Special Valentine’s Event

Limited seating is still available for this reservation-only event at the Log Cabin on February 14th.  Treat your sweetheart to an unforgettable, four course dining experience.  Contact BLCC for reservation and pricing information.

Sustainable Forage Management and the BLCC Deer Herd

As of midnight, the BLCC white-tailed deer hunting season officially closed.  This season proved to be a very successful one indeed.  Our season-end harvest count stands at 33 does and 12 bucks.  Six of those bucks are currently being measured for inclusion in the Texas Big Game Awards.  Stay tuned for the Biggest and Best of BLCC’s Bucks 2011-2012!

Just two of the bucks harvested this season

This season, the BLCC trialed some new management practices based on advice recieved last fall from experts in forage and wildlife.  We chose not to plant food plots for the deer.  Food plots are traditionally planted with a high-protein food source that attracts deer in numbers throughout the hunting season.  The philosophy behind these food plots is to not only attract deer, but also to create a deer herd filled with larger, healthier deer. 

Notice the delineation between the native field and the traditionally planted plot

With plowing, planting, and fertilizer costs on the rise, the BLCC decided to take the advice of experts and rely on the native forage available on the BLCC, enabling us to reduce expences and use a more enviornmentally-friendly and sustainable method of management.  By minimizing plowing, we can help restore the soil integrity in many of our fields.  Money saved can be put toward other projects around the BLCC.  Now, this is not to say that traditional plowing and planting does not have its place here on the BLCC.  Many fields here on the ranch have been plowed for generations and, at this point, require a consistent form of planting in order to produce healthy crops. 

Traditional plowing on the BLCC

This year, the Texas Big Game Awards is recognizing landowners for the first time with a Landowner of the Year Award  for landowners demonstrating dedication to active management of their property for healthy wildlife and creation of an enduring native ecosystem for future generations.  We believe the BLCC would be a superior candidate for this award and will be applying for it this month.  Stay tuned for the results!

Native forage fading into good habitat and cover create a thriving environment for the BLCC deer herd

As with most businesses, diversification is key.  Our management program will remain diverse, creative, and sustainable.  Our committement to the environment and to our land will remain a priority and the fruits of our labor will be seen in a healthy deer herd, a strong cattle operation, and a ranch full of recreational opportunities for people of all ages and interests.  Contact us for more information on our management practices or to come out and see them in action!

BLCC Agriculture Gets a Boost!

It’s not often the weatherman gives us a 100% chance of rain here on the BLCC.  Well, today is one of those rare days!  Since last night, we’ve gotten over THREE inches of rain.  And boy, did we need it!  After a biblical wind storm on Sunday afternoon that literally blocked Storybook from view, the ground on the ranch was cracked and dry.  Stocker cattle on Shields’ place are making a dent in the winter wheat and if we didn’t get some moisture soon, those fields weren’t going to last through the rest of the winter.  Thankfully, the skies opened last night with a spectacular Texas lightning show that would rival any IMAX theater and thunder that was shaking roofs.

As you are reading, the rain is keeping steady rhythm on the tin roof of the Check-In Barn here at Headquarters, while the ranch gets nature’s version of a scrub down.  If we are lucky, the sun will shine soon and the wheat can use this moisture to grow another round of grazing for the cattle, saving our hay for use during the dry summer months.  These steady soakers are a true blessing here in rural North Texas, where many families make their living on the land.  It won’t be long now, before we’re seeing wildflowers and new crops pushing through the red dirt.  Come on out and visit us!  We’d love to show you around and give you a true taste of the ranch lifestyle here in North Texas!

Open Your Calendars!

Change is certainly in the air at the BLCC!  Open your calendars, people…the next couple months are going to fly!  Don’t forget to check the website calendar frequently for happenings on the BLCC!

New to our monthly events will be themed dinners hosted at the Log Cabin.  One evening each month, Chef Dan will plan and prepare a unique dining experience for a limited number of guests at the Log Cabin.  Guests will need a reservation in order to attend the dinner.  Our first dinner will be held Tuesday Febuary 14th and will have a Valentine’s Day theme.  On Saturday, March 17th we will celebrate the Irish heritage with a St. Patrick’s Day dinner.  Contact us to reserve your spot at these unique events!  As always, overnight accommodations are available by reservation.

Once again, the BLCC will be teaming up with the Traditional Bowhunters of Texas for an archery tournament.  The two day event will begin the morning of Saturday March 24th.  Archers are invited to join us for both Saturday and Sunday.  Overnight accommodations are available by reservation.  Stay tuned for a camping package that will include dinner on Saturday night, a campfire, and breakfast on Sunday morning!

