Dark Skies Farm | Legacy Waterfowl Property on the Big Horn River

Rarely does a property come to market that has been developed with such an intentional focus on creating one of the finest private waterfowl hunting experiences in the West. Dark Skies Farm is a turnkey sporting estate encompassing 209.281± deeded acres across two parcels along Montana's legendary Big Horn River. Every improvement, every acre, and every habitat enhancement has been carefully designed to maximize waterfowl habitat, extend the hunting season, and provide exceptional recreational opportunities year-round. Consisting of a 157.27± acre north parcel and a 52.011± acre south parcel located approximately 2.4 miles apart, this legacy offering has been thoughtfully developed with an unwavering commitment to habitat enhancement, water management, wildlife conservation, and

long-term stewardship.

The north parcel's property's location along approximately 1,800 feet of Big Horn River frontage, complete with a grandfathered private boat ramp, provides immediate access to one of the Country's most iconic fisheries while simultaneously creating exceptional opportunities for river waterfowl hunting.

Beyond the river itself, the farm has been strategically engineered to maximize late-season duck hunting through extensive habitat improvements and advanced water management. Significant investment has been made into the property's electrical infrastructure, allowing power to reach critical water management features, blind locations, pumps, aerators, and ice eaters that maintain open water during Montana's coldest winter months when surrounding wetlands and waterways have frozen. This unique ability to consistently keep water open creates an exceptional late-season sanctuary that continues attracting migrating birds throughout the heart of the season. As autumn transitions into winter, the hunting simply shifts rather than slows. Thanks to the property's extensive water management, reliable food sources, and ability to maintain open water during freezing conditions, Dark Skies Farm has become equally renowned for its outstanding late-season Canada goose hunting. December and January routinely provide spectacular dark goose opportunities, extending the property's exceptional sporting season well beyond the peak duck migration.

The south parcel has also developed into an exceptional early-season wood duck destination. The mature sloughs, abundant cover, and carefully managed habitat consistently attract remarkable concentrations of wood ducks during the opening weeks of Montana's waterfowl season. It has provided some of the most memorable early-season hunts experienced on the property, with outstanding opportunities before the larger migrations of mallards and geese begin. The diversity of habitat between the two parcels allows owners to pursue a wide variety of waterfowl species throughout the season while adapting to changing weather patterns and migrations.

Unlike conventional farming operations focused solely on maximum crop production, Dark Skies Farm is intentionally managed for wildlife habitat and food production. Although the ground is capable of producing outstanding agricultural yields exceeding 200 bushels of corn per acre under traditional management, the current owner has prioritized habitat quality by planting corn on 30-inch rows while diversifying production with millet, sorghum, peas, buckwheat, and additional forage species. This carefully planned approach provides a more natural and varied food source that holds waterfowl longer, distributes feeding pressure, and creates an unmatched hunting experience throughout the migration.

Three brand-new Valley pivots installed in 2025 currently irrigate more than 70 acres, providing exceptional control over both habitat and agricultural production. Existing water rights and available acreage offer the opportunity to install an additional pivot, allowing a future owner to further expand irrigation capabilities if desired. The south parcel also presents additional opportunities for agricultural development, with approximately 28 acres of productive ground now accessible because of newly installed electrical service and sufficient water available within the slough system to potentially irrigate approximately 30 additional acres.

The property's layout is equally impressive from a hunting perspective. Together, the two farms create approximately fifteen established waterfowl hunting locations, including flooded corn, managed wetlands, productive sloughs, permanent blind locations, and river setups. The separation between the two parcels allows birds to naturally travel between properties while giving the owner the ability to rotate hunting pressure, rest individual areas, and maintain consistently productive hunting throughout the season.

Dark Skies Farm offers much more than waterfowl hunting alone. Both parcels carry pheasant and turkey preserve permits, allowing pen-raised and live pheasant hunting from September 1 through March 31 each year, significantly extending the sporting season. A beautifully developed three-acre pond that is up to seventeen feet deep has been stocked with nearly 1,000 rainbow, cutbow, and brown trout, creating a remarkable private fishery that complements the property's Big Horn River frontage and adds another year-round recreational opportunity for family and guests.

