Hunting for a Recreational & Wildlife Ranch

Not everyone who buys a wildlife ranch is interested in hunting, but many land buyers are. While every buyer, every piece of property, and every transaction is different, some aspects of the process remain the same.

“Before buyers even start their search for a hunting ranch, they need to determine what their goals are for land ownership,” MacMillan said. “Their goals are going to establish the parameters of their search—and help their land professional find the piece of property that fits.”

Potential landowners need to ask themselves a few questions:

1. What species do I want to pursue? Elk and mule deer need different habitat than upland game birds, waterfowl or trout.
2. Will hunting or fishing on the property be limited to family and friends or will it be a commercial venture? Infrastructure requirements, especially lodging, will be different if commercial hunting is the objective.
3. Do I want a turnkey property, or do I want to invest time, effort and money in enhancing the land’s natural productivity? Land and wildlife management is never done, but ranches like houses, vary. Some are move-in ready while others are “fixer uppers.”

While the answers to these questions will dictate the specifics of the property search, some basics hold true across species. For hunting and wildlife ranches, it’s not just location, location, location, but habitat, habitat, habitat.

“Every living thing needs ‘groceries’, water and cover,” MacMillan said. “The proportion and type of ingredients in the recipe depends on the species. The beauty of wildlife management is that we can manipulate the habitat in ways that benefit the preferred species and make them want to call it home.”

Working with a knowledgeable land professional, who not only understands your goals but also understands wildlife and habitat management, is essential to a successful search. They can help assess a property’s status as well as its potential.

Elk, for example, need dark timber, reliable water and nutritious grazing. With decades of experience, MacMillan recognizes when the timber needs to be thinned to optimize the light and space, when meadows can be revitalized by a prescribed burn and when a well-placed alfalfa patch can help elk stay on a ranch instead of traveling to the neighbors’ places.

“While I nor any of my colleagues at Live Water Properties do the management ourselves, we pride ourselves on being able to put our clients in touch with the best land management specialists in the business,” said MacMillan, noting he’d built his network over three decades in the business. “Through our network, we can help you meet your goals and ensure that your wildlife is well managed.”

His boots on the ground experience also helps him to spot opportunities that others might miss. For instance, many people assume that great elk hunting requires thousands of acres. While that is generally true, MacMillan has helped people find notable exceptions. In several instances, he’s sold 300± acre ranches with big potential because they were located on a historic migration route, contained a preferred bedding ground or backed up to a vast national forest.

“There are honey holes for wildlife,” MacMillan said. “They’re not easy to find, but if you do find one then you can accomplish your desired outcome by owning the right piece instead of owning the wrong piece that is 20x that size.”

Landowner Tags and Other Insider Info

While not everyone buys a recreational ranch to hunt, those who do are rightfully interested in landowner tags.

“When it comes to landowner tags*, every state has a different set of rules and regulations—and they can get complicated,” MacMillan said. “It’s one more reason that you should align yourself with a broker who knows wildlife.”

The essential thing for landowners to know, especially if they are even remotely considering offering commercial hunts, is whether a state’s landowner tags are “transferrable” or “non-transferrable.” In general terms, transferrable tags can be shared or sold to hunters other than the landowners, while non-transferrable tags are to be used by the ranch owner and in some cases his or her family.

MacMillan illustrates the differences using his home state of Wyoming and Utah. In Wyoming, landowner tags are non-transferrable and available for the family only. With that said, landowners can allow hunters who have drawn a tag for the area where their ranch is located come onto the property and hunt. The ranch owners may charge an access fee.

On the other hand, Utah’s landowner tags are transferrable and the economic impact of selling hunts can be significant.

“Revenue from hunting can move the needle on an annual income basis and really help underwrite the costs of running a ranch,” said MacMillan, noting that some Utah landowners choose to offer guide services and lodging for hunters. “The opportunity to take a 400-inch elk is limited and highly coveted, so people will pay a premium to get that chance. In my experience, the presence of 300-inch elk can provide a seller with a 20 to 25 percent premium over a ranch that doesn’t have that resource.”

