Exotic Game and Trophy Bass Opportunities in South Texas

Many hunting-and-fishing combo trips are reserved for the fall, as usually only the allure of big-game will entice most hunters to travel far from home. But South Texas is an exception thanks to an abundance of open hunting seasons for exotic and non-game species, and along the U.S.-Mexico border sits a hidden gem outdoorsmen have only recently begun to discover.

From the scenic Amistad National Recreation Area to the region’s diverse wildlife habitat, the Del Rio area provides the perfect backdrop for a springtime cast-and-blast adventure. While the accessibility is remarkable in itself, the quality of the hunting and fishing experiences Del Rio has to offer make it a must-visit destination.

ASTOUNDING AMISTAD

Located just northwest of Del Rio, Amistad Reservoir—more commonly known as Lake Amistad—encompasses more than 64,900 acres and boasts some of Texas’ best spring angling opportunities. Crystalline waters and abundant vegetation create an ideal environment for largemouth bass. Lots of submerged brush, rocky points and underwater ledges serve as prime staging areas for fish before they move to their spawning beds. And, as water temperatures climb to the 60- to 70-degree range, bass abandon their wintering hangouts and head to the shallows, where anglers can easily target the fish with a variety of tactics.

While the bass fishing is excellent across the entire Lone Star State this time of year, Amistad is a treasure. Unlike most of Texas’ freshwater hotspots, the clear-water reservoir offers terrific opportunities for sight-fishing, an absolute gift during the spawn. This prized fishery delivers consistent quantity year-round, with great potential for trophy-class bass, especially during the spring. The window of opportunity isn’t particularly narrow, either, as the spawn typically occurs through the month of April, and post-spawn fishing is also superb.

YEAR-ROUND HUNTING

Texas’ exotic game hunting has tremendous appeal to nonresident sportsmen, and the southern part of the state is where some of the greatest opportunities exist. Major high-fence operations like the Rock Canyon Ranch, Ox Ranch , Saje Ranch and Y.O. Ranch are all within spitting distance and offer hunts for all kinds of international game right here on domestic soil. But private hunting outfits exist just about everywhere in between, many of which offer a more affordable way to hunt free-ranging exotics such as axis deer, blackbuck antelope and mouflon and aoudad sheep. Because many exotic species like these originate from ecosystems similar to that of South Texas, they’ve flourished in the Lone Star State’s favorable climate and vast ranchlands.

Axis deer, in particular, have grown extremely popular among traveling hunters, as their reputation as one of the best-tasting game animals has spread like wildfire in recent years. Many of the hunters making the trek to the Lone Star State in search of axis are turning to Del Rio as a hub when planning their trip because huntable land can be found in every direction, game numbers are consistently high and, best of all, you can hunt exotics whenever you want. All you need is a hunting license and permission to hunt any private land, which you’ll surely have to pay for.

Though far less glamorous than exotics, feral hogs also present hunters with similar off-season opportunities, but with much greater accessibility. Not only is the state constantly looking for hunter intervention, but local residents are too. Farmers, ranchers and outfitters are continually fighting off hogs in their land management efforts, meaning you can usually find somewhere to hunt them, be it public or private, without spending a dime. Additionally, there’s no bag limit for hogs, so you can harvest as many as you want and fill your freezer to the brim.

South Texas also offers an open season for javelinas, though you’ll have to make sure you’re within the South Zone before you hit the field. Javelinas are a novelty of the Southwest, and are drawing increasing interest from hunters due to their recent recognition as a big-game trophy species by the Boone and Crockett Club. They don impressive tusks and coarse, wiry hair, and they taste way better than you might think. Chorizo made with javelina is a specialty in certain parts of the region, but javelina meat lends itself to a wide range of recipes.

