Melton Ranch

Land Description

PRICE REDUCTION!!!!!!!! Trophy Mule Deer and 8-10  Elk TagsMelton Ranch -  +/-1374 acres - Bordering the Jicarilla Apache Reservation on the north side and Heron State Park on the West, the Melton Ranch +/- 1374 acres, including 15 lakes and ponds, +/-600 acre feet of irrigation, and 360 degrees views, is the discriminating hunting and ranch paradise.  Located in central Rio Arriba County, the nations #1 Boone and Crockett Mule Deer producer since 1960, the Melton Ranch is 20 minutes from Chama, NM 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 Recreation World renown 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 Ranch on the north for approximately 1/2 mile. As the deer and elk migrate and rut, an abundance of cover, feed, 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.    While the ranch currently draws 8-10 archery and rifle elk tags that may be utilized from Archery season (Sept.) and Rifle season (Oct.1 to Dec. 31), the Unit 4 deer tags are 100% draw for land owners and their guests.   New Mexico also offers big game incentive programs for deer and elk, encouraging the landowners who manage their land for game, longer seasons, bonus tags or both.  Turkey, bear, excellent waterfowl and the occasional cat or coyote will compliment the hunting opportunities. Water and Water Rights With +/- 600 acre feet of irrigation and 15 lakes & ponds, this ranch is one of the best watered in New Mexico.  Cattle Through 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 ranch is a certified organic. With millions of acres of public recreation nearby, the Chama/Tres Piedras area is highly sought after with few large land holdings available, especially with seller offering 50% of minerals. The property 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. All-inclusive ranch properties like the Melton Ranch in Rio Arriba County, NM hardly exist anymore.  Call today for more information and a qualified showing. Co-brokers welcome.