A word is in order first about the landowners. At least one of them is a very successful corporate executive who wishes to remain anonymous. I agreed not to mention his name or the name of the other landowner either. Suffice it to say, you would know these men. They have a lot of money, and the properties they own reflect that. In all, there are four major ranches involved, two in Colorado, one in Wyoming and one in New Mexico. The animals available include elk, deer, antelope, mountain lion and other species. On all but one of the ranches, there are at least some guaranteed landowner licenses available.
Let's begin by looking at Petrini's property in New Mexico. It's located in the northeastern part of the state just outside of Raton and covers 200,000 acres. This region is known for producing large trophy heads, which Petrini attributes to the rich minerals found in the lava flows that covered the ranch when Mt. Capulin erupted here several million years ago. The property features several kinds of native grasses that grow lushly, providing plenty of the nutrients needed for big racks. In addition, Petrini plants food plots in the wintering areas, has significantly reduced the amount of grazing cattle on the property and works with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish to conduct population studies and control poaching. The property features large resident elk herds, numerous deer, antelope, cinnamon-color phase black bears and some mountain lions.
The terrain on this ranch varies from high plains at 6,500 feet to mountain country at........(continued)
