MOUNTAIN HOME

Population 96

Altitude 2,135

General

(Not really among mountains, but the Hill Country setting is picturesque.)Established 1890 by storekeeper Thomas A. Dowdy to serve surrounding ranchers with staple foods and supplies. Community in western Kerr County on Texas 27/41 (just south of I-10) still provides much the same service in a rather sparsely populate area of several very large ranches.

Attractions

• Y.O. RANCH-Established 1880 by Capt. Charles Schreiner (see KERRVILLE), the vast ranch in scenic Hill Country is one of Southwest's largest deer and exotic game preserves, some 35 species of foreign wildlife. Guided hunting tours throughout year (but only during seasons for native species) can produce such trophies as blackbuck antelope of India (the Y.O. has more blackbuck than remain in their native habitat in India), wild Corsican ram, East African oryx, Axis deer and aoudad sheep. Both resident and nonresident hunting licenses available at ranch. Hunting fee guarantees success, or no charge. Photo safaris year round, and summer adventure camp for youths; fees. Of historic interest is substantial herd of Texas Longhorn cattle. Several historic buildings are preserved on ranch, including stagecoach stop form 1850s; Wells Fargo office from near Boerne; pioneer cabin from near Fredericksburg, and pioneer schoolhouse. 2110-foot sod airstrip. Daily tour (reservations required; 210/640-3222) at 10 a.m., includes lunch. Overnight accommodations; swimming pool, nature trails. Ranch entrance is 15 miles west of Mountain Home on Texas 41; ranch headquarters 8 miles north of entrance.

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