| Much of what you know about Texas may include | | | | a livelihood as well. There are lots of big catfish |
| the words big, large, oversize and open. The Lone | | | | ranches in the area thanks to the plentiful water. |
| Star State is widely known for big areas, large | | | | Recreational sports ranches are also gaining in |
| amounts of food, oversize trucks, and open ranges. | | | | popularity, with water sports, all-terrain vehicle and |
| It is also known for its many ranches -- in fact, much | | | | off-road vehicle areas available. |
| of the state, including the region between San | | | | With the many different types of properties |
| Antonio and Austin called the hill country, was | | | | available, ranching in Texas isn't just for cattlemen or |
| originally settled by ranchers. | | | | sheepherders anymore. Depending on the kind of |
| The first ranchers raised cattle, sheep and a variety | | | | ranch you desire, you may not need a great deal of |
| of other farm animals. Others were farmers as well | | | | land. Many people in the Hill Country area have "mini |
| as ranchers, cultivating fields of grain and grasses to | | | | ranches" that are more for their own recreational |
| feed their ranch animals and themselves. Ranching is | | | | enjoyment than for profit. Even just a handful of |
| big business in Texas, but it doesn't necessarily | | | | acres could include a barn, grassland and fields for |
| require huge plots of land or livestock. | | | | grazing animals, forested areas, and even water for |
| Texas hill country isn't the dry, flat land you might | | | | fishing or other water sports. |
| have seen in Westerns. There is no shortage of | | | | If your dream is to live on a ranch, the Texas hill |
| year-round water. This area is dotted with lakes, | | | | country is a great place to fulfill that desire. With |
| rivers and streams. Ground water is readily available | | | | many reasonably priced parcels of land available -- |
| as well. When you're in the hill country, there are | | | | ranging in size from a few acres to hundreds of |
| trees and other types of greenery in just about | | | | acres -- there's no reason not to live out your dream. |
| every direction you look. | | | | Before you embark on this journey, though, you'll |
| The rolling hill country of Texas is perfect for ranches | | | | want to enlist the help of a knowledgeable local real |
| of all sizes. Of course, traditional livestock and horse | | | | estate agent to make sure you get the right kind of |
| ranches are also an important part of the local | | | | property for your needs and budget. You'll also want |
| economy, but there are many other types of | | | | to make sure you're aware of the local laws and |
| ranches that can be successful in this excellent area. | | | | regulations. Fortunately, there are friendly, helpful |
| As wildlife is quite abundant, sport hunting ranches | | | | people waiting for you in every town. Hospitality is as |
| are one option to consider. | | | | large as the state itself, so don't be afraid to ask |
| Fishing has always been a popular recreational activity | | | | questions. You'll undoubtedly get a thorough, |
| in the Texas hill country's many lakes and streams, | | | | informative answer. |
| many people may not realize that raising fish can be | | | | |