KCA Ranch. A Work in Progress. - TexasBowhunter.com Community Discussion Forums

Chew · 12-30-2013, 10:49 AM

I know that "Ranch" is a strong word for 21 acres but "farm", "acres", "property", and "big yard to mow" just didn't seem to fit.

For those that don't know...KCA is a term I learned from my fellow TBH'ers when I went through 3 bouts of colon cancer and beat it with the support of friends, family, and TBH.

Kicking Cancer's A#@

I have been cancer free for 2 1/2 years now and life is good. I told my wife that I didn't want to wait too long to fulfill our dream of owning property.

So about a year ago we started looking seriously. Thanks to the Texas Veterans Land Board we were able to afford 21 acres in Leon County. It took a lot of searching, saving, and disappointment until the right place came along.

Anyway...like others have done I wanted to start a thread to document our progress on the place. I know next to nothing about a lot of stuff that I should know to fix up and maintain a place. So I'm hoping to get some valuable advice from TBH on simple things like repairing barbed wire, building bridges, food plots, ponds, etc.

Basic description:

21 acres of mostly wooded terrain that is somewhat hilly. Big creek bottom through the middle of the property. Land is high at the front, slopes down to the creek, then goes high in the back. Smaller neighbors on the sides (about 5 bordering properties anywhere from 12 to 35 acres) and one very large property along the back side. We are at the dead end of a private road.

Two spring fed creeks. One smaller one runs into the larger one which bisects the property.

RV pad with septic, electric, water.
Two buildings. A well house that is big enough to live in. 750' water well. A small 10x12 cabin that will be a bunk house for family.

We made our first trip after Christmas and just got back yesterday.

Thanks to Andy Glass (TBH'er boogieandbride) for hauling my camper and helping to get it set up. THanks to TBH'er Stan R for helping with the septic (nice pvc system instead of the rv hose).

Here's some pics.

Our first fire on the place....

Nothing says home like septic...

My custom designed redneck porch...

Party pad...

My "thinkin' spot" on a sand bar...

THe back of the property has a beautiful clearing with some big old oaks...

Deer crossing with fresh tracks. My first trail camera on the place is pointed at that crossing:

And this is what I have been dreaming about for years. A place to sit, reflect, worship, give thanks, hold hands with my wife, and watch kids and grandkids have fun....

bwssr · 12-30-2013, 10:53 AM

GUNA BE GREAT!.....Bet the blood pressure has already dropped....

florissant · 12-30-2013, 10:55 AM

Man that's awesome on so many levels. Congrats you deserve it.

Bily Lovec · 12-30-2013, 10:56 AM

JP Weld · 12-30-2013, 10:56 AM

Very nice Sir!

Heath · 12-30-2013, 10:56 AM

One of the best threads I have ever read on TBH!

Congrats.

Mtltx · 12-30-2013, 10:57 AM

Congrats on the property! Looks like a great place to enjoy the rest of your long life and making memories. Enjoy!

tod · 12-30-2013, 11:00 AM

Very nice and we'll said. Blessings to you my friend.

gonehuntin · 12-30-2013, 11:05 AM

Congrats on the dream place. Nothing like unlocking the gate on your own place.

bdphunt · 12-30-2013, 11:07 AM

Great pics Bobby! Congrats on the Ranch.

My son killed his first deer last week on 50 acres my dad bought about 5 years ago. My dad was beaming that my sons first deer came from "our" ranch. I am sure you will have a ton of memories from this place.

Boomer57 · 12-30-2013, 11:33 AM

I want one! Congrats

j.trevor123 · 12-30-2013, 11:42 AM

Congrats, looks awesome

CreekBoy · 12-30-2013, 12:17 PM

congrats, great looking ranch

Quackerbox · 12-30-2013, 12:19 PM

Congrats to you and yours Bobby!! Livin the dream sir!

wassaw · 12-30-2013, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heath

One of the best threads I have ever read on TBH!

Congrats.

totally agree!

3DW5 · 12-30-2013, 12:32 PM

Congrats, I hunt in Leon Co as well. Super nice place.

