Schwenke Ranch, Zortman, MT 59546

Missouri River Breaks Working Cattle Ranch, Hunting Property

MISSOURI RIVER BREAKS WORKING CATTLE RANCH FOR SALE IN NORTH CENTRAL MONTANA The Schwenke Ranch, runs on just over 62,000+/- acres, comprised of 55,872+/- acres leased from the Bureau of Land Management, of which 4,524 AUM's are allotted to the seller. Another 1,600+/- acres are leased from the State of Montana, and combine with 2,597+/- Deeded Acres as well as 134 Shares in the Square Butte Grazing Association, equaling another 2,700+/- Deeded Acres. Of the 2,597+/- Deeded Acres, 58+/- acres are irrigated, with another 1,200+/- considered to be Improved Grass. The ranches forefathers understood well the nature of ranching in northcentral Montana and in an act of prudence and forward thinking installed a waterline beginning at an amply producing natural spring and running throughout the entirely of the ranch, supplying water to not only the ranch headquarters, but watering the ranch's cattle with 18 well placed water tanks. The waterline requires minimal maintenance and has been effectively functional since its' installation in 2003. Elk herds residing on the property can be found watering at these same tanks throughout the winter. In addition to the water line, 23 reservoirs are spread throughout the ranch, ensuring that cattle on the Schwenke ranch are well watered in even the driest of years. Fences on the property are well maintained albeit minimal, as natural barriers act as a dividing point at most of the property's boundaries. A well-kept set up improvements make up the ranch headquarters, consisting of a 2,100 square foot, 3-bedroom house built in 1971 with recent interior and exterior updates including new siding and metal roof. A 2-car garage is attached to the house. Equipment storage, calving barns and a mechanics shop are found in 2 metal buildings; a 40'x70' pole barn built in 1972 and a second 50'x48' pole barn built in 1990. The headquarters are accessed by the Power Plant Ferry Road, a well-kept county-maintained gravel road, only 2+/- miles from paved State Highway 66. Continuous metal fencing provides pens for the ranches' horse herd and cattle work as well as decorative perimeter fencing surrounding the headquarters. A 150' x 300' team roping arena is exceptionally well thought out and constructed, with quality sand and efficient functionality. A reservoir directly behind the home is filled by Cyprian Creek and is of sufficient depth to be stocked with fish should the new owner prefer a private fishing pond. The ranches' operation has been perfected by the Schwenke family over their 45 years of ownership. Excellent stewardship is evidenced by the condition of the range and waterways, producing abundant forage for cattle grazing, with plenty remaining for the wildlife populations also making their home on the Schwenke Ranch. The acreage is primarily native prairie habitat, best suited for cattle grazing, as well as feed grounds for the transitory elk herds, moving in and around the property as they make their way through the Charles M. Russel National Wildlife Refuge and along the Missouri River. Mule Deer and White Tail Deer also make the ranch their home, finding refuge in the brush-covered draws, steep coulees, and tree-lined base of the Little Rocky Mountains that begin their ascent on the ranch. Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep can be an be found residing in the more mountainous terrain on the ranch, in areas transitioning from range to mountainside, the hillsides covered in pine and juniper. The Ranch falls in Hunting District 621 where 8 Landowner Elk tags are offered each year. In recent years only 6 applications for Elk tags have been received from landowners in this District, giving the new owner a very good chance of drawing an elk tag for this area regularly from year to year.