Bitch Creek Ranch Tetonia, Idaho
Bitch Creek Ranch Tetonia, Idaho
Introduction: Bitch Creek Ranch possesses that rare combination of the most sought-after western ranch traits: stunning mountain views, live water, abundant wildlife and access to resort amenities. This 1,176-acre ranch is a mixture of rolling meadows with dramatic Teton Range views, Bitch Creek Ranch Introduction
beautiful timber that provides cover for wildlife and a rich riparian corridor. The ranch boasts over 2 miles of both sides of pristine Bitch Creek, a trophy Yellowstone cutthroat fishery. Bitch Creek is not only one of the finest streams to catch large cutthroat anywhere in the West, but it is also an important migration corridor for big game. From the summer range in the adjacent national forest to the winter range downstream on the canyon of the Teton River, elk, deer, moose and bear utilize this corridor. Tucked in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, Bitch Creek Ranch has a convenient location, 20 minutes north of Driggs, Idaho, 35 minutes from Grand Targhee Resort and 1 hour from the world-class resort community of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Spanning both Teton and Fremont counties, the eastern border of Bitch Creek Ranch is comprised entirely of Targhee National Forest. A beautifully sited 3,200 sqft log home overlooks Bitch Creek and provides for immediate enjoyment of the legacy ranch. This is a rare opportunity to own one of the finest recreational offerings on the market with attributes that will stand the test of time. Private air service is available in Driggs, Idaho, while commercial air service is available in Jackson Hole and Idaho Falls.
Matthew C. MacMillan, Associate Broker Toll Free 866.734.6100 Office: 208.354.6002 • Cell: 307.413.3582 matt@livewaterproperties.com
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Located on the Northern End of Teton Valley
B i t c h C r e e k R a n c h L o c at i o n
Location: Bitch Creek Ranch is located on the northern end of Teton Valley, Idaho, with acreage spanning both Teton and Fremont Counties. The area referred to as Teton Valley is comprised of the small mountain towns of Victor, Driggs and Tetonia. Bitch Creek is located 21 miles north of Driggs, Idaho, which is the county seat and offers amenities including restaurants, grocery stores, shopping, world-class golf, private air service and access to downhill skiing at Grand Targhee Ski and Summer Resort. The resort community of Jackson Hole lies 53 miles to the east with many conveniences such as fine dining, lodging, state-of-the-art medical facilities and world-class recreation. Jackson Hole is also the gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Bitch Creek Ranch is well-situated located within the recreational mecca commonly known as the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Bitch Creek Ranch Acreage
Ranch Acreage: The acreage on Bitch Creek Ranch is diverse and beautiful, the epitome of a western ranch. These wild 1,176 acres are a mixture of rolling meadows with dramatic Teton Range views, picturesque timber providing cover for wildlife, and the rich riparian corridor of Bitch Creek coursing through the ranch for approximately 2 miles. The eastern border is entirely Caribou-Targhee National forest, approximately 1ž miles of forest border plus an additional ½ mile of BLM border. The eastern third of the ranch is comprised of healthy stands of pine and aspen groves with lush green mountain meadows dotted in wildflowers. The ranch slopes from east to west transitioning from tree-covered ridges and sagebrush habitat zones to the rolling open meadows overlooking Bitch Creek. The most notable feature is the Bitch Creek corridor spanning from canyon and pocket water on the upper ranch to a classic cut bank meadow stream as the gradient flattens on the western reaches of the ranch. The entire corridor is a pristine healthy system of wildlife and plant diversity. Abundant water flows out of the high country of the Teton Range. Once known as the Teton River North Fork, Bitch Creek drains the high country of the Teton Range providing gin-clear water to the Teton River downstream. w w w. L i v e Wa t e r P r o p e r t i e s . c o m
Wildlife: Bitch Creek Ranch is a wild place, depending on the time of year nearly any species native to the region may be found on the ranch. The Bitch Creek corridor is a historical and important migration route for big game species moving from the summer range in the adjacent forest to the winter range at lower elevations on the canyon of the Teton River. The most notable species utilizing this route is likely the Teton Range Mule deer herd. These deer, famous for their trophy potential, utilize the corridor in the fall and often stage on the ranch as they migrate to the winter range. Shiras moose and Rocky Mountain elk also utilize the corridor in spring and fall, and many live on the ranch year round. In springtime, the upper portion of the ranch provides a prime location for elk to calve and deer to fawn. Over the past four years current ownership has converted the 90-acre meadow into forbs and native grass vegetation. The intent of these plantings has been to provide high habitat function for Columbian Sharp-tailed grouse, Mule deer, elk and moose. These plantings have been effective in increasing the numbers of big game and game birds on the ranch and could easily be continued to supplement habitat. In addition to the sporting species, the ranch is populated with native birds especially raptors, which can be seen hunting in the meadows and along the creek. Hunting for deer, elk, Black bear, mountain lion as well as Sharp-tailed grouse, Forest grouse and Hungarian partridge is available on the ranch and adjacent forest. All of these tags are available to an incoming owner on an over-the-counter basis with no draw required. Special season tags for late Mule deer hunts as well as Shiras moose are issued on draw basis.
