Block Creek Natural Area Frequently Asked Questions

May I rearrange props and settings at the blinds?
Will I have to share the blind or camp with other photographers who are not in my group?
May I drive myself around the ranch?
May I use my own portable blind or use my own equipment?
May I use calls to lure wildlife?
Do you have electric outlets for charging my equipment?
Does the ranch have phone service?
What kind of restroom facilities are at the ranch?
What about lunch?
Where is the closest convenience store?
Are overnight accommodations available?
What about my non-photographer spouse?
What activities are there for non-photographers?
What type of vehicle do I need?
Is the ranch water drinkable?
What about first aid?
What else should I pack?
Are there snakes on the property?
May we handle wildlife to pose it for photos?
What about bad weather, rain checks, cancellations, etc.
Is there any way to reduce the cost of shooting at Block Creek Natural Area?
How far is Block Creek Natural Area from San Antonio and Austin airports?
Where exactly is Block Creek Natural Area?
What about children or pets?
Smoking?

May I rearrange props and settings at the blinds?

You are allowed to make minor rearrangements. A supply of perches is kept near each photo blind. No cutting or breaking of vegetation is allowed, especially so for trees!!! Oak wilt, a deadly fungus to oak trees, is present on BCNA and breaking limbs spreads it.

Will I have to share the blind or camp with other photographers who are not in my group?

Unlikely, but possible.

May I drive myself around the ranch?

There is no driving around the Block Creek Natural Area. You can easily walk to all blinds.

May I use my own portable blind or use my own equipment?

The photo blinds on the property are for your use. There is no need to bring your own blind. We will do our best to accommodate shooters with other portable blinds as the need arises.

May I use calls to lure wildlife?

Normally no. But the owners will discuss this if it’s important to you.

Do you have electric outlets for charging my equipment?

There are outlets available for shooters who have reserved the lodgings available at Block Creek Natural Area.

Does the ranch have phone service?

Cell phone service is limited to higher elevations on the ranch, but most areas have no service because of the hills. Phones are available at the owners residences for emergencies only.

What kind of restroom facilities are at the ranch?

Please visit the ranches page for more information.

What about lunch?

This is up to you to arrange. You may run into town for lunch. Comfort is 12 miles away and Fredericksburg 13 miles away and a small café four miles away. You may bring a sack lunch.

Where is the closest convenience store?

There is a small convenience store four miles away which might have what you need. There are larger stores, big box stores, and a major farm and ranch store in Fredericksburg (13 miles).

Are overnight accommodations available?

Please visit the ranches page for more information.

What about my non-photographer spouse?

We do not offer discounts for non-photographer guests. Our fees are based on numbers of people on the property, regardless of whether they are photographing. Non-photographers must sign a release and abide by all Block Creek Natural Area policies also.

What activities are there for non-photographers?

A non-photographer may bird watch at any of the many blinds and feeders on the properties. They may walk around the property, or relax and read, or choose to accompany the photographer to the blind.

If there is a non-photographer in the group who will not be coming to the property, they should consider staying in Fredericksburg as there are many things to do. Fredericksburg has many unique restaurants, stores, museums, theaters and parks. There are several state parks nearby also. See our page on nearby attractions.

What type of vehicle do I need?

You do not need four wheel drive. However, be aware that you will be driving two miles on a caliche road to Block Creek Natural Area. When you arrive, you will park and walk.

Is the ranch water drinkable?

The ranch water is safe to drink, but like most well water it has more minerals than town water. We suggest that you bring your own bottled water.

What about first aid?

We keep a reasonable supply of bandaids, Cortaid, aspirin, etc. on hand. If you have any special medical needs however, be sure to bring your medications. The nearest hospital is in Fredericksburg.

What else should I pack?

Sunscreen, chapstick, tweezers, antihistamines, insect repellant, wide brim hat, lightweight long sleeve shirt, lightweight long pants, good hiking shoes, etc.

Are there snakes on the property?

There are a few rattlesnakes, copperheads, cotton-mouth water moccasins, and coral snakes. All are venomous. There are other species of snakes, as well, that are non-venomous. There are also venomous scorpions, brown recluse spiders, black widow spiders, wasps, bees and fire ants. Use common sense about where you walk and place your hands. Always check blinds before entering. This includes checking the ceiling for wasps as well as the ground for snakes. Swarms of bees are particularly dangerous. If you should find a swarm and wish to photograph them, be extremely careful not to provoke them. Keep your distance.

May we handle wildlife to pose it for photos?

No.

What about bad weather, rain checks, cancellations, etc.

Please see our policies page.

Is there any way to reduce the cost of shooting at Block Creek Natural Area?

Yes, sometimes. Contact us for information.

How far is Block Creek Natural Area from San Antonio and Austin airports?

Depending on the time of day and traffic, it will take about one and a half hours from San Antonio and about two and a half hours from Austin. If you have a private plane, you may be able to fly into Fredericksburg.

Where exactly is Block Creek Natural Area?

Almost half way between Fredericksburg and Comfort. BCNA will send a detailed map upon booking and deposit.

What about children or pets?