Welcome to the Ranch!

When we first acquired our new property as we expanded Cross Creek Cattle Company, we were impressed by the amount of wildlife on the land. Deer, hogs, and dove call it home in large populations. For the first time in our ranch’s history, we considered branching out into a different business: day dove hunts.

In some ways, both businesses are similar. We are offering an opportunity for people to bring home food to their families. According to American Wild Game, domesticated dove or farm-raised dove are higher in fat and calories with less protein compared to dove found in their natural environments. Wild dove is almost 23% protein with less than 2% fat. Dove is also delicious.

I grew up eating dove as my dad’s family were big hunters. The family still talks about how I would eat them like candy. I just could not get enough. Last year, my older sons and their uncles went hunting and came home with their catch. After a simple preparation, I realized that I have not outgrown my liking for dove. What a treat!

In order to prepare for dove hunting, we specifically chose a spot between three stock ponds to ensure good, fresh water for the birds. My husband also planted acres of land in Milo, a.k.a. sorghum, to give the dove what they need food-wise. It is protected by strands of hot wire to keep out cattle, hogs, etc.

As luck would have it, a good friend, who is an experienced hunting guide, just moved into our area. He immediately agreed to serve as our hunting guide for these day hunts. If you are interested in setting up a day dove hunt or have questions, you will need to contact Bill Adams at (830)591-6116.

We are charging $75.00 a day. The hunting ground is located in Grimes County just north of Plantersville on CR 208 off of FM 1774.

Please help us get the word out. If you know a hunter, a father/son wanting to spend the day together, or someone like myself who loves to eat dove, please tell them about the Cross Creek Cattle Company Day Dove Hunts.

Kids of Cross Creek Cattle Company

Most people do not live in rural areas anymore.  A complete switch has taken place.  More people now live in urban areas.  Living in the country has its advantages.  It also has disadvantages.  Like everything in life, you have to weigh both.

My five children have lived on Cross Creek Cattle Company for most if not all of their lives.  They have chores that most kids their age do not have.  They take turns milking our goats.  They feed our chickens, sheep, goats, rabbits, dogs, and cats.  They can grow and harvest vegetables.  They can catch and clean a fish.  They can work cattle.  Depending on their ages, my children are either quite experienced in these areas or they are in training.

All of them are raised to avoid cow patties as they stroll through the pasture.  They know to watch for snakes.  They know where the barbed wire fences are even if the sun makes the wires seem invisible.  They can identify poison ivy regardless of the season.

When people visit the ranch, they are quickly given a crash course in the potential hazards.  Likewise when we travel to urban areas, my children receive a much different training.  Don’t talk to strangers.  Look both ways before crossing the street.

I thought it would be interesting to hear from my children today.  I asked each of them, “What is your favorite thing about living on a ranch?”  The following are their answers.

Clayton said, “I love hunting deer in December.”  He is a great shot.  Clayton also loves observing the plentiful wildlife throughout the year.  Watching the deer is his favorite.

China Berry tree in autumn.

Kyla said, “I love watching the colors change on the leaves.”  About the only trees that change from green to brilliant color are the China Berry trees.  She went on to say that she loves being able to observe God’s creation everyday.

Jake responded, “I love being able to work with the horses all the time.”  He loves horses.  He even writes his own blog about horses called Cross Creek Horsemanship.

Isaac said, “Riding horses!”  He sure loves to ride.

Andrew is too little to answer, but he also loves to ride a horse.  My guess is that he enjoys tractor rides even more.

Well, the kids have spoken.  They love living on Cross Creek Cattle Company.  And, they have different reasons.  I love the fact that they are growing up on a working ranch.  They have so many opportunities to learn skills and enjoy the outdoors.  Living in a rural area has its perks.