Adjacent to the iconic Big Bend National Park on its eastern boundary, Black Gap Wildlife Management Area (WMA) spans an impressive 103,000 acres. Nestled where the Sierranias del Burro and Sierra del Carmen Mountain Ranges meet Texas, this land is a testament to the power of conservation and diligent management.
Situated 55 miles south of Marathon and 18 miles down FM 2627, Black Gap WMA isn’t merely a picturesque expanse. It’s a hub for vital research and demonstration projects, aiming to improve private land management of natural resources.
However, Black Gap’s current state has been achieved through significant intervention and restoration. In the late 1800s, the southern section of the Big Bend region witnessed extensive ranching activity, with sheep, goats, and cattle grazing the land. But by the 1940s, challenges like overgrazing, insufficient rainfall, and the slow recovery of the land became evident. In a decisive move, the Texas Game and Oyster Commission, which later became the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, acquired 54,000 acres from the Combs Cattle Company in 1948.
Subsequent biological surveys revealed an overgrazed ecosystem, inadequate surface waters, and a rapidly decreasing mule deer population. Addressing this, 300 mule deer from Sanderson were introduced between 1949 and 1951. Pioneering research from the 1950s to 1960s on deer behavior and water site utilization provided invaluable insights into deer management practices in the Trans-Pecos region.
Tackling the overgrazing problem head-on, re-vegetation projects were launched in 1955. Techniques such as breaking the hard soil surfaces facilitated the emergence of a more diverse plant life. This active intervention bore fruit in areas like Bighorn Valley, where native tobosa grass flourished, replacing introduced species.
The scarcity of water, a lifeline in the desert, was also addressed. The 1948 survey highlighted a pressing need for more surface water. Initiatives in the late 1940s and 1950s rejuvenated old reservoirs and established new ones. Innovative artificial water catchments, or guzzlers, became integral to the landscape, with over thirty-five built across the property in the past fifty years.
Black Gap WMA’s story also intertwines with the desert bighorn sheep’s tale of survival. From a population of approximately 1,500 in the late 1880s, their numbers plummeted due to unchecked hunting. Efforts from the 1950s aimed at reviving their population, and today, they not only thrive within Black Gap WMA but have also expanded their territory into private lands in Texas, Mexico, and the adjacent Big Bend National Park.
Guided by the goals set out in 1989 by Texas Parks & Wildlife’s Wildlife Division, the management plan for the WMA emphasizes:
- Developing and managing wildlife habitats and native species.
- Facilitating research under controlled conditions.
- Demonstrating best practices in habitat development.
- Educating various groups in natural environments.
- Protecting endangered species and unique habitats.
- Promoting public hunting and wildlife appreciation.
- Creating a conducive habitat for reintroducing desert bighorn sheep.
Visitors wishing to immerse themselves in Black Gap WMA’s wonders should note its year-round accessibility, except during Special Permit hunts. Reach out directly at (432) 376-2216 or contact Travis Smith for details. It’s paramount to remember the WMA’s fragility: guidelines, including fire restrictions and cautionary notes on local wildlife, are in place to ensure its preservation. A WMA access permit
Black Gap WMA stands as a beacon of nature’s endurance and our ability to rehabilitate landscapes. Whether you’re a researcher, a hunter, or an ardent nature enthusiast, this area showcases the symbiosis of nature and human effort.
