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Recently Booked Small Game Hunting Guides In Texas
“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and look forward to getting you out on the trip of a lifetime, every time.”
Jonathan and Attison | Co-founders | Austin, Texas
Other Trips in Texas
Captain Jeff offers fantastic half day, full day, and multi day trips fly fishing for redfish along the Texas Coastal Bend. All rods, reels, tackle, and flies are provided- all you need is a current Texas fishing license, snacks, and polarized sunglasses. These trips are great for 1-2 anglers of all skill levels. Nothing beats catching a Texas redfish on the fly! Note also, Captain Jeff doesn't pay too much attention to the time on his trips. He's out there to make sure you get your shots not stare at his watch! Read More
Hit the water with Captain Joey for an amazing day of inshore fishing! Expect to target Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and some Black Drum on your 5-hour (a half-day) or 8-hour (a full day) trip. The trip can host up to 4 people. Captain Joey requires you to bring a Texas Fishing License with a saltwater stamp and recommends that you bring sunscreen and sunglasses. He’ll take care of the rest. Captain Joey will provide rods and reels, artificial lures, and a cooler with ice and drinks. Enjoy your day on the water with Captain Joey! Read More
Explore the magnificent waters out of Texas City, and have an amazing fishing adventure with Captain LG! Captain LG knows just where to go and what to do to catch the tarpon that live nearshore in the Gulf. His 25’ Boston Whaler center console boasts a comfortable ride and plenty of dry storage on board. It can accommodate 3 anglers for these trips. For this 6-hour (half-day) or 8-hour (full-day) adventure, all you need to bring is a valid Texas fishing license with a saltwater stamp, snacks and drinks (no glass), sunscreen, a hat, and an ice chest for your day’s catch. Captain LG will provide you with quality rods and reels, artificial baits and lures, reimbursement for live bait, and fish processing after the trip. Have a fun morning, learn a new technique, and master your cast with Captain LG! Read More
Explore the magnificent waters out of Texas City, and have an amazing fishing adventure with Captain LG! Captain LG knows just where to go and what to do to catch the tarpon that live nearshore in the Gulf. His 25’ Boston Whaler center console boasts a comfortable ride and plenty of dry storage on board. It can accommodate 3 anglers for these trips. For this 6-hour (half-day) or 8-hour (full-day) adventure, all you need to bring is a valid Texas fishing license with a saltwater stamp, snacks and drinks (no glass), sunscreen, a hat, and an ice chest for your day’s catch. Captain LG will provide you with quality rods and reels, artificial baits and lures, reimbursement for live bait, and fish processing after the trip. Have a fun morning, learn a new technique, and master your cast with Captain LG! Read More
Explore the magnificent waters out of Texas City, and have an amazing fishing adventure with Captain LG! Captain LG knows just where to go and what to do to catch the tarpon that live nearshore in the Gulf. His 25’ Boston Whaler center console boasts a comfortable ride and plenty of dry storage on board. It can accommodate 3 anglers for these trips. For this 6-hour (half-day) or 8-hour (full-day) adventure, all you need to bring is a valid Texas fishing license with a saltwater stamp, snacks and drinks (no glass), sunscreen, a hat, and an ice chest for your day’s catch. Captain LG will provide you with quality rods and reels, artificial baits and lures, reimbursement for live bait, and fish processing after the trip. Have a fun morning, learn a new technique, and master your cast with Captain LG! Read More
Come on down to Galveston, Texas and enjoy a fishing escapade to remember! Captain Jesse will be by your side throughout your 6-hour adventure in Galveston Bay. He’ll help you target Speckled Trout, Redfish, Flounder, and Black Drum using live bait (live shrimp and croaker) and artificial bait. You may purchase live bait for an additional price. If you would like to wade fish, let Captain Jesse know and he will accommodate! For these trips, Captain Jesse uses his 23’ Gulf Coast center console boat which can accommodate up to 4 anglers. Captain Jesse is also passionate about teaching little ones the ropes, so this trip is great for families! Make sure you bring a valid Texas saltwater fishing license, food and drinks of your choice, a hat, sunscreen, and an ice chest for your day’s catch. Captain Jesse will provide all of the rods, reels, and lures. They will also clean and fillet your fish at no additional cost. Have a fun morning or a relaxing afternoon, learn a new technique, and master your cast with Captain Jesse! Read More
Come on down to Galveston, Texas and enjoy a fishing escapade to remember! Captain Jesse will be by your side throughout your 6-hour adventure in Galveston Bay. He’ll help you target Speckled Trout, Redfish, Flounder, and Black Drum using live bait (live shrimp and croaker) and artificial bait. You may purchase live bait for an additional price. If you would like to wade fish, let Captain Jesse know and he will accommodate! For these trips, Captain Jesse uses his 23’ Gulf Coast center console boat which can accommodate up to 4 anglers. Captain Jesse is also passionate about teaching little ones the ropes, so this trip is great for families! Make sure you bring a valid Texas saltwater fishing license, food and drinks of your choice, a hat, sunscreen, and an ice chest for your day’s catch. His business will provide all of the rods, reels, and lures. They will also clean and fillet your fish at no additional cost. Have a fun morning or a relaxing afternoon, learn a new technique, and master your cast with Captain Jesse! Read More
