Originally Posted by
txhunter58
Thanks. I know where that property is. That's a good price. The water issues on the original property are superior by a good stretch, the land is more aesthetic with good elk pattern history and of course, the home(s). Overall I think the two properties are fairly close together in terms of value.
Thanks again. I've reached out to that realtor via email to talk some more.
Originally Posted by
homers brother
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.
Thank you very much. Yeah, talking to locals they reiterate this. Durango is another world to them, akin to a smaller Boulder. From what I gather though a few miles in every direction is still Old Colorado to some degree. Not what it used to be, I certainly here you. But it's close.
I know surrounding states offer cheaper land with more hunter-friendly folks. I particularly enjoy hunting and living in Colorado though. We'll see..
Thanks for 'edit' addition as well. Some of these guys are just unbelievable.
Originally Posted by
Topgun 3006
***Yea, right, LOL! You go buy that with your 2 1/2 million inheritance or however you came into it and then come back on this thread and invite all of us out for a good old elk hunt on your land. What a bunch of BS!!! I was in the Durango area a year ago and, although it's gorgeous country, it's full of a bunch of nonhunting Liberal Dicks that I wouldn't be caught in the same county with. Sounds like you'd fit right in around there though, so have at it, LOL!
A) It wasn't an inheritance, I earned every penny
B) you and a few others clearly have issues with money; your mean-spirited jealousy seeps through your words like a vile fart from a fat guy.
C) I absolutely do have every intention of making new E-friends and hunting with them on my land. Sorry you're so cynical that you find that impossible to believe
D) What about my posts indicates I'm a liberal? You're coming off like a walking, breathing angry stereotype of how actual liberals marginalize hunters and conservatives; angry for no reason, posturing, attacking people for its' own sake bc it's anonymous and easy, etc.
Originally Posted by
Big Uncle
"Thanks. Could you tell me why you think it's over-priced? I've looked elsewhere in the general area and I think it's about average based on my 101-level knowledge/interpretation of various water codes, etc.
Any info would be helpful."
I did not think the property was far overpriced at all. I realize that this type of property has become much more expensive in recent years.
My point was only that it would may not be great strictly as hunting land. There may be game on the land quite a bit in winter, but during the hunting seasons it may be a much more rare event. It looks like a good place to live, and a nice ranch property.
For the same price some properties in more remote areas will probably be better hunting properties, but not quite a nice for a home due to winter access and distance to shops, restaurants, etc.
Thanks for clarifying. I have (an admittedly) weird dream of being able to hunt where I live. For a decade I have fantasized of walking out of the house with my rifle, going for a hike and hunting there on the spot. Obviously picking some land an hour away and driving there would expand my options. As you state, this limits me considering my budget unless I'm willing to expand outside of La Plata County. For now I'm going to keep plugging away at land within 30 miles of Durango.
For some reason I actually prefer the land slightly East of Durango. I know most folks enjoy Mancos and I do too, but I really like Bayfield, that stretch between Bayfield and Pagosa area..
I also worry about it being only 500 acres land. As you know (and I think you stated, or somebody did) a few rifle kills and the patterns change. It might be a one-and-done situation. Some locals tell me no, 500 acres in regular pattern is sufficient, others say I need double to triple that for consistent kills.
What do you guys think about this issue in particular?
Originally Posted by
txhunter58
Originally Posted by
txhunter58
Thanks again. One of those is sold. I've reach out to real estate agents to learn more about water rights and neighboring lands.
Like I said I'd love to stay within 30 miles or so of Durango but if that looks less and less realistic I'll expand. Particularly if it's over 1500 acres of good elk in high country...
Thanks. I'll bump this thread when I hear back from the realtor (s).