Turkey season will follow closely behind the Archery shoot.  Opening day is March 31st this year.  Contact the BLCC to coordinate a custom Turkey hunt.

By the time Germanfest rolls around on April 27th, 28th, and 29th, the BLCC will have overnight accomodations in the Log Cabin as well the newly renovated Lindsay Branch Cottage (sleeps 6-8).  Rooms fill up fast, so be sure to call us and make your reservation!

The Red River Fest, scheduled for Saturday May 26th has been postponed to the Fall of 2012.  Stay tuned for updates on a list of the day’s events, bands, and activities for the day! 

Change is a general rule around here these days.  Check the website calendar often and keep visiting the blog for the most up-to-date information on the BLCC!

Upland Bird Hunting on the BLCC

Last weekend, the BLCC hosted its first upland bird hunt with The Prairie’s End Hunt Club.  As promised, here are photos from the day…

Hunters gather after returning from the field

 

Even after hours of hunting, the dogs were ready for another round!

 

Fresh from the field, with their spoilsJust some of the quail brought in from the hunt

 

The dogs were ready to work, even after the work was done!

 

Back Row: Austin Buck (Guide), Bruce Lane, David Cunningham, Steve Clay, John Woosley, Lance Richey, Julian Howitt, Ed Ramsey, Tip (Guide)

 

We enjoyed having everyone out for a day of hunting, good fellowship, and good food.  This event would be a perfect way to spice up a corporate retreat or spend time with your friends and family.  Contact us to reserve your upland bird hunt at the BLCC!

A New Year for the BLCC

As for most, the holidays sped by the BLCC and left us spinning! The New Year is defined by the challenging combination of endings and beginnings. With 2012 chugging away steadily, the BLCC has taken note and is winding down and speeding up at the same time!

Although deer season is winding down, the quality of deer harvested on the BLCC is certainly remaining top notch. A little over a week ago a BLCC Hunt Club ,Russ Smith, harvested a nice buck, dressing at 160 pounds and sporting nine points. William Bartush, youngest son of Joe Bartush, harvested his first deer the same week. Our current harvest count stands at 29 does and 11 bucks with the Hunt Club and custom hunt Guests continuing to hunt the property regularly. We still have tags left for this season, so be sure to let us know if you’re interested in a doe or buck hunt.

BLCC Hunt Club Member, Russ Smith with buck harvested December 28, 2011

Duck hunters have also joined in the mix and are enjoying their time on our many ponds and acres of Red River frontage. Contact us if you would like to schedule a duck hunt of your own!
2012 signals the start of some new activities offered at the BLCC. This week, the BLCC hosted its first upland bird hunts. In fact, eight hunters are out on the East End as this post is being completed. Hunters gather at the Log Cabin for coffee while hunting guides prep the area. Once the area to be hunted has been scouted and prepared, the guides bring the hunters into the field and the dogs are loosed. Hunting on foot, guests are on the lookout for quail, chucker, and pheasant.  Once their hunt is completed, everyone returns to the Log Cabin for lunch while the guides clean and package the birds. This activity is new to the BLCC and is a joint effort with The Prairie’s End Hunt Club. This hunt package would be a perfect addition to any business retreat or you could exchange it easily for your weekly golf outing! Please contact us to schedule this unique hunting opportunity!

Spring is just around the corner and warmer season activities will be available for your enjoyment such as hiking, birding, horseback riding, and much more. No matter what event you have planned, a wedding, a business retreat, or just a weekend with family we can help make it unforgettable.  Contact us to start planning your special event!

The BLCC family, friends and staff hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday season and we look forward to seeing you soon!

BLCC Hosts Muenster State Bank’s Christmas Party

On December 10^th, the BLCC hosted Muenster State Bank’s (MSB) Christmas Party at the Log Cabin.  Forty nine MSB employees, family, and friends came out and enjoyed a night of fine dining, good company, and plenty of fun!  With the Log Cabin fully decorated for the holiday season, it was hard not be in a festive spirit and guests spent plenty of time enjoying cocktails around the roaring fire and sampling the mouthwatering appetizers laid out by the BLCC Chef, Daniel Bartush. 

Dining Room at the Log Cabin

Once all the guests had arrived, they sat down to a meal created by Christine Weinzapfel, the hostess of the event, and executed by Chef Bartush.  The meal began with a fresh salad and culminated in the guests’ choice of either stuffed chicken breast or prime rib.  After dinner, they enjoyed coffee and dessert, also prepared by Chef Bartush and his team. 

