Hailstone Basin Land & Livestock
an Efficient Grazing & Agricultural Property
Stillwater County
Rapelje, MT
DESCRIPTION:
Hailstone Basin Land & Livestock is an Efficient and Flexible Agricultural Property located near Rapelje, Montana. This Ranch offers a Practical and Productive mix of Native Grass Grazing and 88 +/- acres of Roundup Ready Alfalfa, supporting both strong weight gains and a dependable winter feed base. The Property is divided into (3) Well-Watered Pastures, served by (2) Reliable Wells, and features recently updated Working Corrals for ease of Livestock Handling. Surrounded by Tall Sandstone Bluffs and Sweeping Views of the Beartooth and Crazy Mountains, the Ranch combines Functionality with Scenic Beauty. Upland Game Birds, Pronghorn Antelope, and Mule Deer frequent the area, offering Recreational and Hunting opportunities. Whether you're ...
Hailstone Basin Land & Livestock is an Efficient and Flexible Agricultural Property located near Rapelje, Montana. This Ranch offers a Practical and Productive mix of Native Grass Grazing and 88 +/- acres of Roundup Ready Alfalfa, supporting both strong weight gains and a dependable winter feed base. The Property is divided into (3) Well-Watered Pastures, served by (2) Reliable Wells, and features recently updated Working Corrals for ease of Livestock Handling. Surrounded by Tall Sandstone Bluffs and Sweeping Views of the Beartooth and Crazy Mountains, the Ranch combines Functionality with Scenic Beauty. Upland Game Birds, Pronghorn Antelope, and Mule Deer frequent the area, offering Recreational and Hunting opportunities. Whether you're looking to establish a Home Base for a Mid-Sized Herd, expand Summer Grazing, or run a Yearling Operation, this property presents a Solid Foundation for Building or Growing your Montana Legacy.
ACREAGE:
Hailstone Basin Land & Livestock is comprised of a total of approximately, 1,637.8 +/- Total Deeded Acres (per Montana Cadastral) featuring Native Grass Grazing and a 88 +/- acre stand of Roundup Ready Alfalfa.
LOCATION:
The entirety of Hailstone Basin Land & Livestock lies within Stillwater County, located approximately 32-miles Northeast of Columbus, Montana, easily accessible by MT Hwy-306 (Rapelje Rd.), Molt-Rapelje Rd. & Hailstone Basin Rd (only 4-Miles of well-maintained graveled county road. The Ranch also is just 39-miles Northeast of Billings, Montanas largest city, via, Interstate 90, MT Hwy-306 (Rapelje Rd.), Molt-Rapelje Rd. & Hailstone Basin Rd. (67-Miles) with only 4-miles of well cared for -or- via Molt Rd., Molt-Rapelje Rd. and Hailstone Basin Rd. (39-miles) this route offering only 22-miles of well cared for graveled county road.
With an abundance of Farms / Ranches in the area it retains a rich Western Heritage and Privacy that rolls through the perfect blend of Grasslands, Rolling Cropland and Beautiful Sandstone Bluffs, yet offers convenient access to Supplies and Entertainment.
PRODUCTION:
Hailstone Basin Land & Livestock had been historically utilized as a Base for an Aviation Ag Spraying Company (Crop Dusting), Pasture and Crop. In recent years it has nicely facilitated as Summer Grazing and additional Hay for an established operation in the area. It has stocked between 45-70 Animal Units of Pairs and/or Heifers for 4-6 months dependent on moisture and grazing practices, usually conservatively grazing the grass and leaving forage for the coming year. With having multiple pastures of Native Grass and having No Pine Trees, this would make a great addition for Summer Grazing for a Larger Cow/Calf Operation or Standalone for a Smaller Operation. It could also make an excellent Yearling outfit with a little additional fencing. Supplemental feeding requirements vary on the winter conditions and Hay is typically fed in the area from Dec to the end of April.
Historically, the Roundup Ready Graze On Variety - Alfalfa produces between .75-1.75 tons per acre, usually seeing 1 cutting but sometimes getting 2 cutting, being moisture dependent in the later summer months.
