Texas Porch

Mineral Rights

Oil and gas activity exists in Culberson County — know your mineral rights

Culberson County has active oil and gas wells regulated by the Texas Railroad Commission, so buyers should check whether mineral rights transfer with land.

Culberson County Home & Property

Oil was discovered in Culberson County in 1953, and the county has had active production since then. Active fields include the Ford, West (Wolfcamp) field. The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) regulates all oil and gas wells in the state, including here.

In Texas, mineral rights can be sold separately from surface rights. That means the person who owns the land may not own the oil and gas beneath it. If someone else owns the minerals, they can lease those rights to a drilling company — and that company may have the legal right to operate on the surface. Before buying land in Culberson County, ask a title company to research whether mineral rights are included. The RRC website lets you search for wells, permits, and production records by county.

Source to confirm: Railroad Commission of Texas — Oil and Gas Well Records

More Culberson County notes

Property Tax

Who handles property taxes in Culberson County

The Culberson County Appraisal District sets property values, while a separate tax office collects what you owe.

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Water Wells

Drilling a water well in Culberson County requires a permit

The Culberson County Groundwater Conservation District regulates new wells, so you need to contact them before drilling.

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National Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park sits partly in Culberson County

Guadalupe Mountains National Park protects the highest peaks in Texas and a vast ancient reef, with trails open to hikers and backpackers.

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Hunting

Hunting in Culberson County — mule deer, pronghorn, and more

Culberson County is in the Trans-Pecos hunting zone and offers mule deer, pronghorn, and upland game — but pronghorn requires a special landowner permit.

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