Llano County is well-known as a haven for hunters. After all, Llano is the Deer Capital of Texas, so in the fall, we expect to see our community welcoming camo-wearing visitors out in search of wild game.

But here’s the secret: you don’t have to be a hunter to love hunting season in Llano County.

For spouses, partners and family members who would rather spend the morning shopping, exploring, eating, relaxing or enjoying a little Texas Hill Country scenery, hunting season can be the perfect excuse for a fall getaway. While one member of the group is in the blind, everyone else can make their own Llano County memories.

Don't Miss the Castell General Store Hunters Ball

One of the biggest highlights of the season is the Castell General Store Hunters Ball and Appreciation Dinner, happening October 31, 2026.

The annual event is a fall tradition in Castell and a celebration of the hunters who make their way to the area each season. It also happens to be a great opportunity for the whole group to get together after a day outdoors.

The Hunters Ball is just one of the events that gives hunting season in Llano County its distinctive community feel. It makes hunting season special…a time for gathering together, enjoying good food and music, and experiencing the small-town traditions year after year. 

Make a Weekend of It

While your spouse or partner is at the ranch or the lease, you can explore around town. Get a short-term rental in Llano County that can serve as home base, then do your own exploring. 

Start the morning with coffee and a stroll around downtown Llano. Mava Java Coffee sits just south of the historic courthouse square, making it an easy place to grab a cup of coffee before setting out for the day.

Then take your time exploring downtown shops, galleries and local businesses. Llano’s historic streets are made for wandering, and you never know what piece of Texas-made art, jewelry, antiques or locally crafted goods you might find.

When your traveling partners are ready to get out of the field and relax, plan a visit to War Trail Spirits Craft Distillery or Bronson and Ryder Brewing. You can enjoy the tasting room at War Spirits, or have a meal or snack along with a locally brewed beet at Bronson and Ryder. It’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect after a day apart and enjoy the evening together. 

Enjoy the Hill Country While They're in the Field

You may want to do your own Hill Country explorations while your partner is out in the field. You could take to the water instead, renting a kayak at a local park and paddling around. Kayak rentals are an option at Inks Lake State Park, Black Rock Park, as well as from other private rental companies. 

You could also get better acquainted with the natural world, exploring around Lake Buchanan or taking a Vanishing Texas River Cruise on Lake Buchanan and the Colorado River.  Looking for a stroll without too much of a time commitment? Consider walking riverside at Grenwelge Park or exploring the conservation efforts taking place at Horseshoe Bay Nature Park. 

Plan Around the Season's Events

Hunting season also overlaps with some of Llano County's most enjoyable fall events.

Depending on when you visit, you might catch Llano Heritage Days, the Llano River Pumpkin Float, Llano Invitational Bullriding or the Llano Outdoor Sports Expo. 

Even a walk around the downtown area can be lovely, as you may catch a farmer’s market or a community sale that offers different opportunities to find local treasure. 

A Different Kind of Girls' Trip

There's also something to be said for making hunting season your excuse for a little girls’ getaway with friends.

While the hunters are out early, gather your favorite people and make your own plans. They can stay on the lease, while you all enjoy renting a beautiful home lakeside. 

Spend the morning shopping and exploring in downtown Llano, then meet for lunch. Visiting nearby wineries and tasting rooms is always a good idea to enjoy some chatting and downtime with friends. 

Then, when evening rolls around, you can meet back up with the hunting crew if you’re feeling it and cook a hearty dinner with provisions from Miiller’s Meat Market or you can put your dancing boots on and head out to Pardners Nightclub for an evening of live music and fun. 

Come for the Hunt. Stay for Llano County.

Hunting is an important part of the Hill Country experience, but it's only one part of what makes Llano County worth visiting.

Whether you're spending the morning in the field, exploring downtown, relaxing beside the river or dancing at the Hunters Ball, fall is a beautiful time to experience the county.

So when the hunter in your life starts planning this year's trip, don't think of it as his hunting weekend or her hunting weekend.

Think of it as a Llano County getaway with something for everyone, and come visit us in Llano County this season!