Camp Ka Hui 'Ana Archives - TheRanch at Camp Ka Hui Ana

A Harris’s Hawk and a Horny Toad: A South Texas Story of Survival

Chase Nunez MS PhD — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 00:00:30 +0000

Life at TheRanch at Camp Ka Hui ‘Ana keeps us close to the rhythms of South Texas wildlife. Some days it’s whitetails easing through the brush; other days it’s a raptor doing what raptors do. Either way, we see real stories of grit and survival play out right here on our senderos—reminders of why we care for the land, manage habitat, and welcome guests to experience an exclusive hunting ranch that’s still wild at heart.

The Story

I was walking a sendero one afternoon when I noticed a Harris’s hawk perched on a half-dead mesquite. The bird had something clutched in a single foot and was pecking away with that laser‑focused raptor look. About the time I started looking at the hawk, the hawk started looking at me looking at it—and apparently decided its business was, well, for the birds.

It lifted off and, in the commotion, dropped whatever it had into a tangle of mesquite and catclaw acacia along the sendero edge. Spooked or just uninterested, I couldn’t say—but I was plenty interested. I eased over to see what lunch had been. What I found wasn’t a snack. It was a survivor.

A Mid-Air Drop on the Sendero

Wedged between two thin, thorny branches sat a horny toad—alive, tough as rawhide, and stuck tighter than a boot in gumbo mud. Now, we don’t make a habit of interfering with nature, but sometimes you do what you can for a neighbor. I carefully worked the little fella free. He barely struggled, either worn out from handling a Harris’s hawk or maybe grateful for the lift.

Horny Toad Survival

Here’s the kicker: not a scratch. No punctures, no missing bits, nothing. If I hadn’t watched him take the 25‑plus‑foot sky‑dive, you’d never know he’d just bailed out of a hawk’s talons into a thorny bush. His face had that John Wayne swagger and Clint Eastwood squint—the kind that says, “my feet smell from kicking so much keister.”

After a quick once‑over and a few photos, we set him down at the road’s edge. He ambled off like he had a tale to tell: from who‑knows‑what, to getting grabbed by a hawk, to a mid‑air escape, to parachuting into a mesquite mess, to getting man‑handled by a human, and finally riding off into the sunset. One heck of a South Texas survival story.

Stewardship

Encounters like this are why we manage habitat with intention here in La Salle County. Our mesquite, huisache, and native grasses support everything from Harris’s hawks to trophy South Texas whitetails. At TheRanch at Camp Ka Hui ‘Ana, we balance access with stewardship—welcoming guests for trophy whitetail hunting while protecting the wildlife community that makes this country special. If you’re new to the region, the Texas State Historical Association’s overview of the South Texas Plains f you’re new to the region, the Texas State Historical Association’s overview of the South Texas Plains and the entry on La Salle County are great primers on our landscape.

Learn more about Texas Parks and Wildlife regulations to plan your hunt responsibly.

Ready to experience the thrill of South Texas dove hunting? Contact TheRanch at Camp Ka Hui ‘Ana to plan your visit.

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Tips for Hunting Mature Trophy Whitetails in South Texas

Kevin — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 01:45:43 +0000

When reflecting on any hunt — successful or not — there are always lessons to carry forward. Sometimes it’s patience, sometimes it’s positioning, and sometimes it’s the split-second decision to take (or not take) a shot. Every hunter knows the sting of a missed opportunity, and often it’s the mistakes that keep us awake at night.

Over the years, I’ve harvested my share of whitetails and, like any hunter, I’ve also let some South Texas giants slip away. At TheRanch at Camp Ka Hui ‘Ana, located in the heart of La Salle County, we’ve seen firsthand how small adjustments in the field can make the difference between a good hunt and a great one. Here are a few lessons worth remembering when pursuing trophy whitetail bucks across the South Texas brush country.

Muffle and Eliminate Metallic Noises

Before stepping into the field, check your gear. Loose rounds, keys, knives, or anything metallic that clinks together can ruin a hunt before it begins. Whitetail hearing is similar to ours, but they’re finely tuned to notice the difference between natural sounds — like a twig snapping or leaves rustling — and unnatural, metallic ones.

At an exclusive hunting ranch like ours, mature bucks don’t give second chances. Wrap or secure anything that might rattle. Cloth, tape, or careful packing can turn a potential deal-breaker into a non-issue.

