2,158 Acres El Tecomate Ranch

Description: Here is an opportunity to own the original acreage of the famous El Tecomate Ranch, renowned for large South Texas whitetail deer as well as a variety of birds and other native wildlife. One of the mainstays of the South Texas Brush Country, El Tecomate has an undeniable romance with an outstanding native whitetail deer herd, as well as other wildlife. The ranch has been featured on numerous TV shows, including Realtree Outdoors, Monster Bucks, The Bucks of Tecomate, and more. History: Giant native bucks like Heart Attack made the Tecomate Ranch renowned in the history of South Texas and a continued destination for Realtrees Monster Bucks and The Bucks of Tecomate TV shows for almost 20 years. The ranch has long been considered one of the best native deer ranches in Texas. This is due to the genetics of the herd, the mature native brush, and an intensive management system, which included the introduction of lablab in warm-season food plots. These plots revolutionized common management practices, resulting in some of the largest native deer harvested in Texas. The inherently rich, fine sandy loam soils of the property are ideal for growing summer and winter food plots and are known for retaining surface moisture for productivity. Arrowheads and other Native American artifacts have been found on the ranch, and there is also an old hand-dug well25 feet deep by 6 feet acrossthat serves as a unique historical feature. Improvements: This ranch includes a 5-bedroom, 2-bath cinderblock and stucco lodge, with an interior made of reclaimed wood that gives it a charming South Texas lodge feel. The house sleeps 12 and has central air conditioning, offering room for all to enjoy your own piece of South Texas. A high-volume water well, with water lines running throughout the ranch, provides water for stock tanks and other sites. High-speed internet is accessible at the ranch. Ranch Improvements: The ranch is fully game-fenced. The south pasture has four reversible fenced deer food plots. Water: The named creek, Remadura de Sandia Creek, traverses north to south through the middle of the ranch. City water supplied by El Sauz Water provides water to the lodge, and this line also extends to the Tecomate East Ranch for future use. A water well with an electric submersible pump next to the house supplies water to cattle troughs and ponds. Six lakes/ponds, varying in size from acre to 2 acres, combined with eight wildlife watering sites, are distributed throughout the ranch. All of these watering areas have water lines, allowing for constant water levels. These consistent water sources attract wildlife and contribute to the diversity seen on the ranch. One large water pila can be used for both livestock and wildlife. Wildlife: A combination of supplemental feeding, ample water, and premier mature South Texas brush species provides opportunities for this ranch to grow large native whitetail deer. El Tecomate Ranch has received national publicity for years due to its impressive herd. The ranch is entirely high-fenced, and all deer are native. The largest harvested buck scored 197 Boone & Crockett. Bird hunting includes dove, seasonal waterfowl, quail, and turkey. An abundance of beautiful native bird species also presents excellent birdwatching opportunities. Wildlife photographers visiting the ranch have found the diverse species of plants and animals well worth capturing. Vegetation/Terrain: These 2,158 acres are incredibly diverse, with seven distinct soil types that make the ranch feel unique at every turn. The property contains an exceptional selection of high-protein brush essential for supporting trophy deer. In addition, several tilled fields enhance the ranchs ability to attract wildlife. Native brush species include guayacan, granjeno, colima, kidneywood, lime prickly ash, cenizo, guajillo, mesquite, whitebrush, blackbrush, prickly pear, and more. The pastureland is established in both native grasses and improved buffelgrass. Conservation Easement: The south pasture is subject to a conservation easement with the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute. The east pasture is not part of the easement. Utilities: Septic. Medina Electric Coop. Water well. Taxes: Wildlife exemption. Minerals: Negotiable. Location: The ranch is located just south of the Jim Hogg County line in the northern part of Starr County. Large surrounding ranch neighbors help ensure privacy, including the Kleberg Wildlife Foundation to the east. The ranch is approximately 207 miles from San Antonio (just over 3 hours), 149 miles from Corpus Christi, 285 miles from Austin, and 342 miles from Houston. Falcon Lake, a well-known fishing destination, is about 45 minutes southwest of the ranch. Airports: Rio Grande City Municipal Airport (67R) is located 3 miles northwest of Rio Grande City and has a 4,000-foot runway. McAllen Miller International Airport (MFE/KMFE) is 2 miles south of McAllen and has a 7,120-foot runway.