Captain Vincent will use his lifelong fishing experience and knowledge to take you where the fish are biting! Expect a whole lot of Speckled Trout, Redfish, Flounder, and Tarpon on your half (6 hour) or full (8 hour) day adventure across the Galveston Bay. Captain Vincent will provide artificial bait, so hook one on and let it rip! Treat yourself and three others to a day on the water with Captain Vincent! Read More
Come on down to Texas City and make some memories with Captain Vincent! Whether it’s your first time on the water or you are a seasoned professional, this trip is for you. Captain Vincent knows just where to go and what to do to catch the Flounder, Redfish, and Speckled Trout that live inshore. For these 6-hour (half-day) and 8-hour (full day) trips, Capt. Vincent uses his 22’ Boston Whaler center console, which can accommodate up to 4 anglers. Make sure to bring a valid Texas Fishing License with a saltwater stamp as well as any food and drinks of your choice (no glass). Captain Vincent will provide all rods and reels (you may bring your own if you’d like), as well as artificial bait. Bring your kids or your angling buddies and head out on a fishing adventure to remember! Read More
Adventure through the West Bay, East Bay, and Trinity Bay with Captain Ralph, a highly touted guide with 40+ years of fishing experience! Stay on the lookout for Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder, three of Texas’ most sought-after game fish. You can choose between a 4, 6, and 8-hour trip, depending on how much fishing you want to do in one day. It should be smooth sailing as you navigate the bays in search of the rock piles and jetties where you can find these delicious inshore fish. Captain Ralph can fit up to 6 people on the spacious deck of his 26' center console, so bring your family and friends along for the adventure. The vessel is powered by a 350hp Suzuki engine, which will speed you around the bay complex. You will be fishing with light tackle and live bait stored in the live bait well. There is also a cooler on board where you can store your catch during the trip. You should bring a cooler in your car though to keep the fish fresh on the drive home. Besides a cooler, all you need to bring are some snacks, a valid Texas fishing license, and some good company! Captain Ralph provides all the rods, reels, live bait, and tackle. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and check the weather in the days before your trip. A hat and sunblock are always a good idea, so you don't get too crispy out on the water. Read More
Hop on board with Captain Michael to fish the jetties of Galveston Bay! The Jetties are home to a variety of fish species, including red and black drum, flounder, speckled trout, king mackerel, and tripletail, giving you the unique experience of catching offshore fish inshore. You can choose to be out on the water for 4 hours (a half-day) or 6 hours (a full day) depending on how much fishing you want to do. These trips host up to six people. Captain Michael will provide all of the fishing bait and tackle. All you need to bring is a Texas saltwater fishing license for those over 16 years of age, some snacks, and some good company! Read More
Hop on board with Captain Michael on an action-packed adventure along the jetties of Galveston Bay! During the hot months of the summer, sharks and bull drum like to roam around the jetties. Shark species include spinner sharks, bull sharks, and many more. These two species in particular can exceed 6 feet in length! You can choose to be out on the water for 4 hours (a half-day) or 6 hours (a full day) depending on how much fishing you want to do. These trips host up to 6 people. Captain Michael will provide all of the fishing bait and tackle. All you need to bring is a Texas saltwater fishing license for those over 16 years of age, sunscreen, as well as some food and drinks. You might want to stretch a little before the trip - it’s not uncommon to reel in lots of big fish with Captain Michael. Read More
Need a Place to Stay?
Everything to Know About Booking a hunting trip in Texas
What are the best small game hunting trips in Texas?
The best small game hunting trips in Texas are:
Why should I book a small game hunting trip in Texas with Captain Experiences?
Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 1 small game trip in Texas: West Texas Semi Guided Quail Hunts guided by Mike.
All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, and more.
Looking for kid friendly small game guides in Texas? Check out our beginner and family friendly small game guides in Texas.
What types of small game hunting trips are common in Texas?
The most commonly sought after species for small game hunting is quail.
How much does a Texas small game hunting trip cost?
Prices for small game hunting in Texas can range anywhere from about $9,240 to $15,960, but the average price for a full day trip for small game hunting in Texas is $12,600.
Is booking a hunting guide worth the money?
Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a hunting guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.
Working with experienced hunting guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is outside every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.
Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.
Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your backyard, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.
What month is best for small game hunting in Texas?
