North Texas Hunting Ranch Tips for New Hunters

Considering the rise in population since 1982, it’s surprising that there has been an overall drop in hunting enthusiasts since then. The drop in hunters endangers funds vital to supporting conservation efforts, which is why each hunter should be encouraged to teach hunting to young people within their families and communities. Today, we’re sharing our North Texas Hunting Ranch tips for new hunters in the hopes that they are helpful for you and any new hunters you may teach in the future.

Learn From a Mentor

YouTube and Instagram are entertaining, but they are no substitution for the invaluable knowledge you’ll gain by learning from an experienced mentor. Choose someone patient, lighthearted, and dedicated to the sport. Next, tag along when invited, and work hard to watch, listen, and learn as much as you can in the time you’re given.

You need to gather skills in scouting, stalking, calling, shooting, butchering, processing, and cooking. This list may seem daunting at first, but it also shows there’s never going to be a point at which you’ve learned all there is to know! This aspect of hunting is what keeps many enthusiasts engaged year after year. 

Skip Expensive Gear at First

For many new hunters, it’s tempting to splash out on high-end gear, from camouflage and boots to the best blinds and navigation tools on the market. While there’s nothing wrong with investing in your hobbies, it’s a good idea to spend time out in the wild, waiting for hours in the crisp early morning air, before you go all in.

As long as your clothing is suitable to the season, reasonably waterproof, quiet, and not bright and flashy, you may find you don’t need to expand your wardrobe until the year following your first. 

Choose One Species as Your Focus

For your first hunting season, you might feel excited about exploring all the species you can hunt in your neck of the woods. At Nine Bar Ranch, for example, over a dozen exotic species are available to hunt—and we recommend taking advantage of as many hunting packages as you can.

However, for now, choose the species local to you that you’re the most motivated to hunt. Then, spend time studying this species’s anatomy, behavior, movement, and sounds. Learn to stay as still as possible for as long as possible until you are able to reliably take down game most of the time you have the opportunity.

Get to Know Your Hunting Grounds

The first step in getting to know your species, though, will be learning your hunting ground intimately. Whether or not you’re actively hunting, get outside and learn the topography, weather patterns, typical sounds, and other animals that inhabit those same woods. 

Embrace the Process, Not the Bag

As important as the results are to many hunters, we think it’s important that new hunters learn to embrace the process of hunting instead of deeming their hunts “successes” or “failures” based on whether or not they return home with a “trophy.” There’s value to be found in becoming completely familiar with preparing your gear, getting up early, choosing your hiding spot, putting your phone on silent, and settling down for a long, peaceful wait.

Finding happiness in displaying the discipline required to execute this routine repeatedly is, in our opinion, the mark of a hunter who has a long, happy hunting career ahead of them.

What to Hunt in Texas in Early Spring

what to hunt in texas in early spring

​In our great Lone Star State, we enjoy excellent hunting all year round. Depending on the county where you’re hunting, the hunting season, and rules governing that specific year, your hunting options will vary. With that in mind, let’s talk about what to hunt in Texas in early spring. Bow hunters, crossbow hunters, and rifle hunters be sure to share your favorite early spring game in the comments.

Which Game Animals Come into Season in Early Spring in 2022?

Rio Grande Turkey

North Zone: April 2 – May 15

South Zone: March 19 – May 1

Special Limit Season (1 turkey): April 1 – 30

Youth Hunters:

March 26 – 27

May 21 – 22

Eastern Turkey

April 22 – May 14

Turkey hunting in Texas has an annual bag limit, which applies in and across all counties: (4) turkeys are permitted per hunter, with no more than (1) of which shall be an Eastern turkey.

