Deer Friends,
Introducing the LeGrand Headwaters Ranch Owners.  Our Ranch Family

We wish all a very Happy New Year...

Deer Friends,
This is all about the RIO GRANDE TURKEY.  Look at this video by Mossy Oak.  It was produced on the ranch this spring during The Rio Round Up hosted by Mossy Oak.  It gives a great over view of the ranch with great turkey video.
Mossy Oak Obsession at LeGrand Headwaters Ranch
or YouTube
YouTube Mossy Oak Rio Round Up in Texas 2017

Be sure to watch and like our Facebook page

Deer Friends,
Texas is working on a solution to this $52 million dollar problem.   Select the link to read an article by Jerry Lackey.

Hogs, hogs, hogs. What to do with the hogs.  

WINDMILL COUNTRY: Time has come for feral hogs.

Deer Friends,
We love reading about deer.  In the latest QDMA there are several articles that have caught the eye of this blogger.  Mature Bucks: Who Needs "Em?  and Aging Bucks on the Hoof.

Hope you enjoy.

“I cannot give you self-esteem, self-worth and dignity.  I can take it away by giving you everything, doing everything for you, and not allowing you to have hurt or failure in your life.”
Jean Ann LeGrand  2016

Deer Friends,
I found this blog - thought I would share:
Life on This Side of The Fence  "Far from uneducated"

It is worth reading as I am a FARMERS DAUGHTER.

Story shared from QDMA by Brian Murphy

Deer Friends,
Shared from QDMA by Brian Murphy June 3, 2016
It’s early June and social media is abuzz with photos of recently born fawns from across the country.
While we love seeing these reports of successful whitetail breeding efforts, the ensuing discussion
often leads to misinformation regarding whitetail fawns.
So today we wanted to address five of the most prevalent fawn myths.

1.  A fawn is abandoned because there is no doe in sight.
This is simply the whitetail’s predator avoidance strategy.
Fawns spend their first 3-4 weeks hiding before they routinely follow their mothers.
2.  Fawns are odorless.
This is false, as their unique scent is how their mothers identify them.
In fact, they urinate on their tarsal glands daily, even when just a few days old.
3.  A set of twin fawns are always from the same father.
This also is false. Research has documented that about 25 percent of all sets of
twin fawns come from different fathers. There has even been a case of triple
paternity documented where a set of triplets was sired by three different bucks.
4.  There are more female fawns born than males. Again false.
In fact, male fawns tend to slightly outnumber female fawns.
5.  Once you pick up a fawn its mother won’t take it back.
Research has clearly shown that handling a fawn, even for several minutes, has no impact
on whether its mother will accept it. Just return it to where you found it and leave.

So, next time you are discussing fawns with your family and friends,
please share these fun facts. We also hope you spend more time thinking
about the fawns on your hunting property and, importantly, their survival
during their first few weeks when they are especially vulnerable. Not long ago,
the topic of the day was how best to protect yearling bucks.
Today, and into the foreseeable future, it will be how to increase fawn
survival in areas where predators have become the norm.
It’s definitely a new day in the world of the whitetail.

Deer Friends,

How to prep for a successful deer season.

Establish a known sanctuary for deer..........

Creating a sanctuary can mean a variety of things. When I say establish a known sanctuary, I mean pick a part of your hunting property that you will never touch. No exceptions, no just taking a quick walk through to see if there is sign, or to have a trail camera in there. This summer, find a spot on your property, it doesn’t matter if your property is 1,000 acres, or 40 acres. Pick an area you are going to leave alone. That means no hunter intrusion, no scent, nothing. What this does, is it creates an area deer will feel safe. Survival is the number one deer motivator. Survival comes before anything else, and having a sanctuary will provide an area deer will want to use.

This will help you hold bucks that maybe you don’t want to shoot, but you don’t want other people shooting either. What it will also do, is when there is a lot of deer hunting pressure around you, deer will move to where they feel safe, which will be on your property. You then can plan your hunting attack around that. Having that sanctuary in the middle of your property will be more beneficial, because it will pull deer further into your property, and you can hunt all sides of it. There is a lot that goes into establishing a sanctuary, but being disciplined will be the most important part of it.

So when thinking of what you can do on your property to increase your chances of success this fall, put these three things into consideration. They may just pay big dividends.

From News & Views The Voice of Texas Hunters

Deer Friends,

Now THIS IS A TROPHY!  Congratulations Bob LeGrand: Waiting 21 years for a "Trophy Whitetail Buck" has advantages!  View the pictures, then read the account of that day in the following story.  

 Can you believe this?  A monster west Texas low-fenced trophy buck harvested on the LeGrand Headwaters Ranch in Sutton County.

 Bob's hunting buddy, guide for the day, and step-son, Jamon Hohensee.  

