What Sets Nine Bar Ranch Apart from Other North Texas Hunting Ranches

north texas hunting ranches

The Nine Bar Ranch has been in our family for over 100 years. Thanks to our location and the hard work we’ve put in cultivating our landscape and our herds of game, Nine Bar Ranch is the ideal setting for your adventurous hunting getaway. We are immensely proud of our ranch. Today, we’re sharing what our customers say sets us apart from other North Texas hunting ranches.

1. Nine Bar Ranch Is Home to Year-Round and Seasonal Game

No matter when you want to enjoy a hunting vacation, our ranch has robust game waiting for you. We tend to a variety of species, guaranteeing that you’ll be able to set out to track down your target any day the weather permits. While certain game can only be hunted during permitted windows, other species can be hunted any time of the year.

2. Native and Exotic Game

Both native and exotic game roam across our sprawling 12,000-acre working ranch. Choose from Blackbuck antelope, Fallow deer, wild boar, red deer, Sika deer, scimitar-horned oryx, whitetail deer, wild turkeys, and doves, then contact us or book desired your package online.

3. Home-Cooked Meals and Nearby Restaurants

Say so long to canned campfire beans, MREs, and jerky! Our hunting and lodging packages include hearty, delicious, homecooked meals. We think nothing tastes better after a long day out on the hunt, but if you would rather, you can head over to nearby restaurants to refuel.

4. Truly Comfortable Accommodations

No one says their favorite part of hunting is sleeping on the ground, and we’re sure you’re no different! Conclude your long days out hunting in one of our sparkling clean, supremely comfortable hunting lodges. Enjoy your relaxing evenings fireside, then kick off your boots and get a great night’s sleep before your next day of hunting.

5. Skilled Hunting Guides

When you hunt at Nine Bar Ranch, you’ll be assisted by one of our highly trained, skilled hunting guides. Our guides combine their knowledge of the ranch’s game with a perfect balance of commitment, determination, and upbeat humor.

Despite the tasty grub we serve, the cozy hunting lodges, and our magnificent game animals, we’ve heard from many guests that the guides have gone above and beyond to such a degree that they’ll be returning to hunt with them again and again!

6. Near the Metroplex, Yet a World Apart

Despite our convenient location a mere 45 miles northwest of the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex, our scenic ranch feels utterly separate from the cities. Escape the daily grind, refresh your mind, improve your hunting skills, and head home with beautiful game from Nine Bar Ranch.

7. Every Hunting Package is the Perfect Blend of Excitement and Relaxation

Our hunting packages are proof that hunting trips don’t have to be all about hard work! Your Nine Bar Ranch hunting package will deliver exciting hunts, relaxing campfire evenings, excellent company, and plenty of time to enjoy the ranch’s gorgeous scenery.

We invite you to let go of your stress and find your joy with us at our family’s ranch. Whether you’re an experienced hunter or a first-timer, we look forward to delivering the best hunt Texas has to offer. Contact us to schedule your vacation today!

With Spring Around the Corner, Prepare Your Hunting Gear Now

prepare your hunting gear

Many of us are at home, waiting for quarantine to officially end. While this extended wait has been awful, it does mean that you have plenty of time to sort through and prepare your hunting gear to get ready for the spring hunting season.

In Texas, wild turkeys are coming into season. Fortunately, on private land, like ours here on Nine Bar Ranch, we are also able to invite you to hunt large game year-round!

Whether you are hoping to hunt feral hogs, turkey, sika deer, oryx, or antelope, we are happy to accommodate. Get your gear ready, and come on down.

  1. Create an Inventory

Comb through your gear, creating an itemized list of everything you own. Game calls, clothing, weapons, scenting concoctions, and your hunting pack should all be included in your list.

Not only will this list help you when it’s time to pack for a hunt, but it will also allow you to see where you have gaps in your gear, or too many of any one item.

Make note of any items that are worn, damaged, or not quite ready for spring hunts.

  1. Clean and Prepare Your Weapons

With your inventory completed, it’s time to clean and fully prepare your weapons. The last thing you want to do the week before your first hunt is stay up late after work cleaning your guns and restringing your bows.