Exotic Game Animals

Texas imposes no limits on the hunting season for non-native exotic animals, nor do they impose any state bag limits, possession limits, or closed seasons on exotic wild game. At Nine Bar Ranch, we know our hunters want to know what to hunt in Texas in early spring. You may enjoy hunting year-round on species that include, but are not limited to:

Aoudad

The aoudad, or Barbary sheep, stands from 2.5 to 3.6 feet tall at the shoulder, and weighs 66 to 320 pounds. Their immense horns curve out, back, then inward, and can be over 3 feet long. Their horns are mostly smooth, though small ripples appear at the base as the sheep ages.

Axis

The axis, or chital deer, stands from 23 to 35 inches high at the shoulder. Males are much larger than females. Males have antlers that are three-pronged and nearly 40 inches long.

Blackbuck Antelope

The blackbuck is a strikingly-colored antelope native to Nepal and India. In addition to bright white chins and eye areas, males sport bright white underbellies and inner legs. In contrast, their backs and the outside of their legs are deep brown to black. They stand from 29 to 33 inches high at the shoulder. Males weigh up to 125 pounds, with an average of 85 pounds.

Fallow 

Fallow deer stand 33 to 37 inches at the shoulder and weigh 130 to 220 pounds. Fawns are born in the spring, making this season a great opportunity to see fawns sprinting around the ranch.

Sika

Sika deer are widespread in Japan. The stags have thick, high antlers which are usually forked. Antlers of this species range from 11 to more than 30 inches.

Red Deer

The red deer is one of the world’s largest deer species, standing 37 to 51 inches high at the shoulder. Their size, widespread range, and ability to adapt to many climates make them favorites of hunters throughout the world.

Scimitar Horned Oryx

The scimitar oryx is a majestic animal that is extinct in the world, but thrives in human-provided habitats. Scimitar horned oryx stand 39 inches at the shoulder. Their smooth, swooping horns are prized by hunters.

How to Extend Texas Hunting Through Winter

texas hunting through winter

Autumn is long gone, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up hunting until spring. In Texas, we have plenty of hunting opportunities year-round. Today, we’re sharing our tips on how to extend Texas hunting through winter, so round up your gear, call a buddy, and get back to the hobby you love best!

Focus on Small Game

Rather than searching for bucks and does, winter is the ideal time to hunt small game. Rabbits and hares may be hunted at any time on private property. They are delicious when properly prepared, and their small size and rapid movements make them excellent opportunities to practice your marksmanship.

Northern Javelina

In Texas’s northern hunting zones, javelina may be hunted from October 1 – February 27. Though they look like pigs, javelina are peccaries. Despite being nocturnal during the hotter months, in the winter, they’re most active in the early morning and late afternoon. When you’re looking for javelina, keep your eye out for the cacti, mesquite, and fruit they adore.

Javelina have poor eyesight, so they’re most likely to respond to any noise you generate. While javelina are rarely dangerous to humans, they can be deadly to dogs, so we do not recommend bringing your canine companion on the hunt as you track javelina.

Wild Hog

Wild hogs are famously a nuisance in our state, making them a great opportunity to re-purpose your deer gear. Be prepared to battle these tough, fearsome creatures! Their thick hide, dense bones, and heavy musculature make both the hunting and dressing of hogs a labor-intensive endeavor.

Light and Dark Geese

In Texas, geese can be hunted from November through March, depending on the zone. Geese are delicious, of course, and make for an enjoyable hunting experience.

Chachalacas

Chachalacas can be hunted from October 30 – February 27. They are traditionally enjoyed in soup. Their size, similar to that of the pheasant, makes them perfect for these smaller dishes.

Non-game Species

In Texas, non-game species may be hunted on private property. There are no closed seasons, bag limits, or possession limits for non-game species, including, but not limited to:

Armadillos
Bobcats
Coyotes
Flying squirrels
Frogs
Ground squirrels
Mountain lions
Porcupines
Prairie dogs
Rabbits
Turtles (freshwater) 

Refine Your Tracking Skills

Tracking is a highly useful hunting skill that you can practice during the winter, and then use year-round. Work on identifying animal tracks, scat, and indications of animal dens, warrens, and nests. Even if you’re not actively hunting a species, you can benefit from tracking animals until you’re within hunting range.

