4J Ranch Frequently Asked Questions
Q: There are so many hog-hunting ranches to choose from. How do I decide?
A: There are a lot of ranches in Texas, and a lot are good. 4J Ranch has provided guided hog hunts since '99 and has a spectacular track record of safely putting hunters on hogs. We understand that guiding hunts is a service business and present ourselves in a manner that reflects how we would want to be treated to give our hunters a uniquely memorable experience.
Q: How do I book a hunt?
A: Consider the pertinent details like the desired date & number of hunters, then reach out. We are always available! Call, text, or email us or submit a contact form, and we'll reach out to you. See the Contact page for details. Upon making contact, we'll confirm the desired date, collect a deposit & place your group on the hunt calendar. The deposit applies to the cost of the hunt.
Q: What’s the Best Time to Hunt Hogs in Texas?
A: We offer hog hunting year-round, 7 days a week.
Summer (June–August) is the slow season due to the heat.
Fall and Winter (October–March) are the most popular and comfortable times to hunt.
All our hunts currently take place during daylight hours. The dark adds another element of difficulty.
Q: Is the deposit refundable?
A: Deposits are non-refundable. We consider a deposit as confirmation that you will be hunting with us. Upon receiving a deposit, we account for you on our calendar and make arrangements to ensure the day of your choosing is properly setup. A hunt can be rescheduled a single time with four weeks prior notice.
Q: Do we need a license to hunt hogs on the 4J Ranch?
A: A hunting license is not required on our hunt. If you are hunting only feral hogs on private land, Texas does not require a hunting license. However, always check the latest Texas Parks & Wildlife regulations for any updates or changes to the law.If you plan to hunt any other species alongside hogs, a valid Texas hunting license is required.
Q: Can we bring our personal weapons to hunt hogs?
A: Absolutely, yes! Our hunting passion is surpassed only by our love for firearms. We enjoy sharing our collection and would love to see yours. We allow any type or caliber of weapon to be shot on our range or used on the hunts. Just know that wild hogs are hardy animals and often survive gunshots by smaller calibers. With small-mass, high-velocity rounds like 5.56/.223, it can take multiple hits to bring the hog down, but we find that it adds to the challenge and excitement of the hunt.
Q: What’s the Best Caliber for Hog Hunting?
A: We welcome hunters using a wide range of calibers—from .22LR to .50 BMG. The "best" caliber is often debated, but the truth is: The best caliber is the one you can accurately shoot. For reliability and fast follow-up shots, we recommend semi-automatic rifles with high-capacity magazines, such as the AR-15 platform. Most hogs require multiple hits. Most shots are missed, our customers average 20 shots per hog killed.
Q: Do y'all rent guns?
A: We do! We can accommodate any number of hunters needing to rent guns. We have a variety of weapons, but the go-to is high-end AR-15s and their fully automatic big brother, the M16. The cost is $100 per shooter. See our Gun Rental page. Did I mention we have a Barrett .50 BMG 82A1?
Q: Is there a minimum age requirement for young hunters?
A: Every guide you encounter on the 4J is a father. We all started young and enjoy seeing young hunters come into their own. We have guided hunters accompanied by their parents as young as 5 years old. Safety is always a priority, so please let us know when booking so we can plan accordingly.
Q: What should I wear? Is camo required?
A: Wild hogs have poor color perception but are not color blind. If you have camo, wear it. If you don't have camo, it's okay. We are going to get those hogs either way! Most importantly, dress for the weather and to have dry footwear. We hunt year-round, rain or shine, so please check the weather for the day of your hunt.
Q: What do we do with all the dead hogs?
A: You can choose whether or not to harvest the meat from your kills. There are no mandatory skinning fees.
Q: I want to harvest the meat. What is needed?
A: Please bring a cooler(s) with ice. We skin and quarter the hogs for $50 per hog. We do not allow hunters to butcher the kill themselves, considering the specific liability. After the quarters are in the cooler, we recommend keeping the meat on ice while periodically draining the water. When the water drained from the cooler is no longer red, the meat has expelled all the blood. This process usually takes a day or two. Then it is time to cook, further-process, or freeze the meat.
Q: Do I need food and snacks?
A: We always pack water on our hunts. Feel free to bring any food or snacks to enjoy during your time on the ranch.
Q: Are non-hunting guests allowed?
A: Guests who want to watch and not actively participate in the hunt are always welcome. The non-hunting guest fee is $250 per person.
Q: Is gratuity customary for guided hunts?
A: Tips are not mandatory but are fully appreciated. Guiding is a service, and we aim to please! If you feel inclined to tip, we distribute the tip among the guides who helped with the hunt.
Q: Why is Hog Hunting So Important to Texas?
A: Feral hog populations in Texas have exploded over the last 30 years, causing billions in damage to farmland, native wildlife, and ecosystems.They are incredibly tough, adaptable, and reproduce rapidly—one of the reasons hunting has become both a necessary management tool and a popular tourist activity.Your hunt not only provides a thrilling experience but also supports population control efforts that protect Texas landowners, farmers, and ranchers.
Q: How Can I Hunt Hogs in Texas?
A: There are many exciting ways to hunt hogs in Texas! It is as easy as booking a hunt with us and showing up. We can provide everything you need to be successful. Our hunt mostly takes place on a Side by side (SxS, UTV, ATV). We drive around chasing and blasting hogs.
There are a lot of other ways to hunt hogs. You can hunt from a ground blind or tree stand. You can hunt at night using lights, night vision, or thermal optics. You can even hunt from a helicopter if your budget allows. Hogs are also trapped and hunted with hog dogs.
Q: Who Are the Best Texas Hog Hunting Outfitters?
A: We strive to be the Best Texas Hog Hunting Outfitter by focusing on what matters most—customer satisfaction and unforgettable experiences. For over 20 years, we’ve listened to hunters like you, refining our hunts to include features and adventures that even seasoned hunters have never tried. Every hunt is designed to deliver something new, exciting, and memorable.
