Issuu

Spring 20221

CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM

Game on As a local cooperative, we share our profits with the Texans we serve. Since 2006, we’ve returned almost $2 billion to our members, so when

you’re ready to secure your next loan for that perfect hunting property, try a partnership that really pays. Together we’re better.

NMLS493828 | 877.944.5500 | capitalfarmcredit.com 2

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CONTENTS 2

PARTNERING TO KEEP YOUR LEGACY ALIVE BY: CAPITAL FARM CREDIT

A NOTE FROM OUR BROKER

29 ROCKPORT RED FISH ON THE HALF SHELL BY: MATTI TACKETT

FEATURED ARTIST: B. SHAWN COX

ANTLER RATTLING 101 BY: DR. MICKEY W. HELLICKSON, CWB

TRS TEAM

PICTURE THE PICTURE BY: CALAN AHRENS

WHY DO WE BUY RANCHES? WHY DO WE SELL RANCHES? BY: JOHN S. BAEN, PHD

FERAL PIG MANAGEMENT IN A FRAGMENTED LANDSCAPE BY: AARON SUMRALL, PHD

TEXAS COUNTIES MAP

RANCH ROOTS - FINANCING PRESENT AND FUTURE AG OPERATIONS BY: CAPITAL FARM CREDIT

TEXAS RANCH SALES, LLC IS LICENSED IN TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, OREGON, AND ARIZONA.

TEXAS RANCH SALES, L.L.C.

920 South Main Street Boerne, Texas 78006 texasranchjournal.com

Partnering to keep your

Legacy Alive For more than a century, Capital Farm Credit has provided

reliable and consistent credit and financial services to agriculture and rural communities across Texas. For every chapter of life, we are here for farmers, ranchers and rural communities. Our lending professionals understand the vital connection between agricultural producers and their land, and the importance of preserving our natural resources. This passion extends beyond the traditional agricultural interests we most often envision. Capital Farm Credit also provides financing for rural homes and recreational properties. “The foundation of America’s story is agriculture and rural communities,” says Jeff Norte, chief executive officer. “Ag producers, agribusinesses and rural property owners are the backbone of the land we call home. We’re your trusted advisor for diverse forms of agriculture including financing options for rural homebuyers and recreational property owners.”

What makes Capital Farm Credit different?

As a cooperative, we are owned by the farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and rural homeowners we serve. Unlike an investor-owned bank, Capital Farm Credit borrowers have a vote and a voice in the business. When you borrow money from us, you join the cooperative. Our strong history of returning nearly 100 percent of our earnings back to borrowers through our cooperative returns program results in significant reductions in borrowing costs. Our board of directors annually reviews our financial health and decides how profits are returned — whether as cash or as allocated equity.

products and services you need to achieve your goals. We support many facets of agriculture from the smallest ag operation to the largest, from a rural homesite to a family-friendly recreational property. Capital Farm Credit stands ready to help you achieve your dreams. For more information, visit CapitalFarmCredit.com or call 877.944.5500

Land Loans

We provide loans for cropland, ranchland and other rural real estate with competitive interest rates, reasonable closing costs and an array of repayment options.

Rural Home Loans

Our lenders can finance a home and acreage with a single loan, saving you time and closing costs,and we also offer construction loans and refinancing.

Equipment and Livestock Loans

Break new ground, build your herd or bring in the cropwith the help of financing for equipment and livestock.

Improvement Loans

Our financing can bring you closer to your goals when you want to dig a well, install an irrigation system,build a barn, put up fences or make other property improvements.

Since 2006, Capital Farm Credit’s combined cash returned and allocated equities for members is almost $2 billion — more than any other agricultural lender in Texas.

How can Capital Farm Credit help?

Our experienced loan officers are accustomed to the rural way of life and will guide you through the steps of financing rural real estate, agriculture, and agribusiness ventures, and understand your diverse needs. Our products and services are created and tailored for every agriculture endeavor. For each chapter of rural living, your local Capital Farm Credit team will act as your trusted advisor, equipping you with the

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NMLS493828

FROM THE BROKER

2022 has begun with high expectations and a solid foundation with an incredible Team! We wrap up the 1st quarter of 2022 with what is a continuous overflow of clients, both Buyers and Sellers making wise choices with their real estate investments. Texas is one of the most sought-after states to live, own land, and raise families. I am thankful for the opportunities and open doors that we are walking through, and beyond grateful for the continued support and trust of our clients without which we would not be maintaining precedence and steady growth across Texas! I am also excited with the continued expansion into Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon, and Oklahoma. Our client base is far reaching, and we strive to accommodate all their real estate endeavors wherever life and business take them. If we all hold fast to the God given “unalienable rights” of Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness, I believe that Americans will continue to pursue the opportunities that are found in Land ownership. We are always building a Team of “second to none” real estate professionals, making available our Real Estate Brokerage services throughout the great state of TEXAS. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Sheldon Grothaus Broker & Owner CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM

Texas Ranch Sales Team 2021 The Big Deal 2021 Top Sales Award

Dave Wilcox

Guy Allcorn

210.269.4161 Boerne, TX

830.688.3138 Kerrville, TX

2021 Broker of the Year 2021 Top 10 Award

2021 Top 10 Award

Steve Mabery

Andrew Werner

210.415.3377 San Antonio, TX

830.931.7775 Floresville, TX

ASSOCIATE BROKER & COO

ASSOCIATE BROKER & TEAM LEADER

ASSOCIATE BROKER

2021 Top 10 Award

Blake Ledyard

Cynthia Thomas

512.720.1722 Austin, TX

830.377.7468 Kerrville, TX

ASSOCIATE BROKER & TEAM LEADER

ASSOCIATE BROKER

2021 Top 10 Award

Karen Gulick

Zac Kerbow

210.531.6695 Floresville, TX

325.226.0560 Rocksprings, TX

ASSOCIATE BROKER & TEAM LEADER

TEXASRANCHSALES.COM

ASSOCIATE BROKER

2021 Top 10 Award

P. Craig Russell

Kris Groda

936.334.6854 Liberty, TX

210.862.4813 San Antonio, TX

ASSOCIATE BROKER

ASSOCIATE

2021 Top 10 Award

Heather Mountain

David Light

713.203.1099 Houston, TX

210.275.2369 San Antonio, TX

ASSOCIATE BROKER

ASSOCIATE

2021 Rookie of the Year

Kyla Dodson

Jeff Petska

830.591.9840 Weatherford, TX

903.814.0525 Collinsville, TX

2021 2021 2021 2021

2021 Founder’s Award

ASSOCIATE & TEAM LEADER

The Top Top Top

Big Deal Listing Associate Sales Associate 10 Award

ASSOCIATE

Ron Young

Jim Evins

512.818.7777 Rockport, TX

210.380.1461 La Vernia, TX

ASSOCIATE

CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM

Texas Ranch Sales Team 2021 Top 10 Award

2021 Top 10 Award

Matt Franek

Dino Smith

512.709.3424 Boerne, TX

956.763.0884 Wimberly, TX

Matti Tackett

Braden Coleman

830.643.4281 New Braunfels, TX

210.464.7428 College Station, TX

Ryan Hotchkiss

Becca Vizza

210.844.0667 College Station, TX

210.995.0129 Sisterdale, TX

Tully Janszen

Mike Ford

817.366.0336 Cleburne, TX

214.802.4184 Addielou, TX

ASSOCIATE

TEXASRANCHSALES.COM

ASSOCIATE

Keith Payne

Hunter Barrett

214.802.7386 Brenham, TX

210.414.3006 San Antonio, TX

Alexis Thompson

Gene Palmieri

210.897.9263 Lampasas, TX

210.844.8857 La Coste, TX

Stacie Tonne

Vance Runnels

817.771.3065 Stephenville, TX

210.862.8967 Hondo, TX

Charles Marshall

Keith Rand

281.630.1803 Waco, TX

903.391.8802 Groesbeck, TX

ASSOCIATE

CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM

Texas Ranch Sales Team Ryder Carpenter

Tyler Beach

806.847.7310 Weatherford, TX

406.531.8441 San Antonio, TX

Wade Hedtke

Charlie Drennan

830.583.6330 Karnes City, TX

325.650.9087 San Angelo, TX

Ashley Patrova

Julie Zimmerman

512.740.6452 Skidmore, TX

512.924.2550 Austin, TX

David Nesloney

Jason Manning

361.319.4644 Rockport, TX

806.674.8280 Amarillo, TX

ASSOCIATE

TEXASRANCHSALES.COM

ASSOCIATE

Greg West

Cody Myrick

281.910.7977 Houston, TX

830.515.0498 Spring Branch, TX

Kristin Cross

Bryan Trahan

830.890.1110 Harper, TX

713.254.8207 Houston, TX

ASSOCIATE

Scott Wilson ASSOCIATE

214.686.0698 San Angelo, TX

ur o n i o J

m a e T

Zach Peoples ASSOCIATE

210.563.4749 San Marcos, TX

SCAN TO LEARN MORE CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM

Tijerina Ranch 5,481± Acres | Hidalgo County, Texas

Linn, TX 2BR/3BA/1HB main house 3BR/3BA bunkhouse 4BR/3BA foreman’s house Cross fenced with some high fenced sides

