What’s the weather like?
Weather in West Texas can vary greatly from day to day. We suggest checking the 10 day forecast for Eldorado prior to you trip for the most up to date information. Click here for the Eldorado 10 day forecast.
How soon do I need to book my hunt?
It depends. We do fill up on many hunts several months in advance. If you are interested in a group deer hunt, it is best to have your hunt confirmed through a deposit by early February, otherwise your selection of dates and choices will be greatly reduced. Spring Turkey hunts should be scheduled by mid January. We generally offer our hunters “first right of refusal” to rebook the “same” hunt for the following year, so it can be difficult for us to anticipate what we will have available a year or more in advance.
What is the best time to hunt?
This is a bit tricky. As all hunters should realize, it is next to impossible to predict weather and game movement patterns months in advance. However, we can confidently say that we do not feel like we offer any “bad” times to book your hunt. Due to the large land base we have, combined with our conservative hunting pressure, we are able to maintain a high success rate on all of our hunts year in and year out. Deer hunters are often consumed with hunting during the rut, but the rut is not always the easiest time to kill a specific big buck because of their unpredictability at this time. Our rut generally occurs the last week of November, first week of December. Our best turkey hunting is sometimes late and sometimes early. As mentioned, we do not offer any “bad” times to hunt, so make it convenient on yourself by choosing a time that easily fits into your schedule.
What services do you provide on your hunts?
All of our hunts include guides, meals, and lodging. We also provide skinning, caping, and quartering of deer and fully process turkeys. We do offer airport shuttle to and from San Angelo (SJT) on many hunts, but you need to check with us regarding flight times and details as occasionally some may need to rent a car. We will provide all linens and towels, so all you need to bring is your personal overnight necessities and regular hunting gear. Guide and cook tips are not included in the price of our hunts.
What should I tip?
In the hunting service industry, tipping is common, and our staff works very hard to make your trip as productive and pleasant as possible, in part, to encourage you to tip well. Most tips in this industry run about 10% – 20% of the total cost of the hunt split 80/20 to the guide/cook (guides have 3 hunters or less during a hunt while the cook is generally tipped by all in camp). These are just averages and by no means a requirement. On the other hand, if you believe that the service, courtesies and considerations during your trip were LESS than you expected, PLEASE DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT ALERTING US!
How do I get my meat and trophies back home?
We will quarter all deer and it will be your choice of either taking quarters back with you or donating to us. We can provide transportation to take your meat into town to a commercial meat processor, but it is important that you understand that all arrangements are between you and the processor at that point. We do not ship meat. Any trophies will be caped to the skull base and can be frozen. You can either take capes/antlers back with you, ship directly to your taxidermist, or we can arrange for taxidermy work. If you’re flying, we recommend purchasing a Rubbermaid type container (can be purchased in town)to carry your cape/antlers back with. We will be happy to arrange for taxidermy work with our local taxidermist. Taxidermist will contact you, visit about pose, and request a deposit. When taxidermy work is complete and balance is paid, mount will be crated and shipped directly to you.
What are your booking requirements and what happens if I have to cancel my hunt?
Our normal booking requirement is a 50% deposit unless other arrangements are made. We will typically hold your spot for approximately ten business days and if a deposit is not received, we will consider that spot available. The balance of your hunt is due upon arrival, with exception being on those hunts with undetermined amounts, such as Trophy Hunts. Should a hunter have to cancel their hunt, we will transfer or refund 50% of their deposit, if its within 30 days of the beginning date of the booked hunt we will transfer or refund 10%. This is our policy but we do understand certain circumstances can’t be avoided and we deal with each cancellation or transfer on an individual basis.
What about smoking and drinking?
Smoking is permitted on the porches or outside, no smoking inside the lodge or guest housing. Adult beverages are available for purchase in San Angelo and Eldorado and you are welcome to bring them with you into the guest house or lodge. We don’t allow alcohol consumption during your hunt, in the field or transporting you to/from the field in any vehicle. You’re welcome to drink after the hunt, but we have a no tolerance policy should you decide to drink during the hunt.
May I bring a non-hunting guest?
Sure…as long as we have room and 30 days notice. Non-Hunting guests are charged at a rate of $125 per person/per day subject to availability at the time of reservation.
Is WiFi Internet service available?
Yes! Wireless internet is available in the lodge and you are more than welcome to bring your laptop.
