As I strike a match to light my cigar and take a sip of my Lone Star long neck, my gaze drifts to the scratches on my left hand. They are remnants of a desert Christmas cactus, instantly transporting me back to the rugged beauty of the West Texas Desert. More specifically, the Chihuahuan Desert—a place where magic and harshness coexist in an intricate dance.
The desert is a paradox. On one hand, it can be an unforgiving environment, where every thorn and spiky plant seems to reach out and remind you of its wildness. On the other hand, it offers breathtaking mountain vistas, profound peace and sunrises and sunsets that only God could have painted.
My journey began in Florida, accompanied by my lab and Brittany, as we set our sights westward. We had no expectations; we simply knew we were destined to meet Josh Crumpton, aka Texas Josh (@texas_josh on Instagram) from Spoke Hollow Outfitters, for a quail hunting adventure along the Texas-Mexico border. After a quick stop to pick up Gina from Midland Airport, we headed south toward Marathon, Texas.
We met Josh at the Gage Hotel, a true oasis in the middle of nowhere—or perhaps exactly where we needed to be. I thrive in places like this, where simplicity and authenticity reign. We bellied up to the bar at the White Buffalo, the hotel’s restaurant, and shared a few drinks while discussing our plans for the days ahead.
After a couple of toasts, we hit the road again, embarking on a 20-minute drive south toward Mexico. The dirt road led us to our hunting base, a slice of paradise devoid of cell service and distractions. Surrounded by good friends, delicious food, and incredible dogs, we settled into our home for the next few days—complete with a few cigars for good measure.
Each meal was a culinary delight, featuring javelina, nilgai, and a variety of other dishes that left us savoring every bite. I’ll forever cherish our late-morning snacks—Texas-style elevenses—of tamales paired with a cold Lone Star beer. After a long day of hunting, we would unwind, watching the masterpiece of a West Texas sunset while popping open a bottle of champagne—because that’s what you do in the desert.
The quest for Scaled Quail was unlike any hunting experience I had encountered. These birds are elusive runners, quick on their feet, and when they do take flight, they explode into the air with a burst of energy. This hunt was not for the faint of heart; we found ourselves scaling mountains, navigating through limestone and sandstone, and dodging jumping cactus and creosote bushes—all in pursuit of these remarkable birds.
At first glance, the landscape may appear barren, but it is teeming with life. Javelina, mule deer, bighorn sheep, elk, and, of course, quail call this land home, along with countless other species of wildlife and plant life. I am grateful to the conservation-minded landowners who preserve these wild spaces for us to enjoy.
As I reflect on this unforgettable trip, I can only hope to return to West Texas once more to chase wild blue quail. Until then, I carry the magic of the desert within me, a reminder of the beauty that lies in the journey and the friendships forged along the way.
Spoke Hollow Outfitters
@spokehollowoutfitters
The Bunkhouse Podcast