Irion County has two small towns in the entire county, Mertzon and Barnhart.  Traditionally ranch country, Irion County was found to have massive oil deposits in the 50’s and the large ranches that spanned the county were kept intact by ranch owners made wealthy from the oil boom.  

 

Large ranches, light hunting, and plenty of land owner money created the formula that allowed big deer to reach maturity.  Oil wealthy land owners improved their land by adding reliable water, good ranch roads, and predator control which further enhanced the deer population.

 

Today, Irion County consistently produces exceptional whitetail bucks that rival South Texas in every respect.