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Private Ranch Privileges Available to Those Traveling the Texas Wildlife Trails

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Heart of Texas Wildlife Trails through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department offer the potential for Texas visitors to tour private ranches in their passionate searches for new nature experiences in the Lone Star State.

Private Ranch Privileges Available to Those Traveling the Texas Wildlife Trails

Photo: Facebook/Baa Baa Black Jeep

A number of private ranches opened their properties to the public with the introduction of the trail system through the TPWD, many doing so for the first time. That created the perfect win-win situation for not only wildlife lovers who gained access to large tracts of previously off-limit spaces, but also for landowners, who were given new incentive to manage their ranches in beneficial and conservative manners for wildlife.

Private Ranch Privileges Available to Those Traveling the Texas Wildlife Trails

Photo: Facebook/Great Texas Birding Classic

The trail maps (provided via the website for both East Texas and West Texas on different links,) offer listings for private ranches where visitors can stay in cabins, look for wildlife solo, or possibly take guided tours. The Bandera Loop, as an example, offers ranches providing the opportunity to see anything from migrating monarchs to exotic deer. And, in the process of traveling the loop, you might witness turkeys, foraging animals, and other bird species you didn’t anticipate. If your goal is to visit a private ranch on a wildlife tour through Texas, be sure to contact the property in advance and make reservations where possible. Enjoy your search for the experience of a lifetime, right here in Texas.