Independence Ranch Hog Hunting
Independence Ranch Hog Hunting
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Shoot Unlimited Hogs & Sizes! Texas Hog Hunting at its Best! Texas Hog Hunting near Austin, Houston & San Antonio. Cheap, Affordable Hog Hunts for all ages and skill levels. The best Hog Hunting Ranch Outfitter in Texas! Where to hunt in Texas? Look no further, we have been Texas pig hunting for over 15 years. Absolutely NO KILL FEES & NO TROPHY FEES! Unlimited Hog Hunting!
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Independence Ranch Hog Hunting
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
3.0
41 reviews
Excellent
14
Very good
5
Average
2
Poor
6
Terrible
14
Larry A
1 contribution
Jan 2023 • Solo
my fist ever hog hunt. a very good first experience. i got several opportunities and bagged 2 hogs. i just tried the bratwurst that i brought home. the best i ever had. the staff was friendly and helpful. lunch was good, too. this isnt the ritz and its not charm school: its a hunting camp and good one.
Written 30 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danielle B
1 contribution
Sept 2018 • Couples
I had thought I would be shooting wild pigs with scary big teeth and crazy hair. Not pigs released from some local farmer! I live in Wyo! I can easily get the meat from here! The food was great, exotic animals were neat. Please read the fine print about the $100 per hunter on arrival, processing fees $50 +; and if you are flying the cooler. Please also note that you will drive your own vehicle to the blinds, it is very muddy and tons of people get stuck. When we got pulled out, our rental car was damaged. The owner, Ranch Boss Steve, never returned our 3 calls
Written 21 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TPF27
1 contribution
Feb 2022
NEVER EVER BOOK THE ALL INCLUSIVE HOG HUNT UNLESS YOU WANT TO LOSE MONEY!!
More about the all inclusive hog hunt in a minute. First, about the hunt... The food was good, the facilities decent, and the staff was friendly. That's the reason for the two stars.
The actual hunt: The entire hunt is canned (fully fenced). They release hogs twice a day from pens. I am kind of ashamed that I participated in this type of "hunt." At night, you go to a blind and hope that along with cattle, rams, and deer, a hog comes and eats your bait. (You have to bring 100 lbs of feed per hunter.)
But during the day it's a different story. In my opinion, the ranch was dangerously overbooked. There were about 50 people hunting at the same time in a confined area. About 2/3s of the hunters I spoke with had little to no hunting or firearms experience. You are told to walk in a straight line with 10 to 12 people you've never met and hope for the best. I chose to go back to my cabin and await the night hunt which was relatively safe.
Now about the ALL INCLUSIVE HOG HUNT. (I'm sorry but I need to be very detailed to show that this is a no-win purchase.)
So if you have read the reviews and still wish to go on this hunt, BOOK THE $399 HUNT, NOT THE ALL INCLUSIVE HUNT. You are guaranteed to lose money on the all inclusive.
Here's why... So one person books the $399, 3-day hunt. He pays $399. At the ranch he pays the $100 guide fee + one dollar per pound for each hog he shoots.
A different hunter books the "All Inclusive" hunt for $699. He basically pays for the $399 hunt + the $100 guide fee + 200 lbs of hog in advance.
BUT WAIT. There's a catch: one hog can weight up to 50 lbs and the other up to 150 lbs.
BUT WAIT. There's another catch that is not on their website. If you go over by even one pound on either hog, YOU LOSE THE MONEY YOU ALREADY PAID IN ADVANCE. Here's some examples of how purchasing the All Inclusive hunt is a guaranteed losing proposition.
Hunter "A" purchased the $399 hunt. He pays the $100 guide fee when he arrives at the ranch. He shoots a 90 lb. hog and a 60 lb. hog (total weight 150 lbs). He pays a total of $649.
