July 2025 TRFS Update

JULY HAS ARRIVED—AND THESE HOT PROPERTY UPDATES ARE MAKING WAVES!

NEW! BRP Ranch is a 132.56± acre South Texas property offering a premier hunting experience, diverse terrain, and multiple building sites with long-range views. Ideally located just south of the San Antonio River, this ranch combines recreational appeal with the opportunity to create a private retreat or homestead.

REDUCED! Lost Creek Ranch South is an extraordinary 290± acre Hill Country estate showcasing remarkable natural beauty, tranquility, and contemporary comfort. The property boasts dramatic elevation shifts from approximately 1,620'± to 1,920'± asl, delivering exceptional panoramic vistas in every direction. A beautifully updated rock ranch home, abundant wildlife, and a serene tributary of Cherry Creek, featuring multiple dammed areas, further elevate the ranch’s charm and functionality. An additional 82± acre high-fenced parcel is also available in conjunction with Lost Creek Ranch South.

JUST SOLD! Bar D Ranch is officially off the market! This ranch features gently rolling hills, panoramic views, and lush native grasses, this ranch is an outdoor paradise. The high-fenced property offers a well-maintained habitat supporting diverse wildlife such as whitetail deer, turkey, and dove. Hunting opportunities are plentiful, complemented by strategically placed blinds and feeders that align with the property.

CHECK OUT THE LATEST TEXAS DROUGHT CONDITIONS!

Rain is a good thing...we're praying it continues! Texas has seen recent rainfall which has helped the state avoid serious drought concerns. The state is experiencing a much lower percentage of exceptional drought conditions at 9.06%. Extreme drought conditions have also decreased to 14.61% 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 Texas lawmakers have approved several bills that will impact farmers, ranchers, and rural Texans... Read more. These articles are also featured in our bi-weekly email newsletter.

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Rising Quail Numbers Signal Promising Hunting Season

The quail population has seen an encouraging upward trend this year

Timely rains and improved habitat have sparked optimism for bobwhite and scaled quail hunters to kick off the 2024 hunting season.

According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) roadside survey, the quail population has seen an encouraging upward trend this year.

“This is good news for quail and for many across rural Texas,” John McLaughlin, TPWD upland game bird program leader, said. “While habitat is the main driver of long-term population trends, annual weather patterns, like rainfall and temperature, dictate yearly fluctuations. Unsurprisingly, the two are interconnected.”

Bobwhite quail benefited from early-season rains last year, promoting the growth of grasses and weeds and making up a healthy quail habitat. These favorable conditions led to population increases in nearly every ecoregion across Texas in 2023. The mild winter that followed improved carryover and kickstarted breeding activity, and cooler spring temperatures further boosted the 2024 population numbers.

“Interrupted by summer heatwaves, the rebuild has been slow, but bobwhite populations appear to be climbing fast out of the hole they’ve been mired in since 2020,” McLaughlin said. “As we enter the fall, it’s clear that there has been a significant increase in bird numbers across Texas, with bobwhites observed on greater than 50% of all survey routes this August. We expect ample opportunity for hunters in comparison to previous years and believe, with caveats and exceptions, there’s reason to be excited come Oct. 26.”

The Rolling Plains saw a rise in bobwhite quail numbers, with 16.5 birds per survey route, compared to just 3.43 last year.

While South Texas populations held steady according to official surveys, local reports suggest even better prospects for hunters this season, with good carryover from the previous year.

Scaled quail numbers also fared well, particularly in the Trans-Pecos region. Both the High Plains and Edwards Plateau recorded their second consecutive year of population increases. The Rolling Plains also saw a small uptick in scaled quail this August.

The Trans-Pecos, home to the largest scaled quail population in Texas, maintained a steady population of 20.12 birds per route. However, persistent dry conditions slowed nesting activity and reduced production earlier in the year. Despite this, the region benefited from good carryover, particularly in wildlife management areas.

“This means that while we likely didn’t build off back-to-back strong years, we also didn’t lose significant ground [out west],” McLaughlin said. “Habitat conditions will be the barometer by which we measure future production in these areas, but birds are holding tight for now. We expect good opportunities this season, diminishing in quality as we push into late winter.”

Quail hunting season statewide is Oct. 26, 2024, through Feb. 23, 2025.

Read TPWD’s quail index survey for northern bobwhite and scaled quail.