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AFFILIATIONS & FAQ's

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at Five Birds Ranch and Hunting Lodge in Brownwood, Texas! To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit, please review these essential FAQs and share them with your group. For further assistance, contact Guest Services at 254-441-7674.  

Top 10 Essential Tips for Your Visit:

Digital Guest Form & Waiver:

All guests must complete a digital information form and waiver before participating in any activities. Submitting it prior to arrival streamlines check-in.  

Check-In/Check-Out

Overnight guests check in at 4:00 PM and check out at 11:00 AM (12:00 PM for morning hunters). Please pack and vacate accommodations promptly to allow preparation for incoming guests.

Shotgun Restrictions

For safety, 12-gauge semi-automatic or pump-action shotguns are prohibited on upland field hunts (mixed bag or quail). Use 20-gauge or smaller over-under/side-by-side shotguns. 12-gauge semi-autos and pumps are permitted for driven pheasant shoots, mallard duck hunts, and sporting clays. Rentals and ammo are available at the FBR Pro Shop.  

Ammunition

Bring your own or purchase at the FBR Pro Shop. Recommended loads: Upland Field Hunt (#7.5 Lead), Driven Pheasant Shoot (#6 Lead), Mallard Duck Hunt (#6 Steel).  

Health & Accessibility

Notify us of any health restrictions or physical limitations prior to arrival to ensure proper accommodations and guide preparation.  

Itinerary Review

Check your itinerary before arriving and contact us if adjustments are needed to align with your plans.

Cancellation Policy

Review the FBR Cancellation Policy before making changes to your reservation.  

Hunting License

A valid Texas hunting license with appropriate endorsements is required for all hunters and must be carried during hunts. 

Service Fee

 A 15% service fee is added to your final bill to cover staff gratuities and ranch amenities. Additional gratuities for exceptional service are optional but do not replace the fee.

Hunting Group Sizes

  • Upland Bird Hunts: Maximum of 3 guns (including observers) per guide/field for safety due to varied terrain and pacing.  

  • Driven Pheasant Shoots: Minimum of 4 shooters, up to 10 per line, with a maximum of 30 across three lines.  

  • Continental Pheasant Shoots: Requires 10 guns, up to 20, rotating through 10 double positions.  

  • Mallard Duck Hunts: Minimum of 4 guns, maximum of 12.

Minimum Hunter Age

Hunters must be at least 12 years old. Those under 12 who have completed a Hunter Education course (certificate required) may hunt. Hunters over 12 without certification must be accompanied per Texas Parks and Wildlife Department rules: Hunter Education FAQ.  ​

Bird Hunt Pricing

  • Unlimited Bird Hunts (Upland): Shoot as many birds as presented during your hunt period.  

  • Limited Bird Hunts (Upland): Shoot up to the designated limit. Additional birds shot (killed, bagged, or wounded) beyond the limit incur per-bird charges, added to your final invoice. Discuss limits and “bird shot” definitions with your guide.  

  • Hunt Duration: Each hunt lasts approximately 2.5–3 hours.

Shooting Instruction

Shotgun shooting instruction is available for beginners, intermediates, and advanced shooters (by appointment). Clay targets are used, with professional instructors available for advanced sessions with prior notice.

Ranch Size

Five Birds Ranch spans 236 acres of diverse habitats and terrain, creating a vast and immersive experience.  

Guided Hunts

  • Wingshooting: All wingshooting hunts require a guide for safety and boundary awareness.  

  • Deer & Bow Hunts: All bow hunts and most deer hunts are guided. Unguided or semi-guided whitetail hunts may be available at the ranch’s discretion.

Bird Releases

We ensure abundant, wild-performing birds through continuous releases guided by wildlife biologists. Birds are introduced into natural habitats before and during the hunting season, integrated into existing coveys. Extra birds are released for special events like driven pheasant shoots. We track releases and hunter success to maintain huntable inventory.

Dining

Our skilled chef and kitchen staff offer three daily meals during hunting season, requiring advance reservations. All guests are served the same chef’s choice menu, with accommodations for dietary restrictions if notified in advance. Meals are not available without prior booking.

Gun Rentals

Rental shotguns (12, 20, 28, and .410 gauge Beretta over-under) are available for half or full-day use, ideal for clay shooting and wingshooting. Reserve in advance. Note: 12-gauge semi-autos and pumps are only allowed for driven pheasant shoots, mallard duck hunts, and sporting clays.

Hunting with Your Own Dog

Guests may bring their dogs, but they must be well-trained for hunting, not training. If a dog flushes birds out of range or disobeys commands, you may switch to a guide’s dog from Kanati Kennels. Dogs are not allowed in lodges and must be leashed or kenneled when not hunting. See our Pet Policy for details.

Hunting Season

  • Mid-September–May 1: Early morning quail hunts, driven pheasant shoots, and full upland bird hunting (quail, pheasant, chukar).  

  • October–April: Decoyed mallard duck hunts (may extend if conditions allow).  

  • Texas Turkey: Fall and spring seasons per Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.  

  • Whitetail Deer: October–February via Managed Land Deer Permits.

Shotgun Restrictions

Pump and semi-automatic shotguns are not allowed for upland bird hunts (quail, pheasant, chukar, partridge) due to safety, tradition, and litter concerns. They are permitted for sporting clays, dove hunts, and mallard duck hunts. Over-under and side-by-side shotguns are preferred for upland hunts.

Daily Schedule (Hunting Season)

  • 7:45 AM: Country-style breakfast buffet at The Main Lodge  

  • 8:45 AM: Meet your guide  

  • 9:00 AM: Morning bird hunts  

  • 11:00 AM: Check-out (lodging, on departure day)  

  • 12:30 PM: Lunch  

  • 1:45 PM: Meet your guide  

  • 2:00 PM: Afternoon bird hunts  

  • 4:00 PM: Check-in (lodging, on arrival day)  

  • 6:45 PM: Appetizers  

  • 7:15 PM: Gourmet dinner

Extra Info

  • All activities and meals require advance booking. Check your itinerary for details. Contact your guide for mallard duck and deer hunt times. Schedules may vary.  

  • Plan your visit to Five Birds Ranch with confidence by reviewing these FAQs, and contact us to ensure every detail is perfect!

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