Whitetail Deer Hunts

October is a great month due to mild weather and simply getting an early start to the fall hunting season. Our whitetail management programs place special emphasis on hunting surplus doe deer along with removing cull bucks and mature management bucks before they have a chance to breed later in the season. October is also the month we try and harvest some of our largest “Fair Chase” bucks before they have a chance to break their antlers during the annual rut.

November is a transitional month in that the first week or so is just like October but by the second week the “Pre-Rut” kicks in and bucks become more aggressive to one another, leaving their bachelor groups and traveling more in search of a receptive doe. This is a favored time for both Management Buck Hunters and Trophy hunters. By later November the “Rut” has begun and the bucks become un-patternable as they travel day/night looking for a doe to breed. Colder temperatures can intensify the rut as above average temps can dampen it. Hunting during this period can be very unpredictable as mature bucks spend little time feeding and can get locked down with a doe for an extended period of time. This is the most intense and challenging time of the entire season.
December starts off in full rut which will continue until the second week when bucks are doing more looking than finding a doe to breed. Often times bucks will exhibit broken antlers and fresh scars on their necks and rear ends. By the third week the “Post Rut” begins with mature bucks being run down and trying to regain some body weight. By the last week of December the “Secondary Rut” kicks in. This is defined by doe fawns born during the first week of June experience their first heat cycle. It is not uncommon to see big mature bucks chasing doe fawns around. Some will indeed breed while others will not until the following fall. December is a great month for everything! Doe/Culls, Trophies, Youth Hunts over the holidays, December has a lot to offer.

January is a very dependable month for hunting feeders and food plots. The rut has concluded and the majority of hunters have gone home. The lower hunting pressure combined with cooler temperatures often brings out mature bucks that have not been seen in several weeks if not months. Every year we get surprised by what shows up at our deer feeders! This is a great time for late season doe/culls, management bucks and trophies with the exception of the very highest scoring bucks that may have enough broken antlers to save them until the following season when they have grown a new set of antlers.

February brings a shortened season for us as we will only hunt the first or second week. Too many times bucks have broken their antlers or in some cases shed their antlers causing hunters and guides to take extra precautions before pulling the trigger.

The fall weather in Texas can be unpredictable so hunters should check the weather forecast for Eldorado, TX before packing their bags. The “average” temperatures for October are 60-80 degrees, November 40-70 degrees, December 30-60 degrees, and January 25-50 degrees. Light rain and wind are common with the passage of seasonal cold fronts. With all of the various weather apps available today on Smart Phones no one should find themselves getting caught off guard by the weather!

We recommend scoped rifles sighted in for 200 yards of .243 caliber or larger shooting 100 grain controlled expansion bullets or heavier. We highly recommend bullets such as; Swift A Frame, Scirocco, Barnes TTSX & LRX along with Nosler Accubond and Hornady Outfitter series bullets to name a few. Rapidly expanding bullets are discouraged and may prevent a pass through leaving little to no blood trail to follow. Last season alone our hunters harvested over 500 whitetails not to mention numerous big game exotic species. Needless to say after more than 40 years professionally guiding we see first hand what works and what does not. We are not hunting steel targets at 1,000 yds. We are hunting flesh & bone with some of it being expensive. The number one caliber most responsible for wounded and lost big game animals is the 6.5 Creedmoor! It simply does not allow for any margin of error especially in the hands of young hunters who may be very sensitive to wounding and losing an animal. This is why the 6.5 PRC has become so popular with it’s increased velocity and energy producing more humane harvests.

Other equipment to bring includes; daypack, high quality binoculars, scope covers, flashlight, headlight, spare batteries, face mask, full camouflage, rain gear, camo gloves, quiet walking boots, ice chests if driving, I Phone and hunting license.

All of our whitetail hunts include 3 wonderful and healthy meals per day, high quality and comfortable lodging along with guiding which can be 1 guide per x1 hunter, 1×2 or 1×3 depending upon the hunt package. We offer free airport transfers from the San Angelo, TX airport during normal business hours of 8:00am-6:00pm. Also included is your guide taking quality photos in the field, dress, skin, quarter and or deboning of harvested game.

Hunting license, professional meat processing and taxidermy. We can provide the transfer of any meat to a processor and or trophies to a reputable taxidermist for a fee. Additionally, we can ship trophies to a taxidermist of your choice for a fee. Gun rentals may be available if requested in advance. We have a variety of high quality scoped rifles in numerous calibers, including several that are very Youth Hunter friendly!

Tips for our Magnum staff are not included by very much appreciated!

Hunters driving to the Lodge should refer to their hunting contract and plan their schedule accordingly. Typically hunters arrive between 1:00-6:00pm, and depart by 9:00am unless otherwise stated. Please inquire ahead of time on how best to transport your meat and trophies back home.

Hunters flying in commercially should consider securing their airline tickets at least 2 months in advance of their travel dates. Those flying into the San Angelo, TX airport between 8:00am – 6:00pm will be provided free airport transfers to the Lodge. Those choosing to fly into San Antonio International Airport will need to rent a car and drive 2 ½ hours through the Texas Hill County to the lodge. Hunters who choose to arrive in their own personal aircraft will be accommodated either in San Angelo or Eldorado, TX.

Hunters should consider traveling with a soft wheeled duffle bag and a locking gun case. Carry on items may be transported in a backpack which will come in handy when shuffling your gear from the Lodge to our hunting vehicles. If you do not wish to travel with a firearm we have plenty available for rent if reserved in advance.

Additional hunting opportunities that may be available for an additional fee include; exotic big game, javelina, wild hogs with dogs, predators, varmints with thermals and possibly quail behind dogs.

Absolutely we do! We offer discounted youth hunts designed to provide a safe, educational, and exciting experience for young hunters. Additionally, after 40+ years professionally guiding over 10,000 hunters, many of whom experienced their first hunt with Magnum, we specialize in guiding first time hunters of all ages!