Coordinates Land Fall/Winter 2022

COORDINATES LAND

FALL WINTER 2022 ON THE COVER LULING OAKS RANCH

BY

& SWOPE RANCHES

LEGACY F E A T U R E D E X P L O R E

DOGS ON THE RANCH

Nimitz Lake Ranch

A L E T T E R F R O M

T H E P A R T N E R S

West& Swope Ranches will be entering our fifth year in business in 2023. To say that we have created our own magazine in the first five years in business makes us proud. Every edition is special to us and allows us to highlight our clients’ gorgeous land and ranch properties. From the rolling countryside of the Texas Hill Country to the tall, majestic pines in the lush forests of East Texas, to the prairies and lakes of Central Texas, to the canyons in the Panhandle, and back down to the South Texas desert that our hunters love to explore- we showcase all of Texas’ great diversity within our Coordinates Magazine by serving all of Texas in ranch and land sales. We sought to inspire and inform our audience by creating a publication that belongs on your coffee table because of the amazing photography but also has enough articles and reader content that you want to pick it up and take it with you when you have the time for some good leisure reading.

This Fall/ Winter edition is loaded with our active and featured properties and highlights some of our sold ranch properties for this year. It will also feature on-trend goods to enjoy while being on the ranch in the cooler months. We have a great informational article from our Broker Associate, Rick Taylor, announcing his new project; Legacy Wildlife! As well

as an article by one of our agents, Kirk Moody about getting your dog ready for hunting season.

To give a quick recap of 2022, our year started fast and furious with many strong sales and several notable listings. We will be ending our year with a big sale, the Pecan Ranch in Williamson County which was listed at the beginning of 2022, that made national news. We have also been able to work some nice off-market deals this year for clients that truly trust us when it comes to the sale of their land. West & Swope will be ending 2022 with our highest sales record to date. We feel incredibly blessed and know this wouldn’t be possible without such a wonderful team, incredible in-office staff, our loyal clients, and all of you who recommend West & Swope to your families and friends. In September, we launched our new website! This was a really big project that our Marketing Specialist worked hard on for months, and did a tremendous job of partnering with the media team to give us a dynamic and cutting-edge platform that will help us better serve our clients for years to come.

Back in the office, our team is working diligently to make sure 2023 is another record-breaking year, with our main goal being to ensure that West and Swope Ranches is the best choice when it comes to choosing a Land and Ranch brokerage in Texas. We are already working on our next publication which will be published in the Spring/ Summer of 2023. We hope you enjoy this edition of Coor dinates as much as we have enjoyed creating it. And as always, if you ever need assistance when it comes to buying or selling your land and ranch property, please give us a call.

Sincerely,

8620 N New Braunfels Ave, STE 115 San Antonio, TX 78217

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At West & Swope Ranches, we pride ourselves on developing personal relationships with our clients that extend well beyond the buying or selling of a ranch. Rather than serve as simply brokers, we identify ourselves as partners in the process, ensuring that you find the property that is right for you or that your ranch is sold according to your goals and expectations.

We aim to work with clients who share our passion and respect for the land and the heritage that it represents. With a strong family history in ranching and the agriculture business, our understanding of the unique differ ences between properties helps us to position our clients in a way that best serves their individual needs.

We realize that in today’s world, our clients have an almost endless choice when it comes to selecting a broker age firm and the days of being the only game in town are long gone. However, we continue to rely on the princi ples that have made the business of buying and selling land a profession of integrity. Our goal is to build lasting relationships with each and everyone of our clients. This is at the forefront of our philosophy and goes hand in hand with our commitment to unwavering honesty. We pride ourselves on our reputation because at the end of the day, what we do is about more than just business, it’s about the people we do business with.

LISTINGS SEEN IN

The 542+/- acre R&G Ranch offers a great

to own an

operation and ranch that has been well managed by the same family for close to 40 years. Located off I-35, in both Medina and Frio counties the ranch can be accessed by either paved CR 1657 or down an easement. The ranch is within a 40-minute drive of San Antonio and just minutes from Moore and Devine, Texas, an area known for its rich soils and hay production. The ranch has been utilized for many years as a high-volume hay operation and cow-calf ranch. The improvements on the ranch have been carefully thought out by the owners, including numerous water wells, 3 center pivots which irrigate approximately 162+/- acres in total, 2 barns for hay storage, 2 equipment barns and a centrally located set of pens by the ranch house. The ranch is cross-fenced, and cattle can be penned and rotated with ease. There are currently 50 head of cattle on the ranch with the ability to support more.

N I M I T Z L A K E R A N C H

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The 71.73 +/- acre Nimitz Lake Ranch is an incredible opportunity to own three separate tracts, with over 3,000 ft. of waterfront property along the Guadalupe River/ Nimitz Lake in Kerrville, Texas. The land has optimal road frontage, with approximately half a mile of road frontage along Thompson Road, and approxi mately 1300 ft of road frontage along James Road. The ranch is currently being utilized for cattle, but the property is zoned for mixed-use, providing an abundance of opportunity for its next owner. The land is mostly cleared, with beautiful sycamore trees, mature oaks scattered throughout and nice, tall cypress trees lining the Guadalupe riverbank. Nimitz Lake Ranch would make for a great multi-purpose property, cattle ranch, a gorgeous residential retreat with tons of river frontage for recreational endeavors and for aesthetics, or a combination of commercial, multi-family, or even a nice hospitality endeavor.

