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Whether hunting exotics like Ibex or native species like the invasive wild hog, Texas is a hunter’s paradise, plain and simple. Our recent trip to Hondo, Texas, with Richard Muennink’s Action Outdoor Adventures, was indeed adventure at every turn. Even beyond the hunt, spending a week in Texas meant some seriously good eats, even better people, and more game than most folks see all year. This may have been one of our first big hunts in Texas, but it won’t be the last.

Prior to publish, we heard the tragic news that Muennink passed away due to COVID-19. We were deeply saddened. His passion not only for hunting, conservation, storytelling, and incredible generosity was—and always will be—second to none.  

Hunter Jerry approaches his Ibex after a successful shot with the crossbow. His True Timber Strata camo gear blended perfectly with the Springtime Texas landscape that varies from vivid greens to downright scrubby browns with everything in between. With a careful stalk and the right camo, Jerry got within 30-yards of his prey for a quick shot from the sticks. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)
Hunter Jerry and Guide Scotty Meshell drag the Ibex back to the pickup at the nearest ranch road. The harvests are then cleaned, caped, and butchered. Many of the hunters take the meat home, while others donate it to locals in need. Nothing goes to waste. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com) 
Jerry holds the horn of his Ibex, an animal he wanted to pursue for many years. Responsible outfitters like Muennink —and dozens like him--have gotten populations of rare and endangered species to thrive in Texas. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)
Hunter Jerry shows off the hoof of his Chiltan Wild Goat, native to Pakistan. In the 1970s, there were reportedly fewer than 170 Chiltan left in Pakistan, though conservation has allowed that number to recover. The varied landscapes of Texas, like this gateway to the rocky Texas Hill Country, allows animals like the Chiltan to thrive due to the dollars and demand from hunters. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)
Here, the author’s Water Buffalo is butchered on-site, after a more than exhilarating hunt using R. Lee Ermey’s Dakota rifle in .416 Rigby. The cape will be used for a shoulder mount, half the meat will go home with the author, and the rest will be divided amongst the team and their families, all eager to share in the harvest. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)
Just in case hunters forget where they are, even the bathroom doors at our lodge served as a lighthearted reminder. This is indeed Texas, by George—both the country singer and the President(s). Texas pride runs deep, and their hospitality for outdoorsmen and women is second to none. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)
One of our side trips took us to Kerrville, Texas, home of now-famous Buzzie Hughes, award-winning pitmaster of Buzzie’s Bar-B-Q. Fans of the show BBQ Pitmasters will recognize Buzzie as the Texas Champion. This is a must-stop when you visit the area, and if you’re lucky enough to meet the man himself, even better. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)
Muennink grills a feast fit for kings and queens: thick-cut pork chops, fresh asparagus, bacon-wrapped Water Buffalo stuffed Jalapeno poppers from the day’s hunt, and wild game sausages. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)
A closeup of all those delicacies on the built-in grill at Action Outdoor Adventures near Hondo, Texas. Even the mesquite wood used for cooking and smoking is gathered from the ranch, and that mesquite lends a unique Texas flavor to the cuisine. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)
A sneaky tradition at Action Outdoor Adventures: the late Owner, Outfitter, and all-around good guy Muennink always manages to surprise his clients—male and female alike—with a kiss on the cheek after their successful harvest. Here, the author celebrates the successful harvest of her Corsican/Mouflon Hybrid Ram. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)
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