Unearth The Voyage
Wild hogs have become a serious challenge across rural America, and hunters are stepping up to help manage their growing populations. In south-central Oklahoma, one ranch has turned this necessity into an unforgettable adventure that combines expert guiding, luxury accommodations, and non-stop action.
I recently spent time at this property and discovered why it has earned such devoted fans among both seasoned hunters and first-timers. The experience goes far beyond tracking hogs through the brush.
From sunrise shooting sessions to nighttime thermal hunts, every moment delivers something worth remembering. Whether you’re planning a family trip or a group getaway, this destination proves that hunting can be both thrilling and surprisingly comfortable.
A Premier Hunting Destination in the Heart of Oklahoma
My first visit brought me to 41998 East County Road 1600 in Wynnewood, Oklahoma 73098, where Side X Side Ranch sits on sprawling acreage perfect for hunting wild hogs. The moment I pulled through the gate, I knew this wasn’t your typical hunting camp.
The property combines serious hunting opportunities with resort-level amenities that surprised me. Scott and Wendy, the owners, have created something special here that attracts everyone from corporate groups to families introducing kids to the outdoors.
What sets this ranch apart is its commitment to making every guest feel welcome, regardless of experience level. I watched guides patiently work with a seven-year-old on his first hunt, then later help experienced shooters dial in shots at the thousand-yard range.
The location in south-central Oklahoma provides ideal habitat for wild hogs while remaining accessible. I drove in from the city in just over an hour, leaving urban sprawl behind for genuine countryside.
Reviews consistently mention the hospitality, and I understood why after spending time here. Every detail receives attention, from the moment you arrive until you load your cooler with processed meat for the trip home.
Hunting Wild Hogs Under the Cover of Darkness
Nighttime hog hunting with thermal scopes became my favorite activity at the ranch. There’s something uniquely thrilling about watching hogs appear as glowing shapes through infrared technology while the rest of the world disappears into darkness.
The guides outfit you with top-tier thermal optics that make spotting hogs remarkably easy. I could identify animals from distances that would be impossible with traditional night vision, and the clarity impressed me throughout each hunt.
We headed out after dinner, riding quietly through the property as temperatures dropped and hogs emerged to feed. My guide Dawson positioned us perfectly, whispering instructions that helped me make clean shots on multiple animals.
The infrared scopes eliminate the need for spotlights or moon phases, meaning every night offers prime hunting conditions. I hunted during a new moon and still enjoyed excellent visibility on every hog we encountered.
This style of hunting requires patience and stealth, but the payoff comes when you connect on a challenging shot. I left with tremendous respect for the technology and the guides who know exactly how to use it effectively for consistent success.
Luxury Accommodations That Rival High-End Hotels
I’ve stayed at plenty of hunting camps where “rustic” means uncomfortable, but Side X Side Ranch completely changed my expectations. The guest rooms feature quality mattresses, beautiful decor, and cleanliness standards that match upscale hotels.
Wendy’s design work shines throughout the lodge, creating spaces that feel both masculine and refined. I stayed in the Man Cave with my group, and we couldn’t stop commenting on the attention to detail in every corner.
Each morning I woke refreshed rather than stiff from a poor mattress. The bathrooms include quality fixtures and plenty of hot water, which matters tremendously after a long day outdoors.
Common areas provide comfortable spots to relax between activities. I spent evenings playing cards with other guests, sharing stories, and genuinely enjoying the downtime as much as the hunting itself.
Coffee and tea stations stay stocked around the clock, along with snacks and cold drinks. I never felt like I was roughing it, which allowed me to focus entirely on the experience rather than basic comfort concerns that plague typical hunting camps.
World-Class Shooting Ranges for Every Skill Level
The shooting facilities at this ranch rival dedicated competition ranges I’ve visited. The crown jewel is a thousand-yard rifle range that challenges even experienced marksmen while teaching valuable skills about ballistics and wind reading.
I started my range time with pistols at closer distances, working through various drills with patient instruction from staff. They provided multiple firearms to try, letting me experiment with different calibers and styles.
Moving to longer distances, I practiced with rifles at 100, 300, 500, and eventually 1,000 yards. Connecting on that final distance required everything I’d learned about trigger control, breathing, and reading environmental conditions.
The five-stand clay shooting setup offers another dimension entirely. I’m a mediocre wing shooter, but the guides helped me improve my technique while keeping things fun rather than frustrating.
Between hunts, I spent hours on these ranges, never feeling rushed or pressured. Other guests worked on their own skills nearby, creating a supportive atmosphere where everyone cheered each other’s successes and offered encouragement through the misses.
Gourmet Meals That Fuel Adventure
Tammy and Corina run the kitchen, and their cooking exceeded anything I expected at a hunting ranch. Every meal felt like dining at a quality restaurant, with homemade sides and desserts that had everyone asking for recipes.
Breakfast arrived hot and hearty, providing fuel for long days outdoors. I loaded my plate with perfectly cooked eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh biscuits with gravy that reminded me of my grandmother’s cooking.
Lunch often featured lighter fare but never skimped on flavor or quality. The chefs accommodated dietary restrictions without making anyone feel like a burden, preparing alternative dishes that looked just as appealing as the main offerings.
