to use the easier version of just plain whitetail!

Daddy - Darling Daughter Deer Camp

What precious memories we make by taking the time to love our daughters.  The LeGrand Headwaters Ranch is proud to offer a fantastic opportunity to introduce your young lady to the outdoors.  We are offering a Buy-One-Get-One FREE. 

THIS IS A BUY-ONE-GET-ONE FREE OFFER FOR 2013

Daddy, the space is limited to only 10 girls. Sign up now for your reservation.  Bring your daughter for this learning and adventure opportunity.  They will be allowed to participate in any portion of the whitetail deer hunt and activities as they desire.  We will incorporate learning, safety, science and adventure in this camp.  Hunting in the "Princess Blind" will be awarded to one princess in the evening and one in the morning.  The child must be at least three years old. The daddy will be the one in the blind with the girl to hunt, watch animals and have the bonding experience with his daughter.  A photo and short story will be posted to our website for each girl.  

Why is it called "Darling Daughter" Deer Camp.  That was the nickname of the daughter of the ranch owners. She grew up with the name Darling Daughter Jill or as they would say, "our DDJ".

Deer Camp Details
Enjoy a spike or doe hunt*, a one nights lodging at the beautiful "Headwaters Lodge** all meals included, and activities geared for your daughter.
            Arrive on Saturday October 5 at 10:00AM
            Orientation & gun safety
            Target practice at rifle range
            Lunch
            Swimming, if warm enough or Disc Frisbee Golf
            Art project: Design your own jewelry with fabric and copper
            Hunting in 10 blinds
            Evening meal with campfire and s'mores
            The art of telling your hunting story
            Star Gazing
Sunday
            Morning hunt with Continental Breakfast 
            The art of telling your hunting story
            Group photo      
            Explore the ranch – Feed animals -- Ride horse--Free time
            Brunch
            Depart by 3:00PM
Activities Available
    Nature walks
     Indoor shuffle board      
     Swimming in a rock tank
    Star gazing
    Meat preparation and processing
    Learn about cattle ranching
    Hunting for bones
    Ride "Smokey" the horse
    With the Boss of the ranch, and Daddy along, drive a UTV Mule on the ranch.

All of the above is available for the amazingly low cost of $600.00.  But with our special offer of Buy-One-Get-One-FREE it can be yours for $300.00 per Daddy/Daughter.  All you need to do is bring a friend and his daughter.  This offer is not limited to just Daddy/Daughters, but a Grandparent or Adult mentor and female child are welcomed.  *If your little darling is too young to shoot, or chooses not to shoot a doe or spike, the daddy may harvest the animal.
**  For the adventurous, there is a beautiful grassy yard next to the lodge to camp with your tent.  Bring your own tent and bedding.

What to bring:
The weather may be warm or cool at this time of year. A group photo will be taken after the last morning hunt.
Camo clothing is preferred but not required
Warm clothing: hat, gloves, pants,coat if the weather will be cold.
Binoculars
Rifle suited for your child
Sturdy shoes: Hiking shoes preferred but heavy tennis shoes will do.
Swim wear if weather permits.
Personal items.  (Towels, linens, soap, shampoo, hair dryers are provided)
Sleep wear and one set of extra clothes.
Rattling antlers are optional
Ice chest to transport the meat home.
Camera
Hearing protection
Shooting glasses for eye protection
Youth hunting license:  see below
Adult hunting license:  see below

Go to:  Darling Daughter Deer Hunt

to register your little girl

Hunting License and Hunter Education Information

Who needs to take Hunter Education?

Every hunter (including out-of-state hunters) born on or after Sept. 2, 1971, must successfully complete a Hunter Education Training Course. Minimum age of certification is 9 years and cost is $15.

If you were born on or after September 2, 1971 and you are:

·        under 9 years of age, you must be accompanied.

·        age 9 through 16, you must successfully complete a hunter education course, or you must be accompanied.

·        age 17 and over, you must successfully complete a hunter education course; or purchase a “Hunter Education Deferral,” and you must be accompanied.

·        Accompanied means:  By a person who is at least 17, who is licensed to hunt in Texas, who has passed hunter education or is exempt (born before Sept. 2, 1971), and you must be within normal voice control. Proof of certification or deferral is required to be on your person while hunting. Note: Certification is not required to purchase a hunting license.

