Check Mineral Rights Before Buying Land in Reagan County

When you look at Reagan County land, do not stop at fences, acres, and the road in. The Big Lake Oilfield sits in the southwest corner of the county. The Handbook of Texas credits that field with opening the Permian Basin to oil production. That history still matters in title work, because Texas can split surface rights from mineral rights.

The Railroad Commission gives the key rule. When the minerals have been split off, the mineral estate is dominant. A mineral owner or lease operator may use the surface as needed for exploration and production. That can mean a well site, road, pipeline, or other oil-field work. It does not mean every tract will see activity. It does mean a buyer should ask what rights come with the land.

Reagan County is in RRC District 7C, the San Angelo district. Before closing on rural land near Big Lake or the county line, check RRC permit data for the area. Then have the deed and title work read with minerals in mind. The county map gives you the tract. The mineral record gives you the ownership piece under it.