Testimonies
“I’ve been hunting at Hidden Lakes for several years and have always enjoyed it. Great folks, great food, and they always go the “extra mile“ to be sure your experience is enjoyable. From the dogs and the hunt, to the meal and processing your birds they do a great job and you will not be disappointed. The accommodations and surroundings are very good, clean, and well kept and organized. Cord Burnett runs a great operation!”
— Dr. Gerald Stagg
“I have been traveling to Hidden Lakes several weekends a month during hunting season for the last three years, and I have to say, this place has become like a second home and the people have become like family.
First the hunting: TOP NOTCH! The birds fly incredibly well and the dog work is second to none! You will be placed with a knowledgeable guide who is an outstanding dog handler (which I value more than anything), a brace of pointers, and a flushing retriever. The birds will make your heart race! And if you think you are a first rate shot, please come and experience these birds. They will humble you. I have yet to spend a day with someone who did not miss! Second, the food: Ah, the food! Chef Cruz is amazing! Breakfast and lunch are simple, yet fabulous, and very hearty. Eat everything put in front of you because it will be wonderful and you will need the calories during your hunt. Chef Cruz dinners are, best put, an experience. Multiple courses from the exotic to the down home, all prepared perfectly. Chef Cruz’s soups and appetizers are my favorite. And desserts that are too tempting to pass up!
Third, the accommodations: comfortable, relaxed, and just perfect. The rooms are set up just right for hunters. The main lodge is tastefully decorated with a variety of game animals and birds and the Game Room is a relaxing place to play pool, watch a ball game, have a cocktail, and call people out on their shooting-lies! The firepit is a great gathering place after dinner and a chance to meet the other guests staying at Hidden Lakes. The best description of the Hidden Lakes’s atmosphere is “East Texas Friendly in a High End Hunting Lodge”.
Hidden Lakes has become where we take our most valuable customers and or closest friends.
Everyone that comes to Hidden Lakes, leaves impressed, whether it is the dog work, birds, or the food. And you will leave with new friends. The owners, Cord and Danielle Burnett, and Cord’s father, “Mr. B” are all welcoming and want to make sure you have the best possible experience..”
— David Carroum
“My wife Tami discovered Hidden Lakes three years ago. We were looking for a place not far from the Metroplex to hunt quail, so we decided to try this out with two half day hunts and an overnight stay at the lodge. It was an incredible experience for us, so we booked another hunt before we checked out. We have been coming back multiple times over the past two years and we have never been disappointed. In fact, I recently told Dakota (our guide) that I will never go anywhere else to hunt and I meant it. One of the many reasons Tami and I feel this way is because we are treated like family when we are there and that is rare.
Hunting is a true passion for the guides and the dogs, and I can tell you that they are all very competent and skilled in their work. It’s like watching an orchestra out there. The guides and the dogs don’t miss a trick and they work very hard to create an excellent hunting experience for us every time we are out there. We are guaranteed to run into the birds and lots of them too. We always hunt quail and we usually add some Chukars and Pheasants to each hunt as well. We always feel satisfied with our hunts because we know the guides go the extra mile for us and that of course is a given with these very special dogs (Cash, Star, Ringo, and Annie to name a few). We always bring treats for the dogs, and tips for the guides and we are always very happy to do it.
We feel very much at home at the lodge too. It has a rustic look and it’s very comfortable. The sleeping rooms are always clean and very comfortable as well. The service is always outstanding, and the food is always excellent. Tami and I have also frequented Hidden Lakes for dinner several times outside of our hunts and we are proud to recommend it. Cruz Minjarez is a gifted Chef and he is also a great person. He is truly a key person at Hidden Lakes.
The Burnett family is what really makes Hidden Lakes so unique and wonderful. It’s evident that they want everyone to have the very best experience at Hidden Lakes and they work very hard to make that happen. Cord and his wife Danielle are both very special people. They are very personable, warm, and caring. Tami and I always look forward to seeing them as much as we look forward to the hunts. And of course, I can’t forget to mention Jade and Cash (again). They are the sweetest dogs and we always look forward to seeing them too.
So, if you are reading this then you too have discovered one of the best hunting experience opportunities you can find. I encourage you to check it out and I would bet that if you do you will be coming back for more, just like Tami and I have done and will continue to do.”