Hunters Paradise on the Yellowstone

Pompey’s Pillar, Montana

$7,950,000

The Hunters Paradise on the Yellowstone, encompassing approximately 2,958 deeded acres, is a haven of natural beauty of ecological diversity. The land stretches from the lush cottonwood bottoms along the Yellowstone River to rolling hills covered in ponderosa pines, creating a wide array of habitats that support a variety of wildlife including trophy elk and white-tailed deer, pheasants, sharptailed grouse, turkey, waterfowl, and mule deer. This ranch has a bit of everything for recreationalists and is conveniently located 40 minutes from the Billings-Logan International Airport.

The ranch includes roughly 1.5 miles of the Yellowstone River, nearly 2.5 miles of creek, warm-water sloughs, ponds, several springs, stock tanks and an irrigation canal with unlimited shares. There are fishing opportunities on the ranch. Elk in this area are known for their trophy class, with some bulls exceeding 400 inches. White-tailed deer can consistently be found in the 145” to 165” range. The ranch has historically been run as a cow-calf operation with three homes and several outbuildings.

Agriculture
The ranch features approximately 125 acres of irrigated land, 1,030 acres of improved pasture and dryland hay, with the remaining area dedicated to open pasture. The irrigated fields are planted with alfalfa, hay barley, and triticale. Additionally, 230 acres of river bottom serve as a horse pasture with wintering grounds for cattle. Each year, the ranch yields over 900 tons of hay, providing more than enough for its operation.

Improvements
The property features two farmhouse-style homes, a manufactured home, several outbuildings, and a well-equipped machine shop. The fencing and cattle handling facilities are in good condition, reflecting the property’s functionality as a working operation. While no unnecessary upgrades have been carefully upheld. A new pivot irrigation system was installed a few years ago, with the option for additional pivots if desired by future owner.

River Bottom
The property is brimming with wildlife, including turkeys, upland birds, waterfowl, and white-tailed deer, which thrive among the cottonwoods, willow thickets and Russian olive groves. In addition, the area is home to a smaller population of mule deer and elk, along with occasional sightings of bears.

Habitat
The presence of creek bottoms, ponderosa pines, cottonwood lowlands, crop ground, grasslands, and abundant water sources on the property, creates an ideal environment for supporting a healthy ecosystem and attracting many wildlife. This diverse mix of habitats contributes to the refuge’s ability to produce large white-tailed deer and elk while sustaining great bird numbers.

Fishing
Nestled between Fly Creek and the renowned Bighorn River, this section of the Yellowstone River offers a unique fishing experience. While a few cold-water species, like trout, can be found, the river is primarily a warm-water fishery. Anglers will have more success targeting smallmouth bass, walleye, sauger, and catfish, with fishing conditions reaching exceptional levels during certain times of the year. Though the river’s rocky bottom makes navigation challenging, boats can still be launched directly from the ranch shore, despite the absence of a concrete ramp.

Improvements
Two farmhouse-styled homes
Manufactured home
Several outbuildings
Machine shop
Fenced pastures
Cattle handling facilities
New pivot system installed a few years ago

Acreage
125 Irrigated acres-alfalfa, hay barley, and triticale
1,030 acres of improved pasture/dryland hay
~900 tons of hay produced yearly
Creek bottoms, ponderosa pines, cottonwood lowlands, crop ground, and grasslands
Abundant water sources

Carring Capacity
Owner presently runs 140 pairs but could run 200 pairs

Wildlife
Turkey, upland birds, waterfowl, white-tailed deer, elk, mule deer, and bears

Location
Five miles east of Pompey’s Pillar
30 miles east of Billings, Montana
One and a half hours from Red Lodge, Montana