One of Chef Bartush's creations, Brie and Poached Pears

 

Following the meal, the guests spent more time mingling, playing billiards, and experiencing all the delights the BLCC Log Cabin has to offer.  It is clear that this group enjoys each other’s company very much!  MSB staff compiled various games in which the guests could participate throughout the night and everyone had fun!

 

 

 

MSB Guests Mingling

 

Many of the MSB guests took time to meet and thank the kitchen and wait staff.  One MSB employee exclaimed, “In the 25 years I’ve been coming to this party this is, by far, the best one yet!”.  Of course, an event such as this could not have been a success without a great team.  Many thanks to David Woods for his excellent leadership and coordination, Cindy and June for their behind-the-scenes preparation and decoration, Daniel and Andrea for running an efficient and organized kitchen, and Charlotte and Ginger for providing superior service to the guests throughout the evening.

 

 

MSB Employees posed for a group photo on the fireplace in the Great Room

 

With their date already booked for 2012, Muenster State Bank will certainly be visiting the BLCC again.  Thank you MSB, for allowing us to be part of your holiday celebrations.  We look forward to hosting you again next year!

 

 

 

 

 

If you would like to host a party, reception, retreat, or any special event at the BLCC Log Cabin, contact us to set a date and begin coordinating your event!  We’ll be certain it will be a day you won’t forget!

 

BLCC hosts Texas Parks & Wildlife Big Time Texas Hunt Winners

Each year, the BLCC provides four day, guided white tail deer hunts to two winners of the TPWD Big Time Texas Hunts program.  Each winner is able to bring one guest and enjoys not only a unique hunting experience but also all the comforts of the Bartush Log Cabin, including exceptional dining in the lodge.  When they’re finished taking down a quality buck, our winners can relax on the wrap around porch or sit by the fire watching football on the big screen TV. 

TPWD winner, Mike Broderick

 

Mike and his son, Call, in front of Storybook Mountain

Mike with his guide, John S. Bartush

Field shot of Mike and his buck

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our guests this weekend are a father-son team out of Conroe, TX, Mike and Call Broderick.  These two have been hunting together since Call was a young boy.  Now 15 years old, he hopes to bring down a buck as big or bigger than his dad’s!  Just this morning, Mike harvested a nice eight pointer with a wide spread.  The area he was hunting has been a hot spot this year and his son, Call, is working hard to track and take down a large buck he saw on the deer cam.  In fact, while we were taking these pictures, he was already back out in his blind with a backpack and a some snacks.  It may be hard to pry that kid away from his blind for dinner tonight!

 

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Big Time Texas Hunts offers seven premium hunt packages on some of the finest private ranches and prime wildlife management areas in the state.  All proceeds from Big Time Texas Hunts go to support wildlife conservation, habitat management, and hunting on both public and private lands. If you win, you will enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime hunt.

Great room and fireplace at the Log Cabin

One of the Log Cabin's five bedrooms

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With a healthy deer herd, full-service, quality accomodations, and friendly staff the BLCC is a perfect place to bring your whole family for a weekend get away any time of year.  Contact us for availability.

LIVE from the BLCC!

So we spend a lot of time during deer season showing everyone pictures of harvested deer.  Thanks to Billy Bartush, here are some shots of taken two weeks ago during one of his “walk abouts” on the BLCC.  Current BLCC harvest: 22 does and 9 bucks.  Stay tuned for stories on some record bucks taken in the last two weeks by Jim Endres and Bob Bartush.  This year is certainly one for the books!

 

Fall colors are coming out!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A younger buck. This one will be nice in a couple of years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This big guy was on a hunt of his own when Billy came up on him!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It took some serious self control to use a shutter finger instead of a trigger finger here!

 

 

 

Contact us and come out for your own “walk about” soon!

 

 

An Excerpt from the BLCC Fall Newsletter

The First C in BLCC

The Second Installment of the History of BLCC Cattle Operation

Established in 1985, the Bartush Land & Cattle Co. has strived to create an environment that is home to native wildlife. It is well known that the Corporation uses tools such as its Hunt Club, controlled burns, and planned restoration of wetlands.  What many do not know is that the first “C” in BLCC is also an integral part of completing the BLCC mission.  Cattle, whether owned by the Bartush family or by outside operators, have been on the BLCC land since Chuck and Mary Bartush made the purchase. Initially, most of the graze-able land was leased by outside cattle owners as supplemental income for the BLCC. In the early 1980s Mike Bartush (then a high school junior) started working his first set of cattle.  Traveling 14 miles north to the BLCC to feed his 20 head of cows each day, Mike became the first Bartush to own cattle on the BLCC.

