Texas’ record-setting Smokehouse Creek wildfire tore through Turkey Track Ranch, an 80,000-acre property in the Texas Panhandle that’s up for sale for $180 million.
The ranch was among the first to burn as strong winds and dry weather aided the blaze’s stampede through the West Texas plains. The fire has since scorched more than 1 million acres and is now the largest in state history.
Early estimates put losses at Turkey Track at about 80% of pastures, plains and creek bottom vegetation as damage to fencing and other outbuildings and livestock casualties continue to be weighed. There were no deaths at the property near the town of Borger.
“Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers go out to all those who have lost homes and personal property and who have sustained injury,” read a statement by Dallas-based Icon Global Group on behalf of the managers of the Turkey Track Ranch Family Group. “The loss of livestock, crops, and wildlife, as well as ranch fencing and other infrastructure throughout our property as well as other ranches and homes across the region is, we believe, unparalleled in our history.”
Firefighters from Flower Mound and Dallas helped prevent the fire from consuming the property’s historic homestead, in addition to several outlying homes and buildings.
“While the overall effects of the fire are devastating and are of record and historic proportions, with much of the prairie rangeland, river bottoms and vegetation burned, these portions of the property will recover, regenerate vigorously and rebound as mother nature heals and always rebuilds after fire, whether it be a natural event, irresponsible event, or controlled burn practice,” said Bernie Uechtritz of Icon Global, which has been marketing the property.
The irreplaceable aspects of Turkey Track were not lost to the fire, Uechtritz said.
“The Turkey Track Ranch’s important and significant position in history was not burned. Its legacy was not burned. Its incredible and one-of-a-kind water resources, bores, dams, springs, creeks, surface water and subsurface reservoirs remain,” he said. “The land and acreage did not shrink – livestock and wildlife will return and thrive again. The land, its families and caretakers will recover.”
The property was most recently listed for $180 million, a price that not only includes the sprawling ranch with 26 miles of frontage along the Canadian River but also a 25% ownership stake in its mineral holdings. Icon Global, which sold the 510,500-acre W.T. Waggoner Ranch near Vernon in 2016 to billionaire sports team owner Stan Kroenke, first began marketing the land in 2021.
Part of Turkey Track’s heritage includes being the site of the Adobe Walls battles between U.S. soldiers and Native Americans in the 1860s and 1870s. The six-acre battle site is preserved on the property.
Interest in the ranch remains strong, Uechtritz said.
“Land stewards and generational ranchers all over understand the challenges of their chosen lifestyle as well as the inherent effects and risks of fire, floods and any number of setbacks and challenges associated with land ownership,” he said. “All have a long-term view.”
Amanda Smith is a dedicated U.S. correspondent with a passion for uncovering the stories that shape the nation. With a background in political science, she provides in-depth analysis and insightful commentary on domestic affairs, ensuring readers are well-informed about the latest developments across the United States.
