When the Porter family traveled from Tennessee to Vara Ranch in Texas, they weren’t just visiting — they came to experience world-class hunting, make lifelong memories, and immerse themselves in the heart of South Texas wildlife. Jennings: Sharpshooter and Family Pride Leading the charge was Jennings Porter, the daughter and sharpshooter who set the tone for the weekend. Her first shot? A flawless hit on a trophy stag , proving that precision hunting runs deep in the Porter bloodline. Cool, calm, and focused, Jennings showcased the skill and confidence every Texas hunting enthusiast dreams of seeing. Clayton: Stacking Trophy Deer Next up was her brother, Clayton Porter, who kept the momentum alive. He successfully harvested a massi ve South Texas whitetail  and a striking white fallow deer , turning heads back at the lodge . His patience and precision highlight why Vara Ranch hunting trips are perfect for both novice and seasoned hunters. Clay: The Patriarch’s Perfect Shot Finally, the patriarch, Clay Porter, capped off the adventure with a memorable hunt. At sunset, he lined up on a mature whitetail buck  and executed a clean, decisive shot — a testament to years of experience and the enduring spirit of Texas hunting traditions. Julie: Relaxation and Family Fun While the rest of the family chased trophies, Julie Porter embraced the ranch’s full experience. Between relaxing massages , quality family time, and celebrating each harvest, she enjoyed the perfect balance of adventure and leisure — showing that Vara Ranch is ideal for the whole family. Bringing Tennessee Grit to Texas Ground The Porters left Vara Ranch with full hearts, unforgettable stories, and a freezer full of trophy game . Their journey is a testament to why South Texas hunting trips offer more than just big game — they create family memories, excitement, and legendary experiences. Book a Family Hunt! Experience Your Own Texas Hunting Adventure at Vara Ranch! From whitetail deer hunts to fallow deer adventures, Vara Ranch provides everything a hunting family could dream of. Book your trip today and create your own stories that will last a lifetime.

When the first cool snap of fall cuts across the Texas horizon, most hunters feel a rush. But at Vara Ranch, that rush becomes something else entirely—an adrenaline-soaked promise that the most legendary whitetail on earth are stepping out of the shadows. This isn’t just a season. This is the horizon bending toward destiny. And for hunters bold enough to answer the call, Vara Ranch stands as the proving ground. The Whitetail Legacy: Built Different Every ranch has deer. But not every ranch breeds legends.  Vara’s whitetail are built on world-class genetics, nurtured on prime habitat, and pushed to their absolute potential. These aren’t just “big deer.” These are record-book bruisers that stop you in your tracks, bucks that carry racks wide and heavy enough to make your jaw drop. At Vara Ranch, a whitetail hunt isn’t about luck—it’s about stepping into a tradition where giant, once-in-a-lifetime bucks are the expectation. The Vara Lodge: Where Badass Meets Brotherhood After a day on the hunt, you’re not heading back to just any lodge. You’re stepping into The Heart of Vara —a lodge that feels like the epicenter of adventure. Leather chairs built for legends. A roaring stone fireplace that sets the tone for stories long into the night. Tables stacked with ranch-style feasts that fuel both body and spirit. Trophy mounts surround you, reminding every guest that they’re part of something bigger. It’s more than a place to rest—it’s a cathedral of camaraderie, a gathering ground for hunters who demand the best of both worlds: grit in the field, grandeur at the table. Perfect for gro ups who want to hunt together , celebrate together, and walk away with stories that live forever. Not Just a Hunt. An Experience. What makes Vara Ranch different isn’t just the size of the bucks—it’s the way the whole experience comes together. From dawn’s first light breaking across pristine landscapes to the high-stakes stalk through brush and open ground, every moment feels like a scene out of a hunting film. This is the kind of place where: Your crew becomes a brotherhood. Your trophy becomes a legacy. Your hunt becomes a story you’ll retell for decades. Whether you’re rolling in with your best buddies, hosting a family tradition, or treating your corporate team to something way beyond the boardroom, Vara Ranch delivers. Horizon’s Edge: Don’t Miss It Whitetail season is coming fast. The horizon is glowing with possibility, and the bucks are already making their move. But here’s the truth—opportunity at Vara Ranch doesn’t sit around and wait. The biggest, baddest whitetail in Texas are ready. The question is: are you? 👉 Book your legendary Vara Ranch whitetail hunt now. Because legends aren’t born every day—and when they step out on the horizon, you better be there to meet them.

