AntelopeBig Tim bCreeker, Mont ana Ranch

Fly Fishing | Hunting | Ranching | Conservation BigAntelope Timber, M Creekontana Ranch

Introduction: Located approximately 6 miles west of Big Timber and 28 miles east of Livingston, , the Antelope Creek Ranch is a beautiful and versatile property comprised of 1,736 +/- deeded acres with additional lease ground. With its varied terrain, diverse habitat and wildlife, and multiple land use options, the ranch provides high-quality recreational opportunities along with a viable agricultural component. With 2+/- miles of prime frontage on the , the ranch features direct access to one of the best trout streams in Montana. In addition, the Antelope Creek Ranch boasts a spring creek that heads up on the property and flows for better than 1/3 of a mile through riparian river-bottom land, as well as a freestone creek and two stocked trout ponds. Improvements include a 2,400 sqft 5-bedroom, 2-bathroom home and a 1,850 sqft second home, and several outbuildings including a large horse barn and arena.

Nearby outdoor recreational pursuits are boundless because the ranch is located in one of the most scenic and sporting regions of Montana. With options ranging from Jeff Shouse, Broker • Cell: 406.580.5078 fishing, wing shooting and big game hunting to farming Craig Janssen, Montana Managing Broker and running horses or cattle, the ranch is well-suited for Toll Free: 866.734.6100 Office: 406.586.6010 a variety of sporting and income-producing pursuits. The offering price is $3,900,000.

www.LiveWaterProperties.com Location: The Antelope Creek Ranch is located approximately six The area around Big Timber is framed by three prominent miles west of Big Timber, 28 miles east of Livingston, 54 mountain ranges — the Absaroka/Beartooth complex to miles east of Bozeman and 80 miles west of Billings. the south and the to the north, with the snowcapped summits of certain peaks exceeding 10,000 This region of south-central Montana is characterized feet. The Yellowstone River bisects the land between the by varying geography — irrigated river valleys, timbered mountains and is fed by numerous freestone streams and foothill and bench country, vast expanses of rolling prairie spring creeks. Populations of elk, deer and moose are and rangeland and high-alpine mountainous terrain. The frequently seen in the foothills and hayfields, and grizzlies area is touted for its recreational opportunities, cultural can still be found roaming the forests and peaks. variety, historical richness and distinctive “Western” feel. Big Timber lies on the south bank of the Yellowstone Situated on the northern fringe of the Greater River and is considered the major trade center for the Yellowstone Ecosystem, Montana’s Sweet Grass County immediate area. With 1,600 residents, Big Timber was is relatively unpopulated with 3,600 people spread across founded in 1883 and serves as the county seat of Sweet approximately 1,860 square miles. Large areas of open Grass County. The town provides shopping and service- space prevail, and the landscape has largely escaped the related amenities, schools, restaurants and “watering subdivision and urban sprawl evident in some other holes,” specialty shops, car dealerships, motels and scenic parts of the state. This characteristic is attributed hotels, a regional hospital (Pioneer Medical Center) and to the fact that agriculture remains the primary a small jet-capable airport. Major shopping tasks can be economic activity, centered around large commercial accomplished in nearby Bozeman or Billings, which also cattle and sheep ranches and farming operations. provide the closest commercial jet air service.

www.LiveWaterProperties.com The Property: At an elevation ranging from 4,100 to 4,500 feet, the is also used to graze aftermath in the fall and feed cattle in Antelope Creek Ranch comprises approximately 1,736 the winter. The stocking rate is estimated at 400AUMs for +/- deeded and 134+/- acres of State of Montana lease this portion of the ranch. The north agricultural operation ground. The acreage north of I-90 is leased on a year-to-year basis to a consists of river-riparian habitat, tenant who is also responsible for dryland hay fields, and both flood and repairs and maintenance. The river pivot irrigated crop land where grain bottom is comprised of open meadows and alfalfa have historically been interspersed with cattail sloughs, grown. All of the irrigated ground brushy areas and large cottonwood — approximately 274 acres — which and juniper trees, offering superb includes 179+/- acres under two pivots, is located on this wildlife habitat. The spring creek and newer trout pond part of the property. For the last few years, the crop has are situated on this end of the property. consisted entirely of alfalfa and grass hay with total yields in the 1,000 to 1,200+/- ton range. This production ground The southern part of the ranch consists primarily of native

