Chris Valle and Orlando Pena met me at the gate and escorted me to the Hunter’s Lodge.  Pulling up to the Cabin I saw my first beautiful animal of the day and was able to test the new camera as I snapped a picture of a Chocolate Fallow Buck.

I walked into a very comfortable three room Lodge with a TV/Lounge; Kitchen with four bunk beds; and a large bathroom/changing room, pool, skeet range and outdoor cooking area.. Immediately I was met by Denise Smith (Huntress extraordinaire) and her fiancé, David Farley.  To my pleasant surprise, Chris Valle was just serving lunch (axis shiskabobs) to the team and after the first bite I knew that if he could guide like he could cook, we were in for a great trip!

While I set up my notebook and tested downloading the image of the Fallow from the camera (preparing for the afternoon hunt), I gave my Hunting Log to Denise and David and asked them to bring me up to speed.  The following is our conversation…

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your background?
A: (Denise) I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio.  I grew up showing American Quarter Horses.  I attended College in Midway, Kentucky on an Equestrian & Academic Scholarships where I double majored in Business and Equine Business (BA degree).  I became involved in Real Estate while I lived in Columbus Ohio.  While growing up in Ohio my Dad and I attended the Hunter Safety Course where I received my license at age 13 and we started hunting pheasant and quail together, with my Mom as the photographer.  Whether hunting, fishing or showing horses they were always by my side.  I won the Intercollegiate National Championship in 1993 and several other state championships while riding quarter horses.

Q: What brought you to Texas?
A: (Denise) Because of Real Estate I was relocated to San Antonio, Texas in January of 2001.  Soon after arriving I got involved in the title insurance industry and I am now the managing partner for an independently owned and operated title company.  I have a team of 10 people and we provide excellent service and knowledge in the title industry.

Q: Ok – tell us about where Chris Valle and David Farley fit into the story about you competing for “Huntress of the Year”?
A: (Denise) The outdoors is my retreat from the fast paced demands at the office. David actually introduced me to big game hunting.  Although my parents still reside in Ohio, David has stepped into their shoes when it comes to support.  He puts me first in everything and I think there are some animals on the wall that he wishes he would have reconsidered that decision – hah! We work together and hunt together.  David is my best friend and my biggest supporter.

This is my first year to hunt with Tejas Outfitters and Chris Valle.  Chris is the best hunting guide I have ever had!  As a woman, some situations have made me uncomfortable, but Chris is the most accommodating man other than my fiancé, David Farley (unnecessary plug).  Chris has put me on the best, top rated animals in some of the most premier hunting facilities in Texas.  Besides great animals, Chris is an amazing cook and always prepares great meals while hunting.  Chris is smart and knows how to score an animal on the hoof through his binoculars.  I have never been disappointed by any animal that Chris has told me to harvest! He treats me like a queen each and every hunt and always makes sure that the accommodations, food and animals exceed my expectations!  Chris is not only an outfitter, but has become one of our best friends.  Chris has taught me how to shoot a crossbow and introduced me to this form of hunting!

Q: Let’s get down to business.  Tell me about the animals you have harvested this year and what weapon you are using?
A: (Denise) I shoot an assortment of weapons: Blaser R93 .270 WSM with a Swarvoski scope; Thompson Encore .223 pistol; and Horton Crossbow. When we go upland bird hunting my firearm of choice is a Beretta 391 Urika 20 gauge. This year (2005) I have harvested: TX Dall Sheep – 40”; Axis – 34”; Scimitar Horned Oryx – 43”; Javelina – 58 lbs; BlackBuck Antelope – 25”; Black Hawaiian – 27”; Whitetail – 120 Class; 4 Horn Sheep – Pending World Record (Crossbow).

Q: So, what is this weekend about?
A: (Denise) The sheep this weekend were a part of my quest to finish the Texas Slam.

Q: What have you hunted so far this weekend?
A: (Denise) Yesterday (7/8/05) was a busy day! I harvested a Black Hawaiian @ 6:45 pm with a R-93 Blauser .270WSM w/ Swarvoski TDS 6x18x50 scope, 130 grain Winchester Supreme Ballistic Silver Tip @ 193 yard crosswind shot, Safari style spot-and-stalk.  I also harvested a 4 Horn Sheep @ 8:37 pm with a Horton Crossbow, Hawk SL, 150 lb pull with Crossfire 20” bolts and 125 grain 2 blade broad head.  This is my first animal with a crossbow! I was pleased to make a perfect shot at 22 yards for being the fifth time firing the Horton Crossbow.  This animal looks like it is going to be a pending top 5 All Time World Record, both in TGR and SCI!  I must say there was some excitement during this hunt. I got the 4 horn in my sights, saw him through the scope, took a breath and squeezed the trigger.  NOTHING HAPPENED.  I realized the safety was still on! Second try – took off safety, squeezed the trigger.  NOTHING HAPPENED. Squeezed harder - NOTHING HAPPENED. Finally, I looked down and realized I was squeezing the trigger guard.  Third try – took safety off, got him back in my sights and took the shot.  This was very exciting hunt and my first hunt with a crossbow.

Q: What is our target today?
A: (Denise) Mouflon. We spent several hours during the day yesterday spotting and stalking, but never got off a shot.  Today we are going to make it happen.

Q: Anybody else do any hunting yesterday?
A: (David) Earlier in the day Chris put me on a pending world record (rifle) Axis, both in TGR and SCI. I was pleased with the properly placed kill shot at 180 yards due to the fact that monster buck fever had set in.  The rough score is around 178 7/8 with 15” and 15 1/2” quadles and also 34” wide – what a brute!

Now that I am caught up with all that I have missed, it is time to get ready for a Mouflon Hunt.  We loaded up and started to drive. You won’t believe the animals we came across.  This ranch is definitely a place you want to consider going to for a great experience!

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