Melton Lakes Ranch

Land Description

Melton Lakes RanchBordering the Jicarilla Apache Reservation on the north side and Heron State Park on the west, Melton Lakes Ranch, +/- 1374 acres including 15 lakes and ponds and +/ feet of irrigation, is on the market. Featuring 360-Degree views, this property is the discriminating elk, mule deer and waterfowl ranching paradise. With water rights being the gold standard today, Melton Lakes Ranch is located in central Rio Arriba County, the nations 1 Boone and Crockett Mule Deer producer since 1960. The ranch is 20 minutes from Chama New Mexico and 90 minutes to Taos and Santa Fe where you can enjoy fantastic dining, shopping and world- renowned art galleries. Hunting, Land Owner Tags and RecreationWorld-renowned for producing the very best and most coveted mule deer in the country and one of the highest elk densities, the Jicarilla Apache Reservation borders the Melton Lakes Ranch on the north for approximately 1/2 mile. As the resident deer and elk are joined by migration and rut, an abundance of cover, food, water and habitat make the ranch a very attractive haven for the game, with numerous trophy elk and deer harvested. The 15 lakes and ponds up to several acres are excellent breeding and resting areas for waterfowl and would accommodate trout stocking with aeration quite well. Additionally, the neighboring Chama River and Heron Reservoir offer additional fishing. New Mexico offers some of the nation's most liberal elk and mule deer landowner tag programs, and it's certainly one of Melton Lakes most attractive features. While the ranch has historically drawn 8-10 archery and rifle elk tags that may be utilized from Archery season September and Rifle season October 1 to December, the Unit 4 deer tags are 100 draw for landowners and their guests please check regulations. New Mexico also offers big game incentive programs for deer and elk, encouraging the landowners who manage their land for game, longer seasons or bonus tag. Turkey, bear, and excellent waterfowl hunting will compliment the hunting opportunities. Water and Water RightsWith +/- 600-Acre feet of irrigation and 15 lakes & ponds, this ranch is one of the best watered in New Mexico. Cattle, Buffalo, and Hay ProductionThrough drought years, the ranch has carried 250 yearlings maxed to 400 with hundreds of acres irrigated, depending on how it's managed. The ranch is fully perimeter fenced and cross-fenced to 7 pastures allowing for rotation. Welded working pens compliment the ...property see photos. Certified Organic - The Melton Lakes Ranch is certified organic.Mineral Rights restricted, but negotiable.With millions of acres of public recreation nearby, the Chama/Tres Piedras area is highly sought after with few large land holdings available, especially bordering the Jicarilla Apache Reservation. Add in this large amount of deeded water rights and Melton Lakes Ranch is a holding with few comparisons. Melton Lakes Ranch, featuring 15 bodies of water, working pens, and power on two sides, has no other improvements, allowing the buyer to purchase the land and not spend money on improvements they don't care for. Gorgeous building sites, too many to count, allows the new owner to place the home/headquarters of their dreams where they like and to their own specifications. Existing management/caretaker, with a lifetime of ranch management experience, lives nearby and is very interested in continuing, should the buyer be interested.Holdings like the Melton Lakes Ranch are few and far between. Better call Greg Liddle today for more information, questions and a qualified showing. Co brokers welcome.Read More