Over 39,000 Contiguous Acres (nearly 3 times the size of manhattan)
Multiple stock dams and solar wells
Phenomenal Mule Deer and Antelope Hunting
20+ Miles of Creeks Through the Ranch
The Tonn Ranch offering is a chance to own a legacy ranch in Custer County, Montana that is deeply intertwined with the history of our great state and how federal lands are managed for grazing. It’s as tranquil and majestic to some as Yellowstone Park is to others. The ranch today is very much how it was in 1923 when the ideas of the Mizpah-Pumpkin Creek Grazing Association were being formulated. Today however, the ranch has developed water, better fences and other amenities that industrialization and technology has brought to the landscape. Varying in terrain from lush sub-irrigated meadows to high pine covered hills, it is a mecca for Mule Deer in a region known for growing mature bucks.
Black and white photos courtesy of the Library of Congress, Photographed by Arther Rothstein, 1939.
Resources:
Property Details
Deeded: 28,950 +/- Acres
State: 3,200 +/- Acres
BLM: 7,610 +/- Acres
That ranch is fairly un-improved with regards to homes and outbuildings so one need not worry about spending on over-improved custom homes but rather, have a blank canvas to do as the next owner wishes.
Several wells have been converted to solar and there are a few water lines to better the water distribution on the ranch.
The climate in Miles City, just 30 minutes away, is characterized by warm summers with average temperatures ranging from 80° to 90° Fahrenheit, occasionally exceeding 100°. Night temperatures during the summer, drop to between 50° and 60°. Winter temperatures during the daytime average between 30° and 35° Fahrenheit, with occasional colder spells. The area receives an average annual precipitation of about 13 inches, mostly in the spring as rain.
Currently the ranch is leased to an area producer and subject to that lease. The tenant is running up to 1,000 yearlings on the ranch.
Miles City is the recreational center for eastern Montana’s Region 7 hunting district. Every year, this region produces trophy class Mule Deer, and this ranch is no exception. The hunting has been strictly managed, both on this property and neighboring ranches, resulting in older age class deer. 190 Boone and Crocket mule deer are seen yearly on the ranch, and some have fallen over that once-in-a-lifetime 200 B&C mark. Antelope, elk, and upland birds can be found on the property most every year.
Remarkably, the lands that encompass the Tonn Ranch have been in the family for nearly a century. The family raised registered Hereford cattle for years until they decided to exit the cattle business and lease their lands to area ranchers. During the time that they raised their Herefords, the Tonn family and their ranch, surrounding lands, and a few other notable individuals were deeply involved in the formation of the Mizpah-Pumpkin Creek Grazing Association in 1928. This experiment was a large success and significant in shaping how federal lands are managed today, helping Congress pass the Taylor Grazing Act of 1934.
Approximately $15,632 in 2024.
Water Rights
Water is one of the most important attributes to a ranch, and this one has several water features. Pumpkin Creek runs along Highway 59 for 2 miles through the ranch, and First Creek, Second Creek, Third Creek, and Fourth Creek all feed into Pumpkin Creek creating over 20 miles of seasonal flow throughout the ranch. There are several small reservoirs well positioned throughout as well as numerous wells, some of which have been converted to solar.
A comprehensive list of water rights appurtenant to the property will be provided upon request and transferred at closing.
Mineral Rights
100% of minerals owned by the seller will transfer at closing.
Miles City is renowned for the world-famous Bucking Horse Sale, which began in 1951. Originally a cattle sale known as the Miles City Roundup, this historic annual event has evolved into a celebrated cultural tradition. More information on this event can be found on its website: https://buckinghorsesale.com
Other Informational Links: (copy and past into your URL)
Mizpah-Pumpkin Creek Grazing Association Video : https://youtu.be/Mde4SRzEGvE?si=li0_qcDqMTvUklmK
https://www.loc.gov/search/?fa=partof:lot+491
https://archive.legmt.gov/content/Committees/interim/2013-2014/EQC/Committee-topics/sj-15/mizpah-thesis.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Pumpkin_Creek
Location Details
Miles City is situated 30 miles north of the Tonn Ranch, serving as the county seat of Custer County, Montana. It acts as the regional hub from eastern Montana to the Wyoming border. The town offers essential services and boasts a vibrant main street, filled with charming shops and essential services that exemplify the spirit of Montana. With a population of nearly 8,464 as of the 2024 Census, Miles City is known for its great K-12 schools and the Miles City Community College.
Miles City is within three hours of Billings Logan International Airport, which recently underwent a major renovation and hosts all major airlines, providing direct flights to international hubs. For private aircraft, the local Miles City Airport, Frank Wiley Field, offers fuel services and features a 5,600-foot runway.
