Lodge of the Month: Quail Hunting Texas at LaFonda Ranch

LIVING IN THE NORTHEAST, I rarely get to hunt wild quail. So last fall, I made the most of a stay at LaFonda Ranch–7,800 acres of fantastic quail country that’s a two-hour drive southwest of San Antonio. During two days of fast wing-shooting, two friends and I shot dozens of birds over top-performing pointers. Accommodations are first-rate, with a huge lodge, well-appointed bunk rooms, and meals cooked by a full-time chef. LaFonda offers other hunts year-round for game such as whitetails, doves, turkeys, and exotics (like axis deer and blackbuck antelope, which you can hunt now). But it’s not too early to plan for quail. Two days’ lodging and meals (includes fishing and skeet range access), plus dogs and guide service, is $2,100. 830-563-3441; www.lafondaranch.com