Texas waterfowl hunt unlike anything you’ve ever seen—one of the most unique, unpressured, and best-kept secrets in North America waterfowl hunting. Avid wing shooter looking for your next adventure? Serious North America waterfowl species collector looking to check several hard-to-get-boxes without crossing borders? Looking for an action-packed corporate or friends-only waterfowl hunting getaway? Or maybe somewhere that your wife or entire family can have fun while you’re keeping your shotgun barrel hot shooting waterfowl and doves? Look no further than the Speck Ops Waterfowl Texas waterfowl hunt, an absolute legendary desert paradise. For many reasons!
It’s real dry. And that’s a good thing. Bounded by the Chihuahua Desert to the west, hill country and clear-water river canyons to the north, famous Texas brush country to the south (the Gulf of Mexico even further south), the “Texas Winter Garden region” that’s known for irrigated agriculture and pastureland is a lush, smack-in-the-middle oasis that’s historically overwintered myriad Central Flyway ducks, geese and sandhill cranes. White-winged and mourning doves are also plentiful. But it’s world-famous trophy buck country. Besides a few ranchers occasionally jump shooting tanks, dove or quail hunters, local interest in hunting ducks, geese or cranes is relatively nonexistent. Enter Spec Ops Waterfowl.
Husband-wife Speck Ops Waterfowl team, Luke and Jillian Bledsoe, spent the past decade assembling several 100s of thousands of exclusive-use acres and the right guide-staff into an amazing Texas waterfowl hunt program. In an area best described as a 500-mile triangle between the Gulf of Mexico and Uvalde are countless stock tanks and watered honey holes known only to a few rusty ranch hands, thirsty cattle, and thirsty ducks. Some may never have been hunted before, and might only be hunted once per season. It’s an area so big that it requires operating 3 lodges to cover it all, and so ecologically diverse that most Central Flyway waterfowl species can be hunted. Texas sandhill crane hunt and white-fronted (specklebelly) goose hunt are the Speck Ops specialties. Mixed bag Texas duck hunts are the norm. Prevalent duck species include American wigeon, northern pintail, gadwall, northern shoveler, green-winged teal, blue-winged teal, redhead, bufflehead, more. “During regular duck season, we shoot as many cinnamons as blue-winged,” says Luke when explaining that cinnamon teal are not uncommon. Both black-bellied whistling duck and fulvous whistling duck are usually around during the early season. Unbelievably, mottled duck and Mexican duck are available all season long. And as if checking all of those waterfowl species boxes weren’t enough, winter doves hunts are some of the best in the US; bobwhite quail abound; there’s fishing; trophy white-tailed, nilgai or other exotic hunts can be arranged. They’ve even got great Rio Grande turkey hunting during the spring.
Leave the waders at home. They’ll be provided in the rare event they’re needed. Knee boots or even hiking boots are usually perfect. Sleeping in a little later than guides, grab a cup of coffee and meet them at dropped-pin location. Drive times are 15-45 minutes. Most hunts are conducted from comfortable a-frames, occasionally layout blinds, and last until limits when the birds quit later in the morning. Return for brunch, nap, and relax around camp. Depending on your planned objectives, afternoon opportunities include dove hunting, bay duck hunting, fishing and more. Discuss your goals with Luke when scheduling your Texas waterfowl hunt at Speck Ops Waterfowl.
Lodging placement ultimately depends on how you’ve crafted your Texas waterfowl hunt to suite specific goals. The luxurious, theme park-like 501 Camp is a real crowd favorite. In addition to your choice of accommodations options and “normal first-class amenities,” there’s a bowling alley, heated pool, lazy river, skeet/trap, 5-stand, pistol/carbine and precision rifle ranges, carousel, ultimate top drive tours, fishing, and more–lots of fun for family, bachelor party or corporate get togethers. Charlotte and Riviera camps aren’t over-the-top wonderlands, but are spot-on perfect, everything that should be expected of a proper Texas duck hunting camp. Ideally suited for 6 minimum clients, maximum 12, contact outfitter to discuss smaller groups and mixed-party hunts.
Mouth-watering meals are prepared fresh, in-house daily and served family style. Southern- and cajun-style cuisines are always popular, but are accompanied by menu items from around the world. You can expect to sink your teeth into things like beef & gravy, greens & ham hocks, yams, mac-and-cheese, cornbread; boudin po-boys w/ pepper jelly, fresh-fired tortillas, grilled steak, pico, queso, guacamole, salsas and hot sauces; fried catfish, cajun gumbo; pork tenderloins, ribeye steaks, homemade chili, thick-cut bone-in pork chops; nilgai lasagna, coconut shrimp, nilgai marsala. Whether before dinner or afterwards, there’ll be plenty to talk about while sipping pearly pops around the fire pit. See details below for other specific package features.
Speck Ops Waterfowl’s one-of-a-kind Texas waterfowl hunting package is destined to become legendary. Central Flyway ducks, geese and sandhill cranes in a largely unhunted paradise plus premium lodging, meals and services all rolled into the perfect 3- to 6-day package. To discuss bucket-list species, the perfect itinerary, private party gatherings and amenity options, or to reserve your Texas waterfowl hunt, contact Luke Bledsoe at (830) 688-3641, email Luke@speckopswaterfowl.com.
Texas waterfowl hunting seasons and sandhill crane hunting seasons November – January. Texas dove hunting season September-October and December-January. Texas Rio Grande Turkey hunting season spring only.
Peak Timing for ducks—the entire season, early November through late January. Opportunities for fulvous and blackballed whistling ducks peak first couple weeks of season preceding first major cold front. Early blue-winged teal season in September. White-fronted (speckle belly) geese and sandhill cranes usually 3rd week November through end of season.
