HELPFUL HINTS

The requirement that you hire a knowledgeable guide is for your protection and to insure that you have the best shoot possible. While this is a fabulous area to photograph, there are some potential dangers and due diligence is warranted. Your guide is experienced in this area and will help you avoid the dangers while maximizing your experience. He or she knows the property and critters well. You should utilize your guide’s knowledge and experience fully.

When you hear that everything in south Texas either bites, burns, stick or stings- BELIEVE IT!! Being a tropical area, there are many plants and critters which can ruin your trip. A wide variety of ants, bees, wasps, scorpions, spiders, ticks, fleas, chiggers and snakes are common here. Many of the plants have thorns and others just sting, blister or are poisonous.

While the warmer months are the most productive photographically, south Texas summer heat and humidity can be stifling, especially on days when there is no breeze. A small battery powered fan, with or without mister bottle, can be a lifesaver when sitting in blinds. These units are inexpensive and make very little noise. They can be found at Walgreens, Wal-Mart, Target, etc. Always carry adequate drinking water with you, even into shaded blinds. Sunscreen is important if you are going to be shooting outside the blinds for any period of time. Try to stay in the shade during the direct overhead sun part of the day.

Stay on established trails, don’t walk through tall grass, watch where you step and place your hands. It is a good idea to wear gloves when handling brush, dead logs, and rocks.
A good first aid kit containing tweezers, Cortaid, etc. is helpful. Duct tape is good for removing ticks before they can attach.

Some method of emergency communication is important. The ranch has 2 way radios to keep the blinds in touch with the guides. Most cell phones work at the ranch and the guides all carry cell phones.