Identify New Hunting Grounds

Through tracking game and networking with other hunters, you can begin planning to visit new hunting grounds during your next season. Scout ideal entry and exit paths that will take you close to hunting hot spots.

If you plan to ask to hunt on private property, consider offering labor in exchange for access. The landowners may need assistance with chopping firewood, removing trees, removing snow, repairing fence lines, and doing general yard maintenance. Bartering in this way is a great way to secure access rights ahead of other hunters.

As you can see, hunting during the winter can be just as much fun as during any other time of year. Don’t sit out this month and wait for the next season—enjoy Texas hunting through winter and keep your skills sharp!

New Year’s Resolutions for the Texas Hunting Pro

Texas hunting pro

Today, we’re sharing our top recommendations for new year’s resolutions for the Texas hunting pro. Whether you hunted all throughout 2021 or want to fall in love with hunting again, our list will help you prepare for your best hunting year yet.

  1. Get Organized

Most hunters don’t love this chore, but it’s a great habit to form and maintain. As you sort your gear, make a note of any ammunition, clothing, or supplies you need to replace or refresh. Throw away anything broken or damaged beyond repair. Donate items you no longer use to new hunters or hunters with limited resources.

The more time you invest in gear maintenance and organization, the better you’ll be prepared to take spur-of-the-moment hunts and accept invitations from friends.

  1. Make Time for Target Practice

Like any skill, marksmanship must be maintained and honed. Keep your mind focused and your reflexes swift by making time for target practice throughout the year.

  1. Plan a Trip

Of course, we think 9 Bar Ranch offers the best hunting in Texas. We encourage you to book a trip with us. You can hunt a novel species, connect with your fellow hunters, and take a relaxing vacation all at once.

Even if 9 Bar’s hunting packages aren’t right for you this year, take a trip somewhere to hunt someplace new! There’s nothing quite like it for giving you a renewed love for the hobby.

  1. Find New Spots Near Home

Exploring a new hunting spot in your own area is just as important as taking a trip. You may have fallen into a routine with spots you know and love, but it’s likely there’s a fresh gem hiding just over the horizon.

Examine maps, lurk on hunting forums, or ask local hunters for recommendations of destinations that are brand-new to you. Even if you decide your beloved go-to spots are still best, you’ll have a renewed appreciation for why that’s the case.

  1. Try a New Wild Game Recipe

You’re no stranger to wild game cooking, so why not add new favorites to your skillset? Pick up a new cookbook, read through recipes on hunting sites, or ask a buddy for their favorite ways to prepare the type of game you love to hunt.

  1. Take Care of Your Planet

You are a true outdoors individual, one of the proud Americans who truly sees the majesty of nature. This year, adopt one change that benefits the outdoors you love.

Whether you pick up litter in the woods, plant a few trees, or help hunt down invasive species, we certainly need people like you to help safeguard the planet.

From all of us here at 9 Bar Ranch, we wish you every happiness and successful hunting in this new year.

Would you like to spend some time with us here on the Ranch in 2022? Contact us today for information on hunting packages and available dates. We hope to see you soon!

Holiday Gifts that Will Make the Mark for a Texas Hunting Enthusiast

Texas hunting enthusiast

Do you have a Texas hunting enthusiast on your holiday shopping list? Are you struggling to find a gift they haven’t already purchased for themselves? You’re not alone! Shopping for hunters can be tricky because they often have very particular needs and preferences when it comes to guns and gear.

The good news is that we have a pretty good idea of what the hunter you’re shopping for will love. Whether your loved one is just getting into the hobby, or has been hunting for a lifetime, you’re sure to find several perfect ideas on our list of holiday gifts that will make the mark for Texas hunting enthusiasts.

