Wapiti, the Native American term for North American elk, is the namesake of a sprawling 8,000-acre tract of foothills property near Ruidoso, New Mexico. Wapiti Ranch is named for elk for a good reason: it lies near the heart of an entire elk nation that boasts some of the largest bull elk on the planet. Having the good fortune of bordering the Mescalero Apache Reservation, which is renowned for its trophy bulls, Wapiti Ranch has earned an excellent reputation as a hunting operation that has treated many of its clients to the largest bull elk of their lives. Now this turnkey operation is on the market, ready to be assumed by new owners to carry on stewardship of this proud trophy-elk legacy.

Wapiti Ranch occupies almost 8,000 hilly acres on the eastern flank of the Sacramento Mountains in south-central New Mexico comprised of approximately 6,686 deeded acres and 1,280 acres of New Mexico State leased land. This well-blocked ranch is approximately 3 miles wide and 4 miles long and encompasses several drainages from 6,000 to 7,000 feet. Summers are cool and winters are mild. The western border is the Lincoln National Forest, and the southern border is the Mescalero Apache Reservation. Two leased tracts of state land are located within the boundaries of the property. Located at the end of a county road, the ranch is extremely privateperfect for both elk and hunters. Vegetation throughout includes meadows, ponderosa pine, and extensive pion pine and juniper forests. Water sources are developed throughout the property.

The elk of Wapiti Ranch are undisputedly exceptional. With free access to and from the trophy-managed Mescalero Apache Reservation, these herds are managed for quality. Bulls scoring 300 to 330 points are common, with larger animals in the 350+ range possible every year. Hunting-wise, Wapiti Ranch also benefits from unlimited landowner elk licenses on the property for both the archery season in September and the any-weapon season from October through December. Two mule deer tags have historically been issued to the ranch annually and bear and turkey tags available over the counter.

To state that Wapiti Ranch is well-situated as a big-game operation would be an understatement. Careful stewardship has maintained wildlife habitat of the highest quality, so in addition to elk, mule deer, black bears, mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats, and turkeys thrive here. Decades of satisfied hunters have taken large animals on this land, and the ranch comes with a client list and well-experienced guides and staff, ready to carry on the proud tradition of Wapiti Ranch.

On some ranches, hunting supplements a cattle operation; at Wapiti Ranch, the situation is reversed. The ranch has historically supported roughly 100 head, including 5 bulls for breeding. All improvements necessary for maintaining the ranching operation are included.

Ranch headquarters consists of a well-maintained, fully furnished ranch house with four bedrooms, two baths, and a stone fireplace. The original 1920 homestead still stands as well, lending a nod to its rich ranching heritage. Several other outbuildings and cattle-handling equipment round out the functional facilities available at the headquarters.

Ruidoso, one of southern New Mexico’s prime tourist destinations, lies about 45 minutes away via county roads and U.S. Highway 70. Ruidoso is a popular resort offering fishing, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, and a mountain coaster. Restaurants are abundant, and the Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts hosts live performances year-round. For those inclined to try their luck, the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Ruidoso Downs Racetrack will happily accept your wagers. The nearest regional airport is in Roswell, about 45 minutes to the east. Roswell has a hospital, full services, and its famous UFO Museum.

Some hunting operations must be built from the ground up, and others are available on a silver platter. Wapiti Ranch is solidly in the second category. If a world-class big-game business is in your sights, take serious aim at Wapiti Ranch, a proven turnkey operation just waiting for you to take the reins.