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Frequently
Asked
Questions
What is Rancho Ala Blanca? Rancho Ala Blanca translates ’White Wing Ranch’ and is an American family-owned and operated, full-service hunting lodge in Abasolo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, offering some of the best hunting available in North America. Rancho Ala Blanca specializes in White Wing Dove, Duck and Quail Hunting, and we are located next to one of the largest White Wing Dove nesting areas in the world.
Where is Rancho Ala Blanca? Rancho Ala Blanca is located on the Soto La Marina River, in Abasolo, in the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico, about 150 miles due south of McAllen, Texas. (see map below)
How do I get to Rancho Ala Blanca? All Hunting Packages include round-trip ground transportation from Valley International Airport in Harlingen, Texas or McAllen-Miller International Airport in McAllen, Texas. We transport you in our air-conditioned turbo-diesel-powered vans for the pleasant 3 hour drive. Unlike many destinations in this area of Mexico, the drive is on new, well-maintained and well-paved highways all the way to Rancho Ala Blanca.
Also available are private charter air flights from McAllen, Texas to Ciudad Victoria, Mexico, just less than an hour drive from Rancho Ala Blanca. Our Staff can arrange this flight for you, so please call for charter booking and additional details. Charter flights can also be arranged from your point of origin. Prices will vary based on your point of origin, number of passengers and availability. Please call for additional information and pricing. What commercial airlines fly into McAllen-Miller International Airport? Continental Airlines, American Airlines and Delta Airlines all serve McAllen-Miller International Airport in McAllen, Texas, usually connecting via Houston, Dallas, Atlanta or Las Vegas. These cities are readily accessible from literally anywhere in the world.
Contact Continental Airlines at 800-523-3273, American Airlines at
For assistance with booking of flights and travel arrangements we
recommend
Sundays and Thursday are the transition days at Rancho Ala Blanca.
Hunters arrive on Sunday for our 3-day packages (hunting on Monday,
Tuesday and Wednesday) and depart on Thursday, while hunters arrive
on Thursday for our 2-day packages (hunting on Friday and Saturday)
and depart on Sunday.
What should I take on my Airline Flight to Rancho Ala Blanca? If taking a commercial flight, it is recommended that you take a carry-on bag with all essentials in case your checked bag is lost or delayed. Taking two checked bags and equally distributing the contents between the two bags is another option. Use luggage tags to clearly identify bags at both the airport and the lodge. Who will meet me at Valley International Airport? Our staff, identified by Rancho Ala Blanca uniforms and a ‘Rancho Ala Blanca’ signboard, will meet you at the luggage carousel at McAllen-Miller International Airport in McAllen, Texas. Our driver will help you with your baggage and show you to our Vans and our comfortable air-conditioned vans are equipped with cold drinks for your drive to the Ranch.
Can I fly my own plane to Rancho Ala Blanca? Yes. Private air flights can be made to Victoria Airport, a full-service commercial airport in Mexico, about an hour drive from the Ranch. Please consult our Staff for additional details. What do I need to visit Rancho Ala Blanca, and Mexico in general?
Crossing into Mexico is simple and we help with all arrangements for
you. A photocopy of your valid Drivers License AND a
photocopy of your Passport are necessary for Rancho Ala Blanca staff to
secure your travel visa. Passports are required for entry
back into the United States, se we highly recommend securing a
passport as early as possible. Do I need a Passport to visit Rancho Ala Blanca?
Yes, although a passport is not required to enter Mexico, passports
are required for entry back into the United States. As shown above, a photocopy of your
valid Drivers License AND a photocopy of your
Passport are necessary for Rancho
Ala Blanca staff to secure your travel visa and hunting permits.
Is there entertainment at night at Rancho Ala Blanca?
The Rancho Ala Blanca Staff provides a full-service, authentic
Mexican experience for your vist. Mariachi bands are frequently
enjoyed at the lodge and the comraderie after a full day of hunting
is enjoyable. What can I expect on the trip from McAllen, Texas to Rancho Ala Blanca? The van ride from McAllen, Texas to Rancho Ala Blanca is interesting and exciting, especially if you have not been to Mexico. Our vans are air-conditioned and we furnish cold drinks on the trip. There are two Checkpoints on the way to Rancho Ala Blanca, which check vehicle permits, and we seldom experience delays at these checkpoints.
What does my trip to Rancho Ala Blanca include? All Hunting Packages at Rancho Ala Blanca include round-trip ground transportation from McAllen, Texas; air-conditioned double-occupancy villa accommodations with daily maid service and gourmet meals each day; use of our new Benelli M1 and M2 Super 90 Shotguns; top shelf open bar; 1800 square foot swimming pool with in-pool open bar; all travel visas and hunting/fishing licenses; guides and bird boys, processing of game and a cooler for travel. Staff gratuities are not included in this ’pay-one-price’ package. A masseuse is available in an open-sded tent awning after the morning hunt to help ease sore muscles after a hard shoot. Unlike other hunting lodges in this area of Mexico, Rancho Ala Blanca has NO hidden or unadvertised costs or fees, and we do NOT charge extra for Hunting Permits. What does my trip to Rancho Ala Blanca NOT include?
