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New True TexasHunting at Quail Ridge Ranch, Glen Rose, TexasBy Patricia D. ShermanWhen Rickey Fain bought 1,600 acres of North Texas Hill Country, he didn’t have a grand scheme. He loved the calming beauty of the ridges, ravines and endless horizons in sparsely populated Somervell County. After a century of overgrazing and neglect, though, the land was invaded by scrub cedars and subject to erosion. Native game had become scarce. A decade later, Fain has a grand result: Quail Ridge Ranch. The lodge, which can accommodate up to 12 guests, opened in mid-2002. But it has taken Fain years of hard work and determination to restore the native Texas plants and wildlife. Along the way, he gave up his medical practice in Dallas to devote all his energy to the ranch and made himself an expert on Texas ecology and land management. Now Quail Ridge Ranch is a perfect destination for hunters who want a true Texas experience. Guests can expect abundant game in a pristine setting followed by superb dining and accommodations in the lodge. HuntingFain, an avid hunter himself, has carefully restored the land to its pre-1850 condition and created habitat for native game birds—quail, pheasant, chukar and turkey—as well as large game. Experienced hunters say the property has some of the best quail cover in the country. Last summer, after three successive years of releases, at least 3,000 chicks were counted. Much of this success can be attributed to land management decisions Fain made years ago. “I wanted to work with nature, not against it, and bring things back into balance,” he says. One of his first projects was clearing invasive cedar and burning opportunistic weeds to foster the return of native grasses. “The seed had been in the soil for 150 years, waiting for an opportunity to come back,” he says, “and it did.” Quail Ridge Ranch offers a variety of quail, turkey, mixed and large-game hunt packages. Because the ranch is only 80 miles from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, it is convenient for half- and full-day hunts originating in the city. Hunts can be combined with small corporate meetings and retreats in the lodge or follow meetings held in the Metroplex. Three-day and longer packages are available. Among the property’s biggest assets is hunt manager Will Van Niekerk. A native of South Africa, he divides the year between Africa, where he guides big game hunts, and Texas. His international experience adds dimension to the hunts. DiningExecutive Chef Priscilla Morgan has cooked at some of the trendiest and most highly regarded restaurants in Dallas, Europe and Mexico. She describes her general style as “Southwestern-Texana influenced by Europe.” Her eclectic experience, imagination and attention to detail make every meal at Quail Ridge Ranch a delight. Hunting parties can expect hearty breakfasts, lunches and dinners accompanied by thoughtfully chosen wines. Naturally, menus often feature ranch game, from quail to venison and boar. Two of Morgan’s specialties are quail gumbo and quail ravioli in sage butter sauce. She grows much of the produce and herbs she uses on site. Vegetables flourish in her kitchen garden, turbo charged by black rhinoceros fertilizer provided by a nearby exotic animal park. The LodgeThe 9,000-square-foot lodge is situated on one of the highest ridges in the area. From every window in the lodge, guests can enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding hills and the splendid sunsets and sunrises. The lodge was designed to express the relaxed ambiance and warm hospitality of a typical Hill Country estate. It incorporates the region’s mix of historical influences—Spanish, German, Country French, Native American and rural Texan. The exterior is Austin limestone with a German slurry finish. Decor is leans heavily toward Texan and Native American motifs. Five luxury suites and three guest rooms surround a Spanish-style courtyard with lush plantings, a waterfall and a fireplace. The courtyard provides a setting for gatherings and special events in all four seasons. Each suite has a private patio and wet bar. All guest accommodations have whirlpool bathtubs and fireplaces. At the heart of the lodge is the great room with a massive fireplace and walls of windows facing south and east, overlooking a broad terrace and the swimming pool. Hunters don’t need to worry that any non-hunters in their party will be bored at Quail Ridge Ranch. Besides relaxing by the pool, guests can explore the colorful nearby towns of Glen Rose, Hico and Granbury, where they can browse antique shops and watch local artisans. Contact:Quail Ridge Ranch |
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