A Local Agronomist has provided the best reasonable Crop Yields using Continuous Crop Rotation and 10-year-average Estimates for the following crops. These production numbers will vary with Moisture / Farming Practices used but offer a reasonable look at the Production Potential.
Grass Hay (Species Dependent) .75 - 1.5 Ton(s)per Acre on years with Decent Moisture (per Local Agronomists Estimate)
Alfalfa 1 - 2 Ton(s)per Acre (per Local Agronomists Estimate)
Hay Barley 1 - 2 Ton(s) per Acre (per Local Agronomists Estimate)
Winter Wheat 35 - 40 Bushels per Acre (per Local Agronomists Estimate)
Barley Grain 45 - 50 Bushels per Acre (per Local Agronomists Estimates)
Per the FSA-156EZ, the Farm/Ranch has 88.29 +/- deeded acres of Farmable ground and a total of 87.80 Base Acres.
IMPROVEMENTS:
House (1934) approx. ~1,310 sqft. 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath
Uninhabited 2016 Settling Foundation
Detached Garage 40 x 28
Bunk House 20 x 16
Calving Barn 30 x 40 Concrete Floor
Tool Shed 12 x 12 (Near Calving Barn)
Old Storage Shed 12 x 30 Outbuilding N.W. of House
Airplane Hangar 40 x 30 (3) Sided
Corrals Updated Pipe / RR Tie / Continuous Fence
(3) Grain Bins w/o aerators approx. 6,105 +/- total bushels of grain storage
(1) Grain Bins Missing Roof
Fiber Optic Cable (Internet) is being Installed in Roadway Summer/Fall 2025
Cell Phone Service - available on most portions of the ranch especially on the higher elevations
The Hailstone Basin Land & Livestock Headquarters is positioned, just off Hailstone Basin Rd., offering reliable access off a well-maintained County Road. The Home has seen some substantial foundation settling and has been uninhabited for many years. However, this leaves a perfect area for a Future Modular, Shop/House or Home with Water, Power & Possible potential to utilize the old Septic System. A 28 x 40 Garage allows for storage of Vehicles / ATV/UTVs / Tools, while the 30x 40 Calving Barn with a Concrete Floor, provides ample cover and options within the working corrals. A nice set of corrals provides a great foundation to the working facilities of your dreams. These facilities are very functional and add Value to the property but keeps your investment focused on the Land and its Production, while also offering a Blank Canvas for Homesites and addition Facilities that could be built to meet your specific needs.
WATER:
Hailstone Basin Land & Livestock has a total of (3) Water Rights associated with the Parcels deeded acres. (1) Water Right for Domestic Use and (2) Water Rights for Livestock, Water is provided by (2) Active Wells. The Well in Section 19 feeds a 5x12x2 Rectangular Fiberglass Tank for the South Pasture. The Well in Section 18 provides water through a water line to (2) Thermo-Sink Double Bowl, Energy-Free, Buried Livestock Watering Systems, (1) Located at the Corrals in Section 18 and (1) Located in the S.E. corner of Section 7. Seasonal Tributaries run through Sections 6, 7 and 18 to the Hailstone National Wildlife Refuge & Waterfowl Production Area, Bordering the Ranch to the West. The current Facilities for Livestock/Wildlife Water provide a base supply of water for the needs of the Ranch as it is operated, but additional water can be developed to further the efficiency.
Domestic Water is provided by the Well Located in Section 18.
(3) Filed Water Rights
Water Right # Source Use
43Q 36545-00 Well Livestock
43Q 36547-00 Well Domestic
43Q 36647-00 Well Livestock
Water & Improvements
(2) Total Wells
(1) Electric Well feeding (1) Tank - Located on Section 19
(1) Electric Well feeding (2) Buried Thermo-Sink Waterers in Sec. Section 7 & 18
- This Well also feeds the Homesite
Multiple Tributaries of Hailstone National Wildlife Refuge / WPA Seasonal / Run-off
WILDLIFE / HUNTING / RECREATION:
Hailstone Basin Land & Livestock offers some of quality habitat and terrain which provides exceptional viewing/hunting of Mule Deer and Pronghorn Antelope. All portions of the Ranch lie within the Elk/Deer/Lion District 515 and Antelope District 576, known to hold qulality caliber animals for all species of Elk, Mule Deer and Pronghorn Antelope. This transition area between Native Grasslands and Cropland, provides a unique balance to attract Sharp-tailed Grouse, Hungarian Partridge and Doves to favorable Upland Gamebird Hunting. If Prairie Dog Shooting is your Hobby of Choice, there are a couple of Prairie Dog Towns on the property to offer plenty of Fun and shouldnt have much trouble gaining permission from some of the Farmers and Ranchers in the area to help thin a few out within their fences as well.
