Axis Doe Hunt on the Stonewall Ranch Texas
Private Trip
Active hunting
Threeday guided Axis doe hunt on private Texas ranchProfessional guide services with optional cabin lodging includedLowpressure hunting experience suitable for all skill levels
When you're looking for a solid hunting experience that won't leave you stressed about shot placement or breaking the bank, this 3-day Axis doe hunt with ATX Outfitters hits the sweet spot. Guide Tye Grissom knows the Stonewall Ranch like the back of his hand, and he's built this hunt around giving you multiple opportunities without the pressure that comes with trophy hunting. You'll have the entire ranch to yourself – no competing with other hunters or worrying about overcrowded blinds. Just you, your guide, and some of the best Axis deer hunting Texas has to offer. The $300 deposit covers everything you need: guide services, field prep, and if you want it, cabin lodging so you're not driving back and forth every day.
This isn't your typical Texas high-fence operation where deer walk up like livestock. The Stonewall Ranch gives you that authentic hunting feel while still offering the reliability of private land. You'll start each morning with Tye going over the game plan – wind direction, recent sightings, and which areas are producing. The ranch has a good mix of senderos, oak motts, and open pasture, so you'll get to experience different hunting scenarios throughout your stay. Some sits might be from elevated blinds overlooking feeders, while others could be spot-and-stalk opportunities when the deer are moving between bedding and feeding areas. Tye's been guiding here long enough to know when to switch tactics, and since it's just you and him, there's plenty of flexibility to adapt based on what the deer are doing. The beauty of targeting does is you'll typically see more action – these girls travel in groups and aren't as spooky as the mature bucks.
The Hill Country terrain around Stonewall gives you everything from rocky outcrops to creek bottoms lined with live oaks. Tye will walk you through reading Axis sign – their tracks are smaller and more pointed than whitetail, and their droppings are distinctly pellet-shaped. These deer love to bed in the cedar breaks during the day and move out to the openings in the evening. Wind is always a factor in Texas, so you'll spend time each morning checking direction and planning your approach accordingly. The ranch roads are well-maintained, so getting to your spots won't beat you up, but be ready for some walking when the deer are holding tight in cover. Tye provides field dressing and basic processing, which is huge if you're not used to handling your own game. He'll also help with proper shot placement – Axis deer are built a bit differently than whitetail, with their vitals positioned slightly forward. Most shots here are inside 150 yards, so you don't need to worry about long-range precision.
Axis does are some of the most rewarding deer you can hunt in Texas. These animals originally came from India but have adapted incredibly well to the Texas climate and terrain. A mature doe will dress out around 70-90 pounds, giving you plenty of excellent table fare without the waste that comes with larger game. Unlike whitetail, Axis deer don't have a defined rutting season – they breed year-round, which means you'll often see them in family groups with does, fawns, and sometimes a young buck tagging along. They're more vocal than whitetail too, making a distinctive alarm bark when spooked. What makes them special is their wariness combined with curiosity – they'll test you as a hunter but won't disappear at the first sign of pressure. The does are particularly alert because they're usually protecting young, so your movement and scent control need to be on point. Their spotted coats make them challenging to pick out in dappled sunlight, especially when they're standing in oak motts. But once you pattern their movement between feeding and bedding areas, you'll start to see why Texas hunters have fallen in love with these deer.
This hunt delivers exactly what it promises – a low-key, high-success opportunity to harvest quality game while learning from an experienced local guide. The three-day format gives you enough time to really understand the deer patterns and make adjustments if your first day doesn't pan out. You're not rushed, you're not competing with other hunters, and you're working with someone who wants to see you succeed. The cabin option means you can stay on the property and really immerse yourself in the hunt rather than treating it like a day trip. At $300 to reserve your spot, it's one of the more affordable guided hunts you'll find in Texas, especially when you factor in the personal attention and private ranch access. Whether you're new to hunting Axis deer or just want a relaxed hunt without the pressure of trophy fees, this setup with ATX Outfitters gives you everything you need for a successful trip. Tye's calendar fills up during peak season, so if the dates work for your schedule, don't wait too long to secure your reservation.
Axis deer are stunning animals originally from India that have thrived here in Texas for decades. Does typically weigh 90-150 pounds and are known for their golden-brown coats with white spots that stay year-round. They're incredibly alert with keen senses, making them a challenging target that keeps you sharp. You'll find them in oak woodlands and open pastures, especially around water sources during our hot summers. The meat is exceptional - lean, mild, and some of the best venison you'll taste. Fall through early spring offers prime hunting as they're more active in cooler weather. Here's a tip from years of guiding: glass the edge areas where thick cover meets open ground right at dawn. They love to feed in the open but want that security blanket nearby. Their hearing is remarkable, so move slow and deliberate when you spot one.
Texas