The FTW was founded in 1996 and is dedicated to making Hunters better, supporting our Nation’s Military and Preserving Endangered Species from around the world. The FTW Ranch:
•Is home to the SAAM Hunter Training Program for hunters and corporate groups for product training and introduction •Facilitates and Trains U.S. Military and Law Enforcement Groups •Provides Hunting of the Species on FTW, many of which are no longer huntable in their indigenous homelands or are endangered • Preserves and breeds endangered species located on the ranch, preserving them from extinction
The FTW Ranch encompasses 12,000+ acres. It is very rugged terrain with many deep valleys and mountains making it perfect for training and protecting a large wildlife refuge! There are many canyons and areas we can hunt, most only on foot or on the fringes of these areas. There are many species of oak and other trees, giving it a diverse browsing line with some very prolific Texas native grasses growing throughout. We do have natural water all year around in many of the spring fed creeks, and we have installed stock tanks throughout the ranch for accessibility.
For regular (non-custom or corporate groups) SAAM classes, we normally run 6 students per instructor team, and we can manage two instructor teams at any one time. On hunts, we normally have a maximum of 12 hunters – depending on the species being hunted.
Yes. We are happy to host private groups for families, corporations and writer’s groups. With a minimum of 12 folks, the ranch will be yours to hunt or to train or for both. The FTW is a great place for product introductions, sales training and corporate/family retreats!
There are well over 110 miles of roads/trails on the FTW. We will be travelling in our fleet of jeeps outfitted with gun racks and plenty of space for your personal gear.
There are over 32 active ranges and more under construction. Several are for military use only. The distances on our ranges vary from “up close and personal,” for dangerous game species training, to 700 yards on our “truing” ranges, and 4,500 yards on our military ranges. Our target systems are a combination of paper precision targets, and steel plates in 6”, 9”, 12”, 15”, 18”, 24”, 30” and 36”. There are also many life-size replicas of mountainous game, plains game, and dangerous species in both moving and static targets. For the SAAM Safari program, there are life-size elephants, buffalo, lion, leopard, hippo and croc; many are moving and charging for realistic training and situational awareness drills.
We have a 33-mile, high-fence perimeter to keep animals out, not to keep them in. It is the best way to control genetics. For instance, we have one of the largest free range herds of Markhor and Nubian Ibex in North America, and it would only take a few domestic goats to ruin our genetics! We also high-fence to keep out feral hogs which, if not controlled, are a very serious problem.
We average 18” to 30” of rain fall each year (we hope), and normally get showers in one half to 1 inch increments at a time. The winds are one of the many special things about the FTW! With our deep valleys and rough terrain, the FTW is a “Wind Callers” proving ground!
November-March;cold (30-45) mornings and evenings, warmer (50-75) throughout the day.
April-October;60-70’s in the AM/PM, 80 to 90’s mid-day.
We do not allow civilians to shoot the dedicated military targets (human silhouettes). The SAAM Program is hunter training, not tactical training. There are many hunter training target systems on the FTW that will keep you well entertained! Note: We DO NOT train civilians in tactical methods. SAAM is Hunter Training!
Yes. Our busiest months are March-August and November-December. We normally operate 44-46 weeks annually, and the remainder of the time is for construction projects that require us to shut down for safety reasons.
Please see our schedule online at FTWSAAM.COM. We book 3-12 months ahead. If you have a group planned, please give us at least 6 months notice. For individuals, if you have a large hunt planned, please try to come through the SAAMTM course 60 days or more before departure. This will allow for correction of equipment issues and allow enough time to get your gear corrected and trued/proven before going on that hunt of a lifetime!
Our 13 cabins are very comfortable with in-suite bath and two or three Queen/Double beds depending on the size of cabin. Please see the brochure or website for photos
It is our policy to only house guests with members of their group or family. If you are attending alone, you will be assigned your own cabin
Our lodge is 7,000 Sq. Ft. and very spacious. There are three TV’s, a complete sound system and three different areas (including the classroom) for private meetings. In addition, there are two sitting areas and a bar area which seats up to 20 folks.
There is Wi-Fi in the lodge and classroom area (a few cabins get it as well). Of course, television, Wii games, pool table and a wide variety of reading material from our library are available. Your cell phone will NOT (unless you have Wi-Fi calling) work except on three mountain tops. There is a guest phone available in the lodge for calls..
You will not lose weight, we promise :)! We manage our menus to give you a wide variety of culinary delights.
Breakfast/brunch is a variety of egg dishes with a wide offering of meat and fruits.
