Our Newest Circle Event was a success! – Dove Hunt Circle Event in Stephenville, Texas!!

September 28-October 1, 2023

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The Updated Dirty Dove Details

I just got home from our first annual Dove Hunt Circle Event in Stephenville Texas. Like all of our Circle Events, we built this one to last for years to come. Jason Mears is the host, and he did a top-shelf job. I’ve known Jason for years, and I knew he would have this event organized and ready. Not only did we eat well, but we estimate we dropped about 60 doves during our two days of hunting. And I’m pretty sure I was the worst shooter there. New to our Circle Events were Bill Tentoni, Will Phillips, Mike Winn, and Dan Rhodes. It was a privilege to meet them and to spend some time hanging out with them as well. Will and Bill drove all the way from Tennessee. Mike and Dan are Texas guys and friends of Jason. This was Aaron Herrera’s 3rd time at an event, and you could tell he had hunted doves before. He might be the weekend winner for the most fallen doves. Bill was pretty impressive because this was his first time hunting doves, while Will was a veteran at all kinds of hunting. Ray McKinney is my board member and attended this event. He also sweetened the deal by providing a fishing trip for Mike who won that opportunity in a draw. He also won our gun! Ray cleaned 22 fish for Mike to take home with him. They caught even more. I liked hanging out with everyone. Dan’s humor and his and Jason’s shared experiences were especially memorable. I also appreciate the input that each man had during our lessons. They are my kind of guys. Bill is already ready for crane hunt and I’m hoping others will find another event to attend.

Each day, we started with a light breakfast and then traveled to the dove field. Around 9:30, we came back to our lodge, ate, rested, and then had our lesson. After that, we spend the time, playing cornhole, while some fished and hunted pigs that afternoon. The weather was hot. The flies were numerous. But the fun was over the top. Hope you enjoy the pics below. Our next open events are our golf event in April and our Turkey hunt in May. Start watching for these to open up. Download the Outdoor Truths app to follow what’s going on.

Gary

Gene’s Trout Fishing Trip Circle Event
August 10-13, 2023

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Our Gene’s Trout Fishing Trip Event was held in Salesville, Arkansas, in August 10-13, 2023.

I wasn’t sure how this event was going to go. During the last two weeks, a few guys had to cancel because of unforeseen situations. So, we were scrambling to fill those spots. We didn’t fill all, but we did some, and with some great guys. Nine guys showed up at Gene’s Trout Resort in Arkansas for our third annual Circle Event there. This really is one of the most popular events we do, even with our late rush to get others there. But after all that, I think this event was perfect. We introduced four new guys to these events, and I got to make new friends with each. Don Davis was our host and as always, makes things so much easier for everyone else. Jimmy Ray was not only in attendance, but his company was our sponsor. AND he won the Pass Pro gift card! Geoff and Kirk have been to several events and always make me feel comfortable when I know they’re there. The only issue with them is they are brothers-in-laws, and they fished together and didn’t catch as many fish as the rest. I think Kirk wants a new partner next time. LOL. JD is Don’s son. He brought Matt and they were already familiar with the river and caught lots of fish and the biggest ones. I can see Don in JD, and that’s good.  Kevin was one that was new to these events. He’s a Ferrier and I didn’t realize that makes you a good cornhole players as well. He’s good, and so is Matt. And Matt is like me. He likes talking trash when he plays. LOL. Actually, we had a lot of good cornhole players, and we played until late at night most of the time. Another newbie was Kaleb. He was the youngest of the group weighing in at 22 years old. I felt like I had my son there because I think I spent too much time teaching him about fishing, cornhole, and even life a little. Such a great young man. I can’t wait to see his bright and successful future.

I felt extremely honored to get to speak to these guys on Friday and Saturday. And I felt just as honored to hear their input and to just hang out and hear some of their stories. The truth is, this is the way it’s supposed to be done. I believe Christianity is all about encouragement. And when we get together in situations like these, we are able to give each other hope and help. We do it around good meals and things we enjoy doing. We do it around life. I already know next year’s event will be epic… and full.

