The Muncy Ranch

Set where the high plains meet the timbered edges of the Cibola National Forest, The Muncy Ranch offers a rare combination of big-game hunting, functional cattle infrastructure, and long-term income potential. With 1,000 acres directly bordering the national forest, this ranch provides exceptional access, privacy, and consistent wildlife movement. Land The Muncy Ranch features classic Central New Mexico terrain—rolling country covered in pinyon pine and juniper, opening into large, cleared grass pastures. Strategic tree clearing has improved both grazing capacity and hunting visibility while maintaining the natural cover that wildlife depend on.

The direct adjacency to the Cibola National Forest creates a natural extension of the ranch, allowing elk and other big game to move freely between public and private ground—an increasingly hard-to-find attribute.

Improvements At the heart of The Muncy Ranch sits a 3,600 sq. ft. ranch-style home designed for comfort, functionality, and gathering. Whether used as a full-time residence or a hunting lodge, the home offers the space and character to serve as a true headquarters.

4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

Spacious layout ideal for hosting family, guests, or hunting groups

Rustic ranch-style finishes that reflect the surrounding landscape

Large living areas suited for relaxing after long days in the field

Generous kitchen space capable of handling large gatherings and meal prep during hunting season

Expansive, fenced yard with a classic New Mexico high-desert setting

Positioned to overlook the surrounding ranch, the home provides both privacy and a strong sense of place—equally suited for quiet evenings or a full lodge during peak hunting season.

The ranch is well-equipped for both cattle operations and equestrian use, offering a functional setup that supports day-to-day ranching while accommodating horses with ease.

50’ x 50’ barn with horse stalls

Paddocks and riding arena

30’ x 40’ three-sided pole barn for hay storage

Loadout chute and working pens

Working pens located in each pasture for efficient livestock handling

Good perimeter and cross fencing throughout the ranch

The layout and improvements allow for efficient cattle management while also providing a solid foundation for horse operations and riding.

Recreation Located in Unit 38, a secondary management unit known for opportunity and access, The Muncy Ranch is positioned to take full advantage of the region’s diverse habitat and wildlife movement patterns.

While much of Unit 38 is characterized by open country, arroyos, and rolling grasslands, the nearby higher-elevation terrain of the Cibola National Forest provides critical cover, bedding areas, and seasonal habitat for elk and other big game.

The Muncy Ranch is in the Secondary Management unit. This means that they can get unlimited elk tags. But they are good only on private lands within the unit. For deer, antelope and oryx; permits are available anytime through the NMDGF website. Be aware that these permits are only valid on private land or other private lands within the unit, with permission.

Private-land elk licenses in the Secondary Zone are unlimited and available over-the-counter by means of a Ranch Code received from a landowner who is registered through the EPLUS program. The Secondary Management Zone (Secondary Zone) is that area within the state where no specific elk management goals are set and licenses are available over-the-counter to hunters who possess a Ranch Code from a landowner who is registered with the department. Hunters must also have written permission from the landowner issuing the Ranch Code for a private-land elk license to be valid.

Elk in New Mexico are highly dependent on a mix of feed, water, and cover, often utilizing forested high country for bedding and security before moving into lower elevations to feed—particularly during the rut and early fall seasons.

The Muncy Ranch benefits directly from this pattern. With 1,000 acres bordering the national forest, the property sits in a natural travel corridor where elk and other game move between public and private ground. Water availability on the ranch further strengthens its ability to consistently attract and hold wildlife, especially during dry periods common to the region.

New Mexico is widely regarded as a premier elk hunting destination, supported by strong herd management and consistent harvest success across the state.

With its combination of location, water, and adjacency to large tracts of public land, The Muncy Ranch offers a setting where wildlife use is not occasional—but part of a repeatable, seasonal pattern.

Agriculture The Muncy Ranch has been actively utilized as a working cattle operation, demonstrating both its functionality and reliability as a productive grass ranch. The combination of native forage, improved pasture areas, and well-distributed water supports consistent grazing throughout the year.

Large, open pastures—enhanced through tree clearing—provide quality grass production, while remaining balanced with natural cover for livestock protection. The existing infrastructure, including cross fencing, multiple pastures, and working pens in each pasture, allows for efficient rotation and cattle management.

A strong water system, consisting of multiple wells and strategically placed tanks, ensures dependable water access across the ranch—an essential component for both livestock performance and long-term sustainability.

With its layout, water distribution, and established improvements, The Muncy Ranch is well-suited for continued cattle operations while maintaining the flexibility to scale or adapt to an owner’s specific program.

Water/Mineral Rights & Natural Resources Water is a key strength of The Muncy Ranch, with a well-developed and reliable system that supports both livestock and wildlife across the property.

5 livestock tanks strategically placed throughout the pastures

Tank and drinkers located at the ranch headquarters

2 solar wells

1 windmill well

Additional water supplied via a submersible system from the home

Livestock wells approximately 86 feet deep

Home well approximately 190 feet deep

Region & Climate The Muncy Ranch is located in the high plains of eastern New Mexico near Carona, an area known for its wide-open landscapes, big skies, and strong ranching heritage. This region sits at an elevation of roughly 6,000–7,000 feet, offering a mild four-season climate without the extremes found in lower desert environments.

The climate is semi-arid, characterized by low humidity, abundant sunshine, and moderate precipitation—most of which comes during late summer monsoon rains. These seasonal rains play a key role in supporting native grasses and forage production across the ranch.

Summers are warm with cool evenings, while winters are generally mild with occasional snowfall that typically melts quickly. The elevation and open terrain allow for consistent airflow, keeping conditions comfortable for both livestock and day-to-day ranch operations.

This combination of climate, elevation, and vegetation creates an environment well-suited for cattle grazing while also supporting healthy wildlife populations year-round.

Location The Muncy Ranch is ideally situated in a quiet, private setting just 7 miles northwest of Carona in eastern New Mexico. This area is known for its expansive ranch country, low population density, and direct access to some of the region’s best hunting and grazing land.

The ranch offers convenient access via county roads while maintaining a sense of seclusion and large-acreage privacy. Its proximity to the Cibola National Forest provides immediate access to thousands of acres of public land, further enhancing both recreational and operational value.

Nearby communities include Corona and Carrizozo for basic services, with larger amenities available in Roswell and Albuquerque.

Roswell, NM – approximately 1.5 hours

Albuquerque, NM – approximately 2 hours

Albuquerque International Sunport – major commercial airport access

The location strikes a balance between accessibility and true ranch seclusion—close enough for convenience, yet far enough removed to feel like your own piece of the West.