January 2026

With the beginning of each year, I begin thinking about all the exciting things coming up in the outdoors. Muzzleloader deer season opens in a matter of days, and I have my CVA 50 caliber Optima all cleaned, sighted in and ready to go. If there was an official hog hunting season it would begin with the close of whitetail season. I absolutely love hunting wild hogs year around but there is no better time than cold weather for putting that great eating wild pork in the freezer. Spring turkey season is only three months away and there are not many things that gets my blood pumping like the sound of a big gobbler answering my call from back in the woods on a spring day when the woods are adorned with those first touches of green.

February 19: Texas A&M Agrilife Extension is offering a free public event on how to spot, treat and safely eliminate the most common garden pests and weeds on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026.

susan@vanzandtnews.com In a world where stories often reflect the complexities of life, J.A. Wray's debut novel, ‘Jesse: A Star Under the Sun,’ invites readers into the wildlife of an imaginative character who navigates the trials and tribulations of growing up.

Plenty of tax changes are lining up as the calendar turns toward 2026, and knowing what’s coming can help you stay a step ahead. Before then, there are also several moves to make filing your 2025 tax return as easy as possible.

From the bleachers, the game looks pretty simple. You can draw up all the fancy plays you want, but if you don’t have somebody willing and able to do the hard work in the trenches, you’re going to lose.