Kellie Porter has her hands full feeding three orphaned goats and one injured sheep. The Porter Ranch in Segovia, TX, has a large number of tame and wild animals.

After we left the Hill Country of Texas, Kathy and I once again started west across south Texas. The last time we stopped at Katie Porter’s place, we promised her we’d come again, and we sure were glad we did.

The Porter Ranch in Segovia, Texas (325/446 2457; go4goats@ktc.com), is easy to find; it’s right alongside Route 10 and within sight of exit 465. If you’re going west, Katie’s place is on the left just before you get to the exit. Simply get off Route 10, cross the road to the truck stop, turn left, and go about one mile to the ranch. I believe the road is marked "Old Segovia Road."

Katie’s place is very interesting, as she has a large number of animals, both wild and tame. The list includes Texas whitetail, Sika, fallow, axis, and red deer; aoudad sheep; blackbuck antelope; Russian boar; Dorper sheep, and of course, goats galore. Plus all the other little things that Texas has, including the famous Texas Jack-A-Bunny.

This time, Katie was raising a wild fawn; we had a chance to feed and pet it. She also has a large goat herd on the ranch and always seems to have some young to bottle feed. This trip, she was feeding four at a time. Try holding four bottles at once while those hungry little critters suck away at them. It’s a sight to see.

Getting Settled

Driving onto Porter Ranch, the first thing you see is a very nice setup for your horse. The drive takes you through a gate to a long line of large box stalls and a large arena. You can park your rig in the shade of large elms. A creek runs just behind the place. It’s a nice place for a layover.

Shortly after we pulled in, another guest arrived: Margaret Colvin from San Benito, Texas. We helped her unload her big Paint Horse, Indio, and set up her rig. She was on her very first adventure with her horse, so she had lots of questions for Kathy, Katie, and me. It sure is a good feeling to help someone get started on the right track.

Riding the Ranch

We spent two days exploring Porter Ranch, and some neighboring ranches, watching the wild game — all the critters I mentioned earlier. We explored a creek bottom, where Kathy found a large Indian stone once used to grind corn, etc. I always enjoy riding creek banks and along the flats.

Later, we rode up the ranch road, then took a path to the top of a hill. We were amazed to find a small animal trail that took us back into a spring. Sort of one of those secret hideaways, so quiet and peaceful. We saw a small herd of axis deer up close. They seemed very interested in what we were doing at their water hole.

The second day, we expanded our riding area and finally found the fence line. Riding along it, we came upon a large number of sheep. In this small herd were three full-curl rams — they were beautiful. I was lucky to get some very nice photos.

Trail riding in game country allowed us to get up close to wild creatures — all except those Jack-a-Bunnies. They sure are hard to photograph. But with the digital camera, you can take all the shots you want at no extra expense. I was lucky to get one shot of three Jacks playing. Their ears are so huge and thin, the sun shines through them, making them look pink.

As we left Katie’s the third morning, she told us about her sort-of-private spot down near Big Bend country. So, directions in hand, we headed south to explore one more place that the good Lord made.

Till next issue, keep a tight cinch, and carry a good camera. Stay tuned for our account of Terlingua, Texas, in Big Bend country. TTR

Garth Rumsmoke, The Coast-to-Coast Rambler, 67 Stewart Rd., Horseheads, NY 14845; (607) 594-2191; grumsmoke@aol.com; www.garthandkathy.com.