David Schlake

1 month ago | gameandfishmag.com | David Schlake

Many hunting-and-fishing combo trips are reserved for the fall, as usually only the allure of big-game will entice most hunters to travel far from home. But South Texas is an exception thanks to an abundance of open hunting seasons for exotic and non-game species, and along the U.S.-Mexico border sits a hidden gem outdoorsmen have only recently begun to discover.

2 months ago | gameandfishmag.com | David Schlake

When it comes to gobblers, hunters face a unique challenge. Many rely on a dedicated turkey choke to deliver the kind of precise, lethal impact needed to get the job done. But the tighter constriction of a choke creates a really narrow pattern that demands near-perfect accuracy and leaves little room for error. If your shot is off even slightly, you'll miss the bird-or worse, injure rather than kill it.

Apr 15, 2024 | shotgunlife.com | David Schlake

An electrifying jolt shot through my leg like a bolt of lighting, and yet the air still crackled with dryness. We yearned for a storm to soften the West Texas elements, but more immediately a four-inch cactus spine lodged in my blood-soaked pant leg stung like crazy. It was the first of many of this wasteland’s formidable defenses.

Aug 18, 2023 | wideopenspaces.com | David Schlake

Ranking hunting dog breeds isn't a one-size-fits-all deal, as each breed has its unique strengths and weaknesses. Every hunting breed shines in certain areas, while it may lack in others. The key is to match your specific hunting needs with the appropriate breed, rather than trying to mold a dog into something it isn't. For instance, an upland hunter requires different traits in a dog than a goose hunter or a rabbit hunter would.

Aug 2, 2023 | lsonews.com | David Schlake

4 Behind a gun counter in Georgetown stands a man with a well-groomed beard and a mild sunburn, each serving as credentials whenever he faces his outdoor-dwelling clientele. Stone walls blend seamlessly with taxidermy and Texas heritage, while handcrafted fixtures house high-grade shotguns and premium apparel. Personal touches paint a picture of authenticity while subtly telling Cody Hirt’s story for him.