bronco1

Last enrollment numbers for 4A: [Hidden Content]

Iowa man recovering after being shot by hunting dog Associated Press DES MOINES, Iowa — A hunter is recovering after he was shot in the leg at close range by his dog, who stepped on his shotgun and tripped the trigger, an official said today. James Harris, 37, of Tama, was hit in the calf Saturday, the opening day of pheasant season, said Alan Foster, a spokesman with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. "He had surgery and is doing pretty well," he said. "He took between 100-120 pellets in about a 4-inch circle to his calf." Harris was listed in good condition today, officials at University Hospitals in Iowa City said. Harris was hunting with a group about three miles north of Grinnell. The group shot a bird, and when Harris went to get it, he put his gun on the ground and crossed a fence. As he crossed the fence, his hunting dog stepped on the gun, Foster said. The gun was about 3 feet away from his leg. "The muzzle velocity is so great that the pellets don't have a chance to spread out," he said. No one else was hurt, and the dog was not injured. Foster said no citations have been issued. [Hidden Content]

What is that supposed to mean? We heard the same stuff last year about a dominant running game. This year it is supposed to be a dominant passing game. We will just have to wait and see. To answer the, "Tell me if Dayton has any worthy Defensive backs??" question. Yes, all of them.

For the weekend my boys took 2 Gadwall, 1 Widgeon, 2 Spoonies, 5 Teal, 3 Woodducks & 2 Mottled ducks. There were a lot of birds it looks like its gonna be good this year.

Lots of excitement over this one. Can't wait till Friday. Not throwing out any predictions, it seems impossible in this district this year.

*Stats taken from Beaumont Enterprise

THANKS

Dayton JV 26 Central JV 8 I think.

We are in the single digits boys. Hope everyone is ready.

The tale of the tape through week 7 for Central and Dayton:

Lumberton easily. Ozen does have talent and eventually they may sneak up on somebody. Not the raiders, not this year.

You ain't right.

Vidor PNG Nederland

I think they would both be in a lot of trouble.

People can think whatever they want, we had our chance this year and lost. Lumberton got the win and it makes this district really interesting.

Last Realignment Enrollment Numbers for area schools: 2006-08 OFFICIAL FOOTBALL AND 2006-07 OFFICIAL BASKETBALL DISTRICT ALIGNMENT CONFERENCE 5A District 21 Baytown Lee 2547.5 Baytown Sterling 2781 Beaumont West Brook 2422 Channelview 2104.5 Humble 2905 Humble Atascocita 2567 Humble Kingwood 3206 Port Arthur Memorial 2410 District 22 Deer Park 3696.5 Galena Park North Shore 4114.5 La Porte 2349.5 Pasadena 2560 Pasadena Dobie 2725 Pasadena Memorial 2385.5 Pasadena Rayburn 2158 Pasadena South Houston 2223 CONFERENCE 4A District 18 Brenham 1596 Conroe Caney Creek 1688 Huntsville 1843 Livingston 1221.5 Montgomery 1492 Waller 1441 Willis 1483.5 District 19 Houston Furr 1091.5 Houston Jones 983 Houston Kashmere 642 Houston Scarborough 871 Houston Sterling 1084 Houston Wheatley 868 Houston Worthing 972 District 20 Houston Austin 1796 Houston Davis 1646.5 Houston Reagan 1710 Houston Sharpstown 1707 Houston Waltrip 1877 Houston Washington 1114 Houston Yates 1241 District 21 Crosby 1401.5 Galena Park 1717 Houston Forest Brook 1071 Houston King 1387.5 Houston Smiley 1117 Huffman Hargrave 990 Mont Belvieu Barbers Hill 963 New Caney 1832 District 22 Beaumont Central 1406.5 Beaumont Ozen 1499.5 Dayton 1439.5 Lumberton 1011 Nederland 1471 Orange Little Cypress-Mauriceville 1170 Port Neches-Groves 1475 Vidor 1425 District 23 Angleton 1889 Dickinson 1911.5 Freeport Brazosport 1116.5 Friendswood 1846 La Marque 1120 Santa Fe 1413 Texas City 1687.5 District 24 Bay City 1262.5 El Campo 1075 Katy Seven Lakes 1532 Richmond Foster 1749 Rosenberg Lamar Cons 1805 Rosenberg Terry 1749 CONFERENCE 3A District 21 Bridge City 754.5 Hamshire-Fannett 581 Jasper 819 Kirbyville 453.5 Orangefield 473 Silsbee 827 Sour Lake Hardin-Jefferson 706 West Orange-Stark 775 District 22 Cleveland 809 Cleveland Tarkington 587 Coldspring-Oakhurst 573 Liberty 672 Shepherd 508.5 Splendora 863 CONFERENCE 2A District 24 Anahuac 402 Buna 412.5 Deweyville 237 Hardin 369 Kountze 398.5 Warren 301 Winnie East Chambers 339 CONFERENCE 1A – 11-MAN District 23 Burkeville 116.5 Chester 60 Colmesneil 181.5 Groveton 177.5 Lovelady 174 Pineland West Sabine 170 District 24 Evadale 124 High Island 112 Hull-Daisetta 183 Sabine Pass 100 Saratoga West Hardin 176