Rat · 12-30-2013, 12:42 PM

It's weird ain't it? There's no place like home; but there's nothing like your own patch of woods! Growing up on ranches I had my share of personal places, one of these days I will have it again.

Congratulations on not giving up on the dream and being disciplined enough to follow through!

The KCA Ranch!

Stan R · 12-30-2013, 12:47 PM

Bobby,

It is a beautiful property. Susan and I enjoyed coming out.

I could see how proud you and the wife were.

KCA Ranch That would make a great name plaque to put on the gate.

Stan

Stan

bwssr · 12-30-2013, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stan R

Bobby,

It is a beautiful property. Susan and I enjoyed coming out.

I could see how proud you and the wife were.

KCA Ranch That would make a great name plaque to put on the gate.

Stan

Stan

I missed the memo....

Chew · 12-30-2013, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwssr

I missed the memo....

Aw man. It ain't like that. He had the RV septic connections I needed and decided to hand deliver.

bwssr · 12-30-2013, 01:47 PM

no problems....I'm sure I'll catch ya over the 30 or so years....

Snapper · 12-30-2013, 02:01 PM

Great pics Bobby! I am very happy for you and your clan. Congrats on the new KCA ranch!!!

Bullydog · 12-30-2013, 02:09 PM

Its a special feeling for sure. What's amazing is I still find new things on my place all the time...This is after 6 years of thinking I have looked at it all, several times..

Congrats to you guys, well deserved and cant wait to see it in person one day.

Texantax · 12-30-2013, 02:11 PM

Congrats Bobby, nice lookin place!

Buff · 12-30-2013, 02:24 PM

Congrats

Legdog · 12-30-2013, 02:26 PM

This thread sits well with me.

subscribed

Mary · 12-30-2013, 02:30 PM

That's just awesome...I see many great pics to come from The KCA Ranch!

DPElite · 12-30-2013, 02:34 PM

tuned in as well Mr. Bobby looking dang good

03GruntUSMC · 12-30-2013, 07:03 PM

Wow, that looks like an awesome place! One day I'll own land as well.

Sippy · 12-30-2013, 07:32 PM

Subscribed!!

IowaHunter · 12-30-2013, 07:38 PM

Chew,

While we don't know each other, I've followed your progress thru the MDA trials and tribulations. You deserve your little slice of heaven in Leon County. Enjoy it and know that there are many of us that wish we could have something like that as well.

Happy New Year to you and your family.

hollywood40 · 12-30-2013, 07:56 PM

Congrats ! I would love a place like that. Quick comment...My BIL started off with a "porch" like that and all he did was put some cinderblocks underneath and 3/4 inch plywood screwed over the top. Wish I had a pic from two weeks ago, but it turned out nice enough to get the mud off and walk out barefoot.

GLM · 12-30-2013, 08:22 PM

Congratulations on kicking cancer and fulfilling your dream of owning a ranch. The KCA ranch looks like the perfect place to relax and enjoy life.
Be sure and post pictures from your trail camera on the trail. Should get some good pictures at that crossing.

Chew · 12-30-2013, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hollywood40

Congrats ! I would love a place like that. Quick comment...My BIL started off with a "porch" like that and all he did was put some cinderblocks underneath and 3/4 inch plywood screwed over the top. Wish I had a pic from two weeks ago, but it turned out nice enough to get the mud off and walk out barefoot.

I think that's what I'll do. Gonna track down several full sized pallets and screw some plywood on top.

Future projects in somewhat of the priority list:

Metal awning over camper and front porch

Deck out the cabin with beds, dresser, etc., and it's own small awning over the front porch

Add a shower/toilet, washer/dryer, fridge, oven/stove to the well house (it's 16x16 and well built.

Build a bridge over the creek that will support a tractor, jeep, etc.

Reinforce the existing bridge to support a ranger/UTV type vehicle.

Stands and feeders and cameras

Small garden for the wife

Fire pit

Get some slag brought in to build up parking area and walk ways between buildings and campers.

Exterior lighting

Food plot in the back

Fix some barbed wire

Small dam in the creek to make a decent swimming hole

1/2 acre to 1 acre pond that is somehow kept filled by the creek.

