Hog Hunting at Night Tips from Nine Bar Ranch

hog hunting at night tips

Hog Hunting at Night Tips

Searching for feral pigs in the dead of night isn’t an image that usually comes to mind when you think of “north Texas hunting.” Although many hunts take place during daylight hours, many of the creatures we hunt here at Nine Bar Ranch can be nocturnal. The old world species that belong to the family Suidae are better known as wild hogs. Specifically in Texas, a wide range of European wild hogs, feral pigs, and European-feral crossbreeds can be spotted rambling across the sandy terrain of the Lone Star state. As more generations are born, these beasts lose more of their domesticity and gain the skills that are crucial for surviving in Texas.

Because of their ability to adapt for survival, the optimal time to track down these big-bodied beasts is at night. With the growing feral hog population and increased hunting, the animals have developed a lifestyle of nocturnal living. Of course, that’s their feeding time as well, so it’s an ideal time to hunt them. The exceedingly warm days further encourage our prey to take to the night, and it makes life easier for us, the hunters.

At Nine Bar, you have the opportunity to hunt down these creatures on foot and from vehicles while using specially designed gear such as thermal scopes, night vision goggles (NVG), and infrared laser beams. Even better, all you have to do is schedule a time to hunt, and we will provide all of the necessary gear (and tips).

If this is your first time hunting wild hogs, we have a few helpful tips that will increase your chances of taking home a trophy:

Bait and Wait.
Hogs have an outstanding, sharp sense of smell, which means that they can easily smell you as you track them. Because this is one of their strongest senses, they rely on it to seek out and track down food. Believe it or not, they can smell odors between 5 and 7 miles away. Our tip: Set out feeders with some of their favorite, natural foods. Acorns, fruits/nuts, corn, and oak mast are great fillers for your feeders and will provide optimal attraction for your prey. Your goal is to create a natural attraction to your feeder, and once the hogs associate your feeder with tasty food, they’ll be running back for more repeatedly.

Low Light.
Though the moon will provide a minimal amount of light, you’ll want to utilize some additional form of light to ensure that you will make the kill. Naturally, you don’t want to alert the hogs to your presence, so the paramount form of light will be discreet and dim. Since feral hogs are naturally aggressive animals, an overly bright or white light may scare them away or cause them to be more hostile. Our tip: Attach a low red light to the underside of the feeder to ever so slightly brighten up the area which will ensure that you’ll get your kill on the first shot.

Know Before You Go.
Feral hogs are non-native to the United States and are normally exceedingly destructive, so typically, state-to-state regulations vary. If you’re going on a trip in your state or another state, be sure that you know the regulations before you set out. There are several southern states that permit use of artificial lights during nighttime hog hunting. When you hunt with us at Nine Bar Ranch in Texas, we will educate you on all of the state and local regulations in our area.

We take out small groups on each hunt, knowing that the hogs can easily sense changes and new noises/smells in their surroundings. Be prepared to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is incomparable to any other hunting trip. Rest assured that you’ll be returning home with a trophy. Be sure to contact us if you have any questions, concerns, or want to set up a trip with us.

Looking for an Affordable North Texas Hunting Lodge?

affordable north texas hunting lodge

Are you ready for your next hunting endeavor, but want to keep a tight rein on your budget? Nine Bar Ranch, an expansive hunting ranch located in Decatur, Texas, should be your first-stop. A staple in the community since the early 1900’s, Nine Bar Ranch offers exceptional opportunities for hunting, fellowship and camaraderie with guides and other hunters, and outstanding accommodations. We strive to be an affordable north Texas hunting lodge that offers unparalleled adventures for our customers.

On over 12,000 acres of vast and extensive Texas land, we take our customers on one-of-a-kind guided hunting trips. As one of the finest hunting ranches in Texas, our customers know that the money they put into a trip will be well spent. Though the apex of the hunting trip is gaining your prize, we value the rest of your experience as well. Being able to relax, enjoy yourself, connect with others, and enjoy good food is all part of the trip. We also don’t want you to be worried about how much money you’re spending either, which is why we make every effort to maintain our notoriously affordable and inclusive prices.

The type of animal that you are looking to hunt will determine the best time of year to visit Nine Bar Ranch. For example, Whitetail season occurs from the beginning of October until the end of February. Here at Nine Bar Ranch, Whitetail season is one of our customers’ favorites. There’s no doubt that you’ll be bringing home a big buck when you hunt with us.

The other types of deer that we commonly hunt here in north Texas include the Sika Deer and Red Deer; these species have a main hunting season that runs from September 1 to October 1. You’ll be amazed at the sounds these very interesting deer produce. Also commencing on September 1 will be the ever-exciting dove season. Listening to dove calls while out on your hunt is an incredibly relaxing way to become one with nature.

Though we do have specific ranges of time that define a hunting season, we are flexible in working with your schedule. Our Whitetail packages include a two-day hunt that includes meals, lodging, and guide service. Aligning ourselves with the rhythms of nature, we make it part of our routine to hunt in the early morning and late evening. Following your hunt, you’ll return to cozy quarters and satiating, delicious food.

