SUmmer 20221
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Cash in your
As a local cooperative, we share our profits with the Texans we serve. Because of our 2021 performance, we distributed a record $233.8 million in cooperative returns to our members. Partner with a lender that puts cash back in your pocket. Together we’re better. NMLS493828 | 877.944.5500 | capitalfarmcredit.com 2
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CONTENTS 2
FIND YOUR PERFECT VACATION BY: CAPITAL FARM CREDIT
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A NOTE FROM OUR BROKER
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TRS TEAM
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WHY DO WE BUY RANCHES? WHY DO WE SELL RANCHES? PART 2 BY: JOHN S. BAEN, PHD
26 THE HORSE AND THE HUNT BY: TYLER BEACH
34 ANTLER RATTLING 101 PT 2 BY: DR. MICKEY W. HELLICKSON, CWB
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FEATURED ARTIST: LORI SPRADLEY
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PHENOTYPIC VARIABILITY IN FERAL HOGS BY: AARON SUMRALL, PHD
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DATE NIGHT ON THE RANCH 3 RECIPES BY: MATTI TACKETT
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TEXAS COUNTIES MAP
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
Find your
permanent
vacation
Country getaways — not just for holidays When the days get longer and the last frost has come and gone, spring days and summer nights occupy residence on our calendars. The outdoors call our name. Floating rivers, family-fishing and fighting to host the next backyard BBQ surround the upcoming months. We’re itching for it. We’re ready. But what if we weren’t only limited to spring-break and summer to inhabit country getaways. What if this perfect Texas scenery could be yours all year round—your personal country refuge. Believe it. Owning a piece of Texas can become a reality.
Make memories
Over the past few years, we’ve better understood what it means to make memories and cherish moments. Purchasing recreational property not only becomes your holiday destination, it becomes a part of your family. The success of your recreational property is built on the quality time you spend on it. Land purchases can be the start of a legacy.
At Capital Farm Credit, helping you design your recreational property paradise is our specialty. Summer getaways, hunting ranches, and that perfect piece of land to retire on, only scratch the surface on our products and services. Financing your recreational property dreams are what we do any time of the year. Living in a permanent vacation is more possible than you think. It’s time to pack a suitcase.
“We’re here to support our customers for the life of their loan,” said Martinez. “We are your team. Your goals are our goals. Our mission continues to be to help landowners achieve success in owning rural property.”
A personal roadmap
Capital Farm Credit is a family of experienced lenders equipped to finance your dreams of rural living and help make the most of your recreational property purchase. Our knowledge and expertise make us your lender of choice to create a retreat you can pass down for generations. With offices serving 192 of Texas’ 254 counties, we commit to serve rural communities yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Capital Farm Credit may be Texas’ largest agricultural lender but our passion for lending extends beyond financing agricultural operations. Our experienced lenders furnish flexible financing options for rural land purchases specifically designed for leisure, outdoor sports, and entertainment. We specialize in rural property transactions and are ready to help you navigate through the process. We align ourselves with your reactional goals to ensure we provide the blueprint to help you reach the closing table. “Every day we help our customers achieve their goals of owning rural property,” said Laura Martinez, relationship manager, San Antonio Credit Office. “Our products and services are created and tailored for your choice of rural lifestyle. If it’s something you can’t stop thinking about, it’s worth having a conversation.”
Cash for the trip
As a cooperative, Capital Farm Credit is owned by the same rural property owners we serve. Unlike an investor-owned bank, our members have a vote and a voice. When you borrow money from Capital Farm Credit, you join a cooperative that operates in our members’ best interests. We return a portion of our earn-
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ings to members through our cooperative returns program. This can result in significant reductions in borrowing costs.
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We understand the value behind your commitment, that is why we are committed to you.
Your travel partner
Additional loan programs include: • Real Estate Purchase & Improvement Loans • Home Loans • Operating Loans • Equipment Loans • Agribusiness Loans If you’re interested in speaking with our advisory team, call 877.944.5500, or visit our website CapitalFarmCredit.com.
NMLS493828
FROM THE BROKER
Texas Ranch Sales and its TEAM is powering through the first half of 2022, already reaching goals for the year! This year is lining up to be a vivid continuation of our past year, full of fantastic new ranch properties to offer as well as an abundance of eager and qualified buyers. We are beginning to see the rains come and pastures greening up! Land is again coming to life with beautiful vegetation and flora, rolling pastures of green, and water sources are revitalized. We have exceptional ranches available in all areas we represent. We are consistently recruiting incredibly talented and qualified Associates and Brokers, aligning them with Texas Ranch Sales, forming an increasingly strong choice in Ranch Real Estate for our Clients. We have expanded our Brokerage Services to include New Mexico, Oregon and Arizona. Texas Ranch Sales has not slown down in the Ranch Real Estate markets. We continue to make every effort to build our TEAM on a foundation of Integrity, Excellence, Knowledge, and Experience in all areas of the real estate marketplace. I appreciate the hard work & dedication Dave Wilcox and his crew of Team Leads is doing to keep the Texas Ranch Sales TEAM functioning well. Austi Garrett and her staff maintain focus and creativity, challenging themselves to continually stay well ahead of the competitive advertising/marketing curve. We are blessed and privileged to represent Clients in their acquisition of Land purchases. We are honored in the continued faith and confidence of representation allowing Texas Ranch Sales to assist with all your ranch brokerage needs! “Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for ‘tis better to be alone than in bad company.” George Washington
Sheldon Grothaus Broker & Owner CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM
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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
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
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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
Charles Marshall
Jeff Petska
281.630.1803 Waco, TX
903.814.0525 Collinsville, TX
2021 2021 2021 2021
2021 Founder’s Award
ASSOCIATE BROKER
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
ASSOCIATE
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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 Bandera, TX
Tully Janszen
Mike Ford
817.366.0336 Cleburne, TX
214.802.4184 Addielou, TX
ASSOCIATE
ASSOCIATE
ASSOCIATE
ASSOCIATE
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ASSOCIATE
ASSOCIATE
ASSOCIATE
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
Channing Dippel
Keith Rand
432.770.0082 New Braunfels, TX
903.391.8802 Groesbeck, TX
ASSOCIATE
ASSOCIATE
ASSOCIATE
ASSOCIATE
ASSOCIATE
ASSOCIATE
ASSOCIATE
ASSOCIATE
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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 Z Morris
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
ASSOCIATE
ASSOCIATE
ASSOCIATE
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TEXASRANCHSALES.COM
ASSOCIATE
ASSOCIATE
ASSOCIATE
ASSOCIATE
Cody Myrick
Bryan Trahan
830.515.0498 Spring Branch, TX
713.254.8207 Halletsville, TX
ASSOCIATE
ASSOCIATE
Kristin Cross
Justin Mellenbruch
830.890.1110 Harper, TX
512.965.9228 Austin, TX
Scott Wilson
Caleb Barton