Live Water: North Bitch Creek begins north of Moose Mountain and South Bitch Creek starts north of Dry
Bitch Creek’s significance of the fish and fishery of the Teton Valley
Ridge Mountain. Moose and Dry Ridge peaks are in the Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming.
“Bitch Creek is considered to be the most important
The two creeks meander out of the mountains and eventually meet 5 miles due east from the Idaho/
Yellowstone cutthroat trout (YCT) stronghold in
Wyoming border forming Bitch Creek. Before it crosses into Idaho the Jackpine Creek also joins
the Teton River Watershed and one of the most
Bitch Creek. Bitch Creek runs through spectacular canyon settings before it joins the Teton River
important YCT streams in the Greater Yellowstone
Bitch Creek begins as two separate forks that eventually join before the Idaho border in Wyoming.
northwest of Driggs. Bitch creek in itself is roughly 15 miles long. The north and south forks add B i t c h C r e e k R a n c h L i v e Wat e r
an additional 8-10 miles, however the prime fishing water of Bitch Creek is a 12 to 15 mile stretch. The two miles of Bitch Creek on the ranch are arguably the finest fishing on the length of the creek. Much of this is due to the varied water types and remarkable scenery as well as the stewardship of
Ecosystem. Bitch Creek is also the largest of the Teton River tributaries and at one point in time was called the Teton River North Fork. Bitch Creek is also home to one of the last remaining fluvial YCT runs (i.e. YCT migrate up Bitch Creek from the Teton River and perhaps as far away as the South
the current owner. Stock has been kept off the creek for the last 6 years. From the upper ranch with
Fork to spawn like a salmon run) in the Teton River
high canyon walls and deep holes to the lower ranch with the classic riffle run pool configuration,
Watershed, which is very significant in terms of
the ranch is a superb fishery for native Yellowstone cutthroat trout as large as 20 inches, with the
providing genetic diversity to the species. There is no
majority of fish caught between 10-14 inches. These are eager native fish that are a joy to catch
other tributary that exists in the watershed that can
on large attractor dry flies. As the fishing season progresses and summer heats up these fish can become more selective offering a challenge to anglers. High-quality habitat, cold temperature regimes and the lack of irrigation diversions make this creek a critical stronghold for the Teton River’s native Yellowstone cutthroat trout.
compare in importance to Bitch Creek. The entire Bitch Creek drainage is considered by Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) to be a “core” or “significant” habitat for YCT and is one of the most important tributaries for YCT in the Teton River basin. Additionally, the entire length of Bitch Creek is designated as a State Protected River Reach under Idaho Code
Although already a fantastic fishery, Bitch Creek Ranch is prime candidate for stream enhancement
Section 42-1734(A). The Gillett property is within
to provide more holding water for these wild fish. Friends of the Teton River in conjunction with
an IDFG Recreation Protected River reach because
Idaho Game and Fish will be conducting an initial stream enhancement project in the fall of 2012. The funds for the stream work have been bestowed in the form of a state grant to further preserve and enhance this already exceptional fishery.
of the outstanding fishery and high aesthetic values.”
