North Quihi Ranch - Medina County, Quihi, TX
Situated in the north central portion of Medina County, just north of Hondo, TX and south of Bandera, TX is the North Quihi Ranch. This 677+ acres is blessed with an extensive number of live oaks, fragmented by small grasslands and rolling topography, creating a perfect mixture of Hill Country habitat. There are endless recreational opportunities that include hiking, hunting, cave exploring, horseback riding, birdwatching, biking and just enjoying the tranquility of the Texas Hill Country.
Location
North Quihi Ranch is just 13 miles north of Hondo, Texas and 11 miles south of Bandera, Texas. Just north of Quihi, the ranch is nearly equidistant to Bandera and Hondo providing great proximity to desirable amenities and shopping. The ranch is only one hour from San Antonio and a tad over two hours from the state capitol in Austin, TX.
Topography, Rangeland & Habitat
The ranch has a balanced mixture of uplands, sloped hillsides and shallow draws that provide great habitat for wildlife and space for recreational activities. The ranch is spotted with live oak motts, grasslands and ashe juniper forests. The break between South Texas the Hill Country and South Texas can be seen on the ranch; however, the habitat leans more towards the Hill Country’s typical terrain and flora.
The ranch has one known significant cave that begs to be explored.
Improvements
Beyond an old barn, a nearby D’Hanis brick small structure, perimeter fencing and the water well, the ranch is unimproved. The owner recently placed a brand new travel trailer on site that is available for purchase.
The current owner has enhanced the road and trail system to provide more accessibility for recreational and ranching purposes.
Water
Elm Creek, a wet weather creek, traverses the ranch from north to south providing beautiful bottoms and a travel corridor for the wildlife in the area. During the wet times, you will find seasonal water holes perfect for the ranch’s wildlife population.
There is also a water well with a large pila/trough.
Wildlife
The ranch is home to nearly all native wildlife that call this area of Medina County home. White-tailed deer, Rio Grande turkey, bobcats and coyotes are present in this area just to name a few. In addition to the native wildlife, there have been known to be free-ranging exotics including feral hogs, aoudad and axis deer.
Agriculture
The ranch currently participates in a grazing program with a lessee.
conservation values
The ranch is protected by a landowner-friendly conservation easement allowing for the owner to participate in all typical agricultural and recreational activities. The easement also provides for one subdivision and up to two residence compounds.
taxes
The ranch benefits from 1D1 Agricultural Appraisal for property taxes on its open space.
Area History
In A.J. Sowell’s book from 1900, “Early Settlers and Indian Fighters of Southwest Texas”, which is a recommended read for anyone interested in the first-hand history of the broader area, he recounts the story of the Cow Camp Massacre that occurred just west of the ranch in 1866. Three boys were camping on a bluff over the Hondo Creek and gathering some stray livestock. An attack by a group of eight Indians resulted in one death, one capture and one escapee, August Rothe, a patriarch of a well-known ranching family in the area.
area attractions
A quick drive from the ranch is the community of Bandera, TX, also known as the Cowboy Capital of the World. Here you can find delicious cuisine, nightlife activities such as bands and dancehalls, Bandera’s Pro Rodeo, small town boutique shopping, markets, parades and so much more.
Medina Lake, a 4,246-acre reservoir on the Medina River, is a popular destination for water skiers, SCUBA divers as well as fishermen when the water levels are satisfactory.
A short distance to the south is Hondo, Texas, which has all the necessary supplies, groceries (including HEB) and restaurants, not to mention world-famous dove hunting opportunities!