214.686.0698 San Angelo, TX
512.417.0913 Austin, TX
Zach Peoples
Darby Gardner
210.563.4749 San Marcos, TX
830.708.1464 Magnolia, TX
ASSOCIATE
ASSOCIATE
ASSOCIATE
ASSOCIATE
ASSOCIATE
ASSOCIATE
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Hidden Hills Ranch 426± Acres | Burleson & Milam Counties, Texas
Caldwell, TX 3BR/3BA/1HB main house 2BR/1BA guest house 5 ponds 3 wet-weather creeks 10
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Numerous blinds and feeders 1 water well High-fenced & cross fenced 10 deer breeding pens Abundant native and exotics
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Matson Beefmaster Ranch 626± Acres | Calhoun County, Texas
Port Lavaca, TX 3BR/1BA farmhouse Low fenced and cross fenced 4 water wells Pond stocked with bass & catfish 180± acres of farmland Excellent ranch roads & trails
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JACTAB Ranch 1,513± Acres | La Salle County, Texas
Fowlerton, TX 2BR/1BA/1HB main house 2 guest houses Shop & equipment barn with walk-in cooler Several shooting ranges High fenced with cross fencing 2 wells Multi acre lake, 6 ponds, & creeks Abundant native & exotic wildlife CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM
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The Retreat at Artesian Lakes
126± Acres | Liberty County , Texas
Cleveland, TX On The Headwaters of Chain O’ Lakes 26 private cabins overlooking the water Hilltop restaurant & conference center Saltwater pool, hot tub, & bath house
Canoe lake & artesian-fed swim lake Basketball court & frisbee golf course At the edge of Big Thicket National Preserve Room for expansion
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Llegasus Ranch
1,748± Acres | Zavala County, Texas
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Batesville, TX 3,122± sq/ft house overlooking a pond 3BR/2BA guest house Barn with 2BR apartment
Shooting & sporting clays ranges 2 wells & piped water throughout ranch 3 stocked ponds High fenced with excellent ranch roads
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Why Do We Buy Ranches? Why Do We Sell Ranches? Part 2 By John S. Baen PhD G. Brint Ryan College of Business University of North Texas
1. Death... The passing of a family member that owned LAND often is a trigger for the remainding family members to decide to keep, add to, or sell the ranch. Complications and chaos can occur if the land owner passes without a will and the LAND passes to several people by the laws of descent. There can be a disaster of multiple owners, personalities and trouble. If remarried, 1st spouse, 2nd spouse, 1st family member, 2nd family members, kids, step-kids and kids conceived out of wedlock. Surprise!! and Son-in-Laws and Daughter-in-Laws need to stay the hell out of the discussion!!! the more people involved in a major decision, the more likely of Chaos.
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Land without a will and many owners is trouble and puts the property at risk of a partition lawsuit, family squabble and grief. Best advice! Have a will and designate separate tracts of land to individual people. Do not leave a ranch “to all my loved ones” on an individual ownership basis. What a mess!
Every family or person worth their salt, would really love to keep their LAND as a legacy asset. However life, LAND and death can be complicated, particularly if there are multiple owners, beneficiaries or circumstances that add up to a desire, if not necessity, to sell their LAND.
2. Divorce.... Life happens. People fall in and out of love and marriage. But the land remains and unfortunately is ordered sold or divided and is often later sold. Some of the greatest ranches in Texas are sold due to this BIG Divorce factor.
or every ranch sale, there are sellers who have decided or have a situation that they “must” sell, and a buyer who perceives value for money and appreciates LAND as an asset class.
I call selling factors the “Dr. BAEN ‘Ds’” The more ‘Ds’ a family or LAND is subject to, the more likely the tough decision to sell will occur.
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Dr. BAEN ‘Ds’ include but are not limited to the following:
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3. Disease.... Enough said. Unfortunately, this however can include elderly having cancer, dementia or other factors shortening life and requiring a sale to pay for hospitalization, care, etc.
4. Debt and Debt Default (triple ‘Ds’) Today it is my opinion that many LAND transactions are for cash. However, other personal or business debts can cause the playthings to be sold. So, even if the ranch is paid for, it stands as a safety valve to sell if needed capital is required. 5. Dysfunctional Family and splintered ownership with some family members benefiting or perceived to be benefiting unfairly, “sister and her husband are living on the ranch house free” or “brother is running cows out their without paying market grazing rents” or “her son has all his friends out their hunting and camping while we could lease out the rights”, etc. etc. etc.... 6. Delayed or Due IRS Taxes.... Yep! When there is a disagreement with the US Department of Treasury, IRS liens on our lands can occur, often requiring a sale of the LAND (can be in conjunction with #3… “I forgot to file my taxes or claim all my income?” dementia?). And the innocent wife that “knew nothing” doesn’t work anymore with the IRS Agents! 7. Deployment of Derelicts, Dishonest and Crooked Ranch Forman, not all but some. They rob us blind after we give them a salary, a new pickup truck every 3 years and a nice house to live in. There are many other D’s. but enough said... sometimes we need to sell... but hate having to sell the ranch.
After selling a ranch, it is both a relief and grief that we actually sold. We imagine what the new owner must be like and what they are doing on the LAND. We long to visit the ranch, one more time and actually meet the new owners to see if they appreciate the secrets of the place and form an opinion if they are worthy to own it. Which, is really no longer any of our business or concern, but we still care and wish the new owners good times and good fortune with the LAND that once was “ours”. We remember riding over the land on horseback or in a four-wheelers or walking those brushy areas or canyons in search of those feelings of freedom, a bit of wilderness, getting lost or turned around. Lost, and feeling happy about it, laughing at ourselves. Holding a Folsom arrowhead point that is 11,000 years old in our hand, looking down at it and realizing that at 35 years per generation, we are the most recent of 350 generations to be on this land. Some 11,000 years ago they owned that land. Deciding to sell our LAND is a humbling experience! We chose Texas Ranch Sales to market our ranch of 10,800 acres. Their TEAM was helpful, the transaction was complicated and of course there were many owners who needed to get along. And so, the Firm was patient, professional, motivated and appreciated during the whole process. Did I say that I miss the Ranch? yep, but it lives in my heart and soul....
The following editorial composition is written to cast perspectives on both selling and buying LAND. Generally, it is much more fun to buy than to sell. Our ranch became a part of us and who we are. Our hunters, foreman and helpers love us and appreciate us, and we them. And we live vicariously through them and wish we could be them. The foreman dreams and wishes he could be the owner, while the owner dreams of being a cowboy and living the ‘foreman’s life’, rather perceived life, of the foreman. That is why foreman and owners get along so fabulously, both think and admire the other and neither is trying to impress the other around the camp fire. Only owners know or understand that sometimes, when we are with the hunters who lease our lands, chase our game and have so much fun without ownership responsibilities and duties, we wish we were “on the lease” and just one of the “Boys” have a great time and no responsibilities!!!! No: • • • • • • • • •
Insurance Fence repair Property taxes Improvement and their repair Accounting and the IRS issues Estate planning Keeping insurance from hazards and liabilities Life insurance to pay inheritance taxes to avoid a force sale after our life is snuffed out like a candle Maintaining AG or wildlife exemption
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.
