Property Description
Big Sky Ranch
Malta, Montana
11,367± Total Acres | 5,759± Deeded Acres | 1,800± AUMs | Nelson Reservoir
Positioned along Nelson Reservoir near Malta, Montana, Big Sky Ranch encompasses approximately
11,367± total acres of expansive grazing country in Phillips County. Combining a working Montana cattle
ranch with exceptional access to fishing, hunting, wildlife, and water recreation, the property represents a
compelling opportunity to acquire a large-scale ranch in one of North Central Montana’s most distinctive
recreational settings.
Big Sky Ranch consists of approximately 5,759± deeded acres, 3,817± BLM acres, and 1,791± acres of
Bureau of Reclamation lease, creating an extensive and contiguous operating landscape. The ranch
provides approximately 1,800 total AUMs, historically supporting approximately 300 cow-calf pairs for a
six-month grazing season.
Purchased as an investment property in 2012, Big Sky Ranch has since been operated as an active cattle
ranch. The combination of deeded acreage and associated federal grazing lands provides the scale necessary
for a substantial seasonal grazing operation while preserving the wide-open character that defines this region
of Montana.
Cattle Ranching & Grazing
At its foundation, Big Sky Ranch is a working Montana cattle ranch. Native rangeland stretches across rolling
prairie and open coulees, providing extensive grazing country well suited to a traditional cow-calf operation.
With approximately 1,800 AUMs and historical carrying capacity of 300 cows for six months, the ranch
provides an established agricultural component that distinguishes it from properties purchased solely for
recreation.
The substantial acreage and combination of deeded and leased lands also create opportunities for a new
owner to continue operating the ranch within an existing cattle operation or manage the property as a
standalone grazing asset.
Nelson Reservoir
One of the defining attributes of Big Sky Ranch is its location immediately adjacent to Nelson Reservoir,
approximately 20 miles northeast of Malta.
The ranch adjoins Bureau of Reclamation lands associated with Nelson Reservoir along its southern boundary,
placing one of northeastern Montana’s premier warm-water fisheries directly alongside the property. Nelson
Reservoir is widely recognized for walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, and other warm-water species,
while its expansive waters provide opportunities for boating, kayaking, and other summer recreation.
For a ranch of this scale to combine livestock production with immediate proximity to a major recreational
reservoir is unusual and significantly broadens the property’s year-round appeal.
Wildlife & Recreation
Big Sky Ranch lies within a landscape characterized by native prairie, agricultural lands, reservoir habitat,
wetlands, and extensive public lands. The property is also positioned adjacent to the Hewitt Lake National
Wildlife Refuge area to the east, further contributing to the wildlife character of the surrounding landscape.
The ranch and neighboring habitat provide opportunities for mule deer, whitetail deer, antelope, upland
birds, and waterfowl, while the sheer scale of the property creates extensive room for hunting, wildlife
viewing, horseback riding, ATV use, and other outdoor pursuits.
This combination of private ranchland, public-land adjacency, wildlife habitat, and reservoir recreation makes
Big Sky Ranch equally compelling from an agricultural and recreational perspective.
Malta & Phillips County
Despite its expansive setting, Big Sky Ranch is conveniently located approximately 20 minutes from Malta,
Montana, the agricultural and commercial hub of Phillips County.
Malta provides everyday services, lodging, dining, healthcare, schools, agricultural supplies, and an airport
while remaining surrounded by some of Montana’s most productive ranching country. The region is defined by
large working cattle ranches, native prairie, the Milk River corridor, and abundant public lands.
For additional commercial air service, both Great Falls and Billings are accessible by vehicle, connecting the
property to larger regional and national markets.
Acreage
5,759± Deeded Acres
3,817± BLM Acres
1,791± Bureau of Reclamation Lease Acres
11,367± Total Acres
1,800± Total AUMs
Historical Carrying Capacity: Approximately 300 Cows for Six Months
A Montana Ranch Built Around Production & Recreation
Big Sky Ranch occupies a unique position in the Montana ranch real estate market. Few properties combine
more than 11,000± acres of operating landscape with established cattle grazing, immediate proximity to Nelson
Reservoir, extensive wildlife habitat, and access to surrounding public lands.
Whether acquired as an addition to an existing cattle operation, a recreational ranch, a long-term Montana land
investment, or a legacy holding for generations to come, Big Sky Ranch offers an exceptional combination
of scale, production, water recreation, and wildlife near Malta, Montana.
PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS:
| 11,367± Total Acres | 1,791± Bureau of Reclamation L | Borders Nelson Reservoir | Lakefront Property | Recreational Property |
| 5,759± Deeded Acres | Montana Ranch | Big Sky Ranch | Land for Sale | |
| 3,817± BLM Acres | Montana Land | Hunting | Ranches |






























