9,296 Acres of Land for Sale in Sand Springs, Montana

Quite possibly the best elk hunting ranch on the market in Montana, the OConnor Ranch is being introduced to the market for the first time. This multi-generational legacy ranch in Garfield County, Montana boasts supreme District 700 Elk hunting and Mule Deer hunting, recreational opportunities and great cattle production. Many 400 + Bulls have been harvested from the ranch.

Land

The ranch is 9,296 total acres, including 7,231 acres deeded lands and 2,065 acres of lease lands that include 475 acres of State of Montana lease and 1,590 acres of BLM lease. The grass is nutrient rich and well sodded. There are 1,102 acres of improved CRP grass hay ground and 51 acres in alfalfa. The seller rates the annual hay crop at 650 tons per year. The terrain is diverse and beautiful and includes timber covered hills, bottom ground, rolling hills, coulees and the South Fork of Lodgepole Creek bottom. The ranch is located north of Highway 200 at south end of the Missouri Breaks and the west side of Garfield County.

Improvements

The improvements are older with a set of gathering corrals, grain bins, a Quonset building and cattle sheds. There are also a couple of old homes which are not inhabitable. The interior and exterior ranch fencing is good and pastures are optimized for grazing. Water structures include several ponds and reservoirs and wells with strategically located water tanks.

Recreation

Elk, Elk and more Elk call the ranch home. The family has reserved the hunting for family for years and have managed for premier Elk production. It is also ideally located being the last heavy timber on a major elk migration route. Now it's your chance to take their place and inherit this supreme Elk habitat. Also found on the ranch are Mule Deer, Whitetail Deer, Pronghorn Antelope, Upland Birds such as Pheasant, Turkey, Sharp-tailed Grouse, and more. The location of the ranch near the Missouri Breaks and with its timber covered hills makes the perfect environment to hold Elk before the terrain breaks off into open prairie. From the ranch the Judith Mountains, Little Rockies and Snowy mountain ranges can be seen. Fort Peck's Hell Creek Marina is just 2 hours away from the ranch. The lake has more shoreline than the California coast and is well known for being one of the best fisheries in the West.

Agriculture

The owner rated carrying capacity is 382 cow calf pairs. The ranch is rich in high protein grasses, water resources and good cover. 650 ton of hay will be produced annually on the ranch. Water resources are strategically located throughout the ranch. The ranch reservoirs provide ample livestock water and recreational opportunity.

Water/Mineral Rights & Natural Resources

The sellers have agreed to convey 25% of the seller owned mineral rights with a sale.

General Operations

Currently operated as a cattle ranch and world class family hunting property.

Region & Climate

The climate is semi-arid with warm summers and cold winters. In Garfield County, Montana, cattle outnumber people by a long shot. Fork Peck Reservoir and the Missouri Breaks to the north provides some of the countries best boating, fishing and recreational activities.

History

Garfield County is known for its famous dinosaur bone discoveries and their notable T-Rex specimens. The Missouri Breaks are a highlight of the area with deep canyons, the Missouri River, Fork Peck Reservoir, the CM Russell National Wildlife Refuge, and the UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge. This region of Montana was the end of the trail for historic cattle drives from Texas north to the seas of grass in Montana territory as recounted in numerous history books about the region.

Location

Jordan, the county seat, is 30 miles east of Sand Springs. Jordan has a grocery store, gas stations, schools, churches, a farm store, repair shops, museums and restaurants. Garfield County, Montana has one of the country's lowest population densities. The ranch is within one hour and 40 minutes of historic Miles City, Montana's eastern business hub, and 2 hours and 15 minutes from Billings, Montana, Montana's largest city.