Here are some items that will help you understand issues and concerns related to your enjoyment of hunting access on the Reed Ranch.
# NO GUARANTEES - This is a FREE-ROAM ranch (no high fences). Therefore, there are no guarantees associated with these hunts, including no guarantee that you will see the type of animal you are hunting for.
# GROUP HUNTS - Hunters arriving the evening before the hunt is welcomed. However, a stay in the cabin(s) may or may not be available, depending on whether Reed Ranch Hunting Club members are expected to be out. Come prepared to camp out unless you've checked with the landowner prior to your coming out and he has approved your stay in the cabin(s). There is no charge for staying in the cabin(s).
# RESPONSIBILITY TO CONFIRM - It's the responsibility of each hunter to confirm the date and time of the hunt and whether the hunt will be conducted on the date originally planned. The landowner will attempt to provide email updates to those having internet access and a recorded email address. If no email address is available, hunter(s) are to make arrangements to confirm that the hunt will be conducted.
Unless otherwise specifed, a pre-hunt hunter meeting will be held early-morning of the hunt to confirm all the arrangements and understandings. Any hunter not attending this meeting will not be allowed hunting access unless specifically approved by the landowner.
You will be expected to sign two documents (1) a
release of liability form and (2) a
hunting access form . The ranch has a high population of fawn and yearling buck with ear high antlers which can be hard to make out in low light conditions. This can lead to hunters mistaking them for mature doe.
BUTTON BUCKS are hard to identify and we ask that each hunter be careful not to shoot a fawn or doe which could be a BUTTON BUCK. Click
HERE for a photo and more information about identification of fawns and button bucks.
SOME THINGS TO REMEMBER TO MAKE YOUR HUNT SAFE AND ENJOYABLE
# Be sure to bring your own chair for your hunting stand. The Ranch does not maintain chairs for the hunting spots.
# Shooting times are restricted to 15 minutes AFTER sunrise and 30 minutes BEFORE sunset.
# Be sure you have a set of binoculars to better view the deer. You will not be allowed to hunt without a set of binoculars. No refunds will be given if you do not come prepared to hunt.
# Make sure your weapon is sighted in and on target at 100 yards.
# Take only doe which you have others to compare with. This is the best way to size a deer. Fawn will be smaller than mature doe. You are not allowed to shoot any fawn.
# Do not take long shots.
SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF A MATURE DOE COMPARED TO A FAWN, BUTTON BUCK, AND YEARLING BUCK ARE:
1. No visible antlers (compared to yearling buck with hard to see ear high antlers).
2. Larger more pronounced ears (as compared to fawn).
3. Longer slender necks.
4. Longer legs.
5. Larger bodies.
6. Possibly pot bellies (for older mature doe).
7. Possible sway backs (for older mature doe).
TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS
1. ALL FIREARMS - must be unloaded and have their actions in the OPEN POSITION (bolts all the way open - autos locked open) at all times at camp and in route to the hunting spots.
2. No unauthorized discharge of any weapons.
3. Youth are not allowed to drive 4-wheelers at any time.
4. No sidearms at anytime.
5. No alcohol or drugs are allowed on the Ranch. Also, you will be asked to leave the premises if you are determined to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
6. All travel is restricted on the ranch beyond the cabins.
7. If you become lost or confused with directions while hunting, RETURN/REMAIN AT YOUR STAND.
8. All hunters should check in by lunch time and again at sunset (dark).
9. Do not cross any barbed wire fences unless you have received authorization.
ALL HUNTERS SHOULD EXPECT TO:
1. Have a valid hunting license.
2. Observe and obey all hunting regulations.
3. Be respectful of other hunters.
4. Report any missed shots and expect a reasonable search for the animal.
5. Report any wounded game animals.
6. Check in all bagged deer for inspection and record keeping.
7. Fill out the paperwork on all bagged deer for Ranch records.
8. Receive a PERMIT from the Ranch for all bagged deer. The LAW REQUIRES IT.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
1. The Ranch is not responsible for accidents, theft, or personal property left at the Ranch.
2. The Ranch reserves the right to refuse service to any guest for any reason, at any time, without a refund. The Ranch has the authority to revoke all permissions given and institute a guest's removal from the premises if it is determined that a guest has violated Ranch and/or Texas hunting regulations.
3. It's the responsibility of the guest to notify the Ranch if he or she has any medical condition or impairment that may have an effect on the hunting experience.
4. Youth under the age of 16 are not to transport or carry, or otherwise possess a weapon of any kind while at camp or in route to a hunting spot.
5. All weapons of any kind in the vicinity of the cabins must be stored in a case or inside a closed vehicle.
6. Youth hunters under the age of 16 while at a hunting spot must be under full licensed adult supervision. The adult must be within arms length.
7. Guests may not cross beyond the property lines of the Reed Ranch.
8. Open gates are to be left open; closed gates are to be left closed.
9. Each guest is to respect the rights and well-being of other hunters which included staying quiet while hunting is in process and not entering areas which are being hunted by other hunters.
GOOD LUCK AND SAFE HUNTING!
THE REED WILDLIFE RANCH
DIRECTIONS TO RANCH