I used to live in the area. LaPlata and Archuleta counties WERE one of my favorite places on Earth. I still have some land there, but I'm doubtful I'll ever return to it.

We have "ranches" for sale here in WY as well. We also have "ranches" that used to be open for hunting, but were bought by a well-heeled hunter. We're becoming Texas and Wisconsin slowly but almost surely. I'm a public land hunter, so it matters not to me what people do with their money or THEIR land, but when they use it to lock the public out of public lands, I tend to become one of those who thinks that it's time to tax the bejeezus out of their "ranch" as "commercial" or "recreational" property rather than as "agricultural" property.

That particular property is South of Durango, which I remember as significantly more arid than what you'll find to the north. Water should be a concern anywhere you buy property anymore. I also recall that area as influenced by a reservation (Southern Ute?). You may want to do some checking in that regard as well. Consider that your neighbors there may still be real "ranchers" - that they might be a little reluctant to talk to you unless you have experience and plan to run some cows and commit to and cooperate with the ranching lifestyle. Otherwise, they may identify you as just another city slicker with money. On the other hand, they may already be anti-hunting transplants who are going to call the Sheriff/Tribal Police every time they hear a rifle shot from your side of the fence. Deer might stick around, but elk aren't going to stay put on 455 acres, particularly if they're shot at. How's the access in the winter? Can you stand being shut in until the county plow makes it out to you? Lastly, Durango is becoming a liberal bastion in SW Colorado. I'd start reading the Durango Herald online, particularly their letters to the editor.

It's an area in transition, and I'm certainly for any hunter moving back in over the anti-hunters who seem to be flocking to the area with all kinds of money. But, if your plan is a private hunting preserve and "No Trespassing" signs to keep people out of any BLM land it borders, what's the difference?

(Edit) As a community, we should be happy when we see that one of our own has funds enough to consider a purchase such as this, particularly when more and more land like this is being sold to the crowd who votes against us when it comes to firearms and hunting issues.