Outlook Bright for Upcoming Deer Season AUSTIN, Texas — Last year’s Texas deer hunting season was considered text book by state wildlife biologists. This season, hunters may have to throw out the book. Indicators leading into the Nov. 3 season opener point to potentially great hunting across much of the state, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists. But, as they say in advertising disclaimers, Individual results may vary. “Generally speaking, it’s a banner year for (fawn) production,†said Mitch Lockwood, TPWD deer program leader. “As far as the quality of the animals, the deer we’re seeing are in pretty good condition and I expect antler quality and body weights to be above average. Not only do we expect this year’s crop to be better, but there are more mature bucks out there simply because harvest was down in 2006.†Whitetails have responded well from last year’s extended dry spell, thanks to an unseasonably wet spring and summer, and have taken advantage of resurgent plant growth, Lockwood noted. That bodes well for the deer, but could pose a challenge for hunters hoping to find success from a blind over supplemental feed. Biologists point to 2004, when timely spring rains created ideal range conditions, healthy deer and high expectations from hunters. Due to the abundance of vegetation available to deer that year, hunters observed fewer animals during the season and overall harvest numbers were down. When conditions became relatively dry in 2005, deer harvest jumped considerably and, in particular, more mature bucks were killed that season. “That’s what makes this year tough to predict,†Lockwood noted. “There will be more deer on the ground this fall, but hunting could be tough early in the season.†Because some parts of the state are drying up as rainfall slacked off in September and October, deer movements and hunting conditions could change. “Deer were seeing so much good native groceries all year, corn was something new to them,†he said. “In the Edwards Plateau, we’re loaded with acorns. Once those food sources run out, deer should return to feeders.†With the expected high percentage of recruitment into the deer population this year, biologists are urging hunters and landowners to actively manage whitetail numbers. “It’s important for hunters to use those antlerless tags this season and get those excess animals off the range before winter sets in to ensure there’s enough food to go around,†Lockwood said. “If folks want help determining how many deer to remove from their property they are welcome to contact their local TPWD biologist for assistance.†TPWD provides wildlife management consultation at no cost to landowners. The agency offers a variety of conservation planning assistance, from habitat enhancement incentives to wildlife resource management. Details about these programs are available on the TPWD Web site or from your local wildlife biologist. While there are no major changes to deer regulations this year, hunters in eastern and central Texas are reminded that special buck antler restrictions are in effect in 61 counties. Under the regulation, a lawful buck in the designated counties is defined as any buck having at least one unbranched antler OR an inside antler spread of at least 13 inches. The bag limit in the affected counties is two lawful bucks, no more than one of which may have an inside spread of greater than 13 inches. For additional deer hunting regulations refer to the 2007-08 Outdoor Annual available wherever licenses are sold and on the TPWD Web site. Following is a snapshot of conditions and observations for the upcoming season for each Texas ecological region. South Texas Plains Deer should be fat this year and fawn crops should be 50 percent or better, even on marginal ranges, according to TPWD district biologist Joe Herrera in Pleasanton. He reported antler quality should also be excellent this fall. “The deer are not moving much due to the good habitat conditions, and are eating very little supplemental feed,†said Herrera. “With the great range conditions consisting of tall grasses and green brush it may be difficult to hunt this season.†With the high fawn survival biologists are expecting this fall, managers will have their work cut out for them trying to keep the deer population at healthy levels before the next drought hits. Panhandle “We’re anticipating excellent body weights and horn development, and even though it has gotten dry whitetails should go into the winter in good shape,†noted Danny Swepston, TPWD district biologist in Canyon. “Having too much cover may be a problem during the early part of the season,†Swepston added. “In areas where winter wheat is coming up, deer may be moving on that pretty quick. They may be slow coming to feeders in some places.†Swepston recommended in some of the eastern counties of the Panhandle having high deer populations, hunters are encouraged to take does. Possum Kingdom Range conditions are in pretty good shape, said Kevin Mote, TPWD biologist in Brownwood. “We’re seeing a pretty good acorn crop and lots of vegetation. The deer aren’t moving much and survey results are down because can’t see them, but we know we had a high fawn crop.†Mote went on to add, with this moisture the acorns aren’t going to last forever. “If the cooling trend continues we should have a great opener,†he predicted. “We’re seeing good body condition and antler development, and of the does we see, most have twins. We really need to take some does. “Hunting conditions were really tough last year because it was warm and dry,†said Mote. “Deer weren’t coming to feeders well last year, even though we were in a drought. If folks got rain starting early in the fall last year, the does came through in good condition.