L O C A T I O N

Located just inside the city limits of Kerrville, the Nimitz Lake Ranch is in a prime and convenient location, just minutes away from restaurants, shopping and more! The ranch is less than 30 minutes away from Fredericksburg and under an hour to San Antonio. The focal point on the ranch, the Guadalupe River, truly captures the essence of the beautiful Texas Hill Country. This area is known as one of the most beautiful regions in the state of Texas. Rolling hills, spring fed rivers and lakes, diverse art and music offerings, specialty shopping, and the state’s capital city make the Hill Country a favorite destination for Texans and out-of-state visitors alike. Next door to the ranch, there is a brand-new mixed-use development called The Landing, which is made up of residential, retail, office and restaurants on 60 acres.

W I L D L I F E

The Nimitz Lake Ranch features the typical native Hill County wildlife, including whitetail deer, Axis deer, turkey, dove, ducks, and various fish and varmints.

T E R R A I N

Nice, Hill Country terrain that is mostly cleared pastures and fields that gently slopes downward as you get closer to the riverbank. There is approximately 60 ft of elevation change from the highest eastern portion of the property to the lowest portion of the ranch, near the river.

SHOWINGS,

The idea for GUNNER Kennels was inspired by my own best friend, Gunner. I've always felt uneasy traveling with him in traditional plastic crates – and was tired of replacing flimsy ones year after year.

GUNNER Kennels are: 5 Star Crash Tested. Proven to save. Double-Wall Rotomolded. 2x impact protection. Life time Warranty. All kennels. American Made. No corners cut. Visit: gunner.com

G R U E N E H A T CO.

The tiniest little hat shop in Texas, deep in the heart of Gruene Historic District.

Offering Stetson, Resistol and Charlie 1 Horse hats. Visit: gruenehatco.com

Each piece in the Spode Woodland Dinnerware Collection marries exquisitely detailed studies of game and animals with the historic 1831 British Flowers border. spode.com

L O C A L

F A R M E R S M A R K E T

A compilation of goods from companies that represent the ranch lifestyle well and are on-trend right now in the Farm and Ranch industry.

knife emporium based in Hous ton, Texas, just outside down town Houston in a town called Porter. We are a family-owned business that works to create knives made for you. All of our knives come with a lifetime warranty and free sharpening for the first year.

Visit: texanknives.com

All Hands Craft Cocktails, a Hous ton-based ready-to-drink cocktail company, is changing the canned cocktail game with their bar-strength vodka cocktails. They’re bucking the trend of low ABV, malt beverage based seltzers and serving up something much more premium - and much stronger. Find them at a retailer near you or have ‘em shipped to your door at allhandscocktails.com & follow their story on Instagram at @drinkall

L I S T O P R O V I S I O N S

Listo Provision's Brush Cruisers are a comfortable, lightweight alternative to traditional snake boots. They allow you to wear your favorite footwear to the field while still being protected from snakes, cactus, thorns and even ticks. listoprovisions.com

A L L H A N D S C O C K T A I L S

B L U E C R E E K R A N C H

The Blue Creek Ranch is 85+/- Acres of unimproved property located on the western outskirts of Dripping Springs, Texas on the Hwy 290 corridor. The ranch is in an excellent location; approximately 4.4 miles to down town Dripping Springs, approximately 1.3 miles from the Dripping Springs City Limits, and less than 30 miles from the booming Austin metroplex. Blue Creek runs through a portion of the property, but it’s estimated that approximately 61 +/- acres are unrestricted by the creek and wetlands. The ranch is currently covered in cedar and large oaks, creating the perfect cover for native wildlife. The property has electricity at the front of the property. There are two entrances to the property, providing easy access from Hwy 290. The ranch is in the ETJ and would make a tremendous multi-purpose property, cattle ranch, or a gorgeous residential retreat with close proximity to Dripping Springs. There are several newer developments within close proximity to the dripping Springs Ranch. The Arrowhead Ranch is a neighborhood of homes in Dripping Springs with an average home price of $800,000 and Bunker Ranch is a gated new home community with an average home price of $1,400,000. With approximately 480 +/- feet of 290 road frontage, no restrictions, and easy access, the options for this property are endless.

L O C A T I O N

Dripping Springs is an iconic Texas small town located in the Texas Hill Country. Exceptional schools in the Dripping Springs Independent School District are A-rated and ranked sixth in the State of Texas. The city of Dripping Springs has seen incredible growth over the last few years, making this property great for short or long-term investment.

W I L D L I F E

Aside from your typical native Hill Country wildlife, there is an abundance of Whitetail deer and turkey. The property has great brush cover for the wildlife and a seasonal creek that provides water.

T E R R A I N

Hill country terrain with rolling hills and beautiful views.

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I L L C O U N T R Y | D R I P P I N G S P R I N G S

Q: As far as fitness goes in the off-season, you know for those not running a commercial operation- us guys with a couple of bird dogs, what would you recommend doing in the off-season to prepare?

A: Fetch every day, sit, stay, heel, and I use the word “back” every day. Also known as break set go fetch and keep that repetition every day for 15 minutes and you will have a dog ready for the season. It helps the relationship between the owner and the dog as far as respect. Dog and all dogs, love to have a purpose. Dogs will tear less stuff up with a job, especially high-energy bird dogs, they need a job.

Q: As far as warming up and getting the dogs ready are you taking them out in the field? Running them? Letting them stretch their legs?

A: Something that we do that helps a lot is to always shave the dogs in September. Especially a long hair English Cockerspainel. You have to be sure they do not overheat. We've all heard about the guy who got caught up in the dove and let his dog overheat on opening day. You have to make sure they are prepared as much as possible. Attention to your dog and water is a necessity.

Q: Getting ready for opening day. You have a dog who is not in the best shape, who has laid on the couch all summer long, and is not in the field foaming at the mouth, and at the point of exhaustion. What do you recommend?

A: If you have a dog and you are going hunting, ask yourself if you have a gun, shells but most importantly, do you have water for your dog.

