Whether you’re planning your first hunt with Magnum or returning for another adventure, we’ve put together answers to the most common questions we get from clients. If you still have questions after reading through these, feel free to reach out — we’re always happy to help.

General Information

How long has Magnum Guide Service been in business?

MGS was founded in 1985 by Jim Roche. A few years later Jim married Melony and together they have steered the company to become one of the most reputable family friendly guide services in Texas having hosted over 10,000 hunters.

What separates MGS staff from other guide services?

Our staff are on the front lines and reflect true professionalism at MGS! We spend an enormous amount of time training our staff in advance of every hunting season. Our bar is high and we strive for perfection at every level. Read the many testimonials our clients have sent in to hear what they have to say in their own words!

Our Values & Camp Environment

What makes MGS a family friendly destination?

MGS is dedicated to upholding Christian standards. Joshua 24:15 is our anchor verse. This is a place where everyone is treated with respect, love & truth. Foul language, course jokes, heavy drinking or smoking is NOT who we are. There is a saying that birds of a feather stick together, just look at FB photos. That is very true here at MGS. Our Hunters come here to have fun, successfully chase trophy class animals, and feel like their family. Many of our clients have hunted with us for more than 20 yrs!

What if someone is not a Christian. Are they still welcome?

Absolutely they are. While the majority of us at MGS are Christians, we are all hunters, fisherman and avid outdoorsman. We have simply chosen to follow Jesus while serving others as professionals in the outdoor industry.

Are clients allowed to drink?

Sure but in moderation and within the legal age limit. There is nothing wrong with some wine at diner or a “sundowner” after the days hunt to toast a worthy adversary.

What is MGS policy on belligerent guests?

All of our guests both young and old want to have a fun, relaxing and safe time. When someone’s actions begin to negatively affect other guests they will be issued one warning. No one likes behavior that is unbecoming a gentleman. Should the behavior continue they will be required to leave our facility without refund.

Booking, Pricing & Policies

How can I book a hunt with MGS?

Simply give us a call to fully answer any questions not answered in the above. We want our clients to feel comfortable and not pressured to book a trip with us. Should we have a hunt available on the dates you are requesting, we will email you a booking contract. You may review, sign and return with in most cases a 50% deposit. The balance of the hunt will be outlined in the booking contract along with our refund policy. No booking is confirmed without a signed contract and deposit.

Are MGS hunts guaranteed?

We guarantee to give you a quality hunt but some things are beyond our control such as; weather, mechanical breakdowns and or hunters shooting ability to name a few. We offer real life hunts, nothing canned, no guaranteed harvests. The integrity of the hunt is as important as the quality of the trophy.

When is the best time to hunt?

Great question and one that needs talking over the phone because there are pluses and minuses to any time frame. Which is best for you is what matters most.

Does MGS offer any discounted hunts for veterans, wounded warriors, senior citizens etc?

We do not at this time but salute and gratefully appreciate those who have served or serving in our nations military. Honestly any organization is limited in the amount of giving they can do. The discounts that we offer focus on our nation’s Youth.

Ok, what kind of Youth Discounts does MGS offer?

We stand with the fathers & mothers along with grandparents who see the value in engaging their kids in the great outdoors. We believe God’s creation is a great place to teach kids responsibility, stewardship, conservation, and safe firearm handling. With that in mind we offer a 10% Youth Discount on many hunts!

What is the tipping policy at MGS?

Tipping is customary for the guide service industry. It is a way that clients can say thank you to the MGS staff for a job well done. Tips are usually 10-20% of the total cost of the hunt. We ask guests to tip into a pool where the proceeds are divided amongst the staff. This insures each staff member gets an equal amount depending upon the number of days they served guests. We are all about Team. The reality is some guests are big tippers while others may not be.

Lodging, Meals & Guests

Are hunters required to be in a group?

No sir! Many of our hunters come as single hunters. Some bring their wives as hunters and non-hunters alike. Groups are certainly welcome and depending upon the species hunted and timing of the season we can accommodate from 6-14 hunters at a time.

What are the accommodations like if I bring my wife or daughter?

We offer comfortable private quarters with clean private bathrooms.

What are the accommodations if I am a single hunter?

We may have single hunters in a private bedroom with a private bathroom inside one of our lodges or in one of our modern very comfortable RV’s. Having said that there are a couple of lodges that have very large bunkrooms where hunters can space apart. You can inquire before booking any hunt with us for specific lodging information. Each species of game we hunt and timing of the season will dictate which lodge we will be staying at.

Are non-hunters welcome?

Absolutely, provided we have the appropriate accommodations available. Please inquire at the time of booking.

Do you host many father/son, father/daughter, husband/wife, boyfriend/girlfriend type hunts?

Every year we host a large number of these hunts and with great success. We take the responsibility placed upon us very seriously! We make every effort to see that everyone is successful especially our next generation of hunters.