Lunches are delicious with everyone’s favorites such as sandwiches/soups, pizza, chef salads and hot casseroles.
Dinners vary from Mexican, Beef Brisket/Steaks, and Stuffed Chicken to Kabobs and Ribs/Sausage and are all served with many sides. Please let us know via the questionnaire if you have allergies or special needs.
When you receive the information package, there is a client questionnaire included with a section for allergies or food dislikes/intolerances. Please complete this, and we will work to accommodate your needs.
We have a bar with beer on tap, a wide variety of wines and a variety of liquors and mixers. For special brands, please inquire.
The Bar opens after all shooting/hunting is done for the day. The bar closes a minimum of 8 hours before wake-up the next morning in accordance with our “8-Hour Jigger to Trigger” policy. There is no alcohol consumption allowed during the hunting or training day. If any liquor is consumed, all activities involving firearms are done for the day.
We ask that you not do that. If you bring your own, we can keep it under lock and key for you.
No problem, we offer a wide variety of juices, soft drinks, coffee, and tea, both iced and hot.
We maintain a wide variety of personal supplies in case you forget something.
Please No. It is not fair to your pet to be locked up outside all day, and we do have predators, coyotes, etc. As we often have guests with pet allergies, we do our best to be respectful to all guests and cannot allow you to bring your animals as many folks have allergies
Observers are more than welcome! Most times they ride along during some of the training evolutions to watch/observe. They are welcome to take photos of the ranch and animals. We also welcome them to stay at the lodge and watch their favorite movie, television show, or just to relax and read. The adult observers might choose to take their rental car and go explore the Hill Country area of Uvalde, Fredericksburg, Junction or even San Antonio for the day and come back for dinner.
We encourage it! A few things to keep in mind though; if bringing small children that are not hunting or going through training, a family member or sitter will have to be with them at all times. We have many family groups come through each year, and it is truly a great experience for everyone.
If you have booked a group of 12 or more, the FTW is dedicated to you (unless approved ahead of time). Normally, a class is made up of 6 students per instructor team, and there can be up to two teams on the ranch at one time. If you have your own group/team of 6, then you may have another group at the ranch that you will see in the lodge area, but not on the ranges. Each group/instructor team will have their own ranges from which they will train and shoot.
Keep in mind, you will want for nothing when you get here! You will receive a complete “Suggested Pack List” with your info package. For personal items, bring enough for your time here. For equipment, we will provide the rifle cleaning supplies, and you should bring the gear with which you will hunt in the field. The FTWTM is a great place to test and increase your skills with your equipment.
We do 80% of our training under a covered roof, but sunscreen (we keep that on hand for your use) should be used regardless. On day 3 and 4, we will do evolutions on our walk-through and drive-around courses. Long pants and long sleeves are a good idea as well as sunglasses. Each client will receive an FTW ball cap to keep, which can also be used for sun protection.
No, it is totally up to you! It is very appreciated if you choose to do so. The tips are pooled, and each team member gets a share. The staff elected several years ago to do this, as it makes the clients’ lives easier. As each member of our staff works equally as hard for everyone, regardless of their role, this system works best for FTW.
Trust us, YES! Relax, you are about to go through a life changing event at the FTW and remember, your fellow students have the same fears and apprehensions you might. It is truly amazing to see individuals go through the SAAM Course who do not know each before arriving, and then become the greatest of friends over the next few days. We literally see it almost every week! It is very common to have folks who did not know each other before the class, re-book a class the next year and even hunt together in the future!
NO! We define “long distance hunting” as when “you are not 100% certain that you will kill your quarry with one shot!” We teach ethical hunter practices and impart the knowledge to make a confident decision as to when you can or cannot make that shot. In our opinion, hoping to hit your quarry is unethical and unsportsmanlike.
At SAAM, you will:
-Become a more confident and better Shooter/Hunter -Learn where your 100% ends! -Expand your capabilities -Have a much better understanding of your equipment capabilities. -Be much better prepared for those expensive and hard-earned hunts.
NO! We are totally equipment neutral; we love all brands and makes/models. Now, with that in mind, we do see almost everything made for the hunting world coming through our school and do have a good feeling for what works best for any given budget and use
NO! Our job is to help you become as comfortable and proficient as possible with your own gear!