TEXASRANCHSALES.COM

Horse barn, tractor barn, & cattle pens Numerous wells & 3 ponds Whitetail, quail, turkey, dove, hogs & some exotics

CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM

Brackettville, TX 2,520± sq/ft main house Guest house & foreman’s house High fenced with cross fenced 3 barns 5 wells & 12± miles of underground water lines 3 ponds & 9± miles of wet-weather creeks Lush pastures, food plots, DMP pens

TEXASRANCHSALES.COM

Burts Ranch 3,096± Acres | Kinney County, Texas

CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM

AquaPlus Equine Center 105± Acres | Victoria County, Texas

Victoria, TX Barn for horse rehabilitation Horse stables, free swim straight pool, underwater treadmill, cold saltwater spa

TEXASRANCHSALES.COM

Large riding pad & 6-horse freestyle panel walker 2 wells & 1 pond 5,300± sq/ft house

CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM

LS Ranch 22,791± Deeded Acres 29,904± FS and BLM allotments 52,695± Acres | Crook County, Oregon

TEXASRANCHSALES.COM

5,948± sq/ft main home 3,572± sq/ft manager house 2,204+ sq/ft bunk house Indoor cattle working facility Large shop Multiple bay equipment storage/ shop Multiple bay tractor shed

Fuel station 8 stall barn & arena Miles of rivers and creeks Numerous ponds, lakes, and springs 31 pivots cover 1,500± irrigated acres Hay storage LOP hunting tags available

CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM

Why Do We Buy Ranches? Why Do We Sell Ranches? By John S. Baen PhD G. Brint Ryan College of Business University of North Texas

e have all heard the cliché: “Buy land. They are not making any more of it” or perhaps “Under all is the land” or still another, “classic truth: land, the true basis of wealth.” With few exceptions, land throughout history, has been worth FIGHTING FOR! Most, if not all, wars are about land, territory or riches found on or under the LAND. Even the various Native American tribes fought over the “rights” to the best hunting lands in historic and ancient Texas.

The Alamo-War of independence was at its core about LAND and LAND VALUES. All the heroes of the Alamo who signed up for and volunteered to fight in order to earn their way to LAND: · 3 months for 320 acres. · 6 months for 640 acres. · Until the war was over for 1280 acres. After the war, David Crockett’s wife was deeded 1280 acres (2 sections) and Texas named the county of Crockett in his honor. Land worth fighting for (or the assets under it) included World War I and II. Even the Vietnam War included potential land, minerals, metals and rare earth materials now vital to the industrial and high-tech worlds. And for those who think the Iraq War was only about the “Freedom of the Iraqi People” and NOT about oil and gas and the freedom of American People to have gasoline at less than $4.00/gallon and drive 70 miles per hour…need to check their brains at the door! 18

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So why do we buy Land!! There are many reasons. They include but are not limited to the following: 1. Any family worth their salt, wants to leave their heirs a legacy, a tangible proof that their hard work in life paid off. Something besides stocks, bonds, cash or a business that can be liquidated, spent or piddled away by a bunch of undeserving heirs. 2. We buy LAND because we love and respect LAND as a place to go in our minds. A quiet place we think about and ‘go to’ when stuck in traffic in the big city, or a business meeting or sitting on a runway waiting to deplane. Our LAND is a destination in our mind when we are not there and the greatest thrill when we are actually there! 3. We buy LAND because that is what rich people do. They buy LAND to store wealth for a very long time. Unlike financial assets and improved commercial real estate… LAND…never disappoints us and never depreciates; the fences and barns might depreciate and need repair but not the LAND! · We know that cows and hunting and every potential income source is likely not going to make more than 1 - 2% cash yield per year. Our expectations of cash flow from ranches are low. In fact, we often have to feed the LAND from city income! A pipeline of cash to pay for it from our ‘real jobs’ or income sources!! And that’s OK, because LAND is worth it!

7. LAND should be purchased to be enjoyed, used, shared with loved ones, hunting, shooting, fishing, ranching or just plain sitting on the porch! Ranches do NOT have to make economic justifications or reasoning. If you want to own LAND you can bullshit yourself how it’s going to make money each year! Cows, goats, horses, vacation B&B, High Fenced Hunting Ranch, private camping grounds, fishing, etc. etc. (Let’s face it, I did exactly that!) If you just plain want a ranch, then just buy one! 8. A person or family can do a lot of great things for the wrong reasons and things often turn out great! LAND can feed the ranch founders EGO. While we walk with confidence and not arrogance. There is a fine line between becoming a modest LAND owner and an ego buyer. I have been a bit of each during various period of my life. 9. LAND the cowboy way! The cowboy traditions, boots, spurs, horses, roping, riding, saddles, branding are the cowboy way. The vast majority (93%) of the 172 million acres of LAND in Texas is privately owned. Unlike the western states, New Mexico, Colorado, etc., the general lack of public land in Texas assures that the future of private hunting leases and wildlife management will provide positive cash flow to any ranch land owner who chooses to lease out their hunting rights. In many parts of Texas, the wildlife, fishing and other outdoor activities generate more income to the LAND than cattle, goats or farming. 10. LAND can be financed with high leverage, large tax deductions and low down payment, unlike stocks and bond options, etc.

· LAND is a place to diversify investment and to store wealth in a safe place. Big names in the US and throughout the world own LAND as their preferred long-term investment. A few Texas names include, the Hunt family (Hunt Oil and Trusts), The Bass family, Ross Perot Jr, D.R. Horton family (Home Builder). Ted Turner, former Time Warner executive and Entertainment industry billionaire, while not a Texan, he owns over 2.8 million acres of land and the majority of his net worth is perhaps the largest collection of privately owned “national parks” in the world. 4. LAND generally takes little management compared to other forms of investments · · · ·

Never leaves in the night like commercial real estate tenants Hard to steal! Rarely burns down Just sits there

5. LAND is very stable, less volatile, less risky compared to stocks, bonds, commercial paper, crypto currencies, even oil and gas investments! 6. LAND ownership can be an important part of a family’s estate planning by innovative co-ownership forms, such as Family Limits Partnership, Texas Limits Liability Company (ownership to share) that can be partially distributed over to death to family members et. The “fractured” ownership of the LAND can then be valued on a reduced value basis under current IRS regulations. CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM

11. The hidden attributes of land can be the potential icing on the cake to ownership and even become the cake! · · · · · ·

Oil and gas royalties Hard mineral leases (sand, gravel, etc.) Wind/electric income Water rights Solar energy Etc, etc

12. Ranch LAND can be subdivided into affordable sized and priced tracts of land for average families to share in the wealth. While not my preferred approach to being a land manager, the facts are that larger tracts of LAND purchased or held are Wholesale Values per acre and can be monetized with great profits into retail tracts of land. This trend contributes to larger ranches not “cut up” worth even more! 13. Ranches held for long periods of time, (and often between two cities or markets) generally benefit over time as the cities and urbanization, suburbanization move out to our LANDS. 14. New and alternative and “highest and best uses” for LAND can yield great profits to the owners in either increase values or cashflow. (Private camping, game ranches, trail rides, large communities, off road racing tracks, etc. 15. The COVID Pandemic has added to LAND rush in Texas, according to the Texas Association of Realtors, with people and families wanting more space, less congestion and ‘protection’ from infection’. 172,000,000 AC ÷ 29,200,000 Texans as of 2021 = 5.9 Acres per person The census and agriculture department report that there are only 248,000 working ranches are farms in Texas. While farms and ranches vary in size vastly from on region of Texas to another and using pure math, the distorted average size is “693 Acres” 172,000,000 acres ÷ 248,000 agricultural operations = 693 acres average 20

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However, many, many non-economic “hobby farms” are much smaller. In any event, there are only a fraction of Texans who own significant LAND as part of their investment portfolio or lifestyle. The Texas population is 2021 is estimated to be 29,200,000 and rapidly growing due to immigration and migration and corporate moves. The data indicates that less than 1% of the individual Texans own significant farms and ranches. 29,200,000,000 Texans ÷ 248,000 operating farms and ranches = .0085 or less than 1% of the population of Texas owns farms and ranches. This small number of elite landowners is distorted by the fact that many larger land owners have many family member/owners or fractured ownership structures. LAND transactions or volume of sales increased by 34% last year with 10,465 sales of 200 acres or less, according to the Texas Association of Realtors, with the statewide average of $6,471 per acre and in North Texas $10,568/acre! LAND as an investment and market is a very imperfect market! Scattered data and the uniqueness of each property and variables include: · · · · · · · ·

Size Improvements Water (ponds, creeks, lakes, etc) Topography Wildlife resources Minerals AG productive Etc.

