INTRODUCTION:

The Sportsman’s Ranch is privately located 42 miles North of Lewistown surrounding the Judith River. There are 2,924 deeded acres and 760 BLM acres in one block with a dramatic landscape of mature timber and lush river bottoms.  Over 4 miles of the Judith River meander through the ranch, a haven for Elk, Deer, Turkey, and other wildlife. The Private Sportsman’s Ranch is a one of a kind property with unrivaled privacy and breaks area scenery.

LOCATION:

The Ranch is located 42 miles north of Lewistown and 13 miles southwest of Winifred in the heart of the Judith River Breaks.  Access from Lewistown is north 31 miles Highway and then west 11 miles county gravel. The “Breaks” is referred to by the locals are amazing!  This vast landscape has been transformed over thousands of years creating some of the most unique and distinctive terrains in Montana. Somewhat specific to North Central Montana the Breaks are iconic to western artists such as Charles M. Russell. The prairie landscape and pristine Breaks is a highly sought after destination.  The Private Sportsmans Ranch is situated perfectly saddling the Judith River from ridge to ridge and is surrounded by rich high yielding farmland. Neighboring ranches are focused on grain production and pastureland for cattle.  All this contributes to an ideal habitat for big game and upland birds.

CENTRAL MONTANA RECREATION:

Area recreation is vast and unencumbered by large crowds.  Big Spring Creek, Judith River, Missouri River, Crystal Lake, Warm Spring Creek, Ackley Lake, Petrolia Lake, and Fort Peck Lake are the main sources of water for fishing and recreation. Besides the water sources, five area mountain ranges provide a variety of hunting and other forms of recreation. The Central Montana area has quality agricultural land with reliable production of hay, small grains, and cattle. 70 miles north of Lewistown is the Missouri River. Hunting and fishing opportunities are available through the BLM and Charles M. Russell Wildlife Refuge. The closest boat ramp for access to Fort Peck is 100 miles away at Crooked Creek Marina. Fort Peck is noted for having more shoreline than the state of California.  Lewistown is noted for having Big Spring Creek which flows through the middle of town.  It is one of the State’s largest “spring fed” streams with an abundance of public access.  Big Spring Creek is noted for its Brown and Rainbow Trout and flows for 36 miles before running into the Judith River.

LEWISTOWN AREA AND AIRPORT:

Lewistown, with a steady population of 6,500, is in the Center of Montana surrounded by five area mountain ranges. Lewistown is the county seat of Fergus County and location for most services. Lewistown offers an opportunity for local shopping, dining, agricultural equipment dealers and suppliers, and medical services. The Lewistown Municipal Airport accommodates most sizes of aircraft and offers resources for private aircraft.

The Lewistown Municipal Airport is a general aviation airport.  The runways accommodate regional jet series aircraft.  The primary runway measures 6100’ x 100’ and has been recently updated.  From Lewistown commercial air service is available at airports in Billings (170 miles) and Great Falls (145 miles).

THE RANCH:

The Private Sportsmans Ranch encompasses 2,924 deeded acres with the Department of Revenue indicating 2,495 acres grazing, 266 acres forest, and 162 acres of crop. Additionally, there is a BLM permit containing 760 acres. The present agricultural use is summer pasture for about 125 cow/calf pairs. Current tenants are very familiar with the ranch and do not overgraze. Cattle are on the ranch from May-September. Cross fencing and water tanks allow for proper utilization of the native grass and healthy livestock. Production of small grains and hay land was done in the past. The tillable ground is located on the top of the bench and along the river bottom.

There is an older set of improvements located along the river that include livestock sheds and homesteads. More importantly, electricity and well are located there.

WATER:

The Ranch has the most essential natural resource needed for a property in Central Montana, with over 4 miles of Judith River meandering through the ranch. The Judith River is a premier feature of Central Montana. Named by William Clark in 1805 after Julia (Judith) Clark. The Judith River starts in the nearby Little Belt Mountains, meanders through the prairie for over 125 miles before it confluences with the Missouri River north of the ranch 7 miles. A warm water fishery home to Bass, Channel Catfish, Trout, Walleye and Mountain Whitefish. The Judith River is without a doubt a key feature to the ranch. An 82’ well drilled in 1963 producing 30 GPM provides water to 5 water tanks throughout the ranch. The water is placed strategically allowing for easy grazing for cattle and better utilization of the ranch’s grass. Additional water for the ranch comes from numerous reservoirs and small streams fed by rain and springs, rainfall for this area is 16″-18″ annually with 65″ of annual snow. The water development is an impressive feature of the property.

WILDLIFE:

Judith River Breaks are an impressive landscape providing ample habitat wildlife. Elk numbers are as strong as they have ever been in this area. Mule Deer, Whitetail and Antelope also have a strong presence. The ranch is within the 426 Hunting District which is a general tag for Mule Deer, Whitetail and Cow Elk. Bull Elk tags are a draw, 60 either sex tags were given out in 2019. Many opportunities for upland hunting also exist, Pheasants, Hungarian Partridge, Sharp-tail Grouse, and Turkey all frequent the ranch.

COMMENTS:

Acre for acre this Sportsmans ranch has a variety of habitat and huntable ground. It offers peace of mind knowing that roads stop at the gate ensuring your time on the ranch will be unencumbered. The undeniable habitat and privacy along with rich wildlife presence create an excellent package for an unforgettable experience. This contiguous block of land is an excellent opportunity to own your very own premier hunting land in Montana.