  1. Schedule Gear Replacement—the Smart Way

At this stage, you’ll have a clear idea of which of your gear needs to be replaced. Anything that will take time to break in, like new hunting boots, should be replaced as soon as possible. It’s crucial that you have your boots at a comfortable stage before you head out on a hunt.

If you can put some items off until closer to the hunting season, that’s fine! Stagger your purchases so that you can more easily afford replacements.

  1. Work On Your Calls

Whether you practice in the shower, in your truck, or out on a hike, it’s a good idea to practice your turkey calls if you’re going to hunt wild birds in the spring. By the time you pack for your hunt, you should feel confident in your gobble skills.

  1. Practice Your Marksmanship

We probably don’t have to tell you this, but marksmanship is something you ought to prioritize if you’re getting set to hunt this year. As a hunter, shooting is no doubt something you enjoy, so chase that fun! Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that marksmanship is a skill that stays sharp without you putting in the work.

  1. Prioritize Your Own Wellness

A hunter is only as prepared as his or her body, so take good care of yourself leading up to a hunt. Get plenty of rest, focus on your fitness, and eat plenty of healthy meals. Keeping yourself in shape will make every stage of your hunts that much more enjoyable.

  1. Schedule Your Hunting Dates

Give us a call or schedule a hunt here on our website! We look forward to hearing from you and hearing how we can make your hunting dreams this year’s reality.

Successful Hunter Resolutions for 2021

successful hunter resolutions

By this time in the year, we’ve all failed on a resolution or two. If you want to make resolutions that are a breeze to keep, we recommend choosing some that will help you as you endeavor to become a successful hunter. Resolutions for the avid and/or up-and-coming hunting enthusiast include:

  1. Save Up for a New Expedition

Nine Bar Ranch has hunting packages perfect for every budget. Choose your target vacation, then start setting aside funds weekly. Before long, you’ll be here, hot on the trail of the game of your dreams. Hunting a new kind of game is akin to discovering the sport all over again, so peruse our wide array of game, and take note of what makes your heart skip a beat.

  1. Get Organized for Your Trip

Once you’ve decided on your ideal hunting package, you’re ready to get your gear in order. While it takes some time to go over your weapons and clean them, organize your ammo, and sort your hunting clothing, you’ll be well rewarded when packing up for your trip is a breeze.

While you’re organizing your gear, discard anything that’s worn out. If you have gear that you no longer need, consider selling it or passing it on to a friend who can use it this year. The less clutter you hang on to, the easier it will be to grab and go when you’re in the mood to head out hunting.

  1. Refine Your Skills

Even seasoned hunters can benefit from brushing up on their skills. Whether this is your year to get the hang of a new type of weapon, work on your stealth, improve your speed and reflexes, or just stick to a regular schedule of target practice, be sure to spend time becoming the best hunter you can in 2021.

  1. Improve Your Physique

We believe that hunters of all physical abilities will have an incredible time here at our ranch. We also believe that every hunter can improve their skills just by getting in better shape! We’re certain that by working hard you’ll arrive to hunt with pride and self-confidence thanks to your improved physique.

  1. Bring a Friend

The number of skilled hunters dwindles with every passing decade. This year, make it your mission to reach out to someone you know who has expressed an interest in the sport, but hasn’t gotten into it yet. An exciting trip to Nine Bar Ranch could be just the motivation required for them to take the plunge!

Beginners usually don’t have the gear to really have a good experience. By taking your friend under your wing and allowing them to learn from you, your friend will experience the joy of using a good gun properly. We’re willing to wager that’s all it takes to add an avid new hunter to the sport.

  1. Cue Up Delicious New Recipes

Once you know what you’d like to hunt, track down some game-specific recipes! From boar to venison and beyond, the rewards of hunting shouldn’t stop with the takedown.

Cooler Weather Gear for Comfortable North Texas Hunting

north texas hunting

A chill has set in at the ranch and it’s time for a change in gear. Your breathable summer gear for keeping cool and dry can be stored away for next season and it’s time to take out the essentials that will keep you warm while you’re outside all day and after sunset. Here’s the gear you’ll need to pack to be prepared for the winter weather you might experience as a North Texas hunting aficionado.