Best-of-best amenity levels and chef experiences, several top-shelf options for rooms, excellent hunting for ducks, geese, sandhill cranes, doves, fishing, Perfect for non-hunting family members, business retreats, bachelor parties, exclusive get togethers. Most all-inclusive of Speck Ops Waterfowl’s Texas waterfowl hunt package offerings. See details below.
Nov 2-17 (or first 2 weeks of season):
$1,730 to $2,430 per gun for 2-night, 2-hunt inclusive Texas waterfowl hunting package depending on room selections.
Nov 18 – Jan 26 (remainder of season):
$2,380 to $2,900 per gun for 3-night, 3-hunt inclusive Texas waterfowl hunting package depending on room selections.
$800 per gun per extra day.
$1,550-1,750 per non-hunter 3 nights inclusive, depending on room selections.
$750-$900 per non-hunting spouse 3 nights inclusive, assuming shared room with hunting spouse, depending on room selections.
Located in the heart of Texas brush country. Consistent bird-stack producer, waterfowl-infested properties where with lots of ducks and geese that have never seen a decoy. Lots of wigeon, pintail, and specklebellys.
$1,360 per gun 2-night, 2-hunt include Texas waterfowl hunt package
$1,560 per gun 2-night, combo 2-hunt waterfowl and 1-hunt dove Texas waterfowl hunt package
$2,000 per gun 3-night, 3-hunt waterfowl Texas waterfowl hunt package
$2,200 per gun 3-night, 3-hunt waterfowl 1-hunt dove Texas waterfowl hunt package
$2,400 per gun 3-night, 3-hunt waterfowl, 2-hunt dove Texas waterfowl hunt package
Incredible morning sandhill crane hunts, afternoon bay duck hunting. First couple weeks season, excellent chance for fulvous and black-bellied whistling ducks. Later in season, mottled ducks sometimes dry feed with cranes and can be hunted simultaneously. Heavy goose feeds are always a possibility. Optional speckled trout fishing for cast-and-blast adventure. Speck Ops Waterfowl partnered with the famous Baffin Bay Rod & Gun for lodging and amenities to ensure first-class experience.
Nov 2-17 dates only (first 2 weeks best chance for bagging whistling ducks)
$2,300 per gun 3-night, 2 mornings waterfowl, 1 morning fishing, Texas cast-and-blast waterfowl hunt
$1,400 per gun 2-night, 2-hunt, Texas waterfowl hunting package
Dec 14 – Jan 19 timeframe
$1,680 per gun 2-night, 3-hunt Texas sandhill crane and duck hunting combo.
Jan 20-26 timeframe
$1,400 per gun 2-night, 2-hunt, Texas waterfowl hunting package
$2,100 per gun 3-night, 3-hunt waterfowl Texas waterfowl hunt package
$300 per non-hunting spouse sharing room with spouse
Terms: 50% non-refundable deposit. Balance due on arrival.
For maximum client flexibility, Speck Ops Waterfowl’s Texas waterfowl hunt packages have been carefully crafted as follows:
501 Lodge and Resort packages offer premium-level inclusiveness. Included in these Texas waterfowl hunts are professional guide services and related equipment, Migra waterfowl ammo; lodging and chef-prepared meals; beverages to include your choice of wine, domestic beer and spirits; full use of facility features (bowling alley, heated pool, lazy river, skeet/trap, 5-stand, pistol/carbine and precision rifle ranges, carousel, ultimate top drive tours, fire pits, etc.).
Charlotte Lodge Texas waterfowl hunting packages include professional guide services and related equipment, lodging, home-cooked meals, beverages to include domestic beers, billiards and air hockey, fire pits.
Riviera Lodge Texas waterfowl hunting packages include professional guide services and related equipment, lodging, chef-prepared meals, beverages to include domestic beers, wines and margaritas, pool.
501 Lodge and Resort packages do not include license, gratuities, transportation, dove hunting ammo.
Charlotte Lodge packages do not include license, gratuities, transportation, ammo.
Riviera Lodge packages do not include license, gratuities, transportation, ammo.
Customary gratuities are 20% paid to staff after hunt.
Connect with Speck Ops Waterfowl — Texas Waterfowl Hunting Desert Paradise
Website SpeckOpsWaterfowl.com
Facebook @speck_ops_LLC
Instagram @speck_ops
Hunting Licenses – Texas Waterfowl Hunts
5-Day resident or non-resident special Texas hunting license, federal duck stamp, Texas Migratory Game Bird stamp, Sandhill Crane Permit, HIP Certification.
Recommended that you purchase preceding arrival or can be bought online night of your arrival.
Getting There – Texas Waterfowl Hunts
Directions provided to those driving. Depending on which lodge is chosen, fly commercial to San Antonio and Corpus Christi or fly private to Pearsall, Kingsville or Uvalde. Airport transfers provided for private flights, else rent car and drive to destination (30 minutes to 1.5 hours depending).
Retriever Policy – Texas Waterfowl Hunts
Obedient retrievers are welcomed at lodges, but discouraged from hunting due to recurring problems in the past. Guide-staff have excellent retrievers.
Speck Ops Waterfowl will provide hunting references on request.
Speck Ops Waterfowl’s one-of-a-kind Texas waterfowl hunting package is destined to become legendary. Central Flyway ducks, geese and sandhill cranes in an unpressured, mostly unhunted paradise accompanied by premium lodging, meals and highly interpersonal services neatly packaged into the perfect 3- to 6-day experience. To discuss bucket-list species, the perfect itinerary, private party gatherings and amenity options, or to reserve your Texas waterfowl hunt, contact Luke Bledsoe at (830) 688-3641, email Luke@speckopswaterfowl.com.
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