Yellowstone River Hunting Retreat

The Yellowstone River Hunting Ranch is located approximately 5 miles by road east of Forsyth, Montana. The last 1.2 miles is by way of a private road from the paved highway to the ranch boundary. The retreat lies along the south bank of the Yellowstone River. The driving distance to Billings on I-94 is just over 100 miles, while Miles City is approximately 45 miles to the east. Commuter air service from Billings is available in Miles City which offers a full menu of social, cultural, medical and other personal services. The nearest major airport is Billings, Montana’s largest city. Forsyth is the county seat and also offers a full complement of basic services including banks, restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, etc. There is a good paved 4,800 foot long by 75 foot wide airstrip at an altitude of 2,720 feet above sea level that will accommodate most twin engine aircraft. This strip is located within 3 miles of the retreat.

The Yellowstone River Valley is well known for its high quality, productive irrigated farms. Off the river, it is a region of large grass ranches. Recreationally it is known for good mule deer and antelope hunting as well as excellent upland bird, and waterfowl hunting. This particular stretch of the river has been set aside as a protected area for waterfowl as shooting is not permitted over the water. This keeps boats off of the river and keeps the ducks and geese in the area, and it actually enhances one’s opportunities to hunt in the fields that line the river corridor.

Other than the visitors to the area during hunting season, this is very much an agricultural community made up of ranchers, farmers, cowboys, farm workers, and the residents of the small towns that provide services to the farming and ranching community. The property is well located to access both Miles City and Billings.

There are no improvements on the property.

Irrigation water for the ranch’s hayfields originates from the Yellowstone River and provides ditch irrigation for 189 acres.

No reservations by seller.

The annual property taxes are estimated to be $2,377.

Habitat for Hungarian partridge and sharptail grouse is plentiful and the river bottom offers extensive feed and cover for pheasants. Additionally, this is a well-recognized area for waterfowl and it is important to provide appropriate feed sources for them in the fields both on the bottom and up on the benches. Both whitetail and mule deer can be found in their respective habitats along the river bottom and in the pine breaks. The current populations of whitetail deer are particularly impressive. This is truly a wildlife paradise only limited by the degree of proper habitat and predator management.

The Yellowstone River Hunting Ranch consists of a combination of dryland cropland (some of which is under the Conservation Reserve Program) and irrigated cropland connected by river bottom and foothill grazing land. Since the property needs to be managed to optimize its wildlife, upland bird and waterfowl habitat, the best method of operation is to lease out the cropland to a local farmer. Crops should be chosen with wildlife in mind. One should consider limiting grazing to improve upland bird habitat. Some food plots should be planted as well. The CRP lands require minimal management and are a good source of cash income. 

Annual cost in 2017 was $4,131.62. Lease is good through 2027

Agricultural lease: Pays $13,465 per year and is an annual lease.