The Wood River Ranch is a legacy property which embodies all the qualities that today’s trophy ranch investor is seeking. It runs an all-natural beef program, high quality haying operation and extends its capabilities as a first class outfitting/fishing/guest ranch. Directly bordering the 2.5 million-acre Shoshone National Forest outside of Meeteetse, Wyoming the ranch operates on approximately 4,000 acres of land with over 1,000 deeded acres. The ranch is a mecca for wild Yellowstone Cutthroat trout stream fishing with private access to over two miles of the spectacular Wood River on the deeded land and another two miles on private lease.Wood River Ranch offers a multitude of exceptional hunting choices for many big game animals and game birds unparalleled in Wyoming. Improvements include many new and remodeled buildings which include a main Lodge, private owners home, caretaker’s house, two “bunk houses”, two outpost cabins, barn and livestock facilities. The offering includes all the real property as well as the “turn-key” operation including all of the business assets. The ranch currently is diversified and profitable in its unit operations catering to the owner’s desire by raising hay and cattle, as well as providing lodging and outfitting services for hunting and fishing.

LOCATION

The property is located in northwestern Wyoming in one of the West’s most spectacular and natural backdrops along the east front of the Absaroka Mountain Range. Some of the most untamed natural lands in the United States lie just out the back gate of the ranch leading through National Forest and eventually Yellowstone National Park.

Wood River Ranch is 10 miles south of the small ranching community of Meeteetse, Wyoming and an hour south of world famous Cody, Wyoming. Daily commercial air service is located in Cody along with great shops, restaurants, bars and galleries. The world famous Buffalo Bill Historical Center is also found in Cody, which is known as the eastern gateway to Yellowstone National Park.

Situated near the end of the Wood River valley nestled up against the Shoshone National Forest, the property enjoys a quiet private setting along the Wood River. Meeteetse is an Indian term meaning “meeting place” and the Wood River Ranch lives up to that billing as the ultimate recreational meeting place to stay and play.

ACREAGE

Wood River Ranch has approximately 1,000 acres of deeded land securing both sides of the Wood River, 1,000 acres of landlocked state lands, 2,000 acres of private lease land and a small BLM lease. The ranch directly adjoins the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem with its millions of acres of National Forest and Park lands. One can literally pack directly from the ranch for months at a time and end up in Gardner, Montana, Island Park, Idaho or Jackson Hole, Wyoming without ever crossing any private lands. Many places talk about having a big back yard but only a select few places can claim a backyard this big!

The ranch has excellent water rights which are used to irrigate approximately 400 acres of hay meadow and irrigated bottomland pasture. It is in fact the last irrigated hay meadow going up the Wood River Valley and as such it is a magnet for the wildlife. It is a common site to see herds of elk and deer grazing in the meadows after the hay has been harvested. The upland mountain acreage is incredibly private and provides interspersed open parks, beautiful mountain lakes, springs, aspen groves, and pine /spruce forests. There is a wonderful trail system that takes you to a beautiful lakeside rustic cabin with the mountains rising up to the north that is arguably the most charming spot one can encounter in the entire valley.

The diversity of land encompasses all that one can hope for. Ranging from lush Cottonwood lined river bottom hay meadows that transition to aspen groves and parks filled with wildlife and then ascending into evergreen forested lands that give way to the surrounding mountains and alpine terrain that protects the Wood River Valley from the strong winds that affect other parts of the State. The scenery is pristine and breathtaking.

IMPROVEMENTS

The impeccably maintained building improvements on Wood River Ranch are mostly new or remodeled and in excellent condition. They are of extremely high quality and include a beautiful new log lodge, new log owner’s residence, manager’s residence, a six-bedroom bunk house that sleeps 16, a four-bedroom guest cabin that sleeps 10 and two remote, rustic and charming day cabins. There is also a very attractive “Barn” that matches the styling and finish of the living improvements which is home to a large central gathering space ideal for a barn dance or winter time machine storage. The east wing of the barn is an immaculate tack/equipment room that would be the envy of any outfitter which opens out to the corrals for convenient saddling and horse packing. The west wing is a beautiful shop area and additional equipment storage. The attention to every detail evident in each and every structure and the owner’s appreciation for the aesthetics in life are reflected throughout the entire compound.

The main level of the Lodge features a new state of the art commercial kitchen, fine dining room and living areas, two fire places, a billiards room and a custom made bar. The decor and finishes are perfect and one cannot help but feel a sense of timeless and luxurious comfort upon entering. The lower level with a separate side entrance features a large fitness room complete with a steam shower/sauna. There is a 1,000 bottle wine cellar, a large locker area with storage benches, coat hooks and rod racks for coming in from a day of fishing or hunting and an owners private gear room that is big enough to be an in-home theatre if one desired.

The two guest cabins are equally appointed and inviting. Hawks Rest features 4 rooms, each with a private bathroom, queen size bed, gas log fireplace, refrigerator and private sitting area under a very large window overlooking the valley. With a large porch and a million dollar view, it’s a favorite for the fishermen as it is situated right on the banks of the stocked trout pond. The Bunkhouse is far more than the name implies. Newly renovated, it features six rooms with a common living area, complete with a kitchen and his and hers community bathrooms.