†Just because hunters aren’t seeing deer with their eyes, Mote urged not giving up on the doe harvest because they are out there nonetheless. Hill Country The potential for some quality bucks is out there, but predicting where they will be is the catch this season, according to TPWD biologist Mike Krueger in Kerrville. “It’s extremely hit or miss as far as feeders,†he explained. “We’ve got a tremendous acorn crop and they’re not going to be cleaned up before the season. Maybe by the rut deer will start coming to feeders, but I expect it will be very shaky.†Krueger said back-to-back years of low fawn production has had an impact and although the deer are making up ground this year, hunters in some areas still may see fewer deer. That doesn’t mean the deer have vanished, just tough to spot. “We did a spotlight survey on Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and didn’t see much of anything because the vegetation was so tall,†he reported. “The abundance of acorns is affecting deer movement. Things are pretty good for them right now.†He said he’s received scattered reports of deer not in good condition. “But, overall the quality should be good,†he noted. “When bucks initiated antler growth, rains already started and the deer were able to maintain that through the growing season. Generally speaking throughout the Edwards Plateau, unless you have evidence to back off, hunters need to continue to control deer numbers.†Post Oak Savannah Deer hunting may be more difficult this year, according to Tyler-based biologist David Sierra. “The vegetation will be lush and thick, providing more cover and making deer harder to spot,†he noted. “The increased amount of forage and mast will allow deer to move less and bed down early. And again, better range conditions will spread the deer over larger areas and not concentrate them in the bottoms and other prime habitats.†With the mild winter, excellent spring and cooler summer this year deer should not have experienced the usual environmental stresses. This should allow them to put on more body fat and use the extra nutrition to express their full genetic potential, said Sierra. “So I would expect them to be heavier and with better then usual antler development.†Because of the abundant vegetation available, Sierra suggested hunter look for an opening in the woods bordering a native meadow and a stand of oaks or pecan trees. “Because of the excellent range conditions there should be an abundance of both forbs and mast; hunting the edge will allow me to take advantage of both.†If deer are conditioned to come to feeders some will still visit them, but fewer will probably use them this season. Coastal Prairies and Marshes “Like everybody else we’ve had an incredible year as far as rainfall and the acorn crop is excellent so it might be tough for hunters waiting for deer coming to feeders,†offered David Forrester, TPWD biologist in LaGrange. “Our recruitment is above average and the deer are in great shape going into the season. Forrester tempered his outlook by noting that similar conditions in 2004 resulted in a decline in deer harvest. Plus, he has not had many reports of deer being taken during the archery season. “Harvest may drop this year because they definitely don’t have to come to a feeder,†he said. “Bowhunters typically hunt near feed. If you’re wanting a big, quality buck this season, you’re probably going to have to get down and do some old-fashioned hunting.†Pineywoods Gary Calkins has seen many East Texas deer seasons come and go, but this one is looking like the best, according to the Jasper-based TPWD biologist. “It got dry toward the end of summer, after the deer had finished growing antlers and body weights were in good shape,†he said. Despite an average acorn crop this year, Calkins reported an abundance of other natural food sources. “Because it has been so wet, the acorns have not dropped so that might make it tough around the opening of the season.†Calkins added that hunters in the 16 counties that fell under the special buck antler regulations last year should see more mature bucks in the woods this season. “Last year, our harvest didn’t take a hit but there were a lot of spikes taken,†he noted. “We’re starting to see some co-ops coming along because of the Managed Lands Deer Permits.†Trans Pecos Deer condition should be really good antler-wise and body-wise, said Ruben Cantu, TPWD regional wildlife director in San Angelo. “Range conditions are absolutely great with lush forage thanks to good rainfall,†he said. “We had a pretty good fawn crop and the thing that’s difficult for hunters to do at times like this when everything looks so good is to remember to manage deer populations for drought because that’s much more prevalent out here.†Cantu is encouraging hunters to help keep deer numbers below the normal capacity of the land to carry, but admits that might be tough to do early in the season due to the abundance of natural browse. “Corn is piling up around the feeders,†he admitted. “Animals are coming by as creatures of habit, but they are not staying. Things are starting to dry up and look like normal so hopefully by the start of the season the deer will start coming to feed.†SL 2007-10-23 Media Contact: Steve Lightfoot, (512) 389-4701, [email protected] Oct. 23, 2007 [Hidden Content]

