Hunting
Texas Exotic Hunts
C5 Whitetails Lodge offers premier Texas exotic hunts on a private, high-fence ranch set within the scenic Brazos River Valley. With a strong focus on responsible game management, diverse exotic species, seasoned guides, and upscale lodge accommodations, C5 delivers a refined Texas hunting experience built for hunters who appreciate professionalism, honesty, and an unhurried, high-end atmosphere.
Whether you are pursuing exotic game in Texas for the first time or returning to target a mature trophy, C5 provides a fully inclusive lodge experience that blends challenging hunts with exceptional comfort and genuine Texas hospitality.
Exotic Species on our ranch
- Fallow Deer
- Aoudad
- Ibex
- Corsican and Painted desert sheep
- White Texas Dahl Rams
- Scimitar Oryx
- Scimbok
- Gemsbok
- Red Stag
- Addax
- Wildebeest
- Red Lechwe
- Blesbok
- Kudu
- Impala
- Kangaroo
- Thompson's Gazelle (Tommy)
Services available
- Professional Hunting Guide
- Game Cleaning and quartering
- Taxidermy
- Hunting blinds and stands
- Transport to and from blinds
Exotic Hunting Ranch in the Brazos River Valley
Located in the heart of the Brazos River Valley, the C5 exotic hunting ranch benefits from a diverse Central Texas landscape known for rich soils, thick vegetation, and dependable water sources. This varied terrain supports strong populations of exotic game and provides the natural cover, forage, and movement patterns needed for healthy animals and challenging, authentic exotic hunts.
Spanning roughly five hundred acres, the exotic hunting ranch features a blend of rolling elevation changes, wooded draws, open pockets, and natural creek corridors. The density and layout of the land allow the ranch to hunt well beyond its size, creating frequent game sightings and ethical shot opportunities while maintaining a sense of space and immersion in the hunt.
Travel & Airport Access to the Ranch
The C5 ranch is easily accessible from several major Texas airports, making travel simple for both in-state and out-of-state hunters. The ranch is located roughly twenty minutes from Waco Regional Airport, with convenient flight connections available through Dallas and Houston.
Complimentary ground transportation can be arranged from the following airports:
- Waco Regional Airport
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Dallas Love Field
- Houston Hobby Airport
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport
- Austin/Bergstrom International Airport
Transportation from additional airports may be available upon request. Please contact us directly to confirm availability and associated costs.
Hunters traveling by personal vehicle should plan to arrive at the ranch between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The property is located at 4269 Highway 6, Marlin, Texas 76661, positioned between Riesel and Marlin. Upon arrival, guests will be provided with a private gate access code for secure entry.
Hardwood Cover, Hills, and Water Sources Around the Ranch
The C5 exotic hunting ranch features a diverse mix of mature hardwoods, dense brush lines, natural creek systems, and rolling elevation changes that create ideal conditions for a wide range of exotic game. These natural features influence daily movement patterns, encourage consistent daytime activity, and provide hunters with organic opportunities. Most days start and end over feeders from blinds unless the guide believes there is a better option for a given target animal. Safari-style hunts and spot and stalk are typically done mid-day and after dark, outside of traditional “ambush” or blind and feeder style hunting times.
The Brazos River watershed plays a key role in sustaining healthy forage and reliable water throughout the ranch. This balanced environment supports strong body conditions across multiple exotic species while allowing animals to move naturally through cover, open corridors, and transitional zones during the hunt.
Average Shot Distances
Thanks to the varied terrain and thick canopy around the ranch, most rifle shots occur at comfortable, ethical distances ranging from 75 to 125 yards, with select locations allowing longer opportunities approaching 200 yards when conditions permit. Archery shots are typically 20 to 35 yards, depending on species behavior and setup location.
The ranch is managed to promote responsible shot placement and realistic hunting scenarios, emphasizing precision and ethics over long-range shooting.
Big Game Exotic Hunting Methods & Setups
Big game exotic hunts at C5 utilize a combination of carefully placed ground setups and natural terrain features that provide clear shooting lanes while maintaining concealment. These locations are selected based on animal movement, terrain flow, and safety, offering excellent visibility without disrupting the surrounding environment.
