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Bernard Ranch
Description
Overview: The Bernard Ranch is a well-rounded recreational hunting ranch with year-round activities that is located ~55 miles southeast of Dallas in the far northwest corner of Henderson County. The partially high fenced game ranch is accessed via the black topped County Road 2140. Bernard Ranch offers optimal seclusion, first class accommodations and is truly a sportsman's paradise. The ranch offers exceptional whitetail deer hunting opportunities both inside and outside of the high fence. The ranch is currently managed under the state's MLDP (under the conservation option) and is designated as wildlife exempt for tax purposes. In addition to the whitetail deer, the ranch also hosts a herd of red deer. With miles and miles of interior trails, all parts of the ranch are easily accessible.
Location: CR 2140 in Kemp, TX. In the extreme NW Corner of Henderson County, along the Trinity River.
Lodge: The ranch's custom lodge is in a class of its own and accentuates the ranch perfectly. The lodge boasts approximately 7,500/sq. ft, 8 bedrooms (with two masters), 6 baths and 2 half baths. The wrap around porch offers wonderfully aesthetic views in all directions. The second story porches overlook the 9+/- acre lake. The lodge has been completely renovated with first class appliances, all new flooring, finish-outs and materials. A new roof was added in 2019 that is rated Class III hail proof and has reduced the owner's insurance premium. The owners have also recently replaced every exterior door and south facing windows, as well as applied a new coat of paint/stain on the entire exterior. Any buyer would be hard pressed to find nicer accommodations for family, friends and guests.
Wildlife/Hunting: The ranch is currently high fenced into two separate well maintained divisions. Upon entry is the front 45+/- acre high fenced pasture and is currently used for cattle and hay production. The division transitions nicely into the main ranch headquarters that sit within the remaining high fenced acreage of approximately 388+/- Acres. The deer genetics found within the high fenced portion of the ranch boast 200"+ trophy whitetails, as well as 350-360" trophy red stag.
The remaining acreage of approximately 550+/- acres offers an element of "fair chase" in the infamous Trinity River bottomland. 140-150" whitetail deer are routinely harvested on the ranch, while 160-170" whitetail deer are not uncommon to find roaming the mature hardwood bottomland forest.
In addition to the whitetail deer & red deer, the ranch can also have exceptional waterfowl hunting. To round out the hunting, feral pigs, coyotes, and bobcats can be found on the low fence side of the ranch.
With an acceptable contract, all rifle stands, bow stands, corn feeders and protein feeders may convey with the sale of the ranch.
Surface Water: The 9+/- acre scenic lake, being completely out of the floodplain, is stocked with tiger bass, coppernose bluegill and crappie. The lake was recently stocked with tilapia to provide an additional food source for the game fish. The current largemouth bass lake record is estimated at 12 lbs. The owners have continuously managed the fishery by culling smaller bass. Within a short walking distance from the main lodge, the scenic dock offers fishing opportunities for all ages. Next to the dock, is a concrete boat ramp providing access to the more avid fisherman. In dry times, the water level can be supported through the use of shallow water wells that are piped into the lake. An aerator is also in place to help oxygenate the water when the water wells are utilized. The entire lake is also rubber lined to eliminate any potential seepage.
Two additional lakes approximately 5.5+/- Acres and 2.25+/- Acres in size are just below the main lake. While they are within the floodplain, the lakes offer additional waterfowling opportunities, and serve as an additional reliable water source for wildlife.
Managed Wetlands: With over 2.4+/- miles of Trinity River frontage, the ranch is located within a central flyway and in an area known to harbor large groups of waterfowl throughout the season. The Trinity River corridor is a known internal Texas flyway, with the Richland Creek WMA being approximately 25 miles to the south. A 40+/- acre managed wetland sits approximately 1400 ft south of the main 9+/- acre lake. A well thought out water control design has been implemented where the managed wetland can be filled upon demand by a release valve at the dam of the 9+/- acre lake. The water supply can be supplemented through the use of 10 shallow water wells that are piped to feed the lake. The managed wetland creates excellent habitat for wintering waterfowl.
Managed Land Deer Program (MLDP): Bernard Ranch is enrolled in the state's MLDP. A big benefit from being enrolled under the MLDP is that the deer season is extended by approximately two months (typically the deer season is from the beginning of October through the end of February when enrolled under the MLDP). In the 2020-2021 whitetail deer season, Bernard Ranch was given 28 deer tags, with 13 tags being allocated to buck and 15 being allocated to anterless. More information on the MLDP can be found on the state's website.
Barn: Rounding out the structural improvements next to the lodge sits approximately 14,000 sq. ft of covered barn/storage. With ~5,000 sq. ft insulated and on slab that is plumbed and wired. The barn is setup with an office, indoor game cleaning area and bathroom. The barn offers ample workspace and storage for equipment, tools and various ranch accessories. It is also nicely setup to transition harvested game in from the field with multiple deer cleaning racks, an indoor game cleaning area with two sinks and a walk-in freezer.
Potential Income: The ranch offers seasonal income to help offset expenses. The Coastal Bermuda pastures are very well maintained and currently yield approximately 1200-1500 large round bales each year. In the owner's current lease agreement, he receives $7.50 per round bale. Bernard Ranch also has approximately 400 pecan trees that range in age from 40 to 80 years in maturity. Over the past three years the ranch has produced an average of 9,633 pounds of pecans. This has yielded an average of $1.65 per pound. In the ranch's most productive year the pecan orchard produced an estimated 22,000 pounds. The current owners are not utilizing the deer breeding pens and facilities for their operation; however, the pens and facilities appear functional and could easily be reestablished on the ranch.
Furnishings & Equipment: The lodge furnishings and ranch equipment can be purchased separate from the ranch to make it a true turn-key purchase. Ask broker for a complete inventory.
Taxes: The approximate taxes on Bernard Ranch are $16,950.65 per Henderson County Appraisal District for the 2020 year.
Minerals: Seller owned minerals are negotiable.
Directions: From Dallas, head south on I-45 for approximately 35.5 miles. Take Exit 249 toward FM 85 to turn left. Travel approximately 14 miles to turn left to continue onto FM 85. After ~4.25 miles turn right onto CR 2140. The ranch entrance will be on your right after .5 miles.
From Athens, take Highway 175 towards Dallas. After approximately 13 miles turn left onto State Highway 334/TX-334/FM-85. Travel 16.6 miles to turn left onto CR 2140. The ranch entrance will be on your right after .5 miles.
Broker Commission Disclosure: Buyer's Agent/ Broker must be identified upon first contact with Listing Broker/ Listing Agent and Buyer's Agent/ Broker must be present at the initial property tour in order to participate in the real estate commission. Commission splits will be at the sole discretion of Hortenstine Ranch Company, LLC.
Contact:
Chance Turner, Agent - 972-765-7326
Cash McWhorter, Broker - 469-222-4076
Ask Chance About This Property
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