Big bucks grown in 'Big Ranch Country'

By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition

Crude protein in leaves found in bushes within the Rolling Plains can be as much as 24 percent in the spring. This attributes to big antler growth. -- Staff photo by Montgomery

August 7, 2003 -- Think of "Big Ranch Country" on the Rolling Plains of Northwest Texas and you think of ranches like the Four Sixes in Guthrie, Waggoner Ranch in Vernon, or the R A Brown Ranch in Throckmorton, but do you think about hunting?

Hunting on the Rolling Plains?

What if someone said, "Because of the forage the deer eat, we have phenomenal horn growth, more so than in the Hill Country."

More so than the Hill Country?

According to Rusty and Malinda Moore with Raggedy Creek Ranch in Crowell, they offer "some of the finest native and exotic game hunts available."

Diets for the animals consists mostly of 90 percent of native vegetation. Some supplemental feeding is done in the spring and winter, according to Moore.

"There's one bush that is known by many names. Lote bush, blue thorn, chaparral, or gumdrop tree. Whatever you call it, the leaves have a crude protein of 12 percent in the winter and up to 24 percent in the spring. The deer and the quail love it," Moore cited.

The main ranch, nestled in the cedar- and mesquite- covered hills and canyons of the Pease River country in Foard County, is comprised of 200 acres, and offers hunts with a rifle, bow or black powder. If hunting for axis, buffalo blackbuck, red deer, oryx, or other exotic animals is what you want to do, then this ranch is where you want to be, according to the Moores.

Another ranch leased by the Moores is 1,000 acres and is "strictly for bow hunting."

"Whether it's whitetails, turkey or wild hogs, you can be assured that only bow hunters have been there before you," Moore said.

Rusty and Malinda Moore converted their ranch into a hunting outpost for visitors. -- Staff photo by Montgomery

Native game hunts (whitetail, turkey, hogs, etc.) are on an 18,000-acre, strictly-managed ranch, southeast of town. The most popular hunt is "the wild hog hunt." All hunts are fully- or semi-guided depending on the type of hunt.

"We have no guide fees," the outfitter said.

All hunts require a 50 percent deposit to book.

Exotic hunts are year around and start at $250 priced per trophy animal. This hunt is fully-guided and conducted safari-style or by stalking. Lodging and meals are not included.

"We would like to have more people enjoy our exotic hunts," Moore added.

The couple also offer a four-and-a-half day Palo Duro Canyon mule deer hunt. This hunt includes lodging, meals, and a one-on-one guided hunt. Cost is $2,000.

"If you are successful, an additional $1,500 trophy fee is assessed," Moore added.

All whitetail and turkey hunts include staying at the Raggedy Ann Lake Lodge. Lodging on other hunts is available on a first come basis at $35 per person per night.

Formerly known as the city lake lodge, the Raggedy Ann Lake Lodge is 1,800-square-feet and consists of four bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen and hunters' den. All linens and cooking utensils are provided.

The lodge is also available during the period of May through August for fishing, hiking, cookouts and wildlife watching.

If hunting is a family event, Raggedy Creek Ranch provides specifics for all.

"Because we are aware that the future of hunting lies with the children of today, we pay special attention to children and will go the extra mile to see that a child has the hunting experience of a lifetime," Moore said.

Youth discounts and special youth hunts are available.

For more information about Raggedy Creek Ranch, visit raggedycreekranch.com or call the Moore's at 940-684-1744.