The Bahia Game Ranch, located near Brenham, Texas is the newest addition to our growing list of reputable exotic ranches and outfitters — all set on leading you to that trophy of a lifetime!

Bahia Game Ranch is ideal for bow and/or cross bow hunting! The animals that call Bahia home receive the highest in nutrition and health care. This East Texas game ranch produces some of the best trophies in Texas!

Located just north of Brenham Texas, on FM 390 W (also known as the Bahia Trail), Bahia Game Ranch is located half way between Austin and Houston in beautiful rolling hills. Bahia Game Ranch offers some of the finest animals and genetics available for stocking and hunting alike. The species that are available are:

Axis Deer, Blackbuck, Fallow, Grant’s Gazelle, Impala, New Zealand Red Stag, Nyala, Nile & Red Lechwe, Sable, Scimitar-Horned Oryx & Whitetail Deer.

For Bahia hunt pricing, please visit the Bahia Game Ranch AAE Page and contact Norm Teegardin for more information or to schedule a hunt.

For as long as I can remember I dreamed of making a living in the outdoor/hunting industry and 6 years ago I decided to chase my dream and started Double Diamond Outfitters.  It’s been a great 6 years and I’ve had the privilege to hunt with great people and kill some great animals, but unfortunately my own personal hunting has been greatly reduced. So I never pass up a chance when I   get the opportunity to hunt for myself and kill whatever animal/trophy I choose.

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to get an opportunity to hunt axis deer.  I was really excited because I’ve never killed an axis buck.  I’ve shot a lot of axis does, and passed on some great axis bucks, (yes I’m still kicking myself over several of them) so hopefully this time I would finally get my 1st axis buck.

Since I was hunting 15-20 minutes from my house, just outside of Boerne, I decided to concentrate on afternoon hunts when the temperature would continually be dropping.  We had been seeing some pretty nice axis at specific feeders, so each afternoon I would concentrate on those feeders, stalking and still hunting, looking for the bigger axis that were on my “hit list.” 

My first 2 trips I saw a lot of animals, both whitetail and axis, but not any of the bigger axis on the hit list.  Despite the heat, it was still a lot of fun to get out and see all of the whitetail in velvet and all the other axis.  You almost always see axis that are hard antlered, in velvet as well as bucks with no antlers, so there’s rarely a dull moment and it makes for some very fun hunts.

Wes and hunting buddy "Brutus" celebrate Wes' 1st axis

As I drove out for my 3rd hunt, I couldn’t help but think that the 3rd times the charm, right? Once again the hunt started off a little warm but I was seeing deer right from the start, so I kept telling myself it was just a matter of time until one of the big boys showed up.  As the sun began to set and I stalked up to one of the feeders I saw a big-bodied axis moving through the brush and thought I recognized him as one of the bigger axis.  Once he stepped out into the open I immediately recognized the antlers and knew he was one I had been looking for.  After a few short, but tense, minutes waiting for my axis to get clear of the other deer, he finally turned broadside and presented me a perfect shot.  I could tell he was hit hard and watched him run off into the brush and was pretty sure I saw him fall.

Despite thinking I saw him fall I wanted to give him a few minutes just to make sure so I headed back to my Scrambler to get Brutus, my Lacy dog.  He doesn’t get much blood trailing/tracking this time of year, so I thought this would be a perfect opportunity. I put the GPS collar on him and unloaded him and headed back to where I shot my axis, but there was no blood.  I knew I had hit him, but was really surprised there was no blood.  From the way Brutus was acting I knew he could smell him and it didn’t take long for him to find my axis.

I was able to get a few pictures and quick measurements before it got completely dark.  He has 30-1/2” and 31-1/2” beams, not bad for my 1st axis in my opinion.   It was a great hunt with some great friends and I would really like to thank Brent, Mandy, Addison, Payden, Karsen, and Reagan for all of their help and hospitality.  I couldn’t have done it without them, so . . . . . thanks a lot guys!  I really appreciate it!  Axis steaks on me . . . .

- Wes

Wes Mundy operates Double Diamond Outfitters – offering some of the best exotic hunting in the Lonestar State on some of it’s best hunting ranches.  Along with exotics and whitetails in Texas, Wes & DDO also offer hunts for elk and mule deer in Colorado and in Mexico for coues deer, bighorns and Goulds turkey!  Find out more about some of the exciting exotic hunting opportunities available through Double Diamond Outfitters – click here.  You can also visit www.huntdoublediamond.com or call Wes @ 210-602-3118 to schedule your next hunting adventure.

AllAboutExotics is thrilled to be welcoming the 4N Ranches to the Exotic ‘Find A Hunt’ Directory!  We had a chance to tour this ranch a couple months back, and can tell you that the hunting operation is top notch – great habitat, friendly staff, beautiful accommodations and an abundance of trophy game!

