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Helicopter Hogs
By Russell A. Graves
The new day’s sun was barely an hour old when I climbed into the cockpit of the Robinson R-44 helicopter and by that time, the helicopter had been idling for fifteen minutes or so.
While the February day was unseasonably tepid, the helicopter still needed to warm up so it’s at peak performance by the time we take off.
Dusty Whitaker is my guide today, and I am not new to his piloting. In fact, we’ve flown together on numerous occasions when I’ve needed to do aerial photography for a variety of clients.
He’s an all-purpose pilot who may be flying clients on a hog eradication expedition one day while gathering cattle on vast ranches the next. He’s a good pilot and he knows what he’s doing.
Therefore, I am comfortable when he removes the door on my side of the helicopter after I climb in and strap on the safety belt.
As the engine revs up, we make small talk over the headsets. He gives me a safety briefing on proper firearm handling in a helicopter and, in an instant, we lift off the trailer with which he hauls his aircraft. “Always make sure the muzzle is pointed down and forward,” he reminds me. In a small helicopter like this one, a bullet through the blade of the tail rotor could be disastrous, and while I’ve shot from helicopters before, a reminder on muzzle control is never out of sorts.
To read more pick up a copy of the February 2017 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
By Krista Lucas Wynn
Each year, when the professional rodeo season wraps on Sept. 30, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association announce the Nutrena Horse of the Year, presented by the American Quarter Horse Association, in each event. This is a prestigious award, voted on by the members of the associations. To be named Horse of the Year by fellow competitors is a high honor only a few achieve.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By Heather Welper
Husband and wife duo, Heather and Calvin Welper, are the Co-Owners and Operators or Two C Livestock, located in Valley View, Texas.
The pair’s operation has a show cattle focus where they raise and sell purebred heifers of all breeds and club calf Hereford steers.
When it comes to show cattle, the Welpers know a thing or two including how to prepare for the cold winter months and the Texas major show season run.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By Tony Dean
Snow on the Mountain is an annual forb that is part of our landscape almost every year.
It is adapted to most of Texas and grows north to Montana and Minnesota and south to Mexico.
Although is seems to be most adapted to clay soils, this plant can be found on a wide variety of soil and moisture conditions.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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