Hunting Texas Trophy Whitetails |

Prepping for my second Texas Whitetail Deer Hunt with Wildlife Systems, Inc. this November.

They let the bucks grow to maturity on a 24000 acre (nearly 40 Square Mile) cattle ranch. Can you say BIG!

Often well managed Texas bucks there can reach their genetic potential, and live beyond 6, 7 and 8 years. Where in New Hampshire for example bucks are harvested at 2.5 years or younger on average. Hunters in New Hampshire rarely get to see a mature fat 4.5 year old buck like the one below. Yes they exist in NH but are a rare sight on huntable land.

Personally, I study the land as well. It is central Texas, Hill Country, called the Edwards Plateau east of the Pecos River along the Balcones Fault and comprises 24 million acres of sprawling very wild low tree and cactus scattered savannah, arroyos, sendero’s and creeks. My hunting area is 40 square miles of low fence cattle ranch just west of San Angelo and contains thousands of whitetails that must be scientifically managed to balance the flora and fauna as well as feed the cattle.

The Edwards Plateau area, and its caves, contain some of the largest population of bats in the world. Not only am I a hunter but a Conservationist and have 2 degrees in science as well. Texas A&M pours millions into Wildlife Research each year.

In 2018 I hunted with my friend Larry Weishuhn who’s life has been dedicated to wildlife management and hunting.

Cattle Ranch Texas Trophy Whitetail hunt costs range from $4500 on up. And at any one time there are only a handful of hunters in it. I am not getting any younger and can afford this hunt. I am heading back in November. You figure in cost of flights shy of $400 round trip and a $400 to $500 tip for guide and 100 or so for cooks. Your looking at a $5500 hunt for 3.5 days. What do you get? You get Texas Hospitality, 2 on 1 expert guides, great food, a great bunk. Mostly you get some of the best deer hunting on the planet and a very good chance to harvest a buck of your lifetime and two does for management purposes and venison. Most all hunts are from a combination of elevated stands and ground blinds. Antler Rattling is often used during the rut to bring in big bucks. Prickly Pear Cactus abound in this bush environment so watch your back side!

Up at 4am, shower and breakfast and hit the trail on quad’s. Morning and afternoon hunts you can see 10 to 20 or more deer a day and 8 point bucks every day. Patience is a virtue, let them pass, you are looking for a mature buck with a thick plump body and swollen neck and rack that will drop your eye teeth and rev up your adrenaline till you shake in your boots! I am hoping for a chance at larger Mr. Boone and Crockett.

I harvested a nice 11 point 144 3/8 Boone and Crockett buck in 2018 on the afternoon of my second day with my TC Encore muzzle loader, shooting 80 yards with 295 grain Power Belt bullets behind 150 grains of powder. Can you say Boom!

Your guide cares for your animal quickly and gets it ready for taxidermy if you desire. I took 2 does as well and had all the meat boned and shipped home.

Same buck above but the photo was taken right away! For me, that is a fat handsome monster. I will be writing more when I get back from this hunt. Can’t wait to see what I bring back this time!

Good Hunting!

2 thoughts on “Hunting Texas Trophy Whitetails”

Larry Weishuhn on October 8, 2020 at 8:24 pm said:

THANKS for Sharing! Truly fun hunt we experienced with Wildlife Systems!
Look forward to our next hunting adventure together!
Ed Hale on October 9, 2020 at 1:44 pm said:

Will be in Texas Nov 11 at Rocky Creek.

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