A guide for Colorado residents who own — or have inherited — mineral or royalty interests on the Austin Chalk in central and south Texas.
Quick answer
The Austin Chalk — an Upper Cretaceous fractured carbonate that arcs across central and south Texas — has produced through the original 1960 Giddings field discovery, the 1970s vertical boom, the 1990s short-lateral horizontal era, and the modern 2018+ long-lateral renaissance. Many of today's mineral interests are owned by Colorado residents who inherited them from a parent or grandparent who lived in or worked in central or south Texas during the original Giddings boom of the 1970s.
If you live in Colorado and receive monthly royalty checks from a Texas operator on a Giddings-trend or south Texas Austin Chalk lease, this guide is for you.
Colorado-resident heirs of Austin Chalk interests typically hold one or more of:
Producing royalty interest — a fractional share of a producing well's revenue, paid monthly by the operator
Non-producing mineral interest — fee mineral ownership in a section that hasn't been drilled or where prior production has ceased
Stacked-pay lease interest — many Austin Chalk leases also cover the underlying Eagle Ford Shale, giving the owner exposure to both plays
Overriding royalty interest (ORRI) — a royalty carved out of a working interest, usually as compensation to a landman, broker, or family member
Your division order or check stub will identify the county. Austin Chalk producing counties include:
Brazos, Grimes, Burleson, Washington, Lee, and Fayette (Giddings trend) plus Karnes, DeWitt, Live Oak, McMullen, Webb, Dimmit, La Salle (south Texas extensions).
Producing formations are the Austin Chalk and the underlying Eagle Ford Shale.
Out-of-state mineral sales are routine in the Austin Chalk producing region. Buckhead Energy handles every step remotely:
Submit your information by email — county, legal description, and a copy of your most recent check stub if you have one
Receive a free written offer by email — no in-person meeting required
Sign the mineral deed and PSA in front of a Colorado notary
Federal tax treatment of a sale varies by situation — consult a CPA or tax attorney. Colorado state income tax treatment varies — consult a qualified Colorado CPA for guidance specific to your situation. The tax treatment of an inherited mineral interest also depends on your circumstances; a qualified Colorado CPA or tax attorney can advise.
Austin Chalk & Giddings Trend — Main Hub
Austin Chalk — The Definitive 2026 Guide
Austin Chalk vs Eagle Ford — Stacked-Pay Comparison
Buckhead provides a free written offer. Our offer comes at no cost and no obligation.
Start Your Free Written OfferGet a fair offer from a direct buyer with 20 years in business.
Sell My Mineral RightsBuckhead Energy buys mineral and royalty interests across all 50 states and has completed acquisitions in 33 states. Buckhead Energy is a direct buyer, not a broker — we purchase mineral and royalty interests with our own capital. Buckhead Energy has been buying mineral and royalty interests since 2006. Buckhead Energy holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Get My Offer Now