Escondido Ranch

Escondido Ranch sits 100 miles west of San Antonio near Interstate 10, eight miles southeast of Junction in Kimble County. The property spans limestone hills, deep canyons, and the Johnson Fork of the Llano River—terrain that's attracted hunters for 10,000 years, from Paleo-Indians to Comanche tribes to modern-day sportsmen.

Managed hunting on the property allows year-round seasons for non-native species without worrying about Texas season dates. Native species follow state seasons.

Exotic Game: - Axis deer (trophy bucks and does) - Fallow deer (trophy bucks) - Sika deer (trophy bucks and does) - Aoudad sheep (trophy and younger animals) - Blackbuck antelope (priced by horn length, 19" and under special pricing) - Scimitar horyx (bull or cow) - Kudu, Nyala, Sable, Dama gazelle, Grants gazelle, Gemsbok, and Simbok available - Feral hogs (any size, year-round)

Native Game: - Whitetail deer bucks (October 1 – February 28, scored by Boone & Crockett: $3,500–$8,500+) - Whitetail does ($750) - Rio Grande tom turkeys ($750, spring season) - Trophy bull elk 5x5 ($7,000, plus $500 per additional point) - Cow elk ($3,500)

Two-day guided hunts include lodging at the Guest House and game cleaning/quartering. Most packages run $1,500–$7,000. All require a $1,500 non-refundable deposit applied toward your game fee.

Youth 16 and under stay free when accompanied by a paying adult. Meals not included but a full kitchen is available (add $200/night per adult if needed).

Guides lead hunters from blinds positioned near animal trails and feeders. You get three hunting opportunities: evening of arrival, morning and evening during your full-day stay, and morning of departure. Check-in is 1 pm, check-out at noon.

Booking early is critical. Weekends and holidays book fastest. If you have flexible dates, you'll have more options. Narrow availability windows require early confirmation.

Before You Arrive: - Ensure your rifle is sighted in and functioning properly - Get recent target practice (especially if it's been weeks) - Obtain a valid Texas hunting license (required for all hunters)

What to Pack: - Layered all-season clothing (t-shirts, sweaters) - Rainproof shell or light jacket - Gloves and hat for winter (December–February) - Good hiking or trail boots year-round

Escondido limits hunts to protect animal populations. Game managers carefully control how many males and females of each species are taken each season, maintaining healthy populations for years to come. This selective approach is why booking early matters—limited spots per year.

The land has deep roots. Paleo-Indians left stone tools and mounds 10,000 years ago. Comanche tribes called Penalekas (Honey Eaters) hunted here before settlers arrived. Today, stone arrowheads, spear points, grinding stones, and painted rocks still surface. The Joy Creek Colony (mid-1800s) farmed sugar cane using spring water. Remnants of old homesteads, stone walls, and even old wagon wheels remain visible.

Contact the ranch to check availability for your target species and dates. CWD testing and game processing are included with all trophy animals. If you wound an animal, the ranch will track it, but you pay the appropriate fee regardless of recovery.

Additional Services: - Walk-in cooler on premises for game storage - Lodging-only option: $100/night per adult (bring your own meals, full kitchen available) - Meal add-ons available for non-package guests

Whether you're hunting your first deer or targeting a trophy bull elk, Escondido accommodates hunters from beginner to experienced, bow to rifle.