Sam Shelton
Ranch Sales, MT
Licensed in MT
Sam’s profound connection with the diverse landscapes of Montana, combined with his experience in land management and real estate, positions him as an exemplary choice for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of land ownership. Raised amidst the varied terrains of Montana—from the mountainous Flathead Valley to the sagebrush expanses around Billings—Sam developed an early and deep understanding of the land’s agricultural value and recreational potential. His hands-on experiences, ranging from guiding in the rugged backcountry to managing recreational operations and running cow/calf pairs on a significant ranch, have endowed him with unparalleled insights into optimizing land use and enhancing its natural beauty.Â
Sam earned a degree in Biochemistry from Montana State University. After graduation, he expanded his expertise by guiding hunters in the Yukon and Alaska and managing recreational and agricultural projects on a large ranch in eastern Montana. This unique blend of skills, including his certification as a wilderness first responder, equips Sam with the knowledge and capability to assist clients in all aspects of land ownership and adventure.
In 2023, Sam brought his wealth of experience and shared values to Fay Ranches, where he continues to champion the preservation of the Western lifestyle and the productive stewardship of the land. Outside of his professional endeavors, Sam’s passion for the outdoors shines through in his pursuits of bow hunting, rifle hunting for trophy mule deer, trapping, skiing, and supporting his girlfriend’s rodeo competitions. With Sam, clients gain not only an agent with an in-depth understanding of land and wildlife but also a partner who lives the lifestyle they seek to embrace.
8 Active Properties Listed by Sam Shelton
Zortman Landusky Gold Resource Property
Zortman, MontanaThrough the work of Ruby Gulch Mining Company, the Gold Reserve Mining Company, and Pegasus Gold, this property was consolidated from mineral owners. Geologists estimate that only 20% of the gold and silver has been harvested from this Montana land, leaving plenty of reserves for investors or operators. The property is characterized by planted reclaimed pit mining sites, cliff bands, timbered ridges, and clearcuts, creating a bighorn sheep sanctuary and a mule deer and elk habitat.
Stillwater Legacy Ranch
Nye, MontanaLocated in the scenic Stillwater Valley near Nye, Montana, this legacy property features 1.65± miles of the Stillwater River frontage, complemented by 0.7± miles of both sides of the West Fork Stillwater River flowing through the heart of the ranch. With irrigated and sub-irrigated pastures, thermal springs, modest homes, abundant wildlife, and panoramic mountain views, it offers exceptional recreational opportunity, agricultural utility, and natural beauty in a private and peaceful setting.
Bangtail Creek Ranch
Livingston, MontanaMost of this acreage is contiguous to National Forest, near Livingston, Bozeman, the Yellowstone River, and Yellowstone National Park. The land boasts views of the Crazy Mountains, Bangtail Ridge, and the Chief Mountain plateau. Wildlife roam through the sage-filled land with newly constructed roads and electricity. This is the ideal location to build your dream home in Montana, as you can enjoy the seclusion of your private property with the convenience of nearby amenities.
Horseshoe Foothills Ranch
Belgrade, MontanaThis property is tucked away in the Gallatin Valley at the base of the Bridger Mountains and the Horseshoe Hills. The views from the property are stunning, with the Bridgers looming to the northeast, encompassing an expansive view of the lights of Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley, the Spanish Peaks rising to the south, and the Tobacco Root Mountains to the west. Take in the views from this ranch, close to one of the most celebrated small towns in the western United States: Bozeman, Montana.
Springhill 40
Bozeman, MontanaSecluded and located in the shadow of Ross Peak, this property is in a vibrant and varied wildlife corridor near the Springhill community. Tom Reese Creek and Evan Reese Creek turn into Reese Creek, flowing through the property for about a third of a mile. Just 25± minutes north of Bozeman, this private escape is the epitome of scenic beauty. The acreage is comprised of lush wetlands and groves of aspens with exquisite views of the south face of the Bridger Mountains and Gallatin Valley.
Big Hole River Fish Camp
Divide, MontanaWith about a mile of Big Hole River frontage and mountain views, this property includes a private build site, providing a blank slate for the next owner. Contiguous to BLM land leading into National Forest, the property and public land are home to whitetail and mule deer, elk, bear, moose, duck, geese, and other wildlife. About 15 minutes to Wise River, Montana, and less than an hour to Butte, it is easy to imagine spending your days fishing on this property while being close to amenities.
