Nestled in the rolling hills of Uvalde County, Texas, sits the OX Ranch. It is a sprawling oasis that embodies the wild beauty of Texas. Spanning over 18,000 acres, this working ranch is a destination like no other. It offers visitors a unique blend of outdoor adventure, luxurious accommodation, and an up-close experience with an incredible array of exotic wildlife. While their booking rate approaches 90% of the year, Ox Ranch is, in many ways, a unique Texas secret. Let’s take a look.

Ox Ranch

In many ways, Texas has become an exotic animal destination. We find many African species in the Lone Star State, which has a terrain and an environment similar to Africa. Ox Ranch is the epicenter of that.  One of the most striking features of the OX Ranch is its diverse collection of exotic and native wildlife. Home to over 60 species from around the globe, the ranch is a sanctuary for animals such as giraffes, zebras, kangaroos, water buffalo, and more. Native Texas species like whitetail deer, wild turkeys, and javelinas also roam freely across the property. And when they say freely roam, that is not hyperbole. During my visit, I encountered at least eight different exotics just crossing the road. Guests can go on guided wildlife tours, which provide a safari experience. These tours, conducted in open-air vehicles, allow visitors to observe and photograph animals in their natural habitats. The knowledgeable guides offer fascinating insights into the animals’ behaviors, conservation efforts, and the ranch’s history.

World Class Hunting

For hunting, OX Ranch is a premier destination. Known for its world-class hunting opportunities, the ranch caters to both seasoned hunters and novices. Guests can hunt exotic animals like axis deer, blackbuck antelope, scimitar-horned oryx, and native game. The ranch adheres to ethical hunting practices, ensuring sustainable population management and environmental respect. Ox Ranch has over 70 different animals listed as available to hunt. Looking for Gemsbok but don’t want to fly to Africa? They have it. Impala, Buffalo, Corsican Sheep? They have it all.

OX Ranch provides fully guided hunts with experienced professionals, which pretty much ensures success. Understand, though, that this is not just a run-of-the-mill deer camp. Modern amenities, such as comfortable lodges and gourmet meals, make hunting a luxurious experience. Let’s just say you won’t need to pack a sleeping bag.

Texas History

Established in the 1880s, the ranch has evolved from a traditional cattle operation to a modern-day wildlife preserve. It still maintains its heritage, with old homesteads, hand-built stone walls, and remnants of Texas frontier life scattered across the property. A highlight for history buffs is the ranch’s collection of World War II-era tanks and military vehicles. These fully operational vehicles are available for guests to explore and even drive, making for a truly unique experience. Yes, you read that correctly. Ox Ranch has a division on the property called Drive Tanks.

Drive a Tank

At Drive Tanks, you can…well…drive tanks! They have several functioning and well-maintained battle tanks from around the world and from different time periods. Want to do more than just drive a battle tank? Here, you have the opportunity to fire the main gun on a tank as well. Looking for something different yet high on the excitement scale? How about a trip to their machine gun range? Here, you can run an enormous number of full auto weapons. From the classic M2 belt-fed machine gun and an M249 to the more exotics like an M134 minigun or a Russian PKM. And because they are all about going big or home, Drive Tanks has a flame thrower they can set you up with.  

Want to add a bang to your visit?  Try their High Explosive Experience, detonate an actual shaped charge, and block explosives! One of their military-trained cadres will guide you through setting up a series of three different explosions while viewing them through their explosive-proof glass. This is an adrenaline junkie’s dream. All of this is housed on the Ox Ranch property in what has essentially become a ballistic and war museum. From mannequins in WWII uniforms to unique weapon displays, the museum in and of itself is worth the visit.

Just Relax

While wildlife and hunting are central to the OX Ranch experience, the ranch also offers a range of activities for those seeking adventure or relaxation. Guests can explore the ranch on ATVs, try skeet shooting, or navigate the clear waters of the property’s spring-fed creeks and lakes by kayaking or paddleboarding. A cornerstone of OX Ranch’s mission is its commitment to wildlife conservation and sustainable land management. By preserving vast tracts of habitat and promoting biodiversity, the ranch contributes to the protection of endangered species and the balance of ecosystems. Its efforts to maintain healthy populations of both exotic and native animals exemplify a harmonious blend of conservation and recreation.

The ranch also collaborates with organizations and researchers to advance knowledge and practices in wildlife management. This dedication ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife that make OX Ranch a standout destination. If you ever get a chance to visit this incredible ranch, don’t pass it up. It will be the memory of a lifetime.

For more information, visit: https://www.oxhuntingranch.com/