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DOGWOOD RANCH
1,400± Acres | Burleson County, Texas
Caldwell, TX Less than 30± minutes from Bryan-College Station Almost a mile of CR 316 frontage High fenced & divided into 4 high fenced pastures Game-processing barn with walk-in cooler
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Numerous additional improvements 8± Acre stocked spring-fed lake & other ponds 2 Irrigation wells & 1 Carrizo well Abundant native & exotic wildlife
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LS Ranch 22,791± Deeded Acres 29,904± FS and BLM allotments 52,695± Acres | Crook County, Oregon
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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
Summit Prairie
9,300± Deeded Acres | Crook County, Oregon
Prestigious mountain meadow property 6,220± irrigated acres 2 lakes Miles of rivers and creeks
New fencing Summer grazing for 1,400± pair Abundant wildlife LOP hunting tags available
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THE HORSE & THE HUNT Every culture that has used horses for hunting has one thing in common, they all understand their horses and their horses understand them even better. With repetition and time the horse gathers the nature of the hunt it is participating in. Eventually they may begin to anticipate what is next and what they can do to help. Over enough time you will come to realize that one of you is none without the other. BIRDS OF A FEATHER
HORSE The horse is engrained in the roots of almost every civilization of the world and has played many roles. The earliest known visual art of a horse is a two inch carving on a Mammoths tusk from 34,000 years ago found in a German cave. It was a symbol for good luck when hunting. The first ‘human contact’ with horses occurred on the steppes of central Asia around 3,000 bc. The earliest ‘artistic evidence of Domestication’ is from 4,000 bc in western Kazahkstan. Genghis Kahn introduced the fearless small but mighty Mongolian horse through battle. Iberia produced the remarkable Andalusians and Lusitanos which excel in the classical riding discipline. Argentina, Chile, and Peru developed one of my favorite breeds, the tough enduring Criollo horse of the Gaucho, a breed full of impression and Andalusian blood. The Moors gave us all the magnificent ‘African’ Barb which roots from Iberia and plays a significant part in almost every modern horse breed today. Spaniards brought their ‘Spanish’ Barb horses into North America where they later became known as the ‘mustang’. As soon as the mustang was domesticated in America the course of history changed instantly. Horses played a vital role in every aspect of human survival and development from then on. HUNT Regardless of who or when, it is clear the horse and the hunt were intertwined long ago. No matter the time in history, there has always been a relationship and understanding between horse and mankind. That understanding can only be developed through the process of consistent use with a purpose, like hunting. Although used as a tool for hunting, a partnership begins through necessity in which one relies on the other, and the appreciation for what each has to offer is mutual. 26
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One year exploring and hunting Pheasant, Hungarian Partridge, and Sharp Tail Grouse around eastern Montana I had sore feet and a vision… a vision of myself sitting horseback following the pointing dogs ahead. The idea stuck like bubble gum and I started thinking of the best way to go about it. After that mornings hunt I drove into town for a cup of coffee and a chicken fried steak breakfast, then got to thinking about this revelation of mine. Two things were obvious right from the start, Montana desperately needed better hot sauce, and using the right type of horse would be crucial. The hot sauce crisis would have to wait, but the choice in horse deserved some real consideration at that moment. Endurance would be crucial, a well mannered temperament sure would help, and a steady walk inline with the natural pace of the hunting dogs would seal the deal on it. The game was on. Well it turned out that my revelation had already been tapped into a long time before. Later that year I saw a magazine cover with several high class individuals sitting in English saddles on some fine thoroughbred horses. They were wearing white gloves and sporting top grade fully engraved double barrel shotguns. It made for a pretty cover shot, but in reality a Ferrari is not the right transportation to hunt with, and white gloves are an elephant in the room situation. Avoid both at all cost.
On the contrary, a good number of pointing dog breeders / trainers around the country utilize horses to run their dogs and hunt in the field. They breed, raise, and train horses specifically for this type of use and hunt. A great number of them prefer Tennessee Walkers and its no coincidence. Tennessee Walkers move out and cover ground nicely, they can keep up with the pointing dogs, are comfortable to ride, have the stamina and endurance needed to handle a full day, and overall have a nice general disposition. It’s a great choice. If you go about it the right way, horse, man, and bird dog can flock together, like birds of a feather. HIGH PLAINS DRIFTERS The plains of Texas changed quickly in the 1600’s when the Comanches learned to catch and tame those Spanish horses. They went on to master the art of riding with an unimaginable level of skill. The mobility for hunting and fighting wars that came with the use of their horses opened up a whole new landscape for them. They built an entire culture around the horse naming them “God Dogs”. Eventually they became as good at stealing horses as they were at capturing and training them. They turned stealing horses into an art form, a display of magic, slipping in and out like ghosts leaving with only the finest horses in the group. At that time in Texas there were plentiful numbers of Buffalo, many Black Bear, Deer, Pronghorn Antelope, Mountain Sheep, Guadalupe Elk and more. The Comanche horse became an integral part of their hunting expeditions. They became one with the horse and knew fine horse flesh when they saw it. They began to focus on the different strengths of the individual horses, what benefited them the most for their purposes and survival, in turn creating a breeding program of their own.
meant to be there I’m here to tell you it’s a sad sight. More often than not either the horse or rider ends up getting hurt. The ideal mountain hunting horse should have very solid bone structure, a powerful hind end, short back, strong work ethic, great stamina, and a lot of heart. To cover the ground needed and travel efficiently the horse should have a long graceful relaxed stride over stepping its own front tracks at a normal walk. If you have seen the movie Jeremiah Johnson his horse had these attributes. If you have never seen the movie, give it a watch you won’t regret it. When pulling a pack string with you to transport camp gear and game meat through the mountains, you don’t want a gaited horse. A gaited horse can be fun to ride and put on a show for spectators but it will only get your pack string worked up with their excited movements. They typically are not able to hold the calm demeanor or fluidness required to create that perfection of travel I call ‘poetry in motion’, which is a full size 6-12 head pack string fully loaded moving in perfect unison like an endless soft breeze through the pines. Most modern day cow horses are also not the best choice. Brave words in Texas I know, but let’s be honest here. They typically have a short stride that matches the pace of a cow. This is ideal for moving cattle, but a nightmare if you have somewhere to be 30 miles away by the end of the day. Good mountain horses can be found… but Great mountain horses have to be made. Find a young horse with all of the attributes, put a lot of miles on in the mountains, and after a few years you should see a ‘great’ mountain horse starting to develop. After 5 years of extensive use under the right rider, the horse just may become King of the Mountain.
