Martin Refuge (aka: The Javelina) is 300 acres of thick South Texas brush located NW of Mission, Texas. Martin Refuge is the original home of private nature photography in the Rio Grande Valley. Owned by John and Audrey Martin, who were the force behind the Valley Land Fund Photo Contest and the Pro-Tour of Nature Photography, the ranch has been hosting happy photographers since 2003.
On this property, rich with tremendous biodiversity, photographers delight in various birds, mammals and reptiles. Professionally designed photo blinds, each set back from small water holes and close to feeding areas, allow photographers to capture critters as they wander in for refreshments. Some of the blinds have been “sunken” underground for photographing at eye level. Currently able to host up to ten photographers.
Price includes the services of our Certified Interpretive Guide, Patty Raney, also an award winning photographer.
NEW - Predator blind focusing on Crested Caracara, Harris’ Hawk and coyote
Seven blinds that hold a minimum of two photographers each (three morning-three afternoon-one all purpose)
Water holes and feeders at each location
Drive to your blind
Rest at the rustic “palapa”
Running water but no electricity on site.
Wild, primitive south Texas within five minutes to a convenience store!
Only 20 minutes from Edinburg or Mission
Discounts available for groups of 4 or more.
* Read a current write-up from Kevin & Linda Kreuger’s visit to Martin Refuge here!
NEW - Special lodging opportunity for groups of 4-8 at the historic H. Yturria Ranch.
Contact :
Audrey or John Martin
956-381-1264
956-330-2055 (cell)
Patty Raney
956-425-2604
956-330-5316 (cell)
Participating Events
Southern Exposures 2013 ICF Pro-Am Youth
Images for Conservation Fund is proud to partner with the Valley Land and Quinta Mazatlan to hold the first ever Southern Exposures Pro-Am Youth Tournament, June 14th, 15th, and 16th, 2013. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, we have been able to send 6 lucky winners to a private ranch professionally prepared for… Read more »
Linn San Manuel 4-H Pro-Am Youth
Members of the Linn San Manuel 4-H return for their second Pro-Am Youth Tournament! This year they will be shooting at Martin Refuge with Karine Aigner as coach. The kids will be shooting June 3rd, 4th, and 5th, 2013. Many thanks to our sponsors who helped to make this event possible. Times are generally 7:00… Read more »
Town and Country 4-H Pro-Am Youth
Youth photographers from the Town and Country 4-H will be participating in a Pro-Am Youth Tournament at Martin Refuge with Karine Aigner as coach. The tournament will be held June 6th, 7th, and 8th, 2013. Many thanks to the sponsors who helped to make this tournament a reality. Times are generally 7:00 am to 8:00… Read more »
Linn San Manuel 4-H Pro-Am Youth
Town and Country 4-H Pro-Am Youth
La Salle County 4-H Pro-Am Youth