There is a lot of history at Buffalo Mountain Ranch.  This land tract was originally set aside by the Republic of Texas in 1839, and deeded to the first white settler in 1893.  The 4400 acres sets on what is know as the Callahan divide near a place called Buffalo Gap.  Buffalo Gap got its name because the migrating buffalo herds moved through here twice a year as them made their annual migration.

We met owner, H.J. Ledbetter on the ranch in early July, 2002.  We had arraigned to have Greg Abbas, of Away Hunting Products, and Away Outdoors, on the Outdoor Channel, hunt a rouge bull buffalo at the ranch.  (See Rouge Bull to read about that exciting hunt in our articles section)

The Ranch is managed by Larry Pitcox.  Larry and the wildlife manager, Rick Worley, are focused on making Buffalo Mountain Hunts a place "where dreams come true".

As the name implies, Buffalo Mountain Hunts, does indeed provide buffalo hunting.  These buffalo are not technically "free ranging" animals.  But let me assure you, 4400 acres can hide a whole herd of Bison.  The terrain is a combination of cedar, mesquite, and cactus.  In some places it is near impossible to even walk, let alone hunt.  

But buffalo is not the only game that Buffalo Mountain Ranch offers.  In fact, they are focused much more on providing some of the best Whitetail deer and Rio Grande Turkey hunting anywhere.

Rick, a dedicated bowhunter, is committed to providing true Texas trophy whitetails, and quality as well as quantity turkeys.  For a number of years, the ranch under the direction of Rick, has been enriching the quality of the deer herd on the ranch.  They have planted over 27 food plots on the 4400 acres and they have a number of supplemental feeding sites as well.  These are providing the kind of nutrients that are needed to grow nice racks and big tom turkeys. 

Buffalo Mountain Ranch is not just a come and shoot place.  The Ranch and its hunts are limited to primitive weapons.  Only bow & black powder may be used on deer and buffalo, although they do allow shotgun for turkey and varmints.

Because of this policy, all the food plots are situated where shots are available for archers and smoke pole shooters.  Although quality deer management is only 3 to 4 years along on the Ranch, they are already seeing Bucks in the 140 to 150 class.  And turkeys?  Are there ever turkeys!

Buffalo Mountain Hunts are available for one and all.  They have four levels of hunts available.  The basic hunt provides the hunter access to the ranch, and they can hunt it as they see fit.  From there you can add accommodations, guided hunts and the ultimate hunt which includes a video of the hunt and photo album to go along with it.  All four levels are available for deer and turkey hunts, but all buffalo hunts are guided.

Accommodations are available in Abilene currently.  The ranch will allow hunters to set up campers as well.  During WWII and the cold war, part of the ranch was used by the US Air Force for barracks.  These buildings are still on the site, and BMR is in the process of renovating these buildings for future housing.

They also provide varmint hunts, if you just can't get time off during the spring or fall hunting seasons.  There a number of opportunities to take coyotes and bobcats on the ranch.

Buffalo Mountain Hunts is also offering a unique hunting opportunity for those that are physically challenged, called a "Buddy Hunt".  BMR will allow one physically challenged hunter to hunt free when another hunter is hunting with him.  (See their Buddy Hunt requirements on their website)

We are going to be hunting at BMR this spring.  We hope to bag one of the Rio Grande Turkeys.  Greg Abbas is coming back as well, and we are planning to film a Buffalo hunt, where bowhuntingINFO founder, Bob Baldwin, plans to wack one with a recurve.  We plan to make this a virtual hunt, so be sure to check back for daily updates beginning April 18th, 2003.

H.J. Ledbetter, Larry Pitcox, and Rick Worley, are a great team.  If you are interested in taking trophy Texas Whitetails, Rio Grande turkeys, or the Great American Bison,  Buffalo Mountain Hunts is one place you can't afford not to check out.  If you want more information about Buffalo Mountain Ranch, check our their Website at www.buffalo-mountain-hunts.com, or call H.J. Ledbetter at 303-617-9096.