L.L. Bean Northwoods Rain Jacket

In the rain, sleet, and snow, hunters need a jacket that’s whisper-quiet while staking game, fully waterproof, hooded (without obstructing their line of sight), and “blaze-orange” for safety. The L.L. Bean Northwoods Rain Jacket checks every box.

Long Range Shooting Handbook

Ryan Cleckner is a former US Army Ranger and Special Ops Sniper. His book, the Long Range Shooting Handbook, teaches the fundamentals of long-range shooting in a way that elevates a hunter’s abilities regardless of their skill level.

The ammunition your hunter will save by employing these techniques will cover the cost of the book dozens of times over. Change a hunter’s life with this invaluable manual.

Gerber Randy Newberg DTS Folding Knife

For tens of thousands of years, hunters have relied on their knives. Once upon a time, most of these knives were made by the hunters themselves. Now, very few knives are designed by hunters. The new Gerber Randy Newberg DTS is an outstanding exception to this rule.

Because Mr. Newberg has been a hunter for decades, he was able to design the perfect knife for hunters. If the hunter in your life skins and butchers deer, elk, moose, or bear, this is the knife they need.

This lightweight knife has two rust-resistant steel blades, one serrated, the other standard. The grip on this blaze-orange knife is reflective, ensuring that it’s easy to find in all hunting conditions.

This knife was released in 2020 and is available at the Sportsman’s Warehouse link above as well as at Cabela’s and on Amazon.

LifeStraw Water Filter

Hunters do their best to make sure they pack sufficient supplies for their hunting trip. Unfortunately, life doesn’t always go according to plan. To help the hunter in your life survive and thrive in unexpected situations, we recommend the LifeStraw Water Filter. This compact, easy-to-use filter works just like a straw, and it filters out 99.99% of bacteria, protozoa, and mud from water.

There’s no need for iodine, electricity, chlorine, bromine, or an hours-long wait (as required by solar purification). Anyone who spends a significant amount of time outdoors in wild areas will love this gift!

Millennium Tree Seat

A good portion of hunting is waiting and watching. If your hunter sits, stands, or crouches at the edge of clearings, or under trees, this packable, lightweight tree seat will let them set up a comfortable seat at any height or location they wish. Hunters who use tree seats rarely want to return to sitting on the ground, or standing for hours! Give the gift of comfort to the hunter you love.

 

Deer Behavior in Fall: Overcoming the October Hunting Lull

Deer behavior in fall

Deer behavior in fall is fascinating, and understanding it is key to hunting success throughout the month of November.

November 1 – 7

In this first week of November, bucks ramp up the rubbing and scraping of their antlers as they begin to search for does. Does are not yet receptive this week, making the bucks even more restless.

As you hunt, focus on areas where bucks have scraped up the trees. Set up your blinds near bedding areas, feeding zones, funnels, and pinch-points. If you have a tree stand, now is the time to use it.

November 7-13

This week, the first does are entering estrus. This makes it a tough time to be a deer hunter, because bucks lock down within a 100-yard zone with their doe. You may get very lucky and find that sliver of land, but if not, keep moving and wait for lockdown to end.

Once a buck leaves the doe, they’ll begin searching for another. This is the perfect time to snag them, because they’ll return to their goofy rutting behaviors. This week is definitely hit or miss, but if you’re patient and persistent, you’ll likely succeed.

November 14-20

Normally, lockdown has ended by this week. You should be able to return to the plan we laid out for the first week of November, albeit with an emphasis on stealth. This week, deer will be on high alert, prepared to dash away at the slightest hint of something amiss.

Optimize your hunt by setting up your stand downwind of trail intersections, ridges, and near bushes, brush piles, and low tree branches.

November 21-30

By the end of November, you’re probably bone-weary, yet sad to see the end of this year’s rut. Before you settle in for a long late-fall nap, there’s a bit more time for you to work on filling your deer tag.

