Running Colter Ranch
Belgrade, MT - 696 Acres - $5,790,000
Located in Belgrade, Montana, 20 minutes west of Bozeman, the Running Colter Ranch represents premier spring creek trout fishing and pheasant hunting. The ranch is offered as two separate parcels or as one 696+/- acre ranch. Enjoy ¾ mile of excellent spring creek fishing on Bull Run Creek or “cast and blast” the private waterfowl ponds and sloughs. All-season recreational opportunities from golf to world-class downhill and cross-country skiing are available at nearby Big Sky Resort. Scenic building sites are located on both parcels. Virtually all waterways on the ranch have been expertly enhanced to maximize an incoming owner’s outdoor recreation. Wetlands and creeks on the property are enrolled in an enhancement mitigation bank, and full details are available from the listing broker. With two spring-fed waterfowl ponds and several smaller creeks and sloughs, enjoy one of the finest sporting properties in southwestern Montana near Bozeman.
Running Colter Ranch is comprised of approximately 696 deeded acres with a mix of riparian corridors, irrigated cropland, pasture and wildlife corridors. Bull Run Creek traverses from north to south along the western boundary and has been enhanced with ponds and improvements to benefit wildlife. The lower creamery ditch crosses at a diagonal from the southwest corner to the northeast corner. The 264 acres of irrigated cropland are located throughout the property with springs and wetland areas interspersed throughout the corridors, separating the farmland and significantly adding to the wildlife habitat.
Improvements are located on the northern edge of the property. The 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch house was built in 1910 and remodeled in 1965, and is in poor to fair condition. The 24” x 30” garage was built in 2000, and the 30” x 40” open face shed was built in 1964. Both of these buildings are in fair condition.
The current ownership has managed Running Colter primarily to promote wildlife habitat and property health. A neighboring rancher currently leases the crop and hay grounds for production. To maximize the game bird and wildlife habitat, no grazing has currently been utilized. Running Colter has ample water to irrigate the 264 acres currently being farmed, with a diversity of sources of the irrigation rights. Water is applied through flooding and the use of the 3 center pivot irrigation systems. This property is extremely well watered for agricultural purposes with the supplemental benefits of increased wildlife habitat.
The property is home to an incredible diversity of game and non-game birds, along with plentiful wildlife. Whitetail deer, pheasants and many types of waterfowl are found in abundance. Hungarian Partridge, dove, moose and Black bear are not uncommon. Raptors including Bald eagles, Great Horned owls, Red-tailed and Rough-legged hawks, and Kestrel falcons at times call this property home. The number and variety of songbirds that can be seen at the bird feeders off the back porch are incredible. Other full time or part time residents to this paradise include Red fox, coyotes, mink, river otter, turkey, marmot, Ruffed grouse and raccoon.
The hunting dogs will be eager to work for game birds along the many water features of Running Colter Ranch. The waters of Bull Run Creek have been enhanced for both trout and waterfowl. The grain fields lining the creek willow for excellent feed and cover close to the water sources. Bull Run Creek spring creek is one of the hidden angling gems in the Gallatin valley, offering great opportunities for the fly fisherman. The springs and water expressions provide the warm groundwater needed to allow for cold weather waterfowl opportunities.