Until recently, the property was owned by a corporation that allowed hunting but did not manage or market the opportunity very aggressively, so only a handful of animals were taken. Last season, however, the property was sold, and the new owner has partnered with Kirk Kelso of Pusch Ridge Outfitters to develop the property into the best elk hunting destination in New Mexico. During a recent trip to the Hubble Ranch, Kelso tells us he saw a number of high-quality bulls, and he is confident that he can provide opportunities at elk averaging 340 B & C. Mind you, Kelso says there are not masses of elk on the Hubble Ranch, but there are some really big ones.
Increasing the number of elk on the property is one of the goals Kelso and the owner have set. Already, they have begun to implement a number of water improvements. They are also removing some of the pinõn juniper to open the landscape and encourage grass production. And they are serious about planting foot plots. Deep in the interior of the ranch, where none of the ranch's neighbors will be affected by herd movements, Kelso says they have planted a 10-square-mile plot of rye just for the elk.........(continued)
