Silverton, TX 79257(Briscoe County)

Location: Evans Ranch is situated 18 miles east of Silverton, TX, off Highway 256 and 9.5 miles north of Turkey, TX, off Highway 70. Benefiting from access via two state highways, the ranch is approximately 281 miles from DFW (4 hours and 21 minutes), 116 miles from Lubbock (1 hour and 46 minutes), and 93 miles from Amarillo (1 hour and 25 minutes).

Property Description:

The Evans Ranch, formerly known as Burson Lake, is a breathtaking and historically significant ranch now available on the Texas market. Encompassing 9,586 deeded acres with an additional 160 acres of state land, this property reflects the rugged beauty and enduring history of Texas. With only two owners since the 1940s, it offers an exceptional legacy of stewardship and conservation.

Ranch History:

In 1949, Tony Burson of Silverton, at the age of 47, acquired the Slaughter Ranch. A versatile individual, Tony was involved in farming, ranching, banking, and co-owned a Ford auto dealership. In 1952, he built a dam on the ranch, creating a 25-acre lake fed by a blue spring hole, which served as a water source and a crossing over Bluff Creek.

The lake quickly became a cherished community asset. Willard Hudson of Clarendon and Dusty Taylor leased and operated the lake, naming it Burson Lake. Featuring cabins, a snack shack, and recreational facilities, it was open to the public for about 20 years, becoming a beloved destination for families and visitors.

Tony eventually retired from the cattle business, leasing the ranch to Bill Cushing and later to Mike Smith. Upon Tony's passing in 1973, the ranch was inherited by his nieces and nephews in the Burson family. By the 1980s, the lake had silted in, leading to the difficult decision to dismantle the dam.

Don Burson, Tony's only nephew, leased the ranch for many years, maintaining its legacy until it was listed for sale in the early 2000s. In 2004, Bill Evans of Kress, Texas, became the ranch's new steward. The Burson family was pleased, knowing someone of Bill's character would care for the land they loved.

From 2004 to the present, Billy and his family have diligently enhanced the ranch. In 2014, Billy rebuilt the dam and cleared the silt from the lake, restoring it to its former glory. He also expanded the existing home overlooking the water, creating a welcoming retreat for family and guests.

A significant achievement under Billy's ownership was resolving the ranch's water scarcity. Upon purchase, the property lacked a reliable well. Billy successfully found water at the north end of the ranch near the Highway 256 entrance and installed miles of underground poly pipe. This system now supplies water to approximately 18 troughs across the ranch, ensuring ample water for both livestock and wildlife.

Now 90 years old, Billy and his wife are ready to pass on this historic property. They hope another family will embrace its legacy of care and love for generations to come.

Water Features:

The ranch features an impressive 9-mile stretch of the Little Red River with consistent year-round flow. Bluff Creek and Oxbow Creek also meander through the property, complemented by multiple natural springs, a 25-acre spring-fed lake, and several stock ponds teeming with Catfish, Bass, Bluegill, and Crappie, creating an ideal environment for fishing enthusiasts. Additional water resources include:

One well with a storage tank, supplying 18 strategically placed cattle troughs.

Two solar wells, one shared with a neighbor but located on the ranch, providing reliable water sources throughout the property. An additional windmill is present but currently not operational.

Cattle Operation & Grass Improvements:

Evans Ranch is exceptionally well-suited for cattle operations, featuring:

A comfortable carrying capacity of 200 mother cows.

Four strategically located sets of cattle pens for efficient livestock handling.

Well-maintained pastures that have been thoughtfully grazed and grubbed to promote native grasses.

Ranch Improvements:

*A spacious 5-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers stunning views of the 25-acre lake from both upper and lower outdoor patios, perfect for observing fish and ducks.

*The hotel-style guest house also overlooks the lake, providing comfortable accommodations for visitors.

*A barn near the lake includes a lean-to for equipment storage and currently houses a pontoon boat, fishing gear, and other necessities.

• Boat dock with a fish feeder
• 17 miles of exterior barbed wire fencing * 4 sets of cattle pens
• 20+/- miles of underground water line * 26-acre cultivated wheat field
• 18 +/- water troughs * 4 water wells

Equipment Conveying:

• D 61 EX Komatsu Bulldozer * Pontoon Boat
• 8200 John Deere Tractor
• Disc Plow
• Wheat Drill

Hunting and Wildlife:

Evans Ranch is a haven for hunters, boasting a diverse and abundant wildlife population, including:

Aoudad Sheep, highly sought after for hunting.

Mule Deer and Whitetail Deer populations that have matured under county antler restrictions.

Wild Hogs, Quail, and occasional Mountain Lions (two harvested nearby in the last eight years).

A 26-acre fenced wheat field near the Little Red River attracts deer, sheep, and hogs, enhancing the ranch's exceptional hunting opportunities.

Land and Terrain:

The ranch features varied terrain, including:

A rich mix of grasses such as buffalo grass, sideoats grama, and Bermuda along the waterways.

Tree species including Cottonwood, Cedar, Mesquite, Willow, and Hackberry.

Soils identified as fertile Westola fine sandy loam in a soils report.

Recreation and Trails:

With over 46 miles of improved trails and roads, the ranch is leased year-to-year by the Post Enduro Association for recreational riding. These trails also provide easy access for exploring the extensive property.

Legacy and Opportunity:

From its Native American roots to its time as the popular Burson Lake, Evans Ranch offers a unique combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and modern ranching capabilities. Whether envisioned as a working cattle operation, a hunting retreat, or a cherished family legacy, Evans Ranch is ready to fulfill your vision.

IRRIGATION WELL: None

UTILITIES: Electricity on ranch.

GRAZING LEASE: None

HUNTING LEASE: None

CRP: None

TOPOGRAPHY: Level to deep canyon bluffs

SCHOOL DISTRICT: Silverton ISD

PROPERTY TAXES: $

MINERAL INTEREST:

WIND LEASE: None

Contact Cayson George for further information or to schedule a showing of this exceptional property.

This property is not for Rent or Lease.

Buyer's Broker must be identified upon first contact with Listing Brokerage Firm and must accompany buying prospect on first showing, all subsequent viewings, and all due diligence inspections to be eligible for brokerage fee participation.