Property Description

Hardy Ridge is a rare recreational property with diverse topography and vegetation with abundant Big Game located near Magdalena, New Mexico. Although typically a rather arid region (historic annual precipitation is only 14"); this ranch is unique in the abundance of water sources that attracts and houses Big game and wildlife. Several drainages on the Western slope of the Magdalena Mountain Ranch converge on Hardy Ridge, funneling wildlife through a natural corridor covered with rare springs and seeps that generate enough water to fill several ponds and storage tanks.  The rare water on this property for the region provides domestic use water at the bunkhouse and sustains a very robust wildlife population with water to drink and irrigated alfalfa as a supplement feed.  With a mix of flatland, deep canyons, and some rugged terrain, there is a mix of vegetation and trees making the land a perfect oasis for wildlife. 

The vegetation on the lower parcel (West side) is scattered Pinon/Juniper, and as you climb elevation to the upper parcel (East side) Ponderosa Pine stands with Fir, Spruce and some Aspen thickets line the big canyon slopes.  Resident and migratory Elk populations, including trophy class bulls, take advantage of the water and feed, and Mule Deer, Black Bears, Mountain Lions, Turkey, and Javelina all use the property frequently. Ranch-Only Elk tags have been allocated to Hardy Ridge in the past, and easy to obtain hunting tags for the other species means you can hunt multiple species each year from August through April. Located in Unit 17, the unit is known for the high quality Elk hunting.  Access to the property is through a legal easement through deeded property and National Forest on the West side.  

The property has a bunk house with a kitchen, bathroom, two sets of bunk beds, and a small porch.  There are permanent hunting stands and the deeded parcels have fencing and gates. The property can be accessed year round.  

While the property feels very secluded and remote, it is only 30 minutes from town. Magdalena was once a vibrant mining and ranching community, and a rail spur made Magdalena one of the most active cattle depots in the Southwest.  Today that historic spirit remains, not only in the buildings and relics still standing, but also in the vast expanse to be explored and discovered in the area.  Hardy Ridge has 3 ski resorts within 2.5 hours.  Elephant Butte lake is 1.5 hours drive and the Rio Grande is under an hour.  The Apache Kid and Withington Wilderness areas are under 30 minutes from the property.  The Gila Wilderness is 1.5 hours from the property.  Outdoor recreational opportunities are abundant in every direction.  

PROPERTY ATTRIBUTES

• 480± deeded acres 
• Elevation ranging from 7350’ to 8435’ 
• Lower parcel has mild elevation change and is fairly flat with a gradual slope
• Upper parcel has deep canyons, and some rugged terrain
• Bottom of ranch has Cholla Cactus and Pinons/Juniper, native grasses
• Upper elevations has Ponderosa Pines, Fir, Spruce and even Aspens
• Multiple seeps and springs that supply storage tanks, ponds and water pipeline running down to the Western edge of the property.  Several food plots equipped with water cannons add greenery.  The region is generally arid and void of water, but the water sources on Hardy Ridge make it unique property for the area.
• Bunk house
• Permanent hunting stands
• Secluded property yet only 30 minutes from town

IMPROVEMENTS

• Bunk House

  • The property has a 16’x26’ simple bunkhouse with a porch
  • Small kitchen
  • Bathroom
  • Two sets of bunk beds.
  • Water and power
  • Provides a perfect base camp for the property

• Hunting Stands- There are several permanent hunting stands that allow an elevated observation at the lower section on the property.  One can watch Big Game and wildlife without disturbing from a high vantage point.
• The perimeter of both deeded parcels are fenced with good fencing and gates.

ACCESS

• Year-round access from Forest Road 234. 
• There is a legal easement through a parcel of deeded land and also an easement through National Forest to access Hardy Ridge. 
• The property feels very remote despite being only 30 minutes from town.  

HUNTING

Hardy Ridge is located in Unit 17, known for its high quality Elk hunting.  The property draws in Elk from surrounding areas because of its water sources, feeding area and bedding habitat.  In addition to the Elk hunting, this property also provides an opportunity to hunt several other species throughout the year as well.

ELK: 

• Resident and Migratory Elk herds
• Trophy caliber bulls
• Historically the property has been allocated Ranch-Only bull Elk tags. (*Contact agent for more information) 
• Elk can be hunted during the following dates (subject to change each year):

  • Sept. 1-14, 15-24 Archery elk season 
  • Oct. 5-9 youth muzzle loader season
  • Oct. 12-16, 19-23
  • Nov. 16-20 Adult muzzleloader season

MULE DEER:

• The property has a very solid Mule Deer population which can be hunted with OTC (Over-The-Counter) tags on the following dates with multiple weapons (subject to change each year):

  • Sept. 1-24, Jan. 1-25 Archery season
  • Oct.  26-30 muzzleloader
  • Nov. 2-6, 9-13 Rifle season
  • Nov. 23-Dec. 1 Youth season

TURKEY:

• Due to the water and the food plots, Turkey are year round residents of Hardy Ridge.  Merriam’s Turkey can be hunted on OTC tags on the following dates (subject to change each year):

  • April 12-14  youth only
  • April 15-May 15
  • Sept. 1-30 bow only
  • Nov 1-30 shotgun, bow or crossbow

JAVALINA:

• Can be hunted on OTC tags on the following dates (subject to change each year):

  • Jan. 1-31 & Feb. 1-March 31

MOUNTAIN LION:

• Due to the abundance of wildlife, Mountain Lions visit the property and can be hunted. 
• Two Mountain Lions can be harvested per hunter annually. 
• They can be hunted on OTC tags on the following dates (subject to change each year):

  • April 1st-March 31

BEAR: 

Over the last 5 years, game camera documentation has shown a strong population of Black Bears.  Black Bear season is long and can provide lots of hunting enjoyment.

• Zone 10’s season starts September 1-24 archery only and then September 25th - December 15th or until the quota is met, any legal weapon.

The property also holds many other species of wildlife, all of which have been documented recently including Coatimundi, Ring Tail Cat, Mexican Grey Wolf, Coyotes, Badger, and Fox.

RECREATION/AREA ATTRACTIONS

Hardy Ridge has 3 ski resorts within 2.5 hours.  Elephant Butte lake is 1.5 hours drive and the Rio Grande is under an hour.  The Apache Kid and Withington Wilderness areas are under 30 minutes from the property.  The Gila Wilderness is 1.5 hours from the property.  Outdoor recreational opportunities are abundant in every direction.  

LOCATION

• Hardy Ridge is a recreational gem located 18.5 miles south of Magdalena, New Mexico off the western slopes of the Magdalena Mountain Range.
• 25 minutes from Magdalena (restaurants, gas station, schools, medical clinic and a Dollar General)
• 45 minutes from Socorro (Walmart, restaurants, fast food, hardware store, hospital, golf course and New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology)
• 1.5 hours from Albuquerque and the International Sunport Airport
• 2.5 hours from Santa Fe (art galleries, spas, museums and cultural venues) and the Santa Fe Municipal Airport.