Hunter "B" purchased the "All Inclusive" hunt and prepaid $200 for hogs. He shoots the same as hunter "A", a 90 lb. and a 60 lb. hog. The $90 hog is applied to the "up to 150 lb. hog" included in the package. But the 60 lb. hog is over 50 lbs so this hunter has to pay a full additional $60. He loses the money he already paid in the package. So Hunter "B" paid $699 + $60 for a total $759, for a loss of $110 over what he would have paid if he purchased the non-inclusive hunt. Are you seeing how this is a no-win purchase?
One more example: If a hunter purchased the all inclusive and shot a 151 lb. and a 51 lb. hog he would get no credit for the 200 lbs he already paid for and would have to pay an additional $202, for a total of $901. This is a $200 loss from what he would have paid if he purchased the $399 hunt. The only way to break even is to shoot one hog weighing exactly 150 lbs and one hog weighing exactly 50 lbs. I truly believe those odds are on par with winning the lottery.
So if you still want to go here, make sure to not purchase the all inclusive hunt. In my opinion, canned hunts are about as ethical as the billing practices of this ranch.
More about the all inclusive hog hunt in a minute. First, about the hunt... The food was good, the facilities decent, and the staff was friendly. That's the reason for the two stars.
The actual hunt: The entire hunt is canned (fully fenced). They release hogs twice a day from pens. I am kind of ashamed that I participated in this type of "hunt." At night, you go to a blind and hope that along with cattle, rams, and deer, a hog comes and eats your bait. (You have to bring 100 lbs of feed per hunter.)
But during the day it's a different story. In my opinion, the ranch was dangerously overbooked. There were about 50 people hunting at the same time in a confined area. About 2/3s of the hunters I spoke with had little to no hunting or firearms experience. You are told to walk in a straight line with 10 to 12 people you've never met and hope for the best. I chose to go back to my cabin and await the night hunt which was relatively safe.
Now about the ALL INCLUSIVE HOG HUNT. (I'm sorry but I need to be very detailed to show that this is a no-win purchase.)
So if you have read the reviews and still wish to go on this hunt, BOOK THE $399 HUNT, NOT THE ALL INCLUSIVE HUNT. You are guaranteed to lose money on the all inclusive.
Here's why... So one person books the $399, 3-day hunt. He pays $399. At the ranch he pays the $100 guide fee + one dollar per pound for each hog he shoots.
A different hunter books the "All Inclusive" hunt for $699. He basically pays for the $399 hunt + the $100 guide fee + 200 lbs of hog in advance.
BUT WAIT. There's a catch: one hog can weight up to 50 lbs and the other up to 150 lbs.
BUT WAIT. There's another catch that is not on their website. If you go over by even one pound on either hog, YOU LOSE THE MONEY YOU ALREADY PAID IN ADVANCE. Here's some examples of how purchasing the All Inclusive hunt is a guaranteed losing proposition.
Hunter "A" purchased the $399 hunt. He pays the $100 guide fee when he arrives at the ranch. He shoots a 90 lb. hog and a 60 lb. hog (total weight 150 lbs). He pays a total of $649.
Hunter "B" purchased the "All Inclusive" hunt and prepaid $200 for hogs. He shoots the same as hunter "A", a 90 lb. and a 60 lb. hog. The $90 hog is applied to the "up to 150 lb. hog" included in the package. But the 60 lb. hog is over 50 lbs so this hunter has to pay a full additional $60. He loses the money he already paid in the package. So Hunter "B" paid $699 + $60 for a total $759, for a loss of $110 over what he would have paid if he purchased the non-inclusive hunt. Are you seeing how this is a no-win purchase?
One more example: If a hunter purchased the all inclusive and shot a 151 lb. and a 51 lb. hog he would get no credit for the 200 lbs he already paid for and would have to pay an additional $202, for a total of $901. This is a $200 loss from what he would have paid if he purchased the $399 hunt. The only way to break even is to shoot one hog weighing exactly 150 lbs and one hog weighing exactly 50 lbs. I truly believe those odds are on par with winning the lottery.
So if you still want to go here, make sure to not purchase the all inclusive hunt. In my opinion, canned hunts are about as ethical as the billing practices of this ranch.
