This ranch provides it all. Large aspen stands along four miles of Merrill’s Spring Creek, excellent range conditions and open meadows meandering through heavily timbered draws leading up to a backdrop unlike any other currently offered on the south side of the Big Snowy Mountains. The ideal setting to harvest giant elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, bear and upland birds.
Resources:
Property Details
8380 Deeded Acres
640 Acre State Lease
The Big Snowy Mountain Ranch is basically a blank canvas. A modest yet habitable ranch home was built in 1921 and lies in a secluded valley, surrounded by heavy pine trees and Aspens. The headwaters of Merrill’s Spring Creek flows through the back yard of the house into a small reservoir off the front porch. Several smaller outbuildings, most of which were built in the early half of the last century, line the west side of the drive into the headquarters giving a nostalgic and historic appearance. The ranch is fenced and cross fenced into several pastures and is well watered with over 4 miles of Merills Spring Creek, multiple springs, wells, and reservoirs. Over the last year, the sellers have made significant water improvements on the southern boundaries, providing ample water for cattle located anywhere on the ranch.
The Big Snowy Mountain Ranch is very diverse in its landscape. The terrain varies from gently rolling hard grass country on its southern boundaries to high mountain timbered ridges next to the National Forest. The ranch lies in a high snowfall area with elevations ranging from 4500 to 5800 feet. The current layout of the property provides for limited hay production and has been used as summer pasture for up to 400 cows. The meadows bordering over 4 miles of Merrills Spring Creek have been hayed in the past. And could easily be put back in to production.
Merrills Spring Creek meanders through the heart of this legacy ranch for approximately 4 miles, providing for one of the most dramatic settings along the Snowy Mountains. Heavily timbered ridges, grassy meadows, live water, multiple reservoirs, large stands of Quaking Aspen trees, and location provide an ideal environment for resident elk along with healthy numbers of trophy deer, antelope, giant black bear, upland birds, and many other species.
The Big Snowy Mountain Ranch is considered by many as one of the premier elk hunting ranches in this area. The ranch is bordered by several large private holdings and shares its north boundary with difficult access to federal and state lands for nearly seven miles, making it a virtual sportsman’s paradise! With National Forrest, State and BLM ground as its Northern boundary, the Big Snowy Mountain Ranch becomes the safe haven for all species.
The Lewis and Clark National Forest to the north provides ample attractions for the outdoor enthusiast including wildlife viewing, hiking, snowmobiling, Ice Caves and Crystal Lake to name just a few.
Mineral Rights
All minerals currently owned by seller will transfer at closing.
Location Details
The south slopes of the Big Snowy Mountains provide for one of the most beautiful and pristine settings in the state of Montana. The ranch headquarters lie in a very private yet scenic location about 27 miles south of Lewistown, Montana and 22 miles east of Judith Gap. Billings, which is the largest city in Montana is an hour and thirty minutes to the southeast. Billings has many amenities such as fine restaurants, shopping, multiple colleges, the largest medical center in the region and a well serviced regional airport.
