i dont think the texas interest is poor. i think that people from out of state are just more interseted in the texas expirence for an affordable price. been on your website many times just not at a point that i can afford a hunt yet. seems like yall have done well on your turkey hunts i have guided a few and been pretty successful. well good luck keep us posted

GIG EM AGGIES

GIG EM AGGIES

Allen,

I agree with Justin, many of the individuals that would pay for a hunt and accommodations are interested in the "Texas Experience".  I have also checked out your site and y'all have a nice place with reasonable prices.  Since,  "The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence", I would continue to entice the out of state patrons.  They want to experience a "Texas Adventure", something that is wild, exotic and dangerous; Wild Boar hunt in Texas,  Rio Grande Tom's in Texas, Trophy Texas Whitetail Buck and the many exotics that we now have with the danger of rattlers, scorpions, centipedes and things that stick like cactus and mesquite trees.

I think you would have good luck continuing to entice the out of state and high roller hunters with ads placed in local classified sections and corporation magazines.  These corporations are always looking to take their clients and upper echelons out on a Texas Adventure, kind of like a Africa Safari, but cheaper.  Some are looking for the 4 STAR accommodations, but others are wanting something a little more rustic.  They all want a fireplace in the winter or a fire pit to sit around and tell tall tales about the days hunting adventures or hunts of yesteryear, while enjoying on a cold brew.

Your local ( country boys) don't want to pay for a hunt near their back yard, most locals are on a tight budget and are willing to pay a little for the HUNT experience if unproductive, but they are really looking to bring home the bacon to please the wife.  I know cause,  I is one.

I would give away a few free hunts to key corporate guys in several companies so they can checkout your setup and recommend it to others.  Example our own Jason Parrish does and excellent job of putting together a report for others to read with pictures to give them a taste of what a operation like "Dos Plumas Ranch" has to offer.  Their should be others like him in major cities.

Good luck!

"A country boy will survive"

I live locally and would love to come hunt at the ranch. But the packages all include lodging which we dont need. If you had a package for a 2 day hunt no lodging for locals that was a good price it would be great. Alot easier then trying to find public land, or a lease that is affordable

AIR FORCE ALL THE WAY!!

I think the main reason is that the "Texas Experience".  Local hunter experience it on a daily basis, they live it everytime they go out hunting.  My opinion, but if I lived and hunted in Texas my dream hunt would be up in Canada, or even Africa.  If you are going to pay a substantial amount for a hunt you want something different, something you have never had. 

 Face it, would you rather hunt in your backyard or travel to somewhere new and different for the same hunt.  Like Country said, " the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence."

Allen,

I have posted a copy of the hunting and fishing packages that you offer, which are well priced.

I would put together a well done information board to place in business like the Tye Truck Stop plus outdoor, firearm business, feed stores and wild life expos in Abilene and San Angelo.

TexasHuntFish could put together a nice CD that could be played on a small TV set at many local business that attract the same type of customers that you want.  When I go to Cabela's and there is a CD playing on a screen, I always stop and watch wishing that I was there.

In running a business, I personally would go for fewer people with deeper pockets than for more people with shallow pockets.  I would want fewer people out and about disturbing my game.

There is a growing number of once upon a time hunters that now just want to get out and look like their hunting while really just enjoying nature.  They have grown soft living in the big cities and they enjoy nature.  They have no intention of shooting an animal, many of these will make a "bad" shot just to save face and tell about the nice one that got away.  These guys are good too.

So again, good luck and I'm interested to see what suggestions others have to offer you.

