Thoughts on this property as a hunter
02-04-2014, 12:07 AM
#31
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 6
Thanks again. I've reached out to that realtor via email to talk some more.
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.
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.
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.
***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!
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.
"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.
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.
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?
Here you go. Can't beat this deal for an elk ranch!
http://www.realtor.com/realestateand...70-43170?row=9
http://www.realtor.com/realestateand...70-43170?row=9
Here is another great one in great elk country.
http://www.realtor.com/realestateand...7-78698?row=24
What do you think???
http://www.realtor.com/realestateand...7-78698?row=24
What do you think???
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).
02-04-2014, 12:14 AM
#32
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 6
Some good guys with helpful posts mixed in as well, though.
I'm doing research. Advice from seasoned elk hunters is as good a place to start as anywhere, it seems to me. Certainly better than asking realtors.
You keep reiterating the dollar amount over and over...again if you have issues w/ money I sympathize but it's off-putting to take that out on strangers.
I'm in touch w/ locals and I'm in touch with you all.
You really owe me an apology. I won't hold my breathe.
Last edited by brianinco; 02-04-2014 at 12:18 AM.
02-04-2014, 03:59 AM
#33
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Kerrville, Tx. USA
Posts: 2,722
Ok, although not totally convinced, you are sounding much more legit. If you are, then I apologize profoundly. How long have you lived in Durango and what do you do? I know a guy who owns 15 acres on the river on the outskirts of Durango's north side that has Boone and Crocket bucks in his fields almost year round. He hunts with a bow there to keep the neighbors happy. So obtaining a property to live on and hunt deer is very doable.
But an elk property is a whole nother animal. The properties to the south of Durango/Mancos are great deer areas, but elk, not so much. And consistent elk country needs more acreage. Scare a deer and he will run over the hill. Scare an elk and he will run to the next county. I would be surprised if the pictures of the elk shown are actually on the property you mentioned.
I also tried to say close to Durango when I bought property but ended up buying out near Groundhog reservoir north of Dolores just because you get twice the bang for your buck.
But an elk property is a whole nother animal. The properties to the south of Durango/Mancos are great deer areas, but elk, not so much. And consistent elk country needs more acreage. Scare a deer and he will run over the hill. Scare an elk and he will run to the next county. I would be surprised if the pictures of the elk shown are actually on the property you mentioned.
I also tried to say close to Durango when I bought property but ended up buying out near Groundhog reservoir north of Dolores just because you get twice the bang for your buck.
02-04-2014, 04:17 AM
#34
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 6
I've lived in Durango off and on for two years. I work from home. IT.
I know a guy who owns 15 acres on the river on the outskirts of Durango's north side that has Boone and Crocket bucks in his fields almost year round. He hunts with a bow there to keep the neighbors happy. So obtaining a property to live on and hunt deer is very doable.
But an elk property is a whole nother animal. The properties to the south of Durango/Mancos are great deer areas, but elk, not so much. And consistent elk country needs more acreage. Scare a deer and he will run over the hill. Scare an elk and he will run to the next county. I would be surprised if the pictures of the elk shown are actually on the property you mentioned.
But an elk property is a whole nother animal. The properties to the south of Durango/Mancos are great deer areas, but elk, not so much. And consistent elk country needs more acreage. Scare a deer and he will run over the hill. Scare an elk and he will run to the next county. I would be surprised if the pictures of the elk shown are actually on the property you mentioned.
I know it's hard to give definitive numbers but can you guys chime in on what you'd like to see as a minimum acreage for a consistent elk hunting habitat? Or is very much region-specific?
02-04-2014, 04:17 AM
#35
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Kerrville, Tx. USA
Posts: 2,722
This last post sounds good as well, but as stated, I am still skeptical on this being legitimate due to being burned in the past. After all, this is the intenet and scammers have become very adept at sounding legitmate. One thing that would go a long way to proving your legitmacy would be links to other posts you have made on other hunting websites. Someone who wants to buy a property such as this to hunt on doesn't just materialize out of thin are. They have done some posting on hunting/fishing/shooting forums. Can you provide such links to your postings?
No, if you are for real, you don't have to prove anything to us, but due to the way of the internet, you won't be taken seriously unless you can provide more than a few posts seeming to be promoting a certain property.
No, if you are for real, you don't have to prove anything to us, but due to the way of the internet, you won't be taken seriously unless you can provide more than a few posts seeming to be promoting a certain property.
02-04-2014, 04:20 AM
#36
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Allegan, MI
Posts: 8,019
brianinco---I'll also offer a humble apology if you are legit and just doing what you say, but the reason I came on this thread like I did was because there have been too many that did just like you did on your first post and were just trying to get around website rules that you can only put ads like you did in the Classified Section. Sorry if I was wrong and if you stay on here and show you're truly a hunter and just came on for some help I could could give a rip whether you have money or not to buy those expensive properties. Durango is, however, a Lib stronghold for the well-healed and it's too bad they've taken over that beauiful area of CO. I have more than what I need to do my thing and actually was on the road for three solid months in five states last year helping a buddy on a sheep hunt and doing DIY hunts for elk, deer, antelope, and capped it all off with a week of pheasant hunting with my pointer. FYI, as TX stated, elk require lots of acreage and we're talking thousands, not hundreds. I've watched herds of elk that were spooked in WY where I hunt and they went 3-4 miles up and down over several drainages in a small time frame like we would walk on the sidewalk for a stroll.
Last edited by Topgun 3006; 02-04-2014 at 04:26 AM.
02-04-2014, 04:24 AM
#37
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Kerrville, Tx. USA
Posts: 2,722
I think an elk ranch is just like real estate of any kind: location, location, location.
So in some areas, 400-500 acres might be enough. However in most, I would think 1000 acres would be a minimum.
Smaller ranches, even just a couple of hundred acres, might be enough if they backed up to public land that was hard to access except through the private. A smaller ranch surrounded by private, especially in the lower country south of Durango, would not be ideal for year round elk. Elk just are too moble Deer, yes, but not elk
So in some areas, 400-500 acres might be enough. However in most, I would think 1000 acres would be a minimum.
Smaller ranches, even just a couple of hundred acres, might be enough if they backed up to public land that was hard to access except through the private. A smaller ranch surrounded by private, especially in the lower country south of Durango, would not be ideal for year round elk. Elk just are too moble Deer, yes, but not elk
02-04-2014, 06:26 AM
#38
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Kerrville, Tx. USA
Posts: 2,722
Elevation is another factor. I don't think you are in to elky country until you get up above 7500-8000 feet. Sure there are year round elk below that, but not the numbers of higher country, unless you only want to hunt the later/winter range type seasons.
03-08-2014, 05:39 AM
#40
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Allegan, MI
Posts: 8,019
***Well as far as I'm concerned TX and I were correct in our analysis because the OP hasn't even logged back onto the site since the time of his final post on this thead on 2/04/14 to see if anyone answered his last questions! However, he succeeded in getting well over 1100 views, so it looks like he accomplished whatever he was attempting, LOL!
Last edited by Topgun 3006; 03-08-2014 at 05:42 AM.