Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. A Texas hunting license is required for everyone, including out-of-state hunters and even when hunting with a guide. Exotic species have no closed season and no bag limits and require no tags; native species like whitetail do require tags.

Purchase your license from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) before you arrive. Not sure what you need? We'll walk you through it when you book.

Texas is home to over 80 exotic species available to hunt on private ranches. Popular game includes Axis deer, Blackbuck antelope, Aoudad (Barbary sheep), Fallow deer, Nilgai, Red Stag, Scimitar-horned Oryx, and a variety of exotic sheep and rams.

At Five Aces Ranch, we maintain healthy free-ranging herds of 15+ exotic species year-round near San Angelo.

Yes. Exotic animals on private Texas ranches can be hunted 365 days a year with no closed season, bag limits, or possession limits. That means you can book an exotic hunt any time of year.

Five Aces Ranch offers guided exotic hunts year-round, including summer axis deer rut hunts and winter trophy packages.

All exotic species at Five Aces Ranch are available year-round with no closed season. This includes axis deer, blackbuck antelope, scimitar-horned oryx, addax, gemsbok, fallow deer, red deer stag, red sheep, aoudad (Barbary sheep), Transcaspian urial, and all of our ram varieties.

Texas law exempts exotic (non-native) species on private land from the seasonal restrictions that apply to native game animals. Whitetail and turkey at Five Aces follow standard Texas state seasons.

No. Exotic species on private Texas land have no bag limits. You are limited only by the terms of your booking and the trophy fees agreed upon. Most hunters book one trophy animal per trip, though combination hunts are available, just ask us about pricing.

Exotic hunts in Texas typically range from $1,500 to $6,000+ depending on the species, trophy size, and package inclusions. At Five Aces Ranch near San Angelo, our all-inclusive packages cover lodging, meals, professional guiding, and field care, with trophy fees based on species and antler/horn size.

Contact us for a custom quote tailored to your target animal and group size.

Guided exotic hunt prices at Five Aces Ranch range from $750 for an exotic ram up to $10,500+ for a Transcaspian Urial. Most hunters book in the $1,750-$7,500 range.

Every trophy package is all-inclusive: 2 days / 2 nights lodging, home-cooked meals, 1-on-1 professional guide, field care, ranch transport, walk-in cooler access, and use of the shooting range. The only add-on costs are your Texas hunting license, meat processing, taxidermy, and gratuities.

Axis deer hunts in Texas typically range from $5,495-$6,495 for trophy bucks, with pricing based on antler size.

At Five Aces Ranch, our axis deer packages include lodging, meals, professional guiding, and field care. We hunt axis year-round, with peak trophy hunting during the June-August rut season.

A trophy fee is the price charged specifically for the animal you harvest, separate from daily rates covering lodging, meals, and guiding. Trophy fees are typically based on species and animal size (horn length or antler score).

At Five Aces Ranch, we offer both trophy-fee and all-inclusive package options so you can choose the pricing model that fits your budget and hunting goals.

The most accessible entry point at Five Aces Ranch is our exotic rams:

• Exotic Rams (Black Hawaiian, Corsican, Texas Dall, Jacobs, Rambo): from $750 based on horn size
• Catalina Goat / Ibex Hybrid: full trophy packages from $1,750 (includes lodging & meals)

If you're after your first exotic trophy at a lower price point, rams and management does are excellent choices. The meat quality on axis and blackbuck does is exceptional.

Most all-inclusive Texas hunting packages cover lodging, home-cooked meals, professional 1-on-1 guiding, field dressing, caping, and on-ranch transportation. At Five Aces Ranch, our packages also include access to shooting ranges, walk-in coolers for your game, and coordination with local processors and taxidermists.

Hunting license, gratuities, and taxidermy services are typically not included.

Every trophy hunt package at Five Aces Ranch includes:

• 2 Days / 2 Nights Lodging: Private bunkhouse with A/C, heat, and hot showers
• Meals: 3 a day. Home-cooked breakfast & dinner; lunch packed for the field
• 1-on-1 Professional Guide: Dedicated guide for your entire hunt
• Field Care: Field dressing, skinning, caping, and quartering
• Ranch Transportation: All on-ranch vehicle transport included
• Walk-in Cooler: Cold storage for your harvest
• Shooting Range: Sight in your rifle before the hunt

Not included: Texas hunting license, meat processing and packaging, taxidermy, and gratuities. Alcohol is supplied free.