www.LiveWaterProperties.com pasture and grazing land, with scattered pine, fir, juniper, the bottom. Mule deer and elk use this area for bedding. aspen and cottonwood trees, brushy vegetation and sage, Another small trout pond stocked with brook trout is draws, canyons and high benches. Expansive panoramic located on Antelope Creek. This portion of the ranch is views of the mountains can be seen subject to an annual grazing lease with in all directions from the high ridges, a separate agricultural operator. The and there are numerous spectacular lease allows for grazing of yearlings, building sites with huge vistas. An cows, cow/calf pairs, bulls and horses. access road runs through a main draw Under the grazing standards set forth south of the buildings and parallel by the lease agreement, stock may to the cottonwood and aspen-lined graze no more than 50% (by weight) of Antelope Creek, and a spur ranch road runs west from this the current year’s grass resource, and carrying capacity of main road, making a loop around the highest ridge to the the range has been estimated at approximately 300 AUMs. west of the creek. The southwest corner of the ranch includes The operator is responsible for repairs and maintenance, a large tree-filled canyon with scattered spring water in and the owner controls any weed issues.

www.LiveWaterProperties.com www.LiveWaterProperties.com Improvements: There are two houses on the ranch, along with several outbuildings including a large horse arena and barn. Both houses are rented on a month-to-month basis to separate tenants. The first house was originally built in 1895 and was remodeled in 2006. It has two stories with approximately 2,400 sqft of living area, five bedrooms, one bath and gas/forced air heating. The second house was built in 1996 and is one story with approximately 1,850 sqft of living space. This house has four bedrooms and 3 full baths with gas and hot water/radiant heating.

The outbuildings include the following: • Metal Pole Frame Building, closed with 4 sides — built in 2006, 80ʹ x 120ʹ • Metal Pole Frame Building, closed with 4 sides — built in 2006, 36ʹ x 112ʹ • Metal Pole Frame Building, closed with 4 sides — built in 1940, 27ʹ x 100ʹ • Wood Pole Frame Building, 1 side open — built in 1996, 28ʹ x 60ʹ • Prefab Building with Vertical Walls — built in 1970, 50ʹ x 80ʹ • Frame Implement Shed — built 1960, 26ʹ x 32ʹ • 60,000 BU Grain Bins w/o aerator — built in 1960, 21ʹ / circumference of 56ʹ • 60,000 BU Grain Bins w/o aerator — built in 1940, 11ʹ / circumference of 37ʹ

Both of the agricultural leases and the two residential leases can be terminated by the owner of the ranch by 30-day notice. Currently, the overall management of the ranch is facilitated through a professional ranch management firm, which oversees lease negotiation, infrastructure improvements, weed spraying, range and pasture management, and hunting activities, on behalf of the owner.

www.LiveWaterProperties.com Live Water: A highlight of the Antelope Creek Ranch is its 2+/- miles is the upper 100 miles that receive the most serious interest of frontage on the Yellowstone River. Volumes have been from trout anglers. This Blue Ribbon classified section written in past and present fishing literature about this constitutes the largest continuous stretch of trout water in revered fishery. Beginning its journey in Yellowstone the state with such designation — almost a fourth of all such National Park, the river drains an enormous watershed, and defined water in Montana. its many tributaries include the finest wild trout streams. Running 680 undammed miles to its confluence with the The Yellowstone is a compelling mix of shallow riffles, Missouri River in western North Dakota, the Yellowstone has undercut banks, deep holes and runs, and expansive tail- the distinction of being the longest free-flowing river in the outs, offering a variety of trout habitat and consistent contiguous United States. The river leaves Yellowstone and success to anglers possessing a myriad of presentation enters Montana at Gardiner, then flows northeast through skills. The three main trout species in the river are the native the dramatic Paradise Valley until reaching Livingston, Yellowstone cutthroat, brown and rainbow — naturally where it makes a bend to the east and flows in that direction reproducing wild fish. Additionally, brook trout are found through the bulk of south-central and . in the river — generally in the immediate vicinity of feeder While trout can be found as far downstream as Billings, it creeks — as are Mountain whitefish, which are abundant.