Bucks have bred the does, so they will resume their goofy chase behavior we saw at the end of October and during the first week of November. They’ll loop back to inspect scrapes, so you may have success setting up near scraped trees again.

Counterintuitively, a large percentage of bucks are bagged during this last week. We tend to think we’ll have the best luck during the first or second week, but somehow big bucks are often snagged this week. Younger bucks are often exhausted by this week, but mature, large bucks are still trucking—perfect for your hunting goals!

During the very last few days of the month, you may not see any more deer. Keep an eye on indicators of deer behavior, and adjust your plan according to the activity in your area.

Despite the challenges of hunting through rutting season, you are capable of accomplishing your goals. Stay focused, use your knowledge and your intuition, and remember that even a “failed” hunt adds to your experience and understanding of deer behavior in your neck of the woods.

 

Why Hunting in TX is the Perfect Pandemic Activity

As the pandemic continues across the country, Americans are increasingly turning to hunting as a means of escaping the chaos. Hunting and fishing permits are rising to unprecedented levels, and millions of new firearm background checks have been completed since the first lockdown. So, what exactly is the draw? Let’s talk about why hunting in TX is the perfect pandemic activity for individuals, couples, families, and friend groups.

1. Hunter Safety Courses are now Online

Due to the limitations of social distancing, nearly every state is now offering hunter safety courses online. If you’re looking for a new hobby that you can learn from anywhere, hunting is ideal.

2. Hunting Gives Us a Break from Masks and Social Distancing

Though there’s nothing quite like a solo hunt, hunting is the ideal pandemic social activity. Who isn’t tired of masking up and standing back when we leave our homes?

Hunting offers a safe return to the outdoors. While hunting, we can ditch our masks and spend time with just our friends, family, and loved ones.

3. Hunting Provides Us with Alternative Food Sources

Food scarcity was a frightening fact of the pandemic for millions of Americans. In addition to unemployment and the financial peril that comes with it, our meat supply was threatened at several points during the last 18 months.

Whether you simply want to save money, or ensure that your family and loved ones have food security through food supply shakeups, hunting is the answer! Once you can safely hunt your own game, you’ll eat like royalty for pennies on the dollar.

We suggest venison stews, braised birds and venison shoulder, roasted duck and turkey, tender wild boar, and succulent pheasants, all of which are great ways to introduce game to anyone who has never before experienced anything but grocery store meat.

4. Hunting Connects the Youth of 2021 with Their Historic Roots

If you are feeling like your children are lost in their smartphones, you’re not alone. As much as we all love the internet, it’s also important for families to spend time together without the distraction of social media.

Hunting connects families with each other, of course, but it also gives children and teens an ideal way to connect with their history. We are all descended from ancestors who hunted, and it’s always empowering for young people to realize they are just as capable of surviving out in the real world.

There’s a sense of self-sufficiency and independence that comes with successful hunting, which is exactly what Nine Bar Ranch offers everyone who comes to hunt with us. To learn more about our pandemic-safe hunting packages, click here or contact us today.

We are excited to welcome new hunters! We invite you to come and learn more about the hobby, discover how hunting is essential for conservation efforts around the world, and head home with a bounty of your own game to enjoy.

North Texas Hunting Tips as the Fall Season Approaches

North Texas hunting tips

This is the time of year when Texas hunters begin buckling down and preparing for the fall hunting season. Deer, turkey, and doves are all in season in the wild, though hunting here at the Ranch is far more varied. Today, the team at Nine Bar Ranch is sharing our Top 5 North Texas hunting tips as the fall season approaches. Let’s get ready and get hunting!

1. Clean and Check Your Gear

Now’s the time to give your hunting gear some TLC. Make sure your rifles, bows, and clothing are in tip-top shape. Organize your gear so that you can easily pack up and head out anytime you like.

2. Make Time for Target Practice

It’s surprising how much our aim can suffer after just a few months off. Before you head out on your fall hunting trips, make time for target practice. By brushing up on your skills now, you’ll make it much more likely that your first big hunt of the season is successful.