At Vara Ranch, we believe in creating experiences that bring people together and make a lasting impact. That’s why we are proud to support Sky High for Kids , an organization dedicated to comforting children battling pediatric cancer and other life-threatening conditions, funding vital research, and creating unforgettable memories for families. Last year, our sister company FSC Inc. proudly joined as a Family Sponsor, contributing $30,000 to further Sky High’s mission. Vara Ranch has also supported the cause by donating numerous hunting experiences to Sky High’s live auctions, helping raise funds for programs that make a tangible difference in the lives of families facing pediatric cancer. Additionally, our team participates in many of Sky High’s annual fundraising events, including skeet shoots, golf tournaments, and galas that unite supporters nationwide in the fight against childhood cancer. One of the most inspiring parts of this partnership is getting to meet the warrior families themselves. Take Christian, a sweet and chatty six-year-old with the heart of a true fighter. Friendly, empathetic, creative, and obsessed with math, Christian has defied the odds in ways that inspire everyone who meets him. Christian’s journey began when he was just two years old. A fun day at a park in Plano, Texas, was the last day of life before cancer entered their world. Within days, Christian experienced extreme fatigue and sudden vision loss, leading to a diagnosis of stage 4 Burkitt’s Lymphoma, an ultra-aggressive cancer. From there, Christian faced seven months of intense treatment, including six rounds of chemotherapy, one round of radiation to protect his vision, two ICU stays, and seven ER visits. His immune system was obliterated during treatment, requiring him to endure life under strict isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite all of this, Christian approached life with courage and joy. He considered hospital visits as opportunities to “see his friends” and viewed even the most painful procedures as a game, counting to ten with bravery as anesthesia was administered. His resilience, positivity, and courage became a source of inspiration for everyone around him. During this incredibly difficult time, organizations like Sky High for Kids provided crucial support for Christian and his family. Simple gestures, like gift cards for food delivery, brought comfort and relief from hospital meals and created small moments of normalcy during an overwhelmingly challenging period. This care reminded the family they were not alone and gave them the strength to focus on Christian’s fight. Now, 3½ years into remission, Christian continues to thrive despite his low vision, and his family has returned to Houston. They are committed to giving back, supporting other families facing pediatric cancer, and advocating for the community that supported them in their darkest moments. A recent highlight of Vara Ranch’s support for Sky High was hosting a weekend hunting experience, where Christian’s family and the winning live auction bidder came together to enjoy the Vara Ranch experience and create lasting memories. During the hunt, Christian’s grandpa, Gerald, harvested the blackbuck , while Christian and his family embraced the adventure together—a reminder of the joy and connection that meaningful experiences at the ranch can bring. At Vara Ranch, we are honored to contribute to Sky High for Kids’ mission. Through donations, events, and immersive experiences, we aim to support families, fund life-saving research, and create moments of happiness and hope for children battling cancer. Together with our partners, we can continue building a brighter future for warrior families like Christian’s. Learn more about Sky High for Kids and support their mission at skyhighforkids.org .

Let’s be honest—most corporate retreats feel like a punishment. Beige conference rooms, trust falls, and lukewarm coffee in sad hotel lobbies. Not at Vara Ranch . Here, deals get sealed over grilled elk backstrap, power plays happen in the blind, and bonds are built under a sky full of stars with a whiskey in hand and a roaring fire at your back. Vara Ranch corporate retreats aren’t your HR department’s idea of a getaway. It’s where C-suite executives go primal. Where business talk pauses for a spot-and-stalk chase through brush country and resumes around the fire with cigars and rare bourbon. Want to build trust with your team? Try flanking an axis buck together or slamming steel at 500 yards. You’ll learn more in one weekend at this luxury executive retreat than in a year of boardroom roundtables. But just because you’re off the grid doesn’t mean you’re offline. Vara Ranch is outfitted with high-speed WiFi—strong enough to blast out that quarterly forecast or hop on a Zoom call to remind your competitors why you’re king. Check in, flex on LinkedIn, then get back to chasing game before the sun sets. This isn’t just a change of scenery—it’s a recalibration of prioritie s. Corporate Retreats a t Vara Ranch aren’t about checking boxes. They’re about creating unforgettable experiences that forge loyalty, respect, and next-level camaraderie. The kind of corporate team building trip where top performers become lifers and high-value clients become lifelong friends. Whether you’re rewarding top talent, solidifying key partnerships, or giving your team a taste of something unforgettable, Vara Ranch delivers. This is more than a meeting—it’s a battlefield for bonds, a sanctuary for strategy, and a damn good time you’ll be talking about for years to come. Whether you’re rewarding top performers, entertaining clients, or just need to blow off steam before Q4, Vara Ranch is where heavy-hitters recharge, refocus, and return with fire in their gut and steel in their spine.