Elevated Archery Platforms
Bow hunting is conducted from elevated platform stands constructed with stability and comfort in mind. Positioned approximately 12 to 15 feet above ground level, these platforms offer safe access and solid footing. These blinds are large and comfortable enough to allow for at least one additional observer to join the hunter and guide while remaining concealed.
Handicap-Accessible Hunting Options
C5 is committed to providing inclusive hunting opportunities. Handicap-accessible ground setups, including ramp-equipped mobile blinds, are available to ensure all guests can enjoy a safe, comfortable, and rewarding exotic hunting experience.
Hunting Lodge Amenities
The C5 Hunting Lodge offers a private, upscale setting with three guest bedrooms, each designed as a spacious suite with its own private bathroom. The lodge is intentionally limited in size to maintain a relaxed atmosphere, ensuring personalized service and an uncrowded, comfortable stay for every guest.
Room accommodations include:
Whitetail Suite – King bed with an additional twin bed, fully handicap accessible
Stag Suite – Two queen beds with private bath
Fallow Suite – Two queen beds with private bath
All guest rooms feature climate-controlled comfort and satellite television, providing a quiet place to unwind between hunts.
Texas Lodging Experience
Arrival Day & Evening Hospitality
Guests are greeted with authentic Texas hospitality upon arrival, featuring a generous spread of chef-prepared hors d’oeuvres such as charcuterie selections, smoked brisket queso, bacon-wrapped dates, house-made salsas, and fresh accompaniments. The first evening is capped off with a signature ribeye dinner, showcasing thick-cut prime steaks grilled over an open flame and served alongside classic Texas-style sides.
Meals During Your Exotic Hunt Days
Mornings begin with hearty, home-style breakfasts designed to fuel a full day in the field, including freshly prepared eggs, bacon, biscuits and gravy, and house-made specialties such as kolaches. Midday meals are relaxed and satisfying, often featuring build-your-own taco spreads with brisket queso, rice, beans, guacamole, and fresh toppings. Evenings generally highlight a traditional Texas dinner, perhaps barbecue with slow-smoked brisket and all the familiar favorites. Prior to your hunt, my wife Molly will reach out to you to go over the menu for your hunt and to make sure you are happy with all our offerings. There are several other options for each meal if there is anything on our standard menu that is not to your liking.
Fire Pit, Relaxation & Social Spaces
After the day’s hunt, guests gather around a covered outdoor fire pit equipped with comfortable seating and a large screen television. Evenings are unhurried and social, offering the perfect setting to enjoy a cigar, catch a game, share stories, or simply relax. The hunting lodge is designed to feel like home throughout your stay, allowing hunters to unwind at their own pace in a welcoming, laid-back environment.
Texas Exotic Hunting Schedule
Arrival & First Day in the Field
Guests arrive on Friday between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. After getting settled at the lodge, hunters participate in a brief orientation covering safety procedures and rifle confirmation at the range. The afternoon concludes with the first guided exotic hunt, allowing guests to ease into the experience and familiarize themselves with the ranch.
Full Exotic Hunting Days
Exotic hunting days are structured to align with natural animal movement and field conditions. Morning hunts typically begin before sunrise and continue through mid-morning, with afternoon hunts resuming later in the day and running until evening. During the midday break, guests may choose to relax at the lodge or take part in optional activities such as fishing or safari-style drives across the ranch in Polaris Rangers.
Departure Day
On the final morning, guests may take advantage of one last hunt before returning to the lodge for a late breakfast or early lunch. Departures are generally scheduled around midday, allowing ample time for a smooth wrap-up of your exotic hunting trip.
Experienced Hunting Guides & Full-Service Support
C5 Whitetail Lodge is staffed by seasoned hunting guides who have been part of the operation for years and bring decades of combined experience in managing and guiding exotic game. These guides are trusted members of the C5 team who prioritize safety, professionalism, and personalized service throughout the hunt.
From pre-hunt scouting and field coordination to animal recovery, trophy photos, meat care, and coordination with local processors and taxidermists, the guiding staff handles every detail, allowing guests to focus entirely on the hunt and the experience.
Flagship Exotic Species Offered
Fallow Deer
A classic, highly recognizable species known for its striking coloration and impressive antlers during the season. Fallow deer offer an engaging hunt that blends traditional deer hunting elements with a distinctly exotic presence, making them a favorite for both first-time exotic hunters and seasoned trophy collectors.