Imperfect LAND markets with sketchy market data allow special opportunities for buyers (or sellers) who understand value components and potential not readily seen or understood by the average investor or seller. A professional and trusted LAND broker that knows the market can assist in seeing value components or potential for clients who are receptive!

Conclusion and perspectives. Net worth factors contribution or included are: financial, emotional, real (real estate), imaginary and priceless/precious assets. Rich people and legacy families own LAND as a serious component of their net worth. A way to enjoy their investment and store wealth over the generations. While LAND is a long-term investment with generally low cashflow, and lower liquidity the appreciation rate over long periods of time compares competitively with other conventional forms of traditional investment such as stocks, bonds, etc.

Last year, 2021, when it was time to sell, we chose Mr. Sheldon at Texas Ranch Sales L.L.C. as the professional firm to do the job. Two other firms had marketed the ranch with no luck. Sheldon Grothaus and his agents used excellent marketing efforts, resulting in a very satisfactory sale and closing. Trust me, they more than earned their fee that resulted in a closing.

I personally purchased three thousand acres (3000 acres) in 1992….29 years ago! Two years later, our family, my dad and 2 brothers, scraped together enough down payment to finance and buy an adjoining 5000 acres. Over the years that followed, I personally purchased an additional 1700 acres with Dad buying another 900 acres to round out the ranch in size and shape to 10,800 adjoining acres.

Great question! An explanation is forthcoming in the next installment to this fine publication. Please know that I have not been paid for being a contributing author. These words are my own and no one else’s.

We all loved the ranch. It performed as an investment PERFECTLY. Excellent management and hunting resources paid for the ranch together with all the mortgage payments. From the initial purchases of the initial 8000 acres, the LAND appreciated or grew in value 450% which is the actual. The appreciation over the holding period and over 29 years.

About the author: John S. Baen PhD, Professor of Real Estate, at the G. Brint Ryan College of Business at the University of North Texas, Box 310410 Denton, Texas 76203. He received all his degrees from Texas A&M University. BS ’70, MS ’72, and PhD in Land Development ’82 He is a practicing commercial Real Estate Broker, Certified General Appraiser (Texas) and Certified Right of Way Agent. He has published 3 books, 70 journal articles and is and expert witness in many Federal and State Courts. He does not win lawsuits, however justice nearly always prevail to his professional opinion because he tells the truth and is ethical. To inquire about UNT Real Estate Student Scholarship contributions contact John.Baen@unt.edu.

Texas yeild per year and appreciation, if we had paid cash for it, would have been 5.33% per year. However, based on our leveraged 20% down payment 29 years ago and the ranch paying for itself through hunting revenue that paid off the mortgages, the yield per invested dollar, return of a return on every investment dollar has yielded after sales expenseszero (T°) to T-29 years (T²⁹) has been over 10.5%! The dividends beyond the financial and performance included but we are not limited to: great hunting, many deer heads on the wall, an arrowhead collection second to none, unforgettable family gatherings and memories that will eco across the canyons and generations.

If ranch investments are so good why did I/we sell the 10,800 acres?

CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM

Tres Caminos Ranch 469± Acres | Brazoria County, Texas

Sweeny, TX Outstanding develpomental opportunity Road frontage on 3 sides Low fenced Over 2 miles of wet-weather creeks 2 small ponds Water & electricity available Improved pastures with lush trees & timber

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San Bernard River Ranch 196± Acres | Brazoria County, Texas

Sweeny, TX ½ mile of San Bernard River frontage Over a mile of wet-weather creeks Low fenced Water & electricity available Improved pastures with lush trees & timber

CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM

A-Design by Gustavo Arredondo, Inc. provides excellent and intelligent design for exterior, interior and landscape. Every design our firm takes on is much more than a project to us; it’s personal. Our goal is to create a resort-style retreat of comfort, fun and relaxation for you and your family.

A-Design by Gustavo Arredondo, Inc. has been designing multiple unique styles including Tuscan, Spanish, Mediterranean, Italian, Rustic Texan, French Country and many in the United States and Mexico since 1997. Our firm has been dedicated to open and direct communication, building trust and seamless teamwork.

210.499.4700 · TEXASRANCHSALES.COM

info@adbyga.com · www.adesignbyga.com

Dogwood Ranch 1,400± Acres | Burleson County, Texas

Caldwell, TX High fenced & divided into 4 high fenced pastures Game-processing barn with walk-in cooler Numerous additional improvements 8± Acre stocked spring-fed lake & other ponds 2 Irrigation wells & 1 Carrizo well Abundant native & exotic wildlife

CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM

Summit Prairie

9,300± Deeded Acres | Crook County, Oregon

Prestigious mountain meadow property 6,220± irrigated acres 2 lakes Miles of rivers and creeks

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New fencing Summer grazing for 1,400± pair Abundant wildlife LOP hunting tags available

Russell Ranch

7,677± Deeded Acres | Crook County, Oregon

Several homes and bunkhouses Four 1,200 ton hay barns Insulated 3-bay equipment barn Roping arena Indoor & outdoor cattle working pens

Heated calving barn Various sheds, shops, barns, and ranching facilities LOP hunting tags available

CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM

TITAN RANCH 735± Acres | Frio County, Texas

Dilley, TX Frontage on CR 4899 6BR/3BA/1HB house High fenced with dense brush

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Game processing area with walk-in cooler 3 electric wells, water lines, & 4 ponds 7.15± acre DMP pen Improved Whitetail genetics

Rockport Red Fish on the Half Shell

By Ryan & Matti Tackett

Fish Fridays are coming up, so we are sharing our favorite red fish recipe! Fried fish is great, but sometimes it just doesn’t hit the spot. This recipe is always a crowd pleaser - even for those folks that “don’t like fish”. This is a quick and easy dinner that you can make with ingredients you probably already have at home. Next time you’re fishing for Reds, while you are cleaning them, make sure to leave the skin on the backside of the meat. This is the “half shell”. Caution, if the rib bones are not removed in this process, there will be bones in the finished product. There are plenty of videos online for tutorials on how to clean fish this way. INGREDIENTS · Red Fish fillets on the half shell · Bolner’s Fiesta brand Uncle Chris’ Gourmet Fish Seasoning This is the best fish seasoning we’ve found · 1 Lemon · 1 Serrano Pepper (optional) · Unsalted Stick of Butter, sliced thin While you can use a regular grill or oven for this recipe, we highly recommend using a pellet grill for best results. Reason being, the pellet smoker gives you the temperature control of an oven AND the flavor of the grill. DIRECTIONS 1. If using a pellet smoker or oven, preheat to 325 degrees. If using a traditional grill, start the fire and get to a nice, low temperature. 2. Pat the fillets dry with a paper towel. Season the meat side liberally with the seasoning. Put 3 thin slices of lemon, the Serrano slices (if using for more flavor), and a few slices of butter on top of the seasoned fish. 3. Head to the grill – If using a Traeger or an oven, cook for about 20 minutes. If using a traditional grill, place fish on rack with coals on other side of grill. Cook on indirect heat for 15-20 min. 4. When the fish is done, the edges will start to blacken and the shell will start to slightly curl up. Check for doneness by flaking the fish with a fork. CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM

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Elm Creek Ranch 423± Acres | Frio County, Texas

Pearsall, TX High fenced 1 well & electric meter Over 2,000± feet ofr Elm Creek

Good ranch roads & senderos Numerous hunting blinds & feeders Minerals negotiable

CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM

Crescent River Ranch

2,500± Acres | Liberty County, Texas

Dayton, TX 3± Miles of Trinity River 4,920± sq/ft Main lodge 2,000± sq/ft Foreman’s quarters Numerous additional improvements

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Low fenced & cross fenced Natural Oxbow Lakes 3 Wells & electricity Incredible hunting & fishing possibilities

RANCH SURVEYS GAME CAPTURES HELI HOG HUNTS REAL ESTATE VIEWINGS CATTLE WORK PREDATOR CONTROL PIPELINE PATROL

713-725-8621 | rrhelicopters@yahoo.com Double R Helicopters, LLC is here to assist you with any helicopter services you might need. From out on the ranch, or down a pipeline we are here to provide you with the most courteous and professional service you can expect in the industry!

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Statewide Specialized Settlement Services

We Know Ranches, & We Know Texas.

Expertise in large land transactions and strategic partnerships throughout Texas.

R a n c h e r sTi t l e.c o m

830.278.9160

El Dorado Ranch 315± Acres | Medina County, Texas

Hondo, TX 2-story custom home Heated pool & hot tub 4,700± sq/ft barn High-fenced & low-fenced 2 wells, rural water & storage tank 1 pond Irrigated Coastal Bermuda pastures

CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM

ANTLER RATTLING 101 By: Dr. Mickey W. Hellickson

Originally published in Quality Whitetails. Republished with permission. Edited to fit.

