Axis Deer
The Best Axis Deer Hunts
Starting at $5,500
OVERVIEW
Axis Deer are among the most common exotic species hunted in Texas, and you’ve come to the right place If you’re looking for a giant Axis Deer hunt!
I do these hunts on several different ranches that offer the best Axis Deer hunting in the state. I call one of the ranches my 'super trophy Axis ranch' because it has the biggest Axis deer I’ve ever seen, and I’ve got 400 to 500 Axis deer on the ranch at any point in time. That means there are always numerous giant bucks to choose from and plenty of shot opportunities.
Unlike most outfitters, I don’t describe Axis Deer based only on the main beam length. Telling you that my Axis Deer are 32” or 34” or 36” tells you very little about the deer, or the size of the deer. When I talk about Axis Deer, I talk about them based on their SCI score. Much like a B&C score on a Whitetail, the overall score of an Axis Deer gives you a much fuller picture. The average Axis buck harvested on my super trophy ranch will score 150” +, which is well into the SCI “Gold Medal” category. Every year we also harvest several Axis bucks that break the 170” mark, which is an Axis of a lifetime.
I also have management Axis buck hunts available, which target bucks that are huge, but don’t have quite the tine length to make them 'super trophy axis'. These management Axis bucks are a great hunt and provide you with a lot of great meat. They cost a bit less (so you can come on another hunt!)
Everything you need to know
WHO, HOW, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE
WHO THESE HUNTS ARE FOR
I can accommodate hunters at different experience levels and in varying physical condition.
Most of these hunts are ‘spot and stalk’, which can be a bit tough for a novice. If that’s the case, though, we can hunt out of a blind overlooking a feeder.
The roads around the ranch are kept in very good condition, so getting around the ranch isn’t an issue. On the ‘spot and stalk’ hunts, your best chance at getting a giant Axis means walking on rocky terrain and shooting off of shooting sticks or while bracing off of a tree limb (out to about 250 yards).
HOW WE HUNT AXIS DEER
Most of my axis deer hunts are done by spot and stalk. We drive around until we locate a nice herd or a great buck and then stalk into position for a shot. At times we 'call them in' (yes you can sometimes call Axis in to you). When they are rutting, and bellowing and screaming at each other, it’s easy to locate them and then start stalking in their direction.
If we’re struggling to get Axis deer via spot and stalk, or if I have a hunter that has a hard time getting around, we’ll head to the blind and wait for the deer to come to us.
A typical hunting day starts before daylight with a quick breakfast, and then we’re off to start the hunt. Late morning we’ll break for brunch/lunch. Because it’s so hot in Texas when we hunt Axis deer, we’ll take a break from hunting in the afternoon and use that time to go fishing, swimming, or just relax. We’ll have an early dinner and then head back out to hunt — because it doesn’t get dark till late, we’ll still have a good four hours of evening hunting.
It’s worth noting that I don’t have a big camp where you will be in a lodge with a bunch of people you don’t know. When you hunt with me, you or your group have exclusive rights to the ranch for lodging and hunting.
ABOUT AXIS DEER
Axis deer, or Chital, are native to the Indian subcontinent and were imported into Texas in the 1930s. They now occupy at least 45 Texas counties. With their bright reddish coat and white spots, they are considered one of the most beautiful deer species.
Most Axis bucks typically have simple antlers, with three points on each side. They typically weigh about 200 pounds. In May, before they run their fat off, my super trophy axis typically weigh 250+ pounds. Axis does are smaller and typical weigh 100 to 125 pounds.
Having very few natural predators and natural resistance to disease has allowed Axis deer to flourish in Texas. Axis deer are primarily grazers, but they can easily exist on forbs and woody browse. Being primarily a grazer, the meat from Axis deer is considered some of the best tasting of any of the deer species.
Axis deer reproduce year-round, but the majority of their breeding -- the rut -- occurs in late May through mid-July. During the rut, Axis bucks bellow (I call it screaming) at each other and wander around looking for receptive does and rounding up their harems, much like elk.
