Ski or fish?

Ah...winter in the Rockies. So many activities and YES, the time to do them (aside from holiday traveling of course). Real estate is generally slower this time of year, although the cunning come and look in the deep winter to see what they're getting into! Nevertheless, there is some time for outdoor recreation. Skiing at Purgatory and Wolf Creek are my preference...both are great and small enough you don't get lost but large enough you get plenty tired! However, I don't generally ski until later in the winter when the holiday crowds subside. Now is the time for fishing and hunting.

If we get a steady period of warm weather in Durango (3 days + at 40 degrees +) the Animas River can be stellar. Fish deeper holes dredging nymphs along the bottom or slowly retrieving leeches from below. Large fish generally appear from the depths this time of year. If it's cold, a trip to the San Juan River is appealing as the crowds are sparse and the side channel fishing can be great. If you can use a drift boat, do so but not for better fishing only comfort. I tend to catch more fish wading. Ice fishing season generally starts about January 15th when the ice becomes reliable, more on this & hunting later...

2009 Oryx hunt

It all started with seeing an Oryx mount hanging on the newly decorated wall of my friend's new home in Durango. I was astonished at the beauty and he urged me to begin applying for the once in a lifetime hunt at White Sands Missle Range in southern New Mexico assuring me that it would take 10 years or so to draw.

Next thing I know, I'm packing up the truck heading to Alamagordo, NM with my buddy, Steve, Oryx tag in hand! It's an expensive tag but as I come to discover, well worth the money. The Oryx was introduced into White Sands in 1969 with several releases through the mid-70's and the habitat and lack of predators (like Lions & Leopards) proved to be a suitable and thriving situation. Thus, the depredation hunt each year that I am now remembering.

The most consistent advice given to me from each person I spoke to that has experience with these animals is to not underestimate their toughness. I soon came to discover that they are also very difficult to spot as they blend in perfectly with the Mesquite and tall Serengetti like grass. I also learned they are very good at keeping just enough distance between you making a stalk near impossible in open country. Therefore, Steve and I implemented our Colorado stalk method and took to the hills. We found a small group bedded from about a mile away and decided on our stalk route...isn't wonderful when a plan comes to fruition? I was fortunate enough to make a shot (actually 3 shots) and obtain one of these fine animals. After giving thanks, we reflected on the hunt and how magnificent it was to see these exotic animals so close to home.

To guide or not to guide.

For many who are contemplating a hunting or fishing trip to a new area, it is advisable to research the many outfitters in the area. For the most part, these outfitters have excellent resources to guide you to the type of adventure you are after. Although a guide is not always necessary, I feel the "local knowledge" is invaluable, especially on your first few trips. In fact, I often hire the services of a guide in areas I am unfamiliar and find that the techniques, equipment and experience of the guide is generally an eye opener for me. For instance, I've implemented many casting techniques learned in Oregon Steelhead fishing in my home waters finding it more effective than the techniques I formerly used. For the "do it yourselfer" make sure you take advantage of the local shops as many locals convene to tell stories in these shops and an incredible amount of valuable information is shared. They also have all the maps and equipment you may need. Keep in mind, however, you will not get the insider information unless you are accompanied by a guide.

Real estate features, an outdoorsman's perspective...

In SW Colorado many of the prospects looking to purchase real estate are looking for specific amenities in a property. Some of these attributes are live water, bordering public land, privacy, scenic property and views. Of these, the two that most drive premium prices are live water and public land. A property that has some of these features and is nicely located is a sound investment. It is also important to research how near electric, phone and a domestic water source is to the propery. Because we are blessed to have an abundant amount of public land in SW Colorado and northern NM, developable land is limited; therefore, properties that attain these wonderful attributes can be a premium. However, I have found that these kind of properties are always in demand and appreciate very well. One note, not only outdoorsmen appreciate these attributes so as Will Rogers said, "Buy land and wait, don't wait to buy land."

The Real Estate Part

One excellent method to take advantage of the wonderful land opportunities in SW Colorado is to form a limited liability company or syndicate of partners that can pool their resources and purchase a property with the intent of a long term investment. The advantage, aside from the purchasing power and limited risk, is the ability to utilize the property unlike a stock portfolio you will never see. I can help you find a property that is strategically located to high quality hunting and fishing! I can also help you form the LLC or syndicate of your choice and I even have a pool of investors that are ready to move on property so all you have to do is say the word!

Fall Fishing in the SW and Real Estate

Early November and the weather is in the 60's each day. Now that hunting season is winding down a bit (although I am headed to New Mexico deer hunting next week and Oryx hunting in mid-December) the fishing bug begins to set in. Late Fall may be one of the best times as there tends to be few people and wonderful water/weather conditions. I received two reports from the San Juan River quality waters that the fishing is incredible with one report from my friend and guide, AC, estimating 40 hookups per day. The San Juan is world class fishing and I'm betting that there are only a handful of fisherman on the river today...not a bad option! Especially considering there is probably a good chance for a late afternoon hatch as we have a low front moving in this weekend.

However, because of time and responsibilities today, I am opting for a few hour frame on the Animas River Gold Medal waters south of Durango. I am going to try terrestrial droppers behind a large Stimulator and see if I can get some of the large Browns that have just finished their Fall dance to take advantage of the last days before winter. I will let you know how the day was and I hope you are doing the same!

2009 in perspective

2009 has been a challenging year from a real estate perspective as Durango, as much of the country, saw a pinnacle year in 2005 continue through 2006 but began a sharp decline through May of 2009. The good news is that transactions and volume are again ahead of previous year and on the rise. Most feel that those seeking excellent buying opportunities in the area are now acting on this impulse which should spur the sideliners into action causing an uptick in the market. However, this may be delayed as winter snow has arrived as of yesterday and the holidays are just around the corner.

Meanwhile, a majority of the hunting season has ended for 2009 and all indications show a tremendous year in both numbers and quality for the SW Colorado area. Personally, I was blessed to take a 6X7 bull elk during the first rifle season. This is the first year I did not archery hunt since 2002 and although I love September hunting the change was exhilerating. Instead of my usual backcountry wilderness hunt, I stayed in a small cabin with some good friends and hunted a strategic portion of national forest close to home that proved to be successful. It was a tremendous hunt as my Kiwi friend, Jason Kidd, and I found a small herd with 2 or 3 bulls and followed them for an hour or so, 2nd morning at dawn. It was straight uphill and took all I had to keep in hearing distance. Fortunately, they kept bugling which allowed me to slip in undetected by protection of a few Kiwi "cow calls" from 80 yards back. The herd bull was smart and no where in sight but, like all unsuspecting males, revealed himself to check on the cows and I was able to bring him down with a 120 yard shot out of my .3006 with 150 grain heavy loaded bullets. Quite a different reaction to the last 6 bulls I've taken with my bow! Anyway, there's a lot of good stories we need to discuss on the 2009 hunt...from my friend's high country archery deer to a 3rd season unit 76 elk hunt coming up.

Fishing...another story and I haven't done enough this year although I was lucky enough to catch my best Brown out of the Animas River on a black wooly bugger from a raft. It was quite the moment as my two partners scrambled to help me with the 24" hen that drug us downriver first and then back upriver until finally we were able to compose the raft and net her. There were a couple of close calls of falling in the river, breaking rods, etc...good fun! The salmon are running now so I must go but only after I make a few calls to some real estate prospects!