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Happy New Year
from Matador Ranch!
We hope your 2010 was prosperous and that your holidays allowed you to relax and reflect on the things important to you. We have certainly done some of that over the last several weeks.
2010 was a good year -- with good rains after starting off with icy days and wind that thwarted even the hardiest of quail hunters. That wet spring also meant some of our turkey hunts were awfully challenging as well. On the upside, we made good use of our BBQ shed with many roaring fires in the firepit and plenty of time to relax and tell stories.
Our deer season has been more prosperous for our guests...and the deer taken have shown good frame and antler size as a result of our strong supplemental nutrition program and the good rains. In fact, we've had a whitetail that scored 164 3/8 and a mule deer that came in at 165 2/8. Those were two happy hunters. In our Panther Canyon pasture, we've had numerous deer taken that scored above 200, with several topping 220 B&C. (See those photos below.)
 | | Some of the first pure Akaushi calves born at Matador Ranch. |
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Even as hunting seasons transition, we've weaned colts, landed our first Akaushi calves on the ground, and have been working in the bull pasture to prepare for breeding season.
Matador Ranch was honored to be recognized with two awards in 2010 for our team's natural resource stewardship. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department selected the ranch as a Lone Star Land Steward in the spring. This October, the Texas Section Society for Range Management and the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association presented us with the Outstanding Rangeland Stewardship award. As a result, Matador Ranch will be among those considered for a regional National Cattlemen's Beef Association award.
I am proud of the entire Matador team for how they apply the MBM® Guiding Principles, focus on safety and 10,000 percent compliance, and make our customers feel welcome, take care of our wildlife, and most importantly how they manage our natural resources to ensure long-term sustainability.
Hope you enjoy catching up with what's going on at the Matador.
Sincerely,
Bob Kilmer
Ranch Manager
bob.kilmer@matadorranch.com
Be sure and stay abreast of what's going on by following us on Facebook and Twitter @matadorranch.
 
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Hunting Report
As mentioned above, we've had nice deer taken this season. Although you can see more harvest photos on our website or Facebook page, here are a few highlights:
 | | This was the largest whitetail taken from the ranch this year. What a happy hunter! |
 | | Look at the balanced rack on this mule deer, the largest taken this year. This Florida hunter traveled a long way to take this prize. |
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Quail Update
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Above-average rainfall last spring through this summer means our range condition is also above average. That generally would mean above-average quail production through a strong and successful hatch. However, what we're seeing on the ground just doesn't seem to equate. Summer call counts in the Rolling Plains conducted by Dr. Dale Rollins of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service indicate a less-than-average hatch. Call counts are rated from 1-10. The average score over the last five years in the Rolling Plains has been 4.5, which translates to an average of 1 quail per 2.5 acres. This year's score is simply average.
Matador Ranch also estimates quail populations during annual aerial deer surveys. During the aerial survey an average of six coveys flushed per hour. That appears to correlate well with the 4.5 score measured through the summer call counts.
Of course, above-average rain also means tougher hunting when the bird counts are low. We're facing additional feed sources competing with the grain used to concentrate birds on roads.
On a bright note Matador's quail release site has been revamped with numerous improvements and additions. This season there will be a total of 43 release sites and numerous trails to allow for additional hunting acres.
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Matador Horses
We are standing our two stallions to the public in 2011: High Marked and Wrigly. Call J.D. Russell at 806-347-2645.
 | | Wrigly |
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 | | HIgh Marked |
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Don't forget to follow Matador Ranch on Facebook and Twitter!
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Weather Update
Our 2010 rainfall total was 31.22 inches, as compared to 16.69 inches in 2009 and 27.52 inches in 2008. We use the weather station at Roaring Springs as the "official" rain gauge. |
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The Matador Ranch Store
When it comes to shopping, we're open all the time at store.matadorranch.com.
We've added new items from Texas-produced food to gift items and various caps. You'll also find camo gear. Also, check back often for the latest merchandise from the Matador Ranch.
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Calendar of Events
Jan. 16
Feb. 11 Texas Deer Association sale, San Antonio Livestock Exposition, San Antonio, Texas, Matador will have a doe (Texas Sam X TR Pancho; AI'd to TR Sooner II) in this sale.
March 5 Texas Deer Association sale, Grapevine, Texas. Matador has a doe (Bambi 20-28 X Matador Y58; exposed to TR Bi O & Hotshot sons) in this sale.
April 1-3
May 12-14 Western Heritage Classic, Abilene, Texas, the national finals of the Ranch Horse Association of America events. Matador will sell two horses: 2003 gelding, MCC Hank San Teen by Boon San Teen 2008 gelding, MCC Tens Widower by Ten O Sea
July 15-16 Caprock Ranchers Futurity & Sale, Clarendon, Texas |
Akaushi Cattle Update
Matador Ranch has introduced the Akaushi cattle breed to the ranch. Akaushi, which are prized for their marbling and taste, originated in Japan.
Our goal is to offer a consumer-preferred product that commands a premium at market by supplying Akaushi-registered progeny initially for other breeding programs. Guests at the ranch's hunting lodge may also get to sample Akaushi beef in the future.
The first-generation crosses and purebreds are expected this fall. The expectation is the new breed will complement our commercial cattle operation and through artificial insemination and embryo transfer develop a foundation herd.
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