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This is the family ranch on which I was raised and we now own. It has been in the family since it was homesteaded and with each generation adding additional parcels to the ranch.
The ranch borders the 435 acre Petrolia Lake lands for about three quarters of it's shore line or for about three miles. The lake at full pond stores 8,800 acre feet of water and provides irrigation water for 75% of our irrigated lands. Both Flatwillow and Elk Creek which feed the lake go through the ranch and in combination with the lake provide large acreages of riparian area and wounderful wildlife habitat. These creek bottoms and their accompanying sandstone bluffs make an excellent protected wintering area for livestock.
For SPORTSMAN AND WOMEN, rarely will you find a ranch with the diverse and range of hunting opportunities as the Petroolia Lake Ranch. Because of the lake, Geese and nearly all species of ducks common to Montana are found at the ranch. There is excellent upland bird hunting. This year's hunters estimate 1000 head of PHEASANTS in additiion to the Sharptail Grouse, huns (Grey Partridge) and Sage Grouse.
LARGE HERDS of antelope inhabit the ranch and both mule deer and whitetail deer are plentiful. Elk are uncommon, but can be found not far away on the large public land holdings in the Missouri River Breaks. Other hunting or trapping species include: prairie dogs, bobcats, mountain lions, jackrabbits, raccoons, fox, coyote and beaver.
The lake provides fishing opportunities yer around for pike and other species, in addition, to boating and water sports
Even if you are not into ranching or hunting, the ranch provides an opportunity to experience wildlife and nature at it's best in one of the LOWEST POPULATION AREAS of the state. Located in a county with the most efficient form of government and run mostly by ranchers and working ppeople with pratical solutions to problems not politics. The outstanding school has be recognized as a BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL and their are sport opportunities for most students.
Our SOURCES OF INCOME are: hay sales, pasture rental hunting and the Conservation Reserve Program. Last year we put up over 1500 tons of hay and we estimate this years production at 2000 tons as the re-seeded fields come into production. We put up mostly alfalfa hay, but slso alfalfa grass, grass and triticale hay. For 2007 we have 160 acres of winter triticale seeded of which 53 acres is irrigated. We have produced 2400 ton of hay per year and with replanted fields coming into production we expect to exceed the 2400 ton in a normal year.
The ranch is improved with a ranch home, a large sale barn, a shop, grain bins and various other buildings, water wells, several miles of stock water pipe line and livestock water tanks. The irrigated lands are improved with either center pivots or leveled, diked and ditched for flood irrigation.
LAND INFORMATION, 5000 acres as follows:
Irrigated 542 acres,
Contour dike & waste recovery hay lands 30 acres
Dry Land Hay 358 acres
Conservation Reserve Program 975 acres
Balance in pasture , about 3,255 acres
Location:
Central Montana, near Winnett, 55 miles East of Lewistown. Our area has lots of privacy with a low population density.
We own most of the minerals, and have had mineral leases in the past. No lease currently exists.
We think substantial tax benefits may exists for a buyer, if a conservation easement was placed on the property by the buyer, in order to maintain the property as ranch land. There are no conservation easements on the property. Management and operation of the ranch is available and we have had several requests for cash lease of the ranch for a buyer, not full time into ranching.
Recreation:
Petrolia Reservoir provides a place to fish, swim, boat, water ski, hunt and bird watch. Other recreation possibilities include: riding, hiking, rock scrambling on the rims, fossil hunting, and enjoying 5,000 acres of open space and wildlife without interference. For big water, Fort Peck Dam is about 38 miles north of the ranch. There are several grass airplane landing strips on the ranch and one buffalo jump.
After three family generations, owners retiring. 3.3 million dollars with minerals. Shows of fossil fuels. Many more photo’s, income records and details are all available. Please call Rich Petaja, retiring owner/broker 406-728-3557
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