In addition to Whitetail packages, we also offer two-day hunts for several other types of game. Our two-day hunts range in price, but all are well worth it. Just read a few of the multitude of glowing testimonials and you’ll instantly know just how much everyone loves hunting at Nine Bar. All of our packages are inclusive, so that our guests do not have to worry about what they’ll eat, where they’ll sleep, or where they’ll be hunting. We don’t want you to have to do anything but enjoy yourself while you’re with us.

NOTE: Our turkey and hog hunting packages sit lower on the price range simply because these species are more populous which makes hunting them a sure thing.

Leading up to your hunting adventure at Nine Bar, it’s crucial that you pack the necessary clothes and supplies. Most importantly, we suggest wearing hunter’s clothing. You should wear light-colored and lightweight cotton, camouflage clothing in addition to well-fitting boots. Other supplies that you might want to consider bringing would include a bow or rifle and the necessary accessories, including: flashlight, sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, hat, a camera and batteries, face paint, binoculars, scents, and a journal to record the sightings and excitement during your excursion.

We have continuously had customer success and satisfaction from those who choose to plan their hunting trip with Nine Bar Ranch. Why choose Nine Bar Ranch over any other Texas ranch? Here is our answer: the land, the hunt, the lodge, the staff and the guarantee. As mentioned previously, our property offers beautiful views while hunting and also provides the stomping grounds for our animals. Your guided hunt will bring you to a trophy while allowing you to take in the complete experience at the same time. The accommodations are stellar in the eyes of our customers; there’s no doubt that you’ll love them too. Finally, we guarantee that you will come home with a prize. Not only that, but we will do our best to make sure you have an overall positive adventure here at Nine Bar Ranch.


Whether you’re organizing a family hunting trip, a company retreat, or just a solo getaway of your own, we are here to meet and exceed your expectations. We want you to have the trip of a lifetime and we look forward to meeting you!

The Best Hunting in DFW: What Nine Bar Ranch Has to Offer

Located east of Decatur, Texas and about 45 miles northwest of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Nine Bar Ranch is owned and run by the Waggoner-Sauder family. Not only has this ranch been a cornerstone in the community since the early 1900’s, but it stretches over an expansive 12,000 acres. Because of the ample variety of wildlife that is found in the area, Nine Bar Ranch offers several different types of hunts. Year after year, we have successfully sent home innumerable hunters with a prize. As the ranch with the best hunting in DFW, we strive to go above and beyond the expectations of our customers in order to provide the finest hunting experience.

To give you a more well-rounded vision of the wildlife that inhabits the DFW area and specifically our acreage, let’s begin with the types of hunts that you can participate in at our ranch. One of the most prevalent mammals you will spot is the white-tailed deer, a staple for many regions of the United States. Whitetail season is still occurring with the length running from October 1st to February 28th. Other animals that you will spot include the Aoudad, Red Stag, Fallow deer, Wild hog, Sika deer, Blackbuck antelope, Turkey, Dove, and Scimitar horned oryx. Hog hunting is especially popular and encouraged because of the quickly increasing population and the destructive nature of the species.

Native to the Atlas Mountains and Barbary Coast of North Africa, the Auodad was introduced to Texas in the late 1950’s. It is commonly referred to as the Barbary sheep and is closely related to sheep and goats. Another hunting option, the Fallow deer, can be difficult to hunt because of their skittish tendencies. Overly cautious and quick to flee, these mammals are native to Europe. Because we want our customers to take home a full-sized Fallow deer, we use the approach of allowing our fallow deer to reach full maturity before we hunt them.

At Nine Bar, we have a significant population of Sika deer, which can be hunted from September to April, as they typically drop their horns at the beginning of April. Coloring for these beautiful creatures ranges from reddish chestnut brown to a dark brown and even occasionally a black hue. A desirable trophy year-round is the Blackbuck antelope – a prize you’ll definitely want to hang on your wall. They average 18-19 inches straight line with some reaching 29 inches around the curl. Finally, the Scimitar horned oryx is a trophy that is worthy of hunting as well as accessible year-round.

Due to the diversity of animals here at Nine Bar Ranch, we offer various hunting packages. The prices of each package is dependent upon the animal that you desire to hunt. Our most expensive package is the Red stag, a native to New Zealand. From mid-August to February, we offer prime hunting for these crimson beasts of nature. On the other hand, our turkey and hog hunts are on the lower end of the price range. If you choose to go hog hunting, there is no cap on the amount of meat that you are allowed to bring home.

With each package, we provide delicious meals, comfortable and homey lodging, and tips and care for your prize following harvest. Harvest includes field dressing, skinning and quartering, all of which we will provide assistance with. All hunts are two days long. Feel free to call to schedule your hunt as soon as possible. We also offer a few special packages such as the turkey/hog combo. This package allows for one gobbler and unlimited hogs at a reduced price.

