Frequently Asked Questions

+ Is a Deposit required?

Yes. CCO requires a 50% non-refundable, non-transferable deposit, to hold your dates. We'll confirm your dates once we receive your deposit. Your balance is due on or before September 1.

+ If one of our group members cannot make the trip, can their deposit be applied toward the remaining group balance?

No. We understand that life happens. However, CCO's plans are based on how many hunters and guests we've booked daily. If someone must cancel, please find a sub. CCO will gladly transfer the canceller's paid deposit toward your sub. However, in the event of a no-call, no-show with no sub, the client will forfeit their portion of the deposit to CCO to cover incurred business expenses and lost revenue.

+ Can I bring my dog?

The short answer is, it depends. Typically, we strongly discourage client dogs, because we are not fully aware of your dog's obedience, demeanor, or skill level. Our dogs are highly trained, insured, and hard-working members of the CCO team. They are accustomed to the volume of clients we run and the birds they must retrieve every day. We understand that there are some fantastic gun dogs out there. We've hunted with plenty of them! Visiting retrievers are considered only for private groups of 10 or more hunters if they are steady to shot, trained to hunt out of a dog blind, current on all vaccinations, and ready to work! Please note, for the safety and enjoyment of all involved in the hunt, we have a zero-tolerance policy. If a CCO team member deems your dog a distraction or a safety hazard, we will ask you to remove your dog from the field immediately.

+ Do I need to bring waders?

Waders are great to bring just in case. However, they are not necessary as long as you bring waterproof boots. Usually, we're hunting dry grain fields with the occasional puddles of water and mud. However, if we hunt water, waders will be necessary if you'd like to help with decoy set up and pick up. Also, some people prefer to wear their waders simply for the added warmth since it can get shockingly cold here in the Texas Panhandle.

+ Do you offer any guarantee that I will shoot my daily limit?

No. While we can guarantee that CCO will do absolutely everything possible to deliver an opportunity to bag your limit, we are at the mercy of many factors outside of our control. Our sport is called "hunting" and not "killing" for a reason. Waterfowl are wild, migratory animals that change their patterns based on weather, food, a scare, or the occasional unknown whim. Sometimes, shooters miss. Guns jam. Other times, someone or something spooks the birds we're calling in. We are very good at what we do. And, we guarantee to put in the necessary work to provide you with the opportunity to have the hunt of a lifetime. However, we can't guarantee a limit for every shooter every day.

+ How do we book a private hunt with just us and the guides?

Private groups are available for groups of 10 or more hunters, preferably in multiples of 2. To book a private hunt, a group of fewer than 10 hunters must pay for a 10-hunter group. * As a last resort, in rare, extenuating circumstances, we may request to combine a smaller group with a private group to ensure the best quality hunt for all clients. ** I wish this wasn't a necessary "fine print" addition. However, we learned MANY tough lessons through the pandemic.

+ Can you shoot lead ammo for sandhill cranes?

Yes, while lead ammunition is legal for crane hunting, we suggest that hunters use non-toxic shells. It is common to encounter mixed species volleys throughout the Texas Panhandle waterfowl season. Choosing nontoxic shells allows you to shoot at ducks and geese if they decide to crash your crane hunt.