Stuart McManus
Lev | August 25, 2011
Hello Mr. Ledbetter,My name is Stuart McManus and I am writing to you in order to express a long overdue thanks. My family and I live in The Woodlands, TX which is just north of Houston. My parents both live in Houston also and my father, Dr. Sam McManus, and I are avid turkey hunters. This past spring season he and I had the opportunity to travel and turkey hunt in several spectacular locations throughout the south. We started the season with a three day hunt in South Carolina where we saw lots of turkeys but they refused to cooperate and come to our calls. My dad was fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time though and was able to bag a nice Eastern. After a few days back home to wash clothes and rest up, we headed off to a friend’s ranch near San Saba, TX. Again we saw or heard turkeys on every hunt but only the Jake’s would come in close enough and of course we wanted to hold out for the big boys.
From there we headed to Buffalo Mountain and what a treat that turned out to be for both of us. As soon as we arrived at the camp we were greeted by Chad and a few other hunters just like we were all long lost friends. Chad made us feel immediately welcome and jumped right in to help us get unpacked and settled in to the terrific bunkhouse accommodations. We then had a quick tour and overview of the ranch with Chad and the other hunters even telling us where they had been seeing turkeys. Before I knew it, we were already out in the field finding the best places to set up. Once in the field, I could simply not get over what a place you have! First we saw deer and turkey while just driving around. Next thing I knew, we were watching a herd of elk grazing along a tree line. They seemed just as curious about us as we were in watching them. Then, at the next turn – a herd of buffalo! I just can’t begin to adequately express what a truly remarkable place you have with the beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife.
Fortunately for us, our first outing was not a fluke as we continued to see a myriad of wildlife on every trip into the field. Nor was the hospitality shown by Chad and Heather as well as the ranch hands that were there. They fed us like kings and made sure we had everything we needed, even offering to drive into town and get something for us if we wanted. Our three day hunt went by entirely too fast as I could have stayed there all spring. Oh yea, I was also fortunate enough to get a big gobbler to respond and come to my call on a mid afternoon hunt, while everyone else stayed in to nap and cool off. Added bonus!
But it doesn’t end there. After another few days off, we headed to Mississippi to try our luck with Eastern’s again, but we both ended up striking out there. So we were down to our last hunt of the season with some friends of ours in Cloudcroft, NM. This is an annual trip we’ve made for several years and we’ve always driven from Houston to somewhere around Big Springs and gotten a room at some truck stop motel. This is so we can get into New Mexico early enough the next day to buy our license and hunt that afternoon. Well, Chad overheard us talking about our plan and he suggested that we come stay at Buffalo Mountain on the way instead. Talk about going above and beyond for your customers! We had another great meal and night of companionship and turkey tales, as well as a great night’s sleep without having to listen to 18-wheelers all night long. As we were leaving the next morning, Chad said to stop by on the way home as well if we needed.
Now normally, we just get up early in the morning in Cloudcroft and drive all the way back to Houston in one day on our return; about a 15 hour drive. As it turned out, my dad (who is 78) took a fall on the morning hunt the day before we were scheduled to leave. He was also struggling with the altitude more this year than previously, so we thought it best to go ahead and come out of the mountains and start back to Houston, expecting to have to get a motel somewhere along the way. Instead, the next thing I know, Chad is on the phone and all I hear is “Come on by, we’d love to see you and hear more stories.” When we pulled into camp that night, a few of the hunters that we had met during our previous trip were back again and putting on a real ranch style bar-b-que. It was just like coming home.
Well hopefully I haven’t completely bored you with all of this but I really just wanted to try and get across what a special place you have at Buffalo Mountain. I’m sure that you hear it all the time but as someone that has spent many years in Texas and also been fortunate enough to travel and stay and hunt at many different places, I wanted you to know it from me also. I truly enjoyed and appreciated the time that I was able to spend at your ranch and respect and realize that it is a true blessing of nature at its finest. Chad and Heather are terrific people and represent the ranch extremely well. I can’t wait for my next trip!
Best regards,
Stuart McManus