Written 3 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim E
1 contribution
Feb 2022
When we arrived there were over 80 other hunters looking to shoot pigs. The Honey Hole, which is a premium pay hunting spot was sold out and unavailable for all the hunters who wanted to be there. The owner did not allow a walk and stalk as there were still too many hunters to do that. We were forced to hunt from stands in the open part of the ranch. 4 of us were assigned to a small stand where they only had 3 chairs. Talking to other hunters who were lucky to be in the Honey Hole, they said there were more hunters than pigs there. We only heard a couple of shots being taken, Several people never saw a pig their entire visit. One of our group was lucky to shoot a couple of pigs. When he looked in his cooler at his meat, he was short 4 hams. The ranch has a board where they write down the weight of the pig you shot, you pay by the pound, which is how they charge you and the board was erased so you could not tell if you were being charged the correct amount. Breakfast was good, but the lunch and dinners were not very good. The ranch charges a premium for ice for your cooler and for feed to bait your stand for the night hunt. The feed was eaten mostly by cows and a few exotics. The only pig who showed up to eat the feed was about 10 to 15 pounds in size. If you shot him you would be charged the $50 minimum. There were so many hunters for the night hunt, they needed to do the night hunt in 2 shifts of 2 hours each. They did not put out more feed for the second shift, Only 1 bag per stand, although everyone was required to pay for 2 bags each, despite multiple hunters in each stand on both shifts.
Written 16 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Don M
Colorado Springs, CO4 contributions
Dec 2020
Been going here for years, and this year was one of the best. Had the entire SE quadrant of trhe ranch to myself the second day after two large parties tagged out. Stalk and shoot. Killed three 100-lb+ black boars and one black sow over the day. One of the best hunts I have had. I also have to note: the meals are first rate, and over the years, the lodging has improved considerably. I spoke with many of the first-time hunters and hunt groups whom I met this year and they will all be coming back.
Written 18 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul T
1 contribution
Feb 2022
I am not a hunter, but I am a retired Army veteran. I took my son there and we had a good time. I paid 200$ for the service fee at check-in which includes the meals and sleeping arrangements, less than a good hotel. Matt and Steve the guides were very helpful. My son and I both shot a few hogs and it was a great bonding experience for us. The gentleman that runs the range helped my son get comfortable with the rifle. My son had not shot the rifle prior to our hunt.
The cost of having the hogs dress is one dollar per pound which is less than pork in the grocery store. I had the meat processed at a local meat market for one dollar per pound, The owner Paul is not scamming anybody in my opinion, hunting can be expensive.
Most of the hunters at the ranch fly in from other states and countries just to hunt in Texas. I am grateful that I live in Texas.
The pigs are mostly corn fed so the meat is good. I was used to combat where things shoot back, so this was defiantly fun. My son learned a good lesson about life, gun safety, and he has lifelong memory.
I am grateful for the experience.
Paul Turner
U.S. Army Retired
The cost of having the hogs dress is one dollar per pound which is less than pork in the grocery store. I had the meat processed at a local meat market for one dollar per pound, The owner Paul is not scamming anybody in my opinion, hunting can be expensive.
Most of the hunters at the ranch fly in from other states and countries just to hunt in Texas. I am grateful that I live in Texas.
The pigs are mostly corn fed so the meat is good. I was used to combat where things shoot back, so this was defiantly fun. My son learned a good lesson about life, gun safety, and he has lifelong memory.
I am grateful for the experience.
Paul Turner
U.S. Army Retired
Written 27 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ToddRose
Fife, WA1 contribution
Jun 2022
I had possibly the best time ever on my Hunt yesterday! I live in San Marcos, TX. It was worth the hour Drive. I had an amazing Lunch provided by the Ranch. The staff is awesome. Wild Bill, Brian, and Steve have excellent customer service skills. I would spend the money to go again, but the next time an overnight stay would be great! I struggled a lot with getting a Hog; because, of my own excitement. However, at the end of the Day Wild Bill came by and lead me to a Hog that was just enjoying an afternoon nap not an afternoon run. I was able to take my time with my shot and killed me a 136-pound Hog. I look forward to another trip to Independence Ranch.