Hunt the Wind

The wind is both ally and adversary. Too calm, and your scent lingers. Too strong, and deer hunker down in shelter. Swirling winds? They’ll betray you in a heartbeat. The sweet spot is a steady, light wind you can use to your advantage.

Hunt into the wind, whether walking like a cat on a spot-and-stalk or setting up in a blind with the breeze in your face. At TheRanch at Camp Ka Hui ‘Ana, our mix of open senderos and brush lines offers plenty of opportunities to position with the wind, keeping scent away from wary bucks.

Don’t Rush a Shot

In South Texas, where senderos cut through thick brush, big bucks rarely linger in the open. That fleeting chance down a shooting lane can tempt a rushed trigger pull. But patience matters. A rushed shot risks missing cleanly — or worse, wounding a deer and losing the harvest.

Our habitat management at TheRanch creates more edge habitat and wider senderos, improving opportunities for clean, ethical shots. Even so, the best practice is the timeless one: breathe, wait, and shoot only when you’re steady and sure.

Give ’Em Another Year If They Need It

The hardest choice in trophy whitetail hunting isn’t always pulling the trigger — sometimes it’s holding back. A wide, 150-inch three-year-old is tempting anywhere, but at a ranch with strong genetics, that deer’s best years are still ahead.

Passing on young bucks ensures tomorrow’s hunters have the chance to see truly exceptional deer. At TheRanch at Camp Ka Hui ‘Ana, we encourage patience. A buck that walks today may return in a year or two as the kind of South Texas giant that fills dreams — and record books.

Closing Thoughts

Every hunt is a chance to learn. Whether muffling metallic rattles, working the wind, waiting for the right shot, or letting a buck grow to his full potential, these tips aren’t just about harvesting a deer — they’re about respecting the land, the wildlife, and the hunt itself.

South Texas whitetail country rewards patience, preparation, and respect for tradition. And at TheRanch at Camp Ka Hui ‘Ana, we’re proud to share those lessons with hunters who seek not just a harvest, but an experience.

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White-Tipped Dove – South Texas’ Secret Game Bird

Chase Nunez MS PhD — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 20:04:23 +0000

Bird hunters know South Texas for its legendary dove populations, but few realize it’s the only region in the United States where all three native game dove species—mourning, white-winged, and the elusive white-tipped dove—can be hunted. At TheRanch at Camp Ka Hui ‘Ana, located in the thick brush of La Salle County, we’re proud to be at the northern edge of the white-tipped dove’s native range, offering hunters a rare chance to complete the Texas Dove Slam on our exclusive South Texas hunting ranch.

Know the White-Tipped Dove

Although often mistaken for its cousins, the mourning or white-winged dove, the white-tipped dove (Leptotila verreauxi) stands out upon closer inspection. Bronze-backed, with creamy breast plumage and distinct white-tipped tail feathers, this elusive bird has long intrigued South Texas hunters.

Behavior and Habitat Differences

Unlike migratory doves that move in flocks of hundreds or thousands, white-tipped doves are typically seen solo or in pairs. They’re year-round residents in the brush-heavy woodlands of South Texas, preferring thick understory and proximity to water. Hunters need patience—and strategy—to spot them.

The Texas Dove Slam

The Texas Dove Slam—harvesting all three native game dove species—is a coveted goal. While state regulations allow 15 doves daily, TheRanch limits hunters to one white-tipped dove per day to support sustainable wildlife management and protect the breeding population.

Learn more about Texas Parks and Wildlife regulations to plan your hunt responsibly.

Ready to experience the thrill of South Texas dove hunting? Contact TheRanch at Camp Ka Hui ‘Ana to plan your visit.

Footnotes & Bibliography

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Zulu the Three-Legged Coyote: A True Survival Story from South Texas

Kevin — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 22:49:52 +0000

Spotted in January with a missing front foot, this lone coyote is defying the odds and writing his own wild story in South Texas. Meet Zulu. 🐾🌵

On January 23, 2025, ranch hands at TheRanch at Camp Ka Hui Ana in South Texas first spotted an unusual figure moving through the brush: a lone coyote, missing his front left foot. Now known as Zulu, this resilient animal quickly became a local fascination—not just for his condition, but for how well he navigates the rugged terrain despite it.

