1400 Acres, Dawes County, Pine Ridge Big Game Paradise

Attention elk hunters, this is a big game trophy hunter’s dream property! Strategically placed dryland crop fields act as both income and food plot for the numerous elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, wild turkey and even the occasional Bighorn Sheep. The property has been developed with 5 water tanks operated via pipelines from 2 wells and cross-fenced for conservative grazing. There are two live springs on the property that also run year-round, assuring that the wildlife sticks around when the winter comes. One spring is near the entrance to the property off Highway 385 and it forms a fascinating creek, which then drops off underground under a massive rock! Another spring is located towards the northeastern part of the property, and it forms a creek that winds through a ravine. The property is well developed with trails throughout.

The amount of hand-wrought labor on this property cannot be overstated. A small part of the fire that went through the area 15 years ago hit this ranch. The fire brought re-invigorated grass, and now new pines are growing there among some of the thickest and tallest pasture in Dawes County. The rest of the property has been largely fire-proofed by hand trimming the pines up to about 7 feet throughout this 1400 acre property! This monumental effort means that if fire ever comes again, it will only burn the grass and underbrush, but the established trees will remain. This has also given the property a park-like feel, increasing the light and air circulation so thicker grasses grow, and allowing for easier grazing for big-antlered elk and deer. The property abuts US Forest Service lands on the north and east that are also maintained for wildlife management. The Pine Ridge Job Corp Center is adjacent to the south. A long-established prairie chicken leck is just over the fence line on the Forest Service land and prairie chickens are often seen and hunted on this property. The wild turkey population is strong, and they are usually found on the property. There is an elevated blind with electricity and heat strategically located near one of the dryland fields, and many trophy elk have been harvested from the comfort of that blind. The property’s trails are such that you can drive a full-size vehicle throughout, but a side by side would give you greater access to more areas. This property is beautifully managed, but largely left alone to keep it wild. The beauty of this property really must be seen to be fully appreciated!

The present owner has maintained and improved the property with its value as wildlife habitat as the top priority.  While there is income off the grazing and farming leases, the leaseholders understand the emphasis on habitat conservation and have been great tenants.

This property generates enough income to cover the taxes and have some left over to cover any minor repairs to fences on this property.

Income Potential:
In 2023, the cattle tenant ran 62 pairs for a total of 3 months, 19 days for $10,137.00. The farmer tenant had 219 acres for $7,665.

Legal Description: 
All West of the 6th P.M. Dawes County Nebraska
33-32-24 SW4
32-32-48 S2NW4, SW4NE4, SW4, W2SE4
32-32-48 SE4NE4, E2SE4
6-31-48 NE4, NE4NW4, PT.SE4NW4, PT.NW4SE4, PT.E2SE4-E OF HWY
5-31-48 W2, NW4NE4, S2NE4
31-32-48 PT.S2SE4,PT.W2

Taxes: $9,489.74

Address: Chadron, NE 69337
County: Dawes