3. It’s Turkey Time

Turkey hunting isn’t just for spring, though some of the same tactics used then will be helpful now. Remember, wild turkeys have great eyesight, so don’t skimp on camouflage gear. In the fall, turkeys can gather in groups of over 100 individuals, making it much easier to find them—but all the more likely that one of them will spy you!

The hormonal frenzy that ensures turkeys will respond to our calls in the spring isn’t a helpful factor in the fall, so using a scout to find a large flock, then moving stealthily is a better fall hunting tactic.

If you’re out in a blind this fall hunting larger game, you may find that you also have the opportunity to bag your Thanksgiving bird without making any special effort!

4. Doves in Droves

This year’s weather and habitat conditions mean that we should see a huge surge in dove populations this fall. If you love to hunt mourning, white-winged, and white-tipped doves, this year looks promising for you!

The state’s biologists have been hard at work tagging doves to measure our hunting yields. If a dove you hunt has a leg band, please report it to help with ongoing observation efforts.

5. Brush Up On Your Safety Measures

In Texas, the fall hunting season is a busy one. Even in less active seasons, no less than half a million hunters are out hunting deer, turkey, and doves. Remember to avoid back, blue, and red clothing, since these colors are more likely to confuse hunters.

If you want to pursue some game that’s far more exotic than the wild animals Texas lands harbor, contact us. We’re proud of the huge variety we cultivate on our massive lands, and we love sharing our bounty with our guests.

To book your stay, or ask questions about our hunting packages, just get in touch. We look forward to hunting with you this fall!

Hunting with a Disability

hunting with a disability

At Nine Bar Ranch, we believe in your right to make lifelong memories on the hunt of your dreams—regardless of any physical challenges you face. We welcome wheelchair users, blind and visually-impaired hunters, Deaf and hearing-impaired hunters, and individuals with chronic illnesses. We make hunting with a disability a reality!

We Are Adaptable

When you book a hunting adventure at Nine Bar Ranch, we want you to reach out to us and let us know how we can accommodate you during your stay. Whether you will be using a wheelchair, will be able to walk only short distances, or would require a sighted hunter to work alongside you as your guide, we will be delighted to adapt.

We treat all guests with equal care and respect, irrespective of their special needs.

We Provide Kitchens, and We Will Cook for You!

Do you have food allergies? We understand how stressful dining out can be when you’re facing serious food allergies. You have to speak with the staff of each establishment to ensure your needs are understood, then trust that the kitchen follows strict protocols to prevent cross-contamination.

With us, you can skip the worry, the hassle, and the risk. Our on-site kitchen will enable you to prepare your own food that’s safe. Save time, and relax to the fullest—stay right here on the Ranch and enjoy yourself!

Or, perhaps you have physical limitations that make it difficult for you to cook, or drive off-site to purchase meals. In that case, you’ll be glad to know that we have an outstanding cook on staff who can prepare home-made meals for our guests.

Either way, rest assured you’ll be right at home here at the Ranch.

Hunting while Blind or Visually-Impaired

In Texas, blind hunters can hunt! Provided you have a signed statement from your physician attesting your blindness, you need only be accompanied by a licensed sighted hunter who is 13 years or older.

The great news is, that means that any one of our guides will be able to hunt alongside you for any type of game we have here at Nine Bar Ranch! Simply bring your doctor’s statement, and carry it with you on your hunt.

We Can Dress and Butcher Your Game

On a hunt, one of the biggest physical challenges is loading up felled game, bringing them back to the cabin, dressing, and butchering the carcass. Here on the Ranch, you can add these services to your hunt, and we’ll handle the rest! Regardless of your physical abilities, you deserve to bring home the game you’ve bagged.

Over the years, we’ve seen how impactful it is for disabled hunters to realize their dreams at Nine Bar Ranch. We see the joy on their faces, hear their whoops of victory, and have the pleasure of welcoming them back season after season.