– Season: September – March 1
– Average Weight: Bucks typically range from 150–200 lbs.
– Hunt Style: Hunting blinds targeting feeders or spot-and-stalk depending on terrain and movement
– Meat Quality: Excellent table fare, mild, tender, and similar to premium venison
Scimitar Horned Oryx
Large, powerful, and unmistakable, the Scimitar Oryx is one of the most impressive plains-game style animals available in Texas. Their demeanor and long sweeping horns create a visually rewarding hunt that requires patience, precision, and respect for the animal’s size and toughness.
– Season: Year-round
– Average Weight: Bulls commonly range from 450–550 lbs.
– Hunt Style: Hunting blinds targeting feeders or spot-and-stalk with thoughtful shot placement
– Meat Quality: Highly regarded, lean, clean, and often compared to high-quality beef
Scimbok
The Scimbok is a heavy-bodied, high-shouldered exotic that combines mass, presence, and durability. Known for its thick build and solid horn structure, this species delivers a hunt that feels substantial and rewarding, particularly for hunters looking for a larger, more physical animal.
– Season: Year-round
– Average Weight: Mature animals often exceed 700 lbs.
– Hunt Style: Hunting blinds targeting feeders or spot-and-stalk with careful attention to wind and approach
– Meat Quality: Mild and lean with excellent yield; a favorite among hunters who value both trophy and meat
Gemsbok
Striking in appearance and respected for their awareness and resilience, Gemsbok provides a challenging and memorable hunt. Their alert nature and strong herd instincts demand patience and deliberate movement, making success especially rewarding.
– Season: Year-round
– Average Weight: Typically, 400–500 lbs.
– Hunt Style: Hunting blinds targeting feeders or spot-and-stalk, often involving longer observation and measured shots
– Meat Quality: Exceptional, lean, flavorful, and commonly ranked among the best exotic game meats
Red Stag
The Red Stag is the crown jewel of antlered exotic species, offering unmatched presence and trophy appeal when hunted during the proper season. With their large frame and commanding antlers, Red Stag hunts deliver a truly premier experience that rivals big-game pursuits anywhere in the world.
– Season: September – March 1
– Average Weight: Mature stags commonly range from 400–500 lbs.
– Hunt Style: Hunting blinds targeting feeders or spot-and-stalk or ambush depending on terrain and behavior
– Meat Quality: Excellent, lean, rich, and comparable to high-end elk or venison
Sika Deer
A compact, highly alert species known for its sharp antlers, vocal behavior, and fast-paced movement. Sika deer provide a more technical and engaging hunt than traditional deer species, rewarding patience, precise shot placement, and careful approach. Their unique presence and challenging nature make them an excellent choice for hunters looking to add variety and excitement to an antlered exotic hunt.
– Season: September – March 1
– Average Weight: Mature stags typically range from 180–220 lbs.
– Hunt Style: Hunting blinds targeting feeders or spot-and-stalk or ambush depending on cover, wind, and animal movement
– Meat Quality: Very good, lean, mild, and clean tasting; highly regarded among exotic game meats
Aoudad
A rugged, alert mountain-style sheep that provides an active, engaging hunt.
– Average Weight: 250–300 lbs.
– Hunt Style: Hunting blinds targeting feeders or spot-and-stalk
– Meat Quality: Mild and very lean
Ibex
Highly visual with impressive horn structure, ibex offers a challenging pursuit that rewards patience and careful movement.
– Average Weight: 140–200 lbs.
– Hunt Style: Hunting blinds targeting feeders or Spot-and-stalk in broken terrain
– Meat Quality: Average and lean with a slightly gamey flavor
Corsican & Painted Desert Sheep
Distinctive sheep species that combine strong horn character with manageable size, making them excellent additions to mixed-species hunts.
– Average Weight: 120–180 lbs.
– Hunt Style: Hunting blinds targeting feeders or Spot-and-stalk or ambush
– Meat Quality: Mild and versatile; well-suited for table fare
White Texas Dahl Rams
A visually striking ram with a classic sheep profile that photographs exceptionally well.
– Average Weight: 150–200 lbs.
– Hunt Style: Hunting blinds targeting feeders or short stalk
– Meat Quality: Lean and mild; comparable to domestic lamb
Addax
A rare and imposing plains-game species that offers both trophy appeal and size.