Everything at SAAM is “A-Way”! We are going to show you many ways to do things, and it is up to you to choose which method works best for you. We operate in a gradual release model of a Crawl, Walk, Run methodology starting with a couple hours of class in the AM of Day 1. During this time, we will get all the students on the same playing field with regards to rifles, bullets, optics and environmental effects. Normally, there will be one other class session in the AM of Day 2 to cover the Range Cards we have built for your system. Every class is somewhat different, but in a nut-shell we are going to Teach, Practice and Perfect:
• A-Way to clean your gun, which you will do 3 to 4 times while here. • Principles of Marksmanship in a wide variety of positions and circumstances • Zeroing & Truing your gun, bullets and scope to verify your range card (you will be shocked how well you can shoot!) •Optics Drills (maximizing the use of your Optics) • Wind Reading and Shot Compensation •Environmental shooting and compensation • In-Field Positional shooting • High Pressure (real life hunting simulation) shooting drills, teaching you to remain calm, cool and collected • Target Acquisition drills (a huge issue for most hunters) • In-Field Hunter Scenario training and drills on our many walking and drive around courses. • Ways to make the best use of your gear and develop the skills to make that all-important shot! • And most importantly…. Staying Safe and Prepared!!!!
For SAAMTM Training, either Precision or Safari. We wake you at your requested time with the beverage of your choice (coffee, tea etc.). Breakfast is at 7:00am. We head to the field or first activity for the day by 8:00am. Lunch is served between 12:30pm and 1:00pm. We go back out for our next exercise at 2:00pm, and we return to the lodge between 6:00 and 6:30pm, where you can relax until dinner at 7:00pm. After dinner there is always time for catching up, TV or socializing with your fellow students.
For SAAMTM Hunt Combos. We follow the same schedule through Day One and Day Two. On Day Three and Four we normally are up early to hunt in the AM and come back to the lodge for brunch around 9:30am. You will depart for the field again around 11:00am to continue SAAM Training and return around 3:00pm for dinner. By 4:00pm, we will have you back out to the field for an afternoon of hunting. Schedules are posted daily.
We originally designed the 2-Day courses for repeat clients. We also understand many folks have a hard time carving four days out of the schedule and cannot book the full 5-Night/4-Day course. We do recommend first-time students come through the 5-Night/4-Day course to start. We can only teach so much in 2 Days, and we only teach what we can also practice. We can promise you though, even if you can only do the 2-Day course, you will come away a much better hunter!
Yes, although you will have little use for the spotting scope during SAAM classes, as we use our own and you will be spending most of your time on the gun. For SAAM Advanced classes, the spotting scope will come in handy as you will have time for wind calling practice. We will never discourage you from jumping on our spotting scopes for truing and wind calls throughout your course
For SAAM Training, YES! You are also welcome to bring them for hunting, but we have them here for your use.
You will need a backpack for carrying your hunting gear. For SAAM, you will actually train with it and use it as a shooting aid. It is amazing what you can do with a pack. Please bring the one with which you plan to hunt. If it is not convenient, we have loaners.
No worries! We have a very large pool of guns in varying calibers which you can rent. If your scope fails, we have a wide variety in many makes and models that you can use to get through the course and purchase if you wish. Either way, the important thing is to finish the course. (Note: In many cases we find hunters are much more capable then the equipment they bring. In these cases, it is highly recommended that you rent gear which will maximize your training opportunity.)
Of course, this is a great way to learn and to make a better purchasing decision in the future as to the kind of gun make/model and/or scope that works best for you.
SAAM Precision: Plan on bringing 260 rounds for one gun, or 140 rounds per caliber of gun each if you are bringing two calibers. If you are planning to shoot one more than the other, adjust accordingly.
SAAM Safari: Bring a total of 280-300 rounds as follows; 160 for your medium caliber rifle (.243-.338). 100 rounds for your big bore guns (.375 and up), and we suggest 40 downloaded rounds, 40 hunting “softs” and 20 “solids”. If you are not bringing “downloads,” then bring 40 softs and 20 solids and you can purchase .223 rounds for our heavy .223 bolt action rifles.
SAAM Hunt Combo: Bring 200 rounds total or if bringing two calibers adjust accordingly. You can hunt with the gun you brought for the course.
Two Day Hunter Prep or Two Day Dangerous Game: Bring 160 total. If bringing a big bore along, we suggest 60 for big bore and 100 medium caliber.
Comment: Try to find out ahead of time what your gun likes and then buy the same brand/load. You will be frustrated if you bring a mix of ammo for the same gun.
The brand and bullet weight that your gun ”likes” (groups well) and that with which you plan to hunt. We understand this can get expensive, but you are going to leave here with a very accurate range card built for your scope/gun and ammo combo. It will be frustrating for you to get a solid range card with one ammo and then go hunt with something else.