I hope you enjoy the pics.

Gary

Men’s Fishing event August 11-13, 2022

Gene’s Trout Fishing in Salesville, Arkansas – Another Circle Event!

Men’s Outing April 8-10, 2022

North Texas Turkey Hunt at the Davis Ranch – Another Circle Event!

​Every Outdoor Truths Circle Event at the Davis Ranch seems to be the best one. And each does have its own unique parts that make us proclaim it the best. This year was no exception. I think what made this one great is that hunters bagged three birds and a bunch of hogs. And we caught over a hundred fish! The wind was terrible, but we worked through it to have some well-deserved success. Todd and Don were early to kill their bird, while Mark hunted hard until the last morning to finally get his. He and Darrel stayed together most of the weekend calling and chasing tom after tom, double-teaming, until they got their big and old gobbler. (Check out the pics) Ray and I chased turkeys for several days with no luck. But I think we got so obsessed with catching big bass, that we never minded the lack of turkey activity. Bryant was able to spend some quality time with his dad (Don) out in the field, and with the rest of the guys playing cornhole and just hanging out. I think he was a little jealous that dad won the shotgun instead of him. LOL. Also, we didn’t know it, but Mark (Lambert) is a world champion barbeque cooker. So, while we didn’t make him smoke some ribs, he did provide some unbelievable desserts and lessons on some cooking hacks. John, as always, is a great host. He is always making sure everyone has plenty to eat and whatever else we need to make the event good. He even got to hunt a little himself. We all had great conversation on the back porch along with our lessons, and I was glad to be able to share a little of what God had put on my heart.  One lesson was on James, the brother of Jesus. He never believed in Jesus until the resurrection. The other lesson was on Mary. God caused disfunction in her life to bring about the Savior. Again, great conversation over these lessons. It really is true that circles are better than rows. Some great guys showed up and we had another memorable event. I hope you’ll try to get in on the next one. I’m thankful for John Hunter Home Builders for sponsoring this year’s Turkey Hunt Circle Event. Sponsorships like these really put these events and Outdoor Truths Ministries over the top.

Gary

Men’s Outing February 18-20, 2022

North Texas Hog Hunt at the Davis Ranch

One of My Favorites!

                This Outdoor Truths Circle Event/Pig Hunt was one of my favorites. It was a great mixture of some veteran attenders and some new guys. And this is how I like it. I love starting relationships with new guys and continuing them with others who have joined us before. There was so much interaction and conversation that I wished we would have had one more day. I am so humbled to think men will come from great distances to be a part of these unique experiences. Jimmy (previous attender) brings Brandon and Blake, and they fly from Michigan to join us. Joe (team member) and Jimmy (previous attender) bring Steve, and they drive four hours to attend. And Kirk (previous attender) thinks enough of our events, to invite his own son Tyler, who also drives four hours to be there. Add in Geoff (team member), Darrell (previous attender), and John (team member and host), and the weekend couldn’t have gone any better! …..

Well, it actually could have gone a little better…. The hogs were not very cooperative. They never showed up when we were in the woods. NEVER! That sure was something we never imagined happening. But it did and that’s why it’s called hunting and not killing. We did, however, have one stray boar that got caught in a trap that Jimmy got to put down. It made for a great opportunity for some of the guys to witness these ornery critters up close and personal. But the great thing about it was regardless of some unsuccessful hunts, everyone wanted to come back. I think that says something about how much we enjoyed being around each other… and the food. LOL.

Between the hunts on Saturday, I got to encourage the guys with some spiritual truths. I love doing that. I think we all need encouragement. And that’s my favorite thing to do. One of the topics I talked about was how men need definitions and one definition we need is for Worship. Or “How can I KNOW if I’ve worshipped God?” And the second lesson was on Peace. How can we have peace, not just when conflict is absent, but actually in the middle of it? These “Circles” are what makes these events special.

If you want to know more about these Circle Events and how you can be a part, click the link below. And if you or your company would like to host or sponsor an event or new attender email or call me. I would love to get you involved.