They wanted fearless horses that were lightening fast, tough as nails, and had great stamina. These attributes would allow them to have the upper hand in battle and hunting both. They would hunt many miles of ground in a day and chase down bison at a full run until they could match their pace and meet them at full draw. From that point on for the Comanche, there was no hunt without the horse. Some might even say there was no horse without a Comanche at its side. KINGS OF THE MOUNTAIN The type of horse used on a big game hunt is crucial in mountain country. If you have never seen a horse in the mountains that was not CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM
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THE END GAME You know you have reached the pinnacle of development and mutual understanding when your horse begins taking initiative during the hunt. Making direct voluntary attempts to help facilitate your success in some way. I once knew a horse who really exemplified this ability for understanding and partnership. It was a working class foundation Morgan gelding out of an old original bloodline. He was part of a 30 year old breeding program produced by a 72 year old Outfitter. The gelding was named Hawk and wore a chestnut coat and flaxen mane. He was a real show stopper straight out of an old 50’s western. Hawk had been a guide horse on many wilderness hunting trips for the previous decade or more, it was not his first rodeo. It seemed that gelding knew the hunt just as well as the guide at that point. Then, there came a day when something quite remarkable happened. One early October a hunting client took aim at a mature bull Elk on a wilderness hunt. After letting the woods settle down for a while they saddled up and went to look for the bull. When they got there only a few empty tracks and very little blood was found. That gelding put its nose down to the ground with a snort and a blow then started to slowly walk into the timber on his own accord. He continued forward carefully smelling the ground floor one step at a time occasionally stopping to look ahead, like a professional hunter would do.
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The guide recognized the effort and gave the horse a complete loose reign allowing him to continue on his path. Thirty minutes later that gelding suddenly planted his feet, threw his head up high, flung those ears forward and smiled from cheek to cheek. Hawk had tracked down so many Elk with the guide over the years it became second nature to him and he just went with what he knew. He was quite a hunting partner if you ask me, and displayed a perfect example of the harmony and success that can be found in the horse, and the hunt. “In Memory of Hawk”: RIP 2003
Resources: “Legacy of The Horse” International Museum of The Horse - (imh.org) “The Comanche and His Horse” True West Magazine: Marshall Trimble- Jan 25,2019
TYLER BEACH Texas Ranch Sales Associate TBEACH@TEXASRANCHSALESLLC.COM A fourth generation San Antonian, Tyler spent most of his young life on his family’s ranch near Helotes, Texas. Here he gained a strong foundation and passion for hunting, fishing and horsemanship which he carried along with him through his life and career. Tyler has worked in the Professional Outfitting & Guiding industry for the past 20 years.
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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
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Heated calving barn Various sheds, shops, barns, and ranching facilities LOP hunting tags available
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
Riverbend Ranch
3,612± Acres | Frio County, Texas
Dilley, TX 2BR/2BA/1HB main house 2 electric irrigation wells Multiple domestic wells Over 6 miles of Leona River 6± acre lake and 2± acre lake 1,600± high-fenced acres with managed native Whitetail Two 100± acre irrigation pivots
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ANTLER RATTLING 101 PT 2 By: Dr. Mickey W. Hellickson
Originally published in Quality Whitetails. Republished with permission. Edited to fit.
Wham! I hit the shed antlers together as hard as I could and then quickly pulled them apart. Again, I slammed the antlers together with all of my force. This time I kept the antlers entwined and twisted the tines and beams against each other for several seconds. I repeated this several times. Two minutes into the rattling sequence I noticed movement and a flash of gray out in front of me.
It was now mid-November and I was in the process of collecting data for an ongoing study on buck responses to antler rattling. Dr. Larry Marchinton, from The University of Georgia, Charlie, and myself had been studying this interesting aspect of deer breeding behavior for three years. I was involved in the project to fulfill part of my doctorate degree requirements at The University of Georgia.
The deer stopped out of sight behind a thick clump of mesquite trees. I continued to rattle, but tried to shield all of my movements from the deer. After several anxious moments, the deer stepped into view. His rack was huge. The main beams were over 20 inches apart and carried 11 typical points. The tines were also very tall and symmetrical. The only flaw, if there was one, was his lack of mass.
The first portion of this study was conducted at the Rob and Bessie Welder Wildlife Refuge, north of Sinton. Our primary goal was to determine which type of rattling sequence attracted the highest number of bucks. The results of this 3-year study were reported in a previous issue of Quality Whitetails.
The buck had been earlier sighted and photographed by ranch owner Stuart Stedman during the fall deer survey. Based on these photographs and my sighting, we estimated the buck’s gross Boone and Crockett Club score to be in the 160’s. The only reason this buck was still alive was because of his age - he was only 4 1/2 years old! An Unique Research Project The buck, #180, was one of 130 different bucks that we had captured and equipped with radio transmitting collars since my research started in 1992. We captured this buck in October of that year. At that time, Dr. Charles DeYoung of Texas A&M University-Kingsville, estimated the buck’s age at 2 1/2 years. Charlie, who has aged literally 1,000’s of live deer, aged all of the bucks that were captured each fall based on the amount of tooth wear on the lower jaw. In 1992 this buck had a gross B&C score of 89, with 7 points and no brow tines. 34
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Recap Of Earlier Results To refresh your memory, we tested four different rattling sequences that were varied according to length and volume of rattling. We rattled 171 times during all three periods of the deer breeding season. This rattling attracted a total of 111 bucks. We determined that loud rattling attracted nearly three times as many bucks as quiet rattling and that the length of the rattling was not important. We also discovered that the post-rut and the pre-rut were the best times for rattling in mature, trophy bucks. However, the rut peak was the best time for rattling in high numbers of bucks. Rattling sessions performed between 7:30 and 10:30 in the morning attracted more bucks than sessions at midday or afternoon. Cloudy days, with little wind and mild temperatures, were the most productive weather conditions for rattling. A Second Antler Rattling Study The second portion of our antler rattling study was to rattle to specific radio-collared bucks and then measure their individual responses to the rattling. Each of the 130
collared bucks had a transmitter attached to its collar that produced a signal at a unique radio frequency. We tracked the movements of these bucks during all hours of the day and all months of the year by using telemetry. We attempted to locate each buck 1-2 times per day. To track the bucks we used a radio receiver that was connected to a large antenna. We then dialed the frequency of the buck that we wished to locate into the receiver. Next, we drove the ranch roads, stopping every quarter mile to search for each buck. At each stop we swung the antenna in a circle, listening for the buck’s signal. When we were able to pick up the buck’s radio signal, we then determined the direction where the signal was strongest. Next, we used a compass to measure a bearing in that same direction. We then stopped two more times, at two different locations further down the road. At each of these stops we repeated the process so that we ended up with at least three different bearings. Finally, we drew each of the compass bearings out on a map. Where the bearings intersected on the map was then the approximate location for that buck. Forty-three of the 130 bucks that we had captured and radio-collared, had received special, activity-sensing radio transmitters. These unique transmitters allowed us to tell if the bucks were bedded or active each time the bucks were located, without ever being able to see the bucks. Each of these collars produced a radio signal at a rate of one pulse per second - if the buck was not moving and the collar around its neck was stationary. However, when the buck moved, the collar also moved. This movement caused the radio signal to change to two or more pulses per second. Therefore, each time that we located one of these bucks, we could tell if the buck was bedded and not moving, or active, by the pulse rate.