"A country boy will survive"

Hi Allen,

 It is me, Tran. Do you remember me? I have been hunting on your ranch one time a year ago may be more. I don't think texans wasn't interest in hunting but one reason that the cost of hunting that most texans people couldn't affordable it. They thought about reality more than enjoyable. It is very sample and can be compare to the market value. They can buy domestic pig from market just around $2.50/lb and good to eat without worries and why they spend more money per lbs and cost more for gas and something else, even dangerous out there in the woods. Am I right? Is it very competable nowaday in the low economy happen all around the country. Therefore, hunting is  a second thought for most people like me " hunting addicted". So good luck to you and the hunting business.

from country's posting, your rates are reasonable, especially for the exotic hunting at $275/day with two day minimum.  It would be good to have axis available also.  I personally like to hunt my own place and a few others where I have "friends with hunting benefits" free of charge.  your packages would make great sense to me if I did not have access to these places, and didn't necessarily know how to process the animals, and want to kick back and let your folks take care of this while I enjoyed a meal.

Out Enjoying That Great Texas Countryside

I don't think the cost/pound issue is a really a crucial issue; anyone who needs to hunt for food isn't a candidate for any game ranch.  (Sort of the same reasoning as why anyone would go to a bar and spend $5 on a beer when that same five bucks will get a six-pack from a store.)

If I were Allen's VP of Marketing and I wanted more in-state business, I'd focus on the DFW Metroplex.  Emphasize the easy drive, the plentiful game, the comfortable lodging, the non-crowded conditions, the high success rate, and the very reasonable price. 

For me, going to Dos Plumas (I've hunted there twice) isn't just about shooting pigs.  I go for the whole experience--seeing Allen and Lori (I consider them practically like family), going a place where I know I can relax, maybe even having time to stop at McKay's Bakery in Abilene on the way home. 

Some of that is qualitative, and hard to put into dollars and cents.  Because maybe you can find a cheaper hunt, or a closer hunt, but for my money, you can't find a better hunt.

I don't think the cost/pound issue is a really a crucial issue; anyone who needs to hunt for food isn't a candidate for any game ranch.  (Sort of the same reasoning as why anyone would go to a bar and spend $5 on a beer when that same five bucks will get a six-pack from a store.)

If I were Allen's VP of Marketing and I wanted more in-state business, I'd focus on the DFW Metroplex.  Emphasize the easy drive, the plentiful game, the comfortable lodging, the non-crowded conditions, the high success rate, and the very reasonable price. 

For me, going to Dos Plumas (I've hunted there twice) isn't just about shooting pigs.  I go for the whole experience--seeing Allen and Lori (I consider them practically like family), going a place where I know I can relax, maybe even having time to stop at McKay's Bakery in Abilene on the way home. 

Some of that is qualitative, and hard to put into dollars and cents.  Because maybe you can find a cheaper hunt, or a closer hunt, but for my money, you can't find a better hunt.

I don't know if this is what you are asking, cost is a huge issue, but so is location. I have looked at your prices, and they are great. When I have the money I will be looking at your safari package, and a few others. My other "issue" is you are 450 miles from me, so that is another day of vacation on each end for driving, or driving after work, plus another 3 tanks of gas for my truck.

Allen, this is Cody I dont know how to peek the Texas interest, How bout advertising in magazines, papers, etc.(I know it gets pricey) but just from my personal experience at your place it is well worth it for yall, because you run a top notch place and make sure everyone leaves with great memories in the field. me and little john are coming back when ever he gets through with his ball playing or at least a couple days break from it. I still talk about it once everyday to anyone willing to listen to me about the ram hunt at Dos Plumas Ranch, you are great with all your customers,kids and adults alike. Just my two cents but i would maybe try the Texas hunting magazine approach. Hope this helps, Thanks again Cody Beck

Allen, this is Cody I dont know how to peek the Texas interest, How bout advertising in magazines, papers, etc.(I know it gets pricey) but just from my personal experience at your place it is well worth it for yall, because you run a top notch place and make sure everyone leaves with great memories in the field. me and little john are coming back when ever he gets through with his ball playing or at least a couple days break from it. I still talk about it once everyday to anyone willing to listen to me about the ram hunt at Dos Plumas Ranch, you are great with all your customers,kids and adults alike. Just my two cents but i would maybe try the Texas hunting magazine approach. Hope this helps, Thanks again Cody Beck