Antelo pe Creek Ranch Big Timber, Montana Fly Fishing Hunting Ranching Conservation
Antelo pe Creek Ranch Big Timber, Montana Introduction: Located approximately 6 miles west of Big Timber and 28 miles east of Livingston, Montana, the Antelope Creek Ranch is a beautiful and versatile property comprised of 1,736 +/- deeded acres with additional lease ground. With its varied terrain, diverse habitat and wildlife, and multiple land use options, the ranch provides high-quality recreational opportunities along with a viable agricultural component. With 2+/- miles of prime frontage on the Yellowstone River, the ranch features direct access to one of the best trout streams in Montana. In addition, the Antelope Creek Ranch boasts a spring creek that heads up on the property and flows for better than 1/3 of a mile through riparian river-bottom land, as well as a freestone creek and two stocked trout ponds. Improvements include a 2,400 sqft 5-bedroom, 2-bathroom home and a 1,850 sqft second home, and several outbuildings including a large horse barn and arena. Nearby outdoor recreational pursuits are boundless because the ranch is located in one of the most scenic and sporting regions of Montana. With options ranging from fishing, wing shooting and big game hunting to farming and running horses or cattle, the ranch is well-suited for a variety of sporting and income-producing pursuits. The Jeff Shouse, Broker Cell: 406.580.5078 Craig Janssen, Montana Managing Broker Toll Free: 866.734.6100 Office: 406.586.6010 offering price is $3,900,000.
Location: The Antelope Creek Ranch is located approximately six miles west of Big Timber, 28 miles east of Livingston, 54 miles east of Bozeman and 80 miles west of Billings. This region of south-central Montana is characterized by varying geography irrigated river valleys, timbered foothill and bench country, vast expanses of rolling prairie and rangeland and high-alpine mountainous terrain. The area is touted for its recreational opportunities, cultural variety, historical richness and distinctive Western feel. Situated on the northern fringe of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, Montana s Sweet Grass County is relatively unpopulated with 3,600 people spread across approximately 1,860 square miles. Large areas of open space prevail, and the landscape has largely escaped the subdivision and urban sprawl evident in some other scenic parts of the state. This characteristic is attributed to the fact that agriculture remains the primary economic activity, centered around large commercial cattle and sheep ranches and farming operations. The area around Big Timber is framed by three prominent mountain ranges the Absaroka/Beartooth complex to the south and the Crazy Mountains to the north, with the snowcapped summits of certain peaks exceeding 10,000 feet. The Yellowstone River bisects the land between the mountains and is fed by numerous freestone streams and spring creeks. Populations of elk, deer and moose are frequently seen in the foothills and hayfields, and grizzlies can still be found roaming the forests and peaks. Big Timber lies on the south bank of the Yellowstone River and is considered the major trade center for the immediate area. With 1,600 residents, Big Timber was founded in 1883 and serves as the county seat of Sweet Grass County. The town provides shopping and servicerelated amenities, schools, restaurants and watering holes, specialty shops, car dealerships, motels and hotels, a regional hospital (Pioneer Medical Center) and a small jet-capable airport. Major shopping tasks can be accomplished in nearby Bozeman or Billings, which also provide the closest commercial jet air service.
