Exotic game hunting is not regulated by the state government since the animals considered "exotic" are not native to the state or even to the United States. Only imported animals can be considered exotic, and therefore are under the control of the owners, not of the government. The same is not true for native species such as Whitetail deer, even if they are born and raised on a confined Texas hunting ranch or game lease. Elk, originally a native species but then reintroduced, are under the same regulation.

Basically as far as the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is concerned, management with regards hunting of these exotics is based on the decision of the management of the exotic game hunting ranch. Game managers have to determine what is a reasonable number of males and females of each species to allow to be harvested each year. Incorrect management of the herds can result in low numbers for years to come or overcrowding of the grazing ranges within the given area. Most game managers are very good at what they do, ensuring that mature males and females in the right numbers are maintained to keep the herds at the appropriate levels for the hunters as well as the food supply.

What happens to wounded animals in exotic game hunting situations that don't result in a kill?

All the guides and staff at exotic game hunting ranches are conservationists and managers by job description. As such they are responsible for ensuring, whenever possible, that all wounded animals are tracked down and killed as quickly as can occur. In reality there are very few seriously wounded animals that are not located and killed since they will leave a considerable trail for an experienced tracker.

Animals that are just grazed or have a slight flesh wound are often very quick to recover on their own. Of course guides watch the condition of the animals when they come to feed and any injured animals can be harvested as required. Ensuring that all hunters on the ranch work with guides also helps to cut down on any injured animals being left behind on the hunt.

Where can I go to get the meat properly processed?

Not all exotic game hunting ranches are going to provide field dressing and quartering of your kill, but this is a service offered by the staff at Escondido Ranch. After the meat is quartered and packed, you then have the option to take it to a wild meat processor in your area for further processing. Many hunters also butcher the animal themselves, there are several guides and charts available online that are simple to follow and give you the basic cuts. Making hamburger, sausage or even jerky with the meat is a simple and delicious way to make short work of butchering as well.

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The best information on what specifically you will need for your hunt is typically located on the website or in the brochure for the specific Texas exotics hunting ranch you are booking at. Most will require that you bring your own weapon and ammunition, plus they will also require that you have any necessary hunting licenses or documentation prior to your arrival at the ranch. In many cases, especially here at Escondido Ranch, there is a store just a few miles away in Junction where hunting licenses can be obtained if necessary.

Other supplies you will need to provide are some basic clothing, dressing in layers is the best option since the temperature can really change. Even in the early morning and late evening the temperature can be hot, so bring a few extra short sleeved shirts and some shorts or comfortable clothes for those hot evenings, especially in the summer. Bug spray and other items such as scent eliminator are other ideas to consider.

Bring sensible footwear that is comfortable yet provides you with protection. Hiking boots or other leather footwear is a good option, especially if you are planning on doing some walking while you are scoping out the sites on the Texas exotics hunting ranch.

How many people will be at a Texas exotics hunting ranch at any given time?

It is really hard to give a definitive answer on this type of question. Some of the Texas exotics hunting ranches that lease many different hunting sites and hundred of acres of land on each site may have dozens of hunting parties on the go at any one time.

At Escondido, the philosophy is a little more relaxed and a lot more focused on quality rather than quantity. On this Texas exotics hunting ranch you won't be constantly running into other hunters, finding someone else at the blind you wanted to use or getting there earlier than you and scaring off all the animals. Our focus is on ensuring that smaller parties of hunters have the option to hunt all over the full two square miles of fenced land, providing lots of hunting options.

How can I find out what dates are available at the Escondido Texas exotics hunting ranch?

The Escondido Ranch website features a really unique option that allows hunters to see what dates we have available for hunts. This is an interactive calendar, which means you can check availability at any time, any day or from anywhere that you have internet access. Simply click on the link that says "calendar" and you will see a block of 4 months, starting with the current month. You can scroll over to upcoming months simply by clicking the next button in the top right hand corner. Yellow blocks on the calendar indicate unavailable days and all white days are available. It is a first come first serve basis so don't wait to book your hunting package.

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