Madrone Land & Cattle

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Our Story

Madrone Land & Cattle Duck Club was established cir.1941 by Ernesto Magioncalda and his wife, Angelina. He loved to be out in nature and wanted all of his friends and family to have that pleasure as well. This club was built by blood, sweat and tears of Ernie and Angie, and subsequently by their son Leroy. And, even after that, as the club was evolving, Leroy's only son, Marshall took the reins. He was hunting with both his father and grandfather at a very young age, it was always a part of their lives. He remembers being six the first time he was allowed to hunt officially. Marshall, being the more quiet manager of the club, was left totally in charge when his father died in December of 1998. And, has continued ever since. I think a testament to the longevity of the club is the many, many hunters that have been with the club since the early years. Or, those that are following in the footsteps of their actively hunting fathers or grandfathers. The caliber of our hunters is amazing! The camaraderie and devotion to the sport of hunting is only further demonstrated by the long time bonds of friendship made while at the club. The respect shown for the land and for the fellow hunters is obvious. And, most of our hunters ask to come out in the off season just for the beauty, the solitude and the peace they find while here. This group of men, young and old, and their families as well, have become like a huge family to Marshall and myself, Leanne, as most of our family has now departed to better hunting above. We cherish the time we spend with them, although sometimes limited. And, we get all excited each year as the opening day rolls around. Then, shed tears when the last hunter leaves our gates at the close of the season. We truly care about our 'hunter' family, and hope that they have made as many memories as we have made with them over the years!

Each year we all are faced with new challenges. Several years during the drought, it was a constant concern if we were going to get enough water to flood up. Then a couple of years we personally suffered severe losses in our family. The death of my mother, Elaine, at a very spry 94 years old, unexpectedly was a crushing blow. One night we were playing dice (of course, she was winning) and the next night she has passed away with all of our family there. And, following that, I lost my daughter to homicide at the hands of her husband, and in front of their two babies, ages 2 & 3, in the Phoenix area. I found out about it after her husband put a post on Facebook, as if to brag about what he had done. He was shot and killed, when 125+ SWAT and special teams were waiting for him, when he attempted to flea, leaving the two babies inside. We also were faced with Marshall’s son, Marshall Jr, being charged with 11 felony counts, the worst being murder, while on his 3rd tour to Iraq with the Marines 3/5. During the 15 months of his solitary confinement, we felt as if we were living in our motor home, traveling usually weekly to Camp Pendleton for his various court appearances. After he was found innocent of the most serious charges, and released. His good standing and his two Purple Hearts were restored. We were more than elated. His attorney had gotten the Marines to return his amazing dual Purple Hearts, and was honorably discharged shortly there after. However, due to severe PTSD we lost total contact with him for over 10 years, until very recently, the lines of communication have been gratefully opened. But, sadly we find it was only a brief contact when my daughter was murdered. We also suffered a 100% loss of building and natural vegetation when a huge fire burned for days in the western foothills near our home and the club,where we had another deer, and other game, hunting club, within the boundaries of Henry Coe State Park. It was started on a club adjacent to us in the north and the winds just took everything the family had worked years for, in matter of minutes. It was a long time before we were even be allowed in to look at the damage. It was heartbreaking, to say the least.

But, as always life goes on. We have endured serious losses in our family business that had all but paralyzed us, both professionally and personally. But, we persevered, and were able to at least survive them and move on. But, the one thing that has remained a rock for us is the Madrone Land & Cattle Duck Club and our many loyal hunters! We could not have done it without each and every one of you. I am hoping that all of them know that in their hearts. Even without saying a word, just the look they have given us is worth more than it’s weight in gold!

We have hunters from all walks of life. We have professors, we have general contractors, engineers, retirees, tile contractors, a cabinet maker, students of all ages and even a wine maker or two!!! I think it is the diversity of our hunters and the caliber of their personalities that pulls it all together. We all get along well, and we have had no serious issues with anyone. We are fortunate, as these clubs go, and we are forever grateful everyday! It takes more than a blind and a picking shed to make a club work. And, it is our hunters (and of course, all our blood, sweat and tears!) that I think make ours work!

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