I caught movement out of the left corner of my eye just as I pulled the shed antlers apart from each other. I slowly turned for a better look, but whatever it was that had made the movement was no longer visible. I sat motionless, intently staring toward where I had seen the movement. With nothing in sight, I softly blew the grunt tube around my neck. At the sound of the grunt the buck finally made himself visible by jerking his head up in attention. The buck, a mature nine point with tall tines and exceptionally heavy main beams, began trotting in my direction. He quickly moved to within 30 yards and then stopped and looked to his left. I looked that direction as well and noticed a second buck also responding to my earlier rattling segment. This buck, an eight point which appeared to be middle-aged, froze in his tracks when he noticed the first buck. The two bucks then began side-stepping toward each other with hair on end to magnify their size. When neither buck backed down from this initial encounter, each buck laid his ears back. The bucks continued to side-step in half circles in front of each other, each with head lowered and antlers extended. The larger buck finally called the smaller buck’s bluff and charged toward him. The smaller buck stood his ground for a few seconds as the two bucks locked antlers. Quickly though, the larger buck proved his dominance and the smaller buck broke free running back toward the direction where he was first sighted. As if this was not enough excitement, a total of five additional bucks responded to my next two rattling segments over the next 20 minutes. At one point there were three bucks within 25 yards of my makeshift blind under a mesquite tree. One of these bucks walked by at an eye-opening distance of only five yards! 36

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Although two of the bucks were undoubtedly mature and were well within even bow range, I was not hunting. Instead, I was conducting preliminary research toward a doctorate degree at The University of Georgia. The core of my research involved an intensive three-year telemetry study on movement patterns and behavior of different-aged bucks. In addition to this research, I initiated a second study on antler rattling. With the help of several college student interns, we conducted nearly all of the rattling research on weekends during our time off. I was especially interested in the rattling research because bucks that respond to rattling offer a unique view to their breeding behavior. Of course, I was also interested in the rattling research because I love to hunt whitetails. My first question was “what type of rattling sequence attracts the highest number of bucks?” Because no research had ever been conducted on antler rattling, I relied on rattling articles I had read in hunting magazines to develop four different rattling sequences. Volume and length of the rattling were varied between each of the four sequences. I conducted the rattling research at the Rob and Bessie Welder Wildlife Foundation Refuge, north of Sinton, Texas. This refuge was chosen as the study area for several reasons. The deer herd is relatively high, the buck to doe ratio is fairly even, and the age structure in the buck segment of the herd is well balanced. In addition, because the study site was a refuge, none of the bucks had been previously exposed to antler rattling. Also, 17 30-foot tall observation towers are located throughout the refuge. These towers offered ideal stands for observing and videotaping bucks as they responded to our rattling.

The four rattling sequences were randomly tested during the pre-rut, rut peak, and post-rut over a three-year period. Each sequence began with a 10-minute segment that included one or three minutes of actual rattling followed by nine or seven minutes of silence. This was then repeated two more times over the next 20 minutes. The four sequences were called “short and quiet” (SQ), “short and loud” (SL), “long and quiet” (LQ), and “long and loud” (LL). Both short sequences included three 10-minute segments with each containing one minute of rattling followed by nine minutes of silence (total of three minutes of rattling over the 30-minute period). Both long sequences also included three 10-minute segments, but each segment now included three minutes of rattling followed by seven minutes of silence (nine minutes of rattling over the 30-minute period). During the two “quiet” sequences, both elbows were held against the body to avoid loud antler clashes. During both “loud” sequences, the antlers were clashed together as loudly as possible. We also broke nearby branches, rubbed bark, and scrapped the ground trying to make as much “natural” noise as possible. Each rattling sequence was tested at one of the 17 observation stands and included two people. One person watched deer respond to the rattling from the top of the stand, recorded data, and videotaped each buck with a camcorder. The second person performed the rattling upwind of the stand in the nearest clump of brush. Both people were completely camouflaged and remained as quiet and still as possible when not rattling.

Whenever a buck responded to the rattling, we estimated its age and gross Boone and Crockett Club score “on-the-hoof.” The interns and I watched videos of known-age bucks to prepare ourselves for estimating ages and scores. Because each buck response was also videotaped, we were able to review the video of each buck during the evenings to arrive at a consensus of the buck’s age and gross Boone and Crockett Club score. We also recorded the time and direction from the stand where each buck was first sighted. Lastly, at each stand we estimated wind speed and direction, temperature, and the amount of cloud cover. By the conclusion of the study, we had rattled 171 different times with 60 sequences performed during pre-rut, 60 during rut peak, and 51 during post-rut. The periods of the rut were determined based on necropsy records of over 900 does killed on the refuge. A total of 111 bucks responded to our rattling. The two loud sequences (SL & LL) were performed 85 times and attracted 81 bucks, nearly three times as many bucks as the two quiet sequences (SQ & LQ) which were performed 86 times and attracted only 30 bucks. The response rates were 95% for the loud sequences and 35% for the quiet sequences. Clearly then, as the volume of the rattling is increased the number of bucks that respond also increases. Obviously, more bucks were able to hear the louder rattling because the sound no doubt carried further. However, bucks also responded quicker and more aggressively to the loud sequences. On several different occasions we had bucks run to within a few yards of the person rattling. There was no difference between the response rates of the four sequences when they were combined according to the length of the rattling. The short sequences (SQ & SL) attracted an equal ratio of bucks when compared to the long sequences (LQ & LL). The short sequences were performed 88 times and attracted 57 bucks. The long sequences were performed 83 times and attracted 54 bucks.

However, when the data were grouped according to the timing of the rut there were some differences based on rattling length. During the pre-rut, the LL sequence attracted the highest ratio of bucks. During the rut peak, the SL sequence attracted the highest ratio of bucks. And during post-rut, the LQ sequence attracted the highest ratio of bucks. The majority of bucks responded to the rattling during the first 10 minute segment with the lowest response rates during the third segment. However, the differences between response rates by segment were not great. Forty-nine bucks (44%) responded during the first segment, 37 bucks (34%) responded during the second segment, and 25 bucks (22%) did not respond until the third segment. Obviously therefore, from a hunting standpoint it is important to remain in the same rattling location for at least 30 minutes if you are interested in seeing a majority of the bucks that will respond to the rattling. When I grouped the responses based on the timing of the rut, I found that the majority of bucks responded during the rut peak. Lowest response rates occurred during pre-rut. During the rut peak, 65 bucks responded to 60 different sequences for a response rate of 108%. During post-rut, 28 bucks responded to 51 sequences for a response rate of 55%. And during pre-rut. only 18 bucks responded to 60 sequences for a response rate of 30%. Far and away the best time to rattle is during the rut peak - if you are interested in rattling in high numbers of bucks. Often when rattling during the rut peak more than one buck will respond at a time. On two occasions, during this magic time of the year, we had eight different bucks respond during one 30-minute sequence. Although rattling during the rut peak can be very exciting, the majority of bucks that respond are young and middle-aged. A few mature bucks will respond, but the overall response rate for these mature bucks is lower than during either pre-rut or post-rut. More than likely this is due to the fact that the majority of the mature bucks are too

busy tending, chasing, or trying to locate receptive females to respond to the rattling. The highest response from mature bucks occurred during the post-rut when an equal number of middle-aged and mature bucks responded to our rattling. During the post rut, most of the young bucks, and many of the middle-aged bucks had returned to bachelor groups, so their response rates declined. Mature bucks however, tended to still be alone and in search of receptive females. Although mature bucks were still actively seeking does, most does had already been bred by this time. This meant there were a lot fewer “hot” does during the post-rut to keep the mature bucks occupied. Because mature bucks were still actively engaged in breeding behavior, and because fewer does were “in heat,” the response rates from mature bucks were highest during the post rut.

