5J Ranch Rules & Regulations
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What’s Included in Your Hunt
All hunt packages at 5J Ranch include an all-inclusive 3 days / 2 nights stay, lodging, all meals, beverages, and snacks, along with professional guide services. Field preparation of harvested animals and transportation to a local taxidermist and meat processor are provided.
Taxidermy and meat processing fees are not included.
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Pricing & Daily Rates
5J Ranch offers flexible pricing options depending on your hunting goals and lodging needs:
– $575 per day – All-Inclusive (hunting, lodging, meals, and guide service)
– $450 per day – Hunting & Lodging
– $400 per day – Hunting Only
– $375 per day – Observer / Non-Hunting Guest
Package hunt structure:
– Trophy Hunts: 3-day hunt with lodging, meals, and guide service included
– Management Hunts: 2-day hunt with lodging, meals, and guide service included
All animals are priced individually unless included in a prepaid package.
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Pricing & Harvest Policy
All animals listed on the harvest list are priced individually and are subject to change at any time. Prepaid hunting packages and trophy fees are protected from future price increases until the hunt is taken and the animal is harvested.
If a hunt must be rescheduled, pricing may be subject to change. On donated harvests, the donated value is applied as a dollar-for-dollar exchange toward the quoted game animal. All other trophy fees follow current daily pricing.
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Trophy & Management Hunts
Trophy hunts are offered as comprehensive packages or can be arranged upon request using the ranch harvest list. These hunts are designed to provide hunters with everything needed for a successful and ethical harvest.
Management hunts are typically offered as an add-on or as a standalone 2-day package after a primary animal has been harvested. These hunts support herd management efforts. Harvested meat may be kept by the hunter or donated; donated animals may incur a small processing fee.
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Promotional Packages & Discounts
At select times, 5J Ranch offers limited-time promotional hunting packages. These packages are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to availability.
Hunters who harvest a second game animal within the same calendar year may receive a 10–15% discount, depending on species and harvest quotas. Special-priced, package-priced, or already discounted animals are excluded.
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Shot Opportunity & Guide Assistance
Hunters reserve the right to request their guide to back up a shot if necessary to ensure a clean and ethical harvest. Guides are present to assist throughout the hunt and prioritize safety, recovery, and proper shot placement.
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Wounded or Missed Animal Policy
Any animal wounded or recovered is considered a harvest and will be subject to full trophy fees. Blood, sign of impact, video evidence of a hit, or an animal acting as if hit constitutes a harvest.
For package hunts:
– Passing on a trophy-quality animal when a clear opportunity is presented may be considered an earned trophy fee
– A second missed shot may result in the trophy being considered harvested and an additional animal fee applying
The hunt may continue, but the trophy fee included in the package may be considered earned.
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Payment Terms
A 50% deposit is required to secure your reservation. All remaining balances must be paid prior to departure.
Accepted forms of payment include cash and check. Venmo and credit cards are accepted with a 3.5% processing fee. All hunters and guests agree to pay all charges for services rendered, animals harvested, merchandise purchased, or damages incurred prior to departure.
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Refund & Cancellation Policy
Deposits are non-refundable. In the event a trip is canceled, 5J Ranch may transfer the deposit to a future available date within 12 months or assist in rebooking the hunt with another party.
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Licensing Requirements
All hunters are required to have a valid Texas hunting license.
5J Ranch buck and doe tags are required for whitetail harvests.
Exotic hunts in Texas require a 5-day non-resident special hunting license, which must be purchased prior to arrival.
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Firearms & Ammunition
Each species has specific ballistic requirements. Hunters should expect a minimum .243 caliber and a maximum .338 caliber projectile depending on the animal.
A mandatory rifle shoot-in is required prior to hunting.
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Check-In & Check-Out
– Check-In: 12:00 PM on arrival day
– Check-Out: 12:00 PM on departure day
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Hunter Education
All hunters (including out-of-state hunters) born on or after September 2, 1971 must have successfully completed a Hunter Education Course and carry proof during their hunt.
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Safety, Shot Placement & Responsibility
Shot placement and target identification are solely the responsibility of each hunter. Hunters must remain aware of surrounding animals to prevent unintended secondary harvest due to deflected bullets.
Guides are available to assist with animal identification, shot placement, and bullet selection. Hunters are encouraged to take their time, communicate clearly, and ensure the shooting area is safe before taking a shot. Firearms must remain unloaded and properly stored when not actively hunting.
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Gratuities
Gratuities are not required but are appreciated and based on your experience. Typical guidelines include:
– Hunting Guides: $100 per guide per day
– Animal Processing: $25 per deer / $50 per exotic per day
– Bird Hunting Guides: $100 per guide per day
– Tower / War Wagon Operator: $100 per day
– Bird Boys: $50 per person per day
– Kitchen, Bar & Wait Staff: 15–20% of food package
As a general guideline, total gratuities for a packaged hunt typically range between 5–10% of the total cost of your stay.