The Property: At an elevation ranging from 4,100 to 4,500 feet, the Antelope Creek Ranch comprises approximately 1,736 +/- deeded and 134+/- acres of State of Montana lease ground. The acreage north of I-90 consists of river-riparian habitat, dryland hay fields, and both flood and pivot irrigated crop land where grain and alfalfa have historically been grown. All of the irrigated ground approximately 274 acres which includes 179+/- acres under two pivots, is located on this part of the property. For the last few years, the crop has consisted entirely of alfalfa and grass hay with total yields in the 1,000 to 1,200+/- ton range. This production ground is also used to graze aftermath in the fall and feed cattle in the winter. The stocking rate is estimated at 400AUMs for this portion of the ranch. The north agricultural operation is leased on a year-to-year basis to a tenant who is also responsible for repairs and maintenance. The river bottom is comprised of open meadows interspersed with cattail sloughs, brushy areas and large cottonwood and juniper trees, offering superb wildlife habitat. The spring creek and newer trout pond are situated on this end of the property. The southern part of the ranch consists primarily of native
pasture and grazing land, with scattered pine, fir, juniper, aspen and cottonwood trees, brushy vegetation and sage, draws, canyons and high benches. Expansive panoramic views of the mountains can be seen in all directions from the high ridges, and there are numerous spectacular building sites with huge vistas. An access road runs through a main draw south of the buildings and parallel to the cottonwood and aspen-lined Antelope Creek, and a spur ranch road runs west from this main road, making a loop around the highest ridge to the west of the creek. The southwest corner of the ranch includes a large tree-filled canyon with scattered spring water in the bottom. Mule deer and elk use this area for bedding. Another small trout pond stocked with brook trout is located on Antelope Creek. This portion of the ranch is subject to an annual grazing lease with a separate agricultural operator. The lease allows for grazing of yearlings, cows, cow/calf pairs, bulls and horses. Under the grazing standards set forth by the lease agreement, stock may graze no more than 50% (by weight) of the current year s grass resource, and carrying capacity of the range has been estimated at approximately 300 AUMs. The operator is responsible for repairs and maintenance, and the owner controls any weed issues.
Improvements: There are two houses on the ranch, along with several outbuildings including a large horse arena and barn. Both houses are rented on a month-to-month basis to separate tenants. The first house was originally built in 1895 and was remodeled in 2006. It has two stories with approximately 2,400 sqft of living area, five bedrooms, one bath and gas/forced air heating. The second house was built in 1996 and is one story with approximately 1,850 sqft of living space. This house has four bedrooms and 3 full baths with gas and hot water/radiant heating. The outbuildings include the following: Metal Pole Frame Building, closed with 4 sides built in 2006, 80ʹ x 120ʹ Metal Pole Frame Building, closed with 4 sides built in 2006, 36ʹ x 112ʹ Metal Pole Frame Building, closed with 4 sides built in 1940, 27ʹ x 100ʹ Wood Pole Frame Building, 1 side open built in 1996, 28ʹ x 60ʹ Prefab Building with Vertical Walls built in 1970, 50ʹ x 80ʹ Frame Implement Shed built 1960, 26ʹ x 32ʹ 60,000 BU Grain Bins w/o aerator built in 1960, 21ʹ / circumference of 56ʹ 60,000 BU Grain Bins w/o aerator built in 1940, 11ʹ / circumference of 37ʹ Both of the agricultural leases and the two residential leases can be terminated by the owner of the ranch by 30-day notice. Currently, the overall management of the ranch is facilitated through a professional ranch management firm, which oversees lease negotiation, infrastructure improvements, weed spraying, range and pasture management, and hunting activities, on behalf of the owner.
Live Water: A highlight of the Antelope Creek Ranch is its 2+/- miles of frontage on the Yellowstone River. Volumes have been written in past and present fishing literature about this revered fishery. Beginning its journey in Yellowstone National Park, the river drains an enormous watershed, and its many tributaries include the finest wild trout streams. Running 680 undammed miles to its confluence with the Missouri River in western North Dakota, the Yellowstone has the distinction of being the longest free-flowing river in the contiguous United States. The river leaves Yellowstone and enters Montana at Gardiner, then flows northeast through the dramatic Paradise Valley until reaching Livingston, where it makes a bend to the east and flows in that direction through the bulk of south-central and eastern Montana. While trout can be found as far downstream as Billings, it is the upper 100 miles that receive the most serious interest from trout anglers. This Blue Ribbon classified section constitutes the largest continuous stretch of trout water in the state with such designation almost a fourth of all such defined water in Montana. The Yellowstone is a compelling mix of shallow riffles, undercut banks, deep holes and runs, and expansive tailouts, offering a variety of trout habitat and consistent success to anglers possessing a myriad of presentation skills. The three main trout species in the river are the native Yellowstone cutthroat, brown and rainbow naturally reproducing wild fish. Additionally, brook trout are found in the river generally in the immediate vicinity of feeder creeks as are Mountain whitefish, which are abundant.