Q: Are there any drills in particular y’all like doing with the dogs at Joshua creek?

A: Once the dog is older I like to do blind retrieves. I tell the dog to sit, stay, and walk away and I’ll have bumpers on the ground to the left and right. On the right bumper, I’ll say back with my right hand and the dog will pick up on that particular movement means to go right and bring me the bumper. These learned hand signals are a great tool for the dog to know.

Q: As far as cooling down after the hunt, what do you recommend? How do yall like to get your dogs cooled off?

A: Well we will get them in the river for a swim. We also have silver tanks spread throughout the ranch and every field has at least 3 of them and we fill those up so the dogs can be self-sufficient in cooling themselves off. As a guide, we go water trough to water trough with the dog in mind to be sure they are cooling off and not overheating.

Q: As far as someone, for example, going down to Hondo on a sunflower dove hunt, what do you do if you've put your dog in a situation where there are lots of other dogs in the area to keep your dog focused when a bird goes down?

A: That's a great question. I've been asked that by a guy with a one-year-old dog and told him yours is going to chase down every bird in the field. So if you have a young dog, don't be selfish. Put your gun down and take the time as a learning lesson to teach your dog how to sit, stay, and mark. What if it takes 30 minutes to get the dog's light to turn on to not chase every bird in the field? That time was well spent. All it is, is the hunter investing the time in working with his dog to make sure the dog learns his job and then you've got a lifetime of hunting ahead.

Located in the renowned Texas Hill Country just 45 minutes northwest of San Antonio, Joshua Creek Ranch occupies a uniquely diverse terrain including miles of the spring-fed, crystal-clear Joshua Creek and the famous Guadalupe River. You'll call it paradise when you experience the combination of the pristine hunt country with outstanding cuisine, award-winning lodging accommodations, and premier event facilities at Joshua Creek Ranch. Joshua Creek Ranch is the ideal destination resort for corporate events, conferences, Texas Hill Country getaways, and special occasions like weddings, reunions, and private parties. A customized itinerary is specially designed for each reservation to ensure a memorable guest experience.

The 60 +/- acre Lake Placid Ranch is a rare opportunity to own a true “last of its kind” property that has been purposefully preserved in it’s natural state for decades on the popular ski lake, Lake Placid. Situated just minutes from I-10 in Guadalupe County, just southwest of Seguin; the Lake Placid Ranch is a convenient drive from San Antonio, Austin and Houston. For generations, Lake Mcqueeny and Lake Placid have been a popular weekend getaway for residents across the state. The ranch boasts of 1,300 +/- ft of frontage on Lake Placid and is essentially a blank canvas, with 2 fields that can be utilized for hay production. The property itself has been well maintained and cared for, and the family has chosen not to hunt on this property for many years to enhance the native wildlife. There has also been minimal brush control, allowing the native trees and wildlife to flourish. As the topogra phy slopes down towards the lake, huge Cypress trees and other native trees can be observed along the water’s edge. Some deed restrictions may apply, call on restrictions.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFO AND SHOWINGS CONTACT:

Owned by the same family for over 100 years, the 338 +/- acre Lutz Ranch offers a great opportunity to own a recreational ranch in the highly desired southern portion of Medina County just minutes from Castroville and Devine. Conveniently located within 40 minutes of San Antonio, the ranch is easily accessible off paved CR 651, which connects to both HWY 173 and FM 1343. The ranch is unique in the fact that it offers productive soil and great brush diversity, with a mix of open pastures. Huge Oak trees are scattered throughout the ranch and line the creek bottom that runs along the western boundary, providing great roosting sites for turkey. The ranch’s brush diversity includes big oaks and bull mesquite, as well as guajillo, granjeno and other native south Texas brush. There are also two tanks on the property that hold sufficient water, even in dry years. The diversity in soils, and mix of brush, sustains wildlife including White-tail deer, hogs, Rio Grande turkey, dove, bobwhite quail and during the winter months waterfowl can be seen on the tanks.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFO AND SHOWINGS CONTACT:

Indian Creek Ranch consists of 97 +/- acres, with live water, located approximately 5 +/- miles from Bandera, Texas, known as the Cowboy Capital of the World. This waterfront land makes for an incredible multi-use ranch. It features both sides of the dammed up, crystal clear, cypress lined Indian Creek, nice panoramic views with multiple building sites, tall mature trees, an abundance of wildlife, and lush pastures. Indian Creek Ranch has multiple ideal home sites that offer gorgeous views of the surrounding Hill Country. This ranch is a recreational retreat in a nice secluded, but easily accessible, location that offers endless adventure for the avid outdoor enthusiast.

The Double G Ranch is a 511 acre turn-key recreational property located minutes from Sweeny, TX in beautiful Brazoria County. The ranch is a convenient one-hour drive from downtown Houston, making this the perfect weekend getaway property for any outdoor enthusiast. The ranch is also a three-hour drive from San Antonio, as well as Austin. The Double G Ranch has been intensely managed over the years to provide endless recreational opportunities for fishing, hunting, cattle, and numerous other possibilities.

I A C O U N T Y | S W E E N Y , T X

E A T U R E D I N D I A N C R E E K R A N C H

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F3M RANCH

The Medina Riverfront Ranch is a beautiful 304-acre live water ranch that features the cypress lined, crystal clear Medina River located approximately 3.5 miles outside of Bandera, Texas city limits. The spring fed Medina River offers gorgeous scenery along with abundant recreational opportuni ties such as wade fishing, kayaking, floating and swimming. With frontage on highway 16; an accommodating and beautiful, accessible river frontage and only minutes from the town of Bandera, this property would be perfect for a recreational buyer, land developer, or an investor.