The second highest response rates for mature bucks occurred during the pre rut. During the pre rut, most of the bucks were in bachelor groups. Interestingly, we observed that when bucks were in bachelor groups, typically only one buck from the group would respond to our rattling. Although all of the bucks in the group could obviously hear the rattling, the buck that responded often appeared to be the dominant buck within the group. We suspect that the dominant buck intimidated the other subordinate bucks in the group, which kept them from responding to the rattling. Trophy hunters, who are willing to sit and rattle for long periods without seeing many deer, may want to try rattling at this time because of the increased likelihood that a mature buck will respond. The highest number of bucks responded during morning rattling sequences. Sixty of the 111 bucks that responded came in during the 64 sequences performed between 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Thirty-three bucks responded during the 62 sequences performed in the afternoon. Only 18 bucks responded during the 45 sequences performed during midday. This finding was not surprising because deer are naturally most active at sunrise and sunset anyway. When we looked at this same data according to the timing of the rut we found that during pre-rut the vast majority of bucks (83%) responded during morning sequences. During both rut peak and post-rut a more equal number of bucks responded during morning and afternoon sequences. As mentioned earlier, we also recorded various weather conditions each time we

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rattled. Not surprisingly, the highest number of bucks responded when wind speeds were lowest. As wind speeds increased, the number of bucks responding decreased. Obviously, as wind speed increased, fewer bucks were able to hear the rattling. Sixty-seven of the 111 bucks (60%) that responded to our rattling were first sighted downwind of our stand. Bucks were obviously using the wind to determine what was producing the rattling sound. Surprisingly however, mature bucks were no more likely to approach from downwind then were young or middle-aged bucks. Bucks that were seen upwind of the stand before the rattling began typically circled, from their initial location to a location downwind, as they approached the stand. However, several bucks did approach our stand from upwind. The highest number of bucks responded when cloud cover was 75%. Lowest responses occurred when there were no clouds. Also, the highest number of bucks responded to our rattling when temperatures were between 70 and 80 degrees. As temperatures increased, the number of bucks responding to our rattling decreased, reaching a low point at temperatures over 90 degrees. In summary, without a doubt loud rattling attracts more bucks than quiet rattling. Hunters shouldn’t hesitate to slam the antlers together as loudly as possible. It is also important to make as much additional “natural” noise as possible by breaking branches and kicking dirt and brush when rattling. If you are not totally exhausted after

completing the sequence than you probably did not rattle loud enough. Also, if you have ever been fortunate enough to observe a true, knockdown-dragout fight between two equally matched mature bucks, then you know that it is almost impossible to make too much noise. Although we never observed any bucks being frightened away by our rattling, I would recommend that the first sequence be conducted quietly to avoid any possibility of spooking a buck that may already be close to your position. The follow-up sequences should then be conducted as loudly as possible to maximize the distance the sound travels in order to maximize the number of bucks that are able to hear the rattling. During the silent periods between rattling we often used a grunt call to bring bucks in even closer or to temporarily stop bucks from moving. During silent periods we also simulated a buck making a rub by rubbing the shed antlers on nearby tree trunks and branches. We often had bucks lingering in the area after their initial response. These bucks many times would start making rubs themselves in response to our simulated rubbing.

The length of the rattling does not seem to be important. However, I would not rattle any longer than 2-3 minutes at a time to minimize the chance of a buck spotting you while you are slamming the antlers together. And I would remain in the same location for at least 30 minutes to see any bucks that may be responding late. Rattling during the rut peak is best for seeing high numbers of bucks, but the pre-rut and post-rut are better times to rattle in mature, trophy bucks. Although rattling can be productive during all hours of the day, mornings and afternoons are best. Buck responses increase as wind speed and temperature decrease and as cloud cover increases.

Bucks typically approach from downwind so select stand sites where you have a clear view downwind. However, don’t forget to keep an eye upwind as well. Also, rattle with a partner whenever possible so that one person can get elevated and search for deer while the other person rattles. In our study, the person rattling at ground level did not see 63 of the 111 bucks that responded. If you are rattling alone I would still get elevated even though this increases the chances of bucks spotting you while you are rattling. Lastly, I am sure that imitation antlers will attract bucks but I prefer to use the largest fresh set of shed antlers I can find.

Dr. Mickey W. Hellickson, CWB Orion Wildlife Management Services P.O. Box 260130 Corpus Christi, TX 78426 Mobile: (361) 960-9598 Email: mickey.hellickson@yahoo.com

SIDEBAR In an upcoming issue of Texas Ranch Journal I will reveal the results of a second antler rattling study that was conducted on a private ranch where I had placed radio transmitting collars on 130 different bucks. These bucks ranged in age from 1.5 to 11.5, with an average age of over four years. Several of these bucks had special, unique radio transmitters attached to their collars. These new transmitters allowed us to determine whether the buck was active or bedded each time that we used telemetry to locate the buck. Just by listening to the signal that we received from the buck’s radio transmitter we were able to tell whether that buck was up and moving around or if he was bedded. During this second rattling study we initially located each buck using telemetry. We then carefully and quietly approached these bucks from downwind until we felt we were within 200-300 yards. We then performed the LL rattling sequence with the telemetry equipment left turned on. This allowed us to determine if the buck became active in response to our rattling even when we were not able to see the buck. In an upcoming issue we will describe the individual response patterns of these bucks in relation to their age and gross Boone and Crockett Club score.

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Yates Ranch

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Corsicana, TX Excellent developmental property Low fenced Single-phase & three-phase electricity

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Several ponds & wet-weather creeks Rapid growth area Less than an hour from Dallas

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Free Range Aoudad 40+ Species of Exotics Mule Deer Pronghorn Exotic Capture, Sales, & Management Operating on over 500,000 total acres in Texas

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Picture the Picture By: Calan J. Ahrens

When capturing moments, there is a mental and a physical way to remember a specific time. When we look at the mental aspect, we remember a specific smell, taste, sight, sound, or small detail that cues our memory to that moment and reflect on that time. When we physically capture a moment, we use our iPhone, our Android, our Canon camera, or back in the 90’s we would have used a polaroid and shook until our picture came clear. These pictures we take, help us with reflecting on a specific moment with a simple frame of that moment in our life. When our clients come on a hunt with us, picture taking is of the upmost importance. That picture we take of our client and their trophy, is an important photo for several reasons. One, it is used by the client to show all his/her friends back home of their hunting experience and the animal as when the client was there with it. Two, it serves as a reminder of their trip (other than the mount on the wall) and that they can take with them anywhere in the world. And finally, it is a fantastic means of marketing to other potential clients who are interested in hunting with us. With all those positive means to great picture taking, there is also some negatives to poor picture taking.

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Several years ago, it was quite common seeing the “good old boy” whitetail harvest photo with the deer in the bed of that old square body Chevy, with Pabst Blue Ribbon beer cans (empty of course), and the hunter sitting next to his buck. While this picture was acceptable and still is to some this day, there is one variant we must be aware of now verses the 70’s & 80’s. That variant is social media. Pictures spread quickly on the world wide web, and we have no way or means to control who sees the pictures we post. Photos we take of our harvested game can sometimes be used against us with anti-hunters to propagate their agenda, and we all know they don’t need any more fuel for their fire. Simply being mindful of how we post pictures and what we post will go a long way. Another issue to contend with, is the lack of hunting recruitment in the United States. Many individuals who make up the hunting community are of an older generation and not enough younger individuals are getting involved with hunting, which spells trouble in the long run. Good picture taking of harvested game, is more inviting to a younger potential hunter, verses a less tasteful photo.

Here is just a few of my tips and tricks to take some nice field harvest photos.

· My number one trick to taking good quality field harvest photos is the simplest one of all. Clean all blood off the animal and around the picture area. Carrying some paper towels or baby wipes in your truck or hunting rig and a spray bottle of 409 will make that clean up job so much easier. On animals like Pronghorn with hollow hair that seems to just soak up blood, simply spray the 409 on the area you want to clean up, and wipe in one direction. Be sure not to over soak as it can cause the blood to spread into more of the hair. Also, using dirt that’s around your picture area to cover up bullet holes is a great trick. You can also use dirt that’s your area to touch up areas where blood is around the animals. When you use the flash feature on your camera, those blood spots on grass and on the ground really pop out and shine, so just using a little dirt goes a long way.

· Try to have your client/hunter/huntress and the animal in some grass (but not too tall). Grass softens up the animal in pictures and gives the picture a better look. Sometimes in a flat dirt area, the animal has a stark look. So, grass is your friend when taking pictures.

· Try to utilize the sky in photos to help showcase the animal in your pictures. Often, animals’ horns/antlers get lost in the trees or habitat behind them in the pictures. I try to get different angles when taking photos, either moving myself or the animal/client into other photo taking angles (when able because sometimes on the edge of a cliff with an Aoudad ram, you won’t be moving him more than once!).

· Finally, have a designated camera (an actual camera). While technology has come a long way from polaroid and iPhone has an incredible camera, there is no replacing a great camera and the quality of photo it produces. I use a Canon Rebel T6 and it allows me to transfer photos over to my phone via Bluetooth, with cuts down the number of cameras during the “photo shoot”. There is even great pocket cameras out there at BestBuy and on Amazon that are cheaper and produce some great pictures.

· Another important point in taking good pictures is making sure the tongue is not protruding from the animal. This is a simple task and takes no time at all to make sure it is not “photo bombing” your next harvest photo.

· A big key to remember when taking photos, always try to have the sun at your back. Shadows are your worst enemy when it comes to taking pictures (other than blood). So, the easiest way to combat that, is just have the sun at your back. I hope these tips and tricks help you the next time you are out in the field taking some photos of your next harvest. Although I have several more tips and things I do, these few bullet points I have laid out are the main ones I live by and preach to my guides. High quality photos go a long way, but so do bad ones.