Not only does the river have a substantial population of trout, it also supports some impressively huge fish. One look at the Wall of Fame in Dan Bailey s Fly Shop in Livingston will confirm that the Yellowstone River has produced trophies over the years, and biologists electro-fishing the river have sampled fish over 15 pounds. The majority of trout caught in the Yellowstone, however, run between 10 and 20 inches. An angler throwing streamers has a realistic chance at fish exceeding this range. The Yellowstone is open to fishing year-round, and there are many excellent fishing accesses, where certain ones offer camping. Due to the size and depth of the river, access to the best water is often facilitated by the use of a drift boat to fish the deeper banks and runs, and then stopping to wade the riffles, heads of pools and side channels. A boat could be launched or trailered at many spots on the Antelope Creek Ranch, or at the Gray Bear fishing access on the northeast corner. Run-off in normal snowpack years winds down by the middle to third week of July, and stable flows can be expected throughout the summer irrigation season. Consistent insect hatches begin in late May and run through mid-september. The first significant event on the Yellowstone is the Mother s Day caddis hatch, which generates substantial activity by both trout and fly fishermen. The Pteronarcys hatch more commonly referred to as the Salmon Fly hatch starts the end of June or first week in July, although due to runoff at about the same time, it can be a hit-or-miss proposition for the angler. For the bulk of late spring, summer and early autumn, there is excellent dry fly fishing using a variety of adult-phase, imitative and attractor patterns that include midges, blue-winged olive, baetis and pale morning mayfly duns, and several genus of both caddis and stonefly. Mid-summer through early fall is terrestrial time, with grasshopper, ant and beetle patterns taking many fish on the surface. Nymph and streamer presentations are effective all year round. Mayfly, caddis and small stonefly larval imitations work well in the riffles, while sculpin patterns and general attractor streamers such as wooly buggers will take larger fish particularly brown and cutthroat in the deeper pools and holding lies along undercut banks. Some of the largest fish from the river are caught on streamers in the fall. Fishing opportunities on the Yellowstone are many and varied, and an angler can spend a lifetime learning the nuances of the river and the seasonal feeding preferences of the trout. In angling circles, the Yellowstone is one of the most regarded and highly-touted trout rivers in the world, and its highquality wild trout fishery validates this recognition. In addition to having direct access to the Yellowstone, the Antelope Creek Ranch also boasts a spring creek that heads up on the property and flows for better than 1/3 of a mile through the riparian river bottom. The creek does not currently support a fishery, but has potential with enhancement measures. There are also two beautiful trout ponds on the property, one stocked with brook trout and the other with Kamloop strain rainbow trout.
Nearby Live Water: Montana s trout streams are legendary in quantity, quality and scale and the state arguably contains more premier water than could be fished in a lifetime. Seven rivers in Montana have the distinction of Blue Ribbon status simply the best of the best. One of these rivers the Yellowstone forms the north border of the Antelope Creek Ranch. Three others on the list the Gallatin, Madison and Missouri Rivers are within an hour and a half drive from the property. The fabulous Boulder River converges with the Yellowstone just downstream from Big Timber. The main Boulder, along with its West and East forks are all outstanding brown, cutthroat and rainbow trout fisheries, relatively lightly fished, and course through beautiful country. Thirty minutes east of the ranch lies the Stillwater River, and 30 miles west the Shields. Both are wadeable, highly-prolific trout streams. Other notable fisheries in the area include Big Timber Creek, Otter Creek and Sweet Grass Creek, Upper and Lower Deer Creeks, Bridger Creek and Work Creek. As well, the 921,000-acre Absaroka- Beartooth Wilderness Area, Beartooth Plateau and portions of the Gallatin National Forest in both the Absarokas and the Crazies are full of high alpine lakes and crystal-clear mountain streams waiting for the adventurous angler who seeks solitude commonly found off the beaten path. Water & Mineral Rights: The Seller will convey and transfer all appurtenant water and mineral rights, if any, at closing. However, the Seller makes no representations or warranties concerning current status or validity of any of these rights. Independent investigation is recommended to any prospective Buyer.
