Turkey hunting usually doesn’t bring to mind infinity pools, themed guest rooms, or trophy walls filled with African game. But that’s exactly what I walked into when onX Maps invited a small group of outdoor writers, industry folks, and seasoned hunters—myself included—to chase budget-friendly birds on a high-dollar Texas ranch.
This wasn’t your typical turkey spot. The Rio Grande gobblers here were tucked into the thick brush of an exotics ranch better known for axis deer and imported antelope. I’ll admit, my expectations were low. I’ve never really thought of myself as much of a turkey hunter, and heading into unfamiliar country after a subspecies I’d never hunted before had me half-convinced I’d walk away empty-handed.
What unfolded instead was a strange but surprisingly perfect mix of luxury and wildness—a hunt that felt both out of place and exactly right at the same time.
The Setting: Two Dot Ranch, Central Texas
Tucked away in the scrubby heart of Central Texas, Two Dot Ranch looks like the result of old-money ranch style colliding head-on with a safari outfitter’s dream. Behind its high fences, you’ll spot dall sheep, oryx, blackbuck, and axis deer moving through the pastures.
Back at the lodge, limestone fire pits and cathedral-like trophy rooms set the scene. And then there’s the infinity pool, spilling toward the parched Texas ground below—a sight so out of place it almost feels wrong. Imagine a million-dollar mansion plunked in the middle of a housing project. Beautiful? Absolutely. Easy to wrap your head around? Not at all.
But here’s the thing—Two Dot was never a turkey hunting spot. At least, not until we showed up.
These birds had never been hunted here before. No pressure, no calling history, nothing. In theory, it sounded like the perfect setup: fresh gobblers with no clue what a turkey hunter even was.
Of course, that’s when you remember the golden rule—turkeys are turkeys. And if you’ve hunted them before, you know they can be downright jerks.
The Birds: Wild, Wily, and Smarter Than Us
For all the luxury trappings of the ranch, the Rio Grande turkeys didn’t roll over for us. They slipped like shadows through the mesquite flats and oak scrub, using the same high fences built for exotic game as cover and quick escape routes. More than once we watched longbeards strut the property line, hang up just out of range, and melt back into the brush like they’d been hunted for years.
Now, I should be clear—I’m not what you’d call a turkey hunter. Sure, I’ve chased birds before, but I’ve never put in the hours to really master it. For me, turkeys are usually an afterthought, a bonus bird if I bump into them while spring bear hunting or roaming elk country in the fall.
So … How Does One Hunt a Turkey on a Luxury Ranch?
When it comes down to it, chasing turkeys here wasn’t much different than anywhere else. The real secret? Shut up and stay still. That’s how you get a bird to close the distance, no matter what you’re shooting.
With Rio Grandes, camo feels less like an option and more like a requirement. These birds don’t miss a twitch of movement. Blend in, keep still, and toss out the right mix of clucks and purrs, and you stand a good chance of turning tomorrow’s leftovers into today’s trophy.
The one big twist on this ranch? Making sure you don’t accidentally pepper a zebra in the process.
Like most males in the animal kingdom, gobblers lose a bit of sense during breeding season. They’ll march right in if they think you’re the real deal—which works out just fine when you’re looking to punch your tag.
I figured being the least turkey-savvy guy in the group would drag us down, but it turned out just the opposite. Over the week, our crew tagged four solid toms. The grand finale came from outdoor writer Eddie Nickens, who dropped his bird in the nick of time—on nothing but Red Bull and the pressure of catching a flight.
The People: A+ Camp Vibes
What really made this hunt memorable wasn’t just the birds or the novelty of the ranch—it was the people.
Our camp was a mix of hunters, storytellers, skeptical Texans, and industry folks who knew how to call in gobblers, mix a proper drink, and land a perfectly timed jab in conversation. Brooks Hansen from Camp Chef kept us spoiled with meals that belonged in a five-star lodge—wild game, fresh fish, and ranch-raised cuts that had no business being that good in a hunting camp.
Personalities bounced from hilariously loud to quietly sharp-witted, and the blend worked better than anyone could have planned. The truth is, the people you share camp with can make or break a hunt, no matter what tags get punched.
I’m convinced we could have walked out of the brush empty-handed and still called the trip a success. And that’s saying something—because most media hunts don’t carry that kind of laid-back, easygoing vibe.
I’ll admit, I usually ask who’s going before I ever agree to one of these trips. This time, the roster was a relief—cynical jokesters who were just as happy cracking jokes around the fire as they were working a bird in the brush.
The beer was cold, the talk was honest, and for once nobody seemed in a hurry to get back to the so-called “real world.” If this was work, it sure didn’t feel like it.
The Gear: What Worked in the Field
It wouldn’t be a GearJunkie hunt without a breakdown of the gear, right?
onX Hunt App
I don’t know many hunters who aren’t already running onX, but this trip taught me a handful of new tricks that made the app even slicker to use. I won’t go too deep here—that could be its own article (and thankfully, Sean McCoy already nailed a solid write-up on it)—but here’s one gem worth sharing:
Press two fingers down on the screen at any two points, and onX will throw up a temporary line showing the distance. Let go, and the line disappears. Simple as that.
For a guy with more than a few maps cluttered with useless distance markers I never needed in the first place, this is a game-changer.
