TEXAS

A few days before this trip my good friend Thomas Alford called me and said there has been a consistent issue with the cartel in the same area that we’re planning to hunt. At the time I was sipping a nice cup of coffee contemplating all of what that meant.. it had me evaluating the trip as a whole. Every story I have heard about Texas is about things that want to bite you, poke you, sting you or kill you. All while sitting under a sun that has been cussed at more times than any modern politician.

At that moment I realized it would be a story tellers dream.. 

“flight #3296 boarding to Austin..”

The “Rudy” boot from LUCCHESE

Tyler (pictured in the cover image) welcomed us to Austin with the finest Texas experience. A pair of LUCCHESE handmade boots and lunch at “Salt Lick BBQ” . This trip was in collaboration with LUCCHESE and they were kind enough to get us outfitted for the days ahead.

James 1:17 - “Burnt ends are a gift from above”

Thomas Alford

When you first meet Thomas you think he is on a 15 minute lunch break from breaking the world record for most push ups that’s how intense he is.. but then he rips open a diet mtn dew and starts talking about how “bon iver” live is one of the best concert experiences ever and you are forced to go back to the drawing board. Thomas is a leader.. he has ventured into areas of emotional health and vulnerability that few men will ever go. Because of that he now carries a big vision and calling to see men restored and made whole through the hunting experience. He already lives it but it will be very cool to watch how God positions him and uses him in the next few months and years.

Tatum Busby steams a straw hat at Herb’s Hat Shop in Blanco, TX

HERB’S HAT SHOP

After lunch we jumped in the truck and drove an hour to “Herb’s Hat Shop” in Blanco Texas.. Herb’s is known for it’s hand shaped straw hats.

Tyler had called ahead of time displaying a culture of respect and honor that I have never seen or heard. Every sentence sealed with a genuine '“Ma’am” and as we walk through the door we are greeted by “Tatum Busby” who mirrored back the same culture of honor.

Tatum was kind enough to keep the shop open after hours for us and the hospitality was exceptional.

PURITY

There seemed to be a theme on this trip of doing things the right way.. no shortcuts. the parallel of the artisan values of the boots, the quality and intricacy of the hat process and later we would see why applying these same values to our hunt would yield more fulfillment.

I think it is important to be aware of these themes in seasons.. keeping one ear to the ground if you will.

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TYLER HELBING

I had never met Tyler before this trip and now it feels like we have known each other for years. Tyler is a 4th gen Texan and his love for the state is unmatched. If it wasn’t for his grounded and smart newly married wife “Madison”  he probably would have chose to honeymoon on his families ranch. Tyler’s ability to communicate and connect with people is pretty incredible. His intentionality unlocks opportunities that money could never buy. Everywhere he steps foot he adds value and connection and takes way too long doing it. A currency that is so refreshing in this rat race American culture.

The calm after the storm… we made it to the ranch and we just enjoyed each others company.

If you were to look at this trip from a hunting and fishing viewpoint, then yes it was a complete failure. Yet, our failures should not be dictated from wins and losses, but instead what stretches you and refines oneself. Take gold for example, in order to refine gold, you have to heat it up to temperatures excess of 1900 ‘F. It takes the hottest of fire to begin the refining process, and once heated it is molded and all the excess can be removed. These should be the most cherished times, when the fire is so hot that it causes us to ask not the question, “Why is this happening Lord”, but instead “what are you trying to teach me”. I learned a lot this trip. Hunting and fishing are my two favorite things in the world, but even more so I was excited to get to know these guys. From the day I met Thomas he immediately garnered my respect and I desired to be more like him. Throughout the “failures” of the trip I saw him choose to be refined, step up, stand out, and stay humble. Nothing I ever could have learned from pulling in a massive king fish or slaying an axis. Gold. As soon as I met Clayton I saw him show nothing but deep care, unwavering loyalty, and passion. Gold. Caleb with the hardest job of the trip, lack of game content, and high expectations put on him to perform, ended up being a steady sense of optimism, character, as well as strength and has become a close friend in just a few weeks. Gold. So, you may look at this trip and ask why were four seasoned outdoorsmen were not able to come home with an Axis or Kingfish, but I would tell you that your perspective is off. What I came home with was much more than that. I will forever remember this trip not because of what we did, but because of the men who were on it. All of which I hope I could be half of one day. I would consider that gold. Even the strongest of men fail, but it’s how they choose to get up when they fall that defines them. - Tyler Helbing

Check back here in a few days for the iphone photo dump. A raw look into the ups and downs of this trip.