Congrats, we closed on 108 acres that was turnkey last October. Even with it being set up there is always something to fix or work on. Hardest part is having tools and equipment available on site when you need it. I am now looking at tractors or skid steers to work some roads and clear some areas. I may end up paying someone initially to do some clearing and rock crushing then find a tractor to do the rest later.

It’s been great knowing whatever we do benefits us but also know it’s work. I hunted a few times this past season, not as much as I wanted because I was bringing stuff out or picking stuff up to being out. Once I think I have it all I remember I need something else. It adds up quick it again I know that it’ll be worth it.

I would write down what you absolutely feel you need to start enjoying it immediately (utilities, tools, storage) and work on that first understanding that could take months. Then get a list of things you’d like to improve in the next couple years (feed sites, food plots, road maintenance)and finally long term goals 5+ years down the road (new structures, ponds, tank, habitat improvements). Something will always pop up, not a year in and something seems to need fixing so as stated above pace yourself and put money aside as much as you can.

Last thing, take a moment each time to just sit and live in the moment and enjoy the beauty of the land. That’s the best part taking it all in, still pinch myself because doesn’t feel real!

BTW, you can assume that not everybody is honest. I live 70 miles from my place. I’ve been hit by thieves several times. Get a shipping container or two for tools, 4 wheelers, etc. The people that sell the containers can weld a shield so that bolt cutters can’t get to it.

Good fences make good neighbors.

Circling back to my first post on the new Haskell property. Lots of much appreciated and thoughtful input and comments. Thanks.

Just back from spending a week out on the place in the RV. Primarily served as a shake down run of the camp/RV. Water and electric now connected and trailer livable, despite insane heat. Sadly, the once ample, healthy creek has stopped flowing and is drying up quickly, so we have set up three watering stations. One down the hill from camp fed by county water. The other two are filled by 275 gallon totes. Added a few head of our own cattle back after removing the lease herd and they seem to be only ones utilizing the water troughs. Deer herd is healthy and ample, with some nice young bucks, but no mature shooters. Been fun watching the horns develop on cell cams. Some concern for zero fawns on cam yet, hoping they are not yet following momma to feed pens.

Have busted three large feral hogs with my night vision scope. Wanting a sow or small pig, but always the big boars that show up to patrol around the feed pens. Coyotes are thick, but so far have outsmarted my attempts to call them in. Sad to see all the fish bones from the yotes and coons scavenging the ever smaller pools on the creek. Draught is terrible, but it has actually rained more in Haskell than at home in SE Texas. All things considered, the place is pretty lush and green. Removing the cattle has allowed the grasses, mainly Klein, to grow too thick and tall, so lots of shred time on the tractor. It is a 47 horse Branson and it is proving to be too little tractor fairly quickly. No food plots this year as figure it is too late now. Ag extension guy said we'd have lots of sunflowers for dove season, but they are very few and far between, probably choked out by Klein. Lots learned, lots more to be learned, but overall very pleased with the place. Just so looking forward to cooler temperatures and RAIN.

Sounds like a pretty good report from here.

Well done. Just take what the land and God gives you. And don't rush anything.

Hi Dave. Got a 40' Conex for UTV, tools and other carry off valuables. Plan to put security plates on locks. Spoke with county sheriff and he said theft is pretty rare off properties. Took that with a grain of salt because there are obviously some people living on the ragged edge of poverty. A very poor county.

Nice buck in that feeder pen! Good that you're knocking some of those pigs down. Looks like a nice place!

Dang, you even have Horney Toads. Wish I still did.

Ringtail, we have several similar bucks and a few I believe to be older that are not as close to finishing out. More velvet paddles than tines as of yet. Dave, have tons of harvester ants along with the horned toads, not to mention tarantulas, scorpions, tortoises, ticks, grasshopper swarms, rattle snakes, water snakes, snapping turtles and, and... But the damn mosquitoes! Would not have thunk it, but worse than on the bayou at home. Must be the small water that remains doesn't have fish to eat the larva or something, but it is bad at night.

Place looks nice. Great views from camp.
Thx for posting pics!

Welcome Old oak. Camp is in SW corner of property facing East and is the highest point around. Can see for miles across the valley, back towards Rule and into Haskell, and back around to Paint Creek and Lake Stamford to the SE. Really unique oasis surrounded by cleared cattle pasture, wheat and cotton fields.

Congratulations live your dream!

Congrats on the Second best decision of your life! The first will be when you build a permanent structure:) Tractors are like safes, buy bigger than you think you need.

true, very true. You cannot imagine how much I hear, "Wish I had bought bigger.".

Congrats, nice place. I'm on a lease just west of Rule. There are some real good bucks but it takes lots of patience. Way to many does and the wheat fields around will have many many (2 years ago hundreds of deer) in them. We have hogs day and night and lots of yotes. You are doing it right

AR2H, thanks. Currently have more bucks than does on cams, most of them young. Deer appear to move on/off the property as there are always new "faces" at the feeders. Activity has been dropping and mostly nocturnal now but attributing that to the daily 105+ temps. Place was leased for deer hunting last year and there are LOTS of deer blinds visible up and down the valley. Anxious to see if we'll be rewarded or disappointed by very selective buck harvesting. Hopeful for good bird and waterfowl hunting, which looks very promising.

Best of luck

Purchased mine 160 acres in Dickens county in 2011.

531 miles one way from Corpus at the time. I'm now in new Braunfels so only 390 miles

Retired in 2013 so when we go we stay,

Best thing I ever did!!! Changed my life for the better!!! Gives me purpose!!!!

We had nothing but we now have it all!!!! nothing fancy but comfortable. water, power Cabin fences my home away from home

I stay from October to Jan 15th I hunt every day and never get bored

As said take your time but everything you do is for yourself and your enjoyment God Bless