Most wildlife experts would consider such an injury a death sentence for a predator that depends on speed, balance, and stamina. But Zulu had other plans. Over the weeks that followed, ranch workers observed him trotting confidently across the property, adapting his gait, and showing a surprising ability to keep up with the rhythms of wild life.

“Coyotes are survivors by nature,” said one observer, “but Zulu takes it to another level.”

As sightings continued, it became clear: Zulu wasn’t just surviving—he was thriving.

Follow Zulu’s journey here at TheRanch at Camp Ka Hui Ana and stay tuned—his story is far from over.

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Texas Trophy Javelina Hunting: A South Texas Treasure

Chase Nunez MS PhD — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 01:47:24 +0000

Misconceptions vs. Reality

Javelinas—also known as collared peccaries or “skunk pigs”—are one of the most overlooked big game animals in North America. Especially in South Texas, they’re often misunderstood and mistakenly compared to destructive feral hogs. But in reality, javelinas are native species with ecological value, rich hunting tradition, and trophy-worthy status.

Around a campfire at any exclusive hunting ranch, javelinas might be the butt of jokes—about fleas, smell, or meat toughness. But much of that reputation is undeserved. The confusion often comes from their resemblance to feral hogs, an invasive species notorious for damaging ecosystems and crops. In contrast, javelinas are native to the Americas and play a beneficial role in South Texas wildlife, feeding primarily on prickly pear cactus and other native flora.

Table Fare: A Surprising Delight

Javelina meat carries a stigma, but that’s largely due to poor preparation or choice of cuts. Many go straight for the backstrap, only to find it too lean and easy to overcook. But the hams? Those tell a different story. With more fat and better texture, the rear quarters of a javelina can be smoked, slow-cooked, or even turned into flavorful sausages—German bratwurst, spicy chorizo, or Cajun andouille. Cooked low and slow with the right seasoning, javelina rivals any store-bought pork in flavor.

A New Chapter in Trophy Hunting

Trophy hunters are taking notice. The Boone & Crockett Club recently voted to include javelina as a recognized big game animal. This elevates the species for those chasing record books and species slams. For hunters working toward the North American Grand Slam, javelina may soon become the 30th recognized species—a major milestone.

While Arizona and New Mexico offer limited populations, La Salle County in South Texas is javelina country, offering unmatched access and abundance.

Why TheRanch at Camp Ka Hui ‘Ana?

At TheRanch at Camp Ka Hui ‘Ana, we sit deep in South Texas brush country—prime habitat for thriving javelina squadrons. Our land has been carefully managed for decades, supporting not just trophy whitetail hunting but also year-round javelina hunts.

With legal bag limits of two javelinas per licensed hunter annually—and no closed season in La Salle County—TheRanch offers a rare opportunity to hunt big game even during the traditional off-season.

If you’re looking for a new challenge, a meaningful trophy, and a true taste of South Texas wildlife, you’ll find it here.

Footnotes

Taylor R, Synatzske DR. 2008. The Javelina in Texas. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Accessed June 2025.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. 2025–2026 Hunting Season Dates. TPWD Hunting Guide. Accessed July 2025.

Bibliography

Taylor R, Synatzske DR. *The Javelina in Texas*. TPWD. 2008.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. *2025–2026 Hunting Seasons*. TPWD. 2025.

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The Deep Roots of South Texas: Native History of the Millett–Los Angeles Region

Kevin — Sat, 28 Jun 2025 16:08:17 +0000

From TheRanch at Camp Ka Hui ‘Ana Series: South Texas Life

Long before the arrival of Spanish explorers or the establishment of towns like Millett, Los Angeles, or Cotulla, the brush country of South Texas—now home to destinations like The Ranch at Camp Ka Hui ’Ana—was a vibrant and complex landscape shaped by thousands of years of native history. The area approximately 10 miles south of present-day Cotulla—straddling what is now La Salle County—was part of a rich corridor of life for indigenous peoples long before it appeared on maps or bore the marks of European colonization. Though often overlooked in mainstream historical narratives, this region holds deep archaeological and cultural significance, echoing with the footsteps of the first peoples to call South Texas home.

A Landscape of Life and Movement

The semi-arid region of South Texas, particularly near the present-day communities of Millett and Los Angeles, was part of a broader ecological zone often referred to by archaeologists as the South Texas Plains. This area, with its mesquite-studded plains, seasonal creeks, and proximity to the Nueces and Rio Grande Rivers, provided sustenance and mobility for human populations as early as 11,000 years ago.

