Family Time or just Time Away

In memory of Robert "Bob" Voss
March 18, 1943-January 26, 2018

The Pan Dulce Ranch is a unique hunting ranch in many ways. It is owned by the family of Bob Voss, a native of New Braunfels, Texas.

In 1964, Bob married Helen Henk, also of New Braunfels, and they began life’s journey together. They have three children, Mike, Matt, and Karen. The children grew up, married and began families of their own.

It was then that Bob began to envision a place...retreat, really...where they could escape with family and friends. Helen shared this dream with him.

The Voss Family

They began scouting around, looking for the perfect place. In September of 2001, they were alerted of the Atlee’s Pan Dulce Ranch a large, working Heritage Ranch located Texas’ Golden Triangle, just north of Encinal, Texas. Up until that time, the Atlee family had run cattle on the ranch.

On January 26, 2018, Bob went home to be with the Lord. In his last years, he was blessed to be doing what he liked most in life...being with his family and friends at the retreat that began as only a dream, hunting, and guiding others in bagging their trophy buck. His presence will always be sorley missed. Pan Dulce Ranch will continue on as a lasting legacy, operated in honor of him.

Pan Dulce Ranch has clearly been a labor of love for Bob, where special times were spent with Helen, the children and their spouses, three grandchidren and four great grand children.

As a part of the plan for sustaining Pan Dulce Ranch, Bob opened it up as a guided hunting ranch in 2008.

The property itself is cared for and maintained with an attitude of impassioned stewardship, without losing sight of its function.

Initially, there were not many deer roaming Pan Dulce Ranch. The fencing in place at the time was low and allowed them to move in and out. Bob put a number of feeding areas around the property to attract local game. This was a successful endeavor and, when sufficient numbers of South Texas Whitetail deer and hogs took up residence within the Ranch boundaries, Bob had high fences erected to keep them in.

The Native quality was good for the area and was enhanced when bred together wth the addition of sixteen does. Scattered throughout the ranch, well-maintained food plots were added to provide the extra nutrition the ranch stock needs to grow healthy and multiply.

In the following couple of years, five bucks of different breeding and some select does were added to the stock. Selective harvesting and protein feeding reslted in high quality stock.

In 2007, some drop tines were added, and then, in 2017, Axis deer from two different blood lines were added and will be ready for the '20-'21 season.

A project of continuing improvement, the Voss family has thus far enhanced the ranch by adding two large, well-stocked tanks. It’s possible to catch bass and catfish that are on par with what you would hope to catch at any destination lake or river.

Additionally, two smaller stocked tanks, many ponds, and troughs have been added, all pipe-fed by fresh water wells.

Not to be overlooked in the sphere of offerings are hog, dove, and predator hunts. At any given time, the entire range of hog maturity levels roam the ranch, which include impressive and sizeable adults. Seasonal bird flocks frequent Pan Dulce, including white wing and mourning doves.

Pan Dulce Ranch staff will do the skinning and gutting, if desired. In addition, there is onsite cold storage for safe holding until it’s time for your journey home.

Though the focus of your stay is on the hunt, there is no mistaking the atmosphere of comradery, family, and sense of fraternity that rubs off on all who visit Pan Dulce Ranch.

In Bob and Helen's own words...

"The moment you drive through our gates and into the ranch, your worries and cares will 'skeedaddle on outta here' as you realize that you've escaped from your daily grind and begun your Texas outdoor adventure.

Rather than being greeted by hired hands, you become the guests of our family and closest friends. Great pains are taken to ensure that your visit here is altogether memorable and pleasant, rewarding and relaxing. We aim to exceed your expectations.

The ranch compound itself, although rustic, is at the same time accommodating, comfortable, and inviting. Additionally, you'll come across blooming cactus, yuccas, rabbits, raccoons, lizards, songbirds, and a variety of other native plants and critters while on your hunt.

Our bunkhouse sleeps ten, however there's plenty of room for sleeping bags or inflatable mattresses, and we'll do our darned best to make provisions for extra members of your party, within reasonable limitations (additional charges may apply.) There's also a jacuzzi bath available. So bed down for the night and sleep soundly in anticipation of tomorrow's hunt. We'll even provide an extra pillow or two to smack whoever snores the loudest!

Awaken at the crack of dawn to the aroma of fresh-brewed coffee. After a couple of pastries and a cup 'o joe or juice, you'll head out for your morning hunt. Return to the smell of smokehouse bacon German panas, and/or home-made pan sausage. Throw in farmhouse eggs, hash browns, and Texas Toast waiting to be slathered with creamery butter and your favorite jam or jelly, and you've got a genuine Texas ranch-style breakfast!

Lunch is simple, seeing as how you'll be out galivantin' around ... usually freshly made sandwiches and an assortment of sides and drinks

Dinnertime is chow time. Weather permitting, we'll all gather 'round our custom outdoor fire pits, recounting the day's events, engaging in a friendly game of poker, or whatever fits your fancy. All this is done while juicy steaks sizzle over flame and smoke, soon to be plated and served alongside campfire favorites.

Well-managed game, crisp country mornings, ranch-style meals, stunning South Texas sunsets, and our down-home friendly atmosphere make your stay a one-of-a-kind experience.

It is our greatest desire that when you leave Pan Dulce Ranch, your thoughts will be upon planning a return visit."

Thanks for considering us, and we hope to see you soon!