www.LiveWaterProperties.com Not only does the river have a substantial population of late spring, summer and early autumn, there is excellent trout, it also supports some impressively huge fish. One look dry fly fishing using a variety of adult-phase, imitative and at the “Wall of Fame” in Dan Bailey’s Fly Shop in Livingston attractor patterns that include midges, blue-winged olive, will confirm that the Yellowstone River has produced baetis and pale morning mayfly duns, and several genus of trophies over the years, and biologists electro-fishing the both caddis and stonefly. Mid-summer through early fall is river have sampled fish over 15 pounds. The majority of terrestrial time, with grasshopper, ant and beetle patterns trout caught in the Yellowstone, however, run between 10 taking many fish on the surface. Nymph and streamer and 20 inches. An angler throwing streamers has a realistic presentations are effective all year round. Mayfly, caddis chance at fish exceeding this range. The Yellowstone is open and small stonefly larval imitations work well in the riffles, to fishing year-round, and there are many excellent fishing while sculpin patterns and general attractor streamers such accesses, where certain ones offer camping. Due to the size as wooly buggers will take larger fish — particularly brown and depth of the river, access to the and cutthroat — in the deeper pools best water is often facilitated by the and holding lies along undercut use of a drift boat to fish the deeper banks. Some of the largest fish from banks and runs, and then stopping the river are caught on streamers in to wade the riffles, heads of pools the fall. Fishing opportunities on the and side channels. A boat could be Yellowstone are many and varied, launched or trailered at many spots and an angler can spend a lifetime on the Antelope Creek Ranch, or at learning the nuances of the river the Gray Bear fishing access on the and the seasonal feeding preferences northeast corner. of the trout. In angling circles, the Yellowstone is one of the most Run-off in normal snowpack years regarded and highly-touted trout winds down by the middle to third rivers in the world, and its high- week of July, and stable flows can be quality wild trout fishery validates expected throughout the summer this recognition. irrigation season. Consistent insect hatches begin in late May and run through mid-September. In addition to having direct access to the Yellowstone, The first significant event on the Yellowstone is the the Antelope Creek Ranch also boasts a spring creek that “Mother’s Day” caddis hatch, which generates substantial heads up on the property and flows for better than 1/3 of activity by both trout and fly fishermen. The Pteronarcys a mile through the riparian river bottom. The creek does hatch — more commonly referred to as the “Salmon not currently support a fishery, but has potential with Fly” hatch — starts the end of June or first week in July, enhancement measures. There are also two beautiful trout although due to runoff at about the same time, it can be ponds on the property, one stocked with brook trout and a hit-or-miss proposition for the angler. For the bulk of the other with Kamloop strain rainbow trout.

www.LiveWaterProperties.com Nearby Live Water: Montana’s trout streams are legendary — in quantity, quality and scale — and the state arguably contains more premier water than could be fished in a lifetime. Seven rivers in Montana have the distinction of “Blue Ribbon” status — simply the “best of the best.” One of these rivers — the Yellowstone — forms the north border of the Antelope Creek Ranch. Three others on the list — the Gallatin, Madison and Missouri Rivers — are within an hour and a half drive from the property.

