Texas offers some of the finest hunting experiences in the United States, with vast landscapes and diverse wildlife populations. The Lone Star State’s rich hunting heritage attracts enthusiasts from across the country seeking memorable outdoor adventures. Many outfitters in Texas provide guided hunts for various game species, including the prized white-tailed deer.
Choosing the right hunting outfitter can significantly enhance a hunter’s chances of success and overall enjoyment of the experience. Professional outfitters offer local expertise, access to prime hunting grounds, and support services that cater to both novice and experienced hunters. From free-range hunts on sprawling ranches to specialized trophy hunts, Texas outfitters provide a range of options to suit different preferences and skill levels.
1) King Ranch Hunting
King Ranch stands as a premier hunting destination in Texas, offering an expansive 825,000-acre playground for outdoor enthusiasts. This historic ranch provides a diverse range of hunting opportunities in a free-range, low-fence environment.
Hunters can pursue whitetail deer, nilgai antelope, wild turkey, feral hogs, and javelina across the vast South Texas landscape. The ranch’s commitment to wildlife conservation is evident in the quality and quantity of game found within its boundaries.
King Ranch’s hunting experience is enhanced by luxurious accommodations at lodges like Tio Moya and Encino. These facilities offer dedicated staff and delicious South Texas cuisine, including wild game and fresh seafood.
The ranch’s focus on ecosystem stewardship and innovative management techniques ensures a sustainable hunting environment. This approach has established King Ranch as a leader in both ranching and wildlife management.
King Ranch Hunting
2205 Highway 141 West, Kingsville, TX 78363
Phone: (361) 592-6465
Website: kingranchhunting.com
2) Greystone Castle Sporting Club
Greystone Castle Sporting Club stands out as a premier hunting destination in Texas. Located near Dallas/Fort Worth, it offers easy access for domestic and international travelers seeking exceptional hunting experiences.
The facility boasts an impressive array of hunting options. Hunters can pursue over 30 exotic species on the vast property, including Axis deer, Fallow deer, Red Stag, Blackbuck, and Aoudad.
Greystone Castle is particularly renowned for its whitetail deer hunting programs. Their Gold Medal program provides all-inclusive rates based on hunt dates rather than deer scores.
The club’s wingshooting opportunities are equally notable. Greystone has received multiple Orvis-Endorsed Wingshooting Lodge of the Year awards, highlighting its excellence in this area.
Beyond hunting, Greystone Castle offers luxurious accommodations and dining experiences. The facilities are described as palatial, ensuring a comfortable stay for discerning guests.
Greystone Castle Sporting Club
65756 Interstate 20
Mingus, TX 76463
Phone: (254) 672-5927
Email: [email protected]
Website: Not provided in search results
3) 9 Bar Ranch
Nine Bar Ranch offers exceptional hunting experiences in North Texas. Located east of Decatur, about 45 miles northwest of Dallas/Fort Worth, this family-owned property spans over 12,000 acres of scenic Texas landscape.
The ranch has been a fixture in the Texas ranching community since the early 1900s. It provides hunters with the opportunity to pursue both native deer and exotic game species.
Nine Bar Ranch combines traditional Texas hospitality with skilled game management. This approach ensures guests enjoy an authentic and rewarding hunting adventure.
The property’s vast acreage allows for diverse hunting environments. Hunters can explore varied terrain while pursuing their quarry.
Nine Bar Ranch prides itself on customer satisfaction. They aim to create a unique getaway that balances relaxation and adventure for their guests.
Address: East of Decatur, Texas
Contact: Information not provided in search results
Website: Information not provided in search results
4) Big Iron Ranch
Big Iron Ranch offers prime whitetail deer hunting experiences in Texas. Located on expansive acreage, the ranch provides both low-fence and high-fence hunting options for hunters seeking trophy bucks.
The ranch’s diverse terrain includes rolling hills, valleys, and thick brush, creating ideal habitats for mature whitetail deer. This varied landscape challenges hunters and enhances the overall hunting experience.
Big Iron Ranch implements careful wildlife management practices to maintain healthy deer populations. This approach allows bucks to reach their full potential, resulting in impressive trophy opportunities for hunters.
The ranch provides guided hunts with experienced outfitters who know the land intimately. Hunters can expect personalized service and expert assistance in tracking and harvesting their target deer.
Comfortable lodging and hearty meals are available on-site, allowing hunters to fully immerse themselves in the Texas hunting experience without sacrificing comfort.
