Everything is bigger in Texas, including bird-hunting trucks

Owner named "War Wagon," Seats 12, 2 captain chairs, 1 bench seat in premium marine vinyl, 6 dog kennels, 13 gun scabbards, drink and shell trays, storage lockers, water storage, fire extinguisher, spare tire rack, top storage with lights, 2 dog handler seats in front, padded front and back rails. less Owner named "War Wagon," Seats 12, 2 captain chairs, 1 bench seat in premium marine vinyl, 6 dog kennels, 13 gun scabbards, drink and shell trays, storage lockers, water storage, fire extinguisher, spare tire ... more Photo: Ramsay Gillman, Lokey Photography, Courtesy Photo: Ramsay Gillman, Lokey Photography, Courtesy Image 1 of / 35 Caption Close Everything is bigger in Texas, including bird-hunting trucks 1 / 35 Back to Gallery

SAN ANTONIO — Some look like a military vehicle ready for war. Others appear to be a slew of different vehicles welded together to create a sort of four-wheeled Frankenstein. But all of them are tricked out rides that Texas hunters use to hunt down quail, in style.

Photos of the wild-looking creations are featured in a new photo book titled “Texas Quail Rigs” from Houston photographer Lokey, who debuted his work at the Meredith Long Art Gallery the Bayou City last week.

The book, which runs $85 or $600 for a limited edition, features more than 120 vehicles from about 50 ranches in the Lone Star State, many in South Texas. The idea came from his father, who is a hunter and teaches marksmanship, he said.

“I've done something that hasn't been done before,” Lokey said. “If I was to die tomorrow, I'd feel good that I've added something to the history books.”

Lokey, 42, said he raised $100,000 over three years to put the project together. Some of that came from the Greater Houston Quail Coalition, which a portion of the book's proceeds benefit.

The photographer also participated in a photo festival in Houston during the last week and says he has “good leads” from galleries in Mexico and Russia to show off his work.

He added that he'd love to come to San Antonio, particularly the Briscoe Western Art Museum, at some point.

Lokey also said that he hopes to raise awareness of a quail population that has dropped more than 80 percent over the last 10 years. Hunting the bird has also declined, he said, which is unfortunate because in many families it is a tradition and means of bonding generations.

Hunting season for the mid-sized birds in Texas is the last Saturday in October to the last Sunday in February, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife.

More info about the book can be found at TexasQuailRigs.com.

kparker@express-news.net

Twitter: @KoltenParker