Over the course of 35 years in the wildlife consulting business, I have seen management emphasis change from cow-calf operations with deer leasing as an adjunct to pure deer programs with no cows and the agricultural exemption from ad valorem taxes granted for wildlife management alone. Whitetail deer are big business in Texas, all over […]
Bluebonnets Are Up!
Some may not know that Bluebonnets actually sprout about now and lie close to the ground until Spring. So, if you’re giving your lawn one last cutting before Winter, set it high so you don’t damage young Bluebonnets. Out on the range, look for young native sunflower that has a similar life history, sprouting in […]
6,000 Acres of the Best Hunting in South Texas
I really love my job! Yesterday I had the pleasure of showing 6,000 acres of ideal quail habitat deep inside the King Ranch to a prospect. We drove for miles through great habitat that, after 30 inches of rain, has never looked better. In fact, this ranch needs only judicious grazing/burning/discing to make it the […]
Chapter 1-6. Actions before and After Closing
Once you have reached an agreement with the Seller and the contract has been receipted at a title company, there are several actions you need to monitor. First of all, ensure that a surveyor has been retained and has all the documentation possible to do his job. Even if the Seller is paying for the […]
Ruby Turns 3!
Sharing your life with a good dog is like having a non-judgmental best friend that just doesn’t talk much. Ruby is finally out of the puppy stage and has matured into a companion looking for ways to please.
Easy Way to Add Wildlife Water in Remote Areas
A wildlife rain water collection system need not be a major project. Below are pictures of a “wildlife guzzler” I build in remote areas that are short of well water or ponds. FYI, a one inch rain on a 10 ft. by 12 ft. roof will yield 75 gallons of water! Start with 6 “T” […]
Chapter 5: Making the Deal
After an exhaustive search, you’ve found a ranch located in the area you want, priced no more than 20% above your purchase limit, and has the soils, vegetation, and improvements that you desire. More importantly, you “like” this ranch. It is time to buy the place and get on with enjoying it. The Farm and […]
Chapter 4, Choosing YOUR Ranch
Once you and your Broker have found several ranches that seem to fit your requirements, it is time to take a look, a “showing”. A showing is when you finally get to take a tour of the property. Usually on the first showing, both the Listing Broker and the Buyer’s Broker will be present. Follow-up […]
When It’s Time to Sell Your Ranch
After 25 years representing ranch buyers across Central and South Texas, I’ve heard any number of reasons the ranch is for sale. Sometimes the owners have accomplished all they set out to do, they have their trophies and have come to know all the deer on the place. Or, they may get too old to […]
Ruby’s First Retrieve of her Third Season