I had earlier used radio telemetry to map the location of buck #180. Once I determined the buck’s location, I drove downwind and parked the truck. I carefully and quietly walked toward the buck, until I felt I was within 200-300 yards. Once in position, I turned the receiver on and pointed the antenna in the direction of the buck. The telemetry equipment allowed me to listen to the buck as I rattled to him. I could then tell how the buck reacted to the rattling based on the pulse rate of the signal. After turning on the equipment, I began the rattling sequence mentioned at the beginning of this article. The signal coming from the radio transmitter on buck #180 became active almost immediately after I hit the shed antlers together. As I continued to rattle, the pulse rate quickened even more and the signal became louder. Based on this information, I knew that the buck was active and that he was moving toward me. One minute into the sequence the signal became so loud that I knew the buck would appear at any moment! Almost as soon as the buck stepped into the opening, he turned and disappeared back into the brush. I gathered up the telemetry equipment and returned to the truck. Once at the truck I waited 30 minutes and re-located the buck by taking three new compass bearings. Based upon this second location I was able to determine how far,
and in what direction, the buck traveled after he responded to the rattling. By using this cutting edge technology, we were able to rattle to specific bucks and measure their individual responses. We were also able to tell whether or not each buck responded to our rattling, even if the buck did not move close enough for us to see him. Lastly, we were able to measure response rates to rattling based on the gross B&C scores of each buck and the ages as determined by tooth wear. The Results The results of this second part of our rattling study were very interesting. With the help of research assistants Fred Steubing and Justin McCoy, we located 18 different bucks during the fall of 1994-96. All 18 bucks were previously collared with the special activitysensing radio transmitters. After locating each buck, we quietly walked to within 200-300 yards of the buck and performed the “long and loud” rattling sequence. Thirty-three different rattling sessions were performed near the 18 different bucks. We located and rattled to five bucks during prerut, 14 bucks during rut peak, and 14 bucks during post-rut. Twenty-four of the 33 rattling sessions (73%) resulted in bucks responding to our rattling by becoming active and moving closer to the person rattling. This indicated that nearly three out of four bucks respond to rattling
when they are upwind and within hearing range! Most hunters probably would not have predicted that buck response rates are that high. My own opinion prior to this study was that less than 25% of bucks within hearing range would respond to our rattling. However, the collared buck was only sighted by the person rattling during 11 of the 33 sessions (33%). All rattling during this second study was performed by only one person and was done at ground level. Obviously, not having a second person in a 30-foot tall observation tower reduced the number of bucks sighted. The 33% sighting rate reported for the second part of the study, compared favorably with results from our first study at the Welder Refuge. During that study the person rattling at ground level saw only 48 of the 111 bucks (43%) that were sighted by the person in the observation tower. Once again, this shows how important it is for the hunter to get elevated. The best way to accomplish this is to rattle with a partner. One person should stay at ground level and rattle. The second hunter should get elevated by climbing into a tripod or some other type of stand. Stand sites should be selected upwind of open areas to further increase the number of bucks seen because most bucks respond from downwind.
Buck responses tended to be lower during the pre-rut than during the rut peak and post-rut periods. During the pre-rut, two of five (40%) rattling sessions resulted in the buck becoming active and moving closer to the person rattling. During the rut peak, 11 of 14 (79%) bucks became active and moved closer and during the post-rut 11 of 14 (79%) bucks became active and moved closer. The response rate during the rut peak was slightly lower than what we observed during the first part of the study at the Welder Refuge, while the post-rut response rate was higher. Buck responses were highest during morning rattling sessions. Response rates during midday and afternoon were identical, although slightly lower than morning response rates. During the morning sessions, eight radio-collared bucks responded to the nine rattling sessions (89%). During midday, six bucks responded to the nine rattling sessions (67%) and during afternoon, 10 bucks responded to the 15 rattling sessions (67%). Midday buck response rates during this second study were higher than response rates measured during the first study at the Welder Refuge. During nine sessions, bucks either did not respond at all, or else they became active but moved away from the person rattling. The average age for bucks that did not respond to the rattling was 7.4 years, while the average age of bucks that did respond was 5.8 years. This indicates that older bucks may be less likely to respond to rattling. The average distance that each buck moved 30 minutes after responding to the rattling
was almost 1/3 of a mile. Two bucks moved nearly 3/4 of a mile. Two other bucks never moved very little and were re-located in their original location. After responding to our rattling most of the bucks (73%) moved to an area upwind of their initial location, although we rattled downwind from these bucks. In other words, the typical behavior was for the buck to first move downwind toward the rattling. After responding to the rattling, bucks usually then moved back upwind beyond the area of their initial location. Buck movements away from the rattling site were highest during the post-rut and lowest during the pre-rut. We rattled to 11 different bucks more than once to determine if bucks learned to avoid rattling. In every case but four, bucks responded during the second, third, or fourth rattling session in the same way that they had responded during the first session. The exceptions were four bucks that did not respond during the initial rattling session, but did respond during the second session. We rattled to buck #1940, a 6.5-year-old buck during the first year of the study, four different times. He responded by becoming active and moving closer to us all four times. These results seem to indicate that bucks will continue to respond to rattling, even if they have already responded to a previous rattling session. I found some surprising results when I analyzed the data based on each buck’s known gross B&C score. Most hunters would guess that trophy bucks are less likely to respond to rattling. In our study we found the opposite to be true. I separated the bucks into two groups. One group included
all bucks with gross B&C scores less than 130 points. We called this group the “cull” group. In the other group were all of the bucks with gross scores of 130 or above, called the “trophy” group. Sixty-seven percent of the trophy bucks responded to our rattling while only 50% of the cull bucks responded to our rattling. Furthermore, bucks in the cull group moved, on average, nearly 2 1/2 times further between pre- and post-rattling locations than bucks in the trophy group! Results Should Improve Your Hunting Success We hope that hunters will use the results of our research to increase their success and time spent afield this upcoming fall. Antler rattling is, without a doubt, the most exciting deer hunting technique. There is little that compares to the sight of a big racked, mature buck rushing into view in response to rattling. Or, the sight of two bucks that not only respond but then begin to spar with each other. The rush of adrenalin that occurs with each buck response never fades. Lastly, we wish to thank the many individuals who assisted with antler rattling and data collection. Rob, Fred, Bronson, Brent, Don, Justin, Scott, George, and William happily volunteered their time to “work” on this project. We also owe a debt of gratitude to the Rob and Bessie Welder Wildlife Foundation and its staff, the Neva and Wesley West Foundation and ranch owner Stuart Stedman, and finally The University of Georgia, Texas A&M UniversityKingsville, and the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute for financial support of this research.
