Ranches Archives - Walker & Martin Ranch Sales

Sevilleta Hills Elk Ranch

Posted on: November 2nd, 2023 by

Boasting significant water rights, and surrounded on 3-sides by the 230,000-acre Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, Sevilleta Hills Elk Ranch presents a unique hunting and investment situation. Besides a strong population of 360+ class bulls which I will elaborate on, the ranch’s farming element holds very valuable water. New Mexico’s State Engineer has already recognized 252 diverted acre-feet associated with the 84 acres of irrigated ground, which the seller is confident is pre-1907 water. And seller expects more valuable water rights to be confirmed. Then, there are tangible solar rights to consider here; there is geothermal underground water presenting opportunities; and the mineral rights should also be intact. Seller would consider some owner carry with large down payment.

230,000 acres is a big piece of open space to adjoin. A survey is underway to determine the exact acreage of the fee simple land, but an NRCS map shows 1074, and that is the reference we are using currently. The 85-acre farm in the middle is irrigated by underground pipe with water from the Alamillo ditch. The fields are currently planted in alfalfa and tall fescue for the elk. The house is supplied by the San Acacia Water Association. The livestock drinkers (six) are fed by a well that feeds to a storage tank at the top of the property and then gravity feeds back to the drinkers. The landscaping at the house is also supplied by the well. Improvements are modest with a 2 bed, 2 bath adobe home that sleeps 6, and a storage barn and equipment carport.

That said, outstanding Mule Deer and Trophy Elk lead the appeal of this property. Located in GMU 13, a mostly “primitive” hunting-only unit, the ranch is in the secondary zone, which allows all weapons (rifles). Landowner tags are unlimited! Last year (2022) the owner sold 12 tags securing 12 for 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. Then Any Weapon hunts are from October 1 thru December 31st. An-any-weapons-hunter chooses 5 days for their license. An elk license can coincide with the deer season and a hunter could hunt both at the same time.

Big game hunting is not allowed on the wildlife refuge and will never be. Covenants were established when ownership moved to the Nature Conservancy and on to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. With limited water on the wildlife refuge, the drinkers and farm crops on this ranch are wildlife magnets. The broker assumes that New Mexico Game and Fish appreciates the help controlling the population of this growing elk herd.

Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest wildlife refuges in the lower 48 states, and it is the biggest in New Mexico. Four different biomes intersect here and support a wide array of biological diversity. What a great neighbor!

Sevilleta Hills Elk Ranch is co-listed with Robert Martin of Fay Ranches.

Mora River Refuge

Posted on: August 19th, 2023 by

Charming Mora Valley land with the river running through it! This one-of-a-kind, well-designed, red iron substantial steel building is nicely situated between a state-maintained road and the riverfront. Over 5,700 square feet of heated living space plus an attached 3-car garage!

This house, finished on the outside, mostly finished and fitted out , but not complete inside, lays the groundwork for your custom choices for a beautiful, solid, open-style large home on the Mora River in the pristine Chacon Valley. This Mora River propertys 170 acres include the most beautiful views in Northeastern New Mexico among its forest, meadows, and over 1,000 ft of river frontage on both sides. Broadband, high-speed fiber optics (100Mb), and area cell phone coverage will allow you to easily work remotely from this beautiful mountain get-away.

Fish for trout in the meandering Mora River. Hunt elk and mule deer on your own land. The forest, meadow, and river combine to create a great habitat for wildlife such as hawks, eagles, owls, bears, beavers, coyotes, mountain lions, and even lynx! Bring your horses, and they will love the place. If your two-mile-long, big backyard doesnt satisfy all your wanderlust, there are over a million acres of public land in the nearby Carson National Forest. This refuge is pleasantly private yet conveniently located with good, paved access on NM Hwy 121. The property is 45 minutes from Las Vegas, one hour from Taos, and one hour and 45 minutes from Santa Fe, each with its own public airport.

The forest received some burning in the recent wildfires, the majority of it categorized by USFS as low intensity. The building does not have a kitchen, so please take this into consideration.

Chupadera Ranch – Off Market

Posted on: August 15th, 2023 by Greg Walker

Chupadera Ranch is 37,644 acres of grazing land characterized by gently rolling hills with pretty purple mountain views. Lying about 40 minutes east of Interstate 25, the ranch is 54% deeded acreage, 36% state lease, and 10% BLM lease all in Socorro County. Rated to carry 580 cow-calf pairs, it also boasts the attraction of quality hunting (GMU 18) for elk, deer, pronghorn, and Oryx. A cattleman leases the ranch grazing for approximately $10,000 a month. Further, a $35,665 annual lease with White Sands Missile Range for fly-over and evacuation provides additional payments if evacuation is called for. Co-listed with Robert Martin of Fay Ranches.

