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Super stocking of 240 Eastern wild turkeys launched in 2014

By
Charles Roberds
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26 Eastern Wild Turkeys released at TPWD - Gus Engeling WMA in Anderson County.Photo by Dale Bounds

Over 40 people were on hand today at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area (GEWMA) to see 26 Easter wild turkeys released on the area. Children, some as young as 5 and adults were very excited to witness the wild trapped turkeys fly out of their boxes into the wilds of GEWMA.
This was the day GEWMA staff had been working toward for over 10 years. According to Scotty Parsons, NWTF East Texas Conservation Field Supervisor, “Our Texas NWTF Chapter has invested in habitat improvements all over East Texas. In the last 5 years, Texas NWTF has contributed $190,000 toward habitat work in East Texas and our NWTF team has leveraged that with TPWD, USFWS and USFS into $3.7 million, a 20:1 ratio. Some of those funds have been used on the project work at GEWMA.
Our goal for this particular project was to restore the grassland component in and oak-dominated upland on the GEWMA. We have restored a 424 acre site to 60% grassland and 40% canopy cover by mechanically (i.e., logging, skidding) removing dense stands of upland oak species from 254 acres. This work on the GEWMA represents $68,692 of habitat enhancement work in a 10 year effort.
Jason Hardin, TPWD Upland Game Bird Specialist, gave the group a brief history of the Eastern wild turkey in Texas.  According to Hardin, since 1979, over 7,000 Eastern wild turkeys were released in 58 East Texas counties. Population started decreasing in 2006 and the turkey season in some East Texas counties were closed.
Hardin said, “After a 10 year hiatus from Eastern turkey restoration activities, TPWD has reengaged in Eastern turkey restoration efforts beginning

Over 40 people gathered to witness the Eastern Wild Turkey fly out of the boxes to their new home at Gus Engeling WMA. Photo by Dale Bounds
Over 40 people gathered to witness the Eastern Wild Turkey fly out of the
boxes to their new home at Gus Engeling WMA.
Photo by Dale Bounds

this winter.  Last spring, TPWD and NWTF biologists evaluated a number of sites across East Texas utilizing TPWD’s new Eastern turkey habitat evaluation technique.  Of the sites evaluated, 3 scored high enough to receive a stocking.  Those sites are currently being Super Stocked with 60 hens and 20 gobblers for a total of 80 birds per release site.  In all, TPWD plans to release 240 wild turkeys this winter in East Texas. Super stocking has proven to show higher survival than the traditional method of block-stocking, which stocked 15-20 birds at 5-10 sites across a county.  Today, our goal is to identify the best available habitat and utilize super stocked turkeys to serve as a source population.  Over time, TPWD hopes birds will begin to move into adjacent unoccupied landscapes.

Pineywoods National Wild Turkey Federation Chapter sweeps awards for 2013 efforts !

By
Charles Roberds
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L/R,NWTF Director Shawn Roberts, Banquet Chair Aubrey Luce, President Dale Bounds, Kitty Bounds, Gary Brock ,Kim Brock-Women In the Outdoors committee

The 2013 Texas NWTF Awards ceremony was held January 18 at the Hanger Hotel in Fredericksburg. NWTF chapter leaders and volunteers from the Lone Star State were in attendance to celebrate our 2013 efforts to deliver the  newly approved direction our NWTF conservation organization…”SAVE THE HABITAT,SAVE THE HUNT”.

Simply stated, this is our strategic plan to accomplish these goals and objectives by December 31, 2017 :

To increase and manage the wild turkey in Texas by improving 47,000 acres of public and private land, create 30,000 new hunters and develop 100,000 acres of public and private land access for hunting.

The categories for the awards presented reflect our efforts to raise funds that we leverage with our partners to accomplish these goals and objectives.

The Pineywoods Chapter of Lufkin Texas dominated the 2013 State NWTF awards event once again winning 8 awards.

Attending and representing the chapter Aubrey Luce, Sharon Luce, Kim Brock ,Gary Brock ,Kitty and  Dale Bounds accepted these honors listed.

1.Highest Membership 2nd

2.Highest Sponsors 1st

3.Best Wheelin 1st

4.Highest JAKES Membership 1st

5.Highest Gross Income 1st

6.Highest Net Income 1st

7.LA Dixon 2nd

8.Net to Gross 3rd

According to Dale Bounds, we continue to set the bar for the  NWTF in Texas. We have also been notified that the Pineywoods Chapter will be recognized again at the National Convention in Nashville with a LA Dixon Award as one of the top chapters in the 2000 plus NWTF Local Chapter system. Because of the work and dedication each of volunteers and members, we are making a difference in wildlife conservation and the future of hunting.