A rare opportunity to own an unimproved tract of land in Aransas County just minutes from Aransas Pass. Located within the opportunity zone, this property boasts over 1,280 ft of frontage on Interstate 35 Bypass.With major industrial growth taking place in Ingleside, Portland, and the surrounding area, this property provides great long-term investment and development potential. Due to its close proximity to Aransas Pass, Ingleside, Rockport, and boat ramps such as Conn Brown Harbor and Ransom Park Boat Ramp, this property also possesses great development potential for Boat Storage, an RV Park, or a combination of both.

F E A T U R E D

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OWNER FINANCING NOW AVAILABLE!

The Weir Ranch is a greatly improved recreational ranch located just minutes from the quaint town of Goldthwaite, TX. The property is perfect for entertaining as well as endless recreational opportunities. The ranch features a custom remodeled 4,800 sq ft main house as well as a custom remodeled 1,216 sq ft guest house. Located less than 10 minutes from the charming town of Goldthwaite, less than 30 minutes from historic San Saba, as well as an hour and a half from Austin and Waco, this property allows for rural seclusion with easy access to big city amenities.

100 +/- Acres of beautiful, country land that is located approximately 6 +/- miles northeast from downtown Luling, TX. This large, recreational property features a nice pond, hilltop views, mature oak trees and other hardwoods scattered throughout the property. The ranch is accessed off of a 60 +/- ft private lane off Soda Springs Rd. This recreational property has many great homesites, and is ultimately a blank canvas for anyone looking to create their own country retreat. The land is mostly cleared pasture, with scattered trees, great grass for cattle, and beautiful views.

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L U L I N G O A K S R A N C H

The Luling Oaks Ranch is a 532 +/- acre beautiful recreational ranch with development potential, located approximately 6 +/- miles northeast from downtown Luling, TX and less than 15 miles South of Lockhart, TX. Larger-acreage ranches are becoming harder to find in this area, especially one with great road frontage, beauti ful ponds, hilltop views, mature oak trees and other hardwoods scattered throughout the property. The ranch has great access, with road frontage from two separate roads, which includes approximately 4,988 +/- ft of frontage on FM 1386, approximately 1,854 +/- ft of frontage on McNeil Creek Rd, and 60 +/- ft on Soda Springs Rd., a 2-inch water line serviced by Aqua water runs along Soda Springs Rd. and FM 1386. The Luling Oaks Ranch is a picturesque recreational property with great homesites and a blank canvas for anyone looking to create their own country retreat; and is a great investment opportunity as well. The property is currently ag exempt with electric ity on site.

L O C A T I O N

Luling, Texas is located in Caldwell County and has a small-town feel, with close proximity to the Austin metroplex, San Antonio, and the rapidly fast-growing town of Lockhart. Some of the best barbeque can be found in the towns of Luling and Lockhart. The ranch is just minutes away from Luling, a town with great amenities and nearby grocery stores such as HEB. Luling is also soon to be home of the largest Buc-ee’s location in Texas.

T E R R A I N

The Luling Oaks Ranch features scenic terrain that is gently rolling, with great grass for cattle. There are many stock tanks scattered throughout the ranch, as well as beautiful, scattered Hardwoods, Live Oaks, Post Oaks, and Cedar Elms.

W I L D L I F E

The ranch is home to an array of native wildlife, including Whitetail deer, turkey, hogs and dove. The multiple tanks scattered throughout the ranch are home to largemouth bass and perch, and waterfowl in the winter months. The ranch’s fields also provide great habitat for dove.

I M P R O V E M E N T S

The modest improvements on the ranch offer great opportunity for a buyer to implement their own personal renovations to the land. Primary improve ments include working cattle pens, a 60x100 metal storage barn, an 80x120 storage barn, one 60x75 hay barn, as well as multiple other barns and sheds. The improvements make for a great cattle facilities.

LEGACY WILDLIFE CONSULTING

By Rick Taylor, Wildlife Biologist / Associate Broker Photos by Michael McNamara

When I retired from Texas Parks and Wildlife after 27 years, I penned a farewell article in the Uvalde Leader News centered on Jimmy Buffett’s classic song “A Pirate Looks at 40” where he serenades the audience with tales of his past, reflections on life and where he’s been and what he’s done. In the article I found myself reflecting on an exciting career only a few people can imagine. My last official wildlife survey had been conduct ed, my last trap had been checked and closed, and as the sun set on that career, it was time to move on to new challenges. One of those challeng es was becoming a private wildlife consultant and ranch real estate broker. Throughout those years with TPWD I had the opportunity to work with many species of wildlife including white-tailed deer, feral hogs, javelina, black bear, mountain lions, alligators, turkey, doves, quail, whooping cranes, and bald eagles, just to name a few. Traipsing around the South Texas brush during that period, I’d come to appreciate more than just the wildlife, the plants (and they don’t all have thorns), and that special ecosystem. I realized that without the stewardship of the landowner, none of that would have been possible. Fortunately for those of us that enjoy the great outdoors, good sound habitat and wildlife management has taken exponential steps over the last 50 years. So, the article emphasized my kudos to the many landowners who turned ragged pieces of dirt into outstanding wildlife habitats. Over the course of 40+ years, I became close friends with many of these land stewards. So, to this day I would like to thank all landowners on behalf of the natural resources of Texas.

Texas is approximately 97% privately owned so the importance of the landowner to wildlife cannot be understated. From the Coastal Prairies, Oak Prairie, Edwards Plateau and South Texas ecoregions, throughout my career, I’ve had the good fortune of working with hundreds of landowners encompassing more than 1.5 million acres. Within these regions, and all the ecoregions of Texas, most landowners are constantly striving to improve their resources. The improvements come in various

categories including brush management, water development, supplemental feeding, shelter, wildlife surveys and biological data collection. The investments landowners have spent to improve their property can never be calculated. It’s the love of the land, and the love of the natural resources, that drives this commitment and leaves a legacy in the land.