Dinner became the highlight of each evening, with grilled meats that showcased expert seasoning and cooking technique. The sides changed nightly, featuring everything from loaded potatoes to fresh vegetables prepared in creative ways.
Desserts tempted me despite full stomachs, and I rarely resisted. The chefs clearly take pride in their work, and their talent elevates the entire ranch experience to something truly special that keeps guests returning year after year.
Expert Guides Who Make Every Hunt Successful
Mason guided my first hunt, and his expertise immediately put me at ease. He read the land like a book, positioning us perfectly based on wind direction, hog movement patterns, and terrain features I would have completely missed.
The guides here don’t just take you hunting; they actively teach and improve your skills. I learned more about reading animal behavior in two days than I had in years of occasional hunting back home.
Dawson worked with a father and his young sons during my visit, showing incredible patience while making the experience exciting for kids on their first hunt. He balanced safety with adventure perfectly, creating memories those boys will treasure forever.
Every guide I met demonstrated deep knowledge of the property and the animals. They knew where hogs would likely appear at different times, which approaches worked best, and how to adjust strategies when conditions changed.
The staff’s enthusiasm never wavered, even when helping beginners with basic questions. They genuinely wanted everyone to succeed and have fun, creating an atmosphere where asking for help felt natural rather than embarrassing or burdensome.
Activities Beyond Hunting Keep Everyone Engaged
Between hunts, I never ran out of things to do. The property includes stocked fishing ponds that provide excellent action when you need a break from shooting sports.
I grabbed a rod and spent a peaceful afternoon catching bass and catfish. The ponds receive regular stocking, ensuring consistent fishing regardless of season or recent pressure from other guests.
Axe throwing emerged as a surprisingly addictive activity. I’d never tried it before, and the guides set up targets while explaining proper technique.
My group spent over an hour competing to see who could stick the most throws.
Pickleball courts offer another option for burning energy between meals. I watched guests of various ages enjoy friendly matches, and the competition got surprisingly intense while remaining good-natured.
Card games and conversation filled evening hours after returning from hunts. The common areas encourage socializing, and I met interesting people from across the country who shared stories about their outdoor adventures and planned return trips.
This variety ensures that even non-hunters in your group will stay entertained and engaged throughout the visit.
Perfect for First-Time Hunters and Families
I witnessed multiple first-time hunters experience success during my stay, and the staff’s approach to beginners impressed me tremendously. They never rushed anyone or made inexperience feel like a problem.
A mother in my group had never fired a gun before arriving. By the second day, she was confidently shooting clays and even connected on a hog during an evening hunt, beaming with pride at her accomplishment.
The guides excel at teaching fundamentals without overwhelming new shooters. They break down complex skills into manageable steps, building confidence gradually until guests feel ready to attempt more challenging shots.
Safety receives constant emphasis without feeling preachy or excessive. I watched guides seamlessly incorporate safety lessons into regular instruction, making proper handling second nature rather than a list of rules.
Families with children find this ranch particularly welcoming. The staff understands how to keep kids engaged and excited while maintaining appropriate supervision.
I saw youngsters as young as seven successfully participate in hunts under careful guidance, creating core memories that will last lifetimes and potentially spark lifelong passions for the outdoors.
Booking Your Hunt and What to Expect
Planning your trip to Side X Side Ranch starts with a phone call to 469-834-8256 or a visit to their website at sidexsideranch.com. The staff walks you through available dates, package options, and what to bring.
Day hunts offer a taste of the experience if you’re unsure about committing to a full stay. I recommend at least a two-night visit to truly experience everything the ranch offers without feeling rushed.
Multi-day packages provide the best value and allow time for various activities beyond just hunting. I spent three days and still wished I had scheduled another night to try activities I’d missed.
The ranch handles all the details, from providing firearms and ammunition to processing your harvest. I arrived with minimal gear and never felt unprepared or lacking necessary equipment.
Groups receive special attention, with staff coordinating activities to keep everyone engaged. Corporate retreats and family reunions work particularly well here, offering bonding experiences that beat typical vacation destinations.
Book well in advance, especially for prime hunting seasons. The ranch’s reputation means dates fill quickly, particularly during cooler months when hog activity peaks and outdoor conditions remain comfortable for extended hunts.
Why This Ranch Stands Above the Competition
After visiting numerous hunting properties across multiple states, I can confidently say Side X Side Ranch operates at a different level. The combination of genuine hospitality, luxury amenities, and consistent hunting success creates something truly special.
The 4.9-star rating reflects real experiences from hundreds of satisfied guests. I read reviews before visiting and found them accurate rather than exaggerated, which rarely happens with highly-rated businesses.
What impressed me most was how the staff made every guest feel like a priority. Whether you’re spending thousands on a multi-day hunt or coming for a single afternoon, you receive the same attention and care.
The property itself provides diverse terrain that keeps hunting interesting. I never felt like we were covering the same ground repeatedly, and hogs appeared in different locations throughout my stay.
Return visitors make up a significant portion of the guest list, which speaks volumes about the experience. I met several groups on their third or fourth annual trip, already planning next year’s dates before leaving.
I left with a cooler full of quality pork, countless memories, and genuine friendships with both staff and fellow guests.