The 4N Paisano Ranch is located just minutes from San Angelo in West Central Texas, offering hunting excursions for exotics as well as world class whitetail.  The term Paisano was an early Spanish term of affection for the roadrunners that are native to this region of Texas. It’s translation is “friend” or “compatriot”, which is the foundation of the philosophy of the ranch and hunting operation.  A place for friends and family to enjoy each other’s company while hunting, taking photographs or just hanging out enjoying life on the ranch.

Alvin New and manager Kevin Tims have worked hard to create a place that feels like your own. They offer you as little or as much attention as you desire. You can be left in complete privacy, or pampered with a cook, a guide — or your experience can be completely customized to your satisfaction.

At the 4N Paisano Ranch, their goal is to work hard to provide a great hunt of incredible animals, and to make friends for life.  The ranch offers a wide variety of exotic game to hunt year ’round including axis, blackbuck, elk, fallow, kudu, red lechwe, gemsbok, scimitar-horned oryx, wildebeest and even zebra.  The 4N is currently offering a ‘Spring Special’ on axis, blackbuck, and scimitar-horned oryx hunts.  All hunts are guided one-on-one, Safari-style, spot & stalk or from comfortable blinds.  After bagging your trophy, they offer a state-of-the-art cleaning area and walk in cooler for your convenience.

The 4N offers first class accommodations and chef-prepared gourmet meals, which includes three delicious meals a day, snacks, water and soft drinks. They have a game room equipped with a pool table, poker table and walk-up bar.  The ranch also offers skeet shooting and fishing which is available for your down-time enjoyment.

For more information on a hunting excursion or family retreat at the 4N Paisano Ranch, visit their AAE page or contact Kevin Tims @ (325) 716-3019.

Rhino Outdoors is a family owned outfitter & guide service specializing in quality hunting and fishing adventures at affordable prices.

‘We cater to families, small hunting parties and corporate groups. Our Mission is to provide the very best professional service & create a friendly family atmosphere for our customers so that they can enjoy their adventure & benefit from a successful hunt.” — Ryan “Rhino” Haecker

With Rhino Outdoor Adventures you can hunt a variety of native & exotic game species on one of several ranches they offer in Texas. Whitetail, Mule Deer, Rio Grande Turkey, Javelina, Axis, Aoudad, Blackbuck, Elk, Fallow deer, Sika deer and a variety of Rams, along with other exotic game animals. Predators are also offered for hunting, which includes Bobcat, Coyote, Fox, Mountain Lion and hundreds of Wild Hogs!

Most of Rhino hunting adventures are set up as all inclusive packages that include food, lodging, guide services & preparation of game harvested.  They also plan annual hunting adventures to South Africa, Alaska, Canada, Mexico & other destinations across the United States. Rhino Outdoors also offers many Hunting Leases if your looking for a do it yourself type of hunt. Let Rhino guide you on a hunting adventure like no other!!

To book your Rhino hunting adventure contact Ryan “Rhino” Haecker at (830) 660-4933 or learn more at  www.rhinooutdoors.com.

For more exotic outfitters visit the AAE ‘Find A Hunt’ directory.

Our theory:  a taxidermied axis ran into a creative mind with some Photoshop experience.  What do you think?

Mason Mountain WMA Exotics

The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) is offering your chance to win some amazing Texas dream hunts.  From whitetail to waterfowl, these packages are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to hunt some of the most sought after areas Texas has to offer.  The ‘Texas Grand Slam’ even lets one lucky hunter pursue whitetail, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and mule deer!  You might have guessed, but here’s our favorite:

Texas Exotic Safari

Two winners will experience the thrill of hunting African exotic game, right here in Texas on the famous Mason Mountain Wildlife Management Area. Winners can take advantage of two exotic hunting opportunities for species including sable antelope, gemsbok oryx, scimitar-horned oryx or axis deer. Hunters may choose to    shoot the exotic game with a modern rifle, muzzleloader, archery or crossbow. Winners can also bring along a companion to hunt exotic animals. Food and lodging will be provided as part of the hunting package at the scenic Mason Mountain WMA lodge. Taxidermy is provided for the two winners. Proceeds go to benefit wildlife conservation and research on Mason Mountain WMA.

Entries are only $9* and must be submitted by October 15, 2010

*tickets purchased on-line include a $5 convenience fee

For more ‘Big Time Texas Hunts’ or to purchase your chance to win the Texas Exotic Safari, follow this link.

Last year, the EWA appealed the ruling of Federal Judge Henry Kennedy who overturned a special rule by the U.S. Fish& Wildlife Department that allowed three antelope species to be born, raised and freely traded in the United States withoutthe USFWD permitting process. Without the special rule, conservation efforts will most likely cease and the populations for the three species are expected to dramatically deminish.

“The scimitar-horned oryx is a perfect example of how successful the special rules exemption has been to the species’ survival,” says Charly Seale, executive director of the Exotic Wildlife Association. “While these animals are all but gone intheir native country, there are currently thousands of these amazing animals being cared for and raised on preserves and ranches across the country. Many endangered species are virtually extinct in their native lands, but are now flourishing in the United States because ranchers are able to buy, sell and breed the animals.

