406 Slater Road , Truth or Consequences, NM 87901(Sierra County)

Apache Gap is a high desert ranch located approximately 30-minutes southeast of Interstate 25 and Truth or Consequences in Sierra County, New Mexico.  The 34,300 +/- acre property is fully-contiguous and comprised of 1,936 deeded acres, a 6,153-acre State grazing lease and a 26,212-acre BLM lease.  Carrying capacity for the property is rated at 275 head with current ownership running a mixed Angus and Charolais herd.  With nearly 60 lineal miles of well-maintained interior and exterior fencing, the ranch provides (5) large pastures (8-11 sections each) and (7) smaller traps for flexible rotation.  Water distribution is impressive, consisting of an extensive network of underground pipeline and storage tanks with a combined storage capacity of approximately 150,000 gallons.  In addition, there are (2) domestic wells serving headquarters, (5) windmills and numerous dirt tanks and drinkers strategically placed throughout.  Elevations range from 4,800 feet in the bottomland pastures to about 7,600 feet near the summit of Timber and Brushy Mountains along the western perimeter of the ranch.  The ranch provides spectacular views from the upper elevations of both Caballo Lake and the Elephant Butte Reservoir State Parks (see descriptions below). 

Wildlife

Mule deer are common throughout the upper mountain pastures with herds of antelope in the lower portions of the property.  Desert Big Horn Sheep also range along the rocky cliff areas of the Caballo Mountains on the far western periphery.  Free-range gemsbok/oryx, javelina, coyotes, foxes, mountain lion, and the occasional black bear, also frequent the ranch.  Dove and coveys of quail can often be found at the various water holes.

*New for 2019 – Pronghorn Antelope licenses can now be purchased over-the-counter through Game and Fish locations or licensed vendors.  Licenses are valid on private deeded land wherein landowner permission has been granted.

Improvements

Headquarters are located in the north-central portion of the ranch at the base of the Caballo Mountain range.  The primary residence consists of an 1,800 square foot ranch-style home of a three-bedroom, two-bath design.  Amenities include a stone fireplace, utility/storage room, covered porches and a large fenced yard encircled by shade and various fruit trees.  The bunkhouse consists of a 1,000 square foot two-bedroom, one-bath adobe structure with log and tile interior accents.

The ranch also includes hay and implement storage barns, large cattle holding yard, working pens, round corral, chutes and a scale.

Recreation

Elephant Butte lake is New Mexico’s largest at nearly 40,000-acres and contains (2) marinas.  Boat and personal watercraft rentals are available.  The lake provides miles of beaches, hiking trails and views in all directions.  In addition to the surrounding sights, Elephant Butte is a well-known fishery containing some of the largest white and black bass, stripers, crappie, catfish and walleye in the southwest region.

Located 20-miles downstream from Elephant Butte is the 11,000-acre Caballo Reservoir, which is similarly fed by the Rio Grande River.  Caballo Reservoir is also recognized as a good bass, catfish, crappie and walleye fishery with boat docks and ramps.

Summary

Apache Gap Ranch is the opportunity to own a time-tested working cattle operation that can also be utilized in tandem as a sporting retreat.  The utility of the ranch has constantly been improved and maintained over the years as evidenced by the water availability and rotational grazing practices.  Call Brent Hedrick or Greg Liddle for a qualified showing.  Co-brokers welcome.