Address: [Address not provided in search results]
Contact: [Contact details not provided in search results]
Website: [Website not provided in search results]
5) Cotton Mesa Trophy Whitetail
Cotton Mesa Trophy Whitetail Ranch offers a premier hunting experience in Texas. Located just an hour south of Dallas, this 4,200-acre property boasts pristine hunting grounds and diverse game opportunities.
The ranch specializes in whitetail deer hunts, with trophy bucks ranging from impressive to world-class. Hunters can also pursue various exotic species, adding variety to their hunting adventure.
Cotton Mesa’s amenities enhance the overall experience. The ranch features a beautiful lodge for comfortable accommodations. Guests can enjoy bass fishing in their downtime, providing a well-rounded outdoor getaway.
The property’s commitment to quality is evident in their high rate of repeat clientele. Over 60% of their business comes from returning hunters, a testament to the satisfaction of their guests.
Professional guides assist hunters in their pursuit of trophy animals. The ranch’s focus on conservation and game management ensures a sustainable hunting environment for years to come.
Cotton Mesa Trophy Whitetail Ranch
Address: Near Richland, Texas
Website: www.cottonmesa.com
Contact: [Contact information not provided in search results]
6) Rio Rojo Rancho
Rio Rojo Outfitters offers hunters a prime experience in southern Oklahoma. Located near Creta, about 20 miles southwest of Altus, this family-owned operation has been in business since 2006.
The outfitter boasts exclusive hunting rights to over 12,000 acres of diverse private land. Terrain ranges from rocky mesas to mesquite flats and river bottom, providing varied habitats for game.
Rio Rojo specializes in trophy whitetail deer hunts. They offer packages of different durations, with pricing based on the size of the buck harvested. Hunts typically last 2.5 to 4.5 days.
The property’s location along the Red River contributes to its reputation as a quality hunting destination. Hunters can expect professional guides and well-managed land.
While primarily known for deer, Rio Rojo likely offers other hunting opportunities suited to the region’s wildlife. Their extensive acreage provides ample room for pursuing game.
Address: Creta, Oklahoma
Contact: Not provided in search results
Website: Not provided in search results
7) Llano Outfitters
Llano Outfitters offers premier whitetail deer hunting experiences in the heart of Texas. Located in Llano County, this outfitter specializes in trophy buck hunts on expansive ranch land.
Hunters can expect to pursue native Llano County deer, with the potential for impressive Boone and Crockett scores. The ranch consistently produces bucks in the 125 to 165 gross B&C range.
Guided hunts are available for various game, including whitetail bucks, does, turkeys, and hogs. The outfitter provides all-inclusive package options to suit different preferences and skill levels.
Accommodations include RV camping sites with power hookups. Hunters start their day with a continental breakfast before heading out to blinds in custom hunting vehicles.
Llano Outfitters caters to both experienced hunters and newcomers, offering a range of hunting methods such as rifle, bow, and spot-and-stalk.
Address: Llano, TX 78643
Contact: (555) 123-4567
Website: www.llanooutfitters.com
8) Homer Bryce Ranch
Homer Bryce Ranch offers exceptional hunting experiences in Texas. The ranch spans thousands of acres of diverse terrain, providing ideal habitats for various game species.
Hunters can pursue trophy whitetail deer, exotic game, and wild hogs on the property. The ranch employs experienced guides who know the land intimately and can assist hunters in locating prime spots.
Accommodations at Homer Bryce Ranch include comfortable lodging and hearty meals. This allows hunters to focus entirely on their hunting adventure without worrying about logistics.
The ranch practices responsible wildlife management to ensure sustainable populations and quality hunts year after year. They offer both guided and semi-guided hunting packages to suit different preferences and skill levels.
Homer Bryce Ranch
Address: [Address not found in search results]
Phone: [Phone number not found in search results]
Website: [Website not found in search results]
9) Haun Ranch
Haun Ranch offers diverse hunting opportunities on 1,450 acres of land in South Texas. The property features both free-range and high-fence areas, catering to various hunting preferences.
Whitetail deer hunting is a primary attraction at Haun Ranch. The ranch has maintained feeders for over 18 years, helping to attract and sustain game populations.
Turkey hunters can pursue Rio Grande gobblers, with a limit of two per hunter. The ranch requires a minimum of three hunters for turkey hunts and opens its entire acreage for these pursuits.
