Mid-May 2025 TRFS Update

NEW, JUST SOLD — DON'T MISS OUR LATEST UPDATES...

NEW! Canyon Lake Retreat offers a flexible and spacious layout, with dual primary suites—one on each floor—each complete with private bathrooms and walk-in closets. A third upstairs bedroom serves as a flex room and can be used as a guest space, office, gym, or media room. Designed for easy living and entertaining, the open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area is filled with natural light and opens to multiple outdoor spaces with picturesque Hill Country views.

NEW! Lazy Rock Ranch is an 80.65± acre property located within the High Point Ranch Subdivision. The land showcases gently rolling terrain, a mix of open flats, and pockets of dense native vegetation—creating prime habitat for wildlife. Positioned at the end of a subdivision road and bordered by a large, low-fenced ranch, this private setting offers exceptional views and a peaceful atmosphere.

SOLD! Das Steinhaus Ranch is a stunning 60.25± acre retreat located 6± miles west of Leakey along the renowned RR 337. With a diverse landscape of open spaces and mature oak trees, this Hill Country property offers breathtaking views, excellent accessibility, and a perfect balance of seclusion and convenience. Whether you seek a private getaway, a hunting retreat, or a full-time residence, this property is ready to accommodate your vision.

CHECK OUT THE LATEST TEXAS DROUGHT CONDITIONS!

We're continuing to closely monitor the Texas drought conditions. Texas has seen recent rainfall which has helped the state avoid serious drought concerns. The state is experiencing a lower percentage of exceptional drought conditions at 14.47%. Extreme drought conditions have also decreased to 23.02% statewide. Stay informed about current water conditions.

RANCH NEWS ARTICLES!

You can see the latest ranch news articles under “Resources” then go down to the “Ranch Articles” tab. The latest article discusses that the USDA suspends Mexican livestock imports. Read more. These articles are also featured in our bi-weekly email newsletter.

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New Rules Pass on Hunting, Trapping Mountain Lions

Texas Parks and Wildlife introduced new rules for hunting and trapping mountain lions

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission recently adopted new rules related to hunting and trapping mountain lions in the state.

The new rules ban live mountain lions from being kept in a trap or snare for more than 36 hours. The commission also voted to ban canned hunts.

Breaking the rules is punishable by a Class C misdemeanor and a fine up to $500.

“We’re disappointed that the commission didn’t take into account ranchers’ testimonies or consider the stakeholder group’s recommendations,” said Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) District 6 State Director Warren Cude, who has lost livestock to the predators. “Mountain lions are deadly predators to livestock, and farmers and ranchers need the ability to manage them without facing criminal penalties.”

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) recommended commissioners adopt the rules after hearing from the Mountain Lion Stakeholders Group that met over the last year.

The department received 7,351 comments on the proposal, with 91% in favor, according to TPWD.

Landowner organizations, including TFB, provided written comments and public testimony in opposition to the trapping rule.

In response to those comments, TPWD staff recommended an alternative rule to provide more flexibility for farmers and ranchers managing predators, especially coyotes, with snares. The agency added an exemption for snares set with a diameter of 10-inches or less. This replaced a previous exemption for traps set with a breakaway device that would release any animal that exceeded the breakaway threshold of 285 pounds of force.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission directed TPWD staff to evaluate issues surrounding mandatory reporting of mountain lion takes and implementation of trap check standards because they can be monitored with satellite or cellular equipment.

In written comments and public testimony, TFB recommended the agency develop best management practices (BMPs) as an alternative strategy to mandatory trap checks.

Voluntary implementation of the BMPs would promote coordination and cooperation between TPWD, ranchers and trappers, TFB said.

The BMPs would underscore the ethics of lion trapping, detail ways to avoid incidental captures of black bears and provide resources for trappers to increase their professionalism and efficiency.

TFB also encouraged TPWD to work with landowners and the Texas Trappers and Fur Hunters Association in developing the BMPs.