The TTT Ranch in Centerville, Texas, holds a special place in my heart. It doesn't have the mystique or the vastness of South Texas, but it possesses a special kind of beauty nevertheless. Whether in the Spring for the Dogwoods and wildflowers, or the Fall, for the leaves that turn as red as the dirt, there's no place I'd rather be. My aunt and uncle purchased the original 374 acres in 1996, and ever since, it's been THE gathering place for our family and friends.
Better hosts I’ve never known. They have opened up their home in Centerville to more people than you can count; friends they’ve known for years and total strangers alike. Although the ranch has grown to 500 acres and undergone many changes, their warm hospitality remains constant.
Another TTT constant is the over-abundance of wildlife. The ranch is home to several exotic species of deer and antelope, which have all thrived since their introduction a decade ago. They’ve done so well in fact, that they have overshadowed a healthy whitetail population. Due to intense hunting pressure, East Texas is not known for churning out numbers of big deer. However, within the confines of the TTT, they are allowed to reach maturity, regularly sporting headgear in the 130" to 150" range. TTT whitetails taught me how to pattern and hunt mature deer.
As much time as we’ve spent hunting on our own at the ranch, more time has been spent teaching others and introducing them to the sport. The abundance of game has afforded many people who have never hunted a chance to learn about and harvest their first deer, in turn, creating passionate, educated sportsmen (and women).
Helping others understand nature and the important role hunting plays, not only in wildlife conservation, but the conservation of entire ecosystems, is imperative if we are to continue to protect our rights as hunters. I am grateful for places like the TTT and glad to be a part of the conservation effort.
I should have known better. I grabbed my camera to photograph this doe one morning. As she ran, a beautiful, old 10-pointer chased her across the field. I never saw that buck again.