If you would like to join us at the Ranch for a life-changing hunt, contact us today.

Hunting Solo vs Hunting With a Group

Whether you’re new to hunting, or are a more experienced hunter who wants to take your skills to the next level, we recommend considering the benefits of hunting with an experienced group guide and other hunters here at Nine Bar Ranch. Hunting with a group is an entirely different experience than hunting on your own, with several distinct advantages.

Today, we want to share our perspective on hunting solo compared to hunting in a group. We believe that beginners and hunting veterans alike can expect great things by opting for a group hunting experience, so let’s dive right in.

Hunting With a Local Expert

Whether or not you bag your dream trophy on a hunt is partially dependent on how well you know a particular region. Here at Nine Bar Ranch, every one of our staff of skilled hunters knows every acre of this land intimately.

Additionally, each of us understands the feeding, mating, rutting, and other minute behavior patterns and “tells” of each type of animal we love to hunt. We know where they tend to congregate, when they’re most likely to be out in the open, and how they’re going to respond when the first shots of the hunt are fired.

Hunting at Nine Bar Ranch is an Educational Opportunity

When you’re hunting with one of our experienced Texas hunting guides, you’re guaranteed to receive answers to every question you have. In fact, we’re eager to assist you before you even pack for your trip! We’ll advise you on what to pack, what you may want to wear on the hunt, what to expect on each day and night of your hunt, your options for dressing game, and the types of trophies you can expect to take home with you.

Once you’ve arrived at the ranch, we jump right into sharing our knowledge on the ins and outs of hunting your species of choice. Whether your next hunting expedition is here at the ranch or out in the wilderness on your own, we know that you want to be as savvy and skilled as you can be.

Hunting With a Guided Group Yields Higher Success Rates

Let’s face it: public lands don’t offer the sheer number and varied types of game that we can here at Nine Bar. As a result, you’re far more likely to snag an impressive trophy during a guided hunt.

Camaraderie

Unless you’re a true lone wolf, you’re sure to enjoy the camaraderie you’ll experience as part of a guided group hunt. We’ll be here to act as witness of your hard work, to offer enthusiastic congratulations when you successfully get that shot, and to joyfully relive the best moments of the hunt around the fire at the long day’s end.

You deserve the best hunting experience possible. Call Nine Bar Ranch today; tell us what you’d like to accomplish this hunting season, and we’ll tell you how we can help make your dreams become a reality and a life-long memory that you’ll always cherish.

Hunting Tips for Extreme Texas Weather

When hunters dream of hunting season, we tend to picture heading out on a perfectly clear, slightly crisp morning, sun rising in a gorgeous display of colors. While these days certainly do happen, they aren’t as common as we would hope. We’re much more likely to experience extreme Texas weather while hunting – like high heat, wind, rain, and sometimes—though we try to avoid it—fog.

It is possible to have a successful hunt during many less-than-ideal weather conditions. Today we’re sharing our best tips for hunting in extreme weather. Don’t let the weather keep you from heading out; sometimes extreme weather delivers the perfect specimens directly into your path.

1. Excessive Heat

It’s no secret that Texas is HOT during the summer and early fall. It’s tough to hunt in extreme heat, but we have strategies to increase your success and keep you as comfortable as possible.

Choose lightweight, breathable clothing, preferably with high UPF protection built in. If your clothing isn’t UPF, slather on some highly protective sunscreen.

We all tend to sweat when the temperature rises. As we sweat, our increased odors make it much easier for our prey to detect us. Using odor-eliminating sprays throughout the day will increase your chance of a successful hunt.

Water is also CRUCIAL during summer hunts in Texas. Not only do you need more water in the heat, but your prey will also seek out water to stay hydrated and cool. Setting up your blind near water can be a great strategy for allowing your prey to come directly to you.