Both cabins wouldn’t be complete without the 1,000 thread-count sheets, imported comforters and shams, Wood River Ranch bathrobes and slippers, and of course collectable works of art that reflect the spirit of the west.

The Owners home sits apart from the main building headquarters on a private bluff overlooking the Wood River Valley and the National Forest beyond. This custom log home features two bedroom wings connected by a great-room centered by a dry stack Montana moss rock fireplace with a custom kitchen and German L-shaped bench dining area on one side and a lovely living room on the other. Custom furnishings match the exquisite book shelves and the views out across the stone patio are inspiring.

RANCH OPERATIONS

The elevation at Wood River Ranch is 7,000 feet making for a shorter growing season but enhancing the protein levels of the grass and hay grown on the ranch. The hay fields are a good blend of Clover, Alfalfa, and Sanfoin as well as Timothy, Brome, and Orchard grasses. The ranch follows a weed control program endorsed by Park County Weed and Pest to ensure a product that is as weed free as possible. Extra effort is taken to harvest at the right time of day, conditioning the hay to ensure the highest nutrient levels. The latest in John Deere equipment is used in the operation and is all included in the sale.

The ranch is ideal for year round or summer grazing cattle operations. A natural beef program has been in successful operation at the ranch under the current Ranch Manager.

The variety of personal property including outfitting equipment, and ranch production equipment make this the perfect “turnkey” ranch investment opportunity. The current Ranch Manager and Executive Chef team have been on the ranch for many years and they are incredibly talented and professional. They would love to stay on the ranch with a new owner and would come with the highest of recommendations. With this expert management in place, the ranch operations run seamlessly, allowing the owner to enjoy the recreation opportunities with friends and family.

RECREATION AND WILDLIFE

The backdrop of the Wood River area includes the Washakie Wilderness and Shoshone National Forest which possess nearly every big game wildlife species present in the Rocky Mountain ecosystem.

The ranch offers elite guided trophy hunts for Elk, Mule Deer, Whitetail, Pronghorn, Merriam Turkey, Mountain Lion, Shiras Moose, and Big Horn Sheep. With Five Star accommodations at the ranch and a licensed Wilderness Camp in the Shoshone National Forest, Wood River Ranch offers the best of both worlds. Located at the upper end of the Wood River valley, the hay fields, as mentioned earlier, are the highest irrigated ground in the valley, making the ranch a natural hotspot for the wildlife.

State of Wyoming Hunt Areas for the ranch operations are as follows: Elk Areas 61,62,63. Deer Areas 116,117. Antelope Areas 82,110. Moose Area 9. Mountain Lion Area 20. And Big Horn Sheep Areas 1-5. Merriam Turkey general area.

The flexibility of being able to hunt from high in camp, and down at the ranch allows the hunter to be able to hunt where the Elk are, no matter the weather. The ranch limits the number of hunters each year to ensure minimal pressure and maximum trophy quality. The limited quantity Elk hunt has become one of the highest demand reservations and successful hunting experiences in the region. You can expect to see staggering numbers of wildlife of all species, and experience the finest in western hospitality.

Fishing on the ranch is its best kept secret. For those fishermen in pursuit of the Cutthroat Slam, the Wood River is a renowned Yellowstone Cutthroat fishery. Wood River Ranch has fenced its riparian areas and restricted them to foot travel, allowing the river bottom to flourish. With no grazing on the riverbanks, the river has become the best possible habitat for insects and the trout reap the benefits. All of the river fishing is barbless, catch and release, fly fishing only.

For the novice fishermen, there are two ponds stocked with Yellowstone Cutthroats which are catch and keep if you like and can be prepared by the executive chef for you that day!

The Yellowstone cutthroat trout is a prized game fish. Fly fishing is the most popular angling method because the subspecies feeds primarily on insects as adults, unlike introduced brown trout which are more piscivorous (carnivorous). Most varieties of cutthroat trout are less wary and selective than other trout species, thus angler success rates are higher.

Yellowstone cutthroat can be distinguished from other subspecies by their larger black spots that are clustered towards the tail, and by their gray, gold, or copper hues. Spawning males, especially, typically wear golden brown colors. All cutthroats can be differentiated from rainbow trout by red, pink, or orange marking beneath the jaw that gives the species its name.

SUMMARY

Wood River Ranch is an amazing offering with exceptional views and a peaceful setting in a very special location. With a perfect operational design and large deeded holding, the ranch has profitable unit operations and offers the very best in the way of hunting and fishing with exceptional lodging and management in place. The property offers easy access to the remote Shoshone National Forest as well as the untampered waters of a very unique fishery. The sustainable nature of the land, improvements and operational management make this a very special property offering.

INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS
• Setting, views, sense of arrival
• Sheer size of holdings – one of the larger in the area
• Operational ranch design –recreation and agriculture together
• Ranch production ($130K in revenue from Outfitting alone)
• Privacy, ease of access to Shoshone National Forest
• Access to Wood River and Yellowstone Cutthroat
• Water Rights

Co-Listed with John Pierce and Susie Langford, Sotheby’s International Realty.