The fabulous Boulder River converges with the Yellowstone just downstream from Big Timber. The main Boulder, along with its West and East forks are all outstanding brown, cutthroat and rainbow trout fisheries, relatively lightly fished, and course through beautiful country. Thirty minutes east of the ranch lies the Stillwater River, and 30 miles west — the Shields. Both are wadeable, highly-prolific trout streams. Other notable fisheries in the area include Big Timber Creek, Otter Creek and Sweet Grass Creek, Upper and Lower Deer Creeks, Bridger Creek and Work Creek. As well, the 921,000-acre Absaroka- Beartooth Wilderness Area, Beartooth Plateau and portions of the in both the Absarokas and the Crazies are full of high alpine lakes and crystal-clear mountain streams waiting for the adventurous angler who seeks solitude commonly found off the beaten path.

Water & Mineral Rights: The Seller will convey and transfer all appurtenant water and mineral rights, if any, at closing. However, the Seller makes no representations or warranties concerning current status or validity of any of these rights. Independent investigation is recommended to any prospective Buyer.

www.LiveWaterProperties.com Hunting: Some of Montana’s best hunting opportunities are found in south-central Montana. The mountains and plains comprising the region harbor all the recognized big game species in Montana, including elk, whitetail and mule deer, antelope, black and grizzly bear, mountain lion, moose, Bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain goats. Waterfowl and upland wingshooting is also superb in this area with the possibility of decoying ducks and geese in the morning, then hunting for Hungarian partridge, pheasant and grouse in the afternoon.

The hunter will find mule deer, a significant whitetail deer population, antelope, Sharptail grouse and Hungarian partridge on the Antelope Creek Ranch, as well as ducks and geese in large numbers. Regarding the waterfowl, at times there are thousands of ducks and geese using the river and especially the spring creek. Hunting ducks over decoys on the creek can be incredible, especially later in the season when ice forms on the river. The ranch lies on the extreme western edge of the Central Flyway. Pheasants are not native to the ranch, but there is good habitat — grass, cattails and woody cover — in many places, and with the cover available and strategic food plots established, pheasant introduction could prove successful.

www.LiveWaterProperties.com Hunting: (Continued) Elk are also seen with frequency on the ranch, particularly in the foothills and canyons of the southern portion of the property. The elk do move from their bedding areas to feed in the hay and grain fields along the river, but generally under cover of darkness. While not a significant component of the overall hunting picture on the property, elk have been harvested with regularity in recent years.

Recreation: Montana offers a bounty of natural resources. It’s blessed with millions of wild acres, including snowcapped peaks and pristine forests, river riparian ecosystems cradling the finest trout streams, vast expanses of prairie and plains, and a wildlife community that in terms of density and variety exceeds many other regions in the continental United States. Whether the pursuit is fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, skiing or any number of other activities, the possibilities are limited only by the imagination. Visitors flock to Big Sky Country to experience outdoor pursuits amid the most magnificent scenery found anywhere in the world.

www.LiveWaterProperties.com Summary The Antelope Creek Ranch is a beautiful property, displaying varied terrain, diverse habitat and wildlife and multiple land-use options. Offering a strong agricultural component, as well as outstanding recreational features, the ranch is well- suited for a variety of income-producing and sporting pursuits. With prime river frontage on an excellent trout stream, two creeks, two ponds, timber, meadows and rangeland, beautiful views and diverse wildlife — all within minutes of Big Timber — this ranch deserves a visit.

PRICE: $3.9M, Was $4.2 (Cash at closing) TAXES: $5,908.63 in 2012

CONTACT: Jeff Shouse, Broker • Cell: 406.580.5078 Craig Janssen, Montana Managing Broker Toll Free: 866.734.6100 Office: 406.586.6010

Notes: 1) This is an exclusive listing of Live Water Properties LLC; an agent of Live Water Properties must be present to conduct a showing. The owners respectfully request that other agents and/or prospective buyers contact Live Water Properties in advance to schedule a proper showing and do not attempt to tour or trespass the property on their own. Thank you. 2) Offering subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of purchase by owner. Information provided herein is intended as a general guideline and has been provided by sources deemed reliable, but the accuracy of which we cannot guarantee. 3) Live Water Properties LLC represents the Seller as a Seller’s Agent.

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