In the last 5 years the chapter has put over 125,000 dollars into habitat management and education efforts in East Texas. NWTF Conservation team has leverage that at a 20:1 ratio into a staggering 3.7  million dollars in East Texas .

Rudolph the Red Nosed Pump Jack?

By
Charles Roberds
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Every year for almost 50 years, Rudolph the Red Nosed Pumping Unit has graced the City of Lufkin. Lufkin Industries, now owned by GE, has assembled and operated the holiday spectacle, a Mark 640 oilfield pumping unit and a 38-foot Ultra Light II dump trailer trailer which is decorated to be a sleigh complete with Santa. There are more than 1,000 Christmas lights decorating Rudolph and his sleigh. See Rudolph through the holiday season in the Lufkin Mall parking lot.

Can Changing Your Home Change Your Life?

By
Charles Roberds
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The title may sound a little cliche, maybe even a little drastic, but guess what….even small changes in your surroundings can make a huge difference in your mood and ultimately your outlook!

Your home is a direct reflection of who you are and how you feel. Is your home where you want to be?  If not, lets get started. Changes don’t necessarily have to be expensive.  A fresh coat of paint on your front door, a small vase of fresh cut flowers brought into your kitchen and settled into a great vase….. even little things can mean alot!

Making changes in your home can stir great energy in the soul.  Home is truly where the heart is so what are you waiting for? We often wait; wait for the kid’s to grow up; wait for the dream home; wait, wait, wait.  Don’t wait for perfection, just start to create a space you will love coming home to.  So, paint that accent wall, brighten your walk with blooms, purchase new light fixtures or a new faucet, or pick up that new lamp you’ve been eyeing….. people will notice but better than that….you’ll notice!

Texas Size Mums

By
Charles Roberds
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It’s Homecoming Week! Break out the mums, garters, celebrations, bonfires & cheerleaders! Yay!! Go Devils!!! I have seen a few prized mums this week, and I must say they are just as exciting to see now as they were all those years ago parading down the hallway and onto the field pinned with 4 giant safety pins to my bra strap just to keep it up.
I have always loved Football! And especially Texas Football, whether it be my favorite high school team, my alma mater or my beloved college team!! But even more exciting is Homecoming for the students and parents and of course the town football fanatics. I mean morale is high, spirit is high, the Dairy Queen is full and every florists, crafty hot glue using mom and bank account is drained!
I recently learned that mums are yet another Texas exclusive tradition. I knew I was proud of my State! I knew we were more fun than the rest! I knew if it was going to be done, it was going to be done BIG and proud! So out of curiosity I was looking up Homecoming Traditions, and I found out other states aren’t all about a mum as big as a dinner plate and heavy as a Thanksgiving Day turkey. I learned that other states simply wear a cute little corsage to the dance! The boyfriends, girlfriends, parents and friends don’t make sure you show up to Homecoming wearing a giant fake flower pinned to and your clothing making you sweat and at times trip over the very thing!
I have to speculate how this tradition even got started… so my research continued. They say what started out as a simple tradition to give your homecoming date a corsage just went way over the top down here in Texas… (I kinda rolled my eyes on this… I mean we aren’t known for that).
Here is my version… a nice looking lad showed up to the prettiest girl in school’s house to ask her to the Homecoming dance. She said, “Oh, I don’ t know, I have already been asked by a few others. I guess the one who brings me the best mum is the one I will go with”. Next thing you know you have a Homecoming tradition. I strongly believe this could be the truth. I mean, let’s think about it. First ole’ boy shows back up mum in hand. He proudly purchases with his paper route sales money. Then second fellow drives back up with his daddy’s truck and has little bigger mum he purchased with his feed store feed bag loading money. Then finally, our guy, the one challenged, arrives with a limousine, nice starched shirt tucked in, boots on, and he crawls out of the back with his daddy, momma and little sister. Momma and sister are carrying the mum that weighs as much as the family goat, and daddy has a camera is just taking pictures like his son just won the Nobel Peace Prize.
There you have it… my version of the Texas Size Mum Homecoming Tradition. It all started with a sweet young lady who wanted to see who liked her most and romantic Texas boy who decided there aren’t any boundaries to show the girl of his dreams his intent to please.
I hear the other states always say how everything is bigger in Texas. I have been to a few others, and I guess I can agree on most things being pretty big here in our great State. And one of the biggest things we show off down here is affection. We will go to any length, any measure to show the ones around us how much we like them… even if it means pinning a flower on us and parading in public.

