Under current ownership, the ranch has always been about the sporting life, namely whitetail deer and pheasant hunting and, most recently, waterfowl hunting. Many of the surrounding neighbors have similar interests, which makes a positive impact on the wildlife migrating through the area.
Perhaps the single greatest amenity is the water. The immediate area is subject to high groundwater charged by the Gallatin River watershed, of which Story Creek is a part. A multitude of springs emerge throughout this area, creating a variety of prized spring creeks, many of which are high-quality fisheries. The contributing springs, waste irrigation water, and small tributaries on the property creating the headwaters of Story Creek were carefully developed through the counsel of an area hydrologist and aquatic excavation crew. While this is still a work in progress, all the hydrologist’s work is available to a new owner to continue with their own vision to develop the water attributes. It is also possible, with proper permitting, to create a daisy chain of small waterfowl ponds along the existing drainage ditch on the east side of the property.
The existence of the riparian area along the headwaters of Story Creek is excellent habitat for the whitetail deer and strong numbers of pheasant. During average years, wild pheasant hunting is superb. The preserve has the perfect combination of nesting habitat, legumes, grain, water, and thermal refuge to help them survive the winter. Also, being in the center of the valley, the likelihood of hailstorms, which can be devasting to clutches, are relatively rare. If hunted carefully, the pheasant hunting can last through an entire season.
It is easy to see why the deer hunting is so good as one drives onto the ranch. Dozens of deer are often grazing in the cultivated fields. Although there are currently no deer blinds, one could place them strategically in the riparian area with clear views of the cultivated fields. The deer are generally attracted to the abundance of quality food and willows along Story Creek, given shelter and sustenance. Deer in this area have been taken in the 150-160 B&C class. With proper management, this could also be attained at Story Creek Preserve.
Of course, the Gallatin Valley is a mecca for outdoor recreational enthusiasts. Yellowstone National Park is two hours 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 both 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 access is within minutes of the property.