The ranch is located in GMU 12, which is a Primary hunting unit in New Mexico. The abundance of water and tremendous feed attracts large herds of elk, mule deer and antelope. The ranch has historically received 6 bull elk, 4 cow elk and 2 either sex hunting permits. Bull elk up to 370" have been harvested on the ranch. Mule deer and antelope tags are over the counter and at the landowner's discretion. Duck and other waterfowl are also abundant on the lake and wetland regions and can be hunted as well.

Fishing

The lake holds bass, catfish, blue gill and yellow perch. Catfish in excess of 30lbs. have been caught in the lake.

Cattle

The ranch is currently operated as a year-round cow/calf operation, carrying approx 275 head. Weening weights on steer calves have consistently averaged 600 lbs in the fall. Hundreds of acres of land have been laser-leveled with winter wheat planted. The current grazing plan has the ranch understocked as to preserve plenty of feed for the elk, deer and antelope. A cattle rancher could choose to increase the herd if he/she chose to. The ranch features 8 pastures, 4 traps and 2 sets of gathering pens.

Residential Improvements

The headquarters residence is a 3 bedroom double wide home in good operating condition and very comfortable. It is ideal for a hunting bunkhouse or part-time housing. A second residence is another 3 bedroom home currently occupied by the ranch manager. Although not considered fancy, it is a comfortable and functional home. Both homes have corrals, shops and storage. The headquarters also features shipping corals with scales and a barn. There are several ideal building locations on the banks of the lake which would provide exquisite views of the lake, surrounding mountains and lush green bottom lands.

The Land

The highlight feature of the ranch is the 15-acre lake. The lake is a result of free-flowing springs which create significant water flow to the bottom land where a dam was constructed and the lake was formed. A fertile riparian vega extends for over 4 miles from the lake and along the creek. This section of the ranch offers some of the strongest grazing and wild game opportunities. The highest point of the ranch is Cat Hill at 7,600 ft. The lowest point of the ranch lies at Rito Creek at 6,900 ft. The terrain is open grasslands graduating to rolling hills with scattered juniper and pion trees, very typical of this region. Dramatic arroyos and rock outcroppings add to the beauty of the land and create interesting geographical features. Annual precipitation is approx. 10.5 inches and the growing season is recorded at 104 days.

Vegetation

A wide variety of grasses includes Blue Grama, Black Grama, Side-Oats Grama, Western Wheatgrass, Sacaton and New Mexico Feathergrass. Browse plants include Winter Fat, Fourwing Saltbrush, Apache Plume, Chico Bush and Mountain Mahogany.

Location and Accessibilty

The ranch borders NM Hwy 60 for approx 7.5 miles and is only minutes from the town of Quemado, in northern Catron County. Highway 60 provided excellent access to central and northern New Mexico as well as eastern Arizona. Quemado offers most needed services with groceries, a caf, gas, diesel, propane, auto repair, lodging, hardware, a Post-Office and schools for grades K-12.