Frequently Asked Questions
How are hunts conducted at the Flying Z Ranch?
Hunting is done from 6 available elevated deer blinds over deer feeders that run just before dawn and approximately an hour before sunset. Feed is provided by the Ranch. 5 of the blinds are big enough for 2 hunters while 1 is more suited to a single hunter. All hunters will be given an introduction and tour of the Ranch and then able to hunt self-guided any of the blinds they like. There is an EZGO electric golf cart that hunters can use for moving in and out of the blinds for their hunts.
How is the MLDP data recorded on harvested whitetail deer?
We will ensure that a Ranch employee is on-site to assist in the collection of the harvest information required by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Commission for the MLDP (Managed Lands Deer Program). This includes tagging the deer with the appropriate MLD Permit, aging the deer (by extracting one side of the lower jawbone), weighing the field dressed animal (scales are provided) and logging the pertinent data in the harvest log that will be maintained by the Ranch per MLDP requirements. We will also assist with measuring the antlers to determine the B&C Score of all harvested bucks.
Are pets allowed on the Ranch?
Unfortunately, it is difficult to know how pets react to encounters with game and other people so while we are pet lovers ourselves, we do not allow our hunters to bring pets on the Ranch for these reasons.
Are Hunters permitted to bring guides with them to hunt on the Flying Z Ranch?
Yes, personal guides are welcome to accompany you on your hunt at your expense. Should your guide(s) choose to carry a firearm and hunt, they must pay the appropriate hunting fee and follow all of the Ranch Rules. If your guide(s) is not hunting (carrying a firearm and/or harvesting game), then they will not need to pay the appropriate hunting fees.
What activities are available on the Ranch in between morning and afternoon/evening hunts?
Hunters are welcome to come and go on the ranch as they like during the day(s) they have reserved for hunting. The Castell General Store just a couple miles away is a favorite place to visit. There are a variety of restaurants, stores and even golf available in Llano, Mason and Fredericksburg. Fredericksburg is a popular Hill Country shopping destination with numerous wineries for touring just 45 minutes from the Ranch. Hunters are also welcome to hike and hunt on the property in between the morning and evening stand hunts. Hikers need to be careful to watch out for rattlesnakes, copperheads and the occasional coral snake that are on the property.
Is lodging available at the Flying Z Ranch for hunters?
Yes! Hunters are able to rent our Hunter’s Cottage during their hunting experience. We have recently built a 2 BR / 2 BA Cottage and are making it available to hunters at the Flying Z Ranch. Rent of the Hunter’s Cottage is in addition to any Hunting Package fees. Please visit the "Hunter's Cottage" page for full details about the Hunter’s Cottage. Special note- we ask that people not wear their outdoor footwear inside the cottage. We suggest bringing a pair of indoor shoes or slippers.
Are Hunters allowed to camp on the Flying Z Ranch?
Hunters with camping trailers are welcome to stay on the ranch for the days they have reserved for hunting. There is a covered wing at the barn with 30-amp electrical connection and filtered soft-water available for a minor daily fee. No dumping of gray or black water is allowed on the property so please plan accordingly for your camping trip. No tent camping will be allowed.
Are meals provided by the Ranch?
Hunters are responsible for all meals and drinks that they might want while hunting on the Flying Z Ranch.
Who is responsible for deer processing and taxidermy of trophy bucks?
All field dressing, deer processing and any taxidermy work are the responsibility of the hunter(s), including the transporting of the animal(s) to the facility of your choice. We can make recommendations for local providers that we have had good experience with over the years. For your convenience there is a walk-in deer cooler to keep your deer until you are ready to take them to the processor. A lighted cleaning station with 2 cleaning tables and 4 winches is also available for use. Hunters are also welcome to skin and quarter out their game at the cleaning station as long as it is done according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Regulations.
Can you guarantee that I will shoot a white-tailed deer during my Flying Z Ranch hunt?
Although the deer on the Flying Z Ranch are behind a high fence, they are still wild! We cannot guarantee that you will see and be able to shoot a white-tailed deer or any specific trophy buck you would like to harvest during your hunt. We will provide you with as much information and opportunity to take a white-tailed deer, however, like most hunting experiences we cannot guarantee anything.
What information is available regarding Oak Wilt at the Flying Z Ranch?
Unfortunately, many oak trees on the Flying Z Ranch have been diagnosed with Oak Wilt. Please review the provided Oak Wilt Information and Acknowledgement document. There is also a great deal of information on the internet concerning the Oak Wilt disease and how to prevent spreading to other locations and trees. We can provide you with tools with which to cut firewood if needed. If you use your own tools to cut firewood and do not clean them properly when done, you risk transporting this dreadful fungus back to your home and infecting your and your neighbors’ trees. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask us.