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Current CFO News
 Read our Early Bird Newsletter 2006-2007
Texas Duck
Tour:
Waterfowl Conservation in Focus
December 8th, 2007 08:38 EST
Chester Moore (Editor)
 1397-68957-3.
That’s the number on the leg band attached to the black-bellied
whistling duck I shot this morning.
Hunting at Marsh Point with guide Will Beaty, Ducks Unlimited (DU)
Southeast Texas regional director Tim Soderquist and DU volunteers Keith
Dosch and Roger Simons, I managed to collect some jewelry from an
obscure species
and kick off the Texas Fish and Game magazine/DU Texas Duck Tour with a
bang.
This tour is a seven day trek across seven regions of Texas hunting
seven different locations. The idea is to document the amazing
waterfowling opportunities available in the
Lone Star State
and to document the problems facing waterfowl in each region.
“The troubles facing waterfowl are not one size fits all. Certain
species have specific habitat needs and problems facing the Upper Coast
are different from those facing the Panhandle,” Soderquist said. Will
Beaty agrees.
The longtime outfitter has seen the coastal prairie and marsh change
much since he first started hunting the area.
“We only have about 2,000 acres of rice in Chambers County and there
used to be 10 times that easily. That affects the number of birds we
hold and can have an impact on the quality of hunting,” he said.
A lack of rice along the coast may even be partially to blame for the
problems with pintails which have declined in recent years. They are
leaving Texas later than ever in bad health and DU officials believe
this could due to a lack of rice habitat which equals poor diets.
Another issue on the coast is development which is impacting
wetlands in
communities from Port Arthur to Port Isabel.
One solution could be found in the unique work of Crown Team Texas (CTC)
a development company that has created environmental impact fees for its
buyers.
“We are providing a source of funding for the next 50 years that goes
toward restoration and protection of coastal habitat,” said CTC’s Jim
Hayes.
The company just purchased 500 acres, developed only 20 acres then
donated 350 acres to the Audubon Society.
“This is an environmental Robin Hood that is taking from those who
impact the environment and giving back to the precious natural
resources,” Hayes said.
Beaty said such environmentally conscious development will be the key to
securing a future for waterfowl and waterfowl habitat along the Texas
coast.
“It’s going to take thinking outside of the box to ensure a bright
future for waterfowl and it’s great to see people who are committed like
CTC.”
The first stop of the Texas Duck Tour is over and I have already learned
about new
conservation measures and experienced the type of quality waterfowl
hunting the Upper Coast is known for.
There are six more days to go and I look forward to not only the hunting
but also seeing what issues are facing ducks and duck hunters in the
unique ecological regions of the state.
 4th Annual Platinum Alligator Hunt
Central Flyway Outfitters proudly presents the 4th Annual Platinum
Alligator Hunt. CFO
offers and all inclusive package complete with custom belt and custom
boots. Enjoy full accommodation lodging at CFO, and experience the
thrill of hunting your own alligator while leaving the hassle of
baiting, processing, and tanning to the professionals. Sit back and
relax while premier craftsmen personally build your individual custom
belt and boots. Be part of an exclusive opportunity for great hunting
and first class accessories. Don’t be left out – book now! For more
information Click Here or download a
printable brochure in pdf format.
Past CFO News
How quickly summer has passed, and suddenly it’s time to dust off the
guns and stock up on shells. CFO has been bustling with activity in
preparation for the upcoming hunting season. Read on to check out just
what we have done to improve your stay at CFO.
 Ducks Unlimited Project
BBB Farms Completed!
Building habitat for wintering waterfowl is what set’s CFO apart from
the rest. Like last year, we have been working long and hard to create
new habitat on our properties. With the help from Ducks Unlimited “Texas
prairie wetlands project”, CFO converted newly acquired land and made it
into some of the best habitat anywhere. Come on out this year and see
how this program is really helping us create more areas for our
Wintering Waterfowl!
Excitement is in the air, and that’s not just limited to the ducks!
 CFO continues the upgrading of facilities to better accommodate the
needs of our individual and corporate members. From the moment you pull
into the lodge, you will begin to notice all the improvements we have
made to enhance the enjoyment of your stay. The more comfortable you
are, the better you will hunt.
Thanks
to Gene Anderson of
Gene’s Polaris,
CFO has teamed with
Pro-Drive
Outboards
to upgrade our fleet of boats. Perfect for marsh and mud, these shallow
water
 outboards will get us into the toughest blind – guns, dogs, and
decoys included. Leave it to Gene to find us something that not only
works well, but works well with horsepower. Be ready to hold onto your
caps! The outdated Go-Devils will soon see their last hunts.
  
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