Yep, Friday night is gonna be nice.

This cool weather gets the old blood pumping. It finally feels like hunting time.

This cold weather has got my 2 boys all fired up.

Yeah looks like it. Looking at the wording here it seems like they may make several changes in the new district realignment. They want School administrators to see how it might have worked out for them with the new numbers.

UIL Legislative Council Meeting Results Media Contact: Kim Rogers Phone: 512) 471-5883 Fax: (512) 471-6589 Email: [email protected] Date: 10/22/2007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUSTIN, TX— The current system for football alignments will remain in place and superintendents will decide whether or not to add a fourth team to the playoffs in all team sports for Conference 4A after decisions handed down by the UIL Legislative Council on Monday. After extensive discussion of a split conference alignment for football, the UIL Legislative Council voted to survey school superintendents after the 2008-2010 realignment is released this spring to determine whether or not to move forward with the plan for the 2010-2012 alignment period. The Council instructed the UIL staff to place the item on a survey and include a scenario of the split conference alignment using the 2008 enrollment figures so schools could see how the split conferences would have affected things this realignment period. “The Legislative Council had a great deal of interest in the split conference alignment plan for football, but felt now was not the time to move forward with it, especially since we are currently in a realignment year,†said UIL Assistant Director and Director of Athletics Dr. Charles Breithaupt. “By using the 2008 enrollment figures to create the sample alignment, it gives everyone a chance to look at this plan with fresh numbers and a new perspective. Giving superintendents across the state a chance to weigh in on this concept provides a more comprehensive look at the way our schools feel about it and we’re encouraged by the efforts and wisdom of the Council.†Conference 4A superintendents will decide if a fourth team is added to the playoffs in the sports of baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball and volleyball after the item is placed on a referendum ballot this spring. The results of the referendum ballot are binding, and will take effect in the 2008-09 school year. Additionally, the Legislative Council amended the penalty for a positive steroid test result. In June 2007, the Council passed a penalty structure relating to the statewide random steroid testing program that the UIL is implementing this school year. At that time, the penalty for a first time positive steroid test was a suspension from competition for a minimum of 30 calendar days. That penalty was amended, and if approved by the Commissioner of Education, will now be a suspension for a minimum of 30 school days of competition in all UIL athletic activities for a first positive test. A student must undergo an exit steroid test and receive a negative result in order to restore their eligibility. In other action, the Legislative Council determined that all coaches who have been ejected from a contest and have not had the ejection overturned by the UIL State Executive Committee must complete the National Federation of State High School Associations Fundamentals of Coaching Course. The course must also be completed by all first year coaches and any coach who is not a full-time employee of the school district. The following items were approved by the Legislative Council, and take effect August 1, 2008 if approved by the Commissioner of Education: * Creating a specific medium ensemble category for Mariachi; * Increasing officials fees in all sports; * Expanding the Conference 4A soccer alignment from 32 to 64 districts.

Duck Hunts If anyone is interested, a friend of mine is booking duck hunts out in El Campo. Here is the information he sent me: Hey guys, I’m looking for some duck hunters for opening weekend of duck season, November 3rd & 4th. The outfitter that I’m guiding for in El Campo had a large corporate group push back to the second weekend of the season so the first weekend is pretty much open. The hunts are $150 per man and usually less for kids. If anyone is interested, please let me know and I can give you more information. Thanks, Paul Fowler 281-797-9148

Here is what it looks like through Week 7: Stats taken from Beaumont Enterprise iPreps.

As far as public land you can get an Annual Public Hunting Permit and there are a lot of places. Here is a link to the TPWD Public Hunting page: [Hidden Content] You have to buy the permit($48) to get the map book. A lot of the WMA in texas are included in the hunting areas. If you buy your permit at the TPWD office you get your map books right then, otherwise you have to wait and get them in the mail.