Agua Dulce Ranch

Farm Description

IMPROVEMENTS:

Superior quality and workmanship describes the three bedroom lodge nestled among tall live oak trees about one-quarter mile from the entrance gate. High ceilings create a spacious living area with stylish tile flooring throughout. The lodge is neatly furnished with fireplace, open living room-den and kitchen area. The Master BR, 2nd BR and bunk-room will comfortably sleep 10 people. Attached to the lodge is a large metal barn for ATVs and hunting vehicles, including tall roll-up doors for elevated hunting rigs.

A large metal hay and feed barn is located near the 100 + acre oat fields. Quality hunting blinds and automatic deer feeders are placed in key hunting areas throughout the ranch. Some of the roads are topped with crushed limestone rock. The improved ranch road from the front of the ranch to the back area of the ranch is accessible via 2-wheel drive vehicle. The ranch is deer proof fenced on three sides.

TERRAIN:

The ranch lies within the transition zone between the South Texas brush country and the scenic Hill Country. The terrain on the Agua Dulce Ranch is a combination of valley land typical of South Texas and hills with broad canyons typical of the Texas Hill Country. The flat areas have deep fertile soil and are covered with live oak. The gently rolling hills have limestone out-cropping that is typical of the Texas Hill Country.

COVER & BROWSE - why this ranch is outstanding: The wildlife habitat of Agua Dulce Ranch consists of vegetation species that occur in the transition zone between the South Texas Plains and the Edwards Plateau. This blending of ecoregions provides a unique diversity of plant species which combine on this ranch to create an outstanding habitat for Whitetailed deer, Rio Grande turkey, feral hogs and other native species. Plant species on the ranch that are highly preferred by whitetailed deer include: Texas kidneywood, Granjeno, Shinoak, Vine ephedra, and Southwest bernardia. Other plant species on the ranch that are utilized by white-tail deer include Catclaw acacia, Blackbrush, Little-leaf sumac, Roemer’s acacia, Redbud, Hackberry, Greenbriar, Old man’s beard, Netleaf foresteria, Hogplum, Prickly pear, Lotebush, Guajillo, and Cenizo. Many of these species provide high levels of crude protein at certain times of the year, while others can provide high levels of carbohydrates for energy.

Other habitat features: The brush cover and topography provide adequate thermal and screening cover for deer. There is an area of silty clay that is prime farmland near the headquarters and could be utilized as a large food plot or for hay production. There are also areas of deeper soils in the canyon bottoms that could also be planted in small food plots. Grass and forb cover consists primarily of Sideoats grama, Silver bluestem, Plains lovegrass, KR bluestem, Hairy grama, Hairy tridens, Sand lovegrass, Plains bristlegrass, Curly mesquite, croton and Orange zexmenia.

HUNTING:

South Texas type deer already roam this ranch. It is not unusual to see whitetail bucks with 18 inch spreads on the Agua Dulce. Rio Grande turkey, bobwhite, blue quail and white wing dove are prevalent in the area. Elusive javelina scurry around the hills and canyons. With the superior natural forage foundation on this ranch, plus the 100 +/- acre food plot, add some smart game management, and Agua Dulce could be transformed into a trophy whitetail hunting ranch.

WATER:

There are several water wells that provide ample water for livestock and wild game animals. Near the lodge is a neat rock reservoir and pond. Along the middle part of the ranch and back area of the ranch, the water wells are equipped with solar powered submersible pumps. Some commercial water rights have been reserved.

LIVESTOCK:

The “Cover and Browse” section above shows that Agua Dulce is a super place for cattle and other livestock. The flat to rolling topography facilitates management. In a typical year, it will run about 1AU/25 Acres.

TAXES:

Taxes are approximately per acre based on 1-d-1 agricultural use.

EQUIPMENT:

Personal property that conveys includes furniture, hunting feeders and ranch vehicles. (Honda 4-wheelers & Kawaski Mule do not convey.)

NEIGHBORING RANCHES:

The far northwest boundary of the ranch has frontage on Hwy 334. The remainder of the west boundary is shared with relatively large neighbors. Other than a portion of the north boundary fence, all perimeter fences are deer Total: Final Thoughts:

A diverse forage habitat is critical for a healthy and productive deer herd. Agua Dulce Ranch has that and more. If you want a South Texas type hunting ranch, with quality accommodations only a 3/4 hours drive to a local airport, restaurants, groceries and shopping, and you don’t want to dodge through the South Texas oilfield mess, Agua Dulce is the ranch you’ve been looking for.