The Wilkes Limousin Ranch is a one-of-a-kind property on the Wind River in Fremont County Wyoming. Boasting over 3 miles of Wind River enjoyment and 965+ acres this Ranch is a sight to behold. The utmost seclusion coupled with sweeping views of the Wind River and Owl Creek Mountains, and the valley below make this a dream property you will not wish to leave. This property is well suited for someone looking for a productive agricultural operation, an avid sportsman's paradise, or those looking to take advantage of both. Close proximity to all the best Wyoming has to offer is certainly one of the highlights.
Infrastructure
The main ranch home, built in 2001, is a nicely finished and well-built 3 bed 3 bath log home. It sits on a half basement with an underlying attached 2-car garage. Surrounding improvements include, a detached 2 car garage, a 30 x 40 shop, 30 x 63 equipment shed, working corrals, and various other outbuildings fitting of an operational ranch.
A second home built in 1885 is reminiscent of the 1970s and offers an additional 3 bed 1.5 bath residence that would be great for a ranch foreman or hired hand. A garage, barn, working corrals, and several other outbuildings make a complete ranch-hand residence.
A 3rd homesite on the property has a non-habitable residence, a well, and power.
Wildlife
Home to a plethora of wildlife, the ranch is a consistent corridor and home to whitetail and mule deer, moose, antelope, black bear, river otter, beaver, the occasional elk and mountain lion, and a wide array of eagles and raptors. This section of the Wind River has very little fishing pressure and is well known for its rainbow trout, brown trout, and sauger. The property is traditionally allocated 2 landowner hunting tags for deer and antelope, with many of the mounts in the home, taken directly from the ranch. Hunting has not been used as a primary source of income but the wildlife population would allow it if so desired. The ranch lies in antelope unit 117, deer resident unit 171, and elk unit 127.
Production
Supplied by 1868 Walton water rights, the property is irrigated under 3 newer pivots, 3 sets of gated pipe and 2-wheel lines. The Ranch traditionally has run 100- 140 cow/calf pairs year around, depending on moisture. The majority of the irrigated ground is currently planted in an alfalfa-grass hay mix. Several grass-only hay fields are harvested as well. The property is well watered and is fortunate to benefit from sub-irrigation throughout most of the valleys bottom land acreage.
Water
330 acres of adjudication. Walton Water rights are highly desirable, and this particular property's headgate sits directly on the Wind River. Walton Water Rights are unique in that they are attached to the land, but were allocated on properties that were native owned or previously native owned prior to the treaty of 1868. These rights are pre-statehood of Wyoming; therefore, they are priority water rights over similar properties in the area lacking the Walton adjudication. The landowner is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of their irrigation infrastructure but they do not pay tax on the water or any district assessment fees.
River Frontage
The Ranch features over a mile of river frontage access with an additional 2+ miles accessible through a private land in-holding adjacent to the river. The current property owners have completed numerous projects over the years to keep the river banks in good condition and the river flowing smoothly.
Access
Access is down a dirt road driveway from Burris-Lenore Road, a gravel road loop that travels from Diversion Dam Road to Hwy 26 a few miles west of Crowheart, WY.
Location
Wilkes Limousin Ranch is located a short 16-mile drive from Crowheart, WY 44 miles from Dubois, WY 38 miles from Riverton, Wy and approximately 130 miles to both the South entrance of Yellowstone National Park and Jackson Hole, WY.
History
Nestled at the foot of Crowheart Butte, an iconic monument that travelers to Yellowstone remember fondly, the ranch and surrounding area are steeped in Native American history and legend. It is said that a great battle between the Shoshone and Crow Indian chiefs, Chief Washakie and Chief Big Robber had taken place near the base of Crowheart Butte and when Chief Washakie emerged victorious, he placed the heart of his enemy on a spear atop of the butte. It is to this day still considered a sacred region to the Eastern Shoshone tribe.