Staff Sgt. Meadows made Air Force history on June 15, 2011 when he became the first active duty double amputee to successfully participate in a personnel drop.  Along with 39 of his coworkers, Meadows conducted a practice parachute jump from a C-17 Globemaster III in preparation for a change of command ceremony.  ”Everything went well today” Sergeant Meadows said.  ”It felt good to get up there and jump again after 2 years”.

Veteran Outdoors is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to honor our country’s wounded veterans’ patriotism and their sacrifice by providing quality hunting, fishing and outdoor activities.  VO’s goal is to raise public awareness about the therapeutic effects that being in the outdoors actually has on the mental and physical disabilities of our country’s wounded men and women.  We will also provide a platform for veterans to tell their own stories in their own words.

Shaun arrived with his wife Nicole, son Trevor (5), Hosts Cody  and Jordana Hirt with daughter Hannah and Hosts Brad and Stacey Strittmatter and sons Joseph and Sam. Photographing the event was Joseph Esparza. After introductions Shaun was presented with camo gear and a new rifle. Shaun was completely surprised about the entire weekend.  Only his wife Nicole knew about it.

After sighting in the new rifle, Shaun with Ranch Manager Chad Barington went to sit in a blind.  They saw many doe but nary a buck.  The evening included a big dinner and campfire for all.

On Saturday morning the hunting crew saw many does again and got some good photographs.

Owner Jimmy Davenport toured Shaun and Nicole through the deer breeding facilities and deer pens during the Noon hour.  The Meadows were fascinated  with the operation and deer barn working facility.

Just before dark on Saturday evening Shaun had his opportunity.  A big buck referred to as “Mulie” by the ranch staff  strolled into view and Shaun downed him with one shot. Hooray Shaun!!!

Nicole Meadows, Shaun Meadows, Trevor Meadows, Joseph Strittmatter, Cody Hirt, Brad Strittmatter

VVet

ShS

Shaun’s proudest moment was having his wife and son pose with him after downing this beautiful 168 B&C buck.

Chad Barington measuring deer antlers

Cody Hirt, Shaun Meadows, Jimmy Davenport, Chad Barington, Brad Strittmatter

S

Brad Strittmatter, Shaun Meadows, Cody Hirt

At Thunderhill Ranch, the bucks are losing their velvet and necks are growing in anticipation of the coming rut. Attached are photos of the antlers of a 3 year-old buck sold to Escondido Ranch in Junction, TX.

Tony Lyon holding antlers of the 190 point buck purchased by Escondido Ranch.

This is the same buck on July 1, 2010. It is interesting to see how his antlers developed.

Hunters take note of this thick and brushy terrain where the big bucks like to hide.  Make your plans now to book a very special hunting trip with great vistas, big deer, superb accommodations and gourmet food all delivered by the very accommodating Thunderhill Staff.  No need to hang out in a rustic hunting camp hoping to get a deer.

The women on “Ammo and Attitude” were fun to watch in their quest to be the winner.  It is obvious that they have spent time in the wilderness.  Team Otis really got their act together after losing the first challenge to team Browning.  In the fire gathering exercise, team Otis planned their approach to gathering the firewood, putting it on the Polaris and laying it on their designated location. Consequently they won the challenge.  In the personal challenge, Jana Waller built and lighted her fire first winning a prize from Game Guard.

Be sure to watch Episode 3 next week when the 6 women have to prove their survival skills by rescuing a dummy from the craggy, granite filled Little Sandstone mountain. One will see the Llano River and vistas from the mountain in the episode.  All that was shown in the previews.

The first buck to come within site was this wide 146 B & C deer.

Then lo and behold, another big boy decides to make his appearance at the same blind.  This one was even bigger so  Carroll decided to take him as well.  It was a happy day for this persistent hunter.  We have heard told that hunting on a high fenced ranch doesn’t present any challenges.  Carroll Lewing doesn’t agree with that and plans to return to Thunderhill Ranch in the next hunting season.

Grazing in the food plot

Interesting photos taken by one of the cameras around the Harlow blind food plot.  We still have hunts available and can book hunts until the end of February.  Call the office with any questions you might have.  325-247-5444.

Rear view

Front view

Caught with his mouth full

On October 21st, 3 of our bucks will be brought into the breeding facility to be vaccinated and released into the breeding pen. Early on the morning of October 22nd, Dr. Bob Woodward from Champion Genetics will draw semen from several of our breeder bucks. This is our insurance just in case anything happens to one of them.