Things to Do

Hunt Hondo in the Texas Hill Country at Paloma Pachanga

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Dove Hunting can be a fun and safe activity for all ages if the proper hunting precautions are observed, and world-class dove hunting can be found right here in the Texas Hill Country. The Hondo Area Chamber of Commerce invites the entire family to experience their one-of-a-kind Hunt Hondo event! The fun takes place on August 11, 2018, at Paloma Pachanga. This uniquely beautiful Hill Country hunting area has been recognized as the top dove hunting location in Texas. Featuring a variety of exciting and instructive competitions and classes,  this is one outdoor event you don’t want to miss!

Dove hunting safety precautions kickstart this family-focused event. Young and old alike are invited to learn, become confident, and feel safe experiencing a dove hunt in the Texas Hill Country. When hunters are aware of the proper preparations and precautions, it results in a safe and potentially more successful hunt. Lying directly in the flight corridor for the migration of both the mourning dove and the white-winged dove, Hondo is a hub of hunting activity during the season. It stands to reason that the town would not only celebrate this great outdoor activity which feeds families but also take the opportunity to promote hunting education. At this event, younger Texans will learn proven techniques.

Hunt Hondo in the Texas Hill Country at Paloma Pachanga

Photo: Facebook/Alainah Schmidt

It all begins with the cross-country 5K “Outrun the Gun” fun run/walk. Participants ranging from youth through adult (with categories for both men and women) will journey down a beautiful trail winding through the Paloma Pachanga property. With awards for the top runners in each division, this wonderful competition sets the stage for the day’s other great events. The entire family is welcome to participate.

From 9 a.m. until noon, Paloma Pachanga will offer shooting from their 5-stand skeet range. Participants can try their accuracy on a moving target. Overlooking beautiful Hondo Creek, this awesome setting requires only that shooters show up with their own gun and ammunition to have a sure-fire good time. For the younger hunting enthusiasts, Dove Hunting 101 will be presented at Hunt Hondo by the Texas Dove Hunters Association. This wonderful hands-on seminar helps to properly introduce younger generations (age eight and up) to bird identification, safety, and hunting ethics. Between special events, vendors and food trucks will be on-site throughout the day for attendees to shop, eat, and enjoy.

Hunt Hondo in the Texas Hill Country at Paloma Pachanga

Photo: Instagram/fishing_lovely

Children ages five and up can enter the Cutest Camo competition, strutting their finest camo stuff (and gear… but no live weapons, please) for the Hunt Hondo judges. With prizes for the top boy, top girl, and overall camo cutie, it’s the kind of pageant (if you will) that a young outdoors enthusiast lives for! The fun doesn’t end there for kids. It continues with the return of the fishing experience – a catch-and-release activity for children up to age 14. Hunt Hondo will provide the bait. All you need to do is bring your favorite fishing pole!

Hunt Hondo in the Texas Hill Country at Paloma Pachanga

Photo: Hondo Area Chamber of Commerce

And that’s not all. Avid outdoorsmen and women will want to get their names in the raffles for top prizes, such as dove hunts, fishing trips, and hunting-related items and sports gear! Hunt Hondo has attracted a variety of sponsors who have kindly donated some amazing prizes to the event. A few lucky ticket-holders will get to carry those prizes home! However, don’t leave before you experience the Dove Dance and the Parisa Pachanga tasting.

Starting at 7:00 p.m. and featuring live music by Landry Scott Ritter & Double Bogey, the Dove Dance at Hunt Hondo is one of the highlights of the day’s events. Taking place at the new pavilion at Paloma Pachanga, you can cut a rug with your sweetheart in conjunction with the Parisa Pachanga tasting! Sound like a mouthful? It certainly is – and one you’ll enjoy wholeheartedly. Tickets for this toe-tapping, crowd-pleasing evening are available on the Hondo Area Chamber of Commerce website at the link available here or at their office (1113 17th St.). Tickets include access to the parisa-tasting portion of the night as well.

Those who are unfamiliar with Parisa are in for a treat! The recipe for this tasty, Texas Hill Country delicacy was passed down through the generations by the French/German families who settled the area many years ago. Medina County (specifically Hondo and the surrounding area) is famous for it. This unique meat spread is traditionally made with finely chopped raw beef (or bison or venison, depending on the family recipe), onions, peppers, spices, and cheddar cheese. Cured using lemon or lime juice, Parisa is similar to a pate of sorts and is known to best be served on a saltine, preferably accompanied by an ice cold local brew! This is the second year for Hunt Hondo to host the Parisa Pachanga tasting. Last year’s winner (Alvarez Meat Market) is still riding the wave of bragging rights!

Plan a trip to Hunt Hondo! The entire family is invited to have unforgettable fun while increasing their hunting education at this Hill Country happening. For more information on this wonderful outdoor experience, visit the Hondo Area Chamber of Commerce website at the link provided here or follow their Facebook page for current updates and contest information.