Layne’s roots trace back to eastern New Mexico, and he spent his formative years working and hunting on his family’s ranch in south Texas. Initially, he pursued a football scholarship at Southern Methodist University, later transferring to Texas Tech University to continue his athletic journey while earning degrees in finance and real estate.
Post-graduation, Layne returned to Dallas, launching his career in the steakhouse franchise business, covering Texas and surrounding states. However, a shift in his professional trajectory led him into the insurance industry in the Dallas area for several years. In 2006, Layne followed his passion for ranch real estate, making a return to his initial love.
Currently residing in Dallas with his wife, Sonya, Layne’s affinity for the ranching lifestyle stems from his upbringing. In addition to his family’s ranch, he gained valuable experience on large farms in eastern New Mexico during high school and college. Leisure moments will find Layne indulging in his love for golf and hunting, often enjoying these activities with his sons.
Crooked Tree Ranch is 9,400± acres of prime ranching country in north central Texas. Owned by the same family for the last 25-plus years, the attention to land, vegetation, and improvements is evident. Native pastures have been carefully managed with minimal grazing, controlled burns, and attention to quail habitat. The ranch has a level to rolling terrain as you enter the property and transitions to tree-covered draws toward the back of the ranch. With over ten miles of improved roads, traveling through the property is easy in all weather conditions.
The headquarters are the first set of improvements you will encounter. Structures include the manager’s home, guest home, barns, working pens, round pen, an arena, dog kennels, and a small office building. A water collection system is also found at the headquarters where city water is collected. The owner’s home is located toward the back of the ranch. The three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home is accompanied by a rock storage building and barn.
The area is known for great hunting with the Crooked Tree having many options. Native whitetail deer are very plentiful, with an additional 200-acre high fence hunting area available. While quail numbers throughout north Texas have been down the past several years, quail hunting on the ranch has been excellent with continued quality habitat and management. Dove hunting is also great in season. Other income sources are a cattle lease and a possible mineral lease.
Exceptional location and opportunity for multiple uses on 42± acres. Mostly open pastureland with 1,460± feet of frontage on Highway 79. Just 1.4 miles north of the Highway 7 intersection in Marquez.
954± acres of rolling pastureland and scattered woods overlooking the Navasota River valley northeast of Marquez. Long county road frontage, scattered oilfield, two spring-fed creeks, and river frontage.
Small recreational property adjoining the Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge in northwest Grayson County. Giant trees, rolling topography, and a newly constructed small lake. Rural water and a beautiful log home.
A diverse recreational ranch in Cottle County bordering the Matador Wildlife Management Area, featuring scenic upland pastures carved by numerous draws and seasonal creeks. Excellent brush cover and rural water access.
Year-round 95± acre recreational ranch within close proximity of Lake Alan Henry. Ranch features include native pasture with three game food plots, water well, and earthen tank. Excellent investment opportunity.