 Bob and Jamon had "Buck Fever"- truly the shaking hands and beating heart!

 Dropped on the spot.

 Massive antlers for a west Texas low-fenced white tailed deer.

It all started 21 years ago, in 1994, with the purchase of this beautiful Sutton County, Texas low-fenced ranch.  Bob enjoyed  the outdoors and hunting.  For years prior to the purchase, this ranch had been over-hunted by many hunters through an outfitter, and as a result no large-antlered bucks were left on the ranch. It was decided not to lease the lands to outside hunters.  The family decided to implement a self-imposed management program.  Harvest restrictions were placed on our family of hunters.  Eventually, antlers grew past the basket 8’s typically seen during the first years.  Although Bob continued to hunt, a big buck did not appear. 

Jamon was the first to harvest a big buck in 2002, eight years after the initial purchase of the 3,500 acre ranch.  This deer had never been seen before. 

In fact, we did not believe Jamon when he said it looked like one from a hunting magazine.  It scored a 160 4/8BC gross and was a total surprise.  With a low-fenced ranch, you never know when some big animal will cross your path.  Bob was excited for Jamon. Then the drought came, and in 2005 the ranch only had five inches of rain.  The deer antler growth suffered.  It was two years later before another nice buck appeared.  He was captured on camera in 2007, and it was decided to allow him to age one more year. Bob decided that Jean Ann, his wife, should have the opportunity to harvest that buck.  After hunting for days, then sitting in a tree stand in freezing 28 degree weather, she finally killed the deer.  That buck scored a 160BC gross. 

In that same year, and in subsequent years, additional ranch land was purchased to make the totals over 22 sections or over 14,200 acres of contiguous land. 

With the help of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Managed Lands Deer Permit program, our antlered deer saw an increase in size and mass.  We had hired a ranch manager, started a genuine year-round feeding program, implemented range management practices, provided water every one-half mile, and started using trail cameras to document the improvement of deer on the ranch.  

We were determined to maintain a great deer habitat.  The phrase, “build it and they shall come” became our motto.  In 2009 another son, Jared harvested a huge 8 point buck at 152BC gross. 

Another son Clay harvested a beautiful 150BC gross on January 1, 2011, and on the same day, 

Ernie, the ranch manager, harvested a 148BC gross buck with bow and arrow.   

Bob was happy for all of them. What a vast difference from the mid 1990’s.  Things were looking up. 

In 2009 a large antlered buck was spotted on our trail cameras. He was named “Cinco”. Being a low-fenced ranch this buck was seen on two ranches.  In 2010, he was captured on camera in velvet on our ranch eating protein.  During the hunting season, unfortunately for us, he jumped the fence, was not on our ranch and was killed by another hunter. Cinco was a great trophy.  We were told he scored a whopping 166BC gross!  That is good genetics for all the ranches around. 

Now, four years later, it is 2014 and another big buck appears. He looked similar to Cinco with a wide spread.  He was certainly one of the offspring of Cinco.   It was decided to allow him to age another year.  Secretly, Bob hoped he might have a chance at this buck.  In 2015 the buck was seen again in velvet and was 5 ½ years old and named “Le Grande” by one of our sons.  He was spotted only a couple of times and had not been seen on our cameras since October 15 of this year.  The season began, the rut started and is now almost over…and still no buck.  Bob was very patient and had gone to the blind several times without seeing this buck. He just wanted a glimpse of this roaming monster.    However, on a Saturday morning in December 2015 “Le Grande” was spotted or so Bob thought.  Bob had only seen pictures of the buck in velvet, so he was not totally sure if this was “Le Grande.”  He knew this monster buck was old enough to harvest, the  prime rut was almost over, and the question lingered, would this buck survive another year.  All of these circumstances aided Bob and Jamon in the decision that if it was a great buck, now was the time. 

Bob was super excited, and on that afternoon, he decided to go to the blind early with Jamon.  Four eyes would be better that two.  The two crawled into the blind around 1:30PM.  The strong wind was blowing from the south. They decided to rattle and maybe see what was out there. An hour passed and nothing. Off to their right at 270yds, down a long sendero, Jamon spotted a deer for a brief second before the buck walked back into some brush. "Bob, there is a huge buck down there, get your gun ready in case he walks out the other side of that brush!" Both of them kept a close eye on those bushes, but the deer did not return. It could be “Le Grande”. “Le Grande”, hopefully, had been spreading his genes for the last month.  If it wasn’t "Le Grande", it was certainly old enough to harvest and this buck had whopper antlers.  Another smaller buck appeared.  It took about thirty minutes for him to leave. Disappointed, both hunters settled down and kept watching down that long sendero. Twenty minutes passed and Jamon spotted a smaller buck with a broken main beam in front of the blind at about fifty yards past the feeder. Thinking nothing of it, he continued the search down the sendero. Not two seconds later, movement in front of them caught his eye again "Holy Cow!! Bob, THERE HE IS!! He's right in front of us!!"  There he was, one of the most massive deer either of them had ever seen. And getting a gun out of one window and into another with a buck like that staring you down is no easy task.

