SPECIAL: Dream Trips for Mom and Dad

TF&G Special Section

DREAMS are important.

Dreams are something to look forward to and strive toward. In our increasingly chaotic times, that’s something everyone needs in their life. For outdoor lovers, many amazing dreams can come true with a little saving, planning and travel.

There may be no better way to honor your mom or dad on their special day than making their all-time outdoor dream happen.

We’ve put together a list of outdoor dream expeditions that range from very affordable, to not so much—but in our opinion, they are within the realm of possibility for anyone reading this publication.

It might take saving a year or two, if not sooner. Either way, these dream adventures are guaranteed to make Mom or Dad very happy.

Hill Country Axis Deer

Axis deer, which are known as chital in their native India and Pakistan, are arguably the world’s most beautiful deer, and they are increasingly abundant in the Texas Hill Country.

Hunting opportunities for this exotic species abound. From high-fenced trophy hunts to free-ranging hunts on low-fenced land, Even better, they just happen to be one of the tastiest wild creatures on the planet.

Tarpon

The silver king is on just about every coastal angler’s dream list, and they are abundant along the Gulf Coast. Guides offer Texas tarpon trips at South Padre, Port Mansfield and in the Galveston area with fish also caught around Port O’Connor and Port Aransas.

These beautiful, tail-walking brutes are often the catch of a lifetime and will make a memory no fishermen would ever forget.

Here’s a hint on tarpon. Getting them to bite is challenging, but it’s even more challenging to get one into the boat. These fish are notorious for making a few jumps before saying “bye bye.” So, if you book a guide, consider booking two days. A couple of days will give you a lot more leeway and more time on the water—which beats more time in the office.

Elk

Probably no hunter reading this would not want to take an elk. They are perhaps the most regal animals on the planet. They are abundant in Texas thanks to efforts of fish and game agencies and groups such as the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

An elk hunt ain’t easy, so make sure Mom or Dad are fit enough to handle the hard parts. Consult with an outfitter to get a realistic look at what a hunt requires.

If you can’t afford a bull, how about taking them on a cow elk hunt. The meat is incredible, and a chance to get into elk country can be just as exhilarating as actually taking one.

Nilgai and Snook Combo

The Lower Coast not only has the most diverse fishery in the state, but also has highly biodiverse wildlife. From ocelots to javelinas, this area has things many other parts of the state don’t. That includes a free-ranging population of nilgai antelope.

Public draw hunts are an option on Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, but most nilgai hunts are done on the Kenedy and King Ranches.

These big Indian imports have some of the finest tasting meat in the animal kingdom. Although they took a hit in some areas because of last year’s freeze, hunting options are still available in 2022.

Take your cast and blast to the next level by snook fishing in Lower Laguna Madre and the Brownsville Ship Channel. The snook here can be plentiful—and they grow big.

Imagine catching a 30-inch snook on a topwater in the evening and bagging a big nilgai bull in the morning.

Does it get better than that?

Chasing Rainbows

Every angler should give flyfishing a shot. It’s challenging, but it’s also super exciting. Catching beautiful rainbow trout is one of the most exciting things a freshwater angler can do.

Texas has a great fishery below the tailrace at Canyon Lake. The river below Beaver’s Bend Dam in Oklahoma is a short drive for most Texans (in Texas terms), and it has a killer fishery.

Arkansas also has some great fisheries not only for rainbows, but brown trout as well in the White River. The Little Red River is also really good there.

These are affordable trips that will take you into beautiful places in pursuit of even more beautiful fish.

Mountain Photo Safari

More Texans hunt in Colorado than in any other state.

Hunting isn’t the only awesome outdoor opportunity in Colorado.

Wildlife photography is lots of fun and is a whole lot cheaper than hunting. We recommend visiting beautiful Estes Park Colorado and going on a photo safari in Rocky Mountain National Park.

This enormous park is home to bighorn sheep, moose, a huge herd of elk, mule deer, Merriam’s turkeys, marmots, pikas and much, much more. It’s one of the most underrated wildlife photography locations in the country, and it also has some great trout streams.

Mount Evans is a couple of hours away. It offers a rare opportunity during summer months to photograph mountain goats.

Maybe the best thing you could give your parents is to go with them on their expedition. Time with family is great, but time with family in the great outdoors is next-level special.

Why not spend time with them with a rod in hand or glassing the mountains in pursuit of game?

That’s a win-win for everyone.

 

 

—story by TF&G STAFF

 

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