Several species of grouper, including black, red, yellowfin, scamp, yellowmouth, rock hind and red hind will close to recreational harvest from Feb. 1 through March 31 in Gulf of Mexico state waters excluding Monroe County.

Eighteen teams featuring some of the top pros in the sport are competing in the PAA's season-opening event. The full field will compete all three days, with more than $100,000 in cash and prizes at stake, including a Nitro Z-8 with a Mercury 225 Optimax and T-H Marine Atlas jackplate, Nitro Z-7 with a Mercury Pro XS, and MinnKota Talon shallow water anchors for the big bass winners. Also at stake are points toward the PAA Angler of the Year title and qualification for the Toyota Texas Bass Classic world championship in September on Lake Conroe.

A U.S. House of Representatives vote yesterday could mean permanent easy access for hunters looking to buy their federal duck stamps online. The e-Duck Stamp program, started four years ago on a trial basis, allows hunters 16 and older to purchase temporary duck stamps online until their physical stamps arrive in the mail.

Mills County Trophy Ranch

441 acres. MLD season lease available, 2 creeks, 3 ponds, hunting lanes, deer stands, building shed and electricity possible. Trophy deer, bucks, does, turkey, hogs, and fishing. Looking for family of 3-5 hunters. Call (512) 751-2386 or (830) 644-2380 for more information.

I have a 4200 acre lease in crockett county 16 miles north west of ozona, texas. We have managed this property for the past 5 yrs and have had good results. I need 10 hunters, guest are allowed with restrictions. However if I cannot fill the full lease than we can divide the lease and hunter requirements. There are a lot of deer and turkey, the quail are having a hard time due to drought conditions. The camping area has water and electricity, electric bill will be split between all paying hunters after season. The country is heavy cedar and misquite w/rolling country and a wet weather draw that runs thru the middle of the property. The land owner has told me that the property was stocked with south texas deer in the 60's and at one time had the largest deer in the county. The genetics are there and we have seen trophy class deer each year we have hunted the lease. I need to have commited hunters by April in order to hold this property, I know the land owner and he has told me that he was removing the hunters this season because they would not allow the bucks to reach 4-5 yrs. of age. He has told me that if I can get the hunters he is more than willing to lease the property to me long term.