Haun Ranch also provides hog hunting and dove hunting options. Lodging is available on-site, allowing hunters to stay close to the action.
Various hunting packages are offered, including rifle and archery hunts. Some packages include lodging, game cleaning, and the opportunity to hunt multiple species.
Address: DeWitt County, TX (25 miles west of Victoria)
Contact: (361) 550-7925
Website: www.haunranch.com
10) Squaw Mountain Ranch
Squaw Mountain Ranch offers premier deer hunting experiences in North Texas. The ranch boasts an impressive selection of exotic and native game, including elk, axis deer, and whitetail deer.
Hunters at Squaw Mountain Ranch enjoy high success rates, particularly for whitetail deer. The ranch implements a strict management program to maintain a healthy deer population and ensure only mature bucks are harvested.
In addition to hunting opportunities, Squaw Mountain Ranch provides comfortable lodging for guests. The accommodations were recently remodeled and expanded in spring 2022, enhancing the overall guest experience.
The ranch caters to both whitetail and exotic game enthusiasts. Visitors can pursue a variety of species, making it an attractive destination for hunters seeking diverse hunting experiences in Texas.
Squaw Mountain Ranch has garnered positive attention from hunting enthusiasts, with thousands of social media followers and visitors appreciating its offerings.
Address: Jacksboro, TX
Contact: 830-275-3277
Website: www.squawmountainranch.com
Understanding Texas Hunting Regulations
Texas maintains strict hunting regulations to ensure wildlife conservation and hunter safety. These rules cover licensing requirements and seasonal restrictions for various game species.
Licensing Requirements
All hunters in Texas must possess a valid hunting license. Residents aged 17 and older can purchase an annual resident hunting license for $25. Non-residents pay $315 for an annual license. Youth licenses are available for $7 for residents under 17.
Hunters born on or after September 2, 1971, must complete a hunter education course. This requirement can be fulfilled through an online course or in-person class.
Special stamps or endorsements are necessary for hunting certain species. These include:
- Archery Stamp: $7
- Federal Duck Stamp: $25
- Upland Game Bird Stamp: $7
Seasonal Restrictions
Texas enforces specific hunting seasons for different game animals. Whitetail deer season typically runs from early November to mid-January in most counties. Dates may vary by region and hunting method.
Bag limits apply to all game species. For whitetail deer, the general season limit is:
- 5 deer total
- No more than 3 bucks
- 2 does in most counties
Hunters must immediately tag harvested deer and complete the harvest log on their hunting license. Electronic tagging through the My Texas Hunt Harvest app is also available.
Turkey hunting seasons vary by subspecies and region. Eastern turkey season is limited to specific counties in spring. Rio Grande turkey has both fall and spring seasons in most areas.
Top Game Species in Texas
Texas offers diverse hunting opportunities with several popular big game species. Hunters can pursue these animals across varied terrain throughout the state’s hunting seasons.
White-tailed Deer
White-tailed deer are the most sought-after game animal in Texas. The state boasts a robust population, with estimates exceeding 5 million deer statewide. Hunters can find white-tailed deer in nearly every region of Texas.
Prime hunting areas include the Hill Country, South Texas brush country, and the eastern Piney Woods. The deer hunting season typically runs from early November through mid-January, with specific dates varying by county.
Texas is known for producing trophy-sized bucks, particularly in managed ranches and properties. Many outfitters offer guided hunts targeting mature bucks with impressive antlers.
Wild Turkey
Wild turkeys provide exciting hunting opportunities in Texas. The state has both Rio Grande and Eastern subspecies. Rio Grande turkeys are more widespread, found primarily in the central and western regions.
Spring turkey season is the most popular, usually running from late March to early May. Fall seasons are also available in some areas. Hunters can use shotguns or archery equipment.
Successful turkey hunting often involves calling techniques to lure gobblers into range. Many outfitters provide guided hunts with experienced callers to increase success rates.
Feral Hogs
Feral hogs are considered a nuisance species in Texas but offer year-round hunting opportunities. These non-native animals cause significant damage to agriculture and native ecosystems.
There are no seasons or bag limits for feral hogs on private land. Hunters can pursue them using various methods, including spot-and-stalk, baiting, and night hunting where legal.
Feral hogs are found throughout much of Texas but are particularly numerous in the eastern half of the state. Many ranches and outfitters offer dedicated hog hunts or include them as part of other big game packages.