Texas Hunt Lodge is proud to highlight its established partnership with Arete Exotics, a West Texas exotic wildlife operation dedicated to the breeding, preservation, and responsible stewardship of some of the most incredible animals in the world.
This partnership is special for many reasons. It is rooted in lifelong friendship, family, hunting memories, shared values, and a deep love for wildlife and the outdoors. Arete Exotics was formed in 2024, and adding to the meaning behind this partnership, Meador Hall, owner of Texas Hunt Lodge, co-owns Arete Exotics with his lifelong friend, Ben Burkholder.
A Lifelong Friendship Behind the Partnership
Meador and Ben have known each other since they were less than five years old. The two grew up together, played basketball together through high school, and built the kind of friendship that lasts a lifetime. Over the years, that friendship has continued through family, hunting, hard work, and a shared passion for the outdoors.
Ben’s father, Dr. Duncan Burkholder, has also played a meaningful role in Meador’s life. Dr. Burkholder was always a man Meador looked up to. He had one of the most amazing trophy rooms Meador had ever seen, and as a young man, Meador was deeply inspired by it. That trophy room represented adventure, dedication, world-class hunting, and a lifetime of incredible stories. It made Meador dream that one day he might have a trophy room like that of his own.
Looking back, it is easy to see how much that inspiration helped shape Meador’s path. That dream, along with his love for hunting and wildlife, became part of the motivation that eventually led him to own and grow Texas Hunt Lodge.
The Hunt of a Lifetime That Started It All
In 2023, Ben and Dr. Duncan Burkholder were some of the first people to visit Texas Hunt Lodge after Meador acquired it. That first trip became one of those unforgettable hunting stories that still gets talked about today. Ben harvested a 500-inch-plus elk on a trophy elk hunt, and Dr. Burkholder harvested a 40-inch-plus Nubian ibex on a Nubian ibex hunt. When people talk about the hunt of a lifetime, that trip is exactly what they mean.
It was after that first trip to Texas Hunt Lodge that Ben came to Meador and asked how he could get more involved. From that conversation, the idea of a deeper partnership began to take shape. That vision would eventually help lead to the formation of Arete Exotics in 2024.
After that first Texas Hunt Lodge trip, Ben also helped Meador accomplish one of his own dream hunts by inviting him on a West Texas mule deer hunt. That hunt became the start of an annual tradition filled with great friends, family, and unforgettable memories. This past season, the group included Meador, Jake Jones, Dr. Duncan Burkholder, Ben’s son, and Ben’s good friend Jerry and his son. Jake got to be the chosen one that trip and harvested a mule deer even bigger than Meador’s.
Those memories, friendships, and shared experiences helped lay the foundation for what Arete Exotics has become today.
About Arete Exotics
Arete Exotics specializes in the breeding and preservation of exceptional exotic wildlife, including elk, wildebeest, addax, scimitar-horned oryx, scimbok, gemsbok, white bison, brown bison, and nilgai.
These animals roam freely across large West Texas pastures, living the good life in a natural environment where they are able to breed, grow, and thrive. Arete Exotics is built around responsible wildlife management, strong genetics, quality animal care, and a long-term commitment to preserving remarkable species.
The mission behind Arete Exotics is about more than raising animals. It is about protecting bloodlines, improving herds, supporting sustainable ranching, and creating opportunities for people to experience and appreciate exotic wildlife in Texas.
For Texas Hunt Lodge, this established partnership opens the door to even more possibilities. It strengthens our connection to high-quality exotic wildlife, expands our ranching and breeding relationships, and gives us new ways to serve hunters, landowners, partners, and wildlife enthusiasts.
A Partnership Built on Friendship, Trust, and Shared Vision
Texas Hunt Lodge has always been about more than the hunt. It is about the people, the stories, the memories, the friendships, and the love of the outdoors. The right partnerships allow us to continue growing while staying true to the values that built this brand.
That is what makes this partnership with Arete Exotics so special. It is not simply a business relationship. It is the continuation of a lifelong friendship, a shared passion, and a vision for what can be built when good people come together for the right reasons.
Meador, Ben, and the Arete Exotics team share a deep appreciation for wildlife, ranching, responsible breeding, land stewardship, and the unforgettable experiences that come from spending time outdoors. Together, Texas Hunt Lodge and Arete Exotics are excited to continue creating opportunities that honor those values.
Partnership Opportunities with Texas Hunt Lodge
As Texas Hunt Lodge continues to grow, we are excited to explore partnership opportunities with the right people, ranches, breeders, landowners, outfitters, outdoor brands, and businesses.
There are many ways to partner with Texas Hunt Lodge, including wildlife opportunities, ranch relationships, sponsorships, marketing collaborations, hunting packages, content creation, event opportunities, corporate experiences, and custom arrangements built around shared goals.
Whether you are involved in exotic wildlife, ranching, hunting, outdoor media, brand partnerships, land management, or private hunting experiences, Texas Hunt Lodge is open to conversations that align with our mission and values.
If you are interested in learning more about partnership opportunities with Texas Hunt Lodge, please contact Meador Hall for more information.
Thank You to Ben and Dr. Duncan Burkholder
We are grateful for Ben Burkholder, Dr. Duncan Burkholder, and the role the Burkholder family has played in the Texas Hunt Lodge story.
Ben, thank you for being such a great friend, for believing in Texas Hunt Lodge, and for helping us grow the brand even larger. Your friendship, loyalty, and vision mean more than words can say.
Dr. Burkholder, thank you for being an example, an inspiration, and a part of the dream that helped shape what Texas Hunt Lodge has become.
We are proud to recognize this partnership with Arete Exotics and excited for what the future holds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arete Exotics?
Arete Exotics is a West Texas exotic wildlife operation specializing in the breeding and preservation of exceptional species including elk, wildebeest, addax, scimitar-horned oryx, scimbok, gemsbok, white bison, brown bison, and nilgai. Formed in 2024, Arete Exotics is co-owned by Meador Hall of Texas Hunt Lodge and his lifelong friend Ben Burkholder.
How are Texas Hunt Lodge and Arete Exotics connected?
Meador Hall owns Texas Hunt Lodge and co-owns Arete Exotics with Ben Burkholder. The two friends have known each other since childhood, and their partnership formed after Ben and his father visited Texas Hunt Lodge in 2023 and harvested a 500-inch-plus elk and a 40-inch-plus Nubian ibex. The partnership strengthens Texas Hunt Lodge’s connection to high-quality exotic wildlife and breeding programs.
What species does Arete Exotics breed and preserve?
Arete Exotics breeds and preserves exceptional exotic wildlife including elk, wildebeest, addax, scimitar-horned oryx, scimbok, gemsbok, white bison, brown bison, and nilgai. These animals roam freely across large West Texas pastures in a natural environment focused on responsible wildlife management and strong genetics.
Where is Arete Exotics located?
Arete Exotics operates in West Texas, where large pastures allow exotic wildlife to live, breed, and thrive in a natural environment. The operation focuses on responsible wildlife management, strong genetics, quality animal care, and long-term species preservation.
How can I partner with Texas Hunt Lodge?
Texas Hunt Lodge is open to partnership conversations with ranches, breeders, landowners, outfitters, outdoor brands, and businesses. Partnership types include wildlife opportunities, ranch relationships, sponsorships, marketing collaborations, hunting packages, content creation, event opportunities, and corporate experiences. Contact Meador Hall directly to learn more.
