El Chital Ranch

To say this ranch has an abundance of wildlife does not do it justice! “Chital” (pronounced cheetal) means Axis. As the name indicates, this ranch is loaded with free range Axis Deer. This specific region of Texas is not normally known for an abundance of free-range exotics but this unique area of the ranch and immediate surrounding areas have many significant herds of Axis. These gorgeous animals provide year round hunting opportunities for both the trophy and meat-pursuing sportsman. Hence the name El Chital!

Whitetail deer hunters will not be disappointed either. This region offers some of the best free range whitetail opportunities in the Texas hill country. In fact, the most famous and historic free-range whitetail deer ever taken in Texas, the renowned “Brady Buck”, was harvested on the Ford Ranch that adjoins El Chital on two sides. El Chital has been under proper management program for several years to maximize the whitetail quality. Management practices include proper harvesting of doe, cull, and management deer while very limited trophy hunting on mature bucks in order to allow the natural genetics of the area to flourish. The ranch has an excellent buck/doe ratio and the current “full on” feeding program has allowed these animals to reach great potential.

El Chital Ranch also produces some of the best turkey hunting in Texas. The ranch and surrounding areas are loaded with Rio Grande turkeys that can be heard gobbling in all directions on a cool spring morning. Bob White Quail are also recovering nicely in Texas and several coveys roam the ranch. Dove hunting is outstanding and there are also plenty of wild hogs to pursue. With the variety and abundance of game, El Chital continuously provides opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Improvements

El Chital ranch headquarters was specifically designed with entertaining or commercial hunting in mind. There are three fully furnished sleeping cabins with finer furnishing yet designed with comfort in mind. Each cabin has private baths with shower, satellite television, and individually climate controlled. These accommodations can sleep 14 comfortably and are designed to give guests comfort and privacy. There is a separate cabin with full kitchen and living/dining areas ready to entertain and share meals and gatherings. Enjoy evening campfires around the fire pit with comfortable wooden rockers and relaxing atmosphere under the stars! The premium El Chital lodging is very well designed and fully functional for enjoyment.

The large (80x40) and newly constructed metal building serves as a multifunctional facility housing the game processing facility, equipment storage, lounging area and rec room with pool table. The processing facility features two electric winches and an 8x10 KT Walk-in cooler along with a stainless steel sink all designed to provide easy processing of game. There are washer/dryer connections and plenty additional room for bonus freezer space. Two overhead doors close off the middle of the building for equipment/gear storage. The covered open end provides great tractor parking. All but the open end is on concrete slab. This building is a very high end and functional improvement.

The ranch has a water well that is estimated to be about 100ft deep and produces around 8 gpm. There is a 2,500 gallon storage tank and water has been plentiful. The water has been piped down to the newly constructed pond as a supplement. Septic is installed for the lodging and there is electric service available to all the improvements. The ranch has an improved roadway system and crushed granite driveway and parking for the headquarters main lodge.

The El Chital Ranch offering price includes real property only. However, all ranch equipment and furnishings may be included for a proper negotiated price.

The Land

Measuring just over 507 acres, this ranch is the perfect size. The land has a very friendly topography with gentle elevation changes and sprawling wooded areas for excellent wildlife cover. Soils are very good and there is a managed food plot covering approximately 15 acres and serving as a major attraction to all animals in the area. The entire ranch is accessible via ATV and all perimeters are fenced. Some fencing is low fence and some is older high fence with needed repair so basically considered low fence. There is one small pond with supplemental water line if needed. Watershed appears to be adequate for additional ponds if desired.

The ranch has excellent cover for wildlife with sprawling live oak motts combined with mesquite flats and scattered cedar elms. Juniper cedars and prickly pear are nominal and not problematic. There is abundant wild forage and browse for deer. The ranch shows signs of excellent range management with no overgrazing and native grasses are abundant.

Location

El Chital Ranch is located just off Tx State Hwy 190 approximately 19 miles from Brady and 11 miles from Menard. The ranch is accessed via gated private roadway easement approximately 2 miles off the highway creating a very private setting.

The majority of the ranch is in McCulloch County with a small portion extending into Menard County. The ranch has all large neighbors with the largest being the famous Ford Ranch that borders on two sides. The Ford ranch is being purchased by the city of San Angelo to utilize the groundwater as a back up water source. It is anticipated San Angelo will retain their water rights but resell much of the acreage creating a potential expansion opportunity for more land to El Chital if desired. Here is a great article explaining San Angelo’s involvement with the Ford Ranch.

El Chital Ranch is a unique offering with some of the best hunting available in this region. This property is offered exclusively by West Pole Partners, LLC, Private Label Realty and is shown by advance appointment only. Please do not enter the property unaccompanied.

To schedule a showing or obtain additional info please directly contact Nicole Kinsworthy at (512) 496-2373

Disclosure - West Pole Partners agent Nicole Kinsworthy is a principle owner in El Chital Ranch.