Hog Buster Training
Here is the 1st group of Scouts to go through the Hog Buster Training. Next training will be at JD Ray’s House at 8:30 am Saturday August 10.
Annual Ice Cream Social – July 27
TO ALL LANDOWNERS IN OAKRIDGE RANCH
PLEASE JOIN ORWMA’S ANNUAL ICE CREAM SOCIAL
Ice Cream, toppings and/or desserts are welcomed.
DATE: July 27,
2019
TIME: 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm
LOCATION: Lynne Bigelow, 1287 Oakridge Rd., Weimar, TX 78962
Also, if you missed the meeting regarding the Predator Control Operation Hog Buster held on July 6, 2019, we will go over this again. It is a very important topic that needs further discussions. Donations will be accepted by cash or bag(s) of deer corn.
Hope to see you all there!!
ORWMA Feral Hog Presentation
Thanks to ORWMA for presenting the attached presentation concerning feral hog management on the ranch.
Deer and Hog reports
Feral Hogs & Diseases
Douglas Mason recently gave us an update about some of the hogs he has removed from Oakridge Ranch. Douglas says that some of these hogs exhibited symptoms of pseudorabies.
This is not rabies in the common sense, but a viral infection carried by swine in many parts of the world. Psuedorabies is a viral infection caused by Suid herpesvirus 1 (SuHV1). The term “pseudorabies” is not an accurate term for the virus as it has nothing at all to do with the rabies virus.
Attached is a short primer from Texas A & M University on a few diseases carried & transmitted by feral hogs.
Feral-Hogs-and-Disease-Concerns_TAMU_Notice
Thank you, Mr. Mason, for all the work you do to remove feral hogs from Oakridge Ranch! You perform a difficult and time-consuming task to keep the population of these predators under control.
Beautiful, Yet Deadly
The Eastern Coral Snake is a beautifully colored creature; yet it is ranked as the second deadliest viper in the world. We often think the rattle snake is more deadly, but it’s not. Both the head and tail of the coral snake look much the same; both are small and rounded. The coral snake chews on it’s victim, or hangs on, allowing for the snake to deposit more venom than snakes that strike.
This snake came out to warm itself in the sunshine as many cold-blooded creatures do after a cold snap followed by mild weather. Never attempt to touch one of these or pick one up. The following little poem is the best rule of thumb to know if it’s an actual coral snake or a less venomous look-alike; teach it to your children.
Red on black, venom lack;
Red on yellow, it will kill a fellow.
Enjoy our beautiful fall weather. But stay aware! Be watchful and wear boots. Live life outdoors!
Scouting for Food
This healthy female coyote was scouting for food around the Mitchem’s home, including checking out their cats on the porch. Keep your small pets and children close and be aware. Most coyote packs send out a scout or two who then call the remainder of the pack in once he/she has found available food. There are always coyotes following whitetail deer, as well as other small animals such as the plentiful rabbits we have here at Oakridge.
David asked me to post these pictures and remind everyone to be cautious as these were taken just off their back porch. It’s a good idea to not leave pet food out overnight that would attract unwanted predators. Below is another nice picture of the same coyote. And as always, live life outdoors!
How big is this hog?
Matthew Crosby shows one of many hogs he has taken. According to his dad, Rick, the weight was 260 pounds, “this boar never had a chance!”
Who has the largest grin now? See below. 
Wounded Warrior Hunt Upcoming
We hope you make plans to participate in ORWMA’s Annual Wounded Warrior Hunt coming up on December 14 & 15. We host several wounded warriors from Brooke Army Medical Center for the 2-day period and give them a chance to hunt at Oakridge Ranch. For more details on how you can participate, please click on the “Groups” tab, then “Deer”; next click on “Wounded Warrior Hunt“.
Oakridge Ranch’s Douglas Mason gives away several wounded warrior hunts throughout the year. Below is a nice picture of a recent successful hunt Douglas (& his dogs) had with Jeremy Spoerle and his family. Jeremy was wounded in 2007. Pictured are Jeremy with family members Barb, Callie & John. Thank you, Douglas, for what you do for our wounded warriors all year long!