According to MacMillan, the best source of detailed information on landowner tags is the website of the game and fish agency in the state of interest. Game wardens and other state wildlife personnel can also provide valuable information as can well-informed land brokers.

Even if landowners aren’t interested in commercial hunting, developing a working relationship with local game wardens and state game biologists is a good investment of time. Both groups of professionals are integral in the way the state manages and allocates its wildlife resources.

For instance, the state of Wyoming uses a formula to allocate tags that is based on 2,000 animal use days per every 160 acres, and tags are only available to those with a minimum of 160 acres. Ultimately, though, it’s the local game warden’s discretion that verifies the allocation.

Wildlife biologists provide technical guidance and conservation opportunities. Case in point, MacMillan was working with Wyoming landowners soon after they purchased a ranch. The landowners wanted to install new fencing. The estimate was $250,000. They talked with a local wildlife biologist who told them about a funding program.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department, which is charged with managing wildlife resources on behalf of all Wyoming’s citizens, is a conduit for cost-sharing funds dedicated to wildlife conservation projects on private land.
The landowners’ desire to install wildlife friendly fencing on a historic mule deer travel corridor met the criteria for matching funds, cutting their costs dramatically.

“The project benefited the wildlife on the ranch for the benefit of the people of Wyoming who own the wildlife resource,” MacMillan said. “By having public support, the landowners working with the agency were able to not only save a sizable amount of money but they saved a large number of deer from getting tangled in fences and dying.”

Public-private partnerships are one more example of the multi-faceted value of wildlife. “Wildlife connects us to the essence of humanity while being a quantifiable asset that continues to add value to a property,” MacMillan said. “For so many reasons, wildlife is worthy of our attention.” Rare is the resource that intertwines emotion and economics.

*Requirements and regulations for landowner tags vary from state to state. For more information on landowner tags in Idaho, Montana, Utah and Wyoming see:

Idaho
https://idfg.idaho.gov/sites/default/files/seasons-rules-big-game-landowner-appreciation-program-2024.pdf

Montana
https://fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply/hunting-licenses/landowner-preference-sponsor

Utah
https://wildlife.utah.gov/r657-43.html

Wyoming
https://wgfd.wyo.gov/licenses-applications/landowner-licenses

BIRD HUNTING RANCHES IN IDAHO

Grover Ranch
Driggs, ID | 880 Acres
The Grover Ranch offers exceptional recreational opportunities, particularly for waterfowl enthusiasts. There are five ponds, six unnamed streams, and numerous wetland areas on the ranch, all fed by the plentiful spring seeps found throughout the property. Many of the resident waterfowl, as well as the migratory birds during the later season flights, find refuge on the ranch. With a focus on habitat enhancement, this property can easily become an exceptional waterfowl hunting retreat. Explore Grover Ranch

Twin Peaks Guest Ranch
Salmon, ID | 677.81 Acres
Tucked away in a secluded canyon and surrounded by public lands, Twin Peaks Guest Ranch is a remote hideaway in central Idaho’s scenic western landscape. For upland bird hunters, the property features open grass pastures, sage and willow bushes, along with mature aspen and cottonwood trees, which provide a home to chukar, Hungarian partridge, ruffed and blue grouse, and sharp-tailed grouse. Explore Twin Peaks Guest Ranch

12 Springs Ranch
Victor, ID | 298.2 Acres
Owned by the Moulton family for 80 years, 12 Springs Ranch offers both a rich history and seclusion in Idaho’s beautiful Teton Valley. Spanning 298.2 gently sloping acres, the ranch is home to over 12 natural springs, creating a network of creeks that enhance the landscape and provide vital water sources for livestock and wildlife. The ranch supports a diverse ecosystem, attracting species like Sandhill cranes, Long-billed Curlews, and various waterfowl. This unique property offers a new owner the opportunity to enjoy abundant waterfowl opportunities. Explore 12 Springs Ranch

