Bowhunting Report From Tony Dukes

Bowhunting with Billy Don Van Cleave on Wild Horse Prairie Ranch

When I pulled through the gate of the Wild Horse Prairie Ranch, I thought it might just be another bowhunting ranch, I was to be pleasantly surprised.  

Over the last 20+ years I've hunted on, guided on and done articles on ranches in 
over a dozen counties in Texas and twice as many ranches.

The ranch is 7,500 acres (soon to be 10,000) making it the next largest ranch in Burnet County which is located on the edge of the hill country and Edward's Plateau and in the center of the highland lake chain. The ranch has an established well established herd of aoudad, blackbuck and Corsican along with record class whitetail all in a low fence, fair chase hunt situation.

All this seems neat, but when I saw the sun setting over Lake Buchanan, after seeing lots of bucks of the first day out, I knew this was no ordinary ranch. Everyone saw bucks, monster bucks, lots of bucks. 

Hogs? Are you kidding, this place has them like fleas. I could only 
remember one or two ranches that impressed me so much with the land and cover as the amount of quality game.

Even more impressive is the operator Billy Don Van Cleave. I have a place in my heart for cowboy outfitters and Billy Don filled it. This man has hunted all his life in many states and several countries, but remains so open minded and wanting to improve and learn with every opportunity. Billy Don protects the abundant natural browse and grass like it was Fort Knox as will be introducing a protein program. Flanked by his 14 year old son Blake, his number one man and hunting side kick, Billy Don has made a commitment to do what it takes to put together an all around top notch hunting program.

Along with deer, acreage and genetics, the Wild Horse Prairie Ranch has two big, roomy, comfortable lodges complete with satellite TV, computer hook ups, complete kitchen, lots of comfy bunks, washer and dryers, places to hang and 
skin game as well as a walk in cooler.

Being a writer I always look for catch phrases and got two from Billy Don  that we wore out. One is "gamey" which refers to an area that you are definitely going to see lots of critters, the other references the constant sightings of hogs on the run. When I asked Billy Don where they were going he replied, "There on a pig mission!" If you'd been there you'd still be laughing! 

Billy Don and son Blake were constantly friendly, helpful and encouraging. A lot of guides and outfitters don't start out with those three traits and seldom finish a week with them intact. What a pleasure the hunt was.

Yes sir, Billy Don is in it for the long run, the man is patient and thorough.  I think time will prove the Wild Horse Prairie Ranch to become one of the premier hunting ranches in Texas. I also think it will get better every year due to this man's dedication to preservation and quality and patience.

See ya'll next year at the Wild Horse Prairie Ranch in Burnet Texas! Good hunting and remember who give us the critters and the sunsets! 

Look for a BOWHUNTING.NET hunt for you to go with us at Wild Horse Prairie Ranch next October! For info email me TDHUNTS@aol.com or Billy Don Van Cleave at bdvanc@aol.com.

Tony Dukes

African Bowhunt Report 2003
Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Hunt Info | Hunt Equipment

Day #1: The African morning greeted me with an overwhelming clarity and crispness. I was surprised to be shaking off a chill from the open air ride in the Land Rover as I settled into our "hide" (the African name for a blind) with my professional hunter Riaan Ras. I checked my draw through the shooting window and organized my camera and stuff as the sun started to cast it's first shadows.
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