Our trophy red stag hunts take place in the rugged heart of the Hill Country, where rocky ground and rolling hills define the landscape. The terrain features abundant oak trees and dense cedar thickets that provide natural cover for the red stags. The scenery alone is remarkable, with sunrises and sunsets that are unmatched in their beauty. Due to the typically dry conditions and uneven, rocky footing, navigating the property can be demanding in certain areas, adding an extra layer of excitement to a classic spot-and-stalk red stag hunt.
For those who prefer a more stationary approach, we suggest beginning your red stag hunt from one of our well-appointed stands. Options include enclosed box blinds and elevated, pre-manufactured hunting stands. Distances from the stands to feeders generally range between 80 and 100 yards. While many of our stands are spacious enough to accommodate up to three people, we recommend limiting occupancy to two for optimal comfort and ease of movement.
Texas Red Stag Hunting Season
At Hill Country Adventures, the red stag hunting season is all year-round, with timing guided by herd conditions and seasonal behavior in the rugged Texas Hill Country. From late September through October, the rut brings heightened activity as stags pursue hinds, creating prime spot-and-stalk opportunities across rocky, rolling terrain dotted with oak trees and dense cedar thickets that provide natural cover. Around February, stags begin shedding their antlers, making the period from September through February the most popular and productive time to pursue these majestic animals. Hunting strategies and daily schedules are adjusted throughout the year based on sunrise and sunset, with most guests arriving between noon and 2:00 PM, though summer arrivals can be as late as 3:00 PM and still allow ample preparation time. This arrival window ensures time for introductions, reviewing red stag hunt details, confirming rifles are properly sighted in, and getting settled into a stand for the first outing. Hunters are typically in position three to four hours before sunset for afternoon hunts and about an hour before daybreak for morning hunts, maximizing movement during peak activity periods.
Following each red stag hunt, your guide will recover any harvested animal, capture field photos with your trophy, and transport you back to the lodge to enjoy a satisfying meal. After the morning hunt, we serve a hearty breakfast or brunch, and many guests take the opportunity to nap or unwind at the lodge before heading back out. As the afternoon approaches, you can choose between hunting from a stand or heading out on a guided spot-and-stalk; both options available at no additional cost. For those eager to continue after the morning meal, you’re welcome to return to the field for another spot-and-stalk hunt, which always includes a guide. Our team at Hill Country Adventures is committed to doing everything possible to help you harvest a trophy red stag. Afternoon stand hunts typically conclude at dark, followed by a return to camp for a filling dinner and time to relax.
In addition to the primary red stag hunting lodge, we also offer private lodging options for guests seeking extra comfort and seclusion. One option includes a two-bedroom Jack-and-Jill layout featuring queen beds in each room; the only shared space is the shower, while each bedroom has its own private toilet and vanity. We have also recently added two additional private suites, each with a fully independent bathroom that includes a soaking tub and a custom walk-in shower for a more luxurious stay.
Meals During Your Red Stag Hunt
When confirming your trophy red stag hunt reservation, we’ll go over meal plans and dining preferences for you and your group to ensure everything is tailored to your stay. A standard breakfast typically includes eggs, bacon, biscuits with gravy, and fresh fruit. Guests who prefer something lighter can opt for a simpler start to the day, while those wanting a hearty twist often choose favorites like our highly popular breakfast pizza (the “castle breakfast”) or an egg bake, similar to lasagna but made entirely with breakfast ingredients. If the morning schedule calls for heading straight back into the field, we’ll prepare convenient options such as breakfast burritos to take along.
While we don’t prepare a formal lunch, food is always available for anyone who gets hungry before the afternoon hunt. Sandwich fixings and a variety of snacks are kept on hand. Dinner menus rotate and may include home-cooked steak with sides, a build-your-own fajita bar, marinated pork steaks, chicken dinners, or a touch of Louisiana flavor featuring Cajun specialties like shrimp boils, or when in season, crawfish, and other regional favorites. If preferred, we can also arrange catered meals, with options such as Thai, Chinese, or Italian cuisine. Our goal is to keep you well-fed, energized, and ready for every hunt.
Recommended Red Stag Hunting Gear
It’s essential to arrive properly equipped with the right red stag hunting gear for your hunting trip. Key items include quality camouflage clothing, a reliable range finder, a walking stick or monopod shooting stick, and binoculars with at least 10x magnification. Bring your preferred firearm along with a minimum of one box of ammunition if you are rifle hunting. Sturdy lace-up boots are highly recommended, as they provide better support and traction, especially for spot-and-stalk hunts across the rocky hill country terrain. While rubber boots are acceptable, lace-up boots generally perform much better in uneven conditions.
If you’re visiting during the summer months, be prepared for the intense Texas heat. A wide-brimmed hat for sun protection and lightweight, breathable clothing are strongly advised. Before traveling, check the local forecast to pack appropriately for your comfort level. For the most accurate weather information, use the local zip code 78631 when reviewing conditions.
Guided Red Stag Hunts
At Hill Country Adventures, our guided red stag hunts provide a fully supported hunting experience from start to finish. Upon arrival, your guide will welcome you, help you get settled into your room, and walk you through signing the required release form at the lodge. Before heading into the field, your guide will take you to the shooting range to fire a confirmation shot and ensure your rifle is properly sighted in. Once everything is confirmed and ready, you’ll gather your gear and head out to the ranch.
Your guide remains by your side throughout each red stag hunt, providing assistance and expertise along the way. After a successful harvest, your guide will take field photos to commemorate the moment and then handle transporting the animal to be properly cleaned, capped, and quartered. From there, you can relax while we take care of the rest.
During your guided red stag hunt, you may also have the opportunity to pursue additional exotic game species available on the ranch. Your guide will share photos of animals that are currently in season and eligible for harvest, as well as explain the range of species found on the property, helping you explore the different hunting options available during your stay.
All-Inclusive Guided Red Stag Hunting Package Pricing
Our all-inclusive guided red stag hunting package provides two nights of lodging and three days of hunting, along with meals, professional guide service, field care, skinning, and comfortable accommodations. The package also includes one trophy red stag. Guests typically arrive early in the afternoon and head out for an evening hunt the same day, followed by morning and afternoon hunts on the second day, and a final morning hunt on the third day before departing around noon. After harvesting your included red stag, you are welcome to continue hunting for coyotes and hogs at no additional cost for the remainder of your stay.
- 200” - 300” - $5,500
- 300” - 340” - $7,500
- 340” - 360” - $9,500
- 360” - 380” - $12,500
- 380” - 400” - $18,500
- 400" plus (call for pricing)