Cook Mountain Hunting Ranch

On the market for the first time in over 83 years, this remote, world class hunting property with limited access is comprised of 1120 pristine acres consisting of two parcels situated in the middle of 65,000 acres of Custer National Forest. The lower pasture is a 960 acre parcel that borders Custer National Forest on 3 sides. The second parcel is a rare and highly coveted 160 acre in-holding surrounded by forest on every border. Land A mix of rolling hills, heavy timbered areas, pasture, creek bottom suitable for farming, developed springs, live creek, reservoirs, and remote limited access makes this ranch a prime opportunity for a world class hunting property for elk, mule deer, antelope, and wild turkey. Improvements The 160 acre in-holding features a rustic 14 x 16 log cabin with horse pens and a tack shed for a turnkey hunting camp. Cook Creek flows by the camp with a developed spring for your horses or mules. The lower 960 acres parcel features modern corrals, chute, and alley way. The entire property was completely re fenced in 2013. Recreation This property allows direct limited access to over 65,000 acres of Custer National Forest. The world record archery kill elk was taken just miles from this property a few years ago. The hunting opportunities are endless for elk, mule deer, antelope, and wild turkey. Agriculture The current owner has a US Forest Permit to graze 330 head of yearling steers from mid May through mid September on the surrounding Custer National Forest. The deeded 1120 acres could support another 40 cow/calf pairs for the same time period as the grazing lease. Water/Mineral Rights & Natural Resources The head of Cook Creek forms on the 160 acre in-holding and flows into a large reservoir. There is a developed spring with a solar panel well that produces 5-6 gpm of excellent water on the lower pasture parcel. There is another developed spring located on Cook Creek near the cabin. The in-holding parcel and the surrounding National Forest has numerous developed springs for livestock and creates prime water holes for the elk and deer. General Operations The Forest Service grazing permit allows for 330 head of yearling steers to run from mid May to mid September and an additional 40 head of pairs could be ran on the deeded ground for the same time frame. There would also be opportunities to lease the deeded ground out to neighbors for grazing if so desired. Region & Climate Referred to as Powder River Country this region of SW Montana consistently produces some of the finest elk and mule deer antler genetics in the state. The grass in this part of Montana is a high protein yield and the abundance of springs and creeks on and around this ranch make it a game magnet even in the driest part of the year. History The two parcels consisting of 1120 acres in total were originally made up of several 40 acre homesteads dating back to the 1890s. Most of the smaller homesteads eventually gave way to larger operations and over time were combined to create the current parcels of land comprising this ranch. The ranch has been in the same family for over 83 years with almost no hunting and very limited seasonal use for ranching. Location The ranch sits approximately 6 miles N.E. of the town of Ashland, MT. To access the ranch there is a private dirt road that runs about 4 miles due North of Hwy 212. An easy 120-mile drive from Billings, Mt and about 100 miles North of Sheridan, Wy.