by Melissa Fox
Over 43 years ago Jerry John Spencer started purchasing parcels of pristine East Texas ranch land as a place dedicated to family fun and relaxation. Over the years, the ranch has expanded to 1,200 acres, and Jerry’s legacy of providing a place to unplug and unwind lives on at Dead Cat Ranch.
Jerry and his wife, Becky, spent many years enjoying their piece of paradise with their daughter Stacy who grew up riding four-wheelers all over the sprawling property. As her father’s health declined several years ago, he wanted to ensure that the ranch would be taken care of, so Stacy and her husband Josh agreed to take over the day-to-day operations of the working ranch. Stacy and Josh were used to spending time with their family and friends for recreational “farm days” at the ranch, as they called them, so when they took over they realized what Jerry began four decades ago was too beautiful not to share with the rest of the world.
They had the idea to experiment with an Airbnb-type concept at first and the popularity has been such that they now have expanded to what they call a full-blown “Ranch Resort.” Dead Cat Ranch will celebrate its third anniversary this June. They offer a variety of lodging options that are suitable for everything from family reunions and organizational retreats to a secluded weekend for two. “Relax, Play, Stay . . . The East Texas Way” is the Dead Cat Ranch motto which perfectly sums up the mission of this unique getaway.
There’s a little something for everyone at Dead Cat Ranch. From an assortment of both adventurous and relaxing activities, everyone is sure to find a way to enjoy themselves. From the very beginning, Stacy states that they’ve been booked solid throughout the weeks and weekends. Feedback from their guests is very important to them and they’ve expanded their amenities and activities over time to offer what guests want. “One of the most popular activities we offer is horseback riding with our Dead Cat Ranch horses,” says Stacy. “So many people don’t get the chance in their everyday life to experience the beauty of the outdoors, especially from atop a horse and it’s pretty special.”
One of the other most popular activities guests of Dead Cat Ranch enjoy is the shooting range. Guests may bring their personal firearms with prior staff approval, or they can use the ranch’s. The gun range is equipped to support a large variety of firearms and they even offer shooting classes from an accredited instructor if guests need to learn the basics or want a refresher. Stacy remarks that the shooting range is so popular because it’s not something those from the big cities get to take part in that often. “People want to get out of the concrete jungle and wind down and do things they can’t do at home.” Whether it includes guns or bows, targets or clays, there is something for everyone at Dead Cat Ranch.
For the “relax” aspect of the ranch’s motto, guests can spend a lazy day soaking in the East Texas scenery from their hammock at each lodging site, cast a line in the 5-acre fishing pond, or spend the day cooling off in the property’s pool. When they say this is an opportunity to unplug and unwind, they mean it. “One of my favorite things is watching our guests enjoy their time together when I can tell that they really need the downtime,” says Stacy. Especially the teens and young adults who are disappointed at first when they learn that the internet can be spotty and the only Wi-Fi available is at the clubhouse. “By the end of the weekend they are all looking at each other and enjoying their time together,” remarks Stacy. “It just proves we all need to disconnect sometimes.”
Just like their slogan states, “play” is a big part of the draw for guests of Dead Cat Ranch. Adventure seekers can take advantage of the miles and miles of ATV trail, try their hand at axe throwing or as previously mentioned, horseback riding, clay shooting, and target shooting. Another new addition to the activities line-up offered is a 3-D archery course that is now open as well. “Our guests just love the many different types of terrain at the ranch,” says Stacy. “Shaded tree trails, white sand, open fields, rolling hills … all waiting to be explored by our guests!” With acres of beautiful scenery and a wide variety of fun activities for the whole family, even those with the most, or least, playful spirits will find something enjoyable.
Once guests have experienced all there is to do and see at Dead Cat Ranch, they will need a place to lay their heads for the night. The concept that Stacy and Josh have created at the ranch is unique and creates a lodging environment unlike any other in the area. Their lodging options range from a bunkhouse that sleeps 20, to cottages and cabins for 4-6 and two Airstream trailers that sleep 2 guests each. The ranch can accommodate up to 38 guests in all … so whether it’s for an on-site film crew or a family reunion … the entire ranch can be reserved. They even offer RV spots for those who choose to bring their own lodging.
The amenities of each overnight lodge include fully-stocked home goods – like plates, silverware, sheets, and towels. They even offer a “stock the fridge” option because as Stacy says, “Sometimes the last thing you want to do is get away for the weekend and then have to go to the grocery store.” Guests make their selections and grocery list prior to arrival and the Dead Cat Ranch team will ensure the fridge is stocked when guests arrive. With comfortable accommodations inside, each lodging site is also equipped with its own grill, firepit, and hammock outside. Gourmet picnic baskets can be requested for special occasions and Stacy adds that, “If you don’t feel like cooking and just want to stay put, DoorDash® delivers to the ranch as well!”
While you can spend your days on the ranch without wanting to leave, there’s also plenty to do in and around Palestine and the surrounding area. The knowledgeable staff can help with a host of delicious local restaurant recommendations as well as other fun places to visit like New York, TX Zipline, The Polar Express Train Ride on the Texas State Railroad, Dogwood Trails Celebration, Pine Dunes Resort & Golf Club, and Lake Palestine for jet skis and boat rentals. Like all entrepreneurs, Stacy and Josh have dreams of continuing to build more places on the ranch for people to stay and to continue to add to their list of amenities and activities they offer as well. “Possible future plans may include ‘glamping’ opportunities, treehouse rentals, and farm-to-table dining options,” says Stacy. “Whatever the future holds, we are so excited to be able to continue to share it!” With over 300 5-star reviews and many repeat guests and “regulars” bookings don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon either.
Dead Cat Ranch was always Jerry’s preferred destination. “My dad would rather be there than anywhere,” remembers Stacy. Jerry experienced the beginnings of the resort coming together and was so excited to see how it came to fruition before his passing in late 2021. It is this heritage and love of Dead Cat Ranch that Jerry has passed on to his family and will be his legacy for generations to come. Though owning and running the ranch can be demanding, Stacy admits, “We are committed because it’s what we are passionate about. We will go to whatever lengths necessary to ensure guests are satisfied. Our guests are our number one priority.”
It is a family operation at Dead Cat Ranch and while they have a small on-site staff, there are some key characters you won’t want to miss … from their 5-year-old daughter, Presley, serving as the Chief Guest Greeter to their border collie, Clyde, as the resident Social Director … it’s all-hands-on-deck at the ranch. Even the Head Ranch Cat, Lucky, welcomes and befriends guests upon arrival. Whether two-legged or four, there’s always a friend to be made at the ranch, as well as a story to be told.
Then there’s the obvious question that everyone wants to know the answer to … How did the ranch get its name? Stacy quips, as she has probably at least a hundred other times, “If you’re curious about the name, come out and stay with us and hear the story in person.” So, whether to “rest and recharge” or “thrill seek and play,” Dead Cat Ranch is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle and learn a little country folklore along the way.