Here in the DFW area of Texas, you’ll see a variety of unique and beautiful animals before your eyes. Of course, we don’t take this for granted, and we want to share nature with our customers. Thankfully, a decent portion the animals that are available to hunt at Nine Bar are available year-round. If you’re considering a hunting trip with us, don’t hesitate to call and speak with one of us for more information. Coming to our hunting ranch to have the trip of a lifetime isn’t an opportunity to miss; it’s one-of-a-kind and we are positive that you’ll have a fantastic experience.

Whitetail Deer Rut Calls and Interaction

whitetail deer rut calls

There’s a likely chance that you’ve had to slam on your brakes to avoid colliding with a deer, especially during this time of year. This populous species provides for an optimal hunting season for many while also making vehicle accidents and torn-up gardens a common occurrence. Looking beyond the scope of the issues they can cause, it’s easier to study their mating habits and overall behaviors than most other wild animals. One spectacular form of behavior by whitetail deer takes place during rut, also known as breeding season. Just like humans, deer have their own exclusive way to communicate or attract one another, and for them, this is done using whitetail deer rut calls.

Whitetail Deer Rut Calls and Interaction

Depending on the location, this season generally occurs beginning in early autumn and lasts through December. The shorter days with less sunlight cause an increase in hormones in the female deer, triggering rut. Females begin to become aggressive and intolerant and desire isolation. The doe will also push her fawns away, prohibiting them from drinking milk and attempting to seek isolation for herself. This not only prevents inbreeding between the mother and son, but also makes it easier for a buck to find a female.

A male’s testosterone levels are also amplified at this time of year, which increases tensions with other buck, as well as leads to an enlargement of their neck and sex organs. As this is occurring, a buck will wander outside of its home area in order to find a prized female. Both the actions of the female and the actions of the male occurring simultaneously make the rut season successful.

The actual event of breeding only happens over a two to four-day period during the female’s estrous cycle.  Not only is this the specific time that a doe’s body is ready to mate, but there is also an increase in the amount of buck movement. A buck commences his search by checking in on any responses to his signposting. Signposting is when bucks utilize their glands by scraping and rubbing for the purpose of warning other bucks to keep their distance. A doe will respond to signposting activity by urinating near it. Once the buck picks up on the urine scent, he will attempt to find his doe. By smelling the urine, the buck can also determine if the doe is estrous or not. When doing this, he will curl his upper lip and raise his head, which opens the corridor to the vomeronasal organ that is designed to analyze urine and conclude whether or not the doe is estrous. Obviously if the doe is not estrous or close to it, the buck will ignore her.

Once a buck settles on a doe, he will begin to pursue her by making short dashes towards the doe along with short grunts and wheezing. In addition to the pursuit by the dominant buck, other subdominant bucks may join in the chase, which scientists believe triggers the estrous cycle. The doe will run away from the younger bucks and eventually only allow the dominant buck to approach her. The two will seek isolation and the buck will again analyze her urine. If indeed the doe is estrous, the buck will continue his pursuit in a more relaxed manner. He will elongate his neck and keep his head low. Sometimes bucks will act like this for an entire day, waiting for the doe to acquiesce. In a way, it’s the female’s way of ensuring that she will be mating with the strongest buck as younger bucks will become impatient and abandon the doe before she is ready to copulate.

Often, the buck will have to fight off other bucks while simultaneously protecting the doe. Unfortunately, the buck will also push away the fawns if they come too close to their mother at this time. If there happens to be a buck that does not respect the desires of the dominant buck, a fight will follow. The bucks will clash their antlers repeatedly until one comes out victorious, which is the one that will breed with the doe. Though these disagreements are usually short, they can cause severe injury to both, and can result in death if the antlers become locked. It’s also possible that the victorious buck will be too tired to breed, so another male may step or “trot” in to take advantage of the situation. It’s not often that buck fights occur as the dominance hierarchy is usually established and understood.

A doe will begin to urinate more frequently when she is nearing estrous. When she officially enters estrous, the doe and buck will breed – sometimes repeatedly. Once the buck becomes tired of her scent, he will abandon the doe and seek a new mate.

As the rut season comes to a close, hormone levels will decrease and deer will attempt to replenish their fat stores. Come spring, fawns will be born and the cycle will begin all over again. The breeding season of whitetail deer is a unique period of time for not only the deer, but also for the entire animal kingdom. There is an abundance of information known about deer behavior, which assists scientists, environmentalists, and hunters in a myriad of ways.

Whitetail Deer Behavior During Rut

Whitetail Deer Behavior During Rut

Hearing, touch, taste, sight, smell, intuition: the six senses. Technically there are only five senses, so where does intuition come in? You’ve probably heard of the “sixth sense.” Some people have superior intuition or instinct; a keen natural power. For humans, this may come in the form of knowing when a sibling is going to call, or maybe they can consistently predict when it’s going to thunderstorm. A trophy buck doesn’t magically become robust overnight; it requires a level of intelligence. They know where to bed, when to relocate, and when things are just a little “off.” In other words, they too develop a sixth sense. Fortunately for the avid hunter, there’s a fleeting window during which a buck lets his guard down. This beautiful time is known as the whitetail rut. It doesn’t mean that the big boys will come flocking to your feet, but it is a time when, if you know your stuff, you can take advantage of the rhythms of nature. The most successful hunters will work to understand whitetail deer behavior during rut.

