Crestonio Ranch

Soils on this ranch are dominated by fine sandy loams of the northwestern sand areas of South Texas (primarily Delmita and Delmita Bruni complexes). These soils are slightly tighter than some of the sugar sands found further south but have the ability to retain moisture better during drier periods common in South Texas.

The ranch is a mixture of more open native and some improved grasslands along with brush species commonly found in this region of Texas including catclaw, black brush, mesquite, and guayacan.

The land generally has gently rolling topography with over 70’ of relief between the high and low points of the ranch. There are a few minor drainages that run through the property, and there are multiple ponds, lakes and watering holes.

Northern Bobwhite Quail: The primary quarry for hunters on the ranch is bobwhite quail. Much of the ranch is committed to maximizing quail habitat and production through rotational grazing, prescribed burning, and mulching quail strips. The ranch is parceled into 24 separate pastures to manage the cattle herd and promote consistently high-quality quail populations. Water is distributed efficiently throughout the ranch with nowhere on the property further than a 1/4 mile from a water source. These practices coupled with naturally productive soils, grasses, and brush provide some of the highest quail production you will find. The Crestonio ranch has developed a system balancing open grasslands and brush conducive to these types of soils that has created what is likely the most consistent wild quail ranch in South Texas. Over the past four years, the ranch reported the following:

• ’20-’21 – 28 coveys per day in field average
• ’21-’22 – 31 coveys per day in field average
• ’22-’23 – 20 coveys per day in field average
• ’23-’24 – 23 coveys per day in field average

Quail “top day” numbers for each year:

• ’20-’21 34 Coveys
• ’21-’22 54 Coveys
• ’22-’23 37 Coveys
• ’23-’24 45 Coveys

Looking at the long-term averages of quail population in South Texas none of the last four years were considered better than average. This is an astounding achievement on Crestonio considering these were all below average years for the region. White-tailed Deer: The deer herd in the 9,579-acre high-fenced pasture has been intensively managed for over 20 years. The pragram’s goal has been to produce large trophy bucks each year. Initially, the TTT program was used to introduce females from ranches in South Texas which had known trophy deer programs in place. An intense culling program was established to eliminate bucks from the standing herd with undesirable antler characteristics. Texas Parks and Wildlife DMP pens were then constructed and utilized to enhance the genetics in the pasture. This intense management is currently producing several mature bucks over 200” per year. Due to exceptional fawn survival each year, an intense supplemental protein feeding program and a highly developed water distribution system, the white-tailed deer population should sustain a recommended buck harvest of over 100 bucks per year. The deer herd is kept around a deer per 20 acres so that the plan is manageable, and there is a very even age-class structure throughout the property. Rio Grande Turkey: Multiple large oaks, bull mesquites, cedar elms, and hackberries provide plenty of roosting areas for turkey and they are plentiful on the ranch. White-winged & Mourning Dove: Dove hunting on the ranch is strongly supported by multiple ponds that are edge-manicured to provide outstanding dove hunting opportunities. Both white-winged and mourning doves are abundant on the Crestonio.

The luxurious contemporary main lodge sits adjacent to a 7-acre lake with expansive porches, a boat house, a fire pit, pool/spa and outdoor dining with fireplaces for entertaining on cooler nights. The custom-designed lodge was built to the finest detail and includes a den, sitting room, dining room, and breakfast room included in the huge kitchen. The master bedroom is separated from the lodge and the eight guest cabanas all surround a lovely courtyard with a water fountain and live oaks. There is a game room and TV room adjacent to the main lodge. Next to the main lodge is a classic gun room for preparing for the hunt and a large enclosed equipment barn to hold the many quail rigs and hunting trucks. There is a separate ranch operations area with multiple barns, a game cleaning station, equipment storage, grain bins, dog kennels, and a second lodge is also just down the road from the main lodge. Several more homes are scattered throughout the property for ranch hands and spillover for large guest parties.

The ranch sits on the Gulf Coast Aquifer and most of the water wells are between 275’ and 650’ deep and all produce significant water volumes between 30 gpm and 200 gpm.

There are 21 electric wells and 5 solar wells on the ranch and over 28 miles of water lines to distribute the water.

agriculture

The Crestonio Ranch is also an outstanding cattle ranch. The ranch is currently running about 300 cow-calf pairs and over 200 yearlings. The rotation of the cattle through the ranch’s 24 pastures promotes soil health and new growth of forbs and grasses. Multiple sets of cattle pens are located strategically throughout the ranch.