Calan Ahrens is the Owner and Founder of Ahrens Ranch & Wildlife, LLC. serving several landowners encompassing 600,000 acres all over Texas for their commercial hunting, ranch management, and exotic/native game needs. www.ahrensranchandwildlife.com CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM

Ranch

roots Financing present and future ag operations

Texas’ farms and ranches look different than they did 20 years ago. New technology, practices and innovation are inevitable, yet the importance of agriculture remains intact. Our future still needs food, fuel and fiber. We’re still here to help.

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At Capital Farm Credit, we commit to serve rural communities, yesterday, today and tomorrow. It’s who we are and who we’ll continue to be. Whether you’re a new face to agriculture, or stepping into your family roots, we’re here to provide reliable credit to enable your ag operation’s success.

Access to funds has never been easier. Monitor your account using online banking or our mobile app. We’re here with answers to questions from the application process to requesting renewal documents. We want to know, not only where you are now, but where you are headed in the future.

Together, we’ll cultivate the future.

“We sit down with our members and discuss current and future goals. Having a lender that is familiar with realistic production costs, yields, prices and risk management options is invaluable. We’ll get there together,” says Shields.

Our bread-and-butter

Capital Farm Credit’s team of professional lenders share appreciation for the nature of agriculture. That’s why our loans are personalized to meet the feed, seed, and fuel needs of your ag operation.

We are family

“Our lenders have agricultural backgrounds,” says Pat Shields, Capital Farm Credit relationship manager. “We understand this lifestyle because we’ve lived it. We’re in the business to finance an ag operation during the good times, the challenging times and everywhere in between.”

Capital Farm Credit is a family of experienced lenders equipped to finance your agricultural dreams. Our knowledge and expertise make us your lender of choice for reliable agricultural credit. With offices serving 192 of Texas’ 254 counties, we commit to serve rural communities yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Capital Farm Credit provides consistent credit to full- and part-time farmers and ranchers, with separate programs for military veterans and young or beginning operators.

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Tell us your production goals and we’ll customize a flexible loan program to get your operation off the ground. Short-term operating loans are tailored to match your normal production cycle. Our revolving-line-of-credit option allows you to draw and repay funds throughout the term of your note. We’ll leverage our knowledge and expertise to align with your success.

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even cowgirls git the blues CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM

trigger finger

Shawn Cox is a multimedia artist, juror, collector and curator. Born in Lubbock Texas, with ranching roots in west Texas, he currently lives and works in Austin, Texas. His vibrant and diverse work has been exhibited and collected throughout the United States in both private and corporate collections. He has degrees in Architecture and Law but has maintained and developed an evolving art practice for over 30 years. His work is currently exploring two related paths. His role as an artist is bound by two responsibilities – first to capture, emote and communicate an idea and then, to transform the chosen media itself as part of the expression. Both paths explore the artist is a cartographer, mapping an understanding of what is while constantly calibrating his own mutable internal compass. One metaphorically manually constructs visions of an idea from distilled and reassembled handmade components and the other is a graphic, colorful commentary reflecting on social mythology by repurposing and graphically challenging iconographic figurative stereotypes.

281-802-3882 BSHAWNCOX@GMAIL.COM WWW.BSHAWNCOX.COM @SHAWNATHON01

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polka.dot.rodeo is the most current collection in his evolving body of work with western icons. This series of paintings on fabric explore the artifice of the western mystique that he watched while sitting on an upholstered sofa as a child though the adult lens of multiple professional degrees, related employment, urban living and a lifelong exploration of visual arts. This current series offers reflective commentary on social mythology by repurposing iconographic figurative stereotypes in graphic, lyrical, playful, and layered compositions. He has work displayed at Davis Gallery in Austin, Texas, Commerce Gallery in Lockhart, TX, Fort Works Art in Fort Worth, Tx, Evoke Contemporary in Santa Fe, NM and Horizon Fine Art in Jackson, Wy.

fistbump lenticular another tequila sunrise

three way steady hads

ur so golden

all cowboy no horse

blue through the mist

FERAL PIG MANAGEMENT IN A FRAGMENTED LANDSCAPE Owning land is the dream of so many, regardless of where they lay their head, as apparent by the realty markets across this great country. Land ownership provides freedoms that few witness but multitudes aspire to experience and finds its way to the bucket list of goals in the lives of many. It is nothing short of breathtaking to walk out on the porch on a cool morning with a cup of coffee, listening to the call of the birds welcoming the sun to a new day of God’s Creation, especially on your own land. Once the coffee is down and the nostalgia of the morning begins to wane, it is time to go to work to be the good steward of the land that ownership requires. Working on your own land is definitely a labor of love, and dirt under the fingernails most certainly lifts the spirits. Throughout much of the country there are far more hands on the landscape than there were a mere decade or two ago. Land, once in much larger holdings, is being parceled off into smaller sections, making ownership a reality for far more individuals and families. With that comes an escalating number of land management goals and theories for a particular part of Heaven on Earth. Many will keep the land in some form of production agriculture, wildlife management, or conservation, albeit on a smaller scale. However, some land management ideologies, or the lack thereof, lend to a higher likelihood of the ecosystem falling out of balance or opening the door a bit further for invasive species to get a much stronger foothold. Sound management does not depend on the size of a parcel of land. It does, however, need to make sense for that particular setting. White-tailed deer management is not an option for a 50-acre property, but managing for songbirds, small mammals, or quail may be an option, with deer visiting as an added perk. Such sound management does begin with great intentions, and we take pride 50

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when we see the focused goals coming into view with the increasing land health and desired critters moving about reaping the benefits of your efforts. Your efforts will have direct beneficiaries (livestock, deer, birds, flowers, etc.), but there will also be those that will benefit from your hard work indirectly. Unfortunately, this country is being invaded by thousands of non-native invasive floral and faunal species. One of the more shameless critters to jump at the opportunity to take advantage of your good efforts in management will be feral pigs (Sus scrofa) across an ever-increasing area of the country. Feral pigs are an unbelievably adaptable omnivore that taught a goat what to eat! Feral pigs will take advantage of any food source and turn it into more pigs quickly. Land management variability on fragmented lands is being discussed in great detail throughout feral pig-occupied landscapes because of species adaptability and increasing frequency of “sanctuary” land. A property that may have been managed for decades through one management ideology may now, through fragmentation, be managed by and through dozens of new approaches or, in some instances, no management at all. It is estimated that feral pigs are the responsible party for an estimated $2.5 billion in economic damage annually in the United States, with that estimation ever increasing. Initially, this damage is witnessed by the local farmers, ranchers, land/wildlife managers, water managers, and the native flora and fauna on the landscape. The indirect effects are felt by every citizen across the country when buying food, textiles, commodities, or when wanting to enjoy the outdoors through recreation. Effective management of all species is intrinsic for the health of the land and the species that reside upon it. Fragmented land is presenting a growing challenge in the effort of feral pig management.

Feral pigs are in the top 5 most intelligent species on the planet, frequently ranking #2 only behind the hominids (Apes), lending to the complexity of management. In addition to being highly adaptable and intelligent, feral pigs are extremely sensitive to pressures of management. They will quickly identify areas of sanctuary separate from any negative pressures and occupy that area for the lion’s share of the day (and night), only venturing out during selective periods of decreased pressure. Such sanctuary locations are growing in frequency, allowing feral pigs to find safe haven to reproduce uncontrollably and then unleash their destruction on the surrounding landscape. Surrounding landowners and managers feel the direct brunt of this, but, many times, sanctuary landowners do not realize what is happening to their own land throughout the feral pig occupation. Sound management of land surrounding sanctuary lands will see an increase in landscape function and ecological health in many instances, which includes feral pig control efforts. These control efforts will require feral pigs to occupy sanctuary areas for longer periods of time with an increasing population. This will result in the systematic destruction of landscape function and ecological health of that sanctuary property. When this happens, where do you think the desirable fauna will go? What will happen to the expanses of wildflowers that brought your eye and ownership to the property? Plant communities cannot just pick up and move; those native communities could be completely lost. Soil disturbances brought on by feral pig destruction will result in the loss of topsoil and the increased probability of less desirable or invasive plant species. Many of our smallest residents of the landscape, such as insects and small mammals, depend heavily on niche habitats that only sanctuary properties may hold. Loss of native landscapes will see a decrease of

butterfly and hummingbird migrations on properties with lost native vegetation productivity. In addition, erosion will become a reality on properties with high feral pig populations. Those quail and other birds that once sung to the morning sunrise will now be residents of the surrounding properties that did implement sound management, including feral pig control. White-tailed deer will find new birthing grounds and lands to forage. Libraries of research suggest that three-quarters of ground nesting bird clutches are lost in areas of high feral pig populations. Wildlife feeders that once provided nutrition for a myriad of species will become pig feeders. All landowners have the right to do as they see fit under the law on their own property, and no one should infringe on that luxury stemming from hard work and goals. With land ownership also comes the responsibility for land stewardship and management. The lack of or refusal to incorporate an integrated management approach for feral pigs and other non-native species is doing an insurmountable disservice to landscape function and ecosystem health. Please pass along the information on and importance of feral pig and non-native species management so we can continue to watch the deer feed and listen to the birds sing over the wildflower grasslands as the sun rises on the properties we have the opportunity to steward.

