As part of the brush management plan, the land has been strategically cleared to increase edge preferred by wildlife and strategically roller chopped to increase the diversity of grasses and forbs that are essential to upland birds. Native grasses have been replanted on suitable sites.

The Nueces runs clear and turquoise-hued through the ranch. The river is pocked with deep, blue holes that hold water and allow for swimming and fishing even in the dry years. The North Ranch possesses water rights from the Nueces.

In addition to the river, the North Ranch has approximately 1.5 miles of surface water that measures about one-quarter mile wide. The surface water catchment is a collection of various creeks and ponds that is fed by runoff and irrigation water.

To ensure that water is easily accessible in all quadrants of the ranch, more than 7.5 miles of 2-inch poly water line and an additional 7.5 miles of 4-inch poly water line have been laid and buried. The water distribution system also includes eight cement water troughs that are 8-feet in diameter encircled by 8-foot cement skirts and two cement water troughs, 20-feet in diameter with 8-foot cement skirts.

There are four irrigation wells (one = 120 gal./min.; one = 300 gal./min.; two = 110 gal./min.) The irrigation wells are used, in part, to supply a 40-acre Reinke pivot and a 36-acre Reinke pivot. The pivots water food plots that have traditionally been planted in sunflowers to enhance dove hunting.

To meet domestic water needs, the ranch has two solar wells, six electric submersible wells and another well (60 gal./min.) connected to a 60,000-gallon storage tank that supplies the headquarters compound.

The Living

Thanks to the attention to detail, living is comfortable and easy. The style, as befitting a Brush Country ranch, is rustically elegant.

Working in a style reminiscent of Mexico and the Southwest, artisans combined adobe, stone, hammered metal and wood to create spaces that are inviting, warm and reflective of the region's history, culture and lifestyle. Strategically placed courtyards and gathering areas ensure that family and guests can spend their days and nights soaking up the peace, quiet and textured beauty of South Texas.

The two-bedroom/two-bath Farm House encompasses 1,600 square feet of updated, beautifully appointed living space. Currently used as the owners' home, the open floor plan residence features a kitchen with an eating area and living room.

With four bedrooms and four baths, the 2,500 square foot Dog Trot, situated across the courtyard from the Farm House, serves as a guest house. As the name implies, its architectural design reflects the dog trot cabins favored by early Texas pioneers.

The two-story Chef House, which currently serves as lodging for visiting chefs, features two bedrooms, one full bath and one half bath.

Set away from the main compound, the Cowboy Cabins measure about 1,000 square feet. The lodge, built in a u-shape around a central courtyard, features six bedrooms each with a private bath.

The River House sits near the Nueces. It's currently used as a place to store fishing rods, inner tubes and other gear for water fun, but it could be updated and upgraded to living quarters.

Arguably, the ranch's focal point is the 11,600 square foot Barndominium. The front one-third has been finished as functionally beautiful living space, while the remaining two-thirds is used as storage for hunting vehicles and other equipment.

The living space includes a top-of-the-line commercial kitchen with an attached utility area, a dining area, living room and bathroom. In addition, the Barndominium has four bedrooms each with a private bath. The bedrooms are accessed by a split staircase that is easily reached from the barndo's storage area. This practical configuration allows hunters to wash off the evidence of the day's excursion without passing through the rest of the living space.

In addition to the residences, the North Ranch has a 700 square foot high-capacity laundry and a 500 square foot secure, self-contained gun room.

The Infrastructure

To ensure that both rifle shooters and shotgunners are in top form, the North Ranch has a shooting range and a skeet range. The shooting range, which has a two-story, covered shooting deck, extends 700 yards, with targets at 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 700 yards. The skeet range features five stations and an elevated shooting pavilion.

The North Ranch's perimeter is high-fenced and there is also a 3,000 acre high-fenced "enclosure" within the ranch that holds the oryx herd and some axis. In recent years, approximately 7 miles of five-wire cedar post fences have been installed as cross fences.

While the ranch hasn't been grazed in the past three years, it is outfitted to handle cattle with a functional set of working pens. The ranch roads provide easy access to the entire ranch.

In addition to the storage space within the barndominium, there are two equipment barns. One is 2,000 square feet and the other is 4,000 square feet

All furnishings and the 29 Atascosa deer blinds, 31 Atascosa 500-pound corn feeders and 32 2,000-lb. protein feeders convey with the sale.

The Opportunity

For anyone looking for the ultimate recreation destination, the North Ranch has it all. Abundant water. Exceptional habitat. Plentiful wildlife. Well-designed lodging. New infrastructure. And each piece is already in place, so you can begin to enjoy one of the premier hunting and recreation ranches in the country immediately.

Seize this rare opportunity before it disappears as quickly as a wily muy grande into the brush. . .

Existing hunting and grazing leases create an income-producing opportunity for a new owner, if desired.

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To experience the opportunity of the North Ranch for yourself, call Howard W. Hood at (830) 739-3815 with Hood Real Estate, Inc. The ranch is listed for $5,950/acre.