Currently, the ranch is conservatively stocked with 400 pairs. Moreover, the monsoon rains have been excellent this year, and the range is very healthy! There are five wells on the property, and water is distributed to a variety of drinkers. The drinkers attract wildlife, are thick with dove, hold coveys of quail, and anchor big-game-animal movement across the ranch. The owner has kept hunting to a minimum but can issue Landowner Tags for elk, deer, and Oryx at their discretion. Oryx are visually stunning, and good populations like this are rare. Free-ranging African Oryx in the United States are unique to New Mexico and can be hunted year-round. Additionally, the ranch receives four pronghorn (antelope) tags each year.

Joya de Hondo Land – PRICE REDUCED!

Posted on: September 4th, 2022 by Greg Walker

Price Reduced for quick sale! Motivated Seller! Bank owned land five minutes from Santa Fe. Build on and/or develop this large tract just outside city limits in Santa Fe County. Pastoral setting with great mountain views and remarkable convenience to town. Ride your horse and walk your dog along lovely Arroyo Hondo. 43 acres divided in four parcels. Strong domestic well.

Santa Rosa Golf Course Property

Posted on: September 4th, 2022 by Greg Walker

Under Contract! 32 acres with city water and utilities. Divide up some homesites or utilize the entire property as your private ranchette. Great location next to the Santa Rosa golf course. Reduced to $85,000. Call Robert at (505) 603-9140.

El Rito Creek and Route 66

Posted on: September 4th, 2022 by Greg Walker

Under Contract! 3.8 acres on historic Route 66, adjacent to El Rito Creek. A prime location with excellent visibility across from the Santa Rosa city park. An excellent location for restaurant, hotel, or RV park, but could be a charming home site as well. Reduced to $75,000. Call Robert at (505) 603-9140.

Uncle Bill’s Farm & Ranch

Posted on: August 12th, 2022 by Greg Walker

Uncle Bills Farm and Ranch in Socorro County, New Mexico includes 37,941 acres of farming and grazing lands, along with 533 annual consumptive acre-feet of pre-1907 water rights. The 297-acres of farm, mostly cultivated ground, (Mountain View Farm) are located in Las Nutrias off the Rio Grande River and irrigation water is delivered via Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD) ditches. The grazing range (Chupadera Ranch) lies 40 minutes to the southeast of the farm and is 54% deeded acreage, 36% state lease, and 10% BLM lease. Not including farm production, the ranch is rated to carry 580 cow-calf pairs, and it also boasts the extra attraction of quality hunting (GMU 18) for Elk, Mule Deer, Pronghorn, and Oryx. The farm is leased by a dairy for $5,000 a month, and the ranch grazing is leased for approximately $10,000 a month. Further, there is a $35,665 annual lease with White Sands Missile Range for fly-over and evacuation which provides additional payments if evacuation is called for.

The farm is planted in Sorghum Sudangrass that is utilized for silage by a dairy milking four thousand cows. The dairy farmer told the broker that the farms water right is interesting to him because it could also be extracted from wells if desired, not just delivered from MRGCD ditches, which could be very advantageous. Dove, Quail, Pheasant, and Turkey call the farm home. Waterfowl use the irrigation ditches and flyway heavily including ducks, geese, and magnificent Sandhill Cranes. There is also an annual depradation Elk hunt in the Rio Grande Bosque and the farm is awarded tags.

Currently the ranch is stocked with 400 pairs and the rangeland is healthy. There are five wells on the property and water is distributed to a variety of drinkers. The drinkers attract wildlife, are thick with dove, hold quail coveys, and anchor big-game-animal movement across the ranch. The owners have kept hunting to a minimum, but can issue Landowner Tags for Elk, Deer, and Oryx at thier discretion. Oryx are visually stunning and good populations like this are rare. Free-ranging African Oryx in the United States are unique to New Mexico and can be hunted year-round. Additionally, the ranch receives four pronghorn tags each year.

Los Trigos Ranch

Posted on: April 1st, 2022 by Greg Walker

Los Trigos Ranch is an iconic 612 acre Pecos River property just 30 minutes from Santa Fe. Los Trigos was part of Tex Austins Forked Lightning Ranch, later owned by Buddy Fogelson and his wife, actress Greer Garson. Owned and loved by the Cowles family since 1990, Los Trigos sits directly between the two properties formerly owned by Jane Fonda and Val Kilmer.

The six-building compound was custom designed by the architect and late owners, Bill Cowles and his wife Ginny, who raised and trained Norwegian Fjord horses on the property The cohesive exteriors of all buildings in the compound are Northern New Mexico pitched-roof style, with unique vertical wood planks and plaster chinking. The improvements include an owners residence, managers house, foaling barn with office, stables, workshop, and a detached studio. A machinery barn and a small river cabin are outside the main compound.

