5 minute read
Ol'Man Ranch
from LAND Winter 2023
On The Cover
Ol'Man Ranch
13,053± Acres • Bluewater, New Mexico
Presented by Whitetail Properties
The Ol’ Man Ranch, encompassing 13,053± deeded acres near Blue Water, New Mexico, is one of the best elk hunting ranches in the nation. Situated in the stunning Zuni Mountains of Game Management Unit (GMU) 10 in Cibola County, the low-fenced ranch showcases some of the finest, most pristine mountain wildlife habitat that New Mexico has to offer.
The elevation, which ranges from 7,200 feet to more than 8,700 feet, includes a mix of pine forest, pinyon-juniper woodland and open meadow grasslands. Spectacular views can be savored throughout the property.
The canopy is defined by ponderosa pine, quaking aspen, Douglas fir, pinyon pine, Gambles oak, scrub oak, mountain mahogany, cliffrose, willows and several varieties of juniper. The range supports a buffet of native grass and forbs including Arizona fescue, mountain muhly, junegrass, Stipa sacaton, blue gramma, muttongrass, timberoatgrass, bluegrass and Rocky Mountain iris.
When it seems that the ranch’s natural attributes couldn’t be any better, it sits at the headwaters of two major creeks. Cebolla Creek feeds Ramah Lake and Cottonwood Creek flows into Bluewater Lake. As an added bonus, a private cave filled with crystal formations is tucked away in a hidden corner of the ranch like a rare jewel.
To further enhance the exceptional habitat, owners have installed a new well, five miles of pipeline to supply permanent drinkers, three irrigated and several dryland food plots, and constructed a new dirt tank. Other enhancements include noxious weed removal and timber thinning.
While the management efforts have been focused on elk, mule deer, black bear and wild turkeys and numerous other wildlife species have also benefited from the work. The ranch is granted unlimited over-the-counter turkey, black bear and cougar licenses.
Elk, Elk and More Elk
Because of the habitat work, the number of elk on the ranch has increased. In fact, elk densities are higher on the Ol’ Man than anywhere else in the GMU. The number of trophy bulls harvested each year has increased as well.
When the summer transitions to fall, elk numbers increase as the rut prompts the large ungulates to move and congregate. The deck of the lodge provides a unique opportunity to witness the rut playing out in the agricultural fields below.
Historically, the Zuni Mountains have produced bulls scoring over 400 inches and mule deer reaching the 200-inch mark. Due to the intense conservation work done through habitat improvements across the property, the Ol’Man Ranch has been recognized as a Special Management Ranch by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.
Because of this designation, the ranch has been allocated five incentive elk authorizations to include: *two–any legal weapon mature bull authorizations valid October 1-December 31 (any five contiguous days); three–any legal weapon mature bull authorizations valid October 7-December 31 (any 5 contiguous days); four–any legal weapon mature bull authorizations valid October 14-December 31 (any 5 contiguous days); eight–either sex archery authorizations; and eight–antlerless authorizations.
As elk hunters know, having the ability to hunt two elk tags with a rifle on October 1 is a coveted opportunity; the elk rut is still at its peak and the largest bulls are vulnerable as they concentrate on amassing a harem.
In 2022, the elk hunter harvest success rate was 95 percent. Thirteen mature bulls were harvested, with eight of those gross scoring more than 330 inches and two scoring more than 370 inches. The tape measure proves the Ol’ Man Ranch is one of the best elk hunting properties New Mexico—and the Mountain West has to offer.
The Living
When it's time to return from the day’s outdoor adventures, the stunning three bedroom/threeand-a-half bath lodge is a welcoming destination. The well-designed 2,500-square-foot structure is perched on a hilltop overlooking a small lake and lush agricultural fields. A 600-square-foot garage outfitted with ample shelves for storage is attached to the lodge and the 900-squarefoot “master’s quarters” that includes a full bath is adjacent to the lodge.
A 7,200± square-foot, multi-purpose metal shop is within walking distance of the lodge. To make the most of its space, the building is divided into three sections. The first, encompassing about 1,600 square feet, is enclosed with garage door bays. The second, also measuring about 1,600 square feet, is enclosed and features a three-bedroom guest quarters. The remaining 4,000± square feet contain roofed open bays.
The south end of the ranch boasts two additional housing options: a 2,000± square-foot two bedroom/three bath house with an elevated loft and a 1,400± square foot three bedroom/two bath modular home.
For anyone looking to answer the call of the wild, especially if that call is the bugling of an elk, there is no better place and no better opportunity than the Ol’ Man Ranch.
13,053± Acres
CIBOLA COUNTY NEW MEXICO
Property ID: 17756595
$31,500,000
Whitetail Properties Real Estate
217-285-9000
Info@WhitetailProperties.com