You will be responsible for the cost of any shells as part of your
hunting package. We want you to be able to shoot all you want, so,
unlike other lodges in the area, we do not make a profit on our
shell sales. Shells are priced at our cost of $9 per box. Do you furnish guns at the Ranch? Yes, we furnish Benelli automatic M1 and M2 Super-90 shotguns, available in 12- and 20-gauge, and in left and right hand models, as part of your hunting package. Rancho Ala Blanca Staff has an Armory and a full-time Armorer whose job it is to clean and service our weapons, thereby freeing you up to enjoy your stay with us.
What does it require to book a hunt at Rancho Ala Blanca? A $1000 deposit per Hunter will reserve a Hunting trip but payment in full of the balance is mandatory within 45 days of your Hunt date to ensure your trip. All Major Cards are accepted to facilitate this process. Can I bring a Non-Hunter to Rancho Ala Blanca? Non-Hunters are always welcome at Rancho Ala Blanca, when accompanied by a Hunter. The current rate is $250 per night, and subject to availability of space. Please inquire for more details. What is refund policy at Rancho Ala Blanca? All Hunting Trip deposits and balances are non-refundable but you may reschedule your trip, based on available space, if you are not able to make your trip. Is there Telephone and Internet Service available at Rancho Ala Blanca? Yes. There is telephone service in Tamaulipas and you will be able to use the telephone at our Lodge (011-52-835-335-0603) to keep in touch with your family. You may give this Ranch telephone number to your family so they might contact you as well. We have satellite-based Internet Service so you can check also your email during your visit. Is the water at Rancho Ala Blanca safe to drink? Absolutely. The owners of Rancho Ala Blanca wanted to be able to use the water at the ranch for drinking and bathing and have worked diligently to make sure it is indeed safe to do so. Water at the Ranch is double-purified and is processed by an on-site purification plant to ensure that guests can drink and use the water with out worry. Fresh, purified water is used in all our guestrooms, as well as in our kitchen, bars, ice machines and dining room. Bottled water is also available for those who request it.
What is the weather like at Rancho Ala Blanca? During White Wing Dove Hunting season the weather is very warm to hot, expect 90 degree temperatures. Cool clothing is important. Even during the winter months the daytime temperatures are warm and insulated waders and other gear should be avoided.
What articles should I bring with me to hunt at Rancho Ala Blanca? You will need a few articles which will make your hunt more enjoyable. These include ear protection & recoil pad, a small field bag, shooting glasses & shooting gloves, lightweight shooting vest, shell bag or shell belt; insect repellant, sunscreen & sunglasses; hat for sun protection, 4-6 short-sleeve lightweight shirts for the field; long-sleeve lightweight shirts if needed for sun protection, lightweight shorts & lightweight slacks, plenty of socks & ankle high lightweight boots, lightweight rain gear just in case; a pocket knife, small bills for tips, a small flashlight and a camera and film if desired.
Why is the State of Tamaulipas such a productive bird hunting area? The State of Tamaulipas, Mexico has a farming-based economy, and enjoys a Coastal climate. Bordering on the Gulf of Mexico, there are large Corn and Sorghum fields, which serve as a large part of the upland bird’s diet. These crop fields also serve as an ideal habitat for Dove and Quail, with good hunting for these different game birds.
In what species of wild birds does Rancho Ala Blanca specialize? White Wing Dove is the most prolific upland bird in the area and Rancho Ala Blanca specializes in a World-Class White Wing Dove Hunting experience. We also enjoy good Quail, Duck and Mourning Dove populations, and we offer these game packages. We hunt White Wing Dove from Mid-August through October and Quail, Duck and Mourning Dove from November through February.
What are the drive times to the field? We hunt over several hundred thousand acres of hunting fields, and our guides work diligently to locate game birds throughout the hunting season. We typically drive 10-40 minutes to the hunting fields, depending on where the birds are scouted on any given day. For your comfort, air conditioning and cold drinks are provided during all transportation to and from the hunting grounds. What is the quality of Mexican shotgun shells? U.S. shells are not allowed for import into Mexico, but the Mexican shells used at Rancho Ala Blanca are of the best quality available. How do we bring our Game home? Cleaning and packaging of your birds is included in the cost of a hunt package at Rancho Ala Blanca and we provide coolers for the transportation of game. How are White Wing Dove hunted? During White Wing Dove season we conduct Field Hunts, Brush Hunts and Waterhole Hunts. Field Hunts are in or around agriculture fields, and shooting occurs as the birds are coming in and out of these fields. Brush Hunts are conducted as the birds are eating seeds and berries in the brush and as they fly from resting areas to feeding areas. Waterhole Hunts are set up around the birds’ favorite drinking sources. The Rancho Ala Blanca Guides leave well before the hunters do to set up shooting positions. Each Hunter is assigned 2 Bird Boys, an ammunition box with 10 boxes of shells, a swivel-seated cooler and a shotgun in his requested gauge. Ranch staff transports you to your hunting position and the fun begins.
