This South Texas brush country ranch for sale in Zavala and Uvalde County offers some of the finest hunting opportunities in the golden triangle of Texas. The ranch is conveniently located 11 minutes from Uvalde and only 1 and 1/2 hours from San Antonio which is the 7th largest city in the nation and home to one of the strongest economies anywhere.
The Hoyt River ranch was originally part of a larger 30,000+ acre ranch owned by famed oil man T.P. Lee. This portion of the ranch was obviously Lee’s favorite because the main home (which he built for himself) is on the Eastern portion of the ranch and only a stones throw away from the flowing Leona River. The ranch has over 2.25 miles of Leona River frontage on the east end and 2± miles of paved FM 117 road frontage. FM 117 is the connecting road from Uvalde to Batesville. This area is a mixture of brush country and irrigated farm land and this ranch is a perfect blend of both. Along the eastern portion of the ranch are sandy loam soils which were once farmed, but have since returned back to native brush and grass. These pastures could easily be cleaned and returned back to productive farm land. There are 3 irrigation wells that (according to the owner) range in productivity from 700 gpm to over 1,000 gpm. These wells are drilled to 250 feet with the pumps set around 80′. 3 phase power is available to all of the irrgiation wells. The wells are in the leona gravel which is highly productive in this area. In addition to the 3 functioning irrigation wells, there are 2 domestic wells that service the headquarters and there are 3 other windmill wells that serve the pastures.
Land: This is an extremely diverse ranch with rolling hills, high quality big brush flats, alluvial bottom land along the Leona River and shorter brush on the flint hills. Camp Lake Slough runs from NW to SE on the western portion of the ranch which presents some lake building potential and also large bull mesquite and big brush along its path. The flint hills are covered in typical South Texas scrub brush, but provide views for miles in every direction. There is approximately 100′ of elevation change.
Hunting: The hunting on this ranch is excellent. With minimal management done, 160 to 170 class whitetails have been harvested. In addition to the excellent whitetail hunting that this area is known for are opportunities to hunt for hogs, javelina, dove, turkey and quail. There is no shortage of hunting opportunities here. The perimeter is partially high fenced, so if your looking to harvest a trophy native deer, this is the place to do it. With the fertile fields and irrigation, the new owner could plant expansive food plots and with proper management have an absolute trophy whitetail factory.
Roads: The ranch has an extensive network of interior roads that provide access to all areas of the ranch. Property is accessed from FM 117 and has approximately 2 miles of road frontage. There are no access easements for adjoining land owners through the ranch.
Water: The ranch has 3 irrigation wells, 2 domestic wells, 3 windmill wells and extensive ability to provide water in many locations throughout the ranch. The Eastern boundary is the Leona River. This river typically flowing and provides ample fishing or kayaking opportunities. The banks of the Leona are covered with massive oaks, pecans, bull mesquite and more. According to the owner, the Leona has only stopped flowing twice since 1974, but even during those times, it still had pockets of water.
Cattle: The ranch currently has 140± head of cattle on it. There is an exiting lease with the cattle rancher that can continue if the new owner so chooses, but it can also be terminated and the cattle will be removed within 60 days after closing.
Minerals: Seller owns some of the executive rights that will convey with the sale, but no other mineral rights will convey.
Improvements: The main home was originally built by T.P. Lee and for the most part resembles its original design from the 1930’s. It is approximately 5,000 sqft and features 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. It is located along the high banks of the Leona River is nestled under some of the largest oak trees in South Texas. In addition to the main home, there are 7 one bedroom cabins, a ranch museum, detached office, 1500± sqft guest home, barns and more.
