Exotic Hunting in South Texas
South Texas offers several opportunities for the hunting enthusiast, including whitetail deer, waterfowl, quail and wild turkeys. But another popular hunting opportunity involves hunting exotics on a high-fence ranch. With very few regulations and an open season, hunters can travel to south Texas throughout the year in search of exotic species.
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History
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Exotic hunting has been popular in south Texas for decades. With the mild climates and few regulations, the popularity quickly grew among hunters looking for an alternative to traditional hunting for deer, elk or other species. For the hunter who wishes to hunt Africa but can't afford to spend more than $10,000, an exotic hunting trip is a substitute.
Types
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The number of exotic species that can be hunted in south Texas is endless. Most exotic game are broken down into four major categories: deer, sheep, goat and antelope. Common exotic deer include axis deer, fallow deer, sika deer and red stag. Exotic rams or sheep such as mouflon, Corsican, black Hawaiian, Texas dall, Barbados and aoudad may be hunted as well. Goats include anora, catalina and ibex, along with antelope such as blackbuck, nilgai and oryx.
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Time Frame
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With mild weather throughout the year, most high-fenced exotic hunts offer hunting trips and packages year-round. Hunters take advantage of the off-season deer, turkey and elk seasons to travel to south Texas in search of exotic game. This makes an exotic hunt popular during the late winter, early spring and summertime. Temperatures may get very hot during the summer, making the winter and spring the most popular times.
Geography
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Exotic hunts take place on a variety of terrain and land size. For example, the JN Exotic Game Ranch has more than 1,200 acres, while the West Kerr Ranch has around 11,000 acres. The 74 Ranch Resort has 27,000 acres.
Methods
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Hunters can choose from a variety of hunting styles and weapons. Most ranches allow hunters to hunt using tree stands, ground blinds or spot-and-stalk methods. In a stand or blind, the hunter will sit along a trail or in a feeding area waiting for an exotic to present a shot. For spot-and-stalk, the hunter will move through the brush using binoculars to locate an exotic. Once a "shooter" has been spotted, the hunter will stalk into position for a shot. Common weapon types include archery, muzzle-loaders and rifles.
Considerations
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Before booking an exotic hunt, research the outfitter and contact several references. Consider the time of year and any combination hunts--where you harvest two or more species for a reduced fee. For example, consider booking a hunt during the fall deer season or spring turkey season.
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