Stop scrolling. This isn’t your average weekend in camo. Vara Ranch—just outside Houston, Texas—is where hunters become legends. If your pulse quickens at the sound of the wild, the thrill of the chase, and the luxury of a five-star lodge, your next adventure starts here. More Than a Hunt: A Legacy in the Making At Vara Ranch, we don’t offer hunts—we deliver conquests. This is where seasoned hunters come to pursue trophies, not participation medals. Our land is carefully managed to produce massive whitetails and over 30 exotic game species. And our expert guides? They’re not just pros—they’re mission-driven hunters dedicated to putting you in position for the shot of a lifetime. Trophy Whitetail & Exotic Hunts at Vara Ranch Whether you're hunting from a stand, stalking safari-style, or bowhunting from our specially designed blinds, Vara Ranch pushes your limits. Here’s just a taste of what’s waiting: Kudu  – Africa’s spiraled ghost, stealthy and elusive. Nyala  – Elegant, rare, and challenging. Sitatunga  – A true test of patience and precision. Axis Deer  – Fast, smart, and beautiful. Gemsbok  – Built like a tank, armed with spear-like horns. Fallow Deer  – Distinguished by palmated antlers. Scimitar-Horned Oryx  – Extinct in the wild, unforgettable on the ranch. Hunting at Vara Ranch is available year-round, with no off-season—just raw pursuit and real rewards. Every detail—from field prep to trophy care—is handled so you can focus on the thrill. Luxury Hunting Lodges: Rustic Meets Refined After an adrenaline-packed day, retreat to the comfort of our luxury lodge. With five private king suites and a two-bedroom executive suite, each room is designed for total comfort: Private bathrooms with rainfall showers Reclaimed wood and curated hunting decor Plush bedding and lounge areas Scenic views that don’t need a filter Whether it’s a corporate retreat or a weekend getaway, you’ll be surrounded by both wilderness and luxury. Feast Like a Champion Hunting deserves a meal worthy of the effort. Our wild game dining experience includes: Venison, wild boar, and fresh fish dishes Gourmet meals prepared by expert chefs A top-shelf bar with handcrafted cocktails At Vara Ranch, even the food tells a story. Sharpen Your Skills, Stay on Top of Your Game The hunt is just the beginning. Stay sharp with our world-class range and recreational amenities: Skeet & Trap Shooting 500-Yard Long-Range Rifle Shooting 3D Archery Range Pool & Hot Tub Private Fishing Lakes Safari Tours & Putting Green Plus, our Pro Shop is stocked with premium gear, and Vara Outfitters offers custom firearms designed for serious hunters. Corporate Retreats & Group Hunts: Forge Stronger Bonds Ditch the boardroom. Vara Ranch is the ultimate backdrop for team-building, client entertainment, and corporate retreats: Private ranch access Tailored hunting packages Meeting space with AV capabilities Exclusive accommodations for your team Forget trust falls— build real trust through shared challenges and wild victories . Book Your Hunt at Vara Ranch Today Most hunts are 2 nights and 3 days, but we can customize your experience. Arrival is between 1–3 PM, with departure by 10 AM. We also provide preferred taxidermy and meat processing services to make your trip seamless from start to finish. This isn’t just another hunting trip. This is Vara Ranch—where legends hunt. Ready to take your shot?   Contact US Today!

You don’t come to Vara Ranch for a weekend getaway. You come for something deeper. Raw. Real. Unfiltered. This is where the stories begin—the kind you don’t tell in polite company. The kind that start with a rifle in your hands and end with a bourbon by the fire. Because here, in the heart of Texas, the chase isn’t just a pastime—it’s a calling. One that separates the men from the boys, the legends from the loudmouths. At Vara Ranch, we don’t do ordinary. We don’t do tame. And we sure as hell don’t do fake. What we offer is a proving ground for the kind of man who doesn't need a selfie to know he's alive. Trophy Axis, Whitetail, Fallow, Red Stag—they’re not waiting. They’re out there, sharp-eyed and fast as hell. You want one? You’d better earn it. This isn’t a photo op. It’s a hunt. And when the sun sets, you don’t retire to a dusty bunkhouse. You return to a lodge built like a cathedral to the wild. Custom suites, chef-prepared game meals, a full bar that doesn’t run dry, and enough comfort to make your city friends question every life choice they’ve made. This is how legends unwind. The skeet range hums at dusk. The long-range shooting course echoes with steel ringing. And if you're not swapping stories by the fire pit, you’re probably cooling off in the pool or trying your hand at poker in the game room—where the stakes are high and the talk is higher. Vara Ranch isn’t a destination. It’s a rite of passage. So, here’s the pitch: Pack your rifle. Bring a friend. Leave your excuses at the gate. Because the only thing waiting for you out here is the hunt of a lifetime—and maybe, just maybe, a version of yourself you forgot existed. The wild doesn’t whisper. It roars. Are you listening?