About The Author:  Barbie Driskell (Aunt B) was raised in the shade of pine trees of East Texas. “I am very proud of my roots,  just like a pine tree, may not be deep but they sure take over when left to their own devices. I smile frequently, laugh genuinely and live simply.”

 

Two fall NWTF Wheelin Sportsman events for disabled persons are on tap for east Texas this fall…

By
Charles Roberds
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2012 NWTF Angelina Deer Hunt group photo

The National Wild Turkey Federations  Wheelin Sportsman (NWTFWS) outreach program for disabled sports persons provides opportunities for these folks to enjoy fishing ,hunting and other outdoor activities.

 

Bream Buster Challenge…Oct.12th
The Pineywoods Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will host the 11th Annual Wheelin’ Sportsmen, Bream Buster Challenge at the Lufkin State Supported Living Center on October 12th, 2013.  This event has offered people who call the Lufkin Living Center their home a chance to enjoy many outdoor activities over the years. The annual event serves people who have disabilities and provides an opportunity to fish, enjoy animals through pet therapy and learn about nature through art and other exciting outdoor activities.
For more information contact:
Lufkin State Supported Living Center, Lynn Hopper 936 634 3353

2012 NWTF Angelina Deer Hunt group photo
2012 NWTF Angelina Deer Hunt group photo

 

Our annual  NWTF  Angelina Wheelin’ Sportsman Deer Hunt is set for December 13 and 14th….

Over 7,000 acres will be available for this very successful hunt. The hunt will take place on the Winston Tree farm, U.S. Forest Service- Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest and TPWD Alazan Wildlife Management Area in southern Nacogdoches County.
The Pineywoods NWTF Chapter partners with April AWOL NWTF Chapter, Gulf Coast NWTF Chapter U.S. Forest Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service to deliver this weekend deer hunt for disabled hunters.
For more Information on these activities contact Dale Bounds, 936 635 2116, email: dkbounds@suddenlink.net.
Many volunteers make these fine events possible .Great memories have been made for volunteers and participants alike.  It is estimated that about 350 participants and 350 volunteers have enjoyed these NWTF outdoor events over the years.

Dale Bounds

Birds of a Feather

By
Charles Roberds
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“Birds of a feather flock together”… I cannot tell you how many times I heard my Momma say this. Sometimes, it was about me and my friends. Sometimes, it would be about people who were busy talking about others behind their backs. Then there were those times it was about the choices she had made.
I am blessed beyond measure. I have wonderful friends and folks in my life and if I was to be judged by others on my friends, I would be proud to be one of them.  But as a girl with sometimes a blind eye, deaf ear, and generous spirit, I pick up a few birds that aren’t of my feather.
I spent the weekend with some folks that are truly some of the best people I have ever known. They have smiles, and arms outstretched before you get even within hugging distance. They really want to know how you are. They actually take the time to listen. They give genuine compliments and are just as genuinely pleased to see you. It’s not just my sweet friend or her awesome husband of almost 30 years, but their amazing children are just as nice.
We were able to spend a few days with these folks, and their kids and their new grand-baby, and all of their lifelong truest friends. And more than any other statement I could make about my most fun filled weekend… but “Birds of a feather flock together”!!!!
I am so fortunate to be able to call them friends, and now to add all these other wonderfully welcoming and genuine people to my circle. A girl couldn’t ask for more. I sat yesterday morning watching as my friends were able to greet more folks as they arrived to wish a happy birthday. And to be met with smiles from ear to ear and arms outstretched and great conversation and banter is something downright indescribable.
I left my weekend and as we headed up the interstate my smile was still brimming and my heart was still full. My laughter was still spilling over from my soul and lips. My eyes were still a bit watery from constant laughter and jokes and just good old fashion “ribbing”.
If these are my birds then I sure am lucky to be a part of this flock. I hope I am able to fly as high and shine as bright as these wonderful people. I hope I can love others as wonderfully and lovingly as they do. I hope I can be the kind of friend they are and have the kind of friends they have that drive a few hours just to be in their presence. Just to feel the bond and love and hugs they give. To see them look you in the eye and hold you a bit longer than others do so you know you are special to them.
I hear all the time how things are bigger in Texas. Well, friends, I am here to tell you if friendship counts then it’s a fact. My friends are from deep in the heart of Texas and they have a kinship that reaches far beyond our state borders. They are like a glass of sweet tea on an August evening after the yard was mowed and the sweet smell of grass fills the air. With kids down the block playing a last ditch effort of dodge ball before it’s too dark to see and you can hear their giggles, laughter, screams and shrill voices fill the air. It’s a welcomed event that is missed and treasured… that’s exactly how I felt as I lay down last night after having been able to spend this precious time in their presence. Like a bird that takes flight and knows the winds cannot push us down as long as we flock together.