Yes. A 25% deposit (capped at $1,000 per hunter), non-refundable but reschedulable with 14 days' notice, confirms your booking and secures the date. The remaining balance is due on-site after your hunt (payment plans are welcome). Since it's real hunting we can't promise a harvest, so the hunt fee itself is not refunded. But if it doesn't work out we reschedule you, you only pay for meals and lodging, and the hunt fee carries over to your rescheduled hunt. Call us at (325) 896-3576 or fill out the booking form to get started.

Absolutely. Non-hunting guests are welcome at $250 per day: covering lodging, all meals, and full ranch access. It's a great option for spouses, family members, or friends who want the ranch experience without hunting.

Yes. Five Aces Ranch offers a 5% discount for active military, veterans, and first responders. Contact us directly at (325) 896-3576 or [email protected] and we'll apply the discount when booking.

Yes. Group and corporate pricing is available for parties of 4 or more. Corporate hunt trips at Five Aces work well for client entertainment, team-building, and incentive trips: private and fully catered. Call us to discuss your group's dates, species preferences, and headcount.

Absolutely. Guided hunts are designed to accommodate hunters of all experience levels, including complete beginners. At Five Aces Ranch, our professional guides provide hands-on instruction in firearm safety, field techniques, and animal behavior.

We offer family-friendly packages where first-timers hunt alongside experienced guides in a safe, supportive environment.

For a Texas hunting ranch trip, bring your valid hunting license, firearm with appropriate ammunition, quality boots, layered clothing for variable weather, binoculars, a sharp knife, and personal medications.

Most ranches provide lodging, meals, and field care, but check with your outfitter about cooler space and alcohol policies. Contact Five Aces for our complete pre-trip checklist.

For most exotic species at Five Aces Ranch, a flat-shooting cartridge in the .270 Win, 30-06, .308 Win, or 7mm Rem Mag range is ideal. Shot distances typically range from 100 to 300+ yards depending on the terrain and species.

For larger, heavier-bodied species like gemsbok, oryx, and red deer stag, a heavier caliber is recommended: .300 Win Mag or larger. These animals are tough and require precise shot placement.

We have a shooting range on the property to zero your rifle before heading out. Come with a confirmed zero, and plan to check it on the range when you arrive.

Five Aces Ranch is located in Millersview, Texas: in Concho County brush and rangeland near San Angelo, approximately:

• 3 hours from Dallas / Fort Worth
• 2.5 hours from San Antonio
• 2.5 hours from Austin

Exact directions and gate codes are provided to confirmed bookings. The nearest commercial airport is San Angelo Regional Airport (SJT), approximately 40 minutes from the ranch.

We provide lodging, meals, guides, vehicles, and field care. Here's what to pack:

• Zeroed rifle and adequate ammunition (minimum 20 rounds for practice + hunting)
• Valid Texas hunting license
• Appropriate clothing for the season (layers for fall/winter; lightweight for summer)
• Broken-in boots, since you may be walking on rough terrain
• Ear protection and eye protection for the range
• Personal medication and toiletries
• Camera, because you're going to want it

The best time for trophy axis deer hunting in Texas is during the rut, typically June through August, when bucks are most active and vocal. However, axis deer can be hunted year-round on private ranches.

At Five Aces Ranch near San Angelo, we offer guided axis hunts in every season: summer rut hunts for peak action, fall and winter hunts for comfortable weather.

Every season at Five Aces has something going for it. Here are the highlights:

• Spring (March - May): Herds active and visible. Axis bucks coming into velvet. Comfortable mornings.
• Summer (June - August): Peak axis deer rut, with bucks vocal, aggressive, and on the move.
• Fall (September - November): Whitetail pre-rut and rut. Cooler all-day conditions.
• Winter (December - February): Post-rut whitetail and year-round exotics. Animals grouped on open rangeland.

For exotic species specifically, any time of year works. If axis deer is the priority, book June or July.