Introduction

Located in the southeastern corner of Dimmit County, Texas, Rancho Encantado spans an impressive 5,250 acres in the heart of the famed “Golden Triangle,” a region celebrated for producing some of the largest and most impressive trophy whitetail deer in the state. Originally the headquarters of the historic “Light Ranch,” this property boasts a rich legacy of exceptional hunting and land stewardship. Since acquiring the ranch in 1992, renowned outdoorsman Jack Brittingham has meticulously managed its native deer herd, solidifying its reputation as one of the premier whitetail hunting destinations in North America. Rancho Encantado offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of Texas hunting history.

Land

The ranch’s diverse landscape is composed primarily of red sandy loam soils, which support a remarkable variety of native, protein-rich plant species such as coma, granjeno, and kidneywood. These plants, combined with strict habitat management, provide an ideal environment for growing trophy whitetails. The brush ranges from mature thickets to fresh growth, offering excellent cover and forage. The ranch features many seasonal creek bottoms and a rolling topography of more than 150 feet of change, which creates long range views and a diversity of habitat throughout. Very little of the land has been cleared, preserving its natural character. To maintain habitat balance, the ranch also supports a herd of African sable, which contributes to the overall grazing management strategy.

Water

Water is a critical feature of Rancho Encantado, with eight Carrizo Aquifer wells ensuring a consistent and abundant supply. A sophisticated 6-inch water line system allows for efficient distribution across the ranch, including to five duck marshes that are strategically flooded to enhance waterfowl hunting. The property also features a 4.5-acre bass-stocked pond, supplemented by an irrigation well, and a smaller pond near the main residence that irrigates the surrounding lawn. This comprehensive water infrastructure supports both wildlife and habitat needs year-round.

Wildlife

Rancho Encantado is synonymous with world-class whitetail hunting. The ranch’s deer herd has never been genetically augmented, a rarity in South Texas, and decades of strict management of the native whitetail have resulted in consistent production of Boone and Crockett-caliber South Texas bucks. The ranch boasts an extraordinary legacy of consistently harvesting multiple world-class whitetail deer each year, exemplified by the hundreds of photos and mounts throughout the lodge that commemorate each memory. In addition to deer, the ranch offers outstanding duck hunting, with marshes planted with Japanese millet each August and set up with blinds for an unforgettable experience. The ranch can support a healthy number of quail and recent reports have been excellent on bird numbers this year. The property also supports other wildlife, including African Sable and warthogs, adding to its diverse hunting opportunities.

Improvements

The ranch’s infrastructure is designed to accommodate both intimate family retreats and large-scale corporate events. The 7,500-square-foot main lodge features a grand great room with a striking central fireplace, a formal dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen ideal for preparing anything from casual meals to gourmet feasts. With seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms, the lodge provides ample space for overnight guests. Additional accommodations include a ranch manager’s house built in 2011, two bow hunter cabins, and a unique “Caboose Cabin” repurposed from an old train car that pays homage to the property’s ranching history. Other improvements include a 4,000-foot runway (2,000ft paved) with a large hydraulic swing door hangar and adjacent barn, miles of well-maintained caliche roads, and extensive fencing to support high-quality game management.

Summary

Rancho Encantado represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a premier South Texas hunting ranch steeped in history and tradition. From its unmatched native whitetail genetics to its exceptional water infrastructure, diverse habitat, and thoughtfully designed improvements, this property offers a turnkey dream for South Texas Whitetail fanatics. Located in the heart of the Golden Triangle, Rancho Encantado is truly an “enchanted ranch” that stands apart as one of the most coveted trophy properties in the region.