At Lone Star Ranch Management, we understand that navigating property tax exemptions and state requirements can feel overwhelming. With years of experience in managing lands under Wildlife Management Plans, our team is here to remove the stress and uncertainty from the process. Whether you are seeking to transfer your property from an Agricultural Exemption to Wildlife Exemption, or simply need expert guidance in writing a comprehensive plan, we provide the knowledge, dedication, and hands-on support you need.

📜 A Brief History of Wildlife Tax Exemptions in Texas

The roots of Texas’ wildlife tax exemptions go back several decades. Prior to 1966, farm and ranch lands were taxed at market value, which placed a heavy burden on landowners. That year, voters approved a constitutional amendment allowing agricultural lands to be taxed based on their productive value rather than market value, significantly reducing property taxes for qualifying landowners.

In 1978, the law was expanded to include lands not directly tied to an owner’s primary occupation in agriculture, opening the door for more Texans to benefit from reduced valuations. Then, in 1995, voters approved another amendment that formally recognized wildlife management use as a legitimate form of agricultural valuation. This landmark decision allowed landowners to maintain their tax benefits while shifting their property’s focus from traditional farming or ranching to wildlife conservation.

Today, this system—often referred to as the Wildlife Exemption—plays a vital role in preserving Texas’ open spaces, supporting biodiversity, and encouraging landowners to actively participate in conservation efforts.

🌿 Our Philosophy

We believe that every property is unique, and so is every landowner’s vision. That’s why our philosophy is simple: create customized Wildlife Management Plans that meet all state requirements without unnecessary complexity or “fluff.” Our goal is to make the process straightforward, transparent, and effective, ensuring that your land not only qualifies for the exemption but also thrives as a healthy, sustainable ecosystem.

✅ How We Can Help

Our services are designed to cover every step of the Wildlife Management process:

• Transferring Property Exemptions: We guide you through the transition from Agricultural Exemption to Wildlife Exemption, ensuring compliance with all Texas tax code requirements.

• Comprehensive Wildlife Management Plans: Tailored to your property’s specific needs, these plans outline the practices required to qualify and maintain your exemption.

• Annual Practice Execution: From habitat improvement to predator control, we help implement the annual practices outlined in your plan.

• Documentation & Reporting: We support clients with Wildlife Plan Annual Reports, maintain detailed documentation, and assist during county appraiser audits.

🌎 Why It Matters

Choosing wildlife management is more than a tax decision—it’s a commitment to conservation. By participating in the Wildlife Exemption program, landowners contribute to the preservation of native species, the protection of natural habitats, and the long-term sustainability of Texas’ landscapes. This approach not only benefits wildlife but also enhances the beauty, functionality, and value of your property.

🤝 Partner With Us

At Lone Star Ranch Management, we pride ourselves on being more than just consultants—we are partners in stewardship. Our team works closely with each client to understand their goals, answer their questions, and deliver solutions that make sense for their land. Whether you’re focused on creating a sanctuary for native wildlife, maintaining open space for future generations, or simply reducing the stress of compliance, we are here to help.

In summary: Texas’ Wildlife Exemption program was born out of decades of voter-approved reforms to ease property tax burdens while encouraging conservation. At Lone Star Ranch Management, we combine historical knowledge with practical expertise to help landowners successfully navigate this system. From exemption transfers to annual reporting, our team ensures your property meets all requirements—while reflecting your vision for the land.