Soft shell jacket and pants

Soft shell outerwear has the advantage of being lightweight so your warmth comes from the material, not bulkiness. You won’t feel encumbered under padding. The inner layer is usually warm fleece so you won’t have to wear too many extra layers. You’ll be able to move your arms and legs freely but still stay quiet while walking so you don’t alert your prey. There’s nothing worse than the swooshing sound of bad nylon when you’re going for stealth. The fabric is designed to be breathable and wick away moisture from your skin, keeping you comfortable all day.

Thermal layers

Temperatures can change thirty degrees or more throughout the day so having a thermal base layer will keep your core warm and allow you to remove top layers as the day goes on. Avoid cotton or other fabrics that retain water; if you start to sweat, you’ll be wet all day.

Boots

The need for a good pair of quality hunting boots cannot be overstated. Taking care of your feet is paramount. A slip in rough terrain could cause a broken ankle. Poor water protection can result in toe fungus. Arch support and mobility are important for comfort and the ability to log the miles needed to cover your ground. Take care of your feet, and they’ll take care of you.

Wool socks

Wool is great at retaining heat, so get yourself some wool or wool blend socks.
NOTE: Make sure your boots are big enough to fit thick socks comfortably.

Hand warmers and toe warmers

Small hand warmers for your pockets and toe warmers for your socks can rescue numbing digits from the cold. There are rechargeable ones that activate with a push of a button or you can get one-time use warmers that activate by squeezing and shaking the warming chemical in the pouch.

Expandable pack with water bladder

An expandable pack will need to have enough space for extra ammo, butt storage, protein bars to keep you going, and any emergency gear. The important thing to remember is to keep hydrated. Even though it’s not hot out, you can still dehydrate, so drink plenty of water.

Head gear

Different hunters prefer different types of head protection. A balaclava can protect your nose, chin, cheeks, neck, and ears all at once. A beanie offers head warmth but leaves ears exposed. A fleece headband can protect the ears but little else. UV protective eyewear is essential so you’re not squinting in the sun and can see the slight variations of a moving animal. The key is to be comfortable but not impair your senses so that you can call your North Texas hunting outing a success.

What Hard Rut Season Means for Deer Hunters in North Texas

deer hunters in North texas

It’s early autumn at the ranch and love is in the air. The deer are in hard rut and the season is a magical time. The sounds of the deer in fall make this an amazing time for deer hunters in North Texas; red deer roar, fallow deer grunt, and sika deer bugle. Experience the hunt during this special time and you’ll remember it for a lifetime!

Hunting during rutting season requires a change in tactics. The deer’s behavior changes and your hunting behavior will need to adjust to be successful. The different phases of the rut will require that hunters make different shifts – let’s take a look at the various periods of rut season and what you can expect.

Pre-rut

Look for environmental evidence of rut transition. Tree bark will show signs of scraping as deer use the roughness to remove velvet from their antlers. You’ll see hollows in the ground where the bucks have urinated and rolled around in the resulting mud. The deer stay mostly to wooded areas and are less likely to be found in the open.

Seeking

Mature males will begin seeking out does to get an idea of their location once they are in estrus. Young males will become active earlier and may begin to get impatient for the does to become receptive. Deer will be seen out during the day more often. Your chances of success during the hunt will be improved if you stay near signs of rutting.

Chasing

Get your game face on hunters, because this is where the magic happens. Every eligible bachelor in the woods will be searching for his lady. Bucks will lower their guards so they can locate their mates. Here is where your bags of tricks will do the most good. Using doe-in-heat calls will attract males looking for a mate. Buck-grunt calls also work to draw in males who want to chase out the competition from their territory. Scents can also work to attract active males, but pay attention to where you plant the scent relative to where you’re setting yourself. You want the deer to smell the hormones, not the humans.

Decoys can also be effective at attracting a male. As a buck approaches a doe, if she’s receptive to his advances she’ll stay still. A decoy looks very much like an interested lady and will draw in your prize.

Tending

The tending phase is where most of the physical mating occurs and can be a more difficult time to hunt successfully for obvious reasons. Pairs settle in to bedding areas under thick cover. Finding bedding locations will be your best tactic to catching a deer who happens to slip up and break cover during this time.

