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: 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. See our Texas Hunting Regs page for more information
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: 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 $40 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.
