Square Butte Elk Ranch

Deeded Acreage 9,847±

40-year lease acres 4,484±

State Lease acres 1,280±

BLM Lease acres 80±

Total acres 15,691±

The Square Butte Elk Ranch is properly improved with a practical set of improvements including a nicely remodeled residence, log barn, heated shop and newly updated working facilities.

A unique setting welcomes you as you enter the house. A cast iron stove draws the attention of the avid food connoisseur, while the hunting stories run deep along the “Old Western” watering hole. Originally built in 1910 the 2,000 square foot residence includes two bedrooms and two and a half baths and has recently undergone a few tasteful remodels.

The agricultural facilities include a 32 x 40 barn built in 1968 and a 22 x 108 heated metal pole barn built in 1996. A few small outbuildings including a bunk house, hay storage, and loafing sheds help support the daily operations.

With over 24 square miles, the Square Butte Elk Ranch is completely blocked up with the addition of the 40-year leases with Signal Peak Corporation. Ponderosa covered drainages filter down to just over two miles of Fattig Creek meandering through the lower elevations of the ranch. These meadows double as an excellent food source for all recreational species and cattle.

Currently, a multi-generational neighbor, leases the agricultural operation. That lease is based off running 750+ pairs for five months, or a total of 3,750+ AUM’s. Historically, 750+ pair provides ample fire protection, while leaving plenty of fresh grass and regrowth for the elk and deer. The lessor reserves the right to terminate the lease at closing. The property is fenced and cross fenced with multiple reliable water sources in every pasture. Excellent interior roads provide easy access to check water, fences, or to move cattle from pasture to pasture.

This ranch provides a classic Central Montana setting. Heavily timbered north facing slopes filter down to grassy meadows with small creek drainages, providing an ideal setting for bedding habitat, along with reliable food sources. This combination provides opportunities to harvest bull elk in excess of 350 inches or greater, along with large mule deer, whitetail deer, Merriman turkeys, pheasants, sharp-tail grouse, bear, and antelope.

The Square Butte Elk Ranch is in the heart of one of Montana’s largest growing elk herds. While recording during the winter and springs months, the 590 Hunting Districts registered over 3,200 “Observed Elk.” While weather and timing make these counts an inexact science, it doesn’t take long to recognize that the Square Butte Elk Ranch provides a unique setting for large populations of elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, pheasants, sharp-tail grouse, and a surprising number of antelope in the higher elevations of the ranch.

The ranch is in a region with a long-time reputation of having multi-generational landowners. This reputation holds true to the neighboring livestock operations, as many continue to have multiple generations still operating the ranch daily.

The Bull Mountains average 12-14 inches of precipitation annually, with a growing season ranging from 100-125 days. The terrain on the Square Butte Elk Ranch ranges from Sandstone outcroppings, rolling Ponderosa Hills to meandering grassy meadows along Fattig Creek, providing an ideal environment for low overhead operations.

$4,043 based upon past years.

Mineral Rights

All minerals appurtenant to the ranch and owned by the sellers will be transferred to buyer at closing.