Property Description
Recreational Ranch,Hunting Property,Development PotentialPrime Hunting Land in East Texas Piney Woods
Located just two miles from Bullard in Smith County, Ray-King Farm delivers 546 acres of diverse hunting terrain in the heart of the East Texas Piney Woods. This legacy ranch property, held by one family since 1890, offers serious hunters a rare combination of bottomland wetlands, hardwood forests, and open pastures that support year-round populations of white-tailed deer, feral hogs, waterfowl, and fur-bearing game. With nearly 2,000 feet of FM 344 frontage and rolling topography from 350 to 450 feet elevation, the property provides both accessibility and the secluded habitat structure that mature game demands.
White-Tailed Deer Hunting on 546 Acres
The property’s terrain transitions naturally from scattered pine hilltops to oak-lined creek banks, creating ideal white-tailed deer habitat with multiple travel corridors and staging areas. Mature hardwood forests drop acorns and other mast throughout fall and winter, concentrating deer movement along predictable patterns. An established old pecan grove and approximately 100 acres of open pasture provide additional food sources and edge habitat where deer feed during low-light hours. Multiple stock tanks distributed across the property ensure reliable water sources that hold deer on the land year-round. The rolling topography and mixed cover types support both spot-and-stalk hunting and stand placement with excellent sight lines.
Waterfowl Hunting: 220 Acres of Bottomland Wetlands
The crown jewel for waterfowl hunters is 220 acres of West Mud Creek bottomland that creates a natural mosaic of beaver ponds, duck sloughs, and flooded timber. This extensive wetland system attracts migratory waterfowl along the Central Flyway and holds resident wood ducks throughout the season. Beaver activity maintains water levels and creates the flooded hardwood habitat that waterfowl prefer. The bottomland’s mix of open water, emergent vegetation, and timber edges provides diverse hunting setups.
Year-Round Feral Hog Hunting
Feral hog populations thrive in the bottomland corridors and creek systems that run through the property. Texas regulations allow year-round hog hunting with no bag limits, providing action when deer and waterfowl seasons close. Night hunting opportunities add another dimension for managing this species while extending hunting days beyond daylight hours.
Fur-Bearing Game and Predator Management
The property’s diverse habitat structure supports populations of coyote and other fur-bearers common to East Texas. Active predator management improves deer fawn survival and ground-nesting waterfowl success while providing additional hunting opportunities during fur-bearer seasons.
Diverse Hunting Terrain and Habitat Types
Ray-King Farm’s 546 acres encompass multiple habitat types that maximize wildlife carrying capacity and hunting diversity. Pine-topped ridges transition to oak flats and bottomland hardwoods along West Mud Creek. The 220-acre bottomland creates a wildlife habitat that attracts game and provides year-round water. Approximately 100 acres of maintained hayfield and open pasture offer potential for food plots and clear shooting lanes. Multiple stock tanks supplement natural water sources throughout the upland areas. This habitat diversity within a contiguous boundary allows hunters to pursue different species and employ varied tactics without leaving the property.
Hunting Camp and Ranch Infrastructure
Existing improvements provide a foundation for hunting camp operations. An original farmhouse with community water service through Walnut Grove offers immediate lodging or a base for camp improvements. A weathered barn provides equipment storage, game processing space, and covered work areas. Working cattle pens support the property’s agricultural exemption, which transfers to new ownership and reduces carrying costs. Nearly 2,000 feet of FM 344 frontage ensures easy access for hunters and equipment year-round.
Bass Fishing at Lake Palestine and Lake Tyler
When hunting seasons close or conditions slow game movement, world-class bass fishing lies minutes from the property. Lake Palestine, approximately 10 miles southwest, encompasses 25,500 acres and 135 miles of shoreline with consistent largemouth bass tournament results, trophy hybrid stripers, and excellent catfish populations. Lake Tyler offers additional options just north of the property. Both lakes feature multiple public boat ramps and full-service marinas. The combination of exceptional hunting land with nearby bass fishing creates a year-round outdoor recreation property.
Location and Travel Access
Ray-King Farm sits 113 miles southeast of Dallas (approximately 1 hour 45 minutes via I-20), with Tyler just 15 miles north offering full services, sporting goods, and lodging options. Tyler Pounds Regional Airport (TYR), located 23 miles from the property, provides American Eagle jet service connecting to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with onward flights to over 200 worldwide destinations. DFW International is 136 miles northwest, approximately 2 hours by car. Longview lies 40 miles east and Palestine 39 miles south. This accessibility positions the property for weekend hunting trips from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex while maintaining the rural character and wildlife populations that define quality East Texas hunting land.
Legacy Hunting Ranch Investment
Properties combining this scale of acreage, habitat diversity, and five-generation ownership history rarely come to market in East Texas. Ray-King Farm’s 546 acres have never been subdivided, maintaining the contiguous habitat that supports healthy game populations. The active agricultural exemption reduces annual tax burden while the property’s proximity to Tyler and the expanding Dallas-Fort Worth corridor provides long-term appreciation potential. For hunters and investors seeking turnkey recreational land with proven wildlife value, Ray-King Farm represents an exceptional acquisition opportunity. Invest in Texas, Buy Land!
Property Details
Key Features
- 546 contiguous acres in Smith County, Texas
- 220 acres West Mud Creek bottomland
- Beaver ponds and duck sloughs
- Mixed pine and hardwood timber
- Multiple stock tanks
- Rolling topography 350–450 ft elevation
- Nearly 2,000 ft FM 344 highway frontage
- Farmhouse with community water
- Working cattle pens and historic barn
- Agricultural tax exemption in place
- 113 miles from Dallas | 15 miles from Tyler
- Whitetail Deer Waterfowl Feral Hogs