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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Is The Closest Airport And How Do I Get To Stone Ledge?
    The closest major airport is in San Antonio, Texas. Take IH-10 West from San Antonio to Junction. Continue through Junction on IH-10 West (to first exit) “FM 2291/Cleo” exit. Head northwest for 11.4 miles. Look for the native stone entrance marked Stone Ledge on the left. The drive is easy and will take no more than 2 hours from San Antonio.

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  • What time of year can I come to Stone Ledge?
    While November thru mid-January is our busiest time of year, we welcome hunters year ‘round and host Exclusive corporate gatherings with excellent accommodations. We try and limit our hunters to just 10 per session to provide the best personal service and attention possible.

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  • Are the hunts guided?
    Our hunts at Stone Ledge are semi-guided. This means a professional guide will transport you to and from the hunting area and deer blind and you will hunt by yourself (or with another hunter, if you desire). Many of our blinds are large enough for 3 hunters. You and you alone decide on what buck you want to harvest. While we encourage hunters to harvest only “mature” bucks, we do not limit our hunters in any way and we do not restrict the size of the deer the hunter wishes to harvest.

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  • What are the dates for deer hunting and exotic hunting?
    * Hunting for exotics is legal year ‘round in Texas

    2010 Stone Ledge dates are nearly sold out. Contact us if you have any questions about remaining 2010 availability.

    2011 dates are as follows:

    * Deer (Archery) October 1-November 4, 2011
    * Youth Hunt October 29-30, 2011
    * Deer (Rifle) General Season November 5, 2011 through January 8, 2012

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  • Do you have exotics?
    Yes. In addition to trophy whitetail bucks, we have trophy axis deer, big black buck antelope, monster fallow deer, elusive Aoudad Rams, Texas Dall Sheep, Hawaiian Black Rams, Scimitar Oryx and trophy Sika deer. A whitetail hunter may elect to substitute his whitetail buck one of these exotics at no extra charge. Many deer hunters are overwhelmed at the beauty of these exotic species. They make terrific trophies and excellent table fare.

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  • What do I get in a “Classic” hunting package?
    See everything our "Classic" hunting package includes here.

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  • What is the cost to bring a non-hunter on the "Classic" hunting package?
    The cost to bring one non-hunter on a Stone Ledge "Classic" hunt is $750. You may also bring a second non-hunter for only $150 more.

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  • What size of whitetail can I expect?
    It is estimated that 80-85% of all free-ranging bucks shot in the United States are 2 1/2 years of age and younger. Another 10-15% are 3 1/2 years old and only about 5% of all bucks that are shot are 4 1/2 years of age and older.

    This statistic is neither good nor bad. It is a statistic and it is the truth no matter what part of the U.S. you are referring to.

    At Stone Ledge, we provide our wildlife with the best supplemental protein feed available and we do it year ‘round. This high protein (available 24/7 all year long) allows our deer to maximize their antler growth at every phase of their life cycle.

    Our wildlife responds very well to this supplemental feed and they are as big and healthy as any native whitetail buck you will find in the region.

    At 2 1/2 years of age, our average whitetail buck will have a spread of 14-18 inches and will typically have 8 points or more. Their live body weights will run about 120 pounds (for a buck).

    When our bucks turn 3 1/2, they have gained approximately 18-20% in body weight and will tip the scales at around 140-150 pounds. At 3½ years of age, a buck’s antlers will increase in size by around 15% from the year before. The 3½ year old buck is becoming more mature by the day. He is less likely to make mistakes (as he’s no rookie when hunters begin to show up).

    At 4 1/2 years old, our bucks are smart. They are fully mature. Their antlers will typically increase in size from 10-12% from the year before. The live body weight of a 4½ year old deer (and older) will usually be from 165 to 185 pounds.

    No matter where he lives, when a whitetail reaches 4½ years of age, he is one smart cookie. He rules the roost over the younger, smaller bucks. And when a hunter sees this deer, he is nearly always going to shoot it.

    While our deer population is among the highest in the nation, our “age class” of deer stands at about the national average.

    Over the years, we have found that the best way to improve our overall deer herd is to increase the age of the bucks that are being shot. By allowing a buck to reach 4½ years of age, their bodies and antlers will be mature.

    With this in mind, we provide our Classic deer hunters with an incentive to NOT shoot a young buck.

    Since you and you alone will make the decision on when and if to pull the trigger, we empower you (the hunter) with that decision.

    If you decide to shoot a buck, shoot it.

    If the Classic hunter decides for any reason to not shoot a buck, they will receive a $1,500 credit to come back the following year. The buck lives to grow bigger for the future, the hunter is happy at saving money and everyone wins.

    The Classic hunter is still allowed to shoot all other allowable animals and still receive their credit.

    By empowering hunters to make the final decision, we find that our clients become “vested” in the ranch and in more cases than not; they return the next season.

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  • What about the “management buck” that you refer to as my second buck. Am I guaranteed to get one?
    No. Part of our wildlife management plan includes the harvest of bucks that we consider are genetically inferior (NOT BUCKS THAT ARE SIMPLY YOUNG WITH SMALL ANTLERS!).

