Texans -some infornation pls on deer hunting

31 October 2009, 07:24

I've been invited to hunt whitetails over the Dec 12th weekend on a private lease just north of San Antonia (I think that it's in eastern Kendall or southern Blanco county).

What type of hunting country is this? Rolling hills, flat land, etc? I've hunted birds down around Carrizo Springs and it was pretty flat with lots of 10-12 feet tall brush. Am I looking at 100 yard brush country shots or 300 yard beanfield type shooting?

From what I can find on the internet I have to buy a non-resident hunting license for $305, is there anything else that I need to buy?

Thanks for any help.

31 October 2009, 08:58

Geedubya

Fjold,

You say you will be hunting just north of San Antonia. Could you have been listening to someone with a Texas drawl. Maybe he was meaning San Antonio, as in Davy Crockett and the Alamo.
If so, the area north of there is part of the Texas hill country. As such the terrain will be rolling/foothills. Depending on what has been done on this ranch it may be covered in Juniper, with oak motts and some pasture.
Might look something like this.......

As to what type of shots you will have, I would ask your host. For example, I bow hunt making shots from 15 to 35 yds. I usually set up in Juniper or oak motts. Ground blinds or tripods. However, I have two areas on hilltops where shots are up to 800 yds.
If you can, find out exactly where you will be. It could be Boerne, Kerrville, Harper, Mountain Home, Ingraham, Hunt, Bandera, Medina, or any number of places.

As to cost, I was thinking a 3 day non resident hunting license was around $45(I stand to be corrected). However you should log on the the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website to be sure.

As to what else you need to buy.
Well, a bottle of Patron Reposado, or Makers Mark, a couple of Macanudo or Punch cigars for your host or ranch owner probably would not put you in the "casa de perro's.

If they don't have a walk in cooler, take plenty of Ice for all the hogs and deer you're gonna' shoot.
GWB

GWB

31 October 2009, 09:40

Gatogordo

quote:
As to cost, I was thinking a 3 day non resident hunting license was around $45(I stand to be corrected). However you should log on the the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website to be sure

No, that license, which is now $48 is not good for deer, only birds, small game, and exotics, including hogs. Unfortunately he will have to buy the non-resident deer hunting license which, while I haven't checked the price, is probably the $305 he mentioned.

xxxxxxxxxx
When considering US based operations of guides/outfitters, check and see if they are NRA members. If not, why support someone who doesn't support us? Consider spending your money elsewhere.

NEVER, EVER book a hunt with BLAIR WORLDWIDE HUNTING or JEFF BLAIR.

I have come to understand that in hunting, the goal is not the goal but the process.

31 October 2009, 09:47

Geedubya

I stand corrected.
Thanks GG.

Best call them, or log on to the TPWD website to be sure the license cost.

GWB

31 October 2009, 20:37

Eland Slayer

Geedubya is spot on about the terrain. It will more than likely be rolling hills with quite a few rocks. Probably lots of live-oaks with some cedar, persimmon, and mesquite mixed in.....BEAUTIFUL country to hunt in. I've hunted the hill country for most of my life and I love it. The whitetail generally do tend to be a little smaller than the rest of the state, but there are also a whole bunch of them.....so in my opinion, that makes up for it. You should see plenty of game. You'll probably see hogs, and maybe also Axis and Blackbuck. Good luck, wish I was going!!

31 October 2009, 20:56

OLBIKER

quote:
Originally posted by Geedubya:
Fjold,

You say you will be hunting just north of San Antonia. Could you have been listening to someone with a Texas drawl. Maybe he was meaning San Antonio, as in Davy Crockett and the Alamo.
If so, the area north of there is part of the Texas hill country. As such the terrain will be rolling/foothills. Depending on what has been done on this ranch it may be covered in Juniper, with oak motts and some pasture.
Might look something like this.......

As to what type of shots you will have, I would ask your host. For example, I bow hunt making shots from 15 to 35 yds. I usually set up in Juniper or oak motts. Ground blinds or tripods. However, I have two areas on hilltops where shots are up to 800 yds.
If you can, find out exactly where you will be. It could be Boerne, Kerrville, Harper, Mountain Home, Ingraham, Hunt, Bandera, Medina, or any number of places.

As to cost, I was thinking a 3 day non resident hunting license was around $45(I stand to be corrected). However you should log on the the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website to be sure.

As to what else you need to buy.
Well, a bottle of Patron Reposado, or Makers Mark, a couple of Macanudo or Punch cigars for your host or ranch owner probably would not put you in the "casa de perro's.

If they don't have a walk in cooler, take plenty of Ice for all the hogs and deer you're gonna' shoot.
GWB

GWB

Holy Cow GWB,that sure is pretty down there.Sure is a variety differnt critters.OB

31 October 2009, 23:22

LWD

You should also be ready for a variety of weather conditions. Might be warm, cool, or cold, and can change overnight.

LWD

31 October 2009, 23:32

Eland Slayer

quote:
Originally posted by LWD:
You should also be ready for a variety of weather conditions. Might be warm, cool, or cold, and can change overnight.

LWD

Definitely +1.....sorry forgot to mention that.

01 November 2009, 03:06

Fjold

Thanks for the information guys. My host is travelling this week so I have to wait to talk with him. It's actually one of those corporate owned hunting areas where they invite select customers out for hunting.

I know it's San Antonio, I just mis-typed it.

02 November 2009, 17:44

muygrande

I will add that the rut is going full blast now so it will be long over by mid-December. Still be many animals as we saw at least five mature bucks working hard to find "the one girlfriend" yesterday while playing golf. Actually saw one neighbor trying to chase off a buck with a hammer in his hand. Must have been one of our misplaced Yankee friends.

Enjoy the beautiful Texas Hill Country.

02 November 2009, 19:36

Stonecreek

I live on the edge of Blanco County, and have hunted many times in Kendall County. Expect thick oak and juniper cover (unless the landowner has spent a ton of money clearing the junipers). You'll be hunting from a blind and the feeder will only be fifty yards away, so megacalibers aren't necessary.

Unless the place is high fenced and well-managed, don't expect to find a very large whitetail buck. An eight-pointer with about a 16 inch spread is a "big un" in these parts.

Being a corporate lease, it will likely have some exotics. If you're lucky enough to be invited to shoot one, an Axis is a beautiful trophy which yields excellent meat. You might see a blackbuck or a fallow.