Further enhancing the property's recreational appeal is a professionally designed sporting clays course situated between the main residence and guest quarters. The course features a full three-station layout with dedicated high-house, mid-house, and low-house presentations, all positioned on a permanent concrete shooting pad for year-round use. Each thrower is protected by weather covers, and the course is equipped with three state-of-the-art MEC clay target machines—the same commercial-grade machines used in competitive sporting clays. The center machine is outfitted with a wobbler system, creating an endless variety of target presentations for shooters of every skill level. Whether warming up before a morning duck hunt, enjoying friendly competition between afternoon hunts, or creating lasting memories with family and friends over a holiday weekend, this thoughtfully designed sporting clays course provides yet another exceptional amenity that elevates the overall ownership experience at Dark Skies Farm.

One of the defining characteristics of Dark Skies Farm is its long-term waterfowl management philosophy. The property has been intentionally developed and hunted as a private sporting club, with a strong emphasis on minimizing hunting pressure to encourage birds to remain on the farm throughout the season. Drawing from proven management practices learned through years of membership at a nationally respected private waterfowl club along Idaho's Snake River, the owner has implemented a ".410 with Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) only" approach for nearly all waterfowl hunting. This unique strategy significantly reduces disturbance compared to traditional 12- and 20-gauge hunting, allowing ducks and geese to remain comfortable using the property while creating a more relaxed and consistent hunting experience throughout the migration. The result is a property that has been carefully conditioned to hold birds rather than simply harvest them.

The improvements have been carefully designed to comfortably accommodate both everyday living and large gatherings. The primary residence, built in 1997, offers 3,328± square feet with seven bedrooms, three full bathrooms, one half bath, central air conditioning, gas forced-air heat, and will be fully furnished, allowing the next owner to immediately begin enjoying the property. Complementing the home is a newly constructed 60' x 100' shop completed in 2025 featuring 1,345± square feet of finished living quarters with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a washer, a dryer, and all major appliances—ideal for extended family, guests, ranch staff, or a dedicated hunting lodge. The finishing touch to the new shop is ten climate-controlled Priefert dog kennels, each featuring a 20-foot indoor/outdoor run with both heating and air conditioning for year-round comfort. The shop features oversized garage doors to store your heavy equipment out of the weather.

Supporting improvements throughout the farm include pheasant facilities, extensive electrical infrastructure, high-quality irrigation improvements, managed wetland systems, permanent hunting blinds, and power extending along the property boundary toward the Big Horn River, creating additional opportunities for future improvements. Additional farm equipment and habitat management equipment may also be available by separate negotiation, providing an even more seamless transition for the next owner.

Despite the privacy and seclusion found at Dark Skies Farm, the property is conveniently located approximately 25 minutes south of Hardin, Montana. Hardin provides nearly all practical amenities needed for day-to-day ownership, including a hospital, hotels, restaurants, bars, churches, automotive dealerships, hardware and equipment stores, grocery stores, gas stations, and coffee shops. This proximity allows owners and guests to enjoy the privacy of a premier sporting property without sacrificing convenient access to everyday necessities, supplies, and services.

Accessibility is another significant advantage of the farm. Hardin provides private aviation access suitable for certain turbine aircraft, while additional private aviation options for aircraft such as Pilatus and King Air models are conveniently available in Billings, Montana, and Sheridan, Wyoming. Dark Skies Farm is located within approximately one hour of both Billings—Montana's largest city—and Sheridan, widely regarded as one of the West's premier small towns. The ability to conveniently access the property from two regional hubs creates an exceptional level of accessibility for owners, family, guests, and corporate groups while preserving the privacy and sporting atmosphere that define Dark Skies Farm.

Offered at $5,799,000, Dark Skies Farm represents one of the most complete Duck properties to become available in Montana in recent years. Combining productive farmland, premier Big Horn River frontage, exceptional water rights, advanced habitat management, fine residential improvements, and meticulously developed hunting infrastructure, this is a true legacy property built for generations of family ownership.

Whether your vision is creating unforgettable family traditions, entertaining clients, managing a world-class waterfowl operation, or investing in one of Montana's most unique recreational farms, Dark Skies Farm stands in a class of its own.