Pintail Properties

Pintail Properties is a rare South Platte River holding combining four ponds, private river-bottom habitat, excellent waterfowl and upland bird hunting, fishing, and exceptional proximity to Denver. Formerly known as Boyd Ponds and owned by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the property has been privately restored and managed since 2014, creating a secluded sporting property just minutes from Fort Morgan.

Land

Encompassing both sides of the South Platte River at the edge of Log Lane Village, the property is 177 +/- acres of river-bottom, ponds, wetlands, and established habitat. The property sits on an elevated 8–9 foot bluff, providing a natural advantage over much of the surrounding river corridor. During the significant South Platte flooding of spring 2015, Pintail Properties remained above the floodwaters, helping protect the property’s established wildlife habitat.
The land has been thoughtfully improved over the past decade. More than 100 invasive Russian olive, tamarisk, and elm trees have been removed, while approximately 1,500 native bunch grass plugs have been planted to improve nesting and cover for quail and turkey. Miles of maintained game trails weave through the property, and a substantial tree buffer provides privacy along with additional wildlife cover.
There are also a couple of areas on the property that may offer viable locations for future improvements. These areas could potentially accommodate a barndominium, lodge, shop, or other improvements that complement the property’s recreational use.
A high-security perimeter fence, substantial bridge over Beaver Ditch, engineered stormwater drainage, and other infrastructure contribute to a property that is both highly private and exceptionally well prepared for continued recreational use. There is no public access along the property’s boundaries, providing a level of privacy and protection that is increasingly difficult to find along the South Platte.

Recreation

Water is the defining feature across the property. Four primary ponds span nearly 8.5 surface acres, with three managed as productive fishing waters and the fourth, known as the lagoon, dedicated primarily to waterfowl habitat. The fishing ponds support largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, rainbow trout, and brown trout, with trout typically present from October through June.
For the waterfowl hunter, the property’s appeal extends well beyond the four main ponds. A spring-fed slough along Beaver Ditch provides approximately a mile of habitat that remains open during cold weather, while a South Platte tributary and a four-acre lake add additional water and cover. Portions of the larger lake remain open through winter, and the lagoon is equipped with power nearby to accommodate an ice eater to maintain open water for diving ducks.
The property also supports several smaller duck ponds and pockets, including spring-fed areas that remain open year-round. A sandbar, food plot, lake, wetlands, and river corridor work together to create a diverse setting for ducks and geese.
Pintail has also been managed with an emphasis on upland birds. Bobwhite quail have established multiple coveys on the property since 2014, supported by abundant cover, nesting areas, food plots, game trails, and a deliberate no-hunting approach to growing the population. Turkey, whitetail deer, and occasional mule deer further add to the recreational appeal. The result is a property designed around year-round wildlife use. Included in the sale is a 20’ storage van, 4 seat Polaris Ranger, 3 12’ jon boats, dock, water pump, and a water trailer.

Water/Mineral Rights & Natural Resources

Water is central to the character and value of the property. Approximately 8.5 surface acres span the four primary ponds, supplemented by spring-fed sloughs, smaller duck ponds, a South Platte tributary, and additional wetland habitat. According to the owner’s property analysis, the ponds have approximately 65 years of water history and have remained productive without going dry.

Location

Pintail Properties offers a combination that is difficult to replicate along the South Platte: substantial acreage, private water, established wildlife habitat, and convenient access to the Front Range.
The property sits approximately one mile west of Fort Morgan along I-76, immediately north of Log Lane Village. Denver is approximately 65 minutes to the west, putting the property within easy reach of the metro area while maintaining the feel and recreational character of a private river property. Denver International Airport is also within convenient driving distance, making Pintail accessible for both regular weekend use and owners traveling from outside Colorado.
Fort Collins and the northern Front Range are also within a practical drive, while I-76 provides direct access toward Denver and the broader Front Range. For a recreational property, the location is one of Pintail’s defining advantages: the privacy and wildlife experience of a South Platte sporting property without the long drive typically associated with this type of land.
Pintail Properties represents an uncommon opportunity to acquire an established sporting property where the hard work has already been done. The ponds are in place, the habitat has been improved, the wildlife populations have been nurtured, and significant infrastructure has been added. For someone looking for a private waterfowl and upland hunting property within easy reach of Denver, the combination of water, wildlife, privacy, potential improvements, and proximity is difficult to duplicate.