Big Hole River Cabin
Wise River, MontanaAt the base of the Dickie Hills with views of the Pioneer Mountains, this property boasts 500± feet of Big Hole River frontage. A 1,984± SF home sits steps from the river. This area is home to elk, deer, moose, bear, ducks, and more. The property is just 5± minutes from Wise River and its airstrip, and less than an hour from Butte’s commercial airport, offering the perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility. Whether you’re seeking fishing, adventure, or serenity, this retreat has it all.
Madison River Fish Camp
Norris, MontanaThis property is just down the road from the Madison River in the lower Madison Valley, the least developed river valley within 30± minutes of Bozeman. The acreage is contiguous to BLM land that boasts 1.2± miles of Madison River frontage, offering world-class fly fishing just down the road. The Madison River also offers abundant habitat, attracting a wealth of waterfowl and other wildlife. A custom 2,904± square foot, 4 bed, 3 bath home looks out on the river and valley.
8 Listings Sold by Sam Shelton
Four Creeks Sporting Ranch
Big Timber, MontanaThis Montana property offers 9± miles of live water and natural pools awaiting a dry fly cast, timbered draws, and shrub-covered hills camouflaging elk and mule deer. The ranch is a blank canvas for new owners to pursue quiet solitude and their favorite recreational activities. Only 29± miles southeast of the small ranching town of Big Timber, Montana, the property presents endless outdoor pursuits and attractive investment opportunities.
Shields Valley Irrigated Farm
Livingston, MontanaNestled between the Bridger, Absaroka, and Crazy Mountains, this Montana farm sits right off Highway 89 for year-round access. The farm has been well-managed, from rich farmland to rolling meadows, including 168± acres of flood-irrigated land with high-priority water rights from Cottonwood Ditch. An additional 73± acres of dryland hay ground can be productive during wet years, as well as 10± acres of pasture. The property has traditionally been leased out for farming and seasonal grazing.
Upper Willow Creek Retreat
Philipsburg, MontanaThis exceptional 173± acre property near Philipsburg, Montana, combines agriculture and recreation, offering an ideal setting for various outdoor adventures. Rarely available at this price point, the Upper Willow Creek Retreat features over a mile of live water meandering through lush riparian meadows and pockets of timber, diverse wildlife, stunning mountain views, and extensive recreational opportunities. Nestled in a secluded valley, it stands out as a premier choice in today’s market.
MR Ranch
Three Forks, MontanaThis property, just north of Three Forks, Montana, boasts about a mile of Missouri River frontage and varies from juniper canyons to a lush riparian bottom. The river braids offer wetland habitat, attracting a wealth of wildlife. The views are dramatic, with the Bridgers to the east, the Spanish Peaks and Tobacco Roots to the south, and the Elk Horn and Big Belt Mountains to the north. A small one-bed, one-bath cabin includes a loft and two garage spaces, running entirely on solar power.
Sixteen Mile Creek Escape
Ringling, MontanaIn between the Crazy Mountains, Bridger Range, Bangtail Range, and Castle Mountains sits this land in two parcels, a little over an hour north of Bozeman, Montana, and stretching almost 6.5 miles long. This property is contiguous to 631± acres of state land about boasts about three-quarters of a mile of Sixteen Mile Creek. The ranch supports elk, moose, deer, blue and sharp-tailed grouse, antelope, and other wildlife. Tucked away and surrounded by towering peaks, this land is a blank slate.
East Bridger Refuge
Wilsall, MontanaThis property sits on the east side of the Bridger Mountains and is contiguous to thousands of acres of Gallatin National Forest. Grass and sage pastures lead to dense Douglas fir-covered ridges. This topography provides eye-appealing viewsheds and entices wildlife with cover, travel corridors, and access to food and water. Rich soil and springs make an ideal environment for gardens, crops, and animals. Many elk, deer, black bears, and moose utilize the springs for water as they travel through.
Yellowstone River
Hunting Retreat
Laurel, Montana
Along the banks of one of Montana’s greatest fly fishing rivers, this property is just 20± minutes from Billings, Montana, and its international airport. The Yellowstone River forms the property’s northern boundary for about a mile, while river braids and State land form a portion of the western boundary. The Absaroka Range lies to the southwest. The river bottom is full of cottonwood trees and small junipers and is loaded with wildlife, including mule deer, whitetail deer, and waterfowl.
Little Fish Creek Retreat
Whitehall, MontanaThis property boasts 0.75± miles of Little Fish Creek and is contiguous to State and BLM Land. A variety of wildlife can be found here, including moose, elk, mule and whitetail deer, antelope, and upland game birds. A little over an hour from Bozeman and less than a half hour to Twin Bridges and Whitehall, land in the tightly held Jefferson River Valley rarely comes to market. Just 15± minutes east is the Jefferson River, one of southwest Montana’s many world-famous trout streams.
