The ultimate outdoor experience for the discerning hunter and naturalist. Join us — and go Deeper into the Heart of Texas.
Situated near Bay City, Texas, Spread Oaks Ranch is a 5,500-acre working ranch that integrates an actively managed prized Brangus cattle and agriculture operation with wildlife in a setting of ancient live oaks mottes, coastal prairie, and river bottom wetlands. The ranch is situated within the apex of the Texas mid-coast Central Flyway renown for its concentration of wintering waterfowl and other migratory birds.
A harmonious system for wildlife
Our habitat and conservation efforts are focused on creating a world-class environment for waterfowl and whitetail deer. We have over 500 acres of water in 30 units, both natural and restored. Our native river bottom whitetail herd is prolific, and we offer quality genetics in our high fence.
Developing the ideal habitat
The habitat at Spread Oaks Ranch is managed not only for waterfowl and whitetail deer, but for throngs of other game and nongame wildlife—“setting the table” for them, so to speak, to provide the quality wild foodstuffs, habitat, and sufficient resting areas these wild creatures need to thrive. Other wildlife, including bald eagles, alligators, wild hogs, coyotes, myriad species of songbirds, shorebirds, and even an occasional bobcat roam the property.
Fishing and clay target shooting
Freshwater fishing opportunities abound in the managed bass lake behind the lodge and along the five-mile Colorado River frontage. In addition, Spread Oaks Ranch partners with a coastal guide service for saltwater fishing adventures in nearby Matagorda Bay. A clay target field adjacent to the lodge allows guests to hone their shooting skills, and an oversized firepit overlooking the lake provides the ultimate setting for an evening’s wind-down.
Not just for the outdoors-person
We offer something for everyone year-round. A place for the kids to learn about nature, catch their first fish, or attain new heights in our kid-friendly tree house. An ideal environment for corporate retreats, leadership courses, ladies’ retreats, culinary adventures, wildlife tours and photography, weddings, family reunions and, since 2021, our intimate musical performance series called The Cozy Concerts. Don’t see an activity on our list? Just inquire!
Why we do it
Our mission is to provide the discerning adventure seeker with the ultimate outdoor experience. Come join us—and go “Deeper into the Heart of Texas.”
How the ranch protects the land with a conservation easement
Meet Our Team
Get to know what is special about Spread Oaks Ranch by learning about the team members that keep it running.
Ric Rosser
Chef, Lodge Manager
Spread Oaks Ranch Chef Ric Rosser is a master of what he terms “micro-local” cuisine. Ric sources most of the lodge kitchen ingredients right from the ranch, plating such items as grass-fed beef, lamb, poultry, wild game, and fish. Ric also incorporates foraged ingredients such as wild garlic, onions, dewberries, wild grapes, pecans, organically grown fruits, and vegetables and herbs grown in our greenhouse and shade house.
A passion for hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors run through Ric’s inventive cuisine. “I’m nose-to-tail, roots-to-stem – you name it. Most recently I have been experimenting with different forms of charcuterie and focused on different curing styles of hams and bacon in our smokehouse. I’m constantly on the lookout for what wild foods are in season, and how I can incorporate them into my menu. For example,” he continues, “I’ve made a honeysuckle-infused syrup that I use in craft cocktails.”
Rosser hails from Bryan, Texas, and discovered fine dining at the age of 19. He enrolled in the Art Institute of Houston, graduating with a Culinary Arts degree. “I may have received my degree there, but my knowledge truly came from other chefs, by working side-by-side with them,” says Ric. He met and married his wife, Becky, when he was in school. It was a smart move – Becky is Ric’s greatest cheerleader and loves to join him afield hunting and fishing. “In fact,” he adds, “she’s become quite a competent bowhunter … probably better than I am!”
Ric is renowned for his ranch culinary adventure weekends, curating chef-led experiences to your desires. Daytime activities often include foraging, egg-gathering and chicken-keeping, butchering, canning and preserving, charcuterie, mixology and craft cocktails, and whole animal and live-fire cookery. In the evening, he’ll match his fabulous cuisine with wines amid settings that include the wine cellar, the terrace, and the vintage chuck wagon venue.
Go deeper into the heart of Texas
Just 90 minutes southwest of Houston. Connect with us to learn how you can share in the experience.
Ranch endorsed by Ducks Unlimited
Spread Oaks Ranch has been endorsed as an “Approved Outfitter” by Ducks Unlimited, a non-profit focused on conserving and protecting wetlands and other habitats for waterfowl, other wildlife, and people. The distinction tells ranch visitors and clients that they can rely on the habitat and hunting experience provided by Spread Oaks Ranch.
“This recognition comes from a long-standing relationship between Ducks Unlimited and Spread Oaks Ranch,” said Forrest Wylie, co-owner of Spread Oaks Ranch. “It demonstrates an appreciation to those at the ranch who work hard every day to ensure that our waterfowl habitat and hunting operation is at a superior level.”
Spread Oaks Ranch thanks Ducks Unlimited Senior Regional Director Jason McKey, who was instrumental in Spread Oaks Ranch being nominated for the designation.