Almost two miles of the trout-filled Pecos River meanders through the middle of the ranch, dotted by majestic cottonwoods and native willows. With its deep pools and white riffles, the river offers some of the best fly fishing in the state. Large elk, mule deer, and black bears roam the property. Los Trigos adjoins the Santa Fe National Forest on the north, offering endless recreational possibilities. Los Trigos is truly remarkable.

Two Rivers Ranch

Posted on: May 2nd, 2021 by Greg Walker

CONTRACT PENDING! Two Rivers Ranch has frontage on the Rio Grande and Conejos rivers. Moreover, the unique Conejos diversion flows through the property, as do irrigation ditches and a special warm spring. All the water creates a wetland environment and makes this ranch a true oasis. Just reduced $100,000 August 2021!

Irrigated hay meadows (water rights) produce 300 tons of native hay and provide fall and winter grazing. Tree-lined riparian areas shelter and protect livestock making good calving ground for cattle and elk. There’s a 15 gpm well so cows can stay off the Rio Grande. Carrying capacity is about 100 pairs. 7.75 shares of the Los Sauces Ditch Company are attached. An adjoining neighbor is currently leasing the ranch.

Hosting populations of Mule Deer and Elk, and lying in the Central Flyway for Waterfowl, hunting is a big attraction to the area. Keep in mind that the Rio Grande is a wildlife corridor that stretches nearly 1900 miles! Located in Colorado Game Unit 81, with Game Unit 83 across the Rio, hunting opportunities are vast. Two of 4 Elk-rifle-seasons are over-the-counter licenses, as are either-sex archery tags. Deer hunting is all draw but with good chances for tags. The Land Owner Preference Program also provides two applications for landowner permits.

The Rio Grande is known to have fish year-round including trout, bass, catfish, carp, and northern pike. When the broker made a recent trip with a local guide to fish the property, they were pleasantly surprised to catch northern pike in the Conejos diversion, as well as in the Rio Grande. Some fishermen enthusiastically pursue Northern Pike, and particularly at the confluence of the Conejos and Rio Grande, but pike can be hard on trout populations. Notwithstanding, Two Rivers Ranch is located in the heart of year-round renowned trout fishing, with New Mexico’s Rio Grande Gorge for spring and winter and the Conejos River Canyon for summer and fall fishing, both a short drive from the property.

This property is surrounded by open space and public lands. Adjoining on the east is the new San Luis Hills State Wildlife Area with 17,000+ acres! On the west, there are 5,000 acres plus of BLM that adjoin. Moreover, conservation groups like Ducks Unlimited and the Rio Grande Headwaters Trust hold significant conservation easements on surrounding private lands that will limit development and subdivision in the area.

The broker (or his game camera) has seen bobcat, porcupine, raccoons, skunk, coyote, elk, and deer. There are beaver dams along the waterways and bird nests in the trees. Bald eagles winter on the property, and one sees golden eagles, hawks, and owls. There are songbirds, snakes, reptiles, and amphibians. Geese and ducks take off and land while celebrated Sandhill Crane fill the skies. Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge is 17 miles to the north with a visitor center sure to stimulate the birdwatcher in anyone.

The ranch is in two separate parcels located a quarter-mile apart. The western parcel is 796 acres of which 200 are irrigable. This west parcel boasts a mile of both sides of the Conejos meandering through a wonderful Cottonwood Bosque. The west parcel also holds the precious warm springs.

The eastern parcel is 372 acres. The productive hay meadows are here and wetlands form around them. The treasured Rio Grande runs along this parcel for 1.25 miles, and both sides of the unique Conejos diversion flow through it for a mile. Willows and cottonwoods line the diversion banks providing cover that animals use to move from the Rio Grande onto the ranch.

Regarding the warm spring (Dexter Springs), temperatures can get cold in the San Luis Valley. However the spring is a constant temperature and doesn’t freeze, keeping the river accessible all winter and concentrating wildlife here. It is a unique micro-environment that expands the biodiversity of the area. There is a perpetual duck hunting lease on 200 acres at the warm springs area.

There is a conservation easement in place on the ranch that is favorable to continued farming and ranching, and opportunities abound to enhance wildlife habitat in cooperation with federal and state wildlife agencies. An owner has a choice of two designated building sites. Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust holds the conservation easement.

This offering is anchored in agriculture production and has clear appreciation opportunities based on fabulous water resources and an unbelievable concentration of wildlife. The ranch is owned by Western Rivers Conservancy and offered at $1,600,000.