 

Though most people think that “rut” refers to solely to the peak of whitetail breeding season, it actually refers to all deer behaviors during rut. What triggers the beginning of the rut? In all of nature, photoperiod is a term that references the 24-hour period in which animals and plants are exposed to light and darkness. There is a direct correlation between the photoperiod and an organism’s growth, development, and seasonal patterns and behaviors. A decreasing ratio of daylight to darkness is what initiates these responses in organisms. Specifically in whitetails, photoperiod is associated with antler growth and breeding season.

 

The first sign is the mineralization of antlers and the shedding of their velvet. Following that, bucks will spar, scrape, and rub trees in attempt to establish breeding grounds and rights, all of which lead into rut. Again, decreasing daylight hours and increasing testosterone levels are correlated with the commencement of rut. Sparring, typically the first sign of breeding, normally occurs between two evenly-sized bucks or between a dominant and subordinate buck. As you can probably guess, these short-lived, push and shove matches determine hierarchy among males. As breeding season becomes closer, full-out antler battles will occur between males of similar dominance status.

 

Rubbing and making scrapes on trees, two other rut-associated behaviors, play to the visual and olfactory senses. This action involves the buck chafing his antlers and forehead on a tree in order to leave a scent deposit. Once this initial rub is made, it’s likely that the same location will be used by several other deer. This rubbing behavior continues throughout the rut period, but it first coincides with the velvet drying and shedding.

 

Once rubbing starts to occur, bucks begin making scrapes shortly after. Scraping continues until the apex of breeding season and then starts to decline in frequency. This action consists of a buck pawing a certain spot on the ground and then rubbing and urinating on that spot. The scrapes are normally associated with a low-hanging branch that is broken by the deer and marked by the buck depositing its scent from the mouth, forehead, or preorbital gland. It’s common for all rubbing and scraping to take place during the night.

 

Most bucks who meet their demise during the rut season because they momentarily let down their guard to seek out their perfect mate. The scent of an estrous doe lures a trophy buck away from his cautious stance to chase after her. On the other hand, a super buck may be more reserved and hang back from this “chasing.” After all, a big buck doesn’t just magically grow into a wise deer; it takes many years for that to occur. Since deer have the ability to learn, they tend to get more intelligent with age. Despite the occurrence of rut, it’s still a challenge to spot a nice-sized buck, so don’t lose focus. You never know when your next trophy will let his guard down in your vicinity.

 

When to Use Calls for Whitetail Deer Hunting Success

when to use calls for whitetail deer

It’s common knowledge for hunters to wear brightly colored clothing and to come prepared on hunting outings with things like: the right equipment, hand warmers, weapons, first aid kit, tree stand and spotting tools. However, all of the tangible “must-haves” will get you nowhere without a solid knowledge of how to hunt. Besides understanding how to properly use your hunting weapon(s) of choice, it’s helpful to know how to use certain aspects of nature to your advantage. For example, it’s wise to utilize “deer language” to attract deer closer to you. Successful hunters not only know what type of call to use, but when to use calls for whitetail deer and other wildlife.

Before you learn a new skill, it’s always smart to understand the purpose of the ability you’re honing. The same holds true for hunting calls. A deer’s vernacular includes two reasons for grunts, a form of “deer language.” Bucks use grunts to either: attract an estrous doe or hound a doe that’s not quite ready to breed. Bucks also grunt to prove their dominance in the presence of another buck, in terms of claiming a doe or territory. Knowing this, it is only advantageous to call a buck at certain times. In general, the best time to use deer calls is the time of year in which bucks are just beginning to show interest in pursuing does.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Deer mating seasons will not be the same time of year in every hunting region, so you should always research deer mating season timing relating to your specific geographic location if you intend to use buck calls.

One of the first rules of deer calling is not to use too many calls. Deer do not vocalize all of the time; therefore a hunter calling in excess will alert the deer of a red flag in the area, which will likely drive them away. Because deer aren’t constantly bleating or grunting, you shouldn’t be either. The general rule of thumb is to use a short sequence of bleats or grunts about every thirty minutes or so. Call for about 30 seconds and then take a moment to observe any reactions. It’s also helpful to start out on the softer side with a call, gradually increasing volume as needed. A sudden, loud call that abruptly cuts through the wooded silence will scare deer away.

when to use calls for whitetail deer

While you can attempt to use hunting calls blindly, you’re bound to have more success with a deer in your sites. Having an eye on a buck before calling is useful since it allows you to read his body language. You’ll be able to know when the buck acknowledges the call so that you can be sure he heard it. This will help you learn how loud your calls need to be at certain distances. If you are watching a buck while you call and he turns to look at you, toss one more grunt his way. If he doesn’t move toward you at this point, you would be wise to either continue observing him in silence or switching tactics to a snort-wheeze or rattling sequence to see what will bring him close enough for you to get a good shot.