And let us not forget, the properties on which biological research has been, and is, conducted. Once again, Texas landowners step up to help when biologists need areas to conduct scientific investigations. In South Texas, for example, TPWD and state university systems have had access to hundreds of thousands of acres to study white-tailed deer, feral hogs, mountain lions, and habitat management strategies to name a few. The same can be said about landowners’ cooperation in the Panhandle, West Texas, East Texas, and Central Texas. Frequently, the results of research conducted on private lands have long term, lasting implications for wildlife and landowners.

When I started working with Texas Parks and Wildlife one of the first pieces of advice my supervisor told me was to “keep my mouth shut and just listen to the veteran biologists I was working with.” I was fresh out of college and thought I could teach those old-fashioned biologists a few modern techniques.

Boy was I wrong! Many of those guys had experimented and tried most of the sugges tions I tried to instill in them. But that advice was gold and I learned more from them than I ever learned in books. And to this day, I’m still learning; however, not from old biologists, because I am one, but from years of experience in the field, adjusting to new techniques, and from people around me, including landowners. Just like the old biologists, I learned a lot from these ranch ers. And hopefully they learned a little from me. From livestock operations to brush management, their savvy advice was from years of trial and error, often handed down from their parents and grandparents. I’ve worked with hundreds of landowners over the course of my career, and many were legacy ranches having been in the family for generations.

Numerous landowners I had the pleasure of assisting, nevertheless, were relatively new to property ownership having purchased the property primarily for recreational purposes or investment. It was, and still are these new landowners who often need the most help. I’ve also learned a lot from them as well, although maybe not all positive for them for often their mistakes and failure to seek guidance was costly.. Many of the miscalculations by neophyte landown ers could have been prevented which need mentioning especially if you’re considering buying property. Purchasing a ranch is often the greatest investment a person makes and

can be the best long term best investment as well, and with many tax advantages. While the stock market can be a roller coaster ride, land if bought at the right price has always increased over the long term. The old adage “they’re not making any more land.” is true and I would like to add “but they’re still making a lot of people!”

When purchasing a ranch, the initial steps I feel are worth considering begin with questions, long-term goals, and objectives. Why are you interested in the property and what are you going to do with it? Is it for recreation, business, investment, or all the above and what is your budget? Often, the budget will answer many of these questions such as location, size, and on-site improvements. Once that decision is determined, find an area or region of the state you like and become familiar with the area--conduct your research. For example, hunters who have hunted south Texas or the hill country are very familiar with the habitat, climatic conditions, and a host of other items which help them make their decisions. If you’re not familiar with an area and are considering purchasing property, spend some time in the area spending nights in towns, visiting with the locals, driving around, talking to the local TPWD biologist or county agent. Purchasing a ranch can be a great invest ment and a lifelong dream come true. However, it can also be a regret that keeps on giving or taking!

Once you find a particular area, consider the soils, habitat, and plant diversity, is adequate water available (subsurface, surface, or county water), is electricity nearby, is it in a floodplain, does the county have any rules or regulations you should be aware of? What was the past use and ask about the neighbors? Do these questions satisfy your goals? And be patient! Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your final project be either.

Once you find your dream ranch, what next? Throughout the majori ty of Texas, water is a precious commodity and adequate water distribu tion should be a priority. Oftentimes, when an individual buys a ranch, the first thing they want to do is put a high fence around it and build a large hacienda, and several other things which I believe should be postponed.

I believe the legacy should be in the land, not an oversized, extravagant building. A nice comfortable lodge, a nice barn and modest improve ments is also sound advice for investors. Sadly, on many ranches the improvements value more than the land itself and can make resell more difficult. Unfortunately, most ranches are easier to sell without these mansions designed for the previous owners.

If the new property is under agricultural exemption and you don’t want livestock, you can convert it to 1-D-1 Wildlife Exemption with the same tax advantages. If you’re a new landowner or already own a piece of land, seek qualified, professional assistance to develop and improve your piece of Texas. When seeking this assistance, make sure the consultant has the credentials, experience, and references before hiring them.

The newsletter of the Borderlands Research Institute said it brilliant ly, “Conservation begins and ends with private landowners. Landowners are the stewards that all Texans depend on to ensure we have clean water, clean air, scenic vistas, and that provide habitat for the wildlife species we cherish.” We are all just passing through this life, and some are fortu nate enough to be placed in a stewardship role as caretakers of a small piece of this earth. It’s been and continues to be an honor and pleasure to have played a small role in the land stewards’ accomplishments. My old friend Jim Mullen said it best, “The ranch you leave behind will be your legacy, so strive to make it a good one.” Make your legacy in your land because it will be here forever. And may the setting sun continue to glow on your piece of God’s handiwork.

"We are all just passing through this life, and some are fortunate enough to be placed in a stewardship role as caretakers of a small piece of this earth. "

READ MORE ABOUT THE OFFERINGS OF LEGACY WILDLIFE CONSULTING HERE:

Pecan Ranch is a phenomenal 1,469 +/- acre property, and truly a hidden gem nestled just north of the booming city limits of Austin, TX. Properties of this size and beauty are becoming increasingly rare in this part of Central Texas, and the infinite opportunities this ranch provides are unmatched. This ranch has been owned under the same family for decades, allowing for the natural beauty and wildlife on the ranch to remain pristine. Due to the ranch’s close proximity to the growing Austin metroplex and I-35, Pecan Ranch is a prime location for development, or a large recreational ranch with short- and long-term investment potential. Williamson County has exploded in recent years with growth, making it the twelfth fastest growing county in the nation. The northwestern portion of the ranch has roughly 2,518 ft of road frontage on both sides of CR 232. This large amount of road frontage creates an ideal location for future development or large company plant if desired. Pecan Ranch is a very rare opportunity to own one of the most diverse and magnificent properties currently on the market in Central Texas.