Post-Rut

Deer become more cautious after breeding and settle in to their winter behavior. Does become much more difficult to find and males mostly only come out of their thick cover to feed. Stick to bedding and feeding areas for the best chances of locating deer after mating.

 

Texas Dove Hunting Tips

Texas dove hunting

Both seasoned pros and novices alike can get a lot of enjoyment out of Texas dove hunting. Here are a few tips to get you started this season.

What Is the Best Time for Dove Hunting?

Part of successful hunting is knowing when to be there. If there are no doves in the sky, you’re wasting your time. You’ll have the best luck finding them during the times when they’re flying from nests to food. Generally between 8:00 and 10:00 in the morning and 5:30 to 7:00 at night.

What Should You Wear?

Bright orange and reflectors can spoil a hunt before it ever starts. Doves see in color and will flare when they see something abnormal. Wear camo, brown, olive, or tan clothing to blend into your surroundings. Avoid movement to prevent alerting the flock.

Ear protection is also a must for hunters. If you’re in a field with other hunters, the sounds of the shots going off all around you can be deafening. Save your hearing and wear some protection, even if it’s foam plugs.

Eye protection is also important. On a sunny day they reduce glare and improve your shots. They also protect your eyes from falling shot.

How Far Out Should You Be to Shoot a Dove?

Too close and you’ll give yourself away. Too far and you won’t have any accuracy. The best range is thirty to forty yards. Get used to overshooting the birds. Shoot six feet in front of them and you’ll hit more often. You’ll need to shoot while sitting so practice from a sitting position.

What Shot Should You Use?

Smaller shots are best for these birds. A little goes a long way so 7½, 8, or 9 should do the trick. The best overall shell may be an ounce or 1 1/8 ounce load. You may go through several boxes of shells during one hunt.

Bring a Well-Trained Dog

Man’s best friend is also a hunter’s best friend. A typical hunter will only retrieve seventy to eighty percent of his downed doves. A retriever will bring back all of them. A dog is invaluable when you’re shooting in high grass. He can sniff out the dove when you can’t see it. If you’re trying to shoot two birds at one time you can’t watch to see where the first bird falls or else you’ll miss the second bird. You’ll waste valuable time looking for the first when a dog can bring you both. Many breeds of dogs instinctively are good hunting companions—spaniels, retrievers, labs, and pointers are common.

Always Follow Safety Guidelines

  • Engage your safety when your gun is not in use, including when walking through a field looking for downed doves. Keep your safety on AT ALL TIMES until you’re ready to shoot.
  • Never shoot at a dove below the tree line; you might hit other hunters or animals.
  • Remember to unload the gun before you leave the field.
  • Don’t partake in any alcoholic beverages until the hunt is over, or until you’re safely home if you’ll be driving.

 

5 Expert Tips for Deer Hunting in North Texas

deer hunting in north texas

At this point in the early season, deer hunting in North Texas can be extremely rewarding for novices and experts alike. Many times here on the blog we like to try to educate for those who are just starting out as hunting enthusiasts, but today we speak to those who are season veterans of the sport.

If you’ve been hunting in North Texas, or in the nearby regions for many years, you likely have tried and true tactics, gear, routines, and even superstitions that you carry through from year to year. However, even the best hunters can always learn new tricks! Read on for our top 5 deer hunting tips from the pros:

1. Go for the aggressors.

Challenge yourself right now while you have the chance to hunt bully bucks. You can find them (via observing or deer cams) by their posturing at nearby bucks, stubborn and territorial behavior, especially while feeding. Utilizing a younger buck call can draw them toward you as they may want another challenge.

2. Make use of modern technology.

By monitoring the movements of a nocturnal buck with a mobile trail camera, you’ll be able to discover exactly when he begins making daytime movements. Then you can move in quickly (within a few days maximum) to hunt him within his movement area for a successful kill.

3. Strategically plant a cedar tree within shooting range.

Since bucks faithfully check food plots for does at this time of year, you can take advantage of that knowledge. Uproot a small cedar tree and dig a decent hole about 20 yards from your hunting vantage point. Add to the ruse by making a mock scrape under it to draw all of the bucks right to you.

