Inside a 'Botox and Bullets' weekend

The Dry Hollow Ranch, near Interstate 10 and about 100 miles west of San Antonio, is a 200-acre parcel populated with white-tail deer, antelope and elk. Some guests come to hunt. But Botox & Bullets weekends cater to a crowd that'?s usually more interested in pedicures.

A knight in shining armor guards the lodge'??s patio. A giant Lone Star flag painted on wood leaves no doubt as to what state you'??re in.

The Simmons originally intended to market their game ranch to hunters, but after a mountain lion killed a $15,000 deer one night, they switched focus. "?You spend $15,000 on a deer, you hope he lives until someone shoots him,?" says Mike Simmons.

Cousins Diana Jimenez of San Antonio, left, and Chela Salinas of Houston get instruction from Kole Kuklewski before heading out to the range.

Rebecca Briones, a nurse from San Antonio, practices her stance.

Rebecca Briones gets familiar with the feel of a pistol.

Participants have a choice of revolvers and semi-automatic pistols.

Kathy Simmons, left, pharmacy tech Mari Maldonado of Killeen, Texas, and Chela Salinas discuss form on the shooting range.

Participants wait their turn on the range under a shady pavilion. Some came to learn to handle a gun. Others just wanted to get away from their kids for a weekend.

Shooting at a close target. "?Most self-defense shooting happens within 7 feet,"? Simmons tells the group. "?So you want a gun you can get to pretty quick.?"

Melissa Jones of San Antonio takes aim with a hunting rifle with an assist from Kole Kuklewski.

Food and drink play a part in Botox & Bullets weekends, too, with informal meals eaten around the lodge'?s center island.

Mike Simmons, Kathy?'s husband, cooks ribs, pork roast and "?drunken"? chicken in a smoker he calls Bertha.

Kathy Simmons prepares for cocktail hour.

Pedicures and massages are included in the base price of the weekend. Botox costs extra.

Besides being a concealed handgun license instructor, Simmons is a nurse and owns a med spa. "?I love shooting guns and I have a med spa and I thought, Botox and Bullets! How fun would that be?"? Botox prep in the lodge?'s loft area.

Chela Salinas takes a shot of Botox between the eyes.