Guide:

About Your Trip

Self-Guided

This trip is self-guided.

Hunting Type

Turkey

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

About Your Trip

Hunting Rio Grande gobblers in South Texas is an exhilarating pursuit that draws hunters into the heart of the region's rugged, beautiful landscapes. Known for their vibrant plumage and challenging behavior, these wild turkeys offer a hunt that is both demanding and deeply rewarding.

The adventure begins in the early morning darkness, with hunters gathering their gear and heading out to the chosen hunting grounds. South Texas' terrain is a mix of open fields, dense mesquite thickets, and rolling hills, providing the perfect habitat for Rio Grande turkeys. As dawn approaches, the air is filled with anticipation, and the first light of day begins to break over the horizon.

Setting up before first light is crucial. The guide selects a location near known roosting sites, often marked by tall trees where the turkeys spend the night. Using a combination of camouflage clothing and blinds, you position yourself to blend seamlessly into the environment. The key to success is remaining completely still and silent, as wild turkeys have exceptionally sharp eyesight and hearing.

As the sun starts to rise, the stillness of the morning is broken by the distant gobbles of Rio Grande toms calling from their roosts. These calls, echoing through the brush, send a thrill through you and signal the beginning of the hunt. The guide may use a variety of turkey calls—such as clucks, purrs, and yelps—to mimic the sounds of hens, enticing the gobblers to come closer.

Patience and timing are essential. As the gobblers respond to the calls, you can hear them getting closer, their gobbles growing louder and more frequent. The anticipation builds with each passing moment. Finally, you catch sight of a tom strutting into view, his feathers puffed out and tail fanned in a magnificent display. The sight of a Rio Grande gobbler in full strut is breathtaking, showcasing the bird’s iridescent plumage and proud demeanor.

With your heart pounding, you carefully take aim. The challenge is not just in the shot,

but in waiting for the perfect moment to ensure a clean, ethical kill. When the time is right, you squeeze the trigger, and the sharp report of the shotgun echoes through the brush. The thrill of a successful hunt is immense, and the sight of the downed gobbler is a testament to your skill and patience.

The excitement doesn’t end with the first gobbler. South Texas is known for its healthy population of Rio Grande turkeys, and often multiple birds can be encountered during a single outing. Each hunt offers a unique challenge, as gobblers can be wary and unpredictable, sometimes circling wide to approach from unexpected angles or hanging up just out of range.

The landscape itself adds to the experience. The rugged beauty of South Texas, with its mix of open spaces and dense cover, provides a stunning backdrop. The early morning light casting long shadows over the terrain, the rustling of wildlife, and the occasional sighting of deer or other game animals enhance the sense of being immersed in nature.

As the day progresses and the hunt winds down, the satisfaction of a successful outing is palpable. The Rio Grande gobbler, known for its impressive size and striking appearance, is a prized trophy. The experience of tracking, calling, and ultimately harvesting these magnificent birds creates memories that will last a lifetime.

Back at camp, the camaraderie among fellow hunters, the sharing of stories and experiences, and the celebration of a successful hunt add to the richness of the adventure. Cleaning and preparing the turkey for a meal is part of the tradition, with many hunters savoring the prospect of enjoying the fruits of their labor.

Hunting Rio Grande gobblers in South Texas is more than just a hunt; it’s an experience that connects you to the land, the wildlife, and the rich hunting heritage of the region. The combination of skill, patience, and the thrill of the chase makes this hunt a cherished tradition for all who partake. The memories of this pursuit, from the first predawn calls to the final successful shot, are stories to be told and retold, celebrating the enduring allure of hunting in South Texas.

Amenities

Hunting Type

Turkey

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Lodging

Lodging is included for an additional fee.

Gun Rental

Gun rentals are available.

Game Cleaning

This guide will clean your game for an additional fee.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 14 days before the trip.

Self-Guided

This trip is self-guided.

Gear

You will need your own guns and gear.

Beer

No beer allowed.

Kid Friendly

This trip is best for adults.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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Pricing Matrix

	12 Hours	48 Hours
1 Person	$800.00	$1,500.00
2 People	$800.00	$1,500.00
3 People	$800.00	$1,500.00
4 People	$800.00

Pay 15% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

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Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know the area like the back of their hand.

Reserve Your Trip

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You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know the area like the back of their hand.

About Your Guide

Leevi E.

Independent Guide

Talkative

Laid-back

Instructional

Expert Oriented

Comfortable

Quality

About Your Guide

Leevi E.

Independent Guide

I was born in Rio Grande City, Texas, in 1985 and raised in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, where I naturally embraced a love for the outdoors.

From a very young age, I discovered my passion for hunting, calling, and shooting. Growing up and living in the South Texas region has given me the opportunity to develop and hone the knowledge and skills of an avid outdoorsman. Having had the privilege to help guide on several ranches has provided me with a deeper insight into the importance of predator control and wildlife management.

For the past six years, I have been guiding fishing trips, specializing in wade fishing, drift fishing, bottom fishing, and flounder gigging. I also offer unique adventures with airboat excursions in brackish waters targeting alligator gar, redfish, and catfish. My experience and dedication ensure an unforgettable and successful fishing experience for all my clients.

I devote the majority of my summers hitting the waters of the Lower Laguna Madre as a captain for my charter, Waist Deep Fishing.

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Start Location & Lodging Options

Port Mansfield, Texas

Trip Details & Amenities

Hunting Type

Turkey

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Lodging

Lodging is included for an additional fee.

Gun Rental

Gun rentals are available.

Game Cleaning

This guide will clean your game for an additional fee.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 14 days before the trip.

Self-Guided

This trip is self-guided.

Gear

You will need your own guns and gear.

Beer

No beer allowed.

Kid Friendly

This trip is best for adults.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »

Get it while it's HOT!
This species is in play.
You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Shotgun Hunting
Decoy Hunting

Everything Else to Know

You will be responsible for your own gear. Once you book your trip, we'll connect you directly with Leevi to discuss details.

You'll need to buy a hunting license before getting out there. Find out more about licenses here.

We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).

Cancel for free up to 14 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 14 of the trip will forfeit your deposit to the guide. Day-of cancellations and no-shows will be charged the full balance of the trip to their card.

In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

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First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to 1,600+ quality, vetted fishing and hunting guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.

We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.

Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!

In the event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.

Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, bait, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.

After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.