Finally, take into account the distance between you and the buck. If a buck is too far away to hear your calls, allow him to wander a bit closer before taking action. Distance is crucial in getting the buck to commit to you. Additionally, if a buck is too close to you when you grunt, it will most likely scare him away. The ideal distance to begin calling is about 80 to 100 yards, depending on the situation, landscape, weather, etc.

Calling takes patience and experience. You may not have success with calls the first few times you use them, but as you get more experience under your belt, you’ll be enticing the big boys in no time. Continue to further educate yourself and make a habit of talking to other hunters who have knowledge about making effective calls. Good luck on your next hunting trip!

Learning About Deer Calls for Hunting

 

calls for hunting

Human beings are the most intricate and incredible beings to ever be created. This unparalleled creation has evolved throughout its existence to prevail over all other creatures. Despite physical transformations for Homo sapiens, one aspect of life that has conquered time is communication. From the beginning of civilization, the way that individuals communicate has changed, but nevertheless, it has always endured. Though humans have the most complex forms of communication, they are not the only creatures that correspond in order to survive. One of the most well-known animals, deer, are exceptional in connecting with each other. Because we are able to observe these interactions, we know exactly what kind of sounds they produce. Recreating these communicative noises tricks the deer into believing another deer is close by or seeking a mate. Specifically, in the hunting world, calls for hunting, or mimicking deer sounds can bring success to hunters of every level.

 

Piquing the interest of a lurking buck is incredibly thrilling. Unfortunately, just one badly-timed call or incorrect call will crush those dreams in an instant, as well as leaving you sounding like a dying goose. A little bit of deer calling advice will give you the ability to “talk the talk” (so to speak) the next time you find yourself in the beloved tree stand.

 

First, it’s important to know that deer are the most receptive to hunting calls in the weeks preceding the peak rut. This is the season in which you’ll find them pursuing a mate, meaning bucks will readily respond to lonely doe calls. During this time of mate-searching, the testosterone-fueled state will make bucks more likely to challenge other males to territorial fights. Strategize and take advantage.

 

Grunt Calls

Unlike humans, bucks communicate using a grunt in order to test other bucks and attract does. Because the grunt is versatile and common, it’s a given for a hunter to have that call along with them. A longer, low grunt is meant to signal a challenge to another buck. A pattern of short, abrupt grunts is made when chasing an estrous doe.

 

Snort Wheeze

Reserved for the big boys, this call is typically made from one man to another. By man, we of course mean buck. A buck produces this sound by forcefully pushing air out through his nostrils.  It’s meant to be an aggressive form of communication between two bucks, letting one know that the other is near. Obviously, this would imply a situation between two bucks in which they are possibly challenging each other over one doe.

 

Rattle

Following the grunt calls, rattles are the second most common lure utilized by hunters. Buck tend to make this specific sound when fighting during the rut period, and rattling attempts to mimic it. This form of fighting occurs during the pre-rut to post-rut season, known as the rut cycle. In nature, there are differing stages of the rut. For instance, during the pre-rut, bucks are attempting to figure out where they stand on the dominance scale. Depending on the stage of the rut cycle, the buck will make varying sounds in attempt to successfully challenge another buck.

 

Bleat

Moving to the other gender, bleats are sounds produced by does and fawns during the time in which they are being pursued by bucks. It’s helpful to know that bleats from a fawn are higher pitched than bleats from a mature doe. This sound seems is a long, “bawling” noise. A tone of a doe bleat is altered slightly when they are estrous, signaling to bucks that they are ready to mate. Any buck that doesn’t already have a mate will quickly become interested.

 

Learning about communication between inhabitants of nature could make one believe that human communication is rather simple. Despite the variety of calls, deer only have one main form of communication: making noises. This makes a bit easier on the hunter, but before heading out to the tree stand, be sure that you know the correct timing, tones, and choice of call to make.

 

Top 5 Common Deer Hunting Mistakes: Nine Bar Ranch Weighs In

common deer hunting mistakes

You’ve been anxiously anticipating the first day of deer hunting season; the time of year when the bucks let their guards down and the hunters pick up their rifles. Knocking down a trophy is challenging, and making rookie errors will only make it that much harder to hit your target. If you’re a hunting newbie, you’ve probably landed on this page to learn how to avoid some of the most common deer hunting mistakes. Only experienced hunters can pass on their years of wisdom, which is why Nine Bar Ranch is here to help you.

 

1.      Being Rowdy and Rambunctious

One of the top secrets to a successful hunting escapade is stealth. Many hunters scare away any deer by moving around too much. Even if you can’t visibly see a deer, it doesn’t mean that it’s safe to wiggle around or fidget in your tree stand. Here’s the thing: deer will almost always spot you before you will spot them. Too many hunters lose their focus, make noise, and lose a target before it’s even in their sights.

NOTE: Banging a rifle against a tree or clanking an accessory against the tree stand is a warning alarm for any deer.