Mike Lien, Restoration Director for Friends of the Teton River.
Bitch Creek Aerial Map ••Maps are for visual aid only accuracy is not guaranteed.
Improvements: A 3,200 sqft log home is situated on the north side of the ranch with a deck and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Bitch Creek drainage at the Teton Range. The home is approximately 20 years old and features beautiful stone fireplaces, hardwood floors and a wet bar. Occupying one of the most dramatic homesites on the property, there is potential for updating the residence to offer an ideal owner’s retreat. Wildlife friendly buck and rail fencing was recently completed, covering much of the ranch. It provides a clean and consistent look along the majority of the ranch boundary.
Summary: • 1,176.76 deeded acres spanning Teton County and Fremont County, Idaho
• Borders Targhee National Forest for 1¾ miles and BLM for ½ miles
• 21 miles from Driggs, Idaho and 53 Miles from Jackson Hole, Wyoming
• Rolling topography with mix of open meadows, timber and rich riparian corridor
• Access via County Road on both north and south sides of Bitch Creek
• Exceptional views of Teton Range, Big Hole Range and peaks in Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park • Important big game migration corridor for the famous Teton Range Mule deer herd, Rocky Mountain elk and Shiras moose
Bitch Creek Ranch Summary
• Approximately 2 miles of both sides of Bitch Creek on the meander
• Bitch Creek is considered the most important Yellowstone cutthroat trout (YCT) stronghold in the Teton River Watershed and one of the most important YCT streams in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem • Direct access to the “Rails to Trails” system managed by the State of Idaho Parks and Recreation • 3,200 sqft log home located on the north side of Bitch Creek with views over the drainage and the Teton Range • Wildlife enhancement program in place for big game and upland birds • Fisheries enhancement work planned for fall 2012 with state grants in place to cover costs • Fenced acreage including new wildlife friendly fencing around much of the boundary • No conservation easement in place, however a prime easement candidate for an incoming owner
Bitch Creek Aerial Map Notes:
1) This is an exclusive listing of Live Water Properties LLC; an agent of Live Water Properties must be present to conduct a showing. The owners respectfully request that other agents and/or prospective buyers contact Live Water Properties in advance to schedule a proper showing and do not attempt to tour or trespass the property on their own. Thank you.
PRICE: $9,750,000 TAXES: $9,751 in 2011 CONTACT: Please contact Matthew C. MacMillan at Live Water Properties, 208.354.6002 or 307.413.3582 to schedule a showing.
2) Offering subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of purchase by owner. Information provided herein is intended as a general guideline and has been provided by sources deemed reliable, but the accuracy of which we cannot guarantee. 3) Live Water Properties LLC represents the Seller as a Seller’s Agent.
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Jackson Hole, Wyoming PO Box 9240, 83002 phone: 307.734.6100 fax: 307.734.6102
Driggs, Idaho
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
P.O. Box 1514, 83422
33700 Rushing Water Lane, 80487
phone: 208.354.6002
phone: 970.819.4923
fax: 208.354.6008 Windsor, Colorado Bozeman, Montana
7755 Valley View Circle
1165 N 14th Avenue
Windsor, CO 80550
Suite 2A, 59715
phone 970.686.7459
phone: 406.586.6010
fax 970.686.9356
fax: 406.586.6012 Hood River, Oregon Helena, Montana
304 Betty Lou Avenue, 97031
46 S. Last Chance
phone: 971.645.1515
Gulch, 59601 phone: 406.443.1313
Dubois, Wyoming
fax: 406.443.3300
P.O. Box 811, 82513 phone: 307.840.2685
Denver, Colorado 3020 Perry Street, 80212
Rock Springs, Wyoming
phone: 303.455.1521
P.O. Box 2081, 82902 phone: 307.350.5382
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