Laredo, TX 78040(Webb County)

Cerrito Prieto Ranch is a highly improved jewel located in Deep South Texas in a climate zone that although in latitude is considered subtropical, it is also semi-arid. Annual low rainfall amounts and temperature variations from hot summers to cold winters have determined an environment that is resilent and diverse. Historically a semi-open grassland 300 hundreds years ago, the plant communities have evolved into a mix of brush, cactus, large mesquites with a rich understory grass and forbs. The topography of the ranch is determined by a system of water drainages from the higher elevation plateaus and pastures through a network of arroyos and creeks that drain to north and east to reach the Nueces River. Portions of the ranch are hills and ridges and open pastures whereas other areas are transitions zones of brushy creek canyons worn into the underlying limestone layer by water which collects into a ponds and tanks at lower elevations creating a scattered, wetland-brush, riparian areas.

Because of the protective cover provided by brush and the continual availability of water, many wildlife species abound on the property. The Cerrito Prieto Ranch has become a haven for birds and terrestrial wildlife as it has been allowed to return to a more native state through less agricultural use. Seasonal sightings in the riparian areas of Blue Heron, pelicans, ducks and geese are common along with many other migratory species that pass though south Texas on great migrations through the Rio Grande Valley. Owls and hawks are common in as they hunt mice and gophers in the early evenings. Wild turkey, white-tail deer, javalina, armadillo, raccoons, cottontail rabbits and jackrabbits, coyotes, and bobcat commonly travel the creeks and arroyo thruways as they make their way to and from water and the protective cover of the lower riparian areas to the abundant grass and prey found on the higher, hillier, open pasture areas. In the tanks are native fish species, smallmouth bass and catfish. This part of Texas is also known as big whitetail deer country. With a high fence and intensive management for over 30 years, Cerrito Prieto is one of the finest deer-hunting ranches in the state.

Improvements to the property include the following: 4,000 foot paved runway at the headquarters, High Fence(1982),

16 water wells(9 drilled in 2009)with cisterns and troughs. All wells are equipped with submersible, run by generator. 15 surface ponds, pipe corrals (1982) with Fairbanks scales, Two Owners Houses one 5/4 and the other 4/4 . Cowboy house block, AC, kitchen, bath, Camp house block, AC, kitchen, bath. Foremans house 3/2, brick, 1980.

Deer processing two walk-in coolers, butcher shop, Hunters camp sleeps 21 (has three private rooms w/bathrooms)

HQ barn 20 x 40(1970) metal, cement floor, power/water, work barn 30 x 100, 1985, metal, cement floor, power/water, 10 ton overhead bulk feed handler, 10 pastures connected to corrals at pens through lanes.

There are 3 major tanks and numerous ponds which provide abundant water

for wildlife. Additionally there are 16 water wells with electric pumps flowing into troughs

and cisterns that add to a reliable year round source for water throughout the ranch.