Seeing an opportunity for diversification of income sources, the BLCC decided to enter the cattle business. With Mike to manage the cattle, the BLCC purchased 30 additional cows to add to his existing herd. It is important to remember that around this time, the BLCC did not own the Noell Place, the East End (Hess), or the Roadrunner-all three of which are ideal for their grazing pastures. Profits from the small herd did not outweigh the cost put into them, so this initial attempt only lasted about five years. As the cattle numbers dropped, Mike began to find other ways of controlling brush and in the late 1980’s, he added controlled burns to the land management protocol for the BLCC.  With the addition of the Noell Place, the East End, and the Roadrunner in the early 1990s, Mike’s personal herd of Simmental and Simbrah cattle grew to 175 head by1995. Using a barter system, Mike ran his cattle on the BLCC in exchange for his labor to build many of the fences and clear many of the trails seen today on the property, manage the land, and manage the Hunt Club. 

In the mid to late 1990s, the BLCC Board of Directors became concerned that the land was being over-stocked. The Board worked with Mike to reduce his cow herd to 100 head or less by 2000. Over the course of the following 3-5 years however, the BLCC learned what an integral part cattle play in land management. Soon, areas of the property that were kept under control using cattle grazing had grown up to thick brush, brambles, cedar, and minimal grass. Wildlife that relied on low-lying brush such as turkey and quail began to move on to other areas and their population reached an all-time low since the inception of the BLCC.

Seeing a need for change, the BLCC Shareholders met with the Noble Foundation to discuss the BLCC vision. This is when the concept of stocker cattle was brought to the attention of the BLCC as a viable alternative to the cow-calf operation. Up until this point, the BLCC had only run cow-calf operations. As the first installment of this two- part series discussed, a cow-calf operation is a business in which a land owner or lessor will purchase cows, breed them, have calves, and then sell the calves at weaning. A stocker program is different in that the BLCC only provides the grazing for the cattle.

After learning about the potential of stockers, the BLCC decided to move forward with the program.  Properly managed stocker operations require good grazing, winter crops for grazing, good fencing, and good water sources. While some of these were available on the BLCC, others needed to be added. Once the

initial work was completed, the first set of 100 stocker cattle was put on the East End in 2007. In 2008, the BLCC initiated a contract with Hess Farming to run summer stockers. Currently, the BLCC does not offer “custom care” for the stockers. In 2010, the BLCC was able to provide winter grazing and contracted

with Hess Farming for a set of winter stockers. In the course of a year that can support both summer and winter stockers, Hess Farming runs 475-500 head of stocker cattle.

Over the past three years, the stocker program has been a regular source of income for the BLCC. As with any business opportunity, the program has some benefits and some risks.  Stocker programs are highly dependent on weather and land management. If the land is over-stocked in a drought season, the cattle will not gain weight and the pasture will not recover in time to be available for the next set of stockers, essentially delaying the entire operation. Another risk is that contracted stockers are usually purchased by the cattle owner by the truckload. This means that in any given truckload, there may be a certain number of cattle with genetics that are not meant for weight gain.

Years of experience on the BLCC have given Mike the management skills to reduce the risk of over-stocking. However, he cannot control what type of cattle is put on the trucks.  Unfortunately, if the seasons and weather do not cooperate, as happened in 2010, the weight gained leaves the BLCC profit too close to the cost of plowing, planting, and fertilizing the fields and the BLCC takes a hit. While it is easy to focus on the potential risks of an endeavor and let those risks sway the decision to follow through with it or not, the BLCC chose to focus on the rewards and has supplemented its income with the stocker program successfully, netting about $15,000 each year.  In 2010-2011, the BLCC attempted to run summer and winter stockers for the first time. This will bring the net profit up even more in 2011.

In July of 2011, the BLCC Board of Directors voted to move forward with the addition of a cow-calf operation. The entire company, along with Mike’s cattle breeding and management skills, has changed significantly since the first herd of BLCC cows stepped onto the ranch in the 80s.  A small test herd will be added to the BLCC cattle operation in the spring of 2012. The first “C” of BLCC will continue to diversify and provide income as well as land management for the BLCC.  So, the first “C” has played an important role in the history of the BLCC. The BLCC cattle operation has grown and changed throughout the years. From the small cow-calf herd of the 1980s to Mike’s large cow-calf herd of the 1990s – from the current stocker operation to the upcoming cow-calf herd in 2012, cattle have roamed the pastures of the BLCC helping to control brush and maintain an environment conducive to native wildlife for almost 30 years and are likely to do so for generations to come.