By: Aaron Sumrall, PhD Director of Research and Outreach Field Engine Wildlife Research and Management Pig Brig Trap Systems CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM

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NORTH FORK RANCHETTE 10± ACRES BURNET COUNTY, TEXAS Burnet, TX Beautiful scenery Light deed restrictions Ideal homesite locations Electricity Low fenced with dense brush Active & abundant wildlife CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM

LUCKY 7 RANCH 2,350± ACRES CONCHO COUNTY, TEXAS Eden, TX 3,000± sq/ft 5BR/4BA lodge Lodge & satellite cabins sleep over 20 guests 13 large ponds 2± miles of HWY 83 frontage Array of exotic species available

WHIPPLE RANCH 54± ACRES COOKE COUNTY, TEXAS Gainesville, TX Sub-irrigated improved coastal Multiple building sites Low-fenced Great hay production Mature trees

Y-BELL RANCH 435± ACRES CROOK COUNTY, OREGON Powell Butte, OR 8,863± sq/ft main home 2,775± acre BLM lease 40± acres of flood irrigation Incredible equestrian facilities POD reservoir to canal & pivots for irrigation

ASHERTON 389 RANCH 389± ACRES DIMMIT COUNTY, TEXAS Carrizo Springs, TX High fenced Rural water & electricity 4 Tanks Miles of wet-weather creek Well-managed Whitetail bucks in the 180” class 54

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MC RANCH 80± ACRES DUVAL COUNTY, TEXAS Benavides, TX Excellent brush cover Numerous possible homesite locations Good senderos Abundant wildlife Great secluded hunting property

WHITE ROCK RANCH 515± ACRES EDWARDS COUNTY, TEXAS Rocksprings, TX 3BR/2BA Hunting camp Private well & rainwater capturing system Four water storage tanks Good roads & ATV trails Abundant native & exotic wildlife

VENADO RANCH 391± ACRES EDWARDS COUNTY, TEXAS Barksdale, TX 3BR/2BA Hunting camp Private well & rainwater capturing system Four water storage tanks Good roads & ATV trails Abundant native & exotic wildlife

EDWARDS ESCAPE 364± ACRES EDWARDS COUNTY, TEXAS Rocksprings, TX Excellent hilltop views Numerous homesites Elevations from 2,100-2,200’ Low-fenced with open meadows Hunting blinds & feeders CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM

TIMBER RANCH 300± ACRES EDWARDS COUNTY, TEXAS Rocksprings, TX 512± sq/ft cabin with rainwater collection system 4x4 roads and trails Abundant native and exotic free-roaming wildlife

5F RANCH 160± ACRES EDWARDS COUNTY, TEXAS Rocksprings, TX Newly constructed 1,800± sq/ft metal building Outdoor covered bar area & pool Low fenced with good ranch roads & trails Small set of deer breeding pens Elevations from 2,100’-2,300’ DOUBLE TANK RANCH 135± ACRES EDWARDS COUNTY, TEXAS Rocksprings, TX Remote & scenic ranch Frontage on FM 674 384± sq/ft cabin Low fenced Shared well & electric nearby Native wildlife & free ranging exotics

ROCKY DIAMOND RANCH 50± ACRES EDWARDS COUNTY, TEXAS Rocksprings, TX 700± sq/ft cabin High fenced & low fenced Electricity & rainwater catch system ½ mile of wet-weather creek Native wildlife & exotics 56

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STANDING ROCK RANCHETTE 40± ACRES EDWARDS COUNTY, TEXAS Rocksprings, TX Excellent views of the countryside Numerous great building sites Low fenced on 2 sides ATV trails Rock creek beds Dense tree coverage

LEONA RIVER RANCH 1,170± ACRES FRIO COUNTY, TEXAS Pearsall, TX Frio River & Leona River Frontage High-fenced & cross-fenced Improved Coastal Bermuda pastures Huge Live Oaks 2 Ponds Future irrigation potential FRIO CROSSING RANCH 452± ACRES FRIO COUNTY, TEXAS Derby, TX Frio River frontage 3,450± sq/ft main house 2 guest quarters 4 barns & skinning shed with walk-in cooler 4 wells 3 ponds

MOORE HILLS TRACTS 15-20± ACRE TRACTS FRIO COUNTY, TEXAS Moore, TX Raw Land Minutes from IH-35 Unrestricted Abundant native wildlife Under an hour from downtown San Antonio CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM

TRES MOLINOS RANCH 120± ACRES GILLESPIE COUNTY, TEXAS Harper, TX Luxury ranch, resort, & event center 3,800± sq/ft main house 3 B&B Units, 2 Cowboy Cabins Shooting range, fishing ponds, rodeo arena, & riding trails

ROCKING M RANCH 33± ACRES GILLESPIE COUNTY, TEXAS Harper, TX 3,800± sq/ft house Event center with numerous amenities 12x12 walk-in gun safe 2 stocked fishing ponds 200± foot-deep electric well

ZERO RANCH 25± ACRES GILLESPIE COUNTY, TEXAS Harper, TX Low fenced Great potential homesites Wet-weather creek Good tree coverage Abundant Whitetail, turkey, & dove

LA BAHIA RANCH 134± ACRES GOLIAD COUNTY, TEXAS Goliad, TX 2BR/2BA brick home Low fenced & cross fenced Cattle pens & dog kennels 1 well & electricity 1 pond 70% native pastureland 58

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EIGHTEEN MILE CREEK RANCH 122± ACRES GOLIAD COUNTY, TEXAS Goliad, TX Can be divided 1,000± Feet of Eighteenmile Creek Cleared homesite areas Lush pastures with dense tree coverage Beautiful views of the countryside

MARION COASTAL HIDEAWAY 11± ACRES GUADALUPE COUNTY, TEXAS Marion, TX Additional acreage available Low fenced with 100% hay pastures Rural water & electricity Ag exempt All minerals convey

JAVELINA RANCH 966± ACRES JIM HOGG COUNTY, TEXAS Hebbronville, TX Beautiful views of the surrounding countryside Located in the South Texas Sand Belt Superb hunting for deer, quail dove, turkey and hog High-scoring native bucks

OLD RODEO RANCH 64± ACRES JIM WELLS COUNTY, TEXAS Alice, TX Low fenced Cleared land ideal for development One pond One well & rural water Single-phase electricity CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM

SISTERDALE RIVER RANCH 213± ACRES KENDALL COUNTY, TEXAS Boerne, TX ½ mile of Guadalupe River Breathtaking bluffs & live spring 900± sq/ft cabin 2 large barns & cattle pens Cross fenced improved pastures

BOERNE VIEW RANCHETTE 10± ACRES KENDALL COUNTY, TEXAS Boerne, TX 2,518± sq/ft native rock home 5,700± sq/ft pavilion/sport court/ guest suite Gated entrance with asphalt driveway Underground utilities

SISTERDALE RANCHETTE 8± ACRES KENDALL COUNTY, TEXAS Boerne, TX 3BR/2BA manufactured home Workshop Beautiful views Low fenced with cross fencing Abundant Whitetail & Axis

GRAND VIEW RANCH 490± ACRES KINNEY COUNTY, TEXAS Brackettville, TX Hunting camp that sleeps 6-8 Year-round supplemental feeding program Whitetail bucks scoring between 140” and 160” 60

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ROXTON’S WATERFALL RANCH 860± ACRES LAMAR COUNTY, TEXAS Roxton, TX 2,200± Square-foot brick home Low-fenced & cross-fenced 2 Creeks & 1 waterfall 1 lake & numerous ponds Great rotational grazing pastures Less than 2 hours from DFW

COLEMAN RANCH 340± ACRES LAMAR COUNTY, TEXAS Paris, TX Hunting & cattle ranch Frontage on CR 47400 & 45600 Low fenced Sandy loam soils & excellent pastures 2 Ponds & 2 wet-weather creeks

PARIS LOOP RANCH 37± ACRES LAMAR COUNTY, TEXAS Paris, TX Outstanding commercial property Frontage on SW Loop 286 & Old Bonham Rd Water & electricity Endless improvement possibilities Surrounded by growth & development

