Fallow deer hunting takes place right in the middle of the Texas Hill Country, where the land is rocky and hilly. The area also has plenty of oak trees and thick cedar patches that fallow deer use to hide and move around. The sunrises and sunsets out here are hard to beat; they are some of the best you will ever see.
The land can get pretty dry, and the rocky ground can make walking challenging in some spots. That is why most fallow deer hunts are done from comfortable stands, usually box blinds, but sometimes we use ladder stands or hang-on stands, depending on what weapon you are using. Shots are typically around 80 to 100 yards from the stand to the feeder, or even closer if you are hunting with a bow. Most of our fallow deer hunting stands can fit up to three people, but honestly, two people is the sweet spot if you want more space and an easier time moving around.
Texas Fallow Deer Hunting Season
Here at Hill Country Adventures, our Texas fallow deer hunting season is from mid-August through February. Around August, the fallow bucks rub the velvet off their antlers, and they usually drop them in March. We also avoid hunting fallow does outside of that timeframe because they are pregnant, so we try to be mindful of the herd. Overall, while fallow deer hunting is available all year, those months are when we focus on planning your hunting trip.
The only other factor that affects when our hunters head out to the field during our fallow deer hunting season, besides weather, is when the sun rises and sets. Most hunters show up between noon and 2 PM. In the summer, you can get here a little later, around 3 PM, and still have plenty of time to hunt fallow deer. When you arrive, we will take some time to meet, go over the details of your fallow deer hunting trip, and make sure your weapon is sighted in before heading out to your stand. We usually plan for your first hunt to start about 3 to 4 hours before sunset, and in the mornings, you will head out about 1 hour before daylight.
At the end of each sit, one of our guides will come pick up your fallow deer, take some photos of you with your harvest out in the field, and then bring you back to the lodge for a good meal. After the morning sit, we serve a big breakfast or brunch, and most people like to relax, hang out at the lodge, or even enjoy a nap. Once the afternoon gets closer, we will go over the plan and decide which stands will give you the best chance for your next hunt. At Hill Country Adventures, we do everything we can to help you harvest that trophy fallow deer. If you are feeling up for it, you can also head right back out to hunt after breakfast. It is totally up to you how much you want to be out there. The afternoon hunt usually goes until dark, and then it is back to camp to enjoy a filling dinner.
Along with our main hunting lodge, we also have some private lodging options for those looking for a little more comfort and privacy. One choice is a two-bedroom setup with a Jack-and-Jill style bathroom. Each room has a queen bed, and while the shower is shared, each bedroom has its own toilet and sink area. We have also recently added two new private suites that offer a more upscale feel. Each one has its own full bathroom, complete with a large tub and a custom walk-in shower, giving you a more relaxing and comfortable place to stay.
Meals During Your Fallow Deer Hunt
When you book your trophy fallow deer hunt, we will go over meal plans and any food preferences you or your group have so everything fits your stay. A typical breakfast usually includes things like eggs, bacon, biscuits with gravy, and fresh fruit. If you want something lighter, that is totally fine, but if you are really hungry, you might want to try one of our favorites like the "castle breakfast" (our popular breakfast pizza) or an egg bake, which is kind of like a breakfast-style lasagna. If you need to head straight out for a morning hunt, we can also make grab-and-go options like breakfast burritos.
We do not usually serve a full lunch, but there is always food around if you get hungry before the afternoon fallow deer hunt. We keep sandwich supplies and snacks ready to go. Dinner changes from night to night and can include things like steak with sides, build-your-own fajitas, marinated pork, or chicken dishes. Sometimes we even bring in some Louisiana-style cooking, like shrimp boils or crawfish when it is in season. If you are in the mood for something different, we can also set up catered meals like Thai, Chinese, or Italian. Our main goal is to keep you full, energized, and ready to hunt.
Recommended Fallow Deer Hunting Gear
Recommended fallow deer hunting gear to bring on your trip includes good camo clothing, a rangefinder, and something to help you stay steady, like a walking stick or shooting stick. You will also want a solid pair of binoculars (at least 10x zoom), your weapon of choice, and at least one box of ammo if you are using a rifle. When it comes to footwear, a good pair of lace-up boots is highly recommended; they work a lot better than rubber boots out here.
If you are coming during the summer, be ready for the heat. Bring a hat for shade and wear lightweight, breathable clothes since it can get really hot in the Texas Hill Country. It is also a good idea to check the weather before your trip, so you know what to pack based on your comfort level. You can use zip code 78631 to get the local forecast.
Guided Fallow Deer Hunts
Our guided fallow deer hunts are set up to give you a smooth and easy experience from beginning to end. When you arrive, your guide will greet you, help you get settled into your room, and go over the required paperwork at the lodge. Before heading out to hunt fallow deer, your hunting guide will take you to the range so you can fire a few shots and make sure your rifle is dialed in correctly. Once everything seems ready, you will collect your gear and head out to the ranch, ready to get started.
Your hunting guide will stay with you the whole time during your fallow deer hunt, helping out and sharing their experience along the way. After you harvest an animal, your hunting guide will take some photos to capture the moment, then take care of getting it transported so it can be properly cleaned and prepared. After that, you can kick back and relax while we handle everything else.
During your guided fallow deer hunt, you might also get the chance to go after other exotic animals on the ranch. Your guide can show you pictures of what is in season and available to hunt, and they will explain the different types of animals on the property so you can see the other options available during your trip.
All-Inclusive Guided Fallow Deer Hunting Package Pricing
Our all-inclusive fallow deer hunting package covers just about everything you need. It includes a two-night stay, three days of hunting, a guide, field care and processing of your animal, meals, and one trophy fallow buck. You will arrive early in the afternoon and head out to hunt that same day. The next day includes both a morning and afternoon hunt, and on your last day, you will hunt that morning before heading out around noon. Once you have harvested your fallow buck, you can keep hunting during the rest of your stay. You will have the chance to hunt coyotes and hogs at no extra cost for the rest of your trip.