Hunt

Hunt is a peaceful unincorporated community located on the Guadalupe River’s picturesque banks in the heart of Texas Hill Country. Just miles from the headwaters of this iconic Texas river, the north and south forks of the Guadalupe River join in Hunt at the feet of ancient Bald Cypress trees and picturesque natural limestone formations. Hunt is known throughout Texas is a great destination for outdoor recreation.  Whether your adventure includes kayaking, fishing, or swimming in the cold headwaters, or dancing and rodeo at the famous Crider’s Rodeo and Dance Hall or arrowhead hunting in the hills, Hunt provides families a place to connect with some of the finest nature Texas has to offer. Located in Western Kerr County, Hunt is about 80 miles from San Antonio and about 30 minutes from the Texas Wine Trail.

Properties in Hunt are often situated to take in views of the hills or the river, or both! With many beautiful custom contemporary homes built over the last few decades, there are also traditional country rock homes (homes built by using rock found on the property) which give a nod to the history and roots of the rustic area.  With many large acreage tracts still intact, Hunt gives you the true feeling of being in the country while still only minutes to town.

Hunt is home to under 1,500 full-time residents, a number that balloons to nearly 5,000 in the summer months. Several overnight summer camps were built along the banks of the Guadalupe in the 1920s, with many of these are still operating today. These camps run from one-week to one-month terms and attract families and children from across the world. Camp Stewart, Camp Heart of the Hills, Camp Mystic, Camp Waldemar and Camp La Junta are some of the larger operations.

The Hunt Store is the cornerstone of Hunt, Texas. ‘The Store’ as it is known by locals is a quintessential Texas general store complete with a porch for relaxing on hot days. Frequented by locals and vacationers alike, The Hunt Store restaurant serves up delicious burgers, tacos, pizza, and pit barbeque sandwiches from King’s Texas Smokehouse with live music offered many weekends as well. Nearby Bridget’s Basket sells fresh produce grown in the property’s 20 acres of gardens and serves them up alongside bread, meats, and other delicious snacks. You can find a delicious farm-to-table meal here and of course some great drinks to accompany it.

The clear water that the Guadalupe River headwaters are known for is a big reason Hunt attracts so many visitors every year. Throughout the summer, locals and visitors enjoy canoeing, kayaking, rafting, fly-fishing, rope swings and swimming in the crisp clear water.

Schumacher’s Crossing is a favorite spot for swimming on the river. The swimming hole was created when the son of one of Hunt’s original German settlers built a dam across the river in the 1920s. Generations of locals and visitors have enjoyed swimming in the roadside attraction and shade of the cypress trees.

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Crider’s Rodeo and Dance Hall hosts a traditional Texas rodeo and open-air dance every Saturday evening. Patrons head to the dancefloor beneath the big Texas stars as live bands play country dance music for all ages. This lively weekly event has been a big part of life in Hunt since 1925.

The gorgeous Texas Hill Country surrounding Hunt offers many public or semi-public outdoor recreation options. The 5,400-acre Y.O. Ranch Headquarters is a popular destination for hunting trips, weddings, and family and corporate retreats. Spanning 6,493 acres, Kerr Wildlife Management Area is another option where activities include hiking, bird and wildlife watching, and hunting. Also, the popular 500-acre Mo-Ranch on the North Fork of the Guadalupe River hosts a variety of conferences, summer and day camps, and spiritual retreats.