Damn Good Linn Hunting Guides

Hunting sandhill cranes in the South Texas brush is an experience steeped in tradition and excitement, offering a unique challenge to even the most seasoned hunters. Known as the "ribeye of the sky" due to their exceptional table fare, sandhill cranes are large, wary birds that require a blend of skill, patience, and strategic planning to hunt successfully. The day begins in the early pre-dawn hours, with hunters gathering their gear and preparing for the journey into the brush. The South Texas landscape, characterized by its vast open fields, mesquite thickets, and rolling plains, provides the ideal habitat for sandhill cranes. The first light of dawn is just breaking as you head out, the cool morning air filled with anticipation. Arriving at the hunting location, the guide selects a spot that offers both concealment and a clear view of the sky. Sandhill cranes have keen eyesight and are notoriously cautious, making it crucial to set up a well-camouflaged blind. The decoy spread is carefully arranged to mimic a feeding or resting flock, a crucial element in drawing the birds within range. Motion decoys can be particularly effective, adding realism to the setup and attracting the attention of passing cranes. As the sun rises, the distant calls of sandhill cranes can be heard, a haunting and distinctive sound that echoes across the landscape. The sight of these majestic birds flying in formation against the backdrop of the Texas sky is both awe-inspiring and a signal to get ready. The cranes typically fly in from their roosting areas to feed in the fields, making this prime time for hunting. Patience is key as you wait for the cranes to approach. The birds often circle high above, scrutinizing the decoy spread before committing to land. When a group finally descends, the excitement is palpable. You wait for the right moment, then take aim and fire, the challenge of hitting such a large but wary bird adding to the thrill. The sound of a successful shot, followed by the sight of a crane falling, is immensely satisfying. Throughout the morning, the patterns continue, with flocks of sandhill cranes flying in and out of the area. Each opportunity requires careful coordination and timing, as cranes can quickly detect any irregularities and change their flight path. The broad, open skies of South Texas offer plenty of opportunities, but they also mean that the birds can see you from far off, demanding a high level of stealth and precision. Aside from the hunt itself, the experience of being immersed in the South Texas brush is memorable. The rugged beauty of the landscape, with its mix of open plains and dense mesquite, provides a picturesque backdrop. The diversity of wildlife in the area, from deer and javelina to a wide variety of bird species, adds to the overall richness of the experience. As the hunt concludes, the successful harvest of sandhill cranes is celebrated. These birds, known for their delicious meat, are highly prized, and the effort put into the hunt is richly rewarded. Cleaning and preparing the cranes for a future feast is part of the tradition, with many hunters savoring the anticipation of a meal that is as unique as the hunting experience itself. Hunting sandhill cranes in the South Texas brush is not just about the thrill of the chase, but also about the connection to the land and the camaraderie among hunters. It’s an adventure that combines skill, patience, and an appreciation for the natural world, making it a cherished tradition for those who partake in it. The memories of this hunt, from the haunting calls of the cranes to the shared successes, create stories that will be told for years to come. Read More

This is a three person half day private bay duck hunting trip near South Padre Island, Texas. The Lower Laguna Madre has some of the finest duck hunting in the United States when conditions are right. Hunting along the edges of the fronts is absolutely the most ideal time to plan a trip. Multiple species move through this bay system on their way South. Large concentrations of redheads and pintails winter here. Other species that migrate through the South Padre area are widgeon, teal, shovelers, scaup, and others. Clients can bring their own retriever if discussed beforehand with the guide. Typically, hunt over decoy spreads consisting of at least 75 decoys. Season starts in November and goes out for two weeks after Thanksgiving Sunday. Starts again on Second Saturday in December and typically goes to last Sunday in January. Guides prefer to duck hunt in the afternoon and will provide a seasoned retriever. This is a fun activity and most clients return to go again. These are not easy hunts and do require some labor. We work with a couple of seasoned taxidermists that can also mount the trophy bird if any clients are interested at a reasonable price. Read More

Come on down to East Texas, and see for yourself the legendary Duck hunting this area has to offer! The wetlands here draw several species of waterfowl, including Teals, Buffleheads, Pintails, and more, all of which you can target on this trip with your outfitter, Burt. He's an expert when it comes to Texas waterfowl, and has years of experience tracking their migrations, laying out strategic decoy sets, and running hunt after successful hunt. He provides the blinds and all the decoys you'll need, so all you need to bring is your camoflauge, your waders, and your boots, plus guns and shells. You'll get out there before dawn, and hunt until 11 o'clock or thereabouts, so you can even be home for lunch! Whether you've hunted Ducks before or are just learning the ropes, you'll have a blast out there and with some luck, you'll come home with a cooler full of beautiful birds. Read More

Come on down to East Texas, and see for yourself the legendary Duck hunting this area has to offer! The wetlands here draw tons of waterfowl. On this trip, you'll target Teal, which have a special season in September. Burt is an expert when it comes to Texas waterfowl, and has years of experience tracking their migrations, laying out strategic decoy sets, and running hunt after successful hunt. He provides the blinds and all the decoys you'll need, so all you need to bring is your camoflauge, your waders, and your boots, plus guns and shells. You'll get out there before dawn, and hunt until 11 o'clock or thereabouts, so you can even be home for lunch! Whether you've hunted Ducks before or are just learning the ropes, you'll have a blast out there and with some luck, you'll come home with a cooler full of beautiful birds. Read More

Price includes 1 Nilgai with up to 7 inch horns. Fred recommends his guest stay with him lodging is an additional 200$ a night, but guests are welcome to book a hotel in town if they'd like. The price includes the price of a trophy and the daily guide fee of 250$ a person. Read More

Embark on the ultimate duck hunting adventure with Captain Andy's Duck Hunting Trips in the breathtaking surroundings of South Padre Island, Texas! Join Captain Andy and his experienced team for an unforgettable 5-hour excursion, offering two convenient time slots: from 6 am to 11 am or 12:30 pm until dusk. For those with time constraints, early arrivals are warmly welcomed to maximize their hunting experience. We take care of the essentials, providing all the necessary Duck Decoys for a successful hunt. However, we encourage you to bring your own waders for personalized comfort during the expedition. To ensure you're fully equipped for an extraordinary duck hunting experience, please remember to bring your trusty shotgun and steel shot shells. Captain Andy's Duck Hunting Trips promises not only an adrenaline-pumping adventure but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of South Padre Island's natural landscapes. Discover the thrill of the hunt, the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts, and the satisfaction of a successful day on the water. Book your spot now for an authentic and memorable duck hunting experience with Captain Andy's. Get ready to create lasting memories in the heart of Texas! Read More