Cottonwood Creek Ranch
Stites, ID | 1,084 Acres
Cottonwood Creek Ranch is an upland hunter’s dream with a variety of species found in few properties across the West. On the rocky cliffs and rolling hillsides, chukar can be heard calling out. Gray partridge roam the grassy hillsides. California quail can be found in the riparian areas and along the creek bottom. Pheasants are found near the irrigated fields where cover and agriculture are present. Dusky grouses can be rare near timber and riparian river bottoms. Wild turkeys are abundant on the ranch, from the agricultural bottoms to the hillside and the timber, they can be seen at almost all times of the day. Explore Cottonwood Creek Ranch

BIRD HUNTING RANCHES IN SOUTH DAKOTA

Lake Sharpe Ranch
Kennebec, SD | 2,667 Acres
The Lake Sharpe Ranch is a mixture of rolling hills, mild cedar covered breaks to riverfront irrigated farmland. The ranch supports an array of wildlife, including sharp-tailed grouse, prairie chicken, pheasant, and waterfowl. The ranch is the only private property with deeded lake frontage for miles. Lake Sharpe Ranch has 450 acres under pivot for corn, soybeans, milo, and hay barley, while the remaining acreage is comprised of grasslands. These lands may be accessed through an over-the-counter hunting license for upland and waterfowl, not limiting non-residents to number of days they may hunt a season. With some of the highest sharp-tailed grouse and prairie chicken densities in the US, there is plenty to enjoy on or off the Lake Sharpe Ranch. Two artesian wells, numerous reservoirs, springs, and the lake offer an abundance of water resources to complement the beautiful topography and abundant wildlife resources. Explore Lake Sharpe Ranch

Swift Wildlife Refuge
Cresbard, SD | 580 Acres
Swift Wildlife Refuge is a remarkable pheasant hunting property that has been in the same family since 1883. Covering approximately 580 acres, the refuge features well-maintained shelter belts and tens of thousands of trees planted over the years, creating a diverse habitat for numerous wildlife species. The property includes creek bottoms, abundant water sources, Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) areas, crop fields, and tree rows, all of which contribute to a thriving ecosystem that attracts a variety of wildlife. This diverse range of habitats supports robust pheasant populations. Explore Swift Wildlife Refuge

BIRD HUNTING RANCHES IN MONTANA

Yellowstone Wildlife Refuge
Pompey’s Pillar, MT | 2,958 Acres
The Yellowstone Wildlife Refuge is a haven of natural beauty and ecological diversity. The land stretches from the lush cottonwood bottoms along the Yellowstone River to rolling hills covered in ponderosa pines, creating a wide array of habitats that support a variety of wildlife including pheasants, sharp-tailed grouse, turkey, and waterfowl. The presence of creek bottoms, ponderosa pines, cottonwood lowlands, crop ground, grasslands, and abundant water sources on the property, creates an ideal environment for supporting a healthy ecosystem and attracting much wildlife. Explore Yellowstone Wildlife Refuge

Judith Breaks Ranch
Lewistown, MT | 1,780 Acres
Situated in Central Montana, the Judith Breaks Ranch is a stunning oasis where Sage Creek converges with the renowned Judith River. The ranch features diverse topography and habitats, including over a mile of Judith River frontage, 0.4-mile of Sage Creek, and approximately 85 acres of irrigation rights. It’s a hunter’s paradise, offering prime opportunities to pursue a variety of game. Lewistown, nearby, is ranked by Pheasants Forever as the #2 best bird hunting town in America, with game such as sage grouse, pheasants, mountain grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, and Hungarian partridge. Explore Judith Breaks Ranch

BIRD HUNTING RANCHES IN TEXAS

Brady Creek Ranch
Brady Creek Ranch | 1,042.55 Acres
Brady Creek Ranch Estates is a recreational ranch development nestled in the rolling hills in the beautiful western Texas Hill Country. A rare opportunity is available to acquire either or both Tract 1 (±432.83 acres) and Tract 2 (±609.72 acres). Tract 1 features ±432.83 acres and includes a Soil Conservation Lake fed by South Brady Creek, which runs through the entire ±1,042.55 acres being offered. When full, the lake can expand to ±30 surface acres, providing excellent opportunities for waterfowl hunting. Currently, due to ongoing drought conditions, the lake has stabilized at around ±10 acres. The lake serves as the largest body of water in the area, attracting a diverse array of ducks, geese, and Sandhill cranes, making it a prime destination for waterfowl enthusiasts. Explore Brady Creek Ranch

BIRD HUNTING RANCHES IN OREGON

R&C Ranch
Fossil, OR | 5,430 Acres
The R&C Ranch is one of the most iconic and unique ranches in the entire John Day River Basin of Oregon. Spanning over 5,430 deeded acres with direct access to an additional 7,517 acres of Bureau of Land Management land and the North Pole Ridge Wilderness Study area, this expansive property features diverse habitats, miles of tributary streams, and varied topography, making it ideal for numerous upland bird species. The ranch supports strong populations of chukar, Hungarian (gray) partridge, California quail, and pheasant across its rich habitats. Bird hunting seasons are lengthy, running from early to mid-October through January, depending on the species. Additionally, the R&C Ranch includes game bird pens, which can be used for personal purposes or to establish a game bird preserve for upland bird hunts. Explore R&C Ranch

Seven Springs Ranch on Butte Creek
Fossil, OR | 3,246 Acres
Seven Springs on Butte Creek encompasses diverse landscapes, including creeks, springs, draws, basalt cliffs, and juniper-covered hills on the flanks of the John Day River. This beautiful ranch and its surrounding areas are renowned for outstanding hunting opportunities, featuring numerous upland birds. The ranch supports healthy populations of chukar, Hungarian (gray) partridge, mountain quail, and California quail across its varied habitats. Bird hunting seasons run from early to mid-October through January, depending on the species. With its basalt rimrock, cliff bands, multiple canyons, and diverse drainages, the property offers exceptional terrain for chukar hunters. Explore Seven Springs Ranch on Butte Creek

BIRD HUNTING RANCHES IN WYOMING

Nieslanik Ranch
Cokeville, WY | 399 Acres
Located 5 miles north of Cokeville, WY, in Lincoln County, the Nieslanik Ranch encompasses 399 deeded acres, with 360 acres of highly productive irrigated fields and pastures. Set along Chalk Creek and adjacent to thousands of acres of public land, pride of ownership is clear from the well-maintained pivot-irrigated fields to the mature landscaping surrounding the residence. With 25 years of dedicated care, the ranch is a haven for wildlife, including waterfowl like ducks, geese, and Sandhill cranes. Its proximity to the Bear River, just a half mile away, makes it an ideal spot for waterfowl hunting and wildlife observation. Explore Nieslanik Ranch

BIG GAME HUNTING RANCHES IN WYOMING

Antlers Ranch
Meeteetse, Wyoming | 16,532 Acres
The Antlers Ranch has approximately 40,000 controlled acres, including 16,532 deeded acres and approximately 63 miles of shared border with federal- or state-protected lands. The ranch has a diversity of topography and habitats ranging from river bottoms to irrigated pastures and timbered alpine peaks that are home to moose, elk, antelope, bighorn sheep, and white-tailed and mule deer. To propagate the best genetics in the game animals on the ranch, the current owners have strictly controlled the amount of hunting on the property. Consequently, bull elk over 380”, white-tailed deer over 170”, mule deer over 190”, and antelope surpassing the minimum score for Boone and Crockett have been harvested on the ranch. The Antlers Ranch has historically qualified for landowner tags in Wyoming’s Elk Game Management Units 62 and 63 (considered among the best units in the western U.S. for trophy elk) and the Deer GMU 116 and 118. These are non-transferable tags which only the landowner or immediate family members can use. Presently, there is a year-to-year hunting lease with a well-respected outfitter. The Antlers Ranch is a place rarely found outside of National Parks and National Forests, where the wildlife is free to move and act like they are meant to. Explore Antlers Ranch