– Average Weight: 200–300 lbs.
– Hunt Style: Hunting blinds targeting feeders or Spot-and-stalk
– Meat Quality: Excellent, lean, mild, and highly usable
Wildebeest
Heavy-bodied and durable, wildebeest are known for requiring deliberate shot placement and patience.
– Average Weight: 400–600 lbs.
– Hunt Style: Hunting blinds targeting feeders or Spot-and-stalk
– Meat Quality: Excellent-deep, and rich, often regarded as the very best meat available.
Red Lechwe
An athletic, medium-bodied antelope that offers a dynamic hunt with unique movement patterns. This animal is prized by hunters looking for a beautifully colored and patterned animal with striking horns that very few hunters have ever had the opportunity to harvest.
– Average Weight: 200–250 lbs.
– Hunt Style: Hunting blinds targeting feeders or Spot-and-stalk
– Meat Quality: Mild and tender; excellent eating
Blesbok
A clean, sharp-looking plains-game species that fits well into multi-animal packages.
– Average Weight: 150–200 lbs.
– Hunt Style: Hunting blinds targeting feeders or Spot-and-stalk
– Meat Quality: Very good, lean, and mild
Kudu
Tall, spiral-horned, and visually commanding, kudu offer an unforgettable trophy opportunity.
– Average Weight: 400–600 lbs.
– Hunt Style: Hunting blinds targeting feeders or Spot-and-stalk with longer observation
– Meat Quality: Excellent, rich, lean, and highly prized
Impala
Fast, alert, and elegant, impalas are perfect for hunters who enjoy a more technical stalk.
– Average Weight: 120–150 lbs.
– Hunt Style: Hunting blinds targeting feeders or Spot-and-stalk
– Meat Quality: Outstanding, one of the most popular exotic meats
Kangaroo
A unique and unconventional option that adds variety and conversation value to a hunt.
– Average Weight: 90–120 lbs.
– Hunt Style: Hunting blinds targeting feeders or Spot-and-stalk
– Meat Quality: Highly sought after as an option to grill or BBQ and is often available in grocery stores throughout Australia.
Thompson’s Gazelle (Tommy)
Quick, alert, and challenging, this species is ideal for hunters seeking precision and patience.
– Average Weight: 90–130 lbs.
– Hunt Style: Hunting blinds targeting feeders or Spot-and-stalk
– Meat Quality: Mild and tender
Reserve Your Exotic Game Species Bundle for a Discounted Hunting Experience
Custom Exotic Hunting Ranch Experience
Build your own exotic hunt!
You may combine any Big Game species to create a fully customized exotic hunting experience tailored to trophy goals, hunt style, and schedule. All Build Your Own Exotic Hunting packages are discounted from retail pricing.
Texas Exotic Hunting Packages
Our Texas exotic hunting package pricing will vary depending on the game you take. Please see pricing page for more details.
If more than one animal is harvested, the animal with the smallest (or zero) second animal harvest discount will be considered the first animal, in order to give the customer the largest possible discount on multiple animals harvested.
Availability
Please call for availability and dates for exotic hunts. Deer species (stag, fallow, axis, sika) will drop their antlers likely in early March. We also have MANY exotic game species that never drop their horns. These include addax, scimitar-horned oryx, scimbok, gemsbok, all ram species, aoudad, red lechwe, wildebeest, and a few others.
Exotics (non-native species) can be hunted at any time of the year, so book your exotic hunt today.
FAQ
- Can I bring a non-hunting guest?
Absolutely! Each hunter may bring one non-hunting guest staying in the same room for an additional fee of only $500. This guest is still free to use the swimming pool, the bass fishing lake, and accompany the hunter on hunts.
- How can exotic animals be harvested?
Exotic animals may be harvested in Texas at any time of day or night using virtually any means. We use compound bows, crossbows, and rifles both during the day and at night. We can also hunt them under green light and with thermals if you desire to do so.
What is the hunting like?
We hunt from ground blinds, large, comfortable tree stands, as well as via spot-and-stalk and safari style hunting, depending on the time of year, habits of the animal being targeted, as well as the ability and desires of the hunter.
Ranked as one of the Top Texas Exotic Hunting Destinations in 2026 by Ranch Review and Outfitter Connection!