Important Facts about your certification

·        Certification is good for life.

·        Texas certification is honored by other states and provinces requiring hunter education.

·        You must carry proof of certification or deferral on your person while hunting.

·        The card is NOT required to purchase a license.

Who is required to take hunter education

Find a license retailer near you

How much does a license cost  

Youth Hunting License-Resident and Non-Resident $7.00

Life is better outside

Shooting safety rules

DEER Friends,
LeGrand Headwaters Ranch was privileged to host a hog hunt for some special guests.  Our guests were Grant Rogers from San Angelo, Neil Inman, Reid Inman and Heath Inman all from Tucson, Arizona.  Grant has been a graduate research assistant at the ASU MIR Center north of San Angelo.  His friend from high school, Reid, had just returned from a year in Afghanistan serving in the Air Force. Hog hunting was something he wanted to do during his visit with Grant.  Neil and Heath are brothers to Reid.
Even though the day’s temperatures reached a dry 105, this did not dry out the spirit of the hunt.  Reid and his brother Heath wanted to hunt in a blind by a feeder.   They had special tools and opted to sit in that blind for a while.  Hogs had appeared at this one particular spot nearly every night the past week. Using night vision, infrared vision and thermal vision, they saw whitetail deer and lots of critters, including an armadillo and possum, but no hogs.
During this time Ernie, Grant and Neil scouted hogs with Rosie, Dixie, Hank and Pepper.  The dogs as usual did great.  They jumped a couple of hogs, chased them and eventually the dogs split and the guys lost the hogs.  After picking up the other two hunters from the blind, the dogs again jumped some hogs. What a happening, three dogs going in three different directions.  Even using GPS on two of the dogs, the hogs still won.  Excitement score:  Hunters 0, Hogs 4.  That is why this is called hunting.  Grant praised Ernie for his efforts, and praised him as an excellent guide.  In the early morning hours, after the hunt, our guests returned to San Angelo.

LeGrand Headwaters Ranch wishes to say "Thank You" Reid for your service to our country.  God Bless you and God Bless the USA.

Shown in the picture from left to right:  Neil Inman, Reid Inman, Heath Inman and Grant Rogers.

And waiting to fetch a rock is Pepper

On a hot day this sure feels great...

At this point in time 14 trail cameras are in place.  Watching the protein feeders for all whitetail deer has become a passion.  It is amazing to see the antlers develop week by week.  Having a supply of water so that animals walk less than a mile for a drink is an important piece of habitat management. This picture shows some great whitetail bucks at the water. The one in the forefront is a mature buck.  It has a sagging belly, round back quarters and a thicker neck.  (Sounds like us as we age.) Using the computer we can verify locations and distance between water troughs.

DEER Friends
It is time to renew your hunting license.  Did you know the license can be purchased online?  The Texas Parks and Wildlife offers this for you.
Online licenses
If you are new to hunting and will be age 41 or younger this fall, you may need to take hunter education this summer. Every hunter (including out-of-state hunters) born on or after Sept. 2, 1971, must successfully complete a Hunter Education Training Course, or be accompanied while hunting. Minimum age of certification is 9 years of age.  More information can be found at:
Hunter Education
General information on hunting is provided on this page:
And

Hunter Information

Occasionally hogs appear during daylight.  These six little pigs decided to take a tour of the lawn at the Roost II Bunkhouse on the ranch.  With curiosity a young calf nosed his way close to the pigs.  And then it was a chase with the calf being the aggressor.

Honey Hole on LeGrand Headwaters Ranch

           Congratulations to Ernie for placing 4^th with his BBQ chicken and 6^th with his BBQ brisket in the Ft. McKavett Volunteer Fire Department Fund Raiser and Cook-off.  It is held on the second Saturday of June.  

Thinking about getting AWAY??  Check this out...
Family fun and adventures...Let us make a package designed just for you.

Summer is a time of rejuvenation here at the ranch.  Summer rains are supplying the animals with fresh food sources along with supplemental protein feeding for the deer antler growth.  The spring turkey hunting was successful even with a limited number of long-beards.  Spring 2014 turkey hunting will be phenomenal with age appropriate gobblers in an abundance like we have not seen in a number of years.  Check out the website for LeGrand Headwaters Ranch.www.legrandheadwatersranch.com