A Castle in Texas
Aug 28, 2025
Greystone Castle: A Texas Sportsman’s Paradise with Travis Mears
Hunting, shooting, and enjoying the finer things—this trip had it all. From chasing birds to sharing laughs, my time at Greystone Castle with Travis Mears was time well spent.
Tucked away just west of Dallas near Mingus, Texas, lies a destination unlike anything I’ve ever seen—Greystone Castle Sporting Club.
This Orvis-endorsed lodge is exactly what its name implies: a castle set on 6,000 acres of meticulously managed hunting land.
The medieval-style architecture, complete with turrets and courtyards, is stunning, but the real magic of Greystone lies beyond its stone walls. This is a place where Texas hospitality meets first-class hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and big-game pursuits.
When I teamed up with my friend Travis Mears—champion sporting clay shooter, exhibition shooter, and owner of Defender Outdoors—it wasn’t just about the guns or the hunts. For Travis, this was a trip down memory lane. He first hunted Greystone as a boy and still carries those early memories with him. For me, it was a chance to see why this place is considered one of the premier destinations in the country.
If you have experience with Greystone Castle or another premier hunting lodge, please let us know about your experience over in the TFL COMMUNITY!
Our adventure began with a duck hunt, and it didn’t take long for me to get a case of “duck fever.” Armed with Fabarm’s XLR Chesapeake and XLR5 Waterfowler, I had the chance to put these shotguns through their paces in a field setting.
Next up was an upland hunt for pheasant, quail, and chukar. Travis and I switched to the Fabarm Elos 2 Elite and Elos D2, and the experience was nothing short of phenomenal. Between the skilled guides, hardworking dogs, and endless action in the fields, it was the kind of hunt every upland shooter dreams of.
When the sun started to set over the castle, we weren’t done yet. From deer sightings that sparked buck fever to an evening pavilion meal featuring pork shank, Greystone kept raising the bar. The food alone is worth the trip—the chefs deliver five-star meals with a down-home Texas feel.
The hospitality was equally impressive. The camaraderie of the staff reminded me of the Marine Corps bonds described by one of their team members. Their motto rings true: “You come here as a guest, and you leave as family.”
Between hunts, Travis and I couldn’t resist some friendly competition at the five-stand and even a few trick shots for good measure. But, more on that in another video.
And let’s not forget the lodging. Staying in a castle with heavy wood doors, traditional furnishings, and views that stretch for miles? That’s something you don’t forget. It was rustic, elegant, and incredibly comfortable all at once.
Final Thoughts
My time at Greystone Castle was unforgettable. From hunting upland birds and ducks with Fabarm shotguns to sharing meals, laughs, and trick shots with Travis Mears, the experience was top-notch in every way.
The highlights? The breathtaking views, the hunts, the atmosphere, and the food. The only downside was simply not having enough time to experience everything Greystone has to offer. Six thousand acres is a lot of ground to cover, and I left already wanting to return.
If you’re looking for a destination that combines world-class hunting, Texas hospitality, and the once-in-a-lifetime experience of staying in a castle, Greystone Castle should be on your list. It’s so much more than just a castle in Texas—it’s truly a sportsman’s paradise.
And remember…
Whether targets in the field or targets in life, we will only hit what we're focused on, so live the #targetfocusedlife
Steve Gould
