Cone Butte Ranch
The Cone Butte Ranch is conveniently situated 30 miles north of Lewistown, Montana (population 6,500) in the Judith Mountain Range. At the end of the road and consisting of 9,993± contiguous acres, of which 7,295± are deeded acres and approximately 2,698± acres are state and BLM lease. The ranch is unique in the fact that it encompasses the northern end of the Judith Mountain Range which provides the classic alpine environment containing thick timber that opens up into lush, open parks. From the edge of the timber the land feathers out towards the Montana plains with multiple coulees and drainages lined with aspen and willow trees that serve as excellent wildlife corridors. As the ranch drops in elevation the lush rolling grasslands splinter out into productive pastures laden with multitudes of game birds and big game. Numerous springs litter the ranch and service a buried gravity-fed water system that distributes water from the higher elevations to various tanks in the pastures below. In addition to the buried lines for the water system, there are 5 reservoirs created from natural spring water, the biggest of which is loaded with fresh water shrimp and large rainbow trout. The Ranch is literally a wildlife refuge which is home to trophy elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, antelope, mountain lion, pheasant, Hungarian partridge, sharp tail grouse and sage grouse. These species are residents of the ranch on a year around basis. Other big game that frequents the ranch is moose and an occasional black bear. The Cone Butte Ranch is not only a wildlife mecca but according to the present owners, can also responsibly run up to 600 cow/ calf operation.
Lewistown, conveniently located 30 miles south of the ranch, is nestled along Big Spring Creek at the foot of the Judith, Big Snowy, and Moccasin Mountains, and is the hub of central Montana. “Lewistown is a lively trading center for farmers and ranchers in the fertile Judith Basin country, and provides ample facilities and temptations for the traveler. Besides the cities many buildings of historic and architectural interest, within 30 miles are hiking trails, mountain lakes, trout streams, wildlife viewing, and ghost towns.”
The little western town of Roy is approximately 5 miles north of the ranch and consists of a few cafe’s, a post office, and of course the local watering holes. Traveling to and from Lewistown is a breeze, commercial flights each day and a runway of 6,100 feet with a 1,400 foot overrun services most private jets (for more information visit http://www.airnav.com/airport/KLWT). The location of the Cone Butte Ranch arguably has the state’s best offerings in hunting, wildlife viewing, hiking, scenery and flat out western culture.
