Under current ownership, the ranch has always been about sporting fun. It helps that several of the neighbors have similar interests, which holistically makes a positive impact on the wildlife.
Perhaps the single greatest amenity is the water. The immediate area is subject to high groundwater likely charged by the adjacent Gallatin River watershed. A multitude of springs emerge throughout the immediate area creating a variety of guarded spring creeks, many of which are high-quality fisheries. Bullrun Spring Creek is no exception. The contributing springs and small tributaries on the property creating the headwaters of this system, were all carefully developed through the counsel of an area hydrologist and aquatic excavation crew. Their efforts created what has become roughly three-quarter of a mile of incredible small stream fishery with other tributaries that offer their own level of angling fun. Exciting flows are estimated to be around 10 CFS and a sequence of riffle/run/pools were created specifically for trout. A multitude of deep pools with undercut banks hold fish that are uncommonly large. Brown trout measured as long as nearly 30 inches have been caught in these waters with smaller numbers of rainbow and brook trout in the system. It is not unheard of for giant fish like these to eat smaller 12-inch fish as they’re reeled in by anglers. When fish grow to these proportions, they are not often caught by a soft mayfly presentation that dances through a pool. Rather they carnivorously attack other fish feeding less often and growing large. They also feed on mice, which can be replicated by fly fishermen and swam across the surface of these pools at night. Though not a typical technique, it’s a fun and diverse experience.
In addition to the moving water, there are five sizeable stocked trout ponds with the larger measuring over two acres in size. Additionally, a smaller pond is stocked and there are three more with stock permits. Kamloops rainbows were introduced into these fisheries and commonly grow to enormous proportions. They are more easily caught than the largest fish in the creek and are great entertainment. The ponds are also used for swimming and paddleboarding during the summer months and aesthetically add a lot to the landscape.
Several other springs collect and move water through the entire property. More than a dozen small pools were created along their course and a woody riparian area became established creating habitat for the whitetail deer and strong numbers of pheasant. Their existence is bolstered by the careful management of the grasses which provide nesting but are also harvested for a hay crop. Three food plots consisting of eighteen acres, seventeen acres and six acres include barley as well as plantings of legumes that were custom designed by the Whitetail Institute. Those, in addition to the custom, grass mix seeded areas which are developed for upland birds, and the natural habitat on this ranch, the surrounding landscape hosts robust numbers of deer, upland birds, waterfowl and numerous other game and non-game species.
During average years the wild pheasant hunting is superb. The ranch has the perfect combination of nesting habitat, legumes, grain, water and thermal refuge to bring them through winter. Also, being central to the valley, the likelihood of hailstorms that can be devasting to clutches are relatively minimal. If hunted carefully, the experience can last through an entire season.
As fall burns on the migratory birds begin to show up and as the season extends through the beginning of January, the combination of small grains and open water are a deadly combination to attract birds. Multiple duck blinds are located both along the spring creek and on one of the primary ponds. A motorized “ice eater” is often used to keep the pond open when it gets cold and all the other still waters lock up with ice. Being adjacent to a grain field, and in the flight path of a nearby waterfowl refuge area, it is quite common to see these waters completely covered with ducks and geese as well as an ever-increasing number of Tundra Swans. On places such as this, the last six to eight weeks of the Montana waterfowl season with its generous (seven) duck and (four) geese limit may be spectacular.
It’s easy to see why the deer hunting is so good as one drives onto the ranch. Dozens of deer are often apparent and multiple deer blinds can be seen elevated 10 feet off the ground. The deer are generally attracted to the abundance of quality food and the canopy of now mature trees and shrubs create a sheltered oasis compared to the adjacent lands which are comprised of crop, pasture and sub irrigated fields. Left to grow to age, the owners have been enjoying harvests of bucks that often range from 150-160 B&C.
In addition to the hunting and fishing endeavors, there is a network of ATV trails that are used regularly both for hiking and riding. They make for an enjoyable dog walk, trek to go fish the creek or are suitable for the horse enthusiast’s daily rides.
Of course, the Gallatin Valley is blessed in location for recreational enthusiasts. Yellowstone National Park is just 90-miles to the south, Big Sky Resort and the Yellowstone Club is an hour south, Bridger Bowl Ski area is 45-minutes east, and dozens of other famous and unsung fishing opportunities exist an hour or less from the property. This would include the fabled Missouri, Yellowstone, Gallatin, Jefferson and Madison rivers to name a few. National Forest abounds along with their associated Wilderness Areas with an abundance of access. Within a very short drive, one can completely lose a sense of civilization when entering the vast mountain complexes.