Ruidoso, NM 88312(Lincoln County)

The mountains are protected as part of the Capitan Mountains Wilderness Area.This wilderness area is known for being the birthplace of Smokey the Bear, discovered here as a cub in 1951. Old timers relate that the bear was actually found on the El Capitan property. He was a lone cub, badly burned from a wildfire, but soon recovered and became the national mascot for forest fire prevention, with the motto, Only YOU can prevent forest fires. Today, Smokey the Bear is buried in a park in nearby Capitan, New Mexico, and the town continues to honor the memory of this symbol for conservation and responsibility for the land.

The headquarters consists of a cozy lodge that boast incredible views from the front porch with four bedrooms and two-bathrooms, as well as a two-bedroom and one-bathroom managers house. There is also another three bedroom and one bath ranch house in need of updating. Additionally, there is a 60 x 80-foot metal shop, elk handling facilities, corrals, and traps for breeding. There is also a cabin, outbuildings, and several barns on the property. Near the headquarters there are two ponds stocked with trout, bass, and bluegills. And on the upper reaches of the ranch, numerous mountain springs gush forth with crystal clear, ice cold water, forming ad hoc creeks that flow down into the valleys on the ranch below. Various windmills and other springs provide water for the wildlife and livestock.

Hunting on El Capitan Ranch is unbelievable with the Department of Fish and Game having allocated this area as Management Level 2. This includes unlimited landowner bull elk tags, mule deer tags, and antelope tags. Merriam and Rio Grande Turkeys, as well as hybrids are abundant on the ranch. Additional hunting opportunities include wild hogs, black bear, bobcat, mountain lion and coyote. A few years ago, the largest free-range bull elk was harvested, and over 350 bulls are documented each year.

There is 1,700 acres of licensed high fence game park currently carrying a 40+ elk herd which are managed for harvest. Within the park there is a herd of mule deer as well. If desired, there are an additional 1,500 acres that could be added to the park. The perimeter of the ranch is high-fenced, and the property is divided into 13 pastures, two of which are high fenced.

An impressive system of roads connects the disparate sections of the ranch, and over ten miles of highway frontage, which serves as the northern boundary, makes it quick and easy to traverse the entire length of the ranch in a few minutes. Ranch roads meander south from the highway through a variety of terrain and topography, including wide open fields, thick forests, steep canyons, and hidden meadows.

The current ranch manager, an experienced ranch and game manager as well as licensed biologist, lives just three miles away. With his extensive knowledge and experience on the ranch he will be a great asset to new owners.

Shown by appointment only with Texas Ranch Sales, LLC. Buyers brokers must be identified on first contact and must accompany buying prospect on first showing to be allowed full fee participation. If this condition is not met, fee participation will be at the sole discretion of Texas Ranch Sales, LLC.