In the heart of South Texas, nestled on the historic Rehm Ranch, lies a piece of heaven known as Brushy Hill Game Ranch Inc. Pete Denney, the ranch's owner and operator, describes it as more than just a hunting destination; it's a place where friends, family, and customers become part of a close-knit community. This vast 12,000-plus-acre ranch, dedicated exclusively to bow hunting, has been Pete's home for 14 years, but its history extends far beyond his time there. Inherited from his uncle, the late honorary Texas ranger Al Rehm, the land has been in the family for generations, dating back to the 1870s when George Peter Rehm settled there. Today, the Denney family runs different aspects of the ranch operation, ensuring its continuity and preservation.
Brushy Hill is not just a hunting ground; it's a sanctuary where hunters forge deep connections with both the land and the Denney family. With a focus on bow hunting, the ranch provides an immersive experience that challenges and fulfills hunters, many of whom have a military background. The Denneys prioritize the humane treatment of animals and the preservation of a pristine natural environment, making bow hunting a perfect choice for their guests.
Over the years, the ranch has developed a loyal clientele that returns season after season, forging lasting friendships with the Denney family. The ranch's strict rules and regulations ensure a safe and high-quality hunting experience for all. To protect the quality of the hunts, specific hunting hours are enforced, and designated sections guarantee the safety of hunters. The Denneys maintain a close relationship with local game wardens, Henry Lutz and Rachel Kellner, to enforce Texas Parks and Wildlife Department hunting laws.
As a hunting guide, Nick Anderson, a close friend of the Denneys, imparts his hunting expertise to visitors. The ranch allows hunting for various game, including whitetail deer, feral hogs, Rio Grande turkey, axis, and predators using archery equipment. However, some areas of the ranch, like Hog Heaven, are off-limits due to federal protection.
Life at Brushy Hill Game Ranch is far from simple, with Pete and Ava managing various aspects of the ranch operation, requiring organization and attention to detail. Still, it's not all work – Pete indulges his passion for music as the frontman of the Pete Denney Band, performing at various venues across the region.
But the ranch offers more than hunting and music; it's a place for diverse interests. From scuba diving and kayaking in the Sabinal River to collecting classic muscle cars, the Denneys lead a unique and fulfilling life in the heart of Texas. As lifelong lovers of the great outdoors, they've turned Brushy Hill into a place where clients become family, where cherished memories are created, and where the beauty of the South Texas landscape is preserved for generations to come.
