The Windancer Ranch in Custer, Montana
The Windancer is located in one of the most sought-after locations in Montana – The Bull Mountains. A beautiful 2,288 square foot log home on the property overlooks Buffalo Creek, providing unmatched early morning views of the resident Elk, Mule Deer, and Antelope herds that call this property home. Productive hay fields are strategically placed with wildlife management in mind, surrounding a 10-acre spring fed reservoir stocked yearly with Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout. Populations of elk exceeding 300 head are common on the ranch, and unlike other areas of The Bulls the elk are not seasonal, they call this ranch home year-round. Numerous elk have been harvested here over the years, some scoring well over 360”, and in recent years a set of 410″ sheds were found within the ranch boundaries.
The Windancer Ranch is in the 590 special permit area. With having Landowner Preference this permit has very high odds of drawing year after year. Last year odds were 100% draw for both resident and non-resident for archery. The rifle permit was 70% for residents and 100% for non-residents.
Acreage Breakdown
10,253 Deeded Acres
2560 BLM Lease Acres
640 State Lease Acres
The Windancer is well equipped with 3 different housing options. The home favored by the owners is a beautiful Log Home built in 1977 and later remodeled in 1998. The owners selected a perfect location to build this 2,288 square foot log home. A lightly timbered driveway leads to the entrance of the home, where exceptional craftmanship is evident immediately. While entering the house through the wrap-around deck you are greeted with impressive vaulted ceilings in the main living area as well as a cozy fireplace to hunker up around after cold morning hunts on the ranch. Continuing past the living area you’ll find the kitchen, accentuated with high-end amenities including tiled floors, granite countertops, and stainless-steel appliances. An oversized two car garage is attached to the house by way of a large mud room that includes a half bath, perfect for cleaning up when coming in from outside. An additional pole barn for dry storage of equipment, vehicles and ATV’s is easily accessible near the log home entrance as well.
The Windancer also has two smaller homes on the property. The manager’s house is located on the north side of the property, overlooking Buffalo Creek. Here a person can watch the herd calve, keep an eye on the big bulls as they enter the bedding ground, or just watch the sun go down over the horizon. The manager’s house is where the work happens. An elaborate set of pipe working corrals have been built to bring the herd into brand, precondition and ship. There are several outbuildings around the manager’s house including a barn, shop, and three-sided sheds for the animals.
Last but not least is the Hunting Cabin, also known as Elk Camp. Elk Camp is located in Section 10 on the ranch, on the south side of Buffalo Creek. Elk Camp is a 1,252 square foot hunting cabin where the hunting camaraderie comes together. This 3-bedroom 2 bath home and has all the amenities needed to carry out a successful hunt. Many of the ranch’s hunts begin here, as the hunters can walk from here to stands near by and setup up over water holes, or make a move on bugling bulls coming out of the barley fields. A fire pit here is the perfect place to enjoy conversations after a long day in the field while BBQing on the deck or listening to elk rut in the hay fields.
The current owner has run as many as 500 mother cows on The Windancer, and on wetter years is confident the ranch could run more. As a result, income potential on the ranch is significant, especially considering current cattle prices at an all-time high. Historically the owner would calve out on Buffalo Creek and then move the cows to the south in Antelope Creek for the summer, bringing them home in late October or early November to wean and sell.
Between hay fields on the ranch and the hay barley/oats planted in the tilled acres, a good year with plenty of rain can guarantee all the feed a cattle herd would need. Up to 800 ton of hay has been produced on the ranch when properly fertilized and sprayed. The Windancer is a self-sustaining operation with a profitable bottom line.
Water Resources
The Windancer is one of the best watered ranches in this area. This feature makes this ranch one of the most versatile ranches in the Bull Mountains. A spring fed reservoir is rarely dry even in the most drought-stricken years, and with multiple wells and water lines, water on the ranch is guaranteed. This asset holds true in late August and early September when the animals need it most. Water Rights will transfer to a buyer upon request.
Climate
Montana’s climate offers diverse seasons, with average summer temperatures in the mid-80’s and average winter snowfall of approximately 40 inches. The area receives around 13 inches of rainfall annually, making it well-suited for both ranching and recreational activities.
Mineral Rights
All minerals currently owned by the seller will transfer.