What kind of meals does MGS serve?

Some of the very best in southwestern style cuisine along with a mix of your grandmas favorite meals! Sometimes we think hunters return again and again just for the food! The reason we say this is because so many of our hunters wives contact Melony for her special recipes! Many have said she needs to print her own MGS cook book! Honestly you will never go hungry at one of our lodges and we spare no expense in serving our hunters the very best in food and plenty of it.

Can you cater to those hunters that have special dietary requirements?

In most cases yes but we ask that those be brought to our attention at the time of booking and not after someone arrives at our lodge.

Hunting Logistics & Regulations

Do hunters need a hunting license?

Yes, with the exception of hunting feral hogs in Texas!

Is there a minimum age for kids to hunt in Texas?

No. In fact Texas is one of the most kid friendly states to hunt with very reduced youth licenses.

Does MGS have Youth Hunts?

We certainly do! We list several Youth Hunt packages under the species. Parents might consider Whitetail in the fall, Predators & Hogs over spring break, exotics in the summer with rabbits in late summer.

Is Hunter Safety required to hunt in Texas?

Yes, anyone born after September 2, 1971 must have passed a Hunter Education Course unless under age 17 hunting with an adult who has passed the course. Hunters can however purchase a one time deferral for $15.

What type of properties does MGS guide hunts on?

In Texas & New Mexico we strictly guide on private properties that we manage for trophy quality animals. In Alaska we guide on State Lands.

What is the MLD Season?

That stands for Managed Lands Deer Program. This was initiated by the State of Texas a number of years ago whereby participating Landowners can work in conjunction with state Biologist under their direction to better manage private properties for quality animals.

What is the difference between hunting low fence & high fence ranches?

Besides the obvious physical difference in height, the high fence ranches offer a much higher degree of wildlife manageability due to the fact that neighboring hunters have no effect on our properties. The majority of our whitetail bucks on low fence ranches run from 120-140 B&C, above average bucks 140-150, with exceptional but rare bucks 150-166 B&C. In comparison, our high fence ranches produce native bucks 155-200 B&C each year! MGS hunters harvest 75+ whitetail over 150 B&C! Between our low fence and high fence ranches, MGS hunters harvest between 550-600 whitetail deer annually!

Equipment, Travel & Trophy Handling

Does MGS have firearms for rent?

We have a large selection of firearms for rent in a wide range of calibers. These are high quality guns with the best scopes including thermal scopes and all maintain a high degree of sub MOA accuracy. We have rifles to fit small children up to the largest of men. Additionally, we have a large selection of suppressors to reduce recoil and noise levels.

What kind of gear should I bring?

This question can only be answered live over the phone since we guide for so many different species of game example: predators to brown bear in Alaska. After booking your hunt, a full gear list will be provided to you.

What level of quality equipment does MGS have?

We reinvest a large portion of our income annually to keep and maintain a large fleet of late model trucks, jeeps, suburbans, atv’s, side by sides, blinds, feeders, trail cameras, RV’s etc! Dependability and reliability is paramount in this business!

Does MGS have tracking dogs?

We do! Our MGS dogs along with Cecila’s dogs have saved the day for many hunters, especially kids!

Does MGS offer free airport transfers?

We do from several airports local to the individual ranch we are hunting and during reasonable daylight hours. Please inquire ahead of time.

How do hunters get their trophies home?

Some hunters may choose to have their trophies mounted and shipped by a local taxidermist. The advantage is ease of handling for the hunter and the taxidermists have vast experience in mounting the local species of wildlife. The disadvantage is the shipping cost of the finished product. Some may choose to have MGS freeze & ship trophies directly to their taxidermist of choice. Others may choose to transport their trophies themselves in which case MGS can help as needed with full caping.

What choices do hunters have with the meat from harvested trophies?

Depending on the species of animal, MGS can skin, quarter and debone most big game animals for transport by hunters. We can also take the meat to a local processor who can ship directly to the hunters home. Lastly, we have a large avenue of options for any donated meat. MGS supports 4 orphanages in Mexico along with a number of local families who would benefit from the meat.

Special Services & Extras

Does MGS have Gift Certificates?

Yes, we can customize a Gift Certificate for Fathers Day, stocking stuffers, Birthdays etc! Just call the office and talk to Melony! She will be happy to help!

Can MGS accommodate hunters with disabilities?

Yes, in many cases we can but every circumstance is a little different. We recommend calling our office to discuss.

Has MGS ever accommodated terminally ill hunters?

Yes, on several occasions we have hosted hunters on what turned out to be the last hunt of their life. We take these type hunts very seriously! What better place to hunt than with a Christian organization!

Does MGS ever donate hunts to charity?

Yes, we review every request we receive. Through the years we have donated a number of hunts to local children of single mothers who could not afford to take their child hunting.

Does MGS ever trade out hunts?

Absolutely! What do you have to trade and for what hunt?