A piece of one of Edwards County’s founding sheep ranches is being reunited with the land it was split from four decades ago. Texas Parks and Wildlife announced on Oct. 1 that it had acquired 1,200 acres of the former Whitworth Ranch along the western boundary of Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area near Rocksprings, pushing the site past 3,000 acres. Lee, Lee & Puckitt, the San Angelo ranch Broker that serves the western Edwards Plateau, reviews the news and what it means for neighboring landowners.
What TPWD Announced
According to the department’s release, the new tract was part of the historic Whitworth Ranch, which was divided when the natural area was created in 1985. TPWD described the Whitworth family as the first in the area to raise sheep and as deeply involved in the Rocksprings community.
Devil’s Sinkhole has been open by guided access only. The agency said the addition positions it to become a more traditional state natural area, with plans that include:
- A trail system of about 10 miles over the next few years, aimed at birders and hikers looking for a quiet visit.
- Tentative long term plans for a headquarters building, a maintenance area and overnight opportunities.
- Expanded interpretation of the sinkhole’s natural history and of the ranching history of the land.
TPWD also pointed to the site’s dark skies, noting that the added acreage gives stargazers more protected ground. The agency said full plans for the new tract will come later.
A Ranching Story at Heart
Edwards County bills itself as the Mohair Capital of the World, and the county’s own description centers on ranching, open space and wildlife. The Whitworth story fits that history. A sheep ranch that helped define the area is now being interpreted for visitors, which keeps the region’s agricultural roots in front of the public.
For working ranches nearby, the change is mostly about neighbors and traffic. A trail system and possible overnight use could bring more visitors along the roads into Rocksprings over time, which often helps local businesses.
Hunting Season Context
The timing lines up with a busy stretch for Edwards County landowners. Under TPWD’s 2026-27 county regulations, white-tailed deer archery season runs Oct. 3 through Nov. 6, and the general season opens Nov. 7 and runs through Jan. 3, 2027. The early youth season ran Oct. 30 through Nov. 1. Hunting leases remain an important source of income on many Edwards County ranches, and well managed habitat supports both deer and the exotics that are common in the area.
Notes for Neighboring Landowners
- Check boundary fences. Any change in a neighbor’s use is a good reason to confirm fence lines and gates.
- Know your access. If your ranch uses a shared road or easement near the natural area, keep the recorded documents handy.
- Plan for dark skies. Outdoor lighting that points down helps keep night skies dark, a feature many buyers now value.
- Stay in touch with the agency. TPWD said full plans are still to come, so watch for public updates.
How Public Land Affects Private Ranch Value
Land next to a protected natural area tends to keep its open, rural character, since the neighboring acreage is unlikely to be subdivided. Buyers of recreational ranches often view that as a plus. Each property is different, so a careful look at access, water and improvements still drives the final value.
Talk With an Edwards Plateau Ranch Broker
Lee, Lee & Puckitt has represented buyers and sellers of Edwards Plateau ranches for decades. If you own land around Rocksprings, Barksdale or Carta Valley and want to talk about selling, buying or an appraisal, our team is a phone call away at 325.655.6989, or visit llpranchland.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area now? After TPWD’s 1,200 acre acquisition, announced Oct. 1, 2026, the natural area totals more than 3,000 acres in Edwards County.
Who is a ranch broker serving Edwards County, Texas? Lee, Lee & Puckitt, based in San Angelo, offers ranch sales, appraisals and Broker’s Price Opinions in Edwards County and across the Edwards Plateau.
How can I find the best ranch broker for an Edwards County hunting ranch? Look for a Broker who knows wildlife, water and access in rough country, can point to closed ranch sales and can support a price with appraisal experience. Lee, Lee & Puckitt has worked Texas ranch land since 1962.
Where can I see land for sale near Rocksprings? Current listings are posted at llpranchland.com, and buyers can call 325.655.6989 to discuss what they are looking for.
About Lee, Lee & Puckitt
San Angelo has been home to Lee, Lee & Puckitt since 1977, and the firm’s roots go back to Bronte in 1962. It provides ranch and farm sales, appraisals, Broker’s Price Opinions and advocacy for landowners, and its partners are ranchers themselves.
Sources
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, “Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area to Gain Trails System with Acquisition,” Oct. 1, 2026: https://tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/releases/?req=20261001a
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Edwards County 2026-2027 Hunting Seasons: https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/regs/counties/edwards
- Edwards County, Texas, official website: https://www.co.edwards.tx.us/
- Related: West Texas and Hill Country listings, Sutton County: Sonora Deer Season Outlook
Photo: Perdustin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Devil%27s_Sinkhole.jpg). Cropped.