Do I need camouflage outwear for my Hunt at Rancho Ala Blanca?
Camouflage
is not a necessity, but field colors should be worn while wing
shooting. Darker khaki, dull greens or camouflage patterns are
recommended as the White Wing Dove will avoid light or bright
colors. Carrying a small field bag makes it easy to bring the
essentials on each hunt. How many shells should I expect to shoot each day? For White Wing Dove Season, you can expect to shoot between 6 and 10 boxes per 1/2-day hunt. This of course varies with the hunter and the weather. Expect to do a lot of shooting, and you can usually shoot as much as you want. Does weather affect bird hunting at Rancho Ala Blanca? White Wing Doves tend to stay on the ground when it rains and they tend to spread over a larger area instead of concentrating in one area to drink if there is standing water after a rain. White Wing Dove resume normal flying patterns two to three days after a rainfall.
What is a typical day in White Wing Dove Season at Rancho Ala Blanca? You are awakened at your villa around 5:30AM each morning with a cup of coffee and fresh-squeezed orange juice delivered to your door by our wait staff. You have time to shower, dress and enjoy a cooked-to-order breakfast before leaving for the field. After a short drive to where the birds have been located by our guides, you will hunt until mid-morning. You will then be returned to the Lodge for the noon meal and possibly a swim in our 1800 square foot pool. There is even time for a siesta if you like. In the mid-afternoon we return to the field for the second hunt of the day, and return to the lodge in the early evening. Dinner and drinks are served around sunset, with plenty of time for camaraderie and relaxation around the bar or TV.
What are the Accommodations at Rancho Ala Blanca? Rancho Ala Blanca is best known for providing a superior hunting experience, but we also pride ourselves in providing a world-class ‘Old World’ hospitality in every detail. From our Staff, Lodge and grounds to Accommodations and Meals, we can’t be beat. The eight-acre Rancho Ala Blanca compound includes the 8,000 square foot Main Lodge and 8 Duplex Villas (for a total of 16 Private Rooms and 17,000 square feet of heated and cooled space), a huge 2,000 square foot Swimming Pool with in-pool bar, private hot tub, staff quarters and a general store. Nothing is left to chance in the provision of comfort to our hunters and guests.
All double-occupancy rooms offer 420 square feet of heated and cooled space with two queen size beds and triple-occupancy rooms offer 420 square feet of heated and cooled space with 3 single beds. Each bathroom is uniquely decorated in hand-painted Mexican tile and includes a walk-in shower and separate vanity area. The exposed thatch ceilings slope from eight to eighteen feet, providing spacious, airy and interesting rooms. All furniture is locally made from native Mesquite wood and each room is individually decorated with its own authentic Mexican theme and artifacts. Outside, every back porch includes rocking chairs, overhead fans and a breathtaking view of the Soto La Marina River Valley.
How many Hunters can Rancho Ala Blanca accommodate? During White Wing Dove Season Rancho Ala Blanca can accommodate up to 40 Hunters but we try to keep the number around 30. This is based on double-occupancy villas. For Hunters who prefer a single occupancy private room there is an additional cost, based on availability. Is there Air Conditioning at Rancho Ala Blanca? The Lodge has central air conditioning and all the Villas at Rancho Ala Blanca have individual air conditioners, heaters and ceiling fans to ensure your comfort, no matter the weather, in summer and winter, for a total of 17,000 square feet of heated and cooled space. Are the power outlets (voltage) the same as in the United States? Yes. All electrical devices and personal items will work at Rancho Ala Blanca. What can I do at Rancho Ala Blanca in addition to Hunting? Rancho Ala Blanca overlooks the Soto La Marina River, allowing for kayaking and boating on this beautiful river setting. Activities such as hiking, photography, bird watching, swimming, poolside reading, satellite television and relaxing at one of our full-service bars are popular.
Are there a lot of biting insects at Rancho Ala Blanca? Not usually, and we employ state-of-the-art insect control measures at the Lodge. After a rainstorm there can be some insect activity and insect repellent containing DEET is advisable to have with you in that case. Where is the closest medical facility? The closest full-service hospital is in Victoria, about an hour’s drive from Rancho Ala Blanca. The town of Abasolo, a few miles from the Lodge, has a 24-hour primary care medical facility as well. A medical airlift back to the U.S. is available upon demand, and Medevac units can reach the ranch from Texas in approximately 3 hours.
Is there a swimming pool at Rancho Ala Blanca? Yes, we are very proud of our huge 2,000 square foot pool at Rancho Ala Blanca. It is designed with several private areas for conversation and even contains a full-service, top-shelf open bar and waterfall for your pleasure. We also have a heated hot tub adjacent to the main pool which is a crowd pleaser.
How is the food at Rancho Ala Blanca?
The meals at Rancho Ala Blanca are prepared by our trained Chef and
served by our professional Wait Staff. Our guests are usually very
surprised by the quality and presentation of meals at the Lodge, and
we strive to continually improve that service. A combination of
fresh game, fresh fish and fresh fruits and vegetables ensure a
healthy, nourishing diet and our chef continually surprises with her
flair and presentation.
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