The Ranch
” A unique, western, experience in a breathtaking setting.”
Bendabout Land and Cattle Company (aka) The Flying H Ranch, is one of the most biologically diverse ranches in the region, providing critical habitat for numerous species of wildlife. The ranch consists of nearly 20,000 deeded acres. This also includes an exclusive hunting lease on another 3,600 acres, which are contiguous with the ranch. The ranch is situated along Moncrieffe Ridge, a prominent east/west ridge that is perpendicular to the Bighorn Mountain range. The ranch ranges in elevation from 4100 to 7200 feet and is in a 16-20 inch annual precipitation zone. A unique climatic feature along the eastern Bighorns, including Moncrieffe Ridge, is that “Chinook” winds, or warm winds, are common during the winter. These winds often will melt away snow, exposing forage for wildlife during critical winter months
The lower elevations of the ranch are primarily grasslands with wooded draws, containing mainly hawthorn, chokecherry, and serviceberry shrubs. White-tailed deer, mule deer, pheasants, sharptailed grouse, Hungarian partridge, and the occasional pronghorn are some of the wildlife inhabiting these areas. Mid elevations are primarily an aspen/ponderosa pine forest complex, supporting the largest contiguous aspen stand on the eastern slope of the Bighorns. Elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, Merriam’s turkey, ruffed grouse, black bear, and mountain lion are some of the other species found in this habitat.
The higher elevations are primarily lodgepole pine, with some spruce/fir complexes along north facing slopes. Ceanothus, or “buck brush” is an important browse species for mule deer and moose, and is found on south and east facing slopes. Moose, elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, blue grouse, black bear, and mountain lion are species that are common in this habitat type.
All of the wildlife species above are year-round residents of the ranch, which also includes numerous other species of small-game and non-game birds, mammals, and reptiles.
The Flying H Ranch has a progressive and sound wildlife and habitat management plan, which is an integral component of the overall ranch goals and management. Big-game species are monitored annually to determine population trends, production, and age/sex ratios, which help determine hunting quotas and harvest goals. Livestock grazing management is reviewed annually as well, with stocking rates and grazing rotations designed to enhance or maintain important habitat types and range conditions. Integrated weed management and prescribed burning are other management tools that are used to improve wildlife habitat, through increased forage production and quality.