Hunting in New Mexico

Collbran, CO

Buck Basin Ranch lies in the Salt Creek Basin, nestled in and facing the north rim of the Grand Mesa National Forest just southwest of the mountain town of Collbran, Colorado. The ranch boasts 548.43± deeded acres, exceptional water rights, excellent public land access, and over 2 miles of Salt Creek. As a working ranch, Buck Basin Ranch hosts very good water rights with an exceptional water distribution system, greatly enhancing the 5 irrigated pastures for both livestock and wildlife. Buck Basin Ranch is backed and fronted by over 5,500±acres of hard to reach public BLM lands, and has the trifecta for wildlife, hosting protected bedding grounds, high-quality food sources, and highly available water. The Buck Basin Ranch located in Big Game Unit 421 and is home to some of Colorado’s true quality big game. Collbran, Colorado is home to the American Service Women’s Memorial, dedicated to recognizing the role of women in America’s war efforts. Collbran is also home to Vega State Park and Vega Lake. This small mountain town is blessed with annual highs in the region averaging a comfortable 62.2 degrees and sees average lows of 32.8 degrees. Close to the ranch is the city of Grand Junction, Colorado where you can get your big city fix, or adventure to world-famous views, with the vistas and canyons of the Colorado National Moment, and Powderhorn Ski Area. Buck Basin Ranch is located in the heart of the best recreational opportunities of the western United States.

Represented the Buyer

H

unting New Mexico "When Legacy Matters"

Hunting New Mexico could be summed up as the Mecca of Giant Elk and is a dream for many hunters As I studied the draw odds of New Mexico, I figured I’d choose a fairly easier draw for elk that is quite physically challenging in anticipation of a grind of a hunt in some rugged country for some monster bulls. The time came and went after the draws, and my son Payton and I showed up six days before the season

opener. As the first evening broke, we spotted only one cow in the vast territory. The late season hunt was already proving to be more difficult than anticipated. The first scouting morning, we spotted five bulls with a big five that would go in the 320s, several bulls that had broken points, and one seven by with a broken main beam. Every day we would turn up good bulls but nothing over the 350 mark. We worked from north to south and east to west and searched every nook and cranny we could find. Most of the elk we saw were in the low-lying country, and we felt like we had no edge over the rest of the hunters. As the first day of the hunt started, we were chasing the best bull we could turn up; a thin horned 350 class bull that I didn’t want to shoot, but was reminded by my 16 year old son that this was the best bull around. We climbed in the dark to where we saw this bull several days in a row, but as the sun broke, several ATVs riding the national forest twotrack roads scared that bull. With no other sightings of him during our trip, I found myself relieved that I didn’t kill him. I wouldn’t have been happy with that, and its not the way I like to hunt, with others having the same edge as us. Payton and I went back to what we know and what we are good at. We hiked 5 miles back into a high country basin with heavy timber on the northfacing side. We glassed for hours with no sign of elk, and with little to no water in the basin, we doubted that any elk called this place home. As we scanned the hillside, I found a mega heavy shed horn just over a mile away. My motto is never to leave a shed horn behind!! After I shed weight off my pack, I went to the spot the heavy horn bull called home. In amazement, I picked up this bull antler and saw only 40 yards away the same side antler from the year before. As I climbed through the rugged country, I picked up

four more antlers. This country proved that it had not been seen by man in many years. While on the long heavy pack out to Payton, I saw one small bull and several Mule deer, proving that there was some form of wildlife in this isolated canyon. As I was climbing up the hill, Payton came running down at me with an intense look on his face. He had found a giant, and the pictures confirmed. He told me that when I was walking through the thick country, I jumped the bull in his bed at a mere 20 yards. As he looked at the antlers on my pack, he said that was the bull he had seen. With the sunlight fading, we ran to a point in hopes of seeing this giant bull. There was no sight of the monarch on the mountain. I wondered if I had blown my chance at a huge bull because of my love of picking up sheds. Several hours hiking out in the dark provided good reflection and time to get the next days’ plan together. We had a sleepless evening with the same 60 mph winds that had been blowing our tent and scattering our gear for days. The plan for the morning was to split up and to sit on different hillsides in search of the bull that we hoped was still somewhere in the country. As I perched up in constant conversation with my Father, I prayed in specifics that we could find the giant and put him down with one shot. I do believe God cares so much for us that he grants the desires upon our heart, even those desires of a monster bull. A lot of people don’t understand the constant and sometimes miserable grind of being uncomfortable in the wilderness, but I never feel closer to God than when I’m quietly sitting on a mountain top. We glassed the country for hours, and I finally caught an antler moving through the timber. He was not the bull we were initially searching for, but after looking him over and seeing the 5 ft width on this giant, he was even bigger than the other bull, most likely scoring at least in the mid 390s. It took several minutes to range this bull as the sun was blaring in my eyes. He was 361 yards, and I anchored down and squeezed the trigger on the Gunwerks muzzleloader but no bark. Throughout the fumble, I forgot to put a cap on the muzzleloader, and the slam of the bolt echoed in the canyon as the giant ran into the timber and disappeared as fast as he showed up. As I shook uncontrollably and made the Gunwerks lethal again, I looked up and saw the original heavy horned bull in the exact spot where I screwed up on the wide bull. It was a gift from God and a redemption of the last bull. This time, the muzzleloader found its mark, and the bull only made it 40 yards before tipping over. As my son and I held the giant bull in our hands, I reflected on and gave thanks for a second change, and the privilege to spend time with my best buddy, Payton. I welcome the opportunity to pass down the torch, as Payton helped me pack out one of my animals instead of me helping him with one of his animals like we had done so many times before. I thank our Lord and Savior for these experiences, and for my son’s help during this hunt. I couldn’t have done it without either one of them.