The first inhabitants were likely Paleo-Indians—highly mobile bands of hunter-gatherers who roamed the area in pursuit of now-extinct megafauna like mammoths and giant bison. Stone tools found in parts of South Texas, including projectile points such as Clovis and Folsom types, suggest these early groups were part of a wide-ranging prehistoric network of peoples moving between the plains, deserts, and coastal areas.

Archaic Period: Adaptation and Innovation

As the climate warmed and the Ice Age megafauna disappeared, the region entered what archaeologists call the Archaic Period (roughly 6000 B.C. to A.D. 1000). During this time, the people of the Millett-Los Angeles area developed a more localized and sustainable relationship with the land. They began to exploit a wider variety of plant and animal resources—mesquite beans, prickly pear, pecans, deer, rabbits, and birds—some of which remain part of the diverse wildlife found around modern-day trophy whitetail hunting ranches in the region. They also established semi-permanent encampments along reliable water sources.

One of the most distinctive features of this period in South Texas is the presence of earth ovens, used to bake plant foods such as lechuguilla and sotol. These cooking methods required deep environmental knowledge and communal effort, indicating a sophisticated and socially connected way of life. Archaeological sites in and around La Salle County have revealed burned rock middens—large accumulations of heat-fractured rock—testifying to centuries of repeated use.

Cultural Connections and Regional Networks

The region was not isolated. Archaeological evidence suggests that the native groups of what is now southern La Salle County maintained extensive trade and cultural relationships with neighboring areas. Obsidian points (which are not native to South Texas) and shell artifacts from the Gulf Coast suggest a network of trade routes and intertribal contact that spanned much of prehistoric Texas and northern Mexico.

By the Late Prehistoric Period (around A.D. 1000 to the arrival of Europeans), bow and arrow technology had replaced the atlatl, and pottery—though rare in South Texas—made limited appearances. The emergence of small, mobile village groups reflected a continuation of the hunter-gatherer lifestyle but with increasing regional

Indigenous Peoples at the Time of Contact

When Spanish explorers and missionaries arrived in the 16th and 17th centuries, they encountered numerous small, independent bands in the region. Though names vary depending on the historical source, groups like the Coahuiltecans—an umbrella term for many small bands with similar languages and lifestyles—inhabited the lands of South Texas and northeastern Mexico. These groups were not one single tribe but rather a loose confederation of peoples who shared certain cultural traits, including a nomadic existence based on seasonal resource use.

In the area near Millett and Los Angeles, specific tribal names are more difficult to trace, due in part to the devastating effects of disease, slavery, and forced assimilation that followed European contact. However, it is likely that smaller bands such as the Pajalat, Pacoa, and others whose names are now nearly lost, moved through or lived in this region. These groups often traveled seasonally, spending parts of the year near rivers like the Frio and the Rio Grande—areas not far from where The Ranch at Camp Ka Hui ’Ana now sits, continuing a legacy of land-based tradition.

The Shadow of Colonization

The 18th and 19th centuries brought catastrophic disruption to the indigenous world of South Texas. Spanish missions attempted to convert and settle native peoples, often forcibly. As Anglo-American settlers and ranchers moved into the area in the 19th century, land that had supported indigenous communities for millennia was rapidly transformed into private ranch holdings. The arrival of the railroad and the founding of towns like Cotulla in the 1880s further sealed the shift from indigenous to settler dominance.

Yet despite centuries of displacement and erasure, the deep indigenous roots of the Millett-Los Angeles region remain etched into the landscape. Artifacts still emerge from the soil—stone tools, burned rock clusters, bone fragments—silent witnesses to a world long past but not forgotten.

Legacy and Recognition

Today, efforts by archaeologists, historians, and indigenous descendants aim to recover and honor the South Texas native history its first peoples. While towns like Millett and Los Angeles may seem quiet today, the land they sit on is anything but. Sites like The Ranch at Camp Ka Hui ’Ana now serve as not only stewards of history but hosts of private retreats where guests connect with the land’s deeper story.

By understanding and acknowledging the native and pre-native history of this region, we not only deepen our appreciation of South Texas’s past—we also open pathways to a more inclusive and respectful future.

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