 

 

2.      Making Too Many Wrong Calls

Many hunters are “call happy” which will quickly drive deer out of the area. Our tip is to only call if you physically see a buck, but he’s not moving in your direction. You’re not going to lose anything by doing this; making an appropriate call at a time like this can lure a buck closer to you. Calling blind doesn’t always work. Your hunting experience won’t look the same as what you may have seen on popular hunting shows on tv. On the other hand, if a deer is coming towards you, don’t make a single sound. If he changes directions and begins to walk away from you – try calling him. Your best bet is to err on the side of less calling.

 

3.        Hunting at the Wrong Time of Day

It’s easy to get out in the tree stand at the wrong time of day. In general, a majority of deer movements are made during their feeding periods – just before and right at dawn as well as around sunset. Deer are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active between sunset and sunrise. They spend daylight hours sleeping.

There is a lot of information online regarding deer movements and feeding habits relating to lunar phases. While the moon can have some effect on deer feeding patterns, it is our opinion that you’ll get better results relying on weather conditions over phases of the moon. Research shows that deer prefer cooler weather – even in Texas – so anytime a cold front is predicted, get your gear ready and head out to your tree stand.

 

4.        Failing to Neutralize Your Scent 

Some hunters don’t realize the impact of even subtle human (and artificial) scents out in the wilderness. Chances are, after last year’s hunting season, you hung your hunting gear in your garage and that’s where it stayed for the next several months. You can’t go out in the woods with smelly overalls and flannels. A mature buck has an incredible nose. One sniff of your human scent and he will be evacuating the area ASAP. Wash your clothes with unscented detergent and store them in an air-tight, scent free bag. Shower with unscented soap just prior to a hunt, and use field spray. It’s even helpful to get dressed out in the field, if possible. Scent control could double your advantage.

 

5.        Lacking persistence

It’s been shown that most deer follow a three-day cycle. Hunters who move their tree stand after one or two days of not seeing any deer will go home empty-handed and frustrated. Just like most things in life, hunting requires some time and patience to be successful. You obviously don’t want to continue going back to a “dead” area if you never see anything, but don’t make the mistake of ditching a spot too early. Give it at least three days before you move to a new spot.

 

Basic Deer Hunting Techniques

basic deer hunting techniques

Teddy Roosevelt once said, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” You may be surprised that in addition to this referencing Roosevelt’s perspective on foreign policy and handling crisis, it can also be applied in the sport of hunting. The soft, tiptoed footsteps through the woods paired with a tight grip on your choice of weapon epitomizes the phrase above. Just as Roosevelt preferred to avoid violence unless necessary, but continued to “carry a big stick” in order to intimidate and take action if needed, a hunter carries a “big stick” so they’re ready at the sight of a deer. Being stealthy isn’t the only necessity to hunting, but it’s the first step. A few basic deer hunting techniques (along with being quiet) will you have you wrangling home a prize in no time.

Hunting isn’t a recently discovered sport; it’s been around for longer than we can even imagine. Though it’s not a pastime for everyone, it can be addictive to some. Something about the silence and serenity of the woods lures people back for more. Perhaps you’re a rookie hunter and are looking for a few quick tips before you go out.

Let’s start with finding a place to hunt. Before hunting season begins, you may want to check out hunting spots near you. It’s important to make sure you won’t be hunting on someone else’s property, or if you are, ask their permission. Our advice: take some time to walk through the area in which you’ll be hunting to scope out any tracks or droppings. Wooded environments with apple, oak, or beech trees in the fall and brush and trees that are next to crop fields in the summer are sure to attract deer.

If you’re looking for advice from professionals in your area, try calling the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in your state or the Wildlife Resources Commission. Let them know that you’re a first time hunter and they’ll give you advice on hunting areas near you. Once you officially set out, don’t forget to take a compass and map. The last thing you want to do is get lost.

Next step: choose the desired weapon. You don’t have a ton of options to choose from, but the two most common are a rifle and a bow. Check to see if your state has certain requirements on which weapons are permitted. Once you know which rifle or bow that you’ll be using, become proficient. The most essential, but probably the most neglected, requirements for safe hunting are proficiency and familiarity with your weapon. If you’re a first-timer, figure out which weapon you plan to use a few months ahead of time so that you have an opportunity to get comfortable.

Typically, rifles should be .243 caliber or larger and bows should be no less than 45-pound-pull. Practice shooting from a variety of positions – kneeling, standing, sitting, etc. Also, it’s good to practice shooting from different ranges. Don’t overestimate your shooting range. You should be able to hit the heart-lung area of a deer (about a 6-inch-diameter circle) several times in a row. It’s important to be confident in your skills before aiming at live meat.

Before you go into the woods, make you’re properly dressed. Yes, camouflage is incredibly helpful, but you don’t want to be mistaken for an animal. Make sure to wear some type of orange on you. You can also increase your stealth by washing your clothes in baking powder and storing them in a bag with the foliage of a local evergreen.

