Typical Day & Tactics

Depending on arrival time to the ranch, either have a nice dinner and settle in for the night prepared to start hunting in the morning. Or, be ready to change and head out hunting shortly after settling in. Climb into the outfitters customized side x side vehicles and head off across the ranch in search of trophy caliber Hill Country Whitetail bucks!

Here, Whitetails can be hunted using any and all methods, situating dictating to provide a good shooting opportunity on a nice mature buck. In addition to more common stand or blind hunting over feeding areas, water or travel corridors, enjoy some other dynamic and exciting strategies. Classic spot and stalk hunting or still hunting with calls or rattling antlers proves very effective, and a different type of hunting experience that many Whitetail hunters have done less of. These more active tactics are especially practiced during the December rut when deer are more aggressive and cruising during daylight hours. Due to the deer density in the Texas Hill country, the rut is competitive and very fierce, making rattling a prime strategy. Pre-rut and late-season sees more hunting from strategically placed blinds or stands, often over bait or in feeding areas, actively monitored and pre-scouted with trail cameras. Archery and gun hunters are both welcome and highly successful. Whitetails in this region of Texas tend to average between 130-140 inches, but 150+ inch bucks are taken annually.

In addition to the vast Whitetail population, other free-ranging exotic species are sure to be encountered during this hunt. Quite plentiful are Axis deer, Blackbuck, Scimitar-horned Oryx or Catalina/Spanish Goats. Open year-round, these species can be added to any Whitetail hunt on a trophy fee basis due only upon successful harvest, or mortal wounding & loss. Same with a Whitetail or Axis doe if looking to take home more venison. In addition, other bonus species such as Wild Hogs, Coyote, Foxes, Raccoons or other “varmints” can all be taken at no additional cost as a ranch management component.

Lunch is usually back at the lodge, and as soon as the sun starts to descend, head back out for the evening hunt employing whichever hunting tactic is preferred or recommended. Continue evaluating bucks looking for something unique or above average. Another advantage here are the Managed Land Deer Programs (MLDP) which continually enhance the deer population and management practices. Many of the ranches hunted are actively engaged in MLDP’s where biologists determine population estimates with quotas set in place. With this program, Whitetail tags are provided to hunters and part of the package at no additional cost.

Once successful, the deer are dressed, caped, quartered and placed in a walk-in cooler until it is time to leave. These deer sport beautiful light-colored capes, dark stained antlers, and excellent venison all at very competitive pricing. With a long and generous open season, these Texas Hill Country Whitetail hunts provide an iconic action-packed experience and a great winter escape extending your Whitetail season!

Landscape & Climate

Gently rolling Hill Country mixed Savannah type terrain. It is generally brushy with patches of live Oak montes, dense juniper thickets or mesquite trees in the bottoms, while the valleys are interspersed with small grassy meadows. The ground is also littered with colonies of prickly pear cactus, clumps of Yuccas and seasonal native wild flowers. The fauna in this region is equally diverse and coexists incredibly well. In additional to Whitetails, hunters will also likely encounter wild, free-ranging Axis Deer, Blackbuck, Scimitar Horned Oryx, Catalina, Hogs, Raccoons, Ringtail Cats, Armadillos, Skunks, Grey Foxes, Jackrabbits, Emus, Turkey Vultures, Rio Grande Wild Turkeys, Cardinals, Hummingbirds, Road Runners and the occasional Tarantulas, Scorpions, Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes! In low fence Hill Country, anything from Kudu to Red Stag to Mouflon could also randomly just step into view! It’s an amazing unique place!

With the Whitetail season spanning from early October to late February, the weather can vary greatly. During the early season and pre-rut, weather can get quite warm when the sun is high in the sky, making midday the perfect time for a siesta. It’s not uncommon to hunt in long sleeve T-shirts and light pants this time of year. During the rut and late-season, Texas winters begin to cool the land but frost is still uncommon in the mornings and it generally heats up enough during the day that nothing aside from a sweater or light jacket is required to stay comfortable.

Meals & Accommodations

The outfitter bases these hunts from several private ranch style homes on active working ranches in the remote Texas Hill Country. AC, private bedrooms and bathrooms, a common lounge and dining areas, fire pits, a swimming pool, full kitchen, fridges, freezers, and catered meals provides every comfort for guests. Also pleasant is the quiet, remote private setting directly in the hunting area. Cell phone service or wifi is available at most locations.

Fresh home-made tortilla chips and salsa are available round the clock. Aside from quick coffee, toast, juice or fruit in the pre-dawn, a big brunch is normally served once everyone returns from the morning hunt. Breakfast burritos, waffles or western omelets are classic fare. Lunch is usually sandwiches, chips and salsa and other snacks. For dinner enjoy some classic Tex-Mex favorites such as BBQ Brisket, Cowboy Steaks, Axis Enchiladas or Fajitas! Cold drinks are always available.

Key Equipment Suggestions

This hunt only requires basic equipment. A small day pack, 10x binoculars, rangefinder, suitable layered clothing, warm comfortable walking boots, headlamp and flashlight, ballcap, sunglasses, sunscreen, some rattling antlers (bag), and a digital camera covers the essentials. Personal shooting sticks, rifle/bow can be recommended. Hunter orange is not required.