Black Brothers Muleshoe Ranch

Description

General Description: This is the first time in 144 years this property has been offered for sale. Deep seeded in history, this cattle and trophy deer hunting ranch has plenty to offer. It is located in big, low-fenced ranch country with native rolling terrain covered in live oak, mesquite, and elm trees. The East Fork of Bufford Creek meanders through the property for 2 miles.

Location: Approximately 12 miles E/NE of Breckenridge fronting on quiet FM 701 in a great location just over 2 miles north of Highway 67. There is approximately 3/4 mile of paved FM road frontage. It is 2 hours west of Dallas, 1 1/2 hours west of Fort Worth, 3 hours east of Midland, 1 hour NE of Abilene, and 24+/- miles to Graham.

Directions:  From Breckenridge, go east on Highway 180 and turn north towards Graham on Highway 67. Then go 7.3 miles to FM 701. Go North of FM 701 for 2.2 miles until the black pipe gate located on the left or west side of the road.

History: The Muleshoe Ranch brand was registered in 1856 in Fannin County by Henry Black. Henry fought in the Confederate Army in 1861 and after 4 years he returned to find that his wife, Jane, had died giving birth to their 3rd child. He then remarried and started a new life with a master seamstress, Sarah. They then began their life together in poverty. Henry acquired most of his 1000 cattle and 500 horses by trading his skill and courage, moving herds of cattle across the Red River when it was overflowing. He also traded his wife's shirts for cattle and horses. In 1877, Henry and Sarah left Fannin County to relocate to Quanah, Texas, but a heavy rain season forced them to stop in Stephens County. They stopped along Bufford Creek and Henry went into Breckenridge the next day to purchase 4 sections of land. He, his brothers and his sons ultimately grew their herd to 20,000 head of cattle and the ranch to 30,000 acres. Henry passed away in 1906 at 66 years of age after catching the flu at a Confederate War veteran's reunion in New Orleans. His wife Sarah then divided the ranch amongst several family members. The Black family has had many accomplishments over the years, helping to make Breckenridge what it is today. This portion of the Black Brothers Muleshoe Ranch is now owned by 3 siblings being fourth generation owners. It is not every day that you come across an opportunity to purchase a historic ranch of this caliber. (Additional history is available upon request)

Terrain: Rolling hills to level terrain with an elevation change of 130 feet (high elevation of 1290' and low elevation of 1160'). The East Fork of Bufford Creek meanders through the heart of the ranch. The riparian area along the creek is lined with mature elm and oak trees with incredible rock features of boulders and massive rock shelves creating a unique land feature. Pastureland is productive for cattle and there are scenic rocky ridges as well.

Vegetation: This property is located in the Cross Timbers Region of Texas. Tree cover consists of mature live oak, post oak, cedar elm, hackberry, mesquite, and a variety of other trees commonly found in this area. Forbs, browse and cactus species include elbowbush, skunkbush, prickly pear, tasajillo, catclaw, lote bush and greenbrier to name a few. Native grasses include side oats, bluestem, switchgrass, Texas wintergrass, dropseed, buffalo grass, Indiangrass, curly mesquite, and a variety of other grasses. Wildlife habitat and pastureland is above average and in excellent condition.

Water: There are at least twenty (20) earthen stock tanks providing water to livestock and wildlife in every pasture. Approximately 2 miles of the East Fork of Bufford Creek meanders through the middle of the ranch with seasonal pools of water. Rainfall averages around 29 inches annually and a rural water line runs along FM 701. (See below)

Wildlife: Deer, turkey, hogs, quail, dove, ducks and native wildlife species are plentiful and provide great hunting and viewing. The free-ranging, low fence, trophy whitetail deer herd is one of the best you will find in Stephens County. Migratory ducks utilize the stock tanks in the fall and winter months creating additional hunting opportunities.The ranch has not been leased for hunting in decades (if ever) and the whitetail deer herd is in excellent condition as a result. There is one new deer feeder in place, but no other deer stands or feeders on the ranch.

Deer Herd: The following data was obtained from a helicopter deer survey on October 20, 2021:

TOTAL DEER: 213

DEER DENSITY: 1 deer per 13 acres

BUCK: DOE RATIO: 1 buck: 3 does (43 bucks & 132 does)

MATURE BUCKS: 8 mature bucks

OTHER: Two bobcats, 6 coveys of quail, 96 hogs, 10 coyotes, and surprisingly only 5 turkey (which are normally abundant).

Grazing: Carrying capacity for cattle is approximately 1 animal unit per 20-30 acres (depending on your goals and objectives). This ranch is 100% native with no land being cultivated. Rangeland is strong and cattle do very well in this area.

Soils: A variety of soils types can be found. Lindy silt loam is common and may be used for cultivation, pasture, range, woodland, and wildlife. Other soils range from fine sandy loam to Throck clay to very stony/ bouldery soils. There are several areas conducive for cropland or wildlife food plots if desired by new owner.

Fencing: Perimeter fences are in good to excellent condition and will hold cattle. There is approximately (1) mile of new fencing in the northwest portion of the ranch. In addition, several new gates have recently been installed to improve internal access. Eight (8) fenced pastures allow for rotational grazing and there are two (2) sets of cattle pens.

Internal Roads & Access: There is a good system of roads to get around the property. Recent road work has improved internal access substantially. FM 701 runs along the East side of the ranch allowing access to the entrance gate in all weather conditions.

Electricity: Oncor provides electricity to the property. There is electricity available throughout the property, but owner doesn't have any active meters since there are no structural improvements.

Rural Water: A water meter was installed at the entrance to the property in July of 2022. Stephens Special Utility District is the water provider and has a 2" rural water line running down FM 701.

Oil & Gas Production: There are several old wells, but only a couple pump jacks. The production is on the decline and there has not been any recent drilling.

Easements: Sunoco Pipeline crosses the property creating a cleared right-of-way that is beneficial for hunting, grazing and viewing. It is regularly maintained.

School District: Breckenridge ISD.

Airports: Stephens County Airport is located a few miles south of Breckenridge. It is a quality airport with a 5000' runway to accommodate larger aircrafts. Fuel is available as well.

Hospitals: Stephens Memorial Hospital is located in Breckenridge.

Legal Description: 2806.33 acres located in TE&L Survey 2059 A-824, TE&L Survey 2058 A-823, J. Hopkins Survey A-74, TE&L Survey 1176 A-505, S.P. RR Co. Section 27 Block 4 A- 203, TE&L 2060 A-825, S.P. RR Co Section 23 Block 4 A-204, TE&L 1348 A-575 & TE&L 1351 A-578.

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.

Comments: This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase a historic legacy ranch. The Black Brothers Muleshoe Ranch is a true representation of a premier Stephens County cattle and hunting ranch.

Property Taxes: 2021 Taxes are $3649.61.

Price: $2850 per acre ($7,998,040)

Contact:

Blake Hortenstine
214-616-1305 mobile

Jack Fauntleroy
940-550-4432 mobile