Uvalde, TX 78801 - Uvalde County

Agua grande means "big water." Fed by more than 30 springs, year-round Live Oak Creek, which bisects the 17,132-acre Rancho Agua Grande for about seven miles, is indeed big water, especially amidst the arid landscape of Kinney and Uvalde counties. Located about 25 miles northwest of Uvalde, Rancho Agua Grande is one of the largest live water ranches for sale in Texas today.

The creek's flow is slowed and pooled by 10 dams strategically placed along its route. Numerous lakes, some large enough for jet skiing, dot the landscape. Both banks of Live Oak Creek lie within the ranch's borders ensuring complete, private access.

The crystalline waters beckon waders, swimmers, splashers, tubers and kayakers. Catfish, bass and bream swim in the clear water offering an angling challenge to while away the hours.

In dry regions, water has long been the land's most valued asset. As evidenced by the numerous undisturbed Indian mounds and middens located in close proximity to the creek, Native Americans relied on the life-giving water. Lumbering dinosaurs left tracks in the once soft mud that has hardened into a unique historic record.

While the surface water is spectacular, the ground water is equally abundant. Water wells have been punched throughout the ranch to serve the needs of wildlife

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Both Boiling Mountain, the highest peak in Uvalde County, and Salmon Peak, the highest point in Kinney County, are located on Rancho Agua Grande, adding craggy grandeur. The rugged hills and deep canyons that characterize this transitional landscape contrast with the shady pecan bottom along the creek, offering the best of all worlds. The limestone hills are pitted by caves, some of which beckon exploration.

Wildlife

South Texas, West Texas and the Hill Country meet at Rancho Agua Grande. Because three ecoregions converge on the ranch, the vegetation is diverse ranging from pinon pines to live oaks and mesquites, huisache, guajillo and black brush. The textures draw the human eye and the natural nutrition attracts the wildlife.

Kangaroos, camels, zebras, gemsbok, sable, water buffalo, white bison, Iranian red sheep, scimitar-horned oryx and waterbucks are just a few of the more than 40 species (CHK?) that call Rancho Agua Grande home. Whitetails, turkey, dove and a limited population of quail are native to the ranch. More than 50 miles of high-fence encircle the perimeter keeping desirable wildlife inside and free-ranging game out.

Rancho Agua Grande, one of the nation's premier hunting destinations, currently is operated as an exclusive hunting operation and has been the site of numerous high-profile hunting shows. The ranch is managed under an MLDP Level 3 permit and features 30+ feeders and hunting blinds located to make the most of the extended hunting season.

Lodging and Living

Designed with entertainment in mind, the 6,000 square foot lodge features an antique bar, dance floor and bandstand is the perfect place to celebrate the day's adventures or special events such as weddings, retreats or reunions. The lodge easily accommodates 250 people. With an additional 2,300 square feet of covered porches the guest list can swell.

The lodge's expansive main room is bookended by massive fireplaces that stretch from the floor to the vaulted log ceiling that soars 34 feet above. A game loft offers another level of fun.

Eight mid-19th century cabins, transplanted from the mountains of Kentucky, have been restored and updated to meet the most discriminating standards for modern convenience and rustic elegance. Most include a Jacuzzi tub, a kitchenette and a spacious living room. The cabins can sleep three to six guests depending on the cabin's size and arrangement.

Two additional 3 bedroom/1 bath cabins known as the manager's house and the "cooler" house complete the residences. Numerous equipment sheds and storage buildings as well as a meat processing room with a walk-in cooler round out the ranch's infrastructure.

A black top road runs from the main entrance to the main compound. For those who prefer air travel, Agua Grande has a 5,800 foot x 70 foot instrument marked, painted and lighted runway that is surrounded by a high fence to ensure that the airstrip is always clear. Jet fuel is available in nearby Uvalde.

Rancho Agua Grande is home to big water and big opportunities. It's perfectly appointed as a commercial hunting operation, but is equally suited to becoming a corporate retreat, an events center or an enviable private ranch. The possibilities within its fences are as big as the vast blue sky above.

To see the unique splendor and unlimited potential of the Rancho Agua Grande for yourself, contact Howard W. Hood with Hood Real Estate LLC at (830) 739-3815. The ranch is available for $150 million.