Deep South Texas

As a direct result of the Valley Land Fund Amateur Wildlife Photo Contests, landowners in South Texas have learned to landscape portions of their property for attractive wildlife photo settings. Regular water and feed attracts a variety of wildlife and customized photo blinds provide shelter for photographers without disturbing established wildlife behaviors. The set-up offers astonishing opportunities for candid photography.

Martin Refuge: Homestead
The focus here is on birds (although coyote and bobcat appear from time to time). Because owners John and Audrey Martin live on the Homestead, these "wild" birds are more like family. They are fed daily and are known to flock in at scheduled feeding times. Three professionally designed photo blinds are available, or photographers are welcome to wander the easily accessible paths to get the perfect shot.

Martin Refuge: Javelina
The Javelina is 300 acres of thick South Texas brush located NW of Mission. This, along with the Homestead property, is the original home of private nature photography in the Rio Grande Valley. Owned by John and Audrey Martin who were the driving force behind the Valley Land Fund Photo Contest, this ranch has already hosted a large number of happy photographers. On this property, lush with mesquite, huisache, and other South Texas foliage, photographers had delighted in various birds, mammals and reptiles. Five professionally designed photo blinds, each set back from small water holes and close to feeding areas, allow photographers to capture critters as they wander in for refreshments. Three of the blinds have been "sunken" underground for photographing at eye level.