WHEN AND WHERE WE HUNT AXIS DEER
Axis Deer are considered an ‘exotic’ in Texas and there’s no closed season. The best time, however, for Axis Deer hunting in Texas is from May through July. During this time, the majority of my bigger Axis bucks are going to be hard antlered.
Axis Deer can be found in over 45 counties in Texas, but the majority of my Axis Deer hunting occurs in the Hill Country, on several different ranches. My 3,600 acre ranch in Real County offers the best Axis Deer hunting — it has the biggest ones I’ve ever seen -- and I’ve got 400 to 500 Axis Deer on that ranch at any point in time. This is my 'super trophy Axis' ranch.
I’ve also got a couple of other ranches in the Hill Country with some great free-range Axis. These deer are typically smaller than my super trophy bucks, but are still great trophies and are 100% free-range deer. Most of these ranches have hay fields that draw the Axis in, and during the rut, you never know what might walk out of the brush. Most of these hunts are done out of a blind, but occasionally we’ll spot and stalk hunt depending on the situation.
If you are traveling by air, fly into the San Antonio International Airport. Rent a car there and drive to the ranch.
PACKING LIST
To prepare for your hunt, take a look at my packing lists. Some of the links on those lists are affiliate links — that means that I earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Note, however, that I only recommend products that I use myself. In addition, take a look at my recommendations for hunting gear.
The weather in Texas can be unpredictable, and change quickly and abruptly. Make sure to check the weather forecast and pack appropriately.
Generally, summers are very hot, winters can get quite raw (especially in West Texas), and summer and fall days often have huge temperature swings with cold evenings, nights and mornings, and warm or hot afternoons.
For most hunts, prepare to dress in layers so you can add or take off clothing as temperatures shift throughout the day. For warm weather hunts, pack clothes that breathe, are well ventilated, and keep the sun off of you. For mountain hunts, avoid cotton — wool or synthetic works best.
For hunts in the late spring, summer and early fall, Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent is invaluable. We do a lot of walking through tall grass, and chiggers and ticks can be a problem. With Sawyer Permethrin you don’t have to worry about them. It's sprayed on your clothing and once it dries it’s odorless and colorless. I LOVE this product, and literally never leave home without it!
And one last - but very important - note: Do NOT wear new boots! Make sure your boots are well broken in!
Comfortable boots/shoes
Snake boots (I typically wear snake boots to keep the cactus/thorns/brush off my legs)
Jeans/Pants/Insulated Overalls (Lighter weight pants for the Spring/Summer and heavier weight for the Fall/Winter)
Camo shirts: Long Sleeve Shirts & Insulated Long Sleeve Shirts
Uninsulated & Insulated underwear
Darn tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion socks are my favorite. They last close to forever!
Comfortable camp clothes
Backpack – a water bladder in your pack is helpful
Rifle & Ammo or Bow & Arrows
Personal Toiletries & Medicines
Valid TX hunting license
PACKING DETAILS
PRICING FOR TEXAS AXIS DEER HUNTS
3 days / 2 nights
Days
$5,500 per hunter
Flat Fee
Free Range Axis Hunts
$2,500 per hunter
Deposit
Rooms sleep two
Trophy fees:
$3000 for management Axis deer
$6500 for typical Axis deer
$7500 for non-typical Axis deer
$325 per room
Daily Rate
$3,000 to $7,500 per animal
Trophy Fee
Axis Super Trophy Hunts
$2,500 per hunter
Deposit
Meals
Lodging
Transportation around the ranch
Field care of your trophy
Valid Texas Hunting License (Non-resident Special 5 Day Hunting License – Type 157 – $48)
Gratuities
Transportation to ranch
Skinning, caping, quartering of your trophy
Drinks other than coffee and water
Non-hunting guests – $250/person/night
Skinning & quartering of your trophy – $100/animal
Caping & freezing hide for transport home – $50/animal
