Private Texas Hunt for New Hunters
Private Trip
Hunting from Blinds
Private 8hour hunt designed specifically for beginnersMorning and night hunting options with experienced outfittersSmall groups of 24 hunters ensure personalized instruction
Looking to get into hunting but not sure where to start? WildForever's 8-hour private hunt is built specifically for beginners who want to learn the ropes with experienced Texas outfitters by their side. This isn't some rushed group experience where you're just another number – you'll get personal attention from guides who've been working these Texas lands for years. We keep groups small, usually 2-4 hunters max, so you can ask questions, get hands-on coaching, and actually understand what's happening instead of just sitting quiet in a blind hoping something walks by.
Your hunt splits into two 3-4 hour sessions, giving you a taste of both morning and evening action when game is most active. Morning hunts kick off an hour before first light – yeah, that means you'll be up early, but trust me, there's nothing quite like watching the Texas landscape wake up from your blind. Evening sessions start at 6:15 PM and run until about 10 PM, which means you'll experience night hunting with thermal scopes and see how different the whole game becomes after dark. We're talking feeder hunts here, so you'll be set up in comfortable blinds overlooking established feeding areas where deer and hogs regularly show up. No trudging through thick brush or trying to track animals for miles – this setup lets you focus on learning shot placement, reading animal behavior, and getting comfortable with your rifle without all the extra variables that can overwhelm new hunters.
Texas hunting from blinds is all about patience and positioning, and our guides will walk you through everything from wind direction to shot angles before you even step into the blind. The terrain here varies from open pastures to mesquite thickets, but from your elevated blind position, you'll have clear shooting lanes out to about 150-200 yards in most spots. We use protein feeders that run on timers, so animals get used to showing up at predictable times – usually within an hour of sunrise and sunset. During your hunt, you'll learn to read body language of approaching game, understand when an animal is relaxed versus alert, and most importantly, how to stay still and quiet when that perfect shot opportunity presents itself. Night hunting adds a whole different element with thermal imaging, and our guides will teach you how to use the equipment properly so you're not just guessing where animals are in the dark. The key out here is wind management – deer and hogs have incredible noses, so we'll always position you downwind of likely approach routes.
Mule deer in Texas are different beasts compared to their Rocky Mountain cousins – they're a bit smaller but incredibly smart and adapted to this semi-arid country. Bucks typically weigh 150-200 pounds and sport those distinctive large ears that help them pick up the slightest sound. They're most active during cooler parts of the day, which is why our morning and evening hunts line up perfectly with their feeding patterns. What makes mule deer hunting exciting here is their habit of stopping to look back when spooked, giving experienced hunters a second chance if they're ready for it. These deer are browsers, preferring shrubs and forbs over grass, so they'll often approach feeders more cautiously than whitetails, making shot placement and patience even more critical.
Black-tailed deer are the coastal cousins you'll encounter, especially if we're hunting near areas with more dense cover. They're typically smaller than mule deer, with bucks averaging 120-160 pounds, but they're incredibly wary and have adapted to living in closer proximity to human activity. Their black tail gives them away when they're nervous – you'll see that tail flick up as a warning signal before they bolt. These deer prefer edge habitat where open areas meet thick cover, and they're masters at using terrain to their advantage. During rut season in late fall, bucks become less cautious and more predictable, making it prime time for new hunters to get their first shot opportunity.
Wild hogs are the bread and butter of Texas hunting, and honestly, they're perfect for beginners because they're less spooky than deer and give you more opportunities to practice. Hogs can range anywhere from 80-pound juveniles up to 300-pound boars, and unlike deer, they can show up at feeders any time of day or night. They're destructive to crops and native wildlife, so there's no bag limit and no closed season – you're actually helping the ecosystem by harvesting them. Hogs are tough animals with thick shoulder shields, especially on mature boars, so shot placement is crucial. They travel in groups called sounders, and it's not uncommon to see 6-10 hogs at a feeder at once. The challenge with hogs is they can turn aggressive if wounded, which is why having experienced guides coaching you through the shot is so valuable for new hunters.
This private hunt gives you everything you need to start your hunting journey the right way – experienced instruction, proven locations, and enough time to really understand what you're doing instead of just hoping to get lucky. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer with organic meat, start a new tradition with family, or just want to challenge yourself with a skill that connects you to thousands of years of human heritage, this hunt delivers without overwhelming you with too much too fast. Our guides have seen hundreds of first-time hunters come through, and they know exactly how to build your confidence while keeping safety as the top priority. The deposit is non-refundable, so once you commit, you're locked in – but honestly, most folks are already planning their next hunt before this one's even over. Texas hunting gets in your blood, and there's no better way to start than with guides who genuinely want to see you succeed and become a lifelong hunter.
Black-tailed deer are smaller than their mule deer cousins, with bucks typically running 120-160 pounds. They've got that distinctive black tail and tend to be more secretive, sticking to dense brush and timber. You'll find them in heavy cover near creek bottoms and thick mesquite where they feel safe. They're active year-round but really shine during the rut from November through December when bucks start chasing does. Hunters love them because they're challenging - these deer are spooky and smart, making a successful hunt feel earned. The meat is tender and mild, perfect for the dinner table. Here's what I've learned: they almost always approach feeders from the same trails, so spend time glassing those pathways before your hunt.
Mule deer are solid animals, with mature bucks hitting 150-200 pounds and does around 100-130. You'll recognize them by those big ears and white rump patch. They prefer brushy country with oak mottes and cedar breaks where they can bed down during the day. Around here, they move most at dawn and dusk, especially near feeders and water sources. November through January is prime time when the rut kicks in and bucks get less cautious. What makes them special is the challenge - they're smart, have great eyesight, and that meat is some of the best table fare you'll find. My tip: watch the wind direction and be patient. These deer will circle downwind to scent-check an area before committing to a feeder.
Wild hogs are tough, smart animals that can weigh anywhere from 100 to 300+ pounds. They're built solid with thick hide and sharp tusks on the bigger boars. You'll find them rooting around creek bottoms, wallows, and anywhere there's water and soft ground for digging. They're active year-round, but summer nights and cooler months bring the best action. Hogs move in groups called sounders, and they can show up anytime - day or night. Hunters love the challenge because these animals are unpredictable and the meat makes great sausage and barbecue. The key is staying quiet and being ready for quick shots since they spook easily once they catch your scent. Look for fresh rooting and tracks in the mud.
Texas