THE TURNER RANCH 201± ACRES LEON COUNTY, TEXAS Jewett, TX 5,840± sq/ft Barndominium 2,400± square foot barn Improved Whitetail Genetics with deer scoring in the 240” class 5 fishing ponds stocked with bass and crappie CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM

BRAZIL RANCH 584± ACRES LIBERTY COUNTY, TEXAS Devers, TX 2,400± sq/ft House 2 horse barns & tack room Set of working cattle pens 2 Improved hay fields 6± Acre olive tree grove Cleared & cross-fenced land

HARRELSON FARMS 371± ACRES LIBERTY COUNTY, TEXAS Hardin, TX 3,120± sq/ft home Large barn, 3 sheds, cattle corral, & catch pen 50% Wooded areas & marshes 102± Acres of native pasture & 100± acres of improved pasture

RIVER BEND RANCH 170± ACRES LIBERTY COUNTY, TEXAS Romayor, TX Trinity River frontage 3 large ponds ranging from 3BR/2BA main house 3,000± sq/ft game room Foreman’s house

GULF COAST OLIVE INVESTMENTS 120± ACRES LIBEERTY COUNTY, TEXAS Devers, TX 15,000± olive trees 4,000± Square-foot shop Low fenced One well & rural water One pond 62

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SOGGY BOTTOM RANCH 247± ACRES LIMESTONE COUNTY, TEXAS Coolidge, TX Navasota River frontage Hunting camp with elevated metal building High fenced 40 ± acres of cleared land Thick forest coverage

PIGMAN RANCH 169± ACRES LIMESTONE COUNTY, TEXAS Groesbeck, TX Great ready-to-go custom hunting operation Modular home sleeps 10 3D Bow range & 100-yard gun range Numerous blinds & feeders

DOUBLE R RANCH 38± ACRES LIMESTONE COUNTY, TEXAS Groesbeck, TX 4BR/ 3.5BA Colonial-style home Saltwater pool & other outdoor amenities Metal barn, working pens & squeeze chute Low-fenced & cross-fenced

CIRCLE J RANCHETTE 8± ACRES LIMESTONE COUNTY, TEXAS Groesbeck, TX 3BR/2BA country home 2,000± sq/ft metal shop Lush, open pastures Thick oak & yaupon tree coverage CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM

BAR E RANCH 650± ACRES MEDINA COUNTY, TEXAS Hondo, TX Beautiful elevated views 3BR/2BA Custom rock home 2 Guest bunk houses Several barns & sheds High fenced & cross fenced 2 Edwards wells

HONDO HIDEAWAY 20± ACRES MEDINA COUNTY, TEXAS Hondo, TX Cabin with generator Low fenced Yancey water meter & water trough Set up for cattle grazing Ag exempt

FIVE MILE CROSSING RANCHETTE 10± ACRES MENARD COUNTY, TEXAS Menard, TX 600± feet of San Saba River frontage Access on FM 2092 900± sq/ft metal cabin under construction Low fenced 1 well & storage tank

TILDEN RANCH 50± ACRES MILLS COUNTY, TEXAS Priddy, TX 4BR/3.5BA ranch house Tennis court Large manicured yard 2,700± square foot hay barn Tack room, Storage barn and workshop 64

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OAK CREEK WHITETAIL RANCH 955± ACRES OSAGE COUNTY, MISSOURI Rolla, MO Investment opportunity grossing approximately $2 million annually Two large lodges totaling over 8,800± sq/ft 2,232± sq/ft foreman’s house Over 16,500 sq/ft of barns

BAILEY RANCH 320± ACRES PALO PINTO COUNTY, TEXAS Weatherford, TX 40± Acre peach orchard Three ponds Excellent grazing pastures Good brush covers the land Abundant native wildlife Endless improvement possibilities

SALT CREEK RANCH 150± ACRES PANOLA COUNTY, TEXAS Carthage, TX Dense timber Water meter located on CR 326 Electricity is accessible Large senderos Great wildlife habitat Several building sites

WEATHERFORD LOOP RANCH 16± ACRES PARKER COUNTY, TEXAS Weatherford, TX 3BR/ 2.5BA Home Low-fenced & cross-fenced One well & electricity 348± Feet of wet-weather creek Great commercial opportunity Convenient to DFW CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM

PARKER RANCHETTE 12± ACRES PARKER COUNTY, TEXAS Fort Worth, TX Located within a private gated community Beautiful hilltop views Ideal homesite locations Cascading bluffs Natural spring Majestic oak trees & dense brush VISTA REAL RANCH 70± ACRES REAL COUNTY, TEXAS Rocksprings, TX Beautiful Hill Country views 1,100± sq/ft cabin 1 well & electricity Chip-sealed roads Good brush coverage Elk, axis, fallow, Whitetail, turkey

RED RIVER FARM 4,163± ACRES RED RIVER COUNTY, TEXAS Detroit, TX Foreman’s house and hunting cabin Equipment storage barns and silos 3± miles of Red River frontage Average yearly rainfall of 55”

410 SOUTH RANCH 1,412± ACRES RED RIVER COUNTY, TEXAS Detroit, TX Low-fenced and cross-fenced 20 ponds ranging in size Covered cattle working pens 2 sets of open cattle working pens Grain bins Abundant wildlife 66

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410 NORTH RANCH 3,075± ACRES RED RIVER COUNTY, TEXAS Detroit, TX 3BR/2BA ranch home 10-stall horse barn Metal barn with workshop Set of covered cattle working pens Sandy loam soils with excellent drainage

RED RIVER CATFISH FARM 298± ACRES RED RIVER COUNTY, TEXAS Clarksville, TX Seven catfish ponds Almost a mile of Snell Creek Low fenced Covered in dense hardwoods Various migratory birds

R & W RANCH 546± ACRES SABINE COUNTY, TEXAS Hemphill, TX Improved open pastures Low fenced & cross fenced Shop, cattle pens, chute, & hay barns 1 Well & electricity 4 Ponds

TEBOW RANCH 153± ACRES SABINE COUNTY, TEXAS Bronson, TX Numerous homesite locations Low fenced with cross fencing Rolling hills with lush pastures 2 ponds 2 live water creeks CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM

NUECES BAY RANCHETTE 16± ACRES SAN PATRICIO COUNTY, TEXAS Portland, TX Waterfront acreage on the Nueces Bay Beautiful views of Harbor Bridge & Corpus Christi skyline Lush vegetation

LIVE SPRINGS RANCH 182± ACRES SHELBY COUNTY, TEXAS Jericho, TX 2BR/1BA Camp house Low fenced Year-round creek 3 Springs 1 Artesian well & electricity 100% Minerals included

EL MILAGRO RANCH 388± ACRES STARR COUNTY, TEXAS Santa Elena, TX Low-fenced Cattle pens, corrals 1 Pond 1 Well & storage tank Electricity Excellent quail hunting

BRUSH CREEK RANCH 161± ACRES TAYLOR COUNTY, TEXAS Ovalo, TX Secluded with great views 3BR/2BA modular home Low fenced with cross fenced Rural water & electricity 1± mile of wet-weather Brush Creek 68

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DESERT ROSE RANCH 1,013± ACRES TERRELL COUNTY, TEXAS Sanderson, TX Beautiful views of the Sierra Madre Mountains Multiple improvements Private well & electricity 2 Drainage draws with pooling water

FRIO RIVER FARM 5,892± ACRES UVALDE COUNTY, TEXAS Sabinal, TX 2,580± irrigated acres Twelve wells producing over 17,500± GPM Over five miles of Frio River frontage Twelve Valley pivots

GUAJILLO HILL RANCH 162± ACRES UVALDE COUNTY, TEXAS Uvalde, TX Versatile and undeveloped High-fenced Dense and diverse native brush Good ranch roads One electric water well Electricity accessible

SILVER SPUR RANCHETTE 12± ACRES UVALDE COUNTY, TEXAS Sabinal, TX 3BR/ 3BA/1HB custom home Outdoor kitchen & patio with beautiful views Barn with equipment shed Low fenced Farm field surrounding house CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM

RJA RANCH 76± ACRES WASHINGTON COUNTY, TEXAS Round Top, TX Almost a mile of live water Kerr Creek Gulf Coast aquifer Low-fenced Heavily wooded Exceptional hunting

GATO CREEK RANCH 2,775± ACRES WEBB COUNTY, TEXAS Aguilares, TX 3 ponds 1 mile of Gato Creek Low fenced & cross fenced Single-phase electricity Numerous blinds & feeders

REISER CREEK RANCH 700± ACRES WEBB COUNTY, TEXAS Aguilares, TX High fenced on two sides One pond & wet-weather creeks Good ranch roads & senderos Dense brush coverage Abundant native wildlife

ARROWHEAD RANCH 40± ACRES WILSON COUNTY, TEXAS La Vernia, TX 4,651± sq/ft Barndominium Custom pool surrounded by astro turf Attached & detached garages Backup generators & a well with a sterilizing system 70

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