Cattle Ranch

Montana

8 reviews • Updated 1 year ago

Hello, I’m Hunter, I am the manager of the ranch. Located outside Forsyth, Montana, we run a herd of 450 Red Angus cattle. While we’re not officially certified organic, we strive to operate with organic principles and practices to the best of our ability. Our days are a blend of traditional ranching tasks and the unpredictability of working with nature. Riding out to check on the herd is a daily ritual. This means saddling up and heading out to various pastures, keeping a keen eye on the health and well-being of our cattle. Whether it's ensuring they have enough grazing or spotting any signs of illness. Herding cattle is another essential activity. This involves working with the herd to move them between pastures or to bring them in for vaccinations and other necessary care. It’s a dynamic process that demands both patience and quick thinking, as cattle have a mind of their own. Fixing fences is an ongoing task that requires hands-on problem-solving. With miles of fence to maintain, we regularly inspect and repair any sections that have been damaged by weather, wildlife, or wear and tear. This is a great opportunity for WWOOFers to learn about practical skills like the use of various tools and materials essential for fence repair. Maintaining water lines is another critical aspect of ranch life. Ensuring that our cattle have a steady supply of clean water involves inspecting and repairing water lines, checking tanks, and sometimes dealing with unexpected issues like leaks or blockages. We don’t have a “typical” day because ranching is inherently unpredictable. One day might be spent entirely on horseback moving cattle, while another could focus on repairing fences or troubleshooting water issues. Weather conditions, cattle behavior, and other unforeseen factors can all shift our plans. Through WWOOFing here, we aim to share the intricacies of ranch life and offer hands-on experiences that build practical skills. From the basics of horseback riding to understanding animal husbandry and learning the mechanics of fence and water line repair, we hope to provide a comprehensive view of what it means to work on a cattle ranch. Each day brings new challenges and learning opportunities, making it a truly immersive and dynamic experience. At our cattle ranch, we provide accommodations in a cozy two-bedroom ranch house that you'll share with me, the ranch manager. While the house is compact, it's well-maintained and offers a comfortable, welcoming space. Each day, you'll enjoy home-cooked meals featuring a generous supply of fresh meat, ensuring you won't be protein deficient. In addition to managing the ranch, I enjoy swing dancing and playing country music, which are great ways to unwind and have fun. Montana is rich with opportunities for exploration and adventure. With a little traveling you'll find a wealth of outdoor activities to enjoy, from hiking in the stunning landscapes to fishing in our own lake right here on the ranch. We encourage WWOOFers to take full advantage of the natural beauty and recreational opportunities in the area during their free time.

Learning opportunities

Cattle farming

Sheep or goat farming

Mechanics / tools / technology

Methods or systems

Holistic management

Regenerative agriculture

Host type

Production farm

6,070.3 Hectares | 15,000 Acres

Accommodation

2 WWOOFers

Bedroom

Children not accepted

Pets not accepted

Meals

Omnivore

Length of stay

Over a month

Hunter

Member since 2024

Languages spoken: English Response rate: 100% Response time: typically within 6 days

December 2025

Open

Planned visit

Closed

MapLibre | Protomaps | © OpenStreetMap

Montana

Billings

Reviews

Constantin

Germany • September 2025

Staying at Hunters place was the experience of a lifetime! Riding out to check on the cattle, killing rattlesnakes and singing country songs in the evening definitely give you with the full western experience. Hunter is very knowledgeable and a great teacher. I got to do so many different things and learned a lot about the different aspects of ranching. I can 100% recommend this place and I am incredibly grateful for my time in Montana!

Henri

Finland • August 2025

I spent this summer at Hunter's place and boy it was some experience! Work this summer included a lot of cattle moves, water pipeline work and fencing. All of those things were new to me before and now I think I got a fair understanding of them all. Expect hard work and early mornings, as well as good times and LOTS of learning. I probably learned more new stuff during these two months than I ever have during the same time I spent in school or any job I've ever worked. I enjoyed my time very much, and I think that with the right, learning attitude, anyone will. Thank you Hunter and all his friends and family for this summer I will never forget it.

Rufus

United Kingdom • July 2025

A fantastic experience! Staying with Hunter on his ranch taught me a lot about working with cattle and other ranch duties. A great opportunity to do some fairly tough and long work but highly rewarding nonetheless. The location was very beautiful and the downtime in the evenings were some memories I will not forget. I would definitely want to return to this ranch some other time and continue working with hunter and his horses.

Dan

United States • March 2025

This is a beautiful ranch in the prairies of Eastern Montana. The Ranch is a bit remote but if you're looking for peace and quiet with no light or noise pollution, this is the place. The ranch manager, Hunter, is very knowledgeable in ranching and raising cattle and has the experience to back his knowledge. I learned a lot from him and gained perspective on ranching and raising cattle. I stayed during the winter months and a polar vortex came through. The temperatures were extreme so I would strongly encourage potential WOOFERS to understand the season and pack appropriately so that you will be comfortable as your work. But don't let the cold deter you from staying. Ranching continues through all seasons and there are lessons to be learned during the winter. I hope to visit Hunter again during the summer season to learn about the summer operations and management.

Giovanni

United States • February 2025

WWOOFing here was a once in a lifetime experience. I had the privilege of learning how to ride a horse, herd cattle, and learn about the ranching industry. Hunter is a phenomenal host and is extremely knowledgeable, kind, and willing to teach. I hope to visit this ranch again in the future, and I would recommend it for anyone interested in working hard learning a lot.

Sholom

United States • February 2025

For my first time whoofing I could not have got more lucky! The ranch was was an absolutely incredible experience. More hands on than I ever could have imagined. Hunter is an awesome teacher and super cool and fun person and there wasn't a day where I didn't learn a ton. This is definitely the real deal if you want a genuine cowboy experience. I'm looking forward to making it back as soon as I can.