In addition to outstanding angling, Cañones Creek provides ownership with onsite big game hunting. The ranch is located within New Mexico’s Game Management Unit (GMU) 4, which is widely regarded as a top destination for excellent elk and trophy mule deer hunting. Elk and mule deer are drawn to the property’s hay meadows in the fall and will seek cover on the western side of the river. The adjacent Jicarilla Apache Reservation is famous for trophy elk and world-class mule deer hunting. Deer and elk from the Reservation regularly utilize the cover, feed, and water of Cañones Creek Ranch – thereby providing ownership with some quality hunting opportunities each season. The ranch is enrolled in the Private Land Elk License (E-Plus) program and typically receives four bull elk authorizations from the state each year. Private land only deer licenses are also easily obtainable by utilizing the ranch’s designated authorization code and applying through an application process. Merriam’s turkey and waterfowl also inhabit the property and provide additional opportunities. In addition to the game animals, the ranch provides habitat for a large number of songbirds, raptors, and additional small wildlife.
Quality live water properties with a significant quantity of fishable water are increasingly difficult to acquire in New Mexico. With both banks on one and one-quarter miles of professionally enhanced Chama River and a 1 acre trout pond, this holding provides a unique package of trout water for its size. The Chama River flies below the radars of many anglers, but those that know it hold it and its large trout in high regard.
The one and one-quarter mile entire stretch of Chama River flowing through the ranch has been professionally enhanced. Resembling a classic freestone stream, it meanders below tall stands of mature cottonwoods and alongside open meadows and steep bluff slopes. The river provides diverse aquatic habitat with deep plunge pools, gentle glides and riffles, as well as boulder, grass and willow-lined banks. In addition to a healthy population of rainbows, this section of river is home to wild brown trout that can exceed 20 inches in length. Fly fishing with dries, streamers, and nymphs is excellent depending on the season. A private bridge provides easy access to both sides of the river.
The Pavilion Pond is not only a favorite gathering place and one of the most attractive sites on the ranch, it provides angling for brook and brown trout, as well as rainbows reaching in excess of 24 inches and 8 pounds in size.
The skeet shooting range features a high and low house and provides ownership with an additional activity for all to enjoy. In addition to the onsite fishing and hunting, there are countless opportunities for boating, hiking, backpacking, camping, and winter recreation just minutes from the ranch gate.