The honey hole
Have we discovered the best duck hunting in Texas?
On a frigid December morning, Chip and his producer Ryan were the first to pull up to the 600 acre 6W Ranch. In the brief moments it took to unlock the gate, Chip feared he was underdressed for this particular morning in Lavaca County. Thankfully, the adventure ahead would spark a fire hot enough to warm any hunter’s soul.
Pulling on waders in the feed barn and buttoning up against the northern breeze, the group of hunters prepared for the dawn ahead. The men would be hunting on two of 6W’s ponds known to be hot spots for the migratory birds they were after. Permanent blinds at each pond would hide the hunters (and Ryan’s camera equipment).
Rumors of 50 to 100 ducks at each pond swirled in the crisp air. Anticipation grew and soon the men were riding into the dark morning along the ranch’s dirt roads.
Under a sliver of moonlight, Chip, Ryan, their new friend Kyle, and his dog, Gator, prepared for the first birds to arrive. With filming equipment positioned, all that was needed now was some action, but the gentle bobbing of a decoy is all that disturbed the water surface this early.
Soon, though, it would be Gator’s Labrador frame rippling the water surface as he fetched bird after bird from the cold waters.
As the sun peaked over the eastern horizon, the first grouping of ducks circled overhead. When the moment was right, Chip and Kyle popped from the blind and the first shots of the day rang out. And with them came down several of the day’s first trophies.
The fun had begun and numb toes gave way to full smiles as Gator diligently retrieved ducks from the foggy pond.
As beams of light graced more of the landscape, more birds graced the hunters with their presence in the sky. Shots could be heard from a pond in the distance as the other group enjoyed the spoils of 6W Ranch with Chip and Kyle.
Within the first two hours of daylight, every hunter had reached their limit. The men cleaned up their shells, said goodbye to the lucky ponds, and rendezvoused at the feed barn. Stories were shared and the game was cleaned. Gator even posed for a photo with all his hard work.
The hunters parted ways with enough day left to warm up properly and reflection continued via text message. The property owner’s proclaimed that though this morning was uncommon for most duck hunts, it wasn’t a rarity at 6W Ranch.
“We’ve been truly blessed by these ponds. It’s like we’ve found the honey hole of duck hunting in Texas.”
Interested in seeing this duck hunter’s paradise for yourself? Give Chip a call today or scan the QR code to find out more.
Pictured: 6W Ranch - Lavaca County, TX
West Navidad Ranch offers exceptional equestrian facilities, highlighted by an impressive show barn with 8 concrete wall stalls and a Bar and Grill, perfect for entertaining guests after a day spent on the ranch. Additional barns include two 12-stall facilities equipped with tack rooms, while the covered arena measures an impressive 120 feet wide by 220 feet long, fitted with lights and fans.
Chip Bubela is the Broker/Owner of Bubela Real Estate, a leading Central Texas firm specializing in land and investment properties. An Accredited Land Consultant and former President of the REALTORS® Land Institute Texas Chapter, Chip brings extensive experience and insight to every transaction.
A Different Way to Develop
Conservation Development in Texas: A New Path for Sustainable Growth
As Texas continues to grow, land use strategies that balance development with environmental stewardship are becoming more vital than ever. One innovative approach gaining traction in the Lone Star State is Conservation Development, a model that protects natural landscapes while thoughtfully incorporating residential living.
Located just north of Schulenburg near historic Freyburg, The Homesteads at Walker Branch stands as a pioneering example of this concept in action. Designated a Natural Prairie Community by the Natural Prairies Association of Texas, this project seeks to serve as a blueprint for future development across the state. At its core, Conservation Development reframes how communities interact with the land by concentrating housing on a smaller portion of a property (typically no more than 50%) and leaving the remainder permanently preserved as open space.
Instead of sprawling subdivisions that fragment ecosystems and strain natural resources, this model encourages the restoration of native prairies, waterways, and wildlife habitats. Residents benefit from direct access to nature trails, panoramic views, and shared green spaces that enhance both physical and mental well-being. Ecologically, this restoration supports soil health, improves water infiltration, and creates vital corridors for native wildlife — including pollinators that are essential to Texas agriculture like bees and butterflies.
A unique aspect of The Homesteads at Walker Branch is its emphasis on land stewardship. With most Texas land (around 95%) held in private ownership, individual landowners play a pivotal role in shaping the state’s ecological future. Through partnerships with organizations such as Wildlife Habitat Federation and Plateau Land Management, residents are supported
with conservation expertise and tools to manage their shared natural spaces effectively.
This emerging philosophy is not just about preserving beauty — it’s about redefining what responsible growth looks like in Texas. By prioritizing habitat protection and community engagement, Conservation Development offers a blueprint for living that puts people in harmony with the land rather than at odds with it.
Learn more about this and other real estate trends on our blog: www.bubelarealestate.com/blog
The Homesteads at Walker Branch
“This isn’t your standard, run-of-the-mill community.”
Divided over 80+ acres, 11 lots make up this burgeoning community north of Schulenburg. With conservation for roots, The Homesteads seek to be the first Natural Prairie Community in Texas, marrying land ownership with land stewardship.
To see which lot is right for you, schedule a visit and take a private tour of the grounds by going to landwithinreach.com
Want to hear from the men behind this ambitious community? Tune into Episode 7 of the Entre Podcast with Chip Bubela where we sat down and heard their vision first-hand. We appreciate the work Land Within Reach is doing to preserve Texas!
Looking Forward in 2026
Predictions are hard, but we made them! On the latest episodes of the Entre Podcast with Chip Bubela, the crew dove expressed thanks for the year 2025 and gave some bold outlooks going into 2026. What does the increasing median homebuyer age mean for agents? Are we ever going to return to a 2021 market? What is in store for insurance companies and more importantly their policy holders? Chip, Coy, and producer Ryan contemplate what to expect in 2026. By the time you’re reading this, maybe some of our predictions have even come true . . .
Listen on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube. Follow us everywhere @entre.realestate