By: Seth Craft- Broker Associate and Author M4 Ranch Group Representing CO and NM

South Fork, CO

Incredible riverfront property just minutes from South Fork, Colorado and Wolf Creek Ski Area! This 77± acre property has over 5500± feet of private river frontage on the South Fork of the Rio Grande. Pristine waters that have hardly ever seen a human face, this is the Fly Fisherman’s paradise. There is a large boulder berm that shields the property from Hwy 160 providing privacy and traffic noise abatement. You will feel like you are a thousand miles from civilization, but in reality, only a short distance to amenities of a small town including medical, grocery store, etc. The property borders the forest service public land to the west and south in game management unit 80 which is an open hunting unit (some restrictions for certain seasons). Lots of elk, mule deer, black bears, etc. Half of the property is covered with healthy pine trees on a mountain, the other half is level with interspersed mature pines. Two existing wells, electricity close, and water rights! There is also a small boulder field with VERY large boulders on the property which may be sold or used as needed. $1,399,000

Represented the Seller and Buyer

Walsenburg, CO

Generations of the same family have called the historic Golden Ranch in Southern Colorado their home for many years and are now offering this one of a kind property for purchase. With 613± lush acres, fast-running creek, and a cold mountain lake, the ranch can easily carry 50 pairs of cattle. Owners of the ranch have enjoyed excellent water rights since 1917. A large irrigated hayfield fills the historic barn with hay. Through the years the family has built several barns, along with an Adobe homestead ready to be restored. Modern-day conveniences include a new four-bedroom, three-bath home, and RV barn with a pump outstation. This beautiful ranch property is just minutes from San Isabel National Forest. Abundant turkey, mule deer, and a resident herd of elk call this ranch home.

$1,395,000

Represented the Seller and Buyer

Gunnison , CO

171± acres that is backed into public lands and overlooks Blue Mesa Reservoir and Curecanti National Park. The ranch commands outstanding views due to the location sitting on a mesa elevated at 7,900 feet above the Blue Mesa Reservoir. Predominately the ranch is covered in mountain sage, oak brush and spring fed pockets of aspen growth.

Improvements include a 4,982± square foot single level home with an attached 3 car garage. This mission style home, complete with a bell tower, stucco exterior and red metal roof creates a grand statement. The single level 4 bedrooms and 4 baths home is designed and loaded with many upgraded features. This home features a gourmet kitchen with chef quality appliances, granite countertops. Flowing right off the kitchen is a dining area and an open living area which makes for great entertaining. The beautiful stone fireplace all encompassed in walls of windows which allows for the enjoyment of the views. Beautiful custom tile and wood floors can be found throughout the home. Outside is a large landscaped fenced yard with sprinkler system, three covered patios which is surrounded by a stone retaining wall. The ranch is also set up to accommodate all your outdoor toys with a closely located detached 7-door garage/workshop and horse stall set up on the east end with a fenced horse corral located nearby.

$1,295,000

Represented the Seller and Buyer

LaVeta, CO

The 2,342± square foot rustic homestead was completely rebuilt in 2010. The original building dates to the 1800’s when it was a one-room schoolhouse. The charm of the past has not been lost but enhanced with high-end finishes and a masterful flowing floorplan. The home was meticulously redone with reclaimed wood, flagstone, and wood flooring, exposed vaulted wood beams, tongue and groove ceilings, in-floor radiant heat and a functional Rumford stone fireplace. Accents of copper and tin can be found in the kitchen along with gourmet appliances and gorgeous wood counter-tops. A spacious dining area is located next to the kitchen with glass French doors leading into the living space. The master suite has its own kiva fireplace and French doors leading out to the patio. A rustic farmhouse style bathroom adjoins the master. The guest bedroom is flooded with natural light from its large window and French doors. The room has a beautiful tongue and groove vaulted ceiling. A second bathroom also done in farmhouse style with a unique red brick shower. The character of the homestead keeps on going with its screened-in sleeping porch and beautiful flagstone patios, which are accessible from various locations in the home, giving you that much desired outside entertaining space. Every detail of this magnificent home down to the handmade windows and hand-hewn logs brings the history of this beautiful valley to life. $1,250,000

Powderhorn, CO

Fabulous recreational family ranch. With a 1,340± square foot mountain cabin and 447± acres that provide on site recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, kayaking, rock climbing, OHVing and more, this is the perfect secluded getaway for family and friends looking to escape traffic, stress, and crowds.

Represented the Seller and Buyer $1,125,000

Creede , CO

A Shared Ranch

Truly an exceptional fishing property, located six miles south of Creede, Colorado on the world famous Upper Rio Grande River. With over 10.3± riverfront acres, this western mountain cabin is built with class and comfort, and views that overlook what a western river property should depict. The Willow Fly Bend is located on the Silver Thread Scenic Byway, in the gated community of Wagon Wheel Gap Estates providing fishing out your front door with 650± private feet of the Rio Grande River, in addition to the remarkable private access onto the adjoining 2.5± miles of the Rio Grande River on the famous LaGarita Ranch. Few properties offer some of the “finest” world class trout fishing, with remarkable views, and the comfort of a luxury log cabin. The 4 bedroom, 3 bath home has an expansive wrap around roofed porch to enjoy the sights and sounds of the valley and river that runs only a few hundred feet away. The home comes fully furnished, including many custom pieces. The home features tongue and groove pine plank flooring throughout, large windows to take in the outstanding views, and many custom touches. Walking through the front door, you are immediately welcomed by an open living area with a country feel. A large river rock fireplace, vaulted ceilings, beautiful wainscoting, Heartland appliances, and wire brushed doors will make you feel like you are in a country cabin with all the classy amenities.

$1,150,000