Elevations on the Ft. Sumner Lake Ranch range from 4,200 to 4,500+ ft. This ranch is located in good grazing country for a year-round cow/calf operation or a yearling operation. The rolling hills and draws are covered with Blue, Black, and Side Oats grama grass. The ranch does have a bit of mesquite cover as well. Extension range specialists say while mesquite beans do have good feed value, it takes an awful lot of them to really make much of a difference to a hungry cow. However, having a bit of mesquite to supplement cows during drought conditions sure helps. We estimate the grazing capacity on a year in year out basis at 10-12 AUs/section or 30+/- cows yearlong depending on rainfall. The draws on the ranch provide for cooler temperatures as well as natural watering holes for wildlife. They also shelter livestock in times of harsh weather. The numerous draws on the ranch drain into the Ft. Sumner Lake.

Well, Fencing, Pens:

Fences and working pens are in average condition for the area. There is electricity on the west end of the ranch that runs the submersible well along with a windmill on the north end of the ranch. The electricity and well site sit on top of a hill overlooking Sumner Lake that could make an exceptional home site.

Hunting:

This ranch provides for a natural and appealing habitat for wildlife. Mule deer and pronghorn antelope will be in an out of the ranch from time to time. Owners of this ranch will be able to hunt both of these species with buy online licenses in 2019. Scaled quail are viewed on the ranch often. Owners preferring to use the ranch for a wildlife sanctuary can set up modern feeding systems on the ranch just as long as they do not hunt over them.

Recreational Appeal:

A big plus for the Ft. Sumner Ranch is that Sumner Lake State Park adjoins the west fence boundary and provides a scenic backdrop that is breathtaking. As of August 20, 2018, New Mexico State Parks reports there are 1,436 surface acres of water available for boating with 3 separate ramps. Water sports aside from boating include swimming, waterskiing, jet skiing, and fishing. Fish species include large mouth, small mouth and spotted bass, bluegill, walleye, catfish, crappie, white bass and winter trout. Hunting at the park is regulated by the NM Department of Game and Fish. The department governs hunting in their Small Game and Waterfowl Rule Books. Improved campsites at Sumner Lake include electric hookups.

Minerals:

Owners indicate all minerals owned will be conveyed with the sale.

Comments:

Ft. Sumner Lake Ranch is scenic with added recreational appeal and proximity to Sumner Lake, its production capability and its convenient proximity to Ft. Sumner, New Mexico. It is not often that a small production/recreational ranch adjoining a State Park with an attractive good size lake next door close to the desirable community of Ft Sumner, New Mexico come on the market. This ranch is realistically priced at $450 per deeded acre. To schedule a showing, or for additional information, please contact Dwain Nunez (505-263-7868) or Jim Welles (505-967-6562).