13,053 Acres of Improved Recreational Land & Farm for Sale in Bluewater, New Mexico

The Ol'Man Ranch is a truly special place and one of the best elk-hunting ranches you will ever set foot on. Located in the stunning Zuni Mountains of Game Management Unit (GMU) 10, it is comprised of 13,053+/- deeded acres of pristine mountain wildlife habitat New Mexico has to offer. The property is located at the headwaters of the Cebolla Creek feeding Ramah Lake and Cottonwood Creek feeding Bluewater Lake. Management practices have enhanced the habitat of the property to increase elk numbers and the amount of trophy bull elk utilizing the property. Mule deer, turkeys, black bear and other wildlife species have also benefitted from the conservation work that has been done for elk. Numerous habitat improvements include a new well, installation of five miles of pipeline to new permanent drinkers, timber thinning, new dirt tank construction, noxious weed removal, development of three irrigated food plots and several dry ground food plots. Managing this property for elk has been the primary focus. Elk densities are higher on this property than anywhere else in the unit. During the fall, elk numbers increase as rutting activity causes more movements and congregation of animals. It's truly an unprecedented experience to be able to sit on the deck of the lodge and witness rutting elk within close proximity while they rut on the agriculture fields below the lodge. Elk have responded to the habitat work that has been done with increased elk numbers and increased numbers of trophy bulls harvested each year. 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: 2-any legal weapon mature bull authorizations valid October 1-December 31 (any 5 contiguous days). 3-any legal weapon mature bull authorizations valid October 7-December 31 (any 5 contiguous days). 4-any legal weapon mature bull authorizations valid October 14-December 31 (any 5 contiguous days). 8-either sex archery authorizations. 8-antlerless authorizations. Having the ability to hunt two elk tags with a rifle on October 1 is a coveted experience as the elk rut is still at the peak and the largest bulls are vulnerable at this time. In 2022, elk hunter harvest success rates were 95%. 13 mature bulls were harvested, with eight of those gross scoring over 330 inches and two scoring over 370 inches. To say this is an amazing elk ranch would be an understatement. This Ranch is truly one of the best New Mexico has to offer! Elevation ranges from approximately 7,200 feet to over 8,700 feet, comprising a combination of pine forest, pinyon-juniper woodland and open meadow grasslands. The major canopy vegetation consists of Ponderosa Pine, Quaking Aspen, Douglas Fir, Pinyon, multiple Juniper species, Gambles Oak, Scrub Oak, Mountain Mahogany, Cliffrose and Willows. The primary grass and forb vegetation consists of: Arizona Fescue, Mountain Muhly, Junegrass, Stipa, Sacaton, Blue Gramma, Muttongrass, Timberoatgrass, Bluegrass and Rocky Mountain Iris. There are five wells, three creeks, several springs, one 14+/- acre small lake, dirt tanks, a 5,000-gallon storage tank and nine 300-gallon drinker tubs filled via 5+/- miles of pipeline. The expanded water developments provide water to elk and other wildlife on all portions of the Ranch. A stunning 2500+/- sq ft lodge stands atop a hilltop, overlooking a small lake and agriculture fields. The views from the deck are breathtaking to say the least! The lodge has three bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. A 600+/-sq ft garage with shelving is attached to the lodge. Adjacent to the lodge is a 900+/- sq ft "master's quarters" with a full bathroom. Within walking distance of the lodge is a large 7200+/- sq ft metal shop. Of that, 1600+/- sq ft is enclosed with garage door bays; 1600+/- sq ft is enclosed and has three-bedroom guest quarters; 4000+/- sq ft is roofed with open bays. The southern part of the Ranch has a 2000+/- sq ft three-bedroom, two-bathroom house with an elevated loft. Not far from this house is a 1400+/- sq ft three-bedroom, two-bathroom modular house. As a bonus feature, the property has a rare hidden cave that is accessed through a small opening and opens up into a larger cavern having geological crystal formations throughout. This ultimate premium, turnkey-ready property, offers a rare opportunity for you to own one of the most special ranches in New Mexico!

Property Features:

• 119+/-miles W of Albuquerque, NM; 45+/-miles W of Grants, NM; 48+/-miles SE of Gallup, NM; 15+/-miles from Ramah, NM; 41+/-miles E of Zuni; 311 miles NE of Phoenix, AZ.
• Ultimate Premier elk hunting property
• Other big game species include Mule Deer, Black Bear, Cougar and Merriam's Turkey
• The Ranch qualifies as a Special Management Ranch for elk landowner authorizations through NM Department of Game and Fish and receives early season incentive elk Authorizations
• Unlimited over the counter private land Mule Deer licenses
• Ranch received 24 ek landowner Authorizations
• Unlimited over the counter Turkey, black bear and cougar licenses
• 2500+/- sq ft Lodge with 3 bedroom and 3.5 bathrooms
• 900+/- sq foot master's quarters with one bathroom
• 2000+/- sq ft House with 3 bedrooms, a loft and 2 full bathrooms
• 1400+/- sq ft modular home with 3 bedrooms, a loft and 2 full bathrooms
• Metal shop consisting of 1600+/- sq ft with garage door bays, 1600+/- sq ft with 3 built in bedrooms and 4000+/- sq ft metal roofed and open pole barn cover
• 8+/- hunting blinds
• 7+/- feeders
• 3 irrigated alfalfa fields
• 5,000-gallon water storage tank
• Elevation ranges from approximately 7,200 feet to over 8,700 feet
• Spectacular small lake below the lodge
• Breathtaking views
• A rare cave filled with crystal formations
• Electric service across the property
• Several Springs
• Dirt tanks throughout the property
• Cool season grass food plots planted in strategic locations
• Perimeter barbed-wire low fencing
• Gates to access the property
• Within Sec's 1, 2, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 24 of T11N, R15W and Sec's 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 17 and 18 of T9N, R14W in Cibola County, NM.
• 2022 property taxes were $5125.12