Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to bring?

Unlike most hunting operations everything at the ranch is provided.  You are welcome to bring your own firearms.  (See below for type of firearm.)  You will of course have to provide your own clothing.  Everything else is provided.  Some hunters like to carry their own gear (flashlight, knife, 4-wheelers, game calls etc…).  You are welcome to bring your own gear or we can provide it for you. 

What type of Hunting License do I need?

All licenses can be purchased at the local Wal-Mart 8 miles from the ranch.  Non-resident hunters will need a 5-day non-resident license.  This license is good for all indigenous and migratory game excluding whitetail deer and turkey, and good for all exotics.  Appropriate federal tags will be required for duck hunting.  For whitetail deer the non-resident hunting license fee is $300.  Texas residents will also require a resident hunting license for all hunting.  For further information, follow this link. 

 What are the seasons for various game this year?

There is no season for the exotic animals or hogs; they can be hunted year round.  For a list if the indigenous game seasons follow the link below.  We are in the north zone for ducks, central zone for dove, and the southern zone for whitetail deer.  See more info.

What type of clothes should I bring?

This is Texas.  Summers are HOT.  Winters are almost cold.  Fall and spring are mild.  For average temperatures by month follow the link below.  We always suggest that you check the forecast prior to travel.  Common sense will tell you the type of clothing to bring.  Camouflage is highly recommended for all hunting.  If it’s wet, waterproof boots are recommended.  If you are the type to do a lot of stalking, the brush can get thick and cactus is present.  In that scenario brush pants are recommended.  If you plan to visit the river bring a bathing suit and water shoes. 

Is this a guided hunt?

All hunts are fully guided.  Your guide will be with you for all hunting and other activities while on the ranch.  Please go to The Package section of the site for further information.

If I am bringing my own, what type of Firearm should I bring?

12 or 20 gauge shotguns are suggested for Dove and Duck hunting.  For all exotic and deer hunting the minimum suggested rifle caliber is .270.  Anything larger is welcome.  Common sheep (Corsican, Texas Dall, Desert Paint, Black Hawaiian) can be hunted with calibers as small as .243.  We have an extensive skeet, pistol, and rifle range if you want to bring any firearms to practice shooting.  Pistol and Bow hunting is also welcome.

What are my chances of harvesting a Trophy?

We pride ourselves on the quality of our game.  We encourage our hunters to come and take what they like when they see it.  If you have a specific species in mind we will do our best to put you on it.  We have over 50 years of experience in hunting operations.  We purposely set up the pricing structure so if you don’t see exactly what you want, or take no shot, there is no harvest fee.  Any shot made that draws blood will be considered a kill and the appropriate harvest fee will apply.  For a complete listing of our prices see the "Pricing" section of the site.

What type of hunting do you do?

Most of the exotic hunting will be done either from blinds, or spot and stalk.  The only feeders you will see on the ranch are outside of the high fence.  We pride ourselves on this.  You are in for a hunt not a shoot.  The native habitat and supplemental food plot programs supply all that is needed to support our wildlife.  We have over 100 acres of dove fields on the ranch all within walking distance to the main lodge.  These are planted in May to ensure an abundance of doves by the beginning of the season.  Weather may take the birds from our immediate area.  We are aligned with many other ranches in the area to put our hunters on the birds.  Duck hunting will be done in blinds down on the river over decoys.  Hog hunting will also be in the river bottom in blinds over feeders.

Is there a processor for the meat?

After your guide has finished preparing and caping your harvest it will be transported to a well established local processor.  The meat processed to your custom order can then be shipped directly to your home or business.  See meat processing pricelist.

Is there a taxidermist available?

Once your guide has caped your trophy, the cape and head will be transported at your request to the taxidermist.  The taxidermist we use is outstanding as evidenced by the abundant gold medal animals hanging at the ranch.   We encourage you to look at all of the trophies hanging at the ranch and the various types of mounts to get an idea of how you want your trophy mounted for years of enjoyment and bragging.

Are there any hidden or additional fees not listed?

The only fees other than package and trophy harvest fees are for optional game processing, optional taxidermy work, and optional airport shuttle fee round trip to San Antonio.  Ammunition can be pre-ordered for you at the local Wal-Mart or gun broker.  Literally everything else is provided in the package or harvest fees.  For a complete list see The Package section of the site.

What is the customary gratuity?