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 36
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“A STALLION STUDY” 2022 30” X 40” OIL ON STRETCHED CANVAS
I was born in Parma, Ohio, at the age of 13, my father was transferred to Houston, Texas. As the old saying goes “I wasn’t born here, but I got here as soon as I could”. I have been artistic since I was a little girl … constantly drawing, with my favorite subject being the horse. After, a short stint at a traditional college, I obtained a degree in Visual Communications from The Art Institute of Houston in 1987. However, the drawing never stopped. I was employed at several Advertising Agencies as an Art Director for several years, most notably Ogilvy and Mather in Houston, Texas working on the Compaq account. In 1993, I gave up the advertising game to pursue being a full time mother for my, at the time, 4 year old son, and moved from Houston to Magnolia. Throughout the next 25 years, I dabbled in a bit of watercolor and a few freelance jobs of logo work and graphic designs. In 2013, we moved to a 41 acre ranchette in Dripping Springs, Texas and named it 3 Steer Farms … lovingly named for my 3 pet Texas Longhorns, Brutus, Baboo and Boscoe. Later, adding a lovely lady longhorn which we named Bessie. In 2018, I decided I’d properly get back into art. I had only tried oil paints once before , and was nervous to try again, but decided to go for it. My first painting was of my longhorn, Baboo. I was hooked. During the past 4 years my paintings have gotten bigger and more detailed with my favorite subject being “the animal”. My paintings have been sold here in the United States, as well as England. After a vacation seeing the beautiful animals of the area, I quickly painted a series of representing the animals of The Cotswolds, the most popular, “The Cotswold Sheep”. Another painting that seems to get quite a lot of attention is a piece called, “Duncan’s Longhorn” which portrays a longhorn that lives on Bell Springs Road in Dripping Springs. He gets a lot of attention by passers by, as well. My commissions range from pet portraits to livestock, as well as, the human.
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“DUNCAN’S LONGHORN” 2018 36” X 36” OIL ON STRETCHED CANVAS (SOLD)
“BABOO IN THE HAY” 2018 16” X 20” OIL ON CANVAS BOARD
“THE COTSWOLD SHEEP” 2019 30” X 40” OIL ON STRETCHED CANVAS
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Artistic Statement : “Inspired by all living creatures, I pay close attention to my subjects personality and individuality. Most of my work focuses on the subject alone, with no distractions. This creates an opportunity to experience an animal’s sentient existence. I create an impression of their charm and temperament ... whether it is with a gleam of an eye or a flare of a nostril. While painting, I strive to create lighting that is truthful to the surroundings without the confusion of its reality. I also aim to use my own photography as reference. That way, I can choose an odd stance or an unusual look to show movement, fluidity and nature, rather than a static pose.”
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PHENOTYPIC VARIABILITY IN FERAL HOGS
By: Aaron Sumrall, PhD Director of Research and Outreach Field Engine Wildlife Research and Management Pig Brig Trap Systems
I have the honor and privilege to extensively travel, meeting new people and cultures in the pursuit of researching feral hogs (Sus scrofa) and educating people about the biology and necessary management of the animal. Seems to be that every time I get to a new location or a new audience, I get the same statement: “My feral hogs are different.” When I get that statement, I follow it up with a question of my own: “As compared to what feral hogs?” That question is typically followed by a period of silence before an answer that varies about as widely as the terrain feral hogs cover.
analysis could plug in color and, say, height at the shoulder and roll the dice. Combinations would result with the probabilities of offspring of different color and shoulder height options. One thing tough to assess is the likelihood of ancestral traits rearing their little heads. An example of this is a red male and a black female producing a white offspring. Where the heck did that come from? Somewhere in the lineage of the individuals, that white trait was there, much like finding feral hogs with curled tails and uncommon colors due to a historical origin as a domestic livestock species.
Land managers/owners begin to describe their feral hogs in a very accurate manner almost exclusively from a phenotypic observation. According to the region, descriptions will vary in color from black, white, red, spotted, belted, striped, to even tri-colored. These observations continue with descriptions of feral hogs with short legs to those with very long legs and even some with curled tails. Many say the shape of “their” hogs’ heads is similar to a yard dart and, if thrown hard enough, would stick in one of the huge, majestic oaks of the South. Others state head shape is compact and very robust. Descriptions of feral hogs frequently include animals ranging from a frail, thin-boned animal that has a traveling gait similar to that of a coyote, to a deep-bodied, heavy-boned lumbering animal bulldozing through obstructions rather than going around them.
Feral hogs come in 3 flavors: Russian/Eurasian boar, domesticturned-feral, or a combination of Russian/Eurasian and domestic lineages. Pure lines of breeding will consist largely of a very common appearance, while crossing lineages can, and often does, produce offspring that may not look much like either parent. This crossing we learned about initially in biology, animal science, and wildlife classes is referred to as heterosis or hybrid vigor. About 60% of all feral hog litters have multiple sires. The promiscuity of the female and the determination of the males will result in litters that could have multiple colors or even racing stripes in the same litter.
Let’s take a look at the aforementioned explanations of how feral hogs vary with a foundation that all of us were exposed to in biology and that many were introduced to in animal science and wildlife classes. Biology 101 introduced us to the Punnett Square, with animal science classes expanding on this by covering the topic of hybrid vigor, or heterosis. Both animal science and wildlife classes cover several rules of nature, with Bergmann’s Rule explaining several descriptions of feral hogs. Early on in biology classes, we were exposed to the Punnett Square, which explains traits passed from one generation to another. Through the combination of upper-case and lower-case letters placed on a chart, one could get some level of probability as to what offspring could resemble. The complexity of the square is near limitless in what one could plug into the process to see what would result. Simple
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Head shape is explained through this combining of genetics. Long, yard-dart looking heads are common in strains that have been extensively removed from domestic breeds. Feral hogs exhibiting this trait are commonly referred to as Piney Woods Rooters. Why? I don’t know, because you can find this same look in pigs in arid landscapes as well. Compact, robust head structure is common to the Russian/ Eurasian boar and can also be found across an ever-increasing landscape. The combination of the two will result in any variation in between. Many folks have made an accurate note that phenotypic changes have happened over a relatively short period of time. This quick shift in phenotypic appearance can be placed largely on illegal transportation. Individuals trucking in new blood to release on the landscape is the equivalent of a rancher with a cross-bred cattle herd. Offspring look a bit different. The other feral pig fall-out is that, with heterosis, litter size will likely increase.
