Off of Forest Rd / County Rd 50 , Bluewater, NM 87005(Cibola County)

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!