Stowers Ranch
Stowers Ranch, in the Texas Hill Country, is an ACTIVE cattle ranch that also provides outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the year. Hunting for whitetail deer, exotic bucks and wild turkey gobblers is The Primary activity, but birdwatching, game viewing, nature photography, and hiking are also available. This 11,250 acre ranch is located at the headwaters of the north fork of the Guadalupe River, approximately 13 miles west of Hunt, Kerr County, Texas. On the north side it is adjacent to the Kerr Wildlife Management Area.
The ranch was founded by G.A. Stowers in 1904 as a cattle ranch, game management area and hunting preserve. It is now owned and operated by Mr. Stowers' grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A deer-proof perimeter fence, in place for over 98 years, and enlightened pasture, cattle, and wildlife management practices have led to the development of a healthy whitetail deer population with exceptional antler development and a broad diversity of plant and animal life. Axis, Sika and Fallow Deer are also seen in strong numbers, as are blackbuck antelope and aoudad sheep.
Bird watchers report seeing many varieties of sought-after birds, including the Blackcap Vireo, the Golden-cheeked Warbler, Blue Herons, and both Bald and Golden Eagles. A sanctuary for the Blackcap Vireo is now established along one of the Northern edges of the property.
Native life (and the inherent beauty) is not limited to the animal kingdom. Under good conditions, stands of perennial prairie grasses such as cane bluestem, little bluestem, Big Bluestem, sideoats grama, hairy gramma, curly mesquite, buffalograss, fall witchgrass, plains lovegrass, wildrye, Texas wintergrass, and Indiangrass blanket the rolling countryside. In the spring there is usually a profusion of wildflowers, including The Famous Texas Bluebonnet and cactus blossoms. Other wildflowers bloom throughout the year.