The Deeded Acres of Farm/Ranch offer some dedicated Hunting and Recreational opportunities within its Borders, but also has Hailstone National Wildlife Refuge & Waterfowl Production Area, Bordering the Ranch on the West, providing an additional 1,828-acres of offers important Habitat for Waterfowl, Marsh Birds and Wading Birds during the Spring as well as providing additional habitat and opportunity for the Upland Hunter.
Also, the Ranch has approximately 20,000 +/- additional acres of other State Lands, Wildlife Management Areas and Block Management Access, within 15-20 miles, providing additional Hunting/Recreational access and opportunity.
~ Notable Recreation Opportunities within the General Area ~
FISHING:
The focus on the Ranch is Production with some Big Game Hunting and Wing Shooting, but if you enjoy chasing Trout or Warm Water Species, then youre in for a treat filled with Tight Lines and Burning Drag. Located at the heart of prime trout fishing destinations of Central and Eastern Montana, this Ranch enjoys a Central position within a 2-2.5 hour radius of multiple Premium Rivers, including the Bighorn, Musselshell, Yellowstone, Boulder, and Stillwater Rivers. These scenic waterways offer abundant fishing opportunities, with various trout species such as rainbow, brown, and cutthroat Trout. Anglers can also explore nearby gems like Big Spring Creek near Lewistown and Rock Creek near Red Lodge, known for their thriving populations of brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. With a multitude of options just a short drive away, this ranch provides easy access to exceptional fishing experiences for enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Being the nearest and possibly the most unique, the Musselshell River, one of Montanas hidden treasures, lies just to the North along Hwy 12 and offers a variety of species of fish. The upper stretch of the river, from Harlowton up to Martinsdale, is the cooler, freshwater portion that provides pockets of Aggressive Brown, Rainbow and Brook Trout with a ration of Whitefish to keep you busy for the day. Be sure to stop in at Martinsdale Reservoir and enjoy a day catching Trout or take your chance at Roping a 40-50 Tiger Muskie or Kokanee in Deadmans Basin, one of Central Montanas favorite Boating / Recreational lakes. Around the Harlowton area, the water warms and the downstream portions of the river near Melstone, MT hold vast amounts of Smallmouth Bass, Sauger and Giant Catfish that can break the 10-pound mark. Relaxing afternoons, low pressure and unique species lay just an adventurous drive and a cast away.
FORT PECK LAKE Hunting Fishing & Recreation Complex: Approx. 110-230 Miles to the North & East lies the Expansive Fort Peck Lake Reservoir - Hunting, Fishing & Recreation Complex, providing Endless Outdoor Opportunities. Fort Peck Reservoir, Montana's largest body of water, has more than 50 different species of Fish that swim within its boundaries. The lake is about 134 miles in length and has a maximum depth of 220 feet when full. There are over 1,520 miles of shoreline, longer than the California coast. The reservoir was built from 1933 through 1937 by constructing a 3.8 mile-long dam across the Missouri River. Just a few of the most pursued species include Walleye, Northern Pike, Paddlefish, Sturgeon, Sauger, Lake Trout, Small Mouth Bass and Chinook Salmon. A paved road for larger vehicles provides direct access to the reservoir at Fort Peck Marina, located near the West side of the dam. Other access roads are gravel and/or dirt, leading to Hell Creek Bay, 26 miles north of Jordan, and one on the South fork of Rock Creek Bay, about 10 miles West of Highway 24. All Marinas include concrete boat ramps. A multitude of gravel/dirt roads wind through the enormous complex providing access to countless areas of fishing/hunting/recreation opportunity.