Red Hills Ranch
Jackson Hole, Wyoming | 190 Acres
Red Hills Ranch provides big game hunting experiences seldom seen in the Western United States. One can cross the Gros Ventre River on horseback or foot with a bow or rifle in tow to begin pursuing bugling bull elk and rutting mule deer less than 200 yards from the back door. With access to national forest land that is difficult for public land hunters to reach, Red Hills Ranch provides a great advantage to hunting pressured elk that love to bed in the dark timber directly behind the ranch. In 2023, the Elk Game Management Unit 82 that borders Red Hills Ranch had an impressive 50% harvest rate. The Mule Deer GMU 155 that borders the ranch had a nearly 40% harvest rate last year. Once the pack saddles are full of quartered big game after a successful hunt, one can make the short trip back to the ranch to warm up by a wood fire and tell the stories that you will have for a lifetime. Explore Red Hills Ranch

Nieslanik Ranch
Cokesville, Wyoming | 399 Acres
The Cokeville area is known for its excellent big game hunting, namely Rocky Mountain elk and mule deer. Given its proximity to public land, those hunting from Nieslanik Ranch can enjoy a cup of warm coffee later than their fellow hunters before heading out with their pack and rifle. Located in Elk Game Management Unit 103 and Mule Deer GMU 135, the owners, family, and friends have successfully hunted both species on the BLM and national forest lands behind the property and on the ranch’s pastures. Explore Nieslanik Ranch

Bondurant Barndominium
Bondurant, Wyoming | 11 Acres
The 5,304 sqft barndominium, which sleeps more than two dozen people, makes for the ideal base camp to head into the adjacent Bridger-Teton National Forest on horseback or on foot in search of large bull elk and mule deer. Located directly outside the backdoor are Elk Game Management Unit 86 and Mule Deer GMU 153, where a mix of dark timber, meadows, and available water resources are abundant. Explore Bondurant Barndominium

BIG GAME HUNTING RANCHES IN TEXAS

Brady Creek Ranch
Concho County and McCulloch County, Texas | ±1,042.55 Acres
Brady Creek Ranch has been professionally managed for years to increase the quality of the diverse wildlife. Game feeders and water troughs located on the property provide the necessary resources for a healthy deer population. The white-tailed deer herd is up-and-coming, with standout bucks beginning to make their presence known. The ranch also has exotic axis deer, which were brought to Texas from India in 1932 for game meat. Hunting blinds are also included on the property, equipping a hunter with the ability to shoot from a concealed location. Explore Brady Creek Ranch

BIG GAME HUNTING RANCHES IN MONTANA

Centennial Ranch
Centennial Valley, Montana | 10,169.1 Acres
Centennial Ranch spans 10,169.1 total acres, comprising 3,145.2 acres of deeded land and 7,023.9 leased acres. The Centennial Valley is a pristine region of vast grasslands and wetlands nestled among the Centennial and Gravelly Mountains, making it ideal for elk, deer, and antelope. Located in Deer and Elk Unit 323, west of Yellowstone National Park, the valley is a crucial wildlife migration corridor and home to many different wildlife species. Explore Centennial Ranch

Judith Breaks Ranch
Lewistown, Montana | ±1,780 Acres
Nestled in the heart of Central Montana, the Judith Breaks Ranch stands as a captivating oasis where Sage Creek meets the famed Judith River. With an abundance of live water, the land remains fertile for big game to thrive. The ranch is located primarily in Deer and Elk Game Management Unit 426 – known for exceptional-sized mule deer and elk. The Snowy Mountains boast one of the largest elk herds in the world, which have been surveyed at over 10,000 animals. Typically, several bulls over 400” are harvested in this unit annually, and mule deer greater than 170” are commonly harvested. A small parcel is in Deer and Elk Unit 419, which is a general hunting unit for elk and deer. The ranch is also situated 2.5 miles south of the popular recreational attraction – the Beckman Wildlife Area, which encompasses 6,600 acres of land that is open to the public. Explore Judith Breaks Ranch

