Management Whitetail Hunt at Stonewall Ranch
Private Trip
Active hunting
Hunt mature management bucks on Texas Stonewall RanchThreeday guided experience with expert field preparation includedConservationfocused hunting maintains healthy herd quality standards
Ready to get your tag filled with a solid management buck in the heart of Texas? ATX Outfitters has carved out something special at Stonewall Ranch - a 3-day guided hunt that strikes the perfect balance between quality hunting and responsible herd management. Guide Tye Grissom knows this property like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on mature bucks that need to come out of the population. This isn't about chasing record books; it's about smart hunting, conservation-minded decisions, and taking home a buck you'll be proud to hang on the wall.
This hunt runs for three full days, giving you plenty of time to pattern deer movement and make the right shot when it counts. Tye operates with a single hunter at a time, so you're getting his full attention and decades of local knowledge without competing for prime spots or rushing your shots. The ranch management program means you're targeting specific bucks that need harvesting to keep the herd balanced - think mature animals in the 4.5 to 7.5 year range that have good body mass but may not have the genetic potential for trophy antlers. You'll stay comfortable in a cozy cabin right on the property if you want, which beats driving back and forth to town each day. The atmosphere here is relaxed but focused - no pressure to take the first deer you see, but when you spot the right management buck, Tye will help you make it happen. Field dressing and initial processing is handled on-site, so your deer gets proper care immediately after the shot.
Stonewall Ranch sits in classic Texas whitetail country with a mix of hardwood bottoms, cedar breaks, and open senderos that create natural funnels for deer movement. Morning hunts typically start from elevated blinds positioned along travel corridors between bedding and feeding areas. Tye has spent years learning how deer use this property, so blind placement isn't random - every spot has a purpose based on wind direction, time of season, and deer patterns. Afternoon sits often focus on food sources and water features, especially during dry spells when deer concentrate around reliable water sources. The terrain allows for multiple hunting methods depending on conditions. Some days you might be sitting over a protein feeder, other times you're watching a natural funnel where deer cross between timber and open areas. Shot distances vary, but most opportunities come between 75 and 200 yards, so bring a rifle you're confident with at those ranges. Tye carries a rangefinder and knows the exact yardage from every blind to key landmarks, taking guesswork out of the equation when a buck steps out.
White-tailed deer in this part of Texas are built different than their northern cousins - they're adapted to the climate and terrain, with body weights typically ranging from 130 to 180 pounds for mature bucks. The management focus here targets bucks that are past their prime breeding years or show genetic traits that don't contribute positively to the herd. You might encounter a 6-year-old eight-pointer with heavy mass but limited spread, or a 5-year-old ten-pointer with one side significantly smaller than the other. These deer have lived long enough to contribute their genetics but now need to be removed to make room for younger, more genetically diverse animals. Texas whitetails are most active during the cooler parts of the day, with peak movement happening in the first and last two hours of legal shooting light. During the rut period, which typically runs from late October through December, buck behavior becomes more predictable as they focus on checking doe groups and establishing dominance. The deer on Stonewall Ranch have been managed for years, so they exhibit more natural behaviors compared to heavily pressured public land animals. They still maintain healthy wariness, but they're not spooked by every truck door or footstep, which gives you better opportunities for clean, ethical shots.
ATX Outfitters has built their reputation on putting hunters in the right place at the right time while maintaining a commitment to proper wildlife management. The $300 reservation fee shows you're serious about the hunt and secures your dates, with total hunt costs typically falling between $900 and $1,300 depending on the specific deer you harvest. This pricing structure keeps things fair - you're not paying trophy fees for a management animal, but the cost reflects the quality of the experience and the expertise Tye brings to every hunt. Meals aren't included, but the cabin has cooking facilities, or you can grab food in nearby Stonewall or Fredericksburg. This hunt works for both experienced hunters looking for a relaxed, well-managed property and newer hunters who want to learn proper deer assessment and shot placement from a seasoned guide. Book your spot now and get ready for three days of quality hunting in some of Texas's best whitetail country.
Texas whitetails are built for our landscape - mature bucks here average 130-180 pounds with thick necks and sturdy frames. They're smart, using creek bottoms, oak motts, and senderos to travel between feeding and bedding areas. Dawn and dusk are prime times, especially during the November rut when bucks drop their guard chasing does. Our deer are corn-fed and produce excellent table fare. What makes hunting them special is the chess match - they learn your patterns fast and use the terrain to their advantage. The rush when a mature buck finally steps into range after days of patience is hard to beat. Pro tip: glass those fence lines where thick cover meets open areas. Bucks love to pause there before committing to cross, giving you that perfect shot opportunity you've been waiting for.
Texas