SELLERS REPRESENTED BY:

The Hollow Draw Ranch is a rare opportunity to own your own ranch in south Frio County, within minutes from Dilley, Texas. This unimproved ranch offers tremen dous potential to be developed into an outstanding hunting or recreational ranch. This 792 +/- acre property represents some of the finest brush country that Frio County offers, providing excellent habitat for deer and other wildlife. The fertile red sandy loam soil has the potential to be converted to food plots if one desires. The ranch has one producing water well that is on an electric pump. This property could make for a true hunter’s paradise with excellent habitat, water for the wildlife, and low-fenced neighbors. The Hollow Draw Ranch is one of the best blank-canvas properties available in South Texas. This south Texas area is known for producing large, free-ranging whitetail deer, and plenty of other game. The surrounding diversity of cropland and brush makes great habitat for quail and doves. Other wildlife that can be seen on the Hollow Draw Ranch are hogs, coyotes, and other typical native south Texas wildlife.

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AND SHOWINGS CONTACT:

Situated on Lambs Creek in beautiful Kerr

south of

on Medina Hwy with approximately 49.53 +/- acres and close to 1,600 +/- feet of frontage on Hwy 16, the Thompson Ranch is the ideal place to make your next home, horse farm, or investment property. As you enter the ranch through the electronic gate, you are greeted by a tree-lined canopy with close to 40 irrigated Bradford pear trees, provid ing a very welcoming drive in-between two fenced pastures. As you continue on, you will pass the horse stalls and barns, and eventually come down to the concrete low-water crossing below the dam on Lambs Creek, which is home to bass, perch and catfish. Once across the dam, you will head up towards an open pasture and be greeted by a nice rock home with two front porches. Two wells are located on the property and feed the house and the livestock. A high rock bluff behind the home provides spectacular views from above and would make a great place for another residence..

C O V E N A N T R A N C H

The Covenant Ranch is a magnificent South Texas hunting ranch that is well-known for producing great quali ty, trophy whitetail deer. The 8,988-acre ranch is designed to offer the very best when it comes to hunting and recreation. The land has been exceptionally well managed, with many improvements added over the years to enhance the quality and quantity of the wildlife. The iconic main lodge overlooks Biel Lake, a 300-acre cultural reservoir that is believed to be the largest privately owned lake in South Texas. With its incredible history, top-notch lodging, high-quality wildlife, and well-designed improvements, this massive South Texas property is an opportunity to own a unique ranch of exceptional quality.

W I L D L I F E

The Covenant Ranch is located in the heart of Texas’ famed south Texas brush country in northeast Webb County, only a few miles from the home of the famed Muy Grande deer contest in Freer, Texas. The whitetail deer have been actively and intensely managed for over twenty years and currently under TPWD’s Managed Land Deer Program. The intense deer management of genetic breeding utilizing their 5 DMP pens, selective harvest, maintaining adequate age structure and doe per buck ratios, coupled with excellent high protein brush has created some of the best trophy hunting in the state. As a supplement to the excellent browse available, whole cottonseed is distributed throughout the ranch. Proper habitat management has also provided outstanding populations of bobwhite quail, scaled quail, mourning dove, javelina, hogs, coyotes, bobcats, and many resident and migrating non-game species. The lakes on the property attract migrating waterfowl, providing occasional waterfowl hunting as well. Besides the excellent hunting available, several of the smaller tanks provide fishing opportunities.

T E R R A I N

Being in the heart of south Texas, The Covenant Ranch boasts some of the greatest diversity of high protein brush available providing all the essential browse to grow large trophy whitetail deer. Examples of this brush diversity include mesquite, black brush, guajillo, guayacan, granjeno, twisted acacia, brazil, persimmon, kidneywood, coma, four-winged saltbush, cenizo, white brush, prickly pear and many more. Topography of the ranch is deemed flat to undulating offering excellent views throughout the ranch. Diverse soils range from clay to sandy clay to fine sandy loam which also increases diversity of brush, forbs, and grasses. While Buffel grass dominates some of the improved areas, native grasses and forbs thrive throughout. Brush management on the ranch has been an integral aspect of improving the wildlife habitat on the ranch. Selective clearing, food plots, and brush sculpting in strips and mosaic patterns provide greater edge effect, allowing for increased forb and grass production which has enriched the deer herd and all the native wildlife on the ranch. These brush strips and clearings provide prime quail habitat and optimal quail hunting locations. There are countless miles of wide roads, senderos, and clearings. Prescribed burning and shredding help maintain these areas. Additionally, there are 10+ fallow food plots and/or fenced fields that can be revitalized and planted as food plots for livestock or wildlife.

“Brush is extremely valuable to wildlife in south Texas, and the Covenant Ranch possesses the majority of woody plant species found in the region.” - Rick Taylor, author: Common Woody Plants & Cacti of South Texas

I M P R O V E M E N T S

The main lodge is 6,400 sf and has 10 bedrooms, 9.5 bathrooms, a large dining hall, a game room, and a commercial style kitchen, all designed with entertainment in mind. The main lodge overlooks Biel Lake and creates a picturesque setting for guests of the ranch.The Covenant has 10,000 square feet of ranch headquarters, that includes a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment, a ranch-operations office, a well-designed, game cleaning room complete with a walk-in cooler and freezer, and plenty of large equipment storage with five overhead doors. There is also a helicopter bay and an equipment maintenance shop on site. The Covenant also has an 1,800-sf house near the ranch’s headquarters that would make for a great guest or foreman’s house.Other improvements on the ranch include two additional storage barns, a horse barn, and covered dog kennels. The helicopter pad and an older 4,000 ft paved runway provide easy access to the ranch. The ranch is entirely high-fenced and there is a 1,500-acre pasture near the front that is separately high-fenced, that was used for bow hunting only. There are five DMP pens scattered throughout the ranch, for the purpose of natural deer breeding. The ranch is being sold as is.

