January Texas Trip

[Big Country]

OK all of you Texans,

A little help requested from the friendly locals

Mrs. Country requested a 5 day smoochy smoochy trip in January, I bit, found someone to watch the kids, and setup a long weekend with friends in San Antonio, with a short detour to Houston for the safari show to visit a couple of our African friends. I know nothing of the season there. Copious points were received for scheduling the long trip UN-announced, such that a little hunting or fishing could be done.

Any hunting opportunities near that time of year? hogs, havelina, deer or axis? Never hunted Texas or ranch style in the US. Thoughts? Recommendations?

Anybody know a guy with a ranch?

We'll be driving from Houston to SA, any good gun shops etc along the way?

 

[cpr0312]

@Big Country , get ahold of @James Jeffrey - HuntingAgent.com , he lives near Houston and offers all kinds of hunts in Texas

 

[rinehart0050]

@gizmo runs a hunting ranch in Texas- might be a little out of your way but definitely worth the detour!

 

[wesheltonj]

There are lots of places around San Antonio where you might find a day hunt, but it might be a little short notice to find any vacancy. The high fence, pay by the point places might be available too. During that time period, White-tail, Javelena and hogs should be available. Wrong time of the year for axis. I personally have more Javelena , then I know what to do with, but they are a game animal and cannot go to waste. And the ones you would want for a trophy are not the ones you would want to eat.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Aoudad further west of San Antonio is an option. Nilgai further south.

Aoudad hunt article: http://www.outdoorlife.com/photos/gallery/2016/03/7-reasons-why-you-should-consider-wild-aoudad-hunt

Nilgai article: http://www.wideopenspaces.com/want-to-go-nilgai-hunting-read-this-first/

If you opt for a nilgai, most places require a 300 win mag as a minimum.

The aoudad hunt is on my bucket list. I've taken 2 nilgai, both times while I was hunting whitetail in south Texas. Fun animal to hunt, very similar to African PG hunt. Spot and stalk, shooting off of sticks, etc. The meat from a nilgai is excellent eating.

 

[Bullthrower338]

Gun shops in San Antonio worth going to are Nagal's and Dury's. Collectors in Houston has a lot of guns. I haven't found much in between though

 

[Shootist43]

There are lots of hog hunting opportunities near San Antonio. I took my whole family there for our 50th anniversary. Just google hog hunting in Texas and you will get lots of options. San Antonio's River Front offers lots for the gals to do along with the Alamo and other historical sites. Save at least one evening/night for a good dinner with the Mrs. There are lots of good restaurants to choose from.

 

[CAustin]

Enjoy your trip @Big Country
Lots to see and do in Texas !

 

[Big Country]

There are lots of places around San Antonio where you might find a day hunt, but it might be a little short notice to find any vacancy. The high fence, pay by the point places might be available too. During that time period, White-tail, Javelena and hogs should be available. Wrong time of the year for axis. I personally have more Javelena , then I know what to do with, but they are a game animal and cannot go to waste. And the ones you would want for a trophy are not the ones you would want to eat.

Thanks for the advice. I'm more of a meat hunter these days anyhow. If I hunted somewhere in south Texas it would lost likely be for something I could bring meat home from. It would seem to take alot of javelina to fill a freezer

 

[Big Country]

Thanks everyone for the tips. Gizmo's place is several hundred miles out of the way i'm afraid. The nilgai thing looks really intriguing to me... We shall see...

If anybody ends up at the Houston show Friday night keep in touch we can have a beer!!

 

[gizmo]

Check out the Circle E Ranch in Bedias. It's right outside of Houston and Robert Eichenour owns it and is a friend of mine. www.circleeranch.com.

 

[wesheltonj]

Thanks for the advice. I'm more of a meat hunter these days anyhow. If I hunted somewhere in south Texas it would lost likely be for something I could bring meat home from. It would seem to take alot of javelina to fill a freezer

Trust me, you don't want to fill your freezer with Javelina.

 

[edward]

best of luck to you on your venture.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

A nilgai will fill a freezer..........similar size to an elk.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/hunteratkins/2015/01/08/antelope-is-the-meat-of-2015/#10e24c1b7446

 

[Mark19707]

If you want Hogs check out Lonsome Coyote Ranch fantastic ranch and owners

 

[JES Adventures]

@Big Country. I've sold quite a few ranches all over the State of Texas and have many contacts so send me a PM with your dates and desires and I will put you in contact with some landowners.

Merry Christmas
and remember "Lets Make America Great Again"!

 

[Shootist43]

Given a limited amount of time I'd suggest you check out the following: http://www.independenceranch.com/contact-directions. This is where I hunted hogs the first time. Lots of hogs, good accommodations, and country cooking, (not fancy but VERY tasty." They are about 75 mi. from San Antonio. You will have no trouble filling a large cooler. Try for hogs under 250 lbs. above that the boars don't taste good, but no problems with sows over that wt.

 

[rookhawk]

Since we're talking about Texas hogs in this thread, I wanted to ask about this topic.

Are there any fair chase, no fence, DAYTIME hog hunts in Texas? I've been told that they are mostly diurnal and the places give you night vision and suppressed rifles as part of the fees. I'd be interested in trying Texas hogs if there was daytime sport to be had. Thoughts/comments?

 

[Wheels]

@Big Country , get ahold of @James Jeffrey - HuntingAgent.com , he lives near Houston and offers all kinds of hunts in Texas

+1

James does some night hog hunts an hour or so outside of Houston. I have hunted with him and had a great time.

He also does some exotics. I don't know anything about this.

James will be at the Houston show while you are there.

 

[Red Leg]

Well, I know you can play door gunner on a helicopter during daylight http://www.helicopterpighunting.com/ down here. I am told it does give a whole new spin on "chase" - fair or otherwise.