We have all heard of Murphy’s Law, and some of us would like to put hands on ole Murph. Wildlife science also has laws to explain why things happen the way they do or why things are the way they are. Earlier mentioned explanations of feral hogs ranging from thin, frail individuals to these short, thick, heavy-boned individuals can also be explained by wildlife law. To sum up Bergmann’s Rule, structure and conformation of the population will be determined by the environment. Have you ever wondered why White-tailed deer are so much bigger in the North as compared to those in the South? Why do southern deer typically have larger ears and longer legs proportional to body size when compared to their northern counterparts? Well, if a species has long legs and large ears, that increases the time that blood is close to the surface of the body, thus cooling the body more easily. It is simple thermoregulation. Feral hogs quickly spreading and occupying Provincial Canada must deal with long periods of very cold temperatures and are doing so quite well. As with deer, feral hogs in colder climates (the name Russian can explain the climate of origin) are going to be short-legged, thick-bodied bulldozers, while their counterparts to the south must have the ability to regulate temperature with a different body conformation of longer legs and tubular bodies since hogs can’t sweat. Let’s take this discussion now to the landscape and look at a few things that have an affect on phenotypic characteristics. Let’s say you live in an area that does not have much food or water. If your body structure is like mine, you need calories to maintain it and even more to grow. So if you are a strain of a species that is a heavy-boned lumbering animal that is slow moving, you are not going to do well in areas that require you to travel great distances in pursuit of very limited resources. If this is the case, Mother Nature is going to favor those animals that are slower-growing, thinner-boned, capable of long-distance travel, and don’t need much to stay alive. If water sources or food resources are miles apart, if available at all, the species will need to evolve a gait that will allow them to travel long distances while burning minimal calories. This requirement does not bode well for strains exhibiting strong Russian traits.
So, back to the coat of many colors worn by feral hogs. Why such and array in the color palette of feral hogs? There can be many thoughts and arguments around this topic, but let’s consider something that is a bit more inclusive than just the collateral of the Punnett Square. The Square can, and does, explain well why we have the likelihood of a wide array of colors in a single sounder, but where does predator management factor into phenotypic appearance? We are very aware that once a piglet is weaned, predatory take is cut to nil. However, every species on the planet that has meat in its diet likes pork. Take a given litter of six pigs. The sow is not completely concerned with rearing all of them. She will do her best, but piglet mortality is high. In that litter of six piglets, there are three black, two red, and one white. Let’s say you are a coyote. Which piglet will stand out most to you? Yes, the sore-thumb white one. I bring this up because, in the instances where predator management is high on the management list in livestock operations, what will be a result? Every action has a reaction, and the extensive removal of piglet predators will result in the increased survivability of piglets. With fewer predators, more color variability in piglets could occur, resulting in more color variability to put into the Punnett Square, resulting in more phenotypic combinations. Stating “My feral hogs are different” is a very accurate statement when looking from the phenotypic stance. Beyond that, all feral hogs are the same. Feral hogs are a scourge on the landscape, negatively impacting native floral and faunal species, domestic livestock system, water body, golf courses and new subdivisions, and EVERY pocketbook, either directly or indirectly. Feral hogs, by definition, cannot be rehabilitated or persuaded to perform differently. You will have to make the decision to accept the destruction to all that is natural and good or to do something about it. Choose wisely. Our native species and water quality are depending on it.
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Date Night on the Ranch Part of owning land is never wanting to leave the ranch! Most of our date nights end up with us trying new recipes. We’ll season our meat, check cows while it marinates, sip a beverage while watching the sunset, and then try out new techniques of cooking. We don’t know about y’all… but steak is our love language; so we are going to share one of our favorite, “go-to”, simple date night meals with an underrated technique for cooking a great slab of beef, without firing up the pit!
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INGREDIENTS For the steak: • Your choice of steak • We are using a 10 oz Wagyu Top Sirloin • Preferred Steak Seasoning • 2-3 tbs of butter or olive oil • Sliced Onion – optional for additional flavor • Other flavor options - Sprig of thyme, rosemary, garlic cloves, etc For the Black Pepper Quail: • 1-2 lbs of quail, your preference on cut • “Olive Oil and Vinegar” Salad Dressing • You can also use Italian dressing, but quail are such a small bird that we find it’s too over powering of a flavor. • Garlic Pepper Seasoning • 1/3 cup of all purpose flour • Cooking Oil For the Garlic Okra: • 1 bunch of Fresh Okra, washed and sliced diagonally lengthwise • 6-10 garlic cloves, thinly sliced • 1 tablespoon of olive oil • 1 tablespoon of garlic powder • Salt and pepper to taste DIRECTIONS For the steak: 1. Bring the steak to room temperature. Lightly tap dry with a paper towel on both sides. Season with your favorite type of steak seasoning. 2. We keep it simple using salt, fresh ground pepper, and a dash of garlic powder. Season generously on both sides. Remember the larger the cut of meat, the more seasoning it can handle. 3. On the stovetop, bring a pan to medium-high heat. 4. Preheat oven to 400 degrees 5. Place 2-3 tablespoons of butter (for better flavor) or olive oil, in the pan. Once butter is almost completely melted, place steak in pan. 6. Let one side sear (should take one or two minutes) then flip over to the other side for an additional one to two minutes 7. Once you’ve flipped the steak, carefully tilt the pan allowing the excess butter to puddle in the lower side of the pan. Using a spoon dip into that excess butter and coat the top of the steak repeatedly for about 30 seconds. 8. Place the oven safe pan into the preheated oven and set timer for 10-12 minutes. For some extra flavor and an extra side, place a linear sliced onion into your pan prior to placing in the oven. (If you chose to use additional herbs, add ‘em to the butter and baste the meat before placing in oven). 9. For medium rare remove the pan from the oven at approx. 130 degrees. 10. Place on cutting board and lightly tent the meat with foil, allowing it to rest for 5-6 minutes. 11. For this date night we split the steak, serving it sliced across the grain.
For the fried Quail: 1. For this date night we used quail legs. However, the recipe can be used on whole quail or quail halves. 2. If using frozen quail, thaw first. 3. Place quail in a gallon freezer bag with a generous amount of “Olive Oil & Vinegar Salad Dressing” & Garlic Pepper Seasoning. The dressing does two things- adds some subtle flavor and makes the flour you’re going to dredge these quail in later stick to the quail without making the whole bird taste like nothing but batter like you’d get using an egg wash or a buttermilk application. Shake the bag well, distributing the marinade mixture evenly on the quail. Place in fridge for at least 2 hours. 4. Whisk 1/3 cup of flour with 1.5 tablespoons of Garlic Pepper in a small bowl. 5. Remove the quail from the marinade and dredge thoroughly in the flour, coating all sides generously. Place aside on a plate. 6. Bring a pan to medium-high heat 7. Place a generous amount of cooking oil (we used olive oil) in the pan. You don’t want the quail to float, but there needs to be enough oil so that a majority of the quail is covered and it fries evenly. 8. Quail is a small piece of meat so it doesn’t take long to cook ‘em. Cook each side to a golden brown color, or to an internal temperature of at least 150 degrees. Keep your eye on them because they will cook quickly. 9. Remove the cooked quail from the pan and place on a plate covered with paper towels to catch excess grease. You are ready to serve once they’re all cooked! For the Garlic Okra: 1. Thoroughly wash Okra and slice diagonally. You can leave the steams on- they give another texture element and cook nicely. 2. Slice your garlic cloves into thin pieces. If you don’t have garlic cloves, you can substitute minced garlic, but we highly recommend thin slices as they fry up and crisp deliciously. 3. Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium high heat. Once oil is hot, add the okra to the pan. Toss in the oil and fry for 1-2 minutes. 4. Add the garlic slices and fry for another minute or two. If the okra is drying out, add another dash of oil. 5. As the garlic become fragrant, add the garlic powder slowly in two or three batches, tossing it around in the frying pan. The garlic powder is going to coat the okra. 6. Cook to desired tenderness. The longer you cook, the more caramelized and heavenly it’ll get! Season with salt and pepper and serve!