    These genetically inferior bucks are at least 2 1/2 years old and they have less than 8 points and they are in specific areas of Stone Ledge that are intensely managed. These bucks may also be missing brow tines and are not trophies, nor would they likely ever be considered trophies. Per the hunting agreement, after the Classic Hunter shoots their first buck, they may hunt for a buck that falls into this management category. Each year we have some WHOPPER management bucks taken and we know that we’ll have a good number of them this season as well.

    NOTE: Some hunters make a mistake when shooting what they believe is a “management buck”. Be careful. All hunters are responsible for their actions and for the animals they shoot in the field and must sign an acknowledgment of this policy BEFORE shooting a “management buck”.

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  • What if I pull the trigger and make a “mistake”?
    Our policy is simple. “If it bleeds, you just bought it”. Hunters at Stone Ledge have unparalleled options and freedom to hunt for and shoot the animal(s) of their choice. Along with those options, the Hunter accepts FULL RESPONSIBILITY for his actions and must exercise “finger discipline” at all times. If you’re not sure of what you are shooting at...DON’T SHOOT (unless you’re willing to pay for it).

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  • When can I hunt for exotics?
    Non-native species may be hunted year round in Texas. Our exotic hunts run from January through September.

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  • Do I need a license?
    Yes, you will need to purchase a license prior to arrival. They are available for purchase in nearby Junction or through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. You may purchase the license over the telephone with a Visa, Discover or MasterCard by calling 1-800-895-4248.

    Hunting licenses are not available for purchase at Stone Ledge.

    Texas Resident $23.00
    Non-Resident General Whitetail Deer $315.00 (Annual)
    Non-Resident Exotic $48 (non-native species)
    Non-Resident Spring Turkey $130
    A signed liability release form required prior to arrival at camp.

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  • Are there other costs and what is the tipping policy?
    There is no fee for field dressing and cold storage. For the hunter who wants to have his trophy mounted, we will also cape your buck to the base of the jaw; then remove the head and cape. You may take your deer head with you or you may drop it off at the taxidermist in nearby Junction.

    Our staff works hard to make each hunter’s trip to Stone Ledge the best hunt possible. The amount of a tip is entirely up to each individual hunter and should depend upon the quality of the service provided.

    Generally, tips range from $150 to $200 per hunter for a 4 day hunt. Tips are divided up equally among the Stone Ledge staff after a hunter’s departure. If a particular staff member did an exceptional job, a hunter is encouraged to tip the staff member separately.

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  • How much of a deposit is required?
    2011 hunts require a $250 deposit if received prior to April 01, 2011

    All payments are payable to:

    Stone Ledge Ranch
    P.O. Box 791411
    San Antonio, Texas 78279

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  • Are firearms available for use at the ranch?
    Yes. With the cost of extra baggage by airlines, we have found that many hunters (who fly to Texas) wish to save money by using our firearms.

    There is no additional charge to use one of our firearms. Please let us know at time of booking if you wish to take advantage of this opportunity.

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  • Can you describe the lodge in more detail?
    The approximately 6,000 square foot lodge is gorgeous and is constructed of native stone exterior and a metal roof. The lodge houses ten (10) people very comfortably and includes five (5) separate bedrooms, each containing two (2) double beds, along with a full bathroom. Hunting rates are based on double occupancy. The main room has an open vaulted ceiling, with cedar trusses, a large stone fireplace, and numerous mounted trophies adorn the walls; a big screen TV supported by a satellite dish; two bars (one with keg) and is furnished with large overstuffed leather sofas and chairs. A large dining table capable of seating twelve (12) comfortably and card/game tables provide the final compliment of comfort for tired hunters. The courtyard has a hot tub located beneath an arbor, a larger fire pit as well as a built-in barbeque and meat smoker surrounded with comfortable seating. The lodge is built on a hill and overlooks a beautiful pond, stocked with bass and catfish.

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  • What clothes should I bring?
    During the period of November through January, clients should equip themselves for cold weather, particularly during the evenings, nights and early mornings. Warm clothes and long underwear are essential. A medium insulated or down jacket will be necessary plus warm socks, gloves and a scarf. Otherwise, guests wear regular camouflage hunting clothes, hiking boots of ankle height, soft camp shoes.

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  • What equipment should I bring?
    Personal equipment such as cameras, ammunition and weapons are very much the choice of the individual. A limited number of rifles are available for use at no extra charge.

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  • Is there an alcohol policy at Stone Ledge?
    Yes. While we do provide an open and well stocked bar, we have a strict alcohol policy. Once you take a drink of alcohol, you are through hunting for the day, PERIOD.

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  • What is the shipping address for Stone Ledge?
    You may ship your personal equipment however, we are not responsible in the event of loss. Our shipping address is:

    Stone Ledge Ranch
    12281 FM 2291/Cleo Road
    11.4 miles north of IH-10
    Junction, TX 76849

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  • Where's the recipe to make Stone Ledge Back Strap Delight?
    Get the recipe here and prepare yourself for a real treat!

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