Some deer make the highlight reel. Kickstand made the blood run cold. Last October, South Texas heat still clung to the air like a bad habit. Our client had flown in from Michigan — firm handshake, quiet confidence, eyes hungry for something his home state couldn’t deliver. He wasn’t after “a nice buck.” He wanted to feel the ground shake when it stepped out. He got paired with Kurt — our guide with nerves like braided steel and a sixth sense for danger in the brush. When Kurt goes quiet, it means something’s about to die. They glassed bruisers. Giant racks. Thick necks. Killable deer. But Kurt kept saying, “Not yet. We’re waiting on him.” Kickstand. He wasn’t just a buck — he was a freak of nature. One big, nasty drop tine off the right, like a handle to the underworld. Seen once on camera. Maybe twice. A deer that slipped through cracks like smoke. No patterns. No mercy. Then it happened. Second morning. The sun was just starting to rip through the fog. Silence. Then one deep breath from Kurt: “He’s here.” Out stepped this prehistoric thing. Not trotting. Not scared. Just there — like he owned the dirt under your boots. That drop tine looked like a damn claw. The hunter froze. Kurt didn’t. “Now.” One shot. Crack of thunder. Dust settled. No follow-up needed. Kickstand folded like a haunted dream. Back at the lodge, we raised glasses, told lies, and laughed like maniacs around the fire. That drop tine now hangs on the wall — a reminder that sometimes, legends are real. Vara Ranch isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s for the ones who want the story no one else can tell. Book your hunt. Chase the monster. Crown yourself king.

Spring Hunts at Vara Ranch: Where Adventure Meets Excellence Spring in Texas brings prime conditions for exotic hunting, and Vara Ranch delivers the ultimate experience. Nestled just outside Houston, Vara Ranch offers lush landscapes, active game, and a professionally managed environment where both seasoned hunters and newcomers can thrive. Why Spring Is the Best Time for Exotic Hunting in Texas May marks the start of the Axis deer rut—and when dominant bucks start moving, the action kicks into high gear. The combination of cool spring temperatures, vibrant greenery, and active wildlife creates perfect conditions for an unforgettable hunt. Whether you're chasing your first trophy or adding to a lifetime of legends, Vara Ranch in spring is where stories begin. Trophy Game You Can Hunt This Spring With over 30 exotic species from around the globe, Vara Ranch sets the gold standard for exotic hunting in Texas. Here’s a preview of the world-class game waiting for you: Axis Deer  – Peak rut hits in May. Fast, vocal, and highly sought after for both trophy and table fare. Gemsbok  – Tough, beautiful, and fiercely built for the hunt. Fallow Deer  – Palmated antlers and bold European flair. Scimitar-Horned Oryx  – Elegant and rare, with curved horns and desert-born resilience. Kudu  – Known as Africa’s "grey ghost," this elusive giant is all about stealth and strategy. Nyala  – Graceful and challenging, with a striking appearance. Sable Antelope  – Jet-black, muscular, and majestic—a powerful prize. Why Hunters Choose Vara Ranch At Vara Ranch, it's not just about the hunt—it's about the experience . Here's what sets us apart: Exceptional Trophy Animals  – Carefully managed herds ensure quality and maturity. Expert Guides  – Local pros who live and breathe the land, guiding you to success. Luxury Accommodations  – Five-star lodge with gourmet dining, premium drinks, and stunning wilderness views. Beyond the Hunt  – Enjoy skeet & trap shooting, long-range rifle practice, archery, fishing, safari tours, and a resort-style pool and hot tub. True Texas Hospitality  – From your arrival to your last toast, we deliver legendary service. Hunt Year-Round  – Spring is peak time for Axis deer, but the adventure never stops at Vara Ranch. Tips for a Successful Spring Exotic Hunt Make the most of your experience with these expert recommendations: Know Your Game  – Understand the behavior and patterns of your chosen species. Bring the Right Gear  – Choose weapons and optics tailored to your target's size and range. Dress for Spring  – Lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking clothes will keep you comfortable. Go Guided  – Booking a guided hunt increases success and ensures ethical, responsible harvesting. Plan Ahead for Processing  – We work with trusted meat processors and taxidermists to preserve your trophy with care and professionalism. Book Your Spring Hunt at Vara Ranch Today Whether you're chasing the elusive Axis buck in full rut or eyeing one of our many exotic trophy species, spring at Vara Ranch offers an unmatched opportunity to experience the thrill of the hunt in a luxurious, expertly managed setting. Spots fill quickly—don’t miss your chance to hunt where legends are made. Reserve your exotic hunting adventure today.