Ranch History

NEW 2006-7 Pictures are posted!

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Varal Ranch (the Varal) is located in Zapata County on porciones 33 and 34. Porciones are Spanish Land Grants located along the Rio Grande River that are 1 mile wide by 12 miles long.  (This was to allow all landowners access to the river.) My great grandfather, Luis Volpe immigrated from Italy in the late 1800's.  He and his brother Miguel purchased approximately 19,000 acres of land including the 1,364-acre tract of land known as Varal Ranch.  This land has been in our family for over four generations and was used for raising cattle for over 100 years.  My father, Salvador Volpe, has been the steward of the ranch for most of this century.

Ranches in South Texas consisted of cattle and wildlife operations, where cattle were primary and deer secondary.  In the early 80's my father began to wonder why deer were so scarce.  Although he was never a sport hunter, it was clear to see the excitement in my father’s eyes when he spoke of the big deer that once roamed the ranch so abundantly.

My father realized that the cattle business was changing and that wildlife management was more promising.  Eventually deer and other game would take a front seat to cattle.

His knowledge of deer was limited so he visited with many local experts, including Dr. James Kroll (Dr. Deer).  As my father became informed on modern wildlife management practices and learned new ideas, he decided to apply them to his ranch.   Hence, the Varal Ranch embarked on its journey of wildlife management.

Now the Varal Ranch is proud to offer the most authentic South Texas hunting experience available!  Join us for a big buck hunt you'll never forget.

Hunts
Still
Available
for
the
2007-8
Season!

Call
TODAY
to book your Authentic South Texas Hunt!

(956)
580-9769

Martin Volpe
Owner/Ranch Manager
P.O. Box 5424, Mc Allen, TX  78502
(956) 580-9769
Email:  Martin@varal.com

Member of the Texas Trophy Hunters Association

Member of the Texas Deer Association

Member of the Texas Wildlife Association