Shorten the Learning Curve. Hunt with Confidence.

A 4-day immersive hunting course designed to give you a clear, grounded foundation in ethical hunting — from scouting and strategy to shot placement, processing, and cooking wild game.

Led by experienced bowhunters Cole Wilks and Joel van der Loon, this course is ideal for beginners and seasoned hunters looking to refine their approach.

📍 Johnson City, TX | 🗓 February 25–28, 2026 | 👥 8 Students Max

“I feel at least 10x more prepared going into this season than I did prior to the course. My approach will be vastly different based on the information and advice presented.”
— James McMillan, Colorado

Why This Course Exists

Hunting is part of who we are.

For some, the call is to eat wild food.
For others, it’s a deeper connection to land, self-reliance, and challenge.

Where to begin can feel overwhelming.
This course removes confusion, shortens the learning curve, and gives you a clear, ethical, and practical path forward.

Hunting is a sacred ritual — far more than the kill.
It’s the full arc: scouting, patience, skill, responsibility, and respect.

Who This Course Is For

This Course Is For You If:

• You’ve never hunted and want a solid, ethical foundation

• You feel called to harvest your own wild food

• You want hands-on instruction, not internet theory

• You want to improve confidence, accuracy, and decision-making

• You value respect for animals, land, and process

No hunting experience is required.

What You’ll Experience

This is a hands-on, field-based course with real instruction and real application.

• Classroom and field instruction blended throughout each day

• E-scouting and boots-on-the-ground scouting

• Archery, rifle, and shotgun fundamentals and safety

• Stalking, wind reading, and camouflage techniques

• Animal processing, butchering, and cooking wild game

• Camp-based learning with instructors available throughout

You will camp on site and live the rhythm of a real hunting camp.

Hunting Opportunity

Participants will have the opportunity to hunt a wild pig using archery equipment only during the course.

• Accuracy must be demonstrated at 20 yards

• Hunting opportunities may not occur every day

• No license or tags required

• Ethical shot placement and restraint are emphasized

Curriculum Overview

Core Instruction Includes:

• Department of Fish & Wildlife rules and regulations

• Wildlife identification, habitat, and behavior

• Scouting methods:

  • OnX & Google Earth e-scouting

  • Tracks, sign, topography, and habitat reading

• Essential gear and weapons selection

• Hunting strategies and decision-making

• Wind reading and approach tactics

• Vocalizations and calling

• Archery technique and safety

• Rifle and shotgun instruction and safety

• Basic survival skills

• Field dressing, packing out, and animal processing

• Cooking wild game

What You’ll Walk Away With

• Confidence entering your next hunting season

• A clear system for scouting and preparation

• Improved accuracy and weapon handling

• Ethical understanding of harvest and processing

• Practical, real-world hunting skills

• A grounded connection to the full hunting process

Details

Dates
February 25–28, 2026
Start: 9am Day 1
Finish: Around noon Day 4

Location
Private Ranch
Johnson City, Texas
~1 hour west of Austin
Exact address provided after booking

Group Size
8 Participants Max
5 Minimum to Run Course
(4 spots currently open)

Investment
$1,800

What’s Provided

• 3 meals per day

• Drinking water

• High-level instruction

• Camping facilities

• Field and classroom instruction

Transportation to and from the ranch is your responsibility.

What to Bring

Required Gear:

• Warm clothing (75°F daytime / 30s at night)

• Earth tones recommended (camo not required)

• Rain gear

• Tent and sleeping system

• Hiking boots

• Water bottle

• Mug, bowl, plate, fork, spoon

• Small daypack

• Headlamp

• Sharp knife

• Swimsuit (river nearby)

• Snacks

• Notebook and pen

Optional Gear:

• Recurve, longbow, or compound bow with arrows

• Binoculars

• OnX Hunting App (free trial recommended)

• Any hunting or survival gear you’d like to test or discuss

How to Join

Spots are limited and filled on a first-come basis.

Once registered, you’ll receive:

• Gear checklist reminders

• Exact directions

• Course preparation details

Cancellation Policy

• Full payment required to secure your spot

• 60+ days prior: 50% refund

• 30–59 days prior: 25% refund

• Within 30 days: no refund

• If the course is canceled by us, a full refund or alternative date will be offered