Recreational Lifestyle | Montana Big Game Hunting

By Kimberly Lowry, Broker Associate, Licensed in MT

Fall is one of the best times to enjoy the abundance of recreational opportunities life in Montana has to offer. With the archery season underway and rifle season right around the corner, fall is a time when sportsmen and women enjoy time in nature and the abundant wildlife populations that make up our landscape.  Hunting season means something different to many people.  Varied goals from filling the freezer with meat to feed a family during the year to come to simply spending time in the mountains with friends and family making memories along the way.

Probably my favorite part of getting out into the Montana backcountry this time of year is sitting on a ridgetop with binoculars in hand and enjoying the bugle and song of bull and cow elk back and forth.  To me, that is one of the most breathtaking experiences you can possibly have in Montana and one of the reasons that I personally look forward to fall each year.

Kimberly Lowry and Daughter

Few fortunate landowners can enjoy this experience privately while on their own ranch uninterrupted by others you may encounter on Montana’s vast public lands.  One of the ranches that I appreciate for the quality of wildlife and exceptional hunting opportunities is the Silver Creek Elk Preserve Ranch near Big Timber.  From the comfort of the front porch, the current owners of the ranch have enjoyed sharing nature with their children while watching a pair of young bucks fight, jockeying for position as to who deserves to be the one in the prime position wooing the does during the breeding season.  A scene from National Geographic unfolding right before their eyes watching the bucks battle it out to see who was tougher.  The Silver Creek Elk Preserve Ranch is one of the unique offerings available on the Montana ranch real estate market right now where the most athletic bow hunter to a hunter who appreciates a nice trail system and comfort of a side by side are both afforded tremendous hunting opportunities and experiences on the ranch.

The well-laid trail system allows hunters of all physical abilities the opportunity to position themselves to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience and awesome hunting adventure.  Driving a four-wheeler to ridge tops that allow you to see mountain ranges in view though many miles from the ranch.  A wow moment for sure and one that deserves a hard look by a discriminating buyer searching for a private oasis to enjoy recreating, wildlife viewing, or hunting for species including elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, bear, and more.

Eagle Rock Ranch on the Wise River is truly one of the most unique offerings on the market today.  Situated within the Pioneer Scenic Byway, in an area with very little private land, this active cattle ranch is accessible year-round and includes a private stretch of Wise River frontage for fly fishing right on the ranch.  Considered by many to be one of the fines Blue Ribbon Trout Fisheries in the Nation, the Big Hole River is just a few miles from the ranch for additional fly fishing and float fishing opportunities.  Surrounded by National Forest Lands on approx. 90% of its boundary this ranch features out the gate access to abundant public lands for recreational activities including hiking, horseback riding, hunting, and camping to name a few.  During the winter months, the Pioneer Scenic Byway is a popular snowmobile route offering miles of groomed trails and beautiful scenery.  This ranch offers both production qualities and abundant recreational value.  To learn more about Eagle Rock Ranch please check out our online listing.

The Hoodoo Creek Mountain Retreat close to Boulder, MT is another offering available and includes two large cabins surrounded by National Forest and would make a tremendous family or corporate retreat or location for a bed and breakfast business providing lodging and services to those who desire out the door access to some of the best recreation and hunting in the State of Montana right out the door.  The mountain property is a short hike to the Occidental Plateau, a high mountain plain and unique regional feature.  This property is a must-see for those who desire to live in a region where your closest neighbors are elk and moose who enjoy frequent visits to the property to graze on the abundant mountain grasses or a quick drink from the cool waters of several mountain springs or nearby Hoodoo Creek.

Dry Creek Mountain Ranch, close to Townsend and Canyon Ferry Reservoir is another mountain ranch that commands the attention of buyers looking for a hunting and recreation retreat ranch in Montana.  This ranch can also provide income from seasonal grazing for cattle during the spring, summer, and fall grazing seasons.  Adjacent to National Forest Lands and easily accessible along Dry Creek Road this ranch is positioned to allow a buyer a private oasis to enjoy some of the quality hunting and recreation that the area is known for in a corridor that is known for a healthy population of wildlife including elk, deer, bear and more.