At Rawhide Ridge Ranch in Yorktown, Texas, we pride ourselves on providing unforgettable hunting experiences. But sometimes, a hunt comes along that stands out even among the best. This is the story of one such hunt—a hunt that reminded me why we do what we do and why we love it so much.
It all started earlier this summer when I began running the game cams. There was one buck in particular that caught my eye. He had been impressive the previous year, but I knew he could turn into something truly special with time. So, I decided to hold off on him, hoping he’d grow into a trophy buck. And sure enough, he did.
But here’s the thing—this wasn’t a pen-raised deer. This was a native, wild buck, born and raised on Rawhide Ridge Ranch. He was mature, smart, and elusive. I knew he wouldn’t be easy to find, especially considering his age and cautious nature.
Our hunt began that Friday evening. We were determined, but despite our best efforts, we didn’t catch a glimpse of him. Not even a picture on the game cams. It was as though he knew exactly what we were up to. My hunter, Talon, had to leave for a bit, but he was determined to come back and give it another shot.
Ten days later, he returned, hoping for cooler weather and better conditions for whitetail hunting. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate. Instead of the crisp, cool air we were hoping for, we found ourselves in the middle of a brutal November heatwave. The heat was unbearable, but we pushed through. We sat in the same blind, hunting from dawn to dusk, enduring the heat and a thick fog each morning that made visibility nearly impossible. Yet, we stayed committed.
Then, Wednesday morning arrived—the last chance we had to take the buck before Talon had to head back. As we headed to the blind, we noticed something different: the sky was clear, and the stars were more prominent than they had been all week. Talon told me a story his dad used to share with him when they hunted together, saying, “On clear mornings, hunt right and shoot straight because your grandpa is watching from above.” As it turned out, Talon’s grandpa wasn’t just watching from above; he had a front-row seat to what was about to unfold.
Around 6:40 am, after a morning of glassing and waiting, the buck appeared. He was running in with a group of does, completely unaware of our presence. He stopped about 100 yards away and turned broadside, almost as if he were showing off. Talon was ready. He squeezed the trigger—but click. A misfire. “You’re good,” I whispered, “Put another round in.” He did, but click. Another misfire. The tension was rising, and both of us were starting to panic. Finally, Talon loaded the third round and aimed for the buck once more. With a deep breath and a prayer, he pulled the trigger—boom!
That buck stood there far longer than he should have, as if fate had a hand in the outcome. Talon had made the perfect shot, and we both let out a sigh of relief. We celebrated the moment, our hearts racing as we realized what had just happened. The buck, a true trophy at 209″ with beams that seemed to go on forever, was ours.
This hunt will forever be etched in my memory. It’s not just about the trophy; it’s about the experience, the patience, the perseverance, and the connection to the land. It’s about those moments that you can’t replicate anywhere else—moments when everything aligns, and you’re reminded of why you love this.
If you’ve been considering a hunt at Rawhide Ridge, this is the experience we aim to provide. Whether it’s the thrill of the hunt, the beauty of the ranch, or the camaraderie of a shared adventure, we promise you a hunt you’ll never forget. Book your own trip, and let us create your next hunting story.