Written 12 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jacob W
3 contributions
Mar 2021 • Friends
Small overbooked 200ish acre “ranch”. This is not hunting, this is shooting baited, and fenced in pigs brought in from other ranches. Small shooting lanes and questionable safety measure in consideration of over booking hunters. Owners want your money and will nickel and dime you the whole way. I tried to tip the boys in the butcher shop, which were the highlight of the trip talking to them and sharing stories, but was instructed tips go to the front office, and will be divided up later...highly doubt it, the owners pocket the tips. Picture joe exotic, but all about the pigs and your money.
Written 14 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GeorgePoca
Austin, TX10 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
Hi, to everyone !
I just made it back from the ranch after a 3 days hunt with my 17 year old boy.
I respect and understand all of your expectations from this place .
My personal experience at the Ranch as my first time was
Very good as I did all my homework before we got there.
I did read all the online reviews I could and especially the bad ones.
I knew all about this place before we got there based on some people having not what they expected. I was not disappointed on my part as I agreed to go . And yes they run an operation that does not always allow them to be relaxing or Friendly. When you get people shooting guns there is always something that can go wrong. I definitely liked the lock of comfort ,especially to get my boy away from it . It was like a training camp for him and the fact that he wasn't coddled helped him to excel himself. If I wanted comfort I probably stayed in a hotel but that wasn't the point of this trip.
We went to shoot some wild pigs and that is what we did .I did have an opportunity to talk with them in moments when they weren't very busy and as a latino in Texas they treat me very well . I also realized there were problems with some hunters that kept them worried . Yes we paid for the pound for cleaning but as a business they need to make some money right ? Plus talking to the crew who do all the cleaning I was told that there are some days that they don't have any cleaning to do and the ranch still pays them for it. That was good to hear .
As I said before I did my homework before and I don't have anything to cry about as I knew what was about . I do respect all your opinions as it helped me to expect something bad but it wasn't the case.
For that i will give this place a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star !!!
Jorge P.
I just made it back from the ranch after a 3 days hunt with my 17 year old boy.
I respect and understand all of your expectations from this place .
My personal experience at the Ranch as my first time was
Very good as I did all my homework before we got there.
I did read all the online reviews I could and especially the bad ones.
I knew all about this place before we got there based on some people having not what they expected. I was not disappointed on my part as I agreed to go . And yes they run an operation that does not always allow them to be relaxing or Friendly. When you get people shooting guns there is always something that can go wrong. I definitely liked the lock of comfort ,especially to get my boy away from it . It was like a training camp for him and the fact that he wasn't coddled helped him to excel himself. If I wanted comfort I probably stayed in a hotel but that wasn't the point of this trip.
We went to shoot some wild pigs and that is what we did .I did have an opportunity to talk with them in moments when they weren't very busy and as a latino in Texas they treat me very well . I also realized there were problems with some hunters that kept them worried . Yes we paid for the pound for cleaning but as a business they need to make some money right ? Plus talking to the crew who do all the cleaning I was told that there are some days that they don't have any cleaning to do and the ranch still pays them for it. That was good to hear .
As I said before I did my homework before and I don't have anything to cry about as I knew what was about . I do respect all your opinions as it helped me to expect something bad but it wasn't the case.
For that i will give this place a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star !!!
Jorge P.
Written 23 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lord X
9 contributions
Apr 2022 • Solo
I had a great time at the ranch. I did the 3 hour hunt and I got a hog within 20 mins. Afterwards I had lunch and the pork chops were very good and the mushrooms were fantastic. I left with not only a great time but with some wild hog sausage,bacon,and wild hog chorizo. Thanks again to Paul and his staff. They were friendly, professional and very knowledgeable.See you guys soon I will definitely do more Hunts with you at the ranch.
Written 15 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience