Raised in Montana, Ryan has enjoyed a lifetime of outdoor experiences including hiking, skiing, bow-hunting, bird-hunting, fly-fishing, and photography. Ryan has a passion for nature and its many attributes which gives him tremendous appreciation for, and the desire to help preserve, the extensive network of land and water that are so important and beneficial to the West and those who live here. Ryan has been licensed in Montana since 2000 and has an extensive background in high-end ranch real estate. He is proficient at handling complex deal structures and developing solutions with successful outcomes for both buyers and sellers. A vast knowledge and love for the outdoors, along with a high skill set in collaborations with real estate ventures, help drive his desire to be one of the best brokers working in the ranch real estate market. He currently resides in Bozeman, Montana with his wife and two sons.
Raised in Northern California and the son of a vintner, Deke grew up firmly embedded in the region’s burgeoning wine industry. It was there he learned to appreciate those rich landscapes and the bounty they sustained. After visiting Montana several times as a teenager and seeing the natural beauty, he knew that someday he would make his home there. In 2005, he made the move to Missoula where he now resides with his partner in life, Deana.
Licensed in 2010, Deke offers a decade of real estate related transactional work to his buying and selling clients. To complement his love of the land, he is active in local open space conservation, sitting on two municipal commissions over the last five years. Additionally, he is active in local real estate governance and leadership. He is a graduate of CSU Sacramento with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.
Befitting a treasure state denizen, Deke avails himself of all that western Montana has to offer. He is an avid fly fisherman, snowboarder, and hunter. He is a world traveler and makes international adventure travel a priority.
Currently, Deke is licensed as a broker in the state of Montana.
West Boulder Fishing Haven is a 20± acre property featuring a beautifully remodeled 5,000± square foot custom home, inspired by the iconic Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone National Park, and includes one of only twenty exclusive memberships to the West Boulder Reserve. The property boasts extraordinary views spanning the Reserve’s pristine landscape, the river valley, and the snowcapped peaks of the Absaroka Mountains. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy world-class fly fishing, luxury mountain living, and the camaraderie of a close-knit ranch community in one of Montana’s most beautiful valleys.
The West Boulder Reserve was established in the 1970s by a group of visionaries seeking a recreational lifestyle far removed from the pace of the East Coast. The 1,300± acre ranch boasts two and a half miles of both banks of the West Boulder River, a world-class trout fishery, and seamless access to adjoining national forest and the Absaroka–Beartooth Wilderness. Once a popular dude ranch before being transformed, over 50 years ago, into what is believed to be the first “shared ranch development” in the West. In this pioneering concept, 20 owners each hold a small private lot with the right for one homesite, while sharing ownership of the remainder of the ranch, which includes its land, trails, river frontage, and amenities. The idea was an instant success, selling out almost overnight. Today, the offering of West Boulder Fishing Haven represents a rare chance to join this exclusive community.
The property occupies a striking location at the upper reaches of the West Boulder River valley, just below where the river exits the Gallatin National Forest and the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness. The topography includes river bottom meadows, groves of aspen and pine, and open fields that ascend gradually into the foothills. The West Boulder River runs directly through the Reserve for approximately two and a half miles, providing the property's central ecological and recreational artery.
The custom home is set to maximize views, natural light, and privacy. Its architectural design reflects rustic sophistication, blending seamlessly with its surroundings. Vegetation includes wildflowers, riparian grasses, conifers, and leafy hardwoods, creating a rich and visually diverse habitat. The landscape opens to views of the Absaroka Mountains, offering a dramatic backdrop in all seasons.
Each lot owner owns one share of stock in the West Boulder Reserve Association, which holds title to the approximately one thousand acres of common land and manages the property. The owners have kept it simple with one caretaker, and the only common facility is a two-bedroom seasonal guest house with a bathroom, full kitchen, and living room for the use of the owners. There is also a ranch compound where the caretaker lives. As of this writing, the annual dues are $4,500 per share. Homesites are 20± acres; ten are built upon, seven with building potential.
The Association donated a conservation easement on 1,000± acres of the common land to the Montana Land Reliance, so the common property cannot be developed further. Homeowners follow the “fence out” practice for their yards and allow common access on perimeter trails. The Reserve also retains the right of first refusal on property sales to a non-Reserve member. This has not been exercised in the past, but buyers of this lot need to be aware of the 30-day waiting period before an acceptable offer can be finalized.
West Boulder Fishing Haven offers refined accommodations with breathtaking views—spanning the Reserve’s pristine landscape, the winding river valley, and the snowcapped Absaroka Mountains. This rare opportunity invites a world-class fly fishing experience, endless hiking adventures, luxury mountain living, and the camaraderie of an exclusive ranch community in one of Montana’s most spectacular valleys.
West Boulder Fishing Haven lies in a quiet, highly sought-after stretch of Park County, Montana, at the upper end of the West Boulder River valley. The property is just over an hour’s drive from Bozeman and the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, offering direct commercial flights through several major carriers. The towns of Livingston and Big Timber are conveniently located about 20 and 27 miles away, respectively. All three towns offer regional airports with FBOs that can accommodate most private aircraft.
The West Boulder Reserve is nestled in a secluded, closely held valley characterized by scenic beauty and conservation ethos. Neighboring properties are primarily privately owned ranches—many under conservation easements—with landowners who value environmental stewardship and low-density development. This enclave between Livingston and Big Timber retains a sense of authenticity and quiet, understated affluence.
The Reserve is one of only two modestly developed areas in the valley and offers a relatively affordable gateway to an area otherwise dominated by large holdings. Proximity to Livingston’s artistic and culinary amenities and Big Timber’s classic Western charm makes the location particularly attractive for those seeking solitude and access.
Park County offers a classic northern Rockies climate, marked by distinct seasons. This year-round home offers outdoor activities in all seasons: fishing, hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, and mountain biking. As seasonal precipitation recharges the landscape, spring is marked by lush grass and blooming wildflowers. Summers are comfortably warm and relatively dry. Autumn delivers brilliant colors, with aspen groves in a stunning seasonal display. Winter presents serene snowscapes and crisp frost sparkling in the sunshine.
In the early 20th century, the Bar 20 was a traditional dude ranch. The concept of turning it into a shared ranch came about in the early 1970s, when a group of far-sighted conservation-oriented individuals and families worked together to create 20 parcels of around 20 acres that each member could own outright, subject to common rules and regulations regarding building and behavior. The original group was very oriented toward minimizing impact and building modest dwellings. The desirability and beauty of the West Boulder River valley have brought in a group of owners who have raised the standards from the early days. Even so, the lot owners continue to try to minimize their impact on their surroundings.
The property comprises 20± deeded acres and includes a 1/20th undivided interest in approximately 1,000 acres of common land held by the West Boulder Reserve Association.
The centerpiece of the property is a thoughtfully remodeled 5,000± square foot home architecturally inspired by Yellowstone’s Old Faithful Inn. Blending rugged western charm with modern finishes, the residence includes three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, a home office, and a guest suite. Designed with comfort and functionality, the home features generous indoor-outdoor living spaces ideal for entertaining or quiet reflection. A one-car garage supports practical mountain living, while the home’s orientation offers commanding views of the surrounding terrain. The construction is of premium quality and reflects a deep commitment to aesthetic integration with the natural landscape.
The Reserve is primarily about fishing, riding, and hiking in a spectacularly beautiful part of Montana. Obviously, proximity to world-class hunting and fishing in the neighborhood and adjacent Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness is also a real draw. The West Boulder River is arguably one of the most beautiful places in Montana to fish and is on the home’s doorstep. The main Boulder River and the Yellowstone River are less than an hour’s drive–a drive which also passes the famous spring creeks just south of Livingston.
Annual property taxes are estimated at approximately $9,235.
The West Boulder River runs directly through the Reserve for approximately two and a half miles, offering unmatched angling access within footsteps of the home. A tributary of the main Boulder River, the West Boulder River is a renowned trout fishery that supports rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. Hatches include golden stones, PMDs, caddis, and terrestrials, excellent for attractor dries and hopper patterns. Additionally, there are many other exceptional fishing opportunities along the Yellowstone River, Boulder River, and several of Montana’s famed spring creeks, all within an hour’s drive, creating an angler’s paradise.
The West Boulder Reserve abounds with natural beauty and wildlife. Residents and guests frequently encounter whitetail and mule deer, elk, mountain grouse, black bear, and even the occasional moose, while the skies are graced with raptors and a variety of other bird species. Together with its diverse flora, this property offers a true Montana wilderness experience.
In addition to the tremendous fishing, the West Boulder Reserve is a haven for numerous recreational pursuits, including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding through Montana’s most iconic landscapes. In addition to the Reserve’s own trails and riverbanks, the adjacent Absaroka–Beartooth Wilderness and Gallatin National Forest extend opportunities for extensive backcountry exploration and hunting. For riders and hikers, the nearby trail systems provide access to high country lakes, ridgelines, and scenic vistas that stretch to Yellowstone National Park.
Professionalism, preparation, and overall positive demeanor.
The professionalism, preparation, and overall positive demeanor exhibited… were truly impressive… I have never before worked with a more dedicated, knowledgeable, and level-headed sales professional. Steve...
A private 168± acres near Helmville offering a 4,456± square foot log home, guest cabin, shop, pond and equipment shed. Adjacent to thousands of acres of public ground. One hour to Helena.
8,940± deeded acres predominately used for summer grazing and recreational purposes. Located approximately ten miles southeast of the small college agricultural town of Dillon. Water and habitat for upland birds and big game.
686± acre mountain ranch east of Nye bordering the USFS. The ranch is a near-perfect mosaic of mountain hay meadows, live water, and timber, creating high-quality ranching and habitat.
Dramatically beautiful, water-rich 1,404± acre Muddy Creek Headquarters is 30 to 45 minutes from Livingston, Bozeman, and Bridger Bowl Ski Resort. Nearby, the 814± acre Sedan Pasture unit is also available.
15,593± acres includes 5,692± deeded acres of top-shelf hunting, irrigation, cropland, pasture, state and BLM leases, homes, feedlot and a sale barn facility—ideally located on US Highway 12