W A T E R

There is one water well located in the front portion of the ranch that is approximately 740 ft deep and produces approximately 10 gallons per minute. Aside from the 300-acre Biel Lake, which is the largest water feature on the property, there is a second lake that is approximately 50 acres in size. In addition to the lakes, there are 26 ponds on the ranch that are filled by rainwater or drainage. Black Creek, along with numerous other wet-weather creek drainages, traverse the ranch. The water is treated by a state-of-the-art Culligan water treatment system and then stored in a 50,000-gallon tank. One of the large equipment barns is set up for rainwater harvesting. It has storage and a distribution system. In addition, there are 19 water troughs located in the main pasture areas.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFO AND SHOWINGS, CONTACT:

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The Sabinal River Retreat is a riverfront recreational property with endless possibilities for future owners. Located less than 15 minutes from Lost Maples State Park, this area is famous for its pristine natural beauty and outdoor recreational appeal. The quaint town of Utopia is only 8 minutes from the property, and the town of Medina is less than a 30-minute drive. The Frio River, Medina River, and Sabinal River, all call this region of the Hill Country home, making it one of the most desirable areas for outdoor enthusiasts. The property features approximately 650 +/- feet of river frontage along the picturesque Sabinal River.

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The Florence Valley Ranch is a 49-acre secluded retreat. The ranch offers fantastic, panoramic views with multiple potential building sites and great brush diversity. Florence Valley Ranch features one of the highest elevations in Bell County at 1050 ft, making the 360-degree views unparalleled. If you are looking for a secluded place to build a nice home or a recreational retreat for the weekend in an area that provides small-town charm with big-city amenities, or if you are looking for a great long-term investment opportunity, this ranch will be the perfect place for you.

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This 128 +/- acre property is in the rapidly expanding growth corridor of Eastern Bexar County. The property is located equidistant between the intersection of North Graytown and Abbott Road and 1518 and Abbott Road. Abbott Road Ranch has 1,200 +/- feet of frontage on Abbott Road and is located less than 3 miles from I10. The property has little change in elevation and features a beautiful creek. There are numerous new residential developments located less than a mile away, making this property a prime candidate for residential development. Builders active in the area include Lennar, Hakes Brothers, DR Horton, and Meritage Homes. San Antonio River Authority has an 8” line along the frontage and are working on sewer upgrades in the area which could include extension of lines thru a portion of the property. A lift station is located nearby and could potentially be accessed via a gravity fed line. A 4” water line is on the east side of Abbott Road is currently being provided by East Central Special Utility District.

The 119+/- acre Port Bay Ranch, situated in Aransas County, is a recreational ranch near Rockport, TX with long-term investment and development potential. Upon entering the ranch, one will notice mesquite trees, which then opens up into native grasslands for the remaining portion of the ranch extending towards Port Bay. The ranch boasts approximately 3,300 +/- ft of frontage on FM 1069 with Aransas Bay being close by. The entire ranch falls within the FEMA floodplain and a small portion of the property is located within Rockport’s ETJ.

Located on Armstrong Rd, This 8.9 +/- acre property offers a great opportunity to own an income producing property with endless development potential located just minutes from major retailers in Aransas Pass. This 8.9 acre property is currently being utilized as a small scale RV park and residence by the property owner. The property boasts of approximately 645+/ft of frontage on Armstrong Rd, and is conveniently located off of the 35 Bypass. A unique feature of the property is the 2 freshwater ponds that are centrally located. Oak motts fill the property and give the property owners and renters a sense of privacy from the road.

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Tucked away and surrounded by the Big Thicket National Preserve, Hickory Hill Farm is a unique live water property ready and waiting to welcome you and your guests. A hidden gem of Southeast Texas, this turn-key property features 26.248 acres of beautiful landscape with rustic-chic styled improvements that were all very well thought out and designed to entertain; including a 3,875 square foot banquet hall with fully stocked industrial kitchen, a bar, smoke house, a chapel with separate bride and groom’s rooms, outdoor ceremony area, three cabins, a 2,780 square foot dog run house that would make a great house for the property manager, barn, and more.

Located between Kendalia and Sisterdale, Texas, lies 211 +/- secluded acres surrounded by large neighboring tracts. The property, which was once part of a larger ranch, has an expansive panorama looking back toward the Guadalupe River Valley and San Antonio, Texas. There are numerous building sites for your dream home, that overlook and slope down towards fertile fields and both sides of a rock bottom creek, and other tributaries, which transverse the entire property. Large heritage live oaks can be found scattered throughout the ranch, as well as lots of wildlife.

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Agent Spotlight

Where do you live? Austin, Texas

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Austin but spent a lot of time in East and South Texas growing up.

What drew you to ranch real estate?

Growing up, hunting and fishing was a big part of our family life, and nothing was more exciting to me than being out on the ranch.

What are the three most important things to look for when looking for an agent to represent you?

Honesty/Communication/ Loyalty

1.Hard-working/Dedicated

2.Someone who Loves their job

3.loves to drive around Texas and meet new people

What is the most profound lesson you have learned from spending time on ranches?

I feel like time slows down on ranches. You can focus more on nature and the people you’re surround by. Conversations are enhanced, emotions are heightened.