About The Author:  Barbie Driskell (Aunt B) was raised in the shade of pine trees of East Texas. “I am very proud of my roots,  just like a pine tree, may not be deep but they sure take over when left to their own devices. I smile frequently, laugh genuinely and live simply.”

App Hack

By
Charles Roberds
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The apps are back and this week we have some pretty sweet apps that will make your life easy and fun. What I like to keep in my lifehack folder.

KeyMe

Scan your key and next time you lock your only key in the house or car just take your phone to the locksmith!
KeyMe

Groceries

A beautiful way to manage your grocery list for the visual people out there.
Groceries

Top of the Morning

Truthfully I just love the name. But wake up with all the info you need to know without hunting around different sources. One stop shop!

TopMorning

About The Author

A true geek but with style. When faced with a problem, Charles ask himself “What would Batman do?” Charles is a nut when it comes to the latest tech and apps on the market. Apple or PC it doesn’t matter, whatever is the best. iOS or Android, he actually owns both kind of devices. Charles has been know to spend more time on social media than asleep. Oh and let’s not forget he’s a hardcore gamer as well.

Days Like this….

By
Charles Roberds
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You know those days? The ones where once you leave the comforts of your bed you instantly know you need to head back. Well, this is one of those days… “Momma said there would be days like this”.
I have elected to be healthier. After all, I am not getting any younger just like they aren’t making any more land. So, what health I have is valuable. With that being said, I ate an all vegetable dinner and made myself a “green smoothie”. Well, the attempt at the smoothie did not go off without a hitch… the blender wasn’t used to such a healthy concoction. The blender was like… “Wait, a cotton pickin’ minute, this is not ice cream and chocolate syrup… and started to smoke. I pressed on. I added in my frozen bananas, my frozen strawberries, my frozen spinach, my cut up apple, my cup of chopped cucumber, my 1 cup of water… and then the smoke began to get to be too much… and the blender no longer blended.  I went to Plan B… and mixed it in the bullet blender and poured it up. And to be honest it was tasty.
Well, with all the above morning activity, that didn’t leave much room for hair and make-up. I attempted to straighten it a bit, but the flat iron was very hot and some of the hair was kinky and not quite dry and I couldn’t tell if my hair was burning or if the smell of the burnt blender motor had followed me to the bathroom. So, I am not looking any better than the green smoothie at work, today. But fortunately for me, I have succeeded in working in an office without a mirror.
Rush to my truck, and pull out of the drive way… and down the road to work. I missed the school zone lighting and was able to drive normal speed to my daily getaway. Then, I encountered a trailer with a large steel pipe swing set loaded up driving about 45 miles per hour. As I was slurping on my smoothie , listening to uplifting and encouraging music to get my day moving in a better direction… it happened. A very loud ding. We all know the sound… the one where you hold your breath for a second and look about frantically searching for where it hit. And it hit good and solid and made a hole in my windshield.
I forced myself to finish the only healthy thing in my morning so far and holding back the tears as I arrive at work. Turn the key in the knob force my shaking knees to walk to my desk, where I plummet my body weight into my favorite chair, which decided to give way and tumble me to the floor. For fear of being seen at this point crawling on my hands and knees to get up I move in lightning speed to gather my wits and sit up in the chair as if I was riding a bull at the rodeo. I think I might have even thrown my arm in the air a little “Lane Frost” move I learned over the years.
I fire up my computer, seeking a daily devotional to read and find some comfort, before I tear the wrapper off every single Tootsie Roll in the candy dish and devour them with my green smoothie. At this time I discover yet another challenge… who would have guessed it? The internet is not responding. I work in the boondocks and this is my only lifeline. I almost scream, but instead, I say… the green monster drink is destroying my morning routine. I need coffee.
I make coffee, spilling most of the grounds I am trying to add to the basket from shaking so much, and once the aroma fills the office air, I pour a steaming cup and open the fridge door to find I am out of creamer.
I am sitting here eating Tootsie Roll after Tootsie Roll, laughing at myself. What was I thinking starting my day off on such a healthy note? Tomorrow I will begin it like all my other days, with a bowl of Captain Crunch and a huge mug of coffee the size of my head, and I will know this is a much healthier option… because if I have any more days like this one… I might become violent. And that cannot be good for my health.