Truth be told, I don’t know what I’d do without onX these days. It’s gone from being just another hunting tool to my everyday navigator. I even pull it up when I need driving directions.
Primos Turkey Calls
There’s just no better way to say it—this year’s Custom Box Calls from Primos are flat-out gorgeous. On this hunt we mixed it up with slate calls, diaphragms, and box calls, cycling through different tones to coax in the toms. Alongside the new custom box, the old reliable Heartbreaker got pulled out more than once—and it still does the trick.
Here’s a fun fact a lot of folks don’t realize: every single box call that leaves Primos is hand-tuned before it ever lands in your hands. That little detail is part of what makes them sing so true in the field.
Mossy Oak Camo
I’ll be the first to admit, I don’t have much history with Mossy Oak. Growing up out West, moss was scarce and oak even scarcer. So, the Full Foliage pattern wouldn’t have been my first pick for central Texas. Still, the proof is in the results—it flat-out worked.
The Tibbee Flex Vented Hoodie impressed me more than I expected. It was comfortable, breathed well in the warm Texas brush, and the price point was easy to swallow compared to a lot of hunting tops out there. I’m already thinking about grabbing one in Bottomland for those in-between brown seasons back home.
Camp Chef
Brooks Hansen, Camp Chef’s camp cook and a master of the grill—whether world-renowned or at least famous in the outdoor industry—struck again on this trip. He turned out meals that flat-out can’t be beat, all cooked on Camp Chef rigs hauled down for the hunt. I’ll be honest—it makes me mad. His food always tastes better than mine, and now I’m staring at the reality of buying yet another grill.
Truth is, most of us leave these trips with a mental shopping list, but this time the Gridiron 36 is already sitting in my online cart. It’s everything I’ve been wanting in a flat-top grill, and after watching it in action, I’ve had to accept the truth: it’s time to pull the trigger, budget be damned.
Final Thoughts: Can Luxury and Wildness Coexist?
This wasn’t your typical turkey hunt. It wasn’t the image most hunters carry when they picture camp. But it was real. The birds were wild. The challenge was honest. And the setting—borderline absurd at times—only added to the story.
Texas hunting culture has always fascinated me. Part bewilderment, part confusion, sprinkled with envy, and wrapped in a big “what the hell?” bow. Somehow, it works. The state moves to its own beat, and there was something fitting about chasing everyday game in a place dressed in outright luxury. Odd as it was, it felt right on brand.
The takeaway is simple: you can hunt turkeys where none have been hunted before, sit under a mesquite with a stranger and leave feeling like old friends, and chase wild game in a lodge with valet parking and chandeliers—as long as you remember to kick off your boots at the door.
Just don’t forget your calls, and maybe pack one halfway-decent shirt. Drinking bourbon in dusty camo beneath a crystal chandelier will make anyone feel a little out of place.
FAQ’s
Where is the best place to hunt turkeys in Texas?
South Texas and the Hill Country are well known for great turkey hunting. These areas have healthy flocks of Rio Grande turkeys and plenty of open land.
How much does it cost to hunt at Ox Ranch?
Prices vary depending on the animal and package, but hunts at Ox Ranch can range from a few hundred dollars for smaller game to several thousand for exotics.
What is the best ranch in Texas for hunting?
There are many great ranches, but Ox Ranch and King Ranch are two of the most popular because of their size, variety of game, and quality of the hunting experience.
Can you hunt exotics in Texas?
Yes. Texas is one of the few places where you can hunt exotic animals like axis deer, blackbuck, oryx, and more, often on private ranches.
Why is hunting in Texas so expensive?
Most hunting in Texas happens on private land, so hunters often pay for access. Ranches also invest heavily in managing game and habitat, which raises costs.
How many acres do you need to hunt legally in Texas?
On private land, most counties require at least 10 acres for hunting, though local rules can vary. Always check county regulations before heading out.
Can you stay overnight at Ox Ranch?
Yes. Ox Ranch offers lodging with cabins and safari-style accommodations, so hunters can stay right on the property.
Who owns the Ox Ranch in Texas?
Ox Ranch is owned by Brent Oxley, an entrepreneur who also founded HostGator. He developed the ranch into one of Texas’s best-known hunting destinations.
What is the most expensive animal to hunt in the US?
Bighorn sheep hunts are often the most expensive, sometimes costing tens of thousands of dollars because of limited tags and the challenge of the hunt.
What part of Texas has the most wild turkeys?
The Texas Hill Country and Edwards Plateau hold some of the largest populations of Rio Grande turkeys in the state.
When can you shoot a turkey in Texas?
Turkey hunting seasons vary by county, but spring and fall are the main hunting times. Spring is especially popular when males are gobbling and easier to call in.
Where is the best turkey hunting in the USA?
States like Missouri, Alabama, and Texas are all considered top spots thanks to strong populations and plenty of hunting land.
Which U.S. state has the most wild turkeys?
Missouri is often said to have the largest wild turkey population, with millions of birds spread across the state.
What is the best terrain for turkey hunting?
Turkeys thrive in mixed terrain—open fields for feeding, woodlands for roosting, and edges where the two meet. This kind of habitat makes calling and spotting them easier.
Which American state produces the most turkeys?
Minnesota leads the nation in turkey farming, raising millions of domestic turkeys every year.