Frijole Ranch
Whats in a name?
After closing on the ranch, I drove my wife and youngest daughter to the property to show them for the first time. My wife had been a bit concerned because I had sold a ranch she was very fond of that we had owned for 15 years to purchase this one. In fact, a dear friend of mine, Jason Robideaux, who was also very concerned, had driven from Lafayette to see what I had purchased. When we arrived at the front gate, I called Jason to see where he was so we could meet and tour the ranch together. When he answered, he said he had arrived early and was on the ranch. When I asked him where he was he said "I am on holy ground." I asked again, where are you and we will head your way. He responded again, "I am on holy ground." My wife and I were a bit confused, and I asked a third time, where are you? He answered I am at the Frio River. My wife simply responded, "frijole."
We pu...
We purchased the Frijole Ranch because it was one of the purest, unmolested native ranches I had seen in South Texas. The majority of the ranch is composed of bottomland native habitat that had never been manipulated. The remainder of the property has interesting topography with vast views and an incredibly rare live water feature not usually seen south of Highway 90.
The development of the ranch began over 15 years ago. Careful planning was given to habitat improvement and road construction before the dozer was ever put on the property. An intense water improvement scheme and white-tailed deer management plan were created before we took possession of the property.
LOCATION
The ranch is located 6 miles southwest of Sabinal, Texas in Uvalde County. It is 1:15 minutes from San Antonio and 2:30 from Austin. It is accessed by a deeded easement off of CR 301.
TOPOGRAPHY, RANGELAND & HABITAT
The majority of the soil on the property is Uvalde Clay Loam with a portion of the ranch being Olmos Cobbly. The Uvalde Clay Loam areas are where the unmolested South Texas mixed brush is located. These areas contain oversized "bull" mesquite trees, granjeno, Texas persimmon, guayacan, guajillo, and an abundance of large Roamer's acacia trees. The predominant brush species in Olmos Cobbly soil portions of the ranch, approximately 15%, are, cenizo and guajillo.
Using a dozer methodically, over 20 areas were carefully sculpted to create natural openings throughout the ranch. These areas range from 3-20 acres and consist of open native grasses with large sections of brush left for deer and quail cover. The remainder of the ranch has been left in its natural state.
The land has large areas of more level topography separated by 2 major drainages. A portion of the ranch consists of over 60' of relief offering vast 360-degree views. One of the most dramatic features of the ranch is the Frio River portion of the property. The Frio River south of Concan typically transitions into a gravel river bed with seasonal pools of water. The Frio river on the Frijole ranch consists more of a clay bottom with a consistent slow flowing pool of water approximately 1 mile long. The Frijole ranch owns several hundred feet on the river with easy access to the entire river. The river is lined with old cypress trees, some in excess of 80' tall. Parts of the river have been measured over 15' in depth. In the 15 plus years we have owned the ranch, the river has only retreated to separated pools once, during the extended extreme drought fro 2023-2025, but has never gone dry.
WILDLIFE
White-tailed Deer:
The development of the Frijole Ranch was based on the experience we gained from owning Cuerno Grande Wildlife, a wildlife consulting and ranch development company in operation for over 40 years. Through research, observation, and experience, Cuerno Grande has pioneered several white-tailed deer management strategies, including genetic enhancement, habitat manipulation, water development, and nutrition. All of the techniques we perfected were implemented on the Frijole Ranch.
We capitalized on our genetic expertise by constructing two white-tailed deer breeding pens and releasing offspring every year. Ultimately, we released 348 females and 350 males, mostly 1-year-old deer, over a 10-year period. 24 strategically placed protein feeders across the ranch, filled with Cuerno Grande's proprietary feed, ensured the deer were receiving superior nutrition. The deer and other wildlife have ample access to water via 14 wildlife watering stations.
A deliberate harvest strategy was implemented to ensure habitat improvement and maximum buck and antler production. The program produced 342 harvested mature bucks, with 31 over 200 B&C gross inches, over the past 12 years.