Surrounding this large expanse of water is the Charles M. Russell (CMR) National Wildlife Refuge, managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, which provides over 1.1 MILLION acres of public land for fishing, hiking, hunting, camping, bird-watching, and other outdoor recreation. The Breaks are known to hold some of the best Elk Genetics in the State and provides one of the most challenging and remote geographic locations in the West.
Dont forget the many opportunities to Ride Horseback/Hike/Bike and ride ATV/UTVs on the Ranch or in the surrounding areas. With off-road trails on much of the Public Land and Missouri River Breaks, youll find Adventurous/Scenic Hikes/Drives/Rides waiting for you. Outdoor Enthusiasts could park their Vehicles / ATVs in the Garage and keep them stored safely for the off-season.
Youre also just a short drive away from many Montana, & Wyoming recreational destinations, including Yellowstone National Park, that can be entered through Red Lodge, and the Beartooth Pass or the East Entrance through Cody, WY. Cody, known for its Cody Night Rodeo (every Summer night at 8pm) is a trendy, Western, Tourist town that is the perfect outlet for all types of Outdoor Recreation. 3-hours down the Road is Miles City, MT, the Cowboy Capital of the World, is known for its world-famous Bucking Horse Sale, an event that should not be missed.
MONTANA - The Way it Always Was.
LOCATION & SERVICES:
Rapelje, MT (population 88) approx. 7-Miles (12 min)
Rapelje is a small, quiet agricultural town. It is home to multiple the Stockman Caf, MechTech Welding & Fabrication, Local Farmers Union Fuel Card Pump, Post Office, Church, and Class C Rapelje School (K-12).
Broadview, MT (population 139) approx. 19-miles (25-minutes)
Broadview is a quiet little town that Features a Gas Station, Auto Repair Shop, Grain Elevator, Bar & Grill, and Class C Broadview K-12 School.
Columbus, MT (population 1,925) approx. 32-Miles (37 min)
The County Seat of Stillwater County offers many amenities and lies 32-miles to the South on Paved Hwy-306. It is home to multiple Restaurants, Grocery Store, (2) Gas Stations, (2) Hardware Stores, Ford Dealership, Montana Silversmiths, Bars, Churches, and Class B Columbus High School.
"Stillwater Golf Course" is a well-designed and challenging 9-hole course that is well cared for, providing a wonderful experience for golfers.
Wolterman Memorial Airport 6S3 (Elev. 3,577) Runway 10/28 Dimensions: 3800 x 75 ft. / Asphalt, in good condition 100LL Fuel Available 24/7 Credit Card Self Service: Grade 100LL Gasoline / Jet A-1 freeze point -50 C
Billings, MT (population 109,577) approx. 41-miles (50-minutes)
Billings is the largest City in Montana and offers extensive services, has (2) major hospitals, as well as a wide variety of shops, restaurants, breweries, museums, a zoo, major theaters (8) golf courses and event centers bringing in top performers.
Billings Logan International Airport (BIL), the largest commercial airport in Montana, is located only 87 miles from the Resort. It offers services from multiple major airlines and direct flights to many larger cities including Dallas, Denver, Minneapolis, Las Vegas, Portland, Salt Lake City, Seattle, and Phoenix. For current flight schedules, please visit www . flybillings . com .
(BIL) is also home to Edwards Jet Center and offers FBO services including aircraft parking, hangar, fuel, maintenance and charter services. www . edwardsjetcenter . com
Red Lodge, MT (population 2,328) approx. 75 Miles (1 hr. 21 min)
Red Lodge is the county seat of Carbon County, MT, nestled in the Beartooth Mountains, offering World-Class Outdoor Recreation and access to Yellowstone National Park via the beautiful Beartooth Highway. Red Lodge offers many amenities including (2) Hospitals, Dental Office, Grocery Store, Hardware/Lumber Stores, Auto Repairs/Parts, Banks, Restaurants, Breweries, Wineries, Shopping, Motels, Camping, Hair/Nail Salons, 18-hole Golf Course, and Red Lodge Mountain, one of Montanas Premier Ski Destinations.
Red Lodge is also a Bustling Summer Hot Spot, with events planned nearly every week of the Summer, including: PRCA Extreme Bull Riding Tour, Songwriters Festival, July 2, 3 and 4th of July Parades, the famous Home of Champions Rodeo (90th Anniversary), the 28th Annual Beartooth Motorcycle Rally, Concerts, and Adventure Races to only name a few.
