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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Proposal to Allow Drone Use at Night to Locate Feral Hogs for Hunters

Learn the details behind the proposal for feral hog hunting nighttime drone use

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is accepting comments on a proposal that would allow the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly called drones, to locate feral hogs at night for hunters on the ground.

“To use aircraft for that purpose currently requires our permit provisions to comply with the federal Airborne Hunting Act,” Stormy King, TPWD assistant commander of wildlife enforcement, told the Parks and Wildlife Commission. “These rules, much like a lot of things related to drones, were all written years ago before drones were a thing. So, our current regulations, when they were written, were talking about helicopters mostly.”

The Airborne Hunting Act prohibits shooting, attempting to shoot or intentionally harassing birds, fish or other animals from aircraft except for certain specified reasons including protection of wildlife, livestock and human health.

TPWD has the statutory authority to regulate the use of aircraft, including helicopters and drones, to manage wildlife in Texas.

Under current state regulations, those with an aerial wildlife permit can use drones during the day to locate feral hogs for lethal control measures on the ground. Use of drones for that purpose is prohibited between 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.

The proposal, if adopted by the commission, would change that.

“Along with the popularity of drones, there has also been an increase in availability and affordability of thermal imaging equipment,” King said. “These cameras are very effective in locating wildlife and other heat sources for various purposes. The combination of the drone with the thermal imagery can be very effective specifically in the management of feral hogs.”

Feral swine cause millions of dollars in damages to crops, pastures, lawns, golf courses and cemeteries in Texas each year.

“Feral hogs are an extremely destructive nuisance species, causing great damage to agricultural crops and wildlife habitats across the state, and the department vigorously encourages the public to control feral hog populations in order to protect native wildlife and their habitats,” the proposal states.

While the proposal would allow the use of drones to locate feral swine, it would not allow people to use drones to hunt from a drone.

“Staff propose changes to the regulations that would allow the use of drones to locate feral hogs, to facilitate take by gunners on the ground to occur at night under the provisions of the aerial wildlife management permit,” King said. “The amendments would also clarify that the drone operator must be in possession of the permit while conducting permitting activity.”

The public can comment on the proposal through 5 p.m. Nov. 2.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission is expected to discuss and consider the proposal at its meeting Nov. 2-3 in Austin.