A gratuity or tip is always welcome by the staff.  Your cooks and guides work over 12 hours a day to ensure that this will be a hunt of a lifetime for you.  And their job is not over after your harvest.  If you shoot out early there is an abundance of things to do.  Your guide will also be your companion on these excursions.  Your guides are available 24 hours a day for whatever your needs may be.  That said let’s answer the question.  The customary gratuity is anywhere from 10%-15% of the of the cost of the hunt, and 3%-7% of the lodging fee for the wait staff, maids, and cooks.  Of course the gratuity is completely up to the individual and is in no way mandatory.

Are Meals Included?

Four meals per day are supplied.  There is a light continental breakfast before the hunt, a full breakfast after the morning hunt, lunch, and dinner.  Menus are catered to the needs of the party and are discussed when you book your hunt.   For more information see The Package section of the site. 

Where is the ranch located?

The Hacienda Ranch is located 8 miles northeast of Uvalde, Texas in the southern section of the Hill Country.  We are located at the end of County Road 201.  Detailed driving directions can be e-mailed or faxed upon receipt of your deposit.

Where should I fly into and can I get a rent car?

The San Antonio airport is just over an hour from the ranch.  That is the recommended commercial airport.  Rental cars are readily available there from most major rental outlets.  If you prefer to be picked up, your guide(s) can pick you up at the airport for a $200 round trip fee.  If you are flying via private plane the Uvalde airport can support most private aircraft, and your guide(s) can shuttle you back and fourth at no additional cost.

Can my meat fly back with me on the plane?

Yes.  Coolers can be bought at the local Wal-Mart.

What do I need to know about flying with my firearms?

Each airline has different rules concerning traveling with firearms.  Check with them prior to going to the airport.  All however are inspected by the TSB prior to being sealed for transport with checked baggage.  If you intend to hunt with a black powder weapon, the powder cannot be transported on the airplane and must be purchased locally.

Is this hunt ranch free range or under high fence?

We have both at Hacienda Ranch.  The high fence areas are established not to keep animals in, but rather to keep unwanted non-superior animals or species out.  Inside our high fence the animals have all that is required (from nature) to propagate, in a managed environment, allowing for the best possible growth of the species’.  Outside the high fence there is much free ranging game.  Many large whitetails, feral hogs and other indigenous species are seen on a regular basis.  Some species (such as hogs and ducks) will be hunted exclusively outside of the high fence areas.

I have hunted with other commercial ranches, why Hacienda Ranch?

Let’s face it; commercial hunting is replacing the traditional hunting lease for reasons that can be debated for days.  That said, it’s sad to see land over grazed or under managed without the best care of the species’ considered, all to turn a dollar.  This seems to be coming a more and more common occurrence throughout the industry.  On the other hand, there are ranches with great animals and specific species health programs.  There are ranches with great lodges.  There are ranches with great shooting facilities.  There are ranches with great personnel.  There are ranches with tons of things to do other than the hunt.  There are ranches with great food, but none offer meals designed by the guests, not just what the ranch wants to cook.  We only know of one ranch where all of
these things are found under one roof.  All of this at a competitive price
is Hacienda Ranch!

What are the check in days and out days and times, and can I add days to the hunt?

Please see The Package section of the site.

 Is this hunt recommended for younger hunters?

With parental guidance this is a great place to introduce hunting to your children.  Not only will they enjoy the hunts, but also there are plenty of other activities designed for children and young adults on the ranch and close by.

What if I have a disability or cannot get around very well?

We can customize the hunts to fit your specific needs.  Discuss all needs prior to booking with the ranch foreman.

Can I explore the ranch on my own?

The short answer here is that it depends.  It depends on the number of hunters in camp, the type of hunting taking place, and the specific season.  We will do our best to satisfy all requests.

Is fishing available?

The river has good spots for bass fishing, which is catch and release.  Fly-fishing is a favorite for bass.  There are also some deep holes in the river where large catfish can be caught.  If you catch a good one we will fry it up for dinner.

 Can we go on Photo Safaris?

We can install high rack seating in the back of the pick up trucks.  This gives the photographer a great high view for taking pictures.  The food plots in the evenings are also great places to get wildlife photos.  If you really want to get up close and personal, we can go out on horses which can get closer than motorized vehicles to most of the game.

Is there a place to site in my gun?

We have a great shooting range.

Can we hunt at night?

Although it is legal to hunt exotics at night this is not allowed at the ranch.  We do not consider this fair chase.  We do allow hog hunting at night, and encourage varmint hunting at night. 

Is alcohol allowed at the ranch?

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