By the time Bob had the gun out the window "Le Grande" had moved into the brush. Both cursed themselves for missing that opportunity, knowing they might never see that massive rack again. Jamon grabbed the horns and rattled to try and peak the buck's interest but only the broken-antlered buck seemed intrigued and darted around the feeder. Their hearts sank again. Although it seemed that “Le Grande” wasn't interested, he didn't leave the area. This time, not two minutes later, they spotted him about sixty yards away to their left. He was making a loop around the blind! The dilemma was the same, wrong position for the hunter.  This time Jamon was in the seat Bob needed. Bob seemed to always be in the wrong position.  With no time to maneuver the gun, “Le Grande” gave them a short look and again walked back into the brush. Without a moment’s hesitation the two hunters switched places and Bob perched his rifle out the small window to the left. The two experienced hunters should have figured out by now “Le Grande's” tricks and guessed that he would have made a full circle to the rear of the blind, because that’s exactly where he popped up next. 

Having gained speed and confidence from the previous musical windows charade, Bob eased his gun from the left window and settled it out the back. The massive antlered buck was standing straight on to the blind.  This time, at only sixty yards, “Le Grande” stood his ground long enough for Bob to take the shot 21 years in the making. Bob was in position to shoot…Jamon with video, and in that moment, 3:06PM the decision was made…bang. As the boom was heard, “Le Grande” hit the dirt and never moved from that spot.   Down went the buck.  Bob was so excited that he actually started shaking, and had to put his head down to calm. 

 In that moment Bob and Jamon reverted to children as they laughed, shouted, and gave high-fives reflecting in disbelief the events that just took place.  Jamon took a video of his own hand that was shaking also.  Both came down with “Shaking buck fever”.  Bob could not believe the size of the buck.  He had waited patiently for 21 years!  This had to be “Le Grande”.  The buck unofficially scored a 165 4/8BC gross and had 17 points with two points being broken off as evidenced by game camera and visual of the harvested antlers. 

Ernie, the ranch manager, was not at the ranch at the time.  He was in San Angelo at his daughter’s birthday party.  Bob and Jamon had set out on a mission that weekend…to find a big buck.  And that they did! 

LeGrand Headwaters Ranch Trophy Deer Hunts sold out again for 2015.  We enjoyed all our individual clients as well as the Mossy Oak Deer Camp 2015.  We only sell each year the number of trophy bucks to maintain a top quality, low-fenced trophy whitetail deer herd year after year.

What a collection of happy smiles as the harvest arrived at the lodge.  This year proved to provide great antler size on the bucks.  

We thank our clients that allowed us to post pictures on our web-site, blog and FaceBook.  

 Mossy Oak Deer Camp 2015

  

 Shawn Hansen-LaCrosse Footwear-Washington

 Tom Sega-Duluth Pack-Minnesota

 Mossy Oak Deer Camp at LeGrand Headwaters Ranch-2015

 Kim Norton-Flambeau Outdoors-Ohio

 Jason Douglas-Gildan-South Carolina

 Joey Dorris-Covert Scouting Cameras, Inc.- Kentucky

Gabe Nassar-Intex Apparel Corp-Georgia

 LeGrand Headwaters Ranch-A cooler full of antlers.

Preserving the moments for 2015.

 LeGrand Headwaters Ranch hunting dogs.

The evening fire at the Headwaters Lodge.

The Headwaters Lodge

LeGrand Headwaters Ranch Trophy Deer Hunts sold out for 2015.  We enjoyed all our individual clients as well as the Mossy Oak Deer Camp 2015.  We only sell the number of trophies to maintain quality low-fenced trophy hunting year after year.  

What a collection of happy smiles as the harvest arrived at the lodge.  This year provided great antler size on the bucks.  To those hunters allowing our site to post your pictures, we are grateful.

Deer Friends,

Thanks to Wayne Cooper for the story of his hunt on the LeGrand Headwaters Ranch.  

Ernie took me out mid-morning in a light rain, and we set up several times rattling as we walked through the oaks and cedar bushes. We came across a mature buck and tried to rattle him in closer. The rattling appeared to make him tear into an oak limb and scrape, then he started to leave. We backed out, and got out in front of him, sat up next to a tree and waited. He came into an opening between the trees at 140 yards and stopped long enough to get a shot at him off of the shooting sticks. I put him in the scope, squeezed the trigger and watched him buck, take off running leaning heavy until he disappeared behind the tall grass. Ernie started to celebrate, but I told him I would wait until I put my hands on him. When we crossed the creek bed and walked up on him he was a 10 point with a small kicker and Ernie aged him at 5 ½ years. Every deer on my wall has a story with it, this one may be the best story to date. Thank you all again for the hospitality.