Hunting: Some of Montana s best hunting opportunities are found in south-central Montana. The mountains and plains comprising the region harbor all the recognized big game species in Montana, including elk, whitetail and mule deer, antelope, black and grizzly bear, mountain lion, moose, Bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain goats. Waterfowl and upland wingshooting is also superb in this area with the possibility of decoying ducks and geese in the morning, then hunting for Hungarian partridge, pheasant and grouse in the afternoon. The hunter will find mule deer, a significant whitetail deer population, antelope, Sharptail grouse and Hungarian partridge on the Antelope Creek Ranch, as well as ducks and geese in large numbers. Regarding the waterfowl, at times there are thousands of ducks and geese using the river and especially the spring creek. Hunting ducks over decoys on the creek can be incredible, especially later in the season when ice forms on the river. The ranch lies on the extreme western edge of the Central Flyway. Pheasants are not native to the ranch, but there is good habitat grass, cattails and woody cover in many places, and with the cover available and strategic food plots established, pheasant introduction could prove successful.
Hunting: (Continued) Elk are also seen with frequency on the ranch, particularly in the foothills and canyons of the southern portion of the property. The elk do move from their bedding areas to feed in the hay and grain fields along the river, but generally under cover of darkness. While not a significant component of the overall hunting picture on the property, elk have been harvested with regularity in recent years. Recreation: Montana offers a bounty of natural resources. It s blessed with millions of wild acres, including snowcapped peaks and pristine forests, river riparian ecosystems cradling the finest trout streams, vast expanses of prairie and plains, and a wildlife community that in terms of density and variety exceeds many other regions in the continental United States. Whether the pursuit is fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, skiing or any number of other activities, the possibilities are limited only by the imagination. Visitors flock to Big Sky Country to experience outdoor pursuits amid the most magnificent scenery found anywhere in the world.
Summary The Antelope Creek Ranch is a beautiful property, displaying varied terrain, diverse habitat and wildlife and multiple land-use options. Offering a strong agricultural component, as well as outstanding recreational features, the ranch is wellsuited for a variety of income-producing and sporting pursuits. With prime river frontage on an excellent trout stream, two creeks, two ponds, timber, meadows and rangeland, beautiful views and diverse wildlife all within minutes of Big Timber this ranch deserves a visit. PRICE: $3.9M, Was $4.2 (Cash at closing) TAXES: $5,908.63 in 2012 Notes: CONTACT: Jeff Shouse, Broker Cell: 406.580.5078 Craig Janssen, Montana Managing Broker Toll Free: 866.734.6100 Office: 406.586.6010 1) This is an exclusive listing of Live Water Properties LLC; an agent of Live Water Properties must be present to conduct a showing. The owners respectfully request that other agents and/or prospective buyers contact Live Water Properties in advance to schedule a proper showing and do not attempt to tour or trespass the property on their own. Thank you. 2) Offering subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of purchase by owner. Information provided herein is intended as a general guideline and has been provided by sources deemed reliable, but the accuracy of which we cannot guarantee. 3) Live Water Properties LLC represents the Seller as a Seller s Agent.
Antelo pe Creek Ranch Aerial Map Maps are for visual aid only ~ accuracy is not guaranteed.
Antelo pe Creek Ranch Aerial Map Maps are for visual aid only ~ accuracy is not guaranteed.
Antelope Creek Ranch Topographic Map Maps are for visual aid only ~ accuracy is not guaranteed.
Antelo pe Creek Ranch Location Map Maps are for visual aid only ~ accuracy is not guaranteed.