The next few days will be miserable outside, so what better time to sit by the fire with a good book? Finding, Buying and Developing a Ranch in South Texas is a quick read in two parts. Part 1 covers looking for a ranch, assessing it, and the buying process. Where do I want to […]
The end of a great era, Rocky Ranch is sold.
2021 ended with the closing on the last tract of Rocky Ranches, a six-tract accumulation put together over the years by J.D. and Carol Williams. J.D. was a D.C tax lawyer and lobbyist originally from Oklahoma that fell in love with the red sandy country around Pearsall. While J.D. wouldn’t kill a deer to save […]
Merry Christmas from Quailpro, LLC (and a grumpy Ruby)!
Remembering Zucker on Opening Day
On opening day of the South Zone dove season, I have to look back at one of my best dogs and share again the tale of her last outing.
Dove Season Starts Tomorrow; Is Fido Ready?
With the opening of the North Zone tomorrow, thousands of Texans will be heading afield in search of dove. Lucky hunters will enjoy the companionship of a dog. It is critical to watch your dog closely for heat exhaustion. Many retrievers are also house dogs and have been inside so […]
50 Years in the Brush Country of South Texas and Never Leave Your Armchair
To celebrate three years of blogging, I ask you to peruse my efforts writing about ecology, wildlife management, bird dogs, and life in the brush country. My Blog
Drought, Snow, and Floods, OH MY! Results At Rockpile Ranch.
I reported in an earlier post that the recent rains, following a significant drought, had resulted in abundant Three-seed croton in South Texas. A little further to the north at the Rockpile, the drought was of course followed initially by a severe freeze/snow event lasting several days then a cumulative rain of some 14 inches! […]
Fawn Season; Pause Mowing and Shredding for a Week or Two
It’s that time of year again; time when does leave their fawns for a nap, sometimes in odd places. And either I’m getting better at spotting them, or there are more fawns this year. Two new ones on my morning walk today at Regional Park here in Castroville. So, leave mowing that vacant field for […]
Seeing the Hand of God in the Red Sandy Country
I am continually amazed and humbled to see the effects of rainfall on the red sandy country south of San Antonio. Just weeks ago, I was resigned to yet another bad year for Bobwhite quail, perhaps spectacularly bad. Yet, unexpected rains over much of the Rio Grande Plain have brought to fruition our meager efforts […]
Managing Bobwhite Quail on a Smaller Tract in South Texas
Quail are in trouble in South-Central Texas and it can be frustrating to be a quail hunter in a poor year. Perhaps the biggest reason for the decline in quail numbers is the fragmentation of the habitat across the state combined Sorry, but not everyone can be an heir to a big ranch and, […]
