Elk Haven Ranch
Property Description
Elk Haven Ranch is a prime hunting haven, offering world-class elk and antelope opportunities in one of New Mexico’s most coveted hunting units. Located in Game Management Unit 15, this property has been meticulously managed for over a decade to produce trophy-caliber bulls and bucks. Herds of elk are frequently spotted, and the ranch receives specific elk tags, with additional future tag options available.
Antelope hunting on the ranch is exceptional, with several Boone & Crockett-class bucks harvested in recent years. Private-land-only antelope tags are available over the counter (OTC), while public land tags must be obtained through a draw. Additional big game species include black bear, mountain lion, turkey, and javelina—all huntable with OTC tags. The ranch is surrounded by thousands of acres of Gila National Forest and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, providing extended hunting access.
Designed for hunters, the property offers diverse terrain with open meadows, native grasses, and multiple water sources that attract wildlife. The ranch is well-watered with four wells—three of which have been updated with new pumps, panels, and controllers—and seven dirt tanks. A 1,220-acre BLM lease expands the available grazing land, offering additional income potential through cattle operations or leasing. The property is fenced and divided into three pastures and includes a barn and a rustic bunkhouse.
At the heart of the ranch is a recently upgraded 3,200-square-foot, six-bedroom, six-bathroom home. It is fully off-grid and powered by a modern solar system with a backup generator. Each bedroom has its own attached bathroom, except for one room on the bottom floor, which can serve as a bedroom or office with a bathroom conveniently located across the hall. Recent renovations include new interior and exterior paint and flooring, providing a comfortable basecamp for hunters and guests.
Though secluded and private, the ranch is conveniently located within a 40- to 50-minute drive of essential amenities. Nearby lakes and reservoirs offer excellent fishing for both warm-water and cold-water species. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and ATV trails, with a ski resort just 70 miles away. The towns of Quemado, NM, and Springerville, AZ, provide essential supplies, food, and medical services, while Albuquerque and Phoenix international airports are within a 3.5- to 4-hour drive.
PROPERTY ATTRIBUTES
-
1,737 deeded acres
-
1,220-acre BLM lease for cattle grazing
-
Elevation: 8,000–8,200 feet
-
4 wells (3 with new pumps, panels, and controllers)
-
7 dirt tanks
-
Direct access via Bill Knight Gap Road, maintained year-round
-
Borders thousands of acres of public land
-
Primarily Bluestem Grama grass
-
Mild terrain with abundant water and grasses for feed
-
Vegetation includes Piñon/Juniper, Ponderosa Pines, and Gamble Oak
HUNTING
Located in Unit 15, the property is managed for high-quality elk and antelope, with trophy-caliber bulls and Boone & Crockett-class bucks frequently spotted. Additional game includes black bear, mountain lion, turkey, and javelina—all huntable with OTC tags on both private and adjacent public lands.
Elk Hunting
-
Enrolled in New Mexico’s E-Plus system; the ranch receives Unit-Wide elk tags (contact agent for details).
-
Future tag allocations may increase with habitat and water improvements.
Antelope Hunting
-
OTC tags are available for private land, while public land hunting requires a draw.
IMPROVEMENTS
-
Fully fenced and cross-fenced for cattle
-
3,200 sq. ft. off-grid home (6 bed / 6 bath), includes backup generator and solar panels
-
New interior and exterior paint, and new flooring
-
Bunkhouse – 4 rooms with shared bathroom and laundry, needs work
-
Barn – 75’ x 90’
-
Wooden corrals for cattle and horses
AREA RECREATION
-
Hiking, biking, and horseback riding
-
ATV and Jeep trails
-
Fishing at nearby lakes, including:
-
Quemado Lake – Rainbow trout, channel catfish, smallmouth bass, tiger musky
-
Luna Lake – Stocked with rainbow trout
-
Nelson’s Reservoir – Scenic mountain lake with excellent trout fishing
-
-
Skiing at Sunrise Ski Resort (approximately 70 miles away)
INCOME OPPORTUNITIES
-
Cattle grazing (on deeded acreage and BLM lease)
-
Historically used to run yearlings
-
House and bunkhouse rental opportunities
LOCATION
-
40 minutes: Quemado, NM (small village)
-
50 minutes: Springerville, AZ (hospital, restaurants, hardware store, private airport)
-
75 minutes: Show Low, AZ (Lowe’s, Home Depot, Walmart, larger medical facilities, small commercial airport)
-
45–60 minutes from multiple fishing lakes
-
70 miles from Sunrise Ski Resort
Major Airports:
-
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) – approximately 4 hours
-
Albuquerque International Airport (ABQ) – approximately 3.5 hours
Wildlife Images
Maps
Ask Darrell About This Property
Co Representative(s)
