Texas Hill Country Exotics and Whitetail: Big Game, Big Comfort, and Room for the Whole Crew
Looking for a Texas hunting experience that combines abundant game, wide-open spaces, and lodge-style comfort? This family-friendly ranch in the heart of the Hill Country near Mountain Home, TX delivers on every front. Spanning 2,000 acres—1,600 high-fence and 400 free-range—it’s a private retreat where families, friends, and corporate groups can unwind, reconnect, and enjoy exceptional hunting in a beautiful setting.
Game is plentiful and diverse, including whitetail deer, trophy exotics like axis, aoudad, fallow, sika, red stag, and elk, as well as wild hogs. Whether you’re dreaming of a velvet axis or introducing your children to their first hunt, this property offers opportunities for all ages and experience levels. And while there’s no cell service on the ranch itself (a welcome digital detox!), the lodge is equipped with Wi-Fi if needed.
When the day winds down, return to a newly built lodge designed with comfort and connection in mind. With seven bedrooms and five bathrooms, there’s space for everyone to spread out. Enjoy evenings on the expansive 100-foot back porch, or take advantage of the pool, sport court, game room, and theater room—perfect for families with kids or groups wanting to relax together. Two stocked fishing ponds with gear provided offer a fun break between hunts.
Perfect for Hunters, Families & Non-Hunting Guests
This ranch is ideal whether you’re planning a father-son trip, a family getaway, or a small group retreat. Non-hunters are always welcome and will find plenty to enjoy—from relaxing at the lodge to visiting nearby Fredericksburg, just 45 minutes away. (During the holidays, the town’s festive lights are a can’t-miss experience!)
Let Family Expeditions handle the details—so all you need to do is show up, settle in, and enjoy the adventure.
Accommodations & Meals
The lodging on this ranch is built for comfort, space, and good times after the hunt. The newly constructed 4,200 sq. ft. lodge features seven bedrooms and five bathrooms—plenty of room for large groups or family getaways. A 100-foot back porch offers the perfect spot to relax and swap stories while taking in the views.
Inside, you’ll find a game room with two ping pong tables. Upstairs there is a theater room with large comfortable leather couches and bean bag chairs along with a big screen TV to watch games or movies. The lodge also includes a utility room with washer and dryer. Everything you need is right here—no need to leave the ranch unless you want to.
Outside, enjoy the new sport court with a basketball goal and a refreshing water tank “pool” for a quick dip in warmer weather. There is a large fire pit area next to the sport court where your group can enjoy gathering to swap stories from the day. The fishing ponds have paddle boats and kayaks as well.
Fishing
This property offers more than just incredible hunting—it also features two well-stocked fishing ponds right on-site. Whether you’re winding down after a morning in the field or spending a relaxing afternoon with an observer, the fishing here is a great bonus. Rods and gear are provided, so you can cast a line without packing a thing.
Hunting
The hunting on this ranch is as diverse as it gets. With over 2,000 acres of prime Texas terrain—1,600 high-fence and 400 free-range—you’ll have access to a wide range of trophy exotics and native species. Whether you’re after a hard-hitting aoudad or chasing that velvet Axis buck, the opportunities are endless.
This is a true spot-and-stalk, glass-and-go kind of hunt for the exotics—no shortage of action, and the trophy potential is serious. Whitetail hunts are typically from blinds over feeders. Whether it’s your first exotic or you’re building out the trophy room, this ranch delivers.
Species available include:
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Axis
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Blackbuck
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Aoudad
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Buffalo
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Eland
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Fallow
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Impala
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Mouflon
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Nilgai
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Sitka Deer
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Scimitar-Horned Oryx
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Sheep (various)
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Springbok
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Red Sheep
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Red Stag
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Elk
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Addax
- Whitetail
Best time of year per species:
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Axis: Best late May to early June (but huntable Spring through Fall)
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Aoudad: Best in September, February, or March
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Fallow: Best is late August through September; Antlers shed in April
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Elk, Stag, Sika: Close to shedding by late February
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Hogs: One included with your hunt
Activities
This ranch isn’t just about hunting—it’s packed with activities for both hunters and observers. Between hunts, you can cool off in the simple pool, shoot hoops on the sport court, head inside for some friendly competition in the game room with ping pong or go watch the big game or movie in the theater room upstairs
Two stocked fishing ponds are ready for a relaxing afternoon on the water, with all gear provided. And if you want to explore beyond the ranch, the charming town of Fredericksburg is just 45 minutes away—perfect for shopping, wine tasting, or enjoying holiday festivities in December. Whether you’re here to hunt or just kick back, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy your stay.
Length of Stay / Itinerary
Normal hunting itinerary is 4 days / 3 nights with 6 hunts. Arrive after lunch for PM hunt, hunt AM/PM for two days, then morning hunt before departure around noon.
Travel Details & Location
Getting to the ranch is easy and straightforward. It’s located just 10–15 minutes south of I-10 near Mountain Home, Texas, making it convenient without sacrificing that off-the-grid feeling. The drive from San Antonio International Airport (SAT) takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Fredericksburg is just 45 minutes away, a great option for shopping, dining, or catching the Christmas lights in December
Internet & Communications
Once you arrive, you’re fully immersed—there’s no cell service on the ranch itself, so distractions disappear fast. The lodge does have Wi-Fi if needed, but most guests welcome the chance to unplug and enjoy the outdoors without interruption.
Trip Insurance & Cancellation Info
Trip insurance is highly recommended to protect your investment on this trip. We will assist you with trip insurance upon booking. See links at the bottom of this page for the two providers we suggest for our clients.
Family Expeditions, LLC confirmation and refund policy:
If your trip is more than 90 days out from date of departure, a 50% non-refundable deposit confirms your reservation and must be received within 10 days of booking to confirm your dates. All trips must be paid in full at least 90 days prior to the departure date. If your trip date is within 90 days, FULL payment for the trip is required. All payments to Family Expeditions are non-refundable. Should you need to reschedule or cancel your trip, we will do everything in our power to assist you in finding a suitable substitute or transferring your dates per the lodge/providers/government requirements. Trip insurance protects your investment!
