Inherited Mineral Rights in the Eagle Ford Basin
If you inherited mineral rights in the Eagle Ford Basin, you likely own oil and gas interests in one of the most important shale regions in Texas. Many families inherit mineral rights across South Texas without realizing what they own, where the minerals are located, or what options they have.
The Eagle Ford has been one of the most productive shale plays in the country for over a decade. That means inherited mineral rights in this basin can carry real value, especially if the interest is producing or located near active development.
This page explains how inherited mineral rights work specifically in the Eagle Ford Basin, how to confirm what you own, how value is typically determined, and when selling inherited mineral rights might make sense.
What Are Inherited Mineral Rights in the Eagle Ford Basin?
Inherited mineral rights in the Eagle Ford Basin are ownership interests in subsurface oil and gas that pass to heirs through an estate.
These rights are separate from surface ownership. You can inherit mineral rights in Karnes County or DeWitt County without owning any land there.
Most mineral rights in the Eagle Ford were originally tied to ranch land and large rural tracts. Over time, those minerals were split across families and passed down through multiple generations.
Many heirs first learn about these rights when:
Royalty checks arrive
A landman contacts them
They receive lease offers
Probate uncovers the assets
Why the Eagle Ford Basin Is Unique
The Eagle Ford is one of the most diverse shale basins in the U.S., producing both oil and natural gas depending on location.
Key characteristics:
Located primarily in South Texas
Oil, condensate, and gas production zones
Thousands of horizontal wells
Strong infrastructure and pipeline access
Long history of modern shale development
Major formations in the basin include:
Eagle Ford Shale
Operators active in the basin have included:
EOG Resources
ConocoPhillips
Devon Energy
Marathon Oil
Occidental
Chesapeake Energy
BP
ExxonMobil
Different parts of the Eagle Ford behave very differently. Some counties are oil-dominant, while others are primarily gas or condensate.
How to Confirm What You Own in the Eagle Ford Basin
Before making any decisions, it is critical to confirm exactly what you inherited.
Step 1: Identify the county
Most Eagle Ford mineral rights are located in counties such as:
Karnes County, TX
DeWitt County, TX
La Salle County, TX
Dimmit County, TX
McMullen County, TX
Live Oak County, TX
Gonzales County, TX
Atascosa County, TX
The county determines where ownership records are stored.
Step 2: Find the legal description
Eagle Ford mineral rights are usually described using:
Abstract numbers
Survey names
Metes and bounds descriptions
This is standard for Texas mineral ownership.
Step 3: Determine if the interest is producing
If you receive royalty checks, the interest is producing. If not, it may still have value if there is nearby drilling or permitting activity.
Step 4: Confirm title
Ownership is determined by county deed records. Many Eagle Ford interests have incomplete or outdated title due to multiple generations of inheritance.
Do You Need Probate to Sell Inherited Mineral Rights in Texas?
Usually, yes.
To sell inherited mineral rights in Texas, buyers generally require:
Probate of the prior owner’s estate
Recorded heirship affidavits
Trust documentation if applicable
If multiple heirs exist, all must usually agree and sign.
Clear title affects:
Transaction speed
Buyer confidence
Final valuation
How Inherited Mineral Rights Are Valued in the Eagle Ford Basin
There is no fixed price. Value depends on several basin-specific factors.
The biggest value drivers
1) Producing vs non-producing
Producing rights are valued based on royalty income.
2) Location within the basin
Core counties like Karnes and DeWitt usually carry higher value.
3) Oil vs gas zone
Oil-dominant areas generally command higher prices.
4) Operator activity
Permits, drilling plans, and nearby wells matter.
5) Your exact interest size
Most inherited interests are fractional and must be measured precisely.
Lease vs Sell in the Eagle Ford Basin
Many Eagle Ford owners sell because development is mature and they want certainty rather than ongoing volatility.
Common Issues for Eagle Ford Basin Heirs
Inherited mineral rights in the Eagle Ford often involve:
Multiple heirs
Missing probate
Outdated deed descriptions
Unknown net acreage
Royalty suspensions due to title gaps
These issues are common and fixable, but unresolved title almost always reduces value.
Counties in the Eagle Ford Basin
Each county page below covers inherited mineral rights for that specific area.
Karnes County, Texas
DeWitt County, Texas
La Salle County, Texas
Dimmit County, Texas
McMullen County, Texas
Live Oak County, Texas
Gonzales County, Texas
Atascosa County, Texas
Each county page links back to this basin page and includes local operator activity and ownership patterns.
FAQ: Eagle Ford Basin
What are inherited mineral rights in the Eagle Ford Basin?
Inherited mineral rights in the Eagle Ford Basin are ownership interests in oil and gas that pass to heirs through an estate.
Are inherited mineral rights valuable in the Eagle Ford Basin?
They can be. Value depends on production, location, oil vs gas zone, and the size of the inherited interest.
Can I sell inherited mineral rights in Texas?
Yes, but buyers usually require probate or recorded estate documents.
Do mineral rights in the Eagle Ford produce royalties?
Many do. The basin has thousands of producing oil and gas wells.
How do I know what I inherited?
You need to review county deed records, legal descriptions, and royalty statements.
Is the Eagle Ford Basin still active?
Yes. While drilling has slowed in some areas, production and redevelopment continue across core counties.