Double D Ranch

The Kestners bought the ranch in 2000 because they loved the wildlife, flowers, trees, creek, and tanks. According to EvaJean, "It just looked like a nice piece of property that we can work with and enjoy. The fact that it didn't have many rocks also helped us pick this place over many others." Dennis says, "We had been looking on and off for years at places from Austin to Oregon. We found this place on the Internet and had to work hard to get the realty company to even allow us to view the property."

The Double D Ranch is in the Guadalupe River watershed, with a long border on Bucks Branch. This creek has at least two springs on it, with clear water, a stone bottom and steep banks. The front of the ranch lies close to FM 304. The rolling landscape contains post oak savannah and blackland prairie, 40 acres of improved pasture and 40 acres in native grasses. The remainder of the land is forested. When the Kestners first came to the land, the back 90 acres was full of Little Bluestem higher than the pickup truck.

Dennis and EvaJean particularly enjoy the spring wildflowers. EvaJean says, "In the spring of 2003 the wildflowers on the cross fence road were fender high to the truck. The front pasture has at least 10 varieties of wildflowers." That first year EvaJean comments, "We gathered quarts of dewberries, buckets full. That was wonderful."

When the Kestners bought the ranch there was an old hunting cabin on the place. One relic of the cabin is a unique round BBQ pit that the Kestners use today. Dennis and EvaJean wanted a nicer place to stay when at the ranch, so they tore down the cabin and built a modern rock house. EvaJean laughs, "We did all the interior work ourselves. We learned how to install cabinets, plumbing and tile. Dennis did the porch., rock gate entrance and the other exterior rock work." They also drilled a new well in 2003.

The Kestners have created their own piece of paradise, and they enjoy sharing with some other creatures. They have two pet donkeys and a small herd of Longhorn cattle. Even the fish and turtles in the tank by the gate get their share of attention. Eva Jean explains, "I have the fish trained. When we drive in or out the fish feel the vibration of the vehicle and come up for bread or fish pellets. The turtles get a treat too. Last year we watched a mother turtle lay eggs. I'd never seen anything like that before."

Dennis and EvaJean are managing the ranch for wildlife. Not too long ago 16 deer were spotted on one edge of the property. The Kestners plan to clear out some brush, small oaks and cedars but keep the big cedars to allow native grasses to spread. There are deer feeders on the property, and they also plant wildlife food plots--oats for deer and milo for turkeys. Prior to the Kestners' ownership, a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologist found a cougar den with a mother and cubs. The Kestners have seen big cat tracks in the area of their ranch they call the "Grand Canyon", a deep wash full of brush and trees.

Dennis says, "I just like to enjoy the place. Sometimes I sit and watch the grass grow. We used to shoot a little skeet but the donkey chases the skeet, so we aren't doing that anymore. We don't hunt here , but there are lots of dove and deer around. We joined the Tri Community Wildlife Management Coop to learn more about how to increase the wildlife."

The Kestner's dreams for the future include allowing teachers to use the property for a teaching tool, perhaps as a get-away for urban kids to learn about the country and wildlife, and even operating a bed-and-breakfast someday.