As the drought continues, coupled with scorching heat, ranch sales continue. The uncertain stock market, record inflation, and the housing boom are all fueling ranch buyers with money to invest. If you are thinking of selling, water seems to be the biggest indicator of a “good” ranch. I recently represented the buyer on a ranch […]
Water for Wildlife in Drought
In South Texas, it is important at times to provide supplemental water for wildlife.
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 […]
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, […]
Bobwhites are Pairing Up!
I am getting reports that pairs of Bobwhites are showing up all over South Texas so with eternal optimism, I pray for a great hatch. Last season was very bad over most of Texas, even in areas where the birds normally do well. As usual, I get reports of pairs where people say there simply […]
Tree Ducks Find the Feeder!
Built out of left-over PVC pieces and hardware cloth, this raised feeder with a store-bought feed bin finally saw some action. Known as Black-bellied tree ducks or Mexican whistling ducks, these birds nest in tree crags. Beautiful if somewhat subdued plumage, they actually sound as if they are whistling when in flight. More info below. […]
Great Little Family Ranch SOLD
DESCRIPTION: This tract is incredibly unique for two reasons; first, it has been in the same family since Castroville was settled, well over 150 years ago, and second, it is still in its native state. Except for minimal roadways and wildlife senderros/food plots, the ranch appears as it was when first viewed by Alsatian settlers […]
Stuck in Neutral, South Texas Needs Rain!
On a recent consulting job, the continuing drought in South Texas was brought home to me. As I was in eastern Frio Co., about 12 miles E-SE of Pearsall, it was not as bad as last weeks visit to Artesia Wells, but still sobering. This particular ranch is mostly a deep sand and as such, […]
Put the Tractor in the Barn for Awhile
I was at the Rockpile, my small place south of Castroville the other day to check on the “rental cows”, cows that belong to a friend but spend the summer at my place just to keep the grass down and the taxes low and noticed this guy laying in the left rut. Sights such as […]
Rain!
What impact will the recent rain have on South Texas? Coming in early Fall, after a very dry Summer, the moisture will still be effective due to the continued warmer temperatures. Had it come much later, cooler temps would have negated much of the impact short term. Moisture is always welcome, but, like fixing a […]
