The clouds gave way to a beautiful blue sky as Chris and I pulled into the Y.O. Ranch Resort in Kerrville, Texas.  We were there to attend the Exotic Wildlife Association Trophy Game Records of the World Banquet and Awards Ceremony.  It had been raining for what seemed like weeks, and 4th of July was all but cancelled, so the bright blue sky was a welcome sight. 

We knew we were in the right place when we pulled into the parking lot.  There was nothing but tough trucks as far as the eye could see.  Of course, we had the only camo wrapped Hummer, which we parked right up front next to our friends at Henson Ford.  Thanks Tank for the choice spot.  CLICK HERE to visit their listing.

The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as we entered the resort.  We decided to register and quickly hit all of the exhibitors before the masses arrived.  Of course, the EWA/TGR staff was very helpful and friendly.  Our thanks go out to the Executive Director Charly Seale, and his staff members, Keri and Jill for their tireless efforts in getting TexasHuntFish.com access to this great event.

There were over 30 exhibitors featured in the hotel lobby and inside the ballroom.  They ranged from custom knife makers, “Red” Wood and Keith Richard, Rhodes Bros. Taxidermy, Livengood Feeds, Butch and Wendy’s Hunting Adventures, Antler Creations by Monika Lewis, to Ronel Bronson of Bad Boy Buggies.  You name it, everything related to hunting and exotic wildlife was represented at this event.  The Y.O. Ranch, Adventure Camp and Ranch Store were also represented at the event.  Please check back for the interview with Dennis Kneese and Monique Richard from the Y.O. Adventure Camp.  They talk about some great opportunities for kids to participate in Hunting and Cowboy Camps. 

We started off with the guys at Kyle Ranch in Pipe Creek, Texas.  They were very excited to tell us about their award winning ranch.  Opened to “outsiders” for the first time in 1999, Kyle ranch offers personalized, guided hunts and is only open to a few people per day.  They also work extensively with our Veterans, Youths, and the Disabled.  You can hunt Addax Antelope, White Corsican, Asian Sika, Whitetail, Fallow, Catalina Goats, and much more at the Kyle Ranch.  Not only do they have Exotics and Native species on their ranch, but they also offer a personal and unforgettable experience.  CLICK HERE to view their listing.

We enjoyed our interview with custom knife maker “Red” Wood.  What a character he is and he had some great stories to share with us.  He has been making custom knives for over 20 years and uses natural materials of Elk, Red Stag and Axis antler, Water Buffalo, Kuda and Sheep horn, woods such as, Black Ash, Maple Burle, Buckeye, and Redwood to name a few.  His knives are well made and moderately priced. 

While the vendor booths were educational and entertaining, the real show was the Awards Ceremony.  I mean this is why we all came together, to honor the trophies taken over the last year.  The first night’s awards went out to Ranches, Guides and Outfitters, and the show of support they received was unbelievable.  Every table was full and the whole family came to support their loved ones.  It was a real family friendly night as Charly Seale read off the names of each Ranch, Guide and Outfitter that had winning entries in the Top 5.  There were hundreds, too many to name.  They were honored and quite humble to accept their awards.  And the family members were so proud, especially the kids.  We heard lots of proud kids saying “That’s my daddy!” 

Following the Awards Ceremony, was the Grand Live Auction that included over 40 items to bid on.  There was artwork, various Texas hunts, an African Safari, and even a baby Axis was auctioned off.  They also had two young gentlemen selling raffle tickets for a shotgun and a rifle.  I thought this was a genius idea.  Have two kids selling the tickets, you can’t say no to kids.  It proved lucrative when all tickets were sold and the guns were given away.  After the auction and giveaway, everyone let down their hair and hit the stage for Karaoke.  I can’t believe we missed this, but Chris and I headed back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep.  We wanted to be up bright and early for the Big Buck Contest Youth Awards Ceremony in the morning.

This Awards Ceremony proved to be the highlight of the weekend.  Although we weren’t too sure it was going to be the highlight when we first walked in, because it was so quiet.  Even as the awards were read off, the crowd was very subdued.  We quickly learned that everyone stayed up way too late singing Karaoke, but after about an hour, the energy picked up.  It was in large part due to the very enthusiastic Youth Winners.  They received their certificates, jackets with their name embroidered on it, and a beautiful belt buckle with their name carved out.  Their smiles lit up the room and soon people were clapping, laughing and beaming with pride.  One of the most exuberant winners was Phoenix Lopez.  He won 1st place Crossbow with a TGR score of 292.1 and 115 B&C – he’s 8!  He could not contain his excitement and wore the heavy jacket even though it was 85 degrees and super humid.  He also won one of two shotguns given away to the Youth Awardees.

Not only did these kids win prizes and recognition, but also were entered into a drawing to win an ATV sponsored by Ranch Radio and Alamo Cycle Plex.  They were also each given a knife (thanks to Gibson’s Discount Center) and a shotgun in addition to their jacket and belt buckle.  The Exotic Wildlife Association puts a great emphasis on getting kids out in the field and passing on the Hunting Heritage.  They all had a great sense of pride in accepting the awards, as did their families.  We really enjoyed watching the Youth Awards.  Video coming Soon!

Along with the Youth Awards, there was another group of people that ran away with a lot of awards – Women!  I was really excited to see so many young girls and women receiving awards.  I spoke with Jennifer Richbourg who won the Adult Division – Most Points – High Fence.  She was very excited to be honored for her trophy that scored 430 TGR, 169 2/8 B & C, 16 points taken on the Whitetail Junction Ranch in Kimble County.  She had her belt buckle on in no time and stated she was glad to win something that her fiancée had not already won. 

Another winner was Sarah Remesch who won the Women’s Diamond Back with her trophy that scored 467.8 TGR, 184 1/8 B & C taken on the Hidden Valley Ranch in Medina County.  She had her trophy mount with her.  Check it out.

We are also proud to report that Wendy White, aka “Guide Girl” on TexasHuntFish.com, won North American Hunter of the Year and Crossbow Hunter of the Year!  Congratulations Wendy.  Your grandson, Phoenix has a great influence from you and Butch.  CLICK HERE to read her Texas Outdoor Journal.    

We closed out our visit after the Big Buck Contest Awards Ceremony and left our mark on the tough trucks in the parking lot (stickers under windshield wipers)!  The sun was still shining as we drove out of Kerrville.  Thanks to the Exotic Wildlife Association, Trophy Game Records of the World, and the Y.O. Ranch for a family friendly good time.  See you next year.
         
Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas!

~Debra Heater

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