I had a great time making memories hunting at the ranch, Mr. Bob and yourself are great host. I enjoy hunting with Ernie because he loves hunting. He kept asking me if I was up for walking and rattling after the morning hunts. I enjoyed every moment of it, but what made it even better was he was enjoying it as much as I did. Thanks to all of you again...

Wayne Cooper

Vice President

Brister-Stephens, Inc.

Deer Friends,
This year has been blessed with rains throughout the antler growth season.  This article explains the dynamics in West Texas.  Enjoy

Whitetails plentiful this deer season 2015

Mandatory Hunter Education Certificates

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 of age.

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*.
Please note that some federally controlled areas require all hunters using that site to have hunter education certification. In Texas, this includes Corps of Engineers property and most military reservations. Be sure to check with the specific area prior to going hunting.

* 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.

http://tpwd.texas.gov/education/hunter-education

DEER FRIENDS
It is hunting time.  Here is a little information on the regulations and requirements to obtain a General License
Recreational hunting and fishing licenses and stamp endorsements are available at approximately 1,700 locations throughout the state in addition to TPWD offices and parks. These locations include sporting goods stores, gun shops, department stores, discount stores, bait and tackle shops, grocery stores, and many other types of stores. Some commercial hunting and fishing licenses are available ONLY at the Austin Headquarters and Law Enforcement Offices. For added convenience, most recreational licenses may be purchased by phone or through the Internet with approved Visa, Discover, or MasterCard. A $5 administrative fee will be charged for those sales. Many licenses may be purchased for immediate use except where tagging is required, i.e., deer and turkey.

For general license questions, please call TPWD Headquarters in Austin at (800) 792-1112 or (512) 389-4800. Staff is available to help answer questions Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, Central Standard Time.

A recreational license or permit authorizes an activity involving wildlife resources that is conducted for sport, hobby, leisure, or other non-economic reasons.

No license is required for nuisance fur-bearing animals, depredating hogs or coyotes.
Non-residents under 17 years of age may purchase and hunt with the Youth Hunting License.
Hunting categories:

How about a two year old roping a puppy, with a one year old wanting to play!  Love the ranch life.  

DEER FRIENDS: LeGrand Headwaters Ranch "Country" Club swimming pool.

This is a west Texas "Country" Club swimming pool 

The weather has been HOT...it is time to enjoy the "County" Club swimming pool at the ranch.  

We are thankful for all the spring rains as we transition into the last of summer and early fall.  The food sources for all animals are still plentiful as we maintain the additional protein feeding for the deer population.  Antler growth is progressing and we are seeing some exciting displays of "buck-hood".  Turkey poults are being seen throughout the ranch due to the great wet spring and early summer.  

With the blessing of spring rains comes the additional hazard of summer fires.  The grasses are dry making for an abundance of fuel.  We take special precautions during this time such as a burn ban on the ranch, no welding near grass, keeping all stock tanks full of water, keeping the firetruck full of water and testing routinely, and ever watching the horizon for plumes of smoke.  

We hope you have enjoyed your summer and we wish you a colorful fall.  Happy days...from all at the LeGrand Headwaters Ranch.

Old-timers-Scent-Mask

In West Texas "cedar" trees are everywhere.  After reading this article, it validated a technique I have used many times.  We do not have the pine leaves, but we do have cedar. (Redberry / Blueberry / Ashe Juniper)
For hunters who need a scent mask in a pinch, or those who can't afford to buy scent killer sprays, there’s a simple solution: cedar trees.

DEER FRIENDS

I need help...I am asking for a VOTE FOR Angelo State University's baseball athlete, DAVID GOGGIN,  2014-15 ELITE 89 WINNER.  Goggin, who will be a senior majoring in the chemistry department at ASU has a 3.97GPA.  He is a true sportsman.  

The Elite 89 is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative GPA participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA's 89 championships. Your voting has narrowed the field down to 10 finalists. You can vote once per day until 8pm ET on Thursday 7/23, when a winner will be named. The winner will be celebrated from NCAA social media accounts on 7/24! DON'T FORGET TO CLICK SAVE VOTES AT THE TOP OR BOTTOM OF THE PAGE!

Please share with your spouses...and friends.  This young man represents ASU !!!  

#VoteGoggin: on.ncaa.com/Elite89Vote 

AXIS DEER roaring. Another video from the internet. This call has to be one of the most eerie of all animal sounds.