Comment: Try to find out ahead of time what your gun likes and then buy the same brand/load. You will be frustrated if you bring a mix of ammo for the same gun
Yes, as long as you are going to use it on your future hunts, and it will only be used for SAAM Hunter Training. We do not teach tactical methods. Please do not bring it hoping to shoot hundreds of rapid-fire rounds down range.
Yes. We must have a minimum of four students per instructor team. Private classes are available, but we do not recommend a one-on-one class as you learn much more with fellow students. In the event you require a private class, please inquire and costs can be negotiated.
We specialize in whitetail deer and non-indigenous species that do well in our rugged terrain and mountains. These animals can no longer be hunted or are endangered in their indigenous habitat. Helping to perpetuate the species, if you will, is what works well for us. The wildlife is well-suited to our terrain and thrives on the ranch! To maintain our herd levels we sell a number of our species back into the zoo/wildlife breeder industry to maintain healthy herd populations. All our species are wild. They are born here and experience the same challenges they would in their native
We normally are up at 4:30-5:00 to go hunting in the AM and are back for brunch at 10:00am. After a snack or dinner, we are back out by 3:00-4:00, depending on the time of year. During the mid-day break we may continue spot and stalk hunting if the weather and game movements warrant. We can also opt to go shooting on the ranges, watch a favorite TV show, or just read a book and rest up.
Yes, licenses are necessary as required by Texas Law. The hunting licenses can be purchased here at the FTW. For Non-residents, there is a $48, five-day Exotic license available that allows you to hunt everything except Whitetail and Turkey. The Whitetail License is $315, which lasts until August 31st of the following year.
This is determined by both the hunter and the species being hunted. There are two effective ways to hunt the FTW, in static blinds and using a spot and stalk method. The species being hunted and the time of year are both factors taken into consideration when determining the most effective hunting methods.
We cannot guarantee that. The FTW is a large place, and this is real hunting! You will see a great deal of game, and we will hunt hard! We may or may not get the animal you are looking for, but you do not pay trophy fees unless the animal is harvested. Please tell us up front about your trophy expectations. Knowing in advance will help us pre-scout as well. Be realistic, our staff can give you a good understanding of the quality and size of the animals you can expect to see.
Yes. We will do everything possible to find the animal. Most importantly, we will not put you in the position of trying to make a shot with which you are not comfortable. We consider an animal to be wounded when blood or other parts of the animal are found after the shot is taken. We have very few wounded animals every year because you will never be pressured to shoot and only take shots with which you are comfortable.
We will take good care of your trophy from the field to the skinning shed. We will clean out the internal organs and hang your trophy in our walk-in cooler. Most hunters elect to have us take the trophy to a local processor and taxidermist where they can process the meat for travel or where you can donate it to charity. They will either mount your trophy for you or they can cape it out, salt/dry the cape, and for a minimal fee, ship it to your taxidermist. If you wish to take your trophy with you, please bring a cooler for the meat. We can cape it out to the neck and freeze the head/horns and cape for a safe drive home.
Absolutely, there are several locations to which we can deliver, such as the SCI Hunters for the Hungry program. There are also local families who would be delighted to have the meat.
6.5MM through 338 calibers work very well. Hunters commonly bring 6.5, 270, 7MM Mag or a 30 caliber such as 308, 30-06 or 300-Win Mag. We have these calibers to rent if you choose not to bring your own
Much of the hunting is done from blinds, as it is a great way not to disrupt the natural movements of the game by walking around. We run feeders all year to level out animal nutrition. The protein blend we use stabilizes their nutrition during times of scarce natural browse. There may be times animals do not come to the feeders, as there might be an abundance of natural browse available. Other times, the animals are standing by for them to go off. The blinds and feeders are located in areas that are natural travel routes, usually near a water source. There are 28 hunting blinds with at least 2 feeders at each blind; some have 3 feeders. This provides constant movement during the feeder cycles. We typically stage the feeder times at each blind to go off every 30 minutes in the AM and PM. This helps ensure one group or species of animals does not get all the feed. For instance, at your blind, one may go off at 7:00, the next at 7:30, 8:00 and 8:30. The blinds are very comfortable and are insulated with sliding windows on all four sides for easy shot placement and have padded office chairs
This is your preference, although we find that ankle high hiking/walking boots work very well, especially for the SAAM training. Additionally, there are several miles of roads and trails on the ranch which are great for taking a hike or jog during off hours.