BIG GAME HUNTING RANCHES IN IDAHO

Twins Peaks Guest Ranch
Salmon, Idaho | 677.81 Acres
Tucked away in a private canyon, surrounded by public lands miles from the nearest neighbor, Twin Peaks Guest Ranch is an end-of-the-road hideaway in central Idaho’s picturesque Western landscape. Prepare for the upcoming hunting season on the rifle range located onsite. The range facilities include a pistol bay, skeet area, and a covered bench area for stable, long-range practice at distances up to 1,000 yards. The ranch lies within Zone 28 of Region 7 of Idaho’s Game Management Unit for elk and deer. These zones are coveted by regional sportsmen who typically experience above-average hunter success rates and the chance to harvest trophy-sized animals due to impressive genetics. Explore Twin Peaks Guest Ranch

Henry’s Fork Highlands Ranch
Ashton, Idaho | 503.5 Acres
Henry’s Fork Highlands has all of the ingredients to attract and hold big game species. The rich meadows, deep canyons, timbered-covered hills, and onsite water resources provide the feed, cover, and water that deer, elk, and black bears need daily. Both deer and elk are readily seen on the property and historically have been selectively hunted on the ranch. In addition to the deeded lands, the national forest lands adjacent to the north and east provide endless opportunities that can be conveniently accessed from the ranch. Due to the diversity of terrain and the size of the ranch, it is typical for the population of deer and elk to increase as public pressure on the National Forest increases. Located in the Island Park Zone (Elk Game Management Zone 60 of Region 1 and Deer GMU Zone 60 of Region 1), Henry’s Fork Highlands provides excellent big game hunting opportunities both onsite and on the adjacent federal lands. Explore Henry’s Fork Highlands Ranch

Cottonwood Creek Ranch
Stites, Idaho | ±1,084 Acres
Tucked away on the outskirts of Stites, Idaho, Cottonwood Creek Ranch encompasses ±1,084 deeded acres of North Central Idaho’s beauty. Big game hunting is diverse throughout the property’s varying terrain. The ranch sits in Idaho’s Game Unit 11A, which consists of 98% private land ownership and offers private hunting without pressure from surrounding public lands. The ranch has previously qualified for the Idaho Landowner Appreciation tag program for elk, white-tailed deer, and mule deer. If drawn, these tags can be utilized by the landowner, or designated to an individual prior to the season beginning. Unit 11A also offers general season tags for both elk and white-tailed deer. The unit is a Controlled Hunt Area for mule deer and must be drawn. Elk and deer bed on the canyon slopes and timbered draws and go down to the agricultural bottoms in the evening. If desired, the fields could be re-seeded to alfalfa or oats to develop wildlife food plots further. Black bears and mountain lions have also been seen in the canyon draws. Explore Cottonwood Creek Ranch

BIG GAME HUNTING RANCHES IN COLORADO

Seven Springs Ranch
Glenwood Springs, Colorado | 662 Acres
The Seven Springs Ranch is in Game Management Unit 43, known for elk, mule deer, and black bears. With BLM flanking the deeded acreage on two sides and the southern boundary leading directly into White River National Forest, the ranch benefits from public land surroundings and access. While the elk primarily inhabit the public land in GMU 43, hunting pressure often drives them to the nearby private holdings, where there is much less pressure. The combination of forested areas and lush range lands throughout the ranch creates an excellent spot for mule deer and elk. Gambel oak and other foliage fill large parts of the property, supplying a favorite food source to keep wildlife around. A mix of healthy timber and aspens provides cover. Abundant serviceberries and chokecherry berries bring bears from the surrounding area. Explore Seven Springs Ranch

Elk Creek Lot 34, Lot 63, and Membership
Meeker, Colorado | 0.5-Acre
The White River Valley’s excellent mix of topography allows the area to host an abundant and diverse amount of wildlife. The combination of seasonal climate, vegetation, and water create an ideal habitat for game to thrive. The area boasts the largest herd of Rocky Mountain elk in the world, along with a large population of mule deer. The habitat protection and stewardship undertaken by Elk Creek Ranch and its neighboring ranches have created a sanctuary for various wildlife, including elk, mule deer, moose, black bear, wild turkey, beaver, grouse, and bald eagle. The excellent big game habitat in Game Management Unit 23 offers an owner the opportunity to harvest a true trophy. Explore Elk Creek Ranch Lot 34, Explore Elk Creek Ranch Lot 63, Explore Elk Creek Ranch Membership

