About the Ranch Name 

The ranch name, Montana Mexican John Ranch, LLC was derived from the fact that JV Salazar (Mexican John) was one of the original explorers with the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery. Mexican John ultimately settled in the Harlowton, MT area and had a cabin on the River Ranch portion of the ranch. As such, the original owners of the ranch named the ranch with his name. There is also a road to our East boundary heading north, called Mexican John Road.

The Upper Musselshell River Valley is named for the Musselshell River, which got its name from the large number of freshwater mussels found in its river bed. In the fall and winter weather, the bison would migrate to the lower altitudes along the Musselshell River. Early plains hunters, taking advantage of the large bison population, frequented this area. Some of the tribes that traveled through the area were the Crow, Blackfeet, Flathead, Gros Ventre, Northern Cheyenne, Nez Perce, Shoshones, Sioux, and Assiniboine. There is much history in the area around Harlowton, MT and the Musselshell River regarding Indians, trappers, buffalo, buffalo hunters and fur traders. A great book to read about the area is “ Tough Trip Through Paradise, 1878-1879” by Andrew Garcia.

 Ranch Owners

Steve and Connie Coale purchased the Montana Mexican John Ranch in January of 2014, beginning with the North Ranch near the Little Belt Mountains of Montana. Subsequently, the River Ranch was purchased in May of 2015 to allow for a cattle operation that included both ranches as well as diversity of wildlife habitat. The River Ranch is located on the Musselshell River five and a half miles west of Harlowton, MT off highway 12. 

The North Ranch consists of 3011 deeded acres. 2479 acres were purchased in January, 2014 and 532 acres were purchased in July 2017. The River Ranch consists of 1274 deeded acres and 640 acres of a state lease. The North Ranch borders the National Forest Service for 3 miles on its north boundary and includes a forest service cattle lease. 

When the North Ranch was bought, it was run down, massively over grazed, very poor fencing, poor roads and only three water tanks and one pond for cattle and wildlife. The building structures were unlivable. Since the purchase date, much capital has been invested, improving the grounds, building structures (rehabbed 6 total) and conditions for wildlife and cattle have greatly improved. 

The history of the ranch is typical of Eastern Montana ranches, full of hardship and good times as well. There are several original buildings on the river ranch. 

The land tells a story of settlers making a go of it, from when Lewis and Clark first explored this country in 1804 until now. Geological history is fascinating as well. Much of this area was covered with an inland sea, glaciers, lava flows and significant ash deposits from volcanic eruptions. 

Farming 

There are now 80 acres on the North Ranch, planted with Sainfoin; 32 acres planted into alfalfa and 25 acres planted into barley. In 2019, another 24 acres will be planted into barley. Additional acres will be planted annually. When the North Ranch was purchased, these areas were just in natural grasses. It was sufficient for winter feed, but did not benefit wildlife during the fall and going into the stress of winter. 

Water

 Starting in 2015 and as of 2019, at the North Ranch, there are now 4 ponds and 29 water tanks (12 foot in diameter holding 1200 gallons of water), plumbed by 56,800 feet of 2-inch poly pipe buried 2-6 foot depth depending on drainage. There is a primary well for about 36,000 feet of pipeline, a second well for about 11,300 feet of pipeline, a 3rd well for the last 9500 feet,  as well as a backup well for the system. It has taken 3 years to develop and put in these water systems. WATER is the LIFE BLOOD of a ranch and wildlife on the ranch and surrounding ranch area.  Again, as a reminder, when I bought the North Ranch, there was only 1 pond and 2 water tanks. Having this water system and tanks benefits greatly the wildlife on the ranch and also the wildlife on the adjoining Forest Service lands (the ranch borders the Forest service land by about 3 miles). 

Wildlife

Wildlife conservation is a big focus of the Montana Mexican John Ranch. Many of the improvements made since 2014 have had wildlife in mind. From weed control, to improved water sources throughout both ranches, better forage for deer and elk, increased prey base for mountain lions, wolves, grizzlies, black bear and other mammals, these changes have made a significant difference. Many birds, including Marbled Godwits, take advantage of the food source available, the lack of pressure and clean sources of water. 

Each year Steve releases 200  (12-13 week old pheasants)  on the River Ranch property. The released pheasant survival rate is  less than 12%, but it does add up over time. Everything wants to kill and eat a pheasant (hawks, owls, eagles, fox and coyote), not to mention personal ranch hunting.  But as habitat improves, survival rate will increase.  From the crops planted on the River Ranch (barely/peas/alfalfa), 1000’s and 1000’s of ducks, and geese land on the fields in early October and early November before the area freezes up. In late September, to October end, many Sand Hill Cranes pass through the area. This area is actually one of the highest concentration of Sand Hill Cranes in the state of MT.

At the end of the day, it comes down to paying attention to the things that have a major impact on wildlife. Some of these things are small and often overlooked, like leaving a strip of unmowed hay along the fence lines. Others are much more significant such as fencing cattle out of the Musselshell River or creating more clearance for wildlife to go under a fence where a trail is spotted. Taking a few minutes to raise the bottom strand makes a difference. They all add up over time to create a much healthier ranch for wildlife, including birds, fish and important insects. The cattle operation benefits as well. It’s a win-win for the rancher, for cattle and for wildlife.