Bozeman, MT (population 53,293) approx. 131 Miles (2 hours)
The County Seat of Gallatin County, Montana, is the fourth-largest city in Montana and growing. Bozeman is also home to Montana State University, recognized by Forbes as the #1, Top Public University in the State and is also Known to be Ranked as one of the Top Outdoor Sports & Recreation Locations in the Nation. Located in the Gallatin Valley, surrounded by Four Mountain Ranges, Bozeman offers many Outdoor Recreational activities such as, Fly-Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Fishing, Rock Climbing, Back Country Exploring, and (2) Ski Resorts less than an hour away. Bozeman amenities include The Museum of the Rockies, a number of Hotels & Motels, a variety of Shops, Restaurants, Breweries, Wineries, Theaters, Golf Courses, Event Centers, and Art Galleries.
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), Montana's busiest airport, is surrounded by the Vistas of the Bridger, Gallatin, Madison and Tobacco Root Mountain Ranges and provides the only year-round services for two Yellowstone National Park entrances. It also provides non-stop flights to over 20 markets in the United States with connections all over the world. For current flight schedules, please visit www . bozemanairport . com
(BZN) is also home to (2) FBO operators, Jet Aviation and Yellowstone Jet Center, both provide top-notch aeronautical services such as fueling, hangar service, tie-down and parking, aircraft maintenance, and much more. (BZN) also is the home for (2) Longstanding and Reputable, Helicopter Services: Central Copters & Rocky Mountain Rotors.
GPS COORDINATES: Ranch Headquarters 46.00635, -109.15574
MINERALS: All of Sellers minerals, if any, transfer to the Buyer at closing (the Seller may Own NO Minerals)
ELEVATION: 4,000 ft. - 4,200 ft.
CLIMATE:
With an average Elevation of approximately 4,000 feet, the Rapelje area has a semi-arid climate with Average Precipitation of 15 +/- inches and an average of 56.3 inches of snow each winter. Historically the warmest month of the year is July with an average daily high/low of 86/52. The coldest month is January with an average high/low of 36/14.
TAXES (2024): per: Stillwater County Treasurer $1,996.12
SUMMARY / COMMENTS:
A Rare Opportunity to buy a nice sized Grazing and Agricultural Property in Central Montana that is Efficient and offers Flexibility for many different buyers. Low cost inputs, strong native grass, productive hay ground and a side of Recreation and Hunting, makes this Ranch something to look at for adding to your current successful operation or starting your Montana Legacy.
Cell phone service is available on most portions of the ranch, especially on the higher elevations, providing reliable convenient communication and additional safety.
CONTACT:
Steve McIntosh
Brokerage Owner / Agent
(406) 580 - 1048
Disclaimer
*** All information is from sources deemed reliable but cannot be guaranteed as accurate. Prospective buyers are encouraged to research the information to their own satisfaction. Any offer is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of seller. Water Rights are subject to the Montana Water Court.
Seller hereby makes know that there may be variations between the deeded property lines and the location of the existing fence boundary lines. The Seller makes no warranties with regard to the location of the fence lines in relationship to the deeded property lines, nor does the Seller make any warranties or representation with regard to specific acreage within the fenced property lines.
The property is selling in its as is-where is condition which includes the location of the fences as they now exist. Boundaries shown on any accompanying maps are approximate. The maps are not to scale and are for visual aid only. They accuracy of the maps and information portrayed thereon is not guaranteed nor warranted. ***
Search for detailed parcel information including; Elevation & Vegetation Maps, Ownership Information, Detailed Parcel Information, Crop History Map, Soil Survey Productivity Data, and more.
Research Parcel InformationHead East on Molt-Rapelje Rd for 4-miles
Turn North on Hailstone Basin Rd. for 2.9 Miles
Ranch Headquarters are on Left
All Showings to be Scheduled with Listing Agent, Please Contact Montana-Wyoming West Agent Listed Below to Schedule a Showing. THANK YOU
CONTACT: Steve McIntosh
Brokerage Owner / Agent
(406) 580 - 1048