Northern Bobwhite Quail:
During normal rain conditions, the Frijole Ranch produces ample quail for hunting. Due to the lack of grazing for over 15 years, the native grasses have reestablished. The 20-plus sculpted areas offer hunting opportunities for quail hunters. More quail hunting opportunities could be created with additional habitat work.
Mourning Dove:
The ponds on the property offer excellent dove hunting. Due to the availability of the irrigation well on site, an irrigated dove field could be created.
Rio Grande Turkeys:
Oversized bull mesquites, cedar elms, and cypress trees provide ample roosting sites for turkeys. The reestablishment of native grasses has created ideal nesting habitat. David Blanton with Realtree Outdoors and Nick Mundt with Bone Collector each filmed episodes of spring turkey hunting on the ranch.
IMPROVEMENTS
The structures are located in the north/central portion of the property. The hunting lodge has 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, a mud and gun room, laundry and walk-in pantry, dining and living area and a nice commercial kitchen. It sleeps up to 8 people and is adjacent to an amazing outdoor pavilion. The outdoor pavilion is a spectacular place to gather with friends and family after a day of hunting. It consists of a covered barbecue pit and countertop, a covered fireplace with outdoor TV and seating, and an outdoor fire pit.
An additional living structure is located just out of hearing range to the outdoor pavilion. A master suite that includes 1 master bed and bath, a mudroom and gun cabinet, full kitchen and living room along with an enclosed garage and laundry area. An additional living space is adjacent to the master suite and under the same roof line. This space includes 3 additional bedrooms: 1 master and 2 guest rooms, and 2 full bathrooms. This space includes a kitchenette, living area, mud bench, and a laundry room.
A strategically placed deer cleaning and shop area is adjacent to the outdoor pavilion. A 12'x16' walk-in cooler is constructed out of cinder blocks filled with insulation. The area has space for 2 trucks to back up to the deer cleaning area. The deer can be hoisted with an electric wench and moved along an I-Beam to a gutting and skinning area located in front of the walk-in cooler.
WATER
The ranch is watered by two water wells, permitted and regulated by Uvalde County Underground Water Conservation District (UCUWCD).
The well in the south currently produces approximately 50 GPM. Historically, this well produced 200 GPM but during the recent drought we replaced the 20 hp pump with a 3.5 hp pump to avoid over pumping. It supplies 3 wildlife watering stations along the southern border of the ranch.
The other well, located near the headquarters, is drawing water from the Buda formation. This is significant because it is not regulated by the Edward Aquifer Authority. The Edwards Aquifer Authority regulates the Edwards Aquifer and restricts pumping rates to 17GPM unless landowners purchase or lease water rights or have historic water rights. Edwards Water rights are believed to have recently sold for as high as $10,000 per acre foot.
When drilling this second well, we had budgeted to drill an 8' cased Edward's water well. The Edwards formation was the only known formation that produced high volumes of water in the area. During the drilling process, the driller lost circulation at 850' and discovered fresh water. He flow tested the well for several hours and it produced in excess of 600GPM. The well was logged twice and the Edwards Aquifer Authority agreed that they did not have regulatory authority over the well. The well is under the jurisdiction of the Uvalde Underground Water District. They currently allow 2 1/2 acre foot per year per deeded acre owned. The well currently has a 20 hp pump and produces approximately 200 GPM. It is believed the well could produce significantly more water with a larger pump. We do not have the electrical capacity at this time to put a larger pump in the well.
The ranch has over 3 miles of 3" water line and over 5 miles of 1.5" water line supplying water to 14 wildlife watering stations. In addition, five ponds have the capability of having supplemental water being delivered.
Seller would like to reserve 15% of Seller's owned groundwater rights associated with the property. Seller shall convey one hundred percent (100%) of the executive rights associated with the groundwater rights.
ELECTRICITY
Single phase electricity is supplied at 3 different meters.
MINERALS
Seller is willing to convey a portion of Seller's owned mineral estate at an acceptable price level.
Listing Associate is a member of the ownership of this property.
Directions
The ranch is located 6 miles southwest of Sabinal, Texas in Uvalde County. It is 1:15 minutes from San Antonio and 2:30 from Austin. It is accessed by a deeded easement off of CR 301.