Antelope Creek Ranch

Details & Features

Overview: The Antelope Creek Ranch is located approximately 6 miles west of Big Timber, 28 miles east of Livingston, 54 miles east of Bozeman and 80 miles west of Billings. This region of south-central Montana is characterized by varying geography — irrigated river valleys, timbered foothill and bench country, vast expanses of rolling prairie and rangeland and high-alpine mountainous terrain. The area is touted for its recreational opportunities, cultural variety, historical richness and distinctive “Western” feel.

Acreage: At an elevation ranging from 4,100 to 4,500 feet, the Antelope Creek Ranch comprises approximately 1,736 deeded and 134 acres of State of Montana lease ground. The acreage north of I-90 consists of river-riparian habitat, dryland hay fields, and both flood and pivot irrigated crop land where grain and alfalfa have historically been grown. All of the irrigated ground — approximately 274 acres — which includes 179 acres under two pivots, is located on this part of the property. For the last few years, the crop has consisted entirely of alfalfa and grass hay with total yields in the 1,000 to 1,200-ton range. This production ground is also used to graze aftermath in the fall and feed cattle in the winter. The stocking rate is estimated at 400 AUMs for this portion of the ranch. The north agricultural operation is leased on a year-to-year basis to a tenant who is also responsible for repairs and maintenance. The river bottom is comprised of open meadows interspersed with cattail sloughs, brushy areas and large cottonwood and juniper trees, offering superb wildlife habitat. The spring creek and newer trout pond are situated on this end of the property.

Improvements: There are two houses on the ranch, along with several outbuildings including a large horse arena and barn. Both houses are rented on a month-to-month basis to separate tenants. The first house was originally built in 1895 and was remodeled in 2006. It has two stories with approximately 2,400 sqft of living area, five bedrooms, one bath and gas/forced air heating. The second house was built in 1996 and is one story with approximately 1,850 sqft of living space. This house has four bedrooms and 3 full baths with gas and hot water/radiant heating.

Live Water: A highlight of the Antelope Creek Ranch is its 2 miles of frontage on the Yellowstone River. Volumes have been written in past and present fishing literature about this revered fishery. Beginning its journey in Yellowstone National Park, the river drains an enormous watershed, and its many tributaries include the finest wild trout streams. Running 680 undammed miles to its confluence with the Missouri River in western North Dakota, the Yellowstone has the distinction of being the longest free-flowing river in the contiguous United States. The river leaves Yellowstone and enters Montana at Gardiner, then flows northeast through the dramatic Paradise Valley until reaching Livingston, where it makes a bend to the east and flows in that direction through the bulk of south-central and eastern Montana. While trout can be found as far downstream as Billings, it is the upper 100 miles that receive the most serious interest from trout anglers. This Blue Ribbon classified section constitutes the largest continuous stretch of trout water in the state with such designation — almost a fourth of all such defined water in Montana.

Wildlife: The hunter will find mule deer, a significant whitetail deer population, antelope, Sharptail grouse and Hungarian partridge on the Antelope Creek Ranch, as well as ducks and geese in large numbers. Regarding the waterfowl, at times there are thousands of ducks and geese using the river and especially the spring creek. Hunting ducks over decoys on the creek can be incredible, especially later in the season when ice forms on the river. The ranch lies on the extreme western edge of the Central Flyway. Pheasants are not native to the ranch, however there is good habitat with grass, cattails and woody cover in many places. With the cover available and strategic food plots established, pheasant introduction could prove successful.

Summary: The Antelope Creek Ranch is a beautiful property, displaying varied terrain, diverse habitat and wildlife and multiple land-use options. Offering a strong agricultural component, as well as outstanding recreational features, the ranch is well-suited for a variety of income-producing and sporting pursuits. With prime river frontage on an excellent trout stream, two creeks, two ponds, timber, meadows and rangeland, beautiful views and diverse wildlife, all within minutes of Big Timber, this ranch deserves a visit.

• Exceptional fly fishing
• Big game hunting
• 2,400 sqft residence
• 1,850 sqft home
• Barn and arena