2. High Winds

There’s no way to avoid it: hunting in high winds is a slow, arduous process. However, it can give you the advantage over your prey.

Deer, antelope, oryx, and other herd animals struggle in high winds. They can’t see movement as well, and their sense of hearing is blunted by the sound of the wind itself.

If you’re strategic about choosing a spot to hunker down out of the wind, you’ll either have the drop on your prey, or you’ll be in a great spot to see a herd on the move the instant the wind dies down.

Avoid setting up under trees that are swaying in the wind; it’s all too likely that they will drop branches or fall directly on you.

3. Heavy Rains

We field a lot of questions about whether it’s even worth heading out to hunt in the rain. While we understand rainy hunts aren’t the ideal day for most hunters, it’s definitely worth hunting in the rain.

Similar to high winds, heavy rain may keep herds hunkered down, but they will be on the move as soon as there’s a break in the intensity of the rain.

If rain is mild or moderate, herds will most likely move about happily, apparently enjoying the weather.

You, however, will want to wear a rain suit. Spring for materials that are packable, quiet during movement, and made with sturdy construction. A rain suit that tears or punctures easily isn’t going to do you much good during the rigors of the hunt.

Do you have further question about adaptations you can make to succeed on the hunt during extreme Texas weather conditions? Contact us directly. We look forward to helping you prepare for a great day out on the Texas ranch!

Spring Cleaning: Hunting Gear Edition

Hunting Gear

Throughout the country, even for the cooler climates, spring is finally in full swing. For hunters, this is the perfect opportunity to prepare for the next hunt by tackling the care and cleaning of our hunting gear collections. If you’re one of the many hunters who arrives home from the final fall hunt worn out and ready to relax, there’s a good chance your gear is still waiting to be brought back to life.

Our hunting gear cleaning checklist is as follows:

  1. Run an Inventory Check

Make a list of what you expect to have, or must have, in your hunting kit. If you’ve loaned, gifted, used up, or lost anything on your last hunt, make note of it here. You may also wish to make notes on anything that needs to be repaired or replaced as you run through your items and check things off your list.

  1. Clean Your Guns, Gear, and Clothing

Ideally, your guns have been cleaned and properly stored since the last time you used them. If not, make that your first priority.

Next, make sure your camping gear, tree stands, blinds, and optics are all clean and in tip-top shape.

Finally, wash your hunting clothing as-needed, make note of anything that needs to be replaced, give your hunting boots some TLC, and make sure your waterproof gear stands up to the standard 10-minute test. If not, it’s time to refresh your weatherproofing in advance of your next hunting expedition.

  1. Refine and Refresh Your Organization

Now that you have been through your belongings, take the time to optimize your organization situation. When you’re ready to pack up and head out on a hunt, the last thing you want to do is wade through piles of disorganized gear to compile the exact items you’d like to bring along.

  1. Make Purchasing Plans

At this point, you should have a clear idea of what needs to be replaced and purchased to complete your collection. Run a price check to see what you can afford to purchase now, then make a monthly savings goal to help you set aside cash to purchase the remaining items. Remember to save up for your dream hunting trip here at the ranch, too!

  1. Prep Your Vehicle for Hunting

Whether you’re heading into the woods or out on the plains, your vehicle needs to be in great shape to keep you safe along the way. In preparation, get a tune-up, and have your trusted mechanic give you the all-clear before you head out.

If you’re the spontaneous type, it might also be advisable to keep weather-appropriate supplies in your truck so that it’s ready to go when you are. 

We look forward to seeing you this year here at the ranch! Happy hunting. If you have any questions about our hunting packages, hunting during the pandemic, or information about the gear you’ll need at 9 Bar Ranch, please contact us today.

We look forward to answering any questions you may have.

DECATUR OFFICE

940-626-4948

WICHITA FALLS OFFICE

940-723-8125

JIM BOB LITTLE

940-393-5853

jimbob@ninebarranch.com

come relax at this historic Texas ranch

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