Manual hand pump on the well in case the zombies come and we lose electricity

Skinning rack

Archery and pistol range area.

Barn/lean-to/shop

Our retirement home

60 Deluxe · 12-30-2013, 08:33 PM

Ya'll have a pretty place there. I am envious of your creek. I have a low place that will flow water if it rains four inches pretty quick.

agvet2004 · 12-30-2013, 08:59 PM

Looks awesome Bobby! A big congrats to you and Mary! Can't wait to get together with y'all.

bwssr · 12-30-2013, 09:01 PM

Great start on the list!....we can help!

kparker158 · 12-30-2013, 09:13 PM

I'm following this thread. Congrats on the new place

Stan R · 12-31-2013, 04:38 AM

Bobby

You can get full size pallets at Standley's in Madisonville. They charge $1 each.

I bought lots and use to stack my hay on.

this is a the best picture I can find of my red neck deck.

I think 10 pallets, 6 or so 3/4 inch treated plywood, some green outdoor carpet.

Idea on fire pit...

I made this in about 4 hours. The wife loves it... I used landscape brick and some bags of white crushed marble.

GarGuy · 12-31-2013, 05:28 AM

Beautiful place. With that spring water, I can guarantee you there have been folks on that knoll for 12,000 years. I bet you have a killer Ancient site there. That might just be a true honeyHole for a monster buck too It backs up to a large neighbor and you have the cover.

I love it, Steve

swgreen · 12-31-2013, 05:37 AM

Nice looking place

KHo · 12-31-2013, 05:42 AM

Love this thread. So happy for and the family, Bobby. We are neighbors x2! I hope you were able to track down some loppers on Saturday...can't wait to hook up and show each other our places. Enjoy it sir!

skeeter · 12-31-2013, 05:52 AM

dang bobby, thats nice! congrats!

TENRMORE · 12-31-2013, 06:18 AM

Nice looking place

Jet Black · 12-31-2013, 06:39 AM

Congrats Chew, great looking place!

Bone Thug · 12-31-2013, 07:20 AM

Awesome deal...

boogieandbride · 12-31-2013, 07:26 AM

Just remember, you have to be up there the second weekend of every month for Jewett's flea market. The girls can go shop and play and you can play on your land.

doublearrow · 12-31-2013, 08:42 AM

Just awesome. Living the dream of hunters everywhere and owning your own land. Heres to year after year of memories with the family.

Leonhogboy · 12-31-2013, 09:42 AM

Following the Chew Crew at the KCA, congrats Bobby.

3DW5 · 01-04-2014, 10:22 PM

Seen any deer out there Bobby?

12-30-2013, 10:49 AM	#1
Chew Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Centerville, TX Hunt In: Leon County	KCA Ranch. A Work in Progress. I know that "Ranch" is a strong word for 21 acres but "farm", "acres", "property", and "big yard to mow" just didn't seem to fit. For those that don't know...KCA is a term I learned from my fellow TBH'ers when I went through 3 bouts of colon cancer and beat it with the support of friends, family, and TBH. Kicking Cancer's A#@ I have been cancer free for 2 1/2 years now and life is good. I told my wife that I didn't want to wait too long to fulfill our dream of owning property. So about a year ago we started looking seriously. Thanks to the Texas Veterans Land Board we were able to afford 21 acres in Leon County. It took a lot of searching, saving, and disappointment until the right place came along. Anyway...like others have done I wanted to start a thread to document our progress on the place. I know next to nothing about a lot of stuff that I should know to fix up and maintain a place. So I'm hoping to get some valuable advice from TBH on simple things like repairing barbed wire, building bridges, food plots, ponds, etc. Basic description: 21 acres of mostly wooded terrain that is somewhat hilly. Big creek bottom through the middle of the property. Land is high at the front, slopes down to the creek, then goes high in the back. Smaller neighbors on the sides (about 5 bordering properties anywhere from 12 to 35 acres) and one very large property along the back side. We are at the dead end of a private road. Two spring fed creeks. One smaller one runs into the larger one which bisects the property. RV pad with septic, electric, water. Two buildings. A well house that is big enough to live in. 750' water well. A small 10x12 cabin that will be a bunk house for family. We made our first trip after Christmas and just got back yesterday. Thanks to Andy Glass (TBH'er boogieandbride) for hauling my camper and helping to get it set up. THanks to TBH'er Stan R for helping with the septic (nice pvc system instead of the rv hose). Here's some pics. Our first fire on the place.... Nothing says home like septic... My custom designed redneck porch... Party pad... My "thinkin' spot" on a sand bar... THe back of the property has a beautiful clearing with some big old oaks... Deer crossing with fresh tracks. My first trail camera on the place is pointed at that crossing: And this is what I have been dreaming about for years. A place to sit, reflect, worship, give thanks, hold hands with my wife, and watch kids and grandkids have fun.... Creek 2 - YouTube Centerville creek - YouTube Last edited by Chew; 12-30-2013 at 10:51 AM.

