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

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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

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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.

It is not an easy task as they have a several acre pen in which to run and are really wild.  He sat for hours in a blind used specifically for photography hoping the deer would cooperate and the light would be good. He has two more chances before the end of the weekend.

Management hunts at Thunderhill Ranch are full for the season.  We still have Trophy Hunts available for 2010-2011.  Call the office or Chad Barington to make your reservations.

Dragonfly at the deer pens

Mary Margaret Clearing Feeder

Mary Margaret Davenport (8) helped her Abuelo do deer rounds in August.  She learned how to clear out the deer feeders, saw the stocker bucks that have been sold but not delivered, oohed and ahed over the growing fawns and admired the big bucks.  She was ready for a big breakfast after making rounds.

Mary Margaret looking at the bucks

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Stocker Bucks sold but not delivered