 

About The Author:  Barbie Driskell (Aunt B) was raised in the shade of pine trees of East Texas. “I am very proud of my roots,  just like a pine tree, may not be deep but they sure take over when left to their own devices. I smile frequently, laugh genuinely and live simply.”

Getting what you want

By
Allen Hart
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Recently, I was telling about my little nephew, Justin. He has one of those personalities… you know the kids that are born, drink a bottle or two and all of sudden you look at him he is wearing a ball cap, a watch and belt with his boots and jeans… he speaks, walks and talks like a grown man. Justin is that kind of kid… an “old soul” is how my Moma would have described him. At one of his birthday parties, he sat at the head of the table opening his mountain of gifts… he relishes in the attention, I might add. He opened a large bag full of tissue paper and with total delight and animation, he pulls out a Captain America shield and with all the excitement a 7 year old could muster her turned to PawPaw and said, “Oh, thank you!!! I have waited my whole life for one of these!!!” I was sitting in his room one afternoon with him (he was sitting in his recliner… I told you he is a grown man) I was sitting on the floor next to him as we watched one of his DVD’s and I noticed his Captain America shield in his toy box… I said, “There’s that cool shield, we should play with it”. He responded, “Nah”.
How many times have we longed, prayed, obsessed, waited our whole lives for something… then we get it and it ain’t nearly as fabulous as we thought? Growing up as little girls we played house. We had imaginary husbands who brought us flowers picked from the neighbor’s flower beds, our dreamboat of a husband worked a good job and drove a truck and his favorite food was M&M’s and Dr. Pepper, just like ours. We waited our whole lives to grow up and to marry the most fabulous man in the whole wide world. And then darn it, those men don’t want to eat M&M’s and Dr. Pepper for dinner every night… and as it turns out, the neighbors don’t like anyone picking their flowers!!! I have waited on what I thought would be the perfect job and prayed and begged God to grant it to me. I get this most wonderful job in the whole world and then… well, then there is the stress associated with the responsibility of the world’s best job! I have drooled over shoes in catalogs, saved my pennies and painted my toe nails the perfect shade of pink to look good in those stylish shoes… finally, buy them and wear them and I was left with 5 bleeding blisters and shoes I could not wear!
Why do we long and pray and want things so bad then when we get them, they aren’t nearly as great as we thought? I was listening to a lady at the gas station this morning telling her grandson… He isn’t appreciative. He was asking for a bottled drink and she was explaining as kindly as a grandmother can at 7:15am that he has those very same ones in the pantry. He said but they are in cans. I want a bottle.
We are the same way, we get exactly what we want but it still isn’t good enough… get a perfectly good watch, it ticks, tells time, looks stylish, but it’s silver and now I want gold. I have a perfectly good family, but I see the lady at the store with 3 little girls all dressed in ladybug dresses, matching sandals and hair bows… and I would trade in all the boys in my family for those sweet girls.
What happened to us? When did we become so unsatisfied? When was GREAT and getting exactly what we wanted not enough? I bet that is what Jesus thought… the Pharisees waited for the Messiah, he shows up and they turn their back… “Hmmph”… “Not exactly the Messiah we wanted”.
I am going to go home today and look around at things I worked hard for and dust them and appreciate them and I might even wear those shoe while I dust… I plan on doing it with socks (bleeding blisters aren’t pretty)… but I am going to be more thankful for all I have been given… I want to have an attitude of gratitude… starting now… and I want to drop by and play with Justin’s Captain America shield, too.

Aunt B
About The Author:  Barbie Driskell (Aunt B) was raised in the shade of pine trees of East Texas. “I am very proud of my roots,  just like a pine tree, may not be deep but they sure take over when left to their own devices. I smile frequently, laugh genuinely and live simply.”

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