12-30-2013, 12:47 PM	#18
Stan R Pope & Young Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Madisonville Hunt In: Madison and Colorado County	Bobby, It is a beautiful property. Susan and I enjoyed coming out. I could see how proud you and the wife were. KCA Ranch That would make a great name plaque to put on the gate. Stan Stan Last edited by Stan R; 12-30-2013 at 12:50 PM.

12-31-2013, 04:38 AM	#39
Stan R Pope & Young Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Madisonville Hunt In: Madison and Colorado County	Bobby You can get full size pallets at Standley's in Madisonville. They charge $1 each. I bought lots and use to stack my hay on. this is a the best picture I can find of my red neck deck. I think 10 pallets, 6 or so 3/4 inch treated plywood, some green outdoor carpet. Idea on fire pit... I made this in about 4 hours. The wife loves it... I used landscape brick and some bags of white crushed marble. Last edited by Stan R; 12-31-2013 at 04:45 AM.

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12-30-2013, 10:53 AM	#2
bwssr Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Madisonville, Texas Hunt In: Madison county	GUNA BE GREAT!.....Bet the blood pressure has already dropped....

12-30-2013, 10:55 AM	#3
florissant Six Point Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Fort Worth	Man that's awesome on so many levels. Congrats you deserve it.

12-30-2013, 10:56 AM	#4
Bily Lovec Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Fulshear , 77441

12-30-2013, 10:56 AM	#5
JP Weld Ten Point Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Georgetown, TX Hunt In: Ranch Owner, Lampasas TX	Very nice Sir!

12-30-2013, 10:56 AM	#6
Heath Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Antonio Hunt In: Cool places with Cool people	One of the best threads I have ever read on TBH! Congrats.

12-30-2013, 10:57 AM	#7
Mtltx Pope & Young Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Liberty Hill, Tx Hunt In: Hill country	Congrats on the property! Looks like a great place to enjoy the rest of your long life and making memories. Enjoy!

12-30-2013, 11:00 AM	#8
tod Ten Point Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Lake Jackson Hunt In: Zapata Co.	Very nice and we'll said. Blessings to you my friend.

12-30-2013, 11:05 AM	#9
gonehuntin Ten Point Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Turlington,Tx Hunt In: Freestone,Navarro,Llano	Congrats on the dream place. Nothing like unlocking the gate on your own place.

12-30-2013, 11:07 AM	#10
bdphunt Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Waco Hunt In: Taylor and Shackelford County	Great pics Bobby! Congrats on the Ranch. My son killed his first deer last week on 50 acres my dad bought about 5 years ago. My dad was beaming that my sons first deer came from "our" ranch. I am sure you will have a ton of memories from this place.

12-30-2013, 11:33 AM	#11
Boomer57 Ten Point Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Rockwall Hunt In: Fisher Co.	I want one! Congrats

12-30-2013, 11:42 AM	#12
j.trevor123 Eight Point Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Spring, tx Hunt In: Beeville, tx	Congrats, looks awesome

12-30-2013, 12:17 PM	#13
CreekBoy Six Point Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Buda,Texas Hunt In: Hondo,Texas / Rhome,Texas	congrats, great looking ranch

12-30-2013, 12:19 PM	#14
Quackerbox Pope & Young Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Magnolia Hunt In: The woods	Congrats to you and yours Bobby!! Livin the dream sir!

