RANCHO LA FORTALEZA – RULES AND REGULATIONS
Please consider and read the ranch rules.
Any violation of the written rules of Rancho La Fortaleza or the laws of the State of Texas may result in certain penalties, such as the loss of hunting privileges, payment of established fees, request to leave the premises, or even the involvement of law enforcement authorities.
Loaded firearms are not allowed in common areas such as the cabin, bar, barbecue area, dock, vehicles, etc.
The possession or use of any illegal drugs or controlled substances is strictly prohibited on the premises and surrounding areas under any circumstances.
Alcohol consumption must be strictly moderate. Excessive drinking will not be tolerated. No alcoholic beverages may be consumed before hunting, shooting practice, or any activity involving firearms. Anyone showing signs of impaired physical or mental faculties due to alcohol or drugs will not be allowed to participate in any hunting or shooting activity. This will be at the sole discretion of Rancho La Fortaleza management.
Texas Parks and Wildlife laws and regulations are strictly enforced. All guests are expected to be familiar with them.
The ranch management determines which animals may be harvested. Each animal is evaluated individually. Because of this, your guide has the final say regarding the animal’s overall scoring.
Note: Boone and Crockett scores are based on gross score, not net score.
Before going out to hunt, all hunters must sight in their firearms at the shooting range in the presence of ranch staff. If needed, a guide may assist in adjusting your firearm.
Hunters and visitors assume full responsibility for their own safety, including inspecting hunting blinds and ensuring safe access and exit.
A wounded animal is considered dead and is therefore counted as the hunter’s trophy.
Note: A wounded animal is one that shows evidence of being hit by the shooter (e.g., blood trail, visible injury). The decision of Rancho La Fortaleza management is final and non-negotiable.
Tracking dogs for recovering wounded animals are available through an independent service provider.
Note: This is a separate service not affiliated with Rancho La Fortaleza. Rates must be agreed upon in advance with the service provider, and payment is due upon the arrival of the recovery dogs (before the search begins).
When not participating in hunting or shooting activities such as target shooting, free shooting, archery, or clay shooting, all firearms must remain unloaded and locked in individual lockers at the armory.
Reservations require a 50% deposit of the total amount. The remaining 50% must be paid upon arrival.
Note: Deposits are non-refundable in case of cancellation. However, rescheduling is possible based on availability in Rancho La Fortaleza’s calendar.
Littering is not allowed. Please keep all areas of Rancho La Fortaleza clean and orderly by disposing of trash in the appropriate containers.
No property belonging to Rancho La Fortaleza may be removed from the premises, including tools, equipment, or other items.
Animal harvest fees must be paid before leaving the ranch.
Note: If you choose a different animal of higher value than the one originally selected and already paid for, the previous amount will be credited, and only the price difference must be paid.
Taxidermy, shipping costs, and any other charges must be paid in full before the service is provided or before departure, as applicable.
Accepted payment methods include cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
Note: A 3% surcharge will be applied to credit card payments.
Ranch staff will indicate which animals may be hunted and which zones are authorized for hunting.
Hunting and lodging fees do not include tips. Tips should be given directly to the appropriate staff members, who will ensure fair distribution.
A valid Texas hunting license and Hunter Education Certificate are required before participating in any hunt.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Bring binoculars and a camera. If you don’t have binoculars, we have some available for rent.
South Texas weather can change frequently and varies throughout the hunting season.
We recommend checking the weather forecast and packing accordingly.Bring hunting or field boots. Snake-proof and insulated boots are recommended for hunting.
Camouflage clothing is not required.
You may wear any comfortable clothing you prefer.
Guests may not enter or exit Rancho La Fortaleza without prior notice and accompaniment by authorized staff.
Access to restricted areas, equipment, or machinery is strictly prohibited unless authorized. These are designated for staff use only.
Smoking is not allowed inside vehicles, cabins, blinds, kitchen, or storage areas.
Note: Smoking is only permitted in designated areas, and cigarette butts must be disposed of in provided ashtrays.
Fishing in the ponds is for recreational purposes only. Catch and release is required.
All forms of harassment are strictly prohibited at Rancho La Fortaleza—this applies to both guests and staff.
Such behavior may be treated as a serious violation and could lead to the involvement of authorities and immediate removal from the premises without any refund.
If a hunter violates any of the established rules, Rancho La Fortaleza staff reserve the right to immediately end the hunt without any refund.
All guests are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at Rancho La Fortaleza.
HUNTING RULES
- You may only shoot animals whose hunt has been previously agreed upon and paid for.
- Please report all shots, whether successful or missed. A lost arrow or a wounded and lost animal is considered a kill regardless of whether it is recovered.
- It is strictly prohibited to shoot any female animals with offspring.
- It is strictly prohibited to hunt animals in velvet.
- Hunting is strictly prohibited within 100 yards of the perimeter fence, campsite, or feeders.
- Do not shoot unless your aim is steady, clear, and the target is in sight.
- Do not leave your blind or hunting area.
- If you shoot an animal and it escapes, remain in your blind — we will come to assist in finding it.
- Do not clean your animal near the blind. We will collect and clean it for you.
- Wandering or stalking animals is not allowed.
- Night hunting is not allowed without prior approval from the guide and the company.
- Personal vehicles may only be used for entering and exiting the lodging area. They are not allowed in any other area, especially not in the hunting area.
- Hunting any animal without prior authorization from Rancho La Fortaleza staff is strictly prohibited.
- You may shoot predators (coyotes, snakes, bobcats, raccoons, opossums).
- The ranch headquarters has a cold storage room and a horizontal freezer available for hunters’ use.
- The ranch provides corn along the established route to the blind or hunting area.
NOTICE
There are hazardous conditions and dangers on the ranch, including but not limited to: venomous snakes, insects, spiders, hunting blinds (whether or not installed by the Landlord), wild animals, and dangerous conditions for driving and walking.