SPRING GOBBLERS

While big-game species often grab the spotlight, turkey hunting is also top-notch in South Texas. Three turkey subspecies are found in the state—Eastern, Merriam’s and Rio Grande—but only the latter calls the Del Rio area home. Known for their vibrant plumage and elusive behavior, Rio Grande turkeys are king in this part of Texas, where spring gobbler season offers an experience like no other. Those looking for some mild spring weather and breathtaking Texas Hill Country scenery can call in a gobbler at a broad selection of private ranches that offer the opportunity. Some of the more popular options include Rock Canyon Ranch and Saje Ranch.

PLANNING FOR FALL

Beyond the convenience of so many warm-weather hunting possibilities right when Lake Amistad is buzzing with activity, South Texas shines just as bright in the fall. In fact, one of the best cast-and-blast trips I’ve ever experienced took place between Del Rio and Uvalde in early September. We had a private lease for the dove opener, another 1,000 acres for hog hunting and a fleet of bass boats that we would tow to Amistad. Every one of us limited out on doves in less than an hour, we each claimed a hog the first night we took to our stands and, by lunchtime the following day, we’d lost count of all the bass we’d caught.

Due to favorable migration patterns, the region’s dove hunting is famous, and many outfitters in the region all but guarantee that you’ll hit your limit. Whitetail deer hunting is as good down near the Mexico border as it is anywhere else in the Lone Star State, thanks largely to the optimal land management practices across local, private lands. Nevertheless, public land, while sparse, does afford good additional options.

Amistad National Recreation Area, which includes the reservoir, has some 18,000 land acres to target whitetail deer, javelinas, turkeys, feral hogs, and even various exotics like mouflon and aoudad sheep, blackbuck antelope and axis deer during hunting season. There are also doves, quail, ducks and rabbits, which can be hunted with a shotgun and birdshot. However, the use of rifles and handguns is prohibited in Amistad National Recreation Area. Therefore, hunters must employ either a compound, long or recurve bow or a crossbow to get after big game.

The Chaparral Wildlife Management Area, located about 130 miles southeast of Del Rio, offers excellent walk-in quail, rabbit and dove hunting. In addition, Special Permit drawing winners get to target whitetail deer, javelina, coyote and feral hogs. Keep in mind that WMAs observe hunting rules and regulations that that might not be enforced on private ranches. Make sure you have the correct license and all the necessary tags and permits and understand the regs before hunting on public land.

THE DEL RIO EXPERIENCE

• Delightful influences from South of the border.

A trip to Del Rio is about more than just the hunting and fishing. The town’s vibrant culture, highlighted by the delicious local cuisine and the warm and friendly people, is an attraction of its own. Should you plan a trip, there are a few places you should add to your itinerary.

• Julio’s Corn Tortilla Chips and Restaurant: Most Texans grow up as fans of Julio’s Chips and Salsa, sold at grocery stores all over the state. If you make the trip to Del Rio, you owe it to yourself to visit the restaurant where the chips are actually made and sample delicious Tex-Mex and authentic Mexican cuisine.
• 830 Kitchen Restaurant: If you’re in the mood for top-shelf comfort food, look no further than 830 Kitchen. Here you’ll find a wide range of favorites and interesting variations like avocado fries and carne asada fries.
• Cripple Creek Steakhouse: Arguably the best steakhouse in the entire area, Cripple Creek features an impressive menu loaded with all kinds of premium eats, including quail, frog legs and oysters.
• Val Verde Winery: Texas’ oldest winery (established in 1883) offers tastings and tours, making it a great place to relax and cap off a cast-and-blast trip with award-winning wines, surrounded by the tranquil vineyards.

Del Rio offers a carnival of culinary delights and an unparalleled combination of world-class hunting and fishing set against a special backdrop of rugged beauty. Regardless of what kind of wildlife speaks to you, there’s something for everyone down along the border. For details on other attractions, lodging and travel information, visit exploredelrio.com.

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• This article was featured in the April 2025 issue of Game & Fish magazine. Click to subscribe

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