Exotic game hunting is not regulated by the state government since the animals considered "exotic" are not native to the state or even to the United States. Only imported animals can be considered exotic, and therefore are under the control of the owners, not of the government. The same is not true for native species such as Whitetail deer, even if they are born and raised on a confined Texas hunting ranch or game lease. Elk, originally a native species but then reintroduced, are under the same regulation.

Basically as far as the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is concerned, management with regards hunting of these exotics is based on the decision of the management of the exotic game hunting ranch. Game managers have to determine what is a reasonable number of males and females of each species to allow to be harvested each year. Incorrect management of the herds can result in low numbers for years to come or overcrowding of the grazing ranges within the given area. Most game managers are very good at what they do, ensuring that mature males and females in the right numbers are maintained to keep the herds at the appropriate levels for the hunters as well as the food supply.

What happens to wounded animals in exotic game hunting situations that don't result in a kill?

All the guides and staff at exotic game hunting ranches are conservationists and managers by job description. As such they are responsible for ensuring, whenever possible, that all wounded animals are tracked down and killed as quickly as can occur. In reality there are very few seriously wounded animals that are not located and killed since they will leave a considerable trail for an experienced tracker.

Animals that are just grazed or have a slight flesh wound are often very quick to recover on their own. Of course guides watch the condition of the animals when they come to feed and any injured animals can be harvested as required. Ensuring that all hunters on the ranch work with guides also helps to cut down on any injured animals being left behind on the hunt.

Where can I go to get the meat properly processed?

Not all exotic game hunting ranches are going to provide field dressing and quartering of your kill, but this is a service offered by the staff at Escondido Ranch. After the meat is quartered and packed, you then have the option to take it to a wild meat processor in your area for further processing. Many hunters also butcher the animal themselves, there are several guides and charts available online that are simple to follow and give you the basic cuts. Making hamburger, sausage or even jerky with the meat is a simple and delicious way to make short work of butchering as well.

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A blind is one of the not so secret of the many Texas doe hunting tips. One reason a blind works so well is that it is elevated above the line of sight for the deer as they come into the feeder or as they walk along the trails. Deer are not naturally going to be looking up for predators; rather they look down and horizontally along their natural line of sight.

Another reason why Texas doe hunting tips often include the use of a blind or stand is because in Texas, unlike in many states, it is legal to feed the deer to bring them into a designated area. Setting up a blind or stand in this situation practically assures the hunter that some type of game animal will come up to feed, establishing a pattern that the hunter can then use. In states and areas where feeding is not permitted, stands or blinds are not as effective as there is no way to specifically draw the deer or animals into the area where the blind is located.

What are the key elements of safety with Texas doe hunting tips?

It is always so important to know where everyone in the hunting party is located at all times to avoid any potential hunting accidents or injuries. It is amazing how many hunters don't always know when others are in the area or where they are specifically located. On Escondido Ranch hunting from blinds only ensures that all hunters are safely located in a confined space, above the line of fire from anyone else hunting from a blind. This is one of the biggest Texas doe hunting tips that provides safety for everyone involved.

Another of the safety conscious Texas doe hunting tips is that the staff at the ranch checks out each blind or stand on a regular basis to make sure it is safe and secure. Any repairs that are needed are completed immediately, ensuring that everyone is in a very well built, secure blind or stand at all times.

When is calling for does the most effective?

If you are going to try to call in the deer, Texas doe hunting tips on this topic state that the best time is in the late spring and through the fall when the does are "talking" to their fawns and the juvenile members of the herd. The two most important types of calls that can be used to attract does is a typical fawn call, almost like a bawling sound, and a higher pitched distress call that signals to the doe that the fawn needs help. Curious does will investigate a grunt call as well.
There are several CDs and videos that are available through various deer hunting clubs and websites that provide good quality recordings of these sounds. If you are going to try this, be sure to start practicing a few weeks in advance and get your calls down before you are actually out on the hunt.

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The answer to this question is absolutely yes! All hunters, regardless of the type of animal they are going after on the ranch will require a valid Texas state hunting license. Licenses can be obtained online or through several different outlets within the state including some retail venues. There are sporting good stores in Junction, just up the road from the ranch, that sell wild game hunting licenses.

There are different categories of licenses depending on how long you are hunting for and whether you are a resident of the state or not. For non-residents only planning on hunting exotic, non-native species there is a 5 day special license or a general license that includes both native and non-native game and birds. Senior residents and youth hunting licenses are also available.

What is my chance of actually getting what I am wild game hunting for?

Regardless of the species you are planning on wild game hunting you can be assured that the staff of Escondido Ranch is committed to your success. Since they are all experience hunters and are very familiar with the game habits on the ranch they will have you in the right blinds at the right times to maximize your opportunity to get a shot off at just the animal you are looking for. If you are staying for a few days you will, of course, increase your chances of getting that trophy animal since you have more time to actually see the herds and make a determination on which trophy head you want to take home.

Over the years as a managed hunting ranch, Escondido hunters can boast over 90% success rate in having a very successful wild game hunting trip. Be aware that your shooting ability will also come into play, but you will certainly see the game and have an opportunity to bring home your limit regardless of the species you are after.

Labels: texas exotic deer hunting, texas exotic game hunts, texas exotic hunting ranch