Exotic Game in the Heart of the Hill Country
Exotic game animals were introduced to the Texas Hill Country over seventy years ago. Due to the efforts of the Hill Country game ranchers and their diligent wildlife management practices, the Texas Hill Country has vast herds of some species that are now endangered and even extinct in their country of origin. Today, in this area, there are more than 100,000 exotic game animals from over 45 different species.
Top Exotic Destinations in Kerrville, Texas
Kerrville is home to unique wildlife experiences, from expansive ranches featuring rare species to hands-on animal encounters. Visitors can explore private ranches where guided tours showcase species like antelope, zebras, and giraffes in expansive natural settings. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, Kerrville also provides world-class exotic game hunting, where hunters can pursue species like axis deer and blackbuck antelope under the guidance of experienced outfitters.
Kerr Wildlife Management Area
Located at the headwaters of the North Fork of the Guadalupe River, the Kerr Wildlife Management Area is a stunning 6,493-acre nature reserve owned and operated by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. This pristine area showcases the unique Edwards Plateau habitat and is home to a wide variety of wildlife species.
Commonly found animals include white-tailed deer, bobwhite quail, javelina, wild turkey, mourning dove, bobcat, fox squirrel, raccoon, skunk, armadillo, ringtail “cats,” gray foxes, and numerous reptiles and migratory birds.
Whether you’re looking to observe wildlife, hike, or simply immerse yourself in the beauty of the Texas Hill Country, the Kerr Wildlife Management Area offers an unparalleled outdoor experience.
Book a Wildlife Tour
At Y.O. Ranch Headquarters, guests can experience guided wildlife tours that showcase exotic animals from around the world. Knowledgeable and entertaining guides lead the tours, which are available as group or private experiences. Group tours cost $95 per person (for groups of 10 or more) and include wildlife viewing and ranch history. Private tours are more in-depth, starting at $145 per person, with the deluxe 5-hour option at $250 offering extended time in the wildlife parks and visits to historic buildings like the Charlie III house with its hidden gun room. All tours require reservations, and guests are encouraged to dress for the weather and bring binoculars.
Most Common Exotic Animals Seen in the Hill Country
- Aoudad-Barbary Sheep (Ammortragus lervia)
- Axis Deer (Axis axis)
- Barasingha-Swamp Deer (Cervus duvauceli)
- Blackbuck Antelope (Antilope cervicapra)
- Corsican Sheep (Ovis musimon x Aires hybrid)
- Dama Gazelle (Gazella ruficollis)
- Comman Eland and Lord Derby’s Eland (Taurotragus oryx, Taurotragus derbianus)
- Fallow Deer (Dama dama)
- Gemsbok Oryx (Oryx gazelle)
- Ibex, Siberian (Capra ibex sibirica)
- Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros)
- Llama (Lama glama)
- Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus)
- Pere David Deer (Elaphurus davidianus)
- Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)
- Sable Antelope (Hippotragus niger)
- Scimitar-Horned Oryx (Oryx dammah)
- Sika (Cervus nippon)
- Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus)
- Wildebeest-Brindled Gnu (Connochaetes taurinus)
- Zebra (Equs Hippotigris burchelli)
- Emu (Dromiceius novahollandiae)
- Ostrich (Struthio camelus)
- Rhea (Rhea Americana)
Exotic Wildlife Association
Founded in 1967 by ranchers dedicated to the exotic wildlife industry, the Exotic Wildlife Association (EWA) has grown into the oldest and most successful organization of its kind in North America. The EWA promotes conservation through commerce, protects the rights of exotic wildlife owners, and supports the preservation of wildlife and habitats. Representing members across the U.S. and abroad, it plays a vital role in safeguarding the ethics and future of the industry.
Exotic Wildlife Association
231 Thompson Dr
Kerrville, TX 78028