The most popular season for small game hunting in Texas is summer, and most hunters book their trips 0 days in advance.
Where can I look through all Captain Experiences trips?
See here to browse all the trips we offer.
What is small game hunting in Texas all about?
Small game hunting in Texas offers a diverse and engaging experience, thanks to the state's varied landscapes and abundant wildlife. Texas is home to a wide range of small game species, including rabbits, squirrels, quail, doves, and waterfowl. Each species presents its own unique challenges and requires different hunting techniques, making small game hunting a versatile and enjoyable pursuit. The state's extensive public lands, as well as private hunting leases, provide ample opportunities for small game hunters.
Rabbit hunting is particularly popular in Texas, with both cottontail and swamp rabbits being common targets. Hunters often use shotguns or .22 caliber rifles and may employ dogs to help flush rabbits from their hiding spots. Squirrel hunting is also a favorite, with hunters using shotguns or small-caliber rifles to target eastern and fox squirrels. The dense woodlands and forests in Texas offer ideal environments for squirrel hunting.
Quail and dove hunting are another major aspect of small game hunting in Texas. The state is known for its large populations of bobwhite quail and mourning doves, especially in the central and southern regions. Hunters often use shotguns and may employ dogs to assist in locating and retrieving birds. With a mix of upland game birds and waterfowl available, small game hunting in Texas provides a rewarding and varied experience for hunters throughout the year.
What are the most popular months to go small game hunting in Texas?
The most popular months for small game hunting in Texas generally align with the hunting seasons for various species, which can vary based on location and specific game. For rabbits, the hunting season typically runs from October through February. This period offers cooler weather and more predictable conditions, making it an ideal time for hunters to pursue both cottontail and swamp rabbits. The cooler temperatures also make it more comfortable for hunters to spend extended periods outdoors.
Squirrel hunting is popular from early fall through winter, with the season often starting in September and extending through February. Fall is particularly favored because the foliage begins to thin out, making it easier to spot squirrels in the trees. As winter progresses, squirrels are more active in search of food, increasing their visibility and making hunting more productive.
Quail and dove hunting seasons in Texas also influence the most popular hunting months. Dove hunting generally peaks from September through November, coinciding with the birds' migration patterns. Quail hunting is popular from November through February, with the cooler weather and improved bird visibility enhancing the hunting experience. These periods align with the availability and behavior of the game, providing hunters with optimal conditions for successful outings.
What techniques are popular for small game hunting in Texas?
Small game hunting in Texas involves a variety of techniques tailored to the different species and their habitats. For rabbit hunting, many hunters use shotguns, particularly with #6 to #8 shot, to effectively take down rabbits in dense cover. Hunting with dogs is also a popular technique, as they can flush rabbits from their hiding spots and help track them down. This method is particularly effective in areas with thick brush or heavy vegetation where rabbits tend to hide.
Squirrel hunting often involves using either shotguns or small-caliber rifles, such as .22 caliber rifles. Hunters typically use a spot-and-stalk approach, moving quietly through wooded areas and looking for squirrels in the trees. Another common technique is "still hunting," where hunters slowly and quietly move through an area, stopping frequently to scan the surroundings. In the fall, when the leaves begin to fall, it becomes easier to spot squirrels against the bare branches.
When it comes to upland game birds like quail, hunters frequently use shotguns and often employ hunting dogs trained to locate and retrieve birds. Pointing breeds, such as pointers and setters, are particularly useful for locating quail, while flushing breeds, like spaniels, can help drive birds out of their cover. For dove hunting, hunters typically use shotguns and set up in areas where doves are known to gather, such as near water sources or feeding fields. Techniques like "pass shooting," where hunters take advantage of doves flying over, are also commonly used.
What species are popular for small game hunting in Texas?
Small game hunting in Texas includes a variety of species that offer diverse and enjoyable experiences for hunters. One of the most popular species is the cottontail rabbit, which is abundant throughout the state. Cottontails are commonly hunted in brushy areas and fields, where they use dense cover for protection. Their widespread distribution and the challenge they present make them a favorite among small game hunters.
Squirrels are another popular target, with both eastern gray squirrels and fox squirrels being commonly pursued in Texas. These species inhabit wooded areas and can be found in both hardwood forests and mixed woodlands. Squirrel hunting is favored for its active nature and the opportunity it provides to hunt in varied terrain, from dense forests to more open woodlots.
Upland game birds like bobwhite quail and mourning doves are also significant in small game hunting. Bobwhite quail are found in grasslands and agricultural fields, while mourning doves are more often located near open fields, water sources, and feeding areas. Both species provide exciting hunting opportunities and are highly sought after during their respective seasons. The variety of small game species in Texas ensures that hunters can find ample opportunities and challenges throughout the year.
The Best Places to Hunt in Texas
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