Now you’re ready to enter the woods. You’ve located hunting grounds and honed in on your sharpshooting skills, and you’re ready to set up a tree stand. Once you’ve parked yourself, be patient and silent. Now is when you speak (or step) softly and carry a big stick (or weapon). Take your time-good things come to those who wait. If you don’t immediately find a prize, keep trying. If you don’t already, you may just come to love the beautiful sport of hunting.

When preparing to go hunting, you can also give us a call here at Nine Bar Ranch and we can help you with all of your hunting needs!

 

Why We Stand out Above Other Hunting Ranches in North Texas

hunting ranches in north texas

Do you ever get that relentless craving to satisfy your sweet tooth? You probably scavenge
for your favorite candy or sift through the freezer for a box of ice cream. We can all relate to
food cravings, but have you ever craved an exciting and unique adventure in the southern
United States? Look no further than the finest of all hunting ranches in North Texas: Nine
Bar Ranch.

Located about 45 minutes northwest of Dallas/Fort Worth, Nine Bar Ranch is owned and
operated by the Waggoner-Sauder family. With over 12,000 acres of sprawling Texas land,
our family and the ranch have been a part of the Texas ranching community for a century.
Because we strive to be family-oriented, when you arrive for your hunting trip, we hope you
immediately feel like family. On our ranch today, members of the Sauder family and Jim
Bob Little keep the ranch operating at top speed. As part of our family-oriented ranch, we
provide delicious meals, welcoming lodging, hunting guides, and care after harvest,
including field dressing, skinning, and quartering.

We offer unique seasonal packages such as the turkey/hog combo, with which you can
harvest one turkey and unlimited hogs. If you’re interested in an additional turkey, it’s only
$200. Also, this two-day hunt provides meals, housing, and a hunting guide. Our other
seasonal package is a dove hunting package. For only $150 per hunter, you can do five
group hunts per season with up to 40 hunters in each group. This package is especially
useful for group hunting, making it one of our most unique packages!

Among our 12,000 acres, we have 2,500 acres fenced off exclusively for exotic game
hunting, while the rest remains free-range. The Texas landscape is incomparable, and we
do our best to give our guests the greatest views. Even more beautiful are the two creeks
that run through the ranch, the Catlett Creek and the Sweetwater Creek. These aren’t the
only waterways on the property; there are many more small creeks as well as large fresh
water tanks. This means that the wildlife at Nine Bar Ranch do not feel pressured as they
may feel in other settings. When you combine creeks with the incomparable topography and
land structure, you end up with a beautiful, natural landscape that pairs an unrivaled hunting
experience with unique game.

Our hunting guides are professionals at what they do. Many of them have grown up on
ranches their entire lives and know their way around. Their goal is to give you the absolute
best hunting experience that you could imagine using their knowledge and expertise.
Depending on your desires for the hunt, you will either use the spot and stalk method or the
hunting blind method. Most shots are taken within 200 yards, which almost guarantees that
you will bring home the trophy you’ve been imagining.

Nine Bar Ranch is committed to providing the best experience possible so that you can
satisfy that craving. We hope that it will be all that you’ve dream it to be. If you have a
“hunting” tooth to satisfy, visit our website, send us an email, or give us a call. We’d love to
answer any questions you may have and give you a warm invitation to come hunt with us!

For Exotic Game Hunts, Texas’ Nine Bar Ranch Doesn’t Disappoint

Exotic Game Hunts, Texas

Are you ready for an experience of a lifetime? If you’ve ever envisioned experiencing exotic game hunts, Texas is legendary for its variety of species, thus is the ideal state for such an endeavor. At Nine Bar Ranch, we have over 12,000 acres of beautiful scenery and hunting grounds. As part of the Texas ranching community since the early 1900s, our staff is committed to leading our customers to the best game in the area. Don’t doubt that you’ll be coming home with a harvest in hand.

Maybe you have a specific animal in mind that you’ve been itching to hunt, or maybe you’re just looking for a new experience. In Texas, game can range from whitetail deer and water buffalo to wild boars (there are plenty of these!), ram, scimitar horned oryx, and even more than 30 types of animals from Africa and other continents and states. Believe it or not, a few species of exotic animals are more common in Texas than in the countries from which they came. Exotic hunting has no in-season or off-season, therefore we are permitted to hunt year-round.

If possible, we typically allow customers to choose the method of exotic hunting that they desire. For example, hunters can opt for the Spot and Stalk method, Stand Hunting, Bow Hunting, Safari Style Hunting, Rifle Hunting, Black Powder, or Handgun. The animal that you are hunting may play a factor in which type of weapon that you choose. The most popular forms of hunting are Stand Hunting, Spot and Stalk, and Safari Style, which is the method that is used in Africa.

A few of the more exotic game species that Nine Bar Ranch focuses on specifically include the scimitar horned oryx, blackbuck antelope, sika deer, hogs, fallow deer, red stag, aoudad, and whitetail deer. Each species has their own hunting parameters, such as the season in which they are most active and their behavior patterns. Our ranch provides information for our hunters about each animal and our leaders will assist in coming home with a trophy.

