Varal Ranch

Whitetail Deer Hunting in Texas

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.

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.