“However, new federal regulations which are now pending could threaten the survival of these species,” adds Seale,“and could soon impact the ability to hunt other more common exotic species like blackbuck, axis deer, aoudad and others. Preserving the current legal status of these species is critical to the survival of the species and our industry.”

In July 2009, the judge ruled three species — Scimitar-Horned Oryx, Addax, Dama Gazelle — which are born andraised in the United States, will no longer be exempted from the endangered species list and no longer freely traded without federal permits. The three species are classified as an endangered species, however, special rules enacted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in 2005 made it possible for owners of captive herds to purchase, sell, move and managethese animals on ranches across the United States. The program has been extremely successful, increasing the animals’ population by the thousands and adding $1.3 billion annually and thousands of jobs to the U.S. economy.

The High Road airs three times a week on The Pursuit Channel (Direct TV 608), Friday at 12 a.m., Sunday at 11 a.m.and Sunday at 8:30 p.m. Warren’s other program, Keith Warren’s Deer & Wildlife Stories also airs three times a week on the Pursuit Channel, showing on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 12 a.m. All times are EST.

The EWA is a non-profit organization dedicated to leading wildlife conservation through commerce. As a part of its public education efforts, the EWA publishes a full-color bimonthly magazine, Exotic Wildlife, which updates EWA members on current legislative news and important issues impacting game management and private property rights. The EWA alsohosts an annual meeting and video animal auction in March and the annual Trophy Game Records of the World Banquet in July.

To learn more about the Exotic Wildlife Association or to donate to the Save Exotic Wildlife Fund, call 830.367.7761, email saveanimals@exoticwildlifeassociation.com or visit www.exoticwildlifeassociation.com.

Our lucky winners were:

Tanned Axis Buck Rug – Ken Ingram of Round Rock, Tx

GameGuard Cooler – Ernest Garcia of San Antonio, Tx

Congratulations to both of our winners and thank you to everyone that stopped by our booth and participated in the raffle.  We hope to give away more great prizes at our next show – the TTHA Extravaganza in Houston, August 6-8.  We hope to see everyone there!

Join AllAboutExotics this weekend (June 26 – 27) at the 2010 Hunting & Fishing Expo in Austin, Texas!

We will have a booth, so stop by and say ‘Hi’!  We’ll be giving away some AAE merch plus a FREE raffle to win some great exotic prizes, including a tanned Axis Deer hide from our friends at the award-winning Allen Palermo Taxidermy!  Stop by and enter for your chance to win.  We’d love to see ya there!

Event: 2010 Central Texas Hunting & Fishing Expo

Date: June 26th – 27th

Location: Travis County Expo Center

Show Hours: Saturday – Sunday 10am-6pm

What you’ll find at our booth: Exotic mounts, a flatscreen TV to watch us demonstrate how the site works, an AAE prize wheel with some great prizes (everybody wins something!) – koozies, sunglasses cases, bottle openers, decals & t-shirts.    We’re gonna shake alot of hands and give away lots of stuff!  Don’t forget to stop by and see us!!

What you’ll find at the expo: hunting & fishing gear, trophy hunts, rods & reels, ATVs & rRVs, adventure travel, boats, resorts & lodges, blinds & feeders, optics & eyewear, camoflauge, game calls, safari jewelry, guides & outfitters, hunting vehicles, custom knives, bowhunting gear, seminars by the pros, and, of course….AllAboutExotics.com!

Check out this event on Facebook

Recipe serves 3 to 4 people

Ingredients

2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon of butter
1 lb ground axis venison (or any wild venison)
1 pkg angel hair pasta noodles
1-16oz jar of tomato sauce
1 handful of portobello mushrooms, sliced (can substitute with shitake or white mushrooms)
1 dried red chile pepper, crushed
1-2 shallots, sliced (can substitute with 1/4 cup of chopped onion)
1 clove garlic, chopped
4 sprigs of fresh parsley, chopped
grated Parmesan cheese
Tony Chacere’s seasoning (any season salt)
Montreal Steak seasoning
salt & pepper

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes.  Remove from heat and drain.

In a large skillet, brown ground meat. Sprinkle Tony’s (season salt) on meat and heat until fully cooked.  Add tomato sauce and fold meat into sauce.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Reduce heat and simmer as you cook mushrooms and shallots.

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add extra-virgin olive oil and melt the butter into it. Add red pepper, garlic, Montreal Steak seasoning, then add shallots and mushrooms. Cook for a few minutes until shallot and mushrooms become tender, stirring constantly.

Plate pasta and top with meat sauce.  Add mushrooms and shallots onto sauce.  Top with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with parsley.  Enjoy!

Try this dish paired with a Reisling or one of your favorite white wines