For example, the fallow deer is especially sensitive to all scents. It is advised to avoid using any scented products the day before and the day of your hunt for fallow deer, including soaps, shampoo, laundry detergent and cologne. Additionally, fallow deer display an alert posture when they sense a threat; this could mean that they are about to flee. This is only a short example of the kind of information we provide our hunters with for each species.

If you’re even slightly considering a trip to Texas to experience exotic game hunting, don’t wait another minute. Some of the best locations for exotic game are located in the Lone Star State. Nine Bar Ranch offers competitive prices and a variety of packages for our customers. With our packages come meals and lodging, as well as guidance and care for game after harvest. Unlike some ranches, we don’t require any trophy fees. We would love to give you an unforgettable exotic game hunting experience, so don’t hesitate to contact us or visit our website!

Where are the Best Deer Hunts Near Fort Worth?

deer hunts near fort worth

If you are looking to experience one of the best deer hunts near Fort Worth (and Dallas) metroplex area, look no further than Nine Bar Ranch. Less than an hour from the hustle and bustle of big city life, this 100-year old historic ranch is the ideal location for your complete hunting experience. Owned by the Waggoner-Sauder family, a prominent fixture in the Texas ranching community for years, Nine Bar Ranch offers exclusive hunting opportunities, comfortable amenities, and Texas hospitality with an all-inclusive ranch experience.

Nine Bar Ranch History

Established in 1917, Nine Bar Ranch has a rich local history and has become a legacy ranch. John Luther (J.L.) Waggoner, son of Wise County Pioneer J.T. Waggoner, founded the ranch with the initial purchase of 1,470 acres northeast of Decatur, TX. Waggoner had a life-long appreciation of the Texas landscape around him and he continued to purchase tracts of land until his death in 1948.

Waggoner’s wife, Marie Patterson Waggoner, carried on the legacy of her husband with the help of their daughter, Johnnie Marie Waggoner Sauder, and several devoted ranch cowboys. The legacy of the ranch has been dutifully upheld by members of the Sauder family and Jim Bob Little, who has lived on the ranch for over forty years. The people who work on Nine Bar Ranch truly have a deep love for the land and a practiced knowledge of the property.

The Ranch Today

Today, Nine Bar Ranch utilizes the beautiful Texas landscape to enhance guests’ hunting experiences. Situated on over 12,000 acres of land, the ranch has 2,500 acres of high-fenced land that is stocked exclusively for exotic hunts while the remaining land is free-ranging. The tracts of land on the ranch are made-up of a variety of types of topography and ground cover, ensuring a unique and diverse environment for guests to explore and hunt. Two live creeks, Catlett Creek and Sweetwater Creek, flow through the property along with several other large and small fresh water ground tanks. The expansive tracts and varied terrain provide a natural setting for game and a full, rich hunting experience not often found so close to major cities.

deer hunts near fort worth

All hunts at Nine Bar Ranch are fully guided by seasoned, professional guides who know the ranch inside and out. Most of these guides have spent their whole lives on the grounds of the ranch. These knowledgeable experts are here to help facilitate your ideal hunting experience. Hunting is either in the form of spot and stalk or in hunting blinds – depending on your individual hunting needs and wants. Most shots are inside 200 yards, ensuring you get to bring home the trophy you are after. Deer hunts are conducted one-on-one. At Nine Bar Ranch, you call the shots. Customizable hunts are always available and the experienced staff at the ranch will help plan and facilitate the hunt of your dreams.

Species Available to Hunt at Nine Bar Ranch

Diversity is a key part of the experience offered at Nine Bar Ranch, with local and exotic hunts available including: Whitetail Deer, Texas Aoudad, Axis, Blackbuck Antelope, Fallow, Sika, Red Deer, Scimitar Horned Oryx, Hogs, and more. The ranch also hosts several kinds of wing hunts, including dove hunts, as well as predator and varmint hunts. For several species, hunts are offered year round. All hunts are at least two days long. The staff is happy to arrange additional days for an extended stay on the ranch. The full, diverse spectrum of the unique hunting experiences offered at Nine Bar Ranch, including pricing, can be found on our website.

deer hunts near fort worth

Beyond the Hunt: Trophy Processing and Amenities

After each hunt, the ranch provides skinning racks and two large walk-in coolers to process and store your trophy so you can take it home and enjoy. The capable staff can also arrange local processing, taxidermy, and shipping of trophies. Nine Bar Ranch takes care of all of your hunting needs.

What is better than kicking your feet up after a successful day of hunting? Nine Bar Ranch offers home-style lodging and dining options. The stone lodge includes six comfortable bedrooms, three bathrooms, a kitchen, and also features a game room and a party barn. Experience true Texas hospitality with a delicious and hearty home-cooked meal prepared right in front of you. Enjoy a relaxing night with friends and family under the stars around a roaring fire. Nine Bar Ranch aims to offer an exclusive hunting experience with comfortable, charming accommodations and all the amenities.

Your exclusive, custom-made hunting experience is waiting for you at Nine Bar Ranch!

 

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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