Arrow Ranch

The Big Hole Valley, renowned as the land of 10,000 haystacks, is quietly celebrated for its top-notch grasslands, breathtaking scenery, expansive open spaces, and genuine western charm. Among the notable properties in this region is the Arrow Ranch, spanning 12,982± acres of vast hay meadows, extensive grasslands, sagebrush-covered hills, year-round creeks lined with willows, and rolling hills with timbered edges adjoining 8.5± miles of National Forest Service land and the famed Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness. The ranch's hay and grass production (approximately 1,400 – 2,000± tons a year, contingent upon the year) are sustained by approximately 13± miles of small streams running through the ranch, over 130± filed water rights, and ample annual snowfall. The well-watered ranch runs approximately 650 to 800± mother cows year-round, with a tenant bringing on an additional 500 to 600± during the summer months. In our visits to the Arrow Ranch, it is a rare day not to have an encounter with an elk herd. Elk populate the ranch year-round, including heavy rutting activity during archery season. As the temperatures drop and hunting pressure rises from adjacent lands, the Arrow Ranch enjoys steady elk activity during the rifle season. The existing owners employ low-pressure hunting methods, resulting in a successful annual harvest of both bull and cow elk. The Arrow Ranch is located in Montana Hunting District 321, a general license area, maximizing opportunities for a landowner to pursue big game. Mule deer, pronghorn, black bear, moose, and grouse all call the Arrow Ranch home in addition to the healthy elk population. Existing improvements on the ranch include a charming log home that serves as a primary residence and modest ranch improvements, which include a ranch manager residence, four additional dwelling structures, barns, and outbuildings at the ranch headquarters.  At an additional site, approximately 2± miles from the ranch headquarters, lies an additional dwelling and outbuildings. A Conservation Easement with the Nature Conservancy protects the ranch from future subdividing and allows for the replacement or remodeling of the existing structures, a new residential structure within the ranch headquarters, and some additional improvements outside of the ranch headquarters. The Big Hole Valley is still old Montana, and we think that is special. Not much has changed in the Big Hole, which has a history deeply woven into the fabric of the American West. Native American tribes traversed this picturesque landscape for centuries, establishing a rich cultural tapestry. The valley witnessed pivotal moments during the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the early 19th century as these explorers ventured through its pristine expanses. The mid-1800s marked the influx of European-American pioneers seeking fertile lands for ranching and agriculture. Notably, the Big Hole Valley became a battleground during the Nez Perce War of 1877, leaving an indelible mark on the region's history. Today, the valley stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of those who shaped its narrative, blending indigenous heritage with the tales of settlers and explorers, all against the backdrop of its breathtaking landscapes. Fay Ranches takes pride in presenting the Arrow Ranch as one of the finest investment opportunities in Montana's Big Hole Valley. Images in the videos represent the Arrow Ranch and the adjoining Pintler Creek Ranch, which can be purchased together or separately. Please reach out to our listing brokers for additional information.