Steve Merlo: Sweepstakes winner reaps big prizes, massive bull elk
| Thursday, Oct 27 2011 04:15 PM
Last Updated Thursday, Oct 27 2011 04:17 PM
Remember all the sweepstakes you thought about entering, thinking you'd never win? Local hunter Curt Tobias took a chance, renewing his subscriptions to both Eastman's Hunting and Bowhunting journals, which earned him an entry into the magazines' huge sweepstakes prize package.
Believe it or not, Curt's name was magically drawn from the thousands of entries, entitling him to an all-expense-paid, six-day trophy elk hunt with all the trimmings. He also won a new Savage .300-WSM rifle with scope and a lot of other great outdoor equipment, including a Nikon rangefinder and set of binoculars.
Hunting out of Trinidad, Colo., with the world famous Eastman family and guides, Tobias made the most of his trip by taking a 350-inch bull on Sept. 25 , the fourth of his six-day hunt. In a recent phone interview, Tobias said, "The first time we saw the big 6-pointer he had over 370-inches of antlers --a real brute. By the third day, he had 350, losing 20 inches to fighting other bulls because the rut was full on. He's still an incredible bull, though. I had a great time and it's going to be very hard to top this hunting trip."
The full magazine story will be out sometime in December, followed by a complete video of the hunt on an Outdoor Channel segment of Eastman's Hunting Television Show.
Pheasant hunt for juniors Nov. 19-20
The highly successful 17th Annual "J.C. Chitwood Memorial Junior Pheasant Hunt" will be held Nov.19-20. Sponsored by the Taft Sportsmen's Club, the hunt is free and open to all junior hunters with a current hunting license. In conjunction with the DFG, it is a family event where young hunters can learn safe gun handling, respect for the environment, working with hunting dogs and practicing skills necessary to become safe and successful hunters. Sign-ups are being taken and will continue until Nov. 14. E-mail pheasant@taftsc.com or call Tom Brown (661) 765-2704 for applications.
24th Lake Isabella Pheasant Hunt
Funded by the NRA Foundation, the 2011 Isabella Junior Pheasant Hunt, with four shoots available, has also been scheduled for Nov. 19-20. The hunt is open to all junior hunters younger thn 16 with a current California hunting license. Co-sponsored by the Fish and Game Habitat Club and the California Department of Fish and Game, the hunt has proven popular over the years.
Contact Sherry Van Matre (760) 207-2317 or simply e-mail fishandgameclub@yahoo.com for applications and/or more information.
5th Annual KC Cattlemen's shoot
Held at Five Dogs Shooting Range on Nov. 19, the Kern County Cattlemen's Association will be holding its 5th annual sporting clay fundraiser shoot. Check-in will be at 8:30 a.m.
A grand prize raffle drawing for scoped rifles, wild pig hunts and other outdoor gear will highlight the shoot, followed by a large steak with all the fixings cooked by Martha and Rick Twissleman and family.
Proceeds from the event benefit student scholarships and awards at the Kern County Fair's Livestock Show. Five-member team applications can be obtained by contacting shoot chairman Jay Hershey at 661-703-4959.
Local Trout Plants Ready to Begin
According to the DFG website, trout planting of our local lakes has just begun. Hart Park, Truxtun and Ming lakes and the Riverwalk have been or are ready to receive planting the week beginning Sunday. Once again, light line and power bait can work miracles at these local fishing destinations.