12-30-2013, 12:32 PM	#16
3DW5 Pope & Young Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Clear Lake Hunt In: Leon Co, Jim Hogg and Starr Co.	Congrats, I hunt in Leon Co as well. Super nice place.

12-30-2013, 12:42 PM	#17
Rat Ten Point Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Bertram	It's weird ain't it? There's no place like home; but there's nothing like your own patch of woods! Growing up on ranches I had my share of personal places, one of these days I will have it again. Congratulations on not giving up on the dream and being disciplined enough to follow through! The KCA Ranch!

12-30-2013, 01:47 PM	#21
bwssr Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Madisonville, Texas Hunt In: Madison county	no problems....I'm sure I'll catch ya over the 30 or so years....

12-30-2013, 02:01 PM	#22
Snapper Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Sealy, Tx	Great pics Bobby! I am very happy for you and your clan. Congrats on the new KCA ranch!!!

12-30-2013, 02:09 PM	#23
Bullydog Pope & Young Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Tom Bean Hunt In: Grayson / Throckmorton	Its a special feeling for sure. What's amazing is I still find new things on my place all the time...This is after 6 years of thinking I have looked at it all, several times.. Congrats to you guys, well deserved and cant wait to see it in person one day.

12-30-2013, 02:11 PM	#24
Texantax Pope & Young Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Tomball Hunt In: Magnolia, Rocksprings, Concan	Congrats Bobby, nice lookin place!

12-30-2013, 02:24 PM	#25
Buff Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: AvingerTX Hunt In: The World	Congrats

12-30-2013, 02:26 PM	#26
Legdog Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Austin	This thread sits well with me. subscribed

12-30-2013, 02:30 PM	#27
Mary Administrator Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Kingwood	That's just awesome...I see many great pics to come from The KCA Ranch!

12-30-2013, 02:34 PM	#28
DPElite Ten Point Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: FriendsHood Hunt In: Mexico	tuned in as well Mr. Bobby looking dang good

12-30-2013, 07:03 PM	#29
03GruntUSMC Ten Point Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Leander Hunt In: Texas & Colorado	Wow, that looks like an awesome place! One day I'll own land as well.

12-30-2013, 07:32 PM	#30
Sippy Pope & Young Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Tyler Hunt In: Burnet, Smith, Eastland	Subscribed!!

12-30-2013, 07:38 PM	#31
IowaHunter Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Harris County Hunt In: IA + MA	Chew, While we don't know each other, I've followed your progress thru the MDA trials and tribulations. You deserve your little slice of heaven in Leon County. Enjoy it and know that there are many of us that wish we could have something like that as well. Happy New Year to you and your family.

12-30-2013, 07:56 PM	#32
hollywood40 Six Point Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Washington County Tx Hunt In: Fayette and Mason and Lee counties	Congrats ! I would love a place like that. Quick comment...My BIL started off with a "porch" like that and all he did was put some cinderblocks underneath and 3/4 inch plywood screwed over the top. Wish I had a pic from two weeks ago, but it turned out nice enough to get the mud off and walk out barefoot.

12-30-2013, 08:22 PM	#33
GLM Eight Point Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Kingwood, TX Hunt In: Point Blank, TX	Congratulations on kicking cancer and fulfilling your dream of owning a ranch. The KCA ranch looks like the perfect place to relax and enjoy life. Be sure and post pictures from your trail camera on the trail. Should get some good pictures at that crossing.

12-30-2013, 08:33 PM	#35
60 Deluxe Ten Point Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Coke County Hunt In: at home	Ya'll have a pretty place there. I am envious of your creek. I have a low place that will flow water if it rains four inches pretty quick.

12-30-2013, 08:59 PM	#36
agvet2004 Pope & Young Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Katy Hunt In: Mason, Hempstead, Menard, Canada	Looks awesome Bobby! A big congrats to you and Mary! Can't wait to get together with y'all.