White Antler Ranch
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My wife and I have hunted White Antler Ranch, Dilley TX, twice since it opened. Our First trip was during the first week of November, 2004 and our second was over the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend - 2005. Our hunts exceeded our expectations both in quality and quantity of deer seen.
I know I should probably list each hunt separately, but both hunts were copies of eachother, so I'll try combining the reviews and hope Pat and the moderators allow it.
Nov 04: It was the opening week of the TX General Season so we had this Bow Only ranch to ourselves. We realized we had arrived during the 'pre-rut' as we bagan our first evening hunt. My wife saw 6 bucks ranging from a 120 class 3 year olds to a monster 6 year old main-frame 10 with a kicker. She watched the Monster buck for roughly 45 minutes without a shot opportunity, only to have it walk directly under her stand into the Mesquite brush and safety. (A close friend of ours took this buck two weeks later, I think it scored the high 150's and can be seen on White Antler web page) I saw two nice bucks and a bunch of does. The following morning my wife took a management buck that field dressed at >140#, the broken-7 point rack (brow tines broken badly) scored just under 120.
Nov 05: We returned over the Thanksgiving Holiday the following year -- and the start of the rut. Evening hunts were eventful to say the least. Does came into the feeding areas well before sunset, followed by bucks of various size with several in the 130 - 140 Class. I took a nice 8 point from one of several double bull blinds that are well hidden in the South TX Brush. My wife saw several nice deer but didn't seize any of the opportunities she had in hopes of seeing bagging one of the many varmints that roam the Ranch.
Other Stuff: There were a wide variety of stands -- tripods, ladders, lock-on and Doublebull blinds strategically placed for hunters to choose from. Numerous extra stands were available for hunters who wished to chose their own hunting sites as well.
The Lodge was well furnished, with almost any amenity a hunter could ask for. Sleeping quarters were nicely furnished and the beds, contrary to other places we've hunted, were very comfortable. There's a target range that includes tree stands for hunters to practice before or between hunts.
Drew and Teri Butterwick were great Hosts. White Antler is definitely a place where you can come as a stranger and leave as a freind.
None to date. If you are the outfitter please email us.
Weather in 2004 was definitely a factor. It was colder than normal accompanied by light mist, low clouds -- just what the deer needed to get the bucks moving.