4. Use body language.

Seeking bucks will be quick and moving with intent. They’re on the lookout for a doe which means they’re much less aware of their surroundings and are less likely to notice you. Ignore all of the slower moving bucks. Also good to look for in seeking bucks: laid back ears and hair that is standing up. These are signs that the buck is aggressively on the hunt and that he’ll be likely to come toward your call.

5. Follow the frost.

After the first frost of the year, most bucks are still in their seeking phase. Look for deer that go out at first light to look for food. When the cold dawn air puts them off their usual food scents, many will lay back down for a few more hours while the temperature rises. By mid-morning, there is usually a ton of activity with bucks who are now going out to feed and also starting their doe seeking activity for the day. You can see a lot of action if you time it just right.

We know that deer hunting in North Texas is much more than a hobby for the serious hunter. Scouting, planning, location and the right equipment as well as knowing how to disguise your own scent are all part of the act. If you’ve got a great expert tip that we didn’t share here, please post it in the comments!

Preparing for 2020 Deer Hunting Season in Texas

deer hunting season in texas

As it is every year toward the end of the summer season, most people are eagerly anticipating the cooler weather of Fall. Especially in Texas, Autumn brings with it a relief from sizzling temperatures that reach their peaks in August. For the outdoorsman, another thing to look forward to as the seasons shift is deer hunting season in Texas.

Now’s the time to get prepared for your first deer hunt of the season, even though deer season doesn’t officially begin for another several months. Additionally, most avid hunters are so eager for the start of deer season that just the act of getting ready for deer season is exciting. Yes, you may find yourself prepping for Fall hunting while sweat pours off your body and drenches your clothing, but it will all be worth it when you can truly enjoy the Fall hunting season with everything in its place. Some things that should definitely be on your deer season preparation list include:

1. Clearing a hunting trail: If you regularly hunt in the same location, especially if it’s on your own property, make sure you’ve got a clear walking path well before the date of your first Fall hunt. By clearing your way of large branches and limbs, you’ll be able to move easily and stealthily when the time is right.

2. Repairing your hunting stand: If a hunting/tree stand is an important part of your hunting plan, a crucial pre-season task is making the necessary repairs to damage that may have occurred since you last inspected it. You’ll want to check for and fix any: rust, rot, tears, and breaks. Inspect all sides of the stand, as well as the interior, including straps, seats, and legs. VERY IMPORTANT: Thoroughly inspect for nests of any kind and clear them safely and humanely, where possible.

3. Practice and dial in your weapon: If you’ve been taking a break from hunting since last year’s deer season, refresh your mind and body with your hunting rifle or bow. Spend ample time at the range shooting and dialing in your weapon of choice. Discovering a problem with your hunting weapon when the perfect deer is within your sights will likely leave you without a trophy.

4. Inspect your gear and hunting apparel: This is especially pertinent when it comes to hunting boots. If you’ve gone a whole year without wearing them or if you’ve recently bought a new pair, you simply must break them in prior to wearing them on a hunting trip. Failure to do so will leave your feet blistered and aching. Try wearing your boots for a few days a week leading up to deer season.

Here at Nine Bar Ranch, we have experts on staff ready to answer any lingering questions you may have about prepping for the upcoming deer season in Texas. Interested in booking an organized hunting trip? Yeah, we do that too! Give us a call with questions, or to schedule the Texas deer hunt of your dreams. Like you, we are all super excited for deer season.

 

 

How COVID-19 has Affected Hunting in Texas

hunting in texas

With the current state of affairs in the US, specifically the unpredictability of the course of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, many people are looking for any activities that they can participate in outdoors. Since the virus travels more readily indoors, it has been advised that we spend as much time as possible engaged in outside activities, while also adhering to your state’s social distancing rules and recommendations. Hunting in Texas (and in many states across the country) is a great way to get some fresh air and some socially distanced fun while we wait for this pandemic to pass.

