Sevilleta Hills Elk Ranch Socorro, NM 87831

Surrounded on 3-sides by the 230,000-acre Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, Sevilleta Hills Elk Ranch presents an unparalleled hunting situation. The ranch boasts a strong population of 360+ class bulls and outstanding mule deer. The ranch consists of 1074 +/- deeded acres and contains 84 acres of... irrigated farmland with 252 ac-ft of valuable water rights. The seller expects additional water rights to be confirmed by the New Mexico State Engineer’s office. The seller believes the mineral rights are intact, and the ranch holds strong possibilities for both solar and geothermal opportunities. A survey is in the process to determine exact acreages. The proximity to the massive Sevilleta Wildlife Refuge is key to the phenomenal hunting on this property. Big game hunting is prohibited on the refuge, and water resources are limited. Therefore, the drinkers and farm crops on the ranch act are wildlife magnets. Waterfowl and quail are abundant on the ranch. Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest wildlife refuges in the lower 48 states and the biggest in New Mexico. Four different biomes intersect here and support a wide array of biological diversity. Located on the east side of GMU 13, the ranch is in a secondary management zone, which allows unlimited landowner tags for elk. Last year, the owner sold 12 tags and harvested 12 bulls, with 4 of those bigger than 350. This harvest did not dent the visiting bull population. This year, the owner has sold 17 tags for $15K to $17K each. The seller does feed and house the hunters. 5 hunters can easily hunt the ranch at the same time. Archery Hunts are from September 1st through September 24th. Any-Weapon hunts are from October 1 to December 31st. Any-Weapon hunters choose a 5-day period for their license. An elk license can coincide with mule deer season, and a hunter could hunt both at the same time. The 85-acre farm is irrigated by underground pipe with water from the Alamillo ditch. The fields are currently planted in alfalfa and tall fescue for the elk. Improvements are modest: a 2 bed, 2 bath adobe home that sleeps 6, and a storage barn and equipment shed. The house water is supplied by the San Acacia Water Association. The landscaping at the house is also supplemented by the well. The livestock drinkers (six) are fed by a well that connects to a storage tank at the top of the property, and then gravity feeds back to the drinkers. Co-listed with Greg Walker of Walker Ranch Sales. Continue reading