BIG GAME HUNTING RANCHES IN OREGON

R&C Ranch
Fossil, Oregon | 5,403 Acres
The R&C Ranch is home to healthy populations of mule deer, as well as Rocky Mountain elk, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, and barbary sheep. The area is known for its heavy-horned mule deer bucks. The resident elk herd is estimated at 600 head and moves between multiple private ranches in the area. The elk hunting season is one of the longest in the state at five weeks and is entirely located in the Biggs Big Game Unit. While landowner preference (LOP) tags are available (five elk and five deer tags), because there is so little public ground in this unit, over-the-counter tags are also plentiful. Pronghorn antelope tags are also available in subunits of the Biggs Unit; however, getting a tag outside the LOP system can take many years. Explore R&C Ranch

Seven Springs Ranch on Butte Creek
Fossil, Oregon | 3,246 Acres
Seven Springs on Butte Creek is home to healthy Rocky Mountain elk and mule deer populations, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, and the occasional barbary sheep that venture over from adjacent ranches. The area is renowned for its 320”+ class bulls and considerably sized mule deer bucks. The resident elk herd is estimated at 600 head. The elk hunting season is one of the longest in the state, at five weeks, and is entirely located in the Biggs Big Game Unit. While landowner preference (LOP) tags are available (four elk and four deer tags), over-the-counter tags are also plentiful due to the scarcity of public land in this unit. Pronghorn antelope tags are available in subunits of the Biggs Unit, though obtaining a tag outside the LOP system can take many years. The ranch offers all the essential components needed to sustain and attract big game, including springs, seeps, intermittent streams, small ponds, and wallows. Explore Seven Springs Ranch on Butte Creek

BIG GAME HUNTING RANCH IN GEORGIA

Lutheranch
Tallapoosa, Georgia | ±200 Acres
Located within an hour of Atlanta, Lutheranch is equipped with all the landscape features one looks for in a white-tailed deer hunting property. Lutheranch has potential food plot fields that could be planted with alfalfa, chicory, clover, or your favorite crop for attracting deer. The property also includes hardwoods, which are necessary for bedding and cover. Mann Creek flows entire southern boundary of the property, completing the three essential factors of a deer hunting property: food, cover, and water. Whether you’re bow hunting the woods in a t-shirt during those early season months or bundled up in a deer blind during the holiday season, Lutheranch will surely provide opportunities. Explore Lutheranch

CCOMING SOON: BIG GAME HUNTING RANCHES IN SOUTH DAKOTA AND MONTANA

Lake Sharpe Ranch
Kennebec, South Dakota | 2,667 Acres
Lake Sharpe Ranch offers a mixture of rolling hills, mild cedar-covered breaks to riverfront irrigated farmland. The ranch supports an array of wildlife, including trophy mule and white-tailed deer. There are 450 acres under pivot for corn, soybeans, milo, and hay barley, while the remaining acreage is comprised of grasslands. Two artesian wells, numerous reservoirs, springs, and the lake itself offer an abundance of water resources to compliment the beautiful topography and abundant wildlife resources. Explore Lake Sharpe Ranch

Yellowstone Wildlife Refuge
Pompey’s Pillar, Montana | 2,958 Acres
The Yellowstone Wildlife Refuge is a haven of natural beauty and ecological diversity. The land stretches from the lush cottonwood bottoms along the Yellowstone River to the rolling hills covered in ponderosa pines, creating a wide array of habitats that support trophy elk, white-tailed deer, and mule deer. Elk in this area are known for their trophy class with some bulls exceeding 400 inches; white-tailed deer can consistently be found in the 145”-165” range. Explore Yellowstone Wildlife Refuge