If you could give in one sentence, a piece of advice about how to live life, what would that be? I will use a quote “The past is behind, learn from it. The future is ahead, prepare for it. The present is here, live it.”

Describe your perfect work day.

I love working listings and being able to show buyers incredible properties. Everyone has a story and through listing a property you have the ability to meet tons of new people, families, friends.

What is your most memorable deal to date? My first deal. I was able to take an expired listing that had zero showings in a year and put it under contract in less than a week. It was exciting to work with clients that had a less than ideal experience and be able to turn it into a positive one.

When looking for a brokerage, what drew you to West & Swope Ranches?

The team atmosphere it provides. It’s a unique brokerage where all the agents truly care about each other and go out of their way to help each other. We all bring different skillsets to the table that comple ment each other. Instead of leveraging those against each other, we all lend a hand when needed to help provide an un-matched experi ence for our clients. We truly feel it’s a team effort.

What, or where, would be your dream ranch?

Either South Texas or the Hill country, preferably both!

M I C H A E L M C N A M A R A

The Medina Riverfront Ranch is a beautiful 304-acre live water ranch that features the cypress lined, crystal clear Medina River located approximately 3.5 miles outside of Bandera, Texas city limits. The spring fed Medina River offers gorgeous scenery along with abundant recreational opportunities such as wade fishing, kayaking, floating and swimming. With frontage on highway 16; an accommo dating and beautiful, accessible river frontage and only minutes from the town of Bandera, this property would be perfect for a recreational buyer, land developer, or an investor.

The newly expanded Kendall Hills Ranch is a very secluded 1,184 +/- acres surrounded by large prestigious, neighbor ing tracts and is located approximately seventeen miles from Boerne, Texas, an area that is experiencing some of Texas’ highest growth. The property has long vistas and panoramic views with mixed brush and large, impressive Oak trees throughout the hillsides and valleys. This 6-generation legacy ranch has been in the same family since the Texas land grants and is currently being used as a recreational property and offers a great hunting escape close to San Antonio and Austin.

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Agent Spotlight

K I R K M O O D Y

Where do you live?

I live here in San Antonio, Texas.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in San Antonio.

What drew you to ranch real estate?

I think it’s important to have someone who is knowledgeable about the market, hardworking and honest.

What are the three most important things to look for when looking for an agent to represent you?

I think it’s important to have someone who is knowledgeable about the market, hardworking and honest.

What is the most profound lesson you have learned from spending time on ranches? Take care of the land and it will take care of you.

If you could give in one sentence, a piece of advice about how to live life, what would that be? Work hard, celebrate the wins and laugh a lot along the way.

Describe your perfect work day. Showing a few nice ranches in the morning, enjoying good BBQ in a small town for lunch and showing ranches in the evening… But really every day is a perfect workday.

What is your most memorable deal to date?

I want to say my most memorable deal to date would be my first listing, but I did have the opportunity to sell my family’s ranch in Medina County and that was special to me to see the new owners get to enjoy it as much as we did over the years.

When looking for a brokerage, what drew you to West & Swope Ranches?

I think the camaraderie, leadership and energy that both Louie and Mitch bring is unmatched. With that said, the group is first class.

When you aren’t working your business, where can you be found?

If I’m not out showing a place or in the office you can find me hunting, fishing or at the lake with my friends. There’s also a good chance you can find me in a bunker somewhere on a golf course.

Who is someone who has had a profound impact in your life or in your business?

I would say my dad and my grandfather. Both of their success from their hard work had a huge impact on me from a young age and I think they both molded me into who I am today.

What, or where, would be your dream ranch?

I think a dream ranch would consist of about 4,000 or more acres somewhere in Frio County, a big lake in front of the house and some great native deer… and of course, a pivot over a sunflower field, because who doesn’t love a good paloma shoot.

The Rainbow Ranch is a 226 acre cattle property located just minutes from the quaint bayside town of Palacios, TX. The ranch is conveniently located only 15 minutes from Palacios, 30 minutes to Bay City, 35 minutes from El Campo, and 25 minutes from Port Lavaca. The Rainbow Ranch has been owned and operated by the same family for decades as a working cattle and recreational ranch. The Rainbow Ranch is perfect for those looking to own a cattle ranch as well as those looking for a coastal getaway.

Just minutes from Castroville and Devine, the 424+/- Acre “Colyer Ranch” offers a great opportunity to own a sizable hunting and recreational ranch in Medina County; yet only a short 25-minute drive to Loop 1604 in San Antonio, and s ituated in the south-eastern portion of Medina County. While essentially a blank canvas, a portion of the ranch is high-fenced and has minimal structural improvements, providing a great opportunity for one’s own desires. The ranch is accessible via paved FM 1343 and offers potential development opportunities

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This 105 +/- acre property is located 6 +/- miles outside the city of Jourdanton in Atascosa County, Texas at the intersec tion of FM 1332 and CR 326 W. The property has 1,700’ +/of frontage on FM 1332 and has power lines running along the property line. The vegetation on the ranch includes brush typically found in the area along with hackberry trees and some larger mesquite trees. The ranch also features a small pond, providing supplemental water for livestock and wildlife. Surface rights only. McCoy water supply services the area and has a water line running on the eastern side of FM 1332.

The 3RB Ranch is 97+/- acres located in LaSalle County, within the famed Golden Triangle of South Texas, known for its outstanding white-tailed deer. This outstanding, low-fenced hunting and recreation ranch is situated just outside of Cotulla, off FM 624 and Dobie Road. There is approximately 1600 of Dobie Road frontage. Its home to white-tailed deer, javelina, hogs, bobcats, dove, turkey, quail and even a few exotics have occasionally wondered through. Mustang creek flows through the center of the ranch providing excellent wildlife habitat.

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