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ALAMO PINE RANCH 238± ACRES ANDERSON COUNTY, TEXAS Elkhart, TX 1,800± sq/ft shop with 3BR/1BA 1 well & electricity Loaded with pine trees & a variety of oaks Ag exempt for timber 2 spring-fed creeks & pond
SIXTY RANCH 60± ACRES ARANSAS COUNTY, TEXAS Taft, TX Low fenced Electricity & water available Cleared, raw pastureland Stocking ratio of 1-10 per acre Abundant wildlife 100% minerals convey
CRESTLINE ACRES 18± ACRES ATASCOSA COUNTY, TEXAS Pleasanton, TX 2,996± sq/ft custom ranch house Pool & pool house Barn, shed, livestock pens & chutes 1 well 1 pond Low fenced with large oak trees
MEDINA RIVER RANCH 400± ACRES BANDERA COUNTY, TEXAS Bandera, TX Medina Lake frontage Lodge, cabins and bunkhouse Cleared pasture areas Helicopter pad Abundant native and exotic wildlife CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM
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THE OASIS RANCHETTE 11± ACRES BEXAR COUNTY, TEXAS San Antonio, TX 11,000± sq/ft Mediterranean Villa 2,400± sq/ft Guest house Luxury pool Private gym 6-Car garage Horse barn
TRES CAMINOS RANCH 469± ACRES BRAZORIA COUNTY, TEXAS Sweeny, TX Road frontage on 3 sides Low fenced 2+ miles of wet-weather creeks 2 small ponds Water & electricity available Improved pastures with lush trees
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
GREEN LAKE ESTATE 103± ACRES CALHOUN COUNTY, TEXAS Port Lavaca, TX Low fenced 2-track ranch roads & trails 1 well & electricity Great grazing pastures Abundant native wildlife 58
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RANCHES AT SENTINEL PEAK 24-40± ACRE TRACTS COMAL COUNTY, TEXAS Fischer, TX Between Austin & San Antonio Spectacular views of the Devils Backbone 1 well & electricity Secluded with dense tree coverage Several homesite locations
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
MC RANCH 80± ACRES DUVAL COUNTY, TEXAS Benavides, TX Excellent brush cover Numerous possible homesite locations Good senderos Abundant wildlife Great secluded hunting property CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM
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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
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 Gated rock entrance with frontage on CR 450 Newly constructed 1,800± sq/ft metal building Outdoor covered bar area & pool Small set of deer breeding pens Elevations from 2,100’-2,300’
PORCH RANCH 105± ACRES EDWARDS COUNTY, TEXAS Rocksprings, TX 400± sq/ft cabin with covered deck Barn, & storage container Dirt ranch roads & trails Shared well & electric Natives & exotics 60
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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
CROSS TRIANGLE ARENA 24± ACRES ERATH COUNTY, TEXAS Stephenville, TX Indoor roping arena with chutes, catch pens, & loafing sheds Horse walker, covered runs & stalls with insulated shop & tack room Several barns with an apartment, stalls & loafing sheds
WP RANCH 18± ACRES ERATH COUNTY, TEXAS Stephenville, TX 4BR/2BA/1HB ranch house with 3-bay carport 900± sq/ft studio apartment Insulated foaling barn, AI barn, paddocks with loafing sheds 1 well, 1 pond CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM
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TITAN RANCH 735± ACRES FRIO COUNTY, TEXAS Dilley, TX 6BR/3BA/1HB house High fenced with dense brush Game processing area with walkin cooler 3 electric wells, water lines, & 4 ponds 7.15± acre DMP pen Improved Whitetail genetics 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 ELM CREEK RANCH 423± ACRES FRIO COUNTY, TEXAS Pearsall, TX High fenced 1 well & electric meter Over 2,000± feet of wet-weather Elm Creek Good ranch roads & senderos Numerous hunting blinds & feeders
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 62
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LAZY H RANCH 120± ACRES HAMILTON COUNTY, TEXAS Hamilton, TX Low fenced & cross fenced 2 ponds 4,000± feet of wet-weather creek Great grazing pastures Mature trees Ideal for development
TIJERINA RANCH 5,481± ACRES HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS Linn, TX 2BR/3BA/1HB main house 3BR/3BA bunkhouse 4BR/3BA foreman’s house Horse barn, tractor barn, & cattle pens Numerous wells & 3 ponds
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
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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
RAMEY RANCH 23± ACRES KIMBLE COUNTY, TEXAS Harper, TX Great views of countryside 750 sq/ft cabin with patio 1 well 2 water storage tanks 3 water troughs 1 pond
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” 64
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PINTO DRAW RANCH 202± ACRES KINNEY COUNTY, TEXAS Brackettville, TX 1430-1638’ elevations Panoramic views High protein brush species Abundant native and exotics Cabin, container barn & well Electric and septic in place
RANCHO DE AXIS 29± ACRES KINNEY COUNTY, TEXAS Brackettville, TX 1BR cabin Low fenced 2-track ranch roads & trails Free-ranging exotics & native wildlife 100% brush
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
UNO MAS RANCH 800± ACRES LA SALLE COUNTY, TEXAS Cotulla, TX 6 BR/2BA Barndominium-style lodge 5 Wells 2 Large ponds 1 Mile of wet-weather Espio Creek Great Whitetail herd & exotic species
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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
OLD UNION 38 38± ACRES LIMESTONE COUNTY, TEXAS Old Union, TX Secluded raw land Caliche pad Good ATV trails Dense brush & tree coverage Hunting blinds & feeders
BAR E RANCH NORTH 420± ACRES MEDINA COUNTY, TEXAS Hondo, TX High fenced on 3 sides Mature Oaks Sandy loam soils Large pond Abundant natives and exotics Raw land
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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
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
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 CAPITALFARMCREDIT.COM
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410 SOUTH RANCH 3,075± ACRES RED RIVER COUNTY, TEXAS Detroit, TX 20 ponds ranging in size Set of covered cattle working pens 2 sets of open cattle working pens Grain bins Fertile sandy loam soil Abundant wildlife
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 68
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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 70
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