Barksdale, TX 78828(Edwards County)

The low-fenced ranch, surrounded by large spreads, has been managed for wildlife, but has never been commercially huntedand has had no hunting pressure for the past five years. Native whitetails, feral hogs, turkey, dove, bobcats, coyotes, fox, dove and an occasional mountain lion as well as exotics including axis, blackbuck, aoudad, fallow deer, sika deer, stag and elk come and go meaning that hunters and wildlife lovers never know what will come over the ridge or stop by to get a drink from the river, the live creek or a wildlife water trough.

In the fall, butterfly migrations including the famous flight of the Monarchs, pass through the ranch, filling the sky and the river bottom with flashing flutters of color.

The Indian Ridge River Ranch is home to both the Nueces River and Ruths Draw, which is actually a spring-fed creek, and major tributary of the Nueces. Each water course provides .6 miles of access to a clear, rock-bottomed water playground. Local weather generally allows comfortable water play including fishing, swimming, tubing and kayaking on sunny days from March through October.

Other water features include numerous back country springs and miles of water line designed to provide wildlife water on the mountain tops, and a well that supports the lodge, the barn and the wildlife watering system. The well is very strong and continued to produce water with ease during the areas worst drought in 2011,cwhich was the driest year in Texas's recorded history.

Life-giving crystalline water, especially in dry country, has always been a calling card. Rock art as well as numerous Indian mounds and middens scattered throughout the ranch provide evidence of human habitation dating back up to 5,000 years. The sites are relatively undisturbed except for limited hand digging and cataloging by Texas Historical Commission archeologists. Visible remnants of Native American art decorate the walls of a port, which people once called home, along a ridge line. These, too, have been documented by archeologists.

Hikers and ATV enthusiasts will enjoy the extensive system of roads that provide access to the highest points and deepest back country. These points are accessible by pickup as well. An in-ranch caliche pit provides almost unlimited raw materials for road construction and maintenance.

For those who want to take their adventures underground, the Indian Ridge River Ranch is home to a fabulous cave. It was explored, mapped and fully documented.

After a days fun, family and friends can retire to the two-bedroom, two-bath lodge designed to accommodate guests with simple ease. The expansive floor plan and wrap around porches with mountain views make getting together a breeze. A Texas-sized fire pit is one more place for memories to be made. The furnishings and appointments in the lodge will convey, so the new owners will only need to bring their suitcases and groceries to get the fun started.

In addition to a car port that can accommodate 4+ vehicles, the ranch infrastructure includes an industrial-style 80 x 40 Midwest brand shop with two adjoining 80 x 20 bays. The back bay has a pad of virgin base material instead of concrete so it can house heavy equipment such as bulldozers.

Indian Ridge River Ranch qualifies for an exotic production tax valuation based on the trapping and sale of free-ranging exotics. A series of deer pens and traps make it possible. The wildlife-oriented property also features a game-cleaning area with three, hand-cranked processing rack.

Scenery. Solitude. Water. Wildlife. Recreation. Relaxation. Family. Friends. Fun. The Indian Ridge River Ranch offers it all.

To see the Indian Ridge River Ranch for yourself, call Howard W. Hood at 830-739-3815. The ranch is available for $2.95 million.