Last of all, a special thank you to the first-time attenders, Steve, Brandon, Blake, and Tyler. Your presence, participation, and conversation made us a more complete group of guys. Our faith has been expanded because of you.

See you at the next Circle Event

Gary

2022 Raffle Winner

Men’s Outing in August 5 – 8, 2021

Eleven of us showed up in Arkansas at Gene’s Trout Resort. We came from Missouri, Kentucky, Texas, Tennessee, and Mississippi. We came to fish the Norfork and White Rivers. For me, it was an outdoor experience like nothing I had ever faced. The air temps hovered around 90 while the water temp held its ground at a frigid 55.  It was an odd couple. The fishing, however, was good. People come from all over to catch trout from these waters, and I can imagine very few leaving disappointed. I sure didn’t. And I’m glad we had Don, Kendall, John, and Gaylon to help us newbies navigate this swift and cold river.  What time we weren’t fishing, we were eating, playing cornhole, and laughing at each other. (We also talked a lot of trash during the cornhole tournaments.) As bad as I hate to admit it, my team did not win when it counted. (I’m still upset over that) John and Jerry were the winners. (cheaters! Lol)

We also made this a little different when it came to our study time. Unlike any other conference, we wanted to focus on apologetics, and our theme was “The Problem of Evil.” It is, without a doubt, the most difficult topic for all of us deal with. I tried to share some things to remember about this most problematic subject. I think we all learned some truths to help us down the road.

I think Jerry, Jeff, and Kendall caught the most fish. John, Joe, and Jimmy were our camp cooks. Cody and I got into some deep theological conversations, and Don was our one expert that gave us a sense of comfort because he had been coming to Gene’s for nearly 25. And then not only did Gaylon help guide, he also made and donated a custom fishing rod that we raffled off. Jeff Bowling was the winner. Geoff Lawrence is our media guy. He not only fished, but found time to take pictures, gather up everyone else’s pictures and post them here for your viewing pleasure.

Last of all, because of this event, we are now planning two more men’s conferences in Texas and in Mississippi for early 2022. One will be a golf event and the other will be a goose hunting event. As always, there will be room for only about 15 people, so get your name in the hat soon. I appreciate Don, Kendall, and Jimmy for taking the lead in these. Like always, we will have a blast.

Here’s a list of our attenders and some great pics. Enjoy

Don Davis, Kendal Adair, John Davis, Gaylon Johnson, Joe Basham, Geoff Lawrence, Cody Pope, Jeff Bowling, Jerry Shoffner, Jimmy Ray

April 2021 Turkey Hunt Davis Ranch

Another Great Event at the Davis Ranch

Last week, I headed back to Jacksboro Texas for another event. This time with a turkey hunt for those who came. After a couple of dropouts from scheduling and sickness, we finished with 9 strong. Four of them had never been. Darrell, Tracy, Ken, and Jimmy would experience what we do there twice each year. And I think we may have sealed the deal with Tracy and Jimmy. Both bagged a turkey (their first), and Tracy won the shotgun! (We told him; he probably needs to buy a lottery ticket on his way home)

Besides the great hunting, we had fantastic conversations, learned some things about God and his daily presence and how our faith and man’s outlook affect us and others we are impressionable to.  God is good!! As always, we ate like kings from breakfast to late in the evening. These meals are always topped off by our standard fajita night and Joe’s cobbler that he makes in his Dutch oven.​

Look for Ken’s bacon-cooking skills, and what’s not seen were his words of wisdom.

Check out Jimmy’s proud display of this turkey, after flying all the way from Detroit to be with us.

And then there’s Jason who can do anything, has become regular attender, and is all about jumping in and helping as is Joe, who’s wisdom and heart is as big as the sky, of course his cobbler alone is why we welcome him.

I appreciate Darrell for forgoing his own opportunity to hunt to be a guide.

And of course, our host John, who among other gifts, has the gift of hospitality. Check out the pic of the gift of appreciation we presented him with.

January 2021 Hunt Davis Ranch

January 2021 Midland Event at Lake Ivy