We attempt to control predators at every opportunity and would appreciate your help! Predators at FTW include Feral Hogs, Bobcat, Fox and Coyotes. While we don’t recommend shooting a predator while on a trophy hunt, as a shot will likely shut down your hunt, we do leave the call up to you. Things like Bobcat and Coyote are highly prized trophies, so you may want to consider it. If predators are your main species, we do charge a trophy fee. Please see our latest catalog.
We simply need a verbal or e-mail confirmation committing to the dates and desired packages. At that time, we will need all attendees: (US Citizens)- cell, mailing address and email. For Non-US Residents- we will also need a copy of a valid passport. At that time, usually within 24 hours, you will receive an electronic information package detailing your options.
Upon booking you will receive a very detailed “Information Package” including a suggested pack list and detail Map as well. PLEASE READ THIS PACKAGE CAREFULLY! You will receive an electronic invoice via email for payment of 50% of the course or hunt fee. The balance can be paid at checkout after your trip. Please complete the Client Questionnaire and Waiver and return them to us as soon as possible (Otherwise we will pester you ;=)!) These help us plan meals and assists in any special needs requirements.
We find that children 10 and up do very well. In fact, it is not uncommon for the ladies and children to be some of the best shooters in the class. Coming through the FTW is often a life changing experience for younger folks; you will likely see a more mature and responsible youngster!
Anyone under the age of 21 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The parent or guardian may come as an observer but must be at the ranch at all times.
-Meals and Lodging -Guiding and Instruction -Beverages including liquor, beer and wine (if you have a special brand, please inquire) -On SAAMTM courses you are given hearing pro, shoulder pad, SAAMTM manual and several other useful tools to use and keep -Trophy Preparation if hunting
-Rifle Rental (if needed) and ammunition (if you need to purchase it) -Transportation to/from the FTW -Trophy Fees if hunting
San Antonio (SAT) is the nearest commercial airport, 2.5 hours by car. There is a private airport in Kerrville and Uvalde with full services, 1.5 hours by car. Rock Springs has a 2,500 ft runway, no services, 30 minutes by car. Austin is also another commercial option, just know it is a 4-Hour drive, but sometimes flights are much less expensive
It is about a 2.5-hour drive on good roads. Take I-410 West out the airport, merge from I-410 West onto I-10 West. Stay on I-10 West for about 85 miles to Exit #490 (Hwy 41). Turn left onto Hwy 41 and travel 47 miles to Ranch Road 335 (RR335) and turn left. Travel 14 Miles and on your left you will see the FTW Ranch sign. That is Country Road 228. Travel 2 miles to our front gate. Come in the gate (please close it behind you) and come up to the Lodge
With your booking package you will be sent a detailed map to the FTWTM. The main route will be I-10, please see the directions above, and once on I-10 take exit #490 regardless if coming from the East or West. There is another option from the South through Uvalde on Hwy 90 if coming from the South; it will not save time and I-10 is a more direct route.
Yes! UPS or Federal Express are the best methods. We receive shipments from these companies daily. The FTW is an FFL holder and can receive guns and ammunition. Please ensure everything is very well packaged. If shipping anything, please let us know ahead of time. Also, allow plenty of time for your shipment to arrive on the ranch.
Yes! Please bring a prepaid Fed Ex or UPS Bill of Lading and we can drop it off in town on our next trip. If packaging is required, we can take care of that for you as well. There will be a packaging charge from the UPS Store which will be added to your invoice.
Unless otherwise specified for a corporate or custom group, we serve dinner the first night at 7:00PM, so arriving between 5:30 and 6:30 gives you some time to settle in and relax a bit. Please note that Kerrville is your last fuel stop until you get to the ranch. It is about 150 miles round trip from Kerrville to the ranch, please plan your fuel accordingly.
A flight arriving into San Antonio between 1 and 2PM will give you ample time to rent your vehicle and make the 2.5-hour drive. On the departure day, we suggest the same departure time.
We appreciate it when folks can stay the last night after class as we usually have a graduation ceremony and mini celebration of everyone’s accomplishments. Everyone normally does their check out paperwork then as well. If you are flying out of San Antonio, plan to leave the ranch at least 4.5 hours before flight time, time enough to turn in your rental and check guns etc. We do ask that everyone depart no later than 9:00am to allow the staff enough time to clean up and prepare for our next guests.
We do stock a wide variety of all three in many makes and models. You can purchase a product that you use here, and we also stock some very nice field hunting gear that we know works well. We are not a retailer and only stock primarily what it would take for a student to get through the course should their equipment malfunction while they are here.