That being said, it is important to be as safe as possible even while socializing outdoors right now. Some safety tips for Texas hunters include:

  • Take Day Trips – Most hunting trips involve some form of camping. With that naturally comes outdoor food preparation, bathing, toileting, and hygiene. Close quarters involved in tent camping, combined with outdoor bathing, toileting and washing are all activities to avoid right now. Stay COVID free by taking day trips with very small groups – preferably only with close friends or family members with whom you have been quarantining throughout the pandemic.
  • Wear Face Masks – If you come into contact with other hunters, hikers, dog walkers, and the like, have a protective face mask ready to use. This protects others in case you are an asymptomatic virus carrier or if you have recently contracted the coronavirus and haven’t displayed any symptoms yet. Wearing a face mask will also protect you just in case anyone you meet up with is sick and doesn’t know it.
  • Explore New Haunts – Reports vary wildly regarding the number of hunters out and about in any one location. Most people are reporting larger numbers of hunters in the woods they typically visit. If you arrive at your target area for the day only to find it swarmed with too many people to be able to socially distance, try another spot. It’s a good idea to have several alternate locations planned just in case you need to move. Some careful pre-planning could salvage your whole day of hunting.
  • Observe Travel Bans – Before taking off from home for your next hunting trip, be sure you’re aware of any county or state travel bans or restrictions. If you have any friends planning to come into Texas from out of state, it’s important that they abide by all CDC recommendations and know precisely how long they’ll have to stay in Texas if any travel bans are in place.
  • Note New Hours – Some State Parks and recreational areas have listed amended hours during this time. In order to avoid arriving just to have to turn around (or wait several hours), it’s always pertinent to check on any new schedules before you set out for the day.

Fishing and hunting in Texas can still be a good way to get active, absorb some vitamin D, and of course, acquire some delicious food for your family – especially important for those who are out of work or on a limited hours schedule with reduced pay. As long as you bone up on (and are willing to follow) all COVID-19 rules, you should still be able to enjoy your favorite hobby as you look for safe ways to stay busy this summer.

How to Get Started with Hunting in Texas

hunting in texas

If you consider yourself a hunting enthusiast, some of your regular hunting activities may include things like: taking a leisurely walk to the field across the street, driving to a wooded area close to home, or even streaming your favorite hunting programs. While you undoubtedly get enjoyment out of those endeavors, let’s kick it up a notch. Have you ever imagined yourself going on a hunting trip in the Texas wilderness? At Nine Bar Ranch in Decatur, Texas, you’ll be served delicious home-cooked meals and have access to a skilled guide and a wide array of open hunting lands. Nightly chats with fellow hunters around a fire followed by a great night’s sleep in a comfortable cabin – it’s every hunter’s dream. If you’re ready for hunting in Texas, with awesome tales to tell when you return back home, keep reading. 

When just starting out, your first step is to educate yourself. It is extremely important for a hunter to be informed on gun safety, hunting seasons for specific animals, animal tendencies, trophy care, and many other aspects of the sport. Hunting license requirements will vary by state; in fact, some states require different licenses depending on what animal you’re hunting.

The next step is to become familiar with your state’s regulations. Some states offer actual hunting courses that an individual can take as there are varying laws and regulations specific to each state. Some states actually have laws that are distinct to each county. It’s crucial that you are aware of these and abide by them so that you don’t lose your privileges.

The next step may seem obvious: you have to purchase your license. Depending on what animal you’re going to hunt, it’s possible that you may need “endorsements” along with your license.

Perhaps the most exciting step when preparing for an expedition is to round up your hunting gear and get practicing. Head out to your local sporting goods store to find some camouflage gear, all-weather shoes, and possibly a firearm. If you’re unsure about everything you’ll need, there will most likely be an employee that can give you some tips. If you’re hunting in a cold-weather environment, be sure to find clothing with down or another type of insulation.

Finally, while you don’t have to be a veritable sharpshooter before you can go hunting, it does help if you’re at least a good shot – for obvious reasons. Before you even attempt to hunt, be sure that you have the appropriate type of weapon; this can make a huge difference. Once you have honed your skills, you’ll want to maintain them as well as aim to improve. Don’t be afraid to try out the local range!

When you’re ready to go on that hunting trip of a lifetime, give us a call at Nine Bar Ranch. Not only are we a renowned staple in the local community, but we have a massive ranch on which you can hunt both exotic and native species. We’re excited to hear from you!

Tips for Successful Turkey Hunting in Texas

hunting in texas

When one engages in the act of hunting, regardless of what animal you’re hunting, you’ll naturally focus on locations where there is an abundance of the species you’re after at the time. Of course, the denser the population of your target species in an area, the more likely you are to find it. Hunters, on the conquest for a specific animal, will travel to an area where they are likely to find it. Texas overflows with wildlife, and one of the most sought after species is the turkey. Turkey hunting in Texas at Nine Bar Ranch will undoubtedly be an experience that you won’t forget.

With an approximated turkey population of 600,000, Texas is a spectacular destination if you’re eyeing up your next winged fowl. Depending on the region of Texas in which you find yourself, the species of turkey could differ, but know that there will always be some type of turkey around. A typical day in Texas for a turkey hunter involves starting out within calling distance of an area where you know that turkeys normally feed. Once you reach that point, you can “run and gun,” as they say, or sit back patiently and call. This first hunt will take place in the morning, with lunch following around noon. With a fully belly, hunters will head back out for an afternoon hunt. Because lonely toms are consistently searching for a hen throughout the day, they will always be out and about.

Now that you have a short background, here are a few tips for a successful turkey hunt in Texas:

1.      Get out to your spot before dawn. Sometimes hunters will take advantage of the darkness to sneak in and set up decoys in the “fly down” area.

2.      Head back to the turkeys’ roost before evening to increase your advantage of cutting them off before they reach their roost for the night.

3.      Dress in layers. Spring turkey season in Texas can produce a wide variety of temperatures, so as the day warms up, taking off layers is easy.

4.      Head-to-toe camo is a necessity as these winged fowl have 20/20 vision.

5.      Invest in snake boots to decrease your chance of contact with cacti, thorns, and brush.

6.      Do a bit of research before your adventure – it’s helpful to know the standout features of turkeys native to Texas.

Now that you have a few more pointers to make your turkey trip successful, don’t waste time scheduling your next adventure. At Nine Bar Ranch, we are fully committed to ensuring that you have an excellent experience and can bring home a high-quality trophy. We are excited to meet you and hope that we can join you on your next turkey-hunting escapade!

Hunting: Texas Pandemic Activity Approved by Wildlife Rangers

hunting texas

Due to COVID-19 causing mandated stay-at-home orders and a limited ability to do activities that you once enjoyed, it has seemed in many ways as though life had stopped. Fortunately, we have still been able to continue to engage with others from a distance, and make short trips to outdoor spots as long as we follow social distancing rules. There are many activities that can be enjoyed alone, such as running, cycling, hiking, walking, kayaking, and even swimming in open water areas. You can do these activities solo or with a family member with whom you have been socially isolating. Of all of the activities that are frowned upon during a pandemic, what do authorities say about hunting? Texas Park & Wildlife declares that it’s actually a fantastic activity for the current times.

In January 2020, the word, “coronavirus” started buzzing around, but few people knew the weight that the novel word would hold. By the final days of February, people began to understand that COVID-19 had imminent implications and was on the brink of reaching people on a large scale. Within a few weeks, this novel virus-turned pandemic forced not only the United States to put life on hold, but almost every other country on the globe. Thankfully, some activities haven’t ceased, and one of those happens to be hunting.

Even before the coronavirus surfaced, hunting was a solo or small group activity. Just because COVID-19 is a part of our lives and social distancing is the new normal, it doesn’t mean that hunting by yourself or with a friend has to stop. Just be sure to take the appropriate precautions such as wearing a mask if you and your buddy are riding together in the car to the location. Hunting is also an ideal pastime during the pandemic as it can take place in the outdoors and allows space to spread out as needed.

Once you find your picture-perfect hunting spot, settle in and prepare for several hours being at one with nature. If you enjoy being in the outdoors and hunting is a beloved pastime, you’re also taking steps to care for your mental health, an especially crucial aspect of wellness during this time. Despite restrictions by various levels of governments, all agree that people should actively seek out ways to relieve stress and anxiety.

The Texas Park & Wildlife officials have deemed it absolutely acceptable and legal for citizens in Texas to get out and get their hunt on. In fact, it will encourage the continuous cycle of population control that occurs within nature. Nine Bar Ranch is still open for business, and we are excited that we can still host avid hunters. We are taking the appropriate precautions to ensure